Image processing device, control method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to improve usability during scan execution. [Solution] An image processing apparatus comprising: a reading means for reading a document; and a display control means for displaying image data of the document read by the reading means, wherein the display control means, based on the fact that a first reading process of reading the document has been performed by the reading means, displays in an identifiable manner that a second reading process is required for a setting item among a plurality of setting items related to the first reading process, which requires a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, and that the second reading process is required.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A reading apparatus (scanner) that executes document reading processing (scanning) to generate an image file is generally known. The scanner performs scanning (reading, reading-in) processing based on preset setting values and information obtained from a document (image file). The setting values can be set in advance by a user via a user interface (UI) such as a touch panel provided by the reading apparatus, or a graphical user interface (GUI) available on a PC connectable to the reading apparatus.

[0003] Some apparatuses that read image files with the scanner described above execute pre-scanning to display a preview image of the read image file, and execute main (re-)scanning after the user completes confirmation of the preview image. Further, a method has been proposed in which the reading operation of main scanning is changed when the reading settings are changed after pre-scanning (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve usability at the time of executing scanning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Image processing apparatus comprising: reading means for reading a document; and display control means for displaying image data of the document read by the reading means, wherein the display control means, based on the fact that a first reading process of reading the document has been performed by the reading means, displays in an identifiable manner that a second reading process is required for a setting item among a plurality of setting items related to the first reading process, which requires a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, and that the second reading process is required. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This can improve usability when performing scans. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An overall diagram of the image processing system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the application configuration. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the scanning and transmission process. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the scanning and transmission process. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of the scanning and transmission process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used for identical components.

[0010] (overview) As mentioned above, some image processing devices perform a pre-scan to display a preview image of the scanned image file, and then perform the main (re)scan after the user has confirmed the preview image. The image processing device performs the process of scanning and transmitting the document based on the settings information set by the user, and generates image data. Here, depending on the scanning settings (the setting values ​​for each setting item when executing the scan and transmit process), it is necessary to perform a rescan process (rescan) if the setting value is changed after the pre-scan. For example, for setting items where processing based on the setting value is performed before scanning the document and then a pre-scan is performed, if a rescan is not performed, image data based on the changed setting value will not be generated. Also, if a rescan is not performed, the image data scanned at that time may be sent instead of the changed setting value, which could result in the transmission of image data unintended by the user. Therefore, a rescan should be performed to send image data based on the changed setting value. On the other hand, for setting items where processing based on the setting value is performed after scanning the document with a pre-scan but before transmitting the image data, a rescan is unnecessary because even if the setting value is changed after the pre-scan, image data based on the changed setting value will be generated. However, if there is no way to inform the user which reading settings will require a rescan, the user will not know which reading settings should trigger a rescan. For example, one could consider not accepting changes to the settings that should trigger a rescan at all. In this case, if the user wants to change the setting value of the setting that should trigger a rescan, they will have to reconfigure the reading settings from scratch, which could reduce usability.

[0011] Therefore, in this embodiment, the image processing device is capable of accepting changes to the setting values ​​of setting items that require rescanning, even when a prescan has been performed. When a prescan is performed, the image processing device displays the setting items of the read settings that require rescanning if their setting values ​​are changed, making them identifiable. Specifically, when read settings are made and a prescan is performed, the image processing device displays information (for example, "!") that identifies the setting items of the read settings that require rescanning if their setting values ​​are changed. Furthermore, when a change in the setting value of a setting item that requires rescanning is accepted, information prompting the device to perform a rescan is displayed. In addition, if a change in the setting value of a setting item that requires rescanning is accepted and a rescanning instruction is given, a rescan is performed.

[0012] This allows users to change the settings of configuration items that require a rescan, even if a prescan has been performed. Furthermore, users can easily identify configuration items that require a rescan when their settings are changed, and then perform the necessary setting changes and rescan. Therefore, users can generate image data based on their desired settings without having to reconfigure the reading settings from scratch, improving usability.

[0013] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example of a configuration that displays which scan setting items require a rescan after a prescan is performed, so that they can be recognized before the rescan is performed.

[0014] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system in the present embodiment. An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 and a file server 102 are communicably connected to each other on a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. The MFP 101 is an example of an image processing apparatus. The file server 102 is an example of a file management apparatus. Note that the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is not limited to the MFP described above, and various devices such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a digital camera may be applied as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. Further, the printing method of the printer used in the present embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or any other method.

[0015] The MFP 101 can transmit an image data file using a file transfer protocol with a folder in the file server 102 as a destination. Examples of the file transfer protocol include SMB (Server Message Block) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Note that the file transmission destination of the MFP 101 is not limited to the file server 102, and a folder in a host PC (not illustrated) may be set as the destination. Further, the MFP 101 can transmit image data by e-mail via a mail server (not illustrated). The MFP 101 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 110, and can perform facsimile transmission and reception with a facsimile apparatus (not illustrated). Further, the MFP 101 may be connected to the Internet (not illustrated) and configured to transmit data to another apparatus via the Internet.

[0016] Note that the image processing system is assumed to include the MFP 101 and the file server 102, but the MFP 101 alone may also be referred to as the image processing system. Further, a system including a host PC or a management server (not illustrated) may be referred to as the image processing system.

[0017] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer 221, a scanner 222, and a modem 223. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, an HDD 214, an operation unit I / F 215, a printer I / F 216, a scanner I / F 217, a modem I / F 218, and a network I / F 219.

[0018] The control unit 210 including the CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 212 to perform various controls such as reading control and transmission control. The RAM 213 is used as a main memory of the CPU 211 and a temporary storage area such as a work area. It is assumed that in the MFP 101, one CPU 211 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (the RAM 213 or the HDD 214), but other embodiments are also permissible. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of CPUs and a plurality of RAMs or HDDs cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described later.

[0019] The HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function (touch panel display), a keyboard, and the like.

[0020] The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Image data used for printing by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216, and is printed on a recording medium by the printer 221.

[0021] The scanner interface 217 connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 reads the image on the document, generates image data (image file), and inputs it to the control unit 210 via the scanner interface 217. The MFP 101 can send the image data (image file) generated by the scanner 222 as a file or via email.

[0022] The modem interface 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 connects the control unit 210 (MFP101) to the PSTN 110. The modem 223 performs fax transmission and reception with the fax machine on the PSTN 110.

[0023] The network interface 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the LAN 100. The network interface 219 transmits image data and information to external devices on the LAN 100 (such as the file server 102) and receives various types of information from external devices on the LAN 100.

[0024] <Software Configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the MFP101. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the communication between the illustrated software modules is achieved by the CPU211 processing according to the program stored in the ROM212 or HDD214.

[0025] The screen display control unit 301 displays a screen for the user to operate the application (function) 304.

[0026] The screen input control unit 302 receives user input and transmits the received input to the application 304. In this embodiment, the screen input control unit 302 accepts user touch operations on the screen display control unit 301, as well as operations performed using hardware keys other than those on the screen display control unit 301.

[0027] The authentication processing unit 303 displays an authentication screen on the operation unit 220 and performs user authentication using authentication information such as the ID and password entered by the user. If user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 303 performs login processing to log the user into the MFP101. When a logout command is given, the authentication processing unit 303 performs logout processing to log out the logged-in user from the MFP101.

[0028] Application 304 is a group of applications that run on the MFP101, and the CPU211 operates each application based on instructions from the user via the screen input control unit 302. The following are some representative applications available on the MFP101. An application program with a "copy" function that reads an image from a document using the scanner 222 and prints the generated image data using the printer 221. An application program with a "print" function that prints image data on printer 221 based on print jobs submitted from external devices such as PCs. An application program with a "scan and send" function that reads an image from a document using scanner 222 and sends the generated image data to an external source. An application program with a "scan and save" function that reads an image from a document using scanner 222 and saves the generated image data to external memory. An application program that has a "use saved files" function to print or send image data stored in external memory to an external device using printer 221. An application program that has "browser" functionality to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser.

[0029] The applications 304 included in the MFP101 are not limited to the examples described above. Furthermore, applications 304 can be added later at the user's request.

[0030] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 3 is merely an example and is not limited to this example. Some of the components in Figure 3 may be omitted, and other components may be added.

[0031] <Operation screen> Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 220. The screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed by the screen display control unit 301.

[0032] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the home screen 400. The home screen 400 is displayed when the MFP103 is started up, or when the home button 403 is pressed (operated, selected) by the user on another screen. An item area for using applications 304 is located on the home screen 400. Icon images representing each application may be displayed in the item area. In addition, the following items are displayed that are shared on screens other than the home screen 400: the status check button 401, the settings / registration button 402, the home button 403, the start button 404, and the stop button 405. The status check button 401, when pressed by the user, displays a screen (not shown) that allows the user to check the job status of jobs running on the MFP103. The settings / registration button 402, when pressed by the user, displays a screen (not shown) that allows the user to check and change device settings. The home button 403, when pressed by the user while a screen other than the home screen is displayed on the operation unit 220, displays the home screen 400. The Start button 404 is a button that starts a job when pressed by the user while using an application that executes scan jobs and / or print jobs. The Stop button 405 is a button that displays a confirmation pop-up (not shown) when pressed by the user while a job is running, asking if it is okay to stop the job. Also, if pressed by the user when there are no jobs running, a warning screen (not shown) indicating that there are no jobs running is displayed. If the user presses the OK button on the confirmation pop-up, the running job is stopped (canceled). In this embodiment, a configuration in which the scan and send application 406 is used is described as an example of an application 304 that uses the scanner 222. However, any application that uses the scanner 222 may be other applications. For example, it may be a scan and save application.

[0033] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the basic screen of the Scan and Send application (hereinafter referred to as the Scan and Send screen 410) as a predetermined screen. The Scan and Send screen 410 is displayed on the operation unit 220 based on the user pressing the Scan and Send application 406 on the home screen 400. The Scan and Send screen 410 displays a destination setting button 411, setting buttons for major scan setting items (color selection button 412, scan resolution button 413, scan size button 414, file format button 415, duplex setting button 416, document name / subject setting button 417), and a preview area 418. The destination setting button 411 is used to set the destination to which the scanned document will be sent, and the destination can be set by selecting from the address book or by direct input using the soft keyboard. In addition, the setting buttons for major scan setting items allow the setting values ​​of the scan setting items when performing document scanning. For example, the scanning resolution button 413 allows you to set options such as 300dpi×300dpi / 400dpi×400dpi / 600dpi×600dpi, and Figure 4(b) shows the state where 300dpi×300dpi is selected. The preview area 418 is an area for displaying a preview image of the scanned document. When the preview area 418 is pressed, the document is scanned according to the settings of the scan settings items (412~417) (a pre-scan is performed), and the preview image is displayed. Note that the pre-scan instruction can be given not only by pressing the preview area 418, but also by operating the start button or other buttons dedicated to pre-scan. Note that the system may also be configured to display the scanning screen (Figure 4(f)) described later during the pre-scan.

[0034] Figure 4(c) shows an example of the scan and send screen after pre-scanning (referred to as the scan and send screen 420). The scan and send screen 420 is displayed on the operation unit 220 based on the pre-scan instruction given on the scan and send screen 410. The scan setting items displayed on the scan and send screen 420 are the same as the scan setting items (412-417) displayed on the scan and send screen 410. In addition, the settings of each scan setting item can be changed on the scan and send screen 420. Compared to the scan and send screen 410, the scan and send screen 420 further displays a "!" icon (mark) on some of the setting buttons for the main scan setting items, and a preview image area 425. The color selection button 421, reading resolution button 422, reading size button 423, and duplex setting button 424 display a "!" icon as rescan identification information. The "!" icon indicates that if the setting value of the scan setting item displaying the "!" icon is changed, a rescan is necessary for the changed setting value to be reflected in the preview image. Settings that require a rescan to reflect changes in the preview image are those that perform processing based on the settings of that setting before scanning the document, and then a prescan is performed. Specifically, the color selection setting has color mode and black and white mode, and the document is scanned in the respective mode when scanning, so a rescan is necessary if the setting is changed. Also, the scanning resolution setting allows for various resolution settings (300dpi x 300dpi / 400dpi x 400dpi / 600dpi x 600dpi, etc.), and a rescan is necessary to change the resolution of the scanned image. Furthermore, the scanning size setting scans the document at the specified size, so a rescan is necessary. The double-sided setting scans the document single-sided or double-sided, and if double-sided, it also scans the binding direction, so a rescan is necessary. Settings that do not display a "!" icon are those that perform processing based on the settings after scanning the document during the prescan and before sending the image data, so a rescan is not necessary for these settings.For example, the file format setting converts the image scanned just before sending to the correct file format, so changing the setting does not require rescanning. The example shown is a "!" icon as rescan identification information, but it is not limited to this; other types of icons, text information such as "Rescan," or different colors for setting items that require rescanning are also acceptable. The preview image area 425 displays a preview image of the scanned document for which prescanning has been instructed. In the example in Figure 4(c), the preview image area 425 displays the preview image of the first page, but other methods are also acceptable. For example, it is acceptable to display preview images for multiple pages within the preview image area 425, or to display preview images for multiple pages in a different screen layout by clicking on a preview image.

[0035] Figure 4(d) shows an example of a rescan screen 430 that prompts the user to rescan. The rescan screen 430 is displayed on the operation unit 220 based on the fact that the setting value of a setting item that requires rescanning on the scan and send screen 420 has been changed. The rescan screen 430 displays a rescan message 431, a cancel button 432, a scan later button 433, and a scan now button 434. The rescan message 431 displays information (message: "A rescan is required to reflect the settings.") indicating that a rescan is necessary to generate image data based on the changed scan setting item's setting value and reflect it in the preview image area 425. The cancel button 432 is a button to cancel without reflecting the setting item that the user has instructed to change. The scan later button 433 is a button to change the setting value but update the preview image later. The scan now button 434 is a button to change the setting value and update the preview image. When pressed, a rescan is performed and the scan and send screen 420 including the updated preview image is displayed. Furthermore, the system may be configured to display the scanning screen (Figure 4(f)) described later during a rescan.

[0036] Figure 4(e) shows an example of the scan and send screen 440 when a rescan is required. The scan and send screen 440 is displayed on the operation unit 220 based on the fact that, for example, the scan resolution setting is changed from 300dpi x 300dpi to 400dpi x 400dpi by pressing the scan resolution button 422, and the scan button 433 was pressed later on the rescan screen 430. The scan and send screen 440 displays the scan resolution button 441 and the rescan button 442. The scan resolution button 441 displays the setting after the change, which is 400dpi x 400dpi. The rescan button 442 is a button for performing a rescan according to the setting value of the changed scan setting, and a rescan is performed when it is pressed.

[0037] Figure 4(f) shows an example of a scanning screen 450 that displays information indicating that a rescan is in progress (message: "Scanning document."). The scanning screen 450 is displayed on the operation unit 220 when the "Scan Now" button 434 is pressed on the rescan screen 430, or when the "Rescan" button 442 is pressed in Figure 4(e). The scanning screen 450 displays information 451 indicating that a scan is in progress (message: "Scanning document.").

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example of a flowchart for the scan and transmit execution process in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 5 is realized when the CPU 211 of the MFP101 reads the programs for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 212 into the RAM 213 and executes them. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in this specification hereafter).

[0039] The flowchart in Figure 5 begins when the user presses the Scan and Send application 406 and the Scan and Send screen 410 is displayed.

[0040] In S501, the screen input control unit 302 receives instructions from the user to change the setting value of a scan setting item on the scan and transmit screen 410.

[0041] In S502, application 304 performs a pre-scan of the document when it receives a pre-scan instruction from the user on the scan and send screen 410. Specifically, it performs a pre-scan of the document when it receives a press in the preview area 418 in Figure 4(b).

[0042] In S503, the screen display control unit 301 displays the preview image area 425 of the scanned and transmitted screen 420 and rescan identification information ("!" icon) on the corresponding scan setting item buttons (color selection button 421, scan resolution button 422, scan size button 423, duplex setting button 424).

[0043] In S504, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether the setting value of the scan setting item requiring rescanning has been changed. If it determines that the setting value of the scan setting item requiring rescanning has been changed, it proceeds to S505; if it determines that the setting value of the scan setting item requiring rescanning has not been changed, it proceeds to S508.

[0044] In S505, the screen display control unit 301 displays a screen containing information indicating that a rescan is necessary to reflect the changed scan settings in the preview, and an area where a rescan command can be issued. Specifically, it displays the rescan screen 430 shown in Figure 4(d).

[0045] In S506, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether it has received a rescan instruction. If the "Scan Now" button 434 is pressed on the rescan screen 430, it determines that the rescan instruction has been received and proceeds to S507. If the "Cancel" button 432 is pressed, it determines that the rescan instruction has not been received, discards the setting changes instructed in S504, and returns to S504. If the "Scan Later" button 433 is pressed, the setting changes instructed in S504 are saved, the "Scan and Send" screen 440 with the settings changed is displayed, and if the "Rescan" button 442 is pressed, the rescan in S507 is executed.

[0046] In S507, application 304 performs a rescan to update the preview image, scans and displays the send screen 420, and returns to S504.

[0047] In S508, the screen input control unit 302 receives an instruction to execute the scan and transmit process. The scan and transmit process is executed when the destination is set using the destination setting button 411 and the start button 404 is pressed.

[0048] In S509, application 304 performs the scan and send process. Specifically, if the setting value of a setting item is changed after a pre-scan and a rescan is performed, the image data acquired during the rescan is used to perform the send process. Also, if the start button 404 is pressed without any changes to the setting item after the pre-scan, the image data acquired during the pre-scan is used to perform the send process. Furthermore, if the start button 404 is pressed without a pre-scan instruction being given on the scan and send screen 410, the document is scanned based on the scan settings at that time, then rescanned and the send process is performed.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, the MFP101 displays, based on the execution of a pre-scan, the setting items that require rescanning when their setting values ​​are changed, in a way that makes it easy to identify that rescanning is necessary when the setting values ​​are changed. This allows the user to change the setting values ​​of setting items that require rescanning even when a pre-scan has been performed. Furthermore, the user can easily recognize setting items that require rescanning when their setting values ​​are changed, and after recognizing the relevant setting items, they can change the setting values ​​and perform a rescan. Therefore, the user can generate image data based on the desired setting values ​​without having to perform operations such as resetting the reading settings from scratch, thereby improving usability.

[0050] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a rescan message is displayed when a scan setting item requiring a rescan is changed. However, displaying a rescan message every time the read setting is changed may be bothersome for the user.

[0051] This embodiment describes an example in which a rescan message is displayed not when a scan setting item requiring rescanning is changed, but when an execution command for the job (scan and send process) is issued. In other words, an example is described in which a rescan message is not displayed even if a scan setting item requiring rescanning is changed, and the rescan message is displayed when the scan setting item is set or changed and an execution command for the job is issued.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 220 in this embodiment. The screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed by the screen display control unit 301.

[0053] Figure 6(a) shows an example of the basic screen of the scan and send application after the settings have been changed (hereinafter referred to as the scan and send screen 600). The scan and send screen 600 is displayed on the operation unit 220 in response to the change in the scan and send screen 420 of the first embodiment, where the reading resolution setting has been changed from 300dpi x 300dpi to 400dpi x 400dpi. The reading resolution button 601 displays the changed setting of 400dpi x 400dpi.

[0054] Figure 6(b) shows an example of a rescan screen 610 that prompts the user to perform a rescan. The rescan screen 610 is displayed on the operation unit 220 based on the start button being pressed on the scan and send screen 600. The rescan screen 610 displays a rescan message 611, a cancel button 612, and a start button 613. The rescan message 611 displays information indicating that a rescan is necessary to generate image data based on the changed settings because the settings of the scan settings items have been changed (Message: "The scan settings have been changed, so you need to scan again. Place the document and press start."). The cancel button 612 is used to cancel the execution of the scan and send process. The start button 613 is used to perform a scan again and execute the scan and send process.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of a flowchart for the scan and transmit execution process in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 7 is realized when the CPU 211 of the MFP101 reads the programs for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 212 into the RAM 213 and executes them. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 7 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0056] The flowchart in Figure 7 begins when the user presses the scan and send application 406 and the scan and send screen 410 is displayed. Furthermore, elements with the same symbols as in Figure 5 are processed similarly to those in Figure 5, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0057] In S701, the screen input control unit 302 accepts the press of the start button 404. For example, if the scan and transmission screen 420 is displayed in S503, the user changes the scan settings and then presses the start button 404.

[0058] In S702, application 304 determines whether the scan settings that require rescanning have been changed. If it determines that the scan settings that require rescanning have been changed, it proceeds to S703; otherwise, it proceeds to S508.

[0059] In S703, the screen display control unit 301 displays a rescan screen 610 including a rescan message 611.

[0060] In S704, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether the start button 613 was pressed on the rescan screen 610. If it determines that the start button 613 was pressed, the process proceeds to S705; if it determines that the cancel button 612 was pressed, the process returns to S701.

[0061] In S705, application 304 performs a scan and transmits the image. It then performs a rescan and uses the acquired image data to perform the transmit process again.

[0062] As described above, according to this embodiment, the MFP101 displays a rescan message at the time the job execution command is issued, rather than at the time when the scan setting item requiring rescanning is changed. This reduces the inconvenience of having to display a rescan message every time the read setting is changed.

[0063] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a rescan message is displayed when a scan setting item requiring a rescan is changed.

[0064] This embodiment describes how to handle the situation when a scan setting item that requires rescanning is changed, and then further changes are made to the scan setting item, making rescanning unnecessary. For example, if the setting value of a scan setting item that requires rescanning is changed, and then the changed setting value is further changed back to the setting value at the time of pre-scanning (the original setting value), it is the same as if the setting had not been changed, and therefore rescanning is unnecessary. In this way, if the rescan button 442 remains displayed even when rescanning is no longer necessary, the user may perform a rescan even though it is no longer needed.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, when rescanning is no longer necessary, a configuration is described in which the scan and transmit screen 440 is displayed in a state where operation on the rescan button 442 is not possible.

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of a flowchart for the scan and transmit execution process in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 8 is realized when the CPU 211 of the MFP101 reads the programs for realizing each control module stored in the ROM 212 into the RAM 213 and executes them. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 8 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0067] The flowchart in Figure 8 starts when the user presses the scan and send application 406 and the scan and send screen 410 is displayed. Furthermore, elements with the same symbols as in Figure 5 are processed similarly to those in Figure 5, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0068] In S801, the screen display control unit 301 displays the rescan button 442. For example, pressing the read resolution button 422 changes the read resolution from 300dpi x 300dpi to 400dpi x 400dpi, and based on the fact that the scan button 433 was pressed later on the rescan screen 430, the scan and transmit screen 440, which includes the rescan button 442, is displayed on the operation unit 220.

[0069] In S802, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether it has received a rescan command. Specifically, it determines whether the rescan button 442 has been pressed. If the screen input control unit 302 determines that it has received a rescan command, it proceeds to S803; if it determines that it has not received a rescan command, it proceeds to S804.

[0070] In S803, application 304 performs a rescan and displays (updates) the preview image area 425 based on the image data acquired during the rescan.

[0071] In S804, the screen input control unit 302 determines whether the setting value of the scan setting item has been changed. If it determines that the setting value of the scan setting item has been changed, it proceeds to S805; if it determines that the setting value of the scan setting item has not been changed, it returns to S504.

[0072] In S805, application 304 determines whether a rescan is no longer necessary due to a change in the setting value of a scan setting item. For example, if the scan resolution button 441 is pressed and the scan resolution is changed from 400dpi x 400dpi to the original setting value (scan setting value at the time of pre-scan), which is 300dpi x 300dpi, it is determined that a rescan is no longer necessary. Even if there are multiple changes to the setting values ​​of scan setting items, it is determined that a rescan is no longer necessary based on the fact that the settings values ​​of all the changed setting items have been changed back to the settings values ​​at the time of pre-scan. If application 304 determines that a rescan is no longer necessary, it proceeds to S806; otherwise, it returns to S504.

[0073] In S806, the screen display control unit 301 displays the scan and send screen 440 in a state where it cannot accept (cannot accept) an operation on the rescan button 442. Specifically, the screen display control unit 301 displays the scan and send screen 440 in a state where the rescan button 442 is not included (hidden). Alternatively, the screen display control unit 301 displays the scan and send screen 440 in a state where the rescan button 442 is grayed out.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a rescan is no longer necessary, the MFP101 displays a scan and send screen in a state where it cannot accept input from the rescan button. This reduces the possibility that the user may perform a rescan even when it is no longer necessary.

[0075] (Other embodiments) The embodiments described above can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program. The program may be executed on a single computer or executed in conjunction with multiple computers. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above processes in software; some or all of the processes may be realized in hardware such as ASICs. Also, the CPU is not limited to one CPU that performs all the processing; multiple CPUs may perform the processing in coordination as appropriate.

[0076] Furthermore, the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is not only realized by the execution of program code read by the computer. It also includes cases where the operating system running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program code, and the functionality of the aforementioned embodiment is realized through that processing.

[0077] This embodiment includes the following items, methods, and programs.

[0078] (Item 1) A means of reading the manuscript, A display control means for displaying image data of the document read by the reading means, Equipped with, Based on the fact that the reading means has performed a first reading process to read the document, the display control means displays, in an identifiable manner, the setting items among a plurality of setting items related to the first reading process that require a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, thereby indicating that the second reading process is required. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

[0079] (Item 2) The display control means displays a predetermined screen that includes a first area where the plurality of setting items are displayed and a second area where image data of the document read by the reading means is displayed. When the first reading process is performed, the setting items included in the first area that require the second reading process are displayed in a way that makes it clear that the second reading process is required. The image processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that it is a picture processing apparatus.

[0080] (Item 3) The setting items included in the first area that require the second reading process are capable of accepting changes to their setting values. The image processing apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that

[0081] (Item 4) When the display control means receives an operation to change the setting value of a setting item that requires the second reading process, and also receives an instruction to execute the transmission process of the image data of the document read by the reading means, the display control means displays information indicating that the second reading process is required. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0082] (Item 5) When the display control means receives an operation to change the setting value of a setting item that requires the second reading process, it displays information indicating that the second reading process is required. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that

[0083] (Item 6) The information indicating that the second reading process is required is a message indicating that the second reading process is required. The image processing apparatus according to item 4 or 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0084] (Item 7) The information indicating that the second reading process is required is a button that accepts an instruction to perform the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to item 6, characterized in that

[0085] (Item 8) When the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is operated, the reading means executes the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to item 7, characterized in that

[0086] (Item 9) A predetermined screen is displayed that accepts an operation to change the setting value of a setting item requiring the second reading process, and also includes a button that accepts an instruction to execute the second reading process. Furthermore, if an operation is accepted that changes the setting value of a setting item requiring the second reading process, and changes the setting value of the setting item requiring the second reading process to the setting value used by the first reading process, the predetermined screen is displayed in a state where it is impossible to accept an operation on the button that accepts an instruction to execute the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to item 7 or 8, characterized by the features described herein.

[0087] (Item 10) The state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process cannot be operated on is when the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is hidden. The image processing apparatus according to item 9, characterized in that

[0088] (Item 11) The state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is unable to accept operation is the state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is grayed out. The image processing apparatus according to item 9 or 10, characterized in that...

[0089] (Item 12) When the reading means receives an instruction to execute the second reading process, it executes the second reading process. An image processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that

[0090] (Method 1) The reading step for reading the document, A display control step that displays the image data of the document read in the reading step, It has, In the display control step, based on the fact that the first reading process of reading the document was performed in the reading step, the display identifies the setting item among the multiple setting items related to the first reading process that requires a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, so as to indicate that the second reading process is required. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by the features described above.

[0091] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image processing apparatus described in any one of items 1 through 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 211 CPU 220 Operation section

Claims

1. A means of reading the manuscript, A display control means for displaying image data of the document read by the reading means, Equipped with, Based on the fact that the reading means has performed a first reading process to read the document, the display control means displays, in an identifiable manner, the setting items among a plurality of setting items related to the first reading process that require a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, thereby indicating that the second reading process is required. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The display control means displays a predetermined screen that includes a first area where the plurality of setting items are displayed and a second area where the image data of the document read by the reading means is displayed. When the first reading process is performed, the setting items included in the first area that require the second reading process are displayed in a way that makes it identifiable that the second reading process is required. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The setting items included in the first area that require the second reading process are capable of accepting changes to their setting values. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When the display control means receives an operation to change the setting value of a setting item that requires the second reading process, and also receives an instruction to execute the transmission process of the image data of the document read by the reading means, the display control means displays information indicating that the second reading process is required. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. When the display control means receives an operation to change the setting value of a setting item that requires the second reading process, it displays information indicating that the second reading process is required. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The information indicating that the second reading process is necessary is a message indicating that the second reading process is necessary. The image processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The information indicating that the second reading process is required is a button that accepts an instruction to execute the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. When the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is operated, the reading means executes the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to feature 7.

9. A predetermined screen is displayed that accepts an operation to change the setting value of a setting item requiring the second reading process, and also includes a button that accepts an instruction to execute the second reading process. Furthermore, if an operation is accepted that changes the setting value of a setting item requiring the second reading process, and changes the setting value of the setting item requiring the second reading process to the setting value used by the first reading process, the predetermined screen is displayed in a state where it is impossible to accept an operation on the button that accepts an instruction to execute the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to feature 7.

10. The state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process cannot be operated on is when the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is hidden. The image processing apparatus according to feature 9.

11. The state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is unable to accept operation is the state in which the button that accepts the instruction to execute the second reading process is grayed out. The image processing apparatus according to feature 9.

12. When the reading means receives an instruction to execute the second reading process, it executes the second reading process. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

13. The reading step for reading the document, A display control step that displays the image data of the document read in the reading step, It has, In the display control step, based on the fact that the first reading process of reading the document was performed in the reading step, the display identifies the setting item among the multiple setting items related to the first reading process that requires a second reading process to be performed again if the setting value is changed, so as to indicate that the second reading process is required. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by the features described above.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images