PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Abstract

To reduce labor for preventing an image data from being transmitted to an unintended folder in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder using, as a folder name, a character string acquired by character recognition processing.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a character recognition means configured to perform character recognition processing for recognizing a character string included in image data; and a transmission means configured to transmit the image data to store the character string in a folder including a name containing the character string acquired by the character recognition processing. The image processing apparatus includes a reception means configured to receive an instruction from a user. In a case where a result of the character recognition processing by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until the reception means receives the instruction from the user. In a case where the result of the character recognition processing by the character recognition means satisfies the predetermined condition, the transmission means transmits the image data without receiving the instruction from the user by the reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] An image processing device has been disclosed that reads an image of a document, generates image data, performs character recognition processing on an area designated in advance by a user, and sends the image data to a folder whose name is the character string obtained by the character recognition processing (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-234708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image processing device that stores image data in a folder whose name is a character string obtained by character recognition processing, if an incorrect character string is obtained in the character recognition processing, the image data is stored in a folder whose name is not intended by the user. As a result, image data of a confidential document may be sent to an unintended folder, resulting in the leakage of confidential information.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to prevent image data from being sent to an unintended folder, it is conceivable to have the user confirm the folder name before storing the image data, but this increases the user's work and is bothersome.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the user cannot confirm the folder name before storing the image data, and it is not possible to prevent the image data from being sent to an unintended folder.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, From image dataThe image data is stored in a folder named after the obtained string. process To reduce the trouble of not sending image data to an unintended folder in a computer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The program of the present invention is a program for detecting a plurality of pieces of information obtained from image data generated by scanning a document. , indicates a single string Text information indicates The one in question If the number of characters in the character string is less than a predetermined number, the acquired character information indicates The one A storing step of storing the image data in a folder having a folder name including a character string, the image data being stored in the ... The one When the number of characters in the character string is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the information processing device is caused to execute a storage step of storing the image data in a folder set by a user before the character information is acquired. Effect of the Invention

[0009] From image data The image data is stored in a folder named after the obtained string. process In this way, the effort required to avoid sending image data to an unintended folder can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reading system. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP101. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC 104. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 205. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for one-touch transmission scan displayed on the display device 311. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a screen for editing settings for a button for executing one-touch scan transmission [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for character recognition processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of an address selection screen 800. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a folder structure [Figure 10] Flowchart showing an example of one-touch transmission scan processing [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of a recovery instruction screen 1100. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of an input screen 1200. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of parallel processing of one-touch transmission scan. [Figure 14] Flowchart showing an example of parallel processing of one-touch transmission scan DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reading system. The reading system of this embodiment is composed of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101, which is an example of an image processing device, a file server 102, a mail server 103, and an online storage 106, which are information processing devices. Each of the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. In addition, on the LAN 100, the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and a PC 104 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network. In addition, the MFP 101 and the online storage 106 are able to communicate with each other via the LAN 100 and the Internet 105.

[0013] The MFP 101 transmits image data generated by scanning an image of an original to the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106. Note that the image data in this embodiment is not limited to electronic data obtained by converting an image into RAW data, but may be electronic data in an image format such as TIFF or JPEG, or electronic data in a PDF format. The file server 102 is a file server compatible with the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Server Message Block (SMB) protocols. The mail server 103 is a mail server compatible with the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). The online storage 106 is an online storage compatible with WebDAV (a file sharing protocol using HTTP). The PC 104 can access the WEB server provided in the MFP 101 using HTTP, and refer to and update setting values. The LAN 100 may be configured as a wired LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be configured as a wireless LAN.

[0014] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage 204, an operation unit 205, a printer 206, a scanner 207, a network I / F (Interface) 208, and an external storage device I / F 209.

[0015] The CPU 201 controls various pieces of hardware 202 to 208 that constitute the MFP 101, thereby implementing various functions of the MFP 101. The CPU 201 sends signals to the various pieces of hardware via a bus line, thereby implementing data communication between the various pieces of hardware.

[0016] Furthermore, the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 controls the operation of the MFP 101 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 202. More specifically, the CPU 201 executes an operating system (OS) that controls the MFP 101 and a driver program for controlling the hardware. The application programs arranged on the OS operate mutually to operate and control the functions desired by the user. The OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 202 and executed by being read out in the RAM 203.

[0017] The ROM 202 is a memory for storing various programs and data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used for calculations by the CPU 201. The storage 204 is a storage device for storing various data, various programs, and the like.

[0018] In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 204, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or eMMC may be used. In the MFP 101, one CPU 201 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (RAM 203), but other configurations are also possible. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described later can be executed by using multiple CPUs, multiple RAMs, multiple ROMs, and multiple storages in cooperation. Also, some of the processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASIC and FPGA.

[0019] The operation unit 205 is a user interface such as a touch panel that allows the user to operate the MFP 101, and is a means for accepting operations and inputs by the user. The operation unit 205 can also be used as a display unit that displays a screen or the like for operating the MFP 101.

[0020] The printer 206 is a unit that realizes a print function, and the CPU 201 controls the printer 206 to execute a print job received from the PC 104 and print an image on paper. Here, a print job is data that includes commands for causing the MFP 101 to execute a print process, image data, print setting information, and the like.

[0021] The scanner 207 is a unit that realizes a scanning function, and the CPU 201 controls the scanner 207 to optically read an image of an original and generate image data.

[0022] The network I / F 208 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that the network I / F 208 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, a USB-LAN I / F, or the like.

[0023] The external storage device I / F 209 is an I / F for the MFP 101 to communicate with the external storage device 210. The CPU 201 controls the external storage device I / F 209 to store image data in the external storage device 210. In this embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as the external storage device I / F 209, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device 210, but the external storage device I / F 209 may be an SD card slot for communicating with an external storage device such as an SD card.

[0024] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the PC 104. The PC 104 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a HDD 304, a network I / F 305, an operation device I / F 306, and a display device I / F 307.

[0025] The CPU 301 realizes each function of the PC 104 by controlling various pieces of hardware 302 to 307 that constitute the PC 104. The CPU 301 sends signals to the various pieces of hardware via a bus line, and realizes data communication between the various pieces of hardware.

[0026] Furthermore, the CPU 301 of the PC 104 controls the operation of the PC 104 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 302. More specifically, the CPU 301 executes the OS and the like that controls the PC 104. The application programs arranged on the OS operate mutually to operate and control the functions desired by the user. The OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 302, and are executed by being read out in the RAM 302.

[0027] The ROM 302 is a memory for storing various programs and data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 303 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used for calculations by the CPU 201. The HDD 304 is a storage device for storing various data, various programs, and the like.

[0028] The network I / F 305 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that the network I / F 305 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, a USB-LAN I / F, or the like.

[0029] An operation device I / F 306 is an I / F for connecting an operation device 310 such as a keyboard or a mouse to the PC 104 .

[0030] The display device I / F 307 is an I / F for connecting the PC 104 to a display device 311 such as a liquid crystal monitor.

[0031] Although the PC 104 in this embodiment is connected to an external operating device and an external display device, for example, the operating section and the display section may be built into the PC 104 .

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 205. The operation unit 205 is composed of a touch panel 410, a Data LED 420, and an Error LED 430. A home screen 400, which is displayed immediately after the start-up of the MFP 101, is displayed on the touch panel 410. The home screen 400 is a screen for instructing the execution of each function of the MFP 101. A frequently used setting button 401, a scan button 402, a menu button 403, an address book button 404, a medical questionnaire button 405, a referral button 406, and the like are displayed on the home screen 400. A power saving button 407, a home button 408, and a stop button 409 are always displayed on the home screen 400. The power saving button 407, the home button 408, and the stop button 409 may be provided on the operation unit 205 as hard keys.

[0033] A frequently used settings button 401 is a button for displaying an execution screen for a specific function with settings entered by the user when selected by the user.

[0034] The scan button 402, when selected, is a button that displays a screen for executing a scan process to generate image data, and for sending the generated image data by email or file, or storing it in the external storage device 210. Here, sending by email means attaching the image data generated by scanning an original to an email and sending it. Also, sending a file means sending to the file server 102, PC 104, etc., using a communication protocol such as SMB or FTP.

[0035] A menu button 403 is a button for displaying a menu screen when selected by the user.

[0036] An address book button 404 is a button for displaying a screen that displays registered addresses (destination information) when selected by the user. The screen that displays the addresses displays the transmission type, such as email transmission, SMB transmission, FTP transmission, WebDAV transmission, etc., and destination information, such as email address, host name, and server information.

[0037] The medical questionnaire button 405 and the referral letter button 406 are one-touch transmission buttons. The one-touch transmission button is a button that, when selected by the user, reads an image of a document with scan settings preset by the user, generates image data, and displays a screen for transmitting the image data by a transmission type preset by the user. In other words, selecting the medical questionnaire button 405 means accepting an instruction to execute reading.

[0038] A power saving button 407 is a button for causing the MFP 101 to transition to a power saving state when selected by the user.

[0039] A home button 408 is a button for displaying a home screen 400 on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user.

[0040] The stop button 409 is a button for canceling execution of a job, such as a print job, being executed by the MFP 101 when selected by the user. Note that the stop button 409 may also cancel execution of a copy job or a transmission job when selected by the user.

[0041] The Data LED 420 and the Error LED 430 notify the user of the status of the MFP 101. The Data LED 420 lights up while an e-mail or file transmission is in progress, and the Error LED 430 lights up when an error occurs in the MFP 101.

[0042] The home screen 400 is a function selection screen that enables the user to select a function to be used from a number of functions including, for example, a copy function that prints based on image data and a transmission function that can read a document, generate image data, and transmit the image data to an external device.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for one-touch transmission scan displayed on the display device 311. As shown in FIG.

[0044] A one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that is accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0045] On the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500, application information 501, a new registration button 502, items 503 to 505, a display / hide button 506, and a delete button 507 are displayed.

[0046] Application information 501 is an area that displays the version of the application, and in FIG. 5, the version number 1.00 is displayed.

[0047] When the user selects the new button registration button 502, it is displayed on a screen displayed on the operation unit 205, and is a button for newly registering a button for executing one-touch transmission scan. When the new button registration button 502 is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display device 311. The setting edit screen 600 in Fig. 6 will be described in detail later.

[0048] An item 503 indicates the name of a button registered in the MFP 101 for executing one-touch scan sending.

[0049] An item 504 indicates a transmission type set for a button for executing one-touch scan transmission registered in the MFP 101 .

[0050] Item 505 indicates the display state of a button for executing one-touch send scan registered in MFP 101. Also displayed are a display / hide switch button 506 for changing the display state, and a delete button 507. For example, when the display state of the "letter of introduction" button is "displayed," the button is displayed on home screen 400 on touch panel 410, like letter of introduction button 406 in Fig. 4. Display / hide switch button 506 is a button that allows the button to be toggled between "displayed" and "hidden."

[0051] When a delete button 507 is selected by the user, the button information registered in the MFP 101 is deleted.

[0052] As an example of a button for executing one-touch send scan registered in the MFP 101, the send type of a button named "Application A" is e-mail and the display state is hidden. Furthermore, not only when the registration button 502 for a new button is selected, but also when the button name "Application A" is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311.

[0053] In Fig. 5, four buttons are registered: "Application Form A," "Application Form B," "Letter of Referral," and "Medical Questionnaire." Since the button display state of "Letter of Referral" and "Medical Questionnaire" is "Displayed," the buttons are displayed on home screen 400. However, since the display state of "Application Form A" and "Application Form B" is "Hidden," the buttons are not displayed on home screen 400.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting and editing screen for a button for executing one-touch transmission scan. The setting and editing screen 600 for a button in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that is accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 via HTTP communication, for example.

[0055] The button settings edit screen 600 is displayed when the user selects the new button registration button 502 in Fig. 5 or the name of a button. When the button settings edit screen 600 is displayed when the user selects the name of a button, each item on the button settings edit screen 600 is displayed with the previously set value input. When the button settings edit screen 600 is displayed when the new button registration button 502 is selected, each item on the button settings edit screen 600 is displayed with no value input. Note that default values ​​may be input in advance into each item on the button settings edit screen 600.

[0056] An input field 601 is an input field for setting the name of the one-touch send button. The character string "medical questionnaire" is input in the input field 601. Here, the one-touch send button is a button for executing one-touch send scan when selected by the user.

[0057] A pull-down menu 602 is an object for setting a file name. In the pull-down menu 602, "Button Name" and "Automatic" can be selected. When "Button Name" is selected, the button name entered in the input field 601 becomes the name of the file to be sent. When "Automatic" is selected, an automatically determined character string becomes the name of the file. For example, when the one-touch send button registered on the screen in FIG. 6 is selected, the date and time of scanning becomes the name of the file.

[0058] If the check box 603 is checked, the keyword is enabled when the file is output. In other words, the function of using the character string recognized by the character recognition process as the name of the folder to which the image data is sent is enabled. Note that in this embodiment, an example of the medical questionnaire button 405 with the check box 603 checked will be described, and the operation when the check box 603 is not checked will not be described in the flow chart described later.

[0059] A keyword string setting button 604 is a button for displaying a keyword string setting screen 700 in FIG. 7 when selected by the user.

[0060] The pull-down menu 605 is an object for setting how to distribute or not distribute the files to be transmitted. In the pull-down menu 605, one of "Do not distribute", "Distribute (file)", "Distribute (folder)", and "Distribute (file and folder)" can be selected. When "Do not distribute" is set, the image data is transmitted to the destination folder path displayed in the area 609 described later. When "Distribute (file)" is set, the keyword is included in the output file name. When "Distribute (folder)" is set, the keyword is included in the folder name in which the file is stored. When "Distribute (file and folder)" is set, the keyword is included in the file name and the folder name in which the file is output. Note that in this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 set to "Distribute (folder)" will be described, and the operation when other options are selected will not be described in the flowchart described later.

[0061] A pull-down menu 606 is an object for selecting a transmission type when transmitting image data generated by reading. In the pull-down menu 606, "File", "Email", and "USB memory" can be selected. When "File" is selected and a switching button 607 is selected, the image data is transmitted to a folder in the PC 104 or to the file server 102 using a protocol such as SMB, FTP, WebDAV, or SFTP. When "Email" is selected, the image data is transmitted to a destination using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). When "USB memory" is selected, the image data is stored in a USB memory, which is an external storage device 210 connected to the MFP 101. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 set to "File" is described, and the operation when other options are selected will not be described in the flowchart described later.

[0062] A switch button 607 is a button for switching the setting of the transmission type to the transmission type displayed in the pull-down menu 606. Furthermore, when the switch button 607 is selected with a transmission type selected in the pull-down menu 606, items corresponding to the selected transmission type are displayed in the items 608.

[0063] Item 608 is an item where various settings such as read settings when scanning with one-touch send scan and transmission settings when transmitting can be input, etc. Also, settings such as the transmission destination, read size, file format, document orientation, etc. can be input.

[0064] Area 609 is an area for displaying the destination to which the scanned and generated image data is to be sent. The destination set here is a folder path to be combined with a character string of a text object, which will be described later. Area 609 is also a text area in which input and editing are not possible, and displays the address selected on the address selection screen.

[0065] When the user selects select from address book button 610, an address selection screen 800 is displayed on which an address in an address book stored in MFP 101 can be selected.

[0066] A pull-down menu 611 is used to set the file format when image data generated by reading an image on a document is converted into a file. A file is generated according to the format selected here.

[0067] The OK button 612 is a button for storing the one-touch send button settings set on the button setting edit screen 600 in the storage 204. When the OK button 612 is selected, the settings are stored in the storage 204. The cancel button 613 is a button for discarding the settings. When the OK button 612 or the cancel button 613 is pressed, the one-touch send scan setting screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed.

[0068] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for character recognition processing. A keyword string setting screen 700 in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display device 311 when the keyword string setting button 604 in Fig. 6 is selected.

[0069] A pull-down menu 701 is an object for setting a predetermined condition for the type of character string acquired in character recognition processing. Fig. 7 shows a screen in which "numbers only" is selected, but this is not limiting. For example, "alphabetical characters only," "numbers and alphabetic characters only," "hiragana only," "kanji only," "kanji and hiragana only," etc. may be selectable. As will be described in detail later, image data in which a character string that does not satisfy the condition selected in the pull-down menu is acquired is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0070] An input field 702 is an object for setting a lower limit on the number of characters in a character string obtained by character recognition processing. An input field 703 is an object for setting an upper limit on the number of characters in a character string obtained by character recognition processing. Although details will be described later, image data in which a character string that does not satisfy the input conditions is obtained is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0071] Input fields 704 to 707 are objects for setting the range of coordinates of image data in which character recognition processing is performed. Character recognition processing, which will be described later, is performed based on the values ​​entered in these input fields. In this embodiment, the character recognition area is specified in centimeters by the X and Y coordinates of the starting point, width, and height, based on the upper left corner of the document, but the unit may be mm or inch. Also, instead of specifying by numerical value, a specification method using a preview image of the document and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) may be used. In this embodiment, the area in which the patient ID of the medical questionnaire is written is set as the character recognition area.

[0072] A pull-down menu 708 is an object for setting whether to interrupt or continue the one-touch transmission scan process when image data is obtained that contains a character string that does not satisfy the conditions for the character type or number of characters, that is, image data in which a character recognition error has occurred. Although the option "Abort" is displayed in Fig. 7, the option "Continue" can also be selected separately.

[0073] The input field 709 is an object for inputting the destination (folder) to which image data in which a character recognition error has occurred is sent when "Continue" is selected in the pull-down menu 708. For example, a folder path or the like is input. In FIG. 7, "Abort" has been selected, so the input field 709 is displayed grayed out. Being able to set in this way has the following effects. For example, when there are few documents or the user wants to ensure allocation, "Abort" is set, and when there are many documents or the user wants to manually allocate image data that has failed to be allocated, "Continue" is set, so that the operation can be set according to the user's usage.

[0074] An OK button 710 is a button for storing the currently selected or input settings in the storage 204 when selected by the user.

[0075] A cancel button 711 is a button for discarding the currently selected or input settings and displaying the setting screen 600 on the display device 311 when selected by the user.

[0076] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an address selection screen 800. The address selection screen 800 is displayed when the select button 610 from the address book on the button setting edit screen 600 in Fig. 6 is selected. The address selection screen 800 in Fig. 8 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that is accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0077] A pull-down menu 801 is a list for switching the type of address book displayed on the address selection screen 800. In the pull-down menu 801, either "Best Members" or "Speed ​​Dial" (not shown) can be selected.

[0078] A display switching button 802 is a button for changing the type of address book displayed on the address selection screen 800 to the type displayed in the pull-down menu 801 when selected by the user.

[0079] Area 803 is a display area where the name of the address book is displayed. List 804 is an area where a list of addresses is displayed, and is composed of selectable check boxes, numbers, type, name, and destination. The check boxes are displayed in one of two types: checkable check boxes and uncheckable check boxes. The number displays the management number of the address. The type is an area where icons are displayed, and the icons differ depending on the type of address. The name displays the name given to the address. The destination displays the address. The check boxes are displayed in one of two types: checkable check boxes and uncheckable check boxes.

[0080] When the check box is checked and an OK button 805 is selected, the address is displayed in the area 609. The MFP 101 also receives the address from the PC 104 via HTTP communication, and stores it in the storage 204 as the address of the destination of image data.

[0081] A further explanation of the display of checkable and uncheckable checkboxes is provided. FIG. 8 shows the display when "File" is selected in list 606 in FIG. 6 and an address is selected from the "Best Members" address book, which has two addresses with a sending type of "Email" and two addresses with a sending type of "File". In this way, on address selection screen 800, destinations corresponding to the set sending type can be selected with checkable boxes. Checkable checkboxes are displayed for addresses that match the type in pull-down 606. Specifically, uncheckable checkboxes are displayed for addresses numbered 01 and 02, and checkable checkboxes are displayed for addresses numbered 03 and 04.

[0082] An OK button 805 is a button for confirming the address selection with the contents set on the address selection screen. A cancel button 806 is a button for discarding the contents of the settings. When the OK button 805 or the cancel button 806 is selected, the button setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed.

[0083] Here, the setting of the medical questionnaire button 405 of this embodiment will be described. The medical questionnaire button 405 is registered in a state where "medical questionnaire" is input in the input field 601, "button name" is selected in the pull-down menu 602, and the check box 603 is checked on the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6. The medical questionnaire button 405 is registered in a state where "sort (folder)" is selected in the pull-down menu 605 and "file" is selected in the pull-down menu 606 on the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6. The medical questionnaire button 405 is registered in a state where "numbers only" is selected in the pull-down menu 701, "3" is input in the input field 702, and "10" is input in the input field 703. The medical questionnaire button 405 is registered in a state where "interrupt" is selected in the pull-down menu 708, and the destination number 04 "¥¥file server¥medical questionnaire" is selected on the address selection screen 800 of FIG. 8.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a folder configuration. FIG. 9 shows the folder configuration of the file server 102, which is the file transmission destination in this embodiment. The file server 102 has a hierarchical structure for saving medical questionnaires in separate folders for each patient. The medical questionnaire folder 901 is the top folder, and medical questionnaire files with the date of examination as the file name are stored under subfolders for each patient ID. In the one-touch transmission process described later, a file called "2019-04-23.pdf" is sent to the folder with the patient ID "123."

[0085] In an image processing device that stores image data in a folder whose name is a character string obtained by character recognition processing, if an incorrect character string is obtained in the character recognition processing, the image data is stored in a folder whose name is not intended by the user. As a result, image data of a confidential document may be sent to an unintended folder, resulting in the leakage of confidential information.

[0086] On the other hand, in order to prevent image data from being sent to an unintended folder, it is conceivable to have the user confirm the folder name before storing the image data, but this increases the user's work and is bothersome.

[0087] In Patent Document 1, the user cannot confirm the folder name before storing the image data, and it is not possible to prevent the image data from being sent to an unintended folder.

[0088] To address this issue, the following processing can be performed in an image processing device that stores image data in a folder named after a character string obtained by character recognition processing, thereby reducing the effort required to prevent image data from being sent to an unintended folder.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a one-touch transmission scan process. The process of the flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed by CPU 201 reading a program stored in ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed when a user selects questionnaire button 405 on home screen 400 displayed on operation unit 205.

[0090] In S 1001 , the CPU 201 acquires the setting of the medical questionnaire button 405 set via the operation device 310 and the display device 311 .

[0091] In S1002, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an original is placed on an original tray (not shown). If it is determined that an original is placed on the original tray, the process proceeds to S1003. If not, the process ends.

[0092] In S1003, the CPU 201 controls the scanner 207 to convey one document placed on the document tray, read the image of the document, and generate image data. The image data generated here may be binary compressed image data.

[0093] In S1004, the CPU 201 generates an electronic file from the image data generated in S1003 based on the file format setting acquired in S1001. Since PDF is set for the medical questionnaire button, image data such as a PDF file is generated. The generated image data such as a PDF file is stored in the storage 204.

[0094] In S1005, the CPU 201 performs character recognition processing on the image data generated in S1003 based on the character recognition areas set in the input fields 704 to 707 of the keyword setting screen 700 in FIG. 7, and acquires a character string.

[0095] In S1006, CPU 201 determines whether the character string acquired in S1005 satisfies the condition set on the keyword setting screen in Fig. 7. For example, when "Numbers only" is selected in pull-down menu 701, if the acquired character string contains characters other than numbers, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. Also, if a character string with a number of characters that does not fall within the minimum and maximum character limits set in input fields 702 and 703 is acquired, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S1007. If not, proceed to S1009.

[0096] In S1007, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) by adding the acquired character string to the lowest level of the folder path displayed in the area 609. Specifically, if the acquired character string is "123", a folder path "\\file server\questionnaire\123" is generated.

[0097] In S1008, the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path generated in S1007. Specifically, the image data is transmitted to a file server using SMB or FTP, and stored in the folder indicated by the specified folder path.

[0098] In S1009, the CPU 201 determines whether or not "Continue" is set in the pull-down menu 708 in Fig. 7. If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to S1010. If not, that is, if "Interrupt" is selected, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0099] In S1010, the CPU 201 acquires the folder path of the error folder to which the image data in which an error occurred, which was set in the input field 709 in Fig. 7, is to be sent. Then, the process proceeds to S1008, where the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path acquired in S1010.

[0100] In S1011, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) by adding the character string acquired in S1005 to the lowest level of the folder path displayed in the area 609. For example, if the character string "123" written in the document is recognized as the character string "I23" by character recognition processing, the folder path "\\File Server\Questionnaire\I23" is generated.

[0101] In S1012, the CPU 201 interrupts the one-touch transmission scan process, and controls the operation unit 205 to display a recovery instruction screen showing the folder path generated in S1011 on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205. An example of the recovery instruction screen will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a recovery instruction screen 1100. The recovery instruction screen 1100, which is also a screen for indicating that the one-touch transmission scan process has been suspended, is displayed on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101.

[0103] As described above, the recovery instruction screen 1100 is displayed when it is determined that the character string acquired in the character recognition process does not satisfy the set conditions.

[0104] An area 1101 is an area for displaying the folder path generated in S1011, and the user checks the folder path displayed in this area to understand any errors in the acquired character string. It is also possible to highlight only the parts that do not meet the conditions. For example, the "I" in "I23" may be displayed in red.

[0105] When the user selects the "Resume from next document" button 1102, the image data for which the character string for generating the destination (folder path) displayed in the area 1101 has been obtained is not sent to the destination, and scanning of the next document is started. This allows the user to quickly continue sorting processing by selecting this button, for example, when documents of different formats are mixed.

[0106] The "Read the same document again" button 1103 is a button for displaying an explanatory screen (not shown) on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 when selected by the user. With the explanatory screen displayed, the user can return the document on which the error occurred to the document tray and select the resume button on the explanatory screen to have the same document read again. This allows, for example, when a character string handwritten on the document is not clearly written, the user to handwrite and correct the character string, and then have the document read again to obtain the original character string. Note that an image of the document on which the error occurred may also be displayed on the explanatory screen (not shown).

[0107] A "specify destination manually" button 1104 is a button for displaying an input screen on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205, which allows the user to input a destination using a keyboard or the like, when selected by the user. An example of the input screen on which the user can input a destination using a keyboard or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0108] 12 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen 1200. The input screen 1200 is displayed on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205.

[0109] An input field 1201 is an input field for the user to modify the character string used in the folder path. When the user selects the input field, a soft keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the input screen 1200 to accept the user's input of the character string.

[0110] When the user selects a send button 1202, image data is sent to a folder indicated by a folder path obtained by adding the character string entered in the entry field 1201 to the lowest level of the folder path displayed in the area 609.

[0111] When the user selects the cancel button 1203, the character string entered in the input field 1201 is discarded, and the recovery instruction screen 1100 is displayed again.

[0112] This allows the user to input a correct character string by selecting this button, for example, if the character recognition accuracy is insufficient.

[0113] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the input by the user of the destination is received on a screen 1200 separate from the recovery instruction screen 1100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the area 1101 of the recovery instruction screen 1100 may be an input field, and when selected by the user, a soft keyboard may be displayed to receive the input of the destination by the user. In addition, in the input field 1201 of the input screen 1200 of this embodiment, only the acquired character string can be corrected, but the entire folder path generated in S1011 may be corrected. In that case, "I23" is displayed in the input field 1201. In that case, the process of S1015 is omitted.

[0114] A "cancel processing" button 1105 is selected by the user to discard the image data generated and to cancel the one-touch transmission scan processing.

[0115] Here, the explanation returns to the flow in Fig. 10. In S1013, the CPU 201 determines which button has been selected by the user via the recovery instruction screen 1100. If the "Specify destination manually" button 1104 has been selected, the process proceeds to S1014. If the "Cancel processing" button 1105 has been selected, the process ends. If a button other than the above has been selected, the process proceeds to S1016.

[0116] In S1014, the CPU 201 controls the operation unit 205 to display an input screen on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205, which allows the user to input a destination using a keyboard or the like. An example of the input screen on which the user can input a destination using a keyboard or the like will be described with reference to FIG.

[0117] In S1015, in response to the user selecting the send button 1202, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) by adding the character string entered in the input field 1201 to the lowest level of the folder path displayed in the area 609. Then, the process proceeds to S1008, where the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path acquired in S1015.

[0118] In S1016, the CPU 201 determines which button has been selected by the user via the recovery instruction screen 1100. If the "Resume from the next document" button 1102 has been selected, the process returns to S1002. If the "Read the same document again" button 1103 has been selected, the process proceeds to S1017.

[0119] In S1107, the CPU 201 controls the operation unit 205 to display an instruction screen (not shown) on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 to prompt the user to place the document again. This instruction screen may be a screen that prompts the user to return the last scanned document to the document tray, or a screen that displays an image of the document to be returned on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205.

[0120] In S1108, in response to selection of the resume button displayed on the explanation screen (not shown), the CPU 201 deletes the image data stored in the storage 204 in S1004 and returns the process to S1002. Note that, although an example in which the image data stored in the storage 204 is deleted has been described in this embodiment, the process may be resumed without deletion, and image data such as a PDF file that has been generated again may not be stored in the storage 204. At that time, the image data transmitted in S1008 is the image data stored before the restart.

[0121] By performing the above processing, in an image processing device that stores image data in a folder named after a character string obtained by character recognition processing, it is possible to reduce the effort required to prevent image data from being sent to an unintended folder. EXAMPLES

[0122] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the image of the second document starts to be read after the process of reading the image of the first document and transmitting the generated image data is completed. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the image of the second document starts to be read before the process of reading the image of the first document and transmitting the generated image data is completed.

[0123] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of parallel processing of one-touch transmission scan. The processing executed for one document basically proceeds in the following order: processing to read the image of the document and generate image data, character recognition processing, destination determination processing, and transmission processing.

[0124] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the image of the (N+1)th document is read and the process of generating image data is started at the timing when the transmission process for the Nth document is executed.

[0125] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of parallel processing of one-touch transmission scan. The CPU 201 reads a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it to execute the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 14. The flowchart in Fig. 14 is executed when the user selects the medical questionnaire button 405 on the home screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 205.

[0126] In S1402, CPU 201 determines whether the operation to be performed when an error occurs is set to "continue." If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to S1404. If not, that is, if it is determined that it is set to "interrupt," the process proceeds to S1403.

[0127] In step S1403, the CPU 201 generates a transmission task. The generated transmission task is a task to be executed in a different flow from this flow.

[0128] In S1410, after the destination is generated, it is determined whether or not a transmission task exists. If it is determined that the image data exists, the process proceeds to step S1411. If not, the process proceeds to step S1412, where the CPU 201 executes a transmission process for transmitting the image data to the destination generated in step S1409.

[0129] In S1411, the CPU 201 instructs the transmission task generated in S1410 to transmit image data, and causes the transmission task to execute the transmission process. The transmission task executes the process of S1412. S1412 is the same process as the process of S1008 in FIG.

[0130] In S1420, CPU 201 determines whether the operation to be performed when an error occurs is set to "continue" as in the process of S1402. If it is determined that the operation is set to "continue," the process proceeds to S1421. If not, that is, if it is determined that the operation is set to "interrupt," the process proceeds to S1422.

[0131] In S1440, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a transmission task exists, similar to the process of S1410. If it is determined that a transmission task exists, the process proceeds to S1441. If not, the process ends.

[0132] In S1441, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a notification indicating the end of transmission has been issued in the transmission task. If it is determined that a notification has been issued, the process proceeds to S1442. If not, the process returns to S1441 and the process is repeated.

[0133] In step S1442, the CPU 201 ends the transmission task, and ends the process.

[0134] By executing the above process, the transmission process of the first page of the document and the reading process of the second page of the document can be performed simultaneously in parallel, thereby shortening the processing time.

[0135] <Other embodiments> The present invention can be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium. Then, one or more processors in the computer of the system or device can read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 101 MFP 201 CPU 205 Operation section 410 Touch Panel

Claims

1. a storing step of storing the image data in a folder having a folder name including one character string indicated by character information indicating one character string, the character string being obtained from image data generated by scanning an original, when the number of characters of the one character string indicated by the obtained character information is less than a predetermined number, A program characterized by causing an information processing device to execute a storage process for storing the image data in a folder set by a user before the character information was acquired, when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the specified number.

2. a step of determining whether the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, When it is determined in the determining step that the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in a folder having the folder name in the storing step; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it is determined in the determination step that the number of characters in the one string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in the folder set in the storage step.

3. When the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the image data is stored immediately under a folder having the folder name in the storing step; The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored directly under the folder set in the storage process.

4. a recognition step of executing a recognition process on the image data to obtain character information by the information processing device; when the number of characters of the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the image data in the recognition step is smaller than the predetermined number, storing the image data in a folder having the folder name in the storage step; A program as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that if the number of characters of the string indicated by the character information obtained from the image data in the recognition process is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in the folder set in the storage process.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the recognition processing is character recognition processing.

6. A transmission step is further performed by the information processing device, the process of storing the image data in a folder having the folder name is a process of transmitting the image data in the transmitting step so as to store the image data in the folder having the folder name; A program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the process of storing the image data in the set folder is a process of transmitting the image data in the transmission step in order to store the image data in the set folder.

7. a receiving step of receiving a designation of a folder path in the information processing device; 7. The program according to claim 1, wherein the set folder is a folder indicated by a folder path designated by the user in the accepting step.

8. 8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is a number set by the user.

9. a storing step of storing first image data, which is image data generated by scanning a first document and is image data from which character information indicating one character string having a number of characters less than a predetermined number has been acquired, in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the first image data, A program that causes an information processing device to execute a storage process for storing second image data, which is image data generated by scanning a second document, in a folder set by a user before the character information is acquired, the second image data being image data from which character information indicating a single character string having a number of characters equal to or greater than the predetermined number is acquired.

10. A program for causing an information processing device to execute a storing step of storing image data generated by scanning an original in a folder based on character information indicating a character string obtained from the image data, the program comprising: when the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than a predetermined number, in the storing step, the image data is stored in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the acquired character information, A program characterized in that, when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, in the storage process, the image data is stored in a folder set by a user before the acquired character information was acquired.

11. a storing step of storing the image data in a folder having a folder name including one character string indicated by character information indicating one character string, the character string being obtained from image data generated by scanning an original, when the number of characters of the one character string indicated by the obtained character information is less than a predetermined number, An information processing method characterized by comprising a storage step of storing the image data in a folder set by a user before the character information was acquired if the number of characters in the string of characters indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

12. The method further includes a determination step of determining whether the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, When it is determined in the determining step that the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in a folder having the folder name in the storing step; The information processing method according to claim 11, characterized in that if the determination step determines that the number of characters in the one string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in the folder set in the storage step.

13. When the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the image data is stored immediately under a folder having the folder name in the storing step; The information processing method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, when the number of characters of the one string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored directly under the folder set in the storage step.

14. A recognition step of performing a recognition process on the image data to obtain character information, 14. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein, if the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the character information obtained from the image data in the recognition process is less than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in a folder having the folder name in the storage process, and, if the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the character information obtained from the image data in the recognition process is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the image data is stored in the set folder in the storage process.

15. 15. The information processing method according to claim 14, wherein the recognition process is a character recognition process.

16. A transmitting step is further included. the process of storing the image data in a folder having the folder name is a process of transmitting the image data in the transmitting step so as to store the image data in the folder having the folder name; 16. An information processing method according to claim 11, wherein the process of storing the image data in the set folder is a process of transmitting the image data in the transmitting step in order to store the image data in the set folder.

17. The method further includes a receiving step of receiving a designated folder path, 17. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein the set folder is a folder indicated by a folder path designated by the user in the accepting step.

18. 18. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined number is a number set by the user.

19. a storing step of storing first image data, which is image data generated by scanning a first document and is image data from which character information indicating one character string having a number of characters less than a predetermined number has been acquired, in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the first image data, An information processing method comprising a storage step of storing second image data, the second image data being image data generated by scanning a second document, in a folder set by a user before the character information was acquired, the second image data being image data from which character information indicating a single character string having a number of characters equal to or greater than the predetermined number was acquired.

20. 1. An information processing method including a storing step of storing image data generated by scanning an original in a folder based on character information indicating a character string, the image data being obtained from the image data, the information processing method comprising: when the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than a predetermined number, in the storing step, the image data is stored in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the acquired character information, An information processing method characterized in that, when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, in the storage process, the image data is stored in a folder set by a user before the acquired character information was acquired.

21. a storage means for storing the image data in a folder having a folder name including a character string indicated by character information indicating a character string, the character string being obtained from image data generated by scanning an original, when the number of characters of the character string indicated by the obtained character information is less than a predetermined number; An information processing device characterized in having a storage means for storing the image data in a folder set by a user before the character information was acquired when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the specified number.

22. The method further includes a determination unit that determines whether the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, When the determination means determines that the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data in a folder having the folder name, 22. The information processing device according to claim 21, wherein, when the determination means determines that the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data in the set folder.

23. When the number of characters in the character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data immediately below a folder having the folder name, 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, when the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data immediately below the set folder.

24. The image processing device further includes a recognition unit for performing a recognition process on the image data to obtain character information. when the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the image data by the recognition means is less than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data in a folder having the folder name; 24. The information processing device according to claim 21, wherein when the number of characters of the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the image data by the recognition means is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data in the set folder.

25. 25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the recognition process is a character recognition process.

26. The device further includes a transmitting means, the process of storing the image data in a folder having the folder name is a process in which the transmitting means transmits the image data in order to store the image data in the folder having the folder name; 26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the process of storing the image data in the set folder is a process in which the transmitting means transmits the image data in order to store the image data in the set folder.

27. The computer further includes a receiving unit for receiving a designated folder path, 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the set folder is a folder indicated by a folder path the acceptance unit accepts from the user.

28. 28. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the predetermined number is a number set by the user.

29. a storage means for storing first image data, the first image data being image data generated by scanning a first document, from which character information indicating one character string having a number of characters less than a predetermined number has been acquired, in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the character information acquired from the first image data, the storage means comprising: An information processing apparatus characterized in having a storage means for storing second image data, which is image data generated by scanning a second document, in a folder set by a user before the character information is acquired, the second image data being image data from which character information indicating a single character string having a number of characters equal to or greater than the predetermined number is acquired.

30. An information processing apparatus having a storage unit for storing image data generated by scanning an original in a folder based on character information indicating a character string, the image data being obtained from the image data, the information processing apparatus comprising: when the number of characters in the one character string indicated by the acquired character information is less than a predetermined number, the storage means stores the image data in a folder having a folder name including the one character string indicated by the acquired character information; An information processing device characterized in that, when the number of characters in the string indicated by the acquired character information is equal to or greater than the specified number, the storage means stores the image data in a folder set by a user before the acquired character information was acquired.

Images