Control Method, Program, and Information Processing System of an Information Processing System

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when a user wants to register, in an address book, group destination information including a plurality of pieces of destination information, the user needs to perform operations to select predetermined destination information from the plurality of pieces of destination information registered in the address book and set the group destination information.SOLUTION: An image reading device has: storage means that stores an address book in which group destination information having a plurality of pieces of destination information can be registered; reading means that reads at least one document to generate image data; character recognition means that recognizes information on characters in the image data; and acquisition means that acquires the plurality of pieces of destination information from the information on characters recognized by the character recognition means. The image reading device further has registration means that registers, in the address book, the group destination information including the plurality of pieces of destination information acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to Control Method, Program, and Information Processing System of Information Processing System .

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for registering destination information including an address, a telephone number, etc. described on a business card in an address book of an image reading device (hereinafter referred to as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral)). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a network facsimile device having a function of reading an e-mail address from an image of a business card placed on a document table by character recognition and registering the e-mail address in the address book.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the registration process of destination information in the address book is completed by reading a business card and registering one piece of destination information in the address book.

[0005] Therefore, when it is desired to register group destination information having a plurality of pieces of destination information in the address book, the user has to perform an operation of selecting predetermined destination information from among the plurality of pieces of destination information registered in the address book and setting the group destination information.

[0006] The Control Method of Information Processing System of the present invention aims to In response to receiving a predetermined instruction while displaying a registration screen for group destination information, input image data, obtain destination information from the image data, and register the obtained destination information as group destination information in the stored address book do the following.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A control method for an information processing system having a storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information, and a display means, the method comprising: an input and acquisition step of inputting image data and acquiring destination information from the image data; a display control step of causing the display means to display a screen on which the destination information acquired in the input and acquisition step can be edited; an editing step of editing the destination information displayed on the screen; and a registration step of registering the destination information acquired in the input and acquisition step or the destination information edited in the editing step as group destination information in the address book stored by the storage means, and based on receiving a predetermined instruction in a state where a registration screen for group destination information is displayed on the display means, the input and acquisition step and the display control step are Execute characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, In response to receiving a predetermined instruction while displaying a registration screen for group destination information, input image data, obtain destination information from the image data, and register the obtained destination information as group destination information in the stored address book it becomes possible to do.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in each embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0012] FIG. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the network configuration in the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1(a) illustrates an image reading apparatus (hereinafter, MFP101) as an example of a transmission source, an image reading apparatus (hereinafter, MFP102) as an example of a transmission destination, and an image reading apparatus (hereinafter, MFP106).

[0014] In FIG. 1(a), MFP101, MFP102, mail server 103, and PC104 are communicably connected via network 100.

[0015] Furthermore, MFP101 and MFP106 are communicably connected via public switched telephone network 105.

[0016] MFP101 transmits an e-mail including the read image data to MFP102 or PC104 via mail server 103.

[0017] The mail server 103 stores the electronic mails received from the MFP 101 in a mailbox provided in a storage (not shown) as electronic mails for the MFP 102 to receive.

[0018] The MFP 102 receives the electronic mails transmitted by the MFP 101 from the mailbox of the mail server 103 using the set receiving account for the electronic mails.

[0019] The PC 104 receives the electronic mails transmitted by the MFP 101 from the mailbox of the mail server 103 using the set receiving account for the electronic mails.

[0020] The MFP 106 receives the facsimiles transmitted from the MFP 101 using the fax number.

[0021] In addition, in FIG. 1(a), the network 100 is described as a local network. However, for example, all networks such as the Internet or a network configuration capable of data transmission that is wirelessly connected to an access point (not shown) can be used as effective communication means.

[0022] Next, in FIG. 1(b), a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP 101 in this embodiment will be described. A control unit 110 including a CPU 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and performs various controls such as conversion control and transmission control.

[0023] The ROM 112 stores control programs executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, etc. The RAM 113 is the main memory of the CPU 111 and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the work area, ROM 112, and storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. Although this embodiment assumes a flash memory as the storage 114, an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD or HDD may also be used.

[0024] The operation unit I / F 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user (display unit) and detects inputs from the user. Inputs detected from the user are notified to the CPU 111 via the operation unit I / F 115. Then, the CPU 111 performs control based on the notified inputs.

[0025] The reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 is an image generation means that reads an image on a document and generates image data. The CPU 111 controls to transmit the image data generated by the reading unit 118 to an external device via the communication unit I / F 123.

[0026] Alternatively, the CPU 111 may control to input the image data to the printing unit 120 via the reading unit I / F 117 and the printing unit I / F 119 and cause the printing unit 120 to perform printing based on the image data input on the recording paper. Further, the CPU 111 may control to save the image data generated by the reading unit 118 to the storage 114 via the reading unit I / F.

[0027] The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The CPU 111 controls to input image data to be printed to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image on the recording paper fed from the paper feed cassette.

[0028] The communication unit I / F 123 connects the control unit 110 and the network 100. The CPU 111 may perform control to transmit image data and various internal information of the MFP 101 to an external device via the communication unit I / F 123, and may also perform control to receive print data from an external device on the network 100.

[0029] As a transmission / reception method via the network, there are methods such as transmission / reception using the aforementioned e-mail and file transmission using other protocols (for example, FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.). However, this embodiment is not limited to these methods.

[0030] The CPU 111 can connect the MFP 101 to the public switched telephone network 105 by controlling the fax communication unit 122 via the fax unit I / F 121. The fax unit I / F 121 is an I / F for controlling the fax communication unit 122. The CPU 111 controls a modem and an NCU for facsimile communication via the fax unit I / F 121 to perform connection to the public switched telephone network, control of the facsimile communication protocol, etc.

[0031] Note that in the MFP 101 of this embodiment, it is assumed that one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowchart described later using one memory (RAM 113), but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages may cooperate to perform each process shown in the flowchart described later. Also, some processes may be performed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0032] Next, FIG. 2 will explain the software configuration in this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the software configuration of the MFP 101 and the data areas of the data managed by the software. In FIG. 2, the explanation of some software is omitted.

[0033] The address book 203, one-touch 204, and user account 207 indicate data areas of data that the software records and manages in the RAM 113 and the storage 114.

[0034] The user account 207 stores data such as permission settings and email addresses for each user account.

[0035] The address book 203 is composed of a plurality of destination lists 210 and one touch 204. From the address book 203, it is possible to refer to the destination information stored in the destination list 210 and the destination information stored in the one touch 204. From the one touch operation, only the destination information stored in the one touch 204 can be referred to. Here, the one touch operation refers to an operation of selecting predetermined destination information associated with an operation key by operating one of the operation keys provided on the MFP 102.

[0036] The group destination information 216 is destination information in which a plurality of destination information within the same destination list are registered as one group. For example, D which groups the destination information of A, B, and C into one group is the group destination information, and this group destination information is registered in the destination list 1 as one destination information.

[0037] If the group destination information is set as the transmission destination, it becomes possible to perform broadcast transmission to all destinations of the destination information included in the group destination information. It is also possible to register a mixture of fax destinations and email addresses in the group destination information.

[0038] The business card reading library 215 is a library that provides functions related to scanning business cards, performing OCR processing on the scanned images, and obtaining destination information from the recognized character strings.

[0039] In this embodiment, the destination information refers to related destinations, types of destinations, names, etc. as destination information. Details will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0040] Next, in FIG. 3, the details of the destination information registered in the destination list 210 and the one touch 204 will be described. In FIG. 3, the description of some registration items is omitted.

[0041] Table 300 shows the structure of the fax destination information registered in the destination table 210. The destination ID 304 is the management number of each destination information registered in the destination table (1 to n). The name 301 is the registered name given by the user to identify the destination. The registered name can be any character string such as a person's name or a company name. The destination table number 302 indicates which destination table (1 to n) the destination information is registered in. The fax number 303 is the destination indicating the fax number and is registered in Table 300 in association with the name 301 and the destination ID 304. Further, the fax destination information 300 includes detailed information, which is omitted here for explanation.

[0042] Table 310 shows the structure of the fax destination information registered in the one-touch 204. The difference from the fax destination information in Table 300 is that there is no destination table number 302, and instead there is a one-touch name 311. The one-touch name 311 is the display name when it is displayed on the one-touch. Since the other information is equivalent to the fax destination information 300, the explanation is omitted.

[0043] Table 320 shows the structure of the email destination information registered in the destination table 210. The destination ID 324 is the management number of each destination information registered in the destination table (1 to n). The name 321 is the registered name given by the user to identify the destination information. The registered name can be any character string such as a person's name or a company name. The destination table number 322 indicates which destination table (1 to n) the destination is registered in. The email address 323 is the destination for sending the image data to the specified address.

[0044] Table 330 shows the structure of the email destination information registered in the one-touch 204. The difference from the email destination information in Table 320 is that there is no destination table number 322, and instead there is a one-touch name 331.

[0045] Next, Table 340 shows group destination information in which predetermined destination information registered in the destination table 210 is set as a group and given a name and registered as one piece of destination information. The group destination ID 344 is the management number of the group destination information registered in the destination tables (1 to n). The name 341 is a registered name given by the user to identify the group. Any string such as a person's name or company name can be registered as the registered name. The destination table number 342 indicates which destination table (1 to n) this group destination information is registered in.

[0046] The destination ID list 343 is associated as destination information with a plurality of destination IDs (for example, destination IDs 304 and 324) for one group destination ID 344. That is, the group destination ID 344 makes it possible to call a plurality of destination information (destination IDs) as associated destination information.

[0047] Table 350 shows the structure of the group destination information registered in the one-touch 204. The difference from the group destination information in Table 340 is that there is no destination table number 342, and instead there is a one-touch name 351.

[0048] Next, in FIG. 4, the menu screen 400 of the MFP 101 will be described. On the menu screen 400 shown in FIG. 4(a), a copy key 401, a fax key 403, and a send key 402 are displayed.

[0049] The copy key 401 is a key that enables the use of the copy function when selected. The fax key 403 is a key that enables the use of fax as a transmission protocol when selected (fax function). In the fax function, a fax number can be set as the transmission destination. The send key 402 is a key that enables the setting of a plurality of transmission protocols as the transmission destination when selected (send function). In the send function, for example, an email address and a fax number can be set as the transmission destination.

[0050] In addition, in Fig. 4(a), as an example, the copy key 401, the fax key 403, and the send key 402 are shown. However, keys that can utilize other functions, setting keys, etc. may also be displayed. For example, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the address book key 404 may be displayed, and by selecting the address book key 404, new address registration or destination setting may be performed. Note that the address book key 404 has the same function as the address book key 501 described later.

[0051] Next, in Fig. 5, the transmission screen 500 displayed on the operation unit 116 when the send key 402 shown in Fig. 4 is selected will be described.

[0052] On the transmission screen 500 shown in Fig. 5, an address book key 501, a one-touch key 502, a new input key 503, a business card reading key 504, and a transmission information setting area 506 are arranged.

[0053] The new input key 503 is a key that opens a new input screen for destination information when selected. The transmission information setting area 506 indicates each piece of information arranged in the transmission information setting area 506, and is an area where the color mode, resolution, original size, file format, etc. of the image data to be transmitted are specified when the transmission information setting area 506 is selected.

[0054] The business card reading key 504 is a key that opens the business card reading screen 800 shown in Fig. 8 described later when selected (business card reading function). The address book key 501 is a key that opens the address book (address book function) shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) when selected. The one-touch key 502 is a key that opens the one-touch address book (one-touch function) shown in Fig. 6(b) when selected.

[0055] Next, in Fig. 6, the registration screen 600 for the destination information of the MFP 101 will be described.

[0056] The registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen that opens when the address book key 501 in FIG. 5 is selected. Here, it shows a state where the registration key 601 for new destination information, which will be described later and is displayed on the registration screen 600 in FIG. 6, is selected.

[0057] In the display area 606, the already registered destination information is displayed. The registration key 601 for new destination information is a key for registering new destination information. When the registration key 601 for new destination information is selected, the selection screen 602 is displayed. On the selection screen 602, keys for selecting the type of destination information to be registered or the way of registration, such as the registration key 603 for e-mail destination information, the registration key 604 for fax destination information, and the registration key 607 for group destination information, are displayed.

[0058] The registration key 603 is a key for registering e-mail destination information. The registration key 604 is a key for registering fax destination information. The registration key 607 is a key for registering group destination information that includes multiple destination information. Thus, for example, it is a key for creating a group that can be called in association and registering it as group destination information. When the registration key 607 is selected, the registration screen 700 for group destination information shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

[0059] Also, in FIG. 5, when the one-touch key 502 is selected, FIG. 6(b) is displayed. In FIG. 6(b), by the user selecting a predetermined registration number, it becomes possible to register a destination for the registration number. Here, as an example, it shows a state where Ichiro Yamada is already registered for number 001 and number 002 is selected as the registration destination of the destination information. The registration / editing key 611 is a key corresponding to the registration key 601 for new destination information and is a key for registering new destination information.

[0060] In FIG. 7, the registration screen 700 for group destination information that is displayed when the registration key 607 in FIG. 6 is selected will be described.

[0061] The registration screen 700 displays a name editing key 701 for group destination information, a destination list selection key 702, a group display section 703, an address book key 704, a business card reading key 705, a cancel key 707, an OK key 708, a name display section 709, and a destination list display section 710.

[0062] When the group name editing key 701 is selected, it becomes possible to input and edit the name in the name display section 709.

[0063] When the destination list selection key 702 is selected, it becomes possible to select the destination list to register the group destination information. For example, when creating a group with the group name: Yamada Construction Company, it can be registered in destination list 1.

[0064] The group display section 703 is an area for displaying a list of destination information belonging to the group in the name display section 709, the type of destination, and the registered name. The type of destination refers to, for example, email, fax, phone number, etc.

[0065] The address book key 704 is a key for adding the destination information already registered in the address book to the group destination information (to the list of destination information in the group display section 703).

[0066] The business card reading key 705 is a key for reading a business card by the reading unit 118 and registering the acquired destination information as group destination information. When the business card reading key 705 is selected, the business card reading screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0067] When the OK key 708 is selected, it finalizes the registration of the group name, the destination information to be associated as group destination information, and the destination list for the group destination.

[0068] When the cancel key 707 is selected, it cancels the registration of the group destination.

[0069] Here, a configuration for registering new group destination information in the address book has been shown. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the destination information displayed on the group display unit 703 is added to the pre-registered group destination information. In that case, when the editing key for the group name is selected, not only the name may be changed, but also the group destination information pre-registered in the address book may be selectable.

[0070] Next, FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) will describe a business card reading screen 800 that is displayed on the operation unit 116 when the business card reading key 705 shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

[0071] On the business card reading screen 800 in FIG. 8(a), a message 801 and a close key 802 are displayed. The close key 802, when selected, closes the business card reading screen 800 and is a key to end business card reading. The message 801 is a message that prompts the start of business card reading in the reading unit 118.

[0072] In FIG. 8, when the user starts business card reading on the MFP 101 according to the message, the business card reading screen 800 transitions to the business card reading screen 810 shown in FIG. 8(b). On the business card reading screen 810, a message 803 indicating that business card reading is in progress is displayed.

[0073] Here, as the business card reading process, the reading unit 118 reads a plurality of business cards placed on the document table of the MFP 101 at once. Then, the CPU 111 recognizes the area corresponding to each business card in the read image data, and cuts out the image data of each business card. Then, OCR processing (character recognition processing) is performed on the image data of each business card.

[0074] Furthermore, the CPU 111 acquires destination information (destination such as a fax number or an email address, name, etc.) from the OCR processing result, and determines whether it is a fax destination, an email address, a name, etc. from the acquired destination information (destination information acquisition process).

[0075] Specifically, for example, since the name is often displayed in the largest font among business cards, it is determined to be the name based on the font size. Further, the number of characters, etc. may also be used as a determining factor for judgment. For example, when acquiring a fax number, the CPU 111 obtains an area including a character string such as "FAX" or "fax" and a numeric string of numbers from the OCR processing result. Then, the CPU 111 regards the numbers in the acquired area as the fax number and uses it as destination information. Note that only the numeric string adjacent to the character string such as "FAX" or "fax" may be extracted.

[0076] For example, when acquiring an email address, the CPU 111 obtains the email address part from the OCR processing result based on conditions such as a character string adjacent to "E-mail" or "email address", or a character string including "@". The CPU 111 regards the character string in the acquired area as the email address and uses it as destination information. Also, for example, when acquiring a phone number, the CPU 111 obtains an area including a character string such as "TEL" or "phone number" and a numeric string of numbers from the OCR processing result. Then, the CPU 111 regards the numbers in the acquired area as the fax number and obtains the destination information.

[0077] Note that only the numeric string adjacent to the character string such as "TEL" or "phone number" may be extracted. Here, a configuration for reading a business card placed on the platen has been shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) may be used.

[0078] When the reading of multiple business cards and the OCR processing are completed, a business card reading result screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

[0079] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the business card reading result screen 900 displayed on the operation unit 116 after the destination information acquisition process will be described. FIG. 9(a) shows the first business card reading result screen, and FIG. 9(b) shows the last business card reading result screen.

[0080] On the business card reading result screen 900 of FIG. 9, a business card screen 901, a name 902 which is an enlarged image of the name, a fax number 906 which is an enlarged image of the fax number, and an e-mail address 910 which is an enlarged image of the e-mail address are displayed. Also, on the business card reading result screen 900, a character information area 903 for displaying character information of the name obtained from the OCR processing result, a character information area 907 for displaying character information of the fax number, and a character information area 911 for displaying character information of the e-mail address are also displayed.

[0081] In addition, on the business card reading result screen 900, editing keys 904, 908, and 912 for editing the character information areas 903, 907, and 911 are displayed. When the editing keys 904, 908, and 912 are selected, the CPU 111 displays a soft keyboard (not shown) for editing the character information. However, for the character information area 907 that displays the character information of the fax number, if a numeric keypad (not shown) is arranged on the operation unit 116, editing may be performed using the numeric keypad instead of the soft keyboard.

[0082] Furthermore, on the business card reading result screen 900, a check box 905 and a check box 909 are displayed. When each check box is selected, the CPU 111 accepts the selection of the corresponding destination as reception means. The check box 905 is a check box for the user to select whether to register the fax number as a group destination, and the check box 909 is a check box for accepting the selection of whether to set the e-mail address as a group destination.

[0083] Here, only one of the check box 905 and the check box 909 may be selected, or both may be selected.

[0084] Note that although the selection is accepted by displaying the check box on the operation unit 116, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0085] Text 916 is displayed when the reading unit 118 reads multiple business cards. Here, as an example, the reading of three business cards and the configuration with OCR processing are shown. In Text 916, the business card reading result of the first business card is displayed on the business card screen 901, and it notifies that the display of the remaining two business cards is left. Also, Text 917 indicates which business card among the three business cards the business card reading result is being displayed for.

[0086] Furthermore, on the business card reading result screen 900, a cancel key 913 and a next key 915 are displayed. The cancel key 913 is a key for interrupting the group destination registration midway and returning to the screen of the transition source. In this embodiment, when the cancel key 913 is selected, the CPU 111 returns the display of the operation unit 116 to the transmission screen 500. Here, it is assumed that the CPU 111 returns the display of the operation unit 116 to the transmission screen 500, but it may also return to the menu screen 400.

[0087] The back key 914 is a key for returning to the previous business card reading result screen 900. Since Figure 9(a) is the first business card reading result screen, the back key 914 may not be displayed. Or, on the first business card reading result screen, a function equivalent to the cancel key 913 may be provided.

[0088] The next key 915 is selected when the user has completed the confirmation and correction of the reading result and the selection of the registration destination. Then, when the next key 915 is selected, the CPU 111 transitions to the business card reading result screen 900 of the next business card. By selecting the next key 915 without selecting all the check boxes, it is also possible to proceed to the display of the next business card without registering the destination described on the displayed business card to the group destination, or a skip key may be separately displayed.

[0089] Figure 9(b) shows the final business card reading result screen 920. Here, as an example, in text 919, the business card reading result of the third business card is displayed on the business card screen 901, notifying that there are 0 remaining business cards to be displayed. Also, text 918 indicates that the business card reading result of the third business card out of 3 business cards is being displayed.

[0090] When the Next key 915 is selected on the final business card reading result screen 920, it transitions to the registration screen 700 in Figure 10(a).

[0091] Although not shown in Figure 9, a telephone number may be displayed, along with a checkbox for whether to register the telephone number and an edit key for varying the telephone number.

[0092] As shown in the registration screen 700 for group destination information in Figure 10(a), in the business card reading result screen 900 of Figure 9, the destination information including the destination corresponding to the selected checkbox is set as the group destination information. For example, when the checkbox 909 is selected on each of the business card reading result screens 900 corresponding to 3 business cards and the Next key 915 is selected, three destination information items are set in the group display section 703 of Figure 10.

[0093] In Figure 10(a), when the OK key 708 is selected in a predetermined destination table, the group name and multiple destination information items are registered as the group destination information. At this time, a screen 1000 indicating that the group destination registration has been completed as shown in Figure 10(b) may be presented.

[0094] Note that Figures 9 and 10 show a configuration where only email destination information is registered as the group destination information, but a configuration where only fax destination information is registered may also be used, or a configuration where fax destination information and email destination information are mixed and registered as the group destination. And by designating the group destination information as the transmission destination, it becomes possible to send a broadcast to all destinations belonging to the group.

[0095] Next, in FIG. 11, a flowchart of the group destination registration of the MFP of the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described. A program for executing the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 of FIG. 1, read into the RAM 113, and executed by the CPU 111.

[0096] The flowchart of the group destination registration starts when the registration key 607 in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) is selected.

[0097] In step S20, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to perform a display process of displaying the registration screen 700. When step S20 is completed, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0098] In step S21, when the user selects screen 10, the CPU 111 accepts the input / editing of the name of the group destination information. Further, when the user selects the destination list selection key 702, the CPU 111 accepts the selection of the destination list for registering the group destination information. When step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0099] In step S22, when the user selects the business card reading key 705, the CPU 111 reads out the business card reading library 215 and displays a business card reading screen on the operation unit 116. When step S22 is completed, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0100] In step S23, when the user selects a start key (not shown) on the operation unit 116, the reading unit 118 starts reading a plurality of business cards placed on the document table. Then, the image data generated in a plurality by reading the business cards by the reading unit 118 is stored in the storage 114. When step S23 is completed, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0101] In step S24, the CPU 111 performs edge detection on the acquired image data based on image shading information or the like, and extracts the image data of each business card. The plurality of image data thus obtained is stored in the storage 114. Further, the CPU 111 counts the number of acquired business card image data (number of business cards) and stores it in the RAM 113. When step S24 is completed, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0102] In step S27, the CPU 111 executes OCR processing on each of the plurality of business card image data acquired in step S24, acquires character information, and stores the acquired character information in the RAM 113. Further, the CPU 111 acquires character information (destination information such as fax number and email address, name, etc.) from the OCR processing result, and determines whether it is a fax destination, an email address, a name, etc. from the acquired character information (destination information acquisition process).

[0103] Here, a configuration is shown in which a plurality of business cards placed on the platen are read at once, but it is not limited to this. For example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) may be used. In that case, in step S23, the reading unit 118 generates image data for each of the plurality of business cards. Then, step S27 is performed next, and the CPU 111 performs OCR processing on the generated plurality of image data.

[0104] Next, in step S40, the CPU 111 initializes the variable N to 1. Then, as shown in step S41, steps S41 to S56 are repeatedly executed (loop process) until the variable N exceeds the number of business cards read by the reading unit 118.

[0105] In step S42, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to display the business card reading result screen 900 for the user.

[0106] In step S43, when the operation unit I / F115 detects that any one of the editing keys 904, 908, and 912 displayed on the business card reading result screen 900 is selected, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0107] In step S44, the CPU 111 displays a soft keyboard on the operation unit 116 to enable text correction. Then, when corrections are accepted via the soft keyboard, the held text is updated. When step S44 is completed, or when in step S43 the operation unit I / F115 does not detect that any one of the editing keys 904, 908, and 912 is selected, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0108] In step S45, when the operation unit I / F115 detects the selection of the back key 914 or the cancel key 913, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, when the operation unit I / F115 detects the selection of the back key 914, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the CPU 111 decrements the variable N by one and returns to the start of the loop process.

[0109] When the operation unit I / F115 detects the selection of the cancel key 913, the process proceeds to step S32, and the display of the operation unit 116 is returned to the registration screen 700 for group destination information. When the operation unit I / F115 detects the selection of the next key 915, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S48 as if it has received a destination registration instruction.

[0110] In step S48, the CPU 111 determines whether the checkbox 905 on the business card reading result screen 900 in FIG. 9 is ON. When the operation unit I / F115 detects that the checkbox 905 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0111] When the operation unit I / F115 detects that the checkbox 905 is ON, the process proceeds to step S49.

[0112] In step S49, the CPU 111 displays a new registration screen (not shown) for fax destination information on the operation unit 116. Then, in step S50, if the operation unit I / F 115 does not receive a registration instruction, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the operation unit I / F 115 receives a registration instruction, the CPU 111 registers the destination information including the fax destination as a personal registration in the address book 203 in step S51. Then, the process proceeds from step S51 to step S52.

[0113] In step S52, the CPU 111 determines whether the check box 909 on the business card reading result screen 900 of FIG. 9 is ON. If it is detected by the operation unit I / F 115 that the check box 909 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S56.

[0114] If it is detected by the operation unit I / F 115 that the check box 909 is ON, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0115] In step S53, the CPU 111 displays a new destination information registration screen (not shown) for an email on the operation unit 116. Then, in step S54, if the operation unit I / F 115 does not receive a registration instruction, the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if the operation unit I / F 115 receives a registration instruction, the CPU 111 registers the personal email destination in the address book 203 in step S55. Then, the process proceeds from step S55 to step S57.

[0116] In step S57, if the variable N satisfies the condition of step S41, the process proceeds to step S33. If the variable N does not satisfy the condition of step S41, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the CPU 111 increments the value of the variable N by one and returns to the start of the processing loop (step S41).

[0117] In step S33, the CPU 111 displays the registration screen 700 for group destination information shown in FIG. 10 on the operation unit 116. When the OK key 708 is selected, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0118] In step S31, in the business card reading result screen 900 of FIG. 9, the CPU 111 sets the destination information including the destination corresponding to the selected checkbox as the group destination information.

[0119] Specifically, a list of the IDs of the destination information registered in the address book 203 in steps S51 and S55 in a plurality of loop processes is stored as the destination ID list 343 in the group destination information 340 of the address book 203 shown in FIG. 3. The destination ID list 343 may be stored each time the destination ID is stored when each of steps S51 and S55 of the loop process is performed, or may be stored after exiting the loop process.

[0120] In step S32, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to display the registration screen 600 which is the screen of the transition source. When step S32 is completed, the registration process of the group destination information ends. Note that in step S46, the return key 914 can be selected when N is 2 or more.

[0121] According to the present invention, when reading a document and registering destination information in the address book, it is possible to register group destination information including a plurality of pieces of destination information. Thereby, the operability of the user is improved.

[0122] Note that in this embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of business cards are read to acquire a plurality of pieces of destination information is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by performing the information acquisition process shown in step S1107 on an address list in which destination information is grouped, or a predetermined sheet on which a name and a destination are described, a plurality of destinations may be acquired.

[0123] Even in such a case, as described with reference to FIG. 5, first, manuscript information (destination such as fax number and e-mail address, name, etc.) is obtained from the OCR processing result. Then, the CPU 111 determines whether it is a fax destination, an e-mail address, a name, etc. from the obtained manuscript information, and obtains a plurality of destination information. Then, group destination information including the plurality of destination information is registered.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although a configuration in which one destination (for example, e-mail address or fax) is described on the business card is shown, a plurality of destinations may be described and each destination may be selectable on the business card reading result screen.

[0125] (Modification Example) In this modification example, the screen transition until the registration screen for group destination information is displayed is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 12(a) is a modification example of the registration screen 600 shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 12(a), when the registration key 601 for new destination information is selected, the CPU 111 displays the selection screen 62. The selection screen 62 is a screen including the business card reading key 65. When the business card reading key 65 is selected, the screens of FIGS. 8 and 9 described in the first embodiment are displayed.

[0127] In the business card reading result screen 900 at the end of FIG. 9(b), when the next key 915 is selected, the CPU 111 displays the confirmation screen 66 of FIG. 12(b) on the operation unit 116. The confirmation screen 66 is a screen for confirming whether the user registers the group destination information. When the no key 67 is selected, the registration to the address book ends. When the yes key 68 is selected, the registration screen 700 for group destination information of FIG. 10 is displayed.

[0128] Even in such a configuration, it has the same effect as that in the first embodiment.

[0129] (Other Embodiments) As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in this specification.

[0130] The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0131] 111 CPU 114 Storage 115 Operation Unit I / F 116 Operation Unit 117 Reading Unit I / F 118 Reading Unit 203 Address Book

Claims

1. A control method for an information processing system having a storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information, and a display means, comprising: An input and acquisition step of inputting image data and acquiring destination information from the image data; A display control step of causing the display means to display a screen on which the destination information acquired in the input and acquisition step can be edited; An editing step of editing the destination information displayed on the screen; A registration step of registering the destination information acquired in the input and acquisition step or the destination information edited in the editing step as group destination information in the address book stored by the storage means, and Executing the input and acquisition step and the display control step based on receiving a predetermined instruction in a state where a registration screen for group destination information is displayed on the display means. A control method for an information processing system, characterized by the above.

2. The information processing system further includes a character recognition means for recognizing character information in the image data input in the input and acquisition step, In the input and acquisition step, the destination information is acquired from the character information. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. In the input and acquisition step, based on receiving the predetermined instruction, first image data corresponding to a first document and second image data corresponding to a second document are input. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. In the display control step, the image data input in the input and acquisition step and the destination information acquired in the input and acquisition step are displayed. The control method for an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. In the display control step, a first screen that can edit the first destination information obtained from the first image data and a second screen that can edit the second destination information obtained from the second image data are not displayed simultaneously. In the first screen, when it is confirmed that the user has completed editing the first destination information or the user has not edited the first destination information, the second screen is displayed. The control method of the information processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that.

6. The information processing system further has an image generation means for reading an image on a document and generating image data. The predetermined instruction is an instruction for starting to read an image on a document. In the input and acquisition step, the image data generated by the image generation means is input. The control method of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The image generation means reads a document placed on a document table or a document supplied by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and generates image data. The control method of the information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The information processing system further has a specifying means for specifying group destination information from an address book stored in the storage means, and a transmitting means for performing transmission based on a plurality of destination information included in the group destination information specified by the specifying means. The control method of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information. A display means. Input and acquisition means for inputting image data and acquiring destination information from the image data, Display control means for causing the display means to display a screen on which the destination information acquired by the input and acquisition means can be edited, Editing means for editing the destination information displayed on the screen, Registration means for registering the destination information acquired by the input and acquisition means or the destination information edited by the editing means as group destination information in the address book stored by the storage means, An information processing system, characterized in that, based on receiving a predetermined instruction in a state where a registration screen for group destination information is displayed on the display means, the input and acquisition of the image data and the acquisition of the destination information by the input and acquisition means and the display of the screen by the display control means are executed.

Images