Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily check, in which image data, erroneous recognition of a character string occurs, in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder having a character string obtained through character recognition processing as a name.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: character string recognition means that executes character recognition processing of recognizing and acquiring character strings included in a plurality of pieces of image data; storage means that controls to store the image data in a folder having the character string acquired through the character recognition processing as a name; display means that displays a screen; and receiving means that receives a user's setting of a condition. When the character recognition means acquires a character string not satisfying the condition, the display means displays a screen including information indicating the image data from which the character string is acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An image processing apparatus is disclosed that reads an image of a document to generate image data, performs character recognition processing on an area specified in advance by a user, and transmits the image data to a folder having the character string obtained by the character recognition processing as a folder name (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder having the character string obtained by character recognition processing as a folder name, when a character string misrecognized by the character recognition processing is acquired, the image data is stored in a folder with a folder name unintended by the user.

[0005] In order not to transmit the image data to an unintended folder, if the character string acquired by the character recognition processing does not satisfy a predetermined condition, it is conceivable to store the image data in an error folder. Then, since the user cannot grasp which of the plurality of image data is stored in the error folder, the user needs to refer to the error folder to check which image data is stored, which is troublesome.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named with a character string obtained by character recognition processing, an object is to provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily check which image data has caused a misrecognition of the character string.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The image processing apparatus of the present invention Generated by scanning multiple manuscripts character recognition means for executing a character recognition process of recognizing and acquiring character strings included in a plurality of image data, storage means for controlling to store the image data in a folder named with the character string acquired by the character recognition process, display means for displaying a screen, reception means for receiving a condition setting by a user, and when the character recognition means acquires a character string that does not satisfy the condition, the display means displays an image data including the character string Display prompting confirmation of page numbers and manuscripts characterized by displaying a screen including the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named with a character string obtained by character recognition processing, a mechanism that allows a user to easily check which image data has caused a misrecognition of the character string can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following examples are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

Examples

[0011] FIG. 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 apparatus, a file server 102, which is an information processing apparatus, a mail server 103, and an online storage 106. 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. Also, on the LAN 100, the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the PC 104 are connected to be communicable with each other via a network. Further, the MFP 101 and the online storage 106 can communicate with each other via the LAN 100 and the Internet 105.

[0012] The MFP 101 reads the image of the document and transmits the generated image data 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, and may be electronic data conforming to an image format such as TIFF, JPEG, or electronic data conforming to the PDF format. The file server 102 is a file server compatible with the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) protocols. The mail server 103 is a mail server compatible with the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). The online storage 106 is an online storage compatible with the WebDAV (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 the set values. The LAN 100 may be configured as a wired LAN using Ehternet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN.

[0013] FIG. 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.

[0014] The CPU 201 controls various hardware components 202 to 208 that make up the MFP 101, thereby realizing each function of the MFP 101. Note that the CPU 201 sends signals to various hardware components via the bus line and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware components.

[0015] Also, the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 controls the operation of the MFP 101 according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. More specifically, the CPU 201 executes an operating system (OS) for controlling the MFP 101 and a driver program for controlling the hardware. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate mutually to perform the operation and control of the functions desired by the user. These OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 202 and executed by being read out in the RAM 203.

[0016] The ROM 202 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used by the CPU 201 for calculations. The storage 204 is a storage device for storing various data, various programs, etc.

[0017] In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 204, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, eMMC, etc. may be used. Note that the MFP 101 is assumed to have one CPU 201 execute each process shown in the flowchart described later using one memory (RAM 203), but other forms may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, a plurality of ROMs, and a plurality of storages may cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later. Also, some processes may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0018] The operation unit 205 is a user interface for the user to operate the MFP 101, such as a touch panel, and is a reception means for operations and inputs by the user. Also, the operation unit 205 can also be used as a display unit for displaying a screen or the like for operating the MFP 101.

[0019] The printer 206 is a unit that realizes a printing function. The CPU 201 controls the printer 206 to execute a print job received from the PC 104, and an image is printed on paper. Here, the print job is data including instructions, image data, print setting information, etc. for causing the MFP 101 to execute a printing process.

[0020] The scanner 207 is a unit that realizes a scanning function. The CPU 201 controls the scanner 207 to optically read an image of an original and perform a process of generating it into image data.

[0021] The network I / F 208 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that this network I / F 208 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, or may be a USB-LAN I / F or the like.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 104. The PC 104 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an HDD 304, a network I / F 305, an operation device I / F 306, and a display device I / F 307.

[0024] The CPU 301 controls various hardware 302 to 307 that make up the PC 104 to realize each function of the PC 104. Note that the CPU 301 sends signals to various hardware via a bus line and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware.

[0025] Also, the CPU 301 of the PC104 controls the operation of the PC104 according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. More specifically, the CPU 301 executes an OS or the like that controls the PC104. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other, and the operations and controls of the functions desired by the user are performed. These OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 302 and are executed by being read out in the RAM 302.

[0026] The ROM 302 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 303 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used by the CPU 201 for calculations. The HDD 304 is a storage device for storing various data and various programs and the like.

[0027] The network I / F 305 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that this network I / F 305 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, or may be a USB-LAN I / F or the like.

[0028] The operation device I / F 306 is an I / F for connecting the operation device 310 such as a keyboard and a mouse to the PC104.

[0029] The display device I / F 307 is an I / F for connecting the display device 311 such as a liquid crystal monitor to the PC104.

[0030] Note that the PC104 of this embodiment is connected to an external operation device and an external display device, but for example, an operation unit and a display unit may be built in the PC104.

[0031] 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 that is displayed immediately after the activation of the MFP 101 is shown on the touch panel 410. The home screen 400 is a screen for instructing the execution of each function of the MFP 101. On the home screen 400, frequently used setting buttons 401, a scan button 402, a menu button 403, an address book button 404, a questionnaire form button 405, a letter of introduction button 406, etc. are displayed. In addition, a power saving button 407, a home button 408, and a stop button 409 are always displayed on the home screen 400. Note that 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.

[0032] The frequently used setting button 401 is a button for displaying an execution screen of a specific function in a state where the settings set by the user are input when selected by the user.

[0033] The scan button 402 is a button for displaying a screen for executing a scan process to generate image data, and sending the generated image data by e-mail, sending it by file, or storing it in the external storage device 210 when selected. Here, sending by e-mail means attaching the image data generated by reading the document to an e-mail and sending it. Also, file transmission means transmitting to a file server 102, a PC 104, etc. using a communication protocol such as SMB or FTP.

[0034] The menu button 403 is a button for displaying a menu screen when selected by the user.

[0035] The address book button 404 is a button for displaying a screen that shows the registered addresses (destination information) when selected by the user. The screen for displaying addresses shows the transmission types such as e-mail transmission, SMB transmission, FTP transmission, WebDAV transmission, etc., and the destination information such as e-mail addresses, host names, server information, etc.

[0036] The questionnaire button 405 and the introduction letter button 406 are one-touch transmission buttons. The one-touch transmission button is a button that, when selected by the user, reads the image of the document with the scan settings preset by the user, generates image data, and displays a screen for transmitting the image data in the transmission type preset by the user. That is, selecting this questionnaire button 405 means receiving an instruction to execute reading.

[0037] The power saving button 407 is a button for shifting the MFP 101 to a power saving state when selected by the user.

[0038] The home button 408 is a button for displaying the home screen 400 on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user.

[0039] The stop button 409 is a button for canceling the execution of jobs such as the printing job being executed by the MFP 101 when selected by the user. Note that this stop button 409 may cancel the execution of copy jobs and transmission jobs when selected by the user.

[0040] The DataLED 420 and the ErrorLED 430 notify the user of the state of the MFP 101. The DataLED 420 lights up during the execution of e-mail transmission or file transmission, and the ErrorLED 430 lights up when an error occurs in the MFP 101.

[0041] The home screen 400 is a function selection screen for a user to select a function to be used from a plurality of functions including, for example, a copy function for performing printing based on image data and a transmission function for reading a document to generate image data and transmitting the image data to an external device.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a one-touch transmission scan setting screen displayed on the display device 311.

[0043] The one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to a PC 104 that accesses the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication.

[0044] On the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500, application information 501, a registration button 502 for a new button, items 503 to 505, a display / non-display button 506, and a delete button 507 are displayed.

[0045] The application information 501 is an area for displaying the version of the application, and in FIG. 5, a version number of 1.00 is displayed.

[0046] The registration button 502 for a new button is a button for newly registering a button for executing one-touch transmission scan, which is displayed on the screen to be displayed on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user. When the registration button 502 for a new button is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311. A detailed description of the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 will be described later.

[0047] The item 503 indicates the name of the button for executing one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

[0048] The item 504 indicates the transmission type set for the button for executing one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

[0049] Item 505 indicates the display status of the button for executing one-touch transmission scanning registered in the MFP 101. Also, a display / non-display toggle button 506 and a delete button 507 for changing the display status are also displayed. For example, when the display status of the "Letter of Introduction" button is "displayed", the button is displayed on the home screen 400 of the touch panel 410 as shown by the "Letter of Introduction" button 406 in FIG. 4. The display / non-display toggle button 506 is a button that can toggle between "display" and "non-display" of the button.

[0050] When the delete button 507 is selected by the user, the information of the button registered in the MFP 101 is deleted.

[0051] An example of a button for executing one-touch transmission scanning registered in the MFP 101 is a button named "Application Form A" whose transmission type is email and whose display status is non-displayed. Also, not only when the new button registration button 502 is selected, but also when the name of the button "Application Form A" is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311.

[0052] In FIG. 5, four buttons of "Application Form A", "Application Form B", "Letter of Introduction", and "Medical Questionnaire" are registered. Since the display status of the "Letter of Introduction" and "Medical Questionnaire" buttons is "displayed", the buttons are displayed on the home screen 400. However, since the display status of the "Application Form A" and "Application Form B" buttons is "non-displayed", the buttons are not displayed on the home screen 400.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting edit screen for a button for executing one-touch transmission scanning. The button setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to a PC 104 that accesses the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0054] The button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed when the registration button 502 for a new button in FIG. 5 is selected, or when the name of the button is selected by the user. When the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed because the name of the button is selected by the user, each item on the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed with the previously set value input. When the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed by selecting the registration button 502 for a new button, each item on the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed with no value input. Note that default values may be pre-input for each item on the button setting and editing screen 600.

[0055] The input field 601 is an input field for setting the name of the one-touch send button. The string "Questionnaire Form" is input in the input field 601. Here, the one-touch send button is a button that, when selected by the user, executes a one-touch send scan.

[0056] The pull-down 602 is an object for setting the file name. In the pull-down 602, "Button Name" and "Automatic" can be selected. When "Button Name" is selected, the button name input in the input field 601 becomes the name of the file to be sent. When "Automatic" is selected, the automatically determined string becomes the name of the file. For example, the date and time when the one-touch send button registered on the screen in FIG. 6 is selected and scanned is used as the name of the file.

[0057] When the checkbox 603 is checked, the keyword at the time of file output becomes valid. That is, the function for using the string recognized by the character recognition process as the name of the folder to which the image data is sent becomes valid. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire form button 405 checked in the checkbox 603 is described, and the description of the operation when the checkbox 603 is not checked is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0058] The keyword string setting button 604 is a button for displaying the keyword string setting screen 700 in FIG. 7 when selected by the user.

[0059] The pull-down 605 is an object for setting how to distribute the file to be transmitted or not to distribute it. In the pull-down 605, one can be selected from "Do not distribute", "Distribute (file)", "Distribute (folder)", and "Distribute (file and folder)". 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 where the file is stored. When "Distribute (file and folder)" is set, the keyword is included in the file name and the folder name where the file is output. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 with "Distribute (folder)" set is described, and the description of the operations when other options are selected is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0060] The pull-down 606 is an object for selecting the transmission type when transmitting the read and generated image data. In the pull-down 606, "File", "E-mail", and "USB memory" can be selected. When "File" is selected and the switch button 607 is selected, the image data is transmitted to the folder of the PC 104 or the file server 102 using a protocol such as SMB, FTP, WebDAV, or SFTP. When "E-mail" is selected, the image data is transmitted to the destination using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). When "USB memory" is selected, the image data is stored in the USB memory which is an external storage device 210 connected to the MFP 101. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 with "File" set is described, and the description of the operations when other options are selected is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0061] The switching button 607 is a button for switching the setting of the transmission type to the transmission type displayed in the pull-down 606. Further, when the switching button 607 is selected with the transmission type selected in the pull-down 606, the item 608 displays something corresponding to the selected transmission type.

[0062] The item 608 is an item into which various settings such as the reading setting when reading by one-touch transmission scan and the transmission setting when transmitting can be input. Further, it is an item into which settings such as the destination, the reading size, the file format, and the orientation of the original can be input.

[0063] The area 609 is an area for displaying the destination to which the image data read and generated is to be transmitted. The destination set here is a folder path for combination with the character string of the text object described later. Further, the area 609 is a text area where input and editing are impossible, and displays the address selected on the address selection screen.

[0064] The selection button 610 from the address book, when selected by the user, displays an address selection screen 800 that can select an address in the address book stored in the MFP 101.

[0065] The pull-down 611 is a pull-down for setting the file format when converting the image data read and generated from the image on the original into a file. A file is generated according to the format selected here.

[0066] The OK button 612 is a button for storing the setting of the one-touch transmission button in the storage 204 with the content set in the button setting edit screen 600. When the OK button 612 is selected, the setting is stored in the storage 204. The cancel button 613 is a button for discarding the setting. When the OK button 612 or the cancel button 613 is pressed, the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 of FIG. 5 is displayed.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for character recognition processing. The 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.

[0068] The pull-down 701 is an object for setting a predetermined condition for the type of string obtained in the character recognition process. Although a screen with "only numbers" selected is shown in FIG. 7, it is not limited to this. For example, "only English characters", "only numbers and English characters", "only hiragana", "only kanji", "only kanji and hiragana", etc. may be selectable. Although details will be described later, image data in which a string that does not satisfy the condition selected in the pull-down is obtained is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0069] The input field 702 is an object for setting the lower limit of the number of characters of the string obtained in the character recognition process. The input field 703 is an object for setting the upper limit of the number of characters of the string obtained in the character recognition process. Although details will be described later, image data in which a string that does not satisfy the input condition is obtained is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0070] The input fields 704 to 707 are objects for setting the range in which the character recognition process is executed among the coordinates of the image data. Based on the values input to this input field, the character recognition process described later is executed. In this embodiment, with reference to the upper left of the document, the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the starting point, the width and height are specified in cm units for the character recognition area, but the unit may also be mm or inch. Also, instead of specifying by numerical values, a method of specifying using a preview image of the document and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) may be used. For example, the user may operate the edge of a rectangle to graphically specify the character recognition range. Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the area where the patient ID of the questionnaire is entered is set as the character recognition area.

[0071] The input field 708 is an object for inputting the destination (folder) to which the image data with a character recognition error occurred is to be sent. For example, a folder path such as "￥￥file server￥error folder" is inputted.

[0072] The OK button 709 is a button for storing the settings that are selected or inputted at that time in the storage 204 when selected by the user.

[0073] The cancel button 710 is a button for discarding the settings that are selected or inputted at that time and displaying the setting screen 600 on the display device 311 when selected by the user.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the address selection screen 800. The address selection screen 800 is displayed when the selection button 610 is selected from the address book on the button setting and editing screen 600 of FIG. 6. The address selection screen 800 of FIG. 8 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that accesses the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0075] The pull-down 801 is a list for switching the type of address book displayed on the address selection screen 800. Either "Best Member" or "Shortcut Dial" (not shown) can be selected in the pull-down 801.

[0076] The 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 801 when selected by the user.

[0077] Area 803 is a display area where the name of the address book is displayed. List 804 is an area where the address list is displayed and is composed of a selectable checkbox, number, type, name, and destination. The checkbox displays either a checkable checkbox or a non-checkable checkbox. The number displays the management number of the address. The type is an area where an icon is displayed, and the icon varies depending on the type of address. The name displays the name given to the address. The destination displays the address. The checkbox displays either a checkable checkbox or a non-checkable checkbox.

[0078] When the OK button 805 is selected with the checkbox checked, the address is displayed in area 609. Also, the MFP 101 receives the address from the PC 104 via HTTP communication and stores it in the storage 204 as the address of the transmission destination of the image data.

[0079] Supplementary explanation about the display of the checkable checkbox and the non-checkable checkbox. Figure 8 shows the display when selecting an address from the address book of "Best Members" where 2 addresses of "E-mail" and 2 addresses of "File" are registered with "File" selected in list 606 of Figure 6. Thus, on the address selection screen 800, the destinations corresponding to the set transmission type can be selected with the checkable checkbox. For addresses that match the type of the pull-down 606, a checkable checkbox is displayed. Specifically, non-checkable checkboxes are displayed for the addresses of number 01 and number 02, and checkable checkboxes are displayed for the addresses of number 03 and number 04.

[0080] The OK button 805 is a button for confirming the address selection with the content set on the address selection screen. The Cancel button 806 is a button for discarding the set content. When the OK button 805 or the Cancel button 806 is selected, the button setting and editing screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed.

[0081] Here, the setting of the questionnaire button 405 in this embodiment will be described. The questionnaire button 405 is registered in the button setting and editing screen 600 in FIG. 6 with "Questionnaire" entered in the input field 601, "Button Name" selected in the pull-down 602, and the checkbox 603 checked. Also, the questionnaire button 405 is registered in the button setting and editing screen 600 in FIG. 6 with "Assign (Folder)" selected in the pull-down 605 and "File" selected in the pull-down 606. Further, the questionnaire button 405 is registered with "Only Numbers" selected in the pull-down 701, "3" entered in the input field 702, and "10" entered in the input field 703. Also, "￥￥File Server￥Error Folder" is selected in the input field 708, and in the address selection screen 800 in FIG. 8, the destination No. 04, "￥￥File Server￥Questionnaire", is selected and registered.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the one-touch transmission scan process. The CPU 201 reads the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it, thereby executing the process of the flowchart in FIG. 9. Also, the flowchart in FIG. 9 is executed when the questionnaire button 405 is selected by the user on the home screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 205.

[0083] In S901, the CPU 201 acquires the setting of the questionnaire button 405 set via the operation device 310 and the display device 311.

[0084] In S902, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a document placed on a document tray (not shown). If it is determined that a document is placed, the process proceeds to S903. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S910.

[0085] In S903, the CPU 201 controls the scanner 207, conveys one document placed on the document tray, reads the image of the document, and generates image data. The image data generated here may be binary-compressed image data.

[0086] In S904, the CPU 201 generates an electronic file from the image data generated in S903 based on the file format setting acquired in S901. Since PDF is set in the questionnaire button 405, image data such as a PDF file is generated. The generated image data such as the PDF file is stored in the storage 204.

[0087] In S905, the CPU 201 performs character recognition processing on the image data generated in S903 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.

[0088] In S906, the CPU 201 determines whether a character recognition error has occurred. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether the character string acquired in S905 satisfies the conditions set in the keyword setting screen in FIG. 7. For example, when "only numbers" is selected in the pull-down 701 and the resulting character string contains characters other than numbers, it is determined that the conditions are not satisfied. Also, when a character string with a number of characters that does not fall within the lower and upper limits of the number of characters set in the input fields 702 and 703 is acquired, it is also determined that the conditions are not satisfied. If it is determined that the conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to S907. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S908.

[0089] In S907, the CPU 201 stores the page information where an error has occurred in the RAM 203. Note that the above page information may be stored in the storage 204.

[0090] Here, a diagram showing an example of page information stored here will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of page information and an error flag. FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of page information. The page information 1000 may be stored in the RAM 203 or may be stored in the storage 204.

[0091] The page information 1000 includes a job ID, a page number indicating which page it is, a character string obtained by the character recognition process, image data obtained by cutting out the character recognition area of the image data where a character recognition error has occurred, the image data where a character recognition error has occurred, and a file name.

[0092] The job ID 1001 is the ID of the job in which a character recognition error has occurred. This job ID 1001 is an ID for uniquely identifying a job.

[0093] The page number 1002 is information indicating which page the image data in which a character recognition error has occurred is.

[0094] The character recognition result 1003 is information indicating the character string obtained by the character recognition process in S905. For example, "“ ”" is a blank, indicating that no character string was obtained as a result of the character recognition process. Also, "“ / / / / / / / ”" is a character string obtained by misrecognizing "1111111". Note that when no character string is obtained in S906, Null or 0 may be stored.

[0095] The image data 1004 of the character recognition area is information indicating the address of the area where the image data of the character recognition area is stored and the data size of the image data.

[0096] The error page image data 1005 is information indicating the address of the area where the image data in which an error has occurred is stored and the data size of the image data.

[0097] The transmission file name 1006 is information indicating the file name of the electronic file to be transmitted. For example, when an electronic file is generated at 8:47:02 on May 1, 2019, it is given the file name "20190501084702.pdf". Note that for the file name, the date and time when the file was generated as described above may be used, or the character string obtained in S905 may be used.

[0098] Figure 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of an error flag. When page information is stored in the RAM 203 in S907, the error flag is stored in the RAM 203. When an error occurs on the 3rd page and the 7th page as shown in Figure 10(A), the flags for the 3rd page and the 7th page are stored as 1 indicating an error. The flags for pages where no error has occurred are stored as 0 indicating no error.

[0099] In S908, the CPU 201 sets the destination (folder path) of the error folder set in the input field 708 of the keyword string setting screen 700 as the destination of the electronic file (image data) generated in S902. In the example of the questionnaire form 405, "￥￥file server￥error folder" is set as the destination.

[0100] In S909, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) by adding the character string obtained in S906 to the bottom layer of the folder path displayed in the area 609. Specifically, when the obtained character string is "123", a folder path of "￥￥file server￥questionnaire form￥123" is generated.

[0101] In S910, the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S904 to the folder indicated by the folder path specified in S908 or the folder path generated in S909. Specifically, the image data is transmitted to the file server using SMB or FTP and stored in the folder indicated by the specified folder path.

[0102] The processing when it is determined that no manuscript is placed on S902 will be described. In S911, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a page in which the error flag stored in the RAM 203 is stored as 1. If it is determined that it is stored, the process proceeds to S912. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0103] In S912, the CPU 201 displays an error screen on the operation unit 205. The details of the error screen displayed here will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen. The error screen in FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205. Note that the error screen in FIG. 11 may be displayed on the display device 311 of the PC 104.

[0105] On the error screen 1100 in FIG. 11(A), a message 1101 notifying that the character recognition process has failed is displayed. This message 1100 is also a message prompting the user to confirm whether there is a problem with the manuscript.

[0106] In addition, a preview image 1102 is displayed on the error screen 1100. This preview image is a preview image of an image based on the image data in which an error has occurred in the character recognition process. The user can check which manuscript the error has occurred in by looking at this preview image.

[0107] The highlight 1103 is an object for highlighting the character recognition area in the preview image. The user can check the characters recognized in the character recognition process by checking the characters within this highlight.

[0108] When the vicinity of the highlight 1103 is touched (selected) by the user, the error screen 1110 in FIG. 11(B) is displayed.

[0109] On the error screen 1110, the highlighted character recognition area is enlarged and displayed. Note that the error screen 1110 may be displayed instead of the error screen 1100.

[0110] Note that in addition to the page number 1104 and the file name 1105, the job ID may be displayed on the error screen 1110.

[0111] The page number 1104 is the page number indicating which page the displayed preview image is. By checking this page number, the user can check on which page the character recognition error occurred.

[0112] The file name 1105 is the file name when the displayed preview image is stored in the error folder. By checking this file name, the user can check which image corresponds to which file without opening the files in the error folder.

[0113] The scroll bar 1106 is an object for scrolling the screen to display preview images of three or more pages when a character recognition error occurs on three or more pages.

[0114] The OK button 1107 is a button for closing the error screen 1100 and displaying the home screen 400 when selected by the user.

[0115] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of displaying a preview image or the like when a certain amount of display area is secured within the touch panel, making it easier for the user to check the image data where the character recognition error occurred.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen displayed when the display area within the touch panel is insufficient. FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing an example of the error screen 1200.

[0117] Since the error screen 1200 does not have an area for displaying a preview image of a size that is easy for the user to view, such as the error screen 1100 in FIG. 11, a message notifying that the character recognition process has failed, such as message 1201, is displayed.

[0118] In addition, a failure page list display button 1202 is displayed on the error screen 1200. When the failure list page display button 1202 is selected by the user, the error screen 1210 in FIG. 12(B) is displayed.

[0119] On the error screen 1210 in FIG. 12(B), buttons 1211 and 1212 are displayed. Button 1211 is a button for displaying information indicating on which page the character recognition error occurred, and when selected by the user, it is a button for displaying the error screen 1300 in FIG. 13. Here, it indicates that a character recognition error occurred on the third page. Similarly, button 1212 is also a button for displaying information indicating on which page the character recognition error occurred, and when selected by the user, it is a button for displaying an error screen such as error screen 1300. Here, it indicates that a character recognition error occurred on the seventh page.

[0120] Note that the error screen 1210 may be displayed without going through the error screen 1200.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen 1300. When buttons 121 and 1212 on the error screen 1210 are selected, the error screen 1300 is displayed.

[0122] On the error screen 1300, the character recognition area of the image based on the image data in which the character recognition error occurred is enlarged and displayed, similar to the error screen 1110. Furthermore, the job ID, page number, and file name are displayed.

[0123] The back button 1301 is a button for displaying the screen of the error screen 1210 when selected by the user.

[0124] By executing the above processing, in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named after the character string obtained by the character recognition processing, a mechanism can be provided that allows a user to easily confirm from which image data an incorrect character string was obtained. Also, by simultaneously displaying the transmission file name and the like, the searchability of the transmitted file is improved.

Example

[0125] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which when there is a page for which character recognition fails, the information of the failed page is displayed on the operation unit 205. However, when the display area of the operation unit 205 (touch panel or display) is extremely small, an example will be described in which page information in which a character recognition error has occurred is transmitted as an error log to an error folder, a PC 104, or the like.

[0126] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of one-touch transmission scan processing. The CPU 201 reads the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it, thereby executing the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 14. Also, the flowchart of FIG. 14 is executed in accordance with the selection of the questionnaire button 405 by the user on the home screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 205.

[0127] Since the processing from S1401 to S1411 in FIG. 14 is the same as the flow in FIG. 9, the description thereof is omitted.

[0128] If it is determined in S1411 that there is page information of a character recognition error, the process proceeds to S1412. In S1412, the CPU 201 generates an error log based on the page information stored in S1407. The error log generated here may be image data (such as PDF, JPEG, etc.) as shown in FIG. 16, or may be text data.

[0129] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an error log. In the error log 1500, the date and time when an error occurred, the attached file name, the job ID, the page number, the character recognition result, and the image 1501 of the character recognition area are described. The images 1501 and 1502 of the character recognition area are images obtained by magnifying the character recognition area of the image data where a character recognition error occurred.

[0130] In S1413, the CPU 201 controls to store the error log generated in S1412 in a preset error folder. Note that this error log may accept a destination setting by the user separately from the setting 708 of the error folder and transmit it to the destination. For example, the MFP 101 may accept the setting of the email address and transmit it to that email address. Note that the file name of this error log may be the generated date or a file name indicating that it is an error log, such as "Error Log" or "ErrorLog".

[0131] As described above, when the display area is extremely small, by transmitting and storing the page information where a character recognition error occurred as an error log, the user can check which document had a character recognition error without opening each image data in the error folder.

[0132] <Other Embodiments> The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium. Then, it can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0133] 101 MFP 201 CPU 205 Operation Unit 410 Touch Panel

Claims

1. Character recognition means for executing a character recognition process of recognizing and acquiring a character string included in a plurality of image data generated by scanning a plurality of manuscripts; Storage means for controlling to store the image data in a folder named after the character string acquired by the character recognition process; Display means for displaying a screen; Reception means for receiving a condition setting by a user; When the character recognition means acquires a character string that does not satisfy the condition, the display means displays a screen including a display prompting confirmation of the page number of the image data from which the character string was acquired and the manuscript. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a preview image based on the image data in which a character string that does not satisfy the condition is acquired is displayed on the screen.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display means highlights an area where the character recognition process has been executed among the preview images displayed on the screen.

4. Further comprising setting means for setting a folder path of a folder for storing the image data in which a character string that does not satisfy the condition is acquired, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a file name to be attached when the image data in which a character string that does not satisfy the condition is acquired is stored in the folder indicated by the folder path set by the setting means is displayed on the screen.

5. When the character recognition means acquires a character string that satisfies the condition, the storage means controls to store the image data in a folder named after the character string acquired by the character recognition process, The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the character recognition means acquires a character string that does not satisfy the condition, the image data is controlled to be stored in the folder indicated by the folder path set by the setting means.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the setting means sets a condition regarding the number of characters of the acquired character string.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the setting means sets a condition regarding the type of the acquired character string.

8. After controlling to store the image data in a folder named with the character string acquired by the character recognition process, the display means displays the screen. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the character string includes numbers.

10. A receiving step of receiving a setting of conditions by a user generated by scanning a plurality of original documents; A character recognition step of executing a character recognition process for recognizing and acquiring character strings included in a plurality of image data; A storage step of controlling to store the image data in a folder named with the character string acquired by the character recognition process; A display step of displaying a screen; A control method of an image processing apparatus, wherein when a character string that does not satisfy the condition is acquired in the character recognition step, the display step displays a screen including a display prompting confirmation of the page number and the original document of the image data from which the character string is acquired.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images