Information processing device, control method for information processing device, and program

Abstract

To output images read from a series of documents, in a size desired by a user, separately in a way that is meaningful to the user, without troubling the user.SOLUTION: A control method of an information processing apparatus includes: detecting image data corresponding to a bar-code from a series of image data which is sequentially read from a series of documents and generated page by page, and determining a bar-code break position for partitioning the series of image data (S1002-S1006); determining a file-size break position which partitions one section partitioned in the bar-code break position, in a position at which the total file size of the image data in the section reaches a designated file size (S1008-S1011, S1005, S1006); and outputting the series of image data separately using the bar-code break position and the file-size break position to a file (S1007).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program for processing image data read from a series of documents. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system for scanning a large amount of documents such as forms, it has been known to use a separator sheet to separate scanned images into groups of forms and accompanying documents, and store the grouped images.

[0003] For example, there is a technique in which an operator using an image reading device to sort images inserts a special separator sheet that acts as a predetermined separator between documents, and then continuously reads a stack of documents containing the separator, identifying the inserted separator sheet as a separator, thereby sorting each image into a group of documents.

[0004] Another proposed method for sorting images is to print delimiter information in the form of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark) pre-printed on the form, without using a dedicated delimiter sheet, and then detect the barcode and use it as delimiter information. The delimiter information can be a character or a string of characters, and can also be used by comparing a string of characters recognized by optical character recognition with a pre-registered string of characters. The detected delimiter information is used for file names, folder names, etc. when outputting scanned images as files.

[0005] Another method involves detecting feature points based on the shape of the ruled lines of a form, comparing them with feature points of the ruled lines of pre-registered forms, and determining that the form is a specific one, and using the results as delimiter information.

[0006] In a system that reads a large amount of documents such as forms, when the scanned images are output to a single file, the file size of the generated file may become large. In particular, when sending files to a file server over a network, if the file size is too large, problems such as transmission errors may occur and the file may not be sent. Also, the destination server may not accept the file due to restrictions.

[0007] A method has been proposed in which an image read by an image reading device is divided at a position where a predetermined file size is reached.

[0008] Furthermore, in the image reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technique is proposed that allows the user to adjust the separator position while viewing thumbnail images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5992852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, the method of dividing an image read by the image reading device at a position where a predetermined file size is reached can prevent the file size from exceeding the predetermined size, but this method of division is not meaningful to the user. Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 1 has a problem that when the number of images read by the image reading device is large, it is time-consuming for the user to check all the thumbnail images and adjust the division positions that are meaningful to the user.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that can output image data read from a series of documents in a manner that is meaningful to the user and in a size desired by the user, without the user having to do any effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is an information processing device that processes a series of image data that is read sequentially from a series of documents and generated page by page, and is characterized by having: a first separator means that detects image data corresponding to a separator image from the series of image data and determines a first separator position for separating the series of image data based on the detection result; a second separator means that determines a second separator position for separating each separator separated by the first separator position based on the amount of data in a predetermined data unit of the image data within the separator; and an output means that divides and outputs the series of image data based on the first separator position and the second separator position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, image data read from a series of documents can be divided into a size desired by the user and output in a manner that is meaningful to the user without any effort on the part of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of image reading according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image reading apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between an application, a scanner driver, and an image reading device. [Figure 6A] A diagram showing the application's user interface. [Figure 6B] A diagram showing the application's user interface. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a barcode delimiter detection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list when barcode delimiter information is stored in the list. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a file size delimiter detection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list when file size delimiter information is stored in the list. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for detecting a file size delimiter and a barcode delimiter. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list when file size delimiter information and barcode delimiter information are stored in the list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image reading system of this embodiment is a system including an image reading device 1 such as a scanner, and an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) 201.

[0016] The image reading device 1 has a well-known general-purpose connection interface (for example, a USB interface) and is connected to a PC 201 via a general-purpose cable 200. The PC 201 is connected to an output device such as a display device 202 that displays the processing contents, and input devices such as a keyboard 203 and a pointing device 204. The image reading device 1 and the PC 201 may be connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). The image reading device 1 may have an interface for wireless communication in addition to an interface for wired communication, or may have interfaces for both wired communication and wireless communication.

[0017] The PC 201 is equipped with software such as an OS (Operating System) program for the PC 201, driver software for reading information and image data from the image reading device 1 connected to the PC 201, and various application software groups. The various application software groups include, for example, software for managing image data read from the image reading device 1 as a list and displaying it on the display device 202, software for editing the image data, software for saving the image data in a specified folder or sending it as an email, and software for outputting the image data to a printer.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of the image reading device 1. As shown in FIG. When the image reading device 1 receives an instruction to read an image from a capture application (not shown) running on the PC 201, the image reading device 1 separates the original documents 17 placed on the original document placing section 4 one by one using the separation roller 6 to prevent double feeding, and feeds them downstream of the conveying path 14 using the paper feed roller 5 and the conveying roller 7.

[0019] The registration sensor (hereinafter referred to as "registration sensor") 9 detects the passage of the leading edge of the document conveyed through the conveyance path 14 by the conveyance rollers 7. If the distance between the registration sensor 9 and the front image reading unit 10 is L_1 and the conveyance speed of the document 17 is v, the document 17 reaches the front image reading unit 10 L_1 / v after the registration sensor 9 detects that the leading edge has passed. Therefore, when the registration sensor 9 detects that the leading edge of the document 17 has passed, the image reading device 1 measures the time using a timer (not shown), and reads the front image after L_1 / v has elapsed since the leading edge of the document 17 passed over the registration sensor 9.

[0020] Similarly, the distance between the registration sensor 9 and the back-side image reading unit 11 is L_2, and the original 17 reaches the back-side image reading unit 11 L_2 / v after the registration sensor 9 detects that the leading edge of the original 17 has passed. Therefore, when the registration sensor 9 detects that the leading edge of the original 17 has passed, the image reading device 1 measures the time using a timer (not shown), and reads the back image after L_2 / v has elapsed since the leading edge of the original 17 passed over the registration sensor 9.

[0021] After completing the reading of the front and back images, the image reading device 1 transfers the image data to the PC 201 via the communication cable 200 and discharges the document 17 to the document discharge unit 13 . Furthermore, after completing the reading of the back image, the image reading device 1 updates the number of read originals in a reading counter (not shown). The image reading device 1 detects the presence or absence of a document by a paper feed sensor 15 and a paper discharge sensor 16 .

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image reading device 1. As shown in FIG. The image reading device 1 includes a system bus 305, a CPU 301, a flash memory 303, a RAM 302, an external communication I / F 304, an ADF scanner unit 306, a data processing unit 307, a paper feed sensor 15, a paper discharge sensor 16, and the like.

[0023] The CPU 301 controls various operations of the image reading device 1, such as the reading operation, by reading programs stored in the flash memory 303 or the like into the RAM 302 as needed and executing the programs. The RAM 302 temporarily stores read image data, various data, programs, and the like. The flash memory 303 stores programs and various data. In this embodiment, the flash memory 303 is provided, but the flash memory 303 may be replaced with another non-volatile storage medium.

[0024] The external communication I / F 304 is an interface for communicating with an information processing terminal such as the PC 201, and may be configured to be connected via a USB or the like, or via a wired or wireless LAN or the like.

[0025] The ADF scanner unit 306 reads an image in response to an instruction from the CPU 301 and stores it in the RAM 302. The ADF scanner unit 306 is an example of the front image reading unit 10 or the back image reading unit 11, and is composed of a line image sensor (not shown), an A / D conversion unit that converts the image into digital data, an image processing unit, etc. The data processing unit 307 performs editing processing of the read image. As described above, with the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image reading device 1 sequentially reads a series of documents placed on the document placement unit 4, generates image data for each page, and outputs the image data to the PC 201.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the PC 201. The PC 201 includes a CPU 91 , a ROM 92 , a RAM 93 , a HDD 94 , an external I / F 95 , a display I / F 96 , and an operation I / F 97 .

[0027] The ROM 92 stores a boot program, etc. The HDD 94 stores the OS, a scanner driver (described later), control programs such as application software, and data used by the control programs. The programs stored in the HDD 94 are loaded into the RAM 93 as needed and executed by the CPU 91. The CPU 91 executes programs stored in the ROM 92 and the HDD 94 to control the PC 201. The RAM 93 is used as a working area.

[0028] The external communication I / F 95 is an interface for communicating with the image reading device 1, and may be configured to be connected via a USB or the like, or via a wired or wireless LAN or the like. The display unit I / F 96 is an interface with the display device 202 . The operation unit I / F 97 is an interface with the keyboard 203, pointing device 204, and the like. The PC 201 may include another storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of or in addition to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the image reading device 1 and the application software and scanner driver installed in the PC 201 connected to the image reading device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0030] Application software (hereinafter referred to as "application") 401 and scanner driver (hereinafter referred to as "driver") 402 are installed on PC 201. Application 401 and driver 402 function when CPU 91 of PC 201 loads programs stored in HDD 94 into RAM 93 as needed and executes them.

[0031] An application 401 installed on the PC 201 communicates with the image reading device 1 via a driver 402. Communication between the application 401 and the driver 402, and between the driver 402 and the image reading device 1, is performed using a predetermined protocol. In this embodiment, the application 401 and the driver 402 communicate using a protocol defined by the TWAIN standard, and communication between the driver 402 and the image reading device 1 is performed using a protocol defined by the USB standard. However, the protocol is not limited to this. For example, other standards such as ISIS, WIA, USB, and IEEE1394 may be used in addition to TWAIN. In any case, the application 401 and the driver 402, as well as software pre-installed in the image reading device 1, communicate with each other and execute to obtain a desired image from the image reading device 1 and display it on the screen of the PC 201. In other words, the PC 201 can obtain and process a series of image data generated page by page by sequentially reading a series of documents with the image reading device 1. The image reading system is configured by combining the image reading device 1 and the PC 201 in this manner.

[0032] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a user interface (UI) of application 401. Hereinafter, FIGS. 6A and 6B will be collectively referred to as "FIG. 6." Using FIG. 6, the settings for scanning with batch separation enabled will be described.

[0033] The UI 5100 is a user interface for making settings for reading an image from the image reading device 1 (scan mode settings). In the image scanning settings, a color mode setting 5101 allows the user to select a color mode such as color, gray, or monochrome. A paper size setting 5102 allows the user to select a paper size for image scanning such as A4, A5, B5, or Letter. A resolution setting 5103 allows the user to select a resolution. A scanning side setting 5104 allows the user to select a scanning side for image scanning such as single-sided or double-sided. Here, color mode, size, resolution, and scanning side are given as examples of setting items, but the setting items are not limited to these. For example, settings such as brightness, contrast, and ON / OFF of a color dropout function that removes any of the R (red), B (blue), and G (green) components in an image may also be included.

[0034] UI5200A is a user interface when barcode delimiter detection is selected as the batch delimiter setting for images continuously read from the image reading device 1. Barcode delimiter detection is a method of detecting barcode information from a specific area of ​​the read image and using it as delimiter information.

[0035] In the separation settings, separation methods such as barcode separation, OCR separation, blank page separation, mark separation, and file size separation can be selected in separation method setting 5201. UI 5200A is applicable when barcode separation is selected in separation method setting 5201. When barcode separation or OCR separation is selected in separation method setting 5201, advanced settings button 5202 is displayed selectably.

[0036] A detailed settings button 5202 displays a user interface (not shown) to enable setting of the barcode detection type, the OCR detection language, and the detection area. In the separator sheet setting 5203, when a separator sheet containing a separator is detected, it is possible to select the setting of the separator sheet (image) as to whether to delete the separator image or to include it in a group before or after the separator.

[0037] UI5200B is a user interface when file size delimiter detection is selected as the batch delimiter setting for images read continuously from the image reading device 1. File size delimiter detection is a method of detecting when the file size of images read continuously reaches a predetermined file size and using this as delimiter information.

[0038] Separation method setting 5204 is for selecting a separation method, and is the same as separation method setting 5201 of UI 5200A. UI 5200B corresponds to the setting screen that is displayed when file size separation is selected in separation method setting 5201 of UI 5200A. When file size delimitation is selected in delimitation method setting 5204, a file size specification box 5205 is displayed. The file size, which is the unit for delimiting files, can be specified by the value entered in file size specification box 5205. The initial value of this file size specification box 5205 can be set to any desired value, but in this embodiment it is set to 5 MB.

[0039] Furthermore, when file size delimiters are selected in delimiter method setting 5204, a setting (other delimiter detection setting 5206) is displayed that allows the user to select whether or not to use other delimiter detection. When other delimiter detection setting 5206 is enabled, other delimiter detection settings become available, including selection of delimiter method setting 5207, detailed setting 5208, and, if the delimiter method is compatible, setting of delimiter paper setting 5203. The settings for delimiter method setting 5207, detailed setting 5208, and delimiter paper setting 5203 are the same as those for delimiter method setting 5201 and detailed setting 5202 in UI 5200A.

[0040] The UI 5400 is a user interface for setting file output for an image read by the image reading device 1. In the file output destination settings, the file name when a scanned image is saved as a file can be set in file name setting 5401. The file name can be set via an interface (not shown) to include the date, time, serial number, barcode information detected when separators are detected, character information recognized by OCR, and file size.

[0041] In file format settings 5402, you can select a file format such as PDF (Portable Document Format) or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) when saving scanned images as files. In advanced settings 5403 of the file format settings, you can select, via an interface not shown, whether to output one file for each detected separator. In advanced settings 5403, you can also set the compression rate of the output file.

[0042] In the save location setting 5404, it is possible to select a save location folder and whether or not to create subfolders in the save location folder for each detected separator via an interface (not shown). The subfolder name can be added with the date, time, serial number, barcode information detected when the separator was detected, or character information.

[0043] Next, the barcode delimiter detection (first delimiter detection) process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the barcode boundary detection process of this embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed by the application 401. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list when barcode delimiter information is stored in the list in this embodiment.

[0044] In response to a user instruction, the application 401 starts processing. Here, the description will be made assuming that barcode separation is selected as the separation method setting 5201, "include in group after separation (include in new document)" is selected as the separation paper setting 5203, "add separator detection result" is selected as the file name setting 5401, and PDF format is selected as the file format setting 5402.

[0045] First, the application 401 acquires an image from the image reading device 1 (S601) and performs processing to detect a barcode image within a specified area of ​​the image (S602). If a barcode image is detected within the specified area (Yes in S603), the application 401 proceeds to processing in S604.

[0046] In S604, the application 401 reads the information of the detected barcode and stores delimiter information based on the information of the barcode in the image list 700 that manages a list of images within the application 401 (710, 720, etc. in FIG. 8). Next, in S605, the application 401 stores the read image in the image list 700 (in this case, this corresponds to 711, 721, etc. in FIG. 8), and the process proceeds to S606.

[0047] On the other hand, if a barcode image is not detected within the specified area (No in S603), the application 401 proceeds to S605. In S605, the application 401 stores the scanned image in the image list 700 (in this case, this corresponds to 712, 713, 722, 723, etc. in FIG. 8), and proceeds to S606.

[0048] In S606, the application 401 checks whether there is a next acquired image (i.e., remaining images). If there is a next acquired image (Yes in S606), the application 401 repeats S601 to S606 to add the image to the list 700.

[0049] On the other hand, if there is no next image to be acquired (No in S606), the application 401 advances the process to S607. In S607, the application 401 outputs the images in the list 700 to a separate file for each group separated by delimiter information. That is, in the example of the list 700, images 711, 712, and 713 are grouped together, and images 721, 722, and 723 are grouped together, and each group is output as a separate file (750, 751, etc. in FIG. 8). At this time, information based on the delimiter information of the barcode delimiter detection result corresponding to that group is used as the file name. That is, "RECEIPT AAA" in the delimiter information 710 is used as the file name of the file 750 (RECEIPT AAA.pdf). Similarly, "RECEIPT BBB" in the delimiter information 720 is used as the file name of the file 751 (RECEIPT BBB.pdf). Note that in this embodiment, a character string such as "RECEIPT AAA" is read from a table (database) registered in advance in correspondence with barcode information detected from the image 711, etc., and used as the delimiter information 710, etc. When a two-dimensional code or OCR is used, the decoded result of the reading may be used as the delimiter information 710 as is.

[0050] Next, the file size delimiter detection (second delimiter detection) process will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the file size delimiter detection process of this embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed by the application 401. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list when file size delimiter information is stored in a list in this embodiment.

[0051] In response to an instruction from the user, the application 401 starts processing. In this example, it is assumed that the delimiter method setting 5201 (5204) is set to file size delimiter, other delimiter detection setting 5206 is disabled (OFF), 5 MB (MegaBytes) is set in the file size specification box 5205, a delimiter detection number (described later) is added as the file name setting 5401, and PDF format is selected as the file format setting 5402. The application 401 also initializes the variable "total file size" (described later) held within the application 401 to "0" and starts the processing of this flowchart.

[0052] First, the application 401 acquires an image from the image reading device 1 and generates a file in accordance with the file format settings (S801). Here, the description will be given assuming that the size of one page when the image read from the image reading device 1 is generated as a file is 2 MB.

[0053] Next, in S802, the application 401 adds the size of the file generated in S801 to the total file size and confirms the total file size. Note that, in this example, a file is generated from an image acquired from the image reading device 1 and the file size is acquired, but a configuration is also possible in which the file size is theoretically determined based on the image reading settings, the compression rate settings of the output file, etc., without generating a file.

[0054] Next, in S803, the application 401 compares the total file size with a predetermined file size (the file size specified in the file size specification box 5205). If the total file size does not exceed the predetermined file size (No in S803), the application 401 proceeds to S805. In this case, in S805, the application 401 stores the images read in S801 in the image list 900 that manages a list of images within the application 401 (corresponding to, for example, 911, 912, 922, 932, etc. in FIG. 10), and proceeds to S806.

[0055] On the other hand, if the total file size exceeds the predetermined file size (Yes in S803), the application 401 advances the process to S804. In S804, the application 401 determines serial number information (for example, "0002") and stores separator information based on the serial number information in the image list 900 as separator detection numbers, which are file size separator information (corresponding to 920, 930, etc. in FIG. 9). Note that the serial number information is a number that is issued starting from the top of the list (0001), and is incremented by 1 each time the total file size exceeds a predetermined file size. The application 401 also resets the variable "total file size" to "0" and proceeds to S805. In this case, in S805, the application 401 stores the images read in S801 above in the image list 900 (corresponding to 921, 931, etc. in FIG. 10, for example), and proceeds to S806.

[0056] In S806, the application 401 checks whether there is a next acquired image (i.e., remaining images). If there is a next acquired image (Yes in S806), the application 401 repeats S801 to S806 to add the image to the list 900.

[0057] On the other hand, if there is no next image to be acquired (No in S806), the application 401 advances the process to S807.

[0058] In S807, the application 401 outputs the images in the list 900 to a separate file for each group separated by delimiter information. That is, in the example of the list 900, images 911 and 912 are one group, images 921 and 922 are one group, and images 931 and 932 are one group, and each group is output to a separate file (951, 952, 953, etc. in FIG. 10). At this time, the file name uses the delimiter information (in this embodiment, the delimiter detection number, which is sequential number information numbered starting from the beginning) of the file size delimiter detection result.

[0059] That is, the file name of file 951 uses the leading serial number information "0001" (0001.pdf). Similarly, the file name of file 952 uses the serial number information "0002" from delimiter information 920 (0002.pdf). Furthermore, the file name of file 953 uses the serial number information "0003" from delimiter information 930 (0003.pdf).

[0060] In this embodiment, the serial number information is a four-digit serial number starting from "0001," but any information that can identify file size separators may be used. For example, the serial number information may be a combination of alphanumeric characters or file size separator information input by the user via an interface (not shown).

[0061] Next, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a process will be described in which file size delimitation is selected as the delimiter method setting 5204 and valid (ON) is selected as the other delimiter detection setting 5206. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the file size delimiter and barcode delimiter detection process of this embodiment. The process of this flowchart is executed by the application 401. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a list in which file size delimiter information and barcode delimiter information are stored in a list in this embodiment.

[0062] In response to an instruction from the user, the application 401 starts processing. In this example, it is assumed that the separator method setting 5201 (5204) is file size separator, the file size specification box 5205 is 5 MB, other separator detection setting 5206 is enabled (ON), other separator method setting 5207 is barcode separator, file name setting 5401 includes barcode separator detection results and separator detection numbers, and PDF format is selected as file format setting 5402. The application 401 also initializes a variable "total file size" (described later) held within the application 401 to "0" and starts processing of this flowchart.

[0063] First, the application 401 acquires an image from the image reading device 1 and generates a file in accordance with the file format settings (S1001). Here, the description will be given assuming that the size of one page when the image read from the image reading device 1 is generated as a file is 2 MB.

[0064] Next, in S1002, since other separator detection settings are enabled, the application 401 performs processing to detect a barcode image within the designated area of ​​the image acquired in S1001. If a barcode image is detected within the designated area (Yes in S1003), the application 401 proceeds to S1004.

[0065] In S1004, the application 401 reads the information of the detected barcode, and stores other delimiter information (barcode delimiter information) based on the information of the barcode in the image list 1100 that manages a list of images within the application 401 (corresponding to 1110, 1130, etc. in FIG. 12). Next, in S1005, the application 401 stores the images read in S1001 above in the image list 1100 (in this case, corresponding to 1111, 1131, etc. in FIG. 12), initializes the variable "total file size" to "0", and proceeds to S1006.

[0066] On the other hand, if a barcode image is not detected within the specified area (No in S1003), the application 401 advances the process to S1008.

[0067] In S1008, the application 401 adds the size of the file generated in S1001 to the total file size and confirms the total file size. Note that here, in S1001, a file is generated from the image acquired from the image reading device 1 and the file size is acquired, but a configuration is also possible in which the file size is theoretically determined based on the image reading settings, the compression rate settings of the output file, etc., without generating a file.

[0068] Next, in S1009, the application 401 compares the total file size with a predetermined file size (the file size specified in the file size specification box 5205). If the total file size does not exceed the predetermined file size (No in S1009), the application 401 proceeds to S1005. In this case, in S1005, the application 401 stores the image read in S1001 above in the image list 1100 (corresponding to, for example, 1112, 1132, etc. in FIG. 12), and proceeds to S1006.

[0069] On the other hand, if the total file size exceeds the predetermined file size (Yes in S1009), the application 401 advances the process to S1010. In S1010, the application 401 searches the image list 1100 to see if any other delimiter information (for example, 1110, 1130, etc. in FIG. 12) has been added, and acquires the last other delimiter information added.

[0070] Next, in S1011, the application 401 determines sequential number information (for example, "0002") and stores file size separator information based on the sequential number information together with the information acquired in S1010 in the image list 1100 (1120, 1140, etc. in FIG. 12). Note that the sequential number information is a number that is issued starting from another separator position (0001), and is incremented by 1 each time the total file size exceeds a predetermined file size, and is reset to the initial value "0001" each time another separator is added to the image list 1100. The application 401 also resets the variable "total file size" to "0" and proceeds to S1005. In this case, in S1005, the application 401 stores the images read in S1001 in the image list 1100 (for example, 1121, 1141, etc. in FIG. 12), and proceeds to S1006.

[0071] In S1006, the application 401 checks whether there is a next acquired image (i.e., remaining images). If there is a next acquired image (Yes in S1006), the application 401 repeats S1001 to S1005, S1008 to S1011, and S1006 to add the image to the list 1100.

[0072] On the other hand, if there is no next image to be acquired (No in S1006), the application 401 advances the process to S1007.

[0073] In S1007, the application 401 outputs the images in the list 1100 to a separate file for each group separated by delimiter information. That is, in the example of the list 1100, images 1111 and 1112 are one group, image 1121 is one group, images 1131 and 1132 are one group, and image 1141 is one group, and each group is output in a separate file (1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, etc. in FIG. 12). At this time, the file name uses the delimiter information of other delimiter detection results corresponding to that group and the delimiter information of the file size delimiter detection result.

[0074] That is, the file names of file 1151 and file 1152 use the other separator information 1110 and the sequential number information assigned starting from that separator position. That is, the file name of file 1151 uses "Receipt AAA" from separator information 1110 and the sequential number information "0001" (receipt AAA_0001.pdf). Also, the file name of file 1152 uses "Receipt AAA" from separator information 1110 and the sequential number information "0002" from separator information 1120 (receipt AAA_0002.pdf). Similarly, the file names of file 1153 and file 1154 use the other separator information 1130 and the sequential number information assigned starting from that separator position. That is, the file name of file 1153 uses "Receipt BBB" from separator information 1130 and the sequential number information "0001" (receipt BBB_0001.pdf). Additionally, the file name of the file 1154 uses "Receipt BBB" from the delimiter information 1130 and the serial number information "0002" from the delimiter information 1140 (Receipt BBB_0002.pdf).

[0075] Next, another example of the file output in S1007 will be described. Here, the description will be made taking as an example a state in which the output destination is set to generate a subfolder with the barcode information detected at the time of delimiter detection as the folder name.

[0076] In this case, other delimiter information 1110, 1130 is used as the subfolder name, and file 1151 is stored in that subfolder using sequential number information in the file name. That is, file 1151 (0001.pdf) using sequential number information "0001" and file 1151 (0002.pdf) using sequential number information "0002" are stored in the subfolder "Receipt AAA".

[0077] Furthermore, if a single-page file such as jpg is selected as the file format setting 5402 rather than PDF format and other delimiter information 1110, 1130 and sequential number information are used as subfolder names, it is possible to set the output destination to contain a series of subfolders named "Receipt AAA0001," "Receipt AAA0002," etc., with images 1111, 1112, 1121, etc. stored within each subfolder. In this case, it is also possible to allocate files to subfolders in the same way, but use sequential numbers for the subfolder names. Furthermore, the subfolders may be compressed.

[0078] Instead of a barcode (including two-dimensional codes such as QR codes), characters or special marks may be used. Also, a separator sheet (a blank document or a document with characters or special marks printed on it) or the shape of the ruled lines on the document may be used to identify a specific document and use this as separator information. Instead of the file size, information related to the file size, such as the number of pages (number of images) or other conditions, may be used.

[0079] If the file size exceeds the size specified in the file size specification box 5205 (for example, 500 KB), the compression rate may be changed so that the specified file size is not exceeded.

[0080] For example, if it is determined in S1009 of FIG. 12 that the total file size exceeds the predetermined file size, and other delimiter information is acquired in S1010, the application 401 displays a message to the user, such as "The file size has exceeded the predetermined file size. Would you like to reprocess at a higher compression rate?", and accepts the user's selection of whether to change the compression rate and reprocess. If reprocessing at a higher compression rate is selected, the application 401 changes the compression rate to a higher rate using the other delimiter information acquired in S1010 as a starting point, without proceeding to S1011, and recalculates the total file size based on the new compression rate, and starts the process over again from S1009. This increases the likelihood of avoiding division at the predetermined file size. In other words, it increases the likelihood of dividing only at meaningful positions, such as barcodes. The change to a higher compression rate may be performed only when the file size exceeds a predetermined size for the first time, starting from other delimiter information.

[0081] Furthermore, when barcode separators and file size separators are used in combination, for example, if file size separators are set as separator method setting 5204, 5MB as file size specification box 5205, enabled as other separator detection setting 5206, and barcode separators as other separator method setting 5207, and if separating at the set 5MB results in uneven divisions, such as 10 images and 1 image, adjustments may be made so that the number of images contained in each split file between barcode separators is approximately the same. In the above example, adjustments may be made so that the number of images is approximately equal, such as 6 images and 5 images.

[0082] Also, if the number of images is, for example, 10 and 1 when divided by the set 5 MB, the resolution of each image may be converted to reduce it by 10% so that 11 images can be combined into one file. This process may be performed after inquiring with the user via a dialog box or the like. For example, if dividing the file by the specified file size results in M ​​and N images (preferably N is sufficiently smaller than M, e.g., M=10, N=1, but not limited to this), application 401 displays a dialog box containing a message such as "The file will be divided into M images and N images. Would you like to convert the resolution to "M / (M+N)" and process so that they fit into one file? [Yes] [No]" to ask the user whether or not to proceed. If the user selects [Yes] (to perform the process), application 401 performs processing such as resolution conversion so that the file size of each of the M+N images becomes "M / (M+N)," and processes the M+N images so that they fit into a single file within the specified file size.

[0083] In addition, in the above embodiment, when detecting a separator of a specified file size, the position where the maximum file size that does not exceed the specified file size is determined to be the separator position, but the separator position may be any position that does not exceed the specified file size, and is not limited to this.

[0084] Furthermore, a configuration may be added to perform preprocessing to reduce the file size before performing the processing shown in the above flowchart. For example, the processing shown in the above flowchart may be applied to an image that has been subjected to processing to reduce the file size, such as by acquiring and combining only the text portion of an image read from a document at high resolution and the background portion at low resolution in the image reading device 1 or the PC 201 that receives the image from the image reading device 1. This setting may be configured from a UI such as that shown in FIG. 6. By performing such preprocessing, it is possible to increase the possibility of splitting only at meaningful positions such as barcodes, without splitting at a predetermined file size.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, image data corresponding to delimiter images (e.g., barcodes, marks, etc.) are detected from a series of image data generated page by page by sequentially reading a series of documents, and a first delimiter position for delimiting the series of image data is determined based on the detection result. Furthermore, a second delimiter position for delimiting each segment defined by the first delimiter position is determined based on the amount of data (file size, number of pages, etc.) in a predetermined data unit of the image data within the segment. The series of image data is then divided and output based on the first and second delimiter positions.

[0086] With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently generate, without user effort, an optimal output file that achieves both a meaningful division for the user specified by the user using barcodes or separator sheets, and division at the file size desired by the user, from a series of images scanned sequentially from a series of documents. This makes it possible to solve all of the problems, such as an inability to perform meaningful division for the user, large file sizes generated in systems that scan large volumes of documents, and user effort. Therefore, image files that are generated by dividing the images into meaningful sections and file sizes desired by the user can be generated efficiently and accurately without the user's effort. In other words, image files desired by the user can be generated efficiently and without the user's effort. In addition, the accuracy of image grouping can be improved.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a file is created when detecting a file size separator, but it may be calculated theoretically based on the image reading settings and the compression rate settings of the output file. In the above embodiment, the application 401 performs the delimiter detection process, but the scanner driver 402 may also perform the process.

[0088] Furthermore, the application 401 may display the image list used in the above-described embodiment as a list of thumbnail images on the application 401 so that the delimiter positions of barcode delimiters and delimiters of a predetermined file size can be identified, and the images may be viewed via a user interface (not shown). By viewing thumbnails in such an image list, the user can visually recognize the delimiter positions, making it easier for the user to check the delimiter positions.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, one file is generated for each separator detected by the separator detection process. That is, images are grouped by the detected separator, and one file is output for each group. However, this is not a limitation. For example, images may be grouped by the detected separator, a folder may be created for each group, and one image may be output as a file in each folder. In this case, the folder name may use other separator information and sequential number information generated from the separator position as a starting point. Furthermore, this setting may be made possible by selecting a file format that does not support multi-page printing (e.g., JPEG, BMP, single-page TIFF, etc.) in the file format setting 5402 in the UI 5400 of FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the application 401 may compress the folder by specifying a compression format (e.g., Zip) for the folder for each group in the UI 5400.

[0090] Furthermore, when the image reading device 1 transmits image data to a cloud service, a server, or the like, the cloud service, the server, or the like may perform the above-described delimiter detection process. Furthermore, in the image reading device 1, the CPU 301 may perform the above-described delimiter detection process based on a program stored in the flash memory 303 or the like.

[0091] According to each of the above embodiments, image data read from a series of documents can be output in a manner that is meaningful to the user and in a size desired by the user, without any effort on the part of the user.

[0092] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and that the data may be configured in various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus made up of a single device. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of the above embodiments.

[0093] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying 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, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modifications are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Image reading device (scanner) 201 Personal Computer (PC) 401 Application 402 Scanner Driver

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that processes a series of image data that are sequentially read from a series of documents and generated page by page, a first delimiting means for detecting image data corresponding to a delimiter image from the series of image data and determining a first delimiting position for delimiting the series of image data based on the result of the detection; a second delimiting means for determining a second delimiting position for delimiting each segment defined by the first delimiting position based on the amount of data in a predetermined data unit of the image data within the segment; an output means for dividing and outputting the series of image data based on the first delimiter position and the second delimiter position; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the image data in one segment separated by the first segment position and the second segment position as one file.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output means outputs the image data in one segment separated by the first separator position to one folder.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output means includes information based on the separator image detected by the first separator means and information based on the second separator position in the file name of the file.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the image data in one segment separated by the first segment position and the second segment position to one folder.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output means includes information based on the separator image detected by the first separator means and information based on the second separator position in the folder name of the folder.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output means compresses the folder to which the image data is output.

8. the data amount of the image data in the predetermined data unit is the file size of a file generated from the image data, An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second separator means determines the second separator position at a position where the total file size corresponding to the image data within one section separated by the first separator position does not exceed a predetermined file size.

9. The information processing device described in claim 8, characterized in that if the total file size corresponding to the image data within a segment separated by the first segment position exceeds a predetermined file size, the second segmentation means changes the compression rate when generating a file from the image data to a higher compression rate and calculates the total file size again.

10. The information processing device described in claim 9, characterized in that when the total file size corresponding to the image data within one segment separated by the first segment position exceeds a predetermined file size, the second segmentation means accepts a choice from the user as to whether or not to change the compression rate when generating a file from the image data to a higher compression rate, and if changing the compression rate to a higher compression rate is selected, the compression rate is changed to the higher compression rate and the total file size is calculated again.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the series of image data is image data that has been pre-processed to reduce a file size.

12. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pre-processing is a process of making a text portion of a document have a high resolution and a background portion have a low resolution.

13. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the file size is acquired by generating a file from image data.

14. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the file size is acquired based on a read setting when reading a document.

15. The data amount of the image data in the predetermined data unit is the number of pages corresponding to the image data, An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second separator means determines the second separator position at a position where the total number of pages corresponding to image data within one separator separated by the first separator position does not exceed a predetermined number of pages.

16. 16. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for displaying a list of thumbnail images corresponding to the series of image data in such a manner that the first division position and the second division position can be respectively identified.

17. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the delimiter image is a barcode, a two-dimensional code, a predetermined character, a predetermined mark, a blank sheet, or a predetermined ruled line.

18. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data read from an original by an image reading device is acquired.

19. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image reading apparatus that reads image data from an original.

20. 1. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that processes a series of image data that are sequentially read from a series of documents and generated page by page, comprising: a first dividing step of detecting image data corresponding to a dividing image from the series of image data and determining a first dividing position for dividing the series of image data based on the detection result; a second delimiting step of determining a second delimiting position for delimiting the segment defined by the first delimiting position based on the amount of data in a predetermined data unit of the image data within the segment; an output step of dividing and outputting the series of image data based on the first delimiter position and the second delimiter position; 1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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