Image Processing Apparatus Folder Path Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems require significant user effort and time to set folder paths using character strings from documents, as the position of target character strings varies and manual selection from numerous extracted strings is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes character recognition to generate template data associating character strings with their positions, allowing for automatic selection and storage of folder paths, reducing user input and simplifying the selection process by using template registration and one-touch transmission functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If character recognition processing is performed on the entire document without specifying an area, then all character strings can be extracted, but the user is prompted to select from many character strings which complicates the selection process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of extracted character stringsVSAvoiduser selection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the document processing into two modes: full-document character recognition for comprehensive extraction, and area-specific recognition for targeted extraction. The system divides the character string selection task into manageable portions by allowing users to specify regions of interest, thereby reducing the number of character strings presented for selection while maintaining access to all strings when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the character recognition scope based on user input. The system can switch between recognizing character strings across the entire document and recognizing strings only within a user-specified area. This dynamic approach adapts to different user needs, allowing the system to present fewer selection options when area specification is used, thereby simplifying the selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an area is specified for character recognition, then the number of extracted character strings is reduced, but the target character string cannot be set if it is not included in the specified area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser selection operationVSAvoidfolder path setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system presents extracted character strings to the user for verification and selection. After character recognition is performed (either on the entire document or a specified area), the system displays the recognized strings and allows the user to confirm or adjust the selection. This feedback loop ensures that even if the target character string was missed during automated recognition, the user can identify and select the correct string, thereby maintaining reliable folder path setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional character recognition system that can operate in multiple modes: full-document recognition, area-specific recognition, and hybrid mode where initially extracted strings are supplemented with user-specified corrections. The system universally handles different scenarios by adapting its recognition scope and selection process, ensuring that the target character string can be reliably identified regardless of the initial recognition approach taken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual input of folder path characters is required, then precise folder path setting is achieved, but significant time and effort are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolder path settingVSAvoiduser time and effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically performs character recognition on the document image, extracts character strings, and presents them for folder path construction. Instead of requiring users to manually type the folder path, the system serves itself by automatically generating candidate strings from the document content. Users only need to review and confirm the automatically extracted strings, dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to complete manual input while maintaining accurate folder path setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3716598B1Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 CANON KK
  • EP3716598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3716598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3716598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a registration unit configured to register first image data as a template, a character recognition unit configured to recognize one or more character strings included in second image data different from the first image data, a display unit configured to display the one or more character strings recognized by the character recognition unit, a reception unit configured to receive a selection of a character string displayed by the display unit, the selection being made by a user, and a storage unit configured to store the second image data in a folder named with a character string based on the selection received by the reception unit. The display unit does not display, from among of the one or more character strings recognized by the character recognition unit, a character string included in the image data registered by the registration.