JP2011119895A - Information processing device, control method for the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an information processing apparatus capable of facilitating a check operation by an operator when sorting image data such as a manuscript written in a specific area and having another area blank.
When an instruction to read a document is given, a CPU 11 sequentially feeds the documents set on the document feeding device and starts reading the document (S32). The CPU 11 performs analysis / recognition processing of the read first document, that is, the image of the scan ticket (S33), and uses the recognition result to perform analysis / recognition processing on the second and subsequent check target documents. Perform (S34). The CPU 11 saves the image data with the sorting information attached to the designated saving destination using the sorting result by the analysis / recognition process (S38).
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that processes image data of a read original, a control method thereof, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for reading a document such as a form or answer sheet with a scanner and extracting symbols, numbers, and the like described on the document is known. This technique makes it possible to easily use data extracted from a large number of documents for processing such as tabulation.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, processing instruction information indicating a processing target area and processing content is entered in a processing target document by handwriting, and this is read by a scanner, whereby the processing target area and the processing content are recorded. Is disclosed, and a technique for creating a processing instruction is disclosed. Then, using the created processing instruction, information written in the processing target area written in the check target document is extracted.

JP 2008-145611 A

  However, the conventional information processing apparatus has the following problems. In offices, etc., in order to use a large number of documents of the same form, for example, which are filled in a specific area and another area is blank, it is necessary for the worker to check it visually. there were.

  In addition, there is a use for sorting documents according to the result of the above check work. In that case, when storing the sorted documents, you can attach a memo or verbally so that people other than the person who performed the check work can understand what kind of check the document is sorted by. I needed to tell.

  However, the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 merely extracts information entered in a designated area and cannot easily perform the above-described check.

  Furthermore, there is no means for easily confirming what kind of check the document sorted according to the result of the check work is sorted.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that can facilitate a check operation by an operator when sorting image data such as a manuscript written in a specific area and having another area blank. For the purpose. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of accurately informing sorting information when a person other than the sorting worker uses sorted image data. It is another object of the present invention to provide a control method and program for such an information processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document, and in the information processing apparatus that processes image data of the read document, a determination process used for the determination process of the image data Holding means for holding contents; determination means for performing determination processing of the image data in accordance with determination processing contents held by the holding means; sorting means for sorting the image data as a result of the determination processing; and the determination An information generating means for generating sorting information from at least one of processing contents and a result of the determination processing, and an information adding means for adding the sorting information to the image data sorted by the sorting means are provided. And

  According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the image data of the document is determined according to the determination processing content used for the determination processing of the image data, and the image data is classified as a result of the determination processing. Sorting information is added to the processed image data. Therefore, even when a plurality of sortings are performed, it is possible to accurately add to the image data information on under what conditions the sorted image data is the sorted image data.

  Accordingly, when sorting image data such as a manuscript that is written in a specific area and in which another area is blank, a check operation by an operator can be facilitated. Further, when a person other than the sorted worker (user) uses the sorted image data, the sorting information can be accurately notified.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, it is possible to easily sort the image data using the ticket in which the determination processing content is described.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect, the user can easily specify the processing target area of the specified document.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the color component included in the original document serving as the template is converted to be different from the color component of the instruction color of the registered processing instruction information, and the instruction information is added to the user. A document serving as a template for printing can be printed. Thereby, the recognition error of instruction information can be reduced.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, when printing the image data of the original document to which the sorting information is added, the sorting information indicating the determination processing content can be printed together.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth to sixteenth aspects, it is possible to accurately store, in the image data, information as to under what conditions the sorted image data is the sorted image data. Further, when a person other than the saved user uses the sorted image data, the sorting information can be accurately notified.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a document form. It is a figure which shows the example which added the arbitrary area | region for making it check among each item contained in the original of FIG. 2A using the color pen. It is a figure which shows the example of the original document of a check object. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of producing a scan ticket. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of producing the scan ticket following FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when creating a scan ticket following FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of checking the original of a check object using the scan ticket in step S24. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sorting result displayed on an operation unit 16. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sorting result displayed on an operation unit 16. FIG. It is a figure which shows the property screen of sorting data to which sorting information is attached as attribute information, and sorting information. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of printing the preserve | saved sorting data. It is a figure which shows the selection screen of the sorting data to print, and the printing instruction | indication screen of sorting information.

  Embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to an image processing apparatus that is a multifunction machine equipped with various functions such as a copy function and a scanner function. Note that these functions may be linked to realize the information processing apparatus with a plurality of apparatuses.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus 100 has a configuration in which a CPU 11, a RAM 18, a ROM 19, a hard disk drive (HDD) 13, a printer 14, a scanner 15, an operation unit 16, and a network I / F 17 are connected via a bus 12.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the image processing apparatus 100 by loading a program stored in the ROM 19 into the RAM 18. The CPU 11 communicates with each unit in the image processing apparatus 100 via the bus 12.

  The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of keys for the user to give instructions and a display unit for displaying various information to be notified to the user. A scanner (reading device) 15 reads an image on a document set by a user on a document table as a color image, and stores electronic data (image data) obtained by the reading in the HDD 13, RAM 18, and the like. The HDD 13 is a hard disk drive including a hard disk, and stores various types of input information. The scanner 15 has a document feeding device (not shown), and can sequentially feed and read a plurality of documents set on the document feeding device to a document table.

  The printer (printing device) 14 prints an image based on the input image data on a recording paper (sheet). The network I / F 17 connects the image processing apparatus 100 to the network 20 and controls reception of data from an external apparatus on the network and transmission of data to the external apparatus on the network.

  Note that the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment shows a case where image data input via the scanner 15 is processed. In addition, for example, image data of a document sent from an external device is converted to a network I / O. The same processing can be performed when processing is performed via F17.

  The same processing can be performed in a personal computer (PC) to which a scanner or a printer is connected. In this case, all or part of the program used in this embodiment can be provided to the PC via a network or the like, or stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provided to the PC.

  Next, an example of a document used in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2A shows an example of a document form. This manuscript is a questionnaire paper 21 in a state where nothing is filled in. This questionnaire form 21 is provided with a column 21a for entering the gender, occupation, age, etc. of the respondent, a question item column 21b, and an answer column 21c for them. The respondent enters his / her information and answers to the questions on the questionnaire form 21.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example in which a user adds an arbitrary area for checking among items included in the document of FIG. 2A using a color pen. The document shown in FIG. 2B is a processing instruction sheet. This processing instruction sheet is created when a user who checks the created questionnaire sheet writes processing instruction information described later on a sheet of the same format as the questionnaire sheet to be checked. That is, the processing instruction sheet is the one in which the processing instruction information is written on the questionnaire sheet shown in FIG. 2A. In the present embodiment, in order to specify a region to be processed by the user, a corresponding region is enclosed with a color pen or the like as a closed region such as a rectangle.

  Here, the processing instruction information written on the questionnaire sheet 21 will be described. In FIG. 2B, for example, areas 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 are areas written with a red pen in order to designate an area to be processed. In other words, it is shown that the respondent is “female, married, company employee, 30s” and checks (sorts) the questionnaire sheet in which the answer is entered in Q1.

  Note that it is possible to use a color other than red, and the type of color may be reduced or increased according to the check contents. Although a pen is used here, the pen is not limited to a pen as long as it can be colored.

  Then, the user uses the operation unit 16 to register the color information of the processing instruction information to be used in advance and the processing content in the RAM 18 in association with each other. That is, checking that there is a description for red is registered in the RAM 18. The CPU 11 determines the color component (for example, hue) of each color registered here, and stores the content in the RAM 18.

  Note that when performing color registration, instead of performing registration through the operation unit 16, the user may cause the scanner 15 to read what has been written on the paper and perform registration. Further, instead of the user performing color registration, color information and processing content may be registered in the image processing apparatus 100 in advance. When processing according to the contents registered in advance, the user adds processing instruction information to the document according to the registered color and processing contents.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 registers the color components of the processing instruction information to be used and the processing contents corresponding to the color components, and creates a processing instruction sheet based on these.

  The image processing apparatus 100 uses this processing instruction sheet to extract processing instruction information, and recognizes the processing content (determination processing content) according to the extraction result. Then, the image processing apparatus 100 checks whether or not there is information in a specific area of the document and whether or not it is blank for the document to be checked in accordance with the recognized processing content.

  FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a document to be checked. Here, it is assumed that the document to be checked is based on a document of the same format as in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the present embodiment, the manuscript to be checked is a questionnaire sheet in which answers are entered.

  The image processing apparatus 100 extracts the processing instruction information added as shown in FIG. 2B, and based on the extraction result, there are descriptions in the areas 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235, The document is determined to be normal. Since the document shown in FIG. 2C satisfies all the conditions for determining that the document is normal, the check result of the document is normal (OK). On the other hand, the check result of a document that does not satisfy the condition for determining that it is normal at one place is abnormal (NG).

  Note that the content and area of the check are not limited to these, and it is possible to instruct other check contents and other areas.

  Next, a process of creating a scan ticket for executing a check of the description content of the original will be described based on the processing instruction sheet shown in FIG. 2B.

  Here, the scan ticket recognizes the instruction content in FIG. 2B and has a format (for example, QR) that allows the image processing apparatus 100 to recognize the check method (determination processing content) of the document to be checked as shown in FIG. 2C. Code (registered trademark)).

  The scan ticket includes the instruction content recognized from the document in FIG. 2B and the position information of the area to which the instruction content is applied. When checking the document to be checked, the CPU 11 reads the scan ticket by the scanner 15 to recognize the processing contents, and checks the document to be checked. When the content of the scan ticket indicates a sorting condition, the document that is determined to be OK as a result of the check is sorted as satisfying the sorting condition.

  3, 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure when creating a scan ticket. This flowchart shows the flow of processing when the CPU 11 loads a program stored in the ROM 19 into the RAM 18 and executes it. When the user gives an instruction to create a scan ticket via the operation unit 16, this processing is started.

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display a combination of the instruction color (hereinafter simply referred to as instruction color) of the processing instruction information registered in the RAM 18 and the processing content (step S1). For example, the CPU 11 displays “OK if there is a description in an area surrounded by red” on the operation unit 16.

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to perform a display for inquiring the user whether or not the instruction color and the processing content displayed in step S1 are acceptable (step S2). In response to this inquiry, if it is determined that the user has instructed the user to negate via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display that the combination of the instruction color and the processing content is to be changed ( Step S4).

  Here, the CPU 11 may display an inquiry as to which color to change, and may present a new color instead of the instructed color, or the user may specify an arbitrary color using the operation unit 16. You may make it do. Further, instead of using a new color, the combination of color and processing content may be simply changed. At this time, since the CPU 11 cannot instruct different processing contents for the same color, the CPU 11 performs control so that one processing content is obtained for one color.

  When the instruction color or the processing content, or both the instruction color and the processing content are changed in step S4, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display step S1. Here, the display is performed so that the user can confirm that the change process has been performed in step S4.

  If it is determined that an instruction to affirmatively is given from the user via the operation unit 16 in response to the inquiry in step S2, the CPU 11 determines the instruction color of the processing instruction information to be used and the processing content corresponding thereto. , Registered in the RAM 18.

  In step S2, the user visually confirms the contents of the document (colors included in the document), and it is determined that the color component of the instruction color is similar to the color component included in the document. In this case, they are different from each other, and an error in extracting processing instruction information is prevented.

  As a result of the confirmation in step S2, if it is determined that the color component included in the document is similar to the color component of the instruction color, a monochrome copy of the document may be performed as described later. In this case, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display a message prompting the user to set a document. When the CPU 11 determines that the document has been set by the user, the CPU 11 executes monochrome copying. This can also prevent an error in extracting processing instruction information when processing instruction information is added with a chromatic color pen. Thus, by determining the confirmation result to the user, it is possible to reduce the number of times the document is read by the scanner.

  If the CPU 11 determines in step S2 that the instruction color and the processing content are OK, the CPU 11 identifies the color component used for the processing instruction information and stores it in the RAM 18. The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display whether or not only the document to be checked (FIG. 2C) exists in the user's hand (step S3). This is to confirm whether or not a document (FIG. 2A or 2B) serving as a template exists when creating a processing instruction sheet. In other words, this is to enable creation of a document for writing processing instruction information from the document to be checked, as will be described later, when the user only has the document to be checked. Here, the template refers to a document to which the user can add processing instruction information, not a document to be officially checked.

  When the CPU 11 receives a response that only the check target document exists (no template document exists) via the operation unit 16 in step S3, the CPU 11 prompts the scanner 15 to set the check target document. To the operation unit 16 (step S5).

  Here, for example, a guidance display “Please set one of the documents to be checked on the scanner. Press the OK button after setting” and an OK button for recognizing that the document has been set are displayed. . Then, the CPU 11 recognizes that the document is placed by pressing the OK button. Note that the CPU 11 may automatically recognize that a document is set on the scanner 15 by using a photo interrupter provided at the bottom of the document table, a document sensor of a document feeder, or the like.

  When determining that the OK button has been pressed in step S5, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 15 to read the image of the document to be checked (step S6). Further, in step S6, the CPU 11 converts the image data input from the scanner 15 into monochrome image data, and outputs it to the printer 14 to output a monochrome copy to recording paper.

  In step S6, the original is converted into monochrome and printed by the printer 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to convert the color of the read image of the document into another color that does not include the instruction color and print (second printing unit). Also, for example, the red character in the read document may be changed to a blue character and output, and the color may be converted and output. In addition, a color to be subjected to color conversion may be registered in the RAM 18 in advance, and color conversion may be performed when the same color as the registered color is found on the original.

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display such that the processing instruction information as shown in FIG. 2B is written on the recording paper output by the printer 14 in step S6 (step S7). Thereafter, the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S17.

  When there is a response that the template document exists in step S3, the CPU 11 displays a message for inquiring whether or not the processing instruction information has already been described in the template (FIG. 2B) on the operation unit 16 (step S8).

  In response to this display, when the CPU 11 receives a response from the user indicating that the processing instruction information is not described in the template via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 displays a display for prompting the scanner 15 to set the template. 16 (step S9). For example, a guidance display “Please set the template in the scanner. Press the OK button after setting” and the OK button are displayed. The CPU 11 recognizes that the document is placed when the user presses the OK button. As in step S5, it may be automatically recognized that the document is placed on the scanner 15 using a photo interrupter provided at the lower part of the document table, a document sensor of the document feeder, or the like. .

  When the OK button is pressed in step S9, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 15 to read the template original image (step S10).

  The CPU 11 performs analysis / recognition processing for determining whether or not the same color component color as the instruction color is included in the image data obtained by this reading (step S11). In this color component analysis / recognition process, for example, when analyzing / recognizing whether or not red is included, the CPU 11 performs analysis / recognition by extracting red hue. In this color component analysis / recognition, various known methods can be employed. In addition, parameters other than hue may be used, or other parameters may be combined.

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the color analyzed and recognized in step S11 includes the same color as the instruction color registered in the RAM 18 (step S12). Here, the determination as to whether or not the indicated color is the same as the color analyzed and recognized in step S11 can be determined not only as a complete match but also as a certain range. For example, when the RGB value is expressed in 256 levels, the result of comparison between the analyzed / recognized color and the RGB value of the instruction color may be determined to be the same if they are within plus or minus 20 . It is also possible to apply a method for determining the same color by a method other than the method shown here.

  When it is determined in step S12 that the same color as the instruction color registered in the RAM 18 is included in the template image, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display a message prompting the scanner 15 to set the template (see FIG. Step S13). For example, a guidance display “Please set the template in the scanner. Press the OK button after setting” and the OK button are displayed.

  The CPU 11 recognizes that the document has been placed by pressing the OK button. As in the case of steps S5 and S9, it is automatically recognized that a document is placed on the scanner 15 using a photo interrupter provided at the bottom of the document table, a document sensor of the document feeder, or the like. You may do it.

  When the OK button is pressed in step S13, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 15 to read the image of the document to be checked (step S14). The CPU 11 converts the image data input from the scanner 15 into monochrome image data, and outputs it to the printer 14, thereby performing monochrome copy output on the recording paper.

  In step S14, the document is converted into monochrome and printed by the printer 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. As an alternative process, various methods can be adopted as shown in the process of step S6 described above.

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display such that the processing instruction information as shown in FIG. 2B is written on the recording paper output by the printer 14 in step S14 (step S15). Thereafter, the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the same color as the instruction color registered in the RAM 18 is not included in the template image, the CPU 11 prompts to write processing instruction information as shown in FIG. 2B on the template document. The display is performed on the operation unit 16 (step S16). Thereafter, the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S17.

  As described above, in step S8, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display whether or not the processing instruction information has already been described in the template. If it is determined that a response indicating that the instruction information is already written in the template is received via the operation unit 16 in response to this display, the CPU 11 reads the template image with the instruction information already written into the scanner 15. (Step S17). Similarly, after the processes of steps S7, S16, and S15, the CPU 11 performs the process of step S17. The process in step S17 is an example of a reading unit.

  Here, the CPU 11 causes the document to be read in the same procedure as the monochrome copy output described above. That is, the CPU 11 displays on the operation unit 16 a prompt to set a document on which instruction information has been written. On the other hand, when the user presses an OK button after setting a document, the CPU 11 causes the scanner 15 to read the document. However, here, the CPU 11 does not convert the image data read by the scanner 15 into monochrome image data. The image data obtained here is stored in the RAM 18.

  The CPU 11 performs processing instruction information analysis / recognition processing from the image data input from the scanner 15 (step S18). Here, first, the CPU 11 analyzes where the instruction color determined in step S2 is on the document and recognizes the color of that portion, thereby specifying the position of the target region for each color. The position specified here can determine which size of the region to be processed exists at which position of the document. For example, the position of the target area is specified by coordinates. Then, the CPU 11 stores the identified position in the RAM 18 in association with the processing content determined in step S2.

  The CPU 11 displays the result analyzed and recognized in step S18 on the operation unit 16 (step S19). For example, the coordinates of the area corresponding to the specified processing instruction information and the processing content for that area are displayed. Note that the CPU 11 may display a thumbnail image of the read document, and display the processing instruction information at a position corresponding to the image so that the processing instruction information can be identified. .

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to perform a display for confirming whether the content displayed in step S19 is correct (step S20). When the CPU 11 receives a negative response from the user via the operation unit 16 in response to this confirmation, the CPU 11 operates a display for confirming whether or not the printer 14 outputs the template image read in step S17 in monochrome. The process is performed by the unit 16 (step S25).

  When the CPU 11 receives an affirmative response via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 converts the template image read in step S17 into monochrome image data, and causes the printer 14 to perform monochrome copy output (step S26). . That is, when the processing instruction information cannot be correctly extracted, the image processing apparatus 100 outputs the processing instruction document to which the processing instruction information is added in a monochrome copy.

  Then, the image processing apparatus 100 adds the processing instruction information again using the processing instruction sheet output in the monochrome copy. In step S26, the case where the original is converted into monochrome and printed by the printer 14 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. As an alternative process, various methods can be employed as described above in step S6.

  The CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display to prompt the processing instruction information to be written on the recording paper output by the printer 14 in step S26 (step S27). Thereafter, the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S17.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 receives an instruction indicating that monochrome copy output is not performed from the user via the operation unit 16 in step S25, the operation unit 16 displays a display for confirming whether or not a new processing instruction sheet is to be created. (Step S28).

  In response to this confirmation, when the CPU 11 receives an instruction indicating that a new processing instruction is to be created via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 operates a display that prompts the scanner 15 to set the newly created processing instruction. The process is performed by the unit 16 (step S29). Thereafter, the CPU 11 returns to the process of step S17.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 receives, via the operation unit 16, an instruction indicating that a new processing instruction sheet is not created in step S28, the process is terminated.

  Subsequent to the display of step S27 and step S29, when the user sets a document and issues a reading instruction such as pressing the OK button via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 executes the process of step S17 described above again. .

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 receives a response indicating that the analysis result is correct in step S20 via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 stores the analysis content in the RAM 18 (holding unit) as the extraction result of the processing instruction information. Then, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display an inquiry as to whether or not to create a scan ticket (step S21).

  When the CPU 11 receives an affirmative response to the display via the operation unit 16, it encodes the analysis content (step S22). The coding of the analysis content refers to coding the analysis result displayed in step S19 using, for example, a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code (registered trademark)). Further, the contents to be encoded include an area for which processing is instructed and processing contents for the area. Here, a two-dimensional code will be described as an example, but it may be coded by other methods, and is not limited to this as long as the image processing apparatus 100 can analyze and recognize.

  The CPU 11 outputs the encoded data created in step S22 as an image on the recording paper by the printer 14 for printing (step S23). Using the printed scan ticket, the CPU 11 can execute a check of a document to be checked.

  However, if it is determined in step S20 that the analysis result is correct, the processing instruction read by the scanner 15 in step S17 is correctly recognized, so that the processing instructions in steps S21 to S23 are not performed. It may be a scan ticket. In this case, the image processing apparatus 100 recognizes processing contents and the like from the processing instruction sheet at the time of checking.

  When the CPU 11 receives a negative response to the inquiry in step S21 via the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display an ID for specifying the analysis content registered in step S20. This is because when the check original is checked, the analysis contents are specified, read out from the RAM 18 and made available. The ID may be specified by the user from the operation unit 16 as a desired ID other than the one presented by the CPU 11. The ID determined here and the analysis content are stored in the RAM 18 in association with each other. Thereafter, the CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S24.

  The CPU 11 checks the document to be checked according to the processing instruction information recognized in this way and the processing content corresponding to the processing instruction information (step S24). Details of this processing will be described later.

  By such processing, it is possible to convert the color component included in the document so as to be different from the color component of the instruction color, and to print the document for adding processing instruction information to the user. As a result, the processing instruction information added to the processing instruction sheet can be correctly recognized. That is, recognition errors in processing instruction information can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to appropriately guide the user at that time (for example, notification of guidance for prompting monochrome copy output), and to reduce errors in the user's work. Note that it is not necessary to execute all the processes shown in the flowchart, and only a part of the processes may be executed.

  Next, a procedure for checking a document according to the extracted processing instruction information using the scan ticket created in this way will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when checking a document to be checked using a scan ticket in step S24. This flowchart shows the flow of processing in which the CPU 11 loads a program stored in the ROM 19 into the RAM 18 and executes it. Here, a case where an instruction to create a scan ticket is instructed in step S21 will be described, but the same applies to the case where a processing instruction sheet is used as a scan ticket without performing the processes in steps S21 to S23.

  When the user gives an instruction to check a document to be checked via the operation unit 16, this processing starts. First, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display the first scan ticket printed in step S23, and then prompt the user to superimpose a document to be checked and set it on the document feeder (step S31). ).

  After the document is set, when the user gives an instruction to read the document, such as when the user presses the OK button of the operation unit 16, the CPU 11 sequentially feeds the document set on the document feeder, and the scanner 15 Document reading is started (step S32).

  Here, the CPU 11 first feeds a scan ticket which is the first of the originals set on the original feeder, and causes the scanner 15 to read the scan ticket (second reading means). Subsequently to this, the CPU 11 sequentially reads the document to be checked set on the scan ticket. Note that a plurality of documents to be checked can be stacked and set. Further, by designating a series of originals from the operation unit 16, it is also possible to divide a large number of originals into a plurality of bundles and set them on the original feeder.

  The CPU 11 performs analysis / recognition processing of the first original read in step S32, that is, the scan ticket image (step S33). Here, the CPU 11 analyzes a two-dimensional code or the like in the read scan ticket, and recognizes a region (position) to be processed and a processing content. The recognized result is stored in the RAM 18 (holding means).

  Using the recognition result stored in the RAM 18, the CPU 11 performs analysis / recognition processing on the second and subsequent check target documents (step S34).

  For example, in the case of the document to be checked shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 11 performs binarization processing on an image in a certain area with a predetermined threshold value, and recognizes that it is blank when the number of white pixels (no image) is 80% or more of the area.

  Further, the CPU 11 performs binarization processing on an image in a certain area with a predetermined threshold value, and recognizes that there is a description when the number of black pixels (image is present) is 20% or more of the area. Further, the CPU 11 extracts red or a hue near red for an image in a certain area, binarizes the extracted hue, and recognizes that there is a description when the ratio of pixels is 20% or more. In addition, the numerical value which shows these ratios is an example, and another numerical value may be sufficient. Also, other recognition methods may be employed.

  The CPU 11 sequentially stores in the RAM 18 the page number of the document to be checked and the recognition result for that page. Here, the CPU 11 determines OK when all the recognition results are normal with respect to one document to be checked, and determines NG when none is recognized as normal.

  When the recognition process for all the check target documents is completed, the CPU 11 totals the results for all the documents stored in the RAM 18. The totaling of the results includes, for example, totaling the total number of checked originals to be checked, the number of areas determined as NG, the page number of the original including the area determined as NG, and the like.

  This page number is the order read by the scanner 15 (the order fed from the document feeder) and is the first to first pages of the document to be checked excluding the scan ticket. If information other than that shown here can be identified from the information stored in the RAM 18, it may be further totaled. Although the case where the data is stored in the RAM 18 is shown here, the same processing can be performed even if the data is stored in the HDD 13.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 16 to display the result obtained in step S34 as a sorting result (step S35).

  7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of sorting results displayed on the operation unit 16. The sorting result display screen shown in FIG. 7A is an example of a screen on which the number of checked documents and the number determined to be OK (that is, the number of documents corresponding to the sorting condition indicated by the scan ticket) are displayed. Further, this screen is provided with a button 501 for proceeding to a procedure for storing sorted image data (hereinafter also referred to as sorting data).

  In order to store the image data (document data), the CPU 11 displays a screen for attaching sorting information (step S36). The sorting information attachment screen in FIG. 7A (b) is provided with buttons 511 to 514 that can select whether or not to attach each piece of information in order to allow the user to select the information to be attached. ing. For example, when attaching all of the “number of check sheets”, “total number of pages”, “save destination folder information”, and “ticket information”, the user may select all the buttons 511 to 514. In this way, it is possible to generate sorting information by including various information (information generating means).

  Here, the save destination folder information is information related to a storage folder (location) for saving sorting data described later. The ticket information is information related to the scan ticket used for the check. When the scan ticket is already stored in a specific folder, the ticket information includes information indicating the folder.

  The CPU 11 acquires the sorting information to be attached and the attachment method selected by the user (step S37). FIG. 7A (c) shows an example of a sorting information attachment screen for selecting whether to attach sorting information.

  The sorting information attached here indicates the contents of the scan ticket used for the sorting process, that is, the contents of the sorting conditions. In the sorting information, a thumbnail of a ticket for confirming the checked area, the contents of the check performed on the designated area, and the like are described. As the contents of the check, “sorting condition: described in red frame” is shown.

  Here, when the user selects the button 531 for attaching the sorting information, the screen of the operation unit 16 is a screen for selecting a method for attaching the sorting information (sorting information attaching screen, as shown in FIG. 7B (d)). ). As the position for attaching the sorting information, the first page, the last page, etc. of the sorting data can be selected. In addition, it is possible to select a method for simultaneously printing pages with sorting conditions only when sorting data is printed.

  Also, a method for attaching sorting information as attribute information can be selected. In this case, the sorting conditions can be confirmed by referring to the property information of the sorting data. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a property screen of sorting data to which sorting information is attached as attribute information and sorting information. Since the sorting information is attached to this file, an “attached file display” button 71 is displayed in the attribute item of the property screen of FIG. When the “attached file display” button 71 is selected, the attached sorting information is displayed as shown in FIG. The attached sorting information includes a thumbnail of a ticket that can confirm the checked area, the contents of the check performed on the designated area, and the like. As described above, the contents of the check indicate “sorting condition: described in red frame”.

  FIG. 7B (e) shows an example of a screen (sorting data storage folder screen) for specifying the sorting data storage destination. When the user designates a storage destination of the sorting data on the sorting data storage folder screen, the CPU 11 stores the image data with the sorting information attached to the designated saving destination (step S38). The processing in step S38 is an example of information adding means. Thereafter, the CPU 11 ends this process.

  For example, a folder selected by the user from a plurality of folders provided in the HDD 13 attached to the image processing apparatus 100 is designated as the storage destination of the sorting data. Further, when the image processing apparatus 100 is connected to another PC or server via a network, the sorting data may be stored in the HDD on the other PC or server via this network.

  In this example, the sorting data is stored in a folder specified by the user. However, if the multifunction peripheral has a Send function (an e-mail transmission function for sending a file by e-mail), the sorting is performed using that function. Data may be transmitted to a specific address (destination).

  According to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, after checking whether or not there is information in a specific area of the document and sorting the image data of the document, the image data of the sorted document is checked. It becomes possible to save the sorting information indicating the contents as attached data. Therefore, even when a plurality of sorting processes are performed, it is possible to accurately attach information indicating under what conditions each sorting data is sorted. Further, when a person other than the user who saved the sorting data uses the saved sorting data, the sorting information can be accurately notified.

  As described above, according to the determination processing content used in the image data determination processing, the document image data determination processing is performed. As a result of the determination processing, the image data is sorted, and sorting information is added to the sorted image data. Accordingly, when sorting image data such as a manuscript that is written in a specific area and in which another area is blank, a check operation by an operator can be facilitated.

  Also, image data can be easily sorted using a scan ticket in which the contents of determination processing are described. Further, the user can easily designate a specific area of the document. In addition, it is possible to print a document for adding instruction information to the user by converting the color component included in the document to be different from the color component of the instruction color specified by the user. Thereby, the recognition error of instruction information can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, a case where stored sorting data is printed will be described. Since the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The scan ticket generation method, the document sorting check procedure, the sorting data storage method, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for printing stored sorting data. This flowchart shows the flow of processing in which the CPU 11 loads a program stored in the ROM 19 into the RAM 18 and executes it. Here, it is assumed that the stored sorting data is sorting data when “Attach as attribute information” is selected as the sorting information on the screen of FIG. 7B (d).

  The CPU 11 displays a screen for selecting sorting data to be printed (step S51). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection screen for sorting data to be printed and a printing instruction screen for sorting information. In the printing screen of FIG. 9A, sorting data to be printed, which is selected by the user, is displayed. In order to select sorting data to be printed, a box number, a name, and a usage amount are shown for each sorting data. Printing is performed by selecting one of these sort data and selecting the button 561.

  Here, sorting data stored in the HDD 13 is selected. When the image processing apparatus 100 is connected to another PC or server via a network, it is possible to select sorting data stored in an HDD on the other PC or server via the network.

  The CPU 11 generates print data in order to output the selected sorting data (step S52). Sorting information is attached to the selected sorting data as attribute information.

  The print screen in FIG. 6B is a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to print the sorting information attached to the sorting data together with the sorting data. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the sorting information is also printed (step S53). When printing the sorting information, the print button 85 is selected by the user. The CPU 11 generates sort data print data (step S54). Then, the CPU 11 outputs the print data generated in step S52 and step S54 (step S55). The process in step S55 is an example of a third printing unit. Thereafter, the CPU 11 ends this process.

  On the other hand, if the sorting information is not printed in step S53, the CPU 11 outputs only the print data generated in step S52 in step S55. Thereafter, the CPU 11 ends this process.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment, when sorting data with sorting information attached as attribute information is printed, sorting information indicating the checked contents can be printed together.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and any configuration can be used as long as the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configuration of the present embodiment can be achieved. Is also applicable.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

11 CPU
14 Printer 15 Scanner 16 Operation unit 18 RAM
21 Questionnaire forms 221, 222, 223, 224, 225

Claims (18)

In an information processing apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads a document and processes image data of the scanned document,
Holding means for holding determination processing contents used in the determination processing of the image data;
Determination means for performing determination processing of the image data in accordance with the determination processing content held by the holding means;
As a result of the determination process, sorting means for sorting the image data;
Information generating means for generating sorting information from at least one of the determination processing content and the determination processing result;
An information processing apparatus comprising: information adding means for adding the sorting information to the image data sorted by the sorting means. Creating means for creating a ticket describing the contents of the determination process;
Printing means for printing the ticket created by the creating means;
Second reading means for reading the ticket printed by the printing means;
Analyzing means for analyzing the content of the determination process from the ticket read by the second reading means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the determination processing content analyzed by the analyzing unit.   The creating unit includes a reading unit that reads a processing instruction sheet in which processing instruction information is written on a document as a template, specifies a processing target area in the read processing instruction sheet, and specifies the processing target sheet that has been specified. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ticket is created by analyzing contents of an area. The color component included in the original is converted so as to be different from the color component of the instruction color of the processing instruction information registered in the information processing apparatus, and the original as a template with the color component converted is printed. Comprising a second printing means;
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reading unit reads a processing instruction sheet in which the processing instruction information is written in a document as a template with the color component converted.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third printing unit configured to print the sorting information added to the image data together with the sorted image data.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the image data to which the sorting information is added by the information addition unit in a storage device attached to the information processing apparatus.   The information according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the image data to which the sorting information is added by the information addition unit in a storage device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. Processing equipment.   2. The information according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the image data to which the sorting information has been added by the information addition unit to a specific destination using an electronic mail transmission function of the information processing apparatus. Processing equipment.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit includes the number of pages of the read image data in the sorting information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit includes the number of pages of image data sorted by the sorting unit in the sorting information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit includes, in the sorting information, information that specifies a location where the image data sorted by the sorting unit is stored.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit includes the determination processing content held by the holding unit in the sorting information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information generation unit includes, in the sorting information, information specifying a place where the determination processing content held by the holding unit is stored.   2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information adding unit adds the sorting information generated by the information generating unit to a first page of image data sorted by the sorting unit.   2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information adding unit adds the sorting information generated by the information generating unit to a final page of the image data sorted by the sorting unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information adding unit adds the sorting information generated by the information generating unit as attribute information to the image data sorted by the sorting unit. In a control method of an information processing apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads a document and processes image data of the read document,
A holding step for holding determination processing contents used for the determination processing of the image data in a storage medium of the information processing apparatus;
A determination step of performing determination processing of the image data in accordance with the determination processing content held in the holding step;
As a result of the determination process, a sorting step for sorting the image data;
An information generating step for generating sorting information from at least one of the determination processing content and the determination processing result;
An information processing apparatus control method comprising: an information addition step of adding the sorting information to the image data sorted in the sorting step. In a program that includes a reading unit that reads an original, and causes a computer to execute a control method of an information processing apparatus that processes image data of the read original.
The control method is:
A holding step for holding determination processing contents used for the determination processing of the image data in a storage medium of the information processing apparatus;
A determination step of performing determination processing of the image data in accordance with the determination processing content held in the holding step;
As a result of the determination process, a sorting step for sorting the image data;
An information generation step for generating sorting information from at least one of the determination process content and the determination process result;
An information adding step for adding the sorting information to the image data sorted in the sorting step.

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