JP5589381B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to a technique for generating information on a target area for performing recognition processing.

  Conventionally, a form or the like is created by overlaying data such as variables (data not fixed to a template such as characters and numerical values) on a certain format (template). In addition, software for creating template data used to create a form or the like in this way has been developed.

  The template data (template data) is specifically form data (form data) such as a form having a certain format. Using this software, form forms can be created, output areas that output data such as variables in some areas of the forms, and print areas that allow users to input (describe) characters, etc. Template data is created by setting. The template data created in this way is overlaid with the variables and the like, and the target form is output.

  In addition, conventionally, after a form is output in this way, OCR processing (character recognition) is performed on the form in order to read variables output to the form output area or characters written in the print area by the user. Process). In order to efficiently perform OCR processing, an OCR template that is defined as an OCR processing area is generated for a part of the form (such as an output area or a printing area) in accordance with a user instruction, and OCR template is generated according to the OCR template. Processing is being executed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an image of a form read from a scanner is displayed, and field item attribute information of an area designated by a user is created from the displayed image.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-044256

  However, in the above prior art, when creating the template data of a form, an object such as a form output area is set, and a character font (typeface such as Gothic or Mincho) or font is set for the object. Set the attribute information such as the size, the character / numeric attribute indicating whether the output data is characters or numbers, the number of digits such as the output characters or numbers, and then perform the OCR processing. , Attribute information such as a dictionary used in OCR processing must be set in the target area. That is, the user has to set attribute information when creating template data and performing OCR processing, which is complicated.

  In addition, in order to read the printing paper on which the form form data is printed and perform the character recognition processing on the field area, the OCR definition information must be prepared in advance on the character recognition device side. There is a problem in that character recognition processing cannot be performed in a character recognition device that does not provide the.

The object of the present invention is to accept input of an object to the form form data via the creation screen, set the object to the form form data, and for each set object through the creation screen, Accepting input of attribute information related to the object and selection of whether or not to perform data recognition processing for the area of the object by user operation, generating form form data in which the attribute information related to the object is set, Generates data recognition information indicating the attribute information related to the data recognition process of the object, in which the area of the object is set as the area to perform the data recognition process according to the attribute information related to the object that has received the selection to perform the recognition process And store it for the generated form data If the user accepts the selection of whether or not to generate print data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added by the user's operation and receives the selection to generate the print data to which the data recognition information is added, Generate print data of the form data with the data recognition information of the form data added, and add the data recognition information when a selection not to generate the print data with the data recognition information is received. Generate print data of the form data, send the generated print data to be printed by the printer, and input the read data obtained by reading the print paper on which the print data of the form data is printed. Whether or not data recognition information is added to the input read data. If it is determined that the data recognition information is added, the data recognition processing is performed on the read data using the data recognition information, while it is determined that the data recognition information is not added. If the data is stored, the stored data recognition information of the form data is used to perform a data recognition process on the read data, so that the user can input the data recognition information or perform a data recognition process. It is to provide a mechanism for reducing the burden on the administrator of preparing data recognition information in an information processing apparatus in advance.

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for generating data recognition information used for data recognition processing , in which an object region set in the form data is set as a region for performing data recognition processing , the form form Displaying a creation screen for creating data, and accepting an input of an object to the form form data via the creation screen displayed by the display unit according to a user operation, and the form form data an object setting means for setting the object to, through the creation screen displayed by the display means, each set object by said object setting means, an input of the attribute information relating to the object, and the region of the object Select whether to perform data recognition processing for the user An accepting unit that accepts an operation, a form form data generating unit that creates form form data in which attribute information related to an object received by the accepting unit is set, and an object set by the object setting unit includes the accepting unit Determining means for determining whether or not the object is subject to selection for performing data recognition processing on the area of the object, and the determination means determines that the object is subject to selection for performing data recognition processing. For the object, data recognition information indicating the attribute information related to the data recognition process of the object is set as the area for performing the data recognition process in accordance with the attribute information related to the object received by the receiving unit. generation to that recognize information Adding a generation unit, a storage means for storing data recognition information generated by the recognition information generating unit for continuous form data generated by the continuous form data generating means, the data recognition information of the continuous form data A selection accepting unit that accepts a selection as to whether or not to generate print data for the form form data that has been generated, and printing the form form data with the data recognition information of the form form data added by the selection accepting unit When the selection to generate data is accepted, print data of the form form data is generated by adding the data recognition information of the form form data to the form form data, while the data of the form form data Generate print data of the form data with the recognition information added When accepting a free choice with respect to the continuous form data, a print data generating unit that generates print data of the document form data without adding data recognition information of the continuous form data, the print data generation Transmitting means for transmitting the print data generated by the means for printing to the printer, input means for inputting the read data obtained by reading the print paper on which the print data of the form form data is read, and the input means And determining means for determining whether or not the data recognition information is added to the read data inputted in step (b), and if the determination means determines that the data recognition information is added, the data recognition information is The data recognition process is performed on the read data. When the data recognition information is determined not to be added, stored by the storage means, using the data recognition information of the continuous form data, a recognition unit for performing data recognition processing for the read data, the It is characterized by providing.

The present invention also relates to an information processing method in an information processing apparatus for generating data recognition information used for data recognition processing , in which an object region set in form form data is set as a data recognition processing region. The display unit of the information processing apparatus displays a creation screen for creating the form data, and the object setting unit of the information processing apparatus displays the display step according to a user operation. The object setting step for receiving the input of the object to the form form data via the created creation screen and setting the object in the form form data, and the receiving unit of the information processing apparatus are displayed by the display step. The object set by the object setting process is made via the created creation screen. A receiving step for accepting input of attribute information related to the object and a selection of whether or not to perform data recognition processing for the area of the object for each object by a user operation, and a form data generation unit of the information processing apparatus A form data generation step for generating form form data in which attribute information related to the object received by the receiving step is set; and a determination unit of the information processing apparatus determines that the object set by the object setting step A determination step for determining whether the object has received a selection for performing a data recognition process on the area of the object in the reception step; and a recognition information generation unit of the information processing apparatus includes a data recognition process in the determination step. It is determined that the object has received a selection to perform For the object, the data recognition indicating the attribute information related to the data recognition process of the object, in which the area of the object is set as the area for performing the data recognition process according to the attribute information related to the object received in the receiving process. A recognition information generating step for generating information; a storage step for storing information in the information processing device; a storage step for storing data recognition information generated by the recognition information generating step; and a selection receiving unit for the information processing device. Selection accepting step of accepting selection of whether or not to generate print data of the form form data with the data recognition information of the form form data added to the form form data generated by the form data generating step And the print data generation means of the information processing apparatus receives the selection receipt. In the attaching process, when the selection to generate the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is received, the data recognition information of the form form data is added to the form form data. When print data of the added form data is generated, and on the other hand, when the selection not to generate the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is accepted, A print data generation step of generating print data of the form form data without adding data recognition information of the form form data, and a print unit generated by the print data generation step A transmitting step for transmitting the data to be printed by a printer; The input unit of the apparatus inputs the read data obtained by reading the printing paper on which the print data of the form form data is read, and the determination unit of the information processing apparatus is input in the input step A determination step of determining whether or not data recognition information is added to the read data; and a recognition unit of the information processing apparatus determines that the data recognition information is added in the determination step, Data recognition processing is performed on the read data using the data recognition information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the data recognition information is not added by the determination step, the data stored by the storage step is stored. using the data recognition information of the form form data, to include a recognition step of performing data recognition processing for the read data And features.

Further, the present invention, the region having the object set in the document form data, is set as an area for performing data recognition processing, it is read executed by the information processing apparatus for generating data recognition information used for the data recognition processing The information processing apparatus includes a display unit for displaying a creation screen for creating the form form data, and the form form via the creation screen displayed by the display unit according to a user operation. It receives an input of the object to the data, and the object setting means for setting the object to the continuous form data, through the creation screen displayed by the display means, for each object set by the object setting means, Input of attribute information related to the object, and the object Generating form data for generating form form data in which attribute information related to an object received by the receiving means is received by a user operation and selection of whether to perform data recognition processing for the area And means for determining whether the object set by the object setting means is an object that has received a selection for performing data recognition processing on the area of the object by the receiving means; and For the object determined to be an object that has received a selection for performing recognition processing, the area of the object is set as an area for performing data recognition processing according to the attribute information related to the object received by the receiving unit . Data authorization for the object A recognition information generating unit that generates a data recognition information indicating the attribute information relating to the processing, and storage means for storing data recognition information generated by the recognition information generating unit, the form generated by the form form data generating means A selection accepting unit that accepts selection of whether or not to generate print data of the form form data with the data recognition information of the form form data added to the form data by a user operation, and the selection accepting unit When the selection to generate the print data of the form form data with the data recognition information of the form form data is accepted, the form form with the data recognition information of the form form data added to the form form data Generate print data of data, while data recognition of the form data When the selection not to generate the print data of the form form data to which the information is added is accepted, the print data of the form form data is added to the form form data without adding the data recognition information of the form form data. and print data generation means for generating, transmitting means for transmitting so as to print the print data generated by the print data generating unit to the printer, resulting in the printing paper print data of a form form data is printed is read Input means for inputting read data to be read, determination means for determining whether or not data recognition information is added to the read data input by the input means, and the data recognition information is added by the determination means If it is determined, the data recognition information is used for the read data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the data recognition information is not added by the determination unit, the data recognition information of the form form data stored by the storage unit is used. characterized in that to function as a recognition means for performing data recognition processing for the read data.

According to the present invention, input of an object to the form form data is accepted via the creation screen, the object is set in the form form data, and for each set object through the creation screen, Accepting input of attribute information related to the object and selection of whether or not to perform data recognition processing for the area of the object by user operation, generating form form data in which the attribute information related to the object is set, Generates data recognition information indicating the attribute information related to the data recognition process of the object, in which the area of the object is set as the area to perform the data recognition process according to the attribute information related to the object that has received the selection to perform the recognition process And store it for the generated form data If the user accepts the selection of whether or not to generate print data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added by the user's operation and receives the selection to generate the print data to which the data recognition information is added, Generate print data of the form data with the data recognition information of the form data added, and add the data recognition information when a selection not to generate the print data with the data recognition information is received. Generate print data of the form data, send the generated print data to be printed by the printer, and input the read data obtained by reading the print paper on which the print data of the form data is printed. Whether or not data recognition information is added to the input read data. If it is determined that the data recognition information is added, the data recognition processing is performed on the read data using the data recognition information, while it is determined that the data recognition information is not added. If the data is stored, the stored data recognition information of the form data is used to perform a data recognition process on the read data, so that the user can input the data recognition information or perform a data recognition process. It is possible to reduce an administrator's burden of preparing data recognition information in the information processing apparatus in advance.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatuses 100 and 200 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of the form editor screen 400. FIG. 5 is an example of a form form property screen 500 for inputting form attribute information. FIG. 6 is an example of a property screen for inputting object attributes (definitions). FIG. 7 is an example of a form definition table in which data for defining a form is stored. FIG. 8 is an example of an object definition table that stores data for defining (attributes) objects. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an OCR definition table of a form. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an OCR definition table of objects. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of output data. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing a region to be subjected to OCR processing of a form (template). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that shows an OCR processing target area of a form described by a user, read by the multifunction device 300. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the system of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed processing in step S1404 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S1508 shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an example of a dictionary table. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of step S1602 in FIG. 16, step S1902 in FIG. 19, step S2002 in FIG. 20, and step S2102 in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of step S1509 in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed processing of step S1510 of FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of the processing in step S1511 of FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the system of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship among an object placement area 2301, an OCR process area (OCR process target area 2302), and a clear area 2303. FIG. 24 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a form print setting screen displayed when a form form data print instruction is issued. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a form print processing procedure in the information processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a data recognition processing procedure in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

Briefly explaining the technical features of the present invention, data recognition information (OCR definition information) is automatically generated using attribute information (character type, character size, etc.) of data written in the field area set when generating the form data. And generating the print data of the form data by adding the generated data recognition information to the form data. Thereby, since the data recognition information is added to the printing paper of the form form data, the data recognition information can be acquired only by reading the printing paper, and the accuracy of the data recognition processing (OCR processing) is increased. The maximum characteristic part of this process corresponds to FIGS.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Description of FIG. 1>

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100, the information processing apparatus 200, and the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) 300 are connected to each other via a network 400 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The multifunction machine 300 is an image processing apparatus such as a so-called MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a scanner function, a printing function, and the like, and executes a printing process in response to a request from the information processing apparatus or forms (paper). It is possible to transmit digitized data (electronic data) generated by reading (scanning) or the like to the information processing apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus can make a print request for a form or the like to the multifunction device 300 via the network 400. In addition, the information processing apparatus has a function for creating and editing a template (form form data) such as a form, and form attribute information (form that is data in the form definition table (FIG. 7)) that is input when creating the template. A function for generating OCR definition information (data in FIG. 10) to be set for OCR from definition information) and object attribute information (object definition information which is data in the object definition table (FIG. 8)) ing.

Also, it has a function of displaying electronic data of a form described by the user transmitted from the multifunction device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that shows an OCR processing target area of a form described by a user, read by the multifunction device 300. As illustrated in FIG. 13, areas 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, and 1308 indicate areas that are subject to OCR processing. In the present embodiment, a description is given using a suitable character recognition process (OCR process) as an example of the data recognition process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a symbol recognition process (OMR process). is there.
<Description of FIG. 2> Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatuses 100 and 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatuses 100 and 200 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 has a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, and functions executed by each server or each PC (information processing apparatus). Various programs and the like to be described later necessary for the realization are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display (display unit) such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is provided in an external storage device (hard disk (HD)), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via the network 400, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Further, files and various tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211.
<Description of FIG. 3> FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

  The external memory 211 includes a form editor software program 301, an OCR software program 318, a form definition table (FIG. 7), an object definition table (FIG. 8), draft image data 312 and the entire form data. An OCR definition table (FIG. 9), an OCR definition table (FIG. 10) of objects written in the field area in the form form data, a dictionary table (FIG. 17), and various dictionaries (316) used for OCR processing The output result 317 obtained by outputting the recognition processing result by the OCR engine and the output data (FIG. 11) are stored.

  A form editor software program 301 (hereinafter also referred to as form editor software) is software used to create or edit a form template such as a form.

  The form editor software 301 is arranged in the template with a form data / attribute input unit 302 (FIG. 5) for inputting form template data such as a form and various attribute information of the template in accordance with an instruction from the user. OCR definition information (FIG. 10) is generated using the object data input / attribute input unit 303 (FIG. 6) for inputting various object data and various attribute information of the object (FIG. 6), and the data input in 302 and 303. Set the OCR definition information generated by the OCR definition information generation unit 304, the image data generation unit 305 that generates image data (data to be overlaid with the template) as the draft of the template, and the OCR definition information generated by the OCR definition information generation unit 304 in the OCR engine. Where the OCR software reads to And OCR definition information setting unit 306 for storing the OCR definition information in a storage area of, and the output unit 307 for outputting OCR processing (character recognition processing) a result of executing the (recognition result), and a. Note that the image data generated by the image data generation unit 305 is stored in the storage unit 308.

  Here, the data of the template (form) input in 302 and various attribute information of the template are stored in the form definition table (FIG. 7) 310, and the data of various objects input in 303 and the various attributes of the object. The information is stored in an object definition table (FIG. 8) 311. The data in the form definition table 310 and the object definition table 311 is data 309 for configuring (defining) a form (style) serving as a template.

The OCR definition information generation unit 304 generates OCR definition information from the data in the form definition table (FIG. 7) and the object definition table (FIG. 8) stored in the storage unit 308 as described above.
Then, the OCR definition information setting unit 306 stores the generated OCR definition information in the object OCR definition table 315 stored in the storage unit 308.

These form OCR definition table 314 and object OCR definition table 315 are data 313 used to execute OCR processing (character recognition processing).
The storage unit 308 is a storage unit such as the external memory 211 and stores various dictionaries 316 used in OCR processing.

  The OCR software program 318 (also referred to as OCR software) is read by the reading unit 319 and the reading unit 319 for reading the OCR definition table 314 of the form stored in the storage unit 308 and the OCR definition information in the object OCR definition table 315. A character recognition processing unit 320 (OCR engine) that performs character recognition processing using data (OCR definition information), and an output unit 321 that outputs a result recognized by the character recognition processing unit 320 to be stored in the storage unit 308. I have.

Here, the output unit 321 can output the recognition result of the character recognition processing unit 320 for display on a display unit such as the CRT 210, or can output the result of printing on the multi-function device 300. .
<Description of FIG. 14> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the system of the present invention, and corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S1401 to S1406 indicate each step.

First, when executing the form editor software program, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 displays the form editor screen 400 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an example of the form editor screen 400.

Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 receives an input of a form such as a form from the user. Specifically, when the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 detects that the setting button has been pressed by the user, the form form property screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
FIG. 5 is an example of a form form property screen 500 for inputting form attribute information.

A form form property screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 includes a unit 501 for inputting a form name (name) of a form, a unit 503 for inputting the size (size) of output paper, and a unit 507 for inputting a printing direction. A grid interval unit 509, a margin input unit 512, a layout unit input unit 517, and an OCR process input unit 518. Each information input in each part of the form form property screen 500 will be described as attribute information of the form (template).
Here, the form form property screen 500 will be described in detail.
Reference numeral 502 denotes a text box that accepts input of the form name (name) of the form by the user.

  Reference numeral 504 denotes a pull-down menu capable of selecting a paper size (A4 or the like), reference numeral 505 denotes a text box in which a paper width can be input, and reference numeral 506 denotes a paper height. It is a text box that can. Reference numeral 508 denotes a pull-down menu in which the print direction (vertical or horizontal) can be input.

Reference numeral 510 denotes a grid box (height), and reference numeral 511 denotes a text box in which the grid gap (horizontal) can be entered. Reference numerals 513, 514, 515, and 516 denote text boxes for inputting the margins of the template, and the upper, lower, left, and right margins of the template can be input, respectively.
Reference numeral 517 denotes a pull-down for inputting a layout unit. For example, millimeters (mm) can be input.

Reference numeral 519 denotes a check box that can input a setting for executing the OCR process for the form displayed in FIG. 4. If the check box is checked here, a setting for executing the OCR process is input. The Rukoto. Reference numeral 520 denotes a check box capable of inputting a setting for not executing the OCR processing for the form displayed in FIG. When this is checked, a setting for not executing the OCR process is input.
The attribute information input to each part of the form form property screen 500 described here is data for defining the form, such as grid intervals and margins.

  When the user inputs attribute information in each part of the form form property screen 500 and presses the OK button 521, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 stores the input attribute information in the form definition table (FIG. 7). (Step S1401). When the cancel 522 button is pressed, the form form property screen 500 is closed. FIG. 7 is an example of a form definition table in which data for defining a form is stored.

Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 arranges and displays objects on a template (form) 401 displayed on the form editor screen 400 in accordance with a user instruction.
Specifically, when the display button 416 is pressed by the user, the field list screen 417 is displayed.
On this screen, objects for arranging objects such as a fixed field 418 and a variable field 419 are displayed.

  Here, the fixed field is an area for outputting fixed (no change) data, and the variable field is an area for outputting variable data. When the user drags and drops the fixed field 418 and arranges it on the template 401, an output area such as 413 can be set on the template. Similarly to the fixed field, the variable field can be set on the template by dragging and dropping the variable field 419 and placing it on the template 401.

  The OLE field 420 of the field list screen 417 is an object that can set the output of a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. Like the variable field, the OLE field 420 is arranged on the template 401 by dragging and dropping the OLE field 420. The For example, an output area such as 414 can be set on the template. Here, reference numeral 414 denotes an example set as an area for outputting a QR code.

  In addition, the user can directly input a character on the template 401 by pressing the object 421 and inputting the character from the KB 209. For example, characters 403, 404, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, and 411 are input in this way.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes an input of a check box object. In step 405, when the object 422 is pressed by the user and the template 401 is designated, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 inputs 405 on the template 401. The “ladder frame” object shown at 412 can be input in the same manner.

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 selects the input object according to the user's instruction, and displays the property screen 600 (FIG. 6) of the selected object according to the user's instruction. For example, when the user selects an object and right-clicks in the selected state and selects “Property” (not shown), the property screen 600 (FIG. 6) of the selected object is displayed. Is done.

Then, from the displayed property screen 600 (FIG. 6), data indicating the definition of the object can be input to the object in accordance with a user instruction.
FIG. 6 is an example of a property screen for inputting object attributes (definitions).

The object property screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 includes a unit 601 for inputting the name of the object and its type, a unit 604 for inputting whether to perform OCR processing, and a unit for inputting the arrangement position and size of the object. 607, 619, a line attribute input unit 610, a character attribute input unit 614, and an output definition for inputting whether a character (column) is combined horizontally or vertically, and whether a character is full-width or half-width A section 620 and a section 623 for inputting the number of lines and the number of digits of the character frame when a character frame is set.
Here, the object property screen 600 will be described in detail.

  Reference numeral 602 denotes a text box for inputting a field graphic name (name), and reference numeral 603 denotes a pull-down for selecting and inputting the type. Here, as the type, for example, a figure (square), a character, a figure (check box), a character (circle), a figure (ladder frame), an output area (character), an output area (QR code), or the like is selected. be able to.

  The figure (square) is an object in which a template is surrounded by a square figure (line) as shown by 402 in FIG. The character is, for example, a character object input in 403, 404, 406, 408, 410, 411 in FIG. The figure (check box) is an object used as a check box, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 405 in FIG. The character (circled) is an object circled by the user, for example, as indicated by reference numerals 407 and 409 in FIG. The figure (ladder frame) is an object in which characters or the like are input (filled in) by the user, for example, as shown at 412 in FIG.

  The output area (character) is an object to which a character is output, for example, as indicated by 413 in FIG. The characters output to this object are stored in advance as output data (FIG. 11), for example, in accordance with a user instruction.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of output data. In FIG. 11, as data to be output to the area 413 (character area) in FIG. 4, the text data “* Please access the electronic coupon from here” and the area 414 in FIG. 4 (to output the QR code) QR code data “ABC... Jpee3dw” is shown as data to be output to the area (1).
When the template of FIG. 4 is printed, the data of the output data (FIG. 11) is output to the areas 413 and 414 for printing. The printed result is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen of the OCR area of the template. Returning to the description of the object property screen 600. The output area (QR code) is an object for outputting a two-dimensional code as indicated by 414 in FIG. 4, for example.

  Reference numeral 605 denotes a check box in which a setting for executing an OCR process on a selected object can be input. When this box is checked, a setting for executing an OCR process on a selected object is set. Will be entered. Reference numeral 606 denotes a check box capable of inputting a setting for not executing the OCR process on the selected object. When this is checked, a setting for not executing the OCR process on the selected object is input.

  Reference numeral 608 denotes a text box that can input a distance from the leftmost side of the template as a reference position of the arrangement position of the object. Reference numeral 609 denotes a text box that can input a distance from the uppermost side of the template.

  Reference numeral 611 denotes a pull-down menu that can select a line type such as a solid line or a dotted line of the object. Reference numeral 612 denotes a pull-down menu for selecting and inputting the line width of the object. Reference numeral 613 denotes a pull-down menu that can select and input the line color of the object.

  Reference numeral 615 denotes a pull-down menu that can input a font of an object character (such as Gothic or Mincho). Reference numeral 616 denotes a pull-down menu that can input the character style of the object (thin characters, standard characters, bold characters, etc.). Reference numeral 617 denotes a pull-down menu in which the character size (points) of the object can be input. Reference numeral 618 denotes a pull-down menu capable of inputting the character color of the object.

  Reference numeral 619 denotes a text box in which an object size (size) can be input. Here, it is possible to input the width and height of the object.

  Reference numeral 621 denotes a pull-down menu that can selectively input the direction of the character set of the object. Reference numeral 622 denotes a pull-down menu that can selectively input the output size (full-width, half-width, etc.) of the character of the object. Reference numerals 624 and 625 are pull-downs for selecting and inputting the number of lines and the number of digits of the character frame, respectively.

  When data indicating the definition of the object is input via the property screen 600 (FIG. 6) and the OK button is pressed by the user, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 displays the data indicating the definition of the input object. This is stored in the object definition table shown in FIG. The user performs this operation on each object.

  As described above, in step S1402, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 inputs data indicating the definition of an object for each object from the displayed property screen 600 (FIG. 6) according to a user instruction. Accept. Then, the input data is stored in the object definition table (FIG. 8). FIG. 8 is an example of an object definition table in which data for defining (attributes) (field attribute information) of objects (fields) is stored.

  The object definition table shown in FIG. 8 includes “object number”, “type”, “sequential number within type”, “name”, “OCR usage classification”, “left”, “top”, “width”, “height”. ”,“ Number of lines ”,“ Number of digits ”,“ Line type ”,“ Line width ”,“ Line color ”,“ Font ”,“ Style ”,“ Size ”,“ Color ”,“ Composition direction ”,“ Text ” It consists of the item “Output Size”.

  “Object number” is a number for identifying an object, and corresponds to the number indicated in parentheses in the reference numerals of FIG. That is, the object number <1> indicates a frame 402 in FIG. “Type” is information indicating the type (type) of the object. The “in-type serial number” is a consecutive number assigned to identify objects of the same type. “Name” is the name of the object. The “OCR usage classification” stores information indicating whether or not to use OCR. In the case of an object that performs OCR, “Yes” is stored, and in the case of an object that does not perform OCR, “No” is stored. Further, “left” stores information indicating the reference position of the object arrangement position and indicating the position from the leftmost side of the template. Further, “upper” stores information indicating the position from the top of the template that specifies the reference position of the object arrangement position. Further, the “width” stores the width of the object. In “height”, the height of the object is stored. The “number of lines” is the number of lines in a character input area such as a ladder frame. “Number of digits” is the number of digits in a character input area such as a ladder frame. The “line type” is information such as a solid line or a dotted line. The “line width” is a line width. The “line color” is a line color. The “font” is a font of characters. The “style” is a character style. “Size” is the size of a character. The “color” is the color of the character. The “set direction” is a set direction of characters (rows). The “character output size” is a character output size such as full-width or half-width.

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not “use OCR” in the form definition table (FIG. 7) input and stored in step S1401 is “Yes” (step S1403).

That is, it is determined whether or not 519 of the form property screen 500 is checked. If 519 is checked (when “Use OCR” in the form definition table (FIG. 7) is “Yes”) (step S1403: YES), the object definition table stored in the storage unit is used to execute the OCR process. OCR definition information is generated (step S1404). On the other hand, when 519 is not checked and 520 is checked (when “Use OCR” in the form definition table (FIG. 7) is “No”) (step S1403: NO), OCR definition information is not generated. The process ends.
Detailed processing in step S1404 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, when the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates the OCR definition information in step S1404, the CPU 201 acquires the scan resolution (dpi), the print orientation, and the like of the form OCR definition table (FIG. 9) stored in advance. For example, using the following formula, the size of the image data (upper left X coordinate: 0, upper left Y coordinate: 0, lower right X coordinate: value calculated by the following formula, lower right Y coordinate: The image data to be a draft of the template is generated (step S1405). By using the image data generated here as a draft of the OCR definition information, it is possible to specify which area in the template is to be the OCR process area.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 1200 showing the OCR processing target area of the form (template) specified as described above. FIG. 12 is a screen in which an OCR processing target area is displayed on a form in which output data (FIG. 11) is output to the output area. In FIG. 12, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, and 1208 are defined as OCR processing target areas. Note that the size of the OCR processing target area can be corrected according to a user instruction.

  (Expression)-Lower right X coordinate = Size (width) (mm) x Scanning resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm)-Lower right Y coordinate = Size (height) (mm) x Scanning Resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm)

For example, if the printing resolution is 300 dpi when scanning a vertical A4 sheet (width 210 mm and height 297 mm), and substituting these values into the above equation, the lower right X coordinate is 210 (mm) × 300 (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm) = 24800.349... And a value of about 2480. Also, if the lower right Y coordinate is substituted in the same manner, 297 (mm) × 300 (dpi) /25.4 (mm) = 3507.87..., Which is about 3507.
In this way, the size of the image data generated here is determined, and image data (image) of that size is generated (step S1405).

Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 sets the OCR definition information in the OCR software by storing the OCR definition information generated in step S1404 in a storage unit that is read by the OCR software (step S1406).
Here, FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an OCR definition table for the entire form data.

  The form OCR definition table includes “form form name”, “OCR use”, “printing resolution”, “scanning resolution”, “image file name”, and “clear area initial value”.

  The “form form name” is data corresponding to the “form form name” in the form definition table (FIG. 7), and is stored (generated) by being copied by the OCR definition information generating unit 304.

  “OCR use” is data corresponding to “OCR use” in the form definition table (FIG. 7), and is stored (generated) by being copied by the OCR definition information generating unit 304.

  “Resolution at printing” is a value stored in advance in response to a user instruction, and defines a resolution at which printing is performed at the time of printing. Accordingly, the form data generated by the form editor software 301 is instructed to be printed at the resolution set here.

  The “scanning resolution” is a value stored in advance according to a user instruction, and defines which resolution is read at the time of scanning. Therefore, the form data generated by the form editor software 301 is read at the resolution set here.

  “Image file name” is the file name of the image data generated in step S1405, and is generated by copying the form name of the form definition table (FIG. 9) when the image data is generated.

  The “clear area initial value” is a value stored in advance in response to a user instruction, and is a length 2303 of a width from an object arrangement area 2301 to an area 2302 for performing OCR processing, as shown in FIG. .

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship among an object placement area 2301, an OCR process area (OCR process target area 2302), and a clear area 2303.
<Description of FIG. 15> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S1404 shown in FIG. 14, and corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S1501 to S1511 indicate steps.

  The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 repeatedly executes processing from step S1502 to step S1511 described later for all object definition information stored in the object definition table (FIG. 8). Here, the object definition information (form field attribute information) indicates the data of the record information shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 reads the object definition information in the object definition table (FIG. 8) (step S1502). For example, here, object definition information whose object number is <1> is read.

  Then, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the “OCR usage classification” is defined as “Yes” (step S1503). That is, it is determined whether 605 in the object property screen (FIG. 6) is checked or 606 is checked.

  Here, in the object definition table (FIG. 8), when 605 is checked, “OCR usage category” is stored as “Yes”, and when 606 is checked, “OCR usage category” is set as “No”. It is remembered.

  If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the “OCR usage classification” is defined as “Yes” in step S1503 (step S1503: YES), the process proceeds to step S1504. If it is determined that “classification” is defined as “no” (step S1503: NO), the processing target is set to the next record in the object definition table, and the process returns to step S1502. At this time, the process is executed for all the object definition information, and the process ends when there is no processing target.

  Next, when the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the “OCR usage classification” is defined as “Yes” (step S1503: YES), the type of the object included in the object definition information is “character”. ”Or“ graphic (ladder frame) ”or“ output area (character) ”(step S1504).

  If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the object type is “character”, “figure (ladder frame)”, or “output area (character)” (step S1504: YES), step S1508 is performed. The process is shifted to and the character recognition setting process (FIG. 16) is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the object type is not “character”, “graphic (ladder frame)”, or “output area (character)” (step S1504: NO), the object type is “graphic (check box)”. Is determined (step S1505).

  If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the object type is “figure (check box)” (step S1505: YES), the process proceeds to step S1509 and the check box recognition setting process (FIG. 19) is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the object type is not “figure (check box)” (step S1505: NO), it is determined whether the object type is “character (circled)” (step S1506). ).

  If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the type of the object is “character (circled)” (step S1506: YES), the process proceeds to step S1510, and the circled number recognition setting process is performed. (FIG. 20) is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the object type is not “character (circled)” (step S1506: NO), it is determined whether the object type is “output area (QR code)” (step S1507). ).

  If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the type of the object is “output area (QR code)” (step S1507: YES), the process proceeds to step S1511 and the QR code recognition setting process ( 21) is executed.

  When the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines in step S1507 that the object type is not “output area (QR code)”, and after executing the processing of step S1508, step S1509, step S1510, and step S1511, As in the case where NO is determined in step S1503, the processing target is set to the next record in the object definition table, and the process returns to step S1502. At this time, the process is executed for all the object definition information, and the process ends when there is no processing target.

In this way, the processing from step S1502 to step S1511 is executed for all object definition information stored in the object definition table.
<Description of FIG. 16> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S1508 shown in FIG. 15, and corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S1601 to S1615 indicate the respective steps.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates data (here, “OCR”) indicating that a character recognition process for recognizing a character is executed as a type (type) to be recognized (step S1601). The data generated here is stored in the OCR definition table (OCR template) of the object shown in FIG. Here, the OCR template is a set of OCR definition information of each object shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an OCR definition table of objects written in the field area in the form form data. Various data used for OCR is stored in the OCR definition table.

  The object OCR definition table shown in FIG. 10 stores “No”, “area name (name)”, “object number”, “recognition type”, and the X coordinate of the upper left coordinate of the object placement area (recognition area). “X”, “Y” in which the Y coordinate of the upper left coordinate of the object arrangement area (recognition area) is stored, “X” in which the X coordinate of the lower right coordinate of the object arrangement area (recognition area) is stored, "Y", "Use dictionary", "Composition direction", "Character frame", "Number of digits", "Number of lines", "Character" where the Y coordinate of the lower right coordinate of the object placement area (recognition area) is stored "Output size" etc.

  “No” is a number for identifying a record, and part or all of the information in this record is referred to as OCR definition information. The “area name (name)” is the name (area name) of an object (OCR target object) to be subjected to OCR. The “object number” is a number corresponding to the object number in the object definition table of FIG. The “recognition type” is a type (type) of recognition processing performed by the OCR software 318. The “use dictionary” indicates a dictionary used in recognition processing performed by the OCR software 318. The “set direction” indicates whether the character (row) is in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. “Character frame” indicates what kind of frame a character frame such as a ladder frame is. “Number of digits” indicates the number of digits in the character frame. “Number of lines” indicates the number of lines in the character frame. “Character output size” indicates half-width or full-width.

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executes the common information generation process (step S1602), and from the object definition information, the OCR target object (such as the object area name) in the object OCR definition information table and the recognition area. (Pixel) (object placement position (coordinates)) is generated. The generated OCR target object (object area name, etc.) and recognition area (Pixel) (object placement position (coordinates)) are stored in the object OCR definition table. Detailed processing in step S1602 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, after executing the common information generation process, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a font name is stored in “font” of the object definition information (step S1603). If it is determined that the font name is stored (step S1603: YES), a dictionary corresponding to the font is searched from the dictionary table (FIG. 17) (step S1604).

  FIG. 17 is an example of a dictionary table. FIG. 17 shows that a dictionary suitable for OCR is stored for character fonts. The dictionary table is stored in the storage unit.

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not a dictionary corresponding to the font has been searched in step S1604 (step S1605). If it is determined that a dictionary corresponding to the font has been searched (step S1605: YES), “use dictionary” in the OCR definition table (FIG. 10) of the object is used to set the dictionary to use the searched dictionary. ”Is stored (generated). On the other hand, if it is determined that the dictionary corresponding to the font has not been searched (step S1605: NO), the object's OCR definition table (FIG. The dictionary name of the default dictionary is stored (generated) in the “use dictionary” of 10) (step S1607).

  If it is determined in step S1603 that no font name is stored in the “font” of the object definition information, that is, if there is no font information, the process of step S1607 is executed. That is, the dictionary name of the default dictionary is stored (generated) in the “use dictionary” of the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10).

  Next, after executing the processing of step S1607 or step S1606, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 indicates “composition direction” of one record (object definition information) of the object definition table to be processed (FIG. 8). “Character output size” is stored (generated) in “Composition direction” and “Character output size” of the OCR definition table (FIG. 10) of the object.

  Then, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not it is a character frame object by determining whether or not a numerical value is currently set in the “frame” of the object definition information to be processed ( Step S1609). If the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the object is a character frame object (step S1609: YES), the CPU 201 determines whether the character frame is divided into a plurality of pieces (step S1610). That is, by determining whether or not the value (at least one of the number of lines and the number of digits) set in the “frame” of the object definition information to be processed is a numerical value of 2 or more, "Or" field frame "is determined (step S1610).

  Then, when it is determined that the frame is a “ladder frame” (when it is determined that at least one of the number of lines and the number of digits set in the “frame” is a numerical value of 2 or more) (step S1610). : YES), “ladder” is stored (generated) as data indicating a ladder frame in the “character frame” of the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10) (step S1611). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is a “field frame” (when it is determined that both the number of lines and the number of digits set in the “frame” are numerical values of 1) (step S1610: NO), “Field” is stored (generated) in the “character frame” of the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10) as data indicating a field frame (step S1613).

  If it is determined in step S1609 that a numerical value is not currently set in the “frame” of the object definition information to be processed (determined that the object is not a character frame object) (step S1609: NO), the object OCR “-” Is stored (generated) as data indicating that there is no frame in the “character frame” of the definition table (FIG. 10) (step S1604).

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 sets the values of “number of lines” and “number of digits” of the “frame” in the object definition table (FIG. 8) as the maximum number of characters to be recognized as the object. Are stored (generated) in “number of rows” and “number of digits” in the OCR definition table (FIG. 10) (step S1612).

  Further, after executing the processing of step S1604 or step S1613, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 sets “0 (zero)” as setting information that causes the OCR software to automatically recognize the number of characters to be recognized. Then, it is stored (generated) in “number of rows” and “number of digits” in the OCR definition table of the object (FIG. 10) (step S1615).

As described above, when the process of step S1615 or step S1612 is executed, the character recognition setting process shown in step S1508 ends, and the definition information of the next object to be processed is read in step S1502.
<Description of FIG. 18> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of step S1602 in FIG. 16, step S1902 in FIG. 19, step S2002 in FIG. 20, and step S2102 in FIG. 18 corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG.

That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S1801 to S1804 indicate each step.
The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates a name (area name) of the OCR target object (step S1801).

  Specifically, when the name of an object is input in “Name” of the object definition table (FIG. 8), the name is used as the name of the OCR target object (area name) (FIG. 10). ) In (area name (name)). If the name of the object is not entered in “Name” of the object definition table (FIG. 8), the name (area name) of the OCR target object is generated from the “type” of the object and the “sequential number within type”. Then, it is stored (generated) in “area name (name)” of the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10).

  For example, since the object with the object number <4> is a check box, the area name (name) is connected to “CHK” indicating a check box and “001” of “in-type serial number”, and is an OCR target “CHK001”. An object name (area name) is generated and stored in “area name (name)” of the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10).

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the coordinates of the recognition area from the “placement” information in the object definition table (FIG. 8), and calculates the result in the “recognition area (pixel)” of the object OCR definition table. Is stored (generated) (step S1802). Specifically, for example, the upper left coordinates and the lower right coordinates of the recognition area can be calculated using the following equations.

  (Expression) • “X coordinate at upper left of recognition area” = (reference position (left) −initial value of clear area) × scanning resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm) • “Y coordinate at upper left of recognition area “= (Reference position (upper) −initial value of clear area) × scanning resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm) ·“ lower right X coordinate of recognition area ”= (reference position (left) + size ( (Width) + Clear area initial value) x Scanning resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm) · "Y coordinate at the bottom right of the recognition area" = (Reference position (Up) + Size (Height) + Clear area Initial value) x scanning resolution (dpi) ÷ 25.4 (mm)

  Here, as shown in FIG. 23, the clear area is the length 2303 of the width from the object arrangement area 2301 to the area 2302 where the OCR processing is performed, and is set in advance by a user instruction and stored in the storage unit. Yes. Here, the value of the clear area set in advance by the user's instruction is described as the initial value of the clear area.

The scan resolution is set in advance by a user instruction and stored in the OCR definition table (FIG. 9) in the form of the storage unit. The reference position (left), reference position (top), size (width), and size (height) are the items “left”, “top”, “width”, “size” of the object definition table (FIG. 8), respectively. This is the value stored in “Height”.
In step S1802, the coordinates of the recognition area can be calculated by acquiring these pieces of information and substituting them into the above-described formula.

  Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the recognition area determined by the coordinates calculated in step S1802 falls within the area of the template (form) (step S1803).

  Specifically, it is determined whether the coordinates of the recognition area obtained by calculation in step S1802 exceed the coordinates of the size of the image data determined when generating the image data in step S1405.

  Then, the recognition area falls within the template area (the coordinates of the recognition area obtained by calculation in step S1802 do not exceed the coordinates of the size of the image data determined when generating the image data in step S1405). 18 is finished, the process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated, while the image does not fit (the recognition area coordinates obtained by calculation in step S1802 are determined when the image data is generated in step S1405). If it is determined that it exceeds the coordinates of the size of the image data), each coordinate of the recognition area is corrected so as to be within the area of the template (step S1804).

Specifically, the coordinates of the recognition area determined by calculating in step S1802 that is determined to be exceeded are set to the coordinates of the size of the image data determined when generating the image data in step S1405. This can be corrected.
<Description of FIG. 19> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of step S1509 in FIG. FIG. 19 corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG.

  That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S1901 to S1902 indicate each step.

First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates data (here, “check box”) indicating that a character recognition process for recognizing a check box is executed as a type to be recognized (type) (step S1901). The data generated here is stored in the OCR definition table of the object shown in FIG.
Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executes the common information generation process shown in FIG. 18 (step S1902), and ends the process of step S1509.
<Description of FIG. 20> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed processing of step S1510 of FIG. 20 corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG.

  That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S2001 to S2002 indicate each step.

First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates data (here, “circle”) indicating that a character recognition process for recognizing a circled character is executed as a type (type) to be recognized (step S2001). The data generated here is stored in the OCR definition table of the object shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executes the common information generation process shown in FIG. 18 (step S2002), and ends the process of step S1510.
<Description of FIG. 21> Next, processing executed by the form editor software 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of the processing in step S1511 of FIG. FIG. 21 corresponds to the processing by the form editor software 301 shown in FIG.

  That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S2101 to S2102 indicate each step.

First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates data (here, “QR code”) indicating that character recognition processing for recognizing a two-dimensional code is executed as a type to be recognized (type) (step S2101). The data generated here is stored in the OCR definition table of the object shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executes the common information generation process shown in FIG. 18 (step S2102), and ends the process of step S1511.
<Description of FIG. 22> Next, processing executed by the OCR software 315 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure in the system of the present invention, and corresponds to the processing by the OCR software 315 shown in FIG. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing a program read from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 to the RAM 203. In the figure, S2201 to S2204 indicate steps.

  The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 100 reads the form OCR definition table (FIG. 9) and the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10) from the storage unit 308 (step S2201), and reads the form OCR definition table (FIG. 9). And the data in the object OCR definition table (FIG. 10) are set for OCR (step S2202).

  Then, OCR is executed using the data set in step S2202 (step S2203), the recognition result is output to be stored in the storage unit (step S2204), and the process is terminated. The form editor software reads and outputs (displays, prints, etc.) the stored recognition result.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the attribute information by the user is generated by generating the attribute information for the target area for executing the OCR process according to the attribute information of the object input to create the template data. Information input work can be reduced.

  <Explanation of FIG. 24> Next, a mechanism for adding data recognition information (OCR definition information) with a two-dimensional barcode (QR code) to the printing paper of the form data at the time of printing the form will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a form print setting screen displayed when a form form data print instruction is issued. This form print setting screen is an example of a print setting screen displayed on the display unit by the form form data application program (form editor software 301) when printing the form form data.

  In this form print setting screen, when the “print with OCR definition added” check box 2401 is checked, the OCR definition information, which is data recognition information, is printed on the form form data print sheet as a QR code that is a two-dimensional barcode. It can be instructed to add and print as a code. Also, by checking the “OCR definition: print on back side” check box 2402, it is possible to instruct to print the QR code of the OCR definition information, which is data recognition information, on the back side of the printing paper of the form form data. Without this check, the QR code of the OCR definition information is arranged and printed at a predetermined position (for example, the lower right position) on the surface of the printing paper of the form form data.

  Note that the “OCR definition: print on back side” check box 2402 is not an essential item, and the QR code may be fixedly printed on the back side without having this item.

  The OCR definition information, which is data recognition information, includes information on the OCR definition table of the form in FIG. 9 and information on the OCR definition table of the object in FIG. In this embodiment, a QR code of a two-dimensional barcode is used as a target for embedding restoration information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an RF-ID tag is attached to printing paper, and its writing function If the printer is equipped with a printer, restoration information may be recorded on the RF-ID tag, or other information addition function may be used. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example using a QR code will be described.

  <Description of FIG. 25> Next, print data generation processing in the information processing apparatus when an instruction to print a form is given with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a form print processing procedure in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  First, in step S2501, the form editor software 301 generates print data of form form data using form form data (frame line, form definition table 310, object definition table 311) generated by a user operation. Specifically, print data in a PDL format or an image data format that can be printed by an output destination printer is generated. Since the print data generation process is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S2502, it is determined whether it is OCR-defined additional printing. That is, it is determined whether or not it is designated to generate print data by adding OCR definition information that is data recognition information according to a user instruction (check box 2401 is already checked) via the print setting screen (FIG. 24). . If it is determined that the print data is generated by adding the OCR definition information, the process proceeds to step S2503. If it is determined that the print data is not generated by adding the OCR definition information, the process proceeds to step S2505. To proceed.

  In step S2503, information on the OCR definition table of the form in FIG. 9 corresponding to the form data requested to be printed and information on the OCR definition table of the object in FIG. A QR code, which is a two-dimensional barcode, is generated. Since the print data generation process is a control procedure of the form editor software 301, the OCR definition table (FIGS. 9 and 10) corresponding to the form data requested to be printed can be specified by itself.

  In step S2504, the OCR definition information (QR code) of the two-dimensional barcode generated in step S2503 is added to the print data of the form form data. At this time, if the check box 2402 in FIG. 24 is checked, the OCR definition information (QR code) of the two-dimensional barcode is added to the back surface. When the check box 2402 is not checked, the OCR definition information (QR code) of the two-dimensional barcode is added to a predetermined position on the surface of the print data of the form form data.

  In step S2505, the print data is output to be printed by the printer. The output destination may be sent directly to the printer, or may be output to the print server, transferred from the print server to the printer, and printed. Since the processing after the transmission of the print data is a known technique, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Note that the print data transmitted in step S2505 preferably has identification information for identifying the form form data printed on the surface on which the form form data is printed. By reading and recognizing the identification information for identifying the form data by the scanner unit, it is possible to identify the form form data printed on the printing paper, and the corresponding OCR definition information is represented by the OCR in FIGS. It can be specified from the definition table.

  <Description of FIG. 26> Next, a data recognition process in the information processing apparatus when the printing paper on which a form is printed using FIG. 26 is read by an image reading unit (scanner) and the read data is input. explain. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a data recognition processing procedure in the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  In step S2601, an image that is a result of reading a form printing sheet by a scanner device (not shown) is input. The scanner device may be directly connected to the information processing device via an I / F, or may receive an image read by a scanner unit of a multifunction peripheral that can communicate via a network via network communication.

  Next, in step S2602, it is determined whether or not the read image includes OCR definition additional information. Since the image data input here is input in the order of front / back / front / back in the case of single-sided reading, in this determination process, a QR code that is a two-dimensional barcode at a predetermined position on the front surface or the back surface is used. It is determined whether there is a code, and the QR code is analyzed, and whether the analysis result is OCR definition information that is data recognition information. If it is determined that there is OCR definition additional information, the process proceeds to step S2603. If it is determined that there is no OCR definition additional information, the process proceeds to step S2604.

  In step S2603, the OCR definition additional information of the QR code is interpreted and the OCR definition information is reproduced. The OCR definition information reproduced here corresponds to the information in the OCR definition table of the form in FIG. 9 and the information in the OCR definition table of the object in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the OCR definition additional information is not given, in step S2604, the form form data is identified using the form identification information printed on the printing paper of the form form data, and the identified form form data is identified. Is read from the storage unit 308.

  In step S2605, the image input in step S2601 is subjected to OCR processing (data recognition processing) using the OCR definition information created in step S2603 or the OCR definition information read in step S2604.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the OCR definition information for the field area to be subjected to the OCR process is generated using the setting contents set when the form form data is generated, and the generated OCR definition information is converted into the QR code. Is added to the print data of the form data and printed, so that the user can input the data recognition information in advance to the information processing device that performs input work of data recognition information in the field area and data recognition processing. It is possible to reduce the burden on the administrator to prepare.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium. You may apply to the system comprised from an apparatus, and may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  In addition, each process realized by the above-described software can be realized as firmware or hardware configuration, and each process can be realized as each means. The technical scope of the present invention is realized by such firmware or hardware configuration. Is also included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing apparatus 200 Information processing apparatus 300 Multifunction machine 400 Network

Claims (5)

The area of an object set in the document form data, is set as an area for performing data recognition processing, an information processing apparatus for generating a data recognition information used for the data recognition processing,
Display means for displaying a creation screen for creating the form data;
In accordance with an operation of the user, through the creation screen displayed by the display means, it receives an input of the object to the continuous form data, and the object setting means for setting the object to the continuous form data,
For each object set by the object setting means via the creation screen displayed by the display means, input of attribute information related to the object, and selection of whether to perform data recognition processing for the area of the object Accepting means for accepting a user operation,
Form form data generating means for generating form form data in which attribute information related to the object received by the receiving means is set;
A determination unit that determines whether the object set by the object setting unit is an object that has received a selection to perform data recognition processing on a region of the object by the reception unit;
In the determination unit, the determination has been the object as an object that receives the selection for performing data recognition processing, in accordance with attribute information relating to the object received by the receiving unit, an area of the object, performs data recognition processing is set as an area, a recognition information generating unit that generates a data recognition information indicating the attribute information relating to the data recognition processing of the object,
Storage means for storing data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation means;
Selection that accepts selection of whether to generate print data of the form form data to which data recognition information of the form form data is added to the form form data generated by the form form data generation means by user operation Receiving means;
When the selection accepting unit accepts a selection to generate print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added, the data recognition of the form form data is performed with respect to the form form data. When the print data of the form form data to which the information is added is generated, and when the selection not to generate the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is received, the form form data Print data generation means for generating print data of the form data without adding data recognition information of the form data ;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generating means to cause the printer to print;
An input means for inputting read data obtained by reading the print paper on which the print data of the form form data is printed;
Determination means for determining whether or not data recognition information is added to the read data input by the input means;
If it is determined by the determination means that the data recognition information is added, the data recognition processing is performed on the read data using the data recognition information, while the data recognition information is determined by the determination means. If it is determined that the data is not added, a recognition unit that performs data recognition processing on the read data using the data recognition information of the form data stored in the storage unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The selection accepting unit further accepts a selection of whether to print the data recognition information of the form form data on the back side of the printing paper on which the form form data generated by the form form data generating unit is printed,
The print data generation means accepts a selection for generating print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added by the selection receiving means, and prints the print form data. When the selection to print the data recognition information of the form form data is accepted on the back side, the form form that prints the data recognition information of the form form data on the back side of the printing paper on which the form form data is printed The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print data of the data is generated. Form data attribute input means for receiving input of attribute information of the form form data including size information indicating the size of the printing paper of the form form data via a creation screen displayed by the display means in accordance with a user operation ,
Resolution storage means for storing the resolution at which the printing paper on which the printing data of the form form data is printed is stored;
An image for generating image data of the form data in accordance with the attribute information of the form data that has been input by the form data attribute input unit and the resolution of the printing paper of the form form data stored in the resolution storage unit Data generation means;
Further comprising
The recognition information generation unit further includes, for the object determined by the determination unit as an object that has received a selection for performing data recognition processing, according to attribute information regarding the object received by the reception unit. An area wider than the area by a predetermined distance is set as an area for performing data recognition processing, and data recognition information indicating attribute information related to the data recognition processing of the object is generated,
An area determination means for determining whether the area for performing the data recognition processing set in the data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation means exceeds the area of the image data generated by the image data generation means;
The area determination means determines that the area for performing the data recognition processing set in the data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation means exceeds the area of the image data generated by the image data generation means. In this case, the correction unit corrects the region for performing the data recognition processing set in the data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation unit so as not to exceed the region of the image data generated by the image data generation unit. When,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for generating data recognition information used for data recognition processing , in which an object region set in form form data is set as an area for performing data recognition processing,
A display step in which the display unit of the information processing apparatus displays a creation screen for creating the form data;
The object setting means of the information processing apparatus accepts an input of the object to the form form data via the creation screen displayed by the display step according to a user operation, and sets the object to the form form data An object setting process to perform,
For each object set in the object setting step, the reception unit of the information processing apparatus inputs attribute information related to the object and data about the area of the object via the creation screen displayed in the display step. An accepting step of accepting selection of whether or not to perform recognition processing by a user operation;
A form form data generating unit of the information processing apparatus generates a form form data in which attribute information related to the object received by the receiving process is set;
A determination step in which the determination unit of the information processing apparatus determines whether the object set in the object setting step is an object that has received a selection for performing data recognition processing on the area of the object in the reception step;
According to the attribute information related to the object received in the reception step, the recognition information generation unit of the information processing apparatus is determined to be the object that has received the selection for performing the data recognition process in the determination step. A recognition information generating step for generating data recognition information indicating attribute information related to the data recognition processing of the object, the region of the object being set as a region for performing data recognition processing;
A storage step in which the storage means of the information processing apparatus stores the data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation step;
Whether or not the selection accepting unit of the information processing apparatus generates print data of the form form data in which data recognition information of the form form data is added to the form form data generated by the form form data generation step. A selection accepting step of accepting the selection by user operation,
When the print data generation unit of the information processing apparatus receives a selection for generating print data of the form form data to which data recognition information of the form form data is added in the selection receiving step, the form form data On the other hand, the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is generated, while the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is not selected. Is received, the print data generation step for generating the print data of the form form data without adding the data recognition information of the form form data to the form form data,
A transmission step in which the transmission unit of the information processing apparatus transmits the print data generated by the print data generation step to cause the printer to print;
An input step in which the input means of the information processing apparatus inputs read data obtained by reading a print sheet on which print data of form form data is printed;
A determination step in which the determination unit of the information processing apparatus determines whether or not data recognition information is added to the read data input in the input step;
When the recognition unit of the information processing apparatus determines that the data recognition information is added in the determination step, the data recognition process is performed on the read data using the data recognition information, If it is determined by the determination step that the data recognition information is not added, the data recognition processing for the read data is performed using the data recognition information of the form form data stored by the storage step. Recognition process;
An information processing method comprising: The area of an object set in the document form data, is set as an area for performing data recognition processing, a program which is read executed by the information processing apparatus for generating data recognition information used for the data recognition processing,
The information processing apparatus;
Display means for displaying a creation screen for creating the form data;
In accordance with an operation of the user, through the creation screen displayed by the display means, it receives an input of the object to the continuous form data, and the object setting means for setting the object to the continuous form data,
For each object set by the object setting means via the creation screen displayed by the display means, input of attribute information related to the object, and selection of whether to perform data recognition processing for the area of the object Accepting means for accepting a user operation,
Form form data generating means for generating form form data in which attribute information related to the object received by the receiving means is set;
A determination unit that determines whether the object set by the object setting unit is an object that has received a selection to perform data recognition processing on a region of the object by the reception unit;
In the determination unit, the determination has been the object as an object that receives the selection for performing data recognition processing, in accordance with attribute information relating to the object received by the receiving unit, an area of the object, performs data recognition processing is set as an area, a recognition information generating unit that generates a data recognition information indicating the attribute information relating to the data recognition processing of the object,
Storage means for storing data recognition information generated by the recognition information generation means;
Selection that accepts selection of whether to generate print data of the form form data to which data recognition information of the form form data is added to the form form data generated by the form form data generation means by user operation Receiving means;
When the selection accepting unit accepts a selection to generate print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added, the data recognition of the form form data is performed with respect to the form form data. When the print data of the form form data to which the information is added is generated, and when the selection not to generate the print data of the form form data to which the data recognition information of the form form data is added is received, the form form data Print data generation means for generating print data of the form data without adding data recognition information of the form data ;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print data generated by the print data generating means to cause the printer to print;
An input means for inputting read data obtained by reading the print paper on which the print data of the form form data is printed;
Determination means for determining whether or not data recognition information is added to the read data input by the input means;
If it is determined by the determination means that the data recognition information is added, the data recognition processing is performed on the read data using the data recognition information, while the data recognition information is determined by the determination means. If it is determined that is not added, were stored by the storage means, using the data recognition information of the continuous form data, to function as a recognition means for performing data recognition processing for the read data A featured program.

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