JP7401337B2 - Image reading device, control method and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading device, a control method, and a control program, and particularly relates to an image reading device, a control method, and a control program that store a plurality of setting information.

Image reading devices such as scanners are used to read various types of media, such as business cards, receipts, general documents, or photographs. Generally, an image reading device stores a plurality of pieces of setting information suitable for reading each type of medium, and when the user makes the image reading device read a medium, the user inputs the setting information suitable for the medium. select. However, image reading devices are usually provided with simple operation sections and display sections in order to reduce device cost and device size, and there is a need for users to be able to select setting information more appropriately.

An image processing apparatus is disclosed in which when a shortcut button is operated, a shortcut associated with the shortcut button is executed (see Patent Document 1). The shortcut button includes a shortcut icon that includes a default image that indicates the corresponding specific function. When the shortcut is executed, the shortcut icon is updated to include at least a portion of the image of the document that was read when the shortcut was executed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-174436

In image reading devices, it is desired to improve user convenience so that the user can select setting information more appropriately.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device, a control method, and a control program that can improve user convenience.

An image reading device according to one aspect of the present embodiment is an image reading device that stores a display section, an imaging section, a plurality of setting information, and a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information. a display control unit that displays a plurality of icon images on a display unit in a manner selectable by a user; and a control unit that controls the image reading device according to setting information corresponding to the icon image selected by the user. , a reception unit that accepts new setting information according to instructions from a user, an acquisition unit that acquires an input image of a medium captured by an imaging unit according to the new setting information, and a new icon image generated based on the input image. a generation unit that calculates the similarity between the new icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit, and a calculation unit that calculates the degree of similarity between the new icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit, and notifies the user of a warning when the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold value. and a notification section.

Further, a control method according to one aspect of the present embodiment is a method for controlling an image reading device having a display section, an imaging section, and a storage section, and the method includes controlling a plurality of setting information and each of the plurality of setting information. The image reading device stores a plurality of icon images corresponding to receives new setting information according to instructions from the user, acquires an input image of the medium captured by the imaging unit according to the new setting information, generates a new icon image based on the input image, and generates a new icon image based on the input image. The degree of similarity between the icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit is calculated, and if the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold value, a warning is notified to the user.

Further, a control program according to one aspect of the present embodiment is a control program for an image reading device including a display section, an imaging section, and a storage section, and the control program includes a plurality of setting information and each of the plurality of setting information. The image reading device stores a plurality of icon images corresponding to receives new setting information according to instructions from the user, acquires an input image of the medium captured by the imaging unit according to the new setting information, generates a new icon image based on the input image, and generates a new icon image based on the input image. causes the image reading device to calculate the degree of similarity between the icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit, and to notify the user of a warning when the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold value. .

According to the present invention, the image reading device, the control method, and the control program can improve convenience for users.

1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a conveyance path inside the image reading device 100. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading device 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a setting information table. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 130 and a processing circuit 140. FIG. An example of an operation sequence related to control processing is shown. An example of an operation sequence related to control processing is shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration inquiry screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a creation inquiry screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a reading inquiry screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a creation screen. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a rereading inquiry screen. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 240. FIG.

An image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 100 configured as an image scanner. The image reading device 100 conveys a medium, which is a document, and images the medium. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, booklet, passport, etc. The image reading device 100 may be a facsimile, a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.

The image reading device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, a display operation device 105, and the like.

The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position to cover the upper surface of the image reading device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes clogged or when cleaning the inside of the image reading device 100. There is.

The mounting table 103 engages with the lower casing 101 so that a medium to be transported can be placed thereon. The ejection table 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to be able to hold the ejected medium.

The display and operation device 105 is an example of a display section and an operation section. The display operation device 105 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. In addition, the display operation device 105 further includes a touch panel type input device and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts operations by the user, and outputs signals in accordance with the user's inputs. Note that the display section and the operation section may be provided separately.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the image reading apparatus 100.

The conveyance path inside the image reading device 100 includes a feed roller 111, a retard roller 112, a first conveyance roller 113, a first driven roller 114, a first image pickup device 115a, a second image pickup device 115b, a second conveyance roller 116, and a first conveyance roller 114. It has two driven rollers 117 and the like. Note that the number of each roller is not limited to one, and the number of each roller may be plural.

The lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 106a for the medium transport path, and the upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 106b for the medium transport path. In FIG. 2, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction. In the following, upstream refers to upstream in the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to downstream in the medium transport direction A1.

The first imaging device 115a is an example of an imaging unit, and captures images using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1-magnification optical system type having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Has a sensor. The first imaging device 115a also includes a light source that irradiates light toward the medium to be conveyed, a lens that forms an image on the image sensor, and amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor. /D) an A/D converter for conversion. Each image sensor reads the back side of the medium and outputs analog values corresponding to each color of RGB. The A/D converter converts each analog value output by the image sensor into a digital value to generate pixel data, and generates an input image composed of each generated pixel data. The input image is a color format image in which each pixel data consists of a total of 24-bit RGB values, for example, each RGB color is represented by 8 bits.

Similarly, the second imaging device 115b is an example of an imaging unit, and has a CIS imaging sensor of the same magnification optical system type having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. In addition, the second imaging device 115b includes a light source that irradiates light toward the medium to be transported, a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device. /D) an A/D converter for conversion. Each image sensor reads the surface of the medium and outputs analog values corresponding to each RGB color. The A/D converter converts each analog value output by the image sensor into a digital value to generate pixel data, and generates an input image composed of each generated pixel data.

Note that the image reading device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b and read only one side of the medium. Further, instead of the CIS image sensor of the same magnification optical system type including a CMOS image sensor, a CIS image sensor of the same magnification optical system type including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor may be used. Further, a reduction optical system type image sensor including a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used. Below, the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b may be collectively referred to as the imaging device 115.

The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the upper guide 106a and the lower guide 106b in the medium transport direction A1 by the feeding roller 111 rotating in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. . The retard roller 112 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 when conveying the medium. Due to the functions of the feeding roller 111 and the retard roller 112, when a plurality of media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the medium that is in contact with the feeding roller 111 among the media placed on the mounting table 103 is are separated. This operates to restrict the transport of media other than the separated media (prevention of double transport).

The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 113 and the first driven roller 114 while being guided by the upper guide 106a and the lower guide 106b. The medium is sent between the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b by the first conveyance roller 113 rotating in the direction of arrow A4. The medium read by the imaging device 115 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the second conveyance roller 116 rotating in the direction of arrow A5.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading device 100.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the image reading device 100 further includes a motor 121, an interface device 122, a storage device 130, a processing circuit 140, and the like.

The motor 121 includes one or more motors, and rotates the feeding roller 111, the retard roller 112, the first conveying roller 113, and the second conveying roller 116 to convey the medium according to a control signal from the processing circuit 140. .

The interface device 122 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The interface device 122 is communicatively connected to an information processing device or other image reading device (not shown) to transmit and receive various images and information. Further, instead of the interface device 122, a communication unit having an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used.

The storage device 130 is an example of a storage unit, and includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. has. Further, the storage device 130 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the image reading device 100. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read only memory).

Further, the storage device 130 stores a setting information table, an input image, and the like as data. The setting information table stores a plurality of setting information related to image reading processing, a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information, and the like. Details of the setting information table and setting information will be described later.

The processing circuit 140 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 130 in advance. The processing circuit 140 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 140, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like may be used.

The processing circuit 140 is connected to the display operation device 105, the imaging device 115, the motor 121, the interface device 122, the storage device 130, etc., and controls each of these parts. The processing circuit 140 displays a plurality of icon images on the display operation device 105 in a manner selectable by the user, and controls the drive of the motor 121 and controls the medium of the imaging device 115 according to setting information corresponding to the icon image selected by the user. Executes reading control, etc. Further, the processing circuit 140 registers new setting information and a new icon image based on the input image captured according to the new setting information in the storage device 130 in accordance with an instruction from the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the setting information table.

The setting information table is initialized when the device is shipped, and is updated in the control process described later. Note that the setting information table may not be set when the device is shipped, but may be set during control processing. As shown in FIG. 4, in the setting information table, identification information (setting information ID), setting information, icon images, etc. are stored in association with each other for each piece of setting information.

The setting information is information regarding image reading processing of the image reading device 100. The setting information includes settings such as color settings (color/grayscale/monochrome, etc.), resolution (200dpi/300dpi/600dpi, etc.), reading side (duplex/single-sided), feeding mode, etc. of the input image to be generated. . The feeding modes include a separation mode in which the medium is separated and fed, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without separation. The separation mode further includes a normal mode and a continuous mode. The normal mode is a mode in which, when all the media placed on the mounting table 103 have been imaged, the input images of each medium are collected as one file and transmitted to an external information processing device. In the continuous mode, when the imaging of all media placed on the mounting table 103 is completed, the input images of each media are not compiled into one file, and the system waits until further reading instructions are received from the user. mode. Note that the setting information may include not only settings related to the input image itself but also settings such as the destination of the input image.

The icon image is set corresponding to each setting information. Each icon image is an image that is selectably displayed on the display operation device 105 so that the user can select setting information to be used in the image reading process from among a plurality of pieces of setting information. Setting information may be shown in the icon image. Note that the setting information table may store an address where the icon image is stored instead of the icon image itself. In this way, the setting information table stores a plurality of setting information and a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 130 and the processing circuit 140 of the image reading device 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 130 stores programs such as a display control program 131, a reception program 132, a control program 133, an acquisition program 134, a generation program 135, a calculation program 136, and a notification program 137. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 140 reads each program stored in the storage device 130 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 140 functions as a display control section 141 , reception section 142 , control section 143 , acquisition section 144 , generation section 145 , calculation section 146 , and notification section 147 .

6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the control process of the image reading device 100. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the control process of the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that the operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 140 in cooperation with each element of the image reading apparatus 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 130 in advance.

First, the display control unit 141 displays a plurality of icon images on the display operation device 105 so that the user can select them (step S101).

8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the display operation device 105.

A plurality of icon images 801 to 803, change buttons 804 to 807, a scan button 808, and the like are displayed on the selection screen 800 shown in FIG. 8A and the selection screen 810 shown in FIG. 8B. Each of the icon images 801 to 803 is an icon image registered in the setting information table, each corresponds to different setting information, and functions as a button for selecting the corresponding setting information. Change buttons 804 to 807 are buttons for changing the displayed setting information while displaying the setting information selected by the user. The scan button 808 is a button for causing the image reading device 100 to execute image reading processing.

The user selects setting information by pressing one of the icon images, and by pressing the scan button 808, causes the image reading device 100 to execute image reading processing according to the setting information corresponding to the selected icon image. can be done. After pressing any icon image, the user can change some or all of the setting information corresponding to the icon image by pressing each of the change buttons 804 to 807 and then pressing the scan button 808. The image reading device 100 can be caused to perform image reading processing.

FIG. 8A shows a selection screen 800 with an icon image 801 pressed by the user. Setting information corresponding to the icon image 801 is displayed on change buttons 804 to 807 on the selection screen 800. On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows the selection screen 810 in a state where the change buttons 804 to 806 are pressed by the user on the selection screen 800. The setting information displayed on the change buttons 804 to 806 on the selection screen 810 has been changed from the setting information displayed on the change buttons 804 to 806 on the selection screen 800.

Next, the display control unit 141 determines whether a reading instruction from the user has been received using the display operation device 105 (step S102). When the user selects any icon image and presses the scan button, the display control unit 141 receives a reading instruction. The display control unit 141 waits until it receives a reading instruction.

When the reading instruction is received, the display control unit 141 uses the display operation device 105 to determine whether a change instruction from the user has been received (step S103). The display control unit 141 determines that the change instruction has been accepted when the setting information has been changed by the user using the change button, and determines that the change instruction has not been accepted when the setting information has not been changed.

If the change instruction is not received, the display control unit 141 sets the operation mode to non-registration mode (step S104), and moves the process to step S112.

On the other hand, when a change instruction is received, the receiving unit 142 receives the setting information selected by the user using the icon image and changed using the change button as new setting information (step S105). In this way, the receiving unit 142 receives new setting information according to instructions from the user.

Next, the receiving unit 142 determines whether the received new setting information is the same as the registered setting information stored in the storage device 130 (step S106). The reception unit 142 determines that the two setting information are the same when all the elements included in the two setting information match, and determines that the two setting information do not match. In this case, it is determined that the two pieces of setting information are different. If the new setting information is the same as any setting information stored in the setting information table, the reception unit 142 determines that the new setting information is the same as the registered setting information. On the other hand, if the new configuration information is different from any of the configuration information stored in the configuration information table, the reception unit 142 determines that the new configuration information is not the same as the registered configuration information.

If the new setting information is not the same as the registered setting information, the reception unit 142 displays a registration inquiry screen on the display operation device 105 (step S107). The registration inquiry screen is a screen for notifying the user that new setting information has not been registered, and for inquiring whether or not to register the new setting information.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration inquiry screen 900 displayed on the display operation device 105.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the registration inquiry screen 900 includes text 901, a non-registration button 902, and a registration button 903. Text 901 indicates that new setting information has not been registered and an inquiry as to whether or not to register the new setting information. The non-registration button 902 is a button for instructing not to register new setting information. The registration button 903 is a button for instructing to register new setting information.

Next, the reception unit 142 determines whether a registration instruction from the user has been received using the display operation device 105 (step S108). The reception unit 142 determines that the registration instruction has not been accepted when the user presses the non-registration button, and determines that the registration instruction has been accepted when the user presses the registration button.

If the registration instruction is not received, the reception unit 142 sets the operation mode to non-registration mode (step S104), and moves the process to step S112. On the other hand, if the registration instruction is received, the reception unit 142 sets the operation mode to registration mode (step S109), and moves the process to step S112.

On the other hand, if the new setting information is the same as the registered setting information, the reception unit 142 displays a creation inquiry screen on the display operation device 105 and notifies the user that the new setting information has been registered. (Step S110). The creation inquiry screen is a screen for notifying the user that new setting information has been registered and for inquiring whether or not to create a new icon image.

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the creation inquiry screen 910 displayed on the display operation device 105.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the creation inquiry screen 910 includes text 911, a non-creation button 912, and a creation button 913. Text 911 indicates that new setting information has been registered, and an inquiry as to whether or not to create a new icon image. The non-creation button 912 is a button for instructing not to create a new icon image. The create button 913 is a button for instructing to create a new icon image. By recognizing from the text 911 that the same setting information as the new setting information has already been registered, the user can refrain from registering new setting information that overlaps with the already registered setting information. Thereby, the image reading device 100 can prevent redundant setting information from being registered and the storage capacity of the storage device 130 being wasted.

Next, the reception unit 142 determines whether a creation instruction from the user has been received using the display operation device 105 (step S111). The receiving unit 142 determines that the creation instruction has not been accepted when the user presses the non-creation button, and determines that the creation instruction has been accepted when the user presses the creation button.

If the creation instruction is not received, the reception unit 142 sets the operation mode to non-registration mode (step S104), and moves the process to step S112. On the other hand, when receiving the creation instruction, the receiving unit 142 sets the operation mode to the registration mode (step S109), and moves the process to step S112.

Next, the control unit 143 controls the image reading device 100 according to the setting information instructed by the user, and executes the image reading process (step S112). If the display control unit 141 does not accept the change instruction, the control unit 143 controls the image reading device 100 according to the setting information corresponding to the icon image selected by the user. On the other hand, if the display control unit 141 receives the change instruction, the control unit 143 controls the image reading device 100 according to the new setting information received by the reception unit 142.

The control unit 143 drives the motor 121 to transport the medium at a transport speed according to the resolution specified by the setting information, and controls the feeding roller 111, retard roller 112, first transport roller 113, and second transport roller. Rotate 116. When the operation mode specified by the setting information is the normal mode or the continuous mode, the control unit 143 controls the motor 121 to rotate the retard roller 112 in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction, and rotates the retard roller 112 while separating the medium. Have it transported. On the other hand, when the operation mode specified by the setting information is the non-separation mode, the control unit 143 controls the motor 121 to rotate the retard roller 112 in the medium feeding direction or to follow the feeding roller 111. and transport the media without separating them. The control unit 143 causes all the media placed on the mounting table 103 to be transported.

Further, the control unit 143 causes the imaging device 115 to image each medium to read the reading side (both sides/single side) specified by the setting information for each medium to be transported at the resolution specified by the setting information. Then, an input image is acquired from the imaging device 115.

Further, the control unit 143 converts the acquired input image according to the color settings specified by the setting information. Since the acquired input image is a color format image, if the color setting specified by the setting information is color, the control unit 143 does not convert the input image. If the color setting specified in the setting information is grayscale, the control unit 143 converts the RGB values of each pixel in the input image to YUV values, and converts the gradation value of each pixel to only the brightness value (Y value). By setting , the input image is converted to a grayscale format image. When the color setting specified by the setting information is black and white, the control unit 143 converts the RGB values of each pixel in the input image into YUV values. The control unit 143 sets the gradation value of the pixel whose luminance value (Y value) is equal to or greater than the threshold value to the first value, and sets the gradation value of the pixel whose luminance value is less than the threshold value to the second value. Converts the input image to a binary image. The control unit 143 stores the acquired or converted input image in the storage device 130.

When the operation mode specified by the setting information is the continuous mode, the control unit 143 stores each acquired or converted input image in the storage device 130 and does not transmit it to an external information processing device yet. On the other hand, when the operation mode specified by the setting information is the normal mode or non-separation mode, the control unit 143 generates an image file including each input image, and transmits the generated image file to information via the interface device 122. Send to processing device. In addition, if the operation mode in the immediately preceding control process was the continuous mode, the control unit 143 controls each input image acquired or converted in the current control process and the operation mode continuously acquired in the continuous mode up to the immediately preceding control process. Or generate an image file containing each input image that was being converted. Further, if the setting information includes the destination of the input image, the control unit 143 transmits the generated image file to the destination specified by the setting information.

Next, the acquisition unit 144 determines whether the operation mode is a registered mode or a non-registered mode (step S113). If the operation mode is the non-registration mode, the acquisition unit 144 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, when the operation mode is the registration mode, the acquisition unit 144 displays a reading inquiry screen on the display operation device 105 (step S201). The reading inquiry screen is a screen for asking the user whether or not to re-execute the image reading process to generate an icon image.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reading inquiry screen 1000 displayed on the display operation device 105.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the reading inquiry screen 1000 includes text 1001, a non-reading button 1002, and a reading button 1003. Text 1001 indicates an inquiry as to whether or not to re-execute the image reading process. The non-reading button 1002 is a button for instructing not to re-execute the image reading process. A read button 1003 is a button for instructing to re-execute image reading processing.

Next, the reception unit 142 determines whether a reading instruction from the user is received using the display operation device 105 (step S202). The receiving unit 142 determines that the reading instruction has not been accepted when the user presses the non-reading button, and determines that the reading instruction has been accepted when the user presses the reading button.

If the reading instruction is received, the acquisition unit 144 executes the second image reading process and acquires the input image (step S203). The second image reading process is similar to the image reading process in step S112. The acquisition unit 144 controls the image reading device 100 in accordance with setting information instructed by the user in the same manner as in the image reading process. However, in the second image reading process, the process of transmitting the image file including the input image to the information processing device is omitted.

On the other hand, if the reading instruction is not received, the acquisition unit 144 reads and acquires any input image from among the read input images stored in the storage device 130 in the image reading process of step S112 (step S204 ). The acquisition unit 144 acquires, for example, an input image of the first conveyed medium from among the already read input images. Note that the acquisition unit 144 may acquire an input image obtained by capturing the last transported medium among the input images that have already been read. In addition, the acquisition unit 144 identifies and identifies an input image with the highest average value of saturation of each pixel or an input image with the highest average value of brightness of each pixel from among the input images that have already been read. An input image may also be obtained.

If the operation mode is the registration mode, the image reading device 100 accepts new setting information in accordance with the user's instruction in step S105. That is, the input image that the acquisition unit 144 acquires in step S203 or S204 is an input image in which the medium is imaged by the imaging device 115 in accordance with new setting information received according to instructions from the user.

Next, the generation unit 145 generates a new icon image based on the input image acquired by the acquisition unit 144 (step S205). The generation unit 145 displays a creation screen for the user to create an icon image on the display operation device 105.

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the creation screen 1010 displayed on the display operation device 105.

On the creation screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10B, an input image 1011, a plurality of frames 1012 to 1014, a decision button 1015, and the like are displayed. The input image 1011 is an input image that the acquisition unit 144 acquired in step S203 or S204. Each of the plurality of frames 1012 to 1014 has a different shape, and functions as a button for selecting the shape of the icon image to be generated. The determination button 1015 is a button for determining an area within the input image 1011 to be used as an icon image.

When a user presses any frame, a shape 1016 of the pressed frame is displayed on the input image 1011 so that the position and size can be changed. When the user changes the position and size of the shape 1016 and presses the enter button 1015, the area surrounded by the shape 1016 is designated as the icon image area.

When the user presses the enter button, the generation unit 145 cuts out the area specified by the user on the creation screen from the input image acquired by the acquisition unit 144, and generates a new icon image.

Next, the calculation unit 146 calculates the degree of similarity between the new icon image generated by the generation unit 145 and each of the registered icon images stored in the storage device 130 (step S206).

For example, for each of the new icon image and the registered icon images, the calculation unit 146 calculates the R value of each pixel based on the magnitude of the R value, G value, and B value of each pixel included in each icon image. It is classified into either pixel, G pixel, or B pixel. The R pixel is an example of a pixel corresponding to R color, the G pixel is an example of a pixel corresponding to G color, and the B pixel is an example of a pixel corresponding to B color. The calculation unit 146 classifies the pixel with the largest R value among the R value, G value, and B value as an R pixel, and classifies the pixel with the largest G value among the R value, G value, and B value as a G pixel. The pixel with the largest B value among the R value, G value, and B value is classified as a B pixel. Next, for each icon image, the calculation unit 146 calculates the ratio of the number of R pixels to the total number of pixels of each icon image (R ratio), and the ratio of the number of G pixels to the total number of pixels of each icon image (G ratio). And the ratio of the number of B pixels to the total number of pixels of each icon image (B ratio) is calculated.

Next, the calculation unit 146 calculates the ratio of the smaller R ratio to the larger R ratio of the R ratio of the new icon image and the R ratio of the registered icon image as the R similarity. The calculation unit 146 calculates the ratio of the smaller G ratio to the larger G ratio between the G ratio of the new icon image and the G ratio of the registered icon image as the G similarity. The calculation unit 146 calculates the ratio of the smaller B ratio to the larger B ratio of the B ratio of the new icon image and the B ratio of the registered icon image as the B similarity. That is, the R similarity, G similarity, and B similarity become larger as the R ratio, G ratio, and B ratio of each icon image are closer. Next, the calculation unit 146 calculates the average value of the R similarity, G similarity, and B similarity as the similarity. That is, the degree of similarity increases as the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the new icon image is closer to the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the registered icon image.

In this way, the calculation unit 146 calculates the calculation unit 146 based on the degree to which the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the new icon image matches the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the registered icon image. , calculate the similarity. That is, the calculation unit 146 calculates the degree of similarity based on the ratio of colors in the entire image, without paying attention to the positional relationship between pixels in each icon image. Thereby, the calculation unit 146 can calculate the degree of similarity in a shorter time, with less load, and with higher accuracy.

Note that the calculation unit 146 enlarges or reduces one image so that the new icon image and the registered icon image have the same size, and then calculates the normalized cross-correlation value of each image as the degree of similarity. You may. In that case, the calculation unit 146 calculates NCC (Normalized Cross-Correlation) or ZNCC (Zero-mean Normalized Cross-Correlation) as the normalized cross-correlation value. Note that the calculation unit 146 cuts out a plurality of regions from the two images while changing the position and size, and calculates the statistical value (maximum value, average value, or (median value, etc.) may be calculated as the similarity. Thereby, the calculation unit 146 can calculate the degree of similarity with higher accuracy.

Next, the notification unit 147 determines whether the degree of similarity calculated by the calculation unit 146 is greater than or equal to a threshold value (step S207). The threshold value is set through prior experiments to a value smaller than a similarity value at which two icon images cannot be distinguished by the human eye. For example, if the similarity is the average value of the R similarity, G similarity, and B similarity, the threshold value is set to 0.7. Note that the larger the threshold value, the higher the possibility that similar icon images will be registered, and the smaller the threshold value, the higher the possibility that registration of the icon image will not be permitted. Therefore, the threshold value may be set so as to be changeable by the user depending on the purpose.

If any of the similarities calculated for each of the plurality of registered icon images is equal to or greater than the threshold, the notification unit 147 displays a rereading inquiry screen on the display operation device 105, A warning is notified to the user (step S208). The re-reading inquiry screen notifies the user that the newly generated icon image is similar to the registered icon image, and also informs the user whether or not to re-execute the image reading process to generate the icon image. This is a screen for inquiring about the

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a rereading inquiry screen 1100 displayed on the display operation device 105.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the rereading inquiry screen 1100 includes text 1101, a registered icon image 1102, a new icon image 1103, a non-rereading button 1104, and a rereading button 1105. Text 1101 indicates that the newly generated icon image is similar to the registered icon image, and an inquiry as to whether or not to re-execute the image reading process. The registered icon image 1102 is an icon image whose degree of similarity with the new icon image 1103 is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The non-re-reading button 1104 is a button for instructing not to re-execute the image reading process. The re-read button 1105 is a button for instructing to re-execute the image reading process.

The user recognizes from the text 1101 that the newly generated icon image is similar to the registered icon image, and should re-execute the image reading process to generate an icon image with high discrimination power. Recognize that. The image reading device 100 can prevent icon images with low discrimination ability from being registered, and as a result, it can improve convenience for the user. Furthermore, by displaying a new icon image 1103 and an icon image 1102 that is similar to the icon image 1103, the user can recognize which icon images are considered to have no distinguishing power. I can do it. This allows the user to appropriately select a medium suitable for generating a new icon image, and prevents the image reading process from being re-executed many times.

Next, the notification unit 147 determines whether a re-reading instruction from the user has been received using the display operation device 105 (step S209). The receiving unit 142 determines that the re-reading instruction has not been accepted when the user presses the non-re-reading button, and determines that the re-reading instruction has been accepted when the user presses the re-reading button.

If the re-reading instruction is not received, the notification unit 147 ends the series of steps without registering new setting information and new icon images. Note that if the notification unit 147 does not receive the re-reading instruction, the notification unit 147 may return the process to step S205. In that case, the generation unit 145 allows the user to reselect an area in the input image from which the icon image is to be cut out. Further, if the notification unit 147 does not receive the re-reading instruction, the notification unit 147 may move the process to step S204. In that case, the acquisition unit 144 reselects and acquires an unselected input image from among the read input images, and the generation unit 145 regenerates an icon image from the acquired input image.

On the other hand, if the re-reading instruction is received, the notification unit 147 moves the process to step S203. In that case, the acquisition unit 144 re-executes the second image reading process and re-acquires the input image.

On the other hand, if all the similarities calculated for each of the plurality of registered icon images are less than the threshold, the notification unit 147 associates the new setting information with the new icon image and stores it in the storage device. 130 (step S210), and the series of steps ends. The notification unit 147 assigns a new setting information ID to the new setting information received in accordance with the instruction from the user in step S105, and associates the setting information with the new icon image generated by the generating unit 145. Register in the setting information table. Since the notification unit 147 newly registers only icon images that are not similar to registered icon images, it is possible to register only icon images with high discriminative power. This allows the user to select setting information using icon images with high discriminative power. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can prevent the user from making a selection error in setting information, improve the user's convenience, and suppress an increase in the processing time of the control process.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen 1110 displayed on the display operation device 105 when new setting information and a new icon image are registered with respect to the selection screen shown in FIG. 8A. In addition to the plurality of icon images 801 to 803 shown in the selection screen 800 shown in FIG. 8A, a new icon image 1111 is displayed on the selection screen 1110. The user can thereafter select new setting information using the newly added icon image 1111.

Note that the notification unit 147 may transmit the combination of the registered new setting information and the new icon image to another image reading device via the interface device 122, and may further register the combination in the other image reading device. As a result, the user can use the newly registered setting information even when using another image reading device, and the image reading device 100 can improve convenience for the user.

As described in detail above, the image reading device 100 generates an icon image based on an input image, and issues a warning when the degree of similarity between the generated icon image and a registered icon image is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Thereby, the user can recognize that the generated icon image is similar to the registered icon image, and can recognize that the icon image needs to be recreated. As a result, the image reading device 100 can allow the user to select setting information using icon images with high discriminative power, making it possible to improve convenience for the user.

Furthermore, the user can customize and register an icon image corresponding to setting information according to the purpose, and the image reading device 100 can improve convenience for the user.

Further, the image reading device 100 can generate an icon image that is easy to recognize the corresponding setting information by generating an icon image corresponding to the setting information from an input image captured according to the setting information to be registered. It has become possible. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can prevent the user from making a mistake in selecting setting information. Further, the user can easily and quickly register an icon image without generating an icon image using an external information processing device and transmitting it to the image reading device 100. It has become possible to improve user convenience.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 240 according to another embodiment.

The processing circuit 240 performs registration processing, control processing, etc. instead of the processing circuit 140. The processing circuit 240 includes a display control circuit 241, a reception circuit 242, a control circuit 243, an acquisition circuit 244, a generation circuit 245, a calculation circuit 246, a notification circuit 247, and the like.

The display control circuit 241 is an example of a display control section and has the same functions as the display control section 141. The display control circuit 241 reads a plurality of icon images from the storage device 130 and displays each icon image on the display operation device 105 so that the user can select them. The display control circuit 241 receives information indicating the icon image selected by the user from the display operation device 105, and stores setting information corresponding to the icon image in the storage device 130.

The reception circuit 242 is an example of a reception unit and has the same functions as the reception unit 142. The reception circuit 242 receives new setting information specified by the user from the display operation device 105 and stores it in the storage device 130.

The control circuit 243 is an example of a control section and has the same functions as the control section 143. The control circuit 243 reads setting information from the storage device 130, controls the motor 121 and the imaging device 115 according to the setting information, acquires an input image, stores it in the storage device 130, and sends it to the information processing device via the interface device 122. Send.

The acquisition circuit 244 is an example of an acquisition unit and has the same function as the acquisition unit 144. The acquisition circuit 244 receives an input image captured according to the new setting information from the imaging device 115 and stores it in the storage device 130.

The generation circuit 245 is an example of a generation unit and has the same function as the generation unit 145. The generation circuit 245 reads the captured input image from the storage device 130 according to the new setting information, generates a new icon image from the read input image according to the user's instructions from the display operation device 105, and generates a new icon image from the storage device 130. to be memorized.

The calculation circuit 246 is an example of a calculation unit and has the same function as the calculation unit 146. The calculation circuit 246 reads out the new icon image and the registered icon images from the storage device 130, calculates the degree of similarity of each icon image, and stores it in the storage device 130.

The notification circuit 247 is an example of a notification section and has the same function as the notification section 147. The notification circuit 247 reads the degree of similarity from the storage device 130. The notification circuit 247 notifies the user of a warning by displaying a rereading inquiry screen on the display operation device 105 when the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and when the degree of similarity is less than the threshold value, the notification circuit 247 displays new setting information and a new one. The icon images are registered in the storage device 130 in association with each other.

As described in detail above, even when the image reading device uses the processing circuit 240, it has become possible to improve the convenience for the user.

100 Image reading device 105 Display operation device 115 Imaging device 130 Storage device 141 Display control section 142 Reception section 143 Control section 144 Acquisition section 145 Generation section 146 Calculation section 147 Notification section

Claims (6)

An image reading device,
A display section;
an imaging unit;
a storage unit that stores a plurality of setting information and a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information;
a display control unit that displays the plurality of icon images on the display unit in a manner selectable by a user;
a control unit that controls the image reading device according to setting information corresponding to an icon image selected by a user;
a reception section that accepts new setting information according to instructions from the user;
an acquisition unit that acquires an input image of a medium captured by the imaging unit according to the new setting information;
a generation unit that generates a new icon image based on the input image;
a calculation unit that calculates the degree of similarity between the new icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit;
a notification unit that notifies a user of a warning that the new icon image has low discrimination power when the degree of similarity is equal to or higher than a threshold;
An image reading device comprising: The notification unit registers the new setting information and the new icon image in association with each other in the storage unit when each of the calculated degrees of similarity is less than the threshold value. image reading device. The calculation unit is based on the degree to which the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the new icon image matches the ratio of the number of pixels corresponding to each RGB color in the icon image stored in the storage unit. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degree of similarity is calculated by calculating the degree of similarity. Claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving unit notifies the user that the new setting information has been registered if the new setting information is the same as the setting information stored in the storage unit. The image reading device according to any one of . A method for controlling an image reading device including a display section, an imaging section, and a storage section, the method comprising:
storing a plurality of setting information and a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information in the storage unit;
displaying the plurality of icon images on the display section in a manner selectable by a user;
controlling the image reading device according to setting information corresponding to an icon image selected by a user;
Accepts new configuration information according to instructions from the user,
acquiring an input image of a medium captured by the imaging unit according to the new setting information;
generating a new icon image based on the input image;
calculating the degree of similarity between the new icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit;
If the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold, a warning is sent to the user to make him or her aware that the new icon image has low discrimination power ;
A control method characterized by: A control program for an image reading device including a display section, an imaging section, and a storage section,
storing a plurality of setting information and a plurality of icon images corresponding to each of the plurality of setting information in the storage unit;
displaying the plurality of icon images on the display section in a manner selectable by a user;
controlling the image reading device according to setting information corresponding to an icon image selected by a user;
Accepts new configuration information according to instructions from the user,
acquiring an input image of a medium captured by the imaging unit according to the new setting information;
generating a new icon image based on the input image;
calculating the degree of similarity between the new icon image and each of the plurality of icon images stored in the storage unit;
If the degree of similarity is greater than or equal to a threshold, a warning is sent to the user to make him or her aware that the new icon image has low discrimination power ;
A control program that causes the image reading device to execute the following.

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