IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM STORING IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM

An image processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to acquire image data generated through reading of an original document, and acquire, through character recognition, a character string included in the image data. The control unit performs a first process and a second process. The first process is configured to acquire, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with a first identification mark in the image data, and a second identification mark differing from the first identification mark is further added to the character string. The second process uses the character string acquired in the first process.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2022-166064, filed on Oct. 17, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program, which are configured to process image data generated by reading an original document.

2. Related Art

Typically, through character recognition using an optical character reader (OCR), data entered in a designated entry location are acquired from read data of a sheet obtained using a scanner. For example, JP-A-2008-192032 discloses a method of applying marking to a character string stated in advance on a sheet serving as the target of reading, and designating an attribute name to be given to attribute data acquired from the sheet.

In a case of a method of applying marking to a sheet to designate a region where character recognition is performed using the OCR, when marking is performed from the beginning regardless of whether or not reading is performed, character recognition is performed on the basis of this marking. That is, a character string differing from the target character string is wrongly recognized, and a desired result of character recognition may not be obtained.

SUMMARY

An image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure used to solve the problem described above provides an image processing apparatus including a control unit configured to acquire image data generated through reading of an original document, and acquire, through character recognition, a character string included in the image data, in which the control unit performs a first process and a second process, the first process being configured to acquire, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with a first identification mark in the image data, and to which a second identification mark is further added, the second identification mark differing from the first identification mark, the second process using the character string acquired in the first process.

In addition, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an image processing program according to the present disclosure provides an image processing program that causes an image processing apparatus to perform a process to image data generated through reading of an original document, the image processing program causing the image processing apparatus to perform a first process of acquiring, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with a first identification mark in the image data, and to which a second identification mark is further added, the second identification mark differing from the first identification mark, and a second process using the character string acquired in the first process.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Below, the present disclosure will be schematically described.

An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect provides an image processing apparatus including a control unit configured to acquire image data generated through reading of an original document, and acquire, through character recognition, a character string included in the image data, in which the control unit performs a first process and a second process. The first process is configured to acquire, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with a first identification mark in the image data, and to which a second identification mark is further added, the second identification mark differing from the first identification mark. The second process uses the character string acquired in the first process.

With the present aspect, through character recognition, the control unit is configured to acquire the character string of which region is designated with the first identification mark in the image data. The character string also has a second identification mark further added thereto, and the second identification mark differs from the first identification mark. Thus, it is possible to favorably suppress erroneous recognition, as compared with a case where only the first identification mark is used to designate a region where character recognition is performed.

In the first aspect, a second aspect is configured such that the second process is a process of comparing the character string with a folder name of a folder in a storage unit that stores the image data, and storing the image data in a folder having the folder name that at least partially matches at least a portion of the character string.

With the present aspect, the second process is a process of comparing the character string with a folder name of a folder in the storage unit that stores the image data, and storing the image data in a folder having the folder name, at least a portion of the folder name matching at least a portion of the character string. This eliminates the need for a user to designate the storage destination for the image data for each time, which improves the usability.

In the first aspect, a third aspect is configured such that the second process is a process of comparing the character string with a designated character string associated with a folder in a storage unit that stores the image data, and when at least a portion of the designated character string matches the character string, storing the image data in a folder corresponding to the designated character string.

With the present aspect, the second process is a process of comparing the character string with a designated character string associated with a folder in a storage unit that stores the image data, and when at least a portion of the designated character string matches the character string, storing the image data in a folder corresponding to the designated character string. This eliminates the need for a user to designate the storage destination for the image data, which improves the usability.

In addition, with the present aspect, the character string acquired through character recognition and the folder name do not need to be directly associated with each other. Thus, the degree of freedom in setting a folder name increases.

In the second or third aspect, a fourth aspect is configured such that the storage unit is a storage unit included in a cloud server.

With the present aspect, when the storage unit is a storage unit included in a cloud server, it is possible to obtain operation and effect of the second or third aspect described above.

In the first aspect, a fifth aspect is configured such that the character string is set as a first character string, a character string included in the image data and differing from the first character string is set as a second character string, in the first process, the control unit acquires, through character recognition, the second character string of which region is designated with a third identification mark in the image data, the third identification mark being disposed at a position differing from the first identification mark, the third identification mark having a color differing from the first identification mark, the second identification mark being further added to the second character string, and in the second process, the control unit performs a process using the first character string and the second character string acquired in the first process.

With the present aspect, in addition to the first character string, the second character string differing from the first character string is used. This makes it possible to expand the variation in the second process, which makes it possible to further improve the usability.

In the fifth aspect, a sixth aspect is configured such that the second process includes: a process of setting a file name of the image data to be a file name including the first character string; and a process of comparing the second character string with a folder name of a folder in a storage unit that stores the image data, and storing the image data in a folder having the folder name, at least a portion of the folder name matching at least a portion of the second character string.

The present aspect eliminates the need for a user to designate the file name of the image data in addition to the storage destination for the image data for each time, which improves the usability.

In the fifth aspect, a seventh aspect is configured such that the second process includes: a process of setting a file name of the image data to be a file name including the first character string; and a process of comparing the second character string with a designated character string associated with an existing folder in a storage unit that stores the image data, and when at least a portion of the designated character string matches at least a portion of the second character string, storing the image data in a folder corresponding to the designated character string.

The present aspect eliminates the need for a user to designate the file name of the image data in addition to the storage destination for the image data for each time, which improves the usability.

Furthermore, with the present aspect, the second character string acquired through character recognition and the folder name do not need to be directly associated with each other. Thus, the degree of freedom in setting a folder name increases.

In the first aspect, an eighth aspect is configured such that the first identification mark is a line of a predetermined color, and is configured to include a line surrounding the character string, the second identification mark includes a line intersecting the first identification mark and is a mark smaller than a size of the first identification mark, and when the second identification mark is added together with the first identification mark, the control unit acquires, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with the first identification mark.

With the present aspect, the first identification mark is a line of a predetermined color and configured to include a line surrounding the character string. Thus, it is possible to easily designate the character string to be subjected to character recognition. In addition, the second identification mark includes a line intersecting the first identification mark, and is a mark having a size smaller than the first identification mark. Thus, it is possible to reliably recognize the pair of the first identification mark and the second identification mark.

Note that the present aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to seventh aspects.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an image processing program according to a ninth aspect provides an image processing program that causes an image processing apparatus to perform a process to image data generated through reading of an original document, the image processing program causing the image processing apparatus to perform: a first process of acquiring, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with a first identification mark in the image data, and to which a second identification mark is further added, the second identification mark differing from the first identification mark; and a second process using the character string acquired in the first process.

With the present aspect, the image processing program causes the image processing apparatus to perform a process of acquiring, through character recognition, the character string of which region is designated with the first identification mark in the image data, and to which a second identification mark is further added, the second identification mark differing from the first identification mark. Thus, it is possible to favorably suppress erroneous recognition, as compared with a case where only the first identification mark is used to designate a region where character recognition is performed.

Below, the present disclosure will be specifically described.

FIG.1schematically illustrates the configuration of the image processing apparatus10according to the present embodiment and units that can communicate with the image processing apparatus10. The image processing apparatus10can communicate with a scanner30through a communication IF14. The scanner30serves as one example of an image reading apparatus configured to read an image of an original document. The scanner30optically reads the original document to generate image data in a predetermined format as a result of reading, and outputs the image data to the image processing apparatus10.

The image processing apparatus10is achieved, for example, with a personal computer, a personal digital assistant such as a smartphone or a tablet, or an information processing device having a processing ability equivalent to these units. Furthermore, hardware that can achieve a control unit11according to the present embodiment may be regarded as an image processing apparatus.

The image processing apparatus10includes the control unit11, a display unit12, an operation receiving unit13, a communication interface (IF)14, a storage unit15, and the like. The control unit11is a unit including a CPU11a, a ROM11b, a RAM11c, and the like, and is configured to include one or more ICs, other memories, or the like on an as-necessary basis. The storage unit15is, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The storage unit15may be a portion of the control unit11.

The control unit11is configured such that the CPU11aperforms a computation process using the RAM11cor the like as a work area in accordance with a program stored in the ROM11b, the storage unit15, or the like, thereby controlling the behavior of the image processing apparatus10. The control unit11holds an image processing program A as one of programs, and achieves individual functions such as a data acquiring unit20, a first processing unit21, or a second processing unit22, which will be described later, in accordance with the image processing program A.

The image processing program A is an image processing program that causes the control unit11to execute a process to image data generated through reading of an original document. Furthermore, the image processing program A is an application program used to perform storage or management of the image data.

The communication IF14is an IF configured to perform communication with the outside in a wired manner or wireless manner in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol including a known communication standard. In the example inFIG.1, the image processing apparatus10is coupled to the scanner30through the communication IF14. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus10can be coupled to an external network through the communication IF14or other communication IFs that are not illustrated in the drawing, and can be coupled to the Internet NW as one example. The image processing program A of the control unit11makes it possible to upload image data acquired from the scanner30, to a storage unit45of a cloud server40through the Internet NW.

Note that it is not essential that the image processing apparatus10is configured to be able to upload image data to the storage unit45of the cloud server40. It may be possible to employ a configuration in which image data can be stored only in the storage unit15included in the image processing apparatus10.

The display unit12is a unit used to display visual information, and is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit12may be configured to include a display, and a driving circuit used to drive this display. The operation receiving unit13is a unit used to receive an operation from a user, and is achieved, for example, with a physical button, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. It is needless to say that the touch panel may be achieved with one function of the display unit12. Furthermore, the display unit12and the operation receiving unit13may be collectively referred to as an operating panel or the like.

A portion of the display unit12, the operation receiving unit13, the storage unit15, and the like illustrated inFIG.1may be configured as a peripheral unit provided outside of the image processing apparatus10. Furthermore, it may be possible to regard, as one image processing apparatus, a system including the image processing apparatus10and the scanner30illustrated inFIG.1. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus10and the scanner30as a whole may be included in one device as an actual condition. When the image processing apparatus10and the scanner30are included in one device, such a configuration can be referred to as an image processing apparatus. Furthermore, the configuration including the image processing apparatus10and the scanner30may be a multifunction device having both the function of a printer and the function of a scanner.

FIG.2illustrates, as a flowchart, a process that the control unit11performs in accordance with the image processing program A.

As a stage prior to the step S101being performed, the scanner30first reads an original document set by a user as appropriate to generate image data. Hereinbelow, when the image data is simply referred to, the image data represents image data generated by the scanner30reading an original document. In the present example, the original document that a user causes the scanner30to read represents an original document on which at least a character is stated. The original document includes various types such as a receipt, an invoice, or a contract. However, below, description will be made using a delivery statement Pa illustrated inFIG.3as one example of the original document.

The scanner30transmits image data to the image processing apparatus10. Note that it may be possible to employ a configuration in which the control unit11gives the scanner30an instruction to start reading of the original document through the communication IF14, and the scanner30starts reading the original document in accordance with the instruction from the control unit11to start reading.

The data acquiring unit20(seeFIG.1) acquires, through the communication IF14, the image data transmitted from the scanner30as described above (step S101). Note that it may be possible to employ a configuration in which, rather than acquiring the image data directly from the scanner30, the data acquiring unit20acquires the image data from the storage unit15serving as one example of a storage unit that is the transfer destination to which the image data is transferred from the scanner30.

Next, the first processing unit21(seeFIG.1) performs a first process. As one example, the first process includes step S102and step S103. In step S102, a first identification mark51and a second identification mark52illustrated inFIG.3are extracted from the image data. In step S103, a character string61for which region is designated with the first identification mark51is acquired through character recognition. Note that, hereinafter, the character string61is referred to as a first character string61.

The first process defined in steps S102and S103in this manner is a process of acquiring, through character recognition, the first character string61of which region is designated with the first identification mark51in the image data, and the second identification mark52differing from the first identification mark51is further added to the first character string61.

InFIG.3, the first identification mark51is comprised of a line surrounding a character string “delivery statement” as one example. In addition, as one example, the line constituting the first identification mark51is a line with a color such as red, blue, or green, and can be drawn by a user using a marking pen or the like. It is preferable that colors of the character strings differ from the color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51. For example, when the color of character strings is black, it is preferable that the color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51has a color other than black.

The color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51is stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). The user knows in advance the color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51, for example, through a user interface (UI) displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like. Note that it may be possible that the user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51through the UI on the display unit12.

In addition, the first identification mark51may have any shape, provided that the mark is a line that surrounds a character string, and it may be possible to employ a shape such as a quadrilateral shape or an oval shape. Furthermore, it may be possible to employ a shape in which the starting point and the ending point of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51substantially match each other, and the first identification mark51is enclosed. In addition, it may be possible to employ a shape in which the starting point and the ending point of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51do not match each other, and a portion of the first identification mark51is opened. Furthermore, the characteristic of the shape of the first identification mark51as described above may be stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). In this case, by extracting the first identification mark51on the basis of the stored characteristic of the shape of the first identification mark51, the control unit11is able to extract the first identification mark51in a more appropriate manner. In addition, in this case, it is preferable that the user knows in advance the preferred shape of the first identification mark51, for example, through the UI displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like.

Furthermore, the first identification mark51is not limited to the line surrounding a character string, and may be a mark in which a character string is filled with a highlighter pen or the like.

Next, the second identification mark52includes a line intersecting the first identification mark51as one example, and is a mark having a size smaller than the first identification mark51and having a shape of “v” in the example ofFIG.3, that is, a check mark.

The line that constitutes the second identification mark52is a line having a color of red, blue, green, or the like as one example, and can be drawn by a user using a marking pen or the like. It is preferable that colors of the character strings differ from the color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52. For example, when the color of character strings is black, it is preferable that the color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52has a color other than black. Note that the color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52may be the same color as the first identification mark51or may differ from the color of the first identification mark51.

The color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52is stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). The user knows in advance the color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52, for example, through a UI displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like. Note that it may be possible that the user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the color of the line that constitutes the second identification mark52through the UI on the display unit12.

In addition, the second identification mark52is added in conjunction with the first identification mark51, and may have any shape, provided that the shape thereof has a size smaller than the first identification mark51. Furthermore, the shape thereof is not limited to a check mark as illustrated inFIG.3, and may have other shapes such as “x” or be a character such as an alphabet. However, it is preferable that the second identification mark52is attached by a user, and hence, it is preferable that the second identification mark52has a simplified shape.

Furthermore, the characteristic of the shape of the second identification mark52as described above may be stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). The control unit11extracts the second identification mark52on the basis of the stored characteristic of the shape of the second identification mark52.

The user knows in advance the shape of the second identification mark52, for example, through the UI displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like. Note that it may be possible that the user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the shape of the second identification mark52through the UI on the display unit12.

Furthermore, the position of the second identification mark52relative to the first identification mark51is disposed at the upper right side in the example ofFIG.3. However, this position may be any position, and may be any of the upper center, the upper left side, the lower right side, the lower center, and the lower left side. In addition, the position of the second identification mark52relative to the first identification mark51may be stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). In this case, by extracting the second identification mark52on the basis of the stored information concerning the position of the second identification mark52relative to the first identification mark51, the control unit11is able to extract the second identification mark52in a more appropriate manner.

In addition, in this case, it is preferable that the user knows in advance the position of the second identification mark52relative to the first identification mark51, for example, through the UI displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like. Note that it may be possible that the user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the position of the second identification mark52relative to the first identification mark51through the UI on the display unit12.

Furthermore, in the example inFIG.3, the second identification mark52intersects the first identification mark51. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The second identification mark52may not intersect the first identification mark51.

Next, in step S103inFIG.2, with the target being the image data surrounded by the first identification mark51extracted in step S102, character recognition (Optical Character Recognition/Reader: OCR) is performed to acquire the first character string61, that is, acquire text data on the first character string61. The character recognition process is a known technique, and hence, detailed explanation will not be provided.

Next, the second processing unit22(seeFIG.2) performs a second process. As one example, the second process includes steps S104to S106.

In step S104, the second processing unit22searches for a folder in the storage unit15on the basis of the first character string61(“delivery statement” in the example inFIG.3) acquired in step S103. For example, the second processing unit22performs a search as to whether or not a folder having a folder name including a character string “delivery statement” exists in the storage unit15. When such a folder exists in the storage unit15, this folder is set as the storage destination for the image data. When such a folder does not exist, it may be possible that a folder having a name “delivery statement” is newly created in the example described above, and this folder is the storage destination for the image data. Alternatively, when the folder described above does not exist or when a plurality of the folders described above exist and the storage destination cannot be determined, it may be possible that a temporary folder set in advance is used as the storage destination for the image data.

In step S105, the second processing unit22sets a storage file name. The storage file name may take any mode, and it may be possible to set it to “YYYYMMDD_recognition result _RRRR” as one example. Here, the “YYYY” represents the Christian Ear year, the “MM” represents a month, the “DD” represents a date, and the “RRRR” represents a serial number. By referring to the storage destination folder for the image data, the serial number is set as the latest number of files having the same date.

In addition, in step S106, the second processing unit22stores image data having a file name set in step S105, in the storage destination folder for the image data set in step S104.

In this manner, the control unit11uses the image processing program A to acquire, through character recognition, the first character string61of which region is designated with the first identification mark51in the image data, and the second identification mark52differing from the first identification mark51is further added to the first character string61. Thus, it is possible to favorably suppress erroneous recognition, as compared with a case where the region for character recognition is designated only with the first identification mark51.

In addition, the second process achieved by the second processing unit22is a process of comparing the first character string61with a folder name of a folder in the storage unit15that stores image data, and storing image data in a folder of which folder name at least partially matches at least a portion of the first character string61. This eliminates the need for a user to designate the storage destination for image data for each time, which improves the usability.

Note that, when the first character string61is compared with a folder name of a folder in the storage unit15, it is possible to make comparison by employing one of or two or more of a case where a portion of the folder name matches a portion of the first character string61, a case where a portion of the folder name matches the whole of the first character string61, a case where the whole of the folder name matches a portion of the first character string61, and a case where the whole of the folder name matches the whole of the first character string61.

Note that, when the first character string61is compared with a folder name of a folder in the storage unit15that stores image data and at least a portion of the folder name does not match at least a portion of the first character string61, it may be possible to employ a configuration in which a folder of which name is a portion of or the whole of the first character string61is newly created, and the image data is stored in this created folder.

Note that, in place of the storage unit15that the image processing apparatus10includes, the storage destination for image data may be a storage unit45that a cloud server40includes. In addition, the storage destination for image data may be a storage unit on other networks that are accessible from the image processing apparatus10. This similarly applies to other embodiments that will be described below.

In addition, in the second process, when the first character string61is compared with a designated character string associated with an existing folder and at least a portion of the designated character string matches the first character string61, the storage destination folder for image data may be a folder corresponding to the designated character string.

For example, it is assumed that a “\nouhin” folder exists in the storage unit15, and the “delivery statement” serving as a designated character string is associated with this folder, as illustrated inFIG.4. The first character string61is the “delivery statement”, and hence, matches the designated character string. Thus, in this case, the image data is stored in the “\nouhin” folder. In addition, in a case where a “\seikyu” folder exists in the storage unit15and the “invoice” serving as the designated character string is associated with this folder, image data is stored in the “\seikyu” folder when the first character string61acquired through character recognition is the “invoice”.

The present example also eliminates the need for a user to designate the storage destination for image data for each time, which improves the usability.

Furthermore, in such a mode, the character string acquired through character recognition and the folder name do not need to be directly associated with each other. Thus, the degree of freedom in setting a folder name increases.

Note that, when the designated character string and the first character string61are compared with each other, it is possible to employ one of or two or more of a case where a portion of the designated character string matches a portion of the first character string61, a case where a portion of the designated character string matches the whole of the first character string61, a case where the whole of the designated character string matches a portion of the first character string61, and a case where the whole of the designated character string matches the whole of the first character string61, and make comparison.

Furthermore, the number of the designated character strings associated with one existing folder is not limited to one, and may be two or more. For example, in addition to the “delivery statement”, another character string such as “delivery note” may be set for the designated character string associated with the “\nouhin” folder.

The relationship between the folder in the storage unit15and the designated character string as described above is stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). The control unit11searches for the designated character string on the basis of the character string acquired through character recognition. When the applicable designated character string exists, the control unit11selects a folder corresponding to this designated character string as the storage destination for image data.

Note that it may be possible that the user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the relationship between the existing folder and the designated character string through the UI on the display unit12.

Next, an example in which a plurality of character strings are recognized will be described with reference toFIG.5.

InFIG.5, the reference character62represents a second character string differing from the first character string61. In addition, the reference character53represents a third identification mark disposed at a position differing from the first identification mark51. InFIG.5, the third identification mark53is comprised of a line surrounding a character string “◯ΔxCo. Ltd.” (second character string62) as one example.

The line that constitutes the third identification mark53is a line having a color of red, blue, green, or the like as one example, and can be drawn by a user using a marking pen or the like. It is preferable that colors of the character strings differ from the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53. For example, when the color of character strings is black, it is preferable that the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53has a color other than black.

In addition, the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53needs to differ from the color of the line that constitutes the first identification mark51. The purpose of this is to distinguish the first identification mark51and the third identification mark53from each other.

Furthermore, the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53may be stored in advance as setting information in the ROM11b(seeFIG.1) or a storage unit such as the storage unit15(seeFIG.1). The user knows in advance the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53, for example, through a user interface (UI) displayed on the display unit12or an operation manual or the like. Note that it may be possible that a user sets (or changes), on an as-necessary basis, the color of the line that constitutes the third identification mark53through the UI on the display unit12.

In addition, the shape and the like of the third identification mark53are similar to those of the first identification mark51described above.

Furthermore, the second identification mark52is attached to the third identification mark53as with the first identification mark51. The second identification mark52added to the third identification mark53is similar to the second identification mark52added to the first identification mark51, and hence, additional explanation will not be provided here.

One example of a process of recognizing a plurality of character strings will be described with reference toFIG.6.

Steps S201and S202are similar to steps S101and S102described above with reference toFIG.2, and hence, additional explanation will not be provided.

The first process performed by the first processing unit21(seeFIG.1) includes steps S202to S205.

In step S203, the first processing unit21extracts the third identification mark53and the second identification mark52illustrated inFIG.5in the image data. Then, in step S204, character recognition is performed for the first character string61, and in step S205, character recognition is performed for the second character string62.

Next, the second process performed by the second processing unit22(seeFIG.1) includes steps S206to S208.

In step S206, the second processing unit22sets a storage file name at the time of storing the image data on the basis of the first character string61.

The storage file name can be set, for example, to “YYYYMMDD_first character string61_RRRR”. Here, the “YYYY” represents the Christian Ear year, the “MM” represents a month, the “DD” represents a date, and the “RRRR” represents a serial number. By referring to the storage destination folder for the image data, the serial number is set as the latest number of files having the same date.

Next, in step S207, the second processing unit22searches for a folder in the storage unit15on the basis of the second character string62. For example, the second processing unit22performs a search as to whether or not a folder having a folder name including a portion of or the whole of the character string “◯ΔxCo. Ltd.” exists in the storage unit15. When such a folder exists in the storage unit15, this folder is set as the storage destination for the image data. Note that, when the folder described above does not exist, it may be possible that a folder having a name “◯ΔxCo. Ltd.” is newly created in the example described above, and this folder is set as the storage destination for the image data. Alternatively, when the existing folder described above does not exist or when a plurality of the folders described above exist and the storage destination cannot be determined, it may be possible that a temporary folder set in advance is used as the storage destination for the image data.

Then, in step S208, the second processing unit22stores image data having a file name set in step S206, in the storage destination folder for the image data set in step S207.

In this manner, in the present example, the control unit11performs the first process of acquiring, through character recognition, the second character string62of which region is designated with the third identification mark53disposed at a position differing from the first identification mark51in the image data, the second identification mark52being further added to the character string, and also performs the second process using the first character string61and the second character string62acquired in the first process.

That is, in addition to the first character string61, by using the second character string62differing from the first character string61, it is possible to expand a variation in the second process, which makes it possible to further improve the usability.

Furthermore, in the example described above, the second process includes a process of setting the file name of the image data to be a file name including the first character string61, and also includes a process of comparing the second character string62with a folder name of the folder in the storage unit15that stores the image data, and storing the image data in a folder of which folder name at least partially matches at least a portion of the second character string62.

This eliminates the need for a user to designate the file name for image data as well as the storage destination for the image data for each time, which improves the usability.

Note that, when the second character string62is compared with a folder name of a folder in the storage unit15, it is possible to employ one of or two or more of a case where a portion of the folder name matches a portion of the second character string62, a case where a portion of the folder name matches the whole of the second character string62, a case where the whole of the folder name matches a portion of the second character string62, and a case where the whole of the folder name matches the whole of the second character string62, and make comparison.

Note that, in the example described above with reference toFIGS.5and6, the first character string61is used to set a storage file name, and the second character string62is used to determine the storage destination folder. However, it may be possible to use both of the strings to set the file name or use both of the strings to determine the storage destination folder.

In addition, in the example inFIG.5, two character strings of the first character string61and the second character string62are acquired. However, it may be possible to acquire three or more character strings. That is, in addition to the first identification mark51and the third identification mark53, it may be possible to further use one or more identification marks to designate a character for use in character recognition.

Furthermore, similarly to those described with reference toFIG.4, in the present example, it may be possible that a designated character string associated with an existing folder is compared with the second character string62acquired through character recognition to set the storage destination for image data.

That is, the second process may include a process of setting a file name for image data to be a file name including the first character string61, and also includes a process of comparing the second character string62with the designated character string associated with an existing folder in the storage unit15that stores the image data, and when at least a portion of the designated character string matches at least a portion of the second character string62, storing the image data in the folder corresponding to the designated character string.

This eliminates the need of the second character string62acquired through character recognition being directly associated with the folder name. Thus, the degree of freedom in setting the folder name improves.

Note that, when the second character string62is compared with a designated character string, it is possible to employ one of or two or more of a case where a portion of the designated character string matches a portion of the second character string62, a case where a portion of the designated character string matches the whole of the second character string62, a case where the whole of the designated character string matches a portion of the second character string62, and a case where the whole of the designated character string matches the whole of the second character string62, and make comparison.

Furthermore, in the example described above, the second process uses the first character string61and the second character string62in the process of storing image data. However, it is needless to say that the second process is not limited to this. For example, when the first character string61is a name of an organization or a user name, and the second character string62relates to a schedule, it may be possible to apply the first character string61and the second character string62to a schedule management serve. For example, it is possible to use the first character string61to select an organization or a user for which schedule is registered and use the second character string62to register the schedule.

It is needless to say that the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment described above or modification examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, when image data is stored, it may be possible to delete the first identification mark51, the second identification mark52, and the third identification mark53described above from the image data.

In addition, when erroneous recognition is less likely to occur even if the second identification mark52is not used, for example, when the first identification mark51or the third identification mark53has a distinctive shape, it is possible to omit the second identification mark52.