JP2017139693A - Information processing unit, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent false transmission in the case of such a utilization method that a received document, printed at the time of FAX reception, is transmitted as a return document, as it is or making some retouch or correction, by FAX.SOLUTION: An information processing unit performing FAX transmission of a return document, created based on the received document printed at the time of FAX reception, has reception image acquisition means for acquiring the image data received by FAX and the transmission source of the image data, reception image analysis means for extracting partial image information, i.e., the information about the character string area other than handwriting, from the image data by analyzing the image data, and holding the partial image information, while mapping to the transmission source, in storage means, and scan image analysis means for acquiring the scan image data obtained by reading the return document, comparing the partial image information extracted from the scan image data with the partial image information held in the storage means, and acquiring the return destination of the return document based on the comparison results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for preventing erroneous FAX transmission.

  Currently, transmission of image data by FAX (G3 FAX, Internet FAX, etc.) is widespread. As such a FAX application, there is a widespread use in which a received original (paper) printed at the time of FAX reception is used as it is, or FAX transmission is performed as a return original after adding or correcting. For example, in order-receiving work such as a trading company, there is a case where information such as a delivery date is added to a received original and returned to a transmission source as a means for notifying that an order has been received. In addition, for example, in the application reception business dealing with personal information such as banks and insurance companies, if there is an incompleteness in the contents of the application form received by FAX, the application form with the incomplete part added will be returned to the sender Sometimes.

  In such FAX communication, erroneous transmission caused by incorrect setting of a reply destination becomes a big problem. In particular, in order to suppress the outflow of information from the viewpoint of security such as internal control in a field including recent personal information protection laws and internal secret matters, a technique for effectively preventing such erroneous transmission is required.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 holds the image data at the time of reception and the transmission source FAX number, compares the image data scanned at the time of FAX transmission with the image data at the time of reception, and matches the transmission source FAX of the image data at the time of reception. A FAX apparatus that sets a number as a reply destination FAX number is disclosed. With the FAX apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous transmission when a received document received by FAX is returned to the transmission source as it is or after being slightly added or corrected.

JP-A-2005-175761

  In Patent Document 1, pixels are compared between image data scanned at the time of FAX transmission (scanned image data) and image data at the time of reception, and those having a matching degree exceeding a threshold value are determined as matching image data. The threshold value for determination is set in advance assuming that the amount to be added to or corrected on the received document is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. However, there is a case where the amount of correction or correction exceeds a predetermined amount, and the degree of coincidence between the scanned image data at the time of transmission and the image data at the time of reception is lower than the threshold value. There are challenges. Although it is conceivable to change the threshold value at the time of transmission, there is a problem that resetting the threshold value in accordance with the amount to be added or corrected for each transmission requires time and effort for the user operation.

  The present invention eliminates the added and corrected parts and compares the image data to find out the image data at the time of reception, thereby reducing the operation burden on the user during FAX transmission and generating an erroneous transmission. It aims to make it possible to suppress.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for FAX-transmitting a return original created based on a received original printed at the time of FAX reception, wherein the FAX-received image data and the transmission source of the image data Receiving image acquisition means for acquiring image information, partial image information that is information about a character string area other than handwriting is extracted from the image data by analyzing the image data, and the extracted partial image information is the source Received image analysis means stored in the storage means in association with the scan image data obtained by reading the return document, and analyzing the scan image data to obtain partial image information from the scan image data The partial image information extracted and extracted from the scanned image data is compared with the partial image information held in the storage unit, and a comparison result is obtained. And having a scan image analysis means for obtaining a reply to the returned document based on.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous transmission while reducing the operation burden on the user regardless of the amount of correction or correction in the returned document when performing FAX transmission.

1 is an overall view of a FAX system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed when the MFP 101 prints image data received by FAX in the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the image analysis in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a FAX transmission screen of the MFP 101. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the MFP 101 performs FAX transmission in the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a reply destination confirmation screen of the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a reply destination input screen of the MFP 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the MFP 101 performs FAX transmission in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a reply destination selection screen of the MFP 101 according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an overall view of a FAX system according to this embodiment. An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Networks) 100. The MFP 101 can perform FAX communication of image data with a FAX apparatus (not shown) via the PSTN 100.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. The MFP 101 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer 221, a scanner 222, and a modem 223. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, ROM 212, RAM 213, HDD 214, operation unit I / F 215, printer I / F 216, scanner I / F 217, and modem I / F 218, and controls the overall operation of the MFP 101.

  The CPU 211 reads the control program stored in the ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading, printing, and communication. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 211. The HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. In the MFP 101, one CPU 211 executes each process shown in a flowchart to be described later using one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214). However, other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs and a plurality of RAMs or HDDs can be cooperated to execute each process shown in the flowchart.

  The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and serves as a reception unit that receives an input operation by a user. The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216 and printed on a recording medium by the printer 221. The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 acquires scanned image data by reading a document, and inputs the scanned image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 performs FAX communication of image data with a FAX apparatus (not shown) via the PSTN 100.

  FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the MFP 101 according to this embodiment. The MFP 101 includes a native function unit 310 and an additional application 320. The native function unit 310 includes a FAX reception unit 311, a transfer unit 312, a printing unit 313, an image reading unit 314, and a FAX transmission unit 315. The additional application 320 includes a received image acquisition unit 321, a received image analysis unit 322, a print instruction unit 323, a UI control unit 324, a scan image analysis unit 325, and a FAX transmission instruction unit 326. Each unit included in the native function unit 310 is provided in the MFP 101 as a standard, whereas the additional application 320 is an application additionally installed in the MFP 101. The additional application 320 is an application based on Java (registered trademark), and can easily add functions to the MFP 101. Note that other additional applications (not shown) may be installed in the MFP 101.

  Hereinafter, each unit included in the native function unit 310 will be described. The FAX receiving unit 311 receives image data transmitted from the FAX apparatus via the PSTN 100 by FAX, and acquires TSI (Transmitting Subscriber Identification) information including transmission source information and the like. The image data (hereinafter, received image data) received by the FAX receiving unit 311 is converted into an image file format such as PDF format or JPEG format. Further, the FAX receiving unit 311 acquires transmission source information (transmission source FAX number) and other reception information (for example, reception date and time) of image data included in the TSI information, and includes the transmission source FAX number and other reception information. Create a reception information file. Further, the data is transferred to the transfer unit 312 together with the converted received image data.

  The transfer unit 312 transfers the received image data and the received information file received from the FAX receiving unit 311 to a preset transfer destination. As the transfer destination, a printing unit 313, a file server, a PC (not shown) on the LAN, or the like can be set. Here, however, all image data received by the FAX receiving unit 311 is once transferred to the additional application 320. It shall be set as follows. Specifically, the transfer unit 312 has an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client function, and transfers the received image data and the received information file by FTP to the received image acquisition unit 321 having the FTP server function.

  The printing unit 313 controls the printer 221 via the printer I / F 216 so as to print the image data received from the print instruction unit 323 in the additional application 320 described later on a recording medium.

  When the image reading unit 314 receives a scan start instruction from the UI control unit 324, the image reading unit 314 controls the scanner 222 via the scanner I / F 217, and the scanner 222 reads a document to acquire scan image data. Next, the image reading unit 314 passes the acquired scan image data to the scan image analysis unit 325 in the additional application 320.

  The FAX transmission unit 315 controls the modem 223 via the modem I / F 218 so that the scan image data received from the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 in the additional application 320 described later is FAX-transmitted to the reply destination FAX number.

  Hereinafter, each unit included in the additional application 320 will be described. The reception image acquisition unit 321 acquires the reception image data and the reception information file transferred from the transfer unit 312 in the native function unit 310.

  The reception image analysis unit 322 acquires a transmission source FAX number included in the reception information file. Also, the received image analysis unit 322 recognizes a character string included in the received image data by image analysis processing such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and extracts region information of the character string. The received image analysis unit 322 determines a character string area other than handwriting (that is, a print character area) by performing a plurality of OCR processes with different recognition processes. Partial image data of the print character area and its area information are extracted as partial image information, and data in which all the extracted partial image information is collected is generated as collation data, and is stored in association with the transmission source FAX number. The received image analysis unit 322 passes the received image data to the print instruction unit 323.

  The print instruction unit 323 passes the received image data received from the received image analysis unit 322 to the printing unit 313 and issues a print instruction. The UI control unit 324 displays a GUI (graphical user interface) for instructing the start of scanning on the operation unit 220 via the operation unit I / F 215 and waits for a scan start instruction operation by the user. The UI control unit 324 issues a scan start instruction to the image reading unit 314 with a scan start instruction operation by the user as a trigger. Also, the UI control unit 324 displays a UI for a user to confirm a reply destination or a UI for a user to input a reply destination based on an instruction from a FAX transmission instruction unit 326 described later, and displays user operation information as a FAX. The data is sent to the transmission instruction unit 326.

  The scanned image analysis unit 325 performs a plurality of OCR processes with different recognition processes on the scanned image data received from the image reading unit 314 in the same manner as the received image analysis unit 322, and performs a character string region other than handwriting (that is, a print character) Region). The partial image data of the print character area and its area information are extracted as partial image information, data including all the extracted partial image information is generated as collated data, and the generated collated data and the received image analysis unit 322 Compare the stored verification data. If the collated data and the partial image information included in the collation data are collated, and the matching data is determined to be matched, the transmission source FAX number corresponding to the matched collation data is acquired as the reply destination FAX number. Further, the scan image analysis unit 325 passes the scan image data and the reply destination FAX number to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326.

  The FAX transmission instruction unit 326 determines whether there is a transmission instruction based on the user operation information received from the UI control unit 324. When there is a transmission instruction, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 instructs the FAX transmission unit 315 to perform FAX transmission by passing the scan image data and the reply destination FAX number.

  The above is the software configuration of the MFP 101 in the present embodiment, but each unit included in the additional application 320 described with reference to FIG. 3 may be included in the native function unit 310. Each unit included in the additional application 320 may be configured as an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the MFP 101.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the MFP 101 prints image data received by FAX in this embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214 or the like.

  In step S400, the FAX receiving unit 311 receives the image data by FAX via the PSTN 100, and acquires TSI information including information such as a transmission source number. Next, the FAX receiving unit 311 converts the received image data into an image file format such as PDF format or JPEG format, generates a reception information file including a transmission source number from the TSI information, and converts the generated reception information file after conversion. The received image data is transferred to the transfer unit 312. The transfer unit 312 transfers the received image data and the received information file received from the FAX receiving unit 311 to the received image acquisition unit 321 of the additional application 320 by FTP. The reception image acquisition unit 321 acquires the reception image data and the reception information file transferred from the transfer unit 312 and passes them to the reception image analysis unit 322.

  In step S <b> 401, the received image analysis unit 322 acquires the transmission source FAX number included in the received information file received from the received image acquisition unit 321. In step S402, the received image analysis unit 322 performs print character OCR processing on the received image data received from the received image acquisition unit 321, thereby recognizing one or more character strings included in the received image data. Extract region information for each character string. The area information is information indicating the position of the image data, and is composed of a plurality of coordinates. For example, the area information is information indicating the position of a rectangle including a character string recognized by the OCR process, and includes two coordinates indicating the upper left and lower right of the rectangle. In step S403, the received image analysis unit 322 performs handwritten character OCR processing on the received image data, thereby recognizing the character string in the area indicated by the area information extracted in step S402.

  The print character OCR process (print character recognition process) and the handwritten character OCR process (handwritten character recognition process) are different in recognition process. The print character OCR process recognizes characters in consideration of only the characteristics of the print characters, whereas the handwritten character OCR process recognizes characters in consideration of the characteristics of characters written by a person. Therefore, in the case of a print character, the recognition result of the print character OCR and the handwritten character OCR tends to be the same, but in the case of a handwritten character, the recognition result of the print character OCR and the handwritten character OCR tends to be different. For example, when the handwritten character example 501 shown in FIG. 5 is recognized, the handwritten character OCR process is correctly recognized as “1”, but the print character OCR process is erroneously recognized as “7”. On the other hand, when the print character example 502 shown in FIG. 5 is recognized, both the print character OCR process and the handwritten character OCR process are correctly recognized as “1”.

  In the present embodiment, using the above features, an area where the recognition result of the printed character OCR and the handwritten character OCR is different is determined as the handwritten character area, and an area where the recognition result of the printed character OCR and the handwritten character OCR is the same. The print character area is determined.

  In step S404, the received image analysis unit 322 determines an area where the respective OCR processing results (character string recognition results) in steps S402 and S403 are the same as a print character area. Partial image data of the print character area and its area information are extracted as partial image information, collation data including all the extracted partial image information is generated, and stored in association with the transmission source FAX number.

  In step S405, the received image analysis unit 322 determines whether the transmission source FAX number acquired in step S401 is already held. If it is determined that the transmission source FAX number is already held, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the received image analysis unit 322 updates the collation data held in association with the existing transmission source FAX number using the collation data generated in step S404. If it is determined that the transmission source FAX number is not held, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the received image analysis unit 322 newly stores the collation data generated in step S404 in association with the transmission source FAX number.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a FAX transmission screen 600 displayed on the operation unit 220 by the UI control unit 324 when performing FAX transmission. Normally, when sending a fax, the user places an original on the scanner 222 of the MFP 101, inputs a destination FAX number, and presses a hardware key for scan start instruction (not shown). As a result, the MFP 101 scans the document to acquire scan image data, and transmits the acquired scan image data by FAX to the input destination FAX number.

  On the FAX transmission screen 600, the input transmission FAX number is displayed in the transmission FAX number input area 601. When FAX transmission is performed to a plurality of transmission destinations, a list of input destination FAX numbers is displayed in the transmission destination FAX number list area 602. In addition, when inputting the destination FAX number, the user can select from numbers registered in the address book in advance, instead of directly pressing the number with the hardware key. When the user selects a registered number from the address book, the address book is displayed by pressing an address book call button 603.

  Further, buttons 604 to 609 in FIG. 6 are buttons for setting parameters at the time of scanning. A resolution setting button 604 is a button for displaying a UI for setting the resolution. A document size setting button 605 is a button for displaying a UI for setting a document size. A density setting button 606 is a button for displaying a UI for setting the density of the document. A double-sided original setting button 607 is a button for displaying a UI for setting whether the original is a double-sided original or a single-sided original. A document size mixed loading button 608 is a button for displaying a UI for setting whether or not the document size mixed loading mode is set. The other function button 609 is a button for displaying a UI for setting other functions. When the user wants to change the default setting at the time of scanning according to the document, the user presses each of the buttons 604 to 609 to change the setting.

  Normally, when performing FAX transmission, the user inputs a destination on the FAX transmission screen 600 in FIG. 6, but in this embodiment, the MFP 101 specifies the transmission source FAX number at the time of reception and sets it as a reply destination FAX number. The user does not need to input a destination. That is, the user places an original on the MFP 101 without inputting a destination and presses a hardware key for scan start instruction (not shown). However, if the MFP 101 cannot identify the transmission source FAX number at the time of reception, a reply destination input screen 900 described later is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the MFP 101 performs FAX transmission in this embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214 or the like.

  In step S <b> 700, the UI control unit 324 issues a scan start instruction to the image reading unit 314 using a user's scan start instruction operation (hardware key press) as a trigger. When the image reading unit 314 receives the scan start instruction, the image reading unit 314 controls the scanner 222 via the scanner I / F 217, and the scanner 222 reads the document to acquire scan image data. Here, the original to be read is a return original created based on the received original printed at the time of FAX reception. Next, the image reading unit 314 passes the acquired scan image data to the scan image analysis unit 325.

  In step S <b> 701, the scan image analysis unit 325 recognizes one or more character strings included in the scan image data by performing print character OCR processing on the scan image data received from the image reading unit 314. Extract the region information of the character string.

  In step S702, the scan image analysis unit 325 performs handwritten character OCR processing on the scan image data received from the image reading unit 314, so that the character string in the region indicated by the region information extracted in step S701 is obtained. recognize.

  In step S703, the scan image analysis unit 325 determines an area where the OCR processing results (character string recognition results) in steps S701 and S702 are the same as a print character area. Partial image data of the print character region and its region information are extracted as partial image information, and collated data including all the extracted partial image information is generated.

  In step S704, the scan image analysis unit 325 compares the verification data generated in step S703 with one or more verification data held by the reception image analysis unit 322 in response to one or more FAX receptions.

  In step S705, the scan image analysis unit 325 determines whether there is collation data that matches the data to be collated based on the comparison result in step S704. If there is matching data that matches, the process proceeds to step S706. If there is no matching verification data, the scan image analysis unit 325 passes the scan image data to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326, and the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S706, the scanned image analysis unit 325 obtains a transmission source FAX number corresponding to the matched collation data and sets it as a reply destination FAX number. Next, the scan image analysis unit 325 passes the scan image data and the reply destination FAX number to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326.

  In step S <b> 707, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 instructs the UI control unit 324 to display the reply destination confirmation screen 800 (reply destination confirmation information) as illustrated in FIG. 8 on the operation unit 220. The UI control unit 324 displays a reply destination confirmation screen 800 on the operation unit 220. Next, the UI control unit 324 passes information indicating whether the user has pressed the OK button 801 or the cancel button 802 (user operation information) to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326.

  In step S708, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 instructs the UI control unit 324 to display the reply destination input screen 900 (reply destination input information) as shown in FIG. The UI control unit 324 displays a reply destination input screen 900 on the operation unit 220. At this time, the UI control unit 324 displays the OK button 902 in a state where it cannot be pressed. When a reply destination FAX number is input by a hardware key operation (not shown), the UI control unit 324 displays it in the reply destination FAX number input area 901 and makes the OK button 902 pressable. The UI control unit 324 passes information indicating whether the user has pressed the OK button 902 or the cancel button 903 (user operation information) to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326. When the OK button 902 is pressed, the UI control unit 324 also passes the input reply destination FAX number to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326.

  In step S <b> 709, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 determines whether there is a transmission instruction based on the user operation information received from the UI control unit 324. If the user presses the OK button 801 or the OK button 902, it is determined that there is a transmission instruction, and the process proceeds to step S709. When the user presses the cancel button 802 or the cancel button 903, it is determined that the transmission has been canceled, and the series of processing ends.

  In step S <b> 710, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 passes the scan image data and the reply destination FAX number to the FAX transmission unit 315. The FAX transmission unit 315 controls the modem 223 via the modem I / F 218 so that the scanned image data received from the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 is FAX-transmitted to the reply destination FAX number.

  As described above, in this embodiment, collation data is generated from received image data using a plurality of OCR processes when a FAX document is received, and is stored in association with the transmission source FAX number. Further, at the time of transmission, data to be verified is generated from the scanned image data of the returned document similarly using a plurality of OCR processes. The verification target data generated at the time of transmission and the verification data held at the time of reception are compared, and the transmission source FAX number is specified from the matching verification data. Then, the specified transmission source FAX number is handled as a reply destination FAX number.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of erroneous transmission while reducing the operation burden on the user regardless of the amount of correction or correction in the returned document.

  In the description of the present embodiment, partial image data specifying a character string region other than handwriting and the region information are extracted as partial image information, but the partial image data is not limited to this. For example, data such as a vector indicating a histogram or a feature amount for a character string region other than handwriting may be extracted as partial image information. The character string area extracted by the OCR process may be one character or any size as long as it includes the character string.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the process of extracting the partial image information from the received image data and the process of extracting the partial image information from the scanned image data are performed by the received image analyzing unit 322 and the scanned image analyzing unit 325, respectively. It is not limited to. The process of extracting the partial image information may be performed by a common image analysis unit. In this case, the common image analysis unit may be configured as a processing unit different from the received image analysis unit 322 and the scan image analysis unit 325. Alternatively, it may be configured inside either the received image analysis unit 322 or the scan image analysis unit 325.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the storage location of the collation data is not described, but any storage location in the memory, HDD, database, or external file server may be used.

  Further, in the description of the present embodiment, a user interface that performs only confirmation on the reply destination confirmation screen 800 has been described. However, a reply destination FAX number may be input to change the reply destination FAX number.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the collation data generated at the time of transmission and the collation data held at the time of reception are compared to find the collation data that matches the collation data, and the source FAX number corresponding to the matching collation data is specified. And set as a reply destination FAX number. In the present embodiment, one or more pieces of matching data whose matching degree exceeds a threshold value are found instead of one piece of matching data that matches the data to be matched, and the transmission source FAX number corresponding to them is identified from the found matching data. , A candidate for a reply destination FAX number. In the first embodiment, the user does not need to input a reply FAX number on the FAX transmission screen 600. In this embodiment, the reply destination FAX number is input by the user on the FAX transmission screen 600, and the input reply destination FAX number is presented to the user on the reply destination selection screen 1100 described later together with the reply destination FAX number candidates. Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, when sending a fax, the user places a document on the scanner 222 of the MFP 101, inputs a reply destination FAX number on the FAX transmission screen 600 shown in FIG. 6, and a hardware key for scan start instruction (not shown) Press. In response to this, the FAX transmission process of the MFP 101 starts.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the MFP 101 performs FAX transmission in this embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214 or the like.

  In step S1000, the UI control unit 324 issues a scan start instruction to the image reading unit 314, triggered by a scan start instruction operation (hardware key press) by the user. When the image reading unit 314 receives the scan start instruction, the image reading unit 314 controls the scanner 222 via the scanner I / F 217, and the scanner 222 reads the document to acquire scan image data. Next, the image reading unit 314 passes the acquired scan image data and a reply FAX number (input number) input by the user to the scan image analysis unit 325.

  In steps S <b> 1001 to S <b> 1004, the scan image analysis unit 325 performs a plurality of OCR processes on the scan image data to generate collation data, and the generated collation data and the collation data held by the received image analysis unit 322. Compare The details of the processing in steps S1001 to S1004 are the same as those in steps S701 to S704 described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In step S <b> 1005, the scan image analysis unit 325 collates the collated data with the partial image information included in the collation data, and finds all collation data whose matching degree exceeds the threshold with respect to the collated data. The transmission source FAX numbers corresponding to them are identified from the found collation data, and are passed to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 as a reply destination FAX number candidate (candidate number). Further, the scan image analysis unit 325 also passes the scan image data and the input number to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326. The candidate numbers are preferably sorted in descending order of the number of matching partial image information in the collation data.

  In step S1006, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 instructs the UI control unit 324 to display the reply destination selection screen 1100 (reply destination selection information) as shown in FIG. The UI control unit 324 displays a reply destination selection screen 1100 on the operation unit 220. At this time, the UI control unit 324 displays the input number and the candidate number in the destination selection list 1101 and displays the transmission button 1103 in a state where the transmission button 1103 cannot be pressed. The destination selection list 1101 is a list box, and the user specifies a final reply destination FAX number by selecting any item. The UI control unit 324 enables the transmission button 1103 to be pressed in response to the user selecting an item. Next, the UI control unit 324 passes information indicating whether the user has pressed the transmission button 1103 or the cancel button 1104 (user operation information) to the FAX transmission instruction unit 326. When the send button 1103 is pressed, the UI control unit 324 also passes the reply destination FAX number (specified number) designated by the user on the reply destination selection screen 1100 to the fax transmission instruction unit 326.

  In step S <b> 1007, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 determines whether there is a transmission instruction based on the user operation information received from the UI control unit 324. If the user presses the transmission button 1103, it is determined that there is a transmission instruction, and the process proceeds to step S1008. When the user presses the cancel button 1104, it is determined that the transmission has been canceled, and the series of processing ends.

  In step S <b> 1008, the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 passes the scan image data and the specified number to the FAX transmission unit 315. The FAX transmission unit 315 controls the modem 223 via the modem I / F 218 so that the scanned image data received from the FAX transmission instruction unit 326 is FAX-transmitted to a designated number.

  As described above, in this embodiment, collation data is generated from received image data using a plurality of OCR processes when a FAX document is received, and is stored in association with the transmission source FAX number. Further, at the time of FAX transmission, the data to be verified is generated from the scanned image data of the returned document similarly using a plurality of OCR processes. The collation data generated at the time of transmission and the collation data held at the time of FAX reception are compared, and all the collation data whose matching degree exceeds the threshold with respect to the collation data are found. From the found collation data, the transmission source FAX number corresponding to them is identified and set as a reply destination FAX number candidate.

  In the description of this embodiment, the reply destination FAX number candidates are displayed in the order of the number of matching partial image information in the collation data, but the number to be displayed is limited to a fixed number (for example, 10). May be.

  Further, in the description of the present embodiment, the reply destination FAX number candidates are displayed in the descending order of the number of matching partial image information in the collation data. Fax number candidates may be displayed on the list. If there is no item exceeding the threshold, a screen such as the reply destination input screen 900 may be displayed.

  In the description of the present embodiment, a list of reply destination FAX number candidates is displayed. In addition, a confirmation screen may be displayed to display a portion that does not match in the collation.

  In the description of the present embodiment, a user interface in which only selection is performed on the reply destination selection screen 1100 has been described. However, a reply destination FAX number may be input to change the reply destination FAX number.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 MFP
321 Received image acquisition unit 322 Received image analysis unit 323 Print instruction unit 324 UI control unit 325 Scanned image analysis unit 326 FAX transmission instruction unit

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus for FAX sending a return original created based on a received original printed at the time of FAX reception,
Received image acquisition means for acquiring FAX received image data and a transmission source of the image data;
Partial image information, which is information about a character string region other than handwriting, is extracted from the image data by analyzing the image data, and the extracted partial image information is associated with the transmission source and held in the storage unit Received image analysis means;
Scan image data obtained by reading the return document is acquired, and the partial image information is extracted from the scan image data by analyzing the scan image data, and the partial image information extracted from the scan image data is An information processing apparatus comprising: a scan image analysis unit that compares the partial image information stored in the storage unit and acquires a return destination of the return document based on a comparison result.   The received image analysis unit and the scan image analysis unit perform a plurality of different analysis processes on the image data and the scan image data, respectively, and send information about character string regions having the same processing result to the partial image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is extracted as information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of different analysis processes include a print character recognition process and a handwritten character recognition process.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partial image information includes partial image data and region information in a character string region. The received image analysis means extracts one or more pieces of partial image information from the image data received by FAX, and holds the extracted one or more pieces of partial image information as collation data in the storage means,
The scan image analysis unit extracts one or more pieces of partial image information from the scan image data, and the collation data held in the storage unit as the collated data includes one or more pieces of the extracted partial image information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is compared with the information processing apparatus.   The received image analysis means acquires, as the reply destination, a transmission source corresponding to the matched collation data when there is the collation data that matches the collated data based on the comparison result. Item 6. The information processing device according to Item 5.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: means for displaying information for confirming the reply destination to a user when there is the collation data that matches the collation data.   8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for displaying information for inputting a reply destination to a user when there is no matching data that matches the data to be verified. The received image analysis means determines one or more pieces of the matching data whose degree of coincidence with the data to be matched exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the comparison result, and corresponds to the one or more pieces of the matching data. Get at least one reply
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for displaying the one or more reply destinations as reply destination selection information in descending order of the number of matches of the partial image information in the collation data. Information processing device. An information processing apparatus for FAX sending a return original created based on a received original printed at the time of FAX reception,
Image analysis means for extracting partial image information, which is information about a character string region other than handwriting, by analyzing image data;
Means for extracting partial image information from the image data received by FAX using the image analysis means, and storing the extracted partial image information in a storage means in association with the transmission source of the image data received by FAX;
The partial image information is extracted from the scanned image data obtained by reading the returned document using the image analysis unit, and the partial image information extracted from the scanned image data is stored in the storage unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: means for comparing with image information and acquiring a return destination of the return document based on a comparison result. An information processing method for FAX sending a return document created based on a received document printed at the time of FAX reception,
A received image acquisition step of acquiring FAX received image data and a transmission source of the image data;
Partial image information, which is information about a character string region other than handwriting, is extracted from the image data by analyzing the image data, and the extracted partial image information is associated with the transmission source and held in the storage unit Received image analysis process;
Scan image data obtained by reading the return document is acquired, and the partial image information is extracted from the scan image data by analyzing the scan image data, and the partial image information extracted from the scan image data is A scan image analysis step of comparing the partial image information held in the storage unit and acquiring a return destination of the return document based on a comparison result.   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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