JP5884545B2 - Copy machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying apparatus that can extract a specific partial image from a single original and correctly store it on a recording sheet for recording.

  The user of a copying machine can specify a specific part of an original image when it is scaled (enlarged or reduced) and copied onto recording paper, unless the copying machine has a special partial scaling function. The original is placed so that the end of the portion is aligned with the end of the flatbed scanner (FBS), and a rough scaling factor is input to perform the copying process. In this partial scaling copying procedure, if there is an error in the placement of the original or an input error at an appropriate scaling ratio, all of the partial images that you want to enlarge or copy will not fit in the copy, or they will be enlarged or reduced more sufficiently than expected by the user There was a problem that it was not copied.

  In Patent Document 1, an image within a mark (enclosed line such as a red line) on a document is partially cut out to recognize the image size, and a scaling factor is set based on the image size and the size of the recording paper. An enlarged image is recorded on the recording paper with the variable magnification. In this case, the point that the image is enlarged so that the margin becomes the optimum value is described.

JP 2002-171402 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that a specific partial image is extracted from a single original, is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the size of the recording paper, and is correctly stored on the recording paper and recorded. Is.

  The present invention provides an image reading unit capable of reading a mixed document in which handwritten marking is performed by a writing instrument on a printed matter on which a printed image is formed with toner or ink, and creating multi-value image data. An image storage unit for storing the value image data, and an extraction scaling for extracting the partial image specified by the handwritten marking from the multi-valued image data stored in the image storage unit and then performing a scaling process on the partial image The present invention relates to a copying apparatus including a processing unit and an image recording unit that records a scaled partial image on a recording sheet.

  In a preferred aspect, there are a plurality of the handwritten markings, and the extraction scaling processing unit includes a separation processing unit, a rectangle setting unit, an extraction processing unit, and a scaling processing unit. The separation processing unit separates all the handwritten marking images from the printed image from the multi-valued image data, in each of the handwritten markings, taking into account the degree of shade difference between the plurality of pixels constituting the handwritten marking. Separate separately. The rectangle setting unit sets a minimum rectangle including all of the plurality of separated handwritten markings. The extraction processing unit extracts the print image in an area surrounded by the set rectangle as the partial image. The scaling processing unit scales the extracted partial image.

  In still another preferred aspect, the extraction scaling processing unit includes a separation processing unit, a counting processing unit, a closed region determination unit, a rectangle setting unit, an extraction processing unit, and a scaling processing unit. The separation processing unit separates and separates the handwritten marking image from the printed image from the multi-valued image data, taking into account the degree of shade difference between the plurality of pixels constituting the handwritten marking. The counting processing unit counts the number of the separated handwritten markings and determines whether it is singular or plural. The closed region determination unit determines whether or not the handwritten marking is a closed region when the handwritten marking is singular. The rectangle setting unit sets a minimum rectangle that includes the handwritten markings of the separated closed region, or sets a minimum rectangle that includes all of the plurality of separated handwritten markings. The extraction processing unit extracts the print image in an area surrounded by the set rectangle as the partial image. The scaling processing unit scales the extracted partial image.

  In any preferred aspect of the present invention described above, the extraction scaling processing unit further includes a partial image information acquisition unit that acquires the size of the set rectangle, and the scaling processing unit includes the rectangle. It is preferable that the partial image is enlarged to the maximum size that can be accommodated in the size of the recording paper while maintaining the aspect ratio of the partial image based on the size of the partial image.

  In the preferable aspect of the present invention described above, the extraction scaling processing unit applies the partial image to the orientation of the recording paper while maintaining the aspect ratio of the partial image based on the acquired rectangular size. It is preferable to further include a rotation processing unit that rotates.

  According to each of the preferred aspects of the present invention described above, the user specifies a portion to be scaled on the original by one closed area or a plurality of handwritten markings, and then instructs the extracted scaled copy, thereby handwriting marking. When a partial image to be scaled is cut into a rectangular area according to the degree of shading of a plurality of pixels, and the cut partial image is maximized and recorded on a recording paper, or when a small recording paper is selected. It is possible to obtain a copy recorded on the recording paper by reducing the maximum size on the small recording paper. At this time, if the cut-out partial image is a long rectangle, a rotation process is performed while maintaining the aspect ratio of the partial image to obtain a copy that is recorded by being enlarged or reduced to the maximum size on the recording paper. be able to.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration in a copying apparatus. It is a software block diagram of an extraction scaling process part. It is a figure which shows an example of the extraction scaling (enlarging) process of a partial image. It is a figure which shows the other example of the extraction scaling (enlarging) process of a partial image. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the extraction scaling (enlarging) process of a partial image.

  The present invention will be described as a plurality of preferred embodiments with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, but the technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the description of the scope of claims. The description should not be construed as limiting.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a digital multifunction machine 1 as a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 is configured as a multi-function peripheral (MFP apparatus) having a plurality of functions such as a FAX function, a copy function, a scan function, and a print function.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM 12, a data memory 13, an image memory 14, an operation panel 15, an image processing unit 16, an image reading unit 17, an image recording unit 18, and a large-capacity storage. The unit 19 and the communication processing units 31 to 34 are electrically connected via the bus line 10.

  The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU. The control unit 11 controls each of the above hardware units based on the program P stored in the ROM 12 and realizes the function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  The ROM 12 is a read-only storage device that stores in advance programs P, data, and the like necessary for controlling the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  The data memory 13 is a storage device that can be read and written. The data memory 13 temporarily stores various data such as image data, FAX numbers, and mail addresses, data generated during arithmetic processing by the control unit 11, and the like. Memorize temporarily. The data memory 13 is composed of SRAM, flash memory or the like.

  The image memory 14 is a memory for temporarily storing image data received from an external device through the LAN I / F 34 or the NCU 33, image data acquired by the image reading unit 17, image data processed by the image processing unit 16, and the like. Device. The image memory 14 is configured by a memory such as a DRAM capable of reading and writing. The image memory 14 can function as an image storage unit and stores multi-value image data read by the image reading unit 17.

  The operation panel 15 is a processing unit that functions as a user interface. The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 and an operation key group 152.

  The display unit 151 displays various types of information and accepts user operations. The display unit 151 includes a display panel and a touch panel attached to the display panel. The display panel is a device that displays the operating state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example. The touch panel senses that a finger or the like has touched the display screen area of the display panel, and acquires the contact information.

  The operation key group 152 includes various keys such as character keys, numeric keys, and function keys, and accepts user operations such as input of commands, text data, and the like. User operation of the operation key group 152 is input to the control unit 11 as a signal. The control unit 11 controls the operation of each unit based on a user operation.

  The image processing unit 16 is a processing unit that performs various processes such as A / D conversion, color system conversion, color adjustment, and image synthesis on received image data, image data acquired from the image reading unit 17, and the like. is there.

  The image reading unit 17 is a scanner that reads an image on a document with a reading element such as a CCD line sensor. The image reading unit 17 may be a scanner of a type in which a reading element scans the surface of a document placed on a glass table and reads an image, and the document placed on a document placement table (not shown). May be a scanner that reads an image by conveying the document by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and scanning the surface of the conveyed document by a stationary reading element. The image reading unit 17 can read multi-valued image data by reading a mixed document in which a printed image formed with toner or ink is handwritten with a writing tool.

  The image recording unit 18 is a printer that records image data stored in the image memory 14, the large-capacity storage unit 19, and the like on recording paper. As the image recording unit 18, for example, an electrophotographic printer can be employed. The image recording unit 18 can record the partial image enlarged or reduced by the extraction scaling unit 100 on the recording paper with the maximum size.

  The large capacity storage unit 19 is configured by a hard disk or the like. The large capacity storage unit 19 can store the image data processed by the image reading unit 17.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes a codec (CODEC) 31 that encodes / decodes image data and the like corresponding to a plurality of protocols, and a modem 32 that modulates and demodulates transmission / reception data as communication-related processing units. The NCU 33 that controls opening / closing of the telephone line and the LAN I / F 34 corresponding to the interface with the LAN 41 are electrically connected via the bus line 10.

  Here, the communication environment of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described. The digital multifunction device 1 is connected to the LAN 41. The LAN 41 is connected to the Internet 43 via a router 42 and the like. Accordingly, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can perform e-mail communication with the information processing apparatus 44 connected via the LAN 41 or the information processing apparatus 45 connected via the Internet 43. Note that the information processing devices 44 and 45 are, for example, a personal computer, a device similar to the digital multifunction peripheral 1, a mobile phone, or the like.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is a line that is a data communication network for analog lines (for example, PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 46 (or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)). ). As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can perform FAX communication with the communication terminal device 47 connected via the line 46. The communication terminal device 47 is, for example, a personal computer connected to a modem, a device similar to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, a fixed phone, a mobile phone, a FAX dedicated device, or the like.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can execute extraction scaling (including enlargement and reduction) copy processing. In this extraction scaling copying process, a multi-valued image data is created by reading a mixed document in which a handwritten marking by a writing tool is applied to a printed matter on which a print image of toner or ink is formed. Data is stored in the image memory 14, a partial image specified by handwriting marking is extracted from the multivalued image data stored in the image memory 14, a scaling process is performed on the partial image, and the partial image after scaling Is recorded on a recording sheet with a maximum size, for example, to obtain a partially magnified copy of the image. This processing is executed by the extraction scaling unit 100, which is a function of the image processing unit 16. Hereinafter, the software configuration of the extraction scaling unit 100 and some specific examples of the processing will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows a software block diagram of the extraction scaling processing unit 100. The extraction scaling processing unit 100 accepts a user's extraction scaling copying instruction from the operation panel unit 15, stores the multi-value image data from the image reading unit 17 in the image memory 14, or reads it from the image memory 14. The partial image is extracted from the multi-value image data and subjected to scaling (enlargement or reduction), and the scaled image data is sent to the image recording unit 18. The image recording unit 18 records the received image data on the recording paper with the maximum size. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to recording the maximum size on the recording paper.

  The extraction scaling unit 100 includes a separation processing unit 101, a counting processing unit 102, a closed region determination unit 103, a rectangle setting unit 104, an extraction processing unit 105, a partial image information acquisition unit 106, a scaling processing unit 107, and a rotation processing unit. The processed image data is transferred to the subsequent process in this order. However, the processing order of the extraction processing unit 105 and the partial image information acquisition unit 106 may be switched, and the processing order of the scaling processing unit 107 and the rotation processing unit 108 may also be switched.

  The separation processing unit 101 uses a multi-valued image data read by the image reading unit 17 and stored in the image memory 14 as a factor for considering the degree of shading difference between a plurality of pixels constituting the handwritten marking.・ A closed area (enclosed frame) handwritten on the manuscript with water-based ink and an image such as a symbol other than this closed area) and a printed image other than this handwritten marking image (printed on recording paper with toner or ink) (Images of characters, figures, etc.) are distinguished and separated. The closed region may have any shape as long as it defines a closed region having a certain size. For example, it may be a polygon, a rounded polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Further, it may be an irregular shape including a recessed portion or a protruding portion. In addition, the image of symbols other than the closed region may have any shape as long as it is a graphic other than that defining the closed region of a certain size, for example, a check symbol, an asterisk symbol, an alphanumeric character, etc. Can be mentioned.

  Specifically, in the separation process, for example, multi-valued image data can be divided into several coherent object images and separated using the difference in density of each object. That is, the handwritten marking tends to have a higher density portion than the printed portion. Therefore, by calculating the average density of object units (for example, connected pixel units) in the multi-value image data, and determining the portion where the average density is a predetermined value or less as handwritten marking and separating it, the multi-value image data Handwritten markings can be separated from Further, for example, the separation process can be performed by using the change in shading of each object included in the multi-value image data. That is, the handwritten marking tends to have a gradual change in density compared to the printed portion. Therefore, the average density change rate (average value of density difference between adjacent pixels) in object units (for example, connected pixel units) in multi-valued image data is calculated, and the portion where the average density change rate is a predetermined value or less is handwritten marking It is determined that the handwritten marking can be separated from the multi-valued image data. As illustrated above, the separation processing can be performed using density information of each pixel in the multi-value image data, and can also be performed using various known techniques.

  The counting processing unit 102 counts the number of separated handwritten markings and determines whether it is singular or plural. When the number of separated handwritten markings is singular, the closed region determination unit 103 determines whether or not the handwritten marking is a closed region (enclosed frame).

  The rectangle setting unit 104 sets a minimum rectangle circumscribing the separated annular handwritten marking (enclosing frame). Alternatively, a minimum rectangle that includes all of the plurality of separated handwritten markings and that touches at least one side of the handwritten marking is set.

  The extraction processing unit 105 extracts a print image in an area surrounded by the set rectangle as a partial image. The extracted partial image is stored in, for example, the image memory 14 for use in scaling (enlargement or reduction) processing and / or rotation processing.

  The partial image information acquisition unit 106 acquires the size (positional information of the partial image) of the extracted partial image (rectangle) and the center position of the partial image. Specifically, each vertex coordinate and center coordinate of a rectangle set for each partial image are calculated, and the obtained coordinates are acquired as position information of the partial image. For the center coordinates, the average of the vertex coordinates of the rectangle is acquired.

  The scaling processing unit 107 enlarges the partial image to the maximum size that fits the size of the recording paper based on the acquired rectangle size (vertex coordinates and center coordinates of the rectangle) while maintaining the aspect ratio. Or reduce. For example, enlargement processing is performed when the selected recording paper is the same size or larger than the original, and reduction processing is performed when the selected recording paper is smaller than the same size of the cut out partial image. The scaling factor is obtained from the size of the rectangle and the size of the image. In addition, it is preferable to use a digital zoom such as bicubic for the scaling process of the partial image because it can cope with a fine scaling ratio. The rotation processing unit 108 adjusts the orientation of the recording sheet while maintaining the aspect ratio based on the obtained rectangular size (vertex coordinates and center coordinates of the rectangle) and the orientation of the recording sheet of the image recording unit 18. The partial image is rotated. Note that it is preferable that both the scaling processing unit 107 and the rotation processing unit 108 match the center of the image data that has been scaled and rotated with the center of the recording paper.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific example in a case where an image in a document is specified by handwritten marking of a closed region (enclosed frame) and extraction enlarged copying is executed. A specific example in the case of executing the extraction / reduction copying is not particularly shown, but it is sufficient to reduce the partial image in the processing of FIG. The user of the extraction enlargement copy function specifies a print image to be enlarged and copied with a writing tool such as a pencil on the original shown in FIG. 3A by handwritten marking in the closed region (FIG. 3B). At this time, the user is careful not to overlap the handwritten marking with the printed image. When the mixed original with the handwritten marking is set in the image reading unit 17 and the user instructs the extraction enlargement copying process from the operation panel 15, the mixed original is read, and the separation process, the counting process, and the closed area described above are read. Determination processing, rectangle setting processing, and extraction processing are performed, and a print image in an area surrounded by the set rectangle is extracted as a partial image (FIG. 3C). Then, the partial image is enlarged to the full print area of the recording paper while maintaining the aspect ratio, and preferably the center of the enlarged partial image and the center of the recording paper are matched to each other. Partial images can be recorded on recording paper to obtain enlarged copies.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show specific examples in the case where the image in the original is specified by a plurality of handwritten markings other than the enclosing frame and the extracted enlarged copy is executed. A specific example in the case of executing the extraction / reduction copying is not particularly shown, but it is sufficient to reduce the partial image in the processing of FIGS. The user of the extraction and enlargement copy function specifies a print image to be enlarged and copied with a plurality of handwritten markings with a writing tool such as a pencil on the originals shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A (FIG. 4B). , FIG. 5 (B)). At this time, the user is careful not to overlap the handwritten marking with the printed image. When the mixed original with the handwritten marking is set in the image reading unit 17 and the user instructs the extraction enlargement copying process from the operation panel 15, the mixed original is read, and the separation process, the counting process, and the closed area described above are read. Determination processing, rectangle setting processing, and extraction processing are performed, and a print image in an area surrounded by the set rectangle is extracted as a partial image (FIG. 3C). This rectangle is the smallest rectangle that includes all handwritten markings and circumscribes at least one handwritten marking. The partial image is subjected to enlargement processing and rotation processing up to the full print area of the recording paper while maintaining its aspect ratio, preferably the center of the enlarged partial image and the center of the recording paper are matched, The enlarged partial image can be recorded on a recording sheet to obtain an enlarged copy (FIGS. 4D and 5D). As shown in FIG. 5, when the longitudinal direction of the extracted partial image and the longitudinal direction of the document are orthogonal, the extracted partial image is subjected to rotation processing.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, any of the embodiments is illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Image memory 17 Image reading part 18 Image recording part 100 Extraction expansion process part 101 Separation process part 102 Count process part 103 Closed area determination part 104 Rectangle setting part 105 Extraction process part 106 Partial image information acquisition part 107 Enlargement part 108 Rotation process part

Claims (4)

An image reading unit capable of reading a mixed document in which a handwritten marking by a writing instrument is applied to a printed matter on which a printed image is formed with toner or ink and creating multi-value image data; and the multi-value image data read by the image reading unit An image storage unit for storing, an extraction scaling unit for extracting the partial image specified by the handwriting marking from the multivalued image data stored in the image storage unit, and performing a scaling process on the partial image; In a copying apparatus provided with an image recording unit that records a scaled partial image on a recording paper,
There are a plurality of the handwritten markings,
The extraction scaling unit is
Separation processing for separating all handwritten marking images from the printed image by distinguishing from the multivalued image data, taking into account the degree of shading of the plurality of pixels constituting the handwritten marking in each of the handwritten markings A rectangle setting unit that sets a minimum rectangle including all of the plurality of separated handwritten markings; and
An extraction processing unit that extracts the print image of the region surrounded by the set rectangle as the partial image;
A copying apparatus comprising: a scaling processing unit that scales the extracted partial image. An image reading unit capable of reading a mixed document in which a handwritten marking by a writing instrument is applied to a printed matter on which a printed image is formed with toner or ink and creating multi-value image data; and the multi-value image data read by the image reading unit An image storage unit for storing, an extraction scaling unit for extracting the partial image specified by the handwriting marking from the multivalued image data stored in the image storage unit, and performing a scaling process on the partial image; In a copying apparatus provided with an image recording unit that records a scaled partial image on a recording paper,
The extraction scaling unit is
From the multi-valued image data, the separation processing unit for distinguishing and separating the handwritten marking image from the printed image, taking into account the degree of shade difference between the plurality of pixels constituting the handwritten marking, and the separated handwritten marking A counting processing unit that counts the number and determines whether it is singular or plural;
When the handwritten marking is singular, a closed region determination unit that determines whether the handwritten marking is a closed region;
A rectangle setting unit that sets a minimum rectangle that includes the handwritten marking of the separated closed region or sets a minimum rectangle that includes all of the plurality of separated handwritten markings;
An extraction processing unit that extracts the print image of the region surrounded by the set rectangle as the partial image;
A copying apparatus comprising: a scaling processing unit that scales the extracted partial image. The extraction scaling processing unit further includes a partial image information acquisition unit that acquires the size of the set rectangle.
The scaling processing unit scales the partial image to a maximum size that fits the size of the recording paper while maintaining the aspect ratio of the partial image based on the size of the rectangle. The copying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The extraction scaling processing unit further includes a rotation processing unit that rotates the partial image so as to match the orientation of the recording paper while maintaining the aspect ratio of the partial image based on the acquired rectangular size. The copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:

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