JP5062633B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for decoding encoded information.

  In recent years, digital copiers that process image data digitized from analog copiers have become widespread due to the development of line sensor reading devices composed of CCD (Charge Copled Device) units and laser writing devices. This digital copying machine is equipped with a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to a copy function, and controls a multi-function, and is called a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP).

  The MFP may be used connected to a network or the like. Output data of the MFP is stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like in the apparatus, and image data stored in the HDD can be transmitted / received via a network or the like. In recent years, the use of MFPs in offices has been diversified and diversified. For example, in the office, a small MFP, a medium MFP, a large MFP, and the like are used. For example, small MFPs are installed in pairs beside a PC (Personal Computer), and each office worker can easily use the functions of a copier, a facsimile, a printer, and a scanner. For example, the medium-sized MFP is shared by a plurality of persons in each department or section, has a certain degree of productivity, and can use functions such as sorting, punching, and stapling. High-productivity, high-quality and multifunctional large-scale MFPs are used in, for example, departments that focus on copy-related work in a company, or companies that make copy-related work itself.

  As described above, MFPs have been diversified from a small class to a large class, but there are functions that can be shared across classes, but there are also functions that are strongly required for each class. For example, large MFPs are required to perform post-processing on paper after plotting, such as punching, stapling, paper folding, and electronic filing at the same time as copying. On the other hand, small MFPs require enhancement of Internet FAX, PC-FAX, etc., and high-quality image printing on dedicated paper for personal use. In the MFP market, which has been diversified and diversified as described above, a system having a set of functions required for each class has been constructed, sold, and provided.

  The importance of information value in business has already been recognized, and it is required not only to convey information quickly, accurately and reliably, but also to convey it in an easy-to-understand and effective manner. With the speeding up / spreading of communication technology, memory capacity increase / cost reduction / miniaturization, and PC performance enhancement, new functions for efficiently handling information using digital data have been provided. The provision and integration of new functions is also desired for MFPs that handle digital image data that is part of digital data.

  Here, as described above, the output in the MFP includes output to paper like a copy, and transmission in electronic data like a scanner or FAX transmission. Even in transmission by electronic data, the output format differs depending on the application. For example, FAX or the like is a monochrome binary image data format, but a scanner or the like may be color RGB image data, for example. As described above, image data is output to the MFP by various output means. At this time, each output means has different output characteristics. For example, the characteristics of the writing unit for paper output and the characteristics of the display to be displayed for scanner distribution.

Further, as an image processing apparatus that executes processing based on additional information extracted from a document image, when reading an image formed on a paper surface, a barcode or a predetermined pattern formed on the same paper surface is read and read. An image processing apparatus that processes a paper surface read according to a barcode or a predetermined pattern is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, it recognizes code information added to a predetermined location in a read document image, calls various copy conditions corresponding to the recognized code information from a storage unit in which various copy conditions are registered, and reads the read document image. A copying apparatus that is set as a copying condition for copying is also disclosed. In addition, in such an image processing apparatus, a technique is also disclosed in which a prescan for recognition is performed in advance in order to recognize a predetermined pattern such as a barcode or a QR code, and a main scan is performed after the recognition. (For example, patent document 2).
JP 2007-202132 A JP 2008-113410 A

  A problem in the above-described technique is reading productivity. In particular, in the case of an apparatus having multiple functions such as an MFP, this recognition time greatly affects productivity in order to operate according to the recognition result. That is, it is first read by a scanner, and then the read bar code and code information added to a predetermined pattern are recognized. This is because the output operation is determined after the recognition.

  Further, in order to recognize the code information added to a predetermined location in the read original image, it is necessary to recognize where the code information is in the read original image, which takes time. For example, if an A3 document is added to the document at a position close to the beginning of reading by the scanner, the code can be recognized immediately. However, if the A3 document is added to a position near the end position in scanner reading, It takes time to locate the code information in the manuscript image.

  If the position of the code information described above is designated in advance, there is no problem. However, the direction in which the user places the manuscript on the manuscript plate depends on the user's operation, and the code is always located at the same position with respect to the manuscript. There is also a problem that whether information is added depends on an application that outputs a document.

  As described above, it takes time to search only for the location of the code information. Further, when the code information is recognized and then output operation is performed, the output of the normal MFP greatly affects the production capacity. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for improving production capacity.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads a document and obtains image data, a pattern region detection unit that detects a region to which a specific pattern of image data read by the image reading unit is added, and an image reading unit. Storage means for associating and storing the image data read by the means and the area detected by the pattern area detection means, and reading the area information portion detected by the pattern area detection means from the image data stored by the storage means, An image processing apparatus comprising image decoding means for decoding information encoded by a specific pattern , wherein the storage means divides the image data read by the image reading means in band units as divided image data Accumulate and store the divided image data and the area detected by the pattern area detecting means in association with each other. The area detected by the frequency detection means, characterized by further comprising a data area determination means for determining whether they fall in a divided image data stored by the storage means.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a resolution conversion unit that converts the resolution of the image data read by the image reading unit.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the image decoding means does not operate when the specific pattern area is not detected by the pattern area detecting means.

The image processing method of the present invention reads an original, an image reading step to obtain image data, and the pattern area detection step of detecting a region in which a specific pattern is added to the image data that has been read Oite to the image reading step, a storing step of storing in association with Oite detected area in the image data that has been read Oite to the image reading step and the pattern area detection step, Available from image data Oite stored in the storage step to the pattern area detection step reads the detected region information portions have, an image decrypting step and the image processing method comprising the for decoding information encoded by a specific pattern, the storage step, the image data read in the image reading step Divide by band and store as divided image data. The area detected in the step is stored in association with each other, and the resolution conversion step for converting the resolution of the image data read in the image reading step, and the area detected in the pattern area detection step are accumulated in the storage step. And a data area determining step for determining which image data the image data belongs to.

Program of the present invention reads an original image reading processing and obtaining image data, and the pattern area detection process for detecting a region in which a specific pattern is added to the image data that has been read Oite the image reading processing, the image reading a storage process of storing in association with the detected area by the image data and the pattern area detection process that is read Oite the processing region information detected by the pattern area detection processing from the image data Oite stored in the storage process reading portion, a program for executing an image decryption process and for decoding the information encoded by a particular pattern in a computer, the storage process is to divide the image data read by the image reading processing in band units Are stored as divided image data, and the relationship between the divided image data and the area detected in the pattern area detection processing is related. In addition, the resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image data read in the image reading process and the area detected in the pattern area detection process are included in any of the divided image data accumulated in the storage process. It is further characterized in that the computer is further caused to execute data area discrimination processing for judging whether or not it belongs .

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to read all the image data from the storage means and to detect and decode the pattern area from the enormous amount of data, so that it is possible to operate only with information necessary for decoding. It becomes possible to improve the productivity capability up to output.

  Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a digital copying machine will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This digital copying machine implements the image processing apparatus and the image processing system according to the present embodiment, and is a so-called multifunction machine (MFP).

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of each part of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment and the contents of a series of processes from reading a document to printing out when the document is copied will be described. Since the digital copying machine described here implements the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the digital copying machine performs predetermined processing as described later based on the image data.

  As shown in the figure, the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment includes an image reading unit 101, a read image correcting unit 102, a pattern area detecting unit 103, an output image processing unit 104, an image decoding device 105, an image writing unit 106, a CPU ( Central Processing Unit) 107, memory 108, HDD 109, external interface (I / F) control unit 110, NIC (Network Interface Card) 111, FAX unit 112, and operation unit 113, which are provided via an external PC 114 and a network. It is connected. The connection to the network may be wired or wireless.

  Next, a process from reading a document to outputting it on paper will be described. The image reading unit 101 includes a line sensor composed of a CCD photoelectric conversion element, an A / D converter, and a drive circuit for the document. By scanning the set document, the density information of the document is digitally composed of 8 bits for each of RGB. Generate and output image data. Further, the value read by the CCD is subjected to shading correction for correcting unevenness due to sensitivity variations among CCD elements, and image data is output. The image data read by the image reading unit 101 is transmitted to the image processing unit 102 and the pattern area detection unit 103.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the image processing unit 102 according to the present embodiment. Next, details of the image processing unit 102 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the diagram shown in FIG.

  In the image area separation process 201, a characteristic area of the original is extracted. For example, extraction of halftone dots formed by general printing, extraction of edge portions such as characters, determination of chromatic / achromatic of the image data, determination of white background whether the background image is white, etc. I do. Also, the image data input to the image processing unit 102 is transmitted to the scanner γ processing 204. In this scanner γ processing 204, γ conversion is performed on the image data so as to obtain a spatial characteristic output from the γ characteristic of the image reading unit 101. Specifically, γ conversion processing is performed on the color signal output from the image reading unit 101 so that the achromatic characteristic becomes the output spatial characteristic.

  Thereafter, the output data is transmitted to the filter processing unit 202. The filter processing unit 202 plays a role of converting the spatial frequency of the image data. Further, using the result determined in the image area separation process 201, a characteristic filter process is performed for each extracted portion. For example, in an area detected as a halftone dot portion, smoothing processing is performed to smooth the halftone dot. If the edge portion is a white background, the area is estimated to be a character portion, and the MTF characteristic is Apply edge enhancement to improve the image.

  The image data processed by the filter processing 202 in this way is transmitted to the color conversion processing unit 203 and subjected to color conversion processing so as to have a predetermined color space characteristic. Since the image formation is once stored, it may be a general-purpose RGB space, or color conversion processing to a color space determined in advance by the image processing apparatus is performed. As the color conversion processing, for example, color conversion is performed using a known color correction processing device as described in Japanese Patent No. 3713352.

  After that, the color-converted image data is converted into the required output resolution by the resolution conversion unit 207 as necessary. As a specific processing method, processing such as a three-dimensional convolution method is performed. If the input resolution and the output resolution are the same, the processing here is not performed. Thereafter, the image data compression unit 206 performs data compression. At the same time, the separated data is also compressed by the separated data compression unit 205. The compression method in the image data compression unit 206 may be an irreversible method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) with a good compression rate, but the compression method in the separated data compression unit 205 needs to be a reversible compression such as MMR. . This is because the separated data is information for each pixel, and correct processing is not performed if it is deteriorated when used in subsequent processing.

  The image data processed by the read image correction unit 102 in this manner is also stored in the memory 108 and the HDD 109 via the expansion bus. At this time, together with the image data, the output result of the image area separation processing 201 is simultaneously saved.

  The operation of the HDD 109 here is good as long as image data can be continuously sent to the image writing unit such as a plotter while being read by the reading device. However, the image data is input but cannot be output, and the capacity of the limited memory 108 is exceeded. It only needs to have enough memory, but it simply increases hardware costs. Therefore, the data is temporarily stored in the large-capacity device HDD 109 to eliminate this memory capacity excess. Further, if it is temporarily saved, it may be stored in the memory 108, but it is better to save it in the HDD 109 for long-term saving. For example, if the memory 108 is a non-volatile memory, the data stored in a general RAM memory will be erased when the image processing apparatus itself is turned off.

  Next, the image data once stored in the memory 108 is transmitted to the output image processing unit 104 through the expansion bus. The output image processing unit 104 converts the characteristics of the accumulated image data into an image writing characteristic for performing paper output, for example, a CMYK image if it is a color writing device. Details thereof will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration example of the output image processing unit 104 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the input data includes pre-compressed image data and data resulting from image area separation processing. First, the separation / image data decompression unit 301 decompresses the compressed data that has passed through the expansion bus. At this time, the decompressed image data and the separated data are associated with each other in units of pixels, and data is output to the next processing unit. The image data and separation data expanded by the separation / image data expansion unit 301 are subjected to filter processing 302 so as to match the MTF characteristics of the writing unit. In the above-described filter processing in the read image correction unit 102, correction is made to a predetermined characteristic for storage in the memory 105 or the HDD 106. However, in the current filter processing unit 302, a predetermined stored image characteristic is stored. Is converted to the image characteristics of the image writing unit. Also, characteristic conversion is performed using characteristic separation data of the document.

  After the processing by the filter processing unit is performed, the image data is transmitted to the color conversion processing unit 303. Again, using the separation data as a result of the image area separation processing 201, for example, if it is achromatic, it can be assumed to be a black character, and when performing CMYK conversion based on it, black monochrome processing can be performed. . The image signal processed by the color conversion processing unit 303 is subjected to an arbitrary scaling process by the processing of the resolution conversion unit 304, and is then transmitted to the γ processing unit 305 and output from predetermined accumulated image characteristics. Performs gamma conversion of characteristics.

  Further, using the data after processing by the γ processing unit 305, the halftone processing 306 performs gradation processing that matches the characteristics of the image writing unit 106. For example, dither processing or error diffusion processing is performed. Further, the conversion of the gradation depth (number of bits) of the image writing unit 106 is also performed here. For example, if the output is 1 bit, the 1 bit conversion is performed while dithering the input 8 bit signal.

  As described above, the image data processed by the output image processing unit 104 is stored again in the memory 108 or in the HDD 109 as necessary. After that, when digital image data composed of CMYK is input to the image writing unit 106, the received image data is output to a recording medium such as paper using an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  Further, the output image data of the image reading unit 101 is also input to the pattern area detection unit 103. Since the data from the image reading unit 101 is read by a line sensor or the like such as a CCD as described above, the data is also output line by line as image data. With respect to the image data input in line order, the pattern area detection unit 103 detects where the data encoded and embedded as an image in the image data is located. For example, when the data to be encoded is a generalized QR code, a positioning symbol of a pattern arranged at a predetermined position in the matrix is detected using the image data read by the image reading unit 101 as a QR code. To do. The coordinates of the detected symbols are stored, and if three symbols are found by the QR code, the area is naturally detected. The detected area is stored in the memory 108 or the HDD 109 associated with the previously read image data.

  In addition, when the specific pattern such as the QR code is added with the original pattern or the specific pattern rotated in the first place, the detection area is a horizontal or vertical range calculated from the symbol position. Is output as a region. For example, if the QR code is rotated as shown in FIG. 4, a range in which the QR code is sufficiently contained is output as a pattern area.

  Next, with respect to the image data stored in the HDD 109 or the memory 108, the pattern area detected by the pattern area detection unit 103 is used, only the area is read, and the data is transferred to the image decoding device 105. The image decoding device 105 decodes information encoded as an image in the area and sends the information to the CPU 107 or the like. The image decoding device 105 may be an arithmetic process performed by the CPU 107 or the like, and there is no problem even if it is hardware and connected on the bus as in this embodiment. Thereafter, based on the decoded information, the information is sent to the output device or the output image processing unit 104.

  Here, regarding the transfer of the area shown in FIG. 4, the pattern area detection unit 103 may detect only position information that is a symbol. If it is a QR code, three symbols are found and the coordinate information is sent to the CPU 107. A necessary area is detected as a pattern area based on the coordinate information, and the area is read. This is because when considering productivity, the memory needs a capacity to perform the two-dimensional processing from the image data processed in line-sequential manner. Saving the memory area to cover will increase the amount of memory. If detection is not performed within the line sequential operation, it is necessary to increase the buffer memory as a result. Therefore, only the position coordinates that can be detected in line-sequential manner are detected, and other two-dimensional processing is required at the time of memory accumulation or processing by the CPU 107 or the like.

  The data is transferred to the image reading unit 101, the read image correction unit 102, the output image processing unit 104, and the image writing unit 106 through the image data expansion bus. At that time, depending on the timing at which these are controlled, for example, even if the image data applied by the image processing unit is to be output by the image writing unit, the engine plotter is not ready for paper output yet. Sometimes.

  In the above case, the image data is temporarily stored in the storage device. Since the image data expansion bus is shared by the modules, the image data expansion bus is controlled by the CPU 107 that adjusts the input / output thereof. Here, the above-described storage device is also connected to the CPU 107 via an expansion bus, and a memory 108 such as a RAM as a storage medium, an HDD 109, and the like are connected.

  In this memory 108, when the image is actually read by the line scanner in the image reading unit 101 and transferred to the output image processing unit 104, the transfer speed and processing at that time, for example, when the image reading unit 101 is reading In addition, the image data is held in the memory 105 when the output image processing unit 104 is performing another process. Thereafter, if necessary, image data is stored in the HDD 109 and used for data reuse or the like.

  Further, when the image processing apparatus has the configuration of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the document reading operation from the image reading unit 101 and the output operation of the image writing unit 106 may operate independently. For example, a certain original is stored in the HDD 109 and transmitted to the memory as a FAX. At the same time, a simultaneous operation may be performed in which image data stored in advance is output to a document. In such a case, the original is first read by the image reading unit 101, processed by the read image correction unit 102, and simultaneously determined by the pattern area detection unit 103, and the image is stored in the HDD 109. At the same time, image data for output to the image writing unit 106 is created by using the output image processing unit 104 for other image data stored in advance in the HDD 109. Thereafter, the image data is output to the image writing unit 106.

  At this time, the output writing capacity of the image writing unit 106 and the image reading unit 101 is slower than that of the output image processing unit 104 or the like due to the mechanical structure. For example, a scanner or a plotter has a time for paper conveyance such as reading and outputting paper, which is inevitably slower than an image processing unit that calculates with hardware.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case of the simultaneous operation as described above, the image data for outputting the accumulated image is read when there is sufficient time before the image writing unit 106 outputs it. The output image processing unit 104 performs processing for FAX transmission of the received image. Thereafter, the image data for FAX transmission is temporarily saved in the memory 108 or the HDD 109, and when all the image data is collected, the data is transmitted from the FAX unit 112 through the external I / F control unit 110.

  Thus, it is inevitable that a large number of processes are required at the same time in the MFP, and the order of the processes is managed and controlled by the CPU 107. In addition, although supplementing about FIG. 5, the time axis is taken on the left, and the triangular image describes the data storage amount of one image as an image. Actually, the accumulated amount of image data per unit time is constant depending on the hardware capability, but FIG. 5 merely shows the accumulated amount as an image.

  Here, the image data read by the image reading unit 101 may be accumulated. Hereinafter, an image processing system for storing in a device-independent format for the purpose of reusing the image data after it has been stored and performing another output using the data will be described.

  First, a processing operation until image data read by the image reading unit 101 is converted into a device-independent format and stored will be described.

  A document is formed as image data in an image reading unit 101 such as a scanner, and then converted into image data independent of a device in a read image correction unit 102. Specifically, the device-independent image data characteristics include, for example, sYCC, AdobeRGB space, or a predetermined RGB space, which is a standard color space, in the case of a color space. In addition, the spatial frequency and the like are determined. Conversion is performed using an image processing unit so as to obtain such characteristics. Thereafter, it is stored in the HDD 109 via the image data expansion bus. Further, the pattern area detection unit 103 detects position information of a predetermined code such as a barcode. Then, the detected area of the image data is read out, and the code information indicated by the image data is combined by the image decoding device.

  Next, processing operations until paper output is performed using the accumulated image data will be described.

  The stored image data is first held in the HDD 109 and transferred to the output image processing unit 104 via the memory 108 and the expansion bus. At this time, since the output image processing unit 104 is intended for paper output, the image processing conversion suitable for the data characteristics output from the image writing unit 106 is performed from the characteristics of the image data in a device-independent format. Thereafter, paper output is once performed by the image writing unit 106 via the memory 108.

  Prior to the output operation process, the data decrypted by the image decryption device 105 includes, for example, a job block function such as whether copying is permitted, user information indicating who the original was output, and the like. Suppose it was included. In that case, if the job block function is set so that only the user authorized by the user can output, the processing operation for outputting the accumulated image data is not performed, for example, the output cannot be performed. Is displayed on the operation unit 113, or an administrator or the like is notified of the state of printing.

(Embodiment 2)
When the read image is stored once in the image processing apparatus, as described in the first embodiment, for example, lossy compression such as JPEG is used, but these compressions are not fixed length compression. Therefore, even if a pattern area is detected, it may be necessary to compress and decompress the entire area once in order to actually read it from the storage device. Therefore, an example will be described below in which means for dividing and storing is used in order to reduce the area to be read and not reduce the production capacity when storing.

  First, as described in the first embodiment, the image data read by the image reading unit 101 is input to the read image correction unit 102. The data processed by the read image correction unit 102 is stored in band units for processing the image data compressed by the image data compression unit 206. For example, the A4 image is divided into eight parts and stored as eight pieces of image data in the storage device. This division is preferably divided in the line direction. That is, it is preferable to use a method in which the reading device is subjected to line processing and data transfer so that it can be sequentially stored.

  Thereafter, it is determined to which area of the divided data the pattern area detected by the pattern area detection unit 103 belongs. This determination means may be performed by the CPU 107 or the like. Also, in this determination, if the direction in which the image is divided is divided in the line direction, the determination means also calculates a divided region for detection using only the coordinates in one direction represented by the coordinates. do it.

  Using the result of determining the data area, the divided image data is read out, the compressed image data is decompressed, and the information is decoded from the image data encoded in the area. As a result, it is possible to operate with only the minimum image data necessary for image decoding, and it is possible to improve the productivity capability from reading to output.

(Embodiment 3)
The MFP has a scaling function for enlarging / reducing image data. In this scaling function, the read image data may be digitally processed using a convolution method or the like, or may be scaled by a reading device. In many cases, for example, when performing 300 dpi output, the image reading apparatus uses mechanical reading in the sub-scanning direction to read 300 dpi, but in the main scanning direction, if the CCD has a resolution of 600 dpi, the original reading is performed. Output, and then perform 300 dpi resolution conversion by digital processing.

  Therefore, in the case described above, the input image resolution in the pattern area detection unit 103 becomes an image resolution of 600 dpi × 300 dpi without processing. At this time, the embedded specific pattern may be entered while being rotated with respect to the image. In such a case, if the vertical and horizontal resolution ratios are different, the detection algorithm is required to operate in consideration of the difference in resolution. Therefore, in the first processing of the pattern area detection unit 103, resolution conversion is performed to adjust the aspect ratio. Thereby, in the symbol detection for detecting the pattern area, it is possible to perform the detection process without worrying about the difference in resolution.

  Further, the image frequency of the image data depends on the resolution when read. Therefore, in the above case, resolution conversion is performed according to the lower resolution in either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction. As the pattern area detection 103, there is an absolute minimum resolution even when the encoded data is decoded and decoded. However, the absolute resolving power is determined at the time of reading, and it is a minimum condition that reading is performed with a higher resolving power. Therefore, conversion is performed so that the smaller image resolution is obtained. That is, based on the image resolution of main scanning or sub-scanning, pattern detection is performed with the same resolution.

  Further, since it is sufficient that the absolute resolving power is within the range, the resolving power higher than that may increase the data, which may affect the pattern detection time. Therefore, when reading is performed with a large resolving power, the resolution may be reduced and converted into a resolving power advantageous to the processing time, without matching one of the smaller image resolutions.

  In reading, the main scanning direction is read at a fixed resolution for the CCD line sensor as described above. On the other hand, in the sub-scanning direction, the resolution changes according to the reading conveyance speed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, resolution conversion is executed only in the main scanning direction. In order to convert the resolving power in the sub-scanning direction, for example, in the case of the convolution method, data of at least about 4 lines is required, and a memory capacity is required. However, as described above, in a reading apparatus that reads at the absolute minimum resolution, the resolution is improved by scaling only the main scanning direction based on the resolution in the sub-scanning direction and performing detection processing on the data. The direction of conversion can be fixed, and only one scaling processor is required.

  If the resolution is sufficiently larger than the resolution necessary for detection, the amount of data necessary for detection is increased. For example, when the line sensor is 1200 dpi, the necessary resolution is sufficiently large. However, the amount of data increases, and the amount of memory necessary for detection inevitably increases. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of memory, the pattern is detected by scaling down to the resolution necessary for detection. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in the amount of memory.

(Embodiment 4)
The processing time for determining productivity in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the total of the reading time, the image decoding time, and the output processing time. Here, in the process of image output, it is the reading process and the output process that always require processing. Regarding the image decoding process, if an image pattern for decoding exists, the process is necessary, but if the image pattern does not exist, the process becomes unnecessary.

  At the same time that the read image correction unit 102 performs read correction processing, the pattern region detection unit 103 detects the pattern region. If no pattern is detected, there is no need to decode the image as a processing operation. Therefore, for example, information indicating that the pattern is not detected is transmitted to the CPU 107, and based on the information, it is determined that the process of decoding the image is not performed, and the process proceeds to the next operation. Thereby, the image can be decoded only when necessary, and unnecessary operations can be suppressed and productivity can be improved.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, conventionally, it has been necessary to read all image data from a storage device and detect and decode a pattern area from the enormous amount of data. However, only the information necessary for decoding can be operated. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to improve productivity capability from reading to output.

  Also, the image data is divided and stored, the area of the pattern included in the image data is calculated, the location of the divided data stored in the pattern is detected, and the image to which it belongs Only the data is read from the storage device, and the encoded information contained in the pattern is decoded by the image decoding device, and the output operation based on the information can be performed. It is possible to operate with only the image data, and it is possible to improve the productivity capability from reading to output.

  Furthermore, by having a resolution conversion function in the pattern area detection unit 103, the vertical and horizontal resolutions of the image data necessary for the pattern area are unified regardless of the scaling method realized by the image reading unit 101 and the entire image processing. It became possible. In addition, when the resolution of the image reading unit 101 is high, it is possible to perform small resolution conversion, thereby reducing the amount of memory necessary for pattern area detection.

  If the pattern area cannot be detected, the image decoding device 105 stops the image decoding operation based on the result, and the output operation can be performed to perform only the operation required for each image. Productivity can be improved except for unnecessary operations.

  The program executed by the CPU 107 constitutes a program according to the present invention. As a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program, a semiconductor storage unit, an optical and / or magnetic storage unit, or the like can be used. By using such a program and a recording medium in a system having a configuration different from that of each of the above-described embodiments and causing the CPU to execute the program, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained.

  Although specifically described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of schematic structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of schematic structure of the image processing part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of schematic structure of the output image process part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the pattern area | region which the pattern area | region detection part of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment detects. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the data storage amount of an image, and time in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image reading part 102 Read image correction | amendment part 103 Pattern area | region detection part 104 Output image processing part 105 Image decoding apparatus 106 Image writing part 107 CPU
108 Memory 109 HDD
110 External I / F control unit 111 NIC
112 FAX unit 113 Operation unit 114 External PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Image area separation processing part 202 Filter processing part 203 Color conversion processing part 204 Scanner gamma processing part 205 Separation data compression part 206 Image data compression part 207 Resolution conversion part 301 Separation / image data expansion part 302 Filter processing part 303 Color conversion processing part 304 Resolution conversion processing unit 305 γ processing unit 306 Halftone processing

Claims (8)

Image reading means for reading a document and obtaining image data;
Pattern area detection means for detecting an area to which a specific pattern of image data read by the image reading means is added ;
Storage means for storing the image data read by the image reading means and the area detected by the pattern area detecting means in association with each other;
Reads the detected region information portion by the pattern area detection means from the stored image data by said storage means, a image processing apparatus and an image decoding means for decoding the information encoded by the specific pattern And
The storage means divides the image data read by the image reading means in band units and accumulates it as divided image data, and stores the divided image data and the area detected by the pattern area detecting means in association with each other. ,
An image processing apparatus , further comprising: a data area determining unit that determines which of the divided image data accumulated by the storage unit the area detected by the pattern area detecting unit belongs to . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resolution conversion unit configured to convert a resolution of image data read by the image reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the resolution conversion unit unifies the resolution to a smaller one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the resolution conversion unit converts the resolution only in the main scanning direction. It said resolution converting means, the resolution of the image data read by the image reading means is greater than a resolution sufficient pattern detection by the pattern area detection detemir stage, sufficient pattern detection by the pattern area detection detemir stage The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the resolution of the image data is converted to a small resolution. It said image decoding means is an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 5, characterized in that a specific pattern area by the pattern area detection unit does not work if it is not detected. An image reading step of reading an original and obtaining image data;
A pattern area detection step of detecting a region in which a specific pattern is added to the image data that has been read Oite in the image reading step,
A storing step of storing in association with Oite detected region in the image reading and image data that has been read Oite to step the pattern area detection step,
Image and an image decryption step for decrypting the read the Oite detected region information part in the pattern area detection step, information encoded by the specific pattern from Oite image data stored in said storing step A processing method,
In the storing step, the image data read in the image reading step is divided in band units and accumulated as divided image data, and the divided image data and the area detected in the pattern area detecting step are stored in association with each other. ,
A resolution conversion step of converting the resolution of the image data read in the image reading step;
An image processing method , further comprising: a data area determination step for determining which of the divided image data accumulated in the storage step the area detected in the pattern area detection step belongs . An image reading process for reading a document and obtaining image data;
And the pattern area detection process for detecting a region in which a specific pattern is added to the image data that has been read Oite in the image reading processing,
A storage process of storing in association with the detected area by the pattern area detection process and image data that has been read Oite in the image reading processing,
It reads the Oite detected region information portion from the image data Oite stored in the storage process to the pattern area detection process, and an image decryption processing in the computer to decode the information encoded by the specific pattern A program to be executed ,
In the storage process, the image data read in the image reading process is divided into band units and accumulated as divided image data, and the divided image data and the area detected in the pattern area detection process are stored in association with each other. Including processing,
A resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image data read in the image reading process;
A program for causing a computer to further execute a data area determination process for determining which of the divided image data accumulated in the storage process belongs to the area detected in the pattern area detection process .

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