JPH06164890A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve an operability by disusing an excessive labor of patching or calculating a reduction ratio or the like, at the time of copying an original whose size is too large be copied at one time of reducing it, and to exactly join regardless of the reading order of the original by designating the original data whose processing is started. CONSTITUTION:A digital copying machine is equipped with a connection processing part 48 which synthesizes divided and read pictures. Then, the picture is formed by using the preliminarily designated original data among the plural original data stored in a picture memory 43 as a center by operating the detection of the joint and positioning from the periphery of the original data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of automatically joining divided read images and automatically scaling the image as required to form an image joined on a sheet of a desired size. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a machine, a scanner, a facsimile, and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of collectively recording images of a plurality of pages on one sheet, an information recording apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-33752 is used.
In this apparatus, the image data for each page is stored as independent data. For example, four pages of A4 size image data are combined and reduced to the size of one A4 size sheet. It can be printed. However, in the above apparatus, since the image data is stored as individual data for each page, there is no horizontal connection between the data and it is not possible to align the images between the pages.

Therefore, conventionally, when a document whose image cannot be read at one time is reduced due to the size being too large and the like is copied on one sheet of a desired size, the document is A method is employed in which a document is divided into a plurality of regions, each of which is reduced and copied, and then cut and pasted to be joined together to create one document, and this document is copied again.

[0004]

However, as described above, cutting and pasting, positioning, and the like of images that are divided and copied are unnecessarily troublesome, and the calculation of the reduction ratio is also necessary. However, there is a problem that the workability is deteriorated because of the troublesome work. In addition, since there is some error in the reduction ratio of the copies of the divided originals obtained by reducing them separately, there is a problem in that when these are cut and pasted and they are joined together, a gap occurs in the joints of the images. There is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to accurately combine divided images read without causing a decrease in workability. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can form a combined image on a sheet of a desired size by scaling the image without complicated calculations.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 divides an image of an original into a plurality of parts, and an input part which divides the image into a plurality of parts. Storage means for storing the read images as original data, and a joint between the original data divided and stored in the storage means is detected in accordance with a predetermined order, and the divided original data is treated as one image data. The present invention is characterized by including a joining processing means for joining and a scaling means for scaling one image data after the joining processing according to the size of a recording medium on which an image is formed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the stitching processing means outputs specific manuscript data designated in advance. It is characterized in that a seam that coincides with other divided original data is detected at the center and the seam is connected.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the joint processing means is a pre-specified document storing order and It is characterized in that matching seams are detected according to the layout setting of the document data and the seams are joined together.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the joint processing means indicates a joint between the manuscript data designated in advance. The feature is that matching seams are detected based on the symbols and the seams are joined together.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the joining processing means is attached to each document data designated in advance. The feature is that the joints that match each other are detected according to the numbers and are joined.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the original data stored in the storage means in the divided manner are jointed in the jointing processing means in the order designated in advance, and are jointed as one image data. After that, the magnification changing means changes the magnification according to the size of the recording medium.

By performing the above processing,
For example, when forming an image by reducing an image that needs to be read by dividing it into a plurality of pieces from the input unit due to a problem of size, etc., the divided originals are reduced as in the conventional case. , You don't need to cut and paste to create a single manuscript, or to perform complicated calculation such as reduction ratio.
Since it is possible to save the troublesome work, it is possible to improve the workability, prevent the deviation from occurring at the joint between the images, and obtain a good image.

Further, the order of detecting the joints is designated in advance, and the jointing processing is executed in accordance with this designation so that the jointing processing can be accurately executed in a short time even when the number of divided images is large. it can.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the joint processing means detects a joint which coincides with other divided manuscript data so that an image is formed around a specific manuscript data designated in advance. It is supposed to do. Therefore, for example, even if the number of divided images is large, the input order of divided images can be set by simply designating the most characteristic one of the images or the one at the center of the image as specific document data to start processing. Irrespective of the above, the joining process can be executed accurately in a short time.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the joint processing means detects the joint in accordance with the storage order of the originals and the arrangement setting of the original data.
Therefore, by storing the documents in the order in which the images are stitched together and setting the layout of the document data,
Even if the number of divided images is large, the joint can be easily searched, and the joint processing can be executed accurately in a relatively short time.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the seam of each manuscript data set is detected based on the symbol indicating the seam which is attached to the manuscript data in advance. Therefore, even if the number of divisions of the image is large, by adding the above-mentioned symbol to each document data, the joint can be easily detected, and the joint processing can be accurately executed in a short time.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the stitching processing means is based on the numbers given to the manuscript data divided and stored in the storage means, in accordance with the order of the numbers.
The joint of each document data is detected.
Therefore, even if the number of divided images is large, this number makes it easy to detect the joint, and the joint processing can be executed accurately in a short time.

[0018]

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
The following is a description with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copying machine as the image processing apparatus of this embodiment is provided with a document placing table 27 made of hard transparent glass or the like at the upper end of the copying machine body 26. Below the document table 27, the lamp unit 1,
Mirror 2, 3, 4, lens unit 5, CCD (Charge
A scanner unit (input means) 22 having a Coupled Device sensor 6 and the like is provided. The reflected light obtained by irradiating the original document (not shown) placed on the original document table 27 with the lamp unit 1 is reflected by the mirrors 2.3.
4. It is adapted to be captured as an electric signal by being guided to the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 6 via the lens unit 5.

A laser driver unit 7 is provided below the scanner unit 22, and the above CCD is provided.
The document data captured as an electric signal by the sensor 6 is temporarily stored in an image memory (storage means) 43 provided in an image processing system described later, subjected to predetermined processing, and then sent to the laser driver unit 7. It is like this.
The laser driver unit 7 is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam according to input document data, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and the laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular velocity is deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 10. It has an f-θ lens and the like for performing the correction.

The laser light emitted from the laser driver unit 7 is reflected by the mirrors 8 and 9 arranged on the optical path and is exposed on the photosensitive drum 10 rotatably provided in the direction of arrow A in the figure. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. In addition, the photosensitive drum 1
A charger 16 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential prior to exposure is provided around 0.
Further, from the charger 16 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum 10, toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 10 to form a toner image, and the toner on the photoconductor drum 10 is formed. Transfer belt 1 for intermediate transfer of images
7, a cleaning device 21 for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 10, a charge eliminating lamp 15 for removing the residual potential of the photosensitive drum 10 prior to the next charging, and the like are arranged in this order.

The developing device 28 is a black developing tank 1.
1, a yellow developing tank 12, a magenta developing tank 13, and a cyan developing tank 14, and the developing tanks 11 to 14 respectively store toners of the corresponding colors. The transfer belt 17 is formed as an endless belt, and is indicated by an arrow B in the figure.
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred by pressing a part of the toner image onto the photosensitive drum 10.

On the paper feed side of the transfer belt 17, there are provided a registration roller 19 for feeding a paper as a recording medium to the transfer belt 17 at a predetermined timing, a paper feed cassette 20 for housing the paper, and a paper feed tray 23. Is provided,
In the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 20 and the paper feed tray 23,
A paper feed roller 24 for transporting a sheet and a transport roller 2
5 and the like are provided. Below the transfer belt 17, there is provided a transfer roller 18 for pressing the paper fed from the registration roller 19 against the transfer belt 17 and transferring the toner image on the transfer belt 17 onto the paper.

On the paper output side of the transfer belt 17, a conveyor belt 30 for conveying the paper after the toner image transfer, a fixing device 31 for heating and fixing the toner image on the paper, and a discharge roller for discharging the paper after the fixing to the outside of the machine. 32 is provided.

In the above configuration, color copy (3 col
or copy) is performed by the following operation procedure. First, when the charger 16 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 10, the scanner unit 22 performs the first scan, and the original data captured by the CCD sensor 6 passes through the image processing system and is transferred to yellow. Data is created and output as laser light from the laser driver unit 7 to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to form an electrostatic latent image for yellow on the exposed portion. Next, the yellow toner from the yellow developing tank 12 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image in the image area to form a toner image of the same color.

Next, the yellow toner image is transferred onto the transfer belt 17 which is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 10. At this time, a part of the toner that does not contribute to the transfer remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, but the cleaning device 21 scrapes off the remaining toner. Further, the static elimination lamp 15 eliminates the residual electric charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

When the above steps are completed, the charger 16 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 uniformly again, the scanner unit 22 performs the second scan, and the obtained original data is stored in the image processing system. Then, the photoconductor drum 10 is exposed to the laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image for magenta. Next, magenta toner is supplied from the magenta developing tank 13 to form toner images of the same color. Then, the magenta toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 17 and the images are superimposed. After that, when the same processing as the above is performed by the cleaning device 21 and the static elimination lamp 15, the charger 1
6 uniformly charges the photoconductor drum 10, the third scan is performed, and an electrostatic latent image for cyan is formed on the photoconductor drum 10. Then, cyan toner is supplied from the cyan developing tank 14 to the photosensitive drum 10 to form a toner image of the same color, and the cyan toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 17.
The final image superposition is performed by being transferred to the.

After that, the toner images on the transfer belt 17 on which the images are superimposed are transferred to the paper pressed by the transfer roller 18, and the toner images are heated and fixed by the fixing device 31, and then the paper is discharged by the discharge roller 32. It is discharged outside the aircraft.

The above-described process is a process for three-color, and in the case of a four-color process, a process using the black toner stored in the black developing tank 11 is added to the above process. On the other hand, the black and white copy is
The black toner is supplied from the black developing tank 11 to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 10, and the toner image is transferred onto a sheet via the transfer belt 17.

Next, the structure and function of the image processing system for subjecting the document data read by the CCD sensor 6 to a predetermined process and outputting the data to the laser driver unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing system performs color reproduction in accordance with the color of the original document, and joins the images read in a divided manner. As shown in FIG. / D converter 41, shading correction unit 4
2, an image memory 43, a joining processing unit (joining processing means) 48, a γ correction unit 49, a black original detection unit 50,
Masking part 51, UCR (Under Color Removal) B
P (Black Print) processing unit 52, sharpness filter 5
3, scaling processing unit (scaling processing means) 54, density processing unit 5
5, a color balance adjustment unit 56, a gradation processing unit 57, and the like.

In this image processing system, the CCD sensor 6
The R, G, and B document data obtained from
The level adjustment unit 40 corrects the sensor variation among R, G, and B, and then the digital signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 41, and then the shading correction unit 42 changes the sensitivity of each pixel of the sensor. The image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 43 after being subjected to shading correction for correcting uneven illumination.

Here, when a stitching mode, which will be described later, is designated, a plurality of originals on which image stitching processing is performed are sequentially scanned and stored in the image memory 43. The document data to be subjected to the stitching process is sent from the image memory 43 to the stitching processing unit 48.

The joint processing section 48 is a joint recognizing section 44, a data rearranging section 45, and a position aligning section 4.
6, and a combination processing unit 47. The document data input to the joint processing unit 48 is first recognized by the joint recognizing unit 44 at the joints of the originals, rearranged by the data rearranging unit 45 so that the joints face each other, and then the aligning unit 46. At, the images of the joints are aligned so that they coincide with each other, and the images are combined by the combining processing unit 47. The original data after the processing in the stitching processing unit 48 is completed is again recorded in the image memory 4
Input to 3. A more detailed operation procedure when performing the above-mentioned joining process will be described later.

The original data output from the image memory 43 is input to the γ correction unit 49 together with the data from the black original detection unit 50 which determines whether it is a black-and-white copy or a color copy to adjust the contrast and brightness. Γ correction is performed, and then the masking processing unit 51 performs a predetermined calculation to convert the R, G, B data into C, M.
• Converted to Y (yellow, magenta, cyan) data. Next, the C, M, Y manuscript data is UCR, BP
UC in which the gray component is removed from the three color toners of C, M, and Y and replaced with black toner in the processing unit 52
R processing and BP processing in which black toner is added to the above three color toners are performed, whereby C, M, and
B _K (black) data is added to the Y document data.

Then, the C, M, Y, and B _K original data are subjected to sharpness enhancement by the sharpness filter 53, and then converted into the designated size and density in the scaling processing unit 54 and the density processing unit 55. Then, the color balance adjustment unit 56 and the gradation processing unit 57 perform balance adjustment and gradation processing of each color, and then output to the laser driver unit 7.

In the digital copying machine of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, one of the most characteristic one or the one that becomes the center of the image is designated in advance from a plurality of originals to be combined. By setting the data, the specified document and the data of the other document are collated to perform the joining process.

Next, a processing procedure for performing the above-mentioned joining processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the stitching mode is selected from the operation panel (not shown) (S1), the designated document selected in advance is scanned (S2), and the designated document data read from the CCD sensor 6 is stored in the image memory 43. (S3). Then, the remaining documents are scanned (S
4) Each document data read from the CCD sensor 6 is stored in the image memory 43 (S5). Such scanning of the document and storage of the document data (S4 and S5) are performed by S6.
The process is repeated until it is determined that the reading of the document is completed in. In this way, by reading the designated document first, the information for distinguishing the other document read later from the designated document is input.

After the reading of the originals is completed, when the execution of the joining process is instructed (S7), a predetermined line of data is retrieved from the peripheral portion of the designated original data, and the characteristic line segment is obtained. The characters and symbols are recognized, and the characteristics of the designated document are extracted (S8). Similarly, the characteristics of the remaining originals read after the designated original are extracted (S
9). Then, the features extracted from the remaining manuscript data are
If there is a part where the features match with the features extracted from the designated document data, it is determined that the data at the joints match (S10), and then the document is placed so that the ends of the document data where the joints exist face each other. The data is rearranged (S11).

Next, by fixing the designated original data, shifting the other original data in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction while observing the coincidence of the data, and searching for the position where the joint is most smoothly connected, the alignment is performed. Is performed (S1
2). In addition, when recognizing the joint by the above feature extraction,
If there is a side where no image information exists in the peripheral part of each document data, it is assumed that the side corresponds to the end part in the image where these sides are joined, and the above-mentioned alignment is performed for the remaining side. It has become.

After the alignment with the designated original, it is judged whether or not the processing of all the data is completed (S13), and if the processing of all the data is not completed, then the above-mentioned unprocessed original data is described above. As described above, it is determined whether or not a joint exists on a side other than the side assumed to be the end of the image (S1).
4). If there is no joint other than the side corresponding to the edge of the image, YES is determined in S14, a warning that the joint processing cannot be executed is displayed (S15), and the operation is stopped. On the other hand, except for the side corresponding to the edge of the image,
If there is a seam, NO is determined in S14, and the process proceeds to S9.

Then, the characteristics extracted between the original data aligned with the designated original data and the unprocessed original data are collated, and the data matching, rearrangement, and alignment of the joint are performed (S10 to S12). ). If it is determined that all data has been processed (S13), then S16
At, it is determined whether the size of the paper on which the image is formed is specified. Here, if the paper size is not specified, NO is determined in S16, the maximum size paper set in the digital copying machine is selected (S17), and the maximum size paper is selected. Then, the image data obtained by connecting all the original data is scaled (S18). On the other hand, if the paper size is specified in advance, YES in S16.
Then, the scaling processing is performed according to the designated paper size (S18). If necessary, the scaled image data is subjected to coordinate conversion depending on whether the paper is fed vertically or horizontally, and the processed image data is output to the laser driver unit 7 so that the image synthesized on the paper is converted. Copying is performed (S19).

In the above process, when a missing portion of the image is generated at the joint portion of the document data, such a missing portion is predicted and alignment is performed, and both ends of the image serving as the joint portion are predicted. The missing image is corrected by forming the above-mentioned missing image according to the data of the missing part.

Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 (a) (b) (c)
The above-mentioned joining process will be specifically described based on FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, nine pieces of original data 58a ...
If the original data 58a are stored in the image memory 43 and the original data 58a is set as the designated original, for example, the process of joining the original data 58a and the original data 58b is performed as shown in FIGS. ) (C) The procedure is as shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in (a) of the figure, data of a predetermined line (area indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) is searched around the document data 58a and 58b to extract a feature, thereby If the coincidence is recognized, the original data 58a of the designated original is fixed and the remaining original data 58b is indicated in the main scanning direction or in the sub-scanning direction as shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure, as shown in FIG. The position where the images are connected most smoothly is searched for by checking the coincidence of data while shifting in the scanning direction. Similarly, the original data 58d, 58 adjacent to the other three sides of the original data 58a of the designated original.
Positioning of f · 58h (see FIG. 4) is performed.

On the other hand, with respect to the original data 58c, 58e, 58g, and 58i having no side contacting with the designated original data 58a, the original data 58b, 58d, 58f, and 58h aligned with the designated original data 58a are compared. , Looking at the joint data recognized by feature extraction,
Sorting, alignment, etc. are performed.

In this way, the original data 58a-58
After performing the i position alignment, synthesizing the images, and scaling the image to a desired size, a reduced copy 59 as shown in FIG. 5C can be obtained.

As described above, in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, the originals for which the joining process is to be started are designated in advance, and a plurality of originals are read so that the joints between the originals are detected and automatically joined. The combined and combined data can be scaled to a specified size and copied.
Therefore, when copying the divided originals onto one sheet of a desired size, the calculation of the troublesome reduction ratio or the like, or the original obtained by each reduction copying is cut and pasted into one original as in the conventional case. Therefore, the trouble of copying it again is not required, the workability can be improved, and the misalignment or the like does not occur at the joint between the combined originals.

Further, by starting the joining process from the designated manuscript data, the divided images can be joined correctly even if the number of the manuscript data to be joined is large. Further, since it is not necessary to repeatedly make copies unlike the conventional case, it is possible to reduce wasteful consumption of toner, paper and the like.

[Embodiment 2] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those of the members shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the digital copying machine as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment has the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 similarly to the digital copying machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the image processing having the configuration as shown in FIG. It has a system.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the horizontal position or the vertical position of each document data is set by setting the number of stages and the number of documents in one stage according to the number of divided images. According to the order input to the image memory 43, the joining process of the document data is executed, and one image is formed from the plurality of document data.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the joining mode is selected from the operation panel (not shown) (S21), the number of originals and the number of steps in one step are set (S22). After that, in the order in which the joining process is performed, the originals whose images have been divided are sequentially scanned (S23), and the original data read by the CCD sensor 6 are sequentially stored in the image memory 43 (S24). When the execution of the stitching process is instructed (S25), a predetermined line of data is searched from the peripheral portion of each document data, and a characteristic line segment or a symbol is recognized, whereby each document data of each document data is recognized. Feature extraction is performed (S26).

Next, according to the order of storing the original data in the image memory 43 and the set arrangement of the original data, the previously extracted features are collated to determine the coincidence of the data at the joint (S27). Then, by fixing one original data and moving the other original data between the adjacent original data, the alignment is performed so that the joint is smooth (S29). Such alignment of the document data is first performed between the first read document data and the second read document data, and then the second and third document data and the third document data. And the fourth manuscript data, and so on. When the above-mentioned processing reaches the preset number of originals in one stage, the joining process of the original data forming the first stage is completed, and then the joining of the second stage original data is completed. The matching process is executed. The manuscript data forming the second row is not only the horizontal connection of the images but also the vertical connection,
That is, the joint with the first-stage original data is detected,
Since it is necessary to perform processing, the alignment is sequentially performed while observing the matching of the vertical and horizontal joints of the document data.

On the other hand, if the extracted feature does not match the data, it is determined as NO in S27, and a warning is displayed that the joining process cannot be performed (S2).
8), the operation is stopped.

Further, when the alignment of all the document data of the preset number of stages is completed and the document data are combined, it is then determined whether or not the paper size is designated (S30), and the paper size is determined. If is not specified, the maximum size paper is automatically selected from the papers set in the digital copying machine (S31), and the combined original data is matched with the maximum size paper. The magnification is changed (S32). On the other hand, if the paper size is designated in advance, YES is determined in S30, and the document data is scaled according to the designated paper size (S32).

The original data scaled according to the paper size is subjected to coordinate conversion according to the direction in which the paper is set, further subjected to predetermined processing, and then output to the laser driver unit 7. , A predetermined copy operation is executed (S33). Further, when a missing portion of the image is generated at the joint of the document data, it is also possible to add a function of predicting this and performing alignment and correcting the missing image to the above processing.

The above process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in (a), for example, when a total of eight pieces of original data (four originals forming one step, the number of steps is two) 61a to 61h are combined to form one image, the original data 6
Images are read in order from 1a to the original data 61h and stored in the image memory 43. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, first, the original data 61 a and the original data 61
The process of joining the document data 61b and the document data 61c is performed, then the process of the document data 61b and the document data 61c is performed, and then the process of the document data 61c and the document data 61d is performed.
Here, the processing of the first stage is completed, and then the processing of the document data of the second stage is executed.

The original data 61e read first in the second-stage original data is joined by aligning its upper end with the lower end of the first-stage original data 61a. After that, the document data 61f and the document data 61b.
61e is performed, then the original data 61g and the original data 61c and 61f are processed, and the original data 61h is processed.
And the original data 61d and 61g are sequentially processed, the joining process of all the original data is completed.

After that, the combined original data is scaled according to the paper size, the coordinates are converted as necessary, and a predetermined copy operation is executed, so that a reduced copy as shown in FIG. 62 will be obtained.

As described above, in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, the number of stages and the number of originals forming one stage are set in advance, and the original data located on the left end of the first stage is changed to the adjacent original data on the right side. By sequentially scanning the originals that make up the image so that the stitching process is performed sequentially, the features of each original data are extracted, the matching parts of the data are recognized as the joints, and the alignment is performed. It is designed to be combined as manuscript data that becomes one image. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, when the divided and read images are combined and recorded on one sheet of a desired size, the troublesome work such as cutting and pasting of images and calculation of the scaling factor is performed. Since it can be omitted, it is possible to improve workability and reduce wasteful consumption of paper and the like, and further, even when a large number of image divisions and a large number of original data are input, the above-mentioned processing is performed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a good composite image with no gap between joints without requiring extra time.

[Third Embodiment] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8 to 10.
It is as follows. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those of the members shown in the drawings of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the digital copying machine as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment has the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 similarly to the digital copying machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the image processing having the configuration as shown in FIG. It has a system.

In the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, the image joining process is performed based on the marks written in the original document in advance. Therefore, before the image reading by the CCD sensor 6 is performed, the originals of the divided images are aligned, and the side where the joint exists is
It is necessary to write a mark (symbol) such as an arrow with a pen of a designated color.

The processing procedure for joining the images using the marks will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the stitching mode is selected from the operation panel (not shown) (S41), the document marked with the mark is scanned (S42), and the CCD sensor 6 is scanned.
The original data read by is stored in the image memory 43 (S43). The order of reading the original data may be random regardless of the arrangement of the original data. When all the original data are stored in the image memory 43, the mark of the designated color indicating the side to be joined is searched (S4).
4) The presence or absence of the mark is determined (S45). here,
If the mark is not found, N in S45
When it is determined to be O, a warning is displayed that the joining process cannot be performed (S48), and the operation is stopped.

On the other hand, if the mark is recognized, S4
It is determined to be YES in 5, and the data for a predetermined line is searched for the side where the marks match, and the characteristic symbol or line segment that serves as a joint is extracted (S46). Then, by comparing the extracted features with similar portions of other original data, it is determined whether or not there is a portion where the data match and become a joint (S47). here,
If the joint where the data matches is not detected, NO is determined in S47, a warning that the joint processing cannot be performed is displayed (S48), and the operation is stopped.

On the other hand, if a joint is detected, S
When it is determined to be YES in 47, the document data is rearranged so that the side where the joint exists, that is, the side where the mark is written faces each other (S49). Next, by fixing one original data between the adjacent original data and moving the other original data in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction while checking the coincidence of the data,
The position where the joint is optimum is searched for, the position is adjusted (S50), and the document data is combined. After that, the mark of the designated color indicating the side to be joined is erased by the designated color drop.

Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the paper size is designated (S51). If the paper size is not designated, the maximum size paper is automatically selected from the papers set in the digital copying machine. (S52), the combined original data is scaled according to the maximum size paper (S5).
3). On the other hand, if the paper size is designated in advance, YES is determined in S51, and the original data is scaled according to the designated paper size (S5).
3).

The original data scaled according to the paper size is subjected to coordinate conversion if necessary according to the orientation of the set paper, subjected to predetermined processing, and then output to the laser driver unit 7. Then, the stitched image is copied onto the paper (S54). When the image at the joint is missing, the image is corrected as in the first embodiment.

The above processing will be described in detail. For example, when original data 64 and 65 shown in FIG. 9A are stored in the image memory 43, the original data 64 and 65.
Sides 64a and 65a for performing the joining process at 65
A mark 63 is written in advance on the mark 63 with a pen of a designated color. When performing the image joining process, first, the above-mentioned mark 63 is searched and the side 64 where the mark 63 is present is searched before searching for a characteristic symbol or line segment to be a joint.
Only for a * 65a, data for a predetermined line is searched from the end portion of the original data and the characteristic is extracted.

Then, a portion where the extracted features match is detected as a joint, and as shown in FIG. 9B, one original data 64 is fixed and the other original data 65 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Positioning is performed by moving as shown and searching for a position where the joint is optimum, and both document data 64a and 64b are combined. After that, the mark 63 is erased by a designated color drop, and a scaling process or the like is performed to obtain a reduced copy 66 as shown in FIG. 9C.

As described above, when the stitching process is executed by the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, before reading the documents to be stitched by the CCD sensor 6, the mark indicating the side to be stitched is a pen of the designated color. It will be filled out. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to save the troublesome work such as cutting and pasting of images and calculation, improve workability, and suppress wasteful consumption of toner, paper, and the like. Furthermore, when searching the original data for detecting the joint, the side to be joined is immediately determined based on the above mark,
The processing time can be shortened, and the read images can be joined accurately and quickly.

As shown in FIG. 10, even when the number of divisions of the image is increased, by writing marks having different shapes on the sides of the original data 67a to 67f where the joints exist, the above-mentioned case As well as,
In addition, it is possible to quickly perform image joining processing.

[Embodiment 4] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 11 to 14. For convenience of explanation, a member having the same function as the member shown in the drawings of the above embodiment is
The same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. Further, the digital copying machine as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment has the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 similarly to the digital copying machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the image processing having the configuration as shown in FIG. It has a system.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the image joining process is performed based on the number written on the original document before the CCD sensor 6 reads the original document. For this reason, before the image reading by the CCD sensor 6 is carried out, the original to be subjected to the joining process,
A number indicating the order in which the joining process is performed is written using a pen of a specified color.

The processing procedure for joining the images in which the numbers indicating the order of executing the processing are thus joined will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the stitching mode is selected from the operation panel (not shown) (S61), the document with the above-mentioned number is scanned (S62), and the CCD sensor 6 is scanned.
The original data read by is stored in the image memory 43 (S63). The order of reading the document data does not have to follow the order of performing the joining process.

When all the original data are stored in the image memory 43, the arrangement of the stored original data is instructed by setting the number of originals in the x and y directions from the above operation panel (( S64). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if six originals with numbers 1 to 6 are scanned and stored as original data, two originals in the x direction and two originals in the y direction are stored. By setting the number of sheets to 3, as shown in FIG. 13, the positions of the document data in which the numbers are written from left to right and from top to bottom are set according to the numbers written on the document.

When the layout of the originals is set in this way, the numbers entered in the respective original data stored are recognized (S65), and when there is an instruction for the joining process (S66), they are entered. The document data is rearranged to the position set in advance according to the number (S67). After that, data for a predetermined line is searched from the peripheral portion of each document data, characteristic symbols and line segments are recognized, the recognized features between adjacent document data are collated, and the data match. The portion is detected as a joint between images (S68).

Here, if a joint where the data match is not detected, NO is determined in S68, and further, the joint processing of all the original data is not completed, and it is determined NO in S70. If so, a warning is displayed that the joining process cannot be performed (S71), and the operation is stopped.

On the other hand, if a joint where the data matches is detected, YES is determined in S68, one of the original data is fixed, and while the matching of the data is observed, the other original data is set in the main scanning direction. Alternatively, by moving in the sub-scanning direction, the position where the joint is optimum is searched for, the position is adjusted (S69), and the document data is combined. The operations such as the detection of the joints, the alignment, the combination, and the like are sequentially performed according to the numbers described in the document data and the set arrangement of the document data. The mark of the designated color with the number is erased by the designated color drop after the document data is combined.

When the joining process of all the original data stored in the image memory 43 is completed, YES is determined in S70, and then it is determined whether or not the paper size for forming an image is designated (S72). If the paper is not specified, it is determined as NO in S72, the maximum size paper is automatically selected from the papers set in the digital copying machine (S73), and the maximum size paper is selected. Then, the combined original data is scaled (S74). On the other hand, if the paper size is designated in advance, YES is determined in S72, and the original data is scaled according to the designated paper size (S74). The document data scaled according to the paper size is subjected to a predetermined process and then output to the laser driver unit 7, where the image after the joining process is copied onto the paper (S75).

In the above process, when a missing portion of the image is generated at the joint, the missing portion is corrected as in the case of the first embodiment.

The above process will be described in detail. For example, when six originals as shown in FIG. 12 are stored in the image memory 43, numbers 1 and 2 are entered as shown in FIG. 14A, for example. As for the original data 70 and 71, the data of a predetermined line (indicated by diagonal lines in the drawing) from the end of each of the opposite sides is searched and the characteristic is extracted.

Then, the portions where the extracted features match each other are detected as joints, and as shown in FIG. 14B, one original data 64 is fixed and the other original data 65 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Positioning is performed by moving as shown to find the position where the joint is optimum, and both document data 70 and 71 are combined. After that, the mark is erased by the designated color drop, and the same processing is performed between other document data, so that the reduced copy 72 as shown in FIG. 14C is obtained.

As described above, in the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the joining process is performed based on the number written on the original and the arrangement of the original data set by this number. There is. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to save the troublesome work such as cutting and pasting of images and calculation, improve workability, and suppress wasteful consumption of paper, toner and the like. It is like this. Furthermore, when searching for document data for detecting joints, the edges to be joined are immediately identified based on the above numbers and the set layout, which makes it possible to reduce processing time and divide images. Even if the number is large, the read images can be joined accurately and quickly.

[0087]

The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is
As described above, the input means for reading the image of the original by dividing it into a plurality of pieces, the storage means for storing the images read by dividing the image by the input means as original data, and the originals divided and stored in the storage means. A seam of data is detected in accordance with a pre-designated order and the divided manuscript data is connected as one image data, and a seaming processing means 1 after the seam processing is performed according to the size of a recording medium forming an image. This is a configuration including a scaling means for scaling one image data.

Therefore, an image that needs to be read by being divided into a plurality of pieces from the input means due to problems such as size,
When forming an image by reducing it to the paper of the desired size,
It is possible to improve the workability, prevent the occurrence of misalignment at the joint between images, and further, to perform the joint processing accurately in a short time even when the number of divided images is large. Play.

In the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the joint processing means forms a joint which is centered on a specific manuscript data designated in advance and coincides with other divided manuscript data. It detects and connects them.

Therefore, for example, by designating the most characteristic one of the images or the one at the center of the image as the specific document data for starting the processing, the image can be reproduced regardless of the input order of the divided images. Even if the number of divisions is large, it is possible to perform the joining process accurately in a short time.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the joint processing means detects the joints which coincide with each other in accordance with the storage order of the originals and the arrangement setting of the original data, and the joint is performed. It is a match.

Therefore, the originals are stored in the storage means in the order in which the joining processing is executed, and the arrangement of the original data is set so that the joining processing can be performed accurately and quickly even when the number of divided images is large. There is an effect that it can be executed.

In the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the joint processing means detects the joints which coincide with each other based on the symbol indicating the joint of the document data designated in advance, and joins them. It is a thing.

Therefore, by adding a symbol indicating a joint to each manuscript data, there is an effect that the joint processing can be executed accurately and quickly even when the number of divided images is large.

In the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the joint processing means detects the joints that coincide with each other according to the numbers given to the respective manuscript data designated in advance, and joints them. Is.

Therefore, by assigning a number to each document data and detecting the joint in the order of this number, there is an effect that the joint processing can be executed accurately and quickly even when the number of divided images is large.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system provided in a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the original data is joined in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing document data stored in an image memory provided in the image processing system.

5A is a schematic diagram for explaining a search area of the original data, FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram for explaining alignment of the original data, and FIG. 5C is the original document. It is a top view which shows the copy obtained by connecting data.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for performing a process of joining document data in a digital copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing an arrangement of input document data, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing an order in which the joining process is performed in the case of performing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. c) is a plan view showing a copy obtained by the processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when original data joining processing is performed in a digital copying machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of document data for performing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the alignment of the document data, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a copy obtained by connecting document data.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a description example of a plurality of marks when the above processing is performed on a plurality of document data.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when a process of joining document data is performed in a digital copying machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an original document for carrying out the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of originals set by the numbers described on the originals.

14A is a schematic diagram showing a search area in document data when processing a part of the document shown in FIG. 12, FIG.
Is a schematic diagram for explaining the alignment of the original data, and (c) is a plan view showing a copy obtained by joining the original data.

[Explanation of symbols]

22 Scanner Unit (Input Means) 43 Image Memory (Storage Means) 48 Connection Processing Section (Connecting Processing Means) 54 Magnification Processing Section (Magnification Magnification Means) 58a-58i Original Data 61a-61h Original Data 64.65 Original data

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masami Oka 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Input means for reading an image of an original by dividing it into a plurality of pieces, storage means for storing the images divided and read by the input means as original data, and originals divided and stored in the storage means. A seam of the data is detected according to a predetermined order, and the divided manuscript data is connected as one image data, and a seam processing unit 1 after the seam processing according to the size of the recording medium forming the image. An image processing apparatus comprising: a scaling unit that scales one image data. 2. The joint processing means detects a joint that coincides with other divided original data, centering on specific original data specified in advance, and connects the divided original data. Image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the joining processing means detects a joining seam that matches in accordance with a storage order of the originals and an arrangement setting of the original data which are designated in advance, and joins them. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said joint processing means detects the joints which coincide with each other on the basis of a symbol indicating the joint of the document data designated in advance, and joints them. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the joining processing means detects a joining seam that coincides in accordance with a number assigned to each document data designated in advance, and joins the joints.