JP2000353214A - Picture processor and its method and computer readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture processor and its method for outputting an optimal reproduction picture according to the kind of an inputted original picture, and to provide a computer readable memory. SOLUTION: Characters in a read original picture are recognized by a recognition controlling part 111. The level of recognition for the original picture is calculated based on the recognized result. A reference value to be compared with the level of recognition is set by an operating part 116 for every reading mode of the plural kinds of reading modes. Then, the reference value is compared with the level of recognition. The output of the original picture is controlled based on the compared result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method for processing and outputting an image, and a computer-readable memory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The character recognition technology can perform substantially real-time processing at a copying speed of a low-speed copying machine due to the recent increase in the speed of CPUs and semiconductors. Further, in recent years, since almost all copied originals are created by a word processor or the like, the recognition accuracy has been improved, and has reached a practical level.

On the other hand, techniques for improving the image quality of digital copiers and facsimile outputs have also advanced, and text and photographic images have been mixed by image processing techniques such as an error diffusion method and a binarization method using an average density method. Even in a manuscript, a very good output image can be obtained.

[0004] Still, to obtain a clearer output image,
In consideration of the data transmission speed in FAX, at present, optimal image processing is performed by asking the user to set a read image mode such as “character priority” or “photo image priority”.

[0005]

However, when a graphic is mixed in a document, a part of the graphic is converted into a similar character or symbol, resulting in an extremely unnatural reproduced image. In addition, since the recognized characters are reproduced in the character style of the original document, features such as graphic portions are mixed even when character styles are recognized, so that high-accuracy character style recognition cannot be performed. Therefore, in such a manuscript, the user is required to process a considerable number of undecided characters, or to take measures to reset the image data to the normal copy mode. Increase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an image processing apparatus and method capable of outputting an optimal reproduced image in accordance with the type of an input original image, and a computer readable memory. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement.
That is, an image processing apparatus that processes and outputs a document image, a reading unit that reads a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes, and a recognition unit that recognizes characters in the document image read by the reading unit Calculating means for calculating the degree of recognition of the document image based on the recognition result of the recognition means; and setting a reference value for comparison with the degree of recognition for each of the plurality of types of reading modes. Setting means, a comparing means for comparing the degree of recognition with the reference value, and an output control means for controlling the output of the document image based on the comparison result of the comparing means.

Preferably, when the result of the comparison by the comparing means indicates that the degree of recognition is larger than the reference value, the output control means outputs the result of recognition by the recognizing means.

Preferably, when the result of the comparison by the comparing means indicates that the degree of recognition is less than the reference value, the output control means outputs the image.

Preferably, the calculating means calculates the degree of recognition based on a determined character and an undefined character obtained as a result of recognition by the recognition means.

Preferably, the plurality of types of reading modes include at least a character mode, a character / photo mode, and a photo mode.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement. That is, an image processing method for processing and outputting a document image, comprising: a reading step of reading a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes; and a recognition step of recognizing characters in the document image read in the reading step. Calculating a degree of recognition of the document image based on the recognition result of the recognition step; and setting a reference value for comparison with the degree of recognition for each of the plurality of types of reading modes. Setting step, a comparing step of comparing the recognition level with the reference value, and an output controlling step of controlling an output of the document image based on a comparison result of the comparing step.

[0013] A computer readable memory according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
A computer readable memory storing a program code of image processing for performing processing and outputting a document image, wherein a program code of a reading step of reading a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes, and a program code read in the reading step Based on a program code of a recognition step of recognizing characters in a document image, based on a recognition result of the recognition step,
A program code of a calculating step of calculating the degree of recognition of the document image, and a program code of a setting step of setting a reference value for comparison with the degree of recognition for each of the plurality of reading modes, A program code for a comparison step of comparing a degree of recognition with the reference value; and a program code of an output control step for controlling output of the document image based on a comparison result of the comparison step.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a copying apparatus will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

A document 1001 is converted into an image signal from a lens 101 of an image reading unit 1002 through an image sensor 102. Next, this image signal is supplied to the A / D converter 103.
Is input to the A / D converter, and is subjected to A / D conversion.
Is input to In the image processing unit 1003, the input image signal is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 104, and then input to the mode switching circuit 105.

In the mode switching circuit 105, an operation unit 116
, The output destination is switched based on the recognition copy mode or the normal copy mode. When the normal copy mode is set, the luminance data is converted into recording density data by the light density conversion circuit 106 and then output to the image editing unit 107. Next, the image editing unit 107 performs an editing process on the recording density data based on the settings of the image processing stored in the RAM 115 in the CPU 113. Then, the edited recording density data is output to the image recording unit 1004.

An image recording unit 1004 includes a control circuit such as a motor for transporting transfer paper and the like, a laser recording circuit unit for writing a video signal input from the image processing unit 1003 to a photosensitive drum, and a development control circuit for developing. The recording unit 117 is configured to record an image on a recording medium such as recording paper.

On the other hand, when the recognition copy mode is set by the mode switching circuit 105, the output destination of the mode switching circuit 105 is switched to the image recognition unit 4000. In the image recognition unit 4000, the character extraction unit 108 projects black pixels in the image signal stored in the image buffer memory 118 in two orthogonal directions, and detects the presence of a row or a column in the image signal from the histogram. I do. Then, the whole area of the image signal is divided into rows or columns of a fixed width according to the direction of the detected row or column, each character in the row is cut out for each row, and the feature amount is sequentially determined for each cut out character. It is calculated by the vector calculation unit 109. When the feature amount of the extracted character is input to the recognition control unit 111, the character is recognized using the recognition dictionary of the recognition control unit 111. The recognition result by the recognition control unit 111 is stored in the character code information storage area on the image buffer memory 118 and is passed to the image data conversion unit 110.

The image data conversion unit 110 converts the character code of the recognition output into an output image and stores it in an image information storage area on the image buffer memory 118. here,
For an unrecognizable character, the image information is stored as it is, and for a character having a plurality of candidates, a plurality of pieces of character code information are stored in the order of higher recognition probability. At the time of correcting an uncertain character, the pointer image generation unit 111 adds on a pointer image indicating that the character is a correction target character,
The information is displayed on a display unit provided in the operation unit 116.

The operation unit 116 is connected to the image processing unit 100.
It has various key groups and various LED groups for instructing an image copy operation such as image editing contents, the number of copies, and a magnification ratio for 3 and a display unit for displaying the contents at the time of operation.

Next, a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeder serving as a document feeder, which feeds the placed documents one by one or two.
The sheet is fed to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 2 continuously. 4
Reference numeral denotes a scanner including a lamp 3, a scanning mirror 5, and the like, which is placed on the platen glass surface 2 by the document feeder 1. When, for example, a copy instruction or a character recognition instruction is given from the operation unit 116, the scanner 4 scans in a predetermined direction (left and right directions in the drawing) to pass the original reflected light through the lens 8 via the scanning mirrors 5 to 7. An image is formed on the image sensor unit 9.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a control unit on which the various circuits shown in FIG. 1 are mounted. Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure unit that receives an image signal from an image signal control unit (not shown) that generates an image signal based on image data from the image editing unit 107 in the control unit 100, and a light beam corresponding to the image signal. Is irradiated on the photoconductor 11. Developing devices 12 and 13 visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 11 with a developer (toner) of a predetermined color. Reference numerals 14 and 15 denote transfer paper stacking units, which stack and store recording media of a fixed size. The recording medium is fed to the position where the registration roller is provided by driving the feeding roller, and is re-fed with the timing of aligning the leading edge of the image with the image formed on the photoconductor 11.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a transfer separation charger, which is a photosensitive member 11
After the toner image developed on the recording medium is transferred to the recording medium, the toner image is separated from the photoreceptor 11 and fixed by the fixing unit 17 via the transport belt. Reference numeral 18 denotes a paper discharge roller, which stacks and discharges the recording medium on which the image formation has been completed on the tray 20. Reference numeral 19 denotes a directional flapper, which switches the transport direction of the transfer-receiving sheet on which the image formation has been completed between the paper discharge port and the internal transport direction, and prepares for the multiplex / double-side image forming process.

Next, the appearance of the operation unit 116 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation unit of the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 5001 denotes a power switch for controlling power supply to the apparatus main body. A reset key 5002 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 5003 denotes a copy start key. 5004
Is a clear key used to clear numerical values such as the number of copies.

Reference numeral 5005 denotes an ID key. The ID key 5005 allows a specific operator to perform a copying operation.
005 makes it possible to prohibit a copying operation unless an ID is input. A stop key 5006 is used to interrupt or stop copying. Reference numeral 5007 denotes a guide key, which is used when the user wants to know each function.

An upper cursor key 5008 is used to move the pointer upward on each function setting screen. Reference numeral 5009 denotes a down cursor key which is used to move a pointer downward on each function setting screen. 501
A right cursor key 0 is a key for moving the pointer to the right on each function setting screen. A left cursor key 5011 is a key for moving the pointer to the left on each function setting screen. 5012 is an OK key,
This key is used to instruct the finalization of processing in each function setting screen.

An instruction key 5013 is a key for instructing execution of the content of the image output to the lower right of the screen 5052 in each function setting screen. A standard size reduction key 5014 is used to reduce the standard size to another standard size. Reference numeral 5015 denotes a 1: 1 copy key, which is used to select 1: 1 copy. A standard enlargement key 5016 is used to enlarge the standard size to another standard size. A cassette selection key 5017 is used to select a cassette stage to be copied.

Reference numeral 5018 denotes a copy density adjustment key which is used to reduce the copy density. An AE key 5019 is used to automatically adjust the copy density with respect to the original density. A copy density adjustment key 5020 increases the copy density. 5021 is a key for specifying the operation of the sorter. Reference numeral 5022 denotes a preheating key, which is used to turn on / off a preheating mode. Reference numeral 5023 denotes an interrupt key, which is used when an interrupt is required to be performed during copying. Reference numeral 5024 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used to input numerical values.

Reference numeral 5025 denotes a marker processing key for setting trimming, masking, and partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing). Reference numeral 5026 denotes a pattern processable key which is used to express a color in a pattern or to express a color by a density difference. 50
A color erasing key 27 is used to erase a specific color. An image quality key 5028 is used to set the image quality. 5029 is a negative / positive key,
Used when performing negative / positive processing. Reference numeral 5030 denotes an image create key which is used when performing contour processing, shadowing processing, halftone processing, italic, mirror processing, and repeat processing.

Reference numeral 5031 denotes a trimming key used to designate an area and perform trimming. 5032
A masking key is used to designate an area and perform masking. Reference numeral 5033 denotes a partial processing key, which is used to designate an area and then perform partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing). Reference numeral 5034 denotes a frame erasing key, which is used when erasing a frame in accordance with a mode. The modes include sheet frame erasing (creating a frame for the sheet size), document frame erasing (creating a frame in accordance with the document size. Document size is specified), and book frame erasing (according to the spread size of the book). Create a blank in the frame and center. Book spread size specified). A binding margin key 5035 is used to create a binding margin at one end of a sheet.

Reference numeral 5036 denotes a move key for moving an image in a desired area, which is used when moving is desired.
The movement includes parallel movement (up, down, left and right), center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point designation). 5037
Is a zoom key, which can set a copy magnification from 25% to 400% in increments of 1%. Further, the main scanning and the sub-scanning can be set independently. The magnification of the image is controlled by controlling the moving speed of the scanner 4 in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the image data read out from the scanner 4 is thinned out or interpolated in the main scanning direction of the document. Do with.

Reference numeral 5038 denotes an automatic scaling key, which automatically enlarges or reduces the size according to the size of the copy sheet. In addition, the main scanning and the sub-scanning can be automatically scaled independently. Reference numeral 5039 denotes an enlargement continuous shooting key, which is used when one original is enlarged to a plurality of copies and copied. Reference numeral 5040 denotes a reduced layout key, which is used when copying a plurality of originals by enlarging / reducing them. Reference numeral 5043 denotes a continuous shooting key which is used to divide a copy area on the glass surface of the original platen into two right and left sides and perform continuous copying (page continuous shooting, double-side continuous shooting) for automatically making two copies. Reference numeral 5044 denotes a double-sided key which is used to output both sides (single-sided double-sided, page continuous double-sided, double-sided double-sided).

Reference numeral 5045 denotes a multiplex key.
Use when you want to perform (page continuous multiplexing). 5046
Is a memory key, which is used to perform a mode using a memory (memory synthesis, area synthesis, watermark synthesis). A projector key 5047 is used when using the projector. Reference numeral 5048 denotes a printer key, which is used when setting for a printer. 50
Reference numeral 50 denotes a mixed original key, which is used when originals are mixed when taking a copy using a feeder. Reference numeral 5051 denotes a mode memory key, which is used for registering the copy mode set for copy, when calling the registered copy mode.

Reference numeral 5052 denotes a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, which displays the status of the apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, and the copy paper size, and displays the mode settings of the recognition copy mode or the normal copy mode and the contents of the set copy mode. indicate.

Next, a processing flow of the image recognizing section 4000 when performing character recognition of a document image will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the image recognition unit of this embodiment.

First, character recognition is performed in the recognition control unit 111 (step S5001). The recognition control unit 111
The details of this process will be described later. Next, it is determined whether or not the character is determined (step S5002). If determined (YES in step S5002), the character code of the character is stored in the character code information storage area (provided in the image buffer memory 118) (step S5003). Next, the image data conversion unit 110 generates image data corresponding to the character code (step S5004). Next, it is stored in the image information storage area (provided in the image buffer memory 118) (step S5005).

On the other hand, if the character is not fixed (step S
(NO in 5002), the process proceeds to step S5006. When a plurality of candidate characters exist (YE in step S5006)
S), the character codes of the plurality of candidate characters are stored in the character code information storage area (provided in the image buffer memory 118) (step S5007). Next, the image data conversion unit 110 generates image data corresponding to the character code of the first candidate character of the plurality of candidate characters (step S5008). Next, the image data is stored in the image information storage area (provided in the image buffer memory 118) (step S5009).

On the other hand, when there is no candidate character (step S5)
006), the character code of a character (for example,?
18 is provided in the character code information storage area (step S5010). Next, the read image data in the range corresponding to the unknown character is stored in the image information storage area (provided in the image buffer memory 118) (step S5011).

By repeating the above processing for the number of characters, character code data and output image data for one page are generated.

Here, in the processing for one page,
By setting the number of determined characters to m and the number of undefined characters to n,
The recognition degree P for one page is P = m / (m + n).

Next, a detailed processing flow of the recognition control unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing flow of the recognition control unit of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image input as a recognition target is a vertically written document image. Also,
When the text to be recognized is written horizontally, the processing may be performed by reading “character width” described below as “character height”.

First, the character direction of the input image is determined based on the presence / absence of an image in the vertical direction (for example, a histogram) from the input image, and its line width h is obtained (step S40).
02). Next, character patterns are cut out according to the presence / absence of a horizontal image (histogram) for each of the obtained lines, and the character width W (i) and position coordinates X of each character pattern are extracted.
(I) is stored (step S4003). Here, the character width W (i) of the cut-out character pattern is h-Δa ≦ W (i) ≦ h + Δa (1) (where, Δa: allowable range value from line width h, i: character pattern number) Are extracted, and the standard character width W is obtained by averaging them (step S).
4004).

Next, the obtained standard character width W is compared with the character width W (i) of each cut character pattern. If the character width W (i) is significantly larger than the standard character width W,
That is, a character pattern that satisfies W + Δb <W (i) (2) (where Δb is an allowable range from the standard character width) is searched for (step S4005).

When the character width W (i) of the target character pattern does not satisfy the above expression (2) (N in step S4005)
O), and proceed to step S4009. On the other hand, when the character width W (i) of the target character pattern satisfies the above expression (2) (YES in step S4005), up to the character pattern having the standard character width W before and after the target character pattern, A character pattern that includes the character pattern to be satisfied and that is located between the character patterns having the standard character width W closest thereto is projected in the horizontal direction to create a histogram (step S4006).

The position of the horizontal axis is x, the number of dots on the vertical axis is y, a predetermined threshold value z is provided for the value y, and the position of the smallest character pattern number i is determined (x =
0), a value x near the standard character width W and smaller than the threshold value z is obtained (step S4007).

If the length of the projection is L, x
In the process of obtaining is approximately the standard character width W, and the last width is almost the standard character width W (step S4).
(YES in 007), a new character segmentation process is performed at the obtained x (step S4008). On the other hand, when a break is not found in the vicinity of the standard character width W in the middle of obtaining x, or when the character width of the last character pattern is significantly less than the standard character width W even if it is cut to the end (step S4007) NO), and proceed to step S4009.

Finally, a character recognition process is performed on the cut-out character pattern to generate a character code corresponding to the character pattern (step S4009).

Next, the setting of the reference value E of the degree of recognition, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a screen of the display unit 5052 with a touch panel of the operation unit 116 shown in FIG.
Here, only the part related to the setting of the reference value K of the degree of recognition is shown.

When normal copying is possible, a screen 420 is displayed. On a screen 420, a character mode selection display key 421, a character / photo mode selection display key 422, and a photo mode selection display key 42 according to the type of the original or the purpose of copying.
3 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the recognition copying is performed after each mode selection display key of the character mode selection display key 421, the character / photo mode selection display key 422, and the photo mode selection display key 423 is pressed, and the recognition degree is determined. Executed only when the value exceeds the set reference value. Here, when the user setting key 424 is pressed, the screen shifts to 430. This screen 430 has a recognition copy mode setting display key 431 in addition to the settings of, for example, image quality adjustment or each timer that can be set by the user in the conventional copier.

When the recognition copy mode setting display key 431 is pressed to shift to the screen 440, a left key 441 and a right key 443 for moving the lever display 442 right and left are displayed. That is, the value of the reference value K is set according to the position of the lever display 442. Lever position 4 by operating the left key 441
By moving 42 to the left, this means that recognition and copying are performed only when characters of the document are almost completely recognized, that is,
Recognition copying is performed only when the recognition degree P for one page of the document is large. Therefore, when the recognition copy mode is actually set, there is almost no work for fixing the uncertain character. If the degree of recognition P is smaller than the lever display 442, the normal copy mode for normal image data is set.

Conversely, operation of the right key 443 causes lever position 4
When the reference numeral 42 is moved to the right, recognition and copying are performed even when characters in the document are almost unrecognized, that is, recognition and copying are performed even if the recognition degree P for one page of the document is small. Therefore, when the recognition copy mode is set, there is a possibility that the work of fixing the uncertain character is considerably larger than the number of characters in one page.

Here, the method of setting the constant K of the reference value of the recognition degree at the time of copying in the character mode on the screen 440 has been described. Similarly, the character / photo mode setting display key 446 on the screen 440 or the photo mode setting is used. Display key 44
When 5 is pressed, a setting display screen similar to the screen 440 is displayed, and a reference value K of the degree of recognition in each mode can be set.

Thus, for example, when the character mode is selected, the user naturally has a large number of characters. Therefore, when the ratio of uncertain characters is large when performing recognition copying, the work of recognizing and recognizing becomes large and troublesome. By making a determination, the reference value K of the degree of recognition in the character mode can be set large. Also, when the photo mode is selected, it is highly likely that the original is originally a document with few characters. Therefore, even when performing recognition copying, even if the ratio of uncertain characters is large, the actual number of uncertain characters is likely to be small. Therefore, it is judged that there is little recognition confirmation work,
The reference value K of the degree of recognition in the photo mode can be set small. Thus, the reference value K of the degree of recognition corresponding to each reading mode can be set according to the user's preference.

The lever position 4 set as described above
42 and the reference value K are associated with each other, and the RAM 11 stored in a backup battery or the like together with the display contents and the setting contents.
5 is stored.

Next, the processing flow of the recording unit 117 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the recording unit of the present embodiment.

An image for one document is read, and the operation of outputting image data is started at the time when the work of determining / undetermining the character recognition is completed. Next, the recognition degree P for the image data is obtained from the number m of determined characters and the number n of undefined characters by the processing shown in FIG. 4 (step S6002). Next, the reference value K of the recognition degree corresponding to the reading mode set at the time of reading the original document set by the user is taken out from the RAM 115 (step S6003).

Next, the degree of recognition P and the magnitude of the reference value K are compared (step S6004). If the degree of recognition P is less than the reference value K (YES in step S6004), the process advances to step S6005 to perform a process in the normal copy mode. On the other hand, if the recognition degree P is larger than the reference value K (NO in step S6004), the process advances to step S6006 to perform a character recognition finalizing operation for continuing the processing in the recognition copy mode.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can set the reference value of the degree of recognition in each reading mode in advance. Therefore, the optimum copy mode can be executed without being conscious of whether to perform the process in the normal copy mode.

That is, it is possible to obtain an optimum copy mode according to the document without forcing the user to make an extra judgment. In addition, the user can set an optimum copy mode switching level for each reading mode.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), a single device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) Etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 described above.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of outputting an optimum reproduced image according to the type of an input document image, and a computer-readable memory.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an image recognition unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing flow of a recognition control unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a reference value according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a recording unit according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 lens 102 image sensor 103 AD converter 104 shading correction circuit 105 mode switching circuit 106 light density conversion circuit 107 image editing unit 108 character cutout unit 109 vector calculation unit 110 image data conversion unit 111 recognition control unit 113 CPU 114 ROM 115 RAM 116 Operation unit 117 Recording unit 118 Image buffer memory 1001 Document 1002 Image reading unit 1003 Image processing unit 1004 Image recording unit 4000 Image recognition unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Eiwa Honda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Tanioka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Izumi Horiuchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 5B064 AA01 AA07 BA01 CA02 EA12 FA04 FA05

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing and outputting a document image, comprising: reading means for reading a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes; and recognizing characters in the document image read by the reading means. Recognizing means, calculating means for calculating a recognizing degree for the document image based on the recognition result of the recognizing means, and a reference for comparing the recognizing degree for each of the plurality of types of reading modes. Setting means for setting a value, comparing means for comparing the recognition degree with the reference value, and output control means for controlling output of the document image based on a comparison result of the comparing means. Image processing device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, as a result of the comparison by said comparing means, when said recognition degree is larger than said reference value, said output control means outputs a recognition result of said recognition means. Image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein as a result of the comparison by the comparing unit, when the recognition degree is smaller than the reference value, the output control unit outputs the image. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating unit calculates the degree of recognition based on a determined character and an undefined character obtained as a result of the recognition by the recognizing unit. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of reading modes include at least a text mode, a text / photo mode, and a photo mode. 6. An image processing method for processing and outputting a document image, comprising: a reading step of reading a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes; and recognizing characters in the document image read in the reading step. A calculating step of calculating the degree of recognition of the document image based on the recognition result of the recognition step; and a reference for comparing the degree of recognition with each of the plurality of types of reading modes. A setting step of setting a value, a comparing step of comparing the recognition level with the reference value, and an output controlling step of controlling output of the document image based on a comparison result of the comparing step. Image processing method. 7. The output control unit according to claim 6, wherein if the result of the comparison in the comparing step is that the degree of recognition is larger than the reference value, the output control step outputs the result of the recognition in the recognition step. Image processing method. 8. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein as a result of the comparison in the comparison step, when the recognition degree is less than the reference value, the output control step outputs the image. 9. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein the calculating step calculates the degree of recognition based on a determined character and an undefined character obtained as a result of the recognition in the recognition step. 10. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of types of reading modes include at least a text mode, a text / photo mode, and a photo mode. 11. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for image processing for processing and outputting a document image, the program code for a reading step of reading a document image having a plurality of types of reading modes, A program code of a recognition step of recognizing characters in the document image read in the step, a program code of a calculation step of calculating the degree of recognition of the document image based on the recognition result of the recognition step, For each reading mode of the reading mode, a program code of a setting step of setting a reference value for comparison with the recognition level; a program code of a comparison step of comparing the recognition level with the reference value; A program code for an output control step of controlling the output of the document image based on the comparison result. A computer-readable memory, comprising: