JP2001202362A - Character editing processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide character size changing technology, with which a character smaller than a designated size in a document can be automatically enlarged according to fixed rules. SOLUTION: Concerning a digital copy machine 100 provided with an OCR capable of reproducing a character size with fidelity, when a character size change function is selected, an original is read by a scanner engine 1, document data are prepared by analyzing image data provided by reading by an OCR processing part 2 and when character data smaller than the designated size are present in the prepared document data, the character size is changed according to a set change method (such as simple change, redistribution or volume-up). Then, the document data after the character size change are laid out by a layout processing part 4 and afterwards, these output document data are printed by a printer engine 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character editing technology for editing character data, and more particularly, to a character size capable of automatically increasing a character smaller than a specified size in a document by a certain rule. Regarding change technology.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art O which analyzes an image and converts it into character data
Some CR software can faithfully reproduce the typeface (font), size (size), and style (for example, italic and bold) of characters, but information such as font, size, and style Ignoring all fonts in a single font, size and style.

[0003]

However, in the former OCR software, the reproduction is too faithful, and small characters are reproduced in a small size. There is a problem that it is reproduced with a difficult size. Also,
In the latter OCR software, since the size relation of the character size in the original document is not maintained at all, there is a problem that even if the original document is sharp, the document becomes unsharp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and has been developed in an OCR or the like capable of faithfully reproducing a character size, for example, in a document read by a scanner or in an already created electronic file. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character editing apparatus and method capable of automatically increasing a character smaller than a specified size in a document according to a certain rule, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a character editing processing program. .

[0005]

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A character editing apparatus according to the present invention
Specifying means for specifying a minimum character size; character data receiving means for receiving character data including character size information in a character editing processor for editing character data including character size information; And character size change processing means for changing the character size to a size equal to or larger than the specified minimum character size.

(2) The character size change processing means includes: an extraction unit for extracting character size information from received character data; and a character size changer in the received character data, the character size being smaller than a specified minimum character size. A determination unit that determines whether or not there is small character data; and, if there is character data in the received character data that is smaller than the specified minimum character size, the specified minimum character size. A character size changing unit for changing the character size of the received character data so that the size becomes equal to or larger than the size.

(3) When the received character data includes character data smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size changing unit sets the character size to be smaller than the specified minimum character size. For only small character data, the character size is enlarged to the specified minimum character size.

(4) When the received character data includes character data smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size changing unit performs the processing on the character size for all character data. Is proportionally distributed between the specified minimum font size and the specified maximum font size.

(5) When the received character data includes character data smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size changing unit performs the processing on all character data. Is enlarged by a fixed size so that the character size of all character data is equal to or larger than the specified minimum character size.

(6) Further, there is provided an OCR processing means for analyzing the given image data and converting it into character data containing character size information.

(7) Further, there is provided reading means for reading the document, and the OCR processing means analyzes the image data obtained by reading the document and converts the image data into character data including character size information.

(8) The image processing apparatus further comprises image data receiving means for receiving image data, wherein the OCR processing means analyzes the received image data and converts the image data into character data including character size information.

(9) The OCR processing means analyzes the given image data, and recognizes a character included in the image data and its size on the basis of the analysis result of the image data. Character recognition unit that converts to character data containing the information of
A layout recognizing unit for recognizing a layout of a character part and a non-character part by identifying a region of a character part and a non-character part, and a document for creating document data including layout information based on a recognition result of the character and the layout A data creation unit, wherein the extraction unit includes a character data extraction unit that extracts character data from the created document data, and extracts character size information from the character data extracted by the character data extraction unit. .

(10) There is further provided a printing means for printing the character data after the character size change processing.

(11) There is further provided an electronic file creating means for creating an electronic file storing the character data after the character size changing process.

(12) Further, there is provided a layout means for laying out characters with respect to the character data after the character size change processing, wherein the character data receiving means includes character data including character size information and layout information. The layout data is received in the form of document data, and the layout means performs character layout on the character data after the character size change processing based on the layout information included in the received document data.

(13) In the layout obtained by receiving the document data, if the character string for one page does not fit on the same page, the layout means sets the character so that the protruding character string fits on the same page. Modify the column format.

(14) In the layout obtained by receiving the document data, if the character string for one page does not fit on the same page, the layout means places the protruding character string on the next page.

(15) There is further provided a printing means for printing the laid out character data.

(16) There is further provided an electronic file creating means for creating an electronic file storing the laid out character data.

(17) A character editing method according to the present invention is a character editing method for editing character data including character size information. The method further includes a step of receiving data and a step of changing a character size of the received character data to a size equal to or greater than a specified minimum character size.

(18) A computer readable recording medium according to the present invention is a character editing program for editing character data including character size information, comprising: a process of designating a minimum character size; A program for causing a computer to execute a process of receiving character data including information and a process of changing a character size of the received character data to a size equal to or larger than a specified minimum character size is recorded.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character editing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The character editing apparatus 100 is a multifunction machine of a scanner and a printer, and has a character size changing function for automatically increasing a character smaller than a specified size in a document according to a certain rule. Here, a digital copying machine will be described as an example of a multifunction machine of a scanner and a printer.

The digital copying machine 100 with a character size changing function reads a document and converts it into digital image data. The scanner engine 1 analyzes image data obtained by reading the document and converts it into character data. An OCR processing unit 2 that creates data, and a character size change processing unit 3 that changes the character size to a size equal to or larger than the specified size according to a certain rule when a character smaller than the specified size exists in the document. A layout processing unit 4 for laying out a document, an operation panel 5 for performing copy start and various settings, a memory 6 for storing programs and data, and a printer engine 7 for printing data on paper
And a control unit 8 for controlling each of the above units. Although not shown, the operation panel 5 has a touch panel display, a start key, ten keys (numeric keys), and the like. Although not shown, the memory 6 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM stores a control program, OCR software, and the like, and the RAM temporarily stores data processed by each unit. The control unit 7 is configured by a CPU.

The OCR processor 2 analyzes the image data and can recognize not only characters but also character formats. Character format is a format that is set for each character,
The font, size, and style of the characters (such as italic and bold) correspond to this. Therefore, the OCR processing unit 2 can faithfully reproduce the font, size, and style of the character, and the character data obtained by the OCR processing unit 2 includes information on the font, character size, and style. I have. For example, the character data obtained by the OCR processing unit 2 is composed of a character code assigned to each character and a character format code assigned to each element of font, character size and style information. Data necessary for recognizing characters and character formats, that is, reference character data (including font, character size and style data) to be collated with image data is stored in advance in the OCR software installed in the ROM of the memory 6 in advance. It is registered.
The character size is indicated in units of “point”.

The OCR processing unit 2 can further recognize the layout of the document. Here, a layout is a text (character string), photo, illustration,
Refers to the arrangement of figures and tables. Therefore, the OCR processing unit 2 can faithfully reproduce the layout of the document. Recognition of the layout is performed by identifying a character part and a non-character part area based on the analysis result of the image data (the result of determining whether it is a character or a non-character).

Each information of the character and the character format (these are related to the text portion in the document) and the layout (this is related to the arrangement of the entire document) recognized by the OCR processing unit 2 are:
It is summarized in the form of document data containing layout information,
It is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6.

As described above, the character size change processing section 3 has a function of changing the character size to a size equal to or larger than the specified size according to a certain rule when a character smaller than the specified size exists in the document. . More specifically, for example, information on the character size is extracted for each character data in the document data, and the extracted character size information is compared with the specified minimum character size. It is determined whether there is character data smaller than the specified character size. If there is character data smaller than the specified minimum character size in the document data, the character size is larger than the specified minimum character size. The size of the characters constituting the text portion in the document is calculated and changed so as to be the size.

As a method of calculating the character size, for example,
There are three types: 2 to 4 show that the minimum character size is 1
It is a figure showing an example of calculation by each calculation method at the time of designating two points. In each figure, (A) shows the document before the character size change processing (common to each figure), and (B) shows the document after the character size change processing.

In the first calculation method, as shown in FIG. 2, only for characters whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size is simply set to the size of the specified minimum character size. It is a method of changing (enlarging) it. Hereinafter, the change of the character size by this method is referred to as “simple change”. In the example of FIG. 2, only “8-point character” and “6-point character”, which are character strings whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size (12 points) (see FIG. 2A), Each is changed to a 12-point character string (see FIG. 2B). With this calculation method, the sharpness of the document is reduced, but the calculation amount is very small.

In the second calculation method, the maximum character size is specified together with the minimum character size, and as shown in FIG. 3, the character size (point number) in the original document is specified while maintaining a certain degree of magnitude relation. In order to increase the size of characters smaller than the minimum font size, the font size is proportionally distributed between the specified minimum font size and the specified maximum font size for all characters in the document. It is a method of redistribution. At this time, since the maximum character size is specified, the changed character size does not become too large. Hereinafter, the change of the character size by this method is referred to as “redistribution”. In this calculation method, the calculation amount is large because all the characters are calculated again, but the sharpness of the document can be maintained to some extent.

In this calculation method, the size P (the number of points after change) after the character size change with respect to the size X (the number of points before change) before the character size change is given by the following formula.

P = (X−Xmin) ÷ (Xmax−Xmin) ×
(A−B) + B Here, Xmin: the minimum character size in the document before the character size change processing (the minimum number of points before the change) Xmax: the maximum character size in the document before the character size change processing A (maximum number of points before change) A: Specified maximum character size (maximum number of points) B: Specified minimum character size (minimum number of points) However, if the calculation result is not an integer, it is rounded off. That is, the post-change point number P is rounded off and obtained as an integer.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the maximum character size is set to 18 points. In this example, since there is a character string whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size (12 points) (see FIG. 3A), the above calculation is performed for all characters. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, a character string of 24 points (“24 points”) is (24−6) ÷ (24−6) × (18−12) + 12 =
18, the character string is changed to an 18-point character string, and the 18-point character string (“18 points”) is (18−6) ÷ (24−6) × (18−12) + 12 =
16, the character string is changed to a 16-point character string, and the 12-point character string (“12 points”) is (12−6) ÷ (24−6) × (18−12) + 12 =
14, the character string is changed to a 14-point character string, and the 8-point character string (“8 points”) is (8−6) ÷ (24−6) × (18−12) + 12 = 1
From 2.66 ..., the decimal point is rounded off and changed to a 13-point character string, and a 6-point character string ("6 points")
Is (6-6) ÷ (24-6) × (18-12) + 12 = 1
From 2, it is changed to a 12-point character string.

The third calculation method is a case in which the maximum character size is not specified. As shown in FIG. 4, the specified character size is maintained while maintaining the size relation of the character size in the original document to some extent. In order to increase the size of small characters, a method of simply increasing (enlarging) the character size of all the characters in the document by a certain size. That is, in this method,
For all characters, the point size obtained by subtracting the minimum point number before change from the minimum point number is simply added to the original point number as a raising amount to increase the character size. Hereinafter, the change of the character size by this method is referred to as “raising”. In this calculation method, since a fixed point number is simply added to the original point number without specifying the maximum character size, the calculation amount is relatively small.

In this calculation method, the post-change point number P with respect to the pre-change point number X is given by the following formula.

P = X + (B−Xmin) The meanings of the symbols used here are the same as those described in the calculation formula for redistribution.

In the example of FIG. 4, since there is a character string whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size (12 points) (see FIG. 4A), the above calculation is executed for all characters. . As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the character string of 24 points (“24 points”) is changed from 24+ (12−6) = 30 to a character string of 30 points, and the character string of 18 points (“18 points”) is changed to a 24-point character string from 18+ (12−6) = 24, and a 12-point character string (“12 points”) is calculated from 12+ (12−6) = 18 The character string of 18 points is changed, and the character string of 8 points (“8 points”) is changed to a character string of 14 points from 8+ (12−6) = 14, and the character string of 6 points (“6 points” ") Is changed to a 12-point character string from 6+ (12-6) = 12.

The method of calculating the character size can be arbitrarily selected by the user from the above three methods (simple change, redistribution, and raising). This selection is made on a character size change setting screen displayed on the touch panel display of the operation panel 5. An example of the character size change setting screen is as shown in FIG.

The document data whose character size has been changed by the character size change processing unit 3 is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6.

The layout processing section 4 has a function of laying out a document to be output as described above. More specifically, for example, layout information is extracted from the document data after the character size change processing, and the character data after the character size change processing (the font, the character size, and the style) included in the document data are extracted according to the layout information. (With information) and image data such as photos and illustrations. As a result, the layout of the document is basically faithfully reproduced along with the font and style of the characters.

However, when the text (character string) for one page does not fit on the same page in the layout at this time (including the case where the image is lost. The same applies hereinafter), first, the text format is set within a certain range. (For example, the character spacing or line pitch or a combination thereof) so that the protruding text (including the image missing portion; the same applies hereinafter) fits on the same page without image missing (see FIG. 3). If the document still does not fit on the same page, the protruding sentence is further arranged on the next page (see FIG. 4). From the viewpoint of saving paper, if it is possible to fit the protruding text on the same page by correcting the text format within a certain range, as described above, Is preferably carried out with priority.

The document data whose layout has been completed by the layout processing section 4 is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6 as output document data.

When the character size changing function is selected on the setting screen displayed on the touch panel display of the operation panel 5, the digital copying machine 100 starts a copy operation when the start key of the operation panel 5 is pressed. The document is read by the scanner engine 1 and the image data obtained by the reading is analyzed by the OCR processing unit 2 to create document data. If the created document data contains character data smaller than the designated size, Character size change processing unit 3
Then, the character size is changed in accordance with the set change method (simple change, redistribution, raising), the document data after the character size change is laid out by the layout processing unit 4, and the output document data is transferred to the operation panel 5. The printer engine 7 prints out on paper in accordance with the printing conditions (for example, the number of copies, etc.) set in (1). As a result, as shown in the application example of FIG. 6 (when the digital copying machine 100 is used alone), a character smaller than the designated size written on paper is assigned to the digital copying machine 100 with the character size changing function.
By using, the characters are automatically printed in a size larger than the specified size.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital copying machine 100 having such a character size changing function.

First, in step S10, the contents of the original copy mode are set or corrected by the user using the ten keys on the operation panel 5 or the setting screen displayed on the touch panel display. Here, the contents to be set or corrected include, for example, printing conditions (such as the number of copies) and a character size changing function. When selecting the character size change function, the user can select a desired minimum character size, a desired maximum character size (only in the case of redistribution) and a desired change method (simple change, redistribution, Up) respectively.

Then, in step S20, the control unit 8
Determines whether the start key on the operation panel 5 has been pressed. If the start key has not been pressed (S2
(0: NO), returning to step S10, and if the start key is pressed (S20: YES), it is determined that a user's instruction has been made, and the process proceeds to step S30 to start a copy operation.

In step S30, the scanner engine 1
To read the original and convert it into digital image data.

In step S40, the OCR processing unit 2 analyzes the image data obtained in step S30 and converts the document data (character data including character font, size and style information and document layout information). Including).

An example of a specific processing procedure is as follows. The image data obtained in step S30 is analyzed (comparison with registration reference character data), and based on the analysis result, characters and character formats (font, character size and style) are recognized, and the character portion of the image data is recognized. Is converted into character data including character format information, and based on the above analysis result (character / non-character determination result), a character portion and a non-character portion are identified, and the layout of the document is changed. recognize. Then, document data including layout information is created based on the recognition result of the characters and the layout.

Then, in Step S50, Step S
It is determined whether or not the character size changing function is selected (ON) with reference to the setting contents of No. 10. If the character size changing function is not turned on (S50: NO), the process immediately proceeds to step S80 to perform a normal copying operation, and if the character size changing function is turned on (S5).
0: YES), and proceeds to step S60.

In step S60, the character size change processing unit 3 changes the character size selected by the user when the document data created in step S40 contains characters smaller than the designated size in the document. Change the size to the specified size or more according to.

An example of a specific processing procedure is as follows. Character size information is extracted for each character data in the document data created in step S40, and compared with the minimum character size specified in step S10, the minimum character size specified in the document data is determined. It is determined whether there is character data smaller than the size. If there is character data whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size in the document data, it is set in step S10 so that the character size is equal to or larger than the specified minimum character size. According to the change method, the size of the characters constituting the text portion in the document is calculated (changed). At this time, as described above, the calculation method (change method) of the character size includes a simple change (see FIG. 2),
There are three types: redistribution (see FIG. 3) and raising (see FIG. 4).

In step S70, the layout processing section 4 lays out the document to be output with respect to the document data whose character size has been changed in step S60.

An example of a specific processing procedure is as follows. Layout information is extracted from the document data obtained in step S40, and the character data (including font, character size and style information) and photos, illustrations, etc. included in the document data after the character size change processing are extracted according to the layout information. Is laid out for the image data. At this time, if the text (character string) for one page does not fit on the same page, first, the text format (character spacing or line pitch or a combination thereof) within a certain range.
Is corrected so that the protruding text fits on the same page without image loss (see FIG. 3). If the text does not fit on the same page even by this method, the protruding text is further arranged on the next page (see FIG. 4).

In step S80, the output document data, that is, in step S4, is output by the printer engine 7.
The document data created in step S0 or the document data laid out in step S70 is printed out on paper. In other words, if the font size change function is not turned on,
When the scanned document is reproduced faithfully up to the character size and printed, and if the character size change function is turned on, if there is a character smaller than the specified size in the document, make it larger than the specified size. Print.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment,
In a digital copier equipped with an OCR capable of faithfully reproducing the character size, if there is a character smaller than the specified size in the original, the character size is automatically changed to the specified size or more according to the user setting. Can be printed. For example, after finishing and printing a document anyway, take the document that came around, go to the digital copier, set the minimum character size and other necessary parameters (see FIG. 5), and press the start key. Characters smaller than the specified minimum character size (point number) are automatically printed as characters larger than the minimum character size. As a result, the task of adding value to a document can be realized by only a very simple operation without using a personal computer and without performing an interactive operation, and the convenience for the user can be improved. Significant improvement can be achieved.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character editing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same components as those of the digital copying machine 100 corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The feature of the second embodiment resides in that document data whose character size has been changed is output in the form of an electronic file instead of printing (outputting on paper). That is, the character editing apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
00 is configured.

The electronic file creator 200 with the character size changing function includes a scanner engine 1, an OCR processing unit 2, a character size changing processing unit 3, a layout processing unit 4, an operation panel 5a, a memory 6, and a control unit 8a. , A hard disk 9 for storing programs and data, and a file creator 10 for creating a file in which document data after the completion of layout with changed character size is recorded in a predetermined format.
Various external output ports 11 for connecting to various external devices (for example, various PDAs, notebook computers, etc.);
Various storage media drives 12 for reading and writing various types of removable storage media (eg, floppy disk, zip, PC card type memory (hereinafter simply referred to as “PC card”), MO disk, etc.);
N and a network port 13 for connecting to a network such as N. The external output port 11 is, for example,
It is composed of a serial / parallel port such as USB, IEEE1394, IEEE1284, etc., and the network port 13 is composed of, for example, Ethernet. Also, the recording media drive 12 has
For example, there are a floppy disk drive, a zip drive, a PC card drive, and an MO disk drive. Here, the network refers to a wired or wireless computer network system such as Ethernet, and includes a communication protocol (for example, TCP / IP) and an e-mail system (for example, cc: Mail, etc.). ) Is not particularly limited.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic file creator 200 with such a character size changing function.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, step S90 is inserted in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and steps S10 and S50 are deleted.

Steps S20 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.
Is the same as each step in the flowchart shown in
The description is omitted.

In step S90, the file creating section 10 creates a file in which output document data (document data after the completion of layout with changed character size) is recorded in a predetermined format. The file format can be a format including a character code (for example, a file format of PDF or various word processing software, etc.), or a complete bitmap format (for example, TIFF (tiff), JPEG (JPEG), GIF (gif), etc. ). The created file is stored in a predetermined storage area of the internal memory 6 or the hard disk 9, or is stored in an external device or transmitted to the outside according to a user's selection.

A file (an image file or a document file of an application including code information) created by the file creating unit 10 is appropriately provided to an external output unit (an external output port 11, a recording medium, etc.) as shown in the application example of FIG. A desired output destination (for example, a personal computer, a floppy disk, a zip,
PC card, MO disk, network, etc.).

More specifically, the following various forms can be considered as output forms. Which output form to take can be appropriately selected by the user each time.

First, by providing a storage area in the memory 6 or the hard disk 9 in the electronic file creator 200,
Once the created file is stored in its storage area,
Read the file from an external personal computer via the network through the network port 13, or
The data is read from various PDAs (personal portable information devices) or notebook computers through the external output port 11. Then, printing is performed from these devices as necessary.

Second, the created file is transferred to the recording media drive 12 attached to the electronic file creator 200.
(Floppy disk drive, zip drive, PC
Card drive, MO disk drive, etc.)
Write to the corresponding removable recording media (floppy disk, zip, PC card, MO disk, etc.).

Third, the created file is stored in a specific location (area for a specific user) of an external file server or a specific location of an external specific personal computer via a network through the network port 13. Or send it by e-mail to a specific address, or send it to an application running on a computer on the network.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment,
Even if the original document file does not exist, as long as a hard copy is taken, only the hard copy is read by the scanner engine 1, and the document data in which characters smaller than the specified size are enlarged to the specified size or more are read. Again, it can be obtained as data that can be freely edited and processed on a computer.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character editing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the digital copier 100 corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or the electronic file creator 2 corresponding to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
The same components as those of 00 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A feature of the third embodiment is that, when the image data is subjected to OCR processing and the character size is changed and printed, instead of directly reading the original and acquiring the image data, an external device (for example, an external device) is used. Image data acquired using a scanner, a digital camera, a handy scanner with a built-in memory, etc.). That is,
The character editing apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG.
The printer 300 is configured to have a character size changing function. Here, a printing machine capable of printing one page of data collectively will be described as an example.

Printing machine 300 with character size changing function
Are an OCR processing unit 2, a character size change processing unit 3, a layout processing unit 4, an operation panel 5b, a memory 6, and a control unit 8.
b, a printer engine 7a for printing one page of data collectively, various external input ports 14 for connecting to various external devices (external scanner, digital camera, memory built-in handy scanner, etc.), and a document. A page description language (PDL) for designating a print image to the printer engine 7a when printing data in page units
And a PDL engine 15 for generating Although not shown, the printing press 300 can include various recording media drives 12 and a network port 13. In this case, the external input port 14, the recording media drive 12, and the network port 13 are used to take in image data from outside.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing machine 300 having such a character size changing function.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Step S35 is inserted in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Steps S20 and S30 are deleted.

Step S10 is the same as the step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

In step S35, image data obtained by using an external device (such as an external scanner, a digital camera, or a handy scanner with a built-in memory) is fetched through the external input port 14. The captured image data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6.

Steps S40 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.
Is the same as each step in the flowchart shown in
The description is omitted.

Then, in step S75, when the PDL engine 15 prints output document data (simple document data after OCR processing or document data after layout completion in which the character size has been further changed after OCR processing) in page units. First, a page description language (PDL) for instructing the printer engine 7a of a print image is created.

In step S80, the printer engine 7a prints the output document data collectively for each page in accordance with the page description language created in step S75.

In short, in this case, as shown in the application example of FIG. 13, a desired image input destination (external scanner,
Digital camera, handy scanner with built-in memory, etc.)
And prints the image data.

More specifically, as an image input mode,
For example, the following forms are conceivable. Which input form to take can be appropriately selected by the user each time.

First, image data is taken in real time from an external scanner directly connected to the printing machine 300 through the external input port 14. This configuration is effective when using a scanner having a special shape (for example, a whole scanner for special use such as a book scanner).

Second, image data already acquired and stored using a digital camera or a handy scanner with a built-in memory is taken in through the external input port 14. This embodiment has an advantage that user convenience is improved because image data that has already been acquired and stored is used.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character editing processing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, a digital copier 100 corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and an electronic file creator 20 corresponding to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
0 or the same components as those of the printing press 300 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A feature of the fourth embodiment is that after receiving image data via a network, a character size changing process is performed, and the obtained document data is transmitted to the outside again via the network. . That is, the character editing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is a server 400 (hereinafter, referred to as a “character size changing server”) that provides a character size changing service to another computer or the like on a network. It is configured.

This character size change server 400 is
R processing unit 2, character size change processing unit 3, layout processing unit 4, memory 6, control unit 8c, network port 13
And a PDL engine 15. In this case, the parameters required for the character size change processing, such as the minimum character size,
It is not always necessary to input from the operation panel 5, but input from outside via a network.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the character size changing server 400.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Step S37, step S75, and step S100
Is inserted in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Step S30, Step S50 and Step S80
Has been deleted.

In step S37, image data and parameters required for character change processing (minimum character size, maximum character size, character size changing method) transmitted via the network are received via the network port 13. The received data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6.

Steps S40 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.
Are the same as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Step S75 is the same as the step in the flowchart shown in FIG.

At step S100, the output document data (the document data after the completion of the layout with the changed character size) expressed in the page description language created at step S75 is again transmitted to the outside via the network through the network port 13. Send to

In short, in this case, for example, as shown in the application example of FIG. 16, image data and necessary parameters are received from an application (transmission source) running on an arbitrary computer on the network, and characters are transmitted. The document data whose character size has been changed is again transmitted to an application (destination) operating on an arbitrary computer (or a plurality of computers) on the network.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment,
Since the character size changing server 400 is provided on the network, the character size changing function can be shared by the clients, and the character size changing function can be incorporated as a part of a large-scale system.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character editing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, a digital copier 100 corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and an electronic file creator 20 corresponding to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
0 or the same components as those of the printing press 300 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The fifth embodiment is characterized in that only a character size changing function is provided only without providing a specific scanner engine or printer engine in the main body, and an external input device (for example, a scanner ) And an external output device (for example, a printer). That is, the character editing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is configured as a controller 500 having a character size changing function.

The controller with character size changing function 500 includes an OCR processing unit 2, a character size changing processing unit 3,
It has a layout processing unit 4, an operation panel 5c, a memory 6, a control unit 8d, an external output port 11, an external input port 14, and a PDL engine 15. Note that external output port 1
The 1 and the external input port 14 may be input / output ports capable of inputting and outputting data, respectively.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the controller 500 having such a character size changing function. Here, a scanner is connected to the controller 500 as an external input device, and a page printer is connected as an external output device.
Will be described by way of example in which the function is made to function as a scanner / printer controller.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Step S100 is inserted in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, and step S80 is deleted.

Step S10 is the same as the step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S35, image data obtained by reading a document using a scanner is taken in through the external input port 14. The captured image data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the memory 6.

Steps S40 to S75 are the same as those in FIG.
2 are the same as the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Then, in step S100, the output document data expressed in the page description language created in step S75 (simple OCR-processed document data or OCR
The document data after the completion of the layout, in which the character size has been further changed after the processing, is transmitted to the page printer through the external output port 11. In response to this, the page printer collectively prints the output document data for each page in accordance with the page description language created in step S75.

In short, in this case, as shown in the application example of FIG. 19, an external input device (such as a scanner) or an external output device (such as a printer) is connected to the controller 500 to use the character size changing function.

Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment,
Since there is no specific scanner engine or printer engine in the body, it is configured as a controller 500 having only a character size changing function, so that various external devices can be connected and used, and a certain versatility is secured. can do.

Note that, in each of the above embodiments, the character size changing function is provided by the above-described processing procedure (FIGS. 7, 9, 12,
15 and 18) by the CPU to execute a predetermined program describing the program.
The predetermined program is a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a floppy disk or a CD-ROM)
Can also be provided by In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored on a hard disk. In addition, the predetermined program may be provided, for example, as application software that executes the above-described processing independently, or may be incorporated in software of each of the devices 100 to 500 as a function of each of the devices 100 to 500. .

(Sixth Embodiment) A feature of the sixth embodiment of the present invention is that a character size changing function is provided as application software which can change a character size in a personal computer application. That is. Specifically, for example, it is configured as an application that performs the same operation as the character size change processing unit 3 (and in some cases, the layout processing unit 4) shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the character size change menu. Here, as the character size changing function, a function of performing the character size changing process only on the selected range in the document and a function of performing the character size changing process on the entire document are prepared. In particular, when the entire document is targeted, a layout correction function similar to that of the layout processing unit 4 can be provided.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the character size change dialog. Here, the character size change dialog has substantially the same basic configuration as the character size change setting screen shown in FIG. For example, when the user clicks the "execute" button in the character size change dialog, the function selected in the character size change menu in FIG. 20 is changed according to the parameters (such as the minimum character size) also set in the character size change dialog. Be executed.

Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment,
When all the characters in a document created on a personal computer or the like are to be made larger than a specified size, such a work can be performed with a single operation.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since text smaller than the specified minimum font size in the document is automatically changed to a size larger than the specified minimum font size, such operations that add value to the document can only be performed with very simple operations. And the convenience of the user can be greatly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital copying machine with a character size changing function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a character size changing method based on a simple change.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a character size changing method based on redistribution.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character size changing method based on raising.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character size change setting screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the digital copying machine with the character size changing function according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic file creator with a character size changing function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the electronic file creator with a character size changing function according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing press with a character size changing function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the printing press with a character size changing function according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a character size changing server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the character size changing server according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller with a character size changing function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the controller with a character size changing function according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a character size change menu in application software with a character size change function according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character size change dialog in application software with a character size change function according to the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Scanner engine, 2 ... OCR processing part, 3 ... Character size change processing part, 4 ... Layout processing part, 5, 5a, 5b, 5c ... Operation panel, 6 ... Memory, 7, 7a ... Printer engine, 8, 8a , 8b, 8c, 8d: control unit, 9: hard disk, 10: file creation unit, 11: external output port, 12: recording media drive, 13: network port, 14: external input port, 15: PDL engine, 100 ... Digital copier with character size changing function, 200: electronic file creator with character size changing function, 300: printing machine with character size changing function, 400: character size changing server, 500: controller with character size changing function.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A character editing processing device for editing character data including character size information, a designating unit for designating a minimum character size, a character data receiving unit for receiving character data including character size information, A character size change processing unit for changing a character size of received character data to a size equal to or larger than a specified minimum character size; 2. The character size change processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the character size change processing unit extracts character size information from the received character data, and the character size in the received character data is smaller than a specified minimum character size. A determination unit that determines whether or not there is character data; and, if the received character data includes character data whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size is specified by the specified minimum character size. The character editing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a character size changing unit configured to change a character size of the received character data so as to have the above-described size. 3. The character size changing unit, wherein, when the received character data includes character data smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size. 3. The character editing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the character size of only the character data is enlarged to the designated minimum character size. 4. When the received character data includes character data whose character size is smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size changing unit changes the character size for all character data. 3. The character editing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a proportional distribution is made between the designated minimum character size and the designated maximum character size. 5. When the received character data includes character data smaller than the specified minimum character size, the character size changing unit changes the character size for all character data. 3. The character editing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the character data is enlarged by a certain size so that the character size of all character data is equal to or larger than the specified minimum character size. 6. The character editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: OCR processing means for analyzing the given image data and converting it to character data including character size information. 7. OCR processing means for reading a document, wherein the OCR processing means analyzes image data obtained by reading the document and converts the image data into character data including character size information. 7. The character editing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image data receiving means for receiving image data, wherein said OCR processing means analyzes the received image data and converts the image data into character data including character size information. 7. The character editing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 9. An OCR processing unit, comprising: an analyzing unit that analyzes given image data; and a character included in the image data and a size of the character included in the image data based on an analysis result of the image data. A character recognition unit that converts the data into character data containing information, and a layout recognition unit that identifies a character portion and a non-character portion based on an analysis result of the image data and recognizes a layout of the character portion and the non-character portion. A document data creation unit that creates document data including layout information based on the recognition result of the characters and the layout; and the extraction unit includes a character data extraction unit that extracts character data from the created document data. 7. The character editing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein character size information is extracted from the character data extracted by the character data extracting unit. 10. The character editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: printing means for printing the character data after the character size change processing. 11. The character editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising electronic file creation means for creating an electronic file storing the character data after the character size change processing. And a layout unit for laying out characters with respect to the character data after the character size change processing, wherein the character data receiving unit converts the character data including the character size information into a document including the layout information. The data received in the form of data, wherein the layout means performs a character layout on the character data after the character size change processing based on layout information included in the received document data. Character editing processor. 13. The layout means according to claim 1, wherein, if the character string for one page does not fit on the same page in the layout obtained by receiving the document data, the character string is set so that the protruding character string fits on the same page. 13. The character editing processing device according to claim 12, wherein the format is modified. 14. The layout means according to claim 1, wherein, if the character string for one page does not fit on the same page in the layout obtained by receiving the document data, the layout means places the protruding character string on the next page. 13. The character editing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: 15. The character editing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: printing means for printing the laid out character data. 16. The character editing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising electronic file creation means for creating an electronic file storing the laid out character data. 17. A character editing processing method for editing character data including character size information, comprising: specifying a minimum character size; receiving character data including character size information; Changing the character size of the data to a size equal to or greater than the specified minimum character size. 18. A character editing program for editing character data containing character size information, the method comprising: specifying a minimum character size; receiving character data containing character size information; And a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a process of changing a character size of the obtained character data to a size equal to or greater than a specified minimum character size.