JP2002361976A - Image correction unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image correction unit in which a document itself can be overwritten and corrected. SOLUTION: The image correction unit 1 comprises a scanner section 10 for reading out an original image on a document M, and a printer section 20 for overwriting the original image on the document with a correction image. When the document M is moved in the direction of an arrow AR1 by means of feed rollers 61, 62 and 63, a specified part of the original image is overwritten with the correction image at a moment of time when the specified part of the original image passed through the read out position P1 of a scanner section 10 and arrived at the print out position P2 of the printer section 20. The correction image is acquired by subjecting the original image to a specified image processing. Alternatively, the image correction unit is applied to automatic plate inspection and comparison results with a reference image may be overwritten, as a correction image, onto the document M.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image correcting apparatus for overwriting and correcting an image on a document such as a paper medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for creating a corrected image for a predetermined image by performing predetermined image processing on the predetermined image. This modified image is
Normally, the image is printed out on a sheet different from the sheet on which the image before correction was output.

[0003]

However, there is a print output apparatus that prints out the corrected image on a sheet different from the sheet on which the image before correction was output, as described above, but it does not print on the original document itself. There is no image correction device that performs overwrite correction. Therefore, it is necessary to print from the beginning on a sheet different from the sheet of the image before the correction, and there is a problem that sheets, ink, and the like are wasted.

In addition to not only obtaining a corrected image by performing predetermined image processing but also obtaining a corrected image according to various other situations, it is necessary not to overwrite and correct the original document itself. There are other problems due to

For example, in plate inspection of a printed matter using a scanner, a comparison result between an original image read by a scanner and a reference image is output on a sheet different from the sheet on which the original image was output. ing. In this case, it is necessary for the operator to compare the comparison result output on the separate sheet with the original image on the original document, and there is a problem that the visibility is low (in short, it is difficult to see).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image correcting apparatus capable of overwriting and correcting an original document itself.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an image correction apparatus for overwriting and correcting an image on a document, comprising: a reading means for reading an original image on a predetermined document; Correction image obtaining means for obtaining a correction image for the original image; correction amount obtaining means for obtaining a correction amount during overwrite printing based on the original image and the correction image; Printing means for overwriting the corrected image on the original image of the original image, and when the original moves relatively to the reading means and the printing means, the original image passing through the reading position by the reading means Control means for performing an overwrite printing process on the predetermined part of the original image when the predetermined part reaches a print output position by the printing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image correction apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing means performs overwrite printing using ink including white ink, and the correction amount obtaining means performs the overwriting printing. The corrected ink amount of the white ink is also determined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image correction device according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the corrected image obtaining means corrects an image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the original image. Get as an image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image correction apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the corrected image obtaining means receives an instruction regarding explicit editing contents of the original image, and The correction image is generated based on the instruction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image correction apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the corrected image obtaining means compares the reference image of the original image with the original image. A version is performed, and an image including a character graphic representing a comparison result in the plate inspection is generated as the corrected image.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <A. First Embodiment><Structure> FIGS. 1 and 2 are views schematically showing an image correcting apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a physical internal configuration of the image correction device 1, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration of the image correction device 1.

The image correction device 1 is a device for correcting an image already output on a document M such as a paper medium by overwriting. As shown in FIG. 1, the image correcting apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 10 and a printer unit 20, and the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 are arranged at a predetermined interval (fixed interval).
It is arranged in a state where it is fixed at a predetermined position in the apparatus 1 with B interposed therebetween. The scanner unit 10 functions as a reading unit that reads an image such as an original image on a predetermined document M, and the printer unit 20 performs an image obtained by correcting the original image on the document M (hereinafter, referred to as a “corrected image”). Functions as a printing unit for overwriting printing. More specifically, an optical reading type having a CCD line sensor or the like can be used as the scanner section 10, and an ink jet type having a discharge nozzle or the like can be used as the printer section 20. The printer section 20 may be a thermal transfer type using an ink ribbon or the like. The original image read by the scanner unit 10 is stored in the image memory 70 (FIG. 2). Here, the scanner unit 10 inputs an image having each color component of RGB by a CCD line sensor or the like, and the printer unit 20 outputs C (cyan) ink, M (magenta) ink, Y
Color printing is performed using various inks such as (yellow) ink, K (black) ink, and W (white) ink.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image correcting apparatus 1 obtains a corrected image obtaining section 30 for obtaining a corrected image of the original image, and calculates a correction amount at the time of overwrite printing based on the original image and the corrected image. A correction amount acquisition unit 40 to be obtained and a control unit 50 for performing various controls are provided. Under the control of the control unit 50, an operation is performed in which the corrected image obtained by the corrected image obtaining unit 30 is overwritten on the original image on the document M read by the scanner unit 10. The correction amount for changing the original image to the corrected image is a correction amount acquiring unit 40.
The corrected image is obtained by performing overwriting printing on the original image according to the obtained predetermined correction amount.

Further, as shown in the side view of FIG. 1, the image correction device 1 includes feed rollers 61, 62, 63 and guide portions 64, 65, 66. Then, these feed rollers 61, 62, 63 and the like are controlled by the control unit 50.
The document M can be moved in the direction of the arrow AR1 by driving using the drive control unit 51 (FIG. 2). More specifically, the leading end of the document M inserted from the left side of FIG.
When the document M is pinched by the set of feed rollers 61, the document M is further fed forward (to the right in the drawing) while being guided by the guide 65, and the leading end of the document M is pinched by the set of feed rollers 62. When the document M is rotated, the document M is sent forward while being further guided by the guide 66. Further, the leading end of the document M is sandwiched by a set of feed rollers 63, and the document M is sent further forward by the rotation. Is done.

As described above, the feed rollers 61, 62,
Reference numeral 63 denotes the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20
It functions as a moving means for moving relatively to.

The control unit 50 has a positioning control unit 52 (FIG. 2) in addition to the drive control unit 51. The positioning control unit 52 determines that a predetermined portion of the original image read by the scanner unit 10 at the reading position P1 (FIG. 1) is moved to the print output position by the printer unit 20 as the document M is moved by the feed roller 61 or the like. Upon reaching P2, the printer unit 20 is controlled so as to perform an overwrite printing process on the predetermined portion of the original image. This operation will be described later in detail.

Further, the image correcting apparatus 1 further includes a user interface unit 60 (FIG. 2) having an operation input unit and a display unit. As the user interface unit 60, a liquid crystal touch panel that is also used as an operation input unit and a display unit can be used.

<Operation> Next, an image correcting operation in the image correcting apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image correction operation. Here, a case will be described in which a corrected image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the original image is overwritten on the original image.

More specifically, a case will be described in which a faded photograph is used as a document, and an image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on a photographic image (that is, an original image) on the document is obtained as a corrected image. In this operation, all the processing is completed during one movement operation in which the original M is moved in the direction of the arrow AR1 and discharged from the image correction apparatus 1.

First, in step SP105, the type of processing is selected. Here, it is assumed that a process of restoring a faded image is selected. This selection operation is performed by the operator selecting a command for performing the process from a menu displayed on the display unit of the user interface unit 60.

Next, in step SP110, the original M (that is, a photograph) is inserted into the image correcting apparatus 1, and the processing start button is pressed. Then, in response to this, the feed roller 61 pinches the document M and sends it forward. Thereafter, as shown in the top view of FIG. 4 and the side view of FIG. 5, a predetermined portion A0 of the document M (see FIG. 4) gradually passes through the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10 and is converted into an image in line units. Will be entered. The images in line units are sequentially stored and accumulated in the image memory 70. Thus, the image data on the document M is obtained. Here, it is assumed that the image data for the portion A0 has been acquired first. The reading operation of each of the parts A1, A2, A3, A4,.
It is performed following the reading operation of the part A0, and
This operation is performed simultaneously and in parallel with the operation after step S120 for 0.

In the next steps SP120 and SP125, an image analysis and a correction image acquisition operation are performed. Specifically, in step SP120, the image memory 7
The image is analyzed based on the image data relating to the portion A0 of the original image stored in 0, and in step SP125, a corrected image is generated based on the analysis result. Note that the analysis processing is performed by the image analysis processing unit 31 of the corrected image acquisition unit 30.

Here, for example, it is analyzed whether or not the color tone of the original image on the document M is faded, and a corrected image is generated. This correction is intended to convert a faded original image into a vivid image. For example, when redness is insufficient, a corrected image that increases redness is obtained.

More specifically, first, an image is analyzed using an average density value, a frequency distribution, and the like for density values (gradation values) for each color component, so that the density values are appropriately corrected. A tone conversion curve (normalized curve) is obtained. As such a technique, for example, those described in JP-A-2-157758 and JP-A-6-152962 can be used. Then, by converting the gradation value of each pixel of the original image according to the gradation value conversion curve, an image composed of each pixel having the converted gradation value can be obtained as a corrected image.

In step SP130, the correction image is compared with the original image to determine the correction amount for the original image, that is, the correction amount (more specifically, the correction amount) is determined based on the correction image acquired in step SP120. Ink amount)
Is performed.

More specifically, color inks other than white (specifically, C (cyan) ink, M (magenta) ink, Y (yellow) ink, and K (black) ink) are superimposed on the original M. When the desired correction can be made by the above method, the correction ink of each color obtained is additionally ejected by a predetermined amount onto a predetermined portion of the document M, so that it is necessary to perform the desired correction. Find the correct ink amount. For example, to paint black on a white background, use K
It is possible to obtain the amount of the black ink for correction for performing the correction for increasing the density of black by additionally discharging (black) ink. More specifically, the corrected image after the correction is compared with the original image, and the difference between the pixel values of each pixel may be converted into the amount of black ink.

On the other hand, on the other hand, there is a case where a desired correction cannot be made only by superimposing each color ink (C ink, M ink, Y ink, K ink) other than white. In other words, there is a case where it is necessary to reduce the ink amount of each color ink. In this case, the hue on the original original image is changed by discharging the “white ink” together.
For example, if you make a correction to make black lighter,
What is necessary is just to discharge the white (white) ink to the portion where the black ink has already adhered. More specifically, the corrected image after the correction is compared with the original image, and a value corresponding to the pixel value difference of each pixel can be determined as the ink amount of the white ink. In the case of performing correction such that red is painted on a black background, white (white) ink may be ejected onto a black background, and inks of the respective color inks constituting red may be ejected thereon.

In this way, the correction amount obtaining section 40 obtains the correction ink amounts of various inks including white ink at the time of overwriting printing for performing a desired correction.

In the next step SP140, a print output accompanied by alignment control is performed. Control unit 50
Is a predetermined portion A0 of the original image as shown in FIG.
When the head of the printer reaches the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20, the overwriting printing process of the corrected image for the part A0 is started. Whether or not the leading portion of the predetermined portion A0 of the original image has reached the print output position P2 is determined by calculating the feed amount of the document M by the feed roller 61 after the leading portion of the portion A0 has passed the reading position P1. Then, it can be determined whether or not the feed amount has become equal to the fixed interval B between the positions P1 and P2. That is, the scanner unit 10 is used as a type of position sensor for detecting that a predetermined portion of the document M has reached the reading position P1,
Further, by further detecting that the feed amount of the document M from the position P1 by the feed roller 61 or the like has reached the fixed interval B, it is possible to realize a positioning function relating to the print output position.

Each of the feed rollers 61, 62, 6
With respect to the original M which advances forward with the feeding operation of No. 3,
Corrected images corresponding to portions passing through the print output position P2 are sequentially overwritten and printed. In this manner, the overwriting printing process is performed on the predetermined portion A0 of the original image read by the scanner unit 10. At this time, as described above, the printer unit 20 performs overwrite printing using various inks including white ink in accordance with the correction ink amount obtained by the correction amount acquisition unit 40.

Such an image correcting operation is similarly performed on the other portions A1, A2, A3, A4,... Of the original M. Specifically, each part A1, A2, A
When A3, A4,... Pass the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10, an image input process (step SP110) is performed, and then, a correction amount obtaining operation (step SP13)
0) is performed. Then, in step SP140, when each of the parts A1, A2, A3, A4,... Passes through the print output position P2 of the printer unit 20, the corresponding part of the corrected image is output. For example, with respect to the portion A1, the image input process (step SP110) is performed when passing through the reading position P1, the corrected image obtaining operation (step SP125) and the correction amount obtaining operation (step SP130) are performed, and then the portion A1 is processed. When A1 passes through the print output position P2, the corresponding portion of the corrected image is output (step SP140). The same applies to other parts. In this way, the corrected image is overwritten and printed on the original image of the document M. Step SP12
It is sufficient to perform the image analysis processing of 0 on only the portion A0, and does not need to be performed on the other portions A1, A2, A3, A4,. Each part A1, A2, A3, A
This is because, for 4, 4,..., A corrected image may be obtained using the analysis result of the portion A0.

After the last portion of the document M has passed the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20, the document M is discharged from the image correction device 1. Since the corrected image is overwritten on the original image on the original M, the corrected image reflecting the corrected result is drawn on the discharged original M.

As described above, according to the image correcting apparatus 1, since the corrected image of the original image of the original M is drawn directly on the original M, compared with the case where the corrected image is printed on another sheet. Thus, paper is not wasted and the amount of ink used can be reduced. In particular, compared to the case where the print output is not in the desired state (in the case of a so-called failed print), the overprinting can be performed on the output paper of the failed print as compared with the case of reprinting from the beginning. Total usage can be reduced.

Further, according to the image correcting apparatus 1, the reading position P1 of the scanner unit 10 and the print output position P2 of the printer unit 20 are different in the transport direction AR1 of the original M. There is a time lag until a predetermined portion of the image moves from the reading position P1 to the print output position P2. Then, the image correction device 1 performs the operation of obtaining the corrected image and the operation of obtaining the correction amount by using the time difference, so that it is efficient. In other words, the image correction apparatus 1 performs the reading operation by the scanner unit 10, the operation of acquiring the corrected image, the operation of acquiring the correction amount, and the operation of the printer unit 20 during one movement operation of the document M in one direction. Since both the printing operation is performed, the corrected image can be obtained efficiently.

Further, the operator can output a desired corrected image simply by selecting the type of image processing and pressing the start button, so that the printer and the scanner are connected to the computer and the respective devices are operated. The operation is easier than when performing a printing operation. In short, the operator inserts the document M into the image correcting apparatus 1 and discharges the image on the document M in a corrected state, so that the operation is easy.

Further, according to the image correcting apparatus 1, both the scanner section 10 and the printer section 20 are provided in the main body of the apparatus, and the mechanism for transporting the original M (including the feed roller 61) is shared. Therefore, the size of the apparatus is reduced as compared with the case where the scanner and the printer are provided as separate apparatuses. In particular, a computer system (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “computer”) such as a CPU and a memory is provided inside the image correction apparatus 1, and the correction image acquisition unit 30, the correction amount acquisition unit 40, the control unit 50, etc. By realizing the functions, the configuration becomes more compact than when a computer system is provided separately from the printer and the scanner. In this case, the above operation can be realized by the image correction device 1 alone without requiring a computer as a separate device.

Each part A0, A1, A2, A3, A
4,... May have the same length in the transport direction (moving direction) AR1 of the document M, but need not be the same. Specifically, the first portion A0 preferably has a relatively large area in order to accurately perform image analysis, but the subsequent portions A1, A2, A3, A
4,... May be processed in units of smaller area. For example, each part A1, A2, A3, A4, ...
With respect to the area, each area may have a width corresponding to one line, and the correction ink reflecting the correction based on the predetermined image processing may be ejected for each line.

In the above description, the case of overwriting and correcting a photographic image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is similarly applied to an image other than a photographic image, for example, an image composed of graphic images or characters. Can be applied.

<B. Second Embodiment> The image correction device according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description of the configuration will be omitted, and the operation will be mainly described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image correcting operation. Here, a case will be described in which an instruction for an explicit editing content for an original image is received, a corrected image is generated based on the instruction, and the corrected image is overwritten on the original image. In this operation, all the processes are completed while the document M is moved in the direction of the arrow AR1 and one movement operation of discharging the image correction device 1 is repeated twice.

In step SP205 of FIG. 6, the type of processing is selected. Here, a correction process based on the editing instruction is selected.

Next, in step SP210, the operator inserts the document M into the image correction device 1, and presses a processing start button. In response to this, the feed roller 61 sandwiches the document M and sequentially sends the document M forward, and each portion of the document M sequentially passes through the reading position of the scanner unit 10, and the document M passes through the scanner unit 10 over its entire length. pass. Thus, the image on the document M is input as image data. The input image is stored in the image memory 70. Here, it is assumed that the document M is temporarily discharged from the image correction device. As described above, the first scanning operation acquires the editing image used in the next step SP220.

In the next step SP220, the correction instruction receiving section 32 (FIG. 2) of the correction image obtaining section 30 receives a correction instruction (change instruction) from the operator for the editing image, and obtains the correction image. Specifically, the image correction device 1 displays the editing image acquired in step SP210 and stored in the image memory 70 on the display unit of the user interface unit 60. The user edits an image using an input unit such as a pen input method while viewing the editing image displayed on the display unit. For example, the operator
It is possible to instruct that an image in which handwritten characters (or graphics) input with a pen or the like are superimposed on the original image is set as a corrected image. The correction image acquisition unit 30 includes a correction instruction reception unit 32
A corrected image is created based on the instruction accepted by the user.

In step SP230, a process is performed in which the corrected image is compared with the original image to determine the amount of correction to the original image. Since the detailed operation is the same as that in step SP130, the description thereof is omitted here, but the correction ink amount for performing the desired correction is obtained in step SP230.

Then, in step SP240, the original M is again inserted into the image correcting apparatus 1, and the second scanning operation is started. More specifically, the operator inserts the once discharged original M into the image correcting apparatus 1 again, and presses the processing start button. Then, in response to this, the feed roller 61 pinches the document M and sends it forward, and the predetermined portion A0 (see FIG. 4) of the document M gradually passes through the reading position by the scanner unit 10 and Is input as an image. This line-by-line image is stored in the image memory 70. Thus, the image data on the document M is obtained.

Assuming that the moving operation in step SP210 is the first moving operation of document M, the moving operation of document M in step SP240 is the second moving operation.
This is the second movement operation. In the second movement operation, the positioning control unit 52 (FIG. 2) of the control unit 50 compares the original image acquired first in step SP210 and the original image acquired again in step SP240 by pattern matching. And find the corresponding position.
More specifically, it is determined whether or not the pixel values of the corresponding pixels of the original image acquired minimum and the original image acquired again match. As a result, the position of the document M can be determined.

When the positioning control unit 52 confirms that a predetermined portion (for example, A0) of the document M has reached the corresponding position, the printer unit 20 prints the corrected image over the original image on the document M. I do. In this manner, when a predetermined portion of the original image read by the scanner unit 10 reaches the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20, overwriting printing processing can be performed on the predetermined portion of the original image.

In this way, the printer unit 20 performs overwrite printing using various inks according to the corrected ink amount obtained by the corrected amount obtaining unit 40.

The correcting operation by overwriting printing from the original image to the corrected image is performed by the respective portions A1, A2, A3,
A4,... Also proceed sequentially. That is, the second
During the movement operation of the original M for the first time, each portion A1, A
, A2, A3, A4,... Sequentially pass through the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10, and their positions are determined. At the time of reaching the print output position P2 by the overwriting printing process for each of the predetermined portions A1, A2, A3, A4,... Of the original image.

As described above, when the last portion of the document M has passed the print output position P2 by the printer section 20, the document M
The upper original image is overwritten as a corrected image, and the corrected image reflecting the corrected result is drawn on the document M discharged from the image correcting apparatus 1.

In the above, the original image read by the scanner unit 10 at the time of the first movement operation of the original M is used as an editing image, and the editing image is displayed and an instruction from the operator is received. Then, a corrected image is generated based on the instruction, and at the time of the second movement operation of the document, the image on the document is read again and compared with the original image obtained by the first reading operation to thereby determine the position of the corrected image. Is determined, and when a predetermined portion of the original image read again by the scanner unit 10 reaches the print output position P2 of the printer unit 20 at the time of the second movement operation, the overwriting printing process for the predetermined portion of the original image is performed. Has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an editing image may be created based on digital data of an original image, and a corrected image may be generated based on such a change instruction for the editing image. In this case, in one document movement operation after the generation of the corrected image, the document reading operation, the positioning operation, and the print output operation may be performed.

<C. Third Embodiment> The image correction apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description of the configuration will be omitted, and the operation will be mainly described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image correcting operation. Here, a case where automatic plate inspection is performed on an original image will be described. More specifically,
When a digital plate inspection process is performed to compare the “original image” with the “reference image” of the original image, a “corrected image” is generated based on the comparison result, and the corrected image is overwritten on the original image on the original M. Will be described. That is, a case will be described in which the image correction device 1 functions as a digital plate inspection device. Here, "plate inspection" is a pattern,
Whether colors, characters, etc. are output correctly, and / or
Alternatively, it is a process of confirming whether or not a changed portion related to a pattern, a color, a character, and the like is correctly reflected.

In step SP305 of FIG. 7, the type of processing is selected. Here, "automatic plate inspection process" is selected. The operator performs an operation of calling a digital image to be inspected. Specifically, by selecting a file name of image data to be subjected to plate inspection processing from a plurality of pre-registered candidate images, the digital image is specified as a "reference image" which is a regular image. .

Next, in step SP310, the original M is inserted into the image correcting apparatus 1, and the processing start button is pressed. Then, in response to this, the feed roller 61 pinches the document M and sends it forward. afterwards,
A predetermined portion A0 of the document M (see FIGS. 4 and 5) gradually passes through the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10, and is input as an image in line units. The images in line units are sequentially stored and accumulated in the image memory 70. Thus, the image data relating to the “original image” of the document M is obtained. Here, it is assumed that the image data for the portion A0 has been acquired first. The reading operation of each of the parts A1, A2, A3, A4,... Located behind the part A0 is performed simultaneously and in parallel with the operation from step S120 onward for the part A0.

In the next step SP320, plate inspection is performed by comparing the image data relating to the portion A0 of the original image stored in the image memory 70 with the image data of the "reference image" specified in step SP305. . This image comparison operation is performed by the image comparison processing unit 33 (FIG. 2) of the corrected image acquisition unit 30. In particular,
The pixel value of the original image and the pixel value of the reference image are compared for each pixel, and when the difference between the two pixels becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

Here, it is assumed that a character image or the like representing the result of the determination is included in the corrected image, and the original image is overwritten and printed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, for example, a difference between the original image of FIG. 8A and the reference image of FIG. Here, an image in which correct information (character “3”) is additionally displayed near the character “5” can be generated as a corrected image. Alternatively, as a result of the color determination, an image that surrounds the region with a small amount of blue (a lack of bluish color) and also describes information indicating that "there is little blue" is generated as a corrected image. You may do it.

Further, in step SP330,
A process of comparing the corrected image with the original image and obtaining a correction amount for the original image is performed. Detailed operation is step SP130
Although the description is omitted here, the correction ink amount for performing the desired correction is obtained in step SP330.

In the next step SP340, a printout accompanied with the alignment control is performed. Control unit 50
Is a predetermined portion A0 of the original image as shown in FIG.
When the head of the printer reaches the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20, the overwriting printing process of the corrected image for the part A0 is started.

The feed rollers 61, 62, 6
With respect to the original M which advances forward with the feeding operation of No. 3,
Corrected images corresponding to portions passing through the print output position P2 are sequentially overwritten and printed. In this manner, the overwriting printing process is performed on the predetermined portion A0 of the original image read by the scanner unit 10. At this time, as described above, the printer unit 20 performs overwrite printing using various inks according to the correction ink amount obtained by the correction amount acquisition unit 40.

Such an image correcting operation is sequentially performed for each portion A1, A2, A3, A4,. Specifically, each part A1, A2, A3, A
When... Pass through the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10, an image input process (step SP310) is performed, and thereafter, a corrected image acquisition operation (step SP320)
Then, a correction amount acquisition operation (step SP330) is performed. Then, in step SP340, each part A
When A1, A2, A3, A4,... Respectively pass the print output position P2 of the printer unit 20, the corresponding portions of the corrected image are output. For example, for the portion A1, the image input processing (step SP
310), the corrected image acquisition operation (Step S)
P320) and correction amount acquisition operation (step SP33)
0) is performed, and when the portion A1 passes through the print output position P2, the corresponding portion of the corrected image is output (step SP340). The same applies to other parts.
In this way, the corrected image is overwritten and printed on the original image of the document M.

When the last portion of the document M has passed the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20, the process of overwriting the original image on the document M with the corrected image is completed. By this overwriting printing operation, the image on the document M discharged from the image correcting apparatus 1 has been corrected from the original image to the corrected image, and the corrected image on which the correction result is reflected is drawn on the document M. Will be.

Here, since the corrected image for the original image of the original M is directly drawn on the original M, the paper is not wasted as compared with the case where the corrected image is printed on another paper. In addition, the amount of ink used can be reduced.

Further, since the plate inspection result is directly written (overwritten) on the original M, it is not necessary to compare the original image with the image which has output only the plate inspection result, and it is easy to see.

In the above, a corrected image based on the result of comparison between the original image and the reference image is obtained by using the digital data of the original image as the “reference image”.
While the reading operation of the scanner unit 10 and the printing operation of the printer unit 20 are performed during one movement operation of the document M, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a normal image corresponding to the original image exists in a state of being output on printing paper, the normal image drawn on the printing paper is converted into a reference image by the scanner unit 10 in advance during the first moving operation. Then, at the time of the next second movement operation, the original image on the original M is read this time, the original image and the reference image are compared with each other to obtain a corrected image, and then the second movement is performed. Scanner unit 1 during operation
When the predetermined portion of the original image read at 0 reaches the print output position P2 of the printer unit 20, the overwriting printing process may be performed on the predetermined portion of the original image.

Alternatively, the reference image may be a previously scanned image, that is, an image before correction. In this case, since FIG. 8C is overwritten only on the corrected portion, it can be compared with the corrected item of the instruction sheet, and the check becomes easy.

<D. Others> In the first embodiment and the third embodiment, the operation of acquiring the corrected image and the operation of acquiring the correction amount are as follows.
2, so that it is completed within the period up to 2.
Therefore, it is preferable that the distance B between the reading position 51 and the print output position 52 is large.

In each of the above embodiments, the portion A
The feed amount of the document M by the feed roller 61 after the leading portion of the zero has passed the reading position P1 is calculated, and the original image is determined by whether the feed amount has become equal to the fixed interval B between the positions P1 and P2. Although the case where it is determined whether or not the leading portion of the predetermined portion A0 has reached the print output position P2 has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the moving speed V of the document M is constant, the movement of the predetermined portion A0 of the original image from passing the reading position P1 by the scanner unit 10 to reaching the print output position P2 by the printer unit 20. The time is a predetermined time T (= B / B) calculated according to a constant moving speed (conveying speed) V of the document M and a fixed interval B.
At the time point when V) is reached, the overwrite printing process may be performed on the predetermined portion A0 of the original image.

Further, in the above embodiment, the original M
When moving the document M relative to the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 are fixed at a predetermined position to move the document M, but the invention is not limited thereto. The scanner M and the printer 20 may be moved over the original M.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image correcting apparatus has moving means constituted by the feed roller 61 and the like, but moves the original M relatively to the scanner section 10 and the printer section 20. In such a case, the operator may move the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 20 with respect to the document without using such moving means. For example, an image correction device in which a printer unit is further provided in a handy type scanner may be configured, and such an image correction device may be manually moved with respect to a document. In this case, it is possible to control the alignment between the document position and the output position by providing a measurement unit for measuring the movement amount.

[0072]

As described above, according to the image correcting apparatus of the first aspect, reading means for reading an original image on a predetermined document, corrected image obtaining means for obtaining a corrected image of the original image, Correction amount obtaining means for obtaining a correction amount at the time of overwriting printing based on the original image and the corrected image, and printing means for overwriting the corrected image on the original image on the document according to the correction amount; When the original moves relatively to the reading unit and the printing unit, a predetermined portion of the original image that has passed the reading position of the reading unit reaches a print output position of the printing unit. A control unit for performing an overwrite printing process on the predetermined portion of the original image, so that the original can be overwritten and corrected.

According to the image correcting apparatus of the second aspect,
The printing unit performs overwrite printing using the ink including the white ink, and the correction amount obtaining unit also calculates the correction ink amount of the white ink at the time of the overwrite printing, so that a correction image that is thinner than the original image is drawn. It is possible.

According to the image correcting apparatus of the third aspect,
Since the corrected image obtaining means obtains, as a corrected image, an image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the original image, the corrected image subjected to predetermined image processing can be overwritten and corrected on the original image on the document.

According to the image correcting apparatus of the fourth aspect,
The corrected image obtaining means receives an instruction on the content of the explicit editing of the original image and generates a corrected image based on the instruction, so that the corrected image based on the instruction of the operator can be overwritten and corrected on the original image on the document. it can.

According to the image correcting apparatus of the fifth aspect,
The corrected image acquisition means compares the reference image of the original image with the original image, performs plate inspection, and generates an image including a character figure representing the comparison result in the plate inspection as a corrected image, so that the image is overwritten on the document. The result of plate inspection can be obtained in a printed state. That is, the plate inspection result can be obtained in an easily viewable state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a physical internal configuration of an image correction device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration of the image correction device 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image correcting operation.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a document M;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a document M.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image correcting operation according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an image correcting operation according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a corrected image and the like in the automatic plate inspection process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image correction apparatus 10 Scanner part 20 Printer part 61,62,63 Feed roller 64,65,66 Guide part B Fixed interval M Document P1 Reading position P2 Print output position

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA25 EB26 EB29 EB58 EC72 HA58 2C061 AP10 AQ04 AQ05 AR01 AS02 GG02 GG06 GG16 GG23 GG33 5C076 AA01 AA12 BA02 BA06

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image correcting apparatus for correcting an image on a document by overwriting, a reading unit for reading an original image on a predetermined document, a corrected image obtaining unit for obtaining a corrected image of the original image, and the original image Correction amount obtaining means for obtaining a correction amount at the time of overwrite printing based on the correction image, printing means for overwriting and printing the correction image on the original image on the document according to the correction amount, and the document Is moved relative to the reading unit and the printing unit, at a point in time when a predetermined portion of the original image that has passed the reading position by the reading unit reaches a printing output position by the printing unit, Control means for performing an overwrite printing process on the predetermined portion. 2. The image correction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit performs overwrite printing using ink including white ink, and the correction amount obtaining unit obtains the correction ink of white ink at the time of overwrite printing. An image correction device characterized in that an amount is also obtained. 3. The image correction device according to claim 1, wherein the corrected image obtaining unit obtains an image obtained by performing predetermined image processing on the original image as the corrected image. Characteristic image correction device. 4. The image correction device according to claim 1, wherein the correction image acquisition unit receives an instruction about an explicit editing content of the original image, and performs the correction based on the instruction. An image correction device for generating an image. 5. The image correcting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the corrected image acquiring unit performs plate inspection by comparing a reference image of the original image with the original image. An image correction device, wherein an image including a character graphic representing a comparison result in a plate is generated as the correction image.