JP2003228572A - Image processor, and method of preparing index information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an image on a page other than the first page and an image on another page in addition to that on the first page selectable also as an index image. <P>SOLUTION: A content of a document is recognized, and the image used as an index is selected from a plurality of image informations in one document, based on a recognized result. The image approximating to a prescribed document format, the image in which a special character exists, and the like may be selected as the image serving as the index. The image of the document is preferably abstracted to recognize a content of the document. The content of the document is recognized, and index information is allowed to be prepared from only a real image portion of the image information based on the recognized result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention reads an image of a document, stores the image information as a document in a storage medium, and stores the image information on a sheet as necessary to form an image (output). The present invention relates to an image forming storage device such as a digital copying machine that is capable of printing and also capable of producing index information corresponding to the stored image information and outputting an index sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an optical filing system has been developed and spread in order to organize a large amount of documents created or collected in an office or the like in a space-efficient manner so that they can be used at any time. However, the conventional optical filing system is generally expensive and requires complicated and sophisticated operations, so that it cannot be easily used by anyone.

Therefore, for example, a digital copying machine constructed by combining an image reading means (scanner) for reading an image of a document and an image forming means such as a laser printer is integrally provided with an optical disk device as a means for storing and managing image information. The provided image forming storage device has been developed.

[0006] In such an image forming storage device, there is one in which the read image information of a plurality of pages is stored as a document and one or a plurality of image information is selected to create index information. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-100
In the document like Japanese Patent Publication No. 67, the first page of each document is selected to create index information.

[0005]

However, the conventional image forming storage device as described above has the following problems. (1) Depending on the document, the page suitable as the index information may not be the first page of the document.
For example, the first page is common to a plurality of documents, or the image of a page other than the first page is more appropriate for understanding the content of the document.

(2) In some cases, it is appropriate for the user to use not only the first page but also the index information of other pages (for example, an arbitrary page, the last page) in addition to the first page. (3) When the document amount (the number of pages) is large like a book manuscript, the user must read all the pages in order to select a plurality of indexes, which requires a lot of labor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and makes it possible to select pages other than the first page or images of other pages in addition to the first page as images to be indexed. The first purpose is to make the selection without bothering the user. In addition to that purpose, a second object is to be able to select an image serving as an index without imposing an excessive load on the machine.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an image reading means for reading an image of an original,
Storage means for storing the image information read by the means as a document, index information creating means for creating index information corresponding to the image information from the image information stored in the means, and index created by the means In an image forming storage device having an image forming means for forming an image on the paper and outputting the image information stored in the storing means and the information forming means, a recognition means for recognizing the content of the document is provided and an index information creating means The index image selecting means is provided for selecting an image serving as an index from a plurality of image information of one document according to the recognition result of the recognizing means.

In this case, the index image selecting means may select an image similar to a predetermined document format from a plurality of pieces of image information as an index image,
Select an image that has special characters such as enlargement or italics as the index image, determine the document size to select the index image, or determine the document color to select the index image. Or, an image with a specific image is selected as an index image, an image with a specific character such as an underline or parenthesis is selected as an index image, and the shape of the document is determined to be used as an index. , An image with a predetermined amount of invalid area is selected as an index image, or an image in which a predetermined character or character string exists is selected as an index image. Good to have.

Further, the recognizing means may be provided with an abstracting means for abstracting the image of the document in order to recognize the content of the document. In this case, it is preferable that the abstraction means is a means for abstracting the character portion and the graphic portion of the document individually or abstracting the peculiar character of the document.

Further, there is also provided an image forming storage device which is provided with a recognizing means for recognizing the content of the original document, and the index information creating means is a means for creating the index information only from the actual image portion of the image information according to the recognition result of the recognizing means. provide.

According to the image forming / storing apparatus of the present invention, the content of the original is recognized, and an image serving as an index is selected from a plurality of image information of one document based on the recognition result. Images on other pages in addition to the first page can be selected as images to be used as an index, and the time for determining an index image from a document having a lot of image information can be saved without bothering the user. it can.

In this case, an image similar to a predetermined document format is selected as an index image from a plurality of image information, or an image having special characters such as enlargement or italics is selected as an index image. ,
You can select the image that will be the index by determining the size of the document, select the image that will be the index by determining the color of the document, select the image with a specific image as the image that will be the index, Select an image that has a specific character such as a parenthesis or parenthesis as an index image, select an image that serves as an index by determining the shape of the document, and use an image that has a certain amount of invalid area as the index image. It is possible to select, or to select an image in which a character or character string designated in advance exists as an image serving as an index.

Further, in order to recognize the contents of the manuscript, the image of the manuscript is abstracted, for example, the character part and the graphic part of the manuscript are individually abstracted, or the peculiar character of the document is abstracted. It is also possible to reduce the load on the CPU when extracting the characteristics of the document image.

Further, the data amount of the index information can be reduced by recognizing the content of the document and creating the index information from only the actual image portion of the image information based on the recognition result.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. As an embodiment of the image forming storage device according to the present invention, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine will be described in terms of its configuration and basic processing.

<Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital copying machine as a typical example of the image forming storage device according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 is a digital copying machine (main body), which is mounted on a table 11. It is placed. The digital copying machine 1 is provided with an operation unit 2, a document pressure plate 12, a main switch (power switch) 15, etc., and a paper feed cassette 13 for storing paper as a recording medium can be detachably attached to the paper feed side of the main body. It is mounted, and a paper discharge tray or sorter 14 is mounted on the paper discharge side.

The document pressing plate 12 has its rear end hinged to the main body so as to be openable and closable, and covers and presses the document placed on the contact glass provided on the upper surface of the main body. In the digital copying machine 1, a scanner unit which is a reading unit that optically scans the lower surface of a document placed on the contact glass to read the image as image data, and image data based on the read image data A storage unit that stores the image data of the storage unit 13
Prints on the paper fed from the sorter 14
The printer unit includes a printer unit that discharges paper to a bin, a control unit that controls the entire digital copying machine 1 including these units, performs data processing, and the like.

It should be noted that the table 11 can also be equipped with a paper feed cassette or a large number of paper feed units so as to provide a paper feed mechanism therefor, a double-sided unit for the printer unit to perform double-sided printing, and a control unit. It is also possible to incorporate a controller or the like forming a part. Details of the operation unit 2 having the operation and display functions of the digital copying machine 1 will be described later.

Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) may be mounted instead of the document pressure plate 12. In that case,
When a plurality of originals are set on the original tray of the ADF and the reading is started, the originals are sequentially fed onto the contact glass one by one from the upper side or the lower side, and the image is read.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall construction of the digital copying machine 1, which is the operation section 2, the storage section 3, and the above-mentioned.
It comprises a scanner section 4, a printer section 5, a control section 6, a mode setting section 7, an original input section 8, an index sheet output section 9, and an index sheet utilization operation section 10 according to the present invention.

The operation unit 2 comprises input means for performing various operations and display means for displaying various states and image images. Through this operation unit 2, the user sends a command to the digital copying machine 1 and obtains the information displayed there. A key switch or the like is typical as the input means, and a display device using a cathode ray tube or a display device using liquid crystal is typical as the display means. Alternatively, a display / input combined device such as a touch panel that can be used as both a display device and an input device may be used.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the appearance of the operation unit 2. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a display / input combined device using a touch panel. Further, the operation unit 2 assigns a frequently used function to one key. For example, a start key 22, an interrupt key 23, a mode switching key 24, a clear / stop key 25, a numeric keypad 26 for inputting numbers (designating the number of sheets and magnification), an automatic paper selection key 27, a paper selection key 2
8, equal magnification key 29, automatic magnification selection key 30, variable magnification key 3
1, a group of keys such as a double-sided function key 32 for setting functions of a so-called digital copying machine, and a copy mode setting key 33,
Index output key 34, index use key 35
There are keys for functions unique to this invention such as.

Functions other than these dedicated keys are selected by operating the mode switching key 24 or the like to display a guide for function selection on the display / input device 21 and touching each guide position. It can be so.

The storage unit 3 in FIG. 1 is for storing the image data read by the scanner unit 4, and comprises a storage medium 40 and a storage medium operation unit 41 as shown in FIG. The storage medium 40 is typically a magneto-optical disk 42 or the like, but may be a large-capacity storage medium for storing an optical image, such as an online storage memory 43 such as a hard disk (magnetic disk).

The image data read from the document by the scanner unit 4 is stored in the storage medium 40 as one unit (file) for each reading of one unit. Further, in the storage medium 40, a plurality of files are collectively managed in the form of a directory. The storage medium 40 writes therein information for identifying the storage medium itself in the form of volume information.

The storage medium operating unit 41 comprises a logical operating unit 44 and physical operating units 45, 45. The logic operation unit 44 is
According to the instruction from the control unit 6 of the digital copying machine 1,
The physical operation unit 45 is used to operate the storage medium 40, and the operation is performed using the logical structure name of the storage medium 40. The physical operation unit 45 replaces an instruction from the logical operation unit 44 with a physical operation instruction to directly access (write, read, edit, etc.) the storage medium 40, and the type of the storage medium 40 (magneto-optical disk). 42, the memory 43 for online storage, etc.).

The scanner section 4 of FIG. 1 operates according to a command from the original input section 8, optically scans the original set on the contact glass, and detects the image by a CCD image sensor or the like. , Output as a picture image. The scanner unit may include a device for dynamically processing a read document such as the above-described automatic document feeder (ADF) as a part thereof.

The printer unit 5 receives the image image read by the scanner unit 4, the image image read from the storage unit 3, or the image image formed by the index sheet output unit 9 (index sheet image), and on the paper. To print. To the printer unit 5, a paper feeding / conveying device for feeding a paper to a position for forming an image, a photoconductor drum and an image forming process device for charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fixing, and the like, and ejecting printed paper Including equipment.

The control unit 6 detects various states and notifies them to each unit, distributes necessary processing to each unit, and notifies necessary processing units as processing instructions. Control unit 6
There is state detection means for monitoring the change in the state of each part, and it constantly monitors the state of each part, rewrites necessary status information as necessary, and generates an interrupt event to each part. Communicate changes in state.

In the description of the operation to be described later, it is described that one unit directly operates another unit or one unit operates by directly receiving information from another unit. By issuing or receiving an operation command to another section via the, the processing is performed in that section. However, the reason for passing through the control unit 6 is to make it possible to easily maintain uniformity and consistency, and is not essential.

The mode setting unit 7 sets the mode of each unit according to the input from the user sent through the operation unit 2 and the state of the digital copying machine 1. (As described above, the operation is performed indirectly through the control unit.)

The document input unit 8 activates the scanner unit 4 in response to a user's command, causes the image of the document to be read, and temporarily stores it as an image image in the memory (image buffer) of the intermediate storage area. Then, the read image of the original is sent to the storage unit 3 or the printer unit 5.

The index sheet output unit 9 reads out index image data from the storage unit 3 in accordance with a command from the user, forms an index sheet image, and prints it out on a sheet through the printer unit 5.

The index sheet use operation unit 10 causes the scanner unit 4 to read the index sheet set on the contact glass of the document input unit 8, and in response to an instruction on the index sheet or an instruction sent through the operation unit 2. Then, the storage unit 3 is operated. Alternatively, the image data is read from the storage unit 3 according to the instruction, and the image is formed on the paper through the printer unit 5.

In this embodiment, each of the above-mentioned units 6 to 10 enclosed by a broken line in FIG. 1 stores a main arithmetic unit (CPU) and a data memory such as a RAM accompanying it, and a processing program of each processing unit. It is realized by a general von Neumann type computer system including a program memory such as a ROM and an attached circuit such as an input / output circuit (I / O). However, it is fully possible to realize with hard-wired logic. In addition, the whole of these parts is 1
It can be implemented with individual computer systems.

Further, as the memory of the intermediate storage area for processing and storing the image image and the state of the mode, each section may have its own memory, or a common memory may store the respective intermediate storage areas. It may be provided. In the following description, it is assumed that each unit has its own intermediate storage area memory.

<Logical Structure of Storage Medium> The logical structure of a typical magneto-optical disk 42 is used as the storage medium 40 of the storage unit 3 shown in FIG. The magneto-optical disk has a logical structure as shown in FIG. 5 or 6. In these figures, those enclosed in {} are elements that allow repetition, and those enclosed in [] are optional and optional elements. A :: = ab is A
Means a sequence of abs.

The head area of a magneto-optical disk (hereinafter also simply referred to as "disk") contains information about the volume of the disk. In this area, there are a disc (medium) ID given when the disc is initialized, an initialization date and time, a final writing date and time of the disc, and the like. Also, the disk has a directory structure. The configuration is such that one disk can store n directories.

The directory file is composed of a directory name, a time stamp (final writing date and time) to the directory, the number of files included in the directory, and a list of pairs of the file and access pointer. This directory is set to group any number of files for easy management. The file must belong to some directory. Therefore, the first directory is used as an unnamed directory, and is used as a default directory unless otherwise specified by the user.

A file is a unit in a disc for collectively storing and managing images related to one reading unit. In the logical structure shown in FIG. 5, this file has a file name, the last writing date and time, a comment character string (comment), accompanying information, image information, and index information. As the accompanying information, paper size and orientation, image orientation, document type, ADF usage information, and the like can be considered.

The image information stores the number of images and image image data corresponding to the number. Further, as the image accompanying information, information on both sides and the like, and information such as a special paper size for allowing the change of the paper size in the same file are entered.
The index information contains the number of index images and the number of index image image data.

In the case of the logical structure shown in FIG. 6, instead of holding the index information separately, an index image flag is provided in the image accompanying information to indicate whether or not it is an index image. As for this part, it is only necessary to know which image is the index image after all, and various logical configurations are conceivable.
The processing logic of the actual call of the index image may differ due to the configuration of this portion, but it is not related to the essence of the present invention unless otherwise stated. In the following description, the logical structure shown in FIG. 5 is assumed unless otherwise specified.

<Processing Flow> Next, the processing flow of the portion of the digital copying machine by the computer system enclosed by the broken line in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an outline (main routine) of the overall processing flow. When the main switch 15 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on (turned on) and the power is turned on, the control unit 6 of FIG. 1 is activated, and first, step 1 (in the drawings and the following description, the step is abbreviated as “S”). Then, each unit is initialized, and then in S2, a standby state is entered, and if there are various state changes, the processing associated therewith is performed.

That is, in the standby state of S2, the control unit 6
Each time a state change is detected, the state change or instruction is notified to each section, and each section performs processing according to the instruction. Main switch 15 is turned off (turns off)
Then, the control unit 6 detects this, performs post-processing of each unit in S3, and ends the process.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of the subroutine of the state change detection in the standby state and the processing associated therewith in the main routine of FIG. In the standby state, the control unit 6 waits for a change in the state of each unit (including a change in the input of an instruction) in S21, and when a state change is detected, the process proceeds to the next S22 and the power is turned off.
It is determined whether it is FF. If it is OFF, this process is ended and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 7 to perform post-processing of each part and then end all the processes. OF
If it is not F (if it is ON), the process proceeds to the subroutine of S23, and the processing in each unit is performed according to the state change.

The state change of each part includes a change of input by receiving a user's instruction from the operation part 2 and a change of state of each processing part and detection of an error state. If the state change (hereinafter also referred to as “event”) is accompanied by the end of the file, the process of bringing the file into the read end state is performed.

The contents of this processing are shown in FIG. First, S2
In 4 it is judged whether it is an event to make the file end state,
If YES, the file end state is set, and if NO, the process directly proceeds to S26 and thereafter.

The event to bring the file to the end state is, for example, a mode change from the user such as setting of an automatic paper selection (hereinafter also referred to as “APS”) function and an automatic magnification selection (hereinafter also referred to as “AMS”) function. Instructions, user actions such as setting documents in the automatic document feeder (ADF),
Timer interrupt due to the fact that the state has not changed for a certain period of time from an event (in this case, a timekeeping means is required)
Etc. are possible.

The instructions from the operation unit 2 are roughly classified into "command for mode setting (including various status changes)", "copy command", "command for outputting index sheet", and "command for using index sheet". 9 and discriminates it in S26 to S29 of FIG. 9, and proceeds to any of S30 to S33 according to the discrimination result, and respectively sets the mode setting unit 7, the document input unit 8, the index sheet output unit 9, or the index. The sheet use operation unit 10 is started, and “mode setting processing (including internal state setting)”, “manuscript input processing”, “index sheet output processing”, or “index sheet use processing” is started according to the type of event. Execute processing. Then, when this process ends, FIG.
Return to S21 (standby state).

<Explanation of each process and each mode> Here, in FIG. 9, "mode setting process" in S30, "manuscript input process" in S31, "index sheet output process" in S32, and "S33" in FIG. The processing using the index sheet "and each mode thereof will be described in detail.

(1) Mode setting process (FIG. 10) The mode setting unit 7 is activated, and the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed to set the mode of each unit. First, it is judged whether or not the mode can be set at present, and if the mode is NO, processing such as error display is performed and the processing is terminated.

If YES (a mode that can be set), then it is determined whether or not the accompanying information is necessary. If YES, a request display of the accompanying information and input of the accompanying information based on the request are displayed, and then NO is selected. If there is, the process immediately proceeds to the process of setting the mode of each unit according to the set mode (and accompanying information). When the setting is completed, the process ends.

In this mode setting, naturally there may be another mode which is automatically turned off when a certain mode is set. For example, setting the APS function cancels the AMS function. Also, the modes associated with physical operations are handled in the same manner. For example, the control unit 6 detects a physical operation and sends a command corresponding to the physical operation to the mode setting unit 7.

By the way, the operating conditions of each processing system are changed depending on the mode to be set. The mode setting by the user is made by inputting operation conditions and operation modes from the operation unit 2 and switch operation for each hardware. In addition, the operation unit 2 is configured so that a mode associated with a certain operating condition can be input only when the operating condition is set. However, for frequently used ones, a key that can be directly set is provided.

The mode setting state is held in the control section 6, and when a new state is detected, it is changed as necessary. In addition, the information is sent together with the commands to the other parts. However, a common status status area may be provided and the status information may be written in the common status status area, and each unit may refer to the common status status area.

Each unit has a clocking means (timer), and mode setting by the timer is performed in the following cases. The time when the mode setting by the timer occurs is different in each case. Discontinuation time during processing of mode and various condition settings → Discontinuation time of mode setting Discontinuation time after copying → Discontinuation time in each end state of file processing → Clear mode default

(2) Original Input Processing (FIGS. 11 to 16) Original input when a copy command is issued in the standby state (in this embodiment, a copy command is issued when the start key 22 is pressed) The process of is executed. That is, the document input unit 8 and the scanner unit 4 are activated, and the document is read by the scanner unit 4 as an image. The image image is sent to the storage unit 3 and / or the printer unit 5 in accordance with the mode, and storage in the storage medium 40 and various processes associated therewith and / or image formation (printing process) on paper are performed. Let me do it.

Further, the operation unit 2 can be instructed to change or set the index image of the file in the storage medium 40 of the storage unit 3, or to change the file structure. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, this document input process is performed by AD
F It is determined whether or not the document is in use. If YES, the document input process by the ADF (FIG. 12) is executed, and if NO, A
A document input process other than DF (FIG. 16) is executed.

Now, description will be given of a mode which is an operation condition of the process mainly associated with the copy command of the document input section 8 shown in FIG. For example, by pressing the copy mode setting key 33 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3, the following three types of modes can be switched. Which copy mode is selected is displayed on the display / input combined means 21. 1. Copy only (paper output only) 2. Copy and memory 3. Memory only (no paper output)

The automatic paper selection (APS) function is provided on the operation unit 2.
It is set by pressing the automatic paper selection key 27. If a magnification is set, that magnification is maintained. AM
If S is set, cancel the AMS and increase the magnification to 100.
Set APS as%.

The automatic magnification selection (AMS) function is provided on the operation unit 2.
It is set by pressing the automatic magnification selection key 30 of. If a magnification is set, that magnification is cleared.
If the paper feed tray is selected, hold it as it is.
If no paper feed cassette is selected, the default paper feed cassette is used. If the APS is set, cancel the APS and use AMS as the default for the paper feed tray.
To set.

The magnification can be switched by pressing the scaling key 31. The magnification can be switched between a pre-loaded magnification (paper size mutual magnification, etc.) and a magnification that is arbitrarily set by operating the ten keys 26. When the scaling key 31 is pressed, the AMS function is canceled. When the same magnification key 29 is pressed, the magnification becomes 100%, which is the same as the setting of variable magnification.

Further, by pressing the paper selection key 28, the paper feed cassette can be switched. When the paper selection key 28 is pressed, the APS function is released. When the clear stop key 25 is pressed, the execution of copy, use of index, output of index, etc. is stopped if the execution is in progress. If it is not executed yet, the settings such as the number of sheets and the magnification are canceled, and the default settings are restored.

The ten-key pad 26 is used to set the magnification in the magnification setting mode. In the waiting state,
Specify the number of sheets of paper to output. Further, by pressing the double-sided key 32, it is possible to switch to the double-sided copy mode. In addition, simple editing such as erasing a frame, and designation of shading of a document can be performed.

As described above with reference to FIG. 11, in the process of inputting a document accompanying a copy command, the process is discriminated according to the method of setting the document to be read. That is, the ADF part as a part of the scanner part 4 exists and is in the standby state, and the document is set in the ADF (in the case of the document input by the ADF), and the other cases.

The document input processing by the ADF is the same as the above AD.
It is started when a start command is input from the operation unit 2 while the conditions for the document input by F are met. The fact that the ADF is in the standby state is sent to the control unit 6 when it is detected that the ADF itself is in a state suitable for the standby state (for example, the ADF is set in the main body in a usable state). When the standby state is changed to an unsuitable state, the control unit 6 is notified of the non-standby state.

The document set on the ADF is detected by inserting the document into the document feeder of the ADF or the like, and the signal is sent to the controller 6. When the control unit 6 detects that the start command is issued from the operation unit 2, the control unit 6 notifies the document input unit 8 that the start command has been issued together with the state of the ADF and various modes. The document input unit 8 receives the command and performs the following processing according to each mode.

1. Reading of originals The original feeding unit of the ADF is activated, and the originals are sent one by one onto the contact glass, and the scanner unit 4 reads the images of the originals one by one as an image image. Specifically, AD
F processes the original according to whether it is a double-sided original or a single-sided original and sends it to a readable position, and then outputs a read preparation completion command. The control unit 6 that has detected this issues a scan command to the scanner unit 4, and the scanner unit 4 is activated to read the image of the document placed at the readable position, and the intermediate image in the document input unit 8 is read as digital image information. Send to storage (image memory).

When the ADF mechanism is the front side ADF, the original reading is started from the last page of the set original, but the original is turned inside the ADF and the front side (front side) is faced down. Make the image read.
Further, in the case of copying from a double-sided original, first the scanner unit 4 is made to read the image on the back side without turning over the original,
One sheet is processed, then the original is turned over to read the image on the front side, and the same processing is performed. In any case, the reading of the document is sequentially performed from the last page to the first page.

2. The following processing is performed depending on each processing copy mode of the read image. (a) Copy-only mode (copy mode 10) An image is sent to the printer unit, an image is formed on a sheet, and the sheet is ejected. The image forming and the paper output are changed according to the setting of various modes.

For example, when a magnification is set, image formation is performed at that magnification. If the number of sheets is set, the same number of images are formed and the sheets are discharged. Hereinafter, the output processing from the digital image in the intermediate storage unit onto the paper according to the mode is referred to as “copy output processing”. These processes are nothing but the copying process in a so-called digital copying machine.

(B) Storage limited mode (copy mode 01) The image is sent to the storage unit 3 and stored as a part of the file in the storage medium 40. That is, the output process to the storage medium 40 is performed.

(C) Copy and storage mode (copy mode 1
1) A copy mode of the default (simply "default" means a mode or state set when initialized), and performs both processes (a) and (b).

The document input process by this ADF is shown in FIG.
ADF is executed according to the flowchart shown in 2.
It consists of pre-processing when using, a main routine when using ADF, and post-processing when using ADF. First, in the pre-processing when using the ADF, it is determined whether or not the output is to the storage medium, and if it is not output to the storage medium, immediately, if it is output to the storage medium, "file initialization processing" is performed. Go to the main routine when using the ADF.

In the main routine, first, the scanner unit 4 reads one original and stores it as a digital image in the intermediate storage unit. When the original is exhausted (when the original is finished), the main routine is ended and the ADF is used. Go to post-processing.

Next, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode for requesting output to paper, and if it is that mode, "print processing" is performed. Finally, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode in which output to the storage medium is requested, and if it is that mode, "image image storage processing" to the storage medium is performed. Either of the “print processing” and the “image image storage processing” may be performed first.

The processing of the main routine is repeated until there are no documents set in the ADF, and when there are no documents, the post-processing when using the ADF is performed. There, it is checked whether it is a mode that requests output to a storage medium, and if it is that mode, "default index image setting processing"
Is performed, and if it is not in that mode, the processing ends.

FIG. 13 shows an outline flow of the "file initialization process" in the above-described pre-process when using the ADF.
In this process, first, it is checked whether or not the current storage status is reading a file. If the file is being read, the process is terminated and the process proceeds to the main routine of FIG. 12, and if the file is not being read. ,
Set the status while reading a file.

Then, a new file area is secured in the storage medium and a file is added to the directory. Allocate the new file as the last file in the unnamed directory, which is the default directory. At this time, the free area in the storage medium is inspected, and if there is no free area above a certain amount left in the medium, medium free area error processing is performed.

Specifically, one file is added to the unnamed directory. The file name at this time is a time stamp (character string of time) in the digital copying machine. And secure the file in the free area,
The new file in the directory should point to this file.

However, before pressing the start key 22, the file name or directory to be stored can be specified from the operation unit 2. In this case, a file area can be secured at the time of designation. When an existing file is designated, the file is added to the file and the initialization process is not performed.

Next, each counter in the secured file is reset and various stored information is initialized. It also stores the copy mode and machine mode. Specifically, it is written at the same time whether the ADF is used, whether it is double-sided or not.

In this embodiment, the file initialization process is started immediately after the start command is issued. However, inside the main routine of FIG. 12, the file read state is judged after reading the first image. Then, the file initialization process may be started when the file is not being read. However, as a matter of course, it is activated only in the mode of requesting output to the storage medium.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic flow of the "image image storage process (output process to storage medium)" in the main routine when the ADF is used. When one document is read, the image image of the document is subjected to a predetermined compression process, and then stored together with its size in the image data area of the file as image image data. Then, the image number counter of the image file is incremented. If necessary, the image accompanying information is added and the process is terminated.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic flow of the "default index image setting process" in the post-process when using the ADF. In this process, the first image image (the image image of the front surface of the first original) is taken out and stored as an index image image. When reading a document fed from the ADF, since the reading is performed from the final document, the first image image is the last registered image image. In other cases, the image registered first is used. After that, the index image number counter is incremented and the process is terminated.

Here, the end of the file will be described.
When the end of file is recognized, the current status is set to end of file. That is, in the case of reading when using the ADF, the above-mentioned "default index image setting process" is performed. If double-sided printing is designated and the ejected paper is inside the printer unit 5, the paper is also ejected.

The typical end-of-file recognition conditions are listed below. In the case of scanning while using the ADF, the time when all the documents (usually a large number of stacked documents) set in the ADF have been read. However, if the continuation is designated, it is considered continued.

In the case of reading without using the ADF, the time from when the start command is issued to when the next original is set exceeds a certain time. If the APS is set, the file is not recognized as the end of the file even if the reading of the original is finished, and the APS setting is canceled by the instruction from the user or the shift to the default mode by the timeout, or File end processing is performed by changing the paper feed sheet in the APS. AM
When S is set, when AMS is canceled, and when the selection of the paper feed tray is changed, the file end processing is performed.

Next, the content of the document input process other than the ADF in the flow of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flow shown in FIG. When a start command is input through the operation unit 2 when any condition of the document input processing by the ADF is missing, the document input processing is performed when the ADF is not used. In this case, a document is set on a document table (contact glass) that is a part of the scanner unit 4, and the size and orientation of the paper is detected by the optical detection means, and the control unit 6 is notified. There are many.

When the start command is recognized by the control unit 6, the start command is sent to the document input unit 8 together with the above-mentioned state information and various mode information, and the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is started. First, the document input unit 8 activates the scanner unit 4 to read an image image from the document set on the platen and stores it in the intermediate storage area of the memory.

Then, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode for requesting output to paper, and if it is that mode, "print processing" is executed. That is, the digital image stored in the intermediate storage area is sent to the printer unit 5, and the printer unit 5 forms an image on a sheet and discharges it. The image forming method, paper selection, or the number of paper sheets may differ depending on the various modes.
This is the same as when using the ADF.

After this print processing, or immediately when the mode for requesting output to paper is not in effect, it is immediately checked whether or not the mode is for requesting output to a storage medium, and if not in that mode, the process ends. If you are in that mode, first see the current status information. Then, only when the status information is not the read state but the file end state, the "file initialization process" is performed and then the "default index image setting process" is performed at this stage.

After the processing, or immediately in the reading state, the "image image storing processing" is performed to end the processing. However, when the end of the file is recognized, the end-of-file status is set in S24 and S25 in the flow of FIG. To This is performed in the waiting loop of the control unit 6.

Here, selection of an index image and input of additional information will be described. After inputting the original, it is possible to change the belonging directory and file name, additional information, and select an index image. Further, setting of the belonging directory, a part of information such as the file name and additional information can be performed immediately before the input of the document.

For example, when the edit key 36 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the display / input dual-purpose device 21 is selected with the file input immediately before selected as the default selection.
Display the file edit screen on. When the "Edit Name" guide is touched on the file edit screen, an input guide appears on the screen, and the file name, directory name, comments in additional information, etc. can be entered and edited in the manner of Romaji-Kana conversion.

When the "index edit" guide is touched on the file edit screen, the index edit screen is displayed. On that screen, the number of index images of the currently selected file is displayed. Also, an index image can be displayed. If you touch "Delete index" while the index image is displayed, that image is removed from the index image and the number of index images is decremented.

Further, images other than the index image may be combined and displayed from the image data stored one after another. Here, if "index setting" is touched, the image is stored as an index image and the number of index images is incremented.

(3) Index Sheet Output Process (FIGS. 17 to 20) When the index sheet output command is input from the operation unit 2 to the control unit 6 while the digital copying machine shown in FIG. The sheet output unit 9 is activated,
A necessary index image image is taken out from the storage unit 3, an index sheet image is formed by appropriately arranging the taken out index image image, printed on a sheet through the printer unit 5, and outputted as an index sheet.

Before issuing the index sheet output command, it is possible to specify the index sheet output target, the output method, the index image arrangement method, the type of additional information output accompanying the index image, and the output method thereof. is there.

The outline of the index sheet output processing by the index sheet output unit 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a work area required for outputting the index sheet, that is, various buffers, output character strings, and the like are initialized. What is this string?
For example, the index sheet ID information is formed as a character string of volume information of the storage medium, a date, a serial number (initialized to 0), and an array of directory names (depending on the mode).

The index sheet ID information is for collating the index sheet with the storage medium when the index sheet is used. In the following description, this ID information is always output on a sheet (paper). Although described, it is also possible to substitute this by a method of inputting the relevant information from the operation unit 2 without outputting it on the sheet.

After the initialization of the work area, the process for forming the index sheet image is started. In this process, first, the storage unit 3 stores the directory designated as the output target (all directories if the output target is not designated).
The storage media are sequentially taken out. Then, it is judged whether or not the target directory is ended, and if it is ended, the “image image output process” is executed and the process is ended. Judgment is made and "processing for the directory" is performed until the page breaks in the directory, then the next target directory is taken out, and the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

When the page break occurs in the directory, the "image image output process" and the work area are re-initialized, and then the "process for the directory" is performed. Then, the next target directory is taken out and the above processes are repeated.

"Processing for directory" is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flow chart, the files in the respective directories taken out from the storage medium are taken out in order, the file information and the index image image are taken out in order, and "expansion of the index image image" is performed. That is, the extracted index image images are sequentially expanded in the index image image buffer.

If the index image image buffer becomes full in the middle of the process, the index image image is sent to the printer section 5 by the "image image output process", and an image is formed (printed) on the paper and indexed. Eject as a sheet. After that, the index image image buffer is cleared and the index sheet ID is updated (the serial number in the ID information is incremented).
And the above processing is continued.

When all the files are retrieved from the directory, the routine returns to the routine shown in FIG. 17 to retrieve the next target directory, all the directories to be processed are completed, and the index image remains in the index image buffer. In this case, the output process of the index image image is performed and the process ends.

[Expansion of index image]
As shown in the flow in FIG. 19, the index image development position is calculated, and the index image data is developed by applying a predetermined modification to the calculated index image development position.

In the "image image output process", as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 20, after the index sheet image is developed into an image and printed on the front surface of the sheet, the image portion of the index sheet image is reversed right and left. An index sheet image is constructed, the index sheet image is developed into an image, printed on the back side of the above paper, and discharged.

The index sheet output mode will be described in more detail. By pressing the index output key 34 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3, the mode for defining the index output unit 9 is set. Then, in the display / input device 21 having a touch panel, for example, as shown in FIG.
The "index sheet output mode setting screen" as shown in 1 is displayed. When the start key 22 is pressed or the "output" guide position on the screen of the display / input device 21 is touched, the index sheet output process is performed.

When the screen of the display / input device 21 is in the display state of FIG. 21, by touching the display portions of "directories 1 to 8", the directory to be output of the index sheet is designated / released (ON). / OFF)
it can. When the start key 22 is directly pressed after the directory is designated, the index sheet output process is performed while keeping the designated state.

When "ALL DIRECTORY" is touched, all directories are designated. In FIG. 21, each shaded guide display indicates a designated state. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, all directories are designated.

Alternatively, when a command for setting the output target directory is issued through the operation unit 2, the index sheet output unit 9 accesses the storage unit 3 to read all directory information and read the directory name, the last write time, etc. Information may be displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 2 and presented to the user, and the user may set the output target directory by sequentially inputting the numbers of the displayed directories.

Next, the designation of the output format will be described.
In the display state shown in FIG. 21, by touching each guide display for designating an output format, each output format of paper, image size, image array, and directory page break can be designated.
Selection of paper, that is, a paper feed cassette can be set by pressing the paper selection key 28 shown in FIG. 3 in the display state shown in FIG. 21, and the setting state is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

The size of the image is designated by touching the guide area of the size of the image and using the ten keys 26 to specify the number of images to be accommodated on one sheet. Other specifications can be specified on the image array detail screen. The array of index images is
The guide display of "other (detail screen)" is touched to display the menu, and detailed designation can be performed on the screen, but the description of the screen and the like will be omitted.

By touching the guide display of "ON" or "OFF" in the directory page break area, it is possible to specify ON / OFF of the page break for each directory. By touching the "help" guide display on the screen of FIG. 21, detailed information of the directory can be obtained.

After selecting a directory on the screen of FIG. 21 and touching the "file index sheet output" guide display, the screen of the display / input dual-purpose device 21 displays the "file index sheet output mode setting screen" shown in FIG. It changes to ". Therefore, the file to which the file index is output is specified by touching one of the guides in the file name list (files 1 to 10) displayed side by side on the left side of the screen. If the previous file name does not fit on one screen, up and down arrows are displayed as shown in the figure, and the file name can be scrolled.

The designation of the output format is almost the same as the case of the index sheet output, but the file page break designation is made instead of the directory page break designation. If you touch the "Help" guide display, detailed information in the file will be displayed.

Next, the index sheet ID will be described. The index sheet ID is formed centering on the volume information of the storage medium. FIG. 23 shows an example of the logical structure of the index sheet ID. Further, examples of printed index sheet ID images are shown in FIGS.
Show.

The index sheet ID information is formed as a character string of the volume information of the storage medium, the last writing time (year, month, day and time), the serial number (initialized to 1), and the array of directory names (depending on the mode). As the character information, an image is formed on the index sheet 16 and output as shown in FIGS. However, the following differences occur depending on the index target image and the output form.

In the case of all directories, as shown in the example of FIG. 25, the directory names are arranged in a null character string. If the target directory is specified, then FIG.
As in the example shown in (1), the sequence of the names (character strings) of the designated directory and the sequence of the designated directories are configured. The punctuation mark "," is used as the character that separates the sequence. in this case,
Do not allow punctuation in the directory name string.

However, when the directory page break is designated, the array area of the directory names becomes the character string of the directory name which is the target at that time,
The serial number is reinitialized each time the target directory changes.

The index sheet ID image image is
The index sheet ID information represents each area as a character string and is expanded as a character image, which is expanded at a predetermined position when the index image buffer is initialized. That is, printing is performed at a predetermined position on the index sheet (a portion near the upper edge of the sheet 16 in the example of FIGS. 24 and 25).

In order to form and output the index sheet, various buffers necessary for outputting the index sheet and the output character strings are initialized as described above with reference to the flow chart of FIG. . For example, the index sheet ID information is formed as a character string of the volume information of the storage medium, the date and time, the serial number (initialized to 0), and the array of directory names (depending on the mode).

Further, the directories to be indexed are set in the target directory array. If the directories to be indexed are all directories (not specified), set all directories. this is,
This is done when specifying the output target directory. Then, the target directories are taken out one by one from the target directory array, and the following processing is performed.

When there is a directory page break designation,
Output processing of the remaining image is performed. In this process, it is first checked whether or not there is an index image image in the index image image buffer. This check can be easily performed by checking the index image counter described later. As a result, only when there is an index image image, the contents of the index image image buffer are sent to the printer section and printed out on paper.

After that, the work area is reinitialized, the index image image buffer is cleared, and
The serial number of the index sheet ID information is set to 1, the directory name is set to the current target directory name, and the index sheet ID image image is expanded to the specified position in the buffer. Also, an index image counter for determining the position where the index image is developed is initialized.

Finally, processing for the directory (processing for files in the directory) is performed. When all the processing of the target directory is completed, the remaining image image output processing is performed, and the index sheet output processing is terminated.

The process for the directory is first described in FIG.
The files are read from the directory one by one, as outlined by the flowchart in FIG. That is,
An index is extracted from the directory in the storage medium to the file information, and the file information is accessed to extract the file name, time stamp, password, comment information and index image information. And
Perform the following processing, and if all have been processed, end.

The index image images in the index image information are taken out one by one, and the target index image is expanded. At this time, the value of the index image counter is incremented each time one index image is formed, and when the value reaches the specified value, the index image image buffer is full,
The contents of the index image buffer are sent to the printer and printed out on paper.

After that, the index image image buffer is cleared, the serial number of the index sheet ID information is incremented, and then the index sheet ID image image is expanded to the specified position in the buffer. In this index image image expansion processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the expansion position of the index image is determined based on the index image counter, and the image is expanded at that position. In this embodiment, the case where the size of the index sheet and the size and orientation of the index image are fixed will be described.

FIG. 26 shows a conceptual diagram of the index sheet developed in this case. In this figure, a is the page top margin, b is the page left margin, c is the top area margin, d is the index sheet ID image area (fixed area), and IPU1 to IPU20 are each one index image area. Is shaded. e is the vertical length of the one area, f is also the horizontal length, g is the upper margin within the area, h is the left margin within the area, and i is the actual developed area. . In this example, the number of expansions of the index image area in the index sheet 16 in the horizontal direction is 5, and the number of expansions in the vertical direction is 4.

In this method, the number of horizontal expansions and the number of vertical expansions are constant. Also, the size of one index (for example, set to 10% of A4 size) is fixed, so that the size of the index image expansion area (the area with left and right margins) The size) is also determined.

First, the method of determining the expansion position will be described. The development relative position is obtained from the value of the index image counter by the following formula. Relative column: Index image counter% Number of horizontal expansions (% is remainder operator) Relative row: Index image counter ÷ Number of horizontal expansions +1 (÷ represents closed division by integer)

Therefore, the start position of the index image expansion area is as follows. X: page left margin + horizontal length of one area x (relative column-1) Y: margin on page + height of index sheet ID area + vertical length of one area x (relative row-1) However, the actual developed position in the area is the position obtained by adding the left margin in the area and the upper margin in the area to these X and Y.

The target index image is compared with the size when developed and the size as the index image to be developed in the buffer, and is reduced or enlarged at an appropriate magnification. The up / down determination unit also determines up / down. When the paper direction matches the index image direction, the downward image is rotated 180 degrees and developed. The upward image is expanded as it is. If the paper direction does not match the index image direction, the downward image is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees and the upward image is rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees. This makes it possible to align the directions of the images.

In the index image image output processing (residual image output processing), the index sheet image is first printed by the printer unit 5 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In, it is developed as an image on paper and fixed as an output image. Next, the index sheet output unit 9 applies the following process to the image buffer, and then the printer unit 5 reverses the paper sheet, develops and fixes the image on the image non-formed surface, and then discharges the image.

Here, the processing applied to the image buffer is left-right reversal of the position of the index image development area. Specifically, it is realized by replacing the Nth data from the left and the Nth data from the right in each row. However, N is the number of expansions in the horizontal direction from 1/2
Change in order. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27, index sheet images in which the relative positions of the index images are reversed are formed on the front and back sides.

Thus, processing is performed when the index sheet is placed on a pressure-sensitive reading device such as a touch panel, the index image to be selected is input by applying pressure with a finger, and the image is directly read by the reading device. Can be simplified. Of course, it is also possible to output exactly the same thing on the front and back sides and correct it when using the index sheet. Needless to say, it is also possible to output on only one side of the paper and operate it through the operation unit 2.

Next, the output of the file index sheet will be described. The index sheet outputs the index image of each file to the directory, whereas the file index sheet outputs the image of each page in the file to the file instead of the index image.

Therefore, the file name is entered in the directory area of the ID area. In the process of expanding the index image image, each page of the target file is converted into an index image image and expanded. that time,
ADF read files are processed in the reverse order of reading.

The file index sheet output is shown in FIG.
The mode is switched to the file index sheet output mode by using the mode switching key 24 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. However, if it is not specified, when the start key 22 is pressed, a selection request screen is displayed to prompt input. Further, at the time of processing the index sheet use command, it is possible to request the file index output after selecting the file by the index image.

28 and 29 are flowcharts of the file index sheet output processing. FIG. 28 shows FIG.
It is almost the same as the process of 7 index sheet output,
The "directory page break" check is changed to "file page break" check, and the "process for directory" is changed to "process for file".

As shown in FIG. 29, the processing for the file is performed by checking whether the ADF is used or not.
When the ADF is used, the extraction order of the image images in the file is set in the reverse order, and when the ADF is not used, it is set in the normal order. Then, the image images in the file are taken out in the set order, and the following process is repeated until all the processes are completed.

It is checked whether or not the file index image image buffer is full, and if it is not full, the image image is expanded in the file index image image buffer. When the file index image image buffer is full, the image image output process (common to the case of index sheet output) is performed, the file index image image buffer is cleared, and the file index ID is updated and expanded. File index Image Expands a new image in the image buffer.

In the file index sheet, the file index sheet ID area is constructed as shown in the first line of the structural example shown in FIG. 30 in order to distinguish it from the normal index sheet. An output example of the file index sheet ID image is as shown in FIG. The index sheet and the file index sheet can be distinguished by identifying the third area of this ID. Further, an identification code may be added, or different distortion correction marks may be attached.

(4) Index Sheet Utilization Process (FIG. 32) Next, the index sheet utilization process executed when there is an index sheet utilization command in FIG. 7 will be described in detail. The index sheet use command is issued by pressing the start key 22 in the index sheet use mode by the mode switching key 24 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG.

When the index sheet use mode is set by the mode switch key 24, the display / input device 21 displays the "index sheet use mode setting" screen shown in FIG. 32, which is surrounded by oval frames. By touching the guide position displayed as "", "use file index sheet" and various settings regarding the used index sheet can be performed. After the setting, when the start key 22 is pressed, an instruction to use the index sheet is issued, whereby the processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

In this process, first, the index sheet is read by the scanner section 4 in FIG. This is the reading of a general image image, and is the same as when a document is input. Next, the index sheet ID is recognized and read from the image image of the index sheet by the character recognition means in the index sheet use operation unit 10. The read index sheet ID is collated. Then, it is checked whether or not there is a contradiction or a problem between the information (information such as volume, date, directory, etc.) in the read index sheet ID and the storage medium in the storage unit 3.

If there is a contradiction or problem as a result, an error or warning is displayed on the operation unit 2 to wait for confirmation, and the user's instruction or response is requested. The user replaces the storage medium, replaces the index sheet, corrects the character recognition, and gives a continuation instruction.

If there is no contradiction or problem, and if there is a continuation instruction, it is checked whether the instruction is embedded in the index sheet, and if embedded, the instruction is interpreted and Confirm and perform processing according to the instruction. In this case, processing contents are displayed on the display / input device 21 of the operation unit 2 to request confirmation. When the command cannot be read, an image showing the position of the index image in the index sheet is displayed on the operation unit 2, and the user's command is requested and the command is followed.

Here, the collation of the index sheet ID will be described. The index sheet ID is checked from the image image of the index sheet read as a digital image, and the following processing is performed. First,
The index sheet ID image area (see FIG. 26) is cut out. Since the index sheet ID image area is constant with respect to the size and orientation of the index sheet, it can be easily cut out. Further, the correction is added in consideration of the positional deviation of the paper. For example, a mark for correction is printed on the index sheet and correction is performed.

Next, the image is rotated according to the index sheet ID image area. Therefore, the correction amount and the rotation amount are calculated according to the position of the cut out index sheet ID image area. Next, the index sheet ID image area is recognized using a character recognition technique, and the following check is performed with the storage medium using the index sheet and the index sheet ID information.

[0155]   1) Media ID (volume information) The problem is when they do not match.   2) If there is a directory mismatch.   3) Last write time When the write time of the storage medium is new.

If there is a problem in the above check, on the screen of the display / input combined device 21 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3, the problematic inconsistent points, etc. are displayed as shown in FIGS. 34, 35 and 36. Display and ask the user to take action. At that time, if there is a means for generating a warning sound, a warning sound is emitted to call attention. 34 shows an example of a display screen when there is a discrepancy in the upper volume, FIG. 35 shows an example of the display screen when no directory exists, and FIG. 36 shows an example of the display screen when there is a contradiction in the last write time.

The user touches any of the guide areas surrounded by the oval frames in these display screens to switch the storage medium disks for execution and index sheet replacement for execution. It is possible to select and instruct execution, correction, directory list display, or help as is.

As a result, when the user's response is to change the storage medium, when the start key 22 is pressed after the change, the index sheet ID collation processing is executed. If the user's response is to replace the index sheet, the operation is restarted with the start key 22, and the processing is executed from the reading of the index sheet. If the user's response is to correct the read information, the corrected start key 2
The processing is continued by pressing 2. At this time, the character recognition unit may learn the character recognition information according to the correction information.

If the user's correspondence is as it is, if the media IDs do not match, the information that the IDs match is corrected and the process returns to the index sheet ID collation processing. In the case of a directory and the time, those that do not match are ignored and processing continues.

Next, the reading of a command from the index sheet will be described. Cut out the index image from the corrected screen. At this time, when the fixed index image area is taken as shown in FIG. 26, the cutout position can be determined by the relative position with the index sheet ID image area. If the file information is printed, characters are recognized from the image.

Further, the user's instruction is cut out from the image. The user's instruction is, for example, to individually enclose a specific index image (IPU) with a line of a designated color as shown by a thick line in FIG. 37, or to designate an unnecessary index image (IPU) as shown in FIG. You can do this by marking the cross with a colored line. Alternatively, the index image (IPU) may be marked with a special polarization color, or characters may be written to give an instruction.

These instructions are recognized by the image recognition technique and separated from the index image, and which index image is given which instruction is stored.
If an instruction from the user is embedded in the index sheet, the instruction is followed. For example, in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the index image is surrounded by the line of the designated color, the file having the surrounded (selected) index image (IPU1, IPU4) is output.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, when the designated color x is attached to the index image, it is interpreted as an instruction to delete the file. Correspondence between them is decided and processing is performed according to the correspondence. In this case, it is also possible to display which file has been selected on the display / input device 21 to request confirmation.

If there is no command from the user in the image,
The process is performed after waiting for the user's instruction from the operation unit 2. First, the cut out index images are further reduced and displayed on the input / display combined device 21. At this time,
The layout on the screen is equivalent to the read layout normalized to top, bottom, left and right. Alternatively, only the frame may be displayed instead of the reduced image.

If all the index images cannot be displayed at once on the screen of the display / input device 21, the screen shown in FIG.
As shown in, a mark indicating scrolling (upward arrow and downward arrow) is displayed, and the mark is touched to scroll. Nine square frames shown in the left half of the figure are the reduced images of the index images.

By touching this reduced image (frame) on the screen, the user can select a file having the image at that position as an index. This touch switch (by a touch panel) is a toggle switch, and when the selected image (frame) is touched, the selection is released. Also, an image (frame) that is not selected
Touch to add to the selection. This allows multiple files to be selected.

A numeric keypad may be used instead of the touch switch for selection. The selected index image can be distinguished from the unselected index image by highlighting it as shown by the thick frame in FIG. Further, by pressing the start key 22, it is possible to print each page of the selected file (the file in which the selected index image is matched by the matching described later). That is,
It is possible to perform the same processing as when each page is sequentially input and read.

It is also possible to instruct the output of the file index sheet by touching the "file index sheet output" guide position displayed in the screens shown in FIGS.

Alternatively, the file name and additional information of the selected file can be displayed by touching the "file name display" guide position. In particular, by outputting information such as the size and the both sides of the paper, it becomes possible to appropriately determine the output method (size of the paper and use of both sides) when outputting the file. It should be noted that in the display state as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the display / input dual-purpose device 21 can make settings relating to the copy mode such as double-sided use, paper size, and magnification, and reflect the settings at the time of output. it can.

In the index image matching, the specified index image and the index image of each file in the storage medium are matched (in a form in which the upper and lower sides are normalized). This results in matching of digital images. A threshold is determined, and a file having an index image with a pixel ratio equal to or higher than the threshold is selected.

By the way, it is possible to provide a work area, store the most recently read index sheet image (most recent index sheet image), and enable processing equivalent to reading from paper. Also, the index sheet can be output.

When the start key 22 is pressed while the file index sheet is being used by the input from the mode switching key 24 and the display / input combination device 21 shown in FIG. 3, the same processing as that of the index sheet is performed. Done. In this case, processing is performed assuming that the page in the file is specified instead of the file and the file is specified instead of the directory. If the identification code of the file index sheet is given, the normal index sheet processing and the file index sheet processing can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the code.

The command for the file index sheet may be to separate these index images into a separate file by enclosing a plurality of index images (IPUs) in a line of a designated color as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 42, it is possible to instruct the replacement or movement of the page order of individual index images (IPUs) by a line with an arrow of the designated color.

<Embodiment Corresponding to Each Claim of the Present Invention> The function relating to the index information creation in the present invention is performed by the manuscript input section 8 and the control section 6 shown in FIG. 1 in the basic embodiment described above. In the process flow of each unit according to the state change shown in FIG. 9, the process of registering a document by the “manuscript input process” by the copy command (in the case of outputting to the storage medium in the flow of FIG. 12 or 16 ). However, here, only the case of the document input by the ADF described with reference to FIG. 12 will be described, but the present invention is also applicable to the case of other document input.

(1) Each Embodiment of the Inventions of Claims 1 to 10 FIG. 43 shows a flowchart of the document input processing by the ADF in each embodiment of the present invention. This process corresponds to the process of FIG. 12 described above, and the “pre-processing when using ADF” and the “main routine when using ADF” are the same as in the case of FIG. 12, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

Only the "post-processing when using the ADF" is different from the case of FIG. 12, and it is first checked whether or not to output to the storage medium. When the data is not output to the storage medium, the document input process is terminated, and when the data is output to the storage medium, the "index image setting process" is performed and the document input process is terminated.

In the case of each of the first to tenth aspects of the invention, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 44 is executed in this "index image setting process". That is, first, the image image of each document original stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 3 is set to 1
Read page by page. Then, the contents of the image image (original) are recognized, and the characteristics thereof are extracted together with the index registration date and time, the number of original documents, and the like.

When it is determined that the characteristics thus extracted match the characteristics specified by the user or the apparatus (suitable for the index), the image of the original is selected as the image suitable for the index, and the index image is selected from the image image. Information is created and stored as index information of the document stored in the storage medium. If it is determined that the document is not suitable for the index, the process directly moves to the reading of the image of the next document, and the above-described processing is repeated until the final document is completed.

As described above, the present invention is characterized by having the recognizing means for recognizing the content of the original document and the index image selecting means for selecting an image serving as an index from a plurality of image information of one document according to the recognition result.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by extracting the document format as the feature of the content of the recognized original (image image), the image image of the original is registered in advance by the user. It is checked whether or not it is close to the document format, and if it is close, the image of the document is selected as an image suitable for the index, and index information is created from the image image. For example, assuming that the document format registered in advance by the user is the format shown in (a) of FIG. 45, when the series of original image images shown in (b) of FIG. 45 are read, (c) of FIG. As shown in (a), the images of two originals that are similar to the document format of (a) are selected as the images suitable for the index.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, by extracting special characters as a feature of the recognized content of the original, special characters such as italicized characters, enlarged characters and bold characters are present on the image image of the original. Check whether or not
When the special character exists, the image of the document is selected as the index image, and the index information is created from the image image. For example, when a series of document image images shown in (a) of FIG. 46 are read, three document images having special characters as shown in (b) of FIG. 46 are selected as index images. .

In the embodiment of the invention of claim 4, the size information is extracted as a feature of the content of the recognized document, thereby determining the size of the document and determining the size of the document (A4, B5, etc.). ) Is checked, and if they do not match, the image of the original is selected as an image suitable for the index, and index information is created from the image. For example, (a) in FIG.
When the image images of the series of originals shown in are read,
As shown in (b) of the same figure, the image of the uppermost original having a size different from the size of other originals (prespecified size) is selected as the index image.

Note that the original size to be selected as the index image is specified in advance, and when the size extracted as the feature matches the specified size, the original image is selected as the index image. You may

According to the fifth embodiment of the invention, by extracting color information as a feature of the content of the recognized document, it is determined whether or not the color of the document is the same as a predesignated color, and the same. If it is not (normal document color, for example, "white" is specified), or the same (when index document color is specified), select the document image as the image suitable for the index. Then, index information is created from the image image.

In the embodiment of the invention of claim 6, by extracting the information of the specific image as the feature of the content of the recognized document, the mark registered by the user of the document at the position designated in advance by the user. It is checked whether or not there is a specific image such as, and if there is, a document image is selected as an image suitable for the index, and index information is created from the image image. For example, an image registered in advance by the user is shown in FIG.
8 is a figure surrounded by a dotted line, and if the position where the figure exists is designated as the upper left, when a series of image images of the original are read, the originals in which the above figure exists in the upper left part of the image are read. Select the image as the index image.

In the embodiment of the invention of claim 7, by extracting a specific character as a feature of the content of the recognized document, a parenthesis, an underline, etc. designated in a position designated in advance by the user of the document are extracted. Check if the specific character exists, and if it exists, select the image of the original as the index image,
Index information is created from the image. For example, assuming that the specific character designated by the user is an underline, and its existing position is designated by the upper left and the user, when the image images of a series of originals are read, the underline as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 49 is displayed. The image of the document in which the character string including the line exists is selected as the index image.

According to the embodiment of the invention of claim 8, the shape of the original is discriminated by extracting the information indicating the shape of the original as a feature of the content of the recognized original, and the shape is specified in advance. It is determined whether or not they match (vertical, horizontal, etc.), and if they do not match, the image of the document is selected as an image suitable for the index, and index information is created from the image. For example, when the image images of a series of originals shown in (a) of FIG. 50 are read, it is recognized that the shapes of the two originals shaded are different from the shapes of the other originals (prespecified shapes). Therefore, the images of the two originals are selected as the index images as shown in FIG.

The shape of the original document selected as the index image is designated in advance, and when the shape extracted as the feature matches the designated shape, the image of the original document is selected as the index image. You may do it.

In the embodiment of the invention of claim 9, when extracting the feature of the content of the recognized document, the ratio of the entire invalid area of the document is calculated, and the ratio is matched with the ratio designated in advance by the user. It is checked whether or not they match, and if they match, the image of the document is used as an index image, and index information is created from the image image. For example, in the case where the user specifies that the ratio of the invalid area of the document to the entire invalid area is 50% or more, FIG.
When the image images of the series of documents shown in (a) are read, the ratio of the invalid area is calculated for each document, and the ratio is specified by the user (50% or more as shown in (b) of the same figure). The images of the two originals satisfying the above conditions are selected as the index image.

In an embodiment of the invention of claim 10,
By extracting character information as a feature of the recognized content of the original, it is determined whether or not the original has a character or character string specified by the user, and if it exists, the image of the original is used as an index image. And the index information is created from the image.

(2) Embodiments of the inventions of claims 11 to 13 In the case of the inventions of claims 11 to 13, the "index image setting process" executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, the image image of each document original stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 3 is read page by page. Then, before recognizing the content of the document, that is, after abstracting the image of the document to facilitate extraction of the feature, the content of the document is recognized and the feature is extracted. After that, the same processing as that in each of the above-described embodiments is performed.

Here, the abstraction means a process for reducing the load of the feature extraction process of the control unit (CPU), such as a process for replacing all characters in the image with simple symbols such as black dots. If the process of replacing all characters in the image with simple symbols is an abstraction,
By recognizing the content of the original, it becomes easy to extract features such as image density, density, and character variations in the image, and the index image can be selected by the feature extraction.

In the embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the invention, when the image of the original is abstracted, the character portion and the graphic portion of the original are separated and abstracted individually. Also,
In the thirteenth embodiment of the invention, when the image of the original is abstracted, the character peculiar to the document designated in advance by the user is abstracted.

(3) Embodiment of the Invention of Claim 14 In the case of each invention of claim 14, the "index image setting process" executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, the image image of each document original stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 3 is read page by page. Then, the contents of the image image (original) are recognized.

Based on this recognition result, it is determined whether or not the ratio of the invalid area (blank part) in the image image of the read original is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Cut out only the
Index information is created only from the actual image portion and saved as index information of the document stored in the storage medium.

On the other hand, when the ratio of the invalid area in the image image of the read original is not equal to or more than the predetermined value, the process directly moves to read the image image of the next original,
The above process is repeated until the final document is completed.

The above has described the example in which the images of a plurality of originals are continuously read and stored by using the ADF. However, a plurality of originals are manually set one by one on the original table (contact glass). Of course, the above-described inventions can be similarly applied to the case where the image of the original is read and stored. In addition to digital copiers,
If it is an image forming storage device (including an optical filing device) including image reading means (scanner or the like), image storage means (optical disk device or the like), and image forming means (printer or the like),
The present invention can be applied to both.

[0198]

As described above, according to the image forming storage device of the present invention, the content of the original is recognized, and the image serving as an index is selected from the plurality of image information of one document according to the recognition result. Therefore, images other than the first page or images of other pages in addition to the first page can be selected as images to be used as an index. Moreover, the user is not bothered, and the time for determining the index image from the document having a large number of image information can be saved.

In this case, if an image similar to a predetermined document format is selected as an index image from a plurality of image information, registration of a document in a specific format such as a patent publication is indexed each time. You can do it without specifying. If an image having special characters such as enlargement and italics is selected as an image serving as an index, index information can be automatically created from a manuscript that is easy to be aware of because special characters are present.

Also, index information is automatically created from a document having a specific color, such as a document having a special document size, a document with a red stamp, a document having been subjected to a specific coloring process such as a color photo document, or the like. You can also further,
From a manuscript with a specific image (marks, etc.) (a manuscript with a specific image attached such as the cover of an in-house format), or a manuscript with a specific character such as underline or parentheses (with an underline in the heading) It is also possible to automatically create index information from an original document in which a specific character such as a cover is used.

A document having a special shape (for example, a horizontal document when several horizontal documents are mixed with many vertical documents) or a document having a predetermined amount of invalid area (for example, a blank portion such as a cover page It is also possible to automatically create index information from many originals. Further, the user can also specify any character or character string, for example, "important" or "secret", and automatically create index information from the original document in which it exists.

Further, if the image of the original is abstracted in order to recognize the content of the original, the load on the CPU when extracting the characteristics of the original image can be reduced.
In this case, if the character portion and the graphic portion of the document are individually abstracted, the abstraction becomes the simplest, the load on the CPU is further reduced, and the processing time thereof is shortened. Also, abstracting the unique characters of a document makes it easy to determine whether a manuscript has taken over a certain format.

If the contents of the original are recognized and the index information is created only from the actual image portion of the image information based on the recognition result, the invalid area of the image information is removed, so that the memory is saved. In addition, it is possible to output a significant actual image portion in a large amount because there is no margin.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of its appearance.

3 is a plan view showing details of an operation unit 2 of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a storage unit in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of a storage medium in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the logical configuration of the storage medium.

7 is a flowchart showing an outline (main routine) of overall processing by the digital copying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a subroutine of processing associated with waiting and various state changes in FIG.

9 is a flowchart of the processing of each unit according to the state change in FIG.

10 is a flowchart of a mode setting process in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of a document input process in FIG.

12 is a flowchart of a document input process by the ADF in FIG.

13 is a flowchart of the file initialization process in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the image image storing process in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a default index image setting process in FIG.

16 is a flowchart of a document input process other than the ADF shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an index sheet output process in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process for the directory in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for developing the index image image in FIG.

20 is a flowchart of an output process of the image image in FIG.

21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet output mode setting screen displayed on the combined display / input device 21 of FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a file index sheet output mode setting screen similarly.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of an index sheet ID.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet ID image when an individual directory is designated.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet ID image when all directories are specified.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an index sheet in a fixed area.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a front and back reverse index sheet.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of file index output processing.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the process for the file in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a file index sheet ID.

[FIG. 31] Similarly, the file index sheet ID
It is a figure which shows the example of an output of an image.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet use mode setting screen.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of index sheet use processing in FIG. 9.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet check result display screen.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the same.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing yet another example.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an instruction for copying or the like in the index sheet image.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a file erasing instruction similarly.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a screen display example of an index sheet.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of screen display after selecting the index sheet.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an instruction in a file index sheet image.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another instruction.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 12 in the embodiments of the invention described in each claim.

44 is a flowchart of the index image setting process in FIG. 43 in the case of the embodiments of the inventions of claims 2 to 10. FIG.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image similar to a predetermined document format is selected as an index image from image images of a plurality of documents in the embodiment of the invention of claim 2;

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image having special characters is selected as an index image from image images of a plurality of documents in the embodiment of the invention of claim 3;

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the document size is determined from the image images of a plurality of documents and the index image is selected in the embodiment of the invention of claim 4;

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image in which a specific image exists is selected as an index image from the image images of a plurality of documents in the embodiment of the invention of claim 6;

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image in which a specific character exists is selected as an index image from the image images of a plurality of documents in the embodiment of the invention of claim 7;

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of selecting an index image by discriminating the shapes of originals from image images of a plurality of originals in the embodiment of the invention of claim 8;

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an image having a predetermined amount of invalid area is selected as an index image from image images of a plurality of documents in the embodiment of the invention of claim 9;

52 is a flowchart of the index image setting process in FIG. 43 in the case of the embodiments of the inventions of claims 11 to 13. FIG.

53 is a diagram of FIG. 43 in the case of the embodiment of the invention of claim 14;
5 is a flowchart of index image setting processing in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Digital copier 2: Operation unit 3: Storage unit 4: Scanner unit 5: printer unit 6: control unit 7: Mode setting section 8: Original input section 9: Index sheet output section 10: Operation part using index sheet 11: table 12: original platen 13: Paper feed cassette 14: Sorter 15: Main switch 16: Index sheet 21: Display / input combined device 22: Start key 23: Interrupt key 24: Rude switching key 25: Clear / Stop key 26: Numeric keypad 27: Automatic paper selection key 28: Paper selection key 29: Same size key 30: Automatic magnification selection key 31: Variable magnification key 32: Double-sided key 33: Copy mode setting key 34: Index output key 35: Index use key 40: Storage medium 41: Storage medium operating unit 42: Magneto-optical disk 43: memory for online storage 44: logic operation unit 45: Physical operation unit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 10, 2003 (2003.1.1
0)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Title of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Image processing apparatus and index information
How to make

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

15. A means for storing image information of an original as a document
The image information corresponding to the image information
How to create index information for creating index information
Recognize the content of the original image, extract the features of that content, and
Multiple image information of one document stored in the storage means
Image that has the extracted features as an index
Index information feature characterized by selection as an image
How to do it.

16. The index information product according to claim 15.
In the composition method, in order to extract the feature of the content of the document image,
Can be abstracted by replacing letters with simple symbols.
A method for creating index information characterized by:

17. A means for storing image information of a document as a document
The image information corresponding to the image information
How to create index information for creating index information
Recognize the contents of the original image, extract the features of the contents, and
Indexed only from the actual image part of the image with the extracted features.
Index information characterized by creating index information
How to create a report.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is able to create an index information corresponding to the image information the image information by reading an image of an original document storage and stored on a storage medium as a document, from the stored image information Image processing devices such as digital copiers and index information
Regarding how to make.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, for example, a digital copying machine constructed by combining an image reading means (scanner) for reading an image of a document and an image forming means such as a laser printer is integrally provided with an optical disk device as a means for storing and managing image information. The provided image processing device came to be developed.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Some of such image processing apparatuses store the read image information of a plurality of pages as a document and select one or a plurality of image information from the document to create index information. Kaihei 4-10067
In such a publication, index information is created by selecting the first page of each document.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0005]

However, the conventional image processing apparatus as described above has the following problems. (1) Depending on the document, the page suitable as the index information may not be the first page of the document.
For example, the first page is common to a plurality of documents, or the image of a page other than the first page is more appropriate for understanding the content of the document.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus and index information creation.
Providing a method of composition. Image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1
Is an image reading unit for reading an image of a document, a storage unit for storing the image information read by the unit as a document, and an index for creating index information corresponding to the image information from the image information stored in the unit. an image processing apparatus and a scan information creating means, to recognize the contents of the original image, provided with a recognition means for extracting a feature of the content, the index information creating means, recognition of a plurality of image information of one document The features extracted by the means
An index image selecting means is provided for selecting an image to be possessed as an image to be an index. Claim 2
An image processing apparatus according to the invention is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
In addition, the recognizing means is used as a feature of the content of the recognized document image.
As a means for extracting a predetermined document format,
Dex image selection means from multiple image information recognition means
Image similar to the document format extracted by
It is used as a means to select as an image that becomes an index.
is there.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 3 is a contractor.
In the image processing device of claim 1, the recognition means is recognized.
Special characters such as enlargement and italics are used as a feature of the content of the original image.
A plurality of index image selection means are used as extraction means.
There is a special character extracted from the image information of the
How to select existing images as index images
It is a tiered one. Image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 4
In the image processing device according to claim 1, the recognizing unit is
Extracts size information as a feature of the content of the recognized document image
Index image selection means, recognition means
Determine the size of the original from the size information extracted by
Select an image as an index from multiple image information
It is a means. Image processing according to the invention of claim 5
The apparatus is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recognition means
Color information as a feature of the content of the recognized original image.
The index image selection means is used as a recognition means.
The color of the original is determined based on the color information extracted by the columns.
Select an image as an index from multiple image information
It is a means to Image processing according to the invention of claim 6
The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device is a recognition means.
However, a specific image is extracted as a feature of the content of the recognized original image.
Index image selection means
There is a specific image extracted by the recognition means from the image information
For selecting an image to be used as an index image
It is what Image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 7
Is an image processing device according to claim 1,
Underline and parentheses are features of the content of the recognized original image.
Index as a means to extract specific characters such as
The image selection means is made to recognize the plurality of image information by the recognition means.
The image containing the extracted specific character is indexed.
This is the means for selecting the image as the image.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 is a contractor.
In the image processing device of claim 1, the recognition means is recognized.
Information indicating the shape of the document is extracted as a feature of the content of the document image.
The index image selection means is used as a recognition means.
The shape of the original is discriminated from the information extracted by the steps
For selecting an image to be used as an index from image information
It is what Image processing apparatus according to claim 9
In the image processing device according to claim 1,
When extracting the feature of the content of the document image
Equipped with a means for calculating the ratio of the invalid area to the whole,
The index image selection means is calculated by the recognition means.
Image with a certain amount of invalid area from more image information
Was used as a means to select as the image to be the index.
Of. The image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 10 is
In the image processing device of claim 1, the recognition means is recognized.
A means for extracting character information as a feature of the content of the original image
Then, the index image selection means is extracted by the recognition means.
Pre-specified from multiple image information based on the specified text information
An image with a character or character string as an index
It is a means to select as an image. Claim 11
An image processing apparatus according to the invention is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Then, the feature of the content of the document image is extracted by the recognition means.
In order to replace the characters in the original image with simple symbols
It is equipped with an abstraction means for abstracting. Contract
The image processing device according to the invention of claim 12 is the image processing device of claim 11.
In the image processing device, the abstraction means is used to display the characters in the original image.
As a means to abstract the part and the graphic part individually
It is a thing. Image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 13
In the image processing device according to claim 1,
Only the characters specified in advance are extracted from the characters in the original image.
It was used as a means to embody . According to the invention of claim 14,
The image processing device is an image reading unit that reads an image of a document.
And the image information read by the means as a document
From the storage means for storing and the image information stored in the means
Create index information corresponding to the image information.
An image processing device equipped with index information creating means
Recognize the contents of the original image and extract the features of the contents.
Index information creation means
Is the real image of the image with the features extracted by the recognition means.
As a means to create index information only from the part
Of.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Index information according to the invention of claim 15
For the creation method, the image information of the original is recorded as a document in the storage means.
Then, from the image information, the index corresponding to the image information
The content of the original image when creating
One stored in the storage means
Image with features extracted from multiple image information of a document
The image is selected as the index image.
It A method for creating index information according to the invention of claim 16
Is the index information creation method according to claim 15,
In order to extract the characteristics of the content of the original image,
Abstract by replacing letters with simple symbols
Of. Index information creation according to the invention of claim 17
The method is to store the image information of the manuscript as a document in the storage means.
Then, from the image information, the index corresponding to the image information
In the index information creation method that creates the
Recognize the contents of the original image, extract the features of the contents, and
Indexed only from the actual image part of the image with the extracted features.
It is to create information about the camera.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0012]

[Action] According to the inventions, that to recognize the contents of the original document
An image that extracts the features of the content and uses the images with the extracted features from multiple image information of one document as an index
Since selected as, in addition to the page or the first page other than the first page also images of other pages can be selected as an image to be indexed, yet without troubling the user, from the document with a number of image information The time for determining the index image can be saved.

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Furthermore, in order to recognize the contents of the original image
By replacing the characters in the original image with simple symbols,
Should be abstracted . At this time, for example , the character part and the graphic part in the original image are abstracted individually,
Or , a character specified in advance from the characters in the original image
It is also possible to reduce the load on the CPU when extracting the features of the document image by abstracting only those.

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In addition, the contents of the manuscript are recognized to identify the features of the contents.
Extract the symptoms, by creating index information from only the real image portion of the image with the extracted feature, it is possible to reduce the amount of data of the index information.

[Procedure Amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. Image processing according to the present invention
As an embodiment of the apparatus , an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine will be described in terms of its configuration and basic processing.

[Procedure Amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

<Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 shows an image according to the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital copying machine that is a typical example of an image processing apparatus . Reference numeral 1 denotes a digital copying machine (main body), which is placed on a table 11. The digital copying machine 1 is provided with an operation unit 2, a document pressure plate 12, a main switch (power switch) 15, etc., and a paper feed cassette 13 for storing paper as a recording medium can be detachably attached to the paper feed side of the main body. It is mounted, and a paper discharge tray or sorter 14 is mounted on the paper discharge side.

[Procedure Amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0033

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The document input unit 8 activates the scanner unit 4 in response to a user's command, causes the image of the document to be read, and temporarily stores it as an image image in the memory (image buffer) of the intermediate storage area. Then, the read image of the original is sent to the storage unit 3 or the printer unit 5.

[Procedure Amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0076

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The document input process by this ADF is shown in FIG.
ADF is executed according to the flowchart shown in 2.
It consists of pre-processing when using, a main routine when using ADF, and post-processing when using ADF. First, in the pre-processing when using the ADF, it is determined whether or not the output is to the storage medium, and if it is not output to the storage medium, immediately, if it is output to the storage medium, "file initialization processing" is performed. ADF use
Go to the main routine of time .

[Procedure 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0101

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Before issuing the index sheet output command, it is possible to specify the index sheet output target, the output method, the index image arrangement method , the type of additional information to be output accompanying the index image, and the output method thereof. is there.

[Procedure Amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0111

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The index sheet output mode will be described in more detail. By pressing the index output key 34 of the operation section 2 shown in FIG. 3, indexes
This is a mode for defining the spreadsheet output unit 9 . And
A display / input device 21 having a touch panel displays an "index sheet output mode setting screen" as shown in FIG. 21, for example. Where start key 2
When the user presses 2 or touches the "output" guide position on the screen of the display / input combined device 21, the index sheet output process is performed.

[Procedure amendment 20]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0118

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

After selecting a directory on the screen of FIG. 21 and touching the "file index sheet output" guide display, the screen of the display / input dual-purpose device 21 displays the "file index sheet output mode setting screen" shown in FIG. It changes to ". Therefore, the file to which the file index is output is specified by touching one of the guides in the file name list (files 1 to 10) displayed side by side on the left side of the screen. All files on one screen
If the file name does not fit, up and down arrows are displayed as shown in the figure, and the file name can be scrolled.

[Procedure correction 21]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0130

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The process for the directory is first described in FIG.
The files are read from the directory one by one, as outlined by the flowchart in FIG. That is,
From the directory in a storage medium taken out of the index to the file information, and access to the file information,
Retrieves file name, time stamp, password, comment information and index image information. Then, the following processing is performed, and when all the processing is completed, the processing ends.

[Procedure correction 22]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0136

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, the start position of the index image expansion area is as follows. X: page left margin + horizontal length of one area x (relative column-1) Y: top margin of page + height of index sheet ID area + top area margin + vertical length of one area x (Relative line -1) However, the actual development position in the area is the position obtained by adding the left margin in the area and the upper margin in the area to X and Y, respectively.

[Procedure amendment 23]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0138

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In the output process of the index image image (residual image output process), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, the index sheet image is first developed in the printer unit 5 as an image on paper and fixed as an output image. Next, after the following processing is applied to the image buffer in the index sheet output unit 9,
The printer unit 5 reverses the sheet, develops and fixes the image on the non-image-formed surface, and then discharges the sheet .

[Procedure correction 24]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0156

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

If there is a problem in the above check, on the screen of the display / input combined device 21 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3, the problematic inconsistent points, etc. are displayed as shown in FIGS. 34, 35 and 36. Display and ask the user to take action. At that time, if there is a means for generating a warning sound, a warning sound is emitted to call attention. FIG. 34 is an example of a display screen when there is a mismatch in volume information , FIG. 35 is an example of a display screen when a directory does not exist, and FIG. 36 is an example of a display screen when there is a discrepancy in the last write time.

[Procedure correction 25]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0158

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As a result, the response from the user is
In the case of replacement , when the start key 22 is pressed after replacement, the index sheet ID collation processing is executed. If the user's response is to replace the index sheet, the operation is restarted with the start key 22, and the processing is executed from the reading of the index sheet. If the user's response is to correct the read information, the corrected start key 22 is pressed to continue the process. At this time,
The character recognition unit may learn the character recognition information according to the correction information.

[Procedure Amendment 26]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0160

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, the reading of a command from the index sheet will be described. Cut out the index image from the corrected screen. At this time, when the fixed index image area is taken as shown in FIG. 26, the cutout position can be determined by the relative position with the index sheet ID image area. In addition, for those that file information is printed, character recognition from the image.

[Procedure Amendment 27]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0171

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

By the way, it is possible to provide a work area, store the most recently read index sheet image (most recent index sheet image), and enable processing equivalent to reading from paper. Also, so that the index sheet can be output
You can also do it .

[Procedure correction 28]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0175

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

(1) Embodiments of the Inventions of Claims 1 to 10 and 15 FIG. 43 shows a flowchart of the document input processing by the ADF in each embodiment of the present invention. This process corresponds to the process of FIG. 12 described above, and the “pre-processing when using ADF” and the “main routine when using ADF” are the same as in the case of FIG. 12, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

[Procedure correction 29]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0191

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0191] (2) in the case of claims 11 to 13, the embodiment of claim 11 to 13 the invention 16, 16 each invention executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 52 in the "index image setting processing" . That is, first, the image image of each document original stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 3 is read page by page. Then, before recognizing the content of the document, that is, after abstracting the image of the document to facilitate extraction of the feature, the content of the document is recognized and the feature is extracted. After that, the same processing as that in each of the above-described embodiments is performed.

[Procedure amendment 30]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0194

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0194] (3) In the case of the invention of claim 14, 17 embodiment Claim 14, 17 of the invention executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 53 in the "index image setting processing". That is, first, the image image of each document original stored in the storage medium of the storage unit 3 is read page by page. Then, the contents of the image image (original) are recognized.

[Procedure correction 31]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0197

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The example in which the images of a plurality of originals are continuously read and stored using the ADF has been described above. However, a plurality of originals are manually put on the original table (contact glass) one by one. Needless to say, each of the above-described inventions can be similarly applied to the case of setting and reading and storing the image of the document. In addition to the digital copying machine, an image reading unit (scanner or the like), an image storage unit (optical disk device or the like), and an image forming unit (printer or the like) are provided.
If it is an image processing device (including optical filing device),
The present invention can be applied to both.

[Procedure correction 32]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0198

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0198]

As described above, the image of the present invention is obtained.
According to an image processing apparatus, the contents recognizes the contents of the document
Extracting features, its extraction from a plurality of image information of one document
Since the image having the given characteristics is selected as an image serving as an index, images other than the first page or images on other pages in addition to the first page can also be selected as images serving as an index. Moreover, the user is not bothered, and the time for determining the index image from the document having a large number of image information can be saved.

[Procedure amendment 33]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0200

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Also, index information is automatically created from a document having a specific color, such as a document having a special document size, a document with a red stamp, a document having been subjected to a specific coloring process such as a color photo document, or the like. You can also further,
From a manuscript with a specific image (marks, etc.) (a manuscript with a specific image attached such as the cover of an in-house format), or a manuscript with specific characters such as underlines and parentheses (with an underline in the heading section) It is also possible to automatically create index information from a manuscript in which a specific character such as a cover is used ) .

[Procedure amendment 34]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Fig. 27

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a front / back reverse index sheet .

[Procedure amendment 35]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 44

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 44 is a flowchart of the index image setting process in FIG. 43 in the case of the embodiments of the inventions of claims 1 to 10 ;

[Procedure correction 36]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Fig. 52

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

52 is a flowchart of an index image setting processing in Figure 43 of the embodiment of the invention of claim 11 to 13, 16.

[Procedure amendment 37]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 53

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

53 is a flowchart of the index image setting process in FIG. 43 in the case of the embodiment of the invention of claims 14 and 17 ;

[Procedure amendment 38]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Explanation of code

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1: Digital copying machine 2: Operation unit 3: Storage unit 4: Scanner unit 5: Printer unit 6: Control unit 7: Mode setting unit 8: Original input unit 9: Index sheet output unit 10: Index sheet Use operation unit 11: Table 12: Document pressure plate 13: Paper feed cassette 14: Sorter 15: Main switch 16: Index sheet 21: Display / input combination device 22: Start key 23: Interrupt key 24: Mode switching key 25: Clear / Stop key 26: Numeric keypad 27: Automatic paper selection key 28: Paper selection key 29: Same size key 30: Automatic magnification selection key 31: Magnification key 32: Duplex key 33: Copy mode setting key 34: Index output key 35: Index Use key 40: Storage medium 41: Storage medium operation unit 42: Magneto-optical disk 43: Online In-memory 44: logical operation unit 45: physical operation unit

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toshihiko Yokokawa             1-3-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company Ricoh (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Yoshida             1-3-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company Ricoh (72) Inventor Tatsuo Ito             1-3-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company Ricoh (72) Inventor Katsuya Ono             1-3-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company Ricoh F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 HK19 HL01 HL02 HN19                 2C187 AD04 BF42 CC08 CD01                 5B075 ND06 NK02 NK24 NK39 NK44                       PP22 PQ13 PQ32 PQ46 PQ48

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image reading unit for reading an image of a document,
Storage means for storing the image information read by the means as a document, index information creating means for creating index information corresponding to the image information from the image information stored in the means, and index created by the means An image forming storage device comprising image forming means for forming an image of information and the image information stored in the storing means on a sheet and outputting the same, in addition to providing a recognizing means for recognizing the content of the original and creating the index information. An image forming storage device, wherein the means is provided with index image selecting means for selecting an image serving as an index from a plurality of image information of one document according to the recognition result of the recognizing means. 2. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein the index image selecting means is means for selecting an image similar to a predetermined document format from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. . 3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the index image selecting means is means for selecting an image having special characters such as enlargement and italics from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. Forming storage device. 4. The index image selection means is means for selecting an image serving as an index by discriminating a document size from a plurality of pieces of image information.
The image forming storage device described. 5. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein the index image selecting means is means for determining a color of a document from a plurality of image information and selecting an image serving as an index. 6. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein the index image selecting means is means for selecting an image in which a specific image exists from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. 7. The index image selecting means is means for selecting an image in which a specific character such as an underline or a parenthesis exists from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. Image forming storage device. 8. The index image selecting means is means for determining the shape of a document from a plurality of pieces of image information and selecting an image serving as an index.
The image forming storage device described. 9. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein the index image selecting means is means for selecting an image having a predetermined amount of invalid area from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. . 10. The index image selecting means is means for selecting an image having a character or a character string designated in advance from a plurality of image information as an image serving as an index. Image forming storage device. 11. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein the recognizing unit includes an abstracting unit that abstracts an image of an original in order to recognize the content of the original. apparatus. 12. The image forming storage device according to claim 11, wherein the abstracting means is means for individually abstracting a character portion and a graphic portion of a document. 13. The image forming storage device according to claim 11, wherein the abstracting unit is a unit that abstracts a unique character of a document. 14. Image reading means for reading an image of an original, storage means for storing the image information read by the means as a document, and index information corresponding to the image information from the image information stored in the means. An image forming storage device comprising an index information creating unit for creating and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet and outputting the index information created by the unit and the image information stored in the storing unit, The image forming storage device is characterized in that a recognition means for recognizing the content of the index information is provided, and the index information creating means is means for creating index information from only the actual image portion of the image information based on the recognition result of the recognizing means. .