JP2003234859A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a function to be performed with a simple operation while taking an environment into consideration in an image processor having a plurality of functions. <P>SOLUTION: A system controller 1 inputs an original page and information of fax transmission destination, etc., which are subjected to image processing functions (scanning, copying and fax) belonging to the image processor 100 in a setting image G1 and stores each inputted information in a setting table. The system controller 1 applies the image processing functions to an original read by an original reading part 2 on the basis of each information stored in the setting table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for processing image data read from a document.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are image processing apparatuses having a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a copy function, and a fax function. When executing each of the above-mentioned functions by this image processing apparatus, first select one of the above-mentioned functions and set various parameters on the setting screen provided for each selected function or by the scanner. It is necessary to make job settings such as document reading operation. Then, after image processing according to each selected function is performed, output according to each function is performed.

Further, the image processing apparatus is an OCR (Optical C
If you have the haracter Reader function, you can recognize the characters read from the manuscript with the recognition software stored inside. By reading the entry sheet, it is possible to set the function to be executed on the original.

[0004]

However, as described above, by the image processing apparatus having no OCR function, various parameters are set for each function such as scanner, copy, fax, and mail transmission, and the document by the scanner is set. It has been troublesome for the user to set the job settings such as the reading operation of. Further, in the image processing apparatus having the OCR function, when setting a job, a job entry sheet or the like is required, but since it becomes waste after use, it does not consider the environment and is not economical. .

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to set functions to be executed in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions by a simple operation while considering the environment.

[0006]

The present invention has the following features in order to solve the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of output functions and performing image processing according to each of the output functions, a storage means for storing image data based on a document of a plurality of pages is provided. Image processing means for performing image processing according to the output function on the image data stored in the storage means, and setting capable of setting the output function at least for each image data on one setting screen The image processing means performs image processing according to the output function for each image data based on the setting by the setting means with respect to the image data.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the output function is set for each image data on one setting screen, and the image processing is performed based on this setting. Can be set at once, improving operability.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 2, in the image processing device according to claim 1, the setting means may set the output function for each page of the document.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the output function is set for each page of the original on one setting screen, for example, different output functions can be set for each page at once.
Operability is improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises an image reading means for reading the image data, and the setting means.
The output function may be set in the order of image data read by the image reading unit.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the output function can be set not only for the image data stored in advance but also for the read image data. Further, the output function can be set in the order of reading the image data, which is convenient.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is based on claim 1
3. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 3 to 3, further comprising a setting storage unit that stores the setting by the setting unit, and the image processing unit performs image processing based on the setting stored in the setting unit. It has a feature.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the setting on the setting screen is stored, the correspondence between the image data and the output function and the correspondence between the manuscript page and the output function become clear. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily perform image processing based on the stored settings.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG.
-Image processing apparatus 100 to which the present invention is applied with reference to FIG.
The first embodiment will be described in detail.

First, the structure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 100. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a system controller 1, a document reading unit 2, an operation unit 3, a display unit 4, a communication unit 5, a RAM 6, a printing unit 7, and a storage unit 8, and each unit includes a bus 9. Connected by.

The system controller 1 is a CPU (Cent
Ral Processing Unit), and controls each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 based on a program stored in the storage unit 8 by the CPU. That is, CPU2
Executes a page-by-page setting process (see FIG. 4) described later according to the program expanded in the RAM 6, stores the processing result in the RAM 6 and causes the display unit 4 to display the result. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 6 is saved in a predetermined area inside the storage unit 8.

FIG. 2 shows a page-by-page setting process described later (see FIG. 4).
2), a screen configuration example of the setting screen G1 displayed on the display unit 4 is shown. The setting screen is a screen that displays information necessary for the user to input at least what output function should be used to output the image data, and information for specifying the image data (for example, file name,
Thumbnail) and information for specifying the output function of the image data are displayed.

The output function is to output data after appropriately processing the image data. For example, in the case of a printer, data for executing printing (eg page description language, Video data, bitmap data), data for transmitting a public line in a facsimile (for example, JBIG compressed data, SMT)
P data), data that can be read by another information processing device in the scanner (for example, TIFF, BM
P, JPEG, GIF, JPEG2000), image data is data that can be visualized, and image data is generated by photoelectric conversion of a document by a scanner, photoelectric conversion of a subject by a digital camera, and an information processing device. Based on data generation by application software of.

On the setting screen G1, there are at least page input fields G1a to G1c for inputting and specifying a document page to be executed by each image processing function, and a destination input field G1d for specifying a fax destination. It is provided. More preferably, detailed setting of each image processing function becomes possible. For example, in the scanner function, the address of the data storage destination server, the directory name, the file name, the resolution of the data, the format of the data (for example, TIFF, PN
G, JPEG2000, etc.), the number of copies for the copy function, the magnification (enlargement / reduction), the post-processing (for example, staple, punch, etc.), and the fax function for the destination address (telephone number (Fax number). )), Data compression format (for example, JBIG, JPEG2000, etc.), additional data (for example, destination information, cover sheet, etc.), etc. can be set.

The system controller 1 stores each information (information such as a manuscript page for executing each image processing function and a fax transmission destination) input in the setting screen G1 in the storage unit 8.
Stored in the setting table T1. Then, the image processing function is executed based on each information stored in the setting table T1. That is, the system controller 1 has a function as an image processing unit, and the setting screen G1 has a function as a setting unit in cooperation with the operation unit 3.

The document reading section 2 includes a light source, a lens, and a CC.
It is configured by a D (Charge Coupled Device) or the like, and the reflected light of the light illuminated and scanned from the light source to the document is imaged and photoelectrically converted to read the document image, and the read image data is output to the system controller 1. Here, the image data is not limited to image data such as graphics and photographs, but also includes text data such as characters and symbols. That is, the document reading unit 2 has a function as an image reading unit.

The operation unit 3 includes a keyboard having a screen display key, a setting key, a cursor key, a numeric input key, various function keys, etc., and outputs a pressing signal pressed by the keyboard to the system controller 1. Here, the screen display key is pressed when the setting screen is displayed on the display unit 4, and the setting key is pressed when the input of the input information is completed on the setting screen. Note that the operation unit 3 may include a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, or other input device, if necessary.

The display unit 4 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
play) A display device or the like is configured to generate a signal based on display data input from the system controller 1 to perform various displays.

The communication unit 5 is a modem (MODEM: MOdu) for communicating with an external device via a network.
lator / DEModulator) or terminal adapter (T
A: Terminal Adapter) or F that transmits various information
It is composed of communication devices such as ax and telephone. The communication unit 5 has an output function.

In each process which is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6 and whose execution is controlled by the system controller 1, all or part of the data of various programs read from the storage unit 8 is input from the operation unit 3. Data (eg manuscript page, fax destination, etc.)
In addition, a temporary storage area for image data read by the document reading unit 2 is formed. In other words, RAM6 is
It has a function as a storage means.

The printing unit 7 executes printing processing based on the print data input from the system controller 1.
The printing unit 7 has an output function.

The storage unit 8 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as HD (Hard Disc) and stores various programs executable by the image processing apparatus 100, data processed by the programs, and the like. The above program is stored in the form of a computer readable program code, and the system controller 1 sequentially executes the operation according to the program code.

The storage section 8 also stores a setting table T1. FIG. 3 shows a data configuration example of the setting table T1. In one record of the setting table T1, at least a "page" item T1a indicating a manuscript page and an image processing function (scan, copy, Fa) to be executed for each manuscript page.
“Function” item T1b indicating x) is set, and the setting screen G1 (see FIG. 2) is set in each item T1a and T1b.
The contents set in 1 are stored in association with each other. More preferably, the information input by the user based on the setting screen G1 (for example, the detailed setting of each image processing function described above) is further stored. That is, the setting table T1
Has a function as a setting storage means.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of page-by-page setting processing executed by the system controller 1.

In FIG. 4, the system controller 1
When the screen display key of the operation unit 3 is pressed, the setting screen G1 (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display unit 4 (step A
1), the input section G1 of the setting screen G1 by the operation unit 3
Information such as a document page for executing each image processing function and a fax transmission destination is input to a to G1d (step A).
2). Next, when the setting key of the operation unit 3 is pressed (step A3; YES), the system controller 1 associates each input information with each image processing function to execute the setting table T1 (see FIG. 3). Remember. Then, the system controller 1 causes the document reading unit 2 to read image data from a document set on a document tray (not shown) or the like, and stores the image data in the RAM 6 in association with the document page (step A4).

Then, the system controller 1 extracts the manuscript page associated with the copy function from the setting table T1 (see FIG. 3), extracts the image data corresponding to the manuscript page from the RAM 6, and extracts the image data. Is output as print data to the print unit 7, and the print unit 7 executes print processing. Also, the system controller 1
Extracts a document page stored in association with the Fax function from the setting table T1 (see FIG. 3), extracts image data corresponding to the document page from the RAM 6, and transmits the image data by the communication unit 5 by Fax. (Step A5).

As described above, the system controller 1
Causes the setting screen G1 to input information such as an original page for executing an image processing function (scan, copy, fax) of the image processing apparatus 100, a fax transmission destination, and the like, and stores the information in the setting table T1 (see FIG. 3). . Then, based on the respective information stored in the setting table T1 (see FIG. 3), image processing is performed on the document read by the document reading unit 2. The image processing includes color image processing (for example, shading correction and color matching processing) in the scanner function, information addition, resolution conversion, data compression, file generation, etc., and color image processing (for example, in the copy function). , Color matching processing), noise removal, undercolor removal, resolution conversion, halftone processing, etc.
In the x function, monochrome conversion, data compression, resolution conversion, halftone processing, etc. are performed.

Therefore, since a plurality of functions can be set at once on the setting screen G1, the operability is improved.
Further, since each information set on the setting screen G1 is stored in the setting table T1, it is possible to easily perform the image processing on the image data based on each information stored in the setting table T1. Further, since it is not necessary to set each time each function is executed, a plurality of image processing functions can be continuously executed, and the processing speed is improved. In addition, since setting can be performed without using consumable items such as a job entry sheet, it is economical.

[Second Embodiment] The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the same components will be described below with the same reference numerals.

The system controller 1 causes the display unit 4 to display the setting screen G2 (see FIG. 5) in the reading order setting process (see FIG. 7) described later.

FIG. 5 shows a screen configuration example of the setting screen G2. On the setting screen G2, at least the order in which the originals are read by the original reading unit 2 (first, second, third, ...
・) Image processing functions (scan, copy, Fa)
x)) input field G2a, G2b,
G2c, ... Are provided. When “Fax” is input and designated as the image processing function, the fax destination is further input by the operation unit 3. More preferably, a setting field is provided on the setting screen G2 so that detailed settings can be made for each of the image processing functions described above. Also,
The system controller 1 stores each information (each image processing function (scan, copy, Fax), information such as the destination of Fax, detailed setting for each image processing function, etc.) input in the setting screen G2 in the storage unit 8. Setting table T2
Remember. Then, the image processing function is executed based on each information stored in the setting table T2. That is, the setting screen G2 has a function as a setting unit in cooperation with the operation unit 3.

The storage section 8 also stores a setting table T2. FIG. 6 shows a data configuration example of the setting table T2. In one record of the setting table T2, an “order” item T2a indicating a reading order and a “function” item T2b indicating an image processing function (scan, copy, fax) to be executed for each document page are set. Each item T2
The contents set in the setting screen G2 (see FIG. 5) are stored in a and T2b in association with each other. More preferably, the information input by the user based on the setting screen G2 (for example, the detailed setting of each image processing function described above) is further stored. That is, the setting table T1 has a function as a setting storage unit.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading order setting process executed by the system controller 1.

In FIG. 7, the system controller 1
When the screen display key of the operation unit 3 is pressed, the setting screen G2 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 4 (step B
1), the input section G2 of this setting screen G2 by the operation unit 3
The a to G2c are made to input and specify the image processing functions to be executed in the order in which the originals are read (step B2). Then, when the setting key of the operation unit 3 is pressed (step B3; YE
S), the system controller 1 stores the input-specified image processing function in the setting table T2 (see FIG. 6) in association with the original reading order.

Then, the system controller 1 causes the document reading unit 2 to read image data from a document set on a document tray or the like (not shown) and counts the reading order by a counter (not shown) (step B4). The corresponding image processing function is extracted from the setting table T2 (see FIG. 6). Then, based on the extracted image processing function, the printing unit 7 executes the printing process of the image data or the communication unit 5 transmits the image data by fax (step B5). Then, it is determined whether or not all the image processing input on the setting screen G2 has been executed (step B6). If not executed (step B6; NO), the process returns to step B4 to continue the processing.

As described above, the system controller 1
Causes the image processing functions (scan, copy, fax) to be executed in the order in which the originals are read on the setting screen G2, and stores them in the setting table T2 (see FIG. 6). Then, the system controller 1 performs image processing on the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 2 based on each information stored in the setting table T2 (see FIG. 6).

Therefore, since a plurality of functions can be set at once on the setting screen G2, the operability is improved.
Further, since each information set on the setting screen G2 is stored in the setting table T2, it is possible to easily perform image processing on image data based on each information stored in the setting table T2. Further, since it is not necessary to set each time each function is executed, a plurality of image processing functions can be continuously executed, and the processing speed is improved. In addition, since setting can be performed without using consumable items such as a job entry sheet, it is economical.

[Third Embodiment] The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the same components will be described below with the same reference numerals.

In the preview display process (see FIG. 10) described later, the system controller 1 reads the image data from the document by the document reading unit 2 and based on the read image data, the thumbnail screen G3 (see FIG. 8).
Is generated and displayed on the display unit 4.

FIG. 8 shows a screen configuration example of the thumbnail screen G3. On the thumbnail screen G3, display columns G3a to G3 for displaying a preview created based on at least the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 2.
e and an image processing function input field G31 for inputting an image processing function to be executed on the displayed preview image data.
a to G31e are provided. More preferably,
A setting field is provided on the setting screen G3 so that detailed settings can be made for each of the image processing functions described above. In addition, the system controller 1 receives the information (image processing function set for the preview of each manuscript page, fax destination information, etc.) input on the thumbnail screen G3.
The detailed settings for each image processing function, etc.) are stored in the setting table T3 of the storage unit 8. Then, the image processing function is executed based on each information stored in the setting table T3.
That is, the thumbnail screen G3 has a function as a setting unit in cooperation with the operation unit 3.

The storage section 8 also stores a setting table T3. FIG. 9 shows a data configuration example of the setting table T3. In one record of the setting table T3, a "page" item T3a indicating a manuscript page and a "function" item T3b indicating an image processing function (scan, copy, fax) executed for each manuscript page are set. And each item T3a
And T3b, the contents set in the setting screen G3 (see FIG. 8) are stored in association with each other. More preferably, the information input by the user based on the setting screen G3 (for example, the detailed setting of each image processing function described above) is further stored. That is, the setting table T3 has a function as a setting storage unit.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the preview display process executed by the system controller 1.

In FIG. 10, the system controller 1
When a document is set on a document tray (not shown),
Image data is read from the document by the document reading unit 2 and stored in the RAM 6 (step C1). Next, the system controller 1 generates a thumbnail screen G3 (see FIG. 8) based on the image data stored in the RAM 6 and displays it on the display unit 4 (step C2).

Then, the system controller 1 causes the operation unit 3 to input and specify the image processing function to be executed for each manuscript page in the image processing function input fields G31a to G31e of the thumbnail screen G3, and the setting table T3 (see FIG. 9)) (step C3). Then, based on the image processing function to be executed for each document page stored in the setting table T3 (see FIG. 9), the printing unit 7 executes the printing process of the image data, or the communication unit 5 saves the image data. Fax transmission is performed (step C4).

As described above, the system controller 1
Causes the thumbnail screen G3 to input and specify the image processing function to be executed for each document page, and the setting table T3
(See FIG. 9). Then, the setting table T3
The designated image processing function is executed for the image data of each document page based on each information stored in (see FIG. 9).

Therefore, on the thumbnail screen G3, it is possible to set a plurality of functions at one time, which improves operability. Further, since each information set in the thumbnail screen G3 is stored in the setting table T3, it is possible to easily perform the image processing on the image data based on each information stored in the setting table T3. Further, since it is not necessary to set each time each function is executed, a plurality of image processing functions can be continuously executed, and the processing speed is improved. In addition, since setting can be performed without using consumable items such as a job entry sheet, it is economical.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention, the scan, copy, and fax have been described as an example of the image processing function, but the invention is not limited to this, and the image data can be sent to an electronic mail or another image processing apparatus. It can also be applied to the setting of other image processing functions such as transfer.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention, the screen G
In 1 to G3, the case where a plurality of image processing functions (scan, copy, fax) are simply set has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of items are provided on the screen to provide a plurality of image processing functions. Detailed settings (for example, storage destination of scanned data, number of copies and magnification of copy, fax mode, etc.) may be made possible. Also, screens G1 to G
It is also possible to provide a detailed setting button or the like on the screen 3 and further display the detailed setting screen of each image processing function when the detailed setting button is instructed. Further, when the detailed setting is performed together with each image processing function, the image processing function, the detailed setting, and the number of document pages (or the document reading order) may be stored in a table or the like in association with each other.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0056]

Since the setting of a plurality of functions can be performed at one time,
Operability is improved. Further, since it is not necessary to set each time each function is executed, a plurality of image processing functions can be continuously executed, and the processing speed is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen configuration example of a setting screen G1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a setting table T1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of page-by-page setting processing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen configuration example of a setting screen G2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a setting table T2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a reading order setting process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen configuration example of a thumbnail screen G3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a setting table T3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a preview display process.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 System controller 2 Document reading section 3 operation part 4 Display 5 Communication unit 6 RAM 7 Printing department 8 memory 9 buses G1 setting screen G2 setting screen G3 thumbnail screen T1 to T3 setting table 100 image processing device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. In an image processing apparatus having a plurality of output functions and performing image processing according to each of the output functions, storage means for storing image data based on a document of a plurality of pages, and storage in the storage means. Image processing means for performing image processing according to the output function on the generated image data, and setting means capable of setting the output function for at least each of the image data on one setting screen, The image processing device, wherein the image processing means performs image processing on the image data according to the output function for each of the image data based on the setting by the setting means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the output function for each page of the document. 3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising image reading means for reading the image data, wherein the setting means sets the output function in the order of the image data read by the image reading means. Processing equipment. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising setting storage means for storing the setting by the setting means, wherein the image processing means performs image processing based on the setting stored in the setting means. The image processing device according to any one of 3 above.