JP2004088420A - Copying machine, digital camera and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform copying that reflects the intention of an original creator when copying the original. <P>SOLUTION: This copying machine is provided with an original reading part for reading the original and converting the original into image data, an image processing part for applying image processing to the image data and a printing part for performing printing on the basis of the image data subjected to the image processing. The image processing part reads a code of a predetermined format included in the image data and performs image processing based on the read code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a copying apparatus that reads information embedded in a document and performs image processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The copying apparatus reads a document, converts the document into image data, and performs printing based on the image data to copy the document. Most copying machines use black toner to perform monochrome copying, but models that can perform color copying by adopting a relatively inexpensive color inkjet system for the print engine have become common. Have been.
[0003]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a copying apparatus capable of performing color copying has been performing printing so as to be as close as possible to the color representation of a read image for the purpose of performing faithful copying of a document.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the manuscript itself may not always sufficiently reflect the intention of the creator of the manuscript. For example, when an original image is taken with a digital camera, the photographer intentionally corrects the exposure and shoots the image to try to express the effect, but the effect is not sufficiently shown in the original document. And so on.
[0005]
Also, for example, when copying a landscape image, it is better for the original creator to enhance the contrast and perform color tone correction so that green, blue, etc. appear, than to copy the image in its original color tone. In some cases. Similarly, when copying an image of a person, it is better to create a manuscript by smoothing the gradation characteristics and correcting the color tone so that the skin color is clearly depicted, rather than copying the image in the original color tone. May match the intention of the person.
[0006]
Further, when the color of the original is deteriorated and the color is different from the color expression at the time of printing intended by the creator, there is a case where a copy that can reproduce the original color expression is desired.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing a copy reflecting the intention of a creator of a document when copying the document.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention,
A document reading unit that reads a document and converts it into image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data;
And a printing unit that performs printing based on the image data subjected to the image processing.
The image processing unit reads a code in a predetermined format included in the image data, and performs image processing based on the read code.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided:
A document reading unit that reads a document and converts it into image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data;
And a printing unit that performs printing based on the image data subjected to the image processing.
The image processing unit reads character information indicating the contents of a document included in the image data, and performs image processing based on the read character information.
[0010]
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
In digital cameras that record shooting information in image data,
A digital camera is provided, comprising means for coding shooting information and embedding it in an image.
[0011]
Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
In a printing system that performs printing based on image data read from a digital camera that records shooting information in image data,
There is provided a printing system comprising means for encoding shooting information included in image data, embedding the information in an image, and printing the image.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
First, the outline of the present invention will be described.
[0014]
According to the present invention, information about a document is embedded in a document read by a copying apparatus in advance. When copying a document, the copying apparatus recognizes information embedded in the read document, performs image processing based on the information, and then copies and prints the document.
[0015]
The document may be, for example, a print result of an image photographed by a digital camera, a print result of an image processed by a computer, or a printed matter including characters representing the contents of the document.
[0016]
The information on the document to be embedded in the document can be, for example, shooting information of a digital camera, color space information of an image, other color information, and the like. Alternatively, it may be character information representing the contents of the document.
[0017]
As a method of embedding information related to the document in the document, the information can be coded, and the code can be represented by, for example, a bar code and embedded in a part of the document. Alternatively, text information representing the contents of the document can be included in the document as a title or the like. Further, an information embedding technique that is put into practical use for the purpose of so-called copy suppression or the like may be used to embed in a document in a form that cannot be normally recognized.
[0018]
As a copying apparatus that recognizes information embedded in a document and performs image processing, for example, a printer with a scanner function, a computer system having a scanner and a printer, a copier, and the like can be used. In the present embodiment, a case where a printer with a scanner function is used will be described as an example.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a configuration of a printer with a scanner function to which the present invention is applied.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a printer 10 with a scanner function includes a control unit 20 that controls each process of the printer 10 with a scanner function, a scanner unit 30 that reads reflected light from a document and converts it into image data, and prints based on the image data. And a user interface unit 50 for receiving an instruction from a user and displaying the status of the printer 10 with a scanner function. The printer 10 with a scanner function can print a document read by the scanner unit 30 with the printer unit 40, and can also read print data sent from a host computer (not shown) and print with the printer unit 40. However, the configuration of the printer 10 with a scanner function is not limited to this.
[0021]
The scanner unit 30 includes a reading engine unit 31 including a light source, a lens, a scanning motor, a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor, and the like, and an A / D conversion unit 32. The reading engine unit 31 performs scanning while irradiating the original with light, and guides the reflected light to a CCD sensor that has been subjected to red (R), green (G), and blue (B) filters. The A / D converter 32 converts the analog information of light and shade of RGB read by the CCD sensor into a digital signal (RGB signal) and outputs it as image data.
[0022]
The printer unit 40 includes an image processing unit 41 and a print engine unit 42. The image processing unit 41 converts an RGB signal into a CMY signal with reference to a look-up table that records a combination of color conversions. Then, after performing a halftone process or the like, the print engine 42 converts the data into a printable data configuration (print data). At this time, the image processing unit 41 performs various image processing on the image read by the scanner unit 30, for example, emphasizes a specific color, changes a gradation characteristic, blurs or sharpens the image. Processing and the like can be performed.
[0023]
The print engine unit 42 performs printing on a print medium set in the printer 10 with a scanner function based on the print data generated by the image processing unit 41. The printing method of the print engine unit 42 can be, for example, an ink jet method. The ink jet print engine unit 42 includes a plurality of ink cartridges filled with ink, and performs color printing by spraying the ink onto a print medium from a recording head.
[0024]
Note that, as described above, the present invention is not limited to a printer with a scanner function, but can be applied to, for example, a computer system including a scanner device and a printer device. In this case, the function of the scanner unit 30 in FIG. 1 is performed by the scanner device, the functions of the control unit 20 and the user interface unit 50 are performed by the host computer, and the function of the printer unit 40 is performed by the printer device. At this time, the processing in the image processing unit 41 of the printer unit 40 may be performed by a host computer.
[0025]
Next, as a first embodiment of the present invention, an image photographed by a digital camera to which the present invention is applied is copied by a printer 10 having a scanner function to which the present invention is applied, using a printed matter printed by a conventional printer as an original. The case will be described.
[0026]
A digital camera to which the present invention is applied is a digital camera capable of recording shooting information in an image.
[0027]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in many digital cameras, photographing information such as exposure, shutter speed, white balance, digital camera specific information, used color space information, print γ value information, etc. It employs a recordable image format. Some of such image formats are standardized globally, such as Exif Print, and others have their own standards. A printing system equipped with a printer that complies with these standards reads the photographing information included in the image data, performs image processing in accordance with the photographing information, and prints the image. Can be realized in consideration of printing.
[0028]
The digital camera to which the present invention is applied can code a part or all of the photographing information and embed it in a part of the image, for example, as a barcode. By printing this image with a conventional printer, it is possible to obtain a print result in which a barcode is embedded in a part of the image.
[0029]
The item of information to be coded is determined in advance, or is coded including information for identifying the item of coded information. This is because the printer 10 with the scanner function that has read the coded information recognizes which photographing information is coded.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is an image of a printing result when an image, in which a barcode representing shooting information is embedded and is captured by a digital camera to which the present invention is applied, is printed using a conventional printer.
[0031]
In this figure, the barcode is clearly and largely displayed in the image for easy understanding, but in reality, it is sufficient that the barcode can be recognized by the printer 10 having the scanner function. Further, the coded shooting information is not limited to a barcode, and can be embedded in an image using another format. Further, the position where the coded shooting information is posted is not limited to the example shown in FIG.
[0032]
The process of copying the print result by the printer 10 with the scanner function to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0033]
The embedded information processing unit 21 of the control unit 20 of the printer 10 with the scanner function checks whether or not the image read by the scanner unit 30 includes code information of a predetermined format (S101).
[0034]
When it is determined that code information of a predetermined format is not included (S101: N), a normal copy print process is performed based on the read image (S102).
[0035]
On the other hand, when it is determined that code information of a predetermined format is included (S101: Y), shooting information is obtained from the code information (S103). Then, the image processing unit 41 performs image processing on the read image based on the photographing information and performs printing (S104). The image processing based on the photographing information can be performed using the same technology as a conventional printer compatible with Exif Prinr or the like.
[0036]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the coded photographing information is embedded in the image as visible information such as a barcode. However, in a modification of the first embodiment, this information is normally not recognized. Embedding is performed in an appropriate manner. This can be realized, for example, by using an information embedding technique that is put into practical use for the purpose of so-called copy suppression or the like.
[0037]
Information embedding technology is described in, for example, Oki Technical Review January 2002 / 189th Vol. 69No. 1p. 20-25 "Image compression / digital watermarking component", Casio "Copy check printing tool (http://www.casio.co.jp/ppr/products/copyguard/main.html)" and the like are known.
[0038]
In the modification of the first embodiment, the process of copying an original in which a code is invisiblely embedded by a printer 10 with a scanner function to which the present invention is applied is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Can be performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0039]
In the first embodiment and the modifications of the first embodiment, the information embedded in the image is not limited to the photographing information.
[0040]
For example, even if the color of the document has deteriorated due to aging, etc., at the time of copying, color information about a certain portion of the original image is coded and embedded so that the original color expression of the document can be reproduced as much as possible. Is also good. A position in the original image may be determined in advance, or may be embedded including position information. In addition, the number is not limited to one and may be plural.
[0041]
In the printer 10 with the scanner function, the color information obtained from the code embedded in the image is compared with the color information of the read image at the corresponding portion, the difference is evaluated, and the read image is read. Printing is performed by performing image processing such that the color information of the original image approaches the original color information embedded in the image.
[0042]
By doing so, even when the color of the document has deteriorated, the document can be copied with a color expression close to the original image intended by the creator.
[0043]
Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a scanner function to which the present invention is applied, using, as an original, a printed matter obtained by printing an image photographed by a conventional digital camera capable of recording photographing information by a printing system to which the present invention is applied, A case in which copying is performed by the attached printer 10 will be described.
[0044]
The printing system to which the present invention is applied can embed photographing information recorded by a digital camera in an image and print it.
[0045]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing system that reads photographing information recorded by a digital camera from image data, performs image processing based on the photographing information, and performs printing has been put to practical use.
[0046]
Such a printing system includes, for example, a host computer and a printer, and the host computer reads image data from the digital camera via a cable or a small recording medium. Then, a printing control program running on the host computer reads the photographing information from the image data, and causes the printer to print an image that has been subjected to image processing according to the photographing information. In addition, a model has been put to practical use that can read printing information recorded by a digital camera from image data, perform image processing based on the shooting information, and perform printing by a single printer.
[0047]
The printing system to which the present invention is applied can code a part or all of the photographing information and embed it in a part of the image, for example, as a barcode. This processing can be controlled by, for example, a printer driver running on a host computer configuring the printing system. Of course, it may be possible to perform the operation by the printer alone. The item of information to be coded is determined in advance, or is coded including information for identifying the item of coded information. This is because the printer 10 with the scanner function that has read the coded information recognizes which photographing information is coded.
[0048]
The printing result of the printing system to which the present invention is applied is as shown in FIG. 2, as in the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, the digital camera performs a process of generating an image in which the code is embedded, and in the second embodiment, the printing system performs a process of generating an image in which the code is embedded. Will be the same.
[0049]
The process of copying the print result by the printer 10 with the scanner function to which the present invention is applied is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0050]
Note that the information to be embedded in the image is not limited to the photographing information as in the first embodiment. Further, the code may be invisiblely embedded in the image.
[0051]
Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which a printed material including characters representing the contents of a document is used as a document and the printer 10 with a print scanner function to which the present invention is applied performs copying.
[0052]
The printed matter including the characters representing the contents of the document includes, for example, characters such as “landscape of XX” as shown in FIG. 4A or “XX-chan” as shown in FIG. 4B. It can be a poster or a photograph on which the title is posted.
[0053]
In the present embodiment, the embedded information processing unit 21 of the control unit 20 of the printer with a scanner function has a so-called OCR function for recognizing characters from image information.
[0054]
The embedded information processing unit 21 can refer to a table in which characters and image types are associated in advance. Here, a table in which characters and image types are associated with each other is, for example, an image type of "landscape image" associated with a character of "landscape", and a character attached to a name such as "chan" or "san" The type of image "personal drawing" is associated.
[0055]
The process for copying this printed matter by the printer 10 with a scanner function to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0056]
The embedded information processing unit 21 of the control unit 20 of the printer 10 with the scanner function refers to the table and checks whether or not the image read by the scanner unit 30 includes predetermined characters (S201).
[0057]
When it is determined that a predetermined character is not included (S201: N), a normal printing process is performed based on the read image (S202).
[0058]
On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined character is included (S201: Y), the type of image associated with the character is acquired from the table (S203). Then, the image processing unit 41 performs image processing corresponding to the type of the image on the read image and performs printing (S204). The image processing corresponding to the type of image can use a conventional technique. For example, when the type of image is a "portrait image", the gradation characteristics are smoothed to correct the skin color, When the type of image is “landscape image”, contrast is enhanced or blue and green are corrected.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when copying an original, it is possible to perform copying that reflects the intention of the creator of the original.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a configuration of a printer with a scanner function to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an image diagram of a document in which a barcode is embedded.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a printed matter including characters representing the contents of a document.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation according to the second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 printer with scanner function 20 control unit 21 information processing unit 30 scanner unit 31 reading engine unit 32 A / D conversion unit 40 printer unit 41 image processing unit 42 print engine unit 50 user interface unit

Claims (8)

A document reading unit that reads a document and converts it into image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data;
And a printing unit that performs printing based on the image data subjected to the image processing.
The image processing unit reads a code of a predetermined format included in image data and performs image processing based on the read code. The copying apparatus according to claim 1,
The code represents shooting information of the document,
The image processing unit performs color correction of image data based on shooting information. The copying apparatus according to claim 1,
The code represents color information of a specific portion of the document,
A copying apparatus, wherein the image processing section performs color correction of image data based on color information represented by a code and color information of a corresponding portion of the read image data. The copying apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
A copying apparatus characterized in that a code of a predetermined format read by the image processing unit is embedded in a document as a barcode. The copying apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
A copying apparatus characterized in that a code in a predetermined format read by the image processing unit is embedded in a document as invisible information. A document reading unit that reads a document and converts it into image data;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data;
And a printing unit that performs printing based on the image data subjected to the image processing.
A copying apparatus, wherein the image processing unit reads character information indicating the contents of a document included in image data and performs image processing based on the read character information. In digital cameras that record shooting information in image data,
A digital camera comprising means for coding shooting information and embedding it in an image. In a printing system that performs printing based on image data read from a digital camera that records shooting information in image data,
A printing system comprising: means for encoding shooting information included in image data, embedding the information in an image, and printing the image.

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