JP2005005945A - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in a conventional technology adopting preliminary scanning for discriminating the type of an original that the productivity of copy processing or the like is decreased. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine is configured to include: an input means for using a CCD line sensor 31 to read an image of a pattern attached region of an original to which a pattern image representing the type of the original is attached so as to input the image data; a pattern detection section 36 for detecting the pattern image from the image data inputted by the input means; and a pattern analysis section 37 for analyzing the pattern image detected by the pattern detection section 36 to discriminate the type of the original. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method suitable for application to a digital copier, a digital multi-function peripheral having a multi-function such as a scanner, a printer, a copy, and a facsimile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, when copying an image of a document onto a sheet using an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine, the sheet is set (placed) on a document table such as a platen glass and the size of the document is selected by the user. The paper size is determined according to the copy magnification and the like, and the paper is conveyed from the paper tray corresponding to the paper size. Some image processing apparatuses of this type have an ACS (auto color selection) function that automatically determines whether a document to be read is a color document or a monochrome document.
[0003]
As a method for detecting the size of an original, a sensor for detecting an original size (for example, a reflective photosensor) is provided under the original table and is performed based on a detection signal from the sensor. Yes. However, when this method is adopted, it is necessary to incorporate a plurality of sensors under the platen glass in accordance with various document sizes, so that there is a disadvantage that the cost is increased. In addition, the apparatus having the ACS function has a problem that it takes time to determine the color / monochrome of the document.
[0004]
Therefore, conventionally, in a digital copying machine of a type in which an image of an original is optically scanned (scanned) by an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, the image of the original is scanned before being read ( A technique for detecting the size of a document by pre-scanning using an image sensor is known before the main scanning). It is also known to determine whether a document is a color document or a monochrome document by this prescan (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-56230
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the prescan for detecting the size of the document or determining the color / monochrome of the document, the optical system is moved back and forth in the sub-scanning direction under the document table on which the document is set. The whole needs to be read. Therefore, it takes time for pre-scanning, and the productivity of the digital copying machine decreases.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to determine the type of a document without pre-scanning before the image of the document is read in the main scan. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit that reads an image of a pattern addition region of a document to which a pattern image representing a document type is added, and inputs image data, and a pattern from the image data input by the input unit. Pattern detection means for detecting an image and pattern analysis means for analyzing the pattern image detected by the pattern detection means and determining the type of the document.
[0009]
In this image processing apparatus, when a document to which a pattern image has been added in advance is to be read, the image of the document is read only for the region to which the pattern image has been added, without pre-scanning the document one by one. By performing pattern detection and pattern analysis, the type of document is determined.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital color copying machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to a digital color copying machine, but is configured by combining a digital black and white copying machine, a color / black and white digital multifunction peripheral, an image processing apparatus such as a scanner, and a scanner, printer, computer, and the like. The present invention can also be applied to an image processing apparatus to be converted into a digital image.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital color copying machine to which the present invention is applied. The illustrated digital color copying machine is mainly constituted by an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1, an image input unit 2, an image output unit 3 and a paper tray unit 4. The document is automatically fed onto the platen glass 5 by the automatic document feeder 1 or placed on the platen glass 5 by a user's manual operation involving opening / closing operation of the platen cover with the automatic document feeder 1.
[0012]
The image input unit 2 includes an optical scanning unit 6, a wire 7 for moving the optical scanning unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1), a driving pulley 9, and a motor. Although not shown, the optical scanning unit 6 is equipped with a reading sensor composed of a CCD line sensor with a color filter and a light source such as a halogen lamp for irradiating light for image reading onto the original surface. When the original image is full-color four colors, the original (color original) on which the color image is formed is read by a reading sensor for each of the light primary colors B (blue), G (green), and R (red). After reading and converting to digital image data by A / D (analog / digital) conversion, the image data is converted into Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black) as the primary colors of the toner. In order to further improve the reproducibility of color, gradation, definition and the like, various image processing is performed to convert the color gradation toner signal into an on / off binarized signal, and an image output unit 3 is output.
[0013]
Note that the configuration of the image input unit 2 is, for example, when the reading line direction of the reading sensor (the arrangement direction of the pixel rows for reading) is the main scanning direction and the direction orthogonal thereto is the sub scanning direction. Two moving scanning bodies in which the relative ratio of moving speeds (moving distances) in the scanning direction is set to 1: 2, and optical components (light source lamp, condenser mirror, reflecting mirror, etc.) mounted on these two moving scanning bodies And a lens system that forms an image of light guided by the optical component on the light receiving surface of the reading sensor. In this case, an optical scanning unit is constituted by the two moving scanning bodies and the optical components mounted thereon. The two moving scanning bodies are also referred to as a full rate carriage on the high speed side and a half rate carriage on the low speed side. The full rate carriage includes optical components such as a light source lamp, a condensing mirror, and a full rate mirror. The half rate carriage includes optical components such as a pair of half rate mirrors whose mirror surfaces are arranged at right angles. The The moving method using these two carriages is also called a full half rate method.
[0014]
The image output unit 3 includes a laser scanning unit (laser ROS; Laser Raster Output Scanner) 10 and a photosensitive drum 11. Around the photosensitive drum 11, a charger 12 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and an electrostatic latent image written on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the laser scanning unit 10 are used as a toner image. A developing unit 13 for developing, a transfer device 14 for transferring a toner image onto a sheet, a cleaner 16 for collecting residual toner that has not been transferred to the sheet, and the like are arranged.
[0015]
The photosensitive drum 11 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure by driving a motor (not shown). At this time, the charger 12 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Further, the laser scanning unit 10 generates a laser beam at the laser output unit 10a and blinks (modulates) the laser beam in accordance with image data of each color (for example, yellow image data) from the image input unit 2. The laser beam emitted from the laser output unit 10a is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 through the polygon mirror 10b, the f / θ lens 10c, and the reflection lens 10d, and the photosensitive member is rotated according to the rotation of the polygon mirror 10b. Scanning is performed in the axial direction of the drum 11. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the original is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.
[0016]
The electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit 13, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet by the transfer device 14. At this time, the toner (residual toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 without being transferred to the paper is removed by the cleaner 16. Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 cleaned by the cleaner 16 is charged again by the charger 12, and then the surface of the drum is statically charged with other colors (cyan, magenta, black) by driving the laser scanning unit 10. The writing of the electrostatic latent image is sequentially performed.
[0017]
The developing unit 13 is a rotary type developing unit having a yellow developing unit 13Y, a cyan developing unit 13C, a magenta developing unit 13M, and a black developing unit 13K. Each of the developing devices 13K, 13C, 13M, and 13K is disposed around the rotation axis of the developing device unit 13. For example, when developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 into a yellow toner image, the yellow developing device 13Y is disposed at a position (state shown in the drawing) facing (close to) the photosensitive drum 11. The yellow toner is supplied from the yellow developing unit 13Y to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. When developing a cyan toner image, the developing unit 13 is rotated by approximately 90 °, and the cyan developing unit 13C is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11. Similarly, when developing a magenta toner image, the magenta developing device 13M is disposed at a position facing the photoconductor drum 11, and when developing a black toner image, the magenta toner image is placed at a position facing the photoconductor drum 11. A black developing device 13K is disposed.
[0018]
The transfer device 14 has a transfer drum 15. A sheet carrier made of a dielectric film is stretched around the outer periphery of the transfer drum 15. The transfer drum 15 is connected to a dedicated electric motor or a rotational drive system of the photosensitive drum 11 by a gear and is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing. Around the transfer drum 15, a transfer charger 17, a separation discharger 18, a toner charge control charger 19, a peeling claw 20, a static eliminator 21, a cleaner 22, a pressing roll 23, and an adsorption charger 25 are arranged. Has been. Then, the sheet conveyed from the sheet tray section 4 through the sheet feeding roller 4a and the sheet feeding guide 4b waits at the registration position 4c, and is conveyed to the transfer drum 15 at a predetermined timing, and the corona of the adsorption charger 25. It is adsorbed to the dielectric film by electric discharge.
[0019]
The transfer drum 15 rotates in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 11. For example, a toner image developed with yellow toner is transferred to the paper wound around the outer periphery of the transfer drum 15 by the transfer charger 17, and the other colors (cyan, magenta, black) are sequentially transferred by the rotation of the transfer drum 15. ) Is transferred (overlaid). When the transfer drum 15 rotates four times and toner images for four colors are transferred onto the paper, the discharge is performed by the separation discharger 18 provided inside and outside the transfer drum 15. As a result, the paper is separated by the peeling claw 20 and sent to the fixing device 29 by the transport belt 27. In the fixing device 29, the toner image is melted and fixed on the paper by the hot pressure roller 30. Thus, one copy cycle relating to color copying is completed. Incidentally, in the case of black-and-white copying, since it can be handled by only one development process using the black developing device 13K, the copy cycle is shorter than that of color copying.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a digital color copying machine including a function unit for determining the type of document. In FIG. 2, a CCD line sensor 31 is an image sensor (reading sensor) that reads an image of a document. The A / D conversion circuit 32 converts analog image data output from the CCD line sensor 31 into digital image data. The pre-stage image processing circuit 33 performs image processing such as shading correction and white level correction on the digital image data converted by the A / D conversion circuit 32.
[0021]
The post-stage image processing circuit 34 performs image processing such as color correction, color conversion, and gradation correction on the image data processed by the pre-stage image processing circuit 33. The document type determination unit 35 determines the type of document using image data read by the CCD line sensor 31 in the pre-scan before the main scan and image-processed by the pre-stage image processing circuit 33.
[0022]
The pattern detection unit 36 detects a pattern image representing the type of document using image data read by the CCD line sensor 31 and image-processed by the preceding image processing circuit 33. The pattern analysis unit 37 analyzes the pattern image detected by the pattern detection unit 36 and determines the type of document. The pattern adding unit 38 is a pattern that represents the type of document determined by the document type determining unit 35 for the image data read by the CCD line sensor 31 in the main scan and image-processed by the subsequent image processing circuit 34. Pattern data corresponding to an image is added.
[0023]
Here, although both the pre-scan and the main scan are common in that the original is optically read by reciprocating the optical scanning unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction under the platen glass 5, their purposes are different. That is, the pre-scan is performed before the main scan to determine the type of the original, for example, whether the original is a color original or a black-and-white original. This is performed in order to read an image of a document under a corresponding reading condition. Due to the difference in purpose, the reading resolution when reading the image of the document by pre-scanning is set lower (rougher) than the reading resolution of the main scan.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital color copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, when a document is set (placed) on the platen glass 5 serving as a document table and a copy start button provided on the operation control panel is pressed, the optical scanning unit 6 starts moving from the home position, and the document The document image is read so as to include the pattern image only for a predetermined region (pattern addition region) of the document set as the additional region of the pattern image representing the type of the image (step S1). A pattern image can be added (embedded) to a manuscript in the same manner as a well-known watermark used to clarify the confidentiality of a document, for example, characters such as “prohibited copying” and “confidential”. it can.
[0025]
At this time, if the home position (movement start position) of the optical scanning unit 6 is far away from the pattern addition area of the document set on the platen glass 5, the optical scanning unit reaches a position where the pattern addition area can be read. After moving 6 at high speed, it is desirable to read the image of the pattern addition region by reducing the unit moving speed to a prescribed speed. Further, an area (pattern addition area) for adding the pattern image to the original so that the position of the pattern image to be added to the original is located on the movement start side of the optical scanning unit 6, preferably in the vicinity of the movement start position. Alternatively, by setting in advance the orientation when the document is set on the platen glass 5, the moving distance of the optical scanning unit 6 when reading an image in a predetermined area of the document is shortened. Therefore, it is possible to read an image using the optical scanning unit 6 in a short time.
[0026]
Next, the image data generated from the CCD line sensor 31 via the A / D conversion circuit 32 and the pre-stage image processing circuit 33 is taken into the pattern detection unit 36, where pattern image detection processing is performed (step S2). In this pattern detection process, it is detected whether or not a preset pattern image exists in the image data output from the pre-stage image processing circuit 33. If no pattern image is included in the image data, it is determined in step S3 that there is no pattern (No), and pre-scanning is executed (step S4). If a pattern image is included in the image data, it is determined that there is a pattern (Yes) in step S3, and the detection result is notified to the pattern analysis unit 37.
[0027]
Here, a specific processing example performed by the pattern detection unit 36 and the pattern analysis unit 37 will be described. First, the pattern detection unit 36 divides the image data generated from the pre-stage image processing circuit 33 into pixel blocks of a predetermined size (for example, 16 pixels × 16 pixels) and is set in advance for each pixel block. It is determined whether or not a pattern image matching the pattern image is included.
[0028]
FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration example of the pattern detection unit 36. In FIG. 4, a first pattern image P1 and a second pattern image P2 are individually input to the pattern matching unit 39. Further, the image data read by the CCD line sensor 31 in step S1 is input to the pattern matching unit 39.
[0029]
Here, as an example of the pattern image, when the document is a color document, the color of the pattern image is set to yellow that is difficult for human eyes to recognize (set to black when the document is a monochrome document) and the first pattern As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the image P1 is a 45 ° diagonally rising image included in an image block of a predetermined size (16 pixels × 16 pixels in the figure), and the second pattern image P2 is shown in FIG. As shown in B), it is assumed that the image is a 45 ° oblique line image rising to the right included in a pixel block of a predetermined size (16 pixels × 16 pixels in the example). In addition, the first pattern image (upward slanted line image) P1 represents “0” of the digital signal, and the second pattern image (upward slanted line image) P2 represents “1” of the digital signal. .
[0030]
In such a case, in the pattern detection unit 36, among the image data output from the previous-stage image processing circuit 33, for the yellow color component image data, for each pixel block of the predetermined size, the left-upward oblique line image or the right-side image Whether or not a rising diagonal image is included is detected by pattern matching processing (pattern image matching processing) in the pattern matching unit 39. If the pixel block includes a left-upward oblique line image (first pattern image P1), a digital signal “0” is output as a pattern detection result to the pattern analysis unit 36. If the pixel block includes a diagonally rising image (second pattern image P2), a digital signal “1” is output to the pattern analysis unit 36 as a pattern detection result. As a result, digital signals corresponding to the pattern images read from the document are sequentially input to the pattern analysis unit 36.
[0031]
For the image data on which pattern detection is performed by the pattern detection unit 36, the edge portion of the pattern image may be emphasized in advance through image data through an edge enhancement filter or the like so that the pattern detection can be performed accurately. If no pattern image is detected by the pattern detection unit 36, a detection result indicating no pattern is given to the document type determination unit 35. As a result, the document type determination unit 35 issues a pre-scan execution command to the optical scanning unit 6 and the like, and determines the document type using the image data obtained by the pre-scan (step S6).
[0032]
On the other hand, the pattern analysis unit 37 analyzes the pattern image based on the pattern detection result (digital signal) given from the pattern detection unit 36. That is, when the pattern image added to the document represents the type of the document as an 8-bit digital signal, the pattern analysis unit 37 arranges the digital signals “0” and “1” input from the pattern detection unit 36. Accordingly, information of 8 bits (256 ways) is recognized in order, and the type of the original is determined according to this (step S6). In this case, the pattern analysis unit 37 determines (recognizes) a maximum of 256 types of document types by associating the document type information in advance with each bit data that can be expressed by a bit length of 8 bits. It becomes possible.
[0033]
Here, as document type information, for example, document size (vertical size × horizontal size) information, information on whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document, whether the document is a plain document or a photo document Can give information. A plain document refers to a document in which the background of the document is plain (uniformly one color), an image such as text or graphics is printed thereon, and most of the background (plain) is exposed. On the other hand, a photographic original is one in which a photographic image is printed on almost the entire area of the original surface and the underlying portion is hardly exposed.
[0034]
When the pattern analysis unit 37 determines the document type, a correspondence (association) between the pattern image that is the source of the bit data and the document type information is set in advance. At this time, since there are various sizes such as a standard size and a non-standard size regarding the size of the original, the pattern image and various sizes of the original are associated with each other so that each one can be accurately identified. Further, regarding the color / monochrome discrimination of the document, the pattern image indicating that the document is a color document and the pattern image indicating that the document is a monochrome document are associated with each other. Similarly, regarding the determination of the plain / photo of the document, the pattern image indicating that the document is a plain document and the pattern image indicating that the document is a photo document are associated with each other.
[0035]
Subsequently, the optical scanning unit 6 is moved from the home position to execute the main scan, thereby optically reading the image of the document (step S7). At this time, if the type of the document determined in step S6 represents the size of the document, the reading range (movement range) of the optical scanning unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction is appropriately set according to the document size. be able to.
[0036]
If the document type determined in step S6 represents color / monochrome of the document, the optical scanning unit 6 in the sub-scanning direction depends on whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document. Reading speed (moving speed) and reading resolution can be set appropriately. Specifically, for example, when the original is a color original, the reading speed can be set lower than that when a black and white original is read, and the reading resolution can be set higher.
[0037]
Next, the image data read from the original by the main scan in step S7 is transferred to the subsequent image processing circuit 34 via the A / D conversion circuit 32 and the previous image processing circuit 33, and various image processing is performed there. At this time, if the document type determined in step S6 represents color / monochrome of the document, the image processing condition (processing content) depends on whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document. , Parameters, etc.) can be set appropriately. Similarly, if the document type determined in step S6 represents a background document / photo document, the image processing condition is appropriately set according to whether the document is a background document or a photo document. Can be set.
[0038]
Specifically, for example, when the original is a color original, processing that emphasizes color reproducibility can be performed, and when the original is a monochrome original, processing that emphasizes processing speed can be set. Further, for example, when the document is a background document, processing is performed with emphasis on image sharpness (such as edge enhancement processing), and when the document is a photographic document, processing is performed with emphasis on image gradation. be able to.
[0039]
Subsequently, the image data generated by the image processing in the latter-stage image processing unit 34 is sent to the pattern adding unit 38, where the pattern data corresponding to the pattern image representing the type of document is added to the original image data ( Step S9). This pattern data can also be added to print data input via a communication interface or the like.
[0040]
FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration example of the pattern adding unit 38. In FIG. 6, the selector 40 receives pattern data (hereinafter referred to as first pattern image data) D1 corresponding to the first pattern image and pattern data (hereinafter referred to as second pattern image data) corresponding to the second pattern image. ) D2 is individually input. The selector 40 is given an additional data selection signal associated with the type of document in advance. Thereby, the selector 40 selects the first pattern image data D1 or the second pattern image data D2 in accordance with the additional data selection signal, and inputs the selected pattern image data (D1 or D2) to the calculation unit 41. To do.
[0041]
As the first pattern image data D1, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a pixel block of a predetermined size (16 pixels × 16 pixels in the illustrated example) is used as one unit, and the unit block is approximately at the center. An actual data (indicated by “a” in the example) representing a pattern image (upward left 45 ° oblique line image) is used. Similarly, as the second pattern image S2, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, a pixel block of a predetermined size (16 pixels × 16 pixels in the illustrated example) is used as one unit, and almost all of the unit blocks are displayed. Employed is one in which actual data (indicated by “b” in the example) representing a pattern image (a 45 ° oblique line image rising to the right) is embedded in the center.
[0042]
On the other hand, in the calculation unit 41, when image data (image data read from a document) corresponding to a portion set in advance as a pattern addition region is input, for example, input image data for each unit block. Is added to the pattern image data. In this addition processing, for example, assuming that the gradation (density) of image data is expressed by 256 gradations, 128 gradation values corresponding to intermediate values thereof are added to the embedded portion of the actual data. As a result, composite image data in which pattern image data is added to the original image data read from the document is obtained. If the pattern image is to be expressed in yellow, the pattern adding unit 38 adds (synthesizes) the pattern image data by performing the above arithmetic processing (addition processing or the like) only on the yellow image data.
[0043]
The process of step S6 is performed only when it is determined that there is no pattern in step S3 and prescan is executed in step S4 according to this (that is, when no pattern image is added to the document). The pattern image data added to the image data is determined in accordance with the document type determined by the document type determination unit 35 in step S6.
[0044]
The processed image data is separated into yellow, cyan, magenta, and black colors and sent to the image output unit 3, where it is printed out as a visible image on paper (step S10). At this time, if a pattern image is added to the original document, the pattern image is output (copied) as it is to the paper. When pattern image data is added by the pattern adding unit 38, the pattern image is output (printed out) on the paper together with the image read from the document.
[0045]
As described above, in the image processing method using the digital color copying machine according to the present embodiment, when a pattern image representing the type of document is added to a predetermined area of the document and the image of the document is actually read in the main scan. Prior to this, an image of a predetermined area (pattern addition area) of the original is read to detect the pattern image, and the detected pattern image is analyzed to determine the type of the original. Compared to the case where the pre-scan is always performed before the main scan to determine the type of document, the time loss due to the pre-scan can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to shorten the required time (first copy time) from when the user presses the copy start button until the first copy sheet is output outside the apparatus.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a document to which a pattern image is added is handled, the type of the document can be determined without pre-scanning. Therefore, it is possible to reduce time loss due to pre-scanning and improve the productivity of the image processing apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a digital color copying machine to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a digital color copying machine including a function unit for determining the type of document.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the digital color copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a pattern detection unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern image.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a pattern adding unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of pattern image data.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Image input part, 3 ... Image output part, 6 ... Optical scanning unit, 31 ... CCD line sensor, 35 ... Document type determination part, 36 ... Pattern detection part, 37 ... Pattern analysis part, 38 ... Pattern addition part

Claims (7)

An input means for reading an image of a pattern addition area of a document to which a pattern image representing the type of document is added and inputting image data;
Pattern detection means for detecting the pattern image from the image data input by the input means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a pattern analysis unit that analyzes the pattern image detected by the pattern detection unit and determines the type of the document. Pattern adding means for adding, to the image data, pattern data corresponding to a pattern image representing the type of the document when the pattern image is not added to the image data input by the input means; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern image indicates whether the original is a color original or a black-and-white original as a type of the original. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern image represents a size of the document as a type of the document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern image indicates whether the original is a plain original or a photographic original as a type of the original. The input means has an optical scanning unit that moves in a predetermined direction when reading an image of the document,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern image is added to a predetermined area of the original so as to be positioned on a movement start side of the optical scanning unit when the image of the original is read. A pattern image representing the type of document is added to a predetermined area of the document,
Before reading the image of the original, the image of a predetermined area of the original is read to detect the pattern image, and the type of the original is determined by analyzing the detected pattern image. An image processing method characterized by the above.

Images