JP2005039329A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of properly searching image data stored in a storage section without enforcing troublesome works on a user. <P>SOLUTION: A searching control program 13 collates read image data RD with stored image data MD having already been stored in a memory 8b and discriminates whether or not they are similar to each other, and informs the user about information of the stored image data MD similar to the read image data RD when the stored image data MD similar to the read image data RD exist. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which an image of a document, an image of a file, and the like are stored in a storage unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an image processing apparatus, a copying machine that prints image data of a read original on printing paper, a printer that prints image data received from an external terminal on printing paper, and the like are known. This type of image processing apparatus is configured to store image data in a storage unit at the time of printing, and retrieves desired image data from image data stored and stored in the storage unit and prints it on printing paper Those having a mechanism are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In this image processing apparatus, information of image data already stored in the storage unit is displayed as a list in characters on the display unit of the apparatus main body. The user or the like uses the operation unit to select desired image data from the displayed image data and print it on the printing paper. Accordingly, the user or the like can search for image data printed in the past and reprint the data.
[0004]
As another type of image processing apparatus, an apparatus that displays information of image data already stored in a storage unit as a thumbnail on a display unit of the apparatus main body is also known. In this case, the user or the like selects desired image data from the images displayed as thumbnails.
Furthermore, there is also known a method in which a user inputs a keyword when searching for an image of a document, and image data is searched by the keyword.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-308493
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in an image processing apparatus that displays image data information in a list form using characters, the contents of the image data are grasped by the character information. Therefore, the user or the like finds desired data from a large amount of data. Is complicated and inconvenient.
[0007]
In addition, with the thumbnail display, the user can visually recognize the data, but cannot display a large amount of data at a time on the display screen of the display unit. Here, in order to cope with the case where the image data exists over a plurality of pages and the desired data is one of the pages, the data of all pages may have to be displayed as thumbnails. In this case, in the display with thumbnails, it is necessary to switch the display screen of the display unit several times in order to check all the pages of all the data, and as a result, the task of finding the desired data becomes complicated. There was a problem.
[0008]
Furthermore, in the search using keywords, it is troublesome to input the keywords when reading the document, and the user or the like needs to remember the keywords until the search, and if the keyword is forgotten, the search can be performed. There is a problem that it becomes impossible.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately search image data stored in the storage unit without forcing the user to perform complicated operations. It is to provide a processing apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, in the invention according to claim 1,
In an image processing apparatus including a document storage unit that stores read image data of a document read by a document reading unit in a storage unit as stored image data.
Search control means for searching the storage image data similar to the read image data from the storage unit,
The search control means is similar to the similarity determination means for determining whether or not the read image data and the stored image data already stored in the storage unit are similar to each other by the similarity determination means. And notifying means for notifying the user of the information of the stored image data determined to be
[0011]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the stored image data is stored in the storage unit each time a document is read. When the original is read by the original reading unit, the similarity determination unit compares the read image data with the stored image data already stored, and determines whether the read image data and the stored image data are similar. The
At this time, if there is stored image data similar to the read image data, the user is notified of information of the stored image data determined to be similar by the notification means. Thus, the user can recognize the presence of similar stored image data and take measures such as printing the stored image data or receiving the stored image data at an external terminal.
[0012]
In the invention according to claim 2, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An original printing means for controlling the read image data to be printed on printing paper, a control switching means for switching between print control by the original printing means and search control by the search control means. .
[0013]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the stored image data is stored in the storage unit every time the original is read and the read image data is printed on the printing paper.
When the user searches the stored image data, the control switching means switches from print control by the document printing means to search control by the search control means. When the original is read by the original reading unit in this control state, the similarity determination unit compares the read image data with the stored image data that has already been stored, and whether the read image data and the stored image data are similar. It will be judged whether or not.
[0014]
In the invention according to claim 3, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Received image storage means for storing received image data received from an external terminal as stored image data in a storage unit, and the similarity determining means collates the read image data or the received image data with the stored image data. The search control means is configured to search the storage unit for the stored image data similar to the read image data or the received image data.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect further comprises a received image printing unit that controls the received image data to be printed on a printing paper, and the original printing unit is controlled during printing control. And control by the received image printing means.
[0016]
According to the third and fourth aspects of the invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the received image data from the external terminal is stored as stored image data in the storage unit. Even when the image data is transmitted from the external terminal, the similarity determination unit compares the received image data with the stored image data already stored, and whether the received image data and the stored image data are similar. It will be judged whether or not.
[0017]
In invention of Claim 5,
In an image processing apparatus comprising received image storage means for storing received image data received from an external terminal in a storage unit as stored image data,
Search control means for searching the storage image data similar to the received image data from the storage unit,
The search control means is similar to the similarity determination means for determining whether or not the received image data and the stored image data already stored in the storage unit are similar to each other by the similarity determination means. And notifying means for notifying the user of the information of the stored image data determined to be.
[0018]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the received image data from the external terminal is stored as the stored image data in the storage unit. Then, the similarity determination unit collates the received image data with the stored image data already stored, and determines whether the received image data and the stored image data are similar.
At this time, if there is stored image data similar to the received image data, the notification means notifies the user of information on the stored image data determined to be similar. Thus, the user can recognize the presence of similar stored image data and take measures such as printing the stored image data or receiving the stored image data at an external terminal.
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
Received image printing means for controlling to print the received image data on printing paper;
The printing apparatus includes a printing control by the received image printing unit and a control switching unit for switching the search control by the search control unit.
[0020]
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect, the received image data is printed on the printing paper every time the image data is received from the external terminal.
When the user searches the stored image data, the control switching unit switches the control from the document printing unit to the control by the search control unit. In this control state, when image data is received from the external terminal, the similarity determination unit compares the received image data with the stored image data that has already been stored, and whether the received image data and the stored image data are similar. Will be judged.
[0021]
In the invention according to claim 7, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The notifying means notifies the information of the stored image data by electronic mail.
[0022]
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the user can surely recognize the information of the stored image data by e-mail. Therefore, information of stored image data can be recognized by an external terminal remote from the apparatus, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0023]
In the invention according to claim 8, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The notifying means notifies the information of the stored image data to a display unit installed in the apparatus main body.
[0024]
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data on the display unit of the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the information of the stored image data while confirming the operation state of the apparatus main body on the display unit, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0025]
In the invention according to claim 9, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The notification means notifies the information of the stored image data to a web server.
[0026]
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the operation of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the stored image data information is transmitted to the web server, and the transmitted information is displayed on the web page. Thereby, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data on the web page on the network.
[0027]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
The external terminal has an application for printing,
The notifying means notifies the printing application of the external terminal of the information of the stored image data.
[0028]
According to the invention described in claim 10, in addition to the operation of any one of claims 1 to 9, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data at an external terminal remote from the apparatus.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 7 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication connection state of the image processing apparatus, FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image processing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an image processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of judgment of similarity between image data, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of a printer driver in an external terminal, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit when image data is received from the external terminal.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 1 exemplified in this embodiment is a multi-function machine that functions as both a copier and a printer. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 1 includes a document reading unit 3 that reads an image of a document, a printing unit 4 that prints image data on printing paper, a display unit 5 that displays a printing state, a printing operation, and the like. An operation unit 6 and the like are provided. In addition, the image processing apparatus 1 includes an interface unit 7 that can be connected to the outside by communication. In the present embodiment, information is transmitted / received to / from the external terminal 100 via the interface unit 7. The document reading unit 3, the printing unit 4, the display unit 5, the operation unit 6, the interface unit 7 and the like are controlled by the control unit 8, and these are connected to each other by a bus 9 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the interface unit 7 is connected to an external terminal 100 via a communication line 200, and a mail server 300 and a web server 400 are connected to the communication line 200 in addition to the external terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the web server 400 opens a web page on the network. The web server 400 may be provided inside the image processing apparatus 1 as shown in FIG.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 8 includes a CPU 8a, a memory 8b, and the like. In the present embodiment, the print control program 10 is stored in the memory 8b as a storage unit. The print control program 10 includes a document print program 11 and a received image print program 12. In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 constitutes a document storage unit, a received image storage unit, a document printing unit, and a received image printing unit.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, the document printing program 11 stores an image of a document read by the document reading unit 3 in the memory 8 b as stored image data MD, and prints it on printing paper by the printing unit 4. It is. The received image printing program 12 is a program for storing the received image data CD received from the external terminal 100 in the memory 8b as the stored image data MD and printing it on the printing paper by the printing unit 4. That is, regardless of whether the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a copying machine or functions as a printer used by the external terminal 100, an image to be printed in the memory 8b is stored as stored image data MD. Will be.
[0033]
The memory 8b stores a search control program 13 and a control switching program 14. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 constitutes a search control unit and a control switching unit. The search control program 13 searches the memory 8b for document image data RD read by the document reading unit 3 or stored image data MD similar to the received image data CD from the external terminal 100 using the interface unit 7. It is a program for.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, the search control program 13 compares the document image data RD or the received image data CD with the stored image data MD already stored in the memory 8b to determine whether they are similar. A similarity determination program 13a. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 serving as a search control unit includes a similarity determination unit. As the image similarity determination, for example, it may be determined by comparing contour portions, or may be determined by comparing vectors for each of a plurality of rectangular areas divided in the reference image. It does not depend on the search method.
[0035]
Further, the search control program 13 has a notification program 13b for notifying the user of information on stored image data determined to be similar by the similarity determination program 13a. That is, the control unit 8 as a search control unit has a notification unit. In the present embodiment, the notification program 13b notifies the user using e-mail, notifies the user using the display unit 5, notifies the user using a web page, or externally. The user can select whether to notify the user using the printing application of the terminal 100. This selection can be performed by the external terminal 100 or by the operation unit 6. In addition, the selection of the notification is not alternative, and can be selected in duplicate.
[0036]
The control switching program 14 is a program for switching between control by the print control program 10 and control by the search control program 13. In the present embodiment, printing control and search control are switched by an input from the external terminal 100 or the operation unit 7.
[0037]
The external terminal 100 has a printer driver, and transmits a job related to printing to the image processing apparatus 1. Thereby, the image processing apparatus 1 recognizes and prints the received image data CD from the information included in the job. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver of the external terminal 100 allows the user to switch between print control and search control, adjust the degree of determination of approximation, select a search result notification method, and search. It is possible to operate page specification.
[0038]
Here, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a case where an image is read from the document reading unit 3.
First, when an image is read by the document reading unit 3 (step S1), read image data RD is received by the control unit 8 (step S2).
[0039]
At this time, it is determined whether the print control or the search control is performed (step S3). If the print control is performed, the print image is stored as the stored image data MD in the memory 8b and the printing unit 4 is used. In step S4, the image is printed and the control is terminated. That is, every time an original is read and an image is printed on printing paper, the stored image data MD is stored in the memory 8b.
[0040]
Here, when the user searches the stored image data MD, the print control is switched to the search control by an instruction from the external terminal 100 and an input from the operation unit 7. That is, if the print control is switched to the search control in step S3, the search option is analyzed, and setup is performed so that the search is performed under the set conditions (step S5). Then, it is searched whether the stored image data MD stored in the memory 8b is similar to the read image (step S6). That is, when the original reading unit 3 reads an original image in the search control state, the read image data RD and the stored image data MD already stored are collated and read based on the similarity determination program. It is determined whether or not the image data RD and the stored image data MD are similar. Then, the search result is notified by the notification method selected by the user (step S7).
[0041]
In the present embodiment, not only when similar stored image data MD exists, but also when it does not exist, notification to that effect is made. This notification is performed by a method selected in advance by the user. That is, when notifying by e-mail, mail is transmitted to the mail server 300 via the communication line 200, and when notifying by the display unit 5, information is displayed on the display unit 5 of the apparatus body 2 and notified by a web page. In this case, information is transmitted to the web server 400 so that the web page can be rewritten, and when notified by a printing application, the information is transmitted to the external terminal 100.
[0042]
FIG. 7 shows a case where image data is received from the external terminal 100.
First, when a job is received by the interface unit 7 (step S11), it is converted into image data and transmitted to the control unit 8 (step S12). Then, as in the case of reading by the document reading unit 3, it is determined whether the print control or the search control is performed (step S3). If the print control is set, the stored image data MD is stored in the memory 8b. As well as storing the print image, the print unit 4 prints the image and ends the control (step S4). That is, each time the image data CD is received and printed on printing paper, the stored image data MD is stored in the memory 8b. Since the operation after step S3 is the same as that performed by the original reading unit 3, the description thereof is omitted here.
[0043]
As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a similar image is automatically searched for by the similarity determination program 13a without the user performing a search operation or the like, and the result is notified. Therefore, it is possible not to place an excessive burden on the user during the search as in the prior art, it is possible to reduce the time required for the search, and it is possible to reliably search for similar images based on predetermined criteria. it can.
Since the search result is notified, the user recognizes the presence of similar stored image data MD, prints the stored image data MD, receives the stored image data MD at the external terminal 100, and the like. You can take action.
[0044]
Thus, according to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the user can surely recognize the information of the stored image data MD by electronic mail. Therefore, the information of the stored image data MD can be recognized by the external terminal 100 remote from the apparatus, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0045]
Further, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data MD on the display unit 5 of the apparatus main body 2. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the information of the stored image data MD while confirming the operation state of the apparatus main body 2 on the display unit 5, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0046]
Further, the information of the stored image data MD is transmitted to the web server 400, and the transmitted information is displayed on the web page. Thereby, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data MD on the web page on the network.
[0047]
In addition, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data MD by activating an application on the external terminal 100 remote from the apparatus.
[0048]
In the above-described embodiment, as the image processing apparatus 1, a multi-function machine having both a function of copying a document and a function as a printer of the external terminal 100 is shown. However, the image processing apparatus has only each function. Of course, it may be a copying machine, a printer, or the like.
[0049]
That is, when the image processing apparatus 1 is a copying machine as shown in FIG. 8, the process of printing the image data CD transmitted from the external terminal 100 is not performed, and the control unit 8 uses the document reading unit 3. The operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when reading a document is performed. As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing apparatus 1 does not have the interface unit 7, and similar storage image data MD is notified only by the display unit 5.
[0050]
Further, when the image processing apparatus 1 is a printer as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 8 receives from the external terminal 100 without performing the process of printing the read image data without having the document reading unit 3. The operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 when the image data CD is received is performed. The configuration of this printer does not have the document reading unit 3 and the portion for processing the read image data in the above-described embodiment, and has a web server 400 inside. Not detailed.
[0051]
Further, the image processing apparatus 1 may not have a function of printing image data, and is merely a scanner that reads a document, or without printing received image data CD transmitted from the external terminal 100. It may be stored in the memory 8b. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the image data is stored in step S4 without printing.
[0052]
In the embodiment, as a notification method to the user, a method of notification by e-mail, a method of notification by the display unit 5, a method of notification by a web page, and a method of notification by a printing application are shown. You may notify by another method. Further, for example, the web server 400 may be provided not inside the image processing apparatus 1 but inside the image processing apparatus 1, and other specific detailed structures can be appropriately changed. Of course there is.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, when the user reads a document without performing a search operation or the like, a similar image is automatically retrieved by the similarity determination unit. The result is notified. Therefore, it is possible not to place an excessive burden on the user during the search as in the prior art, it is possible to reduce the time required for the search, and it is possible to reliably search for similar images based on predetermined criteria. it can.
In addition, since the search result is notified, the user recognizes the existence of similar stored image data and takes measures such as printing the stored image data or receiving the stored image data at an external terminal. Can do.
[0054]
According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the case where the original is read, when the received image data is received from the external terminal, the similar determination unit automatically searches for similar images, The result is notified. Therefore, an image search can be performed even when data is received from an external terminal.
[0055]
According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, when the received image data is received from the external terminal without the user performing a search operation or the like, a similar image is automatically searched by the similarity determination unit, and the result Will be notified. Therefore, it is possible not to place an excessive burden on the user during the search as in the prior art, it is possible to reduce the time required for the search, and it is possible to reliably search for similar images based on predetermined criteria. it can.
In addition, since the search result is notified, the user recognizes the existence of similar stored image data and takes measures such as printing the stored image data or receiving the stored image data at an external terminal. Can do.
[0056]
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the user can surely recognize the information of the stored image data by e-mail. Therefore, information of stored image data can be recognized by an external terminal remote from the apparatus, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0057]
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data on the display unit of the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the information of the stored image data while confirming the operation state of the apparatus main body on the display unit, which is extremely advantageous in practical use.
[0058]
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the stored image data information is transmitted to the web server, and the transmitted information is displayed on the web page. Thereby, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data on the web page on the network.
[0059]
According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to ninth aspects, the user can recognize the information of the stored image data at an external terminal remote from the apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a communication connection state of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of a control unit of the image processing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of similarity determination between image data.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of a printer driver in an external terminal.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control unit when an image is read by a document reading unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control unit when image data is received from an external terminal.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a modification.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a modification.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit showing a modification.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control unit according to a modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image processing device
3 Document reader
4 Printing department
5 display section
6 Operation part
7 Interface section
8 Control unit
8a CPU
8b memory
9 Bus
10 Print control program
11 Document printing program
12 Received image printing program
13 Search control program
13a Similarity determination program
13b Notification program
14 Control switching program
CD received image data
MD memory image data
RD read image data
100 External terminal
200 communication line
300 mail server
400 web server

Claims (10)

In an image processing apparatus including a document storage unit that stores read image data of a document read by a document reading unit in a storage unit as stored image data.
Search control means for searching the storage image data similar to the read image data from the storage unit,
The search control means is similar to the similarity determination means for determining whether or not the read image data and the stored image data already stored in the storage unit are similar to each other by the similarity determination means. An image processing apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying a user of information of stored image data determined to be. Document printing means for controlling the read image data to be printed on printing paper;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control switching unit that switches between print control by the document printing unit and search control by the search control unit. Received image storage means for storing received image data received from an external terminal in a storage unit as stored image data,
The similarity determining means collates the read image data or the received image data with the stored image data, and the search control means stores the stored image data similar to the read image data or the received image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to search from a part. Receiving image printing means for controlling to print the received image data on printing paper;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control by the document printing unit and control by the received image printing unit are performed during printing control. In an image processing apparatus comprising received image storage means for storing received image data received from an external terminal in a storage unit as stored image data,
Search control means for searching the storage image data similar to the received image data from the storage unit,
The search control means is similar to the similarity determination means for comparing the received image data with the stored image data already stored in the storage unit to determine whether or not they are similar. An image processing apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying a user of information of stored image data determined to be. Received image printing means for controlling to print the received image data on printing paper;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a print control by the received image printing unit; and a control switching unit that switches search control by the search control unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the information of the stored image data by electronic mail. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the information of the stored image data to a display unit installed in the apparatus main body. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the web server of information of the stored image data. The external terminal has an application for printing,
10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the storage application of the information of the stored image data to a printing application of the external terminal.

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