JP2005064944A - Image scanning system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To scan print originals whose sizes differ from one another in each size over a plurality of the number of times without the need for separating order units in the case of consecutively scanning a plurality of print originals. <P>SOLUTION: In the case of scanning print originals P in one order whose sizes differ from one another, the print originals are scanned at each size. In the case of scanning the print originals P with different sizes, the print originals P with different sizes are set and an additional scan start button 31 is clicked. Thus, obtained image data are stored in the same folder as image data obtained by preceding scanning. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image scanning system that obtains digital image data representing an image of a printed document by continuously scanning the printed document.

  By scanning the user's print document in the lab, digital image data representing the image of the print document is acquired, and this image data is subjected to multiple stages of image processing such as gradation conversion processing, color conversion processing, and sharpness processing. To obtain processed image data representing a high-quality image, print out the obtained processed image data, record it on a medium such as a CD-R, or store it in an image server on a network. Service is provided.

  In providing such a service, the lab operator scans the printed document requested by the user to provide the service by operating the application software installed on the scanner and personal computer, and displays the image of the printed document. Obtain digital image data to represent, process the digital image data to obtain processed image data, display the processed image data in a list, trim the image and input the order details Order information representing the contents of the order is generated, and then the selected processed image data and order information are delivered to a production system that performs printout, writing to media, and the like.

On the other hand, there has been proposed a scanner that continuously feeds a plurality of print documents to continuously scan each print document and obtain a plurality of image data for each of the plurality of print documents (for example, Patent Document 1). By using such a scanner, it is possible to scan a plurality of print originals continuously only by setting a plurality of print originals, and thus processed image data can be obtained efficiently. Also, in Patent Document 1, when scanning a printed document exceeding the set number of times for a scanner, it is necessary to divide the printed document and continuously scan a plurality of times. The printed document is recognized as one order, and image data obtained by each scan is stored in the same folder.
JP 2002-44324 A

  By the way, since there are various sizes such as L size, DSC size, postcard size, and mini-instant photo size, there are cases where the print manuscript requested by the user to provide a service has different sizes. . Here, the scanner can only feed print documents of the same size, so if one order contains multiple sizes of print documents, the print documents are sorted by size and divided into multiple times. Need to scan the printed document. Further, even when printing originals having different sizes are scanned in a plurality of times, it is necessary to process the plurality of scans as one order.

  On the other hand, there may be a conveyance failure such as jamming of the printed document during scanning of the printed document. In such a case, only half of the printed document is scanned, or the printed document is scanned obliquely, so it is necessary to scan the printed document again. However, in such a case, since it is necessary to set all the originals again and scan again, the scanning efficiency is very poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object thereof is to scan a plurality of print originals having different sizes for each size without dividing the order unit.

  A second object of the present invention is to enable efficient re-scanning even if scanning fails when continuously scanning a printed document.

A first image scanning system according to the present invention continuously feeds a plurality of print originals ordered by a user and sequentially scans each print original to generate digital image data representing an image of the print original. In an image scanning system comprising scanning means for obtaining and image storage means for storing image data obtained by the scanning means,
The scanning means and the image archiving means are configured to recognize each scanning as a result of one order and store the scanning and the image data when continuous scanning is performed a plurality of times for each printed document having different sizes. The apparatus further comprises a control means for controlling the above.

  The first image scanning system according to the present invention further includes continuous scan instruction means for receiving an instruction of the continuous scan by an operator, and the control means is configured to perform the above-described operation at the time of each scan in the continuous scan instruction means. As means for controlling the scanning means and the image storage means to recognize that each scan is based on one order and store the scan and the image data when an instruction for continuous scanning is received. Also good.

In this case, the image processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying a GUI screen that receives an input of various operations including a list of images represented by the image data.
The continuous scan instruction means may be a button displayed on the GUI screen.

A second image scanning system according to the present invention includes a scanning unit that continuously feeds a plurality of printed originals, sequentially scans each printed original, and acquires digital image data representing an image of the printed original; In an image scanning system comprising display means for displaying a list of images represented by image data obtained by the scanning means,
The operator accepts the designation of the image included in the list, performs the scan again only on the printed document from which the designated image is obtained, and displays the image represented by the image data obtained by the second scan. The scanning means and the control means for controlling the display means are further provided so as to be displayed by being included in the list instead of the corresponding image included in the list.

  The second image scanning system according to the present invention further comprises rescan instruction means for accepting an instruction for the rescan by the operator for the designated image, and the control means includes the rescan instruction. When the instruction for the second scan is received by the means, the image represented by the image data obtained by the second scan is included in the list instead of the corresponding image included in the list and displayed. As described above, the scanning unit and the display unit may be controlled.

  In this case, the list and the rescan instruction means may be included in a GUI screen that receives input of various operations.

  The first image scanning system according to the present invention performs scanning and storing image data by recognizing that each time of scanning is due to one order when there are a plurality of continuous scans for each printed document having different sizes. It is a thing. For this reason, print orders of different sizes are included in one order, and even when the print original is scanned several times for each size, these scans are recognized as one order. Then, processing such as acceptance of later orders can be performed.

  In addition, a continuous scan instruction means for receiving an instruction for continuous scanning by an operator is provided, and when an instruction for continuous scanning is received at each scan by the continuous scan means, each scan is recognized as being one order. By reflecting the will of the operator, each scan can be recognized as one order.

  Further, by using the continuous scan instruction means as a button displayed on the GUI screen for receiving input of various operations, the operator can instruct continuous scan with a simple operation.

  The second image scanning system according to the present invention accepts designation of an image by an operator in the image list, performs a re-scan only on the printed document from which the designated image is obtained, and obtains an image obtained by the re-scan. An image represented by data is displayed in a list instead of a corresponding image included in the list. For this reason, even if scanning fails, it is not necessary to perform rescanning for all of the plurality of printed originals, thereby enabling efficient rescanning.

  Further, by providing a re-scan instruction means for receiving an instruction for another scan by the operator, it is possible to perform another scan reflecting the operator's will.

  Further, by using the rescan instruction means as a button displayed on the GUI screen that receives input of various operations, the operator can instruct rescan by a simple operation.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system including an image scanning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a scanner 1 that continuously scans a plurality of print originals to obtain image data representing an image of each print original, control of the scanner 1, and scanner PC 2 that performs image processing on the image data acquired by 1, generation of order information indicating the order contents of the image data, transmission of order information, etc., media such as printout of processed image data and CD-R It is connected to a production system 3 that provides a recording service. The scanner 1 and the personal computer 2 are installed in the laboratory, and the operator of the laboratory operates the scanner 1 and the personal computer 2 to scan the printed document requested by the user to provide the service, and the image data obtained by scanning. Image processing, generation of order information representing the order contents, and transmission of processed image data and order information to the production system 3.

  Here, the scanner 1 and the personal computer 2 are connected by a high-speed data transfer interface such as SCSI or USB 2.0, for example, and the personal computer 2 controls the scanner 1 via driver software and an application described later. The personal computer 2 and the production system 3 are connected via a network such as a LAN.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the scanner 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 1 is transported by a document setting unit 11 for setting a plurality of print documents P, and an AF (auto feed) unit 12 for taking out and transporting the print documents P one by one from the document setting unit 11. A scanning unit 13 that obtains analog image data S0 representing an image of the printed original P by scanning the printed original P, an image processing unit 14 that performs image processing on the image data S0 to obtain intermediate processed image data S1, and A discharge stock unit 15 for stocking the printed original P after the scan is provided.

  A plurality of printed originals P are set in the original setting unit 11 by an operator. For example, in the present embodiment, a maximum of 100 printed originals P can be set. In the present embodiment, it is possible to set only print documents P of the same size at the same time. The size of the printable original P that can be scanned ranges from a mini instant photo size to a postcard size. Here, the document setting unit 11 is provided with a sensor 11A that detects the presence or absence of a document in the document setting unit 11. Depending on whether or not the sensor 11A detects the printed document P, the document setting unit 11 is provided with a print document. It can be determined whether or not P is set.

  The AF unit 12 includes a conveyance roller 12A and the like. The AF unit 12 takes out the printed document P one by one from the document setting unit 11, passes through the scanner unit 13, and discharges it to the discharge stock unit 15. Note that a sensor for detecting the printed document P may be provided in the AF unit 12, and a conveyance error of the printed document P by the AF unit 12 such as a conveyance jam may be detected at a timing when the sensor detects the printed document P.

  The scanner unit 13 includes a light source that irradiates the print document P, a color CCD sensor that photoelectrically reads reflected light of the light from the light source P, and obtains image data S0, and a photometric processing unit.

  The color CCD sensor photoelectrically reads the reflected light of the printed document P and obtains analog image data composed of three colors of RGB. The photometry processing unit performs processing such as white level reference / black level reference correction and shading correction on the analog image data obtained by the color CCD sensor, corrects fluctuations and unevenness of the light source, and further performs the next operation with the maximum dynamic range. Image data S0 is obtained by amplifying analog image data so that stage A / D conversion can be performed.

  Note that the scanner unit 13 of the present embodiment shortens the scan time according to the size of the print document P and maintains the quality of the image represented by the obtained image data S0 within a resolution range of 300 dpi to 600 dpi. It is possible to set the resolution so that the print original P can be scanned. For example, the print original P can be set to be scanned at a resolution of 600 dpi if the size of the print original P is a mini-instant photo size, and 300 dpi if the size is equal to or larger than the E size.

  The image processing unit 14 converts the image data S0 output from the scanner unit 13 into digital image data, and the digital image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 14A. A γ conversion unit 14B that performs γ conversion processing to obtain intermediate processed image data S1 is provided.

  The A / D conversion unit 14A performs A / D conversion processing on the analog image data S0 to obtain digital image data having a resolution of 12 bits, for example.

  The γ conversion unit 14B performs a γ conversion process on the digital image data input from the A / D conversion unit 14A to obtain basic gradation data having linearity, thereby obtaining intermediate processed image data S1. In this γ conversion process, a 12-bit look-up table is simply assigned to 12-bit input data, whereby a 12-bit optimum γ correction output is performed. Since the γ conversion process is a simple process repetition, it is preferable to perform a hardware process by inputting a lookup table in advance to the γ conversion unit 14B.

  The discharge stock unit 15 stocks the printed original P that has been scanned.

  The personal computer 2 includes a CPU, a memory serving as a work area, a hard disk for storing various programs including image data and application programs and driver software for the scanner 1, a monitor for performing various displays, an input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a medium. A media drive for writing information and reading information is provided. Further, the personal computer 2 controls the scanner 1, performs image processing, accepts input of order details, generates order information indicating order details, and transmits order information and processed image data S 2 to the production system 3. Application software is installed, and the operator can scan the printed document P by the scanner 1 and input the order contents by the GUI operation using the keyboard and mouse after starting the application software.

  The application software has a function of obtaining intermediate processed image data S1 ′ by performing color conversion processing as image processing on the intermediate processed image data S1 output by the scanner 1.

  Here, in the case of the neutral gray print original P, image data representing a neutral gray image can be obtained. However, for the full color print original P, the spectral sensitivity of each of the RGB color sensors of the color CCD sensor of the scanner 1 is obtained. Due to the characteristics, the image data obtained from the color CCD sensor cannot faithfully reproduce the color of the printed document P as it is. For this reason, image data capable of faithfully reproducing the color of the printed original P can be obtained by performing color conversion processing on the intermediate gradation processed image data S1 by the personal computer 2.

  Here, there are various algorithms such as a 3 × 3 matrix operation, a 3 × 10 matrix operation, an operation using a three-dimensional lookup table, and the like in the present embodiment. It is assumed that color conversion processing is performed by an algorithm of 10 matrix calculation. In the present embodiment, considering that the print original P is silver salt color paper, matrix elements optimized for the pigment of the silver salt color paper are used. As output, 24-bit full color data in which each RGB color is 8 bits is obtained. In this embodiment, the personal computer 2 performs the color conversion process, but the scanner 1 may perform the color conversion process. In this case, the intermediate processed image data S1 output from the scanner 1 is subjected to color conversion processing.

  The intermediate processed image data S 1 ′ and processed image data S 2 are stored in the hard disk of the personal computer 2. Here, on the hard disk, a folder is created for each order, and image data corresponding to the order is stored in each folder.

  Further, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is reduced by application software installed in the personal computer 2 and displayed as a thumbnail image on the GUI screen. Then, when the operator operates the GUI screen, processing for accepting the setting of the trimming frame W and the input of order details is performed. Hereinafter, the GUI screen will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial GUI screen immediately after starting the application software. As shown in FIG. 3, the initial GUI screen 20 includes an order information field 21 for instructing an order, a thumbnail list display field 22 for displaying a list of thumbnail images generated from the intermediate processed image data S1 ′, and a thumbnail list. A preview display field 23 for enlarging and displaying a thumbnail image designated in the display field 22, a print area setting field 24 for setting a print area for the preview displayed image, and clicking when placing a new order. A new order creation button 25, a scan start button 26 that is clicked when the scanner 1 starts scanning, an order confirmation button 27 that is clicked when the order is confirmed, and an end button 28 that closes the application software are displayed. ing.

  In the order information field 21, a service type requested by the user to the lab (in this embodiment, a photo copy, which is a service for copying a print from a print document, and CD writing of image data obtained by reading the print document) is selected. A check button 21A for ordering, an order number display portion 21B for displaying an order number, a scanned document size designation list box 21C for designating the size of a document to be scanned, a print size designation list box 21D for designating a print size, and a scanned print A scanned document number display unit 21E that displays the number of documents P, a total print number display unit 21F that displays the total number of copies to be printed when ordering photocopy, and a CD number when ordering CD writing. A CD number display portion 21G is displayed.

  The check button 21A can be checked by clicking either photo copy or CD writing.

  The order number is displayed on the order number display portion 21B. Here, when the application software is activated, an appropriate number corresponding to the date and the processing order on that day is determined and displayed on the order number display unit 21B.

  The scan original size designation list box 21C is a pull-down menu, and L size, DSC size, postcard size and mini instant photo size are displayed in a list, and the size of the original to be scanned can be selected by clicking the mouse. .

  The print size designation list box 21D is also a pull-down menu, and L size, DSC size, postcard size, 2L size, DSCW size and six-cut size are displayed in a list, and the print size can be selected by clicking the mouse. Yes.

  The number of printed originals P actually scanned by the scanner 1 is displayed on the scanned original number display portion 21E. Then, the operator can find a scanning error by confirming the number of sheets displayed on the scanned document number display portion 21E and the number of printed documents P actually set on the scanner 1.

  The total print number display portion 21F displays the total number of print orders made by the operator by viewing a list of thumbnail images, as will be described later.

  As will be described later, the CD number display portion 21G displays the number of CDs corresponding to the total amount of image data designated by the operator to write to the CD by looking at the list of thumbnail images.

  In the thumbnail list display field 22, a thumbnail image display unit 22A that displays a list of thumbnail images represented by reduced image data obtained by reducing the intermediate processed image data S1 ′, and sets the number of prints for each thumbnail image individually. The number-of-sheets setting unit 22B, the number-of-thumbnail setting unit 22C for collectively setting the number of prints for all thumbnail images, the right 90-degree rotation button 22D for rotating the specified thumbnail image 90 degrees clockwise, the specified thumbnail A designated frame rescan button 22E for scanning the image again, a page return button 22F for switching pages when there are a plurality of thumbnail images and not all thumbnail images can be displayed on one page, and a page forward button 22G is displayed. Note that the color of the surrounding frame of the designated thumbnail image is reversed from the background color.

  In the copy number setting unit 22B and the copy number batch setting unit 22C, the number of prints to be ordered is set by clicking the up and down arrow buttons to increase or decrease the number representing the displayed number.

  In the preview display field 23, a thumbnail image designated by clicking in the thumbnail list display field 22 is enlarged and previewed. A trimming frame W is displayed on the preview-displayed image as will be described later. Here, the trimming frame W has a width of 2 dots, and has a color in which the image displayed in the preview display field 23 and the negative / positive are reversed. In addition, the area inside the trimming frame W is set as the area to be printed.

  In the print area setting field 24, a range specifying part 24A for changing the size of the trimming frame W and a movement specifying part 24B for moving the trimming frame W are displayed.

  A knob 24C is displayed in the range specifying portion 24A, and the trimming frame W in the image displayed in the preview display field 23 can be enlarged or reduced by dragging the knob 24C and moving it left and right. The trimming frame W has the same aspect ratio as the print size selected in the print size designation list box 21D.

  In the movement designation section 24B, an up button 24D, a right button 24E, a down button 24F, and a left button 24G are displayed. By clicking each button, the trimming frame W is moved up. It can be moved to the right, down and left respectively.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a GUI screen after the scan is completed. As shown in FIG. 4, on the GUI screen 30 after the scan is completed, as with the initial GUI screen 20, an order information field 21, a thumbnail list display field 22, a preview display field 23, a print area setting field 24, and a new order creation A button 25, an order confirmation button 27, and an end button 28 are displayed. The thumbnail list display field 22 displays a thumbnail image of the scanned print original P. Further, instead of the scan start button 26 on the initial GUI screen 20, an additional scan start button 31 for causing the scanner 1 to start an additional scan is displayed.

  Here, when a certain thumbnail image causes a conveyance failure such as a jam during scanning, the print original P may be scanned only half or may be scanned obliquely. In such a case, the thumbnail image is designated, and the printed document P that has been poorly transported is set again on the scanner 1, and the designated frame rescan button 22E is clicked, whereby the printed document P is displayed on the scanner 1. Can be scanned again. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, among the nine thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail list display field 22, the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail image display section at the lower right corner (hereinafter referred to as the thumbnail image display section 22 A ′). If only half of the image has been scanned, the thumbnail image display unit 22A ′ is designated, the print original P obtained from the thumbnail image displayed on the thumbnail image display unit 22A ′ is set again on the scanner 1, and the designated frame is reproduced. By clicking the scan button 22E, the scanner 1 can scan the print original P again. Note that the thumbnail image created from the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by the rescan is replaced with the selected thumbnail image and displayed in the thumbnail list display field 22.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the print originals P having different sizes cannot be set on the scanner 1 at the same time, when a plurality of print originals P having different sizes are included in one order requested by the user, the size It is necessary to scan a plurality of times by dividing the print original P every time. On the other hand, when a document having a different size is set in the scanner 1, a series of scanning operations are interrupted, so whether the subsequent scanning should be ordered separately from the previous series of scanning operations. You need to choose what should be added to the scan order. In the present embodiment, the operator clicks the order confirmation button 27 to place another order, changes the size of the original to be scanned after completing the order processing, and newly scans. On the other hand, when adding to the previous scan order, the size of the original to be scanned is changed, and the additional scan start button 31 is clicked to select an additional order. When canceling the order and placing a new order, the user can click on the new order creation button 25 and click the OK button in accordance with the dialog display to place a new order.

  For example, when an L-size and DSC-size print original P is included in one order, the operator divides the print original P into an L-size and a DSC size, and either one (hereinafter referred to as L-size) is a scanner. 1 is set, the scan document size is set to L by the scan document size list box 21C, and the scan start button 26 is clicked to scan the L-size print document P. After scanning of the L-size print document P, the DSC-size print document P is set in the scanner 1, the scan document size is set to the DSC size by the scan document size list box 21C, and the GUI screen 30 is displayed. When the additional scan start button 31 is clicked, the DSC-size print document P is scanned. In this case, since the additional scan start button 31 has been clicked, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by scanning the DSC-sized print original P is the intermediate processed image obtained by scanning the L-size printed original P. It is recognized that it is included in the same order as the image data S1 ′, and is stored in the same folder as the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by scanning the L-size printed document P.

  While observing the GUI screen 30, the operator performs operations such as selecting a photocopy order or CD writing order, specifying a print size, setting trimming, rotating an image, rescanning a designated frame, and inputting the number of prints. Enter the details of the order. Since the total number of prints at the time of print order is displayed in the total print number display portion 21F and the total number of CDs is displayed in the CD number display portion 21G, the operator can confirm the print number and the CD number. it can. Then, by clicking the order confirmation button 27, the order is confirmed, and the order content confirmation window shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the order details confirmation window 40 displays an order details display section 41, an OK button 42 for transmitting order information to the production system 3, and a cancel button 43 for redoing the order.

  The order content display unit 41 displays an order number, service type, scanned document size, number of scanned documents, print size, number of selected frames, total number of prints, and number of CDs. The operator can confirm the order contents on the order detail display unit 41.

  When the operator clicks the OK button 42, order information indicating the order details is generated and the order details are added to the order list stored in the personal computer 2. Here, the operator can switch and display the GUI screen and the order list screen by operating a button on the keyboard. FIG. 7 shows an order list screen. As shown in FIG. 7, the order list screen 50 includes an order information list 51 that has been transmitted to the production system 3 so far, a send button 52 for retransmitting the order information selected in the list 51, and a selection in the list 51. A delete button 53 for deleting the ordered information, a minimize button 54 for minimizing the order list screen 50, an end button 55 for ending the display of the order list screen 50, and order information displayed on the list 51. A condition setting unit 56 for narrowing down is displayed.

  The list 51 includes the order number, the reception date and time, the net reception number when an order is received via the LAN, the service indicating the designated service type, the size indicating the print size, the number indicating the total number of prints, and the number of frames ordered. The number of order frames to be displayed and the status representing the current status of the order information are displayed.

  Here, the status is set according to the processing status of the order information in the production system 3, and processed, unprocessed, and transmission errors are displayed as the status.

  The operator can check the order contents and the processing status of the order in the production system 3 by referring to the list 51 on the order list screen 50.

  The condition setting unit 56 displays “all” for displaying all order information, “unprocessed” for displaying unprocessed order information, and “processed” for displaying processed order information. An “error” check button for displaying the order information in which a transmission error has occurred is displayed. By clicking one of the check buttons, the order information of the status corresponding to the clicked check button is displayed in the list 51. Is displayed.

When the OK button 42 of the order content confirmation window 40 is clicked, the application software performs sharpness processing on the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ for which the order has been made, and generates processed image data S2. Here, when a reflective document such as the printed document P is scanned, the contour becomes blurred, and thus the contour is emphasized by performing sharpness processing. As the sharpness process, for example, a blur mask process according to the following equation is performed.
S2 = S1 ′ + α (S1′−S1′us)
However, S1′us is blur data obtained by filtering the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ with a low-pass filter, and α is an enhancement coefficient.

  Then, the processed image data S2 obtained by performing the sharpness processing is transmitted to the production system 3 together with the order information, and the processing for one order is completed.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the scanner 1 and the personal computer 2 accept the operator's operations such as scanning of the printed document P, A / D conversion, γ conversion, color conversion, setting of the trimming frame W, and input of order contents. And sharpness processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining processing performed in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the scanner 1 performs scanning, A / D conversion, and γ conversion, and the personal computer 2 performs color conversion, acceptance of operator operations, and sharpness processing. Here, when considering the load on the personal computer 2 for each processing, the CPU load on the personal computer 2 is 10% or less until scanning, A / D conversion, γ conversion, and color conversion according to the experiment of the present applicant. Further, the operator's operation did not put a continuous load on the CPU. In addition, the sharpness processing has a CPU load close to 100%.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, scan, A / D conversion, γ conversion, and color conversion with a relatively low CPU load are defined as the first processing, and sharpness processing is defined as the second processing. The first processing is sequentially performed on all the print originals P for one order to obtain intermediate processed image data S1 ′ for all the print originals P, and the GUI screen 30 is displayed to display the trimming frame W by the operator. After accepting the operator's operation of setting and inputting the order contents, the second process is performed on the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ for which the order has been placed. The scan 1 and the personal computer 2 are controlled so as to perform the first process on the print original P.

  Here, when there are three print originals P per order and the print order of all the print originals P is to be ordered, the flow of the first and second processing performed in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Shown in

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, for the first order, the first process for the first printed document P is performed, and then the first process for the second and third printed documents P is performed. Do it sequentially. Then, using the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by the first processing, the GUI screen 30 is displayed to accept the operation of the operator, and subsequently, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by the first processing. The second processing is sequentially performed from the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained from the first printed document P. Here, when the second process is started, the operator sets the print original P for the second order on the scanner 1 and clicks the new order creation button 25 on the GUI screen 30 to display the GUI screen 20. Further, by clicking the scan start button 26, the application software starts the first process for the first printed document P for the second order during the second process, and then the second sheet. The first processing is sequentially performed on the third printed document P.

  When the processing of this embodiment is performed as described above, the operator can shorten the waiting time until the operator starts the operation of setting the trimming frame W and inputting the order details. In addition, since the first processing for the second order and the second processing for the first order are performed in parallel, the operator does not wait for the end of the first processing to complete the second processing. Can start processing orders.

  Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing processing performed in the present embodiment. First, processing is started when application software installed in the personal computer 2 is activated, and monitoring is performed as to whether or not the print original P is set on the scanner 1 by the operator and the scan start button 26 is clicked on the GUI screen 20. The process starts (step S1), and when step S1 is affirmed, the scanner 1 scans the print original P one by one (step S2). Then, A / D conversion processing, γ conversion processing, and color conversion processing are performed on the image data S0 obtained by scanning to generate intermediate processed image data S1 ′ (step S3). It is determined whether or not it still exists (step S4). This determination is performed based on a signal output from the sensor 11A of the document setting unit 11 of the scanner 1. The generated intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is stored in a folder created on the hard disk for the printed document P currently being scanned.

  If step S4 is affirmed, the process returns to step S2, and the processing from step S2 to step S4 is repeated until step S4 is denied.

  If step S4 is negative, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is reduced, and the GUI screen 30 including the thumbnail image represented by the reduced intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is displayed (step S5).

  Here, as described above, an L-size and DSC-size print original P is included in one order, the L-size print original P is scanned first, and then the DSC-size print original P is scanned. Consider the case. In this case, after the scanning of the L-size printed document P is completed, the operator sets the DSC-sized printed document P in the scanner 1 and clicks the additional scan start button 31 to scan the DSC-sized printed document P. I do.

  Therefore, following step S5, it is determined whether or not the additional scan start button 31 has been clicked (step S6). If step S6 is affirmed, the scanner 1 scans the print original P one by one (step S6). S7). The image data S0 obtained by scanning is subjected to A / D conversion processing, γ conversion processing and color conversion processing to generate intermediate processed image data S1 ′ (step S8), which is obtained by the previous scanning. The intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is stored in the same folder as the folder storing the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ (step S9). Subsequently, it is determined whether there is still a printed document P to be scanned (step S10). If step S10 is affirmed, the process returns to step S7, and the processing from step S7 to step S10 is repeated until step S10 is denied. .

  If step S10 is negative, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is reduced, and the thumbnail represented by the reduced intermediate processed image data S1 ′ is displayed in the thumbnail list display field 22 of the GUI screen 30 displayed by the previous scan. The image is additionally displayed (step S11), and the process returns to step S6.

  If step S6 is negative, an operator operation of setting the trimming frame W and inputting the order contents while viewing the GUI screen 30 by the operator is accepted (step S12). Then, monitoring of whether or not the OK button 42 of the order confirmation window 40 is clicked after the order confirmation button 27 is clicked is started (step S13). When step S13 is affirmed, processing of the next order is started. (Step S14), the process returns to Step S1. Subsequent to step S14, the intermediate processed image data S1 'designated to be printed is sequentially subjected to sharpness processing to generate processed image data S2 (step S15), and all of the designated image data to be printed are designated. It is determined whether or not the sharpness processing of the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ has been completed (step S16). The processed image data S2 is stored in the same folder as the intermediate processed image data S1 ′. If step S16 is negative, the process returns to step S15, and steps S15 and S16 are repeated until step S16 is positive.

  If step S16 is affirmed, order information is generated from the input order contents, processed image data S2 and order information are transmitted to the production system 3 (step S17), and the order information is registered in the order list. (Step S18), the process ends.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing performed when there is a conveyance failure of the printed document P. This process is performed when an operation is accepted by the operator. First, as shown in FIG. 5, when a thumbnail image in which only half of the printed original P is scanned is displayed in the thumbnail list display field 22, the operator clicks and designates the thumbnail image display portion 22A ′. Then, the printed document P obtained from the thumbnail image displayed on the thumbnail image display unit 22A ′ is set again on the scanner 1. Then, the processing is started when the operator clicks the designated frame rescan button 22E, and causes the scanner 1 to scan the printed document P (step S21). Then, A / D conversion processing, γ conversion processing and color conversion processing are performed on the image data S0 obtained by scanning to generate intermediate processed image data S1 ′ (step S22), and the printed original P to be rescanned. In consideration of the case where there are a plurality of print documents P, it is determined whether or not there is still a print document P to be scanned (step S23).

  If step S23 is affirmed, the process returns to step S21, and the processing from step S21 to step S23 is repeated until step S23 is denied.

  If step S23 is negative, the intermediate processed image data S1 'is reduced, and the thumbnail image represented by the reduced intermediate processed image data S1' is replaced with the selected thumbnail image in the thumbnail list display field 22. Display (step S24), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the continuous scanning for each print document P having different sizes is performed a plurality of times, each of the scans is recognized as one order, and the obtained intermediate processed image data is obtained. S1 ′ and processed image data S2 are stored in the same folder. For this reason, even if one order includes print originals P of different sizes, and the print original P is divided into sizes and scanned multiple times, these scans are recognized as one order. Can be processed.

  At this time, by causing the operator to instruct continuous scanning by clicking the additional scan start button 31 displayed on the GUI screen 30, each scan is recognized as one order by a simple operation while reflecting the operator's will. Can be made.

  Also, among the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail list display field 22, the specification of a thumbnail image such as a conveyance failure is accepted, and only the print original P from which the designated thumbnail image is obtained is accepted to click the designated frame rescan button 22E. The scan fails because the thumbnail image represented by the image data obtained by reducing the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by the rescan is replaced with the specified thumbnail image and displayed. Even in this case, it is not necessary to perform rescanning for all of the plurality of printed originals P, thereby enabling efficient rescanning.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the first processing of all the printed originals P included in one order is completed, the intermediate processed image data S1 ′ obtained by the first processing is sequentially subjected to the second processing. In addition, during the second process, the first process is performed on the print document P included in the next order, but all the print documents P included in one order are processed. The first process is sequentially performed on the print document P. After the first process for one print document P is completed, the first process for the next print document P and the second process for the previous print document P are performed. Processing may be performed in parallel.

  In the above embodiment, the color conversion process is included in the first process, but the color conversion process may be included in the second process. In this case, a list of thumbnail images is generated from the image data S0 that has been subjected to the γ conversion process and is included in the GUI screen 30.

  In the above embodiment, the processed image data S2 and the order information are transmitted to the production system 3 via the LAN. However, the processed image data S2 and the order information are recorded on a medium such as an FD or a CD-R. The processed image data S2 and the medium on which the order information is recorded may be passed to the production system 3.

  In the above-described embodiment, the blur mask process is performed as the sharpness process. However, any process can be applied as long as the sharpness can be enhanced, such as a process using wavelet transform.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing the configuration of the scanner Figure showing the initial GUI screen The figure which shows the GUI screen after the scan ends The figure which shows the GUI screen containing the thumbnail image obtained by conveyance failure Figure showing the order confirmation window Figure showing the order list screen The figure for demonstrating the process performed in this embodiment The figure which shows the flow of the process performed in this embodiment The flowchart which shows the process performed in this embodiment (the 1) Flowchart showing processing performed in the present embodiment (part 2) A flowchart showing processing performed at the time of rescan in this embodiment

Explanation of symbols

1 Scanner 2 Personal computer 3 Production system 20, 30 GUI screen

Claims (6)

A scanning unit that sequentially feeds a plurality of printed originals ordered by a user, sequentially scans each printed original to obtain digital image data representing an image of the printed original, and a scanning unit In an image scanning system comprising image storage means for storing received image data,
The scanning means and the image archiving means are configured to recognize each scanning as a result of one order and store the scanning and the image data when continuous scanning is performed a plurality of times for each printed document having different sizes. An image scanning system further comprising control means for controlling the image.   The apparatus further comprises continuous scan instruction means for receiving an instruction of the continuous scan by an operator, and the control means performs the scan of each time when the instruction of the continuous scan is accepted at the time of each scan in the continuous scan instruction means. 2. The image scanning system according to claim 1, wherein the image scanning system is a unit that controls the scanning unit and the image storage unit so as to recognize the order and store the image data. Further comprising display means for displaying a GUI screen for receiving input of various operations including a list of images represented by the image data;
The image scanning system according to claim 2, wherein the continuous scanning instruction unit includes a button displayed on the GUI screen. A plurality of print originals are continuously fed, each of the print originals is sequentially scanned to obtain digital image data representing an image of the print original, and the image data obtained by the scan means is represented by the image data. In an image scanning system comprising display means for displaying a list of images to be processed,
The operator accepts the designation of the image included in the list, performs the scan again only on the printed document from which the designated image is obtained, and displays the image represented by the image data obtained by the second scan. An image scanning system, further comprising: a control unit that controls the scanning unit and the display unit so that the image is included in the list and displayed instead of the corresponding image included in the list.   Re-scanning instruction means for accepting the re-scan instruction by the operator for the designated image, the control means, when the re-scan instruction means accepts the re-scan instruction, Means for controlling the scanning means and the display means so that an image represented by image data obtained by another scan is included in the list and displayed instead of the corresponding image included in the list. The image scanning system according to claim 4.   The image scanning system according to claim 5, wherein the list and the rescan instruction unit are included in a GUI screen that receives input of various operations.

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