JP2006086755A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, program for executing its method by computer, image processor, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus high in operability and reliability for users. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 10, a scanner 11 reads an original image, a screen information generator 134 generates finish estimating screen information from image data, and a display panel 15c shows a finished estimating screen. An operator touches on a touch panel 15b and words, a space item identifier 131 selects an space indication item, a language item identifier 132 identifies a language indication item, and a processing item setting unit 133 sets a process item for forming an image by combining the space indication item selected by the space item identifier 131 with the language indication item selected by the language item identifier 132. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system, and in particular, displays a predicted finish state and a setting input screen from input image data, and operates them. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that accepts setting input from a person, an image forming method, a program that causes a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a scanner for reading an original image, a copying machine for printing an original image read by the scanner, a printer or a facsimile apparatus for printing image data input from the outside, or a multifunction machine having these functions Was used.

  In this type of image forming apparatus, settings relating to the state of the original such as the type and density of the original, settings relating to various image processing such as the enlargement / reduction ratio, single side / double side, or margin size, sorting, stapling, or The user needs to make settings related to various functions such as settings related to finishing processing such as punching. For this reason, the user has to find out a desired function from a very large number of menu items related to print settings and to perform accurate setting input.

  This is because the device does not know the information about the contents of the document, so it is necessary to make the menu items include options related to functions that do not need to be set depending on the document. As a result, the convenience of the operation was impaired.

  Therefore, an original is placed on the contact glass, and the pre-scan is executed at the same time as the original cover is closed. Based on the read image, a color image and a black and white image are discriminated, or a character portion and a photo portion are discriminated. By performing the above, there has been an image forming apparatus in which image processing according to a document image is automatically separated to improve operability (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, when the user arbitrarily sets the document reading conditions, the contents are grouped into one group and stored in correspondence with the reading condition buttons displayed on the image forming apparatus. There has been an image forming apparatus that can be called by specifying this reading condition button and can easily set document reading conditions by automatically updating a plurality of setting items to registered setting values (Patent Literature). 2).

JP-A-8-279844 JP 2001-285534 A

  However, in such a conventional technique, when a user performs print settings, it is necessary to search for a desired function from a large number of menu items and perform accurate setting input. There was a problem that work efficiency deteriorated.

  This trend is particularly high in the recent high-function image forming devices, such as those with abundant functions from those that are used frequently to those that are used infrequently, or multifunction devices that combine them. However, it has become a more serious problem when performing print settings.

  In Patent Document 1, an image type is determined based on an image read by pre-scanning a document, and the image is automatically separated based on the determined image. The scan result is displayed on the print setting screen. This is not directly reflected in the setting items to be set, so that there is a problem that the efficiency of the print setting work cannot be achieved.

  In Patent Document 2, the user arbitrarily sets document reading conditions, and the contents are stored as one group corresponding to the reading condition buttons. When a loading condition button is specified, the corresponding registration contents are called up, and multiple setting items are automatically updated to the registered setting values. However, it is normal for the user to specify the loading condition button. However, there is a problem that the efficiency of the setting work itself is not improved even if the reading conditions can be easily set.

  As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when the image is formed by reading a document, the user cannot confirm what kind of finish is made according to his / her setting before executing the setting. However, the functions of image forming apparatuses in recent years have become multifunctional, and the setting operation itself has become complicated, and even if the setting is made as desired, the print result is the desired setting. The problem of being different was not solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and reads an original data and displays an expected finish state prior to setting of various functions by a user, touches the displayed image, and is issued by an operator. An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing that can set image processing items using speech and are convenient for an operator and highly reliable for an apparatus The purpose is to provide a system.

  Further, the present invention is convenient for an operator who can set an image processing item by displaying a predicted finished image reflecting a setting input and a new setting menu when the user inputs a setting item value for image formation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system.

  Further, according to the present invention, when image data is input, the characteristic value of the original is detected, the expected finishing state and necessary setting items are displayed, and the setting input by the user is accepted, so that it is convenient for the operator. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system that are highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 inputs image data, displays an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and performs image formation from an operator. An image forming apparatus that accepts setting of a processing item, the predicted image information generating unit that generates predicted image information of the predicted image, and the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating unit. Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and the stylus to the display unit for displaying and the display unit for displaying the predicted image, and the spatial setting is used. A space item identifying means for identifying a certain space instruction item, and a language instruction item that is set via a language from the received sound information. Language item identifying means, and a setting means for setting the image formation processing item by selecting from the space instruction item identified by the space item identifying means and the language instruction item identified by the language item identifying means It is characterized by having.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the predicted image information generation unit generates the predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set by the setting unit. The display means displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a setting item storage unit that stores the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other. Is configured to set the image formation processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the space item identifying unit includes a position and a direction in which the contact object contacts the image of the display unit. , And space information including at least one of the areas is acquired to identify a space instruction item, and the language item identification means is configured to accept a voice produced by the operator and identify a language instruction item. And the setting means is configured to select the space instruction item and the language instruction item and set the image formation processing item.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the display unit includes a touch panel for displaying the predicted image, and the space item identification unit is The spatial information is acquired by the contact of the contact object on the touch panel, and the space instruction item is identified.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the space item identifying unit identifies the spatial information from a locus of contact of the contact object on the touch panel. It is characterized by.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the setting unit selects one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item. When selected, the number of candidates for the other instruction item is limited and selected, and the image formation processing item is set from the selected one and the other instruction items. .

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit selects the one as the space instruction item and the other as the language instruction item, and It is characterized by setting processing items for image formation.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit selects the one as the language instruction item and the other as the space instruction item, and It is characterized by setting processing items for image formation.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the space item identifying unit has a space certainty that is information of certainty with respect to the space indicating item. The language item identifying means identifies a language certainty that is information of certainty with respect to the language instruction item, and the setting means determines the image based on the identified spatial certainty and language certainty. It is characterized in that a processing item for formation is set.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the setting unit determines an item relevance level that is information on a relevance level between the space instruction item and the language instruction item. The setting means sets the image formation processing item based on the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the setting unit assigns weights to the spatial certainty, language certainty, and the determined item relevance. The processing items are set according to the weighted addition.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising image analysis means for analyzing the input image data and extracting a document characteristic value, The predicted image information generation unit generates the predicted image information based on the document characteristic value extracted by the image analysis unit.

  The invention according to claim 14 is an image forming method for inputting image data, displaying an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and receiving setting of image forming processing items from an operator. A predicted image information generating step for generating predicted image information of the predicted image; a display step for displaying the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated in the predicted image information generating step; and a display step for displaying the predicted image. A spatial item for identifying a spatial indication item which is a spatial setting by acquiring spatial information regarding the predicted image by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip and stylus of the operator with respect to the predicted image A language item identifying step for identifying a language instruction item which is a setting via language from the voice information received and received voice information And a setting step for setting the processing item for image formation by selecting from the space instruction item identified in the space item identification step and the language instruction item identified in the language item identification step. Features.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the fourteenth aspect, the predicted image information generation step generates predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set in the setting step. The display step displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated in the predicted image information generation step.

  The invention according to claim 16 further includes a setting item storing step of storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other in the image forming method according to claim 14, wherein the setting step Is configured to set the image formation processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored in the setting item storage step.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the space item identifying step includes a position and a direction in which the contact object contacts an image in the display step. And spatial information including at least one of the areas is acquired to identify a spatial instruction item, and the language item identification step is to identify a language instruction item by accepting speech from the operator's utterance. In the setting step, the image forming process item is set by selecting from the space instruction item and the language instruction item.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the setting step includes one instruction item of the space instruction item and the language instruction item. When selected, the number of candidates for the other instruction item is limited and selected, and the image formation processing item is set from the selected one and the other instruction items. .

  The invention according to claim 19 is the image forming method according to claim 18, wherein in the setting step, the one is the space instruction item and the other is the language instruction item. And the processing items for the image formation are set.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the image forming method according to claim 18, wherein in the setting step, the one is used as the language instruction item and the other is used as the space instruction item. And the processing items for the image formation are set.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the space item identifying step sets a space certainty that is information of certainty for the space indicating item. Identifying, the language item identifying step identifies language certainty that is information of certainty for the language instruction item, and the setting step is based on the identified spatial certainty and language certainty. It is characterized in that a processing item for formation is set.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the twenty-first aspect, the setting step determines an item relevance level that is information on a relevance level between the space instruction item and the language instruction item. And the setting step sets the image formation processing item based on the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance.

  The invention according to claim 23 is the image forming method according to claim 22, wherein the setting step assigns weights to the spatial certainty, language certainty, and the determined item relevance. The processing items are set according to the weighted addition.

  The invention according to claim 24 further includes an image analysis step of analyzing the input image data and extracting a document characteristic value in the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, In the predicted image information generation step, the predicted image information is generated based on the document characteristic value extracted in the image analysis step.

  The invention according to claim 25 is a program, characterized by causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to any one of claims 14-24.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, image processing in an image forming apparatus that inputs image data, displays an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and accepts setting of processing items for image formation from an operator. A predicted image information generating unit that generates predicted image information of the predicted image; a display unit that displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating unit; A space for acquiring spatial information on the predicted image and identifying a spatial indication item which is a spatial setting by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus with a display unit that displays an image A language item identifier for identifying a language instruction item that is set via language from the voice information received and received by the item identification means; And a setting means for setting the image formation processing item by selecting from the space instruction item identified by the space item identification means and the language instruction item identified by the language item identification means. It is characterized by that.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the predicted image information generating unit generates predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set by the setting unit. The display means displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means.

  The invention according to claim 28 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising setting item storage means for storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other, wherein the setting means Is configured to set the image formation processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit.

  According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing which is connected to a network, receives image data, displays an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and accepts setting of image forming processing items from an operator. Two or more of each of which are connected to the network, based on predicted image information generating means for generating predicted image information of the predicted image, and predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus with the display unit that displays the predicted image and the display unit that displays the predicted image. The spatial item identification means for identifying the spatial instruction item which is a typical setting, and the voice information received and received by the voice information Language item identifying means for identifying a language instruction item which is a setting via language, and selecting from among the space instruction item identified by the space item identifying means and the language instruction item identified by the language item identifying means, And setting means for setting the processing items for the image formation.

  According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the predicted image information generating unit generates predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set by the setting unit. The display means displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means.

  The invention according to claim 31 is the image processing system according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the setting item storage means is connected to the network and stores the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other. The setting unit is configured to set the image formation processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit. And

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 generates predicted image information of the predicted image, displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information, and contacts a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and the stylus, Acquire spatial information about the predicted image, identify spatial instruction items that are spatial settings, identify voice instruction information, identify language instruction items that are set via language, and select from spatial instruction items and language instruction items Then, the processing items for image formation are set. With this configuration, it is possible to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display an expected finish state, and to intuitively set processing items for image formation by touching and speaking the displayed image. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus generates predicted image information based on the set image formation processing item, and displays the predicted image based on the generated predicted image information. With this configuration, it is possible to display the expected finished state after setting the processing items, and further to set the processing items for image formation intuitively by touching and speaking the displayed image, which is convenient for the operator. An image forming apparatus that is high and highly reliable can be provided.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 stores the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other, and refers to at least one of the stored space instruction item and the language instruction item to perform an image formation processing item. Set. This configuration allows the user to input image data and display the expected finished state prior to setting the various functions by the user, and intuitively related processing items for image formation by touching and speaking the displayed image. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that acquires spatial information including at least one of a position, a direction, and a region where a contact object contacts an image of a display unit, identifies a spatial instruction item, and A speech instruction is received to identify a language instruction item, and a processing item for image formation is set by selecting from the space instruction item and the language instruction item. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display the expected finished state, and a trace is drawn on the displayed image with a contact object, and processing items for image formation intuitively by utterance Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a touch panel that displays an expected image, acquires spatial information when a contact object comes in contact with the touch panel, and identifies a spatial instruction item. This configuration allows the user to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display the expected finished state on the touch panel, and intuitively form image processing items by touching and speaking the image on the displayed touch panel. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus identifies spatial information from the locus of contact with the contact object on the touch panel. This configuration allows the user to input image data and display the expected finished state on the touch panel prior to setting the various functions by the user, and intuitively form an image by touching and drawing the image on the displayed touch panel. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, when one instruction item is selected from the space instruction item and the language instruction item, the number of candidates for the other instruction item is limited and selected, and the selected one item is selected. The image forming process item is set from the other instruction items. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, and the instruction item is identified by one of contact and utterance to the displayed image, and then the other Since the processing items for image formation can be set by narrowing down the instruction items, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect selects one as a space instruction item and the other as a language instruction item, and sets an image forming process item. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, the space indication items are identified by touching the displayed image, and then the language indication items are narrowed down. Since the processing items for image formation can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, one is set as a language instruction item and the other is selected as a space instruction item, and an image forming process item is set. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, the language instruction items are identified by voice, and then the space is narrowed down by touching the displayed image. Since the instruction items can be identified and the image formation processing items can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus identifies a spatial certainty that is information of certainty for the space instruction item, identifies a language certainty that is information of certainty for the language instruction item, and determines the determined space. An image forming process item is set based on the certainty level and the language certainty level. With this configuration, the user can input image data and display the expected finished state prior to setting the various functions by the user, and each image formation processing item can be intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 determines an item relevance level that is information on a degree of association between the space instruction item and the language instruction item, and determines the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance degree. Based on this, processing items for image formation are set. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display an expected finished state, and processing items for image formation are intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Since it can be set in consideration of the degree of relevance representing the relevance, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect sets processing items according to a weighted addition in which the space certainty, the language certainty, and the determined item relevance are weighted. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display an expected finished state, and processing items for image formation are intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Since it can be set in consideration of the degree of certainty and the degree of relation representing the degree of relevance, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect analyzes input image data to extract a document characteristic value, and generates predicted image information based on the extracted document characteristic value. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input, the original characteristic value is read to display the expected finished state, and the original characteristic is prosperous. In addition, since the image formation processing items can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming method according to claim 14 generates predicted image information of the predicted image, displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information, and contacts a contact object including at least one of an operator's fingertip and stylus. To obtain the spatial information related to the predicted image, identify the spatial instruction item that is a spatial setting, identify the language instruction item that receives the voice information and set the language, and identify the spatial instruction item and the language instruction item. To select an image forming process item. With this configuration, it is possible to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display an expected finish state, and to intuitively set processing items for image formation by touching and speaking the displayed image. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming method according to the fifteenth aspect, the predicted image information is generated based on the set image formation processing item, and the predicted image is displayed based on the generated predicted image information. With this configuration, it is possible to display the expected finished state after setting the processing items, and further to set the processing items for image formation intuitively by touching and speaking the displayed image, which is convenient for the operator. The apparatus can provide an image forming method that is high and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming method according to claim 16 stores the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other, and refers to at least one of the stored space instruction item and the language instruction item to perform an image formation processing item. Set. With this configuration, it is possible to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display an expected finish state, and to intuitively set processing items for image formation by touching and speaking the displayed image. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for acquiring spatial information including at least one of a position, a direction, and a region where a contact object contacts an image of a display unit, identifying a spatial instruction item, and A speech instruction is received to identify a language instruction item, and a processing item for image formation is set by selecting from the space instruction item and the language instruction item. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display the expected finished state, and a trace is drawn on the displayed image with a contact object, and processing items for image formation intuitively by utterance Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming method according to claim 18, when one instruction item of the space instruction item and the language instruction item is selected, the number of candidates for the other instruction item is limited and selected, and the selected one item is selected. The image forming process item is set from the other instruction items. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, and the instruction item is identified by one of contact and utterance to the displayed image, and then the other Since the processing items for image formation can be set by narrowing down the instruction items, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming method according to the nineteenth aspect, one is selected as a space instruction item and the other is selected as a language instruction item, and an image forming process item is set. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, the space indication items are identified by touching the displayed image, and then the language indication items are narrowed down. Since the processing items for image formation can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming method according to the twentieth aspect, an image forming process item is set by selecting one as a language instruction item and the other as a space instruction item. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, the language instruction items are identified by voice, and then the space is narrowed down by touching the displayed image. Since the instruction item can be identified and the image formation processing item can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The image forming method according to claim 21 identifies a spatial certainty that is information of certainty for the space instruction item, identifies a language certainty that is information of certainty for the language instruction item, and determines the determined space. An image forming process item is set based on the certainty level and the language certainty level. With this configuration, the user can input image data and display the expected finished state prior to setting the various functions by the user, and each image formation processing item can be intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  An image forming method according to a twenty-second aspect determines an item relevance level, which is information on a degree of association between a space instruction item and a language instruction item, and determines the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance degree. Based on this, processing items for image formation are set. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display an expected finished state, and processing items for image formation are intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Since it can be set in consideration of the relevance level representing relevance, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  In the image forming method according to the twenty-third aspect, the processing items are set in accordance with weighted addition in which the space certainty, the language certainty, and the determined item relevance are weighted. With this configuration, prior to setting various functions by the user, image data is input to display an expected finished state, and processing items for image formation are intuitively determined by touching and speaking the displayed image. Since it can be set in consideration of the degree of certainty and the degree of relation representing the relation, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the input image data is analyzed to extract a document characteristic value, and predicted image information is generated based on the extracted document characteristic value. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input, the original characteristic value is read to display the expected finished state, and the intuition is obtained by touching and speaking the displayed image reflecting the original characteristic. In addition, since the image formation processing items can be set, it is possible to provide an image forming method that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  The program according to claim 25 has the effect of allowing a computer to execute the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 24.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 26 generates predicted image information of the predicted image, displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information, and contacts a contact object including at least one of an operator's fingertip and stylus. To obtain the spatial information related to the predicted image, identify the spatial instruction item that is a spatial setting, identify the language instruction item that receives the voice information and set the language, and identify the spatial instruction item and the language instruction item. To select an image forming process item. With this configuration, it is possible to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display the expected finished state, and intuitively set the processing items for image processing by touching and speaking the displayed image. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus generates predicted image information based on the set image formation processing item, and displays the predicted image based on the generated predicted image information. With this configuration, it is possible to display the expected finished state after setting the processing items, and further intuitively set the processing items for image processing by touching and speaking the displayed image, which is convenient for the operator. For the apparatus, an image processing apparatus having high reliability can be provided.

  An image processing apparatus according to a twenty-eighth aspect stores a space instruction item and a language instruction item in association with each other, and refers to at least one of the stored space instruction item and language instruction item to perform an image formation processing item. Set. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, and the processing items of image processing that are intuitively related by touching and speaking the displayed image are displayed. Since it can be set, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

  An image processing system according to a twenty-ninth aspect is connected to a network, displays image data after inputting image data and a predicted image after print finishing processing, and accepts setting of processing items for image formation from an operator. An image processing system, in which two or more of each are connected to a network, and predicted image information generating means for generating predicted image information of the predicted image, and prediction based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and the stylus with the display unit that displays the image and the display unit that displays the predicted image. Spatial item identification means for identifying spatial indication items, and setting via language from voice information received and received voice information A language item identifying means for identifying a language instruction item to be selected, a space instruction item identified by the space item identifying means, and a language instruction item identified by the language item identifying means, and setting a processing item for image formation And setting means. With this configuration, it is possible to input image data prior to setting various functions by the user and display the expected finished state, and intuitively set the processing items for image processing by touching and speaking the displayed image. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a network-connected image processing system that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the system.

  In the image processing system according to the thirty-third aspect, the predicted image information generation unit generates the predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set by the setting unit, and the display unit includes the predicted image information. The predicted image is displayed based on the predicted image information generated by the generating means. With this configuration, it is possible to display the expected finished state after setting the processing items, and further intuitively set the processing items for image processing by touching and speaking the displayed image, which is convenient for the operator. It is possible to provide an image processing system connected to a network that is high and highly reliable for the system.

  The image processing system according to a thirty-first aspect further includes setting item storage means connected to the network and storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other, and the setting means is stored by the setting item storage means. The processing items for image formation are set with reference to at least one of the designated space instruction item and language instruction item. With this configuration, prior to setting the various functions by the user, the image data is input to display the expected finished state, and the processing items of image processing that are intuitively related by touching and speaking the displayed image are displayed. Since it can be set, it is possible to provide a network-connected image processing system that is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the system.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a scanner 11, an ADF (auto document feeder) 111, a scanner controller 112, an image storage unit 12, an image processing unit 13, a printer 14, a printer controller 142, a finishing processing unit 141, and an operation. A display unit 15, an operation display control unit 151, a system control unit 16, and a communication control unit 17 are provided. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the network 18 via the communication control unit 17. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the image of the document 19 and performs image processing, and then outputs it as a printed matter 20.

  The scanner 11 converts the image of the document 19 into digital image data using the scanner. The scanner 11 is equipped with an ADF 111 that can automatically and continuously read out documents one by one at a reading position when a plurality of pages of documents are set. Further, the ADF 111 can automatically read not only a single-sided original printed on one side of a sheet but also a double-sided original printed on both sides. The scanner controller 112 receives a command from the system control unit 16 and controls the scanner 11.

  The image storage unit 12 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data read by the scanner 11, image data input from the outside, and the like.

  The image processing unit 13 performs gradation processing such as slice processing and dither processing after performing γ correction, MTF correction processing, and the like on multi-value data sent from the scanner and temporarily stored in the image storage unit 12. To give a binary (or multi-value) process. The image processing unit 13 also performs various image processing (enlargement / reduction, density / color adjustment, etc.) corresponding to the function set by the user and layout processing (double-sided / single-sided printing, aggregate printing, margin size adjustment). Etc.).

  The image processing unit 13 further includes a space item identification unit 131, a language item identification unit 132, a processing item setting unit 133, a screen information generation unit 134, and a setting item storage unit 135. The image information generation unit 134 generates predicted finished image information for generating an expected finished image to be displayed on the display panel 15c according to the input image data. The image processing unit 13 is a characteristic part of the present invention, and each unit included in the image processing unit 13 will be described in more detail later.

  Here, the printer 14 deflects and scans the light beam based on the image data processed by the image processing unit 13, develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor using toner, and generates the generated toner image. This is a printer using an electrophotographic technique for transferring to a transfer paper and performing a fixing process. The printer controller 142 receives a command from the system control unit 16 and controls the printer.

  The printer 14 includes a finishing processing unit 141. The finishing processing unit 141 performs sorting processing for sorting the printed matter 20 that has been subjected to printing processing by the number of copies or page units, stapling processing for aligning a plurality of print media and binding them with staples based on user settings, or a plurality of finishing processing units 141 A finishing process such as a punching process for punching holes for binding sheets of print media into a binder or file is performed.

  The operation display unit 15 includes a microphone 15a, a touch panel 15b, and a display panel 15c. The operation display unit 15 is used to input setting contents by voice from the microphone 15a, to input setting contents using the keyboard or the touch panel 15b, or to obtain an expected finished screen or screen. The menu item of the setting content for setting the finishing can be displayed on the touch panel 15b. The touch panel 15b may perform audio output by a speaker (not shown) in addition to visual display.

  The operation display unit 15 displays functions desired to be executed by the image forming apparatus as menu items on the setting screen, and accepts setting input by the user from the displayed menu items. Setting of reading conditions in the scanner 11, setting in the image processing unit 13 that processes the read image data, setting of printing conditions in the printer 14, or finishing processing such as sorting, stapling, punching holes, etc. for the printed matter after printing The setting of the finishing processing unit 141 or the like for performing is received.

  Here, the operation display unit 15 can be configured as, for example, a touch panel 15b that performs operation input in the image forming apparatus. The touch panel 15b may display menu items for setting, and may also display predicted finish information generated by the space item identification unit 131. When the predicted finish information is an image or text, it is displayed on the touch panel 15b, and when the predicted finish information is sound, the sound may be output from a speaker (not shown).

  The display panel 15c may be integrated with the touch panel 15b, or a dedicated display device included in the image forming apparatus may be used.

  The operation display control unit 151 controls input / output with the operation display unit 15, for example, controls output of data processed by the image processing unit 13 to a touch panel 15 b and a speaker (not shown) of the operation display unit 15. Alternatively, the operation display control unit 151 performs input control from the microphone 15 a and the touch panel 15 b of the operation display unit 15.

  The system controller 16 is connected to each component and controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The system control unit 16 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), and the CPU performs various processes based on a basic program stored in the ROM while using a RAM work area. .

  The communication control unit 17 is connected to a network 18 such as a LAN (local area network) or the Internet, and exchanges image data, control data, and the like with other devices connected to the network according to a communication protocol. It is.

  Here, the image processing unit 13 characteristic of the present invention will be further described. The screen information generation unit 134 generates predicted finish screen information for displaying a predicted finish screen on the display panel 15c according to the input image data. The operation display control unit 151 displays a predicted finished screen on the display panel 15c according to the generated predicted finished screen information.

  Here, although the display panel 15c and the touch panel 15b are described separately in the drawing, they are integrally configured. When the operator's finger touches the display panel 15c, the touch panel 15b accepts a contact input at the same time.

  When the operator touches with a finger, a stylus pen or the like (hereinafter referred to as a pointer) while looking at the predicted finished screen displayed on the display unit panel 15c, the touch panel 15b finishes the printed matter on the displayed predicted finished screen. Accept input of spatial location information in state. The space item identification unit 131 analyzes the spatial position information received by the touch panel 15b, and identifies a spatial setting item such as a margin width value.

  The microphone 15a of the operation display unit 15 receives voice information input by the operator's utterance. The language item identifying unit 132 recognizes speech information input through the microphone 15a and performs language analysis, and recognizes a language instruction item that is set via the language information.

  The processing item setting unit 133 selects from the combination of the spatial setting item recognized by the space item identification unit 131 and the linguistic setting item recognized by the language item identification unit 132, and applies them at the time of image formation. Set the processing item.

  Here, the spatial setting item to be selected is stored in the setting item storage unit 135, and the space item identification unit 131 acquires the space instruction item from the setting item storage unit 135 as a candidate. The process item setting unit 133 specifies the space instruction item selected as a candidate by the space item identification unit 131. For example, the space item identification unit 131 calculates an error between the actually acquired position information and the position information in the space instruction item stored in the setting item storage unit 135, and specifies the errors by arranging them in ascending order of the calculated errors.

  Further, the linguistic setting item is stored in the setting item storage unit 135, and the language item identification unit 132 acquires the language instruction item from the setting item storage unit 135 as a candidate. The process item setting unit 133 specifies the language instruction item selected as a candidate by the language item identification unit 132. For example, the language item identification unit 132 calculates the error between the actually acquired voice information and the voice information in the language instruction item stored in the setting item storage unit 135, and specifies the errors by arranging them in ascending order of the calculated errors.

  The process item setting unit 133 sets a process item for image formation by combining the specified space instruction item and language instruction item.

  The screen information generation unit 134 generates the predicted finished screen information again according to the processing item set by the processing item setting unit 133 and displays it on the display panel 15c.

  More specific setting input will be described. On the touch panel 15b, the user inputs, for example, a specific position, direction, region, and shape on the predicted finished drawing using a pointer (such as a user's fingertip or a dedicated pen). For example, with respect to the contact position, the space item identification unit 131 identifies the position closest to the contact position of the pointer from among several candidates for the position of stamp printing or punch holes. Regarding the direction, the space item identifying unit 131 identifies the direction closest to the moving direction until the pointer leaves after touching, from among several candidates, such as the opening direction at the time of double-sided copying, the direction to stop stapling, etc. . For the area, for example, the space item identifying unit 131 identifies the area designated as a blank area or erased area as a rectangle from the point of contact of the pointer until it leaves, and is the most numerical value for designating the identified rectangular area. Choose a close number.

  When the user designates “2004/2/23” as the date printing format, the space item identification unit 131 has a contact shape such as “//” that is a set of diagonal lines as a trajectory from when the pointer contacts until it leaves. When “2004.2.23” is indicated, the space item identifying unit 131 identifies a contact shape such as “..”, which is a set of periods generated by touching the pointer.

  The language item identification unit 132 recognizes the acquired voice by voice recognition, and identifies the language instruction item acquired from the setting item information stored in the setting item storage unit 135 as a candidate. The language instruction items here are, for example, “stamp printing”, “punching”, “original setting direction”, “stapling”, “margin”, “erasing”, “date printing”, etc. Of the kind.

  The processing item setting unit 133 complementarily specifies the setting items specified by the user by combining the instruction items identified by the space item identification unit 131 and the language item identification unit 132 in a complementary manner, and sets the setting items in the image forming apparatus. To do.

  The setting item storage unit 135 stores setting change items that can be combined such as processing items, position items, direction items, area items, and shape items. When the process item setting unit 133 receives a change input from the menu screen displayed on the display panel 15c, the process item setting unit 133 selects a combination from these items stored in the setting item storage unit 135 to change the setting. It can be carried out.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating that image processing items are set by an operator touching the touch panel and speaking in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a predicted finish screen in which image processing items are set by touching the touch panel and speaking, and accepting settings from the screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining accepting a setting input indicating duplex copying from a predicted finish screen on which image processing items are set by touching the touch panel and speaking.

  Here, date printing is to be designated in the upper right of the page to be printed in a format such as 2004/2/25. Prior to the setting operation by the user, a predicted finished image reflecting default setting items is displayed as a predicted finished drawing 2b from the image data read by the original reading apparatus (FIG. 2). The user touches with a pointer like a contact locus 2c. By touching, the touch panel 15b acquires position information. Next, the user speaks “date printing” (user's utterance 2d). The microphone 15a acquires voice information by the utterance.

  The space item identification unit 131 selects the space instruction item by identifying the date as a diagonal line for the date from the hatched position information, and the language item identification unit 132 is the date from the voice uttered “date printing”. Is selected and a language instruction item is selected. The process item setting unit 133 sets the date printing in the upper right of the predicted finished information figure 2b (FIG. 2) in a format such as “2004/2/25” by combining the instruction items, and the set date printing is added. The finished predicted information FIG. 3b (FIG. 3) is displayed on the display panel 15c. The predicted finish information displayed in FIG. 3 is a predicted finish image reflecting the items set up to the time of this operation.

  Table 1 is an example of a table for specifying processing items for image formation from language instruction items and space instruction items.

  Diagonal lines for date printing are identified by touching the pointer, “date printing” is identified among the language instruction items by utterance, and specific date information YYYY / MM / DD is identified by the date function provided in the image processing unit 13. (Date information) is associated as a shape item.

  Next, the user draws a trajectory while touching with a finger like the user's contact trajectory 3c (FIG. 3) on the displayed screen, and utters “margin” which is the user's utterance 3d. Thereby, the space item identifying unit 131 analyzes the contact locus as rectangular information, the language item identifying unit 132 identifies the utterance as the language instruction item and setting the margin, and the processing item setting unit 133 is identified. The horizontal width of the contact locus 3c is set as the margin width from the rectangle information and the margin setting information, and the screen information generation unit 134 displays the entire image as shown in the predicted finished information FIG. 4b shown in FIG. To the right to generate a predicted finished screen information for displaying a finished predicted image with a margin width secured, and the display panel 15c displays a new predicted finished screen (FIG. 4).

  Next, the user designates an opening direction in the case of double-sided copying on the predicted finish information figure 4b (FIG. 4) displayed on the display panel 15c. The user draws a locus such as the contact locus 4c (FIG. 4) on the touch panel 15b by the touch of the fingertip. Then, “duplex copy” is uttered (user utterance 4d). By the two inputs by the fingertip contact and utterance, the space item identification unit 131 and the language item identification unit 132 identify the contact locus direction 4c as the page turning direction, and the processing item setting unit 133 performs double-sided copying in the opening direction. Accept the settings as Based on the accepted setting, the stroke information generation unit 134 generates screen information for the display screen. At this time, it is desirable to generate screen information that can be displayed three-dimensionally.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display of a predicted finished screen set to be duplex copying. As shown in FIG. 5, the printed matter that is predicted to be finished is displayed three-dimensionally as a predicted finish for double-sided copy with the same top and bottom.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image forming procedure according to the first embodiment. The image information generation unit 134 is in a state of detecting input of image data (step S101). If detected (Yes in step S101), the image information generation unit 134 generates predicted finished image information (step S102). The operation display unit 15 displays a predicted finished image based on the predicted finished image information (step S103).

  Here, the touch panel 15b is in a state of detecting an input by contact (step S104), and when detected (Yes in step S104), the space item identification unit 131 acquires space information from the input by contact, An instruction item is identified (step S105).

  The microphone 15a is in a state of detecting voice (step S106), and when detected (Yes in step S106), the language item identifying unit 132 acquires voice information and identifies a language instruction item (step S107). .

  The process item setting unit 133 sets an image formation process item from the combination of the space instruction item and the language instruction item (step S108). Here, when printing is not executed (No in step S109), the image information generating unit 134 again generates predicted finished image information based on the setting items set in step S108 (step S102), and the display panel 15c is predicted to be finished. A screen is displayed (step S103), and if necessary, routines such as accepting contact input by a pointer are repeated. Further, when an image forming process command such as printing is accepted (Yes in step S109), an image forming process is performed (step S110).

  In this manner, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment displays the expected finished screen on the display panel 15c, selects the space instruction item by the input with the pointer, selects the language instruction item by the voice input, and sets the processing item. Since the processing unit is set by combining the space instruction item and the language instruction item, the unit is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit which is a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the function that the processing item setting unit 233 of the image processing unit 23 performs the setting process. Hereinafter, different parts will be mainly described.

  When the process item setting unit 233 according to the second embodiment identifies one of the instruction items of the space item identification unit 131 or the language item identification unit 132, the process item setting unit 233 selects a candidate from the identified instruction items, To the space item identifying unit 131 or the language item identifying unit 132, and the other identifying unit restricts the instruction item candidates by selecting the instruction item candidates based on the candidates for which the input is accepted, and sets the processing item The unit 233 sets an image forming process item according to a combination of the selected one instruction item and the other restricted instruction item. With this configuration, processing items for image formation can be narrowed down.

  First, a case where the instruction item by the space item identification unit 131 is first selected will be described. The process item setting unit 233 extracts the space instruction item from the setting items stored in the setting item storage unit 135 according to the space instruction item information identified by the space item identification unit 131, and extracts the extracted space instruction item. It outputs to the language item identification part 132 as a process item candidate. The language item identification unit 132 selects a corresponding language instruction item based on the input space instruction item information.

  Here, the language item identification unit 132 identifies the language instruction item corresponding to the spatial instruction item candidate received from the processing item setting unit 133 from the language instruction item that has been subjected to language analysis from the user utterance, and selects the candidate. The language item identification unit 132 transmits the selected language instruction item to the processing item setting unit 233. The process item setting unit 233 identifies the process item by the setting input received from the user by combining the received language instruction item information and the already obtained space instruction item information, and the identified process item is the image forming apparatus. Set to.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image forming procedure according to the second embodiment. Here, steps up to step S105 are the same as those in the first embodiment. When the display panel 15c displays an expected finished screen (step S103 in the first embodiment) and the touch panel 15b detects the input of spatial information due to contact (Yes in step S104), the space item identification unit 131 acquires the spatial information. Thus, the space instruction item is identified (step S105). The process item setting unit 233 selects a language instruction item candidate and outputs it to the language item identification unit 132 (step S201).

  The microphone 15a is in a state of detecting voice (step S202), and when detected (Yes in step S202), the language item identifying unit 132 acquires the voice information detected by the microphone 15a and has already input the space instruction. The language instruction item candidate associated with the item candidate is identified, selected, and output to the processing item setting unit 233 (step S203). The process item setting unit 233 sets an image formation process item in accordance with the space instruction item already input and the language instruction item input from the language item identification unit 132 (step S204).

  As described above, in the processing item setting unit 233 according to the second embodiment, the space item identification unit 131 identifies the space instruction item, selects a candidate from the space instruction item, and selects the selected space instruction item candidate as the language item identification unit 132. Then, the language item identification unit 132 selects a language instruction item candidate corresponding to the selected spatial processing item. Then, the process item setting unit 133 sets a process item for image formation according to the combination of the selected space instruction item and language instruction item. Thus, setting items can be selected efficiently and reliably by selecting candidates according to the order of the space instruction item and the language instruction item associated with each other.

(Modification of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit which is a main part of another image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Here, the processing item setting unit 333 of the image processing unit 33 is different from the image processing unit 23 according to the second embodiment in that the processing item setting unit 333 selects the language instruction item first identified by the language item identifying unit 132. The space item identification unit 131 selects a space instruction item candidate corresponding to the input language instruction item, and the processing item setting unit 333 selects the selected language instruction item and space instruction. Depending on the item, processing items for image formation are set. With this configuration, processing items for image formation can be narrowed down.

  The process item setting unit 333 first extracts the language instruction item identified by the language item identification unit 132 from the setting items stored in the setting item storage unit 235, and identifies the extracted language instruction item as a space item. Output to the unit 131. The space item identification unit 131 selects a space instruction item candidate corresponding to the input language instruction item, and outputs it to the processing item setting unit 333. The processing item setting unit 333 associates the received space instruction item with the language instruction item, identifies the setting item instructed by the user, and sets it in the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another image forming procedure according to the second embodiment. Here, S103 in the image forming procedure according to the first embodiment, that is, based on the input image data, starts from a state in which a predicted finish screen is displayed on the display panel 15c. The microphone 15a is in a state of detecting voice (step S301), and when the utterance of the operator is detected (Yes in step S301), the language item identifying unit 132 identifies the language instruction item (step S302). Then, the process item setting unit 333 selects a space instruction item candidate and outputs it to the space item identification unit 131 (step S303).

  The touch panel 15b is in a state of detecting the touch of the pointer (step S304), and when detected (Yes in step S304), the space item identification unit 131 acquires the space information and corresponds to the language information item input. The item is identified and output to the process item setting unit 333 (step S305). The process item setting unit 333 associates the language instruction item already input with the space instruction item input here, and sets an image formation process item (step S306).

  Here, in the other processing item setting unit 333 according to the second embodiment, the language item identification unit 132 first identifies the language instruction item, selects a candidate, and then the space item identification unit 131 selects the language instruction item. The space instruction item corresponding to the candidate is identified, and the processing item setting unit 333 associates the language instruction item and the space instruction item with each other and sets a processing item for image processing. Thus, by selecting and associating the language and space instruction item candidates according to the order, the setting items can be selected efficiently and reliably, and the setting operation can be performed efficiently.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit which is a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The image processing unit 43 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the setting item storage unit 335 of the image processing unit 43 includes a certainty degree database (DB) 335a, and a space item identification unit 431 and a language item identification. The unit 432 identifies the instruction item to which the certainty degree information is added, and the process item setting unit 433 selects the instruction item to which the certainty degree information is added and sets the processing for image formation. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

  The space item identification unit 431 identifies each indication item information stored in the setting item storage unit 335 by adding each space certainty factor information acquired from the certainty factor database 335 a, and outputs it to the processing item setting unit 433. To do.

  The language item identifying unit 432 identifies the instruction item information stored in the setting item storage unit 335 by adding each language certainty information acquired from the certainty degree database (DB) 335a, and identifies the processing item setting unit. Output to 433.

  The process item setting unit 433 sets an image processing item by associating the input space instruction item information to which the spatial certainty information is added and the language instruction item information to which the language certainty information is added.

  Here, the certainty for the space instruction item can be determined in inverse proportion to an error between the read space information and the space information related to the space instruction item stored in the setting item storage unit 335 in advance.

  In addition, the certainty for the language instruction item can be determined in inverse proportion to, for example, an error between the input voice information and the voice information related to the language instruction item stored in the setting item storage unit 335 in advance.

  The certainty database 335a can be configured, for example, as a table of errors and certainty with spatial information and errors and certainty with audio information. The space item identifying unit 431 and the language item identifying unit 432 acquire and add certainty information to each instruction item using a table.

  The process item setting unit 433 selects the space instruction item and the language instruction item according to the added certainty, and sets the image forming process.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an image forming procedure according to the third embodiment. Here, since it is the same up to step S104 in Embodiment 1, it abbreviate | omits and it mainly demonstrates a different procedure. When the touch panel 15b detects a contact input with a user's finger or the like (Yes in step S104), the space item identification unit 432 identifies the space instruction item from the space information and acquires related space certainty information (step S401). ).

  The microphone 15a is in a state of detecting voice (step S402). When the microphone 15a is detected (Yes in step S402), the language item identifying unit 432 identifies the language instruction item from the voice information and displays related language certainty information. Obtain (step S403). The process item setting unit 433 sets the image formation process item by associating the space instruction item and the language instruction item using the space certainty and the language certainty (step S404).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the space item identifying unit 431 identifies the space instruction item to which the space certainty information is added, and the language item identifying unit 432 is the language instruction to which the language certainty information is added. The items are identified, and the processing item setting unit 433 uses these certainty levels to set the image processing items in association with the space designation items and the language designation items. Therefore, the setting items are selected efficiently and reliably. Setting work can be performed efficiently.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit which is a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The image processing unit 53 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the setting item storage unit 335 of the image processing unit 53 includes a relevance database (DB) 335b, and the processing item setting unit 533 includes a space item. By acquiring the relevance level indicating the relevance between the space indication item identified by the identification unit 531 and the language designation item identified by the language item identification unit 532, and setting the processing items for image formation according to the acquired relevance level is there.

  Here, the relevance level DB 335b stores relevance levels for combinations of all space instruction items and language instruction items. For example, in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment, when the user's contact locus 2c is detected, the possibility of date printing processing is increased. Therefore, the space instruction item of the two oblique lines and the language instruction for date printing are provided. The degree of association with an item can be determined to be 0.9. Further, the degree of association between the two diagonal lines and the punch hole processing is low, and can be determined to be 0.1, for example. The determined degree of association is stored as a table.

  The process item setting unit 533 acquires the respective relevance levels corresponding to the space instruction item and the language instruction item, and selects the combination with the highest relevance level as the image formation process setting.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to the fourth embodiment. Here, since the procedure is the same up to step S107 in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted, and only a different procedure will be described. When the language item identification unit 532 acquires voice information and performs language analysis to identify the language instruction item (step S107), the processing item setting unit 533 identifies the space instruction item and the language item identification identified by the space item identification unit 531. The degree of association of the language instruction item identified by the unit 532 is acquired (step S501), and the space instruction item and the language instruction item are associated with each other according to the acquired degree of association, and an image processing item is set (step S502).
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the space item identifying unit 53 identifies the space instruction item, the language item identifying unit 532 identifies the language instruction item, and the processing item setting unit 533 includes the space instruction item. In addition, the relevance level of each of the language instruction items is acquired, and the processing items for image formation are set according to the acquired relevance level. Therefore, it is possible to select setting items with high relevance and perform setting work efficiently. .

(Modification of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit of another image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Here, the processing item setting unit 633 forms the image based on the space instruction item to which the acquired certainty information is added, the language instruction item to which the certainty is added, and the degree of association between the space instruction item and the language instruction item. Set the processing item. For example, weighting addition is performed on the importance and relevance of each space instruction item and language instruction item, and a combination candidate having the largest added value is selected as a setting item, and an image formation processing item Set to.

  In the space instruction item and language instruction item in which a plurality of candidates are listed, the certainty for the i-th space instruction item candidate is Si, the certainty for the j-th language instruction item candidate is Lj, and the i-th space instruction item is Assume that the degree of association between the candidate and the candidate for the jth language instruction item is Rij, the weight coefficient for the space instruction item is Sc, the weight coefficient for the language instruction item is Lc, and the weight coefficient for the degree of association is Rc.

The processing item setting unit 633
Pij = ScSi + LcLj + RcRij
Is selected, a pair of i and j that maximizes the Pij value is selected, and the processing items for image formation are set by associating the space instruction item and the language instruction item corresponding to the corresponding i and j.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining another image forming procedure according to the fourth embodiment. The start is Yes in step S104 in the embodiment, as in the case of the third embodiment. The space item identification unit 431 acquires space information and acquires corresponding certainty information (step S601). When the microphone 15a is in a voice detection state (step S602) and detects a voice (Yes in step S602), the language item identification unit 432 acquires voice information to identify a language instruction item and acquire its certainty information. (Step S603).

  The process item setting unit 633 acquires relevance information of the space instruction item and the language instruction item (step S604). The process item setting unit 633 adds each weight to each of the space certainty, language certainty, and relevance information, associates the instruction item with the maximum addition value, and associates the instruction item with the maximum added value. Is set (step S605).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the modification of the fourth embodiment, the processing item setting unit 533 weights the certainty of the space instruction item, the certainty of the language instruction item, and the relevance of both instruction items. The processing items for image formation are set by associating the space instruction item and the language instruction item that give the maximum added value, so the setting items with high relevance and certainty are selected, and the setting work is performed efficiently and reliably. It can be performed.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 40 according to the fifth embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment in that an image analyzing unit 81, a related function searching unit 82, and a related function correspondence table 821 are provided. The function of the image processing unit 730 is different from the image processing unit 13 in the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the image processing unit 730 includes a space item identification unit 731, a language item identification unit 732, a process item setting unit 733, and a screen information generation unit 734.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, the image analysis unit 81, the related function search unit 82, and the related function correspondence table 821 extract document characteristic values, and the screen information generation unit 734 based on the extracted document characteristic values. Thus, the predicted finish screen information is generated from the input image data, and the display panel 15c displays the predicted finish and the input screen.

  The image analysis unit 81 analyzes the document image data held by the image storage unit 12 and extracts a document characteristic value representing the characteristics of the document. The document characteristic value is, for example, a document size, orientation, and margin size.

  When the related function search unit 82 receives information on various document characteristic values calculated by the image analysis unit 81, the related function search unit 82 searches for a related function that needs to be set when copying the document. The related function search unit 82 has a related function correspondence table 821. The related function correspondence table 821 is a file describing function list information related to individual document characteristic values. The related function search unit 82 searches the related function correspondence table 821 for a related function corresponding to the input document characteristic value, and transmits the further narrowed down related function information to the image processing unit 730. The related function information received by the image processing unit 730 is used by the screen information generation unit 734 to generate predicted finished screen information.

  The screen information generation unit 734 of the image processing unit 730 according to the fifth embodiment extracts and narrows down the original characteristic value based on the image analysis of the image analysis unit 81 and the related function search unit 82 using the original characteristic value. Using the related function information, finish information and input screen information are generated from the input image data. Here, the setting input is accepted from the input screen displayed on the display panel 15c by the input screen information, as in the first embodiment.

  Here, the image analysis unit 81, the related function search unit 82, and the related function correspondence table 821 constitute the image analysis means of the present invention.

Here, according to the document characteristic value analyzed by the image analysis unit 81 and the document image data, for example, the processing item setting unit 733
1. The document size is A3
2. 2. Document orientation is horizontal. The margin dimensions are: Top: 20mm Bottom: 15mm Left: 20mm Right: 20mm
Set as follows.

  The user performs setting input through the touch panel 15b and the microphone 15a while visually confirming the finish prediction on the screen. Since the processing of each unit after the setting input is performed is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an image forming procedure according to the fifth embodiment. When the image information generation unit detects the image data (Yes in step S101 in the first embodiment), the original characteristic value of the image data input by the image analysis unit 81 is analyzed (step S701), and the related function search unit 82 A related function is searched based on the analyzed document characteristic value, and the search result is transmitted to the image processing unit 730 (step S702). The image information generation unit 734 generates predicted finished image information in consideration of the received search results (step S703), and the display panel 15c displays the predicted finished image (step S704). The following steps are the same as those after step S104 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In this way, an input screen for accepting an expected finish and setting input from the user including the characteristic value of the document image analyzed by the image analysis unit 81 is displayed. Since setting input is accepted, it is possible to select an accurate and highly reliable setting item by accurately narrowing down the items to be finished and setting input by using the original characteristic value representing the original characteristic. It can be performed.

(Embodiment 6)
In the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, a portion that executes an image processing function in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is configured as an image processing apparatus.

  FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. The image processing apparatus 50 according to the sixth embodiment executes an image processing function in the image forming apparatus 60. Since the configuration and operation of each processing unit provided in the image processing apparatus 50 are the same as those in each processing unit in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, a predicted finish screen and an input screen on which an operator can input settings are displayed before printing for the read image data or image data input via a network. Then, an expected finish screen is displayed on the display panel 15c, a space instruction item is selected by input with a pointer, a language instruction item is selected by voice input, and an image processing item is selected by combining the space instruction item and the language instruction item. Since it is set, it is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the apparatus.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of an image processing system according to the seventh embodiment. The image processing system according to the seventh embodiment is a system in which the image processing function part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a part that executes other functions are connected via a network. Here, the image processing unit 73 is described as one part, but may be configured such that each part is divided and connected via a network.

  The image processing system 70, the document reading device 71, and the printing device 76 according to the seventh embodiment are connected via the network 18 to form an image system. The image processing system 70 includes an image processing device 73 and an operation display device 75. Each unit of the image processing apparatus 73 may be connected via the network 18. Each device or each part in the image processing system 70 according to the seventh embodiment can be configured in the same manner as each corresponding part of the image processing apparatus 10 except that they are connected via a network.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, an image analysis device 74 for analyzing the document characteristic value of the image data can be added.

  In the image processing system according to the seventh embodiment, for the read image data or image data input via the network, a predicted finished screen and an input screen on which the operator can input settings are displayed via the network. To do. Then, an expected finished screen is displayed on the display panel 715c of the operation display device 75, a space instruction item is selected by input with a pointer, a language instruction item is selected by voice input, and the space instruction item and the language instruction item are combined. Thus, the processing items for image formation are set via the network, which is convenient for the operator and highly reliable for the system.

(Hardware configuration etc.)
FIG. 21 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1010, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1020 and a RAM 1030, and an external storage device such as an HDD 1040 and a CD drive device. A display device such as a monitor 1110, an input device such as a keyboard 1120, a mouse 1130, and an input interface 1060, a reading device 1140 such as a scanner, and a printing device 1150 such as a laser printer, and a hardware using a normal computer The hardware configuration.

  An image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The program is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the image forming program of the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (the image processing unit 13, the operation display control unit 151, the system control unit 16, and the communication control unit 17). As the actual hardware, the CPU 1010 reads out and executes the image forming program from the storage medium, so that the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the image processing unit 13, the operation display control unit 151, the system control unit 16, A communication control unit 17, an image analysis unit 81, and a related function search unit 82 are generated on the main storage device.

  An image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. You may comprise so that it may record and provide on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The present invention is useful for an image forming technique and an image processing technique, and particularly useful for an image forming technique and an image processing technique in a multi-function multifunction peripheral.

1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining that image processing items are set by contact and speech on the touch panel by an operator in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the finishing expectation screen to which the image processing item was set by the touch and utterance to a touch panel, and accepting a setting from on the screen. It is a figure explaining accepting the setting input that it is a double-sided copy from the finishing prediction screen in which the image processing item was set by the touch and the utterance to the touch panel. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display of a predicted finish screen set to be duplex copying. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to the first embodiment. 5 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit that is a main part of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit that is a main part of another image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another image forming procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit that is a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit that is a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image processing unit of another image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another image forming procedure according to the fourth embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus by Embodiment 5 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming procedure according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of an image processing system according to a seventh embodiment. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11 Scanner 111 ADF
112 Scanner Controller 12 Image Storage Unit 13 Image Processing Unit 131 Spatial Item Identification Unit 132 Language Item Identification Unit 133 Process Item Setting Unit 134 Screen Information Generation Unit 14 Printer 141 Finishing Processing Unit 142 Printer Controller 15 Operation Display Unit 15a Microphone 15b Touch Panel 15c Display Panel 151 Operation display control unit 16 System control unit 18 Network 81 Image analysis unit 82 Related function search unit 821 Related function correspondence table

Claims (31)

An image forming apparatus that inputs image data, displays an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and receives setting of processing items for image formation from an operator,
Predicted image information generating means for generating predicted image information of the predicted image;
Display means for displaying the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means;
Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus on the display unit that displays the predicted image, and a spatial indication item that is a spatial setting is identified. Spatial item identification means to
Language item identifying means for receiving language information and identifying language instruction items that are settings via language from the received speech information;
A setting unit configured to select the space instruction item identified by the space item identification unit and the language instruction item identified by the language item identification unit, and set the processing item for image formation;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The predicted image information generating unit generates predicted image information based on the processing items of the image formation set by the setting unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to display the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating unit. A setting item storage means for storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other;
2. The image forming processing item according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the image forming processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2. The space item identification means is for identifying space instruction items by acquiring space information including at least one of a position, a direction, and a region where the contact object contacts the image of the display means,
The language item identifying means is for identifying a language instruction item by receiving a voice by the operator's utterance,
The said setting means selects from the said space instruction | indication item and the said language instruction | indication item, and sets the processing item of the said image formation, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The display means has a touch panel for displaying the predicted image,
5. The space item identifying unit is configured to acquire the space information when the contact object comes in contact with the touch panel to identify the space instruction item. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the space item identifying unit is configured to identify the space information from a locus of contact of the contact object on the touch panel.   When the setting means selects one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item, the setting means selects and limits the number of candidates for the other instruction item, and selects the selected one and the other The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming process item is set from among the instruction items.   8. The image forming processing item according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit selects the one as the space instruction item and the other as the language instruction item, and sets the image formation processing item. Image forming apparatus.   8. The image forming process item according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit sets the image formation processing item by selecting the one as the language instruction item and the other as the space instruction item. Image forming apparatus. The space item identifying means identifies space certainty that is information of certainty for the space indicating item,
The language item identifying means identifies language certainty that is information of certainty for the language instruction item;
The said setting means sets the process item of the said image formation based on the identified said space certainty and language certainty, The any one of Claims 1-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The setting means determines an item relevance level, which is information on a relevance level between the space instruction item and the language instruction item,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the setting unit sets the image forming processing item based on the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance. apparatus.   The said setting means sets the said processing item according to the weighting addition which weighted with respect to the said space certainty degree, language certainty degree, and the determined said item relevance degree, respectively. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Image analysis means for analyzing the input image data and extracting document characteristic values;
The predicted image information generation unit generates the predicted image information based on a document characteristic value extracted by the image analysis unit. Image forming apparatus. An image forming method for inputting image data, displaying an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and accepting setting of processing items for image formation from an operator,
A predicted image information generation step of generating predicted image information of the predicted image;
A display step of displaying the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated in the predicted image information generating step;
Spatial information that is a spatial setting by acquiring spatial information regarding the predicted image by contacting a predicted object displayed in the display step with a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus. Spatial item identification process for identifying items;
A language item identifying step for identifying a language instruction item which is a setting via language from the received voice information by receiving voice information;
A setting step for setting the image formation processing item by selecting from the space instruction item identified in the space item identification step and the language instruction item identified in the language item identification step;
An image forming method comprising: The predicted image information generation step is to generate predicted image information based on the image formation processing items set in the setting step,
15. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein the display step displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated in the predicted image information generation step. A setting item storing step of storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other;
The image forming process item is set in the setting step with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored in the setting item storage step. The image forming method according to 14 or 15. The space item identification step is to identify a space instruction item by acquiring space information including at least one of a position, a direction, and a region where the contact object contacts an image obtained by the display step.
The language item identification step is to identify a language instruction item by receiving a voice by the operator's utterance,
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the setting step is to select a processing item for image formation by selecting from the space instruction item and the language instruction item. Image forming method.   In the setting step, when one instruction item of the space instruction item and the language instruction item is selected, the number of candidates for the other instruction item is limited and selected, and the selected one and the other of the selected instruction items are selected. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein the image forming process item is set from among the instruction items.   In the setting step, the processing item for image formation is set by selecting a candidate for the processing item using the one as the space instruction item and the other as the language instruction item. The image forming method according to claim 18.   In the setting step, the processing item for image formation is set by selecting a candidate for the processing item with the one as the language instruction item and the other as the space instruction item. The image forming method according to claim 18. The space item identifying step identifies space certainty that is information of certainty for the space indicating item,
The language item identifying step identifies language certainty that is information of certainty for the language instruction item,
The said setting process sets the process item of the said image formation based on the identified said space certainty and language certainty, The one of Claims 14-20 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming method. The setting step is to determine an item relevance level that is information on a relevance level between the space instruction item and the language instruction item.
The image formation according to claim 21, wherein the setting step sets the processing items for the image formation based on the space instruction item, the language instruction item, and the determined item relevance. Method.   23. The setting step includes setting the processing items according to a weighted addition in which the space certainty, language certainty, and the determined item relevance are weighted. The image forming method described in 1. An image analysis step of analyzing the input image data and extracting a document characteristic value;
24. The predicted image information generation step generates the predicted image information based on the document characteristic value extracted in the image analysis step. Image forming method.   A program causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to any one of claims 14 to 24. An image processing apparatus in an image forming apparatus that inputs image data, displays an expected image after image data processing and print finishing processing, and receives setting of processing items for image formation from an operator,
Predicted image information generating means for generating predicted image information of the predicted image;
Display means for displaying the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means;
Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus on the display unit that displays the predicted image, and a spatial indication item that is a spatial setting is identified. Spatial item identification means to
Language item identifying means for receiving language information and identifying language instruction items that are settings via language from the received speech information;
A setting unit configured to select the space instruction item identified by the space item identification unit and the language instruction item identified by the language item identification unit, and set the processing item for image formation;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The predicted image information generating unit generates predicted image information based on the processing items of the image formation set by the setting unit,
27. The image processing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the display unit is configured to display the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating unit. A setting item storage means for storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other;
2. The image forming processing item according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the image forming processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to 26 or 27. An image processing system that is connected to a network, displays image data processing and an expected image after print finishing processing by inputting image data, and accepts setting of processing items for image formation from an operator, two of each The above is connected to the network,
Predicted image information generating means for generating predicted image information of the predicted image;
Display means for displaying the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating means;
Spatial information related to the predicted image is obtained by contact of a contact object including at least one of the fingertip of the operator and a stylus on the display unit that displays the predicted image, and a spatial indication item that is a spatial setting is identified. Spatial item identification means to
Language item identifying means for receiving language information and identifying language instruction items that are settings via language from the received speech information;
A setting unit configured to select the space instruction item identified by the space item identification unit and the language instruction item identified by the language item identification unit, and set the processing item for image formation;
An image processing system comprising: The predicted image information generating unit generates predicted image information based on the processing items of the image formation set by the setting unit,
30. The image processing system according to claim 29, wherein the display unit displays the predicted image based on the predicted image information generated by the predicted image information generating unit. A setting item storage unit connected to the network and storing the space instruction item and the language instruction item in association with each other;
2. The image forming processing item according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the image forming processing item with reference to at least one of the space instruction item and the language instruction item stored by the setting item storage unit. The image processing system according to 29 or 30.

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