JP2006229779A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which can improve the efficiency of preview display. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus performs the preview display of an output image prior to the output processing of the image which becomes a processing object. The apparatus is characterized by including a means to optically read an original image formed on a medium, and create original image data showing the original image; a means to receive the output condition of the original image; a discrimination means to discriminate whether a variation is generated or not between the original image and the output image for a predetermined property out of properties of the image, based on the original image data and the output condition; and a display means to perform the preview display of the output image when it is discriminated that there is a variation in the image property determined beforehand by the discrimination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that performs a preview display process.

  Some image processing apparatuses including a scanner device perform a preview display on an image that has been subjected to a reading process.

  For example, in an image processing apparatus equipped with a scanner that optically reads an image formed on a paper document, the user of the image processing apparatus can see how the image is read by the scanner or In order to check whether the image is output, the image to be output is previewed on the display prior to the image output process.

  In this case, for example, if the output scheduled image displayed in the preview is different from the expected output image, the user can start over from the image reading process.

  Conventionally, in such an image processing apparatus, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707, improvement of convenience and the like has been achieved with respect to user operations when preview display is performed.

In addition, when the user does not want to display the preview, there is one that can be set not to perform the preview display.
JP-A-8-263675

  However, the conventional image processing apparatus can only set whether to perform preview display or not.

  For this reason, in the conventional image processing apparatus, for example, even when a simple image reading process that does not necessarily require a preview display is performed, the preview display is set to be performed, and the processing time is reduced. Sometimes it took longer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of preview display.

  An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described conventional problems is an image processing apparatus that performs preview display of an output image prior to output processing of an image to be processed, Based on the means for optically reading the original image formed above, generating original image data representing the original image, means for receiving the output condition of the original image, the original image data and the output condition Among the image properties, a determination unit that determines whether a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to a predetermined property, and the property of the image determined in advance by the determination unit Display means for displaying a preview of the output image when it is determined that there is a change in the output image.

  Further, the determination unit determines whether or not a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to a property of the medium on which the image is formed based on the original image data and the output condition. It's good.

  Further, the determination means determines whether or not a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to the properties of the image portion formed on the medium based on the original image data and the output condition. It is also possible to judge.

  Further, the display unit may further include a unit that receives an amount of the medium on which the original image is formed, and the display unit may perform a preview display of the output image when the medium amount is less than a predetermined value.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus 1) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, a user of the apparatus 1 performs a copy of a paper document (hereinafter referred to as an original) on which an image to be processed (hereinafter referred to as an original image) is formed. A case where an object is acquired as a paper document will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a scanner unit 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, and an output unit 15.

  The control unit 10 can be realized using a CPU or the like, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 11. Specific contents of the processing performed by the control unit 10 will be described in detail later.

  The storage unit 11 can be realized by a memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 11 holds a program executed by the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 operates as a work memory that holds various data used in the process of the control unit 10.

  The scanner unit 12 can be realized by a scanner device or the like. The scanner unit 12 optically reads an original image formed on a document in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 10 to generate bitmap data representing the original image, and outputs the bitmap data to the control unit 10. . The scanner unit 12 receives an input for specifying a reading mode such as monochrome / color from the user of the apparatus 1 when reading the original image, and generates bitmap data based on the specified reading mode. To do.

  The input unit 13 can be realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The input unit 13 accepts an instruction operation from a user of the apparatus 1 and outputs the content of the instruction to the control unit 10.

  The display unit 14 can be realized by a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 14 displays and outputs data input from the control unit 10 in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 10.

  The output unit 15 can be realized by a printer or the like. The output unit 15 prints out a paper document on which an image is formed based on image data input from the control unit 10 in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 10.

  Next, the content of the process which the control part 10 performs is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating main processing performed by the control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the program executed by the control unit 10 includes an original image data processing unit 20, an original image property data generation unit 21, an output condition processing unit 22, an image property determination unit 23, a preview / And an output processing unit 24 functionally.

  The original image data processing unit 20 receives original image data representing an original image from the scanner unit 12 or the input unit 13. Specifically, the original image data processing unit 20 receives bitmap data (hereinafter referred to as image partial data) representing characters, figures, photographs, and the like included in the original image from the scanner unit 12.

  The original image data processing unit 20 is configured such that, for example, when the original image is read by the scanner unit 12, the user makes a reading mode such as monochrome / grayscale / color or character / photo to the scanner unit 12. When the reading mode (modes with different resolutions) is designated, data representing the reading mode designated by the user is received from the scanner unit 12.

  In addition, the original image data processing unit 20 includes, for example, a sensor for detecting the amount of the set original (number of documents, weight, etc.) in the part of the scanner 12 where the original is set. Receives data representing the detected document amount from the scanner unit 12.

  The original image data processing unit 20 is provided, for example, when the scanner unit 12 includes a sensor that detects the medium size (paper size) of the document by irradiating the platen with light for reading processing. Accepts data representing the detected paper size from the scanner unit 12.

  In addition, when the user of the apparatus 1 inputs the paper size of the document via the input unit 13, the original image data processing unit 20 sets the input paper size from the input unit 13. Accept data to represent.

  Then, the original image data processing unit 20 outputs original image data including data received from the scanner unit 12 or the input unit 13 to the original image property data generation unit 21.

  The original image property data generation unit 21 generates original image property data representing the properties of the original image based on the original image data received from the original image data processing unit 20. Specifically, the original image property data generation unit 21 performs layout analysis processing of the original image based on, for example, image partial data included in the original image data, and generates data representing the analysis processing result.

  In other words, in this case, the original image property data generation unit 21 includes, for example, a partial image included in the original image, such as whether the original image includes only characters or whether a graphic or a photograph is included. The content type (character part, graphic part, photo part) is analyzed, and data representing the content type is generated.

  Further, the original image property data generation unit 21, for example, obtains data representing an arrangement of characters such as whether the character string is horizontal writing or vertical writing when an analysis result is obtained that the original image includes characters. Generate.

  In addition, the original image property data generation unit 21 is configured to, for example, the original image such as a range or position where the entire original image or a partial image such as a character portion, a graphic portion, or a photographic portion included in the original image is formed on the document. Is generated (for example, coordinate values at coordinates set on the document).

  The layout analysis processing performed by the original image property data generation unit 21 is performed by analyzing the density of colored pixels (hereinafter referred to as significant pixels) in a predetermined range on the original image, for example. Since it can be performed using a known method such as determining that a character is formed if the significant pixel density of the range is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, detailed description is omitted here.

  The original image property data generation unit 21 converts the original image property data including the data generated by the layout analysis processing and the original image data received from the original image data processing unit 20 into the image property determination unit 23. Output to.

  The output condition processing unit 22 receives an output condition input by the user of the apparatus 1 via the input unit 13 from the input unit 13. Specifically, the output condition processing unit 22 forms the output image on the output paper, the size of the medium (output paper) to be printed out by the output unit 15, the enlargement / reduction ratio of the output image to be formed on the output paper, and the original image. An instruction to increase / decrease the significant pixel density from the default value (degree of increase / decrease in the significant pixel density), an instruction to layout the output image to be formed on the output paper (for example, an image read from two pages of the document on one page of the output paper) The data representing the monochrome / color type of the output image formed on the output paper is received.

  Then, the output condition processing unit 22 outputs output condition data including these data received as output conditions to the image property determination unit 23.

  The image property determination unit 23 determines a predetermined one of the image properties based on the original image property data received from the original image property data generation unit 21 and the output condition data received from the output condition processing unit 22. It is determined whether or not the property changes between the original image and the output image.

  Specifically, the image property determination unit 23 includes the image size including the property of the medium and the property of the image portion, the paper size of the original or output paper, the image size of the original image and the output image (enlargement / reduction magnification). ), Whether or not there is a change in the image properties designated by the user via the input unit 13 or stored in the storage unit 11 in advance, such as significant pixel density, layout (image formation range, arrangement), etc. Judging.

  That is, the image property determination unit 23 determines whether the paper size of the original document represented by the original image property data is different from the output paper size represented by the output condition data, for example.

  In this case, the image property determination unit 23, for example, has a B5 size (257 mm × 182 mm) defined by the JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) standard and an A4 size (297 mm × 210 mm) output paper. ), It is determined that the standards are different, and it is determined that there is a change in the properties of the medium. Further, the image property determining unit 23 determines that the property of the medium does not change when the paper size of the original and the output paper match.

  Further, the image property determination unit 23 determines whether or not the output condition data includes data instructing an enlargement / reduction magnification with respect to the original image of the output image formed on the output paper, for example. In this case, the image property determination unit 23 determines that the property is changed if there is an instruction for enlargement / reduction magnification, and determines that there is no change in the property if there is no instruction.

  Further, the image property determination unit 23 calculates, for example, a ratio between the paper size of the document and the size of the output paper, and whether or not the calculated size ratio is different from the designated enlargement / reduction ratio. Judging. In this case, the image property determination unit 23, for example, has an enlargement ratio (for example, 150%) of the output image included in the output condition data more than the ratio (114%) of the output paper size A4 to the paper size B5 of the document. If it is large, that is, if the output image enlarged at the enlargement magnification is expected to protrude from the output paper, it is determined that the property of the medium is changed.

  Further, the image property determination unit 23 determines whether or not the size of the output image is larger than the size of the output paper, for example, by specifying the paper size or specifying the enlargement / reduction ratio of the paper size. In this case, the image property determination unit 23 determines, for example, whether or not the size of the horizontal writing character image portion included in the original image is larger than the width of the output paper size. That is, the image property determining unit 23 changes the property of the medium when, for example, a character image portion is formed with a width of 280 mm on an A4 size document and the B5 size is designated as output paper. Judge.

  The image property determination unit 23 determines that the property of the medium is changed when the number of original images is different from the number of output images formed on the output paper. In this case, for example, the image property determination unit 23 outputs a layout instruction so that an output image corresponding to two pages of original images (that is, two original images) is formed on the output image of one page. When the original image included in the original image property data is for one page (that is, one original image), it is determined that the property of the medium is changed. .

  Further, the image property determination unit 23 determines, for example, whether or not an original image reading mode and an output image output mode are different. In this case, for example, when the original image is read in the monochrome mode and the output image is formed on the output paper in the color mode, the image property determination unit 23 determines that the property of the image portion is changed. In this case, the image property determination unit 23 does not change the property of the image portion when the original image is in the monochrome mode and the output image formed on the output paper is also in the monochrome mode. to decide.

  In addition, the image property determination unit 23 instructs to change the significant pixel density, for example, to increase or decrease the significant pixel density of the output image with respect to the significant pixel density of the original image (instruction such as “dark”, “light”). Is also included in the output condition data. In this case, for example, if there is an instruction to increase / decrease the significant pixel density of the output image by a predetermined ratio with respect to the original image, the image property determination unit 23 determines that the property of the image portion is changed, and the instruction is not given. Judge that there will be no change in properties.

  Further, the image property determination unit 23 may determine that a change occurs in the image property, for example, when at least one of these image properties is different between the original image and the output image. When there is a difference between a predetermined number (for example, two) or more of properties, it may be determined that a change occurs in the image properties. Further, the image property determination unit 23 determines that, for example, when there is a difference in a specific property among these image properties, the image property changes, and if there is no difference in the specific property, the image property changes. You may decide not to. Then, the image property determination unit 23 outputs a determination result as to whether or not the image property changes to the preview / output processing unit 24.

  The preview / output processing unit 24 performs output image preview processing or output processing based on the determination result received from the image property determination unit 23. Specifically, for example, when the preview / output processing unit 24 accepts a determination result that the property of the image changes, the preview display of the output image is performed based on the original image data and the output condition data. In addition to instructing the display unit 14 to do so, a screen requesting an instruction as to whether or not to perform output processing of the output image is presented to the user.

  In this case, when the preview / output processing unit 24 receives an instruction to perform output processing from the user via the input unit 13, the output image displayed as a preview for the user to the output unit 15. Is instructed to print out the paper document on which is formed.

  In addition, when the preview / output processing unit 24 accepts a determination result indicating that the image properties do not change, the preview / output processing unit 24 creates a paper document on which the output image is formed based on the original image data and the output condition data. The output unit 15 is instructed to print out.

  Next, the main flow of an example of image processing performed by the control unit 10 of the apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main steps of image processing performed by the control unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the original image data processing unit 20 receives the original image data from the scanner unit 12 or the input unit 13 (S100), and outputs it to the original image property data generation unit 21.

  The original image data processing unit 20 that has received the original image data generates original image property data representing the properties of the original image based on the original image data (S101), and outputs it to the image property determination unit 23.

  Further, the output condition processing unit 22 receives the output condition of the original image from the user via the input unit 13 (S102), and outputs the output condition data representing the output condition to the image property determination unit 23.

  The image property determination unit 23 determines a predetermined one of the image properties based on the original image property data received from the original image property data generation unit 21 and the output condition data received from the output condition processing unit 22. It is determined whether or not the property changes between the original image and the output image (S103), and the determination result is output to the preview / display processing unit 24.

  In this process S103, when the image property determining unit 23 determines that a change occurs in the image property (Yes in the process S103), the preview / output processing unit 24 accepts the determination result indicating that the change occurs, and the user The output image is displayed as a preview (S104).

  In this case, the preview / output processing unit 24 presents a screen requesting the user to instruct whether to output the preview-displayed output image (S105).

  If an output instruction is accepted from the user in this process S105 (Yes in process S105), the preview / output processing unit 24 performs an output process of the output image displayed as a preview (S106).

  Also, in this process S105, when an instruction not to output is accepted from the user (No in process S105), the preview / output processing unit 24 ends the process without performing the output process.

  Further, when the preview / output processing unit 24 accepts the determination result indicating that there is no change in the image properties in the process S103 (No in the process S103), the preview / output processing unit 24 performs an output process of the output image displayed in the preview ( S106).

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the image property determination unit 23 may determine whether or not the property of the original image included in the original image property data satisfies a predetermined condition.

  That is, for example, the image property determination unit 23 determines whether or not the amount of documents included in the original image property data (the number or weight of documents to be processed, the number of original images, etc.) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, for example, when the number of documents is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the image property determination unit 23 determines that the properties of the original image satisfy a predetermined condition, and when the number of documents is less than the predetermined number, the predetermined condition is satisfied. It is judged that it does not satisfy.

  Further, for example, the image property determination unit 23 may determine whether or not a predetermined combination of specific properties among the image properties satisfies a predetermined condition.

  That is, the image property determining unit 23 includes only the character image in the original image, for example, for the combination of the type of image content (character, graphic, photo, etc.) included in the original image and the output image formation mode. If the output image formation mode is grayscale, color, or the like, it is determined that the output property satisfies the predetermined condition. Otherwise, the output image formation mode is monochrome or the like. In the case), it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

  In this case, when the preview / output processing unit 24 receives a determination result that the image property satisfies the predetermined condition from the image property determining unit 23, the preview / output processing unit 24 performs preview display of the output image, and the predetermined condition is not satisfied. If the determination result is received, the output image is output without displaying a preview.

  The preview / output processing unit 24 performs output processing for storing output image data representing an output image in the storage unit 11 instead of or in addition to the print output instruction to the output unit 15. Also good. The medium on which the original image or the output image is formed is not limited to paper, and may be a slide, a film, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main processes which the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main flows of the image processing which the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus, 10 Control part, 11 Storage part, 12 Scanner part, 13 Input part, 14 Display part, 15 Output part, 20 Original image data processing part, 21 Original image property data generation part, 22 Output condition processing part, 23 Image property determination unit, 24 Preview / output processing unit.

Claims (4)

An image processing apparatus that displays a preview of an output image prior to output processing of an image to be processed,
Means for optically reading an original image formed on a medium and generating original image data representing the original image;
Means for accepting the output condition of the original image;
Based on the original image data and the output condition, a determination unit that determines whether a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to a predetermined property among the properties of the image;
Display means for displaying a preview of the output image when the determination means determines that there is a change in the property of the predetermined image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The determination means determines whether or not a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to the property of the medium on which the image is formed, based on the original image data and the output condition.
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The determination unit determines whether or not a change occurs between the original image and the output image with respect to a property of an image portion formed on the medium based on the original image data and the output condition. ,
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Means for receiving the amount of media on which the original image is formed;
The display means displays a preview of the output image when the medium amount is less than a predetermined value;
An image processing apparatus.

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