JP2009141772A - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily access, from a mobile information terminal, a home page indicated by a URL printed on printed matter. <P>SOLUTION: A document is read to provide first image data, a specific character string is extracted, and a character string portion is recognized from the read first image data. Address information is then extracted from the recognized character string, the extracted address information is converted into two-dimensional bar code image data and added to the first image data, second image data are generated by adding the two-dimensional bar code image data which have been converted and generated, thereto, and the generated image data are printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system, and more particularly to processing for performing character recognition from an image read by a scanner and generating image data in accordance with the recognized character information.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of the Internet, various types of information are often disclosed on homepages (Web).

  Also, personal computers are used as means for accessing these home pages, but recently, access is also possible from portable information terminals with browser functions such as mobile phones.

  Access to the home page from the mobile information terminal can be performed by inputting a URL, which is address information of the home page, on the mobile information terminal.

Some portable information terminals with a camera can be accessed by reading and analyzing a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code in which URL information is embedded for accessing a home page. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
As described above, with the widespread use of the Internet, address information (URL) is also printed on a printed material obtained by printing a homepage screen.

Further, recent printed materials are often printed with address information (URL) for the purpose of indicating supplementary information of the printed material, a reference destination, or a homepage to be accessed.
JP 2003-198674 A

  However, although the portable information terminal is rich in advanced functions such as the browser function described above, since the terminal itself is downsized in order to emphasize portability, there are restrictions on the number and location of keys. is there.

  Therefore, there is a problem that it is not easy to input with the key of the portable information terminal.

  In particular, in the case of URL input as described above, there are many cases where it is a simple sequence of characters that is not very meaningful, and there is a problem that it takes more time to input.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable easy access from a portable information terminal to a home page indicated by a URL already printed on a printed matter.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention enables an image reading unit that reads a document to obtain first image data, and an instruction for obtaining a second image data by extracting a specific character string. An operation panel control means, a character recognition means for recognizing a character string portion from the first image data read by the image reading means, and an address for extracting address information from the character string data recognized by the character recognition means Information extraction means; two-dimensional barcode conversion means for converting the address information character string extracted by the address information extraction means into two-dimensional barcode image data; in addition to the first image data, the two-dimensional barcode Image data generating means for generating second image data to which the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the converting means is added; Characterized in that it and a printing control means capable of printing the image data generated by the means.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention includes a Web access unit that uses the address information extracted by the address information extraction unit and actually connects to a home page (Web) indicated by the address information. Features.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides address information for selecting a successful access by trying connection by the Web access means when there are a plurality of character string candidates recognized by the character recognition means. And an extracting means.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a printing position when each of the address information recognized by the character recognition unit and obtained by the address information extraction unit exists in the first image data. A print information control means for holding and storing the print information, and a position for printing the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion means based on the print position information obtained by the print information control means. And image data generating means for generating second image data to which the two-dimensional barcode image data is added.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is used at the time of printing when a plurality of address information recognized by the character recognition unit and obtained by the address information extraction unit exists in the first image data. A print information control means for setting a color, and the color information obtained by the print information control means are applied to the address information and the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion means. Image data generating means for generating the image data.

  According to the present invention, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed as the URL conversion mode, whereby the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character string is extracted.

  Further, the extracted URL character string can be converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image can be printed in an empty space of a copy image. If this is a portable information terminal equipped with a camera or the like and capable of two-dimensional barcode analysis, the address information (URL) character string does not have to be input character by character, and the necessary home page (Web) can be accessed. It becomes easy.

  Further, according to the present invention, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed in the URL conversion mode, whereby the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character string is extracted.

  At this time, when the access to the home page (Web) indicated by the extracted address information (URL) is attempted and the connection is successful, the extracted URL character string is converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image is converted into a two-dimensional barcode image. It is possible to print in an empty space of a copy image.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of facilitating access to a necessary homepage (Web), a two-dimensional barcode image that can be reliably accessed is printed, so that useless communication can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed in the URL conversion mode, whereby the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character string is extracted.

  If there are a plurality of character string candidates for the address information (URL) extracted at this time, the number is not limited to one due to the state of the document or reading accuracy, etc., the home page (Web) indicated by the sequentially extracted address information (URL). Try to access

  As a result, when the connection is successful, the URL character string that has been successfully accessed can be converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image can be printed in an empty space of the copy image.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary homepage (Web), a two-dimensional barcode image that can be reliably accessed is printed, so that useless communication can be prevented and connection reliability is improved. improves.

  Further, according to the present invention, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed in the URL conversion mode, whereby the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character string is extracted.

  When there are a plurality of URL character strings extracted at this time in one page of the document, the position where each address information (URL) is printed is stored and converted into a two-dimensional barcode.

  When the converted two-dimensional barcode image is printed on a copy image, it can be printed in a nearby empty space where the original address information (URL) is printed.

  If there is no empty space near where the original address information (URL) is printed, a two-dimensional barcode image is printed at the position just on the back of the position where the address information (URL) is printed. Thus, it is also possible to generate image data as double-sided data.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary home page (Web), when there are a plurality of address information (URL) described in the page, the corresponding address information (URL) and the two-dimensional bar Since the code is printed at a close position or the same position on the front and back sides, the corresponding home page (Web) can be reliably accessed, and convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed in the URL conversion mode, whereby the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character string is extracted.

  When there are a plurality of URL character strings extracted at this time in one page of the document, the position where each address information (URL) is printed is stored and converted into a two-dimensional barcode.

  When the converted two-dimensional barcode image is printed on the copy image, the original address information (URL) and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode can be printed in the same color.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary home page (Web), when there are a plurality of address information (URL) described in the page, the corresponding address information (URL) and the two-dimensional bar Since the code is printed in the same color, the corresponding home page (Web) can be reliably accessed, and convenience is improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input / output system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, an image input / output system having a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and a box function will be described as an example of the image processing apparatus.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a reader unit 200, a printer unit 300, a control device 110, and an operation unit 150.

  The reader unit 200 includes a document feeding unit 250 for feeding a document and a scanner unit 210 for reading an image on the document fed from the document feeding unit 250.

  Image data read by the scanner unit 210 is input to the control device 110.

  The printer unit 300 includes a paper feed unit 310, a marking unit 320, and a paper discharge unit 330. The paper feed unit 310 is equipped with a plurality of cassettes that accommodate recording papers of different sizes, and feeds the recording paper from each cassette.

  The marking unit 320 is a unit having an image forming process by electrophotography. In the marking unit 320, on the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 310 based on the image data input from the PC (host computer) 411, 412 connected to the LAN 400 or the scanner unit 210 via the control device 110. Perform image formation.

  The paper discharge unit 330 sorts and staples the recording paper on which the image is formed by the marking unit 320 and discharges the paper.

  The control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and is connected to a LAN 400 that accommodates the PCs 411 and 412 and a public line (not shown).

  The control device 110 implements a copy function by reading image data of a document with the reader unit 200 and controlling the image data to be output to the printer unit 300 to form an image on recording paper.

  Further, the scanner function is realized by converting the image data read by the reader unit 200 into code data and transmitting the code data to the PCs 411 and 412 via the LAN 400. In addition, the printer function is realized by converting the code data received from each of the PCs 411 and 412 via the LAN 400 into image data and controlling the image data to be output to the printer unit 300.

  Further, the image data of the original is read by the reader unit 200, the image data is output to a FAX board (not shown), which will be described later, and the image data sent to the public line is received via the FAX board to receive the printer unit. By outputting to 300, the facsimile function is realized.

  In addition, a hard disk drive (HD drive) 160 is connected to the control device 110, and a storage area of the hard disk drive 160 is divided into a plurality of areas, and image data is stored in each area. The control device 110 implements a box function using the hard disk of the hard disk drive 160.

  The operation unit 150 includes various keys for inputting instructions to the control device 110 and a liquid crystal display panel for displaying an interface screen with the user, and generates corresponding signals according to operations on the various keys. Output to the control device 110. Details of the operation unit will be described later with reference to another drawing.

[Hardware configurations of reader unit 200 and printer unit 300]
Next, the hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 are integrally configured. The reader unit 200 includes a document feeding unit 250. The document feeding unit 250 feeds documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 211 one by one, and each time each document reading operation is finished, the document is fed. Is discharged from the platen glass 211 to a discharge tray (not shown).

  When the document is fed onto the platen glass 211, the reader unit 200 turns on the lamp 212 and starts moving the moving unit 213. The scanning of the original on the platen glass 211 is performed by the movement of the moving unit 213. During this scanning, the reflected light from the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 218 via each mirror 214, 215, 216 and lens 217, and an image on the document is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 218. Imaged. The CCD 218 converts an image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is input to the control device 110 after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The printer unit 300 includes a laser driver 321, and the laser driver 321 drives the laser emission unit 322 based on the image data input from the control device 110. As a result, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 322, and this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 323 while being scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 323 by the irradiated laser light, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the toner supplied from the developing device 324. In synchronization with the irradiation timing of the laser beam, the recording paper is fed from the cassettes 311 and 312 between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 via the conveyance path, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the transfer unit 325. Is transferred onto the recording paper fed.

  The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to a fixing roller pair (heating roller and pressure roller) 326 via a conveyance belt, and the fixing roller pair 326 heat-presses the recording paper to transfer the toner image on the recording paper onto the recording paper. To settle. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing roller pair 326 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 330 by the paper discharge roller pair 327. The paper discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processing apparatus that can perform post-processing such as sorting and stapling.

  When the duplex recording mode is set, after the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 327, the rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 327 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 by the flapper 328. . The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 is fed again between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 at the timing described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper.

[Detailed Configuration of Control Device 110]
Next, a detailed configuration of the control device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 110 in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 110 has a main controller 111 that controls the entire device. The main controller 111 includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, various I / F controller circuits (not shown), and the like. Is provided. Further, the ROM 114 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 115, and the DRAM 116 is connected via the I / F 117. The CPU 112 performs various processes according to a program read from the ROM 114 via the I / F 115. For example, a PDL (page description language) received from each of the PCs 411 and 412 is interpreted, and a development process for developing the raster image data is performed. The work area of the CPU 112 is provided by the DRAM 116. The DRAM 116 also stores image data.

  A codec 118 is connected to the main controller 111 via an I / F 120. The codec 118 compresses raster image data stored in the DRAM 116 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG, and Conversely, the compressed and accumulated code data is expanded into raster image data.

  A work area associated with the processing of the codec 118 is provided by the SRAM 119. Data transfer between the codec 118 and the DRAM 116 is performed by the DMA system, and the control is performed by the bus controller 113.

  Further, a network controller 121 is connected to the main controller 111 via an I / F 123, and the network controller 121 has a network function such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The network controller 121 is provided with a connector 122, which is connected to the LAN 400 (shown in FIG. 1).

  Furthermore, an expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and an I / O control unit 126 are connected to the main controller 111 via a general-purpose high-speed bus 125. Here, the general-purpose high-speed bus 125 is a PCI bus, for example. In this embodiment, in order to realize the facsimile function, a FAX board (not shown) is connected to the extension connector 124, and this FAX board is connected to a public line.

  The I / O control unit 126 includes a 2-channel asynchronous serial communication controller 127 for transmitting / receiving control commands to / from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and the scanner I / F 140 via the I / O bus 128. And a printer I / F 145.

  A panel I / F 132 is connected to the I / O control unit 126, and the panel I / F 132 is an interface with the operation unit 150. An LCD controller 131 is connected to the panel I / F 132, and the LCD controller 131 drives a liquid crystal display panel provided in the operation unit 150. The panel I / F 132 includes an I / F 130 for capturing a key signal input in response to an operation of a hard key and a soft key of the operation unit 150.

  Further, a real-time clock module 133 and an E-IDE connector 161 for updating and saving the date and time managed in the apparatus are connected to the I / O control unit 126, and the real-time clock module 133 is backed up by a backup battery 134. Has been.

  The E-IDE connector 161 is a connector for connecting an external storage device. By connecting an external storage device such as a hard disk or an MO drive to the connector 161, image data is written to or read from the external storage device. be able to. In the present embodiment, a hard disk drive (HD drive) 160 is connected, and this HD drive 160 drives a hard disk (HD) 162.

  The scanner I / F 140 is connected to the main controller 111 via the scanner bus 141, and a connector 142 for connecting to the reader unit 200 is provided.

  The scanner I / F 140 and the connector 142 are connected to each other via a synchronous step synchronization serial I / F 143 and a video I / F 144. The scanner I / F 140 has a processing function for performing optimal binarization processing, scaling processing, and the like on the image received from the reader unit 200, and a control signal based on the video control signal received from the reader unit 200. And the control signal is output to the main roller 111 via the scanner bus 141.

  Here, data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113.

  Similarly, the printer I / F 145 is connected to the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146, and a connector 147 for connecting to the printer unit 300 is provided. The printer I / F 145 and the connector 147 are connected to each other via a synchronous step synchronization serial I / F 148 and a video I / F 149. The printer I / F 145 has a function of performing smoothing processing on the image data output from the main controller 111 and outputting it to the printer unit 300, and generates a control signal based on the video control signal received from the printer unit 300. The control signal is output to the main roller 111 via the printer bus 146. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and transferred to the printer unit 300 via the printer bus 146 and the video I / F 149.

(Overall configuration of printing system)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example used in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the printing system receives printing data via an interface (I / F) unit 401.

  The I / F unit 401 only needs to be able to exchange print data. The host and the image processing apparatus 100 may be directly connected by a cable or the like, or may be connected via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that it is good.

  Specifically, the image processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes an I / F unit 401, an image reading unit 402, an operation panel control unit 403, a character recognition unit 404, an address information extraction unit 405, a two-dimensional The barcode conversion unit 406 includes an image data generation unit 407, a print control unit 408, a Web access unit 409, and a print information control unit 410.

  The image reading unit 402 can read the contents of the document set on the document feeding unit 250 by the scanner unit 210.

  The operation panel control unit 403 can notify the setting content set by the operation unit 150 to the image processing apparatus.

  The character recognizing unit 404 can analyze the document content read by the image reading unit 402 and extract a character string portion.

  The address information extraction unit 405 can extract the character string and position information of the address information (URL) portion from the character string in the document extracted by the character recognition unit 404.

  The two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 can convert the character string information of the address information (URL) extracted by the address information extraction unit 405 into a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code.

  The image data generation unit 407 includes the image information of the document read by the image reading unit 402, the character string and position information extracted by the address information extraction unit 405, and the two-dimensional barcode generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406. It is possible to generate image data for printing based on a three-dimensional barcode image, information from other processing units, and the like.

  The print control unit 408 can perform processing for printing the image data generated by the image data generation unit 407 on a sheet.

  Using the address information (URL) extracted by the address information extracting unit 405, the Web access unit 409 can access the home page (Web) indicated by the address information by connecting to the Internet via the LAN.

  The print information control unit 410 can store print position information of the address information (URL) extracted by the address information extraction unit 405, and can select and set a color for printing.

  The processing content in each processing unit has been described above. A specific implementation method in the present embodiment will be described below.

<First Embodiment>
First, a method until printing is completed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a document (printed material) including address information (URL) is set in the document feeding unit 250, and a start key in the operation unit 150 is pressed to start a copy operation.

When the copy operation is started, the image reading unit 402 reads the document set on the document feeding unit 250. (Step S501)
Next, the operation panel control unit 403 determines whether or not “URL conversion mode” was selected when the copy button was pressed. (Step S502)
A UI example of “URL conversion mode” that can be instructed from the operation panel will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of an operation panel in the operation unit 150 of the image forming apparatus.

  The operation unit 204 illustrated in FIG. 6 is connected to the panel I / F 131 described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 602 denotes a reset key for canceling a setting value set by the user. Reference numeral 603 denotes a stop key used when canceling an active job. Reference numeral 604 denotes a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values such as numeric values. Reference numeral 605 denotes a touch panel type operation screen, which specifically displays a screen as shown in FIG. 7 (described later). The operation screen 605 has a number of touch panel buttons for various settings. Reference numeral 606 denotes a start key for starting a job such as reading a document. Reference numeral 607 denotes a clear key for clearing settings and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display (basic screen) on the operation panel of the operation unit 150. The contents displayed on the touch panel of the operation screen 605 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a tag 702 displayed at the top of the screen is a tag that accepts selection of each function.

  A tag 702 is a transmission function such as a copy function, FAX transmission and E-mail transmission, and transmission to a file server system in order from the left.

  Also, a box function that can store image data read by the scanner unit on the hard disk 160 in the device, and can operate and print the stored data.

  In addition, the remote scanner function can be operated from a PC via a communication network and a scan image can be taken into the PC.

  By selecting a tag for each function, the screen changes to a screen where each detailed setting can be made.

  The screen illustrated in FIG. 7 is an example of a copy function screen.

  This copy function screen includes a color mode selection button 703, a magnification specification button 704, a paper selection button 705, a sorter button 706 for specifying finishing such as shift sorting and staple sorting, a double-sided button 707 for specifying double-sided, and a density setting. A bar 708 for designating, a button 709 for selecting a document type, an application mode button 710 for setting various other application modes, a button 711 for selecting whether to perform URL conversion, and the like are arranged.

  Even if the setting by these setting buttons is not completed, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment detects that a document is set on the document table 211 or detects that a document is present by the DF document presence sensor 250. If it is, the document is transported to a predetermined position, an image reading operation is started, and the reading process is controlled to proceed in parallel with the user's setting of printing conditions.

  In this example of the operation panel UI, the URL conversion button is arranged on the top screen of the copy function. However, the URL conversion button may be selected on another setting screen displayed after the application mode button 710 is pressed, for example. Needless to say.

  Hereinafter, the subsequent operation in the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described.

If the URL conversion mode is set in step S502, the character recognition unit 404 analyzes the document content read by the image reading unit 402 and performs character recognition. (Step S503)
In step S502, if the URL conversion mode is not set, the normal copy operation is performed, so that normal image data is generated and printed according to the original.

Next, in step S503, address information (URL) character strings are extracted by the address information extraction unit 405 from the character strings extracted by character recognition. (Step S504)
Next, the two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 converts the URL extracted in step S504 into a two-dimensional barcode image such as a QR code. (Step S505)
Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of a QR code image as an example of a two-dimensional barcode.

  A URL character string is embedded in the QR code.

After the conversion to the two-dimensional barcode is completed, the image data generation unit 407 prints the QR code image converted in step S505 in addition to the image read in step S501 on the original. An image is formed so as to be printed in a blank area that is not formed, and image data is created. (Step S506)
Although the printing place of the step QR code has been described as a blank area where nothing is printed on the document, it is not limited to this as long as the QR code can be printed, and only the QR code is attached to a separate sheet. You may print it.

  In step S506, after generating the image data to which the QR code is added, the image data is sent to the user as an electronic file by using transmission, which is a function of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, instead of print processing. You may send it.

When the generation of the image data is completed in step S506, the print control unit 408 performs print processing. (Step S507)
Here, FIG. 9 shows an example of a printing result in which address information (URL) is read from an original document, converted into a QR code, and printed in a margin portion.

  The address information (URL) character string “http://abcde.co.jp” printed on the original document is extracted, a QR code including the contents is generated, and the QR code generated as a copy result is printed. I do.

  In the present embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode is mainly described as “QR code”, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this as long as an equivalent character string can be embedded.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed as the URL conversion mode, so that the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL characters are recognized. Perform column extraction.

  Further, the extracted URL character string can be converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image can be printed in an empty space of a copy image. If this is a portable information terminal equipped with a camera or the like and capable of two-dimensional barcode analysis, the address information (URL) character string does not have to be input character by character, and the necessary home page (Web) can be accessed. There is an effect that it becomes easy.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Since steps S1001 to S1003 are the same as the steps S501 to S503 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, in step S1004 (step S504 in the first embodiment), address information (URL) is extracted. At this time, the Web access unit 409 goes to the home page (Web) indicated by the extracted address information (URL). Try to connect. (Step S1005)
In step S1005, when the access to the home page (Web) indicated by the address information (URL) is successful, it is determined that the address information (URL) is currently accessible, and the two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 The URL extracted in step S1004 is converted into a two-dimensional barcode image such as a QR code. (Steps S1006 and S1007)
In step S1005, when access to the home page (Web) indicated by the address information (URL) fails (when an access error or the like occurs), QR code generation is not performed, and normal image data generation is performed as a normal copy operation. And print as the original.

  Subsequent processing after step S1008 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed as the URL conversion mode, so that the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL characters are recognized. Perform column extraction.

  At this time, when the access to the home page (Web) indicated by the extracted address information (URL) is attempted and the connection is successful, the extracted URL character string is converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image is converted into a two-dimensional barcode image. It is possible to print in an empty space of a copy image. Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary homepage (Web), a two-dimensional barcode image that can be reliably accessed is printed, so that useless communication can be prevented and connection reliability is improved. There is an effect of improving.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, processing in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Since steps S1101 to S1103 are the same as the steps S501 to S503 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S1104, address information (URL) is extracted. At this time, depending on the state of the original document, the character recognition unit 404 may extract a plurality of character string candidates. To do.

The Web access unit 409 attempts to connect to a home page (Web) indicated by the extracted address information (URL). (Step S1105)
In step S1105, when the access to the home page (Web) indicated by the address information (URL) is successful, it is determined that the address information (URL) is currently accessible, and the two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 The URL extracted in step S1004 is converted into a two-dimensional barcode image such as a QR code. (Steps S1106 and S1107)
In step S1105, when access to the home page (Web) indicated by the address information (URL) fails (when an access error or the like occurs), the home page is displayed as a different URL character string from among the extracted character string candidates. Try to connect to (Web). (Steps S1110, S1105)
In steps S1110 and S1105, when a home page (Web) is successfully accessed using another URL character string among the extracted URL candidates, the URL character string is the correct address information (URL) that can be accessed. The two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 converts the URL into a two-dimensional barcode image such as a QR code. (Steps S1106 and S1107)
In step S1110, if there is no other URL character string candidate, QR code generation is not performed, and normal image data generation is performed as a normal copy operation, and printing is performed according to the original.

  Since the processing of other steps is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed as the URL conversion mode, so that the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL characters are recognized. Perform column extraction.

  If there are a plurality of candidate character strings of the address information (URL) extracted at this time, the number is not limited to one due to the state of the document or reading accuracy, etc., the home page (Web) indicated by the sequentially extracted address information (URL) If access to the URL is successful and the connection is successful, the URL string that has been successfully accessed can be converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and the converted two-dimensional barcode image can be printed in an empty space of a copy image. Become.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary homepage (Web), a two-dimensional barcode image that can be reliably accessed is printed, so that useless communication can be prevented and connection reliability is improved. There is an effect of improving.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, processing in the fourth embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Since steps S1201 to S1203 are the same as the steps S501 to S503 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S1204, address information (URL) is extracted. At this time, depending on the original, a plurality of address information (URL) may be printed on one original. explain.

In step S1203, the address information extraction unit 405 extracts address information (URL) character strings from the character strings extracted by performing character recognition. (Step S1204)
In step S1204, when the address information (URL) is extracted, it is determined whether or not a plurality of address information (URL) exists on the same document. (Step S1205)
If a plurality of address information (URL) is extracted in step S1205, the number of the extracted address information (URL) is set in the counter N in order to process all the extracted address information (URL). (Step S1206)
In step S1205, if only one address information (URL) is extracted, “1” is set to the counter N. (Step S1207)
Next, the print information control unit 410 stores where the address information (URL) is printed in the page. (Step S1208)
Next, the two-dimensional barcode conversion unit 406 converts the Nth address information (URL) extracted in step S1204 into a two-dimensional barcode image such as a QR code. (Step S1209)
When the N-th two-dimensional barcode processing is completed, the counter N is decremented by 1 to process the N-1th address information (URL). (Step S1210)
If the counter N is greater than 0, it means that the extracted address information (URL) still remains, and the next address information (URL) is processed in step S1208.

If the counter N becomes 0, it means that the two-dimensional bar code conversion processing for all the extracted address information (URL) is completed, and image data is generated. (Step S1211)
At this time, in the image data generation process, the position information of the address information (URL) stored / held in step S1208 is used, and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode is arranged on the side where the address information (URL) is printed. Is possible.

  In the case of address information (URL) described in a sentence, there may be no space for printing a two-dimensional barcode.

At this time, the image data generation unit 407 generates image data so that a two-dimensional barcode image is printed on the back side of the place where the address information (URL) is printed. (Step S1213)
Subsequent processing is the same as that of the other embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed as the URL conversion mode, so that the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL characters are recognized. Perform column extraction.

  When there are a plurality of URL character strings extracted at this time in one page of the document, the position where each address information (URL) is printed is stored and converted into a two-dimensional barcode.

  When the converted two-dimensional barcode image is printed on a copy image, it can be printed in a nearby empty space where the original address information (URL) is printed.

  If there is no empty space near where the original address information (URL) is printed, a two-dimensional barcode image is printed at the position just on the back of the position where the address information (URL) is printed. Thus, it is also possible to generate image data as double-sided data.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary home page (Web), when there are a plurality of address information (URL) described in the page, the corresponding address information (URL) and the two-dimensional bar Since the code is printed at a close position or the same position on the front and back sides, the corresponding home page (Web) can be reliably accessed, and the convenience is improved.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, processing in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the fourth embodiment, the association is performed by adjusting the position where the extracted address information (URL) and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode are printed. The processing will be described for other association methods.

  Steps S1301 to S1306 are the same as steps S1201 to S1206 in the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When a plurality of URLs are extracted in one page in step S1306, the print information control unit 410 prints the print color for printing the Nth address information (URL) and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode. Is stored and retained. (Step S1308)
Thereafter, the print information control unit 410 controls the other address information (URL) and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode so as not to have the same color as described above, and stores the print color.

When the processing is completed for all the extracted address information (URL) and the two-dimensional barcode, the image data generation unit 407 uses the print color set in step S1308 to generate the address information (URL) and the two-dimensional barcode. Image data is generated so that the code has the same color. (Step S1313)
Other processes are the same as those described in the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the printed matter on which the address information (URL) is printed is copied and executed in the URL conversion mode, so that the address information (URL) in the printed matter is recognized and the URL character is recognized. Perform column extraction.

  When there are a plurality of URL character strings extracted at this time in one page of the document, the position where each address information (URL) is printed is stored and converted into a two-dimensional barcode.

  When the converted two-dimensional barcode image is printed on the copy image, the original address information (URL) and the corresponding two-dimensional barcode can be printed in the same color.

  Thus, if the portable information terminal is equipped with a camera or the like and is capable of analyzing a two-dimensional barcode, it is not necessary to input the character string of the address information (URL) character by character.

  Therefore, in addition to the effect of easy access to the necessary home page (Web), when there are a plurality of address information (URL) described in the page, the corresponding address information (URL) and the two-dimensional bar Since the codes are printed in the same color, it is possible to reliably access the corresponding home page (Web), thereby improving the convenience.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image input / output system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating hardware configurations of a reader unit 200 and a printer unit 300 of the image processing apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus 110 in an image processing apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image input / output system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining the process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an operation panel in an operation unit 150. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display (basic screen) on an operation panel of the operation unit 150. FIG. It is a figure which shows a QR code image as an example of a two-dimensional barcode. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining the process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining the process in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining the process in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining the process in the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 110 Control apparatus 150 Operation part 160 HD drive 200 Reader part 300 Printer part 402 Box area

Claims (5)

Image reading means for reading a document and obtaining first image data;
An operation panel control means capable of extracting a specific character string and instructing to obtain second image data;
Character recognition means for recognizing a character string portion from the first image data read by the image reading means;
Address information extraction means for extracting address information from character string data recognized by the character recognition means;
Two-dimensional barcode conversion means for converting the address information character string extracted by the address information extraction means into two-dimensional barcode image data;
In addition to the first image data, image data generating means for generating second image data by adding data to the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion means;
Print control means capable of printing the image data generated by the image data generation means;
An image processing apparatus and an image processing system comprising: 2. An image processing apparatus and an image according to claim 1, further comprising: a Web access unit that uses the address information extracted by the address information extraction unit to actually connect to a home page (Web) indicated by the address information. Processing system. Address information extraction means for attempting connection by the Web access means and selecting a successful access when there are a plurality of character string candidates recognized by the character recognition means;
The image processing apparatus and the image processing system according to claim 1 and 2, further comprising: Print information control means for holding and storing each print position when there are a plurality of address information recognized by the character recognition means and obtained by the address information extraction means in the first image data;
Based on the print position information obtained by the print information control means, a position for printing the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion means is determined, and the two-dimensional barcode image data is added. Image data generating means for generating image data of 2;
The image processing apparatus and the image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: Print information control means for setting a color to be used at the time of printing when there are a plurality of address information recognized by the character recognition means and obtained by the address information extraction means in the first image data;
Image data generation means for applying the color information obtained by the print information control means to the address information and the two-dimensional barcode image data generated by the two-dimensional barcode conversion means to generate second image data When,
The image processing apparatus and the image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images