JP2010088037A - Image processing apparatus, and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize a plurality of documents associated by tagging when handling a plurality of document images to which tag images are selectively composited. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of documents to which tags are selectively added, are sequentially read, processing for extracting a tag image from a document image is performed for each read document image, and the extracted tag image is composited to the document image while being superimposed at a predetermined position of the document image. Furthermore, when a tag image is extracted from a document image of a first page in one group, the extracted tag image is composited to all the document images in the same group. Namely, the tag image is composited not only to the document image of the first page but also to other document images of second and subsequent pages when belonging to the same group. Thus, duplicated documents in the same group can be easily recognized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracting a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image.

There exists a thing of patent document 1 as this kind of conventional apparatus. Here, a document image is read, a tag image attached to the document is extracted from the read document image, the tag image is processed, or a drag-and-drop operation on the tag image on the document image is performed on the document image. It is possible to move the tag image to an arbitrary position.
JP 2007-4621 A

  By the way, when attaching a sticky note to a plurality of originals stacked in order, the sticky note is often attached only to a specific selected original instead of attaching a sticky note to each original. For example, there is a usage form in which a plurality of originals are grouped, and for each group, a sticky note is attached only to the first page of the original and no other originals from the second page to the final page are attached. . In this case, the next manuscript following the last page becomes the first page of the next group, and another sticky note is attached to the next manuscript. A group of manuscripts up to one page before the page to which is attached.

  In addition, even when a large number of originals are stacked together, the sticky notes protrude from the edges of the originals so that the user can easily see the sticky notes and easily grasp each group of originals. Attached.

  However, when a sticky note image is synthesized on a manuscript image as in Patent Document 1, even if the sticky note of the manuscript on the first page can be directly viewed, the manuscript on the next page and thereafter is not turned. I can't see sticky notes. Therefore, even if it is known that there is one group from the page where the sticky note is combined to one page before the page where the next another sticky note is combined, the original of the page where the next another sticky note is combined It was difficult to find out and I could not use sticky notes.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and when handling a plurality of document images in which a tag image is selectively combined, a plurality of documents associated with the tag can be easily grasped. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can be used.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached, and performs an extraction process of a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image. In the processing device, an association unit that associates the tag image with the document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted, and each document image associated with the tag image by the association unit. And image output means for synthesizing the tag images and outputting these original images.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is the image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky image from the original image for each read original image. An associating means for associating the image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted; and outputting the sticky note image as a single image; And image output means for outputting each document image associated with the.

  For example, the associating unit associates the tag image with another document image sequentially read up to one page before the document image from which the tag image is extracted and the document image from which the next another tag image is extracted. .

  Further, any one of a mode for performing the processing for extracting the tag image, the processing by the association unit, and the processing by the image output unit, and a mode for simply outputting each read original image without performing these processes. There is provided an instruction input means for instructing selection.

  Furthermore, the image output means outputs the scaled image of the tag image.

  In addition, storage means for storing each document image associated with the tag image by the association means as one file is provided.

  The image processing apparatus further includes conversion means for converting each character string included in the tag image or each character string included in each document image associated with the tag image by the association means into text data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is the image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky image from the original image for each read original image. An association means for associating the image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and the sticky image on each original image associated with the sticky note image by the association means. A first image output means for combining and outputting these original images, and the sticky note image are outputted as one image, and each original image associated with the sticky note image is subsequently outputted by the associating means. 2 image output means and one of the first and second image output means is selected, and a document image is output by either the first or second image output means. And an input means.

  Furthermore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached, and performs processing for extracting a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image. An association means for associating an image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and each original image associated with the sticky image by the association means. Storage means for storing as a file.

  On the other hand, the image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached, and extracting a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image. A step of associating the image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and the sticky image on each original image associated with the sticky note image in the association step. And an image output step of combining and outputting these document images.

  Further, the image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are attached, and extracting a sticky image from the original image for each read original image. An association step of associating an image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted; and outputting the sticky note image as a single image; And an image output step for outputting each document image associated with.

  Furthermore, the image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached, and extracting a sticky image from the original image for each read original image. A step of associating the image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and the sticky image on each original image associated with the sticky note image in the association step. A first image output step of combining and outputting these document images, and outputting the tag image as a single image, and subsequently outputting each document image associated with the tag image in the association step. A document image is selected in either the first image output step or the second image output step by selecting one of the two image output step and the first and second image output steps. And a selection input step of outputting.

  Further, the image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are attached, and extracting a sticky image from the original image for each read original image. An association step of associating an image with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and another original image from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and each original image associated with the sticky note image at the association step. Storage step of storing in a memory as one file.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the sticky note image is associated with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and the other original images from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and the sticky note is placed on each original image associated with the sticky note image. These images are synthesized and these original images are output. Accordingly, a common tag image is synthesized on each associated document image, and any document image can be immediately determined based on the tag image as to the association with other document images.

  Further, even if a plurality of outputted document images are separated, the document images can be easily arranged based on the tag image of each document image.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the sticky note image is associated with the original image from which the sticky note image has been extracted and the other original images from which the sticky note image has not been extracted, and the sticky note image is output as a single image. Each document image associated with the tag image is output. When the sticky note image is output as one image in this way, it is easy to find the page of the sticky note image. Further, since each related document image is output following the tag image, these document images can also be easily identified.

  For example, the tag image is associated with another document image that is sequentially read up to one page before the document image from which the tag image is extracted and the document image from which another next tag image is extracted. In this case, each group of originals is from the page with the tag attached to the page before the page with the next tag attached.

  Also, a mode for performing a series of processing such as processing for extracting a tag image, associating a document image with a tag image, and outputting a tag image or document image, and simply outputting a plurality of document images without performing this sequence of processing. Since it is possible to select and instruct one of the modes, it is possible to set whether or not to perform from extraction of a tag image to synthesis in accordance with a user request.

  Furthermore, since the sticky note image is scaled and output, the size of the sticky note image can be set accurately.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the tag image is synthesized on each document image associated with the tag image and the document image is output, or the tag image is output as one image. Since it is possible to select whether to subsequently output each document image associated with the tag image, it is possible to flexibly respond to the user's request.

  Further, since the character string included in the tag image or each character string included in each document image associated with the tag image by the association means is once converted into text data, the text data is converted back to the character string. If the tag image and each document image are combined and output, the character string of the tag and each document can be output more clearly. In addition, it becomes possible to transmit sticky notes and text data of each manuscript by e-mail or the like.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, each document image associated with the tag image is stored as one file, so that the tag image and each document image can be easily managed.

  Note that the image processing method of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 100 records and forms a document image read by the document reading apparatus 101 or an image received from the outside in color or single color on a recording sheet.

  In the document reading apparatus 101, when a document is set on the document set tray 41, the document pickup roller 44 is pressed against the surface of the document and rotated, the document is pulled out from the document set tray 41, and the document is pulled out from the suction roller 45 and the separation pad 46. After passing between the sheets, the sheets are separated one by one and then conveyed to the conveyance path 47.

  In this conveyance path 47, the leading edge of the document abuts on the document registration roller 49, the leading edge of the document is aligned in parallel with the document registration roller 49, and then the document is transported by the document registration roller 49 and read by the reading guide 51. Passes between the glasses 52. At this time, the light of the light source of the first scanning unit 53 is irradiated on the surface of the document through the reading glass 52, and the reflected light is incident on the first scanning unit 53 through the reading glass 52. Then, the light is reflected by the mirrors of the second scanning units 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 55, and the image of the original is formed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 56 by the imaging lens 55. The CCD 56 reads a document image and outputs image data indicating the document image. Further, the document is conveyed by the conveyance roller 57 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 59 via the paper discharge roller 58.

  In addition, it is possible to read a document placed on the platen glass 61. The document registration roller 49, the reading guide 51, the paper discharge tray 59, and the like and the members above them are integrated into a cover body that is pivotally supported to be opened and closed on the back side of the document reading device 101. When the upper cover body is opened, the document table glass 61 is released, and the document can be placed on the document table glass 61. When the document is placed and the cover is closed, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, and the first scanning unit 53 exposes the document surface on the document table glass 61. Reflected light from the document surface is guided to the imaging lens 55 by the first and second scanning units 53 and 54, and an image of the document is formed on the CCD 56 by the imaging lens 55. At this time, the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and reflection of the document surface → the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 → the imaging lens 55 → the CCD 56 is performed. The positional relationship between the first and second scanning units 53 and 54 is always maintained so that the length of the optical path of the light does not change, whereby the focus of the original image on the CCD 56 is always maintained accurately.

  The entire image of the original read in this way is transmitted as image data to the laser exposure apparatus 1 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the image forming apparatus 100 records the image on a recording sheet.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a laser exposure device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charger 5, a cleaner device 4, an intermediate transfer belt device 8, a fixing device 12, a paper transport path S, a paper feed tray 10, And a paper discharge tray 15 and the like.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 uses data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. Accordingly, the developing device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), the photosensitive drum 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), the charger 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), the cleaner device 4 (4a, 4b, 4c and 4d) are provided in each of four types so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, a corresponding to black, b corresponding to cyan, c corresponding to magenta, and d corresponding to yellow. Four image stations are configured.

  The photoconductor drum 3 is disposed at substantially the center of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact type roller type or brush type charger, a charger type charger is used. .

  The laser exposure apparatus 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, which exposes the surface of a charged photosensitive drum 3 according to image data and statically responds to the surface according to the image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 with (K, C, M, Y) toner. The cleaner device 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 8 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 21, a driven roller 22, an intermediate transfer roller 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and an intermediate A transfer belt cleaning device 9 is provided.

  The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, the intermediate transfer roller 6, the driven roller 22, etc. stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 7, and move the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the direction of arrow C.

  The intermediate transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 7, is pressed against the photosensitive drum 3 via the intermediate transfer belt 7, and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7. A transfer bias is applied.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is provided so as to come into contact with the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, and the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 7. Are transferred to form a color toner image (a toner image of each color). This transfer belt is formed in an endless belt shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 6 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 7. A high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 6 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 6 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the recording paper.

  As described above, the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 7 to form a color toner image indicated by the image data. The toner images of the respective colors stacked in this way are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 are pressed against each other to form a nip region. Further, the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 has a voltage for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7 onto a recording sheet (high polarity (+) opposite to the toner charge polarity (-)). Voltage) is applied. Further, in order to constantly obtain the nip region, either the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21 is made of a hard material (metal or the like), and the other is a soft material such as an elastic roller. (Elastic rubber roller, foaming resin roller, etc.).

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 11, and the toner may remain on the intermediate transfer belt 7. Causes color mixing. Therefore, the residual toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 to remove residual toner, and the intermediate transfer belt is driven by a driven roller 22 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. 7 The back side is supported.

  The paper feed tray 10 is a tray for storing recording paper, and is provided below the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The paper discharge tray 15 provided on the upper side of the image forming unit is a tray for placing printed recording paper face down.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an S-shaped sheet conveyance path S for sending the recording sheet in the sheet feeding tray 10 to the sheet discharge tray 15 via the secondary transfer apparatus 11 and the fixing apparatus 12. It has been. Along the paper conveyance path S, a paper pickup roller 16, a paper registration roller 14, a fixing device 12, and a conveyance roller for conveying the recording paper are arranged.

  The paper pick-up roller 16 is a calling roller that is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 10 and supplies recording paper from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper transport path S one by one. The transport rollers are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of the recording paper, and a plurality of transport rollers are provided along the paper transport path S.

  The paper registration roller 14 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and the color toner on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the secondary transfer device 11. In order to transfer the image onto the recording sheet, the recording sheet is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3 and the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  For example, the paper registration roller 14 detects the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 7 in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 based on the detection output of a pre-registration detection switch (not shown). The recording paper is transported so that the leading edge is aligned with the leading edge of the image forming range on the recording paper.

  The fixing device 12 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like. The heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 sandwich and transport the recording paper.

  The heating roller 31 is controlled by the control unit so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature based on a detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and is transferred to the recording paper by thermocompression bonding of the recording paper together with the pressure roller 32. The toner image is melted, mixed, and pressed, and thermally fixed to the recording paper.

  The recording paper after fixing the toner images of the respective colors is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 15 by the transport roller.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 100, even when a tag is selectively attached to a plurality of originals, these originals are sequentially read, and the read original images are printed on the respective recording sheets, and these recordings are recorded. The paper is output as a copy original. However, if the sticky note is attached so as to protrude from the edge of the original, the sticky note image protrudes from the read original image, so the sticky note cannot be clearly determined from the copied original.

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached are sequentially read, and for each read original image, a sticky note image is extracted from the original image, and the extracted sticky note images are extracted. The document image is superimposed on a predetermined position and synthesized. As a result, even if a tag is attached so as to protrude from the edge of the document, the tag image is superimposed on the document image, and the tag can be identified on the copied document.

  In general, when grouping a plurality of originals stacked in order, a sticky note is attached only to the first page of the original for each group, and the other pages from the second page to the final page are attached. Often does not attach a sticky note. In such a usage form, if a sticky note is attached so as to protrude from the edge of the document, it is easy to distinguish from the sticky note to the next one of the next another sticky note as a group of originals. . However, when a tag image is synthesized on a document image as in the present embodiment, it is difficult to distinguish such groups.

  For this reason, in the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, when a tag image is extracted from the document image of the first page of one group, the extracted tag image is combined with all the document images of the same group. That is, if belonging to the same group, the tag image is synthesized not only on the first page of the original image but also on other original images from the second page to the last page. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily grasp each copy document of the same group.

  Alternatively, when a tag image is extracted from the document image of the first page of one group, the extracted tag image is enlarged and printed on one recording sheet, and each document image of the same group is subsequently recorded. The output is printed sequentially on paper. That is, a sticky note image is enlarged and printed as a cover of one group, and each original image is sequentially printed. As a result, it is possible to easily find a tag image of one group, and it is possible to easily grasp each subsequent copy of the same group.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment that performs such processing of a tag image. The image processing apparatus 71 of the present embodiment includes the document reading apparatus 101 and the print processing unit 102 in the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, an image calculation processing unit 72 that processes image data, and a storage unit 73 that stores image data. , An operation unit 74 that is operated to input various instructions, and a control unit 75 that comprehensively controls the image processing apparatus 71 and the image forming apparatus 100 are provided.

  The image calculation processing unit 72 inputs image data indicating a document image from the document reading apparatus 101, performs normal image processing (gamma, contrast, brightness correction, etc.) on the image data, and then prints the image data. The data is output to the processing unit 102. In addition, the image calculation processing unit 72 performs normal image processing on the image data, and then performs the tag image extraction processing, composition processing, and enlargement processing as described above, and the image data obtained thereby is processed. The data is output to the print processing unit 102.

  The print processing unit 102 corresponds to the laser exposure device 1, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, the cleaner device 4, the intermediate transfer belt device 8, the fixing device 12 and the like in FIG. In the print processing unit 102, image data is input to the laser exposure apparatus 1, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 3 by the laser light of the laser exposure apparatus 1, and The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 2 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 3, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 3 to the recording paper, and the toner image on the recording paper 3 is fixed by the fixing device 12. Is fixed and the recording paper is discharged.

  The operation unit 74 has keys, buttons, and the like operated by the user, and gives various instructions to the control unit 75 according to operations of these keys, buttons, and the like. The control unit 75 controls the image processing apparatus 71 and the image forming apparatus 100 in response to various instructions from the operation unit 74.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the operation unit 74 includes a display unit 76 made of a liquid crystal device and an operation panel 77 formed by arranging keys, buttons, and the like. When copying a document, each selection item 78a, 78b as to whether or not to recognize a tag as shown in FIG. 3 (b) is displayed on the screen of the display unit 76, or a tag as shown in FIG. 3 (c). Each selection item 79a, 79b, 79c indicating whether or not image composition and cover printing are to be selectively performed is displayed, and these selection items are selectively instructed by operating keys and buttons on the operation panel 77. As a result, the control unit 75 is instructed whether to perform the tag image extraction process, the synthesis process, and the enlargement process.

  The control unit 75 instructs the image calculation processing unit 72 to perform only normal image processing when instructed not to perform the tag image extraction processing, composition processing, and enlargement processing. If only normal image processing is instructed, the image arithmetic processing unit 72 performs only normal image processing on the image data input from the document reading apparatus 101 and outputs the image data to the print processing unit 102. .

  In addition, when the control unit 75 is selectively instructed to perform the tag image extraction process, the synthesis process, and the enlargement process, the control unit 75 not only instructs the image calculation processing unit 72 to perform normal image processing, but also performs the tag image extraction process. The image processing unit 72 is selectively instructed to perform the synthesis process and the enlargement process. In response to these instructions, the image arithmetic processing unit 72 performs normal image processing on the image data input from the document reading apparatus 101, and selectively performs tag image extraction processing, composition processing, and enlargement processing. The image data is output to the print processing unit 102.

  Next, specific examples of the tag image extraction process, the synthesis process, and the enlargement process performed by the image arithmetic processing unit 72 will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of documents 81 are sequentially stacked and collected, and a tag 82 is selectively attached to the edge of each document 81, and the documents 81 are grouped by these tags 82. It shall be. Here, for each group, a sticky note 82 is attached only to the original document 81 on the first page, and no sticky note is attached to the other originals 81 from the second page to the last page. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish from one sticky note 82 to the front of the next another sticky note 82 as one group of originals 81.

  Each document 81 in FIG. 4A is set on the document set tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101 and is sequentially read by the document reading apparatus 101. At this time, the reading range of the original reading device 101 is set larger than the size of the original 81 detected by a sensor (not shown) of the original setting tray 41, and the sticky note 82 protruding from the edge of the original 81 is also read simultaneously. Then, each time the document reader 101 reads the document 81 or the document 81 and the tag 82, it sequentially outputs image data indicating the document image to the image calculation processing unit 72. Therefore, if a sticky note 82 is attached to the document 81, the read document image (hereinafter referred to as the original document image) includes not only the image of the document 81 but also the tag image of the tag 82.

  Each time image data is input, the image calculation processing unit 72 performs normal image processing on the image data and then extracts a tag image from the original document image indicated by the image data. If the tag image is included in, the tag image is extracted from the original document image. At the same time, based on the detected size of the document 81, a document image of the size is cut out from the original document image. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, each document image 81P showing each document 81 and each tag image 82P showing some tag 82 selectively attached to each document 81 are separated. Obtained.

  A known method may be used to extract the tag image from the original document image. For example, there is a density difference or a color difference between the document 81 and the tag 82, and the tag 82 is a small rectangle, so that a small rectangular area having a different density and color in the original document image can be obtained as a tag image. Alternatively, since a shadow is generated at the peripheral step of the sticky note 82, a small rectangular area surrounded by the linear dark portion in the original document image can be obtained as the sticky note image. It is also possible to input the position and size of the tag by operating the operation unit 74 and extract the tag image from the original document image based on the position and size of the tag. Furthermore, a sticky note image may be extracted from a document image by combining several methods.

  If the original document image includes a tag image and the image calculation processing unit 72 extracts the tag image from the original document image and can separate the document image 81P and the tag image 82P, the storage unit One file is formed in 73, and the original image 81P and the tag image 82P are stored in this file. Then, if the original document image on the next page does not contain a tag image, the image calculation processing unit 72 also stores the next document image 81P in the same file in the storage unit 73, and the original document on and after the next page. Similarly, as long as no image is included in the image, the original image 81P is sequentially stored in the same file.

  Further, if the original document image on the next page and after includes a tag image, the image calculation processing unit 72 forms a new file in the storage unit 73 and adds the original document to the new file. The original image 81P and the sticky note image 82P separated from the image are stored, and the original image 81P is successively stored in this new file unless the original original image on the subsequent page and subsequent pages contains a sticky note image.

  As a result, a file is formed in the storage unit 73 for each group of the originals 81. In this file, the sticky note image 82P of the sticky note 82 attached to the original 81 on the first page of the group and each original belonging to the group. 81 document images 81P are stored. Therefore, it is possible to manage a plurality of groups in units of fills, and it becomes easy to print document images in units of groups that are performed thereafter.

  Next, assuming that the tag image is to be combined with the document image, the image calculation processing unit 72 combines the tag image 82P with each document image 81P for each file in the storage unit 73. In general, since there is a margin near the edge of the document image, the tag image 82P is superimposed on the margin near the upper edge of the document image 81P and synthesized, and each document image 83P as shown in FIG. A document image). As a result, each composite document image 83P obtained by combining the tag image 82P with each document image 81P is stored in the file in the storage unit 73.

  Thereafter, the image calculation processing unit 72 sequentially reads out each composite document image 83P for each file in the storage unit 73 and outputs it to the print processing unit 102. The print processing unit 102 sequentially inputs each composite document image 83P, prints these composite document images 83P on respective recording sheets, and outputs a copy document of these composite document images 83P.

  As a result, a copy document of each composite document image 83P as shown in FIG. 4C is obtained for each group, and each copy document in the same group can be easily grasped. Further, even if a plurality of output copy originals are separated, the respective copy originals can be easily arranged based on the tag images of the respective copy originals.

  Further, if the tag image is not combined with the document image, but the tag image is enlarged and printed as a cover, and then each document image is sequentially printed, the image arithmetic processing unit 72 performs the file processing for each file in the storage unit 73. Then, an enlarged sticky note image 84P obtained by enlarging the sticky note image 82P as shown in FIG. 5 is generated. Thus, the enlarged sticky note image 84P and each original image 81P are stored in the file in the storage unit 73.

  Thereafter, the image calculation processing unit 72 sequentially reads out the enlarged sticky note image 84P and each original image 81P for each file in the storage unit 73 and outputs them to the print processing unit 102. The print processing unit 102 sequentially inputs the enlarged sticky note image 84P and each original image 81P, prints the enlarged sticky note image 84P and each original image 81P on the respective recording sheets, and sequentially copies the originals of these images 84P and 81P. Output.

  As a result, a copy original of the enlarged sticky note image 84P and each original image 81P as shown in FIG. 5 is obtained for each group, and each copy original in the same group can be easily grasped.

  Next, a series of processing procedures from reading a document attached with a tag to outputting a copy document will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when a plurality of documents are set on the document setting tray 41 of the document reading apparatus 101, the document and its size are detected by a sensor (not shown), and the detection output of this sensor is input to the control unit 75. In response to this, the control unit 75 displays the selection items 78a and 78b in FIG. 3B on the display unit 76 of the operation unit 74. The user operates the keys and buttons of the operation unit 74 to select one of the selection items 78a and 78b.

  At this time, when the selection item 78a of “Yes” is selected, the control unit 75 displays each selection item 79a, 79b, 79c of FIG. 3C on the display unit 76 of the operation unit 74. Subsequently, the user operates keys and buttons of the operation unit 74 to select one of the selection items 79a, 79b, and 79c. For example, when the “synthesize” selection item 79a or the “attach cover” selection item 79b is selected, the control unit 75 regards that the tag data extraction processing, synthesis processing, or enlargement processing is performed (step (Yes in S201), the process proceeds to step S202. When the “No” selection item 78b is selected, or the “Yes” selection item 78a is selected and then the “No composition / cover” selection item 79c is selected, the control unit 75 It is assumed that the tag data extraction process, the synthesis process, or the enlargement process is not performed ("No" in step S201), and the process proceeds to step S203.

  Here, if it is assumed that the extraction process, the synthesis process, or the enlargement process of the tag data is performed (“Yes” in step S201) and the process proceeds to step S202, the control unit 75 controls the document reading apparatus 101. Thus, reading of each document on the document set tray 41 is started. The document reading apparatus 101 sets the reading range larger than the size of the document 81, starts reading the document 81 on the document set tray 41, and reads image data indicating the original document image each time the document is read. The images are sequentially output to the image calculation processing unit 72 (step S202).

  Every time image data is input, the image calculation processing unit 72 performs normal image processing on the image data and then tries to extract a tag image from the original document image indicated by the image data. At this time, if the original document image includes a tag image (“Yes” in step S204), the image calculation processing unit 72 extracts the tag image from the original document image, and the document image and the tag image. Are further formed, and one file is formed in the storage unit 73, and the original image and the tag image are stored in this file. Then, if the original document image of the next page does not include a tag image, the image calculation processing unit 72 also stores the next document image in the same file in the storage unit 73, and the original document image of the next page and thereafter. Similarly, unless a sticky note image is included, the document image is sequentially stored in the same file. Furthermore, if a tag image is included in the original document image on and after the next page, the tag image is extracted from the original document image, the document image and the tag image are separated, and a new file is stored in the storage unit 73. The original image and the sticky note image are stored in this new file, and the original image is successively stored in this new file unless the original original image contains the sticky note image (step S205). ). As a result, a file is formed in the storage unit 73 for each group of the originals 81. In this file, a sticky note image attached to the first page original of the group and an original image of each original belonging to the group. Is stored.

  Then, if the selection item 79a “composite” is selected in the previous step S201 (“No” in step S206), the image calculation processing unit 72 creates a tag image for each file in the storage unit 73. Each synthesized document image is generated by being superimposed on each document image, and these synthesized document images are sequentially output to the print processing unit 102 (step S209). The print processing unit 102 sequentially inputs each composite document image, prints these composite document images on respective recording sheets, and outputs a copy document of these composite document images (step S208).

  If the selection item 79b of “attach cover” has been selected in the previous step S201 (“Yes” in step S206), the image calculation processing unit 72 performs the tag image for each file in the storage unit 73. An enlarged sticky note image is generated, and the enlarged sticky note image and each original image are sequentially output to the print processing unit 102 (step S207). The print processing unit 102 sequentially inputs the enlarged sticky note image and each original image, prints these images on the respective recording sheets, and outputs a copy original of these images (step S208).

  On the other hand, the control unit 75 also controls the document reading apparatus 101 when it is regarded that the tag data extraction process, the synthesis process, or the enlargement process is not performed (“No” in step S201) and the process proceeds to step S203. Then, reading of each document on the document set tray 41 is started, and image data indicating each document image is sequentially output from the document reading device 101 to the image arithmetic processing unit 72 (step S203).

  Every time image data is input, the image calculation processing unit 72 performs only normal image processing on the image data, and outputs a document image indicated by the image data to the print processing unit 102 (step S210).

  Alternatively, even when the image calculation processing unit 72 attempts to extract a tag image from the original document image but none of the original document images includes a tag image (“No” in step S204), The process of step S210 is performed.

  Then, the print processing unit 102 sequentially inputs each document image from the image calculation processing unit 72, prints these document images on respective recording sheets, and outputs a copy document of these document images (step S208). .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a tag image is extracted from the document image of the first page of one group, the extracted tag image is combined with all the document images of the same group, or the extracted tag image is enlarged. Then, it prints out as a cover on one sheet of recording paper, and then sequentially prints out each original image in the same group on each recording paper, so it is possible to easily grasp each copy original in the same group become.

  By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the combination of the tag image and the document image and the enlargement of the tag image to form a cover are selectively performed, but both may be combined. In this case, the sticky note image is enlarged and printed as a cover of one group, and then each original image obtained by combining the sticky note images is sequentially printed.

  Regardless of whether the sticky note image is combined with the original image or the sticky note image is enlarged and used as a cover, the operation unit 74 is used to instruct the scaling factor of the sticky note image, and the image calculation processing unit 72 converts the sticky note image into the cover image. The scaled image may be stored in the storage unit 73, the scaled tag image may be output from the storage unit 73 to the print processing unit 102, and the scaled tag image may be printed on a recording sheet.

  In addition, character recognition software is installed in the image arithmetic processing unit 72, a character string included in the tag image is recognized by character recognition processing, the character string is temporarily converted into text data, and the text data is stored in the storage unit 73. It may be stored in a file. Then, instead of the sticky note image, the text data is converted into a character string, and the character string is printed on a recording sheet. As a result, the character string included in the tag image is printed more clearly on the recording paper.

  In this case, if this text data is set as the name of the file in which the text data indicating the character string of the tag image is stored, the management of the file becomes easy.

  Further, not only the sticky note image but also a character string included in the document image is converted into PDF (Portable Document Format) data by character recognition processing, and this PDF data is stored in a file in the storage unit 73, instead of the document image. The PDF data may be converted into a character string, and the character string may be printed on a recording sheet. Also in this case, the character string included in the document image is printed more clearly on the recording paper. When a network system capable of data communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and a personal computer or the like is constructed, the file in the storage unit 73 can be attached to an e-mail and transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the personal computer or the like. Although it is possible, if PDF data is stored in a file instead of a manuscript image, the capacity of e-mail can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the image processing apparatus of this embodiment. (a) is a top view which shows the operation part in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 2, (b) And (c) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part screen of an operation part. (a) is a diagram showing a plurality of manuscripts to which sticky notes are selectively attached, (b) is a diagram showing separated sticky note images and each manuscript image, and (c) is a diagram in which the sticky note images are combined. It is a figure which shows each original image. It is a figure which shows the tag image and each original image which were expanded and became a cover. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processing procedures from reading a document with a tag attached thereto to outputting a copied document.

Explanation of symbols

1 Laser exposure device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) Developing device 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) Photosensitive drum 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) Cleaner device 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) ) Charger 7 Intermediate transfer belt 8 Intermediate transfer belt device 10 Paper feed tray 11 Secondary transfer device 12 Fixing device 14 Paper registration roller 15 Paper discharge tray 31 Heating roller 32 Pressure roller 41 Original set tray 44 Original pickup roller 53 First Scanning unit 54 Second scanning unit 55 Imaging lens 56 CCD
71 Image processing device 72 Image calculation processing unit 73 Storage unit 74 Operation unit 75 Control unit 81 Document 82 Sticky note 81P Original image 82P Sticky note image 83P Composite original image 84P Enlarged sticky note image 100 Image forming device 101 Original reading device 102 Print processing unit S Paper Transport route

Claims (13)

In an image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image,
Associating means for associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing apparatus, comprising: an image output unit configured to synthesize the tag image on each document image associated with the tag image by the association unit and output the document image. In an image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image,
Associating means for associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image output unit that outputs the tag image as a single image, and subsequently outputs each document image associated with the tag image by the association unit.   The associating means associates the tag image with another document image sequentially read up to one page before the document image from which the tag image is extracted and the document image from which another next tag image is extracted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized.   One of a mode in which the tag image extraction process, the process by the association unit, and the process by the image output unit are performed, and a mode in which each read document image is simply output without performing these processes. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction input unit that instructs selection.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit outputs a scaled image of the tag image.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores each document image associated with the tag image by the association unit as one file.   3. The conversion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert each character string included in each original image associated with the tag image by the association unit or the character string included in the tag image into text data. The image processing apparatus described. In an image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image,
Associating means for associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
First image output means for synthesizing the tag image on each document image associated with the tag image by the associating means and outputting the document image;
Second image output means for outputting the sticky note image as a single image and subsequently outputting each original image associated with the sticky note image by the associating means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a selection input unit that selects one of the first and second image output units and outputs a document image by any of the first and second image output units. In an image processing apparatus that sequentially reads a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracts a sticky note image from the original image for each read original image,
Associating means for associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores the tag image and each document image associated with the tag image by the association unit as one file. In an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracting a sticky image from an original image for each read original image,
Associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing method comprising: an image output step of synthesizing the tag image on each document image associated with the tag image in the associating step and outputting the document image. In an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracting a sticky image from an original image for each read original image,
Associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing method comprising: outputting the sticky note image as a single image, and subsequently outputting each document image associated with the sticky note image in the association step. In an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracting a sticky image from an original image for each read original image,
Associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
A first image output step of synthesizing the tag image on each document image associated with the tag image in the association step and outputting the document image;
A second image output step of outputting the sticky note image as one image and subsequently outputting each document image associated with the sticky note image in the association step;
An image processing method comprising: a selection input step of selecting any one of the first and second image output steps and outputting a document image in any of the first and second image output steps. In an image processing method for sequentially reading a plurality of originals to which sticky notes are selectively attached and extracting a sticky image from an original image for each read original image,
Associating the tag image with a document image from which the tag image has been extracted and another document image from which the tag image has not been extracted;
An image processing method comprising: storing the sticky note image and each original image associated with the sticky note image in the associating step in a memory as a single file.

Images