JP2010093732A - Image synthesizing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image synthesizing apparatus which, when reading a document larger than a readable size by dividing the reading multiple times and uniting the plurality of read images and outputting the united images as one image, accepts a widened allowable deviation range of the image, and reduces operations even if the images are deviated. <P>SOLUTION: The image synthesizing apparatus is equipped with: a reading means for reading an image; an image memory for storing image data read by the reading means; and an image synthesizing means for synthesizing a plurality of images in the image memory. In the image synthesizing apparatus, when reading a document by dividing the reading multiple times, the image synthesizing apparatus discriminates on the basis of a size of the document, the size of an image region read up to the moment and the size of an image region readable thereafter, whether the size of the image region of the read document is smaller than the size required for uniting the read image data, and controls the image synthesizing means on the basis of the result of the discrimination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image composition device that composes a plurality of read images.

  There is known an invention in which a document larger than a document that can be read on a document table is divided into a plurality of times and read, and the read images are joined and output as a single image.

  When a document is scanned in the image composition device, the document is shifted or tilted from the specified position on the document table. As a result, a sufficient scanning range cannot be secured and a plurality of images are connected. In addition, an image defect may occur. For this reason, it is necessary to determine whether or not the reading range is sufficient for joining when the original is read.

  As a countermeasure, when reading the document in two steps, it is determined whether or not the amount of the overlap area necessary for joining is added to the half area of the document each time. A device that warns the effect is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

There is also known an apparatus that matches an image printed on a document and uses a detected image shift as a result of matching for warning determination (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 07-115534 A JP 11-134500 A

  In the above conventional example, when a user places a document on the document table, even if the document is placed on the document table with care being taken to match the designated position on the document table, there is a high possibility that the document will deviate from the document table.

  Therefore, in the above-described conventional example, when a document is read, if a slight deviation is allowed as a criterion for determining whether the reading range is sufficient for joining, the user is forced to reread many times and is inconvenient. There is a problem that there is. As much as possible, it is desired that the allowable range of deviation is as wide as possible so that even if there is a deviation, it is possible to perform as few operations as possible.

  In the present invention, when a document larger than a readable size is divided and read in a plurality of times, a plurality of read images are joined and output as one image, the tolerance of deviation can be widened, An object of the present invention is to provide an image synthesizing apparatus that requires only a small amount of operation even when it deviates.

  The present invention relates to an image composition apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads an image; an image memory that stores image data read by the reading unit; and an image combining unit that combines a plurality of images stored in the image memory. , When reading the document in a plurality of times, based on the size of the document, the size of the image area read so far, and the size of the image area that can be read after that, A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the size of the area is smaller than a size necessary for joining the read image data; and a control means for controlling the image synthesizing means based on a discrimination result by the discriminating means; Is an image synthesizing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when a document that is larger than a readable size is divided and read in a plurality of times, and the read images are joined and output as a single image, the tolerance of misalignment can be widened. Even if it deviates, there is an effect that only a few operations are required.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a reading apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The reading device 100 is an example of an image synthesizing device, and reads a document by placing the document on a document table, joins the plurality of read images to each other, and uses recording means 207 (see FIG. 2) that is an ink jet printer. A device for printing.

  In the first embodiment, a document larger than a document that can be read on the document table 101 is divided into a plurality of times and read. Specifically, a B4 size document is read in two times, an A4 size document is read in two steps, and the two read images are joined by the joining means, and output in A4 size.

  The document table 101 sets a document when reading the document. The document cover 102 is used to block external light when reading a document. The printing paper insertion port 103 is an entrance for inserting printing paper. The printing paper discharge port 104 is an outlet through which printed printing paper is discharged.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reading device 100.

  The CPU 201 is a central processing unit and controls the entire reading apparatus 100. The ROM 202 stores programs and data. The DRAM 203 is a storage unit including a temporary storage area such as an image memory. The operation means 204 is composed of keys that are operated by the user.

  The display means 205 is means for displaying screen information such as graphics and messages in color. The reading unit 206 is a unit that reads a document. The recording unit 207 is a unit having an ink jet mechanism. The system bus 208 is used when performing data communication between the units of the reading apparatus 100.

  The reading apparatus 100 is an apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image, an image memory that stores image data read by the reading unit, and an image combining unit that combines a plurality of images stored in the image memory. is there.

  The CPU 201 discriminates, based on the size of the original, the size of the image area read so far, and the size of the image area that can be read after that, when reading the original in a plurality of times. It is an example. That is, the CPU 201 is an example of a determination unit that determines whether or not the size of the image area of the read original is smaller than the size necessary for joining the read image data.

  The CPU 201 is an example of a control unit that controls the image composition unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

  In this case, the control means is means for prompting rereading when it is determined that the read image area is smaller than the size necessary for the joining. The control means is a means for making a transition to reading the next portion when it is determined that the read image area is not smaller than the size required for the joining. Further, when the control unit determines that the size of the read image area is smaller than the size required for the joining when the last part of the document is read, the reading unit reads the plurality of read parts. This is an example of a means for prompting rereading of a portion having the shortest range.

  In addition, when the image is reread after prompting to reread the portion of the plurality of read portions that has the shortest reading range, the determination is performed again using the determination unit. When the control means determines that the size is smaller than the size required for the joining, the control means is a means for prompting re-reading of the read portion having the shortest reading range.

  Furthermore, a second determining unit is provided for determining whether the read image area includes the edge of the document when the first part of the document or the last part of the document is read. The control means is a means for prompting rereading regardless of the size of the read image area when the second determination means determines that the read image area does not include the edge of the document.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the operation unit 204 provided in the reading apparatus 100.

  The display means 205 is composed of a dot matrix LCD. The cross key 301 is used to move the cursor of the display means. A set key 302 is a setting input key. A function key 303 is used for function setting or the like. A start key 304 is used to execute functions such as start of printing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating details of the reading unit 206 provided in the reading apparatus 100.

  The reading unit 206 includes a document table 101, a glass table 401 for setting a document, a document position marker 402 for instructing a user to set a document, and a reading sensor 403 for reading the document. Have A vertical length Lmaxh and a horizontal length Lmaxw of the scanner reading range are determined. The area of Lmaxh × Lmaxw is the maximum area that can be read by the scanner.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a document 500 used in the first embodiment, a first reading range (upper reading range), and a second reading range. The first reading range is also referred to as an upper reading range, and the second reading range is also referred to as a lower reading range. Although the first reading range is the upper reading range and the second reading range is the lower reading range, the reverse may be possible.

  In FIG. 5, a document 500 indicates the entire B4 size vertically long document. The vertical length of the original is Lh, and the horizontal length of the original is Lw.

  The original 500 is read twice in the order of the upper part and the lower part, and the upper reading length La of the original 500 and the lower reading length Lb of the original 500 are obtained.

  The minimum value Ld of the vertical length of the overlap area is the minimum value of the vertical length of the overlap area included in both the upper reading range and the lower reading range, which is necessary when joining two images. It is. When reading and joining the original 500 in two steps, the original 500 is read so that an overlap area equal to or wider than the area defined by the minimum value Ld of the vertical length of the overlap area is secured. .

  In Example 1, the minimum value Ld of the vertical length of the overlap region is 5 mm, but the value of the minimum value Ld of the vertical length of the overlap region is 0 mm according to the required joining accuracy. Set the above values.

  Next, a procedure for reading the document 500 using the reading device 100 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an image composition operation in the reading apparatus 100.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the state of whether or not the reading of the second portion at the bottom of the document 500 has been completed is held as a flag value, and used as a determination branch condition. The upper part of the document 500 is a first part, and the lower part of the document 500 is a second part.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a document size input screen 600 displayed on the display unit 205 in order to input the size of the document 500.

  First, the lower reading completion flag is turned OFF (S1601). Subsequently, the screen shown in the original size input screen 600 is displayed, and the original size is input (S1602). In FIG. 6, selectable document sizes are displayed in display fields 601 and 602. When inputting the document size, use the cross key 301 to move the cursor to the document size 602 indicating the document size B4, and confirm using the set key 302.

  Subsequently, the upper part of the document 500 is scanned (S1603).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image when the upper part of the document 500 is read using the document table 101 described in FIG.

  On the glass table 401, the upper part of the original 500 is set so that the reading surface is downward. In this case, the upper right end of the document 500 is set so as to abut against the document position marker 402. When the document 500 is set, the reading sensor 403 scans the image.

  When the scanning is finished, it is determined whether or not the upper end of the document 500 is included in the scanner reading range (Lmaxh × Lmaxw) described with reference to FIG. 4 (S1604).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an image of the coordinates of the reading range and the edge of the document 500 to be detected when it is determined whether or not the read image area includes the end portion of the document 500.

  As shown in FIG. 17, with respect to the scanner reading range, the X axis 1701 and the Y axis 1702 are set, and the position indicated by the document position marker 402 is set as the origin 1703. At the time of scanning, the edges EA, EB, and EC of the original 500 are detected. Equations for respective straight lines forming the detected edges EA, EB, and EC are obtained. Next, the intersection of the expression of the edge EA and the expression of the edge EB is the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD of the document 500, and the intersection of the expression of the edge EB and the expression of the edge EC is the corner of the document 500. The coordinates of CE (Xe, Ye). Thereafter, it is determined whether the coordinates of the corner CD and the coordinates of the corner CE are within the scanner reading range by using the following formula.

F: 0 ≦ Xd ≦ Lmaxw ............ Formula (a)
G: 0 ≦ Yd ≦ Lmaxh ............ Formula (b)
H: 0 ≦ Xe ≦ Lmaxw ............ Formula (c)
I: 0.ltoreq.Ye.ltoreq.Lmaxh ........... Formula (d)
F∩G∩H∩I ………………………… Formula (e)
If the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD and the coordinates (Xe, Ye) of the corner CE satisfy the above equation (e), it is determined that the upper end of the document 500 is included in the scanner reading range. If the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD and the coordinates (Xe, Ye) of the corner CE do not satisfy the above formula (e), it is determined that the upper end of the document 500 is not included in the scanner reading range.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the upper end of the document 500 is out of the reading range.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 205 in order to warn re-reading.

  If it is determined that the upper end of the document 500 is not included in the reading range, the process advances to step S1603 to rescan the upper part of the document 500. At this time, the reread warning screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed to prompt the user to reset the original 500.

  When the user resets the document 500 and then presses the set key 302 in a state where the display field 1001 is focused, scanning is started. If it is determined that the upper end of the document 500 is included in the reading range, that is, as shown in FIG. 7, the process advances to step S1605.

  If it is determined in S1604 that the upper end of the original 500 is included in the upper reading range, the upper reading length of the scanned original 500 is recognized (S1605). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the document 500 is within the scanner reading range (Lmaxh × Lmaxw) described with reference to FIG. The vertical length of the maximum possible area is defined as the upper reading length La.

  It is determined whether or not the lower reading completion flag is OFF (S1606). If the lower reading completion flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S1607, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to S1611.

  It is determined whether or not the upper reading length La recognized in S1605 is within a specified value (S1607). In consideration of the scanner reading range of the document table shown in FIG. 4 and the overlap area (see FIG. 5) necessary for joining the document size and two images, the upper reading length La is the minimum necessary for joining. Determine whether the range can be covered. Specifically, the following formula (f) is used for discrimination.

La ≧ Lh−Lmaxh + Ld ............ Formula (f)
In FIG. 9, when the upper portion of the original 500 is set on the original table 101, the original 500 is greatly inclined and greatly deviated from the original position marker 402, and therefore the upper reading length La does not satisfy the expression (f). FIG.

  As described above, if the upper reading length La does not satisfy the above-described formula (f), the process proceeds to S1603 in order to scan the upper part again. In this case, a reread warning screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed to prompt the user to reset the original 500. After the original 500 is set again, when the set key 302 is pressed while the display field 1001 is in focus, scanning is started. When the upper reading length La satisfies the above formula (f), the process proceeds to S1608.

  If it is determined in S1607 that the upper reading length La satisfies the above equation (f), the process proceeds to scanning of the lower portion of the document 500 (S1608).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image when the lower part of the document 500 described in FIG. 5 is read using the document table 101 described in FIG.

  When reading the lower part of the original 500, the upper side of the original 500 is turned upside down, and the lower part of the original 500 is set on the glass table 401 with the reading surface facing downward. In this case, the lower left end of the document 500 is set so as to abut against the document position marker 402. When the document 500 is set, the reading sensor 403 scans the image.

  When the scan is completed, it is determined whether or not the lower end of the document 500 is included in the scanner reading range (Lmaxh × Lmaxw) described with reference to FIG. 4 (S1609). As shown in FIG. 17, with respect to the scanner reading range, the X axis 1701 and the Y axis 1702 are set, and the position indicated by the document position marker 402 is set as the origin 1703. At the time of scanning, the edges EA, EB, and EC of the original 500 are detected. Formulas of straight lines formed by the detected edges EA, EB, and EC are obtained. Next, the intersection of the expression of the edge EA and the expression of the edge EB is the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD of the document 500, and the intersection of the expression of the edge EB and the expression of the edge EC is the corner of the document 500. The coordinates of CE (Xe, Ye).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the coordinates of the corner CD and the coordinates of the corner CE are within the scanner reading range by using the following formula.

F: 0 ≦ Xd ≦ Lmaxw ............ Formula (a)
G: 0 ≦ Yd ≦ Lmaxh ............ Formula (b)
H: 0 ≦ Xe ≦ Lmaxw ............ Formula (c)
I: 0.ltoreq.Ye.ltoreq.Lmaxh ........... Formula (d)
F∩G∩H∩I ………………………… Formula (e)
If the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD and the coordinates (Xe, Ye) of the corner CE satisfy the above formula (e), it is determined that the lower end of the document 500 is included in the scanner reading range. If the coordinates (Xd, Yd) of the corner CD and the coordinates (Xe, Ye) of the corner CE do not satisfy the above formula (e), it is determined that the lower end of the document 500 is not included in the scanner reading range.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where the lower end of the document 500 is out of the reading range.

  If it is determined that the lower end of the document 500 is not included in the scanner reading range, the process advances to step S1608 to rescan the lower portion of the document 500.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 205 in order to warn of rereading the second part.

  In this case, a reread warning screen 1500 for the second part in FIG. 15 is displayed to prompt the user to set the original 500 again. When the set key 302 is pressed in a state where the display column 1001 is focused after the original 500 is set again, scanning is started. When it is determined that the lower end of the document 500 is included in the scanner reading range (in the case shown in FIG. 11), the process proceeds to S1610.

  If it is determined in step S1609 that the lower end of the original 500 is included in the lower reading range, then the lower reading length of the scanned original 500 is recognized (S1610). In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the document 500 is within the scanner reading range (Lmaxh × Lmaxw) described with reference to FIG. 4, and the horizontal length of the document 500 is Lw and can be recognized as a rectangle. The vertical length of the maximum area is defined as a lower reading length Lb.

  It is determined whether or not the lower reading length Lb recognized in S1610 is within a specified value (S1611). In consideration of the upper reading length La recognized in S1604 and the overlap size (see FIG. 5) necessary for joining the two images with the original size, the lower reading length Lb has a minimum necessary range for joining. Determine whether it is covered. Specifically, the following equation (g) is used for discrimination.

Lb ≧ Lh−La + Ld ............ Formula (g)
If the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb satisfy the above expression (g), it is determined that the reading of the upper and lower portions of the document 500 has been completed, and the above flowchart ends.

  In FIG. 13, when the lower portion of the original 500 is set on the original table 101, the original 500 is greatly inclined and greatly deviated from the original position marker 402, so that the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb are expressed by the above formula ( It is a figure which shows the case where g) is not satisfy | filled.

  In this way, if the lower reading length Lb does not satisfy the above formula (g), the process proceeds to S1612.

  If the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb do not satisfy the above formula (g), the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb are compared (S1612), and the smaller one is scanned again. Specifically, the following formula (h) is used for discrimination.

Lb> La ............ Formula (h)
If the above formula (h) is not satisfied, the process advances to step S1608 to rescan the lower portion of the document 500. In this case, the second partial reread warning screen 1500 in FIG. 15 is displayed to prompt the user to reset the original 500.

  After resetting the original 500, when the set key 302 is pressed while the display field 1001 is in focus, scanning is started. If the above expression (h) is satisfied, the process proceeds to S1613.

  If it is determined in S1612 that the above expression (h) is satisfied, the second partial reading completion flag is turned ON (S1613).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 205 in order to issue a warning of rereading the first portion (the upper portion of the document 500).

  Subsequently, in order to rescan the upper part of the document 500, the process proceeds to S1603. In this case, the first partial reread warning screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed to prompt the user to reset the original 500. If the display column 1001 is in focus after the original 500 is set again, the scan is started by pressing the set key 302.

  The processing in the case of proceeding to S1603 or S1608 for rescanning is as described above.

  As described above, when the upper and lower reading ranges of the original 500 are insufficient, the reading is appropriately performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, and the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb are determined in S1611. When the expression (g) is satisfied, the process is terminated as a reading completion. When the upper and lower readings are completed, the two images are joined and the joined image is output.

  The first embodiment is an example in which a B4 size document 500 is read in two steps on an A4 size document table, the two images are joined by a joining means, and output in A4 size. It is not necessary to limit 500 to the B4 size, and it can be applied to other standard sizes. In the case of applying to a non-standard size, the first embodiment can be applied in the same manner as described above if the size of the original 500 is notified to the reading device 100 in S1602 of FIG. There is no need to limit the number of divisions to two. Further, it is not necessary to limit the output size to the A4 size.

  In the case where a warning is given when rereading is required, a warning screen is displayed in the first embodiment, but instead of displaying the screen, a warning may be given using a lamp or sound.

  When it is determined whether or not the read image area includes the edge of the document 500, the specific method for detecting the edge of the document 500 need not be limited to the detection method in the first embodiment.

  The relative arrangement of components, the display screen, and the like described in the first embodiment are not limited to these unless otherwise specified.

  If each means in the first embodiment is replaced with a process, the first embodiment can be grasped as an invention of a control method for an image composition device.

  The present invention is most suitable for a system that reads a document 500 in a plurality of times by a reading unit and synthesizes and outputs a plurality of images. Regardless of the image composition method, it is effective for widening the allowable range of deviation when setting the document 500 as much as possible while preventing image loss and improving the usability of the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a reading device 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reading device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an operation unit 204 provided in a reading device 100. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of a reading unit 206 provided in the reading apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a document 500 used in Embodiment 1, a first reading range, and a second reading range. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 205 for inputting the size of a document 500. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image when the upper part of a document 500 is read using the document table 101 described in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image when the upper end of a document 500 is out of a reading range. When the upper part of the document 500 is set on the document table 101, the document 500 is greatly inclined and greatly deviated from the document position marker 402, so that the upper read length La does not satisfy the formula (f). It is. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display means 205 in order to warn re-reading. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image when the lower part of the document 500 described in FIG. 5 is read using the document table 101 described in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image when the lower end of a document 500 is out of a reading range. When the lower portion of the document 500 is set on the document table 101, the document 500 is greatly inclined and greatly deviated from the document position marker 402. Therefore, the upper reading length La and the lower reading length Lb satisfy the above formula (g). It is a figure which shows the image in the case of not having. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display means 205 in order to give the warning of rereading of the 1st part. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the display means 205 in order to warn re-reading of the 2nd part. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image composition operation in the reading apparatus 100. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image of the coordinates of a reading range and an edge of a document 500 to be detected when it is determined whether or not an end portion of the document 500 is included in a read image area. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100: Reader,
101. Document table,
201 ... CPU,
202 ... ROM,
203 ... DRAM,
204 ... operation means,
205 ... display means,
206 ... reading means,
207 ... recording means,
Lh: the length of the document,
Lw ... the length of the document,
La: Upper scanning length of the document,
Lb: Lower reading length of the document,
Ld: the minimum vertical length of the overlap region,
600 ... Original size input screen,
EA, EB, EC ... the edge of the document,
CD, CE ... corner of the manuscript.

Claims (7)

An image synthesizing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads an image; an image memory that stores image data read by the reading unit; and an image combining unit that combines a plurality of images stored in the image memory.
When reading an original in multiple steps, the image area of the read original is determined based on the size of the original, the size of the image area that has been read so far, and the size of the image area that can be read thereafter. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the size is smaller than the size necessary for joining the read image data;
Control means for controlling the image synthesizing means based on the discrimination result by the discrimination means;
An image synthesizing apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is means for prompting rereading when it is determined that the read image area is smaller than a size necessary for the joining. In claim 1,
The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is means for making a transition to reading the next portion when it is determined that the read image area is not smaller than a size necessary for the joining. In claim 1,
When the control unit determines that the size of the read image area is smaller than the size required for the joining when the last part of the document is read, the reading range is within the plurality of read parts. An image synthesizing apparatus which is means for prompting re-reading of the most deficient part. In claim 4,
The control means prompts the re-reading of the portion where the reading range is most insufficient among the plurality of read portions, and then re-determines using the determining means when re-reading the image and An image synthesizing apparatus which is means for prompting re-reading of a portion where the reading range is most deficient among a plurality of read portions when it is determined that the size is smaller than a necessary size. In claim 1,
A second determining unit configured to determine whether the read image area includes an end of the document when the first part of the document or the last part of the document is read;
The control means is means for prompting re-reading regardless of the size of the read image area when the second determining means determines that the read image area does not include the edge of the document. Image composition device. In a control method for an image composition apparatus, comprising: a reading unit that reads an image; an image memory that stores image data read by the reading unit; and an image combining unit that combines a plurality of images stored in the image memory. ,
When reading an original in multiple steps, the image area of the read original is determined based on the size of the original, the size of the image area that has been read so far, and the size of the image area that can be read thereafter. A discriminating step for discriminating whether or not the size is smaller than a size necessary for joining the read image data;
A control step of controlling the image synthesizing means based on the discrimination result in the discrimination step;
A control method for an image composition apparatus, comprising:

Images