JP2011257946A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program for extracting only articles desired by a user from a manuscript on which various articles such as a newspaper and a magazine are placed.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 1 includes: reading means 11 for reading a placed manuscript; image processing means 12 for performing image processing on manuscript image data 23g; character recognition means 15 for obtaining manuscript character data 24m by performing character recognition; layout recognition means 16 for recognizing a manuscript layout; area data generation means 17 for generating area data 24r on the basis of a recognition result by the layout recognition means 16; retrieval keyword input means 18 for accepting an input of a retrieval keyword 24k; and keyword retrieval means 19 for performing retrieval of the retrieval keyword 24k. The image processing means 12 extracts an area including the retrieval keyword 24k from the manuscript image data 23g as extraction image data 23t.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program for causing a computer to perform image processing by reading a placed document and performing image processing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a wide variety of scanner devices for reading a document composed of a plane such as paper as image data and copying devices for copying a document have been devised. There are increasing opportunities for the equipment to be used.

  In response to such a current situation, originals read using a scanner device and a copying device are diversified. For example, when a manuscript containing various articles such as newspapers and magazines is read, all the articles described in the manuscript are read by the conventional scanner and copying apparatus, and only the articles necessary for the user are extracted. I couldn't. As described above, when an article that is not required by the user is also read together, resources such as toner and paper are wasted when the article is printed.

  By the way, as a technique for editing an image in recent years, an area required by a user is designated for a virtual manuscript having no image data or image data such as an Internet homepage, and only the designated area is designated. A technique for outputting as image data has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Further, a technique has been considered in which a keyword is searched from character information of a document and a priority order based on the range of the document including the keyword is displayed to the user (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-60677 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-272784

  The printer control device described in Patent Document 1 displays a target image on a preview display unit and designates a necessary area for the displayed preview image. Therefore, the user must determine a necessary article from a plurality of articles displayed in the preview image, and specify an area. That is, the printer control device described in Patent Literature 1 has a problem that it cannot determine the article area that the user needs.

  In the document search device described in Patent Document 2, the search means searches the database and extracts the corresponding document information based on the keyword input by the user. The extracted document information is searched for the content of the document by the boundary detection means, the boundary such as a punctuation point or a line break is detected, and the range in which the document is divided into predetermined units such as sentences and paragraphs is grasped. The prioritizing means assigns the priority of the document depending on how much the keyword is included in the sentence or paragraph. When the document search device described in Patent Document 2 is used, the contents of the document can be grasped, but there is a problem that it is impossible to grasp whether the manuscript is visually divided due to, for example, a large headline or an article layout. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and by extracting only an area including a search keyword from a manuscript in which various articles such as newspapers and magazines are described, only an article desired by a user is obtained. An object is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program that can be extracted.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads a placed document as document image data; and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the document image data. Character recognition means for performing character recognition on image data to obtain original character data corresponding to characters of the original, layout recognition means for analyzing the original image data and recognizing the original layout, and the layout Based on the recognition result of the recognition means, area data generation means for generating area data defining an area corresponding to the document layout, search keyword input means for receiving input of a search keyword used for character search, and the original Keyword search means for searching the search keyword for character data, and the image processing means Based on the results for the keyword search means, characterized in that the extracted image data by extracting a region including the search keyword from the document image data.

  According to this configuration, by extracting only the region including the search keyword from the manuscript, for example, only the article desired by the user can be extracted from the manuscript in which various articles such as newspapers and magazines are described.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the layout recognizing unit recognizes a layout by detecting a frame line of the document.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to generate optimum region data for a document separated by a frame line.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the layout recognizing unit recognizes a layout by detecting an interval between characters of the document.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to generate optimum area data for an original document separated by wide blank lines.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the layout recognizing unit recognizes a layout based on a preset value set for a character interval.

  According to this configuration, the document layout can be recognized more clearly.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises image display means for displaying the extracted image data, and image selection means for selecting the extracted image data to be displayed on the image display means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to select optimal extracted image data and allow a user to visually grasp an article extracted from a document.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image printing unit that prints the extracted image data on a sheet, and a size determination unit that determines the size of the sheet based on the extracted image data.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to print on an appropriately sized sheet in accordance with the size of an article extracted from a document, so that the sheet and toner can be saved.

  An image processing method according to the present invention is an image that causes an image processing apparatus to execute a reading step of reading a placed document as document image data and an image processing step of performing image processing on the document image data. A character recognition step for causing the image processing device to perform character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to the characters of the document; and an image processing device for storing the document image data. A layout recognition step for analyzing and recognizing the layout of the document; and region data for causing the image processing apparatus to generate region data for defining a region corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step. A search key that causes the generation step and the image processing apparatus to accept an input of a search keyword used for character search A keyword input step, and a keyword search step for causing the image processing apparatus to search for the search keyword with respect to the original character data, wherein the image processing step is based on a search result of the keyword search step. Then, an area including the search keyword is extracted from the document image data to obtain extracted image data.

  According to this configuration, the same functions and operations as those of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized.

  A computer program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute a reading step for reading a placed document as document image data, and an image processing step for performing image processing on the document image data. A computer program for performing character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to the characters of the document; and analyzing the document image data on the computer, A layout recognition step for recognizing the layout of the document; a region data generation step for causing the computer to generate region data for defining a region corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step; , A search keyword used to search for characters A search keyword input step for accepting an input of a keyword, and a keyword search step for causing the computer to search for the search keyword with respect to the original character data, and the image processing step includes: Based on the search result, a region including the search keyword is extracted from the document image data to obtain extracted image data.

  According to this configuration, the same functions and operations as those of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized.

  In the image processing apparatus, the image processing method, and the computer program according to the present invention, by extracting only an area including a search keyword from an original, for example, an article desired by a user from an original in which various articles such as newspapers and magazines are described. Only can be extracted.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of UI display which combined the operation input means and image display means of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram relating to a document read by an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) illustrates an example of a document partitioned by a frame line, and (b) partitions (a). Explanatory drawing which shows an area | region, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the article extracted from (a). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram relating to a document read by an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a document separated by wide blank lines, and (b) is a diagram illustrating (a). Explanatory drawing which shows the area | region to divide | segment, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the article extracted from (a), (d) is explanatory drawing which shows the other article extracted from (a). It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow in the case of performing printing with the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a digital multifunctional device.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a reading unit 11 that reads a placed document as document image data 23g, and an image processing unit 12 that performs image processing on the document image data 23g. The image processing apparatus 1 performs character recognition on the document image data 23g to obtain document character data 24m corresponding to the characters of the document, and analyzes the document image data 23g to recognize the document layout. The layout recognition unit 16 for performing the search, the region data generation unit 17 for generating the region data 24r for defining the region corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition unit 16, and the search keyword 24k used for the character search. A search keyword input means 18 for receiving input and a keyword search means 19 for searching for the search keyword 24k with respect to the original character data 24m are provided. Based on the search result of the keyword search means 19, the image processing means 12 extracts an area including the search keyword 24k from the document image data 23g and sets it as extracted image data 23t.

  According to this configuration, by extracting only the region including the search keyword 24k from the manuscript, only the article desired by the user can be extracted from the manuscript in which various articles such as newspapers and magazines are described.

  The image processing apparatus 1 further includes an operation input unit 13, an image storage area 23, and a search data storage area 24.

  The operation input means 13 is a button, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. for a user to input an instruction. In response to an input from the operation input unit 13, a document is read. Further, the search keyword 24k can be input from the operation input means 13. In the present embodiment, the operation input means 13 is provided in the image processing apparatus 1 so that it can be operated from the outside.

  The image storage area 23 stores the original image data 23g and the extracted image data 23t, and a normal storage device can be used. The image storage area 23 includes, for example, a volatile DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). It is memory.

  The search data storage area 24 stores manuscript character data 24m, area data 24r, and search keywords 24k, and a normal storage device can be used. For example, the search data storage area 24 is a memory composed of a volatile DRAM or the like. is there. The storage device used for the search data storage area 24 may be the same as the image storage area 23.

  The reading unit 11 reads a document and stores the generated document image data 23 g in the image storage area 23.

  The character recognition means 15 performs, for example, optical character recognition (OCR) on the document image data 23g stored in the image storage area 23, recognizes the characters of the document, and the document character data 24m. Is generated.

  The layout recognition unit 16 recognizes the layout by detecting the frame line of the document. According to this configuration, it is possible to generate the optimum area data 24r for the document divided by the frame line.

  Further, the layout recognition unit 16 may recognize the layout by detecting the character spacing of the document. According to this configuration, it is possible to generate optimum area data for an original document separated by wide blank lines.

  When detecting the character spacing, the layout recognizing unit 16 recognizes the layout based on a preset value for the character spacing. According to this configuration, the document layout can be recognized more clearly. Here, a plurality of setting values may be registered in the image processing apparatus 1. For example, it is good also as a structure which detects the space | interval of the character in two orthogonal directions, such as height and width. Furthermore, it may be configured such that different setting values can be registered in case there is a problem in layout recognition.

  The area data generation means 17 generates area data 24 r based on the recognition result of the layout recognition means 16 and stores it in the search data storage area 24.

  The area data 24r indicates, for example, coordinates in the document image data 23g, and the area can be defined by a plurality of coordinates. Further, by associating the area data 24r with the original character data 24m, it is possible to grasp the characters arranged in each area.

  The search keyword input unit 18 stores the search keyword 24 k input by the operation input unit 13 in the search data storage area 24. Here, the search keyword input means 18 may accept input of a plurality of search keywords 24k. That is, by performing a character search using a plurality of search keywords 24k, it is possible to narrow down the target articles and improve the search accuracy. Further, the degree of freedom of search can be improved on condition that the search keyword matches any one of the search keywords 24k.

  The keyword search means 19 searches for whether or not there is a character that matches the search keyword 24k in the characters of the document. If there is no character that matches the search keyword 24k, it is output as a search result that there is no region including the search keyword 24k. Further, it may be output as a search result that there are a plurality of regions including the search keyword 24k.

  The image processing apparatus 1 includes an image display unit 14 that displays the extracted image data 23t, and an image selection unit 21 that selects the extracted image data 23t to be displayed on the image display unit 14. According to this configuration, the optimum extracted image data 23t can be selected, and the user can visually grasp the article extracted from the document.

  The image display means 14 displays the extracted image data 23t and the like, and is a liquid crystal display, for example. In the present embodiment, the image display means 14 is provided on the surface of the image processing apparatus 1. The image display unit 14 and the operation input unit 13 may be integrated as a touch panel.

  The image processing apparatus 1 includes an image printing unit 20 that prints the extracted image data 23t on a sheet, and a size determination unit 22 that determines the size of the sheet based on the extracted image data 23t. According to this configuration, it is possible to print on an appropriately sized sheet in accordance with the size of an article extracted from a document, so that the sheet and toner can be saved.

  The image printing unit 20 prints image data (for example, a document, a photograph), and functions as an image forming unit of a digital multi-function peripheral having a copy function, a scanner function, and the like. Details of the digital multifunction peripheral will be described later.

  The size determining means 22 can determine an appropriate size sheet from the area data 24r. That is, the paper size is determined so that the extracted articles are accommodated.

  The image processing unit 12, the character recognition unit 15, the layout recognition unit 16, the area data generation unit 17, the search keyword input unit 18, the keyword search unit 19, the image selection unit 21, and the size determination unit 22 are a CPU included in the image processing apparatus 1. It is realized by a computer program (computer) incorporated in advance in (central processing unit, not shown).

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a UI display that combines the operation input unit and the image display unit of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A UI (User Interface) display 30 functions as the operation input unit 13 and the image display unit 14 and is provided in the image processing apparatus 1 so as to be operable from the outside. The user can input an operation to the image processing apparatus 1 by selecting the operation input unit 13.

  The UI display 30 includes a display area 31, a keyboard 32, a start key 33, a clear key 34, an extraction key 35, an image determination key 36 and an image selection key 37. In the present embodiment, the display area 31 functions as a touch panel and also functions as the operation input means 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the keyboard 32, the start key 33, the clear key 34, the extraction key 35, the image determination key 36 and the image selection key 37 function as the operation input unit 13.

  The display area 31 displays image data such as the extracted image data 23t and the original image data 23g, and displays the image data selected by the image selection means 21 as a print preview.

  By using the keyboard 32, the user can input the search keyword 24k, for example.

  The start key 33 is used to input an instruction for causing the image printing unit 20 to execute printing. When image processing is not performed by the image processing means 12, original image data 23g is printed.

  The clear key 34 is used to input an instruction for causing the image processing apparatus 1 to stop its operation.

  The extraction key 35 is used to input an instruction for causing the image processing means 12 to perform image processing.

  The image determination key 36 is used to input an instruction to confirm the extracted image data 23t. When the start key 33 is selected, the extracted image data 23t determined by the image determination key 36 is printed. In the display area 31, “OK in this preview screen?” Is displayed so as to correspond to the image determination key 36.

  The image selection key 37 is used to input an instruction to select the extracted image data 23t. That is, when an article not desired by the user is displayed, the image selection key 37 can be selected to display the article desired by the user. In the display area 31, “display next selected document example” is displayed so as to correspond to the image selection key 37.

  3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams relating to a document read by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a document divided by frame lines, and FIG. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the area | region which divides | segments, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the article extracted from (a).

  The manuscript G1 includes an article K1 containing the word “ABC”, an article K2 containing the word “DEF”, an article K3 containing the word “GHI”, and an article K4 containing the word “JKL”. They are separated by lines.

  By recognizing the layout from the frame line of the document G1, an area R1 corresponding to the article K1, an area R2 corresponding to the article K2, an area R3 corresponding to the article K3, and an area R4 corresponding to the article K4 can be defined. it can.

  When the user uses the word “GHI” as the search keyword 24k, the image processing unit 12 extracts the region R4 as the extracted image data 23t. That is, the article K3 shown in FIG. 3C is displayed on the image display means 14. In this way, only articles that the user needs can be extracted. Further, by extracting only the article K4, it is possible to print on a sheet having a size smaller than the original G1.

  4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams relating to a document read by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a document divided by wide blank lines, and FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the area | region which divides | segments, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the article extracted from (a), (d) is explanatory drawing which shows the other article extracted from (a). .

  In the original G2, an article K5 including the word “ABC”, an article K6 including the word “DEF” and the word “GHI”, an article K7 including the word “GHI”, and an article K8 including the word “JKL” are described. Each separated by a wide blank line. That is, since no character is written in the blank line, the space between the characters sandwiching the blank line is particularly wide.

  By recognizing the layout from the blank line of the document G2, an area R5 corresponding to the article K5, an area R6 corresponding to the article K6, an area R7 corresponding to the article K7, and an area R8 corresponding to the article K8 can be defined. it can.

  When the user sets the word “GHI” as the search keyword 24k, the image processing unit 12 extracts the region R6 and the region R7 as the extracted image data 23t. That is, the image display means 14 displays the article K7 shown in FIG. 4C or the article K6 shown in FIG. When a plurality of articles are extracted, the user can select a necessary article by the image selection means 21.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when printing is executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S01, the user waits for selection of the extraction key 35. If reading of the document is instructed in a state where the extraction key 35 is not depressed (step S01: NO), the process proceeds to step S02. When the extraction key 35 is depressed (step S01: YES), the process proceeds to step S04.

  In step S02, the document is read by the reading unit 11.

  In step S03, the original image data 23g is printed by the image printing means 20, and the process is terminated.

  In step S04, the search keyword input unit 18 receives input of the search keyword 24k.

  In step S05, the document is read by the reading unit 11.

  In step S06, the character recognition unit 15 performs character recognition on the document image data 23g.

  In step S07, the layout recognition unit 16 recognizes the document layout. Here, it is only necessary to appropriately select whether the layout is recognized by a frame line or a blank line of the document. For example, first, a frame line may be detected, and when no frame line is detected, a blank line may be detected to recognize the layout. By associating the generated area data 24r with the original character data 24m, it is possible to grasp in which area the original characters are described.

  In step S08, the keyword search unit 19 searches for the search keyword 24k.

  In step S09, it is determined whether or not the search keyword 24k is included in the characters of the document. When the search keyword 24k is included (step S09: YES), the process proceeds to step S10. When the search keyword 24k is not included (step S09: NO), the process proceeds to step S03. Instead of proceeding to step S03, the input of the search keyword 24k may be accepted and the search using the new search keyword 24k may be performed again (processing is performed in the order of step S04 → step S08 → step S09).

  In step S10, the image processing means 12 generates extracted image data 23t. When there are a plurality of regions including the search keyword 24k, a plurality of extracted image data 23t is generated.

  In step S11, the extracted image data 23t selected by the image selection means 21 is displayed on the image display means 14.

  In step S12, the process waits for a print execution instruction from the user. When the start key 33 is depressed (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S14. When the image selection key 37 is pressed (step S14: NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the image selection means 21 selects the extracted image data 23t to be displayed on the image display means 14, and the process returns to step S11 to display the selected extracted image data 23t.

  Note that when there is only one extracted image data 23t generated by the image processing means 12, it is not possible to select another extracted image data 23t, and therefore it is possible to skip step S13 and proceed to step S11.

  In step S <b> 14, the size determining unit 22 determines the size of the paper for printing by the image printing unit 20.

  In step S15, the extracted image data 23t is printed by the image printing means 20, and the process ends.

  The processing flow in the case where printing is executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the scanner apparatus, the processing is performed after step S11. It is good also as a processing flow which complete | finishes.

  Next, a digital multifunction machine as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The present invention can realize the functions by, for example, the following digital multi-function peripheral.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral.

  The digital multi-function device 50 includes a document reading unit 51 and an image forming unit 52, and has a copy function and a scanner function.

  The image processing unit 12, the character recognition unit 15, the layout recognition unit 16, the region data generation unit 17, the search keyword input unit 18, the keyword search unit 19, the image selection unit 21, and the size determination unit 22 are included in the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 50. It is realized by a computer program (computer) incorporated in advance in (central processing unit, not shown).

  The document reading unit 51 reads a placed document, functions as the reading unit 11, and includes a document transport unit 51a, a document scanning unit 51b, and an image reading element 51c.

  The image forming unit 52 prints an image of a document read by the document reading unit 51 or an image received from an external apparatus on a recording sheet in color or single color, and functions as the image printing unit 20. The image forming unit 52 includes a photosensitive drum 53 that rotates in the direction of arrow A. Around the photosensitive drum 53, a charging charger 54, a developing device 55, a transfer charger 56, a cleaning unit 57, and a laser scanner unit 58 are provided. Is arranged. The image forming unit 52 includes a paper tray 61, a paper feed roller 62, a registration roller 63, a conveying unit 64, and a fixing unit 65.

  In the digital multi-function device 50, first, the placed document is read by the image reading unit 51. That is, the document is transported by the document transport unit 51a, and light is irradiated onto the document from a light source (not shown). The document scanning unit 51b guides reflected light from the document to the image reading element 51c, and the image reading element 51c receives the reflected light and reads the image of the document. The read document image is input to the laser scanner unit 58 as image data.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 54. The laser scanner unit 58 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 52 according to the image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum 52. The developing device 55 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image.

  In accordance with the above operation, the paper feed roller 62 sends the paper stored in the paper feed tray 61 to the registration roller 63. The registration roller 63 sends the sheet to the transfer portion of the photosensitive drum 53 at a predetermined timing, and the transfer charger 56 transfers the toner image onto the surface of the sheet. The cleaning unit 57 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 after the toner image is transferred, and prepares for the next charging.

  The conveying unit 64 conveys the sheet on which the toner image is transferred to the fixing unit 65. The fixing unit 65 thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the paper and sends the paper to the outside.

  The image processing method according to the present embodiment executes a reading step for causing the image processing apparatus to read a placed document as document image data, and an image processing step for performing image processing on the document image data. A character recognition step for causing the image processing device to perform character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to the characters of the document; and Analyzing the data to recognize the layout of the document; and causing the image processing apparatus to generate region data defining an area corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step. A region data generation step, and a search that causes the image processing apparatus to accept input of a search keyword used for character search. A keyword input step, and a keyword search step for causing the image processing apparatus to search for the search keyword with respect to the document character data, wherein the image processing step is based on a search result of the keyword search step. An area including the search keyword is extracted from the document image data to obtain extracted image data. According to this configuration, the same functions and operations as those of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized.

  In the image processing method according to the present embodiment, the layout recognition step detects a frame line of the document and recognizes the layout.

  In the image processing method according to the present embodiment, in the layout recognition step, the layout is recognized by detecting the character spacing of the document.

  In the image processing method according to the present embodiment, the layout recognition step is characterized in that a layout is recognized based on a preset value set for a character interval.

  In the image processing method according to the present embodiment, an image display step for causing the image processing device to display the extracted image data on the image display means, and the image processing device to select the extracted image data to be displayed on the image display means. And an image selection step to be executed.

  The image processing method according to the present embodiment is characterized by causing the image processing apparatus to execute a size determination step for determining the size of the paper when printing the extracted image data based on the extracted image data.

  The computer program according to the present embodiment uses an image processing apparatus to perform a reading step for causing a computer to read a placed document as document image data, and an image processing step for performing image processing on the document image data. A computer program to be executed, comprising: a character recognition step for causing a computer to perform character recognition on the document image data and obtaining document character data corresponding to the characters of the document; and the computer analyzing the document image data. A layout recognition step for recognizing the layout of the document; and a region data generation step for causing the computer to generate region data for defining a region corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step; Search used to search for characters on a computer A search keyword input step for accepting an input of a word; and a keyword search step for causing the computer to perform a search for the search keyword with respect to the original character data. The image processing step includes: Based on the search result, a region including the search keyword is extracted from the document image data to obtain extracted image data. According to this configuration, the same functions and operations as those of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized.

  In the computer program according to the present embodiment, the layout recognition step detects a frame line of the document and recognizes the layout.

  The computer program according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the layout recognition step recognizes a layout by detecting an interval between characters of the document.

  In the computer program according to the present embodiment, the layout recognition step is characterized in that the layout is recognized based on a preset value set for the character spacing.

  In the computer program according to the present embodiment, an image display step for causing the computer to display the extracted image data on the image display means, and an image selection step for causing the computer to select the extracted image data to be displayed on the image display means; Is executed.

  The computer program according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the computer is caused to execute a size determination step for determining the size of the paper when printing the extracted image data based on the extracted image data.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 11 Reading means 12 Image processing means 13 Operation input means 14 Image display means 15 Character recognition means 16 Layout recognition means 17 Area data generation means 18 Search keyword input means 19 Keyword search means 20 Image printing means 21 Image selection means 22 Size determining means 23 Image storage area 23g Original image data 23t Extracted image data 24 Search data storage area 24k Search keyword 24m Original character data 24r Area data

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads a placed document as document image data; and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the document image data.
Character recognition means for performing character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to characters of the document;
Layout recognition means for analyzing the document image data and recognizing the layout of the document;
Area data generation means for generating area data for defining an area corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition means;
Search keyword input means for accepting input of a search keyword used for character search;
Keyword search means for searching for the search keyword with respect to the original character data,
The image processing device extracts an area including the search keyword from the document image data based on a search result of the keyword search device to obtain extracted image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the layout recognition unit recognizes a layout by detecting a frame line of the document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the layout recognizing unit recognizes a layout by detecting an interval between characters of the document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
The layout recognition means recognizes a layout based on a preset value for a character interval. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
Image display means for displaying the extracted image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: image selection means for selecting the extracted image data to be displayed on the image display means. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
Image printing means for printing the extracted image data on paper;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a size determining unit that determines the size of the paper based on the extracted image data. An image processing method for causing an image processing apparatus to execute a reading step of reading a placed document as document image data and an image processing step of performing image processing on the document image data,
A character recognition step for causing the image processing apparatus to perform character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to the characters of the document;
A layout recognition step for causing the image processing apparatus to analyze the document image data and recognize the layout of the document;
An area data generation step for causing the image processing apparatus to generate area data that defines an area corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step;
A search keyword input step for causing the image processing apparatus to accept input of a search keyword used for character search;
A keyword search step for causing the image processing device to search for the search keyword with respect to the document character data;
The image processing method is characterized in that, based on the search result of the keyword search step, an area including the search keyword is extracted from the document image data to obtain extracted image data. A computer program for causing an image processing apparatus to execute a reading step for causing a computer to read a placed document as document image data, and an image processing step for performing image processing on the document image data.
A character recognition step for causing a computer to perform character recognition on the document image data to obtain document character data corresponding to the characters of the document;
A layout recognition step for causing the computer to analyze the document image data and recognize the layout of the document;
An area data generation step for causing the computer to generate area data for defining an area corresponding to the layout of the document based on the recognition result of the layout recognition step;
A search keyword input step for causing a computer to accept input of a search keyword used for character search;
Causing the computer to perform a keyword search step for searching the search character for the document character data;
The computer program characterized in that the image processing step extracts extracted image data by extracting a region including the search keyword from the document image data based on a search result of the keyword search step.

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