JP2012160821A - Image display system, image reader, and image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display system, image reader, image display device for improving convenience in an image file for storing image data based on a spread manuscript.SOLUTION: At first, a spread manuscript is read. Then, a left page area and a right page area are discriminated concerning the image data of the read spread manuscript. A file is generated, where identification information for identifying the mutual positions of the left page area and the right page area respectively is stored in association with the image data of the respective areas. When an image stored in the file is displayed, the image stored in the file is displayed by identifying the respective page areas in accordance with the identification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display system for reading a document, an image reading apparatus, and an image display apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image display system, an image reading apparatus, and an image display apparatus that display an image of a read original.

  In recent years, portable information terminal devices equipped with a touch panel have been widely used. Since some portable information terminal devices can browse electronic books, there is a need to digitize bound books. Therefore, an image reading apparatus that reads a bound document such as a book in a spread state has been put into practical use. The image reading apparatus divides the read image data of the document at the binding portion and handles it as an image for two pages.

  As an image reading apparatus that divides image data of a spread original (spread original) at a binding portion, for example, there is an image reading apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image reading apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a mode in which a spread original is divided into left and right pages and copied onto a transfer sheet one by one.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-166939

  However, the conventional image reading apparatus has the following problems. That is, as a result of dividing the image data of the spread document into image data for two pages, the individual image files storing the divided image data are originally spread pages, page combinations, etc. Becomes unknown.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display system, an image reading device, and an image display device that can improve the convenience of an image file that stores image data based on a spread document.

  In order to solve this problem, an image display system includes a reading unit that reads a spread document that is a spread document, and image data of the spread document that is read by the reading unit. A distinguishing unit that distinguishes between data in a first region that is a region of a page on the side and data in a second region that is a region of a page on the other side; the first region that is distinguished by the distinguishing unit; A generating unit that generates a file for storing identification information that is information for identifying a mutual relationship with the two regions, and identifying one side and the other side according to the identification information stored in the file, A display unit that displays at least one image of the first region and the second region is provided.

  The image display system of the present invention distinguishes between the first area (one page) and the second area (the other page) in the image data of the read spread original. And the file which memorize | stores the identification information which identifies the mutual relationship of a 1st area | region and a 2nd area | region is produced | generated. The identification information only needs to be able to identify the mutual relationship between the areas (each page), and includes, for example, information on display priority and arrangement information (boundary, left and right positions, etc.). The file may be an image file that stores image data for two pages, that is, image data of a spread document, or stores image data for one page, that is, image data after being divided into pages. It may be an image file. Alternatively, it may be a management file that stores a reference destination for image data. Then, when displaying the image of the spread document, one side and the other side are identified according to the identification information, and at least one image of the first region and the second region is displayed.

  In other words, in the image display system of the present invention, identification information, which is information on the mutual relationship between the areas of the spread original, is stored in a file. When displaying the image of the read spread document, the identification information stored in the file is used to display an appropriate area in an appropriate arrangement. Thus, for example, when displaying image data in units of pages (image data for one page), display in an appropriate page order can be realized. Further, for example, when displaying image data in a spread state (image data for two pages), it is possible to reproduce an appropriate arrangement relationship and boundary position of images in each region.

  The image display system according to the present invention may further include a change unit that changes the identification information added to the file according to change information received by user input. That is, the optimal position is not necessarily stored in the identification information in the generation unit. It is preferable that the identification information can be adjusted by the user as in this configuration.

  The change unit of the image display system may use the change information received for a certain spread document for changing identification information of another spread document. By using the change information received for a certain spread document to change the identification information of another spread document, it is possible to reduce the user's trouble associated with changing the identification information of another spread document.

  In the image display system described above, the boundary between the first area and the second area based on the change information received by the changing unit is an image area that is distinguished from the background in the image of the spread document. A determination unit that determines whether or not the image is located on the image area; and when the determination unit determines that the boundary is positioned on the real image area, the change unit prohibits the change of the identification information A prohibition unit may be provided. The real image area is an area of an image that is distinguished from the background such as graphics and characters. For example, if the color is different from the background, it can be determined as a real image. A change in which the boundary crosses the real image area is likely to be an erroneous operation. It is therefore desirable to prohibit such changes.

  The generation unit of the image display system according to the present invention stores the image data of the spread original read by the reading unit as continuous image data without being divided into the first area and the second area. And the identification information may be stored in the file. By storing the image data in the spread state, the image of the original in the spread state can be reproduced more appropriately.

  The identification information of the image display system may be information indicating a boundary position between the first area and the second area in the image data of the spread document read by the reading unit. As the information indicating the boundary position, for example, the coordinates in the image data of the start point and end point of the boundary line are applicable. According to this configuration, the image data in the spread state can be easily divided.

  In addition, the image display system includes a specifying unit that specifies a center position of each of the first region and the second region based on a boundary of the identification information, and the display unit includes the first region. When displaying the page and the page of the second area for each page, each area may be displayed according to the center position specified by the specifying unit. According to this configuration, the image is displayed center-aligned regardless of the area, so that it is easy for the user to see.

  The image display system according to the present invention also divides image data of a spread document read by the reading unit into the image data of the first area and the image data of the second area that are distinguished by the distinguishing unit. And the generation unit preferably generates a file for storing each image data divided by the dividing unit, and further stores the identification information in each file. According to this configuration, since each file stores the divided image data, it is not necessary to divide the image data when displaying the image data for one page, and the display in page units is facilitated.

  The image display system according to the present invention also divides image data of a spread document read by the reading unit into the image data of the first area and the image data of the second area that are distinguished by the distinguishing unit. The generation unit individually generates an image file for storing each image data divided by the dividing unit, and further generates a management file for storing the identification information and the information of the image file. Also good. Even in this configuration, since each file stores the divided image data, it is not necessary to divide the image data when displaying the image data for one page, and the display in units of pages becomes easy.

  The present invention also provides a reading unit that reads a spread document that is a spread document, and image data of the spread document that is read by the reading unit as a page area on one side of the binding portion of the spread document. A distinction part that distinguishes between data in one area and data in a second area that is the area of the page on the other side, and identifies the interrelationship between the first area and the second area distinguished by the distinction part And a generation unit that generates a file that stores identification information that is information to be stored.

  Further, the present invention provides an acquisition unit that acquires image data based on a spread document that is a spread document, and the image data acquired by the acquisition unit in a page area on one side of the binding portion of the spread document. A distinguishing unit that distinguishes between data in a first region and data in a second region that is a page region on the other side, and the interrelationship between the first region and the second region distinguished by the distinguishing unit A generating unit that generates a file that stores identification information that is information for identifying the first region and the other side according to the identification information stored in the file, and identifying the one side and the other side And an image display device including a display unit that displays at least one of the two regions.

  According to the present invention, an image display system, an image reading apparatus, and an image display apparatus that improve the convenience of an image file that stores image data based on a spread document are realized.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration (AA cross section of FIG. 1) of the image reading unit of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of book scan processing (first form) of the MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a file (first form) created by an MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process (1st form) of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the page feed process (1st form) of PC. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the edit process (1st form) of PC. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in edit mode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of MFP book scan processing (second embodiment). 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a file (second form) created by the MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process (2nd form) of PC. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of book scan processing (third mode) of the MFP. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a file (third form) created by the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process (3rd form) of PC.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying an image display system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) and a personal computer (PC) having a scan function, a print function, and a file output function.

[MFP configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, MFP 100 of this embodiment includes an image forming unit 1 that prints an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit 2 (an example of a reading unit) that reads an image of a document. The image forming method of the image forming unit 1 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. Further, even if a color image can be formed, it may be dedicated to a monochrome image.

  The MFP 100 further includes, on the front side thereof, an operation panel 40 including a button group 41 including various buttons (for example, buttons for a start key, a stop key, and a numeric keypad) and a display unit 42 including a liquid crystal display. ing. The button group 41 and the display unit 42 allow the operation status to be displayed and the operation input by the user to be performed.

[Configuration of Image Reading Unit]
Next, the configuration of the image reading unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 shows an appearance of the image reading unit 2, and FIG. 2 is an AA cross section of FIG.

  The image reading unit 2 includes a main body unit 10 that reads an image and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 that automatically conveys a document. The ADF 20 is located above the main body 10 and has one side connected to the main body 10 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 10. Therefore, the image reading unit 2 can open and close the upper surface of the main body unit 10 by the ADF 20. That is, the ADF 20 also serves as a cover that covers the upper surface of the main body 10.

  The main body 10 includes contact glasses 11 and 12 on the upper surface thereof. Further, an image sensor 15 that reads an image of a document is provided inside the main body 10 and below the contact glasses 11 and 12. In the image sensor 15, optical elements are arranged in a line in the main scanning direction (depth direction in FIG. 2), and the reflected light from the document is converted into an electrical signal and output. As the image sensor 15, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is applicable.

  The image sensor 15 is slidably supported with respect to the slide shaft 13. The slide shaft 13 extends in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), and both ends are fixed to the housing of the main body unit 10. Therefore, the image sensor 15 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction in FIG.

  The ADF 20 includes a document tray 21 on which a document before reading is placed and a discharge tray 22 on which the document after reading is placed. Specifically, the document tray 21 is disposed above the discharge tray 22. In addition, a substantially U-shaped transport path 25 that connects the document tray 21 and the discharge tray 22 is provided inside the ADF 20 as a path for transporting the document. Further, the ADF 20 is provided with an opening 23 on the lower surface thereof so that the document pressing plate 24 is exposed from the opening 23. The document pressing plate 24 faces the contact glass 12 with the ADF 20 closed.

  The ADF 20 takes out the originals placed on the original tray 21 one by one, and conveys the originals to a position facing the contact glass 12 (hereinafter referred to as “ADF glass 12”) of the main body 10. Specifically, the document is passed between the document pressing plate 24 and the contact glass 12. Thereafter, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray 22.

  Further, as a document reading method using the image sensor 15, there are a flat bed (document fixed scanning) method and an ADF (document moving scanning) method. In the case of the flat bed system, the document is placed on the contact glass 11 (hereinafter referred to as “FB glass 11”). In this state, the image sensor 15 moves in the sub-scanning direction, and at that time, the image of the document is read line by line in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, in the case of the ADF method, a plurality of documents are collectively placed on the document tray 21. Then, the image sensor 15 moves to a position facing the ADF glass 12 and is fixed. In this state, the document is conveyed by the ADF 20 to a position below the document pressing plate 24 and facing the ADF glass 12, and at that time, an image of the document is read line by line in the main scanning direction.

  For example, when reading a bound document such as a book, the ADF 20 is opened, the document is set in a double-sided state, and set on the FB glass 11 with the reading surface facing downward. Then, the image sensor 15 moves in the sub-scanning direction with the user holding the document while the ADF 20 is opened, thereby reading the document.

[Electric configuration of MFP]
Next, an electrical configuration of a system 500 including the MFP 100 and the PC 50 connected to the MFP 100 via a network will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 100 includes a control unit 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 34, an ASIC 35, and a network interface 36.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs and image processing programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area for reading various control programs, or as a storage area for temporarily storing image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 and image data sent via the network interface 36. The The NVRAM 34 is a non-volatile storage means, and is used as a storage area for storing various settings, image data, and the like.

  The ASIC 35 is electrically connected to the image forming unit 1, the image reading unit 2, the operation panel 40, an open / close sensor 45 that detects the rotation of the ADF 20, and the like. For example, the ASIC 35 acquires a signal of image data from the image reading unit 2. In addition, a signal for creating a desired image is output to the image forming unit 1. In addition, signals of various buttons input to the button group 41 are received. In addition, a signal indicating the content to be displayed on the display unit 42 is output.

  CPU 31 (an example of a distinguishing unit, a generating unit, and a dividing unit) executes arithmetic operations for realizing various functions such as an image reading function, an image forming function, and a file creation function in MFP 100, and serves as the center of control. It is. The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 via the ASIC 35 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34 according to the control program read from the ROM 32. Further, for example, the CPU 31 processes the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 2 in accordance with a program read from the ROM 32.

  The network interface 36 is connected to a network, and data communication with another information processing apparatus (for example, the PC 50) is possible via the network interface 36.

[Electric configuration of PC]
The PC 50 includes a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, HDD 54, an operation unit 55 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 56 including a liquid crystal display, a network interface 57, and a USB interface 58. .

  The HDD 54 of the PC 50 incorporates an operating system (OS), a device driver for controlling various devices, an application program having a print instruction function such as a word processor and spreadsheet software. A viewer program that displays an image stored in an image file created after the original is read by MFP 100 is also incorporated in HDD 54.

  The CPU 51 (an example of a display unit, a changing unit, a determining unit, a prohibiting unit, and a specifying unit) performs various processes while storing the calculation results in the RAM 53 or the HDD 54 in accordance with a control program read from the ROM 52, a program read from the HDD 54, or the like. I do.

  The network interface 57 and the USB interface 58 are interfaces that enable communication with an external device. In this embodiment, data is transmitted to and received from the MFP 100 via the network interface 57.

[Book Scan Mode]
Next, the book scan mode of the MFP 100 will be described. In the book scan mode, a bound document such as a book is read in a spread state, and an electronic file for storing image data of the read document is created.

  In the book scan mode, a spread original (spread original) is read by the flatbed method. Specifically, when the book scan mode is selected by the user, a spread original is set on the FB glass 11, and the start key in the button group 41 is pressed, the MFP 100 reads the spread original.

  After reading the double-page spread document, the user is inquired whether to continue reading. When the continuation of reading is selected, the user sets a spread document of the next page on the FB glass 11 and waits for inputting a reading start instruction. When a reading start instruction is input, the newly set spread document is read. On the other hand, when the end of reading is selected, a file for storing image data read until the end is selected or a file for storing a reference destination to the image data is created.

  The PC 50 incorporates a viewer program that displays image data of a spread original read by the MFP 100. When displaying an image of a spread document, the user designates a file created in the book scan mode, and reads out image data associated with the file from the viewer program. As a result, the spread original image can be displayed on the display unit 56 of the PC 50.

[First embodiment]
[Book scanning process of MFP]
Hereinafter, the procedure of the book scan processing (an example of the distinguishing unit and the generating unit) that realizes the operation in the above-described book scan mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This book scan process is executed when the start key in the button group 41 is pressed while the book scan mode is selected.

  In the book scan processing of the first embodiment, first, initial processing such as acquisition of various initial settings is performed (S101). As an initial setting, for example, there is a setting as to whether or not to erase the binding portion of the document and the shadow outside the frame for the image data after reading. The initial setting may be set by the user before starting the book scanning process and stored in the NVRAM 34 or the like, or may be set by the user at the time when S101 is executed. In the initial process, a book file for registering a plurality of image files is generated. As for the book file, one image file is not registered at the initial processing stage.

  Next, the original set on the FB glass 11 is read (S102). The read image data of the document is temporarily stored in the RAM 33.

  After the reading is completed, the boundary between the left page and the right page of the image data of the read facing original is read (S103). The position where the spread original is set on the FB glass 11 is determined in advance by the original size. Therefore, MFP 100 can grasp the center position of the image data in the sub-scanning direction according to the document size. In step S103, a boundary for distinguishing between the left page area and the right page area is determined based on the center position. Alternatively, a position where the image data of the document is divided into left and right halves may be calculated, and that position may be used as the boundary.

  Note that the image data of the read document may be analyzed to automatically recognize the left and right page boundaries. For example, when a two-page spread document is read, the image data of the two-page spread document includes a black region (corresponding to a “binding portion”) that vertically cuts the center of the image data of the two-page spread document. Therefore, the MFP 100 stores the black region as a mark image in advance in the ROM 32 or the like, and detects the mark image from the image data of the document. When it is detected, the position of the mark image can be specified and the position can be used as a boundary.

  Next, an opening direction is acquired as to whether the double-page spread document to be read is left-open or right-open (S104). The acquisition method may be inquired to the user, or may be automatically determined by analyzing image data. For automatic discrimination, for example, the page number of each page is read, and the opening direction is determined based on the page number. Further, for example, a character string (vertical writing and horizontal writing) or a language may be read, and the opening direction may be determined according to the content. As another acquisition method, a method set by the user before starting the book scanning process and stored in the NVRAM 34 or the like may be read.

  Next, an image file for storing the image data of the document read in S102 is created, and the created image file is registered in the book file created in S101 (S105). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the image file 60 registered in the book file 6 has an image data area 61 that is an image area and a header area 62 that is a non-image area. The image data area 61 stores the image data of the document read in S102 (image data stored as a continuous image without dividing the left page and the right page). The header area 62 stores information such as image size, resolution, and color.

  In S105, the boundary information acquired in S103 and the opening direction information acquired in S104 are stored in the header area 62 of the image file 60. As the boundary information, for example, the coordinates in the image data of the start point and end point of the boundary can be applied. Further, relay points other than the start point and end point may be stored. Thereby, the boundary of the broken line can be stored. If the boundary cannot be acquired in S103 or the opening direction cannot be acquired in S104, the boundary information and the opening direction information are not stored in the header area 62.

  After file registration in S105, it is determined whether there is a next document (S106). The presence of the next document is determined by inquiring the user. Note that if the start key is pressed within a predetermined time and a reading of the next document is instructed, it may be determined that there is a next page.

  If there is a next original (S106: YES), that is, if reading of the spread original is continued, the process proceeds to S102 and the next original is read. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of image files 60 are registered in the book file 6 created in S101. On the other hand, if there is no next original (S106: NO), the book scanning process is terminated.

  That is, in the book scanning process of the first embodiment, an image file for storing image data obtained by reading a spread original is created. Further, in the header area of the image file, information on the boundary for distinguishing the left page area from the right page area and information on whether the left opening or the right opening is stored.

[PC display processing]
Next, display processing (an example of a display unit and a specifying unit) for displaying an image of the image file 60 created by the MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This display processing is executed by the viewer program when an image display command is input (for example, a book file name or an image file name is double-clicked) and a viewer program incorporated in the PC 50 is started. .

  In the display process of the first form, first, the designated image file is read (S121). The image file may be an image file created by the book scan process described above, and the storage destination may be a storage device accessible by the PC 50. When a book file name is specified, the image file registered at the head of the book file name is read.

  Next, the information stored in the header area of the read image file is acquired (S122). Then, it is determined whether or not boundary information is included in the information acquired in S122 (S123).

  When the boundary information is included (S123: YES), it can be determined that the specified image file stores two pages of images distinguished by the boundary. Therefore, the display center position of the first page is calculated (S124). For the first page, the left page is the first page if left open, and the right page is the first page if right open. As a calculation procedure of the display center position, for example, boundary information is used to distinguish image data stored in the image file into a left page area and a right page area. Then, the central coordinates of the area serving as the first page are calculated. The calculated center coordinates are set as the display center position.

  Thereafter, the display center position calculated in S124 is aligned with the center position of the display area (for example, the display area of the display unit 56) that can be displayed on the PC 50, and the first page image is displayed on the display unit 56 of the PC 50 ( S125).

  On the other hand, when the boundary information is not included (S123: NO), the image stored in the image file is handled as an image for one page. Therefore, the image stored in the image data area 61 is displayed without distinguishing between the left page and the right page (S131). After S125 to S131, the display process is terminated.

  That is, in the display process of the first form, an image stored in the image file generated by the book scan process described above is displayed. At the time of display, the header information is referred to, and after grasping which of the left and right pages is the first page, the area of the first page is displayed. That is, the image of the spread original can be displayed from the image of the first page.

  In the display processing of the first form, the image is displayed with the center position aligned with the center position of the display area, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper left of the image and the upper left of the display area may be aligned on the left page, and the upper right of the image and the upper right of the display area may be aligned on the right page. Further, for example, the size of the image area after the left and right division may be compared with the size of the display area, and the display magnification may be changed so that the image after the left and right division is displayed in the entire display area.

  The image file generated by the book scanning process stores image data for two pages. Therefore, the viewer program has a spread mode for displaying image data (image data for two pages) in a spread state, and a page mode for displaying image data (image data for one page) in page units. The display contents may be switched depending on the mode. That is, in the spread mode, the left page and the right page may be displayed without being distinguished, and in the page mode, the left page and the right page may be displayed separately.

[PC page feed processing]
Next, page feed display processing for displaying the next page image of the currently displayed image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This page turning process is executed by the viewer program when a user inputs a page turning instruction while an image is displayed by the viewer program.

  In the page feed process of the first form, first, information stored in the header area of the currently displayed image file is acquired (S141). Then, it is determined whether or not boundary information is included in the information acquired in S141 (S142). When the boundary information is not included (S142: NO), the process proceeds to S151. S151 will be described later.

  If boundary information is included (S142: YES), it is confirmed whether the currently displayed page is the left or right page of the spread document (S143). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the first page image in the image file is being displayed (S144). If left open, the left page becomes the first page, and if right open, the right page becomes the first page.

  If the first page image is being displayed (S144: YES), the second page image is displayed (S145). That is, if the page is opened left, the page on the right side is displayed. If the page is opened right, the page on the left is displayed. After S144, the page feed process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the image of the second page is being displayed (S144: NO), or when boundary information is not included (S142: NO), it is determined whether there is an image file of the next page. Judgment is made (S151). Specifically, it is determined whether or not an image file corresponding to the next page is registered in the book file in which the currently displayed image file is registered.

  If there is an image file for the next page (S151: YES), the image file for the next page is read and the image for the first page is displayed (S152). After S152 or when there is no image file for the next page (S151: NO), the page feed process is terminated.

  That is, in the page feed process of the first form, the image of the next page is displayed. At the time of display, the header information is referred to, and it is confirmed whether the left or right page is displayed or the first page is displayed, and then the image of the next page is displayed. That is, in the first embodiment, switching to the next page can be easily performed.

[PC editing process]
Next, editing processing (an example of a change unit, a determination unit, and a prohibition unit) that changes boundary information stored in an image file will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The viewer program has an edit mode that changes the boundary information stored in the image file. While operating in the edit mode, the entire image stored in the image file, the left page, and the right The border with the page is displayed. This editing process is executed by the viewer program when the viewer program is started in the edit mode.

  In the editing process of the first form, first, an image file designated at the time of starting the viewer program is read (S161). Further, information stored in the header area of the read image file is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not boundary information is included in the image file (S162).

  When the boundary information is not included (S162: NO), the image of the read image file has no boundary to be edited. Therefore, an error message is displayed (S171), and the editing process is terminated.

  If the boundary information is included (S162: YES), the image of the image file is displayed (S163). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the image 9 stored in the image file is displayed in a window 90 in which the viewer program is started, and the left page image 9L and the right page image 9R are displayed. 91 indicating the boundary after editing and a boundary 92 before editing (that is, the current boundary stored in the image file) are displayed. Further, an arrow button 93L for moving the edited boundary 91 to the left side and an arrow button 93R for moving the edited boundary 91 to the right side are displayed. In the window 90, when the user presses the arrow button 93L (or arrow 93R), the boundary 91 moves to the left (or right). Further, an update button 94 for inputting a boundary update instruction and an end button 95 for ending boundary editing are displayed. Immediately after execution of the editing process, the edited boundary 91 and the unedited boundary 92 are at the same position, and the boundaries 91 and 92 are displayed in an overlapping state.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to move the boundary (S164). That is, it is determined whether or not the arrow button 93L or 93R is pressed. If there is an instruction to move the boundary (S164: YES), the boundary 91, which is a new boundary, is moved in the direction corresponding to the button (S165).

  After S165 or when there is no instruction to move the boundary (S164: NO), it is determined whether there is an instruction to determine a new boundary (S166). That is, it is determined whether or not the update button 94 has been pressed.

  If there is an instruction to determine a new boundary (S166: YES), a fog determination is performed to determine whether or not a new boundary 91 is positioned on the actual image area of the image file due to the boundary change. (S167). That is, if a boundary is placed on an actual image (graphics or characters) drawn on each page, there is a risk that information held by the actual image is lost. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the border covers the actual image drawn on each page. Specifically, if there is a part that is different from the background color or the binding color in the area of several pixels centered on the new boundary, it may be covered with some image and to decide. On the other hand, if there is no portion different from the background color or the binding color, it is determined that there is no fogging.

  When it is determined that there is a fog (S167: YES), a message indicating that there is a possibility that the boundary and the actual image overlap each other is displayed (S181), and the user is inquired whether to update the boundary. (S182).

  When there is an instruction to update (S182: YES), or when it is determined that there is no fog (S167: NO), the position information of the boundary after the change is acquired, and the image file read in S161 is acquired. The boundary information stored in the header information is updated (S168).

  In S168, the boundary change may be reflected in other image files of the book file that stores the image file read in S161. In this case, if the boundary of other image files is moved as much as this time, for example, the boundary and the image may be fogged. Therefore, for other image files, the fog between the border and the image is judged, and if there is a fog, the user is inquired about whether to update.

  After updating the boundary in S168, or when there is an instruction not to update when fogging occurs (S182: NO), or when there is no instruction to determine a new boundary (S166: NO), the edit mode is terminated. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform (S169). If there is no instruction to end the edit mode (S169: NO), the process returns to S164, and the operation in the edit mode is continued. If there is an instruction to end the editing mode (S169: YES), the editing process is ended.

  That is, in the editing process of the first mode, in the editing mode, the boundary between the left page area and the right page area, the position before editing (current boundary position) and the position after editing. (New boundary position). Furthermore, the position of the new boundary designated by the user is reflected in the header area of the image file. That is, in the first embodiment, the page area can be easily changed.

  In the first embodiment, the book file 6 is used as a mode for storing a plurality of image files 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a directory managed by the operating system may be used.

[Second form]
[Book scanning process of MFP]
Next, the procedure of the second form of book scan processing (an example of a distinction unit, a generation unit, and a division unit) that realizes the operation in the book scan mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the book scan process of this embodiment, the image data of the read spread original is divided for each page, and an image file is individually created for each divided image data. This is different from the first mode in which one image file is created without dividing the read spread original image. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the process similar to a 1st form, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the book scan processing of the second form, first, initial processing is performed (S201). In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, no book file is generated. Thereafter, reading of the spread original set on the FB glass 11 is started (S102).

  Next, each image data divided into the image data of the left page and the image data of the right page is acquired as the image data of the spread document (S203). For example, the entire spread document is read, a boundary is acquired as in the first embodiment, and the image data of the left page and the right page are acquired by dividing the image data of the spread document according to the boundary. . If the center position of the document in the sub-scanning direction is known, one page is read to acquire image data of one page, and then the other page is read to read the other page. The image data may be acquired. That is, page-by-page reading may be performed twice.

  Next, an opening direction is acquired as to whether the double-page spread document to be read is left-open or right-open (S104). The acquisition method may be inquired to the user, or may be automatically determined by analyzing image data.

  After obtaining the image data and opening direction of each page, an image file for each page is created (S205). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, an image file 63L for the left page and an image file 63R for the right page are created. Each of the image files 63L and 63R has an image data area 64 that is an image area and a header area 65 that is a non-image area. The image data area 64 stores image information for one page of divided images acquired in S203. The header area 65 stores information such as image size, resolution, and color.

  In S205, pair information (for example, the file name of the image file 63R if the image file 63L is used, or the image file 63L if the image file 63R is set in each header area 65 of the image files 63L and 63R). And the opening direction information (for example, the file name of the image file 63L if left-opening, and the file name of the image file 63R if right-opening) are stored. In addition, information on the position of the left page or the right page in the spread document may be stored.

  After S205, the book scanning process is terminated. Note that, as in the first embodiment, an inquiry about the continuation of document reading may be made, and if continuation is selected, the process may return to S102 to continue reading the document.

  That is, in the book scan processing of the second form, the image data of the spread original is divided into pages, and image files for storing the image data of each page are individually created. In addition, in the header area of the image file, pair information, which is information on the division partner, and information on the first page are stored.

[PC display processing]
Next, display processing (an example of a display unit) for displaying an image of an image file (see FIG. 11) created by the book scan processing of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the display processing of the second form, first, the designated image file is read (S221). The image file is an image file created by the book scan process described above. The designated image file may be either the image file 63L that stores the left image data or the image file 63R that stores the right image data. Next, the information stored in the header area 65 of the read image file is acquired (S222). Then, it is determined whether or not pair information is included in the information acquired in S222 (S223).

  If the pair information is included (S223: YES), it can be determined that the specified image file stores the divided image data that is the image data for one page of the spread original. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the designated image file is the first page (S224). If it is not the first page (S224: NO), the image file of the division partner storing the divided image data of the first page is read (S231).

  After the image file of the first page is read in S231 or when the designated image file is the first page (S224: YES), the image of the first page is displayed on the display unit 56 of the PC 50. (S225).

  On the other hand, when the pair information is not included (S223: NO), it can be determined that an image for one page is stored in the designated image file. Therefore, the image stored in the image data area 64 is displayed without distinguishing between the left page and the right page (S232). After S225 to S232, the display process is terminated.

  That is, in the display processing of the second form, the header information of the image file is referred to at the time of display, and after identifying the other party to be divided and which page is the first page, the first information is displayed. Displays the image of the page. Also in the second mode, the spread original image can be displayed from the image of the first page.

  In the second embodiment, a book file that stores a plurality of image files is not used. However, as in the first embodiment, a book file for registering the image files 63L and 63R generated by the book scan process is generated. May be.

[Third embodiment]
[Book scanning process of MFP]
Next, the procedure of the third form of book scan processing (an example of a distinguishing unit, a generating unit, and a dividing unit) that realizes the operation in the book scan mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the book scan processing of this embodiment, a management file is created that stores the positional relationship of each divided image data. This is different from the second embodiment in which the positional relationship of each divided image data is stored in each image file. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the process similar to a 1st form and a 2nd form, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the book scan processing of the third embodiment, first, initial processing such as acquisition of various initial settings is performed (S201). Thereafter, reading of the spread original set on the FB glass 11 is started (S102).

  Next, each image data divided into the image data of the left page and the image data of the right page is acquired as the image data of the spread document (S203). Further, the opening direction of the left-open or right-open document to be read is acquired (S104).

  After obtaining the image data and opening direction of each page, an image file for each page is created (S304). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, an image file 66L for the left page and an image file 66R for the right page are created. Each of the image files 66L and 66R has an image data area 67 that is an image area and a header area 68 that is a non-image area. The difference from the second embodiment is that the header information 68 does not store the pair information and the opening direction information that are the information of the other party to be divided.

  Thereafter, a management file 69 for storing that each of the image files 66L and 66 is an image file for storing the divided image data is created (S305). Specifically, the management file 69 includes pair information (for example, file names of the image files 63L and 63R) for storing combinations of image files for storing the divided image data, and opening direction information (for example, left-opening). If there is, the file name of the image file 63L is stored, and if it is opened to the right, the file name of the image file 63R is stored.

  After S305, the book scan process is terminated. Note that, as in the first embodiment, an inquiry about the continuation of document reading may be made, and if continuation is selected, the process may return to S102 to continue reading the document.

  That is, in the book scan processing of the third form, the image data of the spread original is divided into pages, and image files for storing the image data of each page are individually created. Furthermore, a management file is created, and the information regarding the first page and the pair information of the image file storing each page is stored in the management file.

[PC display processing]
Next, display processing (an example of a display unit) for displaying an image of an image file (see FIG. 14) created by the book scan processing of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the display processing of the third form, it is assumed that a management file name is specified as an image display command.

  In the display processing of the third form, first, a management file is read (S321). Next, information regarding the first page stored in the read management file is acquired, and image data is read from the image file of the first page (S322).

  After reading the image file of the first page in S322, the image of the first page is displayed on the display unit 56 of the PC 50 (S323). After S323, the display process is terminated. In the third embodiment, when an image file name is designated, the image stored in the designated image file is displayed.

  That is, in the display processing of the third form, at the time of display, the image file management file is referred to, and for each image file storing the divided image data, which image file stores the first page. After that, the first page image is displayed. Also in the third mode, the image of the spread document can be displayed from the image of the first page.

  In the third embodiment, a book file that stores a plurality of image files is not used. However, as in the first embodiment, the image files 66L and 66R generated by the book scan process and the management file 69 are registered. A book file may be generated.

  As described above in detail, the image display system 500 according to the embodiment uses the identification information, which is the information (boundary, opening direction, pair information, etc.) of the interrelationships of the pages of the spread original image, as the header area of the image file. (First form, second form) or a management file (third form) for storing image file information. Then, when displaying an image stored in an image file, by using the identification information, for example, when displaying an image in units of pages (image for one page), display in page order can be realized. . Further, for example, when displaying an image in a spread state (images for two pages), it is possible to reproduce the positional relationship and boundary position of the images in each region. Therefore, the convenience of the image file that stores the image data based on the spread document can be expected to be improved.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image reading apparatus is not limited to the MFP, but can be applied to any apparatus having an image reading function such as a copying machine, a scanner, and a FAX. In addition, the image display device is not limited to a PC, and any device having a function of displaying image data, such as a PDA, a mobile phone, a digital photo frame, and electronic paper, can be applied. Further, if the image reading device and the image display device are an integrated device (for example, a scanner to which a tablet terminal is connected), the present invention can be implemented by one device.

  In the embodiment, the MFP 100 distinguishes between the left page and the right page and generates an image file. However, the PC 50 distinguishes between the left page and the right page and generates an image file. You may go. Also, other devices may perform the distinction between the left and right pages and the generation of the image file. For example, in the case of a system having a server in addition to a scanner and a display device, the scanner reads a double-page spread, the server distinguishes the left page from the right page, and generates an image file. You may comprise so that display may be performed.

  In the embodiment, MFP 100 (image reading apparatus) and PC 50 (image display apparatus) are connected, but the connection is not always necessary. That is, the PC 50 only needs to be able to display an image stored in the image file (or management file) generated by the MFP 100. For example, the MFP 100 stores the image file in a storage medium such as a USB memory, and the PC 50 stores the image file in the storage medium. It may be configured to read out the image file being processed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image formation part 2 Image reading part 15 Image sensor 50 PC
56 Display unit 100 MFP

Claims (11)

A reading unit that reads a double-page spread document;
The image data of the spread document read by the reading unit includes data of a first region that is a page region on one side of the binding portion of the spread document and data of a second region that is a page region on the other side. A distinction part that distinguishes between
A generating unit that generates a file that stores identification information that is information for identifying a mutual relationship between the first region and the second region that are distinguished by the distinguishing unit;
A display unit for identifying one side and the other side according to the identification information stored in the file and displaying an image of at least one of the first region and the second region;
An image display system comprising: The image display system according to claim 1,
An image display system comprising: a change unit that changes the identification information added to the file according to change information received by user input. In the image display system according to claim 2,
The image display system, wherein the changing unit uses the change information received with respect to a certain spread document for changing identification information of another spread document. In the image display system according to claim 2 or 3,
Whether or not a boundary between the first area and the second area based on the change information received by the changing unit is located on an actual image area that is an image area that is distinguished from a background in an image of a spread document. A determination unit for determining
A prohibiting unit that prohibits the change of the identification information by the changing unit when the determining unit determines that the boundary is located on the real image area;
An image display system comprising: In the image display system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The generation unit generates a file that stores image data of a spread document read by the reading unit as continuous image data without being divided into the first area and the second area, and further includes the file in the file An image display system for storing identification information. In the image display system according to claim 5,
The image display system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is information indicating a boundary position between the first area and the second area in the image data of the spread document read by the reading unit. The image display system according to claim 6,
A specifying unit for specifying a central position of each of the first area and the second area based on a boundary of the identification information;
The display unit displays each region according to a center position specified by the specifying unit when displaying the page of the first region and the page of the second region for each page. . The image display system according to claim 1,
A splitting unit that splits the image data of the spread original read by the reading unit into the image data of the first area and the image data of the second area distinguished by the distinguishing part;
The image generation system, wherein the generation unit individually generates a file for storing each image data divided by the division unit, and further stores the identification information in each file. The image display system according to claim 1,
A splitting unit that splits the image data of the spread original read by the reading unit into the image data of the first area and the image data of the second area distinguished by the distinguishing part;
The generating unit individually generates an image file storing each image data divided by the dividing unit, and further generates a management file storing the identification information and the information of the image file. Image display system. A reading unit that reads a double-page spread document;
The image data of the spread document read by the reading unit includes data of a first region that is a page region on one side of the binding portion of the spread document and data of a second region that is a page region on the other side. A distinction part that distinguishes between
A generating unit that generates a file that stores identification information that is information for identifying a mutual relationship between the first region and the second region that are distinguished by the distinguishing unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires image data based on a spread document that is a spread document;
The image data acquired by the acquisition unit is classified into data of a first region that is a region of a page on one side of the binding portion of the spread document and data of a second region that is a region of a page on the other side. A distinction part to be
A generating unit that generates a file that stores identification information that is information for identifying a mutual relationship between the first region and the second region that are distinguished by the distinguishing unit;
A display unit for identifying one side and the other side according to the identification information stored in the file and displaying an image of at least one of the first region and the second region;
An image display device comprising:

Images