JP2012238949A - Image processor and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which when synthesizing an information image to an image containing a black portion, reduces a misreading ratio of the information image to be lower than that when this constitution is not included.SOLUTION: Image receiving means of the image processor receives an image. Information image receiving means receives information image. Color conversion means converts a black portion within the image received by the image receiving means, so as to be expressed in other colors. Synthesis means synthesizes in black the information image received by the information image receiving means to the image converted by the color conversion means. The color conversion means expresses the black portion using colors other than black so as to convert the black portion to be lighter than an expression using the total of the maximum densities of the colors other than black.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

There is a technique for combining an information image with an image.
As a technique related to this, for example, Patent Document 1 has an object to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that optimize recording conditions according to image data to be recorded. The tone characteristic information is obtained on the basis of the density value of the predetermined toner patch formed by the above and the laser output level when the toner patch is output to the photosensitive drum, and the original image is obtained based on the tone characteristic information. It is disclosed to obtain a look-up table for matching the image density and the output image density.

  Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, by changing the correction method of the density level according to the purpose of printing, the excessive use of a recording agent such as toner or ink is prevented without degrading the quality of characters and figures, An image processing apparatus that processes color print data for each color and supplies it to printing means with the object of preventing deterioration in image quality due to toner scattering, ink rubbing, etc. A density characteristic acquisition unit that indicates a relationship; a maximum target density level calculation unit that obtains a maximum target density level; a first density correction table creation unit that shifts density characteristics so that the maximum density level becomes the maximum target density level; A second density correction table creation unit that changes and creates the first correction data table based on the sum of the maximum density levels of the respective colors; and the first or second conversion Using either Tateburu, it is disclosed that has a density correction portion for correcting the density level of the color print data.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a document creation comprising an electronic pen that reads and digitizes the content written on a paper, and a document creation support device that creates document data from the digitized data digitized by the electronic pen. In the support system, the document creation support device has a one-to-one correspondence between a document identifier for identifying each of the plurality of document data and a paper identifier for identifying each of the plurality of papers. A printing unit that prints a plurality of check boxes that express the paper identifier in a unique arrangement for each paper identifier using the printer device, and the electronic pen digitizes the paper, From the check mark position information written in all of the multiple check boxes, the check box A document creation support system comprising: digitized data identifying means for obtaining an arrangement, identifying the paper identifier based on the obtained arrangement of the check box, and identifying the document identifier by the identified paper identifier Is disclosed.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses a two-dimensional code pattern that can be printed together with a document on demand using an existing office or home printer, and that enables accurate acquisition of continuous writing information. A two-dimensional code reading device that reads a two-dimensional code from a medium in which a two-dimensional code in which predetermined information is embedded, which is composed of a plurality of dots, is arranged in a matrix. An image reading unit that optically reads a predetermined area of the medium, a dot detection unit that detects a dot from an image read by the image reading unit, and a dot detected by the dot detection unit at the center of the image It is determined whether the dot is a corner dot of the two-dimensional code in the order from a certain dot to the periphery, and the dot determined as a corner dot by the determination. Code frame detection means for detecting a code frame that divides the two-dimensional code based on the data, and a data decoding means for reading the dot pattern arranged in the code frame and decoding the information represented by the dot pattern And the code frame detection means detects four or more peripheral dots around a determination dot which is a determination target of whether the corner dot of the two-dimensional code, and determines the determination from among the peripheral dots. A two-dimensional code reading device is disclosed, which detects the determination dots as corner dots of a code frame that partitions the two-dimensional code when two pairs that are point-symmetric with respect to the dot for detection are detected. .

JP-A-11-098358 JP 2005-117241 A Japanese Patent No. 3966123 Japanese Patent No. 4198456

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing in which an information image is combined with an image including a black portion, and a reading error rate of the information image is reduced as compared with a case where the information image is not included. The purpose is to provide a program.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image receiving means for receiving the image, the information image receiving means for receiving the information image, and the black portion in the image received by the image receiving means are converted so as to be expressed using other colors. Color converting means for combining the information image received by the information image receiving means with black on the image converted by the color converting means, and the color converting means comprises a black portion other than black. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the image processing device is expressed using the above-described colors and is converted so as to be lighter than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black.

  The invention of claim 2 further comprises analysis means for analyzing whether or not there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable in the image received by the image receiving means, and the color conversion means comprises: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color conversion is performed when it is analyzed that there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable by the analysis unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the analysis unit analyzes that there is a region that makes reading of the information image unstable, the analysis unit analyzes the position of the region, and the color conversion unit uses the analysis unit to analyze the information image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is analyzed that there is a region that makes reading of the image unstable, color conversion is performed on the region.

  The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the colors other than black are three colors, and the color conversion means regulates the total amount of paints of three colors other than black to be 240% or less or less than 240%. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

  The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the colors other than black are three colors, and the color conversion means performs conversion so as to make an expression using two or one of the three colors other than black. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising output means for outputting an image obtained by combining the information images by the combining means. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a computer is used to express an image receiving unit that receives an image, an information image receiving unit that receives an information image, and a black portion in the image received by the image receiving unit using another color. The color conversion means for converting the image information and the image converted by the color conversion means to function as a combining means for combining the information image received by the information image receiving means in black, and the color conversion means The image processing program is characterized in that the image is expressed using a color other than black and is converted to be lighter than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, when the information image is synthesized with the image including the black portion, the reading error rate of the information image can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided. it can.

  According to the image processing device of the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the black portion from being converted to be expressed using another color even though there is no region that makes the reading of the information image unstable. be able to.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect, the black portion is converted to be expressed by using other colors even though the information image reading is not an unstable region. Can be prevented.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce the reading error rate of the information image as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the reading error rate of the information image as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, it is possible to output an image in which the reading error rate of the information image is lowered as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the image processing program of the seventh aspect, when the information image is synthesized with the image including the black portion, the reading error rate of the information image can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided. it can.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example when the reading error of an information image arises. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example when the reading error of an information image arises. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example when the reading error of an information image arises. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example of the reading of an information image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an information image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a digital pen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an output by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example at the time of embodying 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by a 1st system configuration. It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example at the time of embodying 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by a 2nd system structure. It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example at the time of embodying 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by a 3rd system structure. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of a relationship between a total amount of CMY toners and a reading error rate. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which converted the black part into cyan 1 color. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of an unstable area table. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

First, a basic technique for explaining an example of the embodiment will be described.
An example using a color system that expresses colors in four colors, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Yellow, and Key plate or blackK) is shown. Three colors other than black are used. This color system is used in general printers.
When a black information image is combined with an image, if there is a black portion (for example, a character or the like) in the combined image, it is necessary to distinguish these.
In general, black is printed using a paint (K paint) of a substance that can be read by light of a certain wavelength (for example, infrared), and colors other than black are printed using a paint other than that substance (CMY paint). . As a result, an information image printed using black paint can be read. On the other hand, black other than the information image (that is, black in the original image that combines the information images) is generated by mixing CMY colors. In general, when black is generated using CMY, C paint is 100%, M paint is 100%, and Y paint is 100%. Print using the maximum density of each paint in CMY. As a result, the color is recognized as black by human vision. However, this black does not use the black paint described above, but uses a CMY paint, so that it does not react to the light of the wavelength described above and cannot be read as an information image. This is due to the difference in the infrared absorption between the K and CMY paints. Therefore, the information image is printed with only black paint, and black other than the information image (black in the original image) is printed with CMY mixed colors after color conversion expressed using CMY paint. And even if the information image and black other than the information image are mixed by reading the printed matter with an infrared camera or the like, information can be extracted from the information image. The information image is not handled by mistake.
The paint (ink) may be either powder or fluid. Powder ink is generally called toner.

A case where an information image is printed using a black paint and a color other than the information image is printed using a paint (CMY) other than a black paint substance will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the background portion where the information image is printed, if there is a pixel block (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a dot) constituting the information image in the boundary portion where the density change in the original image printing is severe, the reading error of the dot The phenomenon that occurs is likely to occur.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example when an information image reading error occurs.
A description will be given by taking as an example the partial image 300 constituted by the region 310, the region 320, the region 330, and the region 340.
In the area 310, a pixel block 312 of an information image is printed on a white background 314.
In the region 320, a pixel block 322 of an information image is printed on a black background 324.
In the area 330, a pixel block 332 of an information image is printed on a cyan background 334.
In the region 340, a pixel block 342 of the information image is printed on the boundary between the white background 344 and the black background 346.

The pixel block 312 of the information image, the pixel block 322 of the information image, the pixel block 332 of the information image, and the pixel block 342 of the information image are printed using black paint (hereinafter also referred to as K toner). The black background 324 and the background 346 are printed with a total toner amount of 300% of C toner 100%, M toner 100%, and Y toner 100%. The cyan background 334 is printed using 100% C toner. Here, the total amount of toner is the amount of toner required to express the color in%, with 0 being 0% density and 100% being the maximum density that can be represented by one color of the toner. . Therefore, when black is expressed by YMC, generally, the C toner 100%, the M toner 100%, and the Y toner 100% become the total toner amount 300%.
In the case where the area 310, the area 320, and the area 330 are read using the above-described infrared camera or the like, no reading error occurs in principle. This is because the pixel block of the information image is not located at the color boundary. However, if the pixel block of the information image is located at the boundary between white and black (black due to color mixture of CMY toner total amount of 300%) as in the state unstable region 348 in the region 340, the region 310 and the like In comparison, an information image reading error is likely to occur. That is, the decoding of the information image becomes unstable.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example when an information image reading error occurs. This is a case where an information image expressed in black paint is combined with a background (background (horizontal lines) 422, 424, etc.) in which a plurality of black horizontal lines expressed using CMY paint is drawn. is there. The pixel block (412, 414, 416, 418, etc.) of the information image is located in the horizontal line, between the horizontal line and the boundary between the horizontal line and the white background. In the state unstable regions 450 and 460, which are the boundaries between the horizontal lines and the white background, there are pixel blocks (412, 416, etc.) of the information image, which are unstable in decoding the information image. There is a possibility.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a case where an information image reading error occurs. This is because an information image expressed in black paint is applied to the background (character) 522 of a document in which characters with a large number of black strokes (characters “hawk” in the figure) expressed using CMY paint are drawn. This is the case of synthesis. The pixel block (512, 514, etc.) of the information image is located in the line constituting the character, between the lines, and at the boundary between the line and the white background. In the state unstable region 550, which is the boundary between the lines constituting the character and the white background, there is a pixel block 514 of the information image, but the information image decoding becomes unstable. there is a possibility.

Hereinafter, examples of various preferred embodiments for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example according to the first embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. It is the control to be stored in the device. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. In addition, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / state at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the situation / state up to that point.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment synthesizes an information image with an image. Compared with the case where black is expressed by a mixed color of CMY toner total amount 300%, the information image reading error rate is increased. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the image receiving module 110, the color conversion module 120, the information image receiving module 130, the composition module 140, and the output module 150 are included.

The image reception module 110 is connected to the color conversion module 120, receives an image, and passes the image to the color conversion module 120. Accepting an image means, for example, reading an image with a scanner, a camera, etc., receiving an image from an external device via a communication line by fax, etc., a hard disk (in addition to what is built in a computer, via a network) And the like, and the like read out the images stored in the device etc.). The image may be a binary image or a multi-value image (including a color image). One image may be received or a plurality of images may be received. Further, the contents of the image may be a document used for business, a pamphlet for advertisement, or the like.
Further, the image reception module 110 determines whether or not there is a black portion in the received image. If there is, the image reception module 110 passes the image to the color conversion module 120. Otherwise, the image reception module 110 performs processing by the color conversion module 120. Instead, the combining module 140 may combine the information image with the image.

  The information image reception module 130 is connected to the synthesis module 140, receives an information image, and passes the information image to the synthesis module 140. The information image is an image code systematically created to represent electronic data in a machine-readable manner, and will be described later with reference to FIG.

The color conversion module 120 is connected to the image reception module 110 and the composition module 140. The color conversion module 120 converts the black part in the image received by the image receiving module 110 (an image that does not include the information image to be extracted) to be expressed using other colors. The color conversion here is, for example, conversion so that the black portion is expressed using CMY paint as described above. However, the color conversion module 120 expresses the black portion using a color other than black, and converts the black portion to be lighter than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black. In the above-described example, “expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black” means that the total toner amount 300 is 100% C toner, 100% M toner, and 100% Y toner in which black is expressed by YMC. %. Then, “the conversion is made to be lighter than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black” is sufficient if the total amount of CMY toner is less than 300%.
Note that the black color in the black portion in the image (that is, the black color expressed using a color other than black) may include gray.

As an example of less than 300%, the color conversion module 120 may regulate the total amount of toner of three colors other than black to be 240% or less or less than 240%. The maximum density of each color is achieved by using 100% of each color paint. When expressing black with three colors of CMY, it is common to mix the maximum densities of the three colors. Accordingly, the total amount of the paint when represented by the maximum density of three colors is 300% because there are three colors of CMY. For example, in order to make the error rate 1.2% or less, it is necessary that the total amount of paints of three colors other than black be 240% or less or less than 240%.
The concentration of the paint is adjusted by using a technique such as screening.
Here, restricting is used to mean limiting or decreasing. The density is reduced, and the degree is that the reading error rate of the information image is not more than a predetermined ratio. As a specific example, the overall density may be decreased at a predetermined rate. For example, the color density of each CMY may be multiplied by 0.8 or less or less than 0.8. The coefficients to be multiplied may be different for each CMY, as long as the total amount of the three color toners is 240% or less or less than 240%.
Further, a density that is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value or greater than the threshold value may be set as the threshold value. For example, the density of a pixel in which the density of each color of CMY is greater than 80% or 80% or more is set to 80% or less or less than 80%.

  Further, the conversion may be performed so as to make an expression using two or one of the three colors other than black. An expression using two colors is, for example, conversion to a color using C and M paints. An expression using one color is, for example, conversion to a color using C paint. When the three colors described above are used, black is mainly converted to a black light color (gray), but this conversion is to convert to another color.

  Further, the color conversion module 120 may provide a lower limit of density in addition to the upper limit of density described above. For example, color conversion may be performed so that the total density of CMY is greater than 200% or greater than 200%. In this case, there are combinations of greater than 200% and less than 240%, greater than 200% and less than 240%, greater than 200% and less than 240%, and greater than 200% and less than 240%.

  The composition module 140 is connected to the color conversion module 120, the information image reception module 130, and the output module 150. The combining module 140 combines the information image received by the information image receiving module 130 with the image converted by the color conversion module 120 in black. The “image converted by the color conversion module 120” is an image in which the black portion in the image received by the image receiving module 110 is expressed using other colors as described above. Therefore, this image is not represented using black paint. On the other hand, “synthesize the information image received by the information image receiving module 130 in black” means that the information image is printed with one color of black paint, and of course, the CMY paint is synthesized. Does not include generating black. In addition, “synthesis” is synthesis by logical sum (OR). As an order of printing, for example, an image converted by the color conversion module 120 may be printed, and an information image may be printed thereon.

  The output module 150 is connected to the synthesis module 140 and outputs an image in which the information image is synthesized by the synthesis module 140. Examples of outputting an image include printing with a printing apparatus such as a printer, and transmitting an image with an image transmission apparatus such as a fax machine. And if it is finally printed, it is displayed on a display device such as a display, an image is written in an image storage device such as an image database, stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, and other information processing. It also includes passing to the device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In step S202, the image reception module 110 receives an image.
In step S204, the color conversion module 120 performs regulated color conversion on the image.
In step S206, the information image receiving module 130 receives an information image.
In step S208, the synthesis module 140 synthesizes an information image with the color-converted image.
In step S210, the output module 150 outputs an information image composite image.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for reading an information image.
The information image print document 600 is a document in which information images printed by the output module 150 are combined.
With the user's writing, the digital pen 610 reads the information image in the information image-added document 600 at the tip of the pen. Then, the digital pen 610 analyzes the information image, and transmits the analysis result (information embedded in the information image) to the image processing device 620. The image processing device 620 receives the analysis result transmitted from the digital pen 610 and performs processing. The analysis result may include a reading date and time.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an information image.
In this example, a glyph code (for example, JP-A-6-103390, JP-A-6-75795) developed by the Palo Alto Research Institute of Xerox Corporation in the United States is used as an information image. It is a two-dimensional code pattern image used as a certain code symbol.

  In this example, the unit area 700 is a square area of 8 symbols × 8 symbols. The value of each symbol is represented by a hatched pattern as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. In this example, the symbol value 0 is a diagonally downward slanting line (pattern 0 in the example of FIG. 7B) that forms an angle of 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the vertical line, and the symbol value 1 is relative to the vertical line. It is represented by a diagonal line that goes upward 45 degrees clockwise (pattern 1 in the example of FIG. 7C). For example, pattern 0 and pattern 1 correspond to dots in the information image.

  Among these, the position code image 702 is a square image of 6 symbols × 6 symbols in the upper left corner of the unit area 700, and the identification code image 704 is a remaining image obtained by subtracting the 6 × 6 symbols square from the unit area 700. This is an image of an inverted L-shaped area.

  In this example, columns and rows of the synchronization code 706 are provided in the vertical and horizontal directions along the outer periphery of the unit region 700. In this example, the synchronization code 706 is a series of diagonal symbols that rise to the right (“1”), and the symbol size and arrangement pitch are the same as the symbol size and pitch in the unit region 700. The synchronization code 706 is provided at equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions, and each unit area 700 is provided in a square area surrounded by the synchronization code 706. The synchronization code 706 indicates a break of each unit area 700. That is, when a device that reads a two-dimensional code pattern image detects a row and a column in which right-up symbols are continuous, the inside of a lattice mesh formed by the row and the column is recognized as a unit region 700. The 6 × 6 symbol at the upper left corner of the unit area 700 can be recognized as the position code image 702.

  The synchronization code 706 may not be the one illustrated in FIG. 7 as long as the location of the unit area 700 or the position code image 702 can be specified. For example, a synchronization code 706 may be formed by arranging symbols having specific shapes different from the hatched symbols at the four corners of the unit area 700. In the example of FIG. 7, a row and a column having a width corresponding to one symbol are used for the synchronization code 706. However, if the mark constituting the synchronization code 706 is sufficiently small, the unit area 700 can be divided into two without a gap. The marks may be arranged in a dimensional arrangement, and the mark is arranged in the margin of the adjacent unit region 700.

  In the example of FIG. 7, a single position code image 702 stores a total of 36 symbols, that is, 36-bit data. Of the 36 bits, 18 bits can be used for encoding the x coordinate and 18 bits can be used for encoding the y coordinate. If all 18 bits are used for position encoding, 2 ^ 18 (about 260,000) positions can be encoded. When each hatched pattern is composed of 8 pixels × 8 pixels as shown in the examples of FIGS. 7B and 7C, when printing at 600 dpi (dot per inch), 1 of 600 dpi is used. Since the vertical and horizontal lengths of the dots are 0.0423 mm, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the two-dimensional code (including the synchronization code 706) in FIG. 7 are about 3 mm (= 8 pixels × 9 symbols × 0 per symbol). 0.0423 mm). When 260,000 positions are encoded at intervals of 3 mm, a length of about 786 m can be encoded. If the reading accuracy is good, all 18 bits can be used for position coding. However, if a reading error becomes a problem, it is preferable to include redundant bits for error detection and error correction. Increasing the proportion of redundant bits in 18 bits increases error detection and error correction capability, but the range of positions that can be expressed decreases.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the identification code image 704 is arranged in a rectangular area of 2 bits × 8 bits and a rectangular area of 2 bits × 6 bits, and can store identification information of 28 bits in total. When 28 bits are used as identification information, etc., about 270 million (2 ^ 28) identification information can be expressed, but some of 28 bits can be used for error detection and error correction. Therefore, it may be possible to cope with reading errors by using redundant bits for this purpose. The identification information and the like may include a print medium ID (IDentification), a document ID, a page ID, and the like that uniquely identify the print medium (paper document) in the present embodiment. The identification code image 704 in the unit area 700 printed in the entry field of one sheet is the same. Of course, since the position information represented by the position code image 702 in the unit area 700 is information indicating the position in the sheet, the position code image 702 in each unit area 700 is different.

  In the above example, 1-bit data is represented by one symbol by using two oblique line patterns having angles different from each other by 90 degrees as symbols, but this is only an example. For example, if a pattern of vertical lines and horizontal lines is added to a symbol, 2-bit information can be expressed by one symbol. As described above, it is also possible to increase the number of bits that one symbol can represent by increasing the angle types of the oblique line pattern of one symbol. An information image other than the glyph code may be used.

  The digital pen 610 (also referred to as a pen with a scanner or an electronic pen) also has a function as a pen, and writes on a document (paper document) that is a printed matter in which information images are combined, and is written at the position written at that time. A certain information image is read. Then, the handwriting is extracted as stroke information and transmitted to the information processing device 620. Then, the information processing device 620 performs processing such as reflecting the original electronic document using the stroke information. Here, the stroke information is information expressed as a series of coordinates obtained by writing with a digital pen 610 on a document with an information image. This will be described with reference to the example of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of the digital pen 610. The digital pen 610 includes a lead 811, an image reading module 812, and a control / transmission module 813.

  In accordance with the operation of the user of the digital pen 610, characters or the like are written on the information image-added document 600 by the core 811. Then, the image reading module 812 performs relatively high-speed continuous imaging at, for example, several tens to hundreds of tens of frames per second, scans every frame, and outputs the read image to the control / transmission module 813. The control / transmission module 813 detects the synchronization code 706 from the image read by the image reading module 812. In the case of the code pattern image as in the example of FIG. 7, a row and a column in which a diagonal line pattern rising to the right appears continuously is detected as a row and a column of the synchronization code 706. As the synchronization code, various conventionally proposed codes other than those illustrated in FIG. 7 can be used, and detection can be performed by a conventional detection method corresponding to the type of the synchronization code.

  A position code image 702 and an identification code image 704 are extracted from the read image. The control / transmission module 813 reproduces position information, identification information, and the like by performing code recognition processing on the position code image 702 and the identification code image 704. The code recognition process performed here is roughly the reverse of the information image generation process. The identification code image 704 will be described as a representative. First, the control / transmission module 813 recognizes each hatched symbol from the identification code image 704 to obtain the value of each symbol, and the value of each symbol in the identification code image 704. An identification code matrix arranged in accordance with the arrangement position of each symbol is obtained. Then, a serial identification code is obtained for the identification code matrix, and the identification information is decoded by performing a decoding process corresponding to the encoding method on the identification code. With respect to the position code image 702, the position information can be decoded by the same process. The above-described extraction and recognition processing is performed for each frame to obtain position information, identification information, and the like.

  The position information and the identification information obtained from the read image of each frame in this way are provided to and used by an information processing apparatus that uses these information. For example, in the case of the information processing device 620 that captures, as electronic information, a handwriting written by the operator with the digital pen 610 on a sheet on which an information image is printed, the sheet is identified from the identification information and the original document on the sheet is used. A certain electronic document is acquired, the locus of the operator's writing is obtained from the position information acquired from each frame continuously read, and an image indicating the locus is superimposed on the original document and recorded.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an output example according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an information image expressed with black paint on a background (background (horizontal lines) 922, 924, etc.) in which a plurality of horizontal lines of color having a total amount of CMY toner of 240% is drawn. Is synthesized. The pixel block (912, 914, 916, 918, etc.) of the information image is located within the horizontal line, between the horizontal line and the horizontal line, and at the boundary between the horizontal line and the white background. In the state unstable regions 950 and 960 that are the boundaries between the horizontal lines and the white background, there are pixel clusters (912, 916, etc.) of the information image. As with 918, the information image can be decoded.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration when the first embodiment is implemented. This system has an information image composition application 1010 and a printer 1080. Compared to the module configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the image reception module 1040 corresponds to the image reception module 110, the PDL generation module 1060 corresponds to the color conversion module 120, and the information image reception module 1074 corresponds to the information image reception module 130. The information image composition processing module 1072 corresponds to the composition module 140, and the printer 1080 corresponds to the output module 150.

The information image composition application 1010 includes a data management module 1020 and a data print instruction processing module 1030.
The data management module 1020 is connected to the data print instruction processing module 1030. When the image receiving module 1040 of the data print instruction processing module 1030 receives the original image 1000 and receives an instruction to register the original image 1000, the original image is received. ID relating to 1000 (for example, the above-described print medium ID, document ID, page ID, etc.) is generated, the original image 1000 is associated with the ID and stored, and the ID is stored in the information image generation module 1050 of the data print instruction processing module 1030. hand over.
The data print instruction processing module 1030 is connected to the data management module 1020, and includes an image reception module 1040, an information image generation module 1050, a PDL generation module 1060, and an information image composition module 1070.
The image reception module 1040 receives the document image 1000 and passes the document image 1000 to the PDL generation module 1060. Further, it instructs the data management module 1020 to request registration of the original image 1000.
The information image generation module 1050 receives the ID generated by the data management module 1020, generates an information image representing the ID, and passes the information image to the information image reception module 1074.

The PDL generation module 1060 converts the document image 1000 into PDL (Page Description Language) that can be interpreted by the printer.
The PDL generation module 1060 includes a PDL generation processing module 1062 and a color conversion command change module 1064.
The PDL generation processing module 1062 converts the original image 1000 into PDL. At that time, when the color conversion command change module 1064 is used to convert the original image 1000 into the color space for the printer 1080, the total amount of toner is regulated. A command to indicate this is also generated. Alternatively, a command for expressing the black portion with a CMY total toner amount of 300% may be generated, and the command may be changed by the color conversion command change module 1064.
The color conversion command change module 1064 generates a PDL command in which the total amount of toner is regulated by the processing of the color conversion module 120 described above according to the instruction of the PDL generation processing module 1062. Alternatively, a command for expressing the black portion with a CMY total toner amount of 300% may be changed to a command for color conversion processing that restricts the total toner amount. Alternatively, a color conversion processing command that regulates the total amount of toner may be added.

The information image composition module 1070 adds a composition command for instructing to print an information image using black toner to the PDL generated by the PDL generation module 1060.
The information image composition module 1070 includes an information image composition processing module 1072 and an information image reception module 1074.
The information image reception module 1074 receives the information image generated by the information image generation module 1050 and passes it to the information image composition processing module 1072 so as to generate a command for drawing the information image.
The information image composition processing module 1072 adds a composition command for instructing to print the information image received by the information image reception module 1074 using black toner to the PDL generated by the PDL generation module 1060.

  The printer 1080 receives the PDL generated by the data print instruction processing module 1030, analyzes the PDL, and outputs an information image print document 1090. This information image print document 1090 is synthesized with an information image, but the information image is printed with black toner, and the black portion of the original document image 1000 uses, for example, CMY toner having a total toner amount of 240%. Printed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the first system configuration.
In step S1102, the image reception module 1040 receives an image.
In step S1104, the data management module 1020 determines whether an image has been registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step S1106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1118.
In step S1106, the PDL generation processing module 1062 of the PDL generation module 1060 performs PDL processing on the image. It also includes a command for expressing the black portion with a total amount of CMY toner of 300%.
In step S1108, the color conversion command change module 1064 of the PDL generation module 1060 changes an image color conversion command. Here, the command change is to change a command for expressing the black portion with the total amount of CMY toner 300% into a command for color conversion processing with the total amount of toner regulated.

In step S1110, the information image generation module 1050 generates an information image.
In step S1112, the information image reception module 1074 of the information image composition module 1070 receives an information image.
In step S1114, the information image composition processing module 1072 of the information image composition module 1070 adds an information image composition command to the PDL.
In step S1116, the printer 1080 analyzes the PDL and prints an information image composite image.
In step S1118, since the image could not be registered, the image is not printed.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment includes an image reception module 110, an image analysis module 1215, a color conversion module 120, an information image reception module 130, a synthesis module 140, and an output module 150. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part of the same kind as above-mentioned embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
The image analysis module 1215 is connected to the image reception module 110 and the color conversion module 120, and analyzes whether or not there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable in the image received by the image reception module 110. To do. Here, the “region that makes the reading of the information image unstable” refers to the boundary between the black region and the white region. As specific examples, the state unstable region 348 of FIG. 3, the state unstable regions 450 and 460 of FIG. 4, and the state unstable region 550 of FIG. 5 correspond. The determination as to whether or not this area exists may be made based on the density difference between adjacent pixels. For example, when the number of pixel pairs in which the density difference between adjacent pixels is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that the region exists, You may make it judge that the area | region does not exist. As a main example, when there are many changes from white to black and from black to white, it is defined as “a region where reading of an information image becomes unstable”. Here, the adjacent pixels are not necessarily limited to a set of adjacent pixels, and pixels having a distance of one pixel or more may be adjacent pixels. Further, the image analysis module 1215 synthesizes the information image received by the information image reception module 130 with the image received by the image reception module 110, and the pixel block constituting the information image is located at the boundary between white and black. The number may be counted, and if the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it may be determined that there is a “region that makes reading information images unstable”.

  The color conversion module 120 is connected to the image analysis module 1215 and the composition module 140, and performs color conversion when it is analyzed by the image analysis module 1215 that there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable. The color conversion here is, of course, conversion so that the black portion is expressed using other colors, and the total of the maximum densities of the colors other than black is used for the conversion. The conversion is to make it thinner than the expression using. If the image analysis module 1215 analyzes that there is no region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, the black portion is converted with an expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black. I do.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the second exemplary embodiment.
In step S1302, the image reception module 110 receives an image.
In step S1304, the image analysis module 1215 analyzes the image.
In step S1306, the image analysis module 1215 determines whether or not there is an unstable region. If there is, the process proceeds to step S1308; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1316.
In step S1308, the color conversion module 120 performs color conversion with restrictions on the image.
In step S1316, the color conversion module 120 performs unrestricted color conversion on the image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1310.
In step S1310, the information image receiving module 130 receives an information image.
In step S1312, the synthesis module 140 synthesizes an information image with the color-converted image.
In step S1314, the output module 150 outputs an information image composite image.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration when the second embodiment is implemented. This system includes an information image composition application 1010 and a printer 1080. The information image composition application 1010 includes a data management module 1020 and a data print instruction processing module 1030. The data print instruction processing module 1030 includes: An image reception module 1040, an information image generation module 1050, an image analysis module 1455, a PDL generation module 1060, and an information image composition module 1070 are included. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part of the same kind as above-mentioned embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Compared to the module configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, the image analysis module 1455 corresponds to the image analysis module 1215.

The image analysis module 1455 analyzes whether or not there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable in the document image 1000 received by the image receiving module 1040.
The PDL generation module 1060 includes a PDL generation processing module 1062 and a color conversion command change module 1064. The color conversion command change module 1064 performs the above-described color conversion when it is analyzed by the image analysis module 1455 that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the second system configuration.
In step S1502, the image reception module 1040 receives an image.
In step S1504, the data management module 1020 determines whether or not an image has been registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step S1506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1524.
In step S1506, the PDL generation processing module 1062 of the PDL generation module 1060 performs PDL processing on the image. It also includes a command for expressing the black portion with a total amount of CMY toner of 300%.
In step S1508, the image analysis module 1455 analyzes the image.
In step S1510, the image analysis module 1455 determines whether there is an unstable region. If there is, the process proceeds to step S1512. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1522.

In step S1512, the color conversion command change module 1064 of the PDL generation module 1060 changes the image color conversion command. Here, the command change is to change a command for expressing the black portion with the total amount of CMY toner 300% into a command for color conversion processing with the total amount of toner regulated.
In step S1522, the PDL generation processing module 1062 of the PDL generation module 1060 does not cause the color conversion command change module 1064 to change the image color conversion command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1514.
In step S1514, the information image generation module 1050 generates an information image.
In step S1516, the information image reception module 1074 of the information image composition module 1070 receives the information image.
In step S1518, the information image composition processing module 1072 of the information image composition module 1070 adds an information image composition command to the PDL.
In step S1520, the printer 1080 analyzes the PDL and prints an information image composite image.
In step S1524, since the image could not be registered, the image is not printed.

  FIG. 16 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of an exemplary configuration according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment includes an image reception module 110, an image analysis module 1215, a color conversion module 120, an information image reception module 130, a synthesis module 140, and an output module 150. The image analysis module 1215 includes an analysis process. A module 1617 and a region extraction module 1619 are included. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part of the same kind as above-mentioned embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

The analysis processing module 1617 analyzes whether or not there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable in the image received by the image receiving module 110.
When it is analyzed by the analysis processing module 1617 that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, the region extraction module 1619 extracts the position of the region. The area to be extracted is, for example, a rectangle. The position of the rectangle is determined by the upper left coordinate, height, and width of the rectangle (or the upper left coordinate of the rectangle and the lower right coordinate located diagonally). For example, the unstable area table 2200 is generated. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the unstable region table 2200. The unstable region table 2200 has a No column 2210, an upper left coordinate column 2220, a width column 2230, and a height column 2240. The No column 2210 stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a region in the image. The upper left coordinate column 2220 stores the upper left coordinate of the rectangular area. The width column 2230 stores the width of the rectangular area. The height column 2240 stores the height of the rectangular area.
In addition, when there are a plurality of areas that make reading of an information image unstable and the distance between the areas is compared with a distance that is a predetermined threshold, the distance between the areas is shorter than or less than the threshold May combine the regions. It may be performed when it is prevented that the color conversion area with the restriction by the color conversion module 120 and the color conversion area without the restriction are mottled.

  When it is analyzed by the analysis processing module 1617 that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, the color conversion module 120 performs color conversion on the region extracted by the region extraction module 1619. The color conversion here is, of course, converting the area extracted by the area extraction module 1619 so that the black portion is expressed using other colors, and the conversion is performed. The conversion is made so that the expression is thinner than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black. Further, when it is analyzed by the analysis processing module 1617 that there is no region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, or in a portion other than the region that makes the reading of the information image extracted by the region extraction module 1619 unstable. On the other hand, the black portion is converted by an expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the third exemplary embodiment.
In step S1702, the image reception module 110 receives an image.
In step S1704, the analysis processing module 1617 of the image analysis module 1215 analyzes the image.
In step S1706, the image analysis module 1215 determines whether or not there is an unstable region. If there is, the process proceeds to step S1708; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1718.
In step S1708, the region extraction module 1619 of the image analysis module 1215 extracts unstable regions in the image.
In step S1710, the color conversion module 120 performs regulated color conversion on the unstable region in the image.
In step S1718, the color conversion module 120 performs unrestricted color conversion on the image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1712.
In step S1712, the information image receiving module 130 receives an information image.
In step S1714, the synthesis module 140 synthesizes an information image with the color-converted image.
In step S1716, the output module 150 outputs an information image composite image.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration when the third embodiment is implemented. This system includes an information image composition application 1010 and a printer 1080. The information image composition application 1010 includes a data management module 1020 and a data print instruction processing module 1030. The data print instruction processing module 1030 includes: The image reception module 1040 includes an information image generation module 1050, an image analysis module 1455, a PDL generation module 1060, and an information image synthesis module 1070. The image analysis module 1455 includes an analysis processing module 1857 and an area extraction module 1859. ing. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part of the same kind as above-mentioned embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Compared to the module configuration illustrated in FIG. 16, the analysis processing module 1857 corresponds to the analysis processing module 1617, and the region extraction module 1859 corresponds to the region extraction module 1619.
The analysis processing module 1857 analyzes whether or not there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable in the image received by the image receiving module 1040.
If it is analyzed by the analysis processing module 1857 that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, the region extraction module 1859 extracts the position of the region.
The PDL generation module 1060 includes a PDL generation processing module 1062 and a color conversion command change module 1064. When the analysis processing module 1857 analyzes that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, the color conversion command change module 1064 performs the above-described color conversion on the region extracted by the region extraction module 1859. Do.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the third system configuration.
In step S1902, the image reception module 1040 receives an image.
In step S1904, the data management module 1020 determines whether or not an image has been registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step S1906; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1926.
In step S1906, the PDL generation processing module 1062 of the PDL generation module 1060 performs PDL processing on the image. It also includes a command for expressing the black portion with a total amount of CMY toner of 300%.
In step S1908, the analysis processing module 1857 of the image analysis module 1455 analyzes the image.
In step S1910, the image analysis module 1455 determines whether there is an unstable region. If there is, the process proceeds to step S1912. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1924.

In step S1912, the region extraction module 1859 of the image analysis module 1455 extracts unstable regions in the image.
In step S1914, the color conversion command change module 1064 of the PDL generation module 1060 changes the color conversion command for the unstable region of the image. Here, the command change is to change a command for expressing the black portion with the total amount of CMY toner 300% into a command for color conversion processing with the total amount of toner regulated.
In step S1924, the PDL generation processing module 1062 of the PDL generation module 1060 does not cause the color conversion command change module 1064 to change the image color conversion command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1916.

In step S1916, the information image generation module 1050 generates an information image.
In step S1918, the information image reception module 1074 of the information image composition module 1070 receives the information image.
In step S1920, the information image composition processing module 1072 of the information image composition module 1070 adds an information image composition command to the PDL.
In step S1922, the printer 1080 analyzes the PDL and prints an information image composite image.
In step S1926, since the image could not be registered, the image is not printed.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the total amount of CMY toner and the reading error rate. When the total amount of CMY toner is 300% (in the case of expression using the sum of the maximum densities of each color), the reading error rate is 23%. When the total amount of CMY toner is decreased, the reading error rate is also decreased. For example, when the total amount of CMY toner is 270%, the reading error rate is reduced to 4.5%. When the total amount of CMY toners is 240% or less, the reading error rate is 1.2% or less. Further, if the total amount of CMY toner is decreased and the total amount of CMY toner is 210%, the reading error rate is 0.5%. Although not shown, when the total amount of CMY toner is 100%, the reading error rate is almost 0%. However, if the total amount of CMY toner is less than or less than 200%, the color change in the black portion of the original image will be uncomfortable to the human eye. It has been found that when the total amount of CMY toner is 240% or less, the reading error is within a range that can be tolerated by the error correction code used for encoding. Therefore, the total amount of CMY toner may be 240% or less or less. Further, the total amount of CMY toner may be 240% or less, or a value in the range of 200% or more or more. Alternatively, the total amount of the CMY toner may be 240% or less, or a value in the range of 100% or more or more.
In the above-described embodiment, the CMY toner total amount may be set by receiving the reading error rate. For example, the reading error rate may be received based on an operator's instruction to a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or the like, or a reading error rate that is predetermined according to information to be embedded in the information image may be received. Good. The relationship between the read error rate and the total CMY toner amount corresponds to the read error rate using a table that stores the read error rate and the CMY toner total amount that are determined in advance by the graph illustrated in FIG. The total amount of CMY toner may be extracted. Then, the color conversion module 120 and the PDL generation module 1060 may perform color conversion based on the total amount of CMY toner.

As described above, it is not necessary to simply reduce the total amount of CMY toner. When the CMY toners are printed with values less than 100%, they are output as halftone dots. For this reason, if the amount of CMY toner is too low, characters in small fonts may become difficult to read. Rather than setting the CMY toner amount to 33.3% (total of 100%) for the black area (that is, printed with 100% K toner) in the original document, 100 (C) cyan toner is used. % (That is, 0% for M toner and Y toner) is an output product, and there is no halftone dot portion. In this case, the color is different from that of the original document, but the decoding performance is maintained, and even if the character is a small font, there is no difficulty in reading due to halftone dots. An example in which C toner is 100% is shown, but M toner is 100% (that is, C toner and Y toner are 0%), or Y toner is 100% (that is, C toner and M toner are 0%). It may be. However, if it is selected in terms of readability, the C toner may be 100%.
When the total amount of toner is less than 100%, when printing is performed, halftone dots are output and characters in small fonts may be difficult to read. For this reason, the total amount of toner is preferably 100% or more. Further, when the total amount of toner is 100%, one color toner may be used. In that case, C toner may be used.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the black portion is converted to one cyan color (C toner is 100%, M toner and Y toner are 0%). That is, the backgrounds (horizontal lines) 2122 and 2124 are black in the original image, but are cyan in the process according to the above-described embodiment. The pixel block 2112 of the information image and the pixel block 2114 of the information image are printed with black toner. In this way, the black portion becomes cyan, but the pixel block constituting the information image is located at the boundary between cyan and white (for example, the position of the pixel block 2112 of the information image). The read error rate decreases (becomes almost 0%).

  A hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 23 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 2317 such as a scanner and a data output unit 2318 such as a printer.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2301 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, the image reception module 110, the color conversion module 120, the information image reception module 130, the synthesis module 140, the output module 150, and the image analysis module. 1215, analysis processing module 1617, area extraction module 1619, data management module 1020, image reception module 1040, information image generation module 1050, PDL generation module 1060, PDL generation processing module 1062, color conversion command change module 1064, information image synthesis module 1070, information image composition processing module 1072, information image reception module 1074, image analysis module 1455, analysis processing module The control unit executes processing according to a computer program describing an execution sequence of each module such as a module 1857 and a region extraction module 1859.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 2302 stores programs, calculation parameters, and the like used by the CPU 2301. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 2303 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 2301, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 2304 including a CPU bus.

  The host bus 2304 is connected via a bridge 2305 to an external bus 2306 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus.

  A keyboard 2308 and a pointing device 2309 such as a mouse are input devices operated by an operator. The display 2310 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2311 has a built-in hard disk, drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 2301 and information. The hard disk stores received images, information images, images with information images, and the like. Further, various computer programs such as various other data processing programs are stored.

  The drive 2312 reads data or a program recorded on a removable recording medium 2313 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out to the interface 2307 and the external bus 2306. , The bridge 2305, and the RAM 2303 connected via the host bus 2304. The removable recording medium 2313 can also be used as a data recording area similar to the hard disk.

  The connection port 2314 is a port for connecting the external connection device 2315 and has a connection unit such as USB or IEEE1394. The connection port 2314 is connected to the CPU 2301 and the like via the interface 2307, the external bus 2306, the bridge 2305, the host bus 2304, and the like. A communication unit 2316 is connected to a network and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 2317 is, for example, a scanner, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 2318 is a printer, for example, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 23 illustrates one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 23, and the modules described in the present embodiment are executed. Any configuration is possible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line In addition, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 23 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. Further, it may be incorporated in a copying machine, a fax machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction machine (an image processing apparatus having any two or more functions of a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, a fax machine, etc.).

Note that the above-described various embodiments may be combined (for example, adding or replacing a module in one embodiment in another embodiment), and processing contents of each module The technique described in the background art may be employed.
Further, in the description of the above-described embodiment, “more than”, “less than”, “greater than”, and “less than (less than)” in a comparison with a predetermined value contradicts the combination. As long as the above does not occur, “larger”, “smaller (less than)”, “more than”, and “less than” may be used.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) Etc. are included.
The program or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, etc., or wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 ... Image reception module 120 ... Color conversion module 130 ... Information image reception module 140 ... Composition module 150 ... Output module 812 ... Image reading module 813 ... Control / transmission module 1010 ... Information image composition application 1020 ... Data management module 1030 ... Data printing Instruction processing module 1040 ... Image reception module 1050 ... Information image generation module 1060 ... PDL generation module 1062 ... PDL generation processing module 1064 ... Color conversion command change module 1070 ... Information image combination module 1072 ... Information image combination processing module 1074 ... Information image reception Module 1080 ... Printer 1215 ... Image analysis module 1455 ... Image analysis module 1617 ... Analysis processing module 16 19 ... Area extraction module 1857 ... Analysis processing module 1859 ... Area extraction module

Claims (7)

Image receiving means for receiving images;
An information image receiving means for receiving an information image;
Color conversion means for converting the black portion in the image received by the image receiving means to express using other colors;
Comprising a combining means for combining the information image received by the information image receiving means in black with the image converted by the color converting means;
The color conversion means expresses the black portion using a color other than black, and converts the expression so as to be thinner than the expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black. . Analyzing means for analyzing whether or not there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable in the image received by the image receiving means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color conversion unit performs the color conversion when it is analyzed by the analysis unit that there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable. When the analysis means analyzes that there is a region that makes the reading of the information image unstable, it analyzes the position of the region,
3. The color conversion unit according to claim 2, wherein when the analysis unit analyzes that there is a region that makes reading of an information image unstable, the color conversion unit performs color conversion on the region. Image processing device. The colors other than black are three colors,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the color conversion unit regulates the total amount of paints of three colors other than black to be 240% or less or less than 240%. . The colors other than black are three colors,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the color conversion unit performs conversion so as to make an expression using two or one of three colors other than black. . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit that outputs an image in which the information image is combined by the combining unit. Computer
Image receiving means for receiving images;
An information image receiving means for receiving an information image;
Color conversion means for converting the black portion in the image received by the image receiving means to express using other colors;
The image converted by the color conversion unit functions as a combining unit that combines the information image received by the information image receiving unit with black,
The color conversion means expresses a black part using a color other than black, and converts the expression so as to be lighter than an expression using the sum of the maximum densities of the colors other than black. .

Images