JP2859509B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, a scanner, a facsimile, or a printer having a function of enlarging a read image and dividing and outputting the image on a plurality of sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when an image of a small document such as a map is enlarged by a copying machine as an image processing apparatus having an enlargement function to obtain a large image, the image of the document can be used by the copying machine. When enlarging to a size that cannot fit on the maximum size paper, copy each part of the original image to multiple papers at the desired magnification,
These sheets are attached to each other.

In such a method, when each portion of a document image is divided into a plurality of sheets and copied, it is difficult to determine the copyable range, so that it is easy to determine how to divide the document image. is not. In addition, when cutting and pasting each of the obtained copied images, it is necessary to delete an unnecessary overlapping portion, which is very troublesome.

Therefore, as an improvement of the above workability, when a copy image becomes larger than a designated paper size when copying at a set magnification, the original image is automatically divided into a plurality of images. A method has been proposed in which these divided document images are respectively copied on individual sheets.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional configuration, although it is not necessary to perform a copying operation in consideration of a method of dividing a document image, the document image is simply divided appropriately and output on individual sheets. Therefore, when pasting the obtained copied images, it is necessary to remove the overlapped portions, and it is difficult to align the originals, which is also troublesome. ing. As another technique, when copying a document image, a technique of automatically moving an image position with respect to a sheet to create a margin of a specified width serving as a binding margin has been proposed. However, the above-mentioned problem cannot be solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving workability in obtaining one image by pasting images divided and output on a plurality of sheets.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: an input unit for reading an original image , for example, a scanner unit; and image data of the original read by the input unit. Storage means for storing
For example, an image memory, dividing / enlarging means for dividing and enlarging the image data stored in the storage means to make each divided image data independent independent image data ,
Images that output the above independent image data on individual paper
An image processing apparatus having an image output unit.
The above-mentioned Germany is used to optimize the connection between image data.
Image data of a predetermined area including a joint of vertical image data
Image alignment for performing the alignment of the joint based on
Alignment means and the image alignment means.
Independent image data linked smoothly
A seam correcting means for correcting the seam,
The independent image data output on paper by the image output means
Images based on data are connected by the joint correction means
Paper bonding area when connecting with corrected joints
At the position along one joint between the above images
The image data of the glue margin part to be
As image data of colored display or hatched display
And a margin synthesizing means for synthesizing the independent image data .

[0008]

According to the above arrangement, the image of the document read by the input means is stored in the storage means as image data. This image data is divided by division / enlargement means,
Each of the image data divided and enlarged at a predetermined magnification is set as independent independent image data . Then image position
How independent image data is connected by matching means
The joints are aligned so that
Smooth independent image data by means of seam correction
For image data of a predetermined area including a seam to connect
The joint is corrected based on this. Then, in the margin synthesizing means , along one joint of the independent image data ,
Image data that is displayed over the entire area of the margin portion, for example, image data that becomes a margin portion that is colored or hatched during printing is added to the independent image data . Therefore, in the divided document images output from the image processing apparatus and formed on the individual sheets, a margin portion is clearly set at a joint between the document images. This facilitates the operation of attaching the divided images to each other in the case of obtaining one enlarged image of the document image by joining the divided images.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copier as an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an original mounting table 27 made of hard transparent glass or the like at the upper end of a copier main body 26. Below the document table 27, a lamp unit 1,
Mirrors 2, 3, 4, lens unit 5, and CCD (Cha
rge Coupled Device) A scanner unit (input means) 22 having the sensor 6 and the like is provided. Document table 2
7 is placed on the lamp unit 1 (not shown).
The reflected light obtained by irradiation with
The CCD sensor 6 is connected via the lens 3 and 4 and the lens unit 5.
And is taken in as an electric signal.

Below the scanner unit 22, a laser driver unit 7 is provided. The above CCD
The image data of the document captured as an electric signal by the sensor 6 is sent to a laser driver unit (image output means) 7 via an image processing unit described later. The laser driver unit 7 includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam according to the input image data, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and a laser beam that has been deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 10. F-θ lens or the like that corrects so that

The laser light emitted from the laser driver unit 7 is reflected by mirrors 8 and 9 arranged on the optical path, and is provided with a photosensitive drum (image output means ) rotatably provided in the direction of arrow A in the figure. 10 ) to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. Around the photosensitive drum 10, a charger 16 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential prior to exposure by the laser driver unit 7 is provided.
The developing device 28, which supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 to form a toner image from the charger 16 toward the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 10, and the photosensitive drum 1
Transfer belt to which the toner image on the 0 is temporarily transferred (image
Output means) 17, a cleaning device 21 for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 10, and a charge removing lamp 1 for removing the residual potential of the photosensitive drum 10 prior to the next charging.
5 and the like are arranged in this order.

The developing device 28 includes a black developing tank 1.
1, a yellow developing tank 12, a magenta developing tank 13, and a cyan developing tank 14. Each of the developing tanks 11 to 14 stores a toner of a corresponding color. The transfer belt 17 is formed in an endless belt shape,
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred when a part thereof is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10.

A registration roller 19 for supplying paper to the transfer belt 17 at a predetermined timing is provided on a paper supply side with respect to the transfer belt 17, and a paper supply cassette 2 for storing paper.
0, and a paper feed tray 23 on which paper is placed,
In the vicinity of the sheet cassette 20 and the sheet tray 23,
Paper feed roller 24 for transporting the paper, transport roller 2
5 and the like are provided. Below the transfer belt 17, there is provided a transfer roller 18 that presses the sheet sent from the registration roller 19 against the transfer belt 17 and transfers the toner image on the transfer belt 17 to the sheet.

On the paper output side with respect to the transfer belt 17, a transport belt 30 that transports the paper after toner transfer, a fixing device 31 that heats and fixes the toner image on the paper, and a discharge roller that discharges the paper after the fixation outside the machine. 32 and the like are provided.

In the above configuration, the color copy (3 col
or copy) is performed according to the following operation procedure. First, when the charger 16 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10,
The scanner unit 22 performs a first scan,
The image data read by the CCD sensor 6 is output from the laser driver unit 7 as laser light of yellow data via the image processing unit, and
The 0 surface is exposed, and an electrostatic latent image for yellow is formed on the exposed portion. Next, yellow toner from the yellow developing tank 12 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image in the image area to form a toner image of the same color.

Next, the above-mentioned yellow toner image is transferred to a transfer belt 17 which is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10. At this time, a part of the toner that does not contribute to the transfer remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, and the cleaning device 21 scrapes off the residual toner. Further, the charge removing lamp 15 removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

When the above steps are completed, the charger 16 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 again, the scanner unit 22 performs a second scan, and the obtained image data passes through the above-mentioned image processing unit. The laser beam is output as magenta data laser light, and the photosensitive drum 10 is exposed to form a magenta electrostatic latent image. Next, magenta toner is supplied from the magenta developing tank 13 to form a toner image of the same color. Then, the toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 17, and image superposition is performed.

Thereafter, when the cleaning device 21 and the neutralizing lamp 15 perform the same processing as described above, the charger 16 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 10, and the scanner unit 22 performs the third scan, and performs the cyan scan. By exposing the photosensitive drum 10 with the data laser beam, an electrostatic latent image for cyan is formed. And the cyan developing tank 1
4 supplies a cyan toner to the photosensitive drum 10 to form a toner image of the same color, and transfers the toner image to the transfer belt 17.
Is transferred to a final image.

Next, the toner image on the transfer belt 17 on which the image is superimposed is transferred onto a sheet, and the fixing device 31 heats and fixes the toner image on the sheet. Then, the discharge roller 32 discharges the sheet outside the apparatus.

Note that the above-described process is a process for three colors, and in the case of a four-color process, a process using black toner in the black developing tank 11 is added to the above process. On the other hand, in black-and-white copying, black toner from the black developing tank 11 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 and the toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 1.
The transfer is performed by transferring the image to a sheet through the sheet 7.

Next, the configuration, functions, and the like of an image processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the image data read by the CCD sensor 6 and outputs the processed data to the laser driver unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing unit, as shown in FIG.
Level adjustment unit 40, A / D conversion unit 41, shading correction unit 42, image memory (storage means) 43, division / enlargement processing unit 49, γ correction unit 50, masking unit 51, UC
R (Under Color Removal)-BP (Black Print) processing unit 52, sharpness filter 53, scaling unit 54,
It comprises a density processing section 55, a color balance adjustment section 56, a gradation processing section 57 and the like.

The RGB image data obtained from the CCD sensor 6 is converted into RGB data by an RGB level matching unit 40.
The level is adjusted so that the difference in photoelectric conversion efficiency between G and B is corrected, and is amplified to an appropriate value.
The D converter 41 converts the analog signal into an 8-bit digital signal. After that, the above image data is
In the shading correction unit 42, sensitivity variation for each pixel of the CCD sensor 6, unevenness in light amount of the lamp unit 1,
And shading correction for correcting distortion due to uneven brightness of the lens unit 5 and the like, and are temporarily stored in the image memory 43. The image memory 43 has a storage capacity for image data of at least two originals, and similarly stores the next original data.

Here, when the division / enlargement mode is designated, the image data stored in the image memory 43 is sent to the division / enlargement processing section 49. The division / enlargement processing unit 49 divides the image data of the original and corrects the divided ends of the divided image data so as to be smoothly connected to the divided ends of the other divided image data. Is performed.

The division / enlargement processing section 49 includes a division number / boundary determination section 44 and a division / magnification processing section (division / enlargement means).
5, an image alignment unit 46, a joint correction unit 47, and a margin synthesizing unit (glue margin synthesizing means) 48.

The division number / boundary determination unit 44 recognizes the position of the document and the end of the document, and recognizes the size of the image data from these. Then, based on the size of the image data and the designated enlargement ratio or paper size, a necessary paper size or enlargement ratio is calculated, and it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding paper size or enlargement ratio. That is, it is determined whether division processing is possible. Further, when division processing is possible, the number of divisions of the image data, that is, the number of sheets required to divide and copy the image data, and the boundary to be divided in the image data To determine.

The division / magnification processing unit 45 divides the image data based on the number of divisions and the boundary determined by the division number / boundary determination unit 44, and performs magnification processing on each of the divided image data . Do. Then, each of these image data is
Image data of an independent image to be copied on a sheet of paper
(Independent image data) . Further, if necessary, coordinate conversion is performed such that the longitudinal direction of the image corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

Image alignment unit (image alignment unit)
In step 46, data of a required predetermined line is read from the boundary of the divided images, that is, the joint portion of each image, and the image data of the document is rearranged so that the sides where the joint data exist are in contact with each other. In order to find the optimum position of the image data, the position of the image data is shifted by shifting the position of the image data as necessary. This operation is performed to prevent a step from being formed at a joint between the images. That is, the division / magnification processing unit 4
It is conceivable that the enlargement processing at 5 lowers the resolution and reduces the image data per area, resulting in a step at the joint of the images output from the copying machine. Therefore, the image alignment unit 46 checks the matching between the joints in each image.

Joint correction section (joint correction means) 47
Then, correction such as complementation of missing data and deletion of extra data at the joint is performed so that the connection of data at the joint is smooth.

The glue margin synthesizing unit 48 synthesizes a margin margin along one joint of the images to be joined.
The glue margin is set by giving data to be colored when copying to paper. This glue allowance synthesis unit 4
The image data that has passed through 8 is stored in the image memory 43 again.

The gamma correction section 50 adjusts the contrast and brightness of the image data output from the image memory 43 so that the relationship between the output signal of the CCD sensor 6 and the density of the copied image becomes appropriate. Γ correction is performed. This gamma correction is also called tone correction. When the image data is output by, for example, a dot printer, the γ correction unit 50 corrects the dark part in a direction in which the dark part becomes bright. This is because if the output signal of the CCD sensor 6 is output to the printer without correction, the dark portion of the document will be reproduced darker because the dot diameter of the printer is usually larger than the theoretical value. This is to prevent it.

The masking section 51 performs a predetermined operation to convert the RGB data into C, M, Y (cyan,
Magenta / yellow) data.

The UCR / BP processing section 52 generates a B _K (black) component. UCR (Under Color Rem
Oval: under color removal) is a method of replacing the C, M, Y overlapping portion, that is, the black portion, with black toner and reducing the amount of each of the C, M, Y color toners by that amount. The ratio of replacement with black toner is generally 30 to 40%. Thus, the UCR / BP processing unit 52 performs the above-described C / M processing.
_-BK (black) data is added to the Y image data.

The processing described above has the following advantages. Easy gray balance.

The reproduction range of the shadow part is widened.

Good black reproduction can be achieved.

The total amount of toner can be reduced.

Further, the toner amount C · M of each color before the above processing
- and Y, the relationship between the color toner amount C'-M'-Y'and black toner amount B _K after treatment, as shown in FIG. 4, the overlapping portion of the C-M-Y in the arbitrary data min (C
· MY), the following expression is obtained. B _K = α · min (C · M · Y) C ′ = C−β · min (C · M · Y) M ′ = M−β · min (C · M · Y) Y ′ = Y−β · min (C ・ M ・ Y) The sharpness filter 53 includes a UCR / BP processing unit 5
Image data of the output C · M · Y · B _K from 2 to emphasize the sharpness. The image data is processed by the scaling unit 54 and the density processing unit 55 to convert the image into the designated size and density, respectively.
The color balance adjustment unit 56 and the gradation processing unit 57 perform balance adjustment and gradation processing of each color, respectively. still,
The image data output from the gradation processing unit 57 is output to the laser driver unit 7.

Next, the operation of the copying machine when the division / enlargement mode is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

For example, when performing the division / enlargement processing on the original shown in FIG. 5A, the division / enlargement mode is set by operating the operation panel (not shown) while the original is placed on the original placing table 27. Then, the enlargement ratio of the document or the size of the sheet to be divided and copied is set (S2).

When the above settings are made, the original is scanned by the scanner unit 22 (S3). Then, with respect to the image data obtained from the CCD sensor 6,
The various processes described above are performed by the RGB level matching unit 40, the A / D conversion unit 41, and the shading correction unit 42 (S
4), the image data is stored in the image memory 43 (S)
5).

Next, with respect to the above image data, the division number / boundary determination section 44 of the division / enlargement processing section 49 recognizes the position of the original and the end of the original (S6). Thereby, the size of the image data is recognized, and the size of this image data and S2
The required paper size or enlargement ratio is calculated from the enlargement ratio or paper size set in the step (1), and it is determined whether there is a corresponding paper size or enlargement ratio. That is, it is determined whether or not division / enlargement processing is possible by determining whether sheets of a required size are provided so as to be able to be fed or a necessary enlargement ratio can be selected in this copying machine. A determination is made (S7). If the determination in S7 is NO, a warning is displayed on the display unit of the scanning panel (S16), and the operation ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in S7 is YES, the number of divisions of the image data, that is, the number of sheets required to divide and copy the image data, and the number of sheets of the image data, Is determined (S8).

Next, the division / magnification processing unit 45 divides the image based on the boundary determined in S8 (S9),
A magnification process is performed on each of the divided images (S10).
Each of these images is an independent image to be copied on one sheet of paper. Further, if necessary, coordinate conversion is performed such that the longitudinal direction of the image corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

Next, the image registration unit 46 is a division boundary portion of each of the above image data, and is data of several tens of lines from a joint portion, that is, data of the search area P shown in FIG. Is read, and the respective image data are aligned and aligned so that the sides of the joint are in contact with each other, and the degree of connection is confirmed (S11).

At this time, if necessary, the data of one image is fixed, and the data of the other image is shifted in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction to check for data coincidence.
Find a position where the seam is optimal. The determination of the match of the image data is performed by recognizing a characteristic line segment or a symbol indicated by the image data, or by recognizing a data arrangement and a characteristic or a color of a pattern. Are extracted, the extracted features are digitized and stored, and these features are compared with each other.

Next, the joint correcting section 47 performs corrections such as complementation of a missing portion of data at the joint and deletion of unnecessary data so that the joints of the images can be smoothly connected (S12). In this case, the edges of the joints are connected by virtual lines, and the connected lines and the edges of the respective images are recognized so that the entire images are connected by smooth straight lines.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the margin synthesizing section 48 synthesizes the margin margin Q along one joint of the images to be joined (S13). The margin portion Q is set by giving data to be colored when copying to paper.

When the processing in the division / enlargement processing section 49 is completed as described above, each image data is individually stored in the image memory 43 as independent image data. After that, the γ correction unit 5
0, masking section 51, UCR / BP processing section 52, sharpness filter 53, scaling processing section 54, density processing section 55, color balance adjustment section 56, and gradation processing section 57
Are performed (S14), and each image data is copied on an individual sheet (S15).

As a result, in this embodiment, the image shown in FIG. 5A is divided into, for example, four parts as shown in FIG. Then, a colored glue margin Q is set at one joint between the copied images to be joined. Accordingly, by joining the copy images with each other by the glue margin portion Q, it is possible to obtain one greatly enlarged image, and the joining work at this time becomes easy.

In this embodiment, in order to clearly indicate the margin portion, the margin portion is colored. Instead, the margin portion and the image portion are represented by low density lines. For example, it may be possible to perform partitioning or to write a low-density diagonal line in the margin portion. That is, it is only necessary to perform a process for clearly indicating the glue margin portion.

[0053]

As described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an input means for reading an original image ; a storage means for storing image data of the original read by the input means;
The image data stored in the storage unit is divided and enlarged, and each divided image data is converted into an independent image.
A division and expansion means for data, the independent image data
Image output means for outputting to individual paper
In the image processing device, the connection between the independent image data is performed.
Connect the above independent image data so that
Based on the image data of the predetermined area including the eyes,
Image alignment means for aligning eyes, and the image
The independent image registered by the registration unit
Supplement the above joint so that data can be connected smoothly
The joint correcting means for correcting and the image output means
Images based on the above independent image data output on paper
With the seam corrected by the seam correction means
As an area for pasting paper when connecting
Image of glue margin provided at position along one joint
The data is displayed in color or displayed over the entire area of the glue margin.
Matches the above independent image data
And a margin synthesizing means .

As a result, in the divided document images output from the image processing apparatus and formed on the individual sheets, a margin portion is clearly set at a joint between the document images. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to attach the divided images to each other to obtain a single enlarged image of the document image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a division / enlargement processing unit in a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit provided in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a processing operation in a UCR / BP processing unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a front view showing a document to be divided and enlarged by the copying machine, and FIG. 5B shows each image data when the document is divided and enlarged. FIG.

[Description of Signs] 7 Laser Driver Unit (Image Output Unit) 10 Photosensitive Drum (Image Output Unit ) 17 Transfer Belt (Image Output Unit ) 22 Scanner Unit (Input Unit) 43 Image Memory (Storage Unit) 45 Division / Resizing Processing unit (division / enlargement unit) 46 Image alignment unit (image alignment unit) 47 Joint correction unit (joint correction unit) 48 Gap margin synthesizing unit (glue margin synthesizing unit) 49 Division / enlargement processing unit

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04N 1/387 G06T 1/00 G06T 3/40 G06T 11/60 H04N 1/393

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] Input means 1. A reading an original image, a storage means for storing image data of a document read by the input means, dividing the image data stored in the storage means and to expand, divided Each image data
A division and expansion means for the independent image data, said discrete image
Image output means for outputting data to individual papers,
In the image processing apparatus having the above , the degree of connection between the independent image data is optimized.
Image of a predetermined area including the joint of the independent image data
An image for performing the alignment of the joint based on the image data
Image alignment means, and the image alignment means
The aligned independent image data is smooth
Seam correction means for correcting the seam to connect
And the document output on the paper by the image output means.
Means for correcting images based on standing image data to each other
Of paper when connecting with seams corrected by
Along the one joint between the above images
The image data of the margin portion provided at the position is
Colored or shaded image data over the entire area
An image processing apparatus comprising: a margin synthesizing means for synthesizing the image data with the independent image data .