JP3059643B2 - Image processing method and apparatus - 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 method and apparatus for inputting setting information according to items entered in a document image in a predetermined format.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Copy function, facsimile transmission / reception function,
A multifunction peripheral having a printer function and the like has been developed, and its use is expanding. The setting of various operation modes in such a multifunction peripheral is usually set corresponding to each of these functions. For this reason, for example, when setting the operation mode of the facsimile, it is necessary to perform the operation after setting the apparatus to the facsimile mode, and the operation is troublesome.

[0003]

In the prior art, in particular, since an operation mode and the like are set using the same operation panel, a certain key has a different function for each mode. There were problems such as setting the mode by mistake.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and has as its object to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of reading information written on a manuscript of a predetermined format and automatically setting the mode of the apparatus. And

An object of the present invention is to automatically print a document of a predetermined format for setting an operation mode of the apparatus,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of setting an operation mode using the original.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of reducing the memory capacity for storing document image data by storing document image data in a predetermined format in a page description language. It is in.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement.
That is, an image processing apparatus for reading and inputting a document image, a storage means for storing data representing a document image in a predetermined format, and a printing method for printing a document image in a predetermined format in accordance with the data stored in the storage means Means, reading means for reading characters and symbols written in a document image in a predetermined format, recognition means for recognizing the characters and symbols based on the image data read by the reading means, and recognition by the recognition means Setting means for setting information in the apparatus in accordance with the received information.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the image processing method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, a step of reading characters and symbols written in a document image in a predetermined format, a step of recognizing the characters and symbols based on the read image data, and setting information in the apparatus according to the recognized information And storing data representing a document image in a predetermined format in a page description language, analyzing the data and developing the data into image data, and printing the document image in the predetermined format using the image data. And

[0009]

According to the above arrangement, a document image of a predetermined format is printed in accordance with data stored in storage means for storing data representing a document image of a predetermined format.
Characters and symbols written in a document image in a predetermined format are read, and characters and symbols written in the document image are recognized based on the read image data. Then, information is set in the device according to the recognized information.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a PDL (page description language) board, which is a page description language (PDL) sent from an external device such as a host computer (not shown);
Alternatively, it has a function of analyzing a page description code and developing it into an image (image information). For example, it generally corresponds to an image developing unit such as a printer that inputs PostScript (registered trademark) data and develops the image data into image data. PDs 102 and 103 are similar to the PDL board 101.
Although they are L boards, the types of PDL to be interpreted are different from each other. Reference numeral 104 denotes a printer interface (I /
F) section, and the printer interface section 10
4 is in charge of control of the printer 112 connected via the interface 4 and interface control of data with external devices. The printer 112 may be, for example, a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a scanner interface unit which controls the interface with the scanner 113. Image information (image) read from the scanner 113 is stored in the image buffer 110. 1
Reference numeral 06 denotes a CPU board having a function of controlling the entire system. Reference numeral 107 denotes an external interface unit for connecting to an external computer. Reference numeral 108 denotes a facsimile (FAX) board which is connected to a communication line and transmits image information read from the scanner 105 to the outside via the communication line and outputs image information sent from the outside to the printer 112. To print. An OCR board 109 optically reads a character document and recognizes characters written on the document. Further, the OCR board 109 can read and recognize a mark sheet or the like and perform information processing. Further OCR
The board 109 also has a function of recognizing image information stored in the image buffer 110 and converting it into character code information. Each unit from the PDL board 101 to the image buffer 110 is connected to the system bus 111, and the arbitration of the bus 111
U board 106 is doing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the CPU board 106.

A CPU 201 controls the entire system. Further, each board in the apparatus of the present embodiment is also provided with a CPU, and control by these CPUs is executed. A ROM 202 stores a control program of the CPU board and various data. 203 is a RAM,
Various data and the like necessary for operating the control program are temporarily stored. The interface unit 20
Reference numeral 4 denotes an interface unit for connecting the CPU board 106 and the system bus 111. A panel unit 205 displays a key input by the user, a message (error message, comment) to the user, and the like.
Reference numeral 206 denotes a communication RAM, and each board (PDL board, FAX board, etc.) in the apparatus exchanges information via the RAM 206. For example, when the CPU 201 activates the printer 112, the request information is written into the communication RAM 206. Each board is CP every fixed time
The communication RAM 206 of the U board 106 is checked to determine whether request information has been written. If the request information has been written, a process corresponding to the request information is performed.
And notifies the CPU 201.

FIG. 3 shows a facsimile (FAX) board 1
It is a figure showing an example of the setting paper used for setting of 08.

Reference numeral 301 denotes an abbreviated dial setting sheet. Numeral 302 denotes an abbreviated dial number entry column, numeral 303 denotes a transmission destination name entry column, and numeral 304 denotes a transmission destination telephone number entry column.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of entry of this setting sheet. Here, the speed dial number is "01", the destination name is "YAMADA", and the telephone number of the destination is "01234".
5678 ".

FIG. 5 shows an example of a setting sheet for the PDL-1 board 101.

Reference numeral 401 denotes a setup sheet for performing various settings when the PDL-1 board 101 outputs image information to the printer 112, and 402 (ORIENTATION) outputs the output sheet vertically or horizontally. If it is vertical, the mark sheet 405 is displayed; if it is horizontal, 4 is displayed.
Paint 06 black. Reference numeral 403 (PAPER SIZE) designates the size of the output paper, and characters such as "A3" and "A4" indicating the paper size are written in the 407 square.
Similarly, 404 (COPY VOL.) Designates the number of output sheets, and the number of output copies is entered in a box 408.

FIG. 6 shows an example of this entry. In FIG. 6, the printing paper is set in the vertical direction, the paper size is set to “A4” size, and the number of output papers is set to one copy.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting sheet for the PDL-2 board 102. Reference numeral 501 denotes a setting sheet in the same manner as 401 in FIG. 5, 502 (ENLARGE) denotes an enlargement ratio, and 503 (FA)
CE) specifies whether to output with the print surface up or down. 504 (PAPER SIZE) specifies the size of the paper, and 505 (COPY VOL.) Specifies the number of output copies of the paper.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of entry on the sheet 401. In the example of FIG. 8, the enlargement ratio is specified to be 50%, and the printing is to be performed with the print side up. Further, the paper size is “A4” and the number of copies is set to two.

FIG. 9 shows a P for outputting the setting sheet 401.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of a PDL code for the DL-1 board 101.

When the PDL-1 board 101 develops the PDL code shown in FIG. 9, it becomes image information (image) of the setting sheet 401 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, C901 [(LINEWIDTH) (2)]
Is an instruction that specifies the line thickness of a figure.
Is an instruction to be specified. C902 [LINE (100,100,200,10
0)] and C903 [LINE (200,100,200,200)] are line drawing commands, C902 indicates a line connecting point (100,100) and point (200,100), and C903 indicates point (200,100) and point (200,200).
And the line connecting. C904 [CHARACTERSIZE (1
0)] is an instruction for designating the size of a character.
Point character is indicated. C905 [CHARACTER_F
ONT (A)] is a command for specifying a font type, and the font A is specified here. C906 [CHARACTER_POS
ITION (50,50)] is a command for designating a position where a character is to be drawn. Here, the character is drawn at coordinates (50,50). And C907 [CHARACTER_STRING (SETUP SHEET FOR PDL-1)]
Is a command for specifying a character string to be drawn.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of a PDL code for the PDL-2102 for outputting the setting sheet 501 shown in FIG.

Here, the PDL-2 board 102 corresponds to FIG.
When the PDL code shown in (1) is developed, it becomes image information (image) of the setting sheet 501. In FIG. 10, C100
1 (line, 2) is an instruction for specifying the line thickness (here, 2), and C1002 (box, 30, 20, 500, 150) is an instruction for drawing a rectangle. (30,20) and lower right coordinates of the rectangle (500,150)
Is drawn as a diagonal point. From C1003 to C
1006 is a command for designating the position of a character and the character to be drawn.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the display unit and the input unit of the panel unit 205.

Reference numeral 1102 denotes a liquid crystal display having a touch panel on the surface. 1103 is a numeric keypad, 110
Reference numeral 4 denotes a copy mode switch for using the image input / output device of this embodiment as a copier, 1105 denotes a printer mode switch, and 1106 denotes a facsimile mode switch. A start key 1107 is used to start copying, printing, facsimile transmission, and the like.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the printer mode is set. In this case, the liquid crystal display 1
In the display 102, touch panel switches such as an online switch 1108, an offline switch 1109, a paper output switch 1110, and an automatic setting switch 1111 are displayed. Here, when the switch 1108 is touched, the printer goes online, and when the switch 1109 is touched, the printer goes offline. When the paper output switch 1110 is pressed, the setting paper of the printer is output. In addition, the user sets the setting sheets 301, 401, and 50.
When the user fills in 1 or the like, places the sheet on the platen of the scanner 113 and presses the switch 1111, the setting sheet is read by the scanner 113, and various settings such as sheet settings for printing are automatically performed.

FIG. 12 shows the operation panel 205 in the facsimile mode.

When setting a facsimile speed dial, a switch 1202 is used to set a speed dial setting sheet 301.
Is printed by the printer 112. Next, necessary items are written on the setting sheet 301, for example, as shown in FIG.
The setting paper 301 thus created is set on the scanner 113, and the automatic setting switch 1203 is touched as described above, whereby the automatic setting of the speed dial is performed. The result set in this way is the liquid crystal display 11
02 is displayed, so that the setting state can be confirmed. Further, it is also possible to print the set contents using the printer 112.

Next, the flow of processing in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a communication process between the CPU board 106 and another board.
03 or the ROM 202.

When the power of the image input / output device of the embodiment is turned on and the processing is started, first, in step S1, the registers and interfaces of the CPU board 106 are initialized. In step S2, the communication RAM 20
It is checked whether data (request data) has been written in No. 6, and if any request data has been written, the process proceeds to step S3, and the request data is analyzed. For example, when the user presses a switch on the operation panel unit 205, the request data is written from the operation panel unit 205 to the communication RAM 206. Also, when a request or data is sent to the CPU board 106 from another board, the communication R
This is performed via the AM 206. Thus, step S3
Then, as a result of analyzing the contents of the communication RAM 206, if it is a process of writing request data or normal data to the communication RAM 206, the process proceeds to step S5, and a process corresponding thereto is performed. For example, a process of displaying characters and the like on the operation panel 205 on the operation panel, a process of starting the printer 112 and the scanner 113, a process of requesting the OCR board 109 for character recognition, and the like are performed via the communication RAM 206.

On the other hand, in step S4, the communication RAM 206
If not, the process proceeds to step S6, where the CPU
Processing not using the communication RAM 206, such as processing inside the board 106, is performed. These steps S5 or S
When the process of step 6 is completed, the process returns to step S2, where the contents of the communication RAM 206 are checked again, and the same process as described above is performed.

The communication process between boards other than the CPU will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the outline of the communication processing of the board of the PDL 101. When the processing is started, first, in step S11, the internal registers of the board and the interface are initialized. Next, the process proceeds to step S12, where the communication RAM 206
Check whether data (request data) has been written to the. If the request data has been written, the process proceeds to step S13, and the request data is analyzed. For example, when there is a request for PDL code expansion from the CPU board 106, or when a PDL-
When making settings for one board 101, the communication RAM 20
6 is used to exchange data.

As a result of the analysis in step S13, the communication R
If it is necessary to write request data or normal data to the AM 206, the process proceeds to step S15, for example, PD
A notification of the completion of the L code development, information on board errors, and the like are written in the communication RAM 206, and communication with the CPU board 106 is performed via the RAM 206. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that writing to the communication RAM 206 is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S16,
Processing inside the PDL-1 board 101 is performed. When the processing in step S15 or S16 is completed, step S
Returning to step 12, the request data written in the communication RAM 206 is checked.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The process of printing the setting sheet shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, or FIG. 7 using the printer 112 will be described.

As a specific example of this processing, for example, in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the user outputs an image of a setting sheet using the PDL-1 board 101. In this case, first, the user presses the button 1105 of the operation panel unit 205 of the CPU board 106 to set the image input / output device of the embodiment to the printer mode. Further, it is determined which PDL board (in this case, any one of the three boards PDL-1, PDL-2, and PDL-3) is to be used on the liquid crystal display 1102 of the operation panel unit 205. The example of FIG. 11 shows a state where the PDL-1 board 101 is selected. In this state, the user operates the PDL-1 board 10
1 to set the paper output mode to the operation panel unit 2
05 switch 1110 is pressed. As a result, the request data relating to the setting sheet printing process is written from the operation panel unit 205 to the communication RAM 206. As a result, the CPU 201 analyzes the request data of the communication RAM 206 written by the operation panel unit 205 as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The request data for outputting the setting paper to is output.

Referring to FIG. 15, a description will be given of a process when a print request for setting paper is output from the CPU board 106.

First, initialization is performed in step S21. Next, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the right to use the bus 111 is secured in order to use the system bus 111 for developing an image in the image buffer 110. Next, the process proceeds to step S23, where the PDL code for printing the setting paper stored in the ROM of the PDL-1 board 101 is read, developed by the internal CPU, and written into the image buffer 110. When the development to the image buffer 110 is completed, for example, the image data of the registration sheet 401 shown in FIG. In this way, the process proceeds to step S24, and the CUP board 106 is notified via the communication RAM 206 that the development of the print image of the setting sheet has been completed. The processing so far has shown the processing by PDL-1.

Thus, in step S25, the CPU board 106 activates the printer 112 via the printer interface unit 104, and passes control of the bus 111 to the printer interface unit 104. This is the processing by the CPU board 106.

In step S 26, the image data of the setting sheet is output from the image buffer 110 to the printer 112. Thereby, the process proceeds to step S27,
The setting paper 40 shown in FIG.
1 is printed. When the printing is completed, a notification of the end is sent from the printer interface unit 104 to the CPU board 106, and the printing process of the setting paper is completed.
These processes are processes by the printer interface unit 104.

Next, the setting sheet printed by the processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 15 is read by the scanner 113, and the various modes are automatically set according to the read contents. This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the user sets desired setting values on the setting sheet 401 printed by the printer 112, for example, as shown in FIG.
And set on the document table of the scanner 113 as shown in FIG. When the automatic setting instruction switch 1111 of the operation panel unit 205 of the CPU board 106 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed, the request data is stored in the communication RAM 20.
Written in 6. This request data is sent to the CPU 201
Is read from the CPU board 106 and PDL-1
The board 101 is notified of an event indicating that the switch 1111 has been pressed.

The subsequent processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S31, initialization accompanying the automatic setting process is performed. In order to read the setting sheet set in the scanner 113, the PDL-1 writes the scanner activation request data in the communication RAM 206 in step S32. Next, the process proceeds to step S33, where the CPU board 1
Reference numeral 06 responds to the request data written in the communication RAM 206, activates the scanner 113 via the scanner interface unit 105, and allows the scanner interface unit 105 to control the bus 111. This instruction is also performed via the communication RAM 206.

In step S34, the image data read by the scanner 113 is sent to and stored in the image buffer 110. When the reading is completed in this manner, the process proceeds to step S35, and the scanner interface unit 105 notifies the CPU 201 of the completion of the scanner reading via the communication RAM 206.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S36, wherein the CPU 113 transfers the scanner 113 to the PDL-1 board 101.
Notifies that the data has been stored in the image buffer 110.

Thus, in step S37, PDL-1
The board 101 issues a request to activate the OCR board 109 to the CPU board 106 via the communication RAM 206. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S38, where the CPU board 106 activates the OCR board 109 via the communication RAM 206.

In step S39, the OCR board 109 recognizes the image data stored in the image buffer 110, converts the image data into a character code, and determines a mark sheet portion. The result recognized in this way is written into the communication RAM 206.

Thus, the process proceeds to step S40, in which the CPU
The board 106 detects that the recognition processing of the OCR board 109 has been completed, and similarly via the communication RAM 206,
The PDL-1 board 101 is notified of the end of the OCR processing. As a result, the PDL-1 board 101 executes step S
At 41, the data recognized by the OCR board 109 is read, and at step S42, based on the read data, setting processing can be performed based on the items entered on the setting sheet.

As described above, the PDL code for printing the setting sheet is held on the PDL board, and the image of the setting sheet is developed and printed by using the PDL data, so that the configuration of the apparatus is improved. Various setting sheets can be printed without being affected. In the above-described first embodiment, the case has been described where printing is performed using the print data of the setting paper stored in the PDL board. However, the setting may be performed using another board (for example, a FAX board). [Second Embodiment] As shown in FIG.
8 holds bitmap data of the setting paper, and transfers the image data to the printer interface unit 10.
4 to the printer 112.

An arbitrary setting sheet can be printed using the printer 112 regardless of the type of the PDL board provided in the apparatus. [Third Embodiment] As shown in FIG.
Numeral 8 encodes (compresses) the image data of the setting sheet and holds it. The image expansion (decoding) of the compressed image data is performed using the compression / expansion means of the FAX board 108. When printing the setting paper by the printer 112, the compressed data stored in the FAX board 108 is expanded, expanded into bitmap image data, and output to the printer 112.

Thus, the PDL provided in the device
There is an effect that setting paper can be printed regardless of the type of board. Also, by compressing bitmap data,
There is also an effect that the amount of data held in the FAX board 108 can be reduced. Further, as the compression / expansion means, a compression means used for facsimile transmission / reception can be used. As a result, the circuit scale can be reduced. [Fourth Embodiment] In the second and third embodiments described above, the image of the setting sheet is represented by bitmap data. However, in the fourth embodiment, the image is described using a PDL code.

This apparatus is provided with a plurality of slots, and it is possible to add necessary boards or remove unnecessary boards. Therefore, PDL boards corresponding to all PDL languages are always mounted. Not necessarily. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the FAX board 108 stores the PDL registration data (1501 to 1501) of the PDL board predicted in advance.
1503) holds all of the connected PDs
It is conceivable to select PDL data describing registration data according to the L board. It is assumed that the CPU board 106 manages which type of PDL board is mounted on the apparatus of the embodiment and which PDL is described in selecting the data described in printing the setting sheet.

By holding the PDL data, the amount of data representing the image of the setting sheet can be reduced. Further, since the setting sheet can be printed using PDL data corresponding to the PDL board mounted at that time, the setting sheet can be printed regardless of the configuration of the apparatus. Fifth Embodiment In FIG. 21, common PDL data 16
01, the FAX board 108 has common PDL data representing the image of the setting sheet (PD
The L board does not need to be data that can be expanded as it is), the CPU board 106 converts the PDL-1 conversion filter 1602, the PDL-2 conversion filter 1603,
It has a conversion filter 1604 for PDL-3, selects a conversion filter according to the type of the connected PDL board, and can use the common PDL data 1601
Convert to PDL data corresponding to the L board.

That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the CPU board 106 converts the common PDL data 1601 into the filter 16
Through each of 02 to 1604, the data is converted into a PDL code corresponding to the PDL board connected to the bus 111, and the converted data is transmitted to the corresponding PDL board.

As described above, by using the common PDL data 1601, the amount of setting sheet data held by the FAX board 108 can be reduced. [Sixth Embodiment] By providing the CPU board 106 with a means for developing the common PDL code 1601 into an image, the setting sheet is printed using the printer 112 without using a PDL board (PDL code developing means). be able to.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program for implementing the present invention to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Various settings can be easily performed by reading the setting paper from the scanner. (2) By printing the setting sheet using the printer device, it is not necessary to hold the setting sheet printed in advance. (3) Since the setting sheet information is stored inside the PDL board, the amount of data for printing the setting sheet can be reduced, and the setting sheet can be printed without being affected by the apparatus configuration. (4) The image of the setting sheet is represented by a PDL code, and the data is held inside, so that the data amount necessary for outputting the setting sheet can be reduced. (5) Setting paper can be printed without being affected by the device configuration (which type of PDL board is present in the system). (6) By using bitmap data as image information representing a setting sheet, the setting sheet can be printed regardless of what printer is connected. (7) The data amount can be reduced by compressing the image data representing the setting paper. Further, in the case of a facsimile board, the compressed data can be expanded and printed using the compression / expansion means of the board, so that there is no need to newly provide an expansion means, and there is also an effect of reducing costs. (8) By using a common PDL code as a method of expressing the setting sheet, the data amount can be reduced, and the setting sheet can be printed without being affected by the device configuration. (9) By providing a filter for converting the PDL code, it is possible to develop the PDL code into an image and print a setting sheet without having a PDL board corresponding to the PDL code.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that information written on a manuscript of a predetermined format is read and a mode of the apparatus can be automatically set.

According to the present invention, an original of a predetermined format for setting the operation mode of the apparatus is automatically printed, and the operation mode can be set using the original. According to the present invention, storing document image data in a predetermined format in a page description language has the effect of reducing the memory capacity for storing document image data.

[0066]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a CPU board according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a facsimile setting sheet according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry of a facsimile setting sheet according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a setting sheet for a PDL-1 board.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry of a setting sheet for a PDL-1 board;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting sheet for a PDL-2 board.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of entry of a setting sheet for a PDL-2 board.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a page description language for a PDL-1 board.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page description language for a PDL-2 board.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an operation panel unit in a printer mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an operation panel unit in a facsimile mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a CPU communication task.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of the PDL-1 board;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet output process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic setting process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic setting process.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image input / output device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 PDL-1 board 102 PDL-2 board 103 PDL-3 board 104 Printer interface 105 Scanner interface 106 CPU board 108 FAX board 109 OCR board 110 Image buffer 112 Printer 113 Scanner 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 205 Operation panel unit 206 Communication RAM 301 Facsimile setting paper 302 Speed dial number field 303 Destination name field 304 Destination telephone number field

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-8-51501 (JP, A) JP-A-8-84206 (JP, A) JP-A-3-40656 (JP, A) JP-A-6-64 164778 (JP, A) JP-A-6-164777 (JP, A) JP-A-5-274397 (JP, A) JP-A-62-176355 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for reading and inputting a document image, comprising: storage means for storing data representing a document image in a predetermined format; and a document image in a predetermined format in accordance with the data stored in the storage means. Printing means for printing; reading means for reading characters and symbols written in a document image in a predetermined format; recognition means for recognizing the characters and symbols based on the image data read by the reading means; Setting means for setting information in the apparatus according to the information recognized by the means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a developing unit for inputting a page description language and developing the image data into image data, wherein the storage unit stores the data in a page description language. apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores the image of the document image in the predetermined format in a plurality of types of page description languages. 4. A method for selecting data described in a page description language corresponding to a page description language developed by the development means from a plurality of types of page description languages stored in the storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 5. A reading means for reading characters and symbols written in a document image in a predetermined format, a recognizing means for recognizing a meaning of the characters and symbols based on image data read by the reading means, Setting means for setting an operation mode of the apparatus according to the recognition result by the recognition means; at least one developing means for interpreting a page description language and developing the image data; Storage means for storing print data representing an original image; interpreting the print data stored in the storage means by the developing means to develop the data into bitmap image data; and using the bitmap image data to implement a printer device. And control means for controlling to print the original image of the predetermined format by using the control means. The image processing apparatus according to claim. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that encodes and transmits the image data read by the reading unit, wherein the setting unit sets an operation mode of the transmission unit according to a format of the document image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit sets an operation mode of the developing unit according to a format of the document image. 8. A step of reading a character or a symbol written on a document image in a predetermined format, a step of recognizing the character or the symbol based on the read image data, and a step of recognizing the apparatus according to the recognized information. Setting information, storing data representing a document image in a predetermined format in a page description language, analyzing the data and developing the data into image data, and using the image data to copy the document in the predetermined format. And an image printing method.