JP3339917B2 - Image forming storage device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for reading an image of a document, storing the image information on a storage medium, and forming an image of the stored image information on paper as required, and outputting (printing out) the image. The present invention relates to an image forming / storing device such as a digital copying machine capable of creating index information corresponding to the image information from the stored image information and outputting an index sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an optical filing system has been developed and widely used in order to efficiently arrange a large number of documents or the like created or collected in an office or the like and to make it available at any time. However, conventional optical filing systems are generally expensive, and require complicated and advanced operations, so that they are not readily available to everyone.

For this reason, an optical disc device is integrated with a digital copier, which is configured by combining image reading means (scanner) for reading an image of an original and image forming means such as a laser printer, as image information storage / management means. Provided image forming storage devices have been developed.

In such an image forming storage device,
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 3-291753 and 3-29
As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1754 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 4-3260, an image of a document is read, and the image information (document information) is stored on a storage medium. There is proposed a method in which abstract information (index information) corresponding to each of the above is created, an image is formed on paper, and an index (abstract) sheet is output.

In this case, for example, search information such as a bar code is added to an index sheet and output.
When the user uses the index sheet to read the barcode or the like of the abstract information with a scanner, the image information of the document (file) specified by the barcode or the like is automatically searched, and the image information is printed on paper. It has also been proposed that an image can be formed and output.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional image forming and storing apparatus, the index sheet itself can specify a document by the above-described search information. This is for all documents shown in the index sheet, and it is not possible to specify any document in the index sheet.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to enable only a document to be output to be designated and selected by a simple operation.

[0008]

According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, there is provided image reading means for reading an image of a document, image information storing means for storing image information read by the means in document units, and Index information creating means for creating index information corresponding to each document from the stored image information of each document; and an image for forming a plurality of index information created by the means on a sheet and outputting an index sheet In order to achieve the above object, the image forming and storage device provided with the forming means is provided with the following means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising:
Image information formed on the index sheet,
Reads image information on index sheet by image reading means
And a document selecting means for comparing the read image information and selecting a document to be output from the difference.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the index information created by the index information creating means, the image forming means forms an image of a header / footer entry area on a sheet and outputs an index sheet. image information imaged Lee emissions index sheet by <br/> the
Means for reading image information on the index sheet
A document selecting means for comparing the read image information with the read image information, and selecting a document to be output from the difference;
Means for judging whether or not a character has been entered therein, based on the information of the header / footer entry area in the read image information; and Means for adding the character or a character obtained by performing character recognition processing on the character to the image information of the document selected by the document selecting means as a header / footer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the index information created by the index information creating means in the image forming means, a header / footer selection area having a plurality of types of headers / footers is formed on a sheet by image formation. and means for outputting, the image information imaged onto Lee emissions index sheet by the said means, the index Sea
The image information on the
A document selecting means for comparing the image information with the taken image information and selecting a document to be output from the difference, and forming an image on the information of the header / footer selection area in the read image information and the corresponding index sheet. A header / footer selection unit for comparing the header / footer selection area in the image information and selecting a header / footer candidate in the header / footer selection area from the difference, and a header / footer selected by the unit; Means for adding to the image information of the document selected by the document selecting means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the document selecting means includes:
Which was equipped with a means for determining the presence or absence of the difference depending on whether or not enclose only against the specific mark or index information <br/> to each image information on the index sheet read by the image reading means is given is there.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the index information created by the index information creating means, the image forming means forms an image on a check sheet corresponding to each index information on a sheet and outputs an index sheet. Means for causing the image reading means to read at least the image of each of the check areas on the output index sheet, and determining whether or not any of the check areas has been processed based on the read image information. Means for determining and processing by the means
It is provided with a a document selection means for selecting a document with index information corresponding to the determined check area and.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming and storage device, means for recognizing the processing content for the check area determined to have been processed and outputting the processing content recognized by the means. Means for judging whether or not the content is an editing content for a document to be edited, and only when the means determines that the content is an editing content, edits image information of the document selected by the document selecting means in accordance with the editing content. And means for performing such operations. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the image forming storage devices, the document selecting unit is a unit capable of selecting a plurality of documents.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above image forming and storage devices, the position of the reference position mark on the index sheet read by the image reading means and the reference position corresponding to the position of the image formed on the index sheet. There is provided means for comparing the mark position with the stored position and automatically correcting the reference of the position determination and the reading position according to the comparison result. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, after the image reading unit reads each image information on the index sheet, the image reading unit reads the image information of the original document serving as the index information, and reads the image information and the image information from the index sheet. Means for selecting a document to be output by comparison with each piece of image information.

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the image information on the output index sheet is read, the read image information and the corresponding image information formed on the index sheet are stored. Are compared, and a document to be output is selected from the difference.

[0017] invention the image forming memory device according to claim 2, can output the index sheet to the image formed on the sheet in addition to f header, footer fill area of the index information created, index and its output When the image information on the sheet is read, the read image information is compared with the image information corresponding to the image formed on the index sheet, and a document to be output is selected from the difference.

[0018] Based on the header footer entry information area in the image information read above, to determine there whether the character is entered, if the character is entered, the character or the The character obtained by performing character recognition processing on the character is added to the image information of the selected document as a header / footer.

The image forming memory device according to the invention of claim 3, in addition to several double header of the index information created,
An index sheet can be output by forming an image on a sheet of a header / footer selection area having a footer,
When the image information on the output index sheet is read, the read image information is compared with the image information corresponding to the image formed on the index sheet, and a document to be output is selected from the difference.

The information of the header / footer selection area in the read image information is compared with the corresponding information of the header / footer selection area in the image information formed on the index sheet. , A header / footer candidate in the header / footer selection area can be selected, and the header / footer can be added to the image information of the selected document. Incidentally, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the difference depending on whether or not enclose only against the specific mark or index information to each image information on the read index sheet is assigned.

According to the image forming and storing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the created index information, each check area corresponding to each index information can be image-formed on a sheet to output an index sheet. When reading at least the image of each of the check areas on the output index sheet, it is determined whether or not any of the check areas has been processed based on the read image information, and the processing is performed. Select the document having the index information corresponding to the checked area.

It should be noted that the processing contents for the check area determined to have been processed are recognized, and whether the recognized processing contents are the editing contents for the document to be output is determined, and the editing contents are determined. Only in the case of, the image information of the selected document can be edited according to the editing content. Further, each of the image forming apparatuses can select a plurality of documents. Further, the position of the reference position mark on the read index sheet is compared with the position of the reference position mark corresponding to the image formed on the index sheet, and the position determination and the reference of the read position are automatically performed based on the comparison result. Correction can also be made.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the image information of the original document serving as the index information is read after reading each image information on the index sheet, the image information is stored in the image forming storage device. Each image information read from the index sheet is compared, and a document to be output is selected based on the comparison result.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. As an embodiment of the image forming and storing apparatus according to the present invention, the configuration and basic processing of an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine will be described.

<Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a digital copying machine which is a typical example of an image forming and storing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein 1 is a digital copying machine (main body) mounted on a table 11. Is placed. The digital copier 1 is provided with an operation unit 2, an original pressure plate 12, a main switch (power switch) 15, and the like. A paper cassette 13 for storing paper as a recording medium is detachably mounted on the paper supply side of the main body. It is mounted, and a paper discharge tray or sorter 14 is mounted on the paper discharge side.

The document pressure plate 12 has its rear end hinged to the main body and is openably and closably mounted to cover and press a document placed on a contact glass provided on the upper surface of the main body. In the digital copying machine 1, a scanner unit serving as a reading unit that optically scans the lower surface of a document placed on the contact glass and reads the image as image data, stores image data based on the read image data. A storage unit for storing the image data,
To print on paper fed from
And a control unit for controlling the entire digital copying machine 1 including these units, performing data processing, and the like.

In the table 11, a paper feed cassette or a large-volume paper feed unit can be mounted so that the paper feed mechanism can be provided. A controller or the like may be built in. Details of the operation unit 2 having the operation and display functions of the digital copying machine 1 will be described later.

Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) can be mounted in place of the document pressure plate 12. In that case,
When a plurality of documents are set on the document tray of the ADF and read, the documents are sequentially fed one by one from the upper side or the lower side to the contact glass, and the image is read.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital copying machine 1, and the operation unit 2, storage unit 3,
It comprises a scanner section 4, a printer section 5, a control section 6, a mode setting section 7, a document input section 8, an index sheet output section 9, and an index sheet use operation section 10 according to the present invention.

The operation unit 2 includes input means for performing various operations and display means for displaying various states and image images. Through this operation unit 2, the user sends a command to the digital copying machine 1 and obtains the information displayed there. A key switch or the like is typical as the input means, and a display device using a CRT or a display device using a liquid crystal is typical as the display means. Alternatively, a display / input device such as a touch panel that can be used as both a display device and an input device may be used.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the appearance of the operation unit 2. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a display / input device using a touch panel. The operation unit 2 has frequently used functions assigned to one key. For example, a start key 22, an interrupt key 23, a mode switching key 24, a clear / stop key 25, a numeric keypad 26 for inputting a number (specifying the number of sheets and a magnification), an automatic paper selection key 27, and a paper selection key 2
8, same size key 29, automatic magnification selection key 30, variable magnification key 3
1, a group of keys for setting so-called digital copier functions such as a double-sided function key 32, and copy mode setting keys 33,
Index output key 34, index use key 35
There is a group of keys for functions unique to the present invention, such as:

The functions other than these dedicated keys are displayed by operating the mode switching key 24 or the like to display function selection guides on the display / input device 21 and touching the respective guide positions to select the functions. It can be so.

The storage section 3 in FIG. 1 is for storing image data read by the scanner section 4, and comprises a storage medium 40 and a storage medium operation section 41 as shown in FIG. The storage medium 40 is typically a magneto-optical disk 42 or the like, but may be a large-capacity storage medium for storing an optical image, such as an online storage memory 43 such as a hard disk (magnetic disk).

Image data read from a document by the scanner unit 4 is stored in the storage medium 40 as one unit (file) for each unit read. In the storage medium 40, a plurality of files are collectively managed in the form of a directory. The storage medium 40 writes information for identifying the storage medium itself in the form of volume information.

The storage medium operation unit 41 includes a logical operation unit 44 and physical operation units 45 and 45. The logic operation unit 44
According to an instruction from the control unit 6 of the digital copying machine 1,
This is for operating the storage medium 40 through the physical operation unit 45, and the operation is performed using the logical structure name of the storage medium 40. The physical operation unit 45 replaces the instruction from the logical operation unit 44 with a physical operation instruction and performs direct access (write, read, edit, etc.) to the storage medium 40. 42, on-line storage memory 43, etc.).

The scanner section 4 shown in FIG. 1 operates according to a command from the original input section 8, optically scans the above-mentioned original set on the contact glass, and detects the image by a CCD image sensor or the like. Output as an image. In some cases, the scanner unit includes a device that dynamically processes a read document, such as the automatic document feeder (ADF) described above.

The printer unit 5 receives an image image read by the scanner unit 4, an image image read from the storage unit 3, or an image image (index sheet image) formed by the index sheet output unit 9, and prints it on paper. Print on. The printer unit 5 feeds and conveys a sheet to a position for forming an image, a photosensitive drum, an image forming process apparatus such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing, and discharges the printed sheet. Including equipment.

The control unit 6 detects various states, notifies them to each unit, distributes necessary processing to each unit, and notifies the necessary processing unit as a processing instruction. Control unit 6
Among them, there is state detection means for monitoring the change of the state of each part, constantly monitoring the state of each part, rewriting necessary status information as needed, generating an interrupt event, and Communicates state changes.

In the following description of the operation, it is described that one unit directly operates another unit, and another unit operates by directly receiving information from another unit. By issuing or receiving an operation command to another unit via the corresponding unit, processing is performed in the corresponding unit. However, the reason for passing through the control unit 6 is to enable uniformity and consistency to be easily maintained, and is not essential.

The mode setting section 7 sets the mode of each section according to the input from the user sent through the operation section 2 and the state of the digital copying machine 1. (As described above, the operation is performed indirectly through the control unit.)

The document input section 8 activates the scanner section 4 in response to a command from the user, causes the image of the document to be read, and temporarily stores the image as an image in a memory (image buffer) in the intermediate storage area. Then, the read image of the document is sent to the storage unit 3 or the printer unit 5.

The index sheet output section 9 reads out the index image data from the storage section 3 in accordance with a command from the user, forms an index sheet image, and causes the printer section 5 to print out the image on paper.

The index sheet use operation unit 10 causes the scanner unit 4 to read the index sheet set on the contact glass of the document input unit 8, and responds to a command on the index sheet or a command sent through the operation unit 2. Then, the operation of the storage unit 3 is performed. Alternatively, the image data is read from the storage unit 3 in accordance with the instruction, and the image is formed on a sheet through the printer unit 5.

In this embodiment, each of the above-mentioned units 6 to 10 surrounded by broken lines in FIG. 1 stores a main processing unit (CPU), a data memory such as a RAM attached thereto, and a processing program of each processing unit. Program memory such as ROM
It is realized by a general von Neumann computer system including auxiliary circuits such as an input / output circuit (I / O) and the like. However, it is sufficiently possible to realize the configuration using hard-wired logic. Further, it is possible to realize all of these parts by one computer system.

Further, the memory of the intermediate storage area for processing and storing the state of the image and the mode may have its own part in each unit, or each intermediate storage area may be stored in a common memory. It may be provided. In the following description, it is assumed that each unit has its own intermediate storage area memory.

<Logical Structure of Storage Medium> Here, assuming that a typical magneto-optical disk 42 is used as the storage medium 40 of the storage unit 3 shown in FIG. 4, its logical structure will be described. The magneto-optical disk has a logical structure as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. In these figures, those enclosed in square brackets are elements that allow repetition, and those enclosed in square brackets are optional elements that can be omitted. A :: = ab is A
Means that the ab is arranged (order).

The head area of a magneto-optical disk (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "disk") stores information on the volume of the disk. This area includes a disk (medium) ID and initialization date and time assigned when the disk is initialized, the last write date and time of the disk, and the like. The disc has a directory structure. It is configured so that one disk can have n directories.

The directory file includes a directory name, a time stamp to the directory (the last writing date and time), the number of files included in the directory, and a list of pairs of the file and the access pointer. This directory is set for grouping arbitrary files to facilitate management. The file must belong to any directory. Therefore, the first directory is used as an unnamed directory and is used as a default directory when there is no designation from the user.

A file is a unit in a disk for storing and managing images related to one reading unit collectively. In the logical structure shown in FIG. 5, this file has a file name, the last writing date and time, a comment character string (comment), accompanying information, image information, and index information. As the accompanying information, paper size and orientation, image orientation, document type, ADF usage information, and the like are conceivable.

The image information stores the number of images and the image data corresponding to the number of images. As the image accompanying information, information on both sides and the like, and information such as a special paper size for permitting a change of the paper size in the same file are entered.
The index information contains the number of index images and the index image data corresponding to the number.

In the case of the logical structure shown in FIG. 6, instead of holding the index information separately, an index image flag is provided in the image accompanying information to indicate whether or not the image is an index image. Regarding this part, it suffices to find out which image is the index image after all, and various logical configurations can be considered.
Depending on the configuration of this part, the processing logic for actually calling the index image may be different, but it has nothing to do with the essence of the present invention except where otherwise noted. In the following description, the logical structure of FIG. 5 will be described unless otherwise specified.

<Processing Flow> Next, the processing flow of a portion of the digital copying machine by the computer system shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an outline (main routine) of the entire processing flow. When the main switch 15 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on (turned on) and the power is turned on, the control unit 6 shown in FIG. 1 is started, and step 1 (steps are abbreviated as “S” in the figure and in the following description). ) To initialize each unit, and then enter a standby state in S2. If there are various state changes, a process associated therewith is performed.

That is, in the standby state of S2, the control unit 6
Each time a state change is detected, the corresponding state change or instruction is notified to each unit, and each unit performs processing according to the instruction. Main switch 15 is turned off (turned off)
The control section 6 detects this, performs post-processing of each section in S3, and ends the processing.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of a subroutine for detecting a state change in the standby state in the main routine of FIG. 7 and processing accompanying the detection. In the standby state, the control unit 6 waits for a change in the state of each unit (including a change in the input of an instruction) in S21.
It is determined whether it is FF. If it is OFF, this process is terminated and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 7, and after performing the post-processing of each part, all the processes are terminated. OF
If it is not F (if it is ON), the process proceeds to the subroutine of S23, and the processing in each unit is performed according to the state change.

The state change of each unit includes a change in input due to reception of an instruction from the operation unit 2 by a user, and a change in state of each processing unit and detection of an error state. If the state change (hereinafter, also referred to as an “event”) is accompanied by the end of the file, a process of setting the file to the read end state is performed.

FIG. 9 shows the contents of this processing. First, S2
In 4 it is determined whether or not the event is a file end state,
If YES, the file is in the end state, and if NO, the process proceeds to S26 and thereafter.

The event for setting the file end state is, for example, a mode change from the user such as setting of an automatic paper selection (hereinafter also referred to as “APS”) function and an automatic magnification selection (hereinafter also referred to as “AMS”) function. User's actions, such as setting a document on the automatic document feeder (ADF),
Timer interrupt due to no state change for more than a certain time from an event (in this case, a timer is required)
And so on.

The instructions from the operation unit 2 can be roughly divided into "mode setting (including various state changes) instruction", "copy instruction", "index sheet output instruction", and "index sheet use instruction". It is determined in S26 to S29 of FIG. 9 and the process proceeds to any of S30 to S33 according to the determination result, and the mode setting unit 7, the document input unit 8, the index sheet output unit 9, or the index The sheet use operation unit 10 is activated, and “mode setting processing (including internal state setting)”, “document input processing”, “index sheet output processing”, or “index sheet use processing” is performed according to the type of event. Process ”. When this process ends, FIG.
The process returns to S21 (standby state).

<Description of Each Process and Each Mode> Here, “mode setting process” in S30, “document input process” in S31, “index sheet output process” in S32, and “index sheet output process” in S33 in FIG. Process of Using Index Sheet "and its respective modes will be described in detail.

(1) Mode Setting Process (FIG. 10) The mode setting unit 7 is started, and the mode shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed to set the mode of each unit. First, it is determined whether or not the current mode can be set. If NO, processing such as error display is performed, and the process ends.

If YES (a mode that can be set), it is next determined whether or not additional information is necessary. If YES, a request display of the additional information and input of the additional information based on the request are performed, and NO is returned. If there is, immediately proceed to the process of setting the mode of each unit according to the mode to be set (and accompanying information). When the setting is completed, the process ends.

In this mode setting, there is a case where there is another mode which is automatically turned off when a certain mode is set. For example, setting the APS function cancels the AMS function. Also, the mode associated with the physical operation is handled in the same manner. For example, the control unit 6 detects a physical operation and sends a command corresponding to the physical operation from the control unit 6 to the mode setting unit 7.

The operating conditions of each processing system are changed depending on the mode to be set. The mode setting by the user is based on input of operation conditions and operation modes from the operation unit 2, switch operation for each hardware, and the like. The operation unit 2 is configured so that a mode associated with a certain operation condition can be input only when the operation condition is set. However, keys that can be set directly are provided for those that are frequently used.

The mode setting state is held in the control unit 6, and when a new state is detected, it is changed as necessary. The information is sent together with instructions to other units. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a common status status area is provided and status information is written therein, and each unit refers to the common status status area.

Each unit has a time counting means (timer), and the mode setting by the timer is performed in the following cases. The time at which the mode setting by the timer occurs differs in each case. Interruption time during processing of mode and various condition settings → Clear mode setting Interruption time after copying → File end processing Interruption time in each setting state → Default clear of mode

(2) Document Input Processing (FIGS. 11 to 16) In a standby state, when a copy command is issued (in this embodiment, when the start key 22 is pressed, a copy command is issued), document input is performed. Execute the processing of That is, the document input unit 8 and the scanner unit 4 are started, and the document is read by the scanner unit 4 as an image. The image is sent to the storage unit 3 and / or the printer unit 5 according to the mode, and is stored in the storage medium 40 and various processes associated therewith, and / or image formation (print processing) on paper. Let them do it.

Further, a change or setting of an index image of a file in the storage medium 40 of the storage unit 3 or a change of a file configuration can be instructed through the operation unit 2. This document input processing is performed by an AD input as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
It is determined whether or not it is in the F use state. If YES, the document input process by the ADF (FIG. 12) is executed.
A document input process by other than the DF (FIG. 16) is executed.

Here, a description will be given of a mode serving as an operating condition of a process mainly associated with a copy command of the document input section 8 shown in FIG. For example, by pressing the copy mode setting key 33 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3, the following three modes can be switched. Which copy mode is selected is displayed on the display / input unit 21. 1. Copy only (paper output only) 2. Copy and storage Memory only (no paper output)

The automatic paper selection (APS) function is provided by the operation unit 2
Is set by pressing the automatic paper selection key 27. If the magnification is set, keep that magnification. AM
In the S setting state, the AMS is canceled and the magnification is set to 100.
Set APS as%.

The automatic magnification selection (AMS) function is provided by the operation unit 2
Is set by pressing the automatic magnification selection key 30. If the magnification is set, clear that magnification.
If the paper feed tray is selected, it is held as it is.
If no paper cassette is selected, the default paper cassette is used. When the APS is set, the APS is canceled and the AMS is set to the default paper feed tray.
Set.

The magnification can be switched by pressing the zoom key 31. The magnification is switched between a preloaded magnification (such as a paper size mutual magnification) and a magnification arbitrarily set by operating the numeric keypad 26. When the scaling key 31 is pressed, the AMS function is released. Pressing the same-size key 29 is the same as setting the magnification at 100%.

Further, by pressing the paper selection key 28, the paper feed cassette can be switched. When the paper selection key 28 is pressed, the APS function is released. When the clear stop key 25 is pressed, the copy, index use, index output, and the like are stopped if they are being executed. In addition, before execution, the settings such as the number of sheets and the magnification are released, and the settings are returned to the default settings.

The ten keys 26 are used to set the magnification in the magnification setting mode. In the waiting state,
Specify the number of sheets to output. Further, by pressing the double-side key 32, the mode can be switched to the double-side copy mode. In addition, it is possible to perform simple editing such as erasing a frame, designation of density of a document, and the like.

As described above with reference to FIG. 11, in the process of inputting a document accompanying a copy command, the process is discriminated by the method of setting the document to be read. That is, there is an ADF unit as a part of the scanner unit 4 and in a standby state, and a document is set on the ADF (in the case of document input by the ADF), and in other cases.

The processing of document input by the ADF is performed by
The process is started when a start command is input from the operation unit 2 in a state where the conditions for document input by F are met. The fact that the ADF is in the standby state is sent to the control unit 6 when detecting that the ADF itself is in a state suitable for the standby state (for example, when the ADF is set in a state where it can be used in the main body). When the state changes to a state that is not appropriate as the standby state, the control unit 6 is notified of the non-standby state.

A document set on the ADF is detected by inserting a document into a document feeding section of the ADF or the like, and a signal is sent to the control section 6. When detecting that the start command has been issued from the operation unit 2, the control unit 6 notifies the document input unit 8 that the start command has been issued along with the state of the ADF and various modes. The document input unit 8 receives the command and performs the following processing according to each mode.

1. Reading of Documents The document feeding unit of the ADF is started, the documents are fed one by one onto the contact glass, and the scanner unit 4 reads the images of the documents one by one as image images. Specifically, AD
After F processes the original according to whether it is a double-sided original or a single-sided original and sends it to a readable position, it outputs a read preparation completion command. Upon detecting this, the control unit 6 issues a scan command to the scanner unit 4, and the scanner unit 4 is activated to read the image of the original placed at the readable position, and to read the intermediate image in the original input unit 8 as digital image information. Send to storage unit (image memory).

When the ADF mechanism is a front ADF, the reading of the original is started from the last page of the set original. However, the original is turned over inside the ADF and the scanner unit 4 is turned upside down. To read the image.
If the copy is made from a two-sided original, the scanner unit 4 first reads the image on the back side without turning the original over,
One sheet is processed, and then the original is turned over and an image on the front side is read, and the same processing is performed. In any case, the reading of the document is performed sequentially from the last page to the first page.

2. Processing of Read Image The following processing is performed in each copy mode. (a) Copy Only Mode (Copy Mode 10) An image is sent to a printer unit, an image is formed on a sheet, and the sheet is discharged. The paper on which images are formed and output changes depending on the settings of various modes.

For example, if a magnification is set, an image is formed at that magnification. If the number of sheets is set, the same image formation is performed on the number of sheets and the sheet is discharged. Hereinafter, the process of outputting the digital image in the intermediate storage unit onto a sheet according to the mode is referred to as “copy output process”. These processes are nothing but the so-called copying process in a digital copying machine.

(B) Storage Limited Mode (Copy Mode 01) The image is sent to the storage unit 3 and stored as a part of the file on the storage medium 40. That is, output processing to the storage medium 40 is performed.

(C) Copy and storage mode (copy mode 1
1) This is a default copy mode (the "default" is a mode or state set when initialized), and performs both processes (a) and (b).

The document input processing by the ADF is described in FIG.
ADF is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
It comprises a pre-process when using the ADF, a main routine when using the ADF, and a post-process when using the ADF. First, it is determined whether or not to output to a storage medium in the pre-processing when the ADF is used. If the output is not to the storage medium, immediately if the output is to the storage medium, "file initialization processing" is performed. ADF usage
Go to the main routine of time .

In the main routine, first, the scanner unit 4 reads one document and stores it as a digital image in the intermediate storage unit. When the document is exhausted (when the document is completed), the main routine is terminated and the ADF is used. Go to post-processing.

Next, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode for requesting output to paper, and if it is the mode, "print processing" is performed. Finally, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode for requesting output to the storage medium. If the mode is the mode, the "image storage process" for the storage medium is performed. Either of the "print processing" and the "image / image storage processing" may be performed first.

The processing of the main routine is repeated until there are no more documents set in the ADF, and when there are no more documents, the process proceeds to post-processing when the ADF is used. There, it is checked whether or not the mode requires output to the storage medium, and if it is, the "default index image setting process"
Is performed, and if the mode is not the mode, the process ends.

FIG. 13 shows an outline flow of the “file initialization process” in the pre-process when the ADF is used.
In this process, first, it is checked whether or not the current storage status is reading a file. If the file is being read, the process is terminated and the process proceeds to the main routine of FIG. ,
Set the status while reading the file.

Then, a new file area is secured in the storage medium and a file is added to the directory. The new file is reserved as the last file in the default directory, an unnamed directory. At this time, a free area in the storage medium is checked, and if no free area of a certain amount or more remains in the medium, medium free area error processing is performed.

Specifically, one file is added to the unnamed directory. At this time, the file name is a time stamp (a character string of the time) in the digital copying machine. Then, secure the file in the free area,
New files in the directory should point to this file.

However, before the start key 22 is pressed, a file name or a directory to be stored can be designated from the operation unit 2. In this case, it is also possible to secure a file area at the time of designation. If an existing file is specified, the file is added to that file, and the initialization is not performed.

Next, each counter in the secured file is reset, and various stored information is initialized. Further, a copy mode and a machine mode are stored. Specifically, ADF use, whether both sides are used, and the like are simultaneously written.

In this embodiment, the file initialization process is started immediately after the start command is issued. However, inside the main routine of FIG. 12, the file reading state is determined after reading the first image. Then, when the file is not being read, the file initialization process may be started. However, as a matter of course, it is activated only in the mode for requesting output to the storage medium.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic flow of the "image storage process (output process to storage medium)" in the main routine when using the ADF. When one document is read, the image of the document is subjected to a predetermined compression process, and then stored together with the size of the document in the image data area of the file as image image data. Next, the image number counter of the image file is incremented. If necessary, image accompanying information is added, and the process ends.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic flow of the “default index image setting processing” in the post-processing when using the ADF. In this process, a first image (an image of the front side of the first document) is extracted and stored as an index image. In reading a document fed from the ADF, the reading is performed from the last document, so that the first image is the last registered image. Otherwise, the first registered image is used. Thereafter, the index image number counter is incremented, and the process ends.

Here, the end of the file will be described.
If the end of the file is recognized, the current status is set to the end-of-file state. That is, in the case of reading when using the ADF, the above-described “default index image setting processing” is performed. If double-sided printing is specified and the discharged paper is inside the printer unit 5, the paper is also discharged.

The following are typical file end recognition conditions. In the case of reading when the ADF is used, a point in time when reading of all the originals set on the ADF (normally, many sheets are set to be stacked) is completed. However, if the continuation is specified, it will be regarded as continuation.

In the case of reading without using the ADF, the time from when the start command is issued to when the next document is set has exceeded a predetermined time. If the APS is set, it is necessary not to recognize the end of the file even when the reading of the original is completed, and the APS setting is canceled by an instruction from the user or by shifting to the default mode due to a timeout, or The end of file processing is performed by changing the paper feed in the APS. AM
When S is set, when AMS is canceled, and when the selection of the paper feed tray is changed, the process of ending the file is performed.

Next, the contents of the processing for inputting a document by means other than the ADF in the flow of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flow shown in FIG. When a start command is input through the operation unit 2 when any of the conditions of the document input processing by the ADF is missing, the document input processing is performed when the ADF is not used. In this case, when a document is set on a document table (contact glass) which is a part of the scanner unit 4, the size and orientation of the paper are detected by an optical detection unit, and the control unit 6 is notified. There are many.

When the start command is recognized by the control unit 6, the start command is sent to the document input unit 8 together with the above-mentioned status information and various mode information, and the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is started. First, the document input unit 8 activates the scanner unit 4 to read an image image from a document set on a document table and stores the image in an intermediate storage area of the memory.

Then, it is checked whether or not the mode is a mode for requesting output to paper. If the mode is the mode, "print processing" is executed. That is, the digital image stored in the intermediate storage area is sent to the printer unit 5, and the printer unit 5 forms an image on a sheet and discharges the image. The image forming method, paper selection, or the number of papers differs depending on the various modes.
This is similar to the case where the ADF is used.

After the printing process or immediately when the mode is not the mode for requesting output to paper, it is checked whether or not the mode is for requesting output to a storage medium. If not, the process is terminated. If it is in that mode, first look at the current status information. Then, only when the current status information is not in the reading state but in the file end state, the "file initialization processing" is performed, and then the "default index image setting processing" is performed at this stage.

After the processing or immediately in the reading state, the “image / image storing processing” is performed and the processing is terminated. When the end of the file is recognized, the file end state is determined in S24 and S25 in the flow of FIG. To This is performed in a waiting loop of the control unit 6.

Here, selection of an index image and input of additional information will be described. After inputting the original, it is possible to change the affiliation directory, file name and additional information, and select an index image. The setting of the affiliation directory, the file name, and a part of the additional information can also be performed immediately before inputting the document.

For example, when the edit key 36 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the display / input device 21 is selected in a state where the file input immediately before is selected as the default selection.
To display the file edit screen. When the "Edit Name" guide is touched on the file edit screen, an input guide appears on the screen, and a file name, a directory name, a comment in additional information, and the like can be input and edited in the manner of converting from Roman to Kana to Kanji.

When the user touches the “index edit” guide on the file edit screen, an index edit screen is displayed. On that screen, the number of index images of the currently selected file is displayed. Also, an index image can be displayed. When "index deletion" is touched while the index image is displayed, the image is removed from the index image, and the number of index images is decremented.

In addition, images other than the index image can be taken out from the image data stored one after another and displayed. Here, when "index setting" is touched, the image is stored as an index image, and the number of index images is incremented.

(3) Index Sheet Output Processing (FIGS. 17 to 20) When an index sheet output command is input from the operation unit 2 to the control unit 6 while the digital copying machine shown in FIG. The sheet output unit 9 is activated,
A necessary index image image is taken out from the storage unit 3, an index sheet image in which the taken out index image image is appropriately arranged is formed, printed on paper through the printer unit 5, and output as an index sheet.

Before issuing an index sheet output command, it is possible to specify the index sheet output target, output method, index image arrangement method, type of additional information to be output accompanying the index image, its output method, and the like. is there.

The outline of the index sheet output processing by the index sheet output section 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a work area required for outputting an index sheet, that is, various buffers, character strings for output, and the like are initialized. This string is
For example, it is index sheet ID information, and is formed as a character string of storage medium volume information, date, serial number (initialized to 0), and directory name arrangement (depending on mode).

The index sheet ID information is used to collate the index sheet with the storage medium when the index sheet is used, and in the following description, this ID information is always output on a sheet (paper). Although described, it is also possible to substitute this method by inputting the relevant information from the operation unit 2 without outputting it on the sheet.

After the work area has been initialized, the process proceeds to a process for forming an index sheet image. In this processing, first, the directory specified as the output target (or all directories if the output target is not specified) is stored in the storage unit 3
Out of the storage medium in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the target directory is completed, and if it is completed, the “image / image output process” is executed and the process is terminated. Judgment is performed, and "process for directory" is performed until a page break occurs, then the next target directory is taken out, and the above processes are repeated.

When a page break occurs in a directory, the "image / image output process" and the work area are re-initialized, and then the "process for a directory" is performed. Thereafter, the next target directory is extracted and the above processes are repeated.

"Process for directory" is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flow, the files in each directory taken out from the storage medium are taken out in order, and the file information and the index image are taken out therefrom in order, and "index image image development" is performed. That is, the extracted index image images are sequentially developed in the index image image buffer.

If the index image image buffer becomes full during the process, the index image image is sent to the printer section 5 by "image image output processing", and the image is formed (printed) on paper and the index image is formed. Discharge as a sheet. After that, the index image image buffer is cleared and the index sheet ID is updated (the serial number in the ID information is incremented).
And the above processing is continued.

When all the files have been taken out of the directories, the process returns to the routine of FIG. 17 to take out the next target directory, all the directories to be processed are completed, and the index image remains in the index image buffer. In this case, the output process of the index image is performed, and the process ends.

“Development of index image image”
As shown in FIG. 19, the index image development position is calculated, and the index image data is developed by applying a predetermined deformation to the calculated index image development position.

In the "image image output process", as shown in FIG. 20, the index sheet image is developed into an image and printed on the surface of the sheet, and then the image portion of the index sheet image is reversed left and right. An index sheet image is constructed, the index sheet image is developed into an image, printed on the back side of the sheet, and discharged.

The index sheet output mode will be described in further detail. By pressing the index output key 34 of the operation section 2 shown in FIG. 3, indexes
In this mode, the job sheet output unit 9 is defined. And
For example, an “index sheet output mode setting screen” as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display / input device 21 having a touch panel. Here, start key 2
When the user presses 2 or touches the "output" guide position on the screen of the display / input device 21, index sheet output processing is performed.

When the screen of the display / input device 21 is in the display state of FIG. 21, by touching the display part of "directory 1 to 8", the directory to be output of the index sheet is designated / canceled (ON). / OFF)
it can. When the start key 22 is directly pressed after designating the directory, the index sheet output process is performed while the designated state is maintained.

When "all directories" is touched, all directories are designated. In FIG. 21, each of the shaded guide displays indicates a designated state. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 21, all directories are designated.

Alternatively, when a command for setting an output target directory is issued through the operation unit 2, the index sheet output unit 9 accesses the storage unit 3, reads all directory information, and reads the directory name and the last write time. Information may be displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 2 and presented to the user, and the user may set the output target directory by sequentially inputting the numbers of the displayed directories.

Next, the specification of the output format will be described.
In the display state shown in FIG. 21, by touching each guide display for specifying the output format, each output format of paper, image size, image arrangement, and directory break can be specified.
The selection of the paper, that is, the paper feed cassette, can be set by pressing the paper selection key 28 shown in FIG. 3 in the display state shown in FIG. 21, and the setting state is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

The size of the image is designated by touching the guide area of the size of the image and using the numeric keys 26 to specify the number of images to be accommodated in one sheet. Other designations can be made on the image arrangement details screen. The array of index images is
A menu is displayed by touching a guide display of “Others (Detailed Screen)”, and detailed specification can be performed on the screen, but the description of the screen and the like is omitted.

By touching the "ON" or "OFF" guide display in the directory page break area, ON / OFF of a page break in directory units can be designated. By touching the guide display of "help" on the screen of FIG. 21, detailed information of the directory can be obtained.

After selecting a directory on the screen of FIG. 21 and touching the guide display of “File index sheet output”, the screen of the display / input device 21 is changed to the “File index sheet output mode setting screen” shown in FIG. To ". Therefore, the file for outputting the file index is designated by touching one of the guides in the file name list (files 1 to 10) displayed side by side on the left side of the screen. If all the file names do not fit on one screen, up and down arrows are displayed as shown, and the file names can be scrolled.

The specification of the output format is almost the same as in the case of the index sheet output, except that a file page break is specified instead of a directory page break. Further, when the guide display of "Help" is touched, detailed information in the file is displayed.

Next, the index sheet ID will be described. The index sheet ID is formed around the volume information of the storage medium. FIG. 23 shows an example of the logical structure of the index sheet ID. FIGS. 24 and 25 show examples of printed index sheet ID images.
Show.

The index sheet ID information is formed as a character string of volume information of the storage medium, last writing time (year, month, day and time), serial number (initialized to 1), and directory name arrangement (depending on the mode). As character information, an image is formed on the index sheet 16 as shown in FIGS. However, the following differences occur depending on the index target image and the output mode.

In the case of all directories, as shown in the example of FIG. 25, the arrangement of directory names is an empty character string. When the target directory is specified, FIG.
As shown in the example shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement of the names (character strings) of the designated directories and the arrangement of the designated directories are configured. The reading point "," is used as a character to separate the list. in this case,
Do not allow readings in the directory name string.

However, when directory break is specified, the directory name arrangement area is a character string of the directory name targeted at that time.
The serial number is re-initialized each time the target directory changes.

The index sheet ID image image is
Each area of the index sheet ID information is expressed as a character string, which is developed as a character image, and is developed at a predetermined position when the index image buffer is initialized. That is, printing is performed at a predetermined position on the index sheet (a portion near the upper edge of the sheet 16 in the examples of FIGS. 24 and 25).

In order to form and output an index sheet, various buffers necessary for outputting the index sheet, character strings for output, and the like are first initialized as described briefly with reference to the flowchart of FIG. . For example, the index sheet ID information is formed as a character string of storage medium volume information, date and time, a serial number (initialized to 0), and a directory name array (depending on the mode).

The directory to be indexed is set in the target directory array. If the index target directory is all directories (not specified), set all directories. this is,
This is performed when specifying the output target directory. Then, target directories are extracted one by one from the target directory array, and the following processing is performed.

If there is a directory page break designation,
Output processing of the remaining image is performed. In this processing, first, it is checked whether or not there is an index image image in the index image image buffer. This check can be easily performed by checking an index image counter described later. As a result, only when there is an index image image, the contents of the index image image buffer are sent to the printer unit and printed out on paper.

After that, the work area is re-initialized, the index image image buffer is cleared,
The serial number of the index sheet ID information is set to 1, the directory name is set to the current target directory name, and the index sheet ID image is developed at a specified position in the buffer. Also, an index image counter for determining the position where the index image is developed is initialized.

Finally, processing for the directory (processing for files in the directory) is performed. When all the processes of the target directory are completed, the output process of the remaining image is performed, and the process of outputting the index sheet is completed.

The processing for the directory is performed first in FIG.
The files are read one by one from the directory as outlined in the flowchart of FIG. That is,
An index for file information is extracted from a directory in the storage medium, and the file information is accessed to extract a file name, a time stamp, a password, comment information, and index image information. And
The following processing is performed, and the processing ends when all processing is completed.

The index image images in the index image information are taken out one by one and the target index image is expanded. At this time, the value of the index image counter is incremented each time one index image is formed, and when the index image counter reaches a specified value, the index image image buffer is full,
The contents of the index image image buffer are sent to the printer unit and printed out on paper.

Thereafter, the index image image buffer is cleared, the serial number of the index sheet ID information is incremented, and the index sheet ID image image is developed at a specified position in the buffer. In the index image image developing process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the index image developing position is determined based on the index image counter, and the image is developed at that position. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the size of the index sheet and the size and orientation of the index image are fixed.

FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram of an index sheet to be developed in this case. In this figure, a is a page top margin, b is a page left margin, c is an upper area margin, d is an index sheet ID image area (fixed area), IPU1 to IPU20 are one index image area, respectively. Is indicated by oblique lines. e is the vertical length of the one area, f is the horizontal length, g is the upper margin in the area, h is the left margin in the area, and i is the actual development area. .

In this example, the number of developments in the horizontal direction of the index image area with respect to the index sheet 16 is five, and the number of developments in the vertical direction is four. In this method, the number of expansions in the horizontal direction and the number of expansions in the vertical direction are constant. Also, the size of one index (for example, 10% of A4 size)
Is fixed, so that the size of the index image development area (the size of the left and right margins) is determined accordingly.

First, a method of determining the deployment position will be described. The development relative position is obtained from the value of the index image counter by the following equation. Relative column: Index image counter% Number of expansions in the horizontal direction (% is remainder operator) Relative row: Index image counter 数 Number of expansions in the horizontal direction + 1 (÷ represents division closed by an integer)

Therefore, the start position of the index image developing area is as follows. X: left margin of page + 1 horizontal width of one area × (relative column−1) Y: margin on page + height of index sheet ID area + 1 vertical length of one area × (relative row−1) However, the actual development position in the area is a position obtained by adding the left margin in the area and the upper margin in the area to X and Y, respectively.

The size of the index image to be developed is compared with the size of the index image to be developed in the buffer, and is reduced or enlarged at an appropriate magnification. Also, the up / down determination unit determines up / down. When the paper direction matches the index image direction, the downward image is rotated by 180 degrees and developed. The upward image is developed as it is. If the paper direction does not match the index image direction, the downward image is rotated clockwise, and the upward image is rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees. As a result, the orientations of the images can be aligned.

In the output processing of the index image image (residual image output processing), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, the index sheet image is first developed as an image on a sheet in the printer unit 5 and fixed as an output image. Next, after the following processing is added to the image buffer in the index sheet output unit 9,
The printer unit 5 reverses the sheet, develops the image on the non-image-formed surface, fixes the image, and discharges the image.

Here, the processing added to the image buffer is the right and left inversion of the position of the index image development area. Specifically, this is realized by exchanging the Nth data from the left and the Nth data from the right in each row. Here, N is the number of expansions from 1 to the horizontal direction ÷ 2
Change in order. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27, index sheet images in which the relative positions of the index images are reversed are formed on the front and back sides.

Thus, when the index sheet is placed on a pressure-sensitive type reading means such as a touch panel, an index image to be selected is input by applying pressure with a finger, and the image is read directly by the reading means. Can be simplified. Of course, it is also possible to output exactly the same on the front and back, and to make corrections when using the index sheet. Needless to say, it is also possible to output on only one side of the sheet and to operate it through the operation unit 2.

Next, the output of the file index sheet will be described. The index sheet outputs an index image of each file to a directory, whereas the file index sheet outputs an image of each page in a file to a file instead of an index image.

Therefore, the file name is entered in the directory area of the ID area. In the process of expanding the index image, each page of the target file is converted into an index image and expanded. that time,
ADF-read files are processed in the reverse order of the reading order.

The file index sheet output is shown in FIG.
The mode is switched to the file index sheet output mode by using the mode switching key 24 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. However, when not specified, when the start key 22 is pressed, a selection request screen is displayed to prompt for input. Further, at the time of processing the index sheet use command, it is possible to request file index output after selecting a file by the index image.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show flowcharts of the file index sheet output process. FIG. 28 shows FIG.
7 is almost the same as the index sheet output process.
The check of “directory break” is changed to the check of “file break”, and the “process for directory” is changed to “process for file”.

The processing for the file is performed by checking whether or not the ADF has been used, as shown in FIG.
If the ADF is used, the order of taking out the images in the file is set in the reverse order. If the ADF is not used, the images are set in the normal order. Then, the images in the file are extracted in the set order, and the following processing is repeated until all the processing is completed.

It is checked whether or not the file index image buffer is full. If not, the image is developed in the file index image buffer. When the file index image buffer becomes full, output processing of image images (common to the index sheet output) is performed, then the file index image image buffer is cleared, and the file index ID is updated and expanded. Develops a new image in the file index image buffer.

In the file index sheet, the file index sheet ID area is configured as shown in the first row of the structure example shown in FIG. 30 in order to distinguish it from a normal index sheet. An output example of the file index sheet ID image is as shown in FIG. By identifying the third area of the ID, the index sheet and the file index sheet can be distinguished. Further, an identification code may be given, or a different distortion correcting mark may be given.

(4) Index Sheet Use Process (FIGS. 32 to 42) Next, the index sheet use process executed when an index sheet use command is issued in FIG. 7 will be described in detail. The instruction to use the index sheet is issued by using the index use key 35 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG.
(Or the mode switching key 24), and is issued by pressing the start key 22 in the index sheet use mode.

When the index sheet use mode is set by the index use key 35, the "index sheet use mode setting" screen shown in FIG. 32 is displayed on the display / input device 21, and each screen is surrounded by an oval frame. By touching the displayed guide position, "file index sheet use" and various settings relating to the used index sheet can be performed. After the setting, when the start key 22 is pressed, a command to use the index sheet is issued.
Are performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this process, first, the index sheet is read by the scanner unit 4 in FIG. This is the reading of a general image, which is the same as when reading a document. Then, the image, that is, the image information, is stored in the memory in the index-using operation unit 10.

Next, the index sheet ID is recognized and read from the image of the index sheet by the character recognizing means in the index sheet use operation unit 10. The read index sheet ID is collated. Then, it is checked whether there is any inconsistency or problem between the information (information such as volume, date, directory, etc.) in the read index sheet ID and the storage medium in the storage unit 3.

As a result, if there is an inconsistency or problem, an error or warning is displayed on the operation unit 2 to wait for confirmation, and a user's instruction or response is requested. The user replaces the storage medium, replaces the index sheet, or corrects and continues the character recognition.

When there is no inconsistency or problem, and when a continuation instruction is given, it is checked whether or not an instruction is embedded in the index sheet. After confirmation, processing is performed according to the instruction. In this case, the processing content is displayed on the display / input device 21 of the operation unit 2 to request confirmation. If the command cannot be read, an image indicating the position of the index image in the index sheet is displayed on the operation unit 2, the user's instruction is requested, and the instruction is followed.

Here, the collation of the index sheet ID will be described. The index sheet ID is checked from the image of the index sheet read as a digital image, and the following processing is performed. First,
An index sheet ID image area (see FIG. 26) is cut out. Since the index sheet ID image area is constant with respect to the size and orientation of the index sheet, it can be easily cut out. In addition, the correction is performed in consideration of the paper position shift and the like. For example, a correction pattern is printed on an index sheet and correction is performed.

Next, the image is rotated according to the index sheet ID image area. Therefore, the correction amount and the rotation amount are calculated based on the position of the cut-out index sheet ID image area. Next, the index sheet ID image area is recognized using the character recognition technology, and the following check is performed with the storage medium using the index sheet and the index sheet ID information.

1) Media ID (Volume Information) The problem is when there is a mismatch. 2) When there is a directory mismatch. 3) Last write time When the write time of the storage medium is new.

If there is a problem in the above check, a mismatch point or the like which causes a problem as shown in FIGS. 34, 35 and 36 is displayed on the screen of the display / input device 21 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. Display and ask the user for a response. At this time, if there is a means for generating a warning sound, a warning sound is issued to call attention. FIG. 34 is an example of a display screen when there is a mismatch in volume information, FIG. 35 is an example of a display screen when no directory exists, and FIG. 36 is an example of a display screen when there is an inconsistency in the last write time.

The user touches any one of the guide areas surrounded by an oval frame on these display screens to replace and execute the disk serving as the storage medium, replace and execute the index sheet, It is possible to select and instruct any of execution, correction, directory list display, and help as it is.

As a result, the response from the user is
In the case of replacement , when the start key 22 is pressed after the replacement, the processing is executed from the index sheet ID collation processing. If the response of the user is replacement of the index sheet, the process is restarted by the start key 22 and the processing is executed from reading of the index sheet. If the user's action is to correct the read information, the processing is continued by pressing the corrected start key 22. At this time,
It is preferable that the character recognition unit learns the character recognition information according to the correction information.

If the user's response is to be executed as it is, if the media IDs do not match, the information is corrected so that the IDs match, and the process returns to the index sheet ID collation processing. In the case of the directory and in the case of the time, the processing is continued ignoring the inconsistency.

Next, reading of an instruction in an index sheet will be described. Cut out the index image from the corrected screen. At this time, when a fixed index image area is taken as shown in FIG. 26, the cutout position can be determined by a relative position to the index sheet ID image area. In addition, for those that file information is printed, character recognition from the image.

Further, the user's instruction is cut out from the image. The user's instruction is, for example, to individually surround a specific index image (IPU) with a line of a specified color as shown by a thick line in FIG. 37, or to specify an unnecessary index image (IPU) as shown in FIG. This can be done by giving a cross with a color line. Alternatively, it is also possible to mark the index image (IPU) with a special polarized color, or to instruct by writing characters.

These instructions are recognized by the image recognition technique and separated from the index image, and the information indicating which instruction is given to which index image is stored.
If a command from the user is embedded in the index sheet, the command is followed. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the index image is surrounded by the line of the designated color, a file having the enclosed (selected) index image (IPU1, IPU4) is output.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, when an index image is marked with an X of a designated color, it is interpreted as an instruction for erasing the file. The correspondence between them is determined, and the processing is performed according to the correspondence. In this case, which file is selected may be displayed on the display / input device 21 to request confirmation.

When there is no command from the user in the image,
It waits for a user's instruction from the operation unit 2 and performs the processing. First, each cut-out index image is further reduced and displayed on the input / display device 21. At this time,
The arrangement on the screen is the same as the arrangement obtained by normalizing the read arrangement vertically and horizontally. Alternatively, only the frame may be displayed instead of the reduced image.

If the index images cannot be displayed all at once on the screen of the display / input device 21, FIG.
As shown in (1), a mark indicating scrolling (upward and downward arrows) is displayed, and by touching the mark, scrolling is performed. Nine square frames shown in the left half of the figure are reduced images of the index images.

By touching this reduced image (frame) on the screen, the user can select a file having the image at that position as an index. This touch switch (by a touch panel) is a toggle switch, and when a selected image (frame) is touched, the selection is released. Unselected images (frames)
Touch to add to selection. As a result, a plurality of files can be selected.

The selection may be made by using a numeric keypad instead of the touch switch. The selected index image is distinguished from an unselected index image by, for example, highlighting as shown by a bold frame in FIG. Further, by pressing the start key 22, each page of the selected file (a file in which the selected index image is matched by matching described later) can be printed. That is,
The same processing can be performed as when each page is sequentially input and read.

[0177] By touching the guide position of "File index sheet output" displayed on the screens shown in Figs. 39 and 40, it is possible to instruct the output of the file index sheet.

Alternatively, by touching the guide position of "File name display", the file name and additional information of the selected file can be displayed. In particular, by outputting information such as the paper size and both sides, the output method (paper size and use of both sides) at the time of file output can be appropriately determined. When the display / input device 21 is in the display state as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, it is possible to make settings relating to the copy mode such as double-sided use, paper size, magnification, etc., and reflect the settings at the time of output. it can.

In the matching of the index images, the specified index image and the index image of each file in the storage medium are matched (in a form in which the upper and lower sides are normalized). This results in matching between digital images. A threshold is determined, and a file having an index image whose pixel ratio matches the threshold or more is selected.

By the way, it is possible to provide a work area, store the index sheet image (the latest index sheet image) read most recently, and perform the same processing as reading it from paper. Also, the index sheet can be output.

When the start key 22 is pressed in the file index sheet use state by the input from the mode switching key 24 and the display / input combined device 21 shown in FIG. 3, almost the same processing as the processing of the index sheet is performed. Done. In this case, processing is performed on the assumption that a page in a file is specified instead of a file and a file is specified instead of a directory. If the identification code of the file index sheet is given, the normal index sheet processing and the file index sheet processing can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the code.

The instructions for the file index sheet include, for example, as shown in FIG. 41, a plurality of index images (IPUs) are collectively enclosed by a line of a specified color, so that these index image groups can be converted into separate files. As shown in FIG. 42, it is possible to instruct to change or move the page order of each index image (IPU) by using a line with a designated color arrow.

<Embodiments Corresponding to Claims of the Invention>
Hereinafter, with respect to embodiments corresponding to each claim of the present invention,
This will be described with reference to FIG. Note that portions common to the above-described basic embodiment will be described in a supplementary manner.

The processing according to the present invention is performed in accordance with the state change shown in FIG. 9 by the index sheet output unit 9 or the index sheet use operation unit 10 and the control unit 6 shown in FIG. In the processing flow of each unit, the processing is performed as “index sheet output processing” according to an index sheet output instruction or “index sheet utilization processing” according to an index sheet utilization instruction.

Here, each document stored in the storage medium of the storage section 3 has image information serving as index information, and the index sheet is an array of the index information (index image image). Are output in the above-described “index sheet output processing”.

(1) Embodiments of Claims 1 and 4 In this embodiment, an index sheet 16 as shown in FIG. 43 is output by the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS. In the index sheet 16 of FIG.
2 is an index sheet ID image area, and 53 is a reference position mark (+).

The user gives a specific mark or a marker to the index information corresponding to a desired document among the index information formed in each index image area 51 on the index sheet 16. After processing, set it on the machine,
By pressing the start key 22 in the index use mode by the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. 33, the process of using the index sheet shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

FIG. 44 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. In this process, the processed index sheet is read, and the image information (processed image information) on the read index sheet and the corresponding image information (image information before processing) on the index sheet are formed. ) Is started when it is determined whether or not a command (differential image information: enclosed by a specific mark, a marker, or the like) is embedded in the index sheet based on the comparison with the command.

First, difference image information between the processed image information and the unprocessed image information is extracted, and run-length encoding generally used in facsimile or the like is performed to detect a processed position. In this case, the portion where many short runs are performed is the position where the processing is performed. Next, the processing position is compared with the position of each index image area 51,
The index information on the index image area closest to the processing position is selected as the designated index information, a document having the index information is selected, and the image information of each page of the selected document is printed on paper by the printer unit 5. Form and output.

(2) Embodiments of Claims 2 and 4 In this embodiment, the index sheet 16 shown in FIG. 45 is output by the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS. In the index sheet 16 of FIG. 45, reference numeral 54 denotes a header area in which characters (including symbols) such as a title and date of a document to be printed can be entered at the top of each page of the document, and 55 denotes a header area at the bottom of each page of the document. This is a footer area where characters such as the title of the document to be written and the date can be entered.

The user adds a specific mark or marker to the index information corresponding to a desired document among the index information formed in each index image area 51 on the index sheet 16. After performing processing and writing characters by hand in the header area 54 or the footer area 55 as required, the index sheet 16 is set on the machine, and the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. By pressing the start key 22, the process of using the index sheet shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

FIG. 45 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. This processing is also performed by comparing the processed image information with the image information before processing to determine whether an instruction (difference image information) is embedded in the index sheet. Start.

First, the difference image information between the processed image information and the image information before processing is extracted, and the processed position is detected by performing run-length encoding of the image information, and the processed position and each index image area are detected. The index information (designated index information) on the index image area closest to the processing position by comparing with the position 51
Then, it is determined whether or not characters are embedded in the header area or the footer area.

If no character is embedded in any of the areas, the image information of each page of the selected document is formed as it is on a sheet of paper by the printer unit 5 and output. If characters are embedded in the header area, the characters are added to the top of each page of the selected document, and the image information of each page is formed on paper by the printer unit 5. Output.

Alternatively, if characters are embedded in the footer area, the characters are added to the bottom of each page of the selected document, and the image information of each page is printed on paper by the printer unit 5. Form and output.
When characters in the header area or footer area are added to each page of the document, the characters may be subjected to character recognition processing and the characters may be coded.

(3) Embodiments of Claims 3 and 4 In this embodiment, the index sheet 16 as shown in FIG. 47 is output by the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS. In the index sheet of FIG. 47, reference numeral 56 denotes a header item icon group, and 57 denotes a footer item icon group. Each icon group 56,
Reference numeral 57 includes date icons 56a and 57a, time icons 56b and 57b, page icons 56c and 57c, and document name icons 56d and 57d, respectively.

The user assigns a specific mark or marker to the index information corresponding to a desired document among the index information formed in each index image area 51 on the index sheet 16. Processing such as adding a specific mark or marker to one of the icons constituting the header item icon group 56 or the footer item icon group 57 as necessary. Later, the index sheet 16 is set on the machine,
By pressing the start key 22 in the index use mode with the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. 3, the process of using the index sheet shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

FIG. 48 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. This processing is also performed by comparing the processed image information with the image information before processing to determine whether an instruction (difference image information) is embedded in the index sheet. Start.

First, difference image information between the processed image information and the image information before processing is extracted, and run-length encoding of the image information is performed to detect a processing position.
Here, the processing is performed on one of the index image areas 51, one of the header item icon groups 56, and one of the footer item icon groups 57. Since there are three types that have been performed, the first processing position is called the index processing position, the second processing position is called the header processing position, and the third processing position. Is referred to as a footer processing position.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a machining position for the index. If not, the process is terminated.
If it exists, the processing position is compared with the position of each index image area 51, and a document having index information on the index image area closest to the processing position is selected, and then the processing position for the header or the processing for the footer is selected. It is determined whether or not there is a position. If there is no such position, the image information of each page of the selected document is formed as it is on a sheet of paper by the printer unit 5 and output.

If there is a header processing position, the icon closest to the processing position is selected, the character indicated by the icon is added to the top of each page of the selected document, and then the image of that page is displayed. The information is image-formed on paper by the printer unit 5 and output. Alternatively, if there is a footer processing position, select the icon closest to the processing position, add the character indicated by that icon to the bottom of each page of the selected document, and then print the image information of each page to the printer. An image is formed on a sheet by the unit 5 and output.

(4) Embodiment of the Invention of Claim 5 In this embodiment, the index sheet 16 as shown in FIG. 49 is output by the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS. In the index sheet of FIG. 49, reference numeral 58 denotes a check area, in which a plurality of check areas corresponding to the respective index image areas 51 are formed in the same arrangement as the respective index image areas 51.

The user places a marker or the like in the check area corresponding to the index information of the desired document among the check areas corresponding to the respective index information formed in the respective index image areas 51 on the index sheet 16. 33, the index sheet 16 is set on the machine, and the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. 3 is used to set the index use mode and the start key 22 is pressed. The processing of using the indicated index sheet is performed.

FIG. 50 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. This processing is also performed by comparing the processed image information with the image information before processing to determine whether or not the instruction is embedded in the index sheet (difference image information). Start at

First, difference image information between the processed image information and the image information before processing is extracted, and run-length encoding of the image information is performed to detect a processing position.
Next, the processing position is compared with the position of each check area, and a document having index information on an index image area corresponding to the check area closest to the processing position is selected, and an image of each page of the selected document is selected. The information is image-formed on paper by the printer unit 5 and output.

In this embodiment, the image information used in the above processing is only the image information in the check area 58, and the processing amount is smaller than the processing for the entire image, so that high-speed processing is possible.

(5) Embodiment of the Invention According to the Sixth Embodiment In this embodiment, the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS. 16 is output.

The user can check the check area corresponding to the index information of the desired document among the check areas corresponding to the respective index information formed in the respective index image areas 51 on the index sheet 16 as shown in FIG. After writing character information indicating desired editing contents with a marker or the like, the index sheet 16
Is set in the machine, the index use mode is set by the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. 3, the start key 22 is pressed, and the process of using the index sheet shown in FIG. 33 is performed.

Here, as the characters (including symbols) of the character information indicating the editing contents, for example, “-”, “;” “A”
There are "*", which have the following meanings, respectively. "-": Range of a print (image formation) page. ";": Separation between print page and print number. “A”: All pages in the document. "*": 1st page if just before "-", "-"
If it is immediately after the last page.

As the character information indicating the contents of editing, for example, there is a print command configured as shown below. Start page-End page; Number of prints

FIG. 51 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. This processing is also performed by comparing the processed image information with the image information before processing to determine whether or not the instruction is embedded in the index sheet (difference image information). Start at

First, difference image information between the processed image information and the image information before processing is extracted, and run-length encoding of the image information is performed to detect a processing position.
Next, the processing position is compared with the position of each check area, and a document having index information in an index image area corresponding to the check area closest to the processing position is selected. Is subjected to character recognition processing to recognize its contents.

Then, it is determined whether or not the recognized content is the edited content of the document to be output. If not, the image information of each page of the selected document is directly printed on the paper by the printer unit 5 if not the edited content. An image is formed and output. If the content is edited, the image information of the selected document is edited according to the content, and then the edited image information is formed on a sheet by the printer unit 5 and output.

In each of the above-described embodiments, when a plurality of processing positions (short runs) are detected by the run-length coding of the difference image information, the processing position corresponds to the index image area or the check area closest to each processing position. The index information located in the index image area to be designated can be designated, and each document having the designated index information can be selected (corresponding to the invention of claim 7).

In the detection of the processing position in each of the above-described embodiments, when the image information of the processed and read index sheet 16 is inclined or misaligned, an icon for the index sheet 16 is displayed. Are shifted from each other. In this case, the reference position mark in the image information is also indicated by a solid line in FIG. 52, for example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 52. ) Also deviates from the storage location.

Then, the position of the reference position mark on the read index sheet is compared with the storage position of the reference position mark corresponding to the image formed on the index sheet, and the comparison result (the inclination or position of the reference position mark) is obtained. ), The processing position in the image information is corrected, and the position determination and the reference of the reading position are automatically corrected, so that accurate position detection can be performed. Corresponding).

(6) Embodiment of the Invention of Claim 9 In this embodiment, the index sheet 16 as shown in FIG. 43 is output by the index sheet output processing shown in FIGS.

The user sets the output index sheet 16 on the machine as it is, sets the index sheet use key 35 shown in FIG. 3 to the index use mode, and presses the start key 22 so that the index sheet shown in FIG. A process of using a sheet is performed. At this time, it is assumed that the user has in his / her hand a document on which the image information targeted by the index information in the desired document is formed.

FIG. 53 shows a flowchart of the process of interpreting, confirming, and executing the instruction during the process of using the index sheet in this embodiment. This processing reads the index sheet and determines whether or not a command is embedded in the index sheet by comparing the read image information on the index sheet with the corresponding image information formed on the index sheet. ,
Start when it is determined that the instruction is not embedded.

First, a display requesting the original on which the image information targeted for the index information is formed is displayed. When the original is set, the reading is performed in the same manner as the reading of the index sheet, and the read is performed. The image information is stored as index information. Next, a process of selecting a document having index information matching the stored index information from among documents having index information corresponding to the index sheet ID is performed, and the image information of each page of the selected document is output to the printer unit 5. To form an image on paper and output it.

Here, in the above-described document selection process, when image data obtained by performing an exclusive OR operation is obtained by binarizing each other's image information, and run-length encoding is performed, an image having the least run change is obtained. Since the data is regarded as matching the image, a document corresponding to the collated index information is selected.

The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image forming apparatus having an image storing means (such as an optical disk device) and an image forming means (such as a printer) is provided. The present invention can be applied to any storage device (facsimile device, printer device, etc.).

[0223]

As described above, according to the image forming and storing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the user can specify a specific mark or index information for the index information corresponding to a desired document on the index sheet. By performing processing such as providing a box with a marker for, and reading the index sheet, a desired document can be automatically selected, and the image information can be formed on a sheet and output.

According to the image forming / storing apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the user processes the index information corresponding to a desired document on the index sheet and the header / footer entry area or the header / footer selection area. By reading the index sheet, a desired document can be automatically selected, and its image information can be formed on a sheet together with a header or footer and output.

According to the image forming / storage device of the fifth aspect, the user processes the check area corresponding to the desired document on the index sheet, and reads the index sheet to obtain the desired area. A document can be automatically selected, and its image information can be formed on a sheet and output. Further, in this case, since only the check area may be read, the processing in the apparatus is simplified, and high-speed processing is possible.

According to the image forming / storing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the user writes information indicating the editing content in the check area, the image information of the document selected according to the editing content can be obtained. Editing is also very convenient. Further, according to the image forming storage device of the present invention, the user can arbitrarily select a plurality of documents, collectively form the image information of the documents, and output the image on paper. Further, according to the image forming and storing apparatus of the eighth aspect, since the processed position can be accurately detected, appropriate processing can be performed.

According to the image forming / storing apparatus of the ninth aspect, after the user directly reads the output index sheet, the image information targeted for the index information in the desired document is formed. By reading the original, a desired document can be automatically selected, and its image information can be formed on a sheet and output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance thereof.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing details of an operation unit 2 of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a storage unit in FIG. 1;

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a logical configuration of a storage medium in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the logical configuration of the storage medium.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline (main routine) of the overall processing by the digital copying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a subroutine of a process associated with standby and various state changes in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing of each unit according to a state change in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a mode setting process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of a document input process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a document input process by the ADF in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a file initialization process in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an image storage process in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a default index image setting process in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a document input process by means other than the ADF in FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an index sheet output process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process for a directory in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of developing an index image image in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an image output process in FIG. 18;

21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet output mode setting screen displayed on the display / input device 21 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a file index sheet output mode setting screen.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of an index sheet ID.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet ID image when an individual directory is designated.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet ID image when all directories are designated.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an index sheet in a fixed area.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a front and back inverted index sheet.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a file index output process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a process for a file in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a file index sheet ID.

FIG. 31 is also the file index sheet ID
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of image output.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet use mode setting screen.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of an index sheet use process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index sheet check result display screen.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing another example.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing still another example.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an instruction for copying in an index sheet image.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a file deletion instruction.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a screen display example of an index sheet.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a screen display example after the index sheet is selected.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an instruction in a file index sheet image.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another instruction.

FIG. 43 is a conceptual diagram of an index sheet output by an index sheet output process according to the first and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during a process of using an index.

FIG. 45 is a conceptual diagram of an index sheet output by an index sheet output process according to the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during a process of using an index.

FIG. 47 is a conceptual diagram of an index sheet output by an index sheet output process according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during a process of using an index.

FIG. 49 is a conceptual diagram of an index sheet output by an index sheet output process in the embodiment of the fifth invention.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during the process of using an index.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during a process of using an index according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram for describing displacement of a reference position mark on an index sheet.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing a process of interpreting, confirming, and executing an instruction during the process of using an index according to the embodiment of the ninth invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Digital copier 2: Operation section 3: Storage section 4: Scanner section 5: Printer section 6: Control section 7: Mode setting section 8: Document input section 9: Index sheet output section 10: Index sheet use operation section 11: Table 12: Original pressure plate 13: Paper cassette 14: Sorter 15: Main switch 16: Index sheet 21: Display / input device 22: Start key 23: Interrupt key 24: Mode switching key 25: Clear / Stop key 26: Numeric keypad 27: automatic paper selection key 28: paper selection key 29: equal magnification key 30: automatic magnification selection key 31: variable magnification key 32: double-sided key 33: copy mode setting key 34: index output key 35: index use key 40: storage Medium 41: Storage medium operation unit 42 Magneto-optical disk 43: Online Storage memory 44: a logic operation unit 45: Physical manipulation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiko Yokokawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Tomoyuki Yoshida 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mario Iwasaki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-73624 (JP, A) JP-A-62 JP-A-135968 (JP, A) JP-A-5-45854 (JP, A) JP-A-3-223966 (JP, A) JP-A-5-128231 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. . ^7, DB name) G06T 1/00 G06F 17/30 H04N 1/00 G06T 7/00

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] An image reading means for reading an image of a document;
Image information storage means for storing image information read by the means for each document, index information creation means for creating index information corresponding to each document from image information of each document stored in the means, Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet of a plurality of pieces of index information created by the above and outputting an index sheet, wherein the image forming means forms an image on the index sheet.
The formed image information and the image information on the index sheet
And a document selecting unit for comparing the read image information with the read image information, and selecting a document to be output based on the difference. apparatus. 2. An image reading means for reading an image of a document,
Image information storage means for storing image information read by the means for each document, index information creation means for creating index information corresponding to each document from image information of each document stored in the means, Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet of a plurality of pieces of index information created by the above and outputting an index sheet, the index information created by the index information creating means in the image forming means. in addition to a means for outputting the index sheet to the image forming header footer fill area on the paper, image that was imaged in Lee emissions index sheet by the said means
Image information and the image information on the index sheet
A document selecting unit for causing the image reading unit to read, comparing the read image information, and selecting a document to be output based on the difference, based on information of the header / footer entry area in the read image information Means for judging whether or not a character has been entered therein; and, if the means has determined that a character has been entered, the character or a character obtained by performing a character recognition process on the character is determined by the document selecting means. Means for adding a header / footer to image information of a selected document. 3. An image reading means for reading an image of a document,
Image information storage means for storing image information read by the means in document units, index information creation means for creating index information corresponding to each document from image information of each document stored in the means, Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet of a plurality of pieces of index information created by the above and outputting an index sheet, the index information created by the index information creating means in the image forming means. other means for outputting the index sheet to the image forming header footer selection area having a plurality of kinds of header footer on the paper, image that is imaged Lee emissions index sheet by the said means
Image information and the image information on the index sheet
A document selecting unit for causing the image reading unit to read, comparing the read image information, and selecting a document to be output based on the difference, information on the header / footer selection area in the read image information and corresponding Header / footer selection means for comparing information of the header / footer selection area in the image information formed on the index sheet with an image to be selected and selecting a header / footer candidate in the header / footer selection area from the difference. And a means for adding the header / footer selected by the means to the image information of the document selected by the document selecting means. 4. The image forming and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said document selecting means includes a mark or index information specific to image information on an index sheet read by said image reading means. image forming memory device characterized by having a means for determining the presence or absence of the difference depending on whether <br/> enclose only against is given to. 5. An image reading means for reading an image of a document,
Image information storage means for storing image information read by the means for each document, index information creation means for creating index information corresponding to each document from image information of each document stored in the means, And an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet of a plurality of pieces of index information created by the above and outputting an index sheet, the index information created by the index information creating unit in the image forming unit. Means for forming an image of each check area corresponding to each index information on a sheet and outputting an index sheet; and reading the image of at least each of the check areas on the index sheet output by the means. Means to read, and based on the read image information And means for determining whether processing said under any of the check areas are subjected, document selection to select the document with the index information corresponding to the check area is determined and the processing is applied by said means And an image forming storage device. 6. The image forming storage device according to claim 5, wherein the means for recognizing the processing content for the check area determined to have been processed, and the processing content recognized by the means should be output. Means for judging whether or not the contents are edited with respect to the document, and editing the image information of the document selected by the document selecting means according to the edited contents only when the means judges that the contents are edited. And an image forming storage device. 7. The image forming and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said document selecting means is means capable of selecting a plurality of documents. 8. The image forming and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position of a reference position mark on the index sheet read by said image reading means and an image forming on the index sheet corresponding thereto. An image forming and storage device, comprising means for comparing the stored reference position mark with the stored position, and automatically correcting the position determination and the reference of the reading position according to the comparison result. 9. An image reading means for reading an image of a document,
Image information storage means for storing image information read by the means for each document, index information creation means for creating index information corresponding to each document from image information of each document stored in the means, Forming an image of a plurality of pieces of index information created on a sheet on a sheet and outputting an index sheet. The image forming storage device according to claim 1, wherein said image reading means reads each piece of image information on said index sheet. After reading the image information of the original document serving as the index information, and selecting a document to be output by comparing the image information with each image information read from the index sheet. Characteristic image forming storage device.