JP3640522B2 - Image editing and recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image editing and recording apparatus that synthesizes and outputs specific image information (such as an advertisement image) with image information read from a document.
[0001]
[Prior art]
In general, in a color image recording apparatus, for example, a color digital copying machine, a predetermined image processing is performed on an image of a document input from an image reading unit, and an image of a color document is output from an output unit. Receives image information edited by an external device such as a personal computer and outputs the image information. More recently, it has become a high-performance device with many editing functions, such as changing the color document image to a rich color image by performing predetermined processing, or editing multiple color images simultaneously. ing.
[0002]
Also, in the recent copy service market, black-and-white copiers have been the mainstream, but many devices that handle color images such as digital video cameras, digital cameras, and personal computers have come to be commercialized as portable terminals. Personally, there are increasing opportunities to handle color digital images. Under these circumstances, color digital copiers have been commercialized in response to market demands, and are also being introduced as color copy services in small retail stores such as convenience stores.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a color digital copying machine is different from the conventional one in that a color copy can be provided by simply replacing a conventional black and white copying machine with a color digital copying machine. From the viewpoint of expenses required for replacement, there is a question about whether to provide services until it is replaced with a color digital copier.
In addition, there is still a large difference in the price per copy between black-and-white and color copies, and it is not possible to expect significant growth in color digital copying machines in the copy service market.
[0004]
Therefore, it is conceivable to add some added value and eliminate the disadvantage of expenses. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-87564, there is an apparatus that records additional information (copy date, number of pages, etc.) different from image information on a document at a predetermined position on a sheet. . However, such a function alone does not require a color digital copying machine, and the distinction between additional information and document information may be unclear.
[0005]
  The object of the present invention is to synthesize specific image information while considering so as not to affect the document image information, and to effectively record and output each image on a sheet. Also, from the viewpoint of users, it is to provide an image editing / recording device that has additional functions and added value that are convenient and easy to use.The
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention relates to an image editing and recording apparatus that combines document image information and specific image information that is image information different from the document.SaidDocument image informationFirst processing that is image processing and second processing that is image processing of the specific image informationGive instructionsImage editing departmentIn response to an instruction from the image editing unit, a first processing unit that performs the first process, and a second processing unit that performs the second process in accordance with an instruction from the image editing unit. An image combining unit that combines the original image information and the specific image information into one image, and an image information output unit that outputs and records the combined image information as an image,Image editing departmentIsWhen both the original image information and the specific image information are color image information, the first or second process is determined so that any one of the image information is replaced with black and white image information.It is characterized by that.
[0007]
  The present invention is also directed to an image editing / recording apparatus that synthesizes original image information and specific image information that is image information different from the original, and includes a first process that is an image process of the original image information and the specific image information. An image editing unit that issues an instruction for a second process that is an image processing of the image processing unit, a first processing unit that performs the first process according to an instruction from the image editing unit, and an instruction from the image editing unit. A second processing unit that performs the process 2, an image combining unit that combines the processed document image information and the specific image information into one image, and an image information output unit that outputs and records the combined image information as an image And when the original image information and the specific image information are both monochrome image information, the image editing unit replaces the image information with color image information. Confirm the process of 2.It is characterized by that.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
<Description of color digital copier>
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of a color digital copying machine which is an embodiment of an image editing / recording apparatus according to the present invention. An original table 2 and an operation panel (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the color digital main body 1. An automatic document feeder 3 is mounted on the upper surface of the document table 2 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 2 and with a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the surface of the document table 2. Further, an image reading unit 4 and an image forming unit 9 are configured inside the color digital main body 1.
[0034]
First, the automatic document feeder 3 mounted on the document table 2 on the upper surface of the color digital main body 1 is a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) compatible with double-sided documents. The automatic document feeder 3 conveys a document so that one side of the document faces at a predetermined position of the document table 2, and after the image reading is finished on this one side, the other side is on the document table 2. The document is reversed and conveyed toward the document table 2 so as to face each other at a predetermined position.
Then, after the image reading on both sides of one document is completed, this document is discharged, and the duplex conveyance operation is executed on the next document. It should be noted that the above document transport and front / back reversing operations are controlled in relation to the entire color digital operation.
[0035]
Further, in order to read an image of a document conveyed on the document table 2 by the automatic document feeder 3, a document scanning body that reciprocates in parallel along the lower surface of the document table 2 is provided below the document table 2. An image reading unit 4 is provided.
The image reading unit 4 includes a first scanning unit 5, a second scanning unit 6, an optical lens 7, and a photoelectric conversion element 8. The first scanning unit 5 includes an exposure lamp that exposes an original image surface and a first mirror that deflects a reflected light image from the original in a predetermined direction, and maintains a predetermined distance on the lower surface of the original table. Reciprocally move in parallel at the scanning speed. The second scanning unit 6 includes second and third mirrors for deflecting the reflected light image from the original deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 5 in a predetermined direction. Parallel reciprocating movement with a constant velocity relationship with the scanning unit 5. The optical lens 7 reduces the reflected light image from the original deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit 6 and forms a light image at a predetermined position. The photoelectric conversion element 8 is a three-line color CCD. A light image reduced by an optical lens is formed, and the light image is sequentially photoelectrically converted to output a reflected light image from an original as an electric signal. That is, it is possible to read a black and white document or a color document image and output line data obtained by color separation into RGB color components. The document image information converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element 8 is further transferred to an image processing unit described later and subjected to predetermined processing as image data.
[0036]
Next, the image forming unit 9 located on the lower side of the color digital copying machine 1 will be described.
A paper feeding mechanism 11 is provided below the image forming unit 9 shown in FIG. 1, and a recording unit 10 that separates the sheets stacked in the paper tray one by one and records an image. Supply toward the side. The sheets that are separately supplied one by one are transported in a timing-controlled manner by a pair of registration rollers 12 arranged in front of the recording unit 10, and are re-supplied and transported in time with the recording unit 10. A transfer conveyance belt mechanism 13 extending substantially in parallel is disposed below the recording unit 10, and the sheet is electrostatically transferred to the transfer conveyance belt 16 stretched between a plurality of rollers such as a driving roller 14 and a driven roller 15. It is configured to adsorb and convey.
[0037]
Further, a fixing device 17 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the paper on the downstream side of the transfer / conveying belt mechanism 13 is disposed, and the paper that has passed between the fixing roller nips of the fixing device 17 is arranged. The paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 20 attached to the outer wall of the apparatus by a discharge roller 19 through a conveyance direction switching gate 18.
[0038]
Note that the switching gate 18 selectively switches the paper conveyance path, whether to discharge the fixed paper to the outside of the apparatus or to supply it again toward the recording unit 10. The sheet whose transport direction has been switched again toward the recording unit 10 by the switching gate 18 is reversed and then supplied to the recording unit 10 through the switchback transport path 21.
[0039]
Further, on the upper side of the transfer conveyance belt 16 stretched substantially in parallel by the driving roller 14 and the driven roller 15, the first, second, and third are sequentially arranged in the vicinity of the transfer conveyance belt 16 from the upstream side of the conveyance path. The fourth image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are arranged in parallel to constitute the recording unit 10. The transfer conveying belt 16 is frictionally driven by the driving roller 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1, and carries the transfer material fed through the paper feeding mechanism 11 as described above. The image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are sequentially conveyed.
[0040]
Each of the image forming stations Pa to Pd has substantially the same configuration, and includes photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d that are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow F in FIG. Around each of the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d, chargers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d that uniformly charge the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d, and electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d Developing devices 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d for developing the toner, transfer dischargers 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d for transferring the developed toner image to a transfer material, and toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d. Cleaning means 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d to be removed are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d.
[0041]
Further, above each of the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d, a semiconductor laser element that emits dot light modulated according to image data, and a deflection device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction, Laser beam scanner units 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d each including an fθ lens for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the deflecting device on the surface of the photosensitive member are provided. The laser beam scanner unit 27a has a pixel signal corresponding to the yellow component image of the color original image, the laser beam scanner unit 27b has a pixel signal corresponding to the magenta component image of the color original image, and the laser beam scanner unit 27c. The pixel signal corresponding to the cyan component image of the color document image is input to the laser beam scanner unit 27d, and the pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color document image is input to the laser beam scanner unit 27d.
[0042]
As a result, electrostatic latent images corresponding to color-converted document image information are formed on the photosensitive drums 22a to 22d of the recording unit 10, and yellow toner is applied to the developing device 24a of the recording unit 10 and the developing device 24b. Since magenta toner is stored in the developing unit 24c, cyan toner is stored in the developing device 24c, and black toner is stored in the developing device 24d, the document image information color-converted in the recording unit 10 has each color. Reproduced as a toner image.
[0043]
Further, a paper suction (brush) charger 28 is provided between the first image forming station Pa and the paper feed mechanism 11, and this suction charger 28 charges the surface of the transfer conveyance belt 16. Then, the transfer material supplied from the paper feeding mechanism 11 is transported between the first image forming station Pa and the fourth image forming station Pd in a state where the transfer material is securely adsorbed on the transport belt 16.
On the other hand, a static eliminator (not shown) is provided almost directly above the drive roller 14 between the fourth image forming station Pd and the fixing device 17. An alternating current for separating the adsorbed transfer material is applied.
[0044]
In the color digital copying machine having the above-described configuration, a cut sheet is used as the transfer material. When the transfer material is fed from the paper feed cassette and supplied into the guide of the paper feed conveyance path of the paper feed mechanism 11, The leading end portion of the transfer material is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the sheet is temporarily stopped by the registration roller pair 12 by a detection signal output from the sensor. Then, the sheet is sent to the conveying belt 16 rotating in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. At this time, since the conveying belt 16 is charged by the suction charger 28 described above, the conveying belt 16 is stably conveyed and supplied while passing through the image forming stations Pa to Pd.
[0045]
In each of the image forming stations Pa to Pd, each color toner image is formed by the above-described configuration and is superimposed on the support surface of the transfer material that is electrostatically attracted and conveyed by the conveying belt 16, and the fourth image forming station Pd. When the transfer of the image is completed, the sheet is peeled off from the conveying belt 16 by the discharging discharger from the leading end portion of the sheet and guided to the fixing device 17. Finally, the transfer material on which the toner image is fixed is discharged from the transfer material discharge port onto the discharge tray 20.
[0046]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network system configuration centered on the color digital copying machine 1 instead of the stand-alone color digital copying machine 1.
As an image information input method, not only document information is input from the image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1, but also an external device such as a personal computer 32, a digital camera 33, a digital video camera 34, or a communication portable terminal 35 connected to the network. Supports image information input from devices. In addition, it is possible to input image information from a remote location via the Internet, an intranet, or a rapidly growing communication infrastructure. Therefore, the color digital copier that outputs these image information plays an important role as a multi-function printer and a network printer, and in addition to the functions of the color digital copier, it adds value as seen from the user side. It is a system configuration that can have.
[0047]
Next, the configuration and function of the image processing portion of the color image information mounted on the color digital copying machine will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing portion included in the color digital copying machine 1. An image processing unit included in the color digital copying machine 1 includes an image information input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image information output unit 42, a hard disk device or a RAM (random access memory), and the like. A central processing unit (CPU) 44, an image editing unit 45, external interface units 46 and 47, and a specific image information management unit 48.
[0048]
The image information input unit 40 is a shading correction circuit 40a that corrects the line image level of the line data read by the three-line color CCD 8, and a line that corrects the deviation of the image line data read by the three-line color CCD 8. A line alignment unit 40b such as a buffer, a sensor color correction unit 40c that corrects color data of line data of each color output from the three-line color CCD 8, and an MTF that corrects a change in the signal of each pixel to have an emphasis. The correction unit 40d includes a gamma correction unit 40e that corrects the brightness of the image and corrects the visibility.
[0049]
The image processing unit 41 corresponds to a monochrome data generation unit 41a (monochrome document) that generates monochrome data from RGB signals that are color image signals input from the image information input unit 40, and RGB signals to each recording unit of the recording apparatus. An input processing unit 41b for converting into a YMC signal and clock conversion, an area separation unit 41c for separating whether the input image data is a character part, a halftone photograph or a photographic paper photograph, and an input processing part 41a A black generation unit 41d that generates black by performing undercolor removal processing based on the YMC signal output from the color correction circuit 41e that adjusts each color of the color image signal based on each color conversion table, and based on the set magnification A zoom processing circuit 41f for converting the input image information to a magnification, a spatial filter 41g, and a gradation property such as multi-value error diffusion and multi-value dither. It consists like halftone processing unit 41h for.
[0050]
The image memory 43 includes four hard disks (rotary storage media) 43a to 43d, a delay buffer memory (semiconductor memory) 43e, and an image synthesis memory (semiconductor memory) 43f. Each color image data subjected to halftone processing is temporarily stored in the image memory 43.
The hard disks 43a to 43d sequentially receive 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data serially output from the image processing unit 41, and temporarily store them in a buffer to convert 32-bit data to 8-bit 4-color image data. Converted and stored as image data for each color. Further, specific image information such as advertisement images is also stored in the hard disks 43a to 43d.
In the image composition memory 43f, a plurality of images such as a document image and an advertisement image are synthesized. Since the positions of the image forming stations Pa to Pd are different, the color image data is temporarily stored in the delay buffer memory 43e of the image memory 43, and the image data is sent to the laser scanner units 27a to 27d by shifting the time respectively. To prevent color shift.
[0051]
The image information output unit 42 performs a pulse width modulation based on each color image data from the halftone processing unit 41h, and generates a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to the image signal of each color output from the laser control unit 42a. The laser scanner units 27a to 27d for the respective colors that perform laser recording on the basis thereof.
[0052]
A central processing unit (CPU) 44 includes an image information input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image information output unit 42, an image memory 43, an image editing unit 45, external interface units 46 and 47, and a specific image information management unit, which will be described later. 48 is controlled based on a predetermined sequence.
[0053]
The image editing unit 45 is for performing predetermined image editing on the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 43 through the image information input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, or an interface described later. The composition processing of the original image and the advertisement image of the present invention is also processed here, and the editing operation of the composite image data is performed using the image composition memory 43f.
[0054]
Further, the interface 46 is a communication interface means for receiving image data from an external image input processing apparatus (communication portable terminal, digital camera, digital video camera, etc.) provided separately from the color digital copying machine 1.
Note that the image data input from the interface 46 is also converted to a data level that can be handled by the image recording unit 10 of the color digital copying machine 1 by once inputting the image data to the image processing unit 41 and performing color space correction or the like. It is stored and managed in the hard disks 43a to 43d.
[0055]
The interface 47 is a printer interface for inputting image data created by the personal computer 2, and is a monochrome or color FAX interface for receiving image data received by FAX. The image data input from the interface 47 is already a CMYK signal, and is subjected to halftone processing 41 h and is stored and managed in the hard disks 43 a to 43 d of the image memory 43. The image information input from both interfaces becomes a manuscript image and an advertisement image.
[0056]
The specific image information management unit 48 stores and manages specific image information stored in the image memory 43 based on management information described later. In some cases, the selection of specific image information to be combined is determined based on the management information. However, in the first and second embodiments described later, the specific image information management unit 48 does not exist and is not managed by management information.
[0057]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing operation management of each part of the entire apparatus of the digital copying machine 1 by a central control unit (CPU) 44.
The details of the image data input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, the image memory 43, the image data output unit 42, and the central processing unit (CPU) 44 are as described with reference to FIG. Description is omitted.
[0058]
In addition, the central processing unit 44 manages the drive mechanism units 50 to 53 constituting the digital copying machine 1 such as the RADF, the scanner unit, and the laser printer unit by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each unit. Further, an operation board unit 49 consisting of an operation panel is connected to the central processing unit 44 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The data is transferred to the processing device 44, and the entire color digital copying machine 1 is controlled to operate in accordance with the set mode. Further, the central processing unit 44 transfers control signals indicating various operation states of the color digital copying machine 1 to the operation board unit 49, and on the operation board unit 49 side, what state the apparatus is currently in by this control signal. The operation state is displayed on the display unit or the like as shown to the operator.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an operation panel in the color digital copying machine.
A touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 is arranged at the center of the operation panel 60, and various mode setting keys are arranged around it. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, there is a screen switching instruction area for switching to a screen for always selecting an image editing function, and various image editing functions can be selected by directly pressing this area with a finger. In addition, various editing functions are listed on the LCD screen. Of the displayed various editing functions, the editing function is set by touching an area where a function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger.
[0060]
Next, various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel 60 will be briefly described.
62 is a dial for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 61, 63 is a magnification automatic setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, 64 is a zoom key for setting a copying magnification in 1% increments, and 65 And 66 are fixed magnification keys for reading out and selecting a fixed magnification, and 67 is an equal magnification key for returning the copy magnification to the standard magnification (equal magnification).
[0061]
68 is a density switching key for switching copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or photo mode, 69 is a density adjustment key for finely setting the density level in manual mode or photo mode, and 70 is a color digital key. This is a tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from among the paper sizes set in the paper supply unit.
[0062]
71 is a number setting key for setting the number of copies, 72 is a clear key operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying halfway, 73 is a start key for instructing the start of copying, and 74 is a current key All cancel keys for canceling all the set modes and returning to the standard state, 75 is an interrupt key operated when copying another document during continuous copying, and 76 does not know the operation of color digital An operation guide key for displaying a color digital operation method by operating sometimes, 77 is a message forward key for displaying a continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 76. Reference numeral 78 denotes a double-sided mode setting key for setting the double-sided copying mode, and 79 denotes a post-processing mode setting key for setting the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus for sorting copies to be discharged from the color digital.
[0063]
80 to 82 are setting keys relating to the printer mode and the facsimile mode, 80 is a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing the transmission original in the memory and transmitting it, and 81 is a digital color digital mode between copy, fax and printer. A copy / fax / printer mode switching key 82 for switching is a one-touch dial key for storing a destination telephone number in advance and making a call to the destination by a one-touch operation during transmission.
[0064]
The operation panel and the various keys arranged on the operation panel presented this time are only one example, and the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on the various functions installed in the color digital copying machine. Not too long.
[0065]
<First Embodiment>
The color digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses stored advertisement image information and original image information of a document set at a predetermined position of the color digital copying machine for copying on the same sheet. And a mode for recording in combination. 6 (a), 6 (b) and FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c) are operation screens for copy service stores that are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 61 with a touch panel arranged at a substantially central portion of the operation panel 60. FIG. An example is shown.
[0066]
FIG. 6A is an initial screen when waiting in an operable state. When a copy fee is inserted into a coin vendor (not shown) arranged adjacent to the color digital copying machine 1, It enters a normal copy mode and waits for a color copy ready state. The normal copy fee system is displayed in the liquid crystal screen here, but it may be pasted where it is easy to see the fee system table.
[0067]
A “copy with advertisement” selection area 91 is provided on the liquid crystal display screen. By selecting this copy mode with advertisement, it is displayed that the copy fee is lower than usual, and the reduced copy fee system with advertisement is displayed on the liquid crystal screen as well. As with the normal fee structure table, the copy fee structure with advertisement may be pasted in comparison with the fee table. Also, when providing special information as a special service, the charge may be increased depending on the content of the information, but at that time, the reason for the increase is displayed as a message.
[0068]
FIG. 6B is a display screen when the “copy with advertisement” selection area 91 is directly pressed with a finger, and the display state of the “copy with advertisement” selection area 91 indicates that the mode is selected. Black and white are reversed for easy understanding by the operator. On this screen, a message that the document image will be somewhat reduced than usual is displayed to alert the user and obtain final confirmation. The copy fee system with advertisement, which is also cheaper on this screen, is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 61. If the user does not want to reduce the original image, the user can press the “return” selection area 62 with his / her finger to cancel the copy mode with advertisement and return to the initial screen.
[0069]
When a user who thinks that adding an advertisement has a higher added value even if the manuscript is reduced, inserts a fee based on a copy fee system with an advertisement into an adjacent coin vendor (not shown), and the next screen shown in FIG. ) Appears on the LCD screen. FIG. 7A shows how to set the original. When the original is set and the cover is closed, the original size is automatically detected and the process proceeds to the next screen. It is also possible to set a document with a RADF (double-sided automatic document feeder) 3.
[0070]
FIG. 7B shows that either a “vertical document icon” selection area 93 or a “horizontal document icon” selection area 94 provided for setting whether the document is a portrait document or a landscape document is displayed by the user. This is a selection screen for instructing the user to press with a finger, and the place where the advertisement image for the document image is to be placed can be determined. When the “vertical manuscript icon” selection area 93 is pressed, the area display is reversed in black and white to notify the operator that the vertical manuscript has been selected, and the position where the advertisement enters is displayed as an icon to obtain user confirmation. . Even if the user changes his mind, the user can return to the initial screen by pressing the “return” selection area 92 with his / her finger.
However, even if the user does not distinguish between a vertical document and a horizontal document as in this case, it is possible to distinguish whether a document set by using recent image character recognition technology is a vertical document or a horizontal document. Can also be performed automatically.
[0071]
FIG. 7C shows a state in which the magnification, paper, and density can be changed in the same way as normal copying. Thereafter, when the operator presses the start key, the copying operation with advertisement is started. It is a screen that displays.
[0072]
In the color digital copying machine having the above configuration, the function of recording the advertisement image on the paper together with the original image is mounted as a part of the function of the color digital copying machine. That is, in a color image system in which a color digital copying machine as shown in FIG. 2 and peripheral devices are connected via a network, the color digital copying machine, which is an image editing and recording device, synthesizes and edits an original image and a specific image. The point is to print out.
[0073]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the image editing and recording apparatus of the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a color digital copying machine which is an image editing / recording apparatus according to the present invention. The color digital copying machine according to this embodiment includes an image input unit 101, a specific image information memory 102, an image editing unit 45, a first processing unit 103, a second processing unit 104, an image information synthesis unit 105, a black image recording. The configuration includes a unit 106 and a color image recording unit 107. Here, the specific image is an advertisement image different from the original image. The image information memory 102 indicates a specific image information storage area in the hard disks 43a to 43d of the image memory 43 in FIG. The first processing unit 106 and the second processing unit 107 are processing units performed by the image processing unit 41 in FIG. The image information composition unit 105 is the composition memory 43f in FIG. The black image recording unit 106 and the color image recording unit 107 are in the image information output unit 42 in FIG.
[0074]
The image editing unit 45 includes a document feature extraction function for extracting features from the document image information 111, an advertisement feature extraction function for extracting features from advertisement image information, and image processing for document image information based on the feature information of the document image information 111. A first processing confirmation function for confirming the first processing content, and a second processing confirmation function for confirming the second processing content that is the image processing for the advertising image information 112 based on the feature information of the advertising image information 112. It has a composition processing confirmation function for extracting and confirming the composition processing contents of the processed image information.
Here, the feature information is, for example, color information, size information, character arrangement (vertical writing, horizontal writing), image arrangement direction, and the like.
[0075]
Here, the first processing is image processing according to the feature information without impairing the features of the document image information, and basically does not significantly change the color, shape, size, etc. of the document image. This is a process that can faithfully reproduce the characteristics of the original image itself from the beginning. For example, the size of the original image is reduced and scaled within a predetermined range as a whole. Here, if the reduction ratio is too large, reproduction of the document image information becomes a problem, and therefore, it is within a range where processing can be performed without impairing the characteristics of the document image.
[0076]
The second process is an image process that characterizes the advertisement image information in a predetermined state. When the advertisement image information 112 and the document image information 111 are edited into one image, each image is clearly displayed. Is applied to the advertisement image information 112. That is, processing is performed so that the advertisement image information 112 is reproduced as a color image, processing for adding a border line image to the document image information side with respect to the advertisement image information, and further, The background part is filled with a specific pattern image. As a result, the advertisement image information is expressed in a form different from the form in which the document image information is expressed.
[0077]
Next, the operation of this color digital copying machine will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image information input means 101 includes an original image reading unit (scanner) 4 of the color digital copying machine 1, a network-connected personal computer 32, a digital camera 33, a digital video camera 34, a communication A mobile terminal 35 and the like are included. A plurality of advertisement image information 110 is input by these image input means 101 and stored in the specific image information memory 102, that is, the hard disks 43 a to 43 d of the image memory 43.
[0078]
When an instruction to start reading a predetermined original image with specific image information (start key 73 is pressed), the original image set at a predetermined position of the color digital copying machine is read and at the same time the specific image information memory 102 is read. One specific image information (advertisement image information) 112 is selected from among the plurality of specific image information (advertisement image information) 110 stored in. For the specific image information 112, for example, the output order of the specific image information 110 is determined in advance, or the administrator of the copier is instructed to select.
[0079]
In the image editing unit 45, the following processing is performed. Document image information 111 and selected advertisement image information 112 are input, and feature information is extracted from each. Based on these feature information, the first process and the second process are determined. Further, these processing contents are sent to the composition processing determination means 117, and the processing for combining the document image information and the advertisement image information as one image is determined. That is, the arrangement for combining the original image and the advertisement image is determined.
[0080]
The first processing content and the second processing content are input from the image editing unit 45 to the image processing unit 41, and the first processing unit 103 and the second processing unit 104, which are the image processing unit 41, according to the processing content. Processing is performed. Further, each image is arranged and synthesized in the synthesis memory 43 f that is the image information synthesis unit 105 based on the contents of the synthesis process. Based on the contents of the synthesis process, the black image recording unit 106 and the color image recording unit 107 of the image information output unit 42 record an image on a sheet.
[0081]
As described above, for example, a color digital copying machine is used to record the advertisement image information registered in advance in the copying machine and the original image information of the document set in the copying machine for copying on the same sheet. As a result, it is possible to record information to be transmitted to an unspecified number of people as an advertisement image together with a copy image.
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the user using this digital color copying machine, a copy with an advertisement image is only output without damaging the image information of the manuscript that is required by the user. It will not be. Conversely, various information different from the original image information can be obtained, and the copy fee is reduced, which is effective.
[0082]
The document image information is basically processed so as to maintain the characteristics of the document image information, and the advertisement image information is processed so as to be always in a predetermined state on the paper. Even if these pieces of image information are output as the same image information, the difference between the original image and the advertisement image can be easily understood. In other words, the advertisement image and the document image do not directly affect each other, and the information content intended by each image information can be expressed and transmitted within a single image.
[0083]
When outputting image information edited as one image, this color digital copying machine includes an image information output unit capable of reproducing a color image, which includes a black and white image recording unit 106 and a color image recording unit 107. 42 is provided. Therefore, if the edited image information is output from the image information output unit 42, the original image and the specific image do not affect each other's image information, and each image information is set so that the difference is clear. Can be expressed in various forms as one image. That is, this color digital copying machine reproduces the original image information and the advertisement image information from the color recording unit as one image information in a state where the characteristics of the respective image information are utilized. As a result, each image information is reproduced on the paper as one image without losing the characteristics of the image, and thus the advertisement image and the document image do not directly affect each other, and each image is intended. Information transmission becomes possible.
[0084]
Hereinafter, when each piece of image information is expressed as one image (combined and output), processing for document image information and processing for specific image information in consideration of not affecting each other's image information Further, a method for reproducing each image information with rich expressiveness will be described sequentially with examples.
[0085]
First, when the specific image information is an advertisement image, the advertisement image is expressed in color and output in order to increase the advertising effect and to make an unspecified number of people interested in the advertisement image. In this way, the difference between the advertisement image and the document image can be clarified.
[0086]
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the color advertisement image information can be input color document information from the image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1, and can also be connected to a personal computer 32, digital camera 33, Color image information edited from external devices such as the digital video camera 34 and the communication portable terminal 35 can also be input. It is also possible to input color advertisement image information created from a remote location through the Internet, an intranet, or a rapidly growing communication infrastructure. The color advertisement image information obtained by these input means is stored and stored in the hard disks 43 a to 43 d of the image memory 43. Each of the advertisement image selected from the plurality of advertisement images and the document image information is processed so as not to affect each other's image information, and is combined and output as one image.
[0087]
Thus, it is possible to easily register desired image information without requiring a special input device for registering advertisement image information. Further, in the case of a color digital copying machine, a color scanner is originally mounted in the original image reading unit, and the advertisement image information can be easily captured as color image information including a color image.
[0088]
Assume that the user copies a black and white document as shown in FIG.
121 is an A4 black and white original, 122 is color advertisement information, 123 is a B5 black and white original, 124 is a composite copy of the A4 original and advertisement, and 125 is a composite copy of the B5 original and advertisement. In the first process, the reduction ratios of the black and white originals 121 and 123 are generally held within a predetermined range. If the reduction ratio is too large, reproduction of original image information becomes a problem. Is within the range that can be processed without impairing. In the second process, the reduction rate of the color advertisement information 122 is determined in accordance with the remaining area. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the black character in the normal color original is converted into a YMC signal by the input processing unit 41b and is subjected to under color removal processing through the region separation unit 41c, thereby generating a black generation unit 41d for generating black. Produces black. However, even if the advertisement image 122 is color, if it is known in advance that the document image is a monochrome image, the area is processed as a monochrome image, and the monochrome data generation unit 41a generates black data. For this reason, the feature of the black and white original image is not significantly changed without being printed in color due to a recognition error. Therefore, since the advertisement image 122 is reproduced as a color image even if the document images 121 and 123 are black and white images, the difference between the document images 121 and 123 and the advertisement image 122 is clarified and the advertisement image is displayed. 122 can be emphasized.
[0089]
Further, the image editing unit 45 synthesizes the boundary image so that the difference (boundary / separation) between the advertisement image 122 and the document images 121 and 123 becomes clear, thereby obtaining the most important document image information for the person who made the copy. The composition process is performed so that the advertisement image is not difficult to see. That is, the image editing unit 45 determines a process for simultaneously synthesizing the boundary image in addition to the image information synthesizing process. For example, the boundary image is stored in the image memory 43 or the like, and the image editing unit 45 reads the boundary image and designates the synthesis position of the boundary image. In this way, the advertising image and the original image do not directly affect each other, and the information content intended by each image information can be expressed and transmitted within a single image.
[0090]
Hereinafter, a specific method for recording an image in which the boundary between the advertisement image and the original image can be recognized will be described.
FIG. 10 synthesizes a boundary line (solid line, wavy line, one-dot chain line, etc.) 128 as a boundary image. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the background color 129 of the advertisement image is a constant density solid pattern as the boundary image. Further, this is one specific method for recording an image in which the boundary between the advertisement image 127 and the original image 126 can be recognized, and a thin background color pattern that makes the advertisement image 127 more conspicuous as the boundary image. Can also be used. FIG. 12 uses a shading pattern 130 of a specific color so that the advertisement image 127 is more conspicuous as the boundary image.
[0091]
In order to make the boundary between the advertisement image and the original image clear, it is preferable to automatically extract the color feature of the advertisement image and use a background color pattern different from the advertisement image. . If the color feature extraction of the advertisement image is not performed and the background color pattern of the same system is used, the advertisement image becomes very difficult to see and the effectiveness of the advertisement is reduced.
[0092]
Second Embodiment
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the image editing / recording apparatus. The same parts as those in FIG.
[0093]
The image editing unit 45 receives the read document image information 111 in response to an instruction to start reading a document image (press the start key 60). The image editing unit 45 extracts feature information from the document image information 111, and based on the feature information, the specific image information 110 stored in the specific image information memory 102 is stored in the specific image information memory 102 from a plurality of types of processing contents in the first processing. On the other hand, the optimum advertisement image information 112 for the composition process is selected and read. That is, even if the document image and the advertisement image are output as the same image information, the advertisement image information 112 that can be easily distinguished from the document image is selected.
[0094]
Further, the image editing unit 45 extracts feature information from the read advertisement image information 112, grasps a plurality of types of processing contents performed by the second processing based on the feature information of the advertisement image information 112, The optimal first process is determined based on the feature information, while the second process content is determined based on the feature information of the advertisement image information 112. Thus, the processed image information is synthesized and output in the same manner as in FIG. As a result, it is possible to reproduce the original image information 111 and the advertisement image information 112 as one image on the paper without impairing the characteristics of the image information of each other.
[0095]
As a result, even if the document image and the advertisement image are output as the same image information, the document image and the advertisement image can be easily distinguished from each other. In other words, the advertisement image and the document image do not directly affect each other, and the information content intended by each image information can be expressed and transmitted within a single image.
[0096]
Next, image editing that prioritizes the feature of the image information of either the original image or the advertisement image will be described.
For example, the image editing unit 45 determines the first process by giving priority to the image processing contents to be performed on the image information of the read document. Then, the optimal advertisement image information is selected from a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) stored in the specific image information memory 102 based on the first processing content. From the feature information of the selected advertisement image information 112 and the first processing content, even if it becomes one image, the advertisement image and the original image do not directly affect each other, and the information content intended by each image information The second processing that enables each to be expressed and transmitted is determined.
[0097]
There is also a reverse method. That is, the image editing unit 45 selects the advertisement image information 112 from among the plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) 110 stored in the specific image information memory 102, and the image to be performed on the advertisement image information 112. Prioritize the processing contents and confirm the second processing. For the read document image information 111, the feature image information of the document image information 111 and the second processing content may result in one image, or the advertisement image and the document image may directly affect each other. Rather, the first processing that enables each image information to express and transmit the intended information content is determined.
[0098]
Thus, unlike the first embodiment in which the document image information and the advertisement image information are individually processed, one of the image processing performed on the document image information and the image processing performed on the advertisement image information. The other processing content is determined according to the processing content, and as a result, the intended information content of each image information is expressed and transmitted on paper without losing the characteristics of each image information. It is possible.
[0099]
Further, when outputting image information edited as one image, an image information output unit 42 that is capable of reproducing a color image and includes a color image recording unit and a monochrome image recording unit is provided as an image editing and recording apparatus (color digital recording unit). Copier). Therefore, if the edited image information is output to the image information output unit 42, the original image and the specific image do not affect each other's image information, and the difference becomes clear. Thus, each piece of image information can be expressed in various forms as one image.
[0100]
Hereinafter, when each piece of image information is expressed as one image (combined and output), processing for document image information and processing for specific image information in consideration of not affecting each other's image information Further, a method for reproducing each image information with rich expressiveness will be described sequentially with examples.
[0101]
For example, if both the document image information 111 and the advertisement image information 112 are color image information, the image editing unit 45 automatically or in response to an instruction from the liquid crystal display device 61 with a touch panel of the operation panel 60, The first image information is replaced with a black and white image so that the advertising image information 112 can directly express and transmit the information content intended by each image information without directly affecting each other. Confirm the first process or the second process.
[0102]
FIG. 14 shows a case where advertisement image information is prioritized. That is, when the color original 131 and the color advertisement 132 are combined, the combination processing is performed using the advertisement image 132 as a color. Therefore, the copy 133 synthesized by the color digital copying machine 1 is composed of a black and white original portion 131a and a color advertisement portion 132a.
[0103]
When both the document image information 111 and the advertisement image information 112 are black and white image information, the image editing unit 45 automatically selects one of the image information in response to an instruction from the touch panel-equipped liquid crystal display device 61 of the operation panel 60. The first process or the second process for replacing with a color image is determined. As shown in FIG. 15, when the black and white original 134 and the black and white advertisement 135 are combined, the combining process is performed using the original as a color. Therefore, the copy 136 synthesized by the color digital copying machine 1 is composed of the color original portion 134a and the monochrome advertisement portion 135a.
[0104]
Thus, the original image and the advertisement image do not affect each other on the image information, and by distinguishing each color information, the difference can be clarified and each image can express the information to the maximum.
[0105]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the second embodiment. The document image information reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself serving as the image information input means 101 reads the document image information 111 from the document. The image editing unit 45 extracts the document color information 111a as feature information. Based on the original color information 111a, the first process is confirmed, and at the same time, the optimum advertisement image information 112 is selected from the plurality of stored specific image information (advertisement images) 110 based on the first process. The advertisement image information 112 is read out from the specific image information memory 102. Further, the color information 112a of the advertisement image information 112 is extracted, and the second process is determined based on the extracted color information 112a. In this way, the image editing unit 45 outputs the determined processes to the first and second processing units 103 and 104 and the image information combining unit 105, combines both pieces of image information through image processing, and outputs the combined information from the image information output unit 42. Output.
[0106]
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the document image 137 is color, the color advertisement image 138 is intentionally subjected to the second process on the black and white advertisement image information and combined into one. The combined copy 139 is composed of a color original portion 137a and a monochrome advertisement portion 138a. In this way, the difference between the manuscript image and the advertisement image becomes clear without affecting each other's image information, and the features of the manuscript image information that the user most needs are basically maintained, Each image can express information to the maximum extent.
[0107]
In the above example, based on the color information, the first process is determined with priority on the document image information and then the second process of the advertisement image color information is determined. As another example, FIG. As shown in the block diagram, the size information 111b of the document image information is extracted, and the process is performed with priority on the confirmation of the first process. The image editing unit 45 stores, in the specific image information memory 102, advertisement information 110a suitable for a B5 manuscript, advertisement information 110b suitable for a B4 manuscript, advertisement information 110c suitable for an A4 manuscript, or advertisement information 110d suitable for an A3 manuscript. select. The image editing unit 45 determines the second process based on the color information 112b of the extracted advertisement image information 112. In this way, the image editing unit 45 outputs the determined processes to the first and second processing units 103 and 104 and the image information combining unit 105, combines both pieces of image information through image processing, and outputs the combined information from the image information output unit 42. Output.
Thus, the advertisement image information is stored for each document image size, and the advertisement image information corresponding to the size of the input document image information is reproduced as one piece of image information.・ Balance will be maintained in a predetermined relationship.
[0108]
FIG. 19 shows another example of the second embodiment. Since the processing in the image editing unit is as described above, detailed description is omitted. The image editing unit 45 prioritizes the size information 111b of the document image information 111 and determines the first processing content. The image editing unit 45 is registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102 and includes a plurality of advertisement information 501 to 510 groups suitable for A4 documents, or a plurality of advertisement information 511 to 520 groups suitable for B5 documents, or a plurality suitable for B4 documents. The advertisement image information 112 is selected from the group of advertisement information 521 to 530 or a plurality of groups of advertisement information 531 to 540 suitable for A3 originals. The image editing unit 45 determines the second process based on the size information 112b of the advertisement image information 112. A plurality of types of advertisement image information are stored for each processed document image size, one of the plurality of advertisement image information corresponding to the size of the input document image information is selected, and one combined image information is obtained. Since the reproduction is performed, the size and balance of the original image and the advertisement image are maintained in a predetermined relationship.
[0109]
Another example will be described. In this example, the document image information read from the document image reading unit of the color digital copying machine 1 itself is not the document size information after the first processing such as trimming, masking, vertical / horizontal scaling, and scaling is confirmed. The second process of the advertisement image is determined according to the image size information, and one composite copy is created. In FIG. 20, for example, when a B5 original image (182 × 257 mm) 140 is enlarged to 1.2 times, the image size after editing is about 218 × 308 mm, which is larger than the B5 size (depending on the magnification, 1.2). If it is double, it will fit in B4 (257 × 364 mm)). The image editing unit 45 automatically selects the advertisement image 141 from the plurality of advertisement information 521 to 530 groups corresponding to the B4 manuscript registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102, performs the second process, and forms one composite copy 142. Created.
[0110]
In this way, advertisement image information is stored for each final document image size, and the desired image editing is performed on the document image information, and the advertisement image information suitable for the size of the image information is selected and reproduced as one image information. Therefore, the size and balance of the original image and the advertisement image in a desired shape are maintained in a predetermined relationship. Therefore, even if the output copy image is taken, there is no sense of incongruity, and the information content intended by each image information can be expressed and transmitted on paper.
[0111]
Next, when making a copy with an advertisement, the image editing unit 45 does not accept any size of original (A4, A3, B5, B4, etc.), and the original image from the original image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself. The first processing unit 103 determines the first processing at a constant reduction ratio for the information 111, and the first processing unit 103 performs the processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the reduction ratio of B5 and A4 originals 143 and 146 is set to 90%. The image editing processing unit 45 determines the reduction ratio of the advertisement image information 112 according to the area of the remaining area, and determines the second process. The second processing unit 104 performs the second processing and is synthesized in the synthesis memory 43f, and one synthesized copy 145, 147 is recorded and created in the image information output unit 42. As described above, when the original image is recorded on the paper after being subjected to the predetermined reduction process, the size of the advertisement image is determined based on the blank portion that can be secured on the paper. Advertising information can be provided by effectively utilizing the blank portion.
[0112]
Further, it is conceivable that the image editing unit 45 sets a predetermined vertical reduction magnification for each size of document image information read by the document image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, A4 is 87%, B5 is 88%, A3 is 85%, B4 is 86%, and the first processing is performed according to the area of the remaining area. The process of 2 is confirmed. In this way, the blank information on the paper is effectively utilized to provide the advertisement information, and the ratio of the combined original image and the advertisement image on the paper is also well balanced, and thus provided as a good-looking composite copy.
[0113]
Further, as shown in FIG. 23, it may be meaningful that the advertisement image information 149 registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102 cannot be read or reduced in size. In this case, the second process is determined in preference to the first process performed on the document image 148, and the document image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself determines the remaining area. The first process is finalized for the read document image information 148, and the advertisement image 149-enhanced composite copy 150 is output.
[0114]
Next, still another example will be described. FIG. 24 is a functional block diagram illustrating another example of the second embodiment. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 24, regardless of the size of the original image information 111 read by the original image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself, the user sets the final composite output paper size from the operation panel 60. There is something to specify.
Based on the designated output paper size information, the image editing unit 45 performs A4 paper advertisement information 551 registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102 (A4, A3, B5, B4, etc.) for each output paper size. Alternatively, one of B5 paper advertisement information 561, B4 manuscript paper advertisement information 571, or A3 manuscript paper advertisement information 581 is selected. Then, the second process is confirmed for the size information 112b of the selected advertisement image information 112. Further, based on the output paper size and the advertisement image size in the second process, the first process for enlarging or reducing the original image information 111 is determined according to the area of the remaining area. Then, the images are combined and a combined copy is output.
[0115]
The ratio of the advertisement image to the size of the paper and the ratio of the area reserved for recording the document image information can be set in advance, so that the image information can be expressed in a balanced manner. The advertisement image information is stored together with the paper on which the image is recorded, and the advertisement image information and the original image information corresponding to the selected paper are reproduced as one image information. It is possible to set the ratio to be set in advance, and the size and balance of the original image and the advertisement image are maintained in a predetermined relationship.
[0116]
Another example will be described. As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the user designates the output paper size A4 from the operation panel 60. The document image size read by the document image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself is, for example, a B5 document 151 as shown in FIG. The image editing unit 45 performs a first process of enlarging the document image information within a range that fits in A4 from the document size B5 and the output paper size A4. Then, the optimum advertisement image 153 that can be accommodated in the area of the area secured as the remaining is selected from the output paper size and the first processing content, and the second process for the selected advertisement image information is confirmed and processed. The combined image information is combined and a combined copy 152 is output.
[0117]
As another example, for example, the user designates the output paper size B4 from the operation panel, and inputs 20% of the output paper size as an advertisement image area from the operation panel. For the original image size read by the original image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 itself, for example, B5, the image editing unit 45 enlarges the original image to 80% of the output paper. Confirm. Next, the image editing unit 45 selects and reads out the advertisement image information 112 registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102 under a predetermined condition, and extracts size information of the advertisement image information 112. Further, the second process is determined for the advertisement image information 112 so as to be 20% of the output sheet. These pieces of image information are combined, and a combined copy is output to the designated A4 size paper.
Since the area (advertisement image size) where advertisement image information can be registered according to the paper size is set, the ratio of the advertisement image to the size of the paper and the area for recording the document image information are secured. It is possible to express each other's image information in a balanced manner from the viewpoint of the area ratio.
[0118]
The image editing unit 45 selects the original image size read by the original image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1 and a plurality of advertisement image sizes registered in advance in the specific image information memory 102, and reduces each of them. It is possible to determine the paper size at which these images can be combined and output without being combined. As shown in FIG. 26, when there is A4 manuscript information 154 and 210 mm × 60 mm advertising manuscript information 155, the image editing unit 45 processes each at the same magnification, and outputs a composite copy 156 on a B4 size output sheet. .
Since the paper size on which these images are recorded is determined from the size of the original image and the size of the advertisement image, even if priority is given to the characteristics (size / length) of the original image, information on the desired advertisement image is also ensured. It is effective because it is obtained.
[0119]
<Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the advertisement image is stored and managed based on the expiration date information of the advertisement image information. In this color digital copying machine, an operator selects a favorite advertisement genre from the operation panel 60, and thereafter, the copying machine automatically selects an advertisement image from the genre. FIG. 27 shows an example of an operation screen for a copy service store that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 61 with a touch panel arranged at a substantially central portion of the operation panel 60. FIG. 27A shows an initial screen when waiting in an operable state. If a coin vendor (not shown) arranged adjacent to the color digital copying machine 1 is charged with an appropriate copy fee, FIG. Then, the normal copy mode is set, and a color copy or a monochrome copy can be taken.
The normal copy fee system 164 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen here, but may be pasted where it is easy to see the fee system table.
[0120]
Next, “copy with advertisement” selection areas 161 to 163 are provided on the liquid crystal display screen 61. The copy with advertisement is divided into a plurality of genres and can be selected according to the preference of the person who takes the copy. By selecting the copy mode with advertisement, a message is displayed that the copy fee will be lower than usual.
[0121]
FIG. 27B is a display screen when, for example, the “copy with electrical appliance advertisement” selection area 161 is directly pressed with a finger. The display state of the “copy with electrical appliance advertisement” selection area 161 is selected by the mode. Is highlighted so that it is easy for the operator to understand. On this screen, the advertising copy fee system 165 that has been reduced is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 61. As with the normal fee structure 164, the advertisement-based copy fee structure 165 may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 61 in comparison with the charge table, or a comparison table may be attached. In addition, when providing special information or high value-added information as a special service, the charge may be increased, but at that time, a message indicating the reason for the increase is displayed.
[0122]
Also, on this screen, a message that the document image will be somewhat reduced than usual is displayed to alert the user and obtain final confirmation. If the user does not want the original image to be reduced, the user can press the “return” selection area 166 with his / her finger to cancel the copy mode with advertisement and return to the initial screen (FIG. 27A). Can do.
A user who thinks that adding an advertisement has a higher added value even when the manuscript is reduced, inserts a fee based on the advertising copy fee system 165 into an adjacent coin vendor (not shown), and the next screen shown in FIG. a) appears on the liquid crystal display screen. The description of FIG. 7 is omitted as it has been described above.
[0123]
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 28 is a partial block diagram showing a third embodiment of the color copying machine. As shown in FIG. 28, the plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) 110 are classified and managed by genre. The advertisement image information 110 stored in the specific image information memory 102 is stored and managed by the specific image information management unit 48 using management information such as advertisement field information, fee information, total information, and expiration date information.
[0124]
Hereinafter, the storage management method for each advertisement image based on the expiration date information and the utilization method of the expiration date information will be described with examples.
First, in order to associate and manage advertisement images and expiration date information, a management table as shown in FIG. 29 is provided in the specific image information management unit 48 of FIG. In the management table of the specific image information management unit 48, for example, the advertisement start date and the advertisement expiration date are stored for each advertisement image from the advertisement image A to the advertisement image F. Since a plurality of specific image information managed by the specific image information management unit 48 is stored and managed together with the expiration date information of the image information, the specific image information (advertisement image) 110 can always be grasped and managed. It is. For example, considering August 31, 1997 as a reference (today), it can be seen that the advertisement images B and F have already expired.
[0125]
Next, a process for utilizing the advertisement deadline information will be described.
First, on the basic operation screen as shown in FIG. 27 (a), it is displayed that the advertisement can be copied, and when waiting for copying, “electronic product advertisement”, “apparel related advertisement”, “ When the user selects “Electrical product advertisement” 161 from the three selection areas 161 to 163 of “Rental house advertisement”, the display changes to the display screen of FIG. 27B and “Electrical product advertisement” is selected. In order to convey this, the “electrical product advertisement” portion 161 is reversed in black and white, and a message is displayed so as to insert coins into the coin slot. Then, when the display screen of FIG. 27B is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen transitions to the display screen of FIG. 30 at a predetermined timing, and the operator can select a desired genre of advertisement from the touch panel on the display screen. Can be selected.
[0126]
On the display screen, as shown in FIG. 30, the hierarchy related to “electronic product advertisement” is advanced one step further, and a further subdivided selection area 168 is displayed. It is assumed that the user next selects the “copier” selection area. All the advertisement images from A to F in FIG. 29 are advertisement images of the “copier”, and the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F have already expired. Therefore, the specific image management unit 48 advertises images “A”, “C”, and “C” that exclude the advertisement image “B” and the advertisement image “F” among the “copy machine” advertisement images of the advertisement images “A” to “F” already stored in the specific image information memory 102 One of D and E is automatically selected, and a composite copy with the original image desired by the user is made and output.
Since the specific image information managed by the specific image information management unit 48 based on the time limit information is selected and the original image information and the specific image information are combined and output by the combining unit, the user has an expired expiration date. A new composite copy of advertising image information is always obtained without taking an advertising image composite copy of the information.
[0127]
Similarly, the specific image information management unit 48, among the “copying machine” advertisement images of the advertisement images A to F already stored in the specific image information memory 102, the advertisement images A and C excluding the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F. , D, and E are automatically selected. In this case, the one close to the expiration date is automatically selected in preference to output a composite copy with the original image desired by the user. It is also possible. The advertisement image to be synthesized is preferentially selected with an expiry date and is linked to tabulation management, so that the number of outputs of the specific image information (advertisement image) can be increased as much as possible.
[0128]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the expiration date information of the advertisement image 171 to be combined with the advertisement image 171 may be recorded in the advertisement image 171 combined with the document image 170. Is possible. In FIG. 31B, an advertisement image 176 is automatically determined from a plurality of advertisement images stored in the specific image information memory 102. For example, a composite copy 177 of the determined advertisement image 176 with the B5 manuscript 175 is obtained. As a result of the execution, the expiration date information 173 of the advertisement image is combined. In this case, the specific image information management unit 48 outputs the expiration date information, and the image editing unit 45 gives an instruction to add in the synthesis processing process and synthesizes it. In this way, since the advertisement expiration date is put in the advertisement image to be synthesized, it is possible to inform the user how long the advertisement is valid and how much information is fresh.
[0129]
There is also a type in which an operator performs final advertisement selection. First, as described with reference to FIG. 27, the display screen transitions from (a) to (b), and the “electric product advertisement” portion 161 is reversed in black and white to indicate that “electric product advertisement” has been selected. And displays a message to insert coins into the coin slot. Then, when the display screen of FIG. 27B is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen transitions to the display screen of FIG. 30 at a predetermined timing. On this display screen, the operator can select a desired advertisement genre from the touch panel. Can be selected.
[0130]
Then, on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 30, it is assumed that the hierarchy relating to “electronic product advertisement” is further advanced and further subdivided, and the user next selects the “copier” selection area therein. . The specific image information management unit 48 uses the advertisement images A, C, and the advertisement images A, C, excluding the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F that have expired as the advertisement images that can be combined based on the expiration information of the advertisement images A to F stored in the management table. Select D or E. This selection information is sent to the CPU 44, and the CPU 44 assumes that the advertisement images A, C, D, and E except for the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F can be selected as shown in FIG. 60.
[0131]
As described above, since the output display, which is the specific image information selection means of the liquid crystal screen flow, is controlled based on the advertisement time limit information, the user does not care about the expiration date and can select the desired image information from a plurality of specific image information selection areas. Specific image information can be selected and expiration information is not included. When the No. 1 advertisement image C is selected, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. If not desired, the next candidate or the previous candidate can be selected again, or the initial screen can be returned.
[0132]
At this time, the specific image information management unit 48 can select the advertisement images that can be selected in order from the closest to the expiration date among the “copying machine” advertisement images of the advertisement images A to F already stored in the specific image information memory 102. As shown in FIG. 32, it can be displayed on the display screen. In this way, the output image of the specific image information selection means in the liquid crystal screen flow is controlled so that the advertisement image to be synthesized is preferentially selected when the expiration date is close. Therefore, the user does not care about the expiration date, and selects the desired specific image information from a plurality of specific image information selection areas, and the one with a natural expiration date is preferentially selected and the specific image information ( The number of advertisement images) can be increased as much as possible.
[0133]
Further, regarding the handling of the advertisement images B and F that have expired, the advertisement images that have expired as shown in FIG. 32 are not displayed as selectable advertisement images on the selection area. (Refer to No.5 and No.6). Although not shown, the presence of the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F is displayed, but it is also possible not to accept an input even if the displayed selection area is selected from the touch panel. At this time, in order to make it easy for the user to understand, the selection process of the selection area of the advertisement image B and the advertisement image F is subjected to display processing such as hatching or overlapping some pattern, You may make it distinguish. These controls are controlled by the CPU 44 based on information from the specific image information management unit 48. Therefore, the user can select desired specific image information from a plurality of specific image information selection areas without worrying about the expiration date.
FIG. 31A shows a combination of the advertisement image selected in this way and the original image recorded, and FIG. 31B also shows the effectiveness of the advertisement image. You may make it record according to a time limit.
[0134]
Next, a method for managing and storing advertisement images based on expiration date information added for each advertisement image will be described.
Usually, memory has a limit (capacity) that can store data, and in order to effectively use the limited storage area, it is not only storing input image information but also efficiently. It is desirable to perform control so that effective image information is stored and managed. As a new advertisement image input method, as already described in FIG. 2, not only the document information is input from the image reading unit 4 of the color digital copying machine 1, but also a personal computer 32, digital camera 33, digital It supports image information input from external devices such as the video camera 34 and the communication portable terminal 35. In addition, image information can be input from a remote location via the Internet, an intranet, or a rapidly growing communication infrastructure.
[0135]
Therefore, as described in FIG. 29, a management table for managing the expiration date is provided for each advertisement image, and how the advertisement image stored is processed by comparing the reference date and the expiration date. If it is determined whether to do so, the memory can be used effectively. Since the specific image information management unit 48 manages and controls the advertisement image based on the expiration date of the advertisement image, the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43 can be effectively used.
[0136]
Hereinafter, a method for determining how to process the stored advertisement image by comparing the reference date and the expiration date will be described with an example. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing storage management processing of advertisement images by the specific image information management unit 48.
First, the specific image information management unit 48 compares the reference date with the expiration date (step S1), and when an advertisement image that has passed the expiration date is confirmed (step S2), the identified advertisement image is identified. (Step S3), the image data is automatically deleted from the specific image information memory 102 of the image memory 43 (step S4). If not confirmed, proceed to the next step. This confirmation may be performed automatically when the power is turned on, or may be checked each time the day changes using a timer (clock function) inside the control unit (CPU). It may be. Since the specific image information management unit 48 performs management control based on the expiration date of the advertisement image, the specific image information (advertisement image information) is erased from the specific image information memory area in the image memory 43 after a certain grace period, and the image memory The specific image information memory 102 in 43 is effectively used.
[0137]
Another process is shown in FIG.
When a new advertisement image is to be stored (step S11), first, it is confirmed whether there are any advertisement images stored in a plurality that have expired (step S12). If there is an expired expiration date, the advertisement image is specified (step S13), and is overwritten and stored on the area where the image is stored (step S14). If it is not confirmed that the expiration date has passed, the advertisement image is stored in a new area (step S15). Since the specific image information management unit 48 performs management control based on the expiration date of the advertisement image, the specific image information (advertisement image information) whose expiration date has expired is invalidated, and new specific image information (advertisement image information) is added thereto. ) Is newly written and stored, and management control is newly performed by the specific image information management unit 48 to effectively use the image memory.
[0138]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing another memory management process when newly registering an advertisement image. When a new advertisement image is to be stored (step S21), it is first checked whether a new advertisement image can be stored in the image memory 43 (step S22). If a newly storable area can be secured, registration is made in the secured area (step S23). If a newly registered area cannot be secured, the expiration date has expired among a plurality of stored advertisement images. It is confirmed whether there is anything (step S24). If there is an expired expiration date, the advertisement image is specified (step S25), and is overwritten and stored on the area where the image is stored (step S26). If this cannot be ensured, a message indicating that new registration cannot be performed is displayed (step S27).
[0139]
When a new advertisement image is registered in this manner, it is recorded and registered in an empty area of the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43. If the memory is full, the specific image information management unit 48 manages and controls it. Based on the expiration date information that is registered, it is registered on the advertisement image that has expired. The specific image information management unit 48 selects image information in which the time limit information indicating the expiration date of the image information has exceeded a predetermined time among the specific image information already stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43. The specific image information newly invalidated is stored and managed, and the image memory 43 is effectively used.
[0140]
Next, a method for confirming the advertisement image stored and managed in the image memory 43 will be described. As described above, the advertisement image is stored and managed together with the expiration date information in the management table of the specific image information management unit 48 and the image memory 43, but the digital copying machine stores the advertisement image and It has a function to check the expiration date information. As a method for confirming the stored information, a method using a display panel 61 provided on the operation panel 60 (FIG. 37) and a method for outputting image information from the printer unit of the image information output unit 42 (FIG. 37). 38). Specifically, the specific image information management unit 48 selects a plurality of pieces of advertisement image information 110 stored in the specific image information memory 102, and the image editing unit 45 determines a process for processing and combining only the advertisement image. The advertisement image information is output for confirmation.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the advertisement image is displayed together with additional information related to the advertisement image (FIG. 39) or printed out (FIG. 40), so that the advertisement image looks in detail. It can also be confirmed.
[0141]
In this way, information related to the specific image information (advertisement image) managed by the specific image information management unit 48 (charge management information, total management information, size management information, expiration date management information, etc.) is displayed as a list. Can be confirmed. For example, the advertiser should take action based on a comprehensive decision such as discontinuing or changing to new advertising image information for those with low numbers in the aggregate, or giving top priority to advertising images that are about to expire. Can be done.
[0142]
Furthermore, it is not only output in the order in which it is stored, but it may be output for each advertising field as shown in FIG. 41, or an advertising image in a specific field (copier field) is used as the advertising image. It is also possible to rearrange and output one of the information about the added advertisement image (advertisement start date) as a reference.
[0143]
The advertisement image confirmed in this way can be left in the image memory as it is, and if it is not necessary, it can be forcibly deleted from the memory by the delete button. May be. Furthermore, when it is desired to change information such as the size, color, and expiration date of the advertisement image, it can be arbitrarily changed by operating a change button or the like.
[0144]
<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the digital copying machine will be described. The fourth embodiment has a fee management function in which a copy fee is determined by selecting an advertisement image. The block diagram of the fourth embodiment is the same as FIG. 28, and the specific image information management unit 48 performs fee management. Other parts are the same as those in FIG.
[0145]
FIG. 42 shows an example of an operation screen for a copy service that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 61 with a touch panel arranged in a substantially central portion of the operation panel 60 in the fourth embodiment. Basically, the screen is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 27, but the “copy with advertisement” selection areas 171 to 173 are different, and the outline will be described mainly with this point.
[0146]
FIG. 42 (a) is an initial screen when waiting in an operable state of the present invention, and a copy fee appropriate for a coin vendor (not shown) arranged adjacent to the color digital copying machine 1 is shown. When is entered, the normal copy mode is entered, and a color copy or black-and-white copy can be taken.
[0147]
Next, “copy with advertisement” selection areas 171 to 173 are provided on the liquid crystal display screen. The copy with advertisement is divided into a plurality of genres and can be selected according to the preference of the person who takes the copy. By selecting the copy mode with advertisement, a message is displayed that the copy fee will be lower than usual.
[0148]
FIG. 42B is a display screen when the “copy with shopping advertisement” selection area 171 is directly pressed with a finger, for example, and the display state of the “copy with shopping advertisement” selection area 171 is selected by the mode. Is highlighted so that it is easy for the operator to understand. On this screen, the advertising copy fee system, which has become cheaper, is displayed on the LCD screen.
[0149]
Also, on this screen, a message that the document image will be somewhat reduced than usual is displayed to alert the user and obtain final confirmation. If the user does not want the original image to be reduced, the user can press the “return” selection area 176 with his / her finger to cancel the copy mode with advertisement and return to the initial screen. If a user who thinks that adding an advertisement has a higher added value even if the manuscript is reduced, the next screen is displayed on a liquid crystal display when a fee based on the advertising copy fee system 175 is input to an adjacent coin vendor (not shown). Appears on the screen. The next screen is the same as in FIG.
[0150]
The charge management of the specific image information management unit 48 will be described by taking as an example the case where the advertisement image and the B5 document image shown in FIG.
A plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) 110 are already stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43, and the specific image information (advertisement images) 110 are classified by genre. You can select your favorite genre. It is assumed that “shopping advertisement” 171 is selected from “shopping advertisement” 171, “sports advertisement” 172, and “music movie advertisement” 173, and a copy of the B5 manuscript is desired. The specific image information management unit 48 determines a fee according to the advertisement image information selected by the selection means. If the copy fee system 175 with an advertisement thus determined is 5 yen cheaper than the normal copy fee system 174 and the price difference and the copy output are satisfactory for the user, the user can enter the advertisement. Select a copy. If the reduction of the original image is not satisfactory, the user can make a normal copy at a normal charge by simply pressing the “return” key. Since the combination of the advertisement image and the manuscript image has already been described, a description thereof will be omitted.
[0151]
Many advertisement images are classified and stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43 by genre, and there is an advantage that the copy user can select his / her favorite genre. Further, the specific image information management unit 48 determines the fee as a fee management function so that the user can know the fee for the combined output copy of the advertisement image of the selected genre before copying. The user makes a judgment based on the price difference and the added value. If the original image cannot be reduced, the user can return to the initial screen and make a normal copy.
[0152]
A plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43 and managed by the specific image information management unit 48 has a discount amount set in advance for fee management. In addition, when there is a discount ticket such as a movie or an amusement park that provides not only discount but also special information as a special service and high value-added information, for example, the charge may be increased.
[0153]
Concerning fee management, it is more complicated than two or more: a copy service provider using a color digital copier and an advertiser who invests advertising fees (the copy service provider and the advertiser may be the same or multiple advertisers) and a copy user. This is a problem that cannot be determined uniformly. However, as shown in FIG. 43, each advertisement image information and discount or extra fee information are stored together in the image memory 43 and managed by the specific image information management unit 48. Here, the price is the same for each genre, but it is also possible to devise a price list by setting a different price for each advertisement or making the genre hierarchical.
[0154]
Many advertisement images are classified and stored in the specific image information memory 102 by genre, and even if the prices of each advertisement image are different, the charge management of each advertisement image is performed. Although not described, if a hierarchical structure is used, the combined copy fee between the advertisement image and the original image selected at the end is fixed. The user makes a judgment based on the price difference and the added value. If the user is not satisfied, the user can return to the initial screen and take a normal copy.
[0155]
When actually making a copy, the output paper size varies depending on the document size. When the paper size changes, the advertisement size changes accordingly. Since the amount of toner used and the amount of other consumables used are different, it is necessary to change the charge system as shown in FIG. 44 when the paper size changes. The charge is fixed by the charge management function of the specific image information management unit 48 for each output paper size and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, which is very easy for the user to understand.
[0156]
The case of normal copy to which no advertisement image is added is referred to as a first output mode, and the case where an advertisement image is added and combined with a document image for output is referred to as a second output mode. There is almost no difference in the amount of consumables used. The difference is how much advertisers find and invest in the ad. This determines how much discounts or premiums are possible. In any case, the determined fee is different between the first output mode and the second output mode, and the specific image information management unit 48 determines the fee for the combined output copy with advertisement. The advantage is that the advertisement image is added without significantly degrading the image information of the manuscript required by the user, thereby reducing the copy fee or obtaining new information or benefits different from the manuscript image information.
[0157]
How effective it is for advertisers who place advertisements is a very important issue. One way to measure effectiveness is to know how many copies with advertisements have been made and how many people have seen them. As shown in FIG. 45, the specific image information management unit 48 collects and manages the number of outputs in the first output mode that outputs only the document image information and the number of outputs in the second output mode in which the advertisement image is synthesized and output. How many copies with advertisements are taken is a very important issue for advertisers. The total management means of the specific image information management unit 48 collects the data in daily units, weekly units, or monthly units, and knows and analyzes how much advertising image information is taken as a composite copy and touched by human eyes. Can do.
[0158]
For the advertiser, it is necessary to know which advertisement has been effective, that is, how much of the advertisement has been copied. FIG. 46 shows how many copies were taken as a composite copy last month and this month if there were advertisement images from A to J as an example. The specific image information management unit 48 collects and manages the number of composite copy outputs for each advertisement image. Furthermore, the specific image information management unit 48 aggregates and analyzes how much of each advertisement image information is taken as a composite copy, and measures such as canceling or changing to new advertisement image information for those with low numbers. It turns out that it is necessary.
[0159]
It is not possible to calculate the income and expenditure simply by knowing how many copies of the advertisements were taken. Since the advertisement fee varies with the paper size, it is necessary to know the number of combined copies for each paper size. FIG. 46 shows the advertisement images from A to J that are tabulated and managed by the specific image information management unit 48 for each paper size this month. Based on this, the balance calculation is performed by multiplying the charge and number for each paper size. It is managed by tabular management for each output size and advertisement image information with different charges, and it is possible to calculate the balance of the week or month. Based on this, it is possible to review the charge system for each output size and each advertisement image.
[0160]
FIG. 47 shows the advertisement images collected by the advertiser and collected and managed by the specific image information management unit 48. You can clearly see the advertising effect of each advertiser. The tabulated result of the advertisement image composite copy is classified for each advertiser, and it can be seen that the advertisement image information of the KKK advertiser is small, but the advertisement image of the YYY advertiser is selected very much. If the difference in the output number of the advertisement image information is analyzed, a better copy system with advertisement can be made.
[0161]
The total image management function of the specific image information management unit 48 manages the number of advertisement images as shown in FIG. 45, FIG. 46, and FIG. 47, respectively, but an instruction from the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 at the center of the operation panel or It is possible to confirm by displaying the liquid crystal by inputting the password. In the same way, confirmation can be made by outputting using the printing function of the color digital copying machine main body. In addition, it is possible to analyze the balance based on the result. Since the aggregated results are output together with the advertisement image information, the advertisement image information and the aggregated numbers can be viewed and analyzed together.
[0162]
The specific image information (advertisement) stored in the specific image information memory in the image memory 43 and managed by the specific image information management unit 48 in response to an instruction from the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 in the central portion of the operation panel 60 or a password input. Image) and the total management information are combined and output to enable confirmation. The advertisement image composite copy number that is tabulated and managed for each advertiser is structured so that it cannot be seen without entering a personal identification code possessed only by that advertiser. The other advertisers cannot see the results. The advantage is that the advertiser's strategy is not known to other advertisers.
[0163]
As shown in FIG. 48, it is possible to confirm the number of advertisement image composite copies that are tabulated and managed for each advertiser by liquid crystal display according to an instruction from the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 at the center of the operation panel 60 or input of a personal identification number. is there. At the same time, it can be printed out by using the printing function of the color digital copying machine main body. However, the total management in the specific image information management unit 48 of other advertisers cannot be seen. For example, the YYY advertiser can input the encryption to confirm only the YYY advertiser portion of FIG. 48 by liquid crystal display or output.
[0164]
<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a digital copying machine according to a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, specific image information is automatically selected. The block diagram of the fifth embodiment is basically the same as FIG. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 28, a plurality of specific image information input by various image input methods is stored in advance in a specific image information memory 102 which is a part of the image memory 43 provided in the color digital copying machine 1. Stored and managed by the specific image information management unit 48. The optimal advertisement image information is automatically selected from the plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) stored in the specific image information memory 102 by the specific image information automatic selection function of the specific image information management unit 48. The Further, the image editing unit 45 grasps a plurality of types of second processing contents to be performed on the advertisement image information 112, determines the first processing for the document image 111 from the characteristics of the document image information 111, Based on the characteristics of the advertisement image information 112, the second process is determined for the advertisement image 112. The color digital copying machine synthesizes the read document image information 111 and the selected advertisement image information 112 and outputs it as one image information.
[0165]
As a result, it is possible to reproduce the document image information and the advertisement image information as one image on the paper without impairing the characteristics of the image information of each other. Furthermore, since image information to be combined with the document is automatically selected from a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images), the image information stored and managed is averaged and the information is provided. Also meaningful information can be obtained.
[0166]
Thus, the user does not need to consider the size, content, or other processing for the advertisement image, and the specific image information management unit 48 selects the optimum advertisement image information from a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images). Select automatically. Then, the image editing unit 45 grasps a plurality of types of image processing contents to be performed on the advertisement image information, and determines the image processing contents of each of the document image and the advertisement image. Here, the image editing / recording apparatus (color digital copying machine) combines the image information of the read original with the automatically selected specific image information and outputs it as one image information. As a result, it is possible to reproduce the document image information and the advertisement image information as one image on the paper without impairing the characteristics of the image information of each other.
[0167]
The conditions for automatically selecting the advertisement image information to be recorded together with the original image from a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) include output progress information for each specific image information (advertisement image) (output date and time, output count, etc.) There are seasonal information (time, season, etc.) for providing specific image information (advertisement image), and the details will be described below with an example.
[0168]
First, selection based on output progress information will be described.
The number of composite copy outputs for each advertisement image information is tabulated and managed by the specific image information management unit 48, and the specific image information automatic selection means provided in the specific image information management unit 48 stores each specific image information. Management is controlled so that it is output on average.
[0169]
FIG. 49 is an example on the management table when it is assumed that the advertisement image A to the advertisement image J as specific image information is stored and managed for each document size. This management table manages how many specific image information (advertisement images) recorded as a composite copy together with the original image are output. The specific image information for each paper size is managed by the specific image information management unit 48 so that the average image data is output on average from the data on the management table. Accordingly, the past output level (number of times) of the specific image information that is stored and managed is averaged. Furthermore, specific image information to be selected next has already been determined.
In this way, the number of composite copy outputs for each advertisement image information is tabulated and managed by the specific image information management unit 48, and is selected and managed so that each specific image information is output on average. A wider range of information can be obtained, and the advertiser's original purpose of conveying more information to an unspecified number of people can be achieved.
[0170]
The specific image information to be output next time may be confirmed as an advertisement image to be synthesized when the advertisement copy mode is selected and the process is executed. Further, the above management table is configured to manage only the number of outputs for each specific image information. However, output history information (output date and time) for each specific image information is stored and managed as past history information. It is also possible to select the advertisement image information to be output together with the document image including the output history information.
[0171]
Next, selection of an advertisement image based on document exchange or the number of copies will be described.
Specific image information depending on the number of copies or the number of originals when multi-copying (multiple copies) of original image information input from the original image information input means or when copying a bundle of different originals. Different specific image information is automatically selected from the plurality of specific image information stored in the memory 102 and reproduced as a composite copy in which the advertisement image is added together with the original image.
[0172]
When a plurality of copies are to be obtained from a single document, the number of copies information is input to the specific image information management unit 48, and the specific image information management unit 48 makes the advertisement image to be combined different for each copy. Then, while reading out from the image memory 43 or sequentially reading out a plurality of advertisement image information stored in the image memory 43, processing is performed so that the advertisement images synthesized for each copy differ. In addition, when taking a large number of multi-copies from a single original, it is also possible to switch the specific image information to be combined every N copies of the multi-copy to the next different advertisement image for processing. is there. If the number of multiple copies is less than or equal to the number of specific image information, the specific image information is all different even if the document image information is the same, and there is no single copy of the same in the composite copy. Accordingly, the user can obtain a wider range of information, and the advertiser can achieve the original purpose of the advertisement of transmitting more information to an unspecified number of people.
[0173]
Next, a description will be given of a processing method in which an advertisement image is switched each time new document image information is input from the document image information input means, and a different advertisement image is synthesized for each document image.
That is, when copying two or more originals, the specific image information automatic selection function provided in the specific image information management unit 48 uses a plurality of specific images stored in the specific image information storage memory 102 every time the original changes. Different specific image information is sequentially selected from the information. Each image processing content is determined by the image editing unit 45. The copying machine performs image processing and composition in accordance with the contents, and outputs a composite copy containing different advertisement images. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the original purpose of advertisement in which a wider range of information can be obtained on the user side and an advertiser side can convey more information to an unspecified number of people.
[0174]
Next, as another example, an output mode in which only advertisement information can be output and confirmed will be described.
This color digital copying machine combines the original image information 111 read by the data image input unit (scanner) 40 and the selected specific image information (advertisement image), and outputs it as a single output image. (Ordinary advertisement composition copy) and a second output mode for combining and outputting only a plurality of advertisement image information stored as specific image information. Here, the output mode is selected by an operation from a key on the operation panel or a liquid crystal touch panel (not shown).
[0175]
FIG. 50 is a block diagram of the first and second output modes. Basically, it is the same as the block diagram of FIG. 28, but in the second output mode, the information is different from the block to be used. The block diagram of the first output mode in FIG. 50A is exactly the same as that in FIG. In the second output mode of FIG. 50B, a plurality of pieces of advertisement image information are selected from a plurality of pieces of specific image information (advertisement images) 110 stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43. The information management unit 48 automatically selects. The image editing unit 45 determines the processing content for combining the selected plurality of advertisement image information. Based on this processing, the digital copying machine combines a plurality of selected specific image information (advertisement images) and outputs the combined image information as one piece of image information.
Some users want only advertisement image information even if there is no manuscript image, so a mode for outputting a plurality of advertisement images on one recording material for such a person is provided. ing.
[0176]
FIG. 51 shows a block diagram of another second output mode. This second output mode is a mode for outputting one piece of advertisement image information as an output image. Therefore, the specific image information management unit 48 automatically selects one advertisement image information 112 from the plurality of advertisement image information 110, and the image editing unit 45 determines the output position of the advertisement image information 112. The image information composition unit 105 constitutes an output image and the image information output unit 42 outputs the output image. The above example is characterized in that a plurality of advertisement images are combined and output on one recording sheet, whereas this example is characterized in that one piece of advertisement image information is output per recording sheet.
[0177]
The operation from the operation panel for each of the above output modes will be described.
As shown in FIG. 27, a selection area indicating a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) for each field is provided on the operation screen. The specific image information management unit 48 manages a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) for each field.
First, the first output mode will be described. The user can select a desired field from the operation panel liquid crystal touch panel. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the user selects “Electrical Product Information” 161 from the three selection areas 161 to 163 of “Electrical Product Information”, “Clothing Related Information”, and “Rental House Information”. The specific image information management unit 48 selects one specific image information (advertisement image) in the “electric product information” field stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43, and inputs the input document image information and Output a composite copy of.
[0178]
Next, the second output mode will be described. It is assumed that the user selects “Electrical product information” 161 from three selection areas 161 to 163 of “Electrical product information”, “Apparel-related information”, and “Rental housing information”. Here, a plurality of pieces of advertisement image information are stored in the specific image information memory 102 in the image memory 43, and the specific image information management unit 48 selects a plurality of pieces of specific image information (advertisement images) managed. A plurality of pieces of advertisement image information relating to “electric product information” 161 are automatically selected. The image editing unit 45 determines the image processing content of the advertisement image information. The digital copying machine synthesizes a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) related to “electric product information” and outputs it as one image information.
[0179]
Next, selection of advertisement image information based on season information will be described.
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 28, a plurality of specific image information in various fields input by various image input methods is specific image information that is a part of the image memory 43 provided in the color digital copying machine 1. The information is stored in advance in the memory 102 and managed by the specific image information management unit 48 for each field.
[0180]
The specific image information management unit 48 automatically selects optimal advertisement image information corresponding to time information from a plurality of managed specific image information (advertisement images). Each image processing content is determined, and the image editing / recording apparatus (color digital copying machine) synthesizes the read image information of the original with the selected specific image information, and outputs it as one image information. For example, shopping information such as information valid only on that day in the morning, event information on that day, lunch lunch information, etc. is given priority. Etc.) may be selected automatically. The advertisement image management table (advertisement image group) managed by the specific image information management unit 48 is switched according to the time zone. Further, the management may be performed by changing the contents by dividing the time zone more finely.
[0181]
In this way, the digital copying machine automatically selects the most appropriate advertisement image information according to the time information from among a lot of advertisement image information, confirms the content of each image processing, and reads the image information of the original and the selected specific information. The image information is combined and output as one piece of image information. Effective information exists depending on the time of day. For example, in the morning, information that is valid only for the day, event information for the day, shopping information such as lunch lunch information, etc. is given priority. The advertisement image information becomes more effective for the user by switching between the morning and the afternoon. By switching, the ratio of taking a composite copy with advertisements increases, which is also advantageous for advertisers. Also, the user layer differs depending on the time zone, and advertisement image information can be set according to the user layer.
[0182]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 52, a selection area that shows a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) for each field is provided on the operation screen. The specific image information management unit 48 manages the time information based on the field. Here, as an example, in the morning, selection areas 181 to 183 in three fields of “shopping information”, “event information”, and “rental housing information” appear on the operation screen (FIG. 52A). From the afternoon, it is switched to selection areas 185 to 187 in three fields of “restaurant information”, “entertainment information” such as movies, sports, theater and concerts, and “apparel information” (FIG. 52B). In this way, the advertisement image management table (advertisement image group) managed by the specific image information management unit 48 is switched according to the time zone (see FIG. 53). Further, the management may be performed by changing the contents by finely dividing the time zone. By switching the field according to the time zone, the ratio of making a composite copy with advertisement increases, and there is a great merit for both users and advertisers. Also, the user layer differs depending on the time zone, and advertisement image information can be set according to the user layer.
[0183]
Further, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 28, a plurality of specific image information in various fields input by various image input methods is a part of the image memory 43 provided in the color digital copying machine 1. It is stored in advance in the image information memory 102. The specific image information management unit 48 also manages the calendar (month / day of the week / season) for each field. The specific image information automatic selection function provided in the specific image information management unit 48 is an optimum advertisement according to calendar (month / day of the week / season) information from a plurality of managed specific image information (advertisement images). Automatically select image information. The image editing unit 45 teeth determine the content of each image processing. Here, the image editing and recording apparatus (color digital copying machine) combines the image information of the read original and the selected specific image information to create one Output as image information. The advertisement image information is effective for advertisements that need only be changed monthly or seasonally, such as corporate image advertisements, or advertisements that are effective only on Sundays.
[0184]
Now, as shown in FIG. 52 and the like, a selection area indicating a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images) for each field is provided on the operation screen. The specific image information management unit 48 switches the display for each day of the week by the advertisement image management table (advertisement image group) in accordance with changes in calendar (month / day of the week / season) information, and performs management by field (see FIG. 54). . The advertisement image information is effective for advertisements that need only be changed monthly or seasonally, such as corporate image advertisements, or advertisements that are effective only on Sundays.
[0185]
<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a digital copying machine according to a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, image processing is performed so as to be easy to see when synthesized from document image information and advertisement image information. The block diagram of this digital copying machine is the same as that of FIG.
[0186]
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in more detail using the screen of the operation panel. The operation screen flow of the operation panel 60 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The operation screen flow for copy service stores is easy to understand even with limited functions and can be easily operated by anyone. Therefore, the direction of placing (setting) the original is limited, and either “copy advertisement composition below horizontal document size horizontal writing” or “copy advertisement image copying below vertical document size horizontal writing” You can only select it. However, in the present embodiment, without adding such a restriction, the selection range of the position of the advertisement image with respect to the document image is widened, and the operability is simplified. This will be described in detail below.
[0187]
For example, considering the A4 original image size, as shown in FIG. 55, four types of A4 original vertical size horizontal writing, A4 original vertical size vertical writing, A4 original horizontal size horizontal writing, and A4 original horizontal size vertical writing are considered. It is. In addition, there are four types of advertisement image positions in the recording paper: top, bottom, left, and right, and there are many advertisement image positions by combining these. The user has a desire to synthesize and copy an advertisement image at an arbitrary position in accordance with the characteristics of each original image.
[0188]
As an example of the operation screen, as shown in FIG. 56 (a), advertisement image positions are placed at eight positions on the top, bottom, left and right of the vertical size recording paper and on the top, bottom, left and right of the horizontal size recording paper. By providing “selection areas” 191 and 192 for confirming and touching the “selection areas” 191 and 192 desired by the user, the advertisement image position is determined with respect to the recording paper. Proceeding to the screen of FIG. 56 (b), the original image 194 and the combined image 195 of the advertisement image are displayed, and the user is confirmed.
[0189]
In FIG. 56, both the vertical size recording paper and the horizontal size recording paper are shown on the operation screen. However, as another example, free extraction of size information and original information (character string arrangement) to be described later from the original size reading unit 4 is performed. Thus, the vertical size and horizontal size can be determined. Therefore, there is no need to distinguish between the vertical size and the horizontal size on the operation screen. On the operation screen, a “selection area” for determining the advertisement image position at four locations, upper, lower, left, and right for one recording sheet. May be provided.
Even if the advertisement image position is once determined, the user can confirm the advertisement image position again by pressing the “return” selection area 193 in the operation screen.
[0190]
The document can be copied by setting it on the document table 2 of the color digital copying machine 1 and closing the cover, or by placing it on the automatic document feeder (RADF) 3 on the upper surface of the document table 2. Users often mistakenly turn the document upside down. This is not a problem if it is a normal copy, but it is a problem in this embodiment in which the original image and the advertisement image are combined. If the original is placed in the wrong direction (up and down), the original image is read upside down.
[0191]
As an example, as shown in FIG. 56 (a), if the lower position is selected in the “selection area” 192 of the vertical size recording paper as the position selection of the advertisement image, the original image and the advertisement image are combined as shown in FIG. This causes the problem that the orientation of each copy is upside down.
[0192]
Therefore, the document image feature extraction function in the image editing unit 45 extracts the characteristics of the document image (character vertical direction, character arrangement, document placement direction). Based on the characteristics of the document image, the image editing unit 45 determines the image processing for the document image information by the first processing determination function, and determines the image processing for the specific image information by the second processing determination function. Including the resolution of the above problems, the composition processing confirmation function confirms the processing for placing and synthesizing the determined advertisement image at the correct position while considering not only the copy image of the document but also the original image. . In this way, the digital copying machine performs a composite copy and effectively records and outputs each image on a sheet.
Regarding the processing for the manuscript image here and the processing for the advertisement image, there are two specific examples in which the orientation of the manuscript image and the advertisement image is not reversed based on the vertical direction and alignment of the characters of the inputted manuscript image. explain.
[0193]
First, as shown in FIG. 58, if the input document image is determined to be upside down by the document image feature extraction function of the image editing unit 45, the document image data stored on the hard disks 43a to 43d is stored in the synthesis memory. The original image is re-developed on 43f, and the original image is synthesized so as to have the correct orientation with respect to the advertisement image. A composite copy of the original image corrected in the correct orientation and the advertisement image stored in the specific image information storage means is performed at the advertisement image position arbitrarily selected by the user. Even if the original is set upside down and copied, the input image data is processed so that it matches the orientation of the advertisement image, so the user does not have to worry about the top and bottom of the original when setting the original. .
[0194]
As shown in FIG. 59, if the input document is determined to be upside down by the document image feature extraction function of the image editing unit 45, the advertisement image stored in the specific image information storage means is combined. By performing image rotation and position change on the memory 43f, the advertisement image is synthesized so as to be in the correct orientation with respect to the original image. A composite copy of the original image corrected in the correct orientation and the advertisement image stored in the specific image information storage means is performed at the advertisement image position arbitrarily selected by the user. Even if the original is placed upside down and copied, the selected advertisement image data is processed so that it matches the orientation of the upside down original image. Good.
[0195]
In the compositing process confirmation function of the image editing unit 45, the position of the advertisement image is determined with respect to the recording paper. The positional relationship between each original image and the advertisement image and the original image extracted by the original image feature extraction function. Features (vertical direction of characters, arrangement of characters, document placement direction) are displayed on the operation panel, and the operator selects the output area of the advertisement image. The specific image information management unit 48 automatically selects an appropriate advertisement image (vertical writing, horizontal writing, size of advertisement image) from the advertisement images stored in the specific image information memory 102. FIG. 60 shows some examples of various advertising images for A4. That is, a vertical size horizontal writing advertisement image, a horizontal size horizontal writing advertisement image, a horizontal size vertical writing advertisement image, a vertical size vertical writing advertisement image, and the like.
[0196]
FIG. 61 shows some examples in which appropriate advertisement images are automatically selected from the advertisement images (one-part display) shown in FIG. 60 and synthesized and copied based on the characteristics of the various document images shown in FIG. Is shown. More specifically, FIG. 61 (a) shows an example of the feature extraction by the document document feature extraction function of the image editing unit 45 when the document is A4 vertical size and horizontal writing, and the advertisement image position is shown in FIG. “Lower” is selected on the operation screen of (a). In this case, the horizontal advertisement image for A4 vertical size is automatically selected.
[0197]
FIG. 61B shows an example of the feature extraction by the document feature extraction means that the document is A4 vertical size and vertical writing, and “down” is selected as the advertisement image position on the operation screen of FIG. 56A. Has been. Also in this case, the A4 vertical size horizontal advertising image is automatically selected.
[0198]
FIG. 61 (c) is an example when the feature is extracted by the document feature extracting means when the document is A4 landscape size and horizontally written, and the advertisement image is selected as “below” on the operation screen of FIG. 56 (a). Yes. In this case, the A4 horizontal size advertisement image is automatically selected.
[0199]
FIG. 61 (d) is an example when the feature is extracted by the document feature extraction means if the document is A4 horizontal size and vertical writing, and “left” is selected for the advertisement image on the operation screen of FIG. 56 (a). The In this case, the vertical advertisement image for A4 horizontal size is automatically selected.
[0200]
As described above, when the user designates the layout of the advertisement image based on the characteristics of the document image (character vertical direction, character arrangement, document placement direction), the digital copying machine automatically selects the advertisement image that matches the advertisement image layout. Then, composite image processing is performed. Therefore, the user does not have to worry about the size of the advertisement image, horizontal writing, vertical writing, etc.
[0201]
In the example described above, the user instructs the position of the advertisement image from the liquid crystal touch panel operation screen. However, in the example described below, the position of the advertisement image is automatically set by the color digital copying machine 1. It will be confirmed.
[0202]
Next, for the advertisement image position automatically determined in advance, the advertisement image suitable for the position and size is specified from the information (character vertical direction, character arrangement method, document placement direction) information of the document image. The advertisement image is automatically selected from advertisement images stored in the image information memory 43. Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 61B, when the document is automatically set to A4 portrait size and vertically written, and the advertisement image is automatically set to “below”, the advertisement image position and the feature of the document vertically written vertically size A4 are used. Automatically selects horizontal advertising images for vertical size. For this reason, operation becomes very easy.
[0203]
As a means for determining the position of an appropriate advertisement image from information on the characteristics of the document image (vertical direction of characters, character arrangement, and document placement direction), it has an advertisement image position management table and is preset as shown in FIG. Keep it.
However, means for changing the setting of the advertisement image position management table by an operation from the operation panel or the liquid crystal touch panel is provided, and the administrator or the user can change the conditions for automatically determining the position of the advertisement image.
[0204]
Here, as an example, when the document is A4 landscape size and vertically written as shown in FIG. 61 (d), the advertisement image position is “left” from the default of the advertisement image management table of FIG. 62. A vertical advertisement image for A4 vertical size is automatically selected from the characteristics of horizontal size and vertical writing.
As an example of setting change, the default is “left” as shown in FIG. 62 when the original is A4 vertical size and vertical writing, but the original or A4 vertical size and vertical writing is changed by the administrator or user setting change. In the case of, the advertisement image position is always fixed to “below”. Although the advertisement image position is automatically determined by the advertisement image position management table, a means for changing the setting of the advertisement image position management table is provided, and the administrator or the user can change the conditions for automatically determining the position of the advertisement image. Therefore, it can be used for special purposes.
[0205]
As shown in FIG. 63, the input document image information is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display device 61, and the result of the copy including the advertisement image obtained by combining the document image and the advertisement image is also displayed. That is, the position of the advertisement image can also be confirmed by this display. The confirmation of the advertisement image position may be instructed by the user from the liquid crystal touch panel operation screen, or may be automatically confirmed from the advertisement image position management table. Accordingly, the state of the original image input before the copy with advertisement can be confirmed, and the user can confirm the overall balance including the position of the advertisement image, so that the failed copy can be greatly reduced.
[0206]
It has already been described that the user may set the original upside down with the wrong original placement direction on the automatic document feeder 3 or the document table 2.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 64, the document image is input upside down and displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display device 61 as it is. However, if the input document image is determined to be upside down by the document image feature extraction means, the document image data once stored on the hard disks 43a to 43d is developed again on the compositing memory 43f so that the vertical direction is appropriate. The result of the copy containing the advertisement image obtained by combining the original document image and the advertisement image is also displayed. That is, the advertisement image position can also be copied after confirming the correct orientation of the document image information.
[0207]
Even if the user sets the document upside down, the original image corrected in the normal direction is displayed by image processing based on the above-mentioned document image characteristics (character vertical direction, character alignment, and document placement direction) information. In addition, the user can confirm the overall balance including the position of the advertisement image. Therefore, failed copies can be greatly reduced.
[0208]
As shown in FIG. 64, the input document image and the advertisement image are combined, and the input state of the document image and the position of the advertisement image with respect to the input document image are displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel display 61 as a copy containing the advertisement image. . It is also assumed that the user sees the display of the final copy containing the advertisement image and wants to change the position of the advertisement image without dislike. In that case, a “change selection area” for instructing to change the advertisement image position is displayed on the copy confirmation screen with the advertisement image, and when this “change instruction area” is touched, the position of the advertisement image is determined, The advertisement image suitable for the position and size is automatically selected again from the advertisement images stored in the specific image information storage means based on the characteristics of the document image (character vertical direction, character arrangement, and document placement direction). To do. Since the advertisement image position can be instructed to be changed on the confirmed screen, the advertisement image position can be changed by a simple operation, and the advertisement image-containing copy after the change can be confirmed before copying again.
[0209]
<Seventh embodiment>
The seventh embodiment is an image information processing system having a color digital copying machine, and this color digital copying machine is used to synthesize a document image and specific image information (advertisement image) as in the above-described embodiment. Process according to the characteristics of the image information. The seventh embodiment is an image information processing system for managing specific image information processed by these color digital copying machines with a specific image information management apparatus at the head office or headquarters.
[0210]
FIG. 65 is a block diagram of a color digital copying machine according to the seventh embodiment. Since this block diagram has basically the same configuration as that of FIG. 28, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and description thereof will be omitted. This digital copying machine is different from FIG. 28 in that specific image information such as advertisements is transferred through communication infrastructures 212 and 213 such as telephone lines, terrestrial waves, and satellite communications, and is taken in from the communication I / F 47. The acquired specific image information is stored in advance in the hard disks 43 a to 43 d which are specific image information memories in the image memory 43, and is managed by the specific image information management unit 48.
[0211]
Copy users can choose between copies with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) and normal copies, and it is important to create specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) that the copy user can find the value to add. It is. For this purpose, it is necessary to collect various data such as the usage status of the copy with specific image information (advertisement image or the like), the output status of each specific image information (advertisement image or the like), and analyze the obtained data. Below, this analysis is demonstrated.
[0212]
The batch creation and transfer of specific image information (such as advertisement images) at the head office and headquarters will be described.
FIG. 66 is a digital image information processing system diagram for transferring specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) by mutual information transfer means taking a convenience store of a chain store organization as an example. In chain store organizations that provide copy services such as supermarkets and convenience stores, the specific image information management device 211 at the head office and headquarters creates and stores specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) for each store in a batch. ing. The specific image information (advertisement) is periodically sent from the specific image information management apparatus 211 to the communication unit (communication interface) 47 of the digital copier of each store by the mutual information transfer means 212 such as the Internet or an intranet using a telephone line or a dedicated line. Information data is transferred. The transferred specific image information data is already a CMYK signal and is temporarily processed by the halftone processing unit 41 h and stored in the hard disks 43 a to 43 d of the image memory 43.
[0213]
The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) stored in the hard disks 43a to 43d is managed by the specific image information management unit 48, and the optimum specific image information (advertisement image or the like) information from the specific image information (advertisement image or the like). Is automatically selected. Further, the image editing unit 45 performs a plurality of types of image processing to be performed on the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) information, and converts the document image information of the document set at a predetermined position of the color digital copying machine to the image editing unit. 45 performs composition processing using the composition memory 43f, and stores it on the same sheet. Other examples of the mutual information transfer means 212 include a satellite communication network 213 using a satellite and terrestrial communication (not shown).
[0214]
The point of the seventh embodiment is that a bi-directional communication infrastructure is used to create specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) that can be recognized as a value added by a user at a low cost, and the head office The specific image information (advertising images, etc.) created at the headquarters is transferred to each store, and the digital copy machine at each store collects the total management data of the copy output with the specific image information (advertising images, etc.) at the headquarters and headquarters. To collect. The aim is to increase the utilization rate of copies with specific image information (such as advertisement images) by analyzing these aggregated data and creating better specific image information (such as advertisement images). In addition, the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) created at each store is picked up by the head office and headquarters, and the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is transferred to each store. It is also important to create information (such as advertisement images).
[0215]
Hereinafter, the digital image information processing system of the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.
Specific image information (advertising images, etc.) created at the headquarters and headquarters collectively, as described in (Batch creation and transfer of specific image information (advertising images, etc.) at the headquarters and headquarters) It is stored in the machine and managed. In addition, the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) stored and managed in the digital copying machine can be selected from various genres, and normal copy can be made without selecting the specific image information (advertisement image etc.). Is possible. In this way, since the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) information is regularly transferred from the head office and headquarters to the digital copier of each store, the total cost of creating the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) can be reduced, and the specific image can be reduced. The creators of information (advertisement images, etc.) are specialized, know-how is accumulated at the head office, and excellent products can be made. In addition, since the same specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is used in a wide area, the head office and the headquarters can easily collect advertisement sponsors, and each store can obtain specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) timely on a regular basis.
[0216]
Knowing how many copies with specific image information (advertising images, etc.) are used at each store and what specific image information (advertising images, etc.) is well selected is an advertisement for the head office and headquarters. For the main (sponsor), it is one of the methods to measure the effect, and how much effect is effective is a very important issue.
[0217]
Next, an example of totaling specific image information (such as advertisement images) will be described.
FIG. 67 shows a total management table. This tabulation management table is an example in which the number of outputs of a normal copy and a copy with specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is compared on a monthly basis. FIG. 68 is a tabulation management table showing how many copies of specific image information (such as advertisement images) were output last month and this month, assuming that there were advertisement images from A to J. 67 and 68, the number of outputs for each copy with specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is tabulated and managed by the specific image information management unit 48. FIG. 69 shows the respective advertisement images collected by the advertiser and tabulated and managed by the specific image information management unit 48. The advertising effect of each advertiser can be clearly seen.
[0218]
Since the total result is managed in the specific image information management unit 48 for each digital copier in each store, the digital copier in each store periodically stores the total management data of copy output with specific image information (such as advertisement images). Then, the image is transferred to the specific image information management device (head office, headquarter side management device) 211 of the head office and headquarters via the mutual information transfer means 212 already described. The total management data of the copy output with specific image information (advertisement image or the like) transferred is stored and managed by the total information storage management unit of the specific image information management apparatus (head office, head office management apparatus) 211. The head office and headquarters collect the aggregation result data transferred from each store, further aggregate the whole or for each region, and analyze each specific image information (advertisement image etc.).
[0219]
Some of the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) created at each store is excellent, and the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) should be used throughout the region or nationwide. Yes. Each store transfers such excellent specific image information (advertisement image or the like) to the specific image information management device (head office, headquarter side management device) 211 via the mutual information transfer means 212 already described.
[0220]
In this way, the headquarters and headquarters can further determine the continuation of the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) and the creation of a new image by collecting and analyzing these information, and better specific image information (advertisement image, etc.). Know-how can be accumulated, and aggregate data and analysis data can be used to develop advertisers (sponsors) at the headquarters and headquarters.
[0221]
Also, when the transferred specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is temporarily stored in the specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device) 211 and confirmed to be adopted by the headquarters, headquarters side, Then, management can be performed by the specific image information management apparatus (head office, headquarter side management apparatus) 211. The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the digital copier at another store via the mutual transfer means 212 described above. Specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) created in a batch from the specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device) 211 at the head office and headquarters is periodically transferred to the digital copier at each store via the mutual information transfer means 212. However, in addition to the unilateral transfer, the total result data of the copy output with specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is periodically sent from the digital copier of each store via the mutual information transfer means 212. This is a feedback system that is returned to the information management apparatus (head office, head office management apparatus) 211.
[0222]
The head office and headquarters specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device) 211 is a copy output total data with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) that is totaled and managed by the digital copier for each store's digital copier. In response to the transfer request, the digital copier at each store sends the specific image information management apparatus (head office, head office side management apparatus) 211 of the head office and head office via the mutual information transfer means 212 already described. Forward. The total management data of the copy output with the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) transferred is stored and managed by the total information storage management unit of the specific image information management apparatus (head office, head office management apparatus) 211. The head office and headquarters collect the aggregation result data transferred from each store, further aggregate the whole or for each region, and analyze each specific image information (advertisement image etc.).
[0223]
In this way, the total management data of the digital copiers at each store is transferred at the request of the headquarters and headquarters. Therefore, when you want to investigate and analyze the headquarters and headquarters, copy output with specific image information (advertising images, etc.) of each store at any time. The head office and the headquarter can limit the region or collect the copy result total data with specific image information (advertisement image etc.) limited to a specific store.
[0224]
When the specific image information management device (headquarters, headquarters side management device) 211 of the head office and headquarters issues a transfer request for specific image information (such as an advertisement image) uniquely created by each store to the digital copier of each store, In response to the transfer request, the digital copier in each store transfers the specific image information management device (head office, head office side management device) 211 of the head office and head office via the mutual information transfer means 212 already described. The headquarters and headquarters temporarily store the transferred specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) in the specific image information management device (headquarters, headquarters-side management device) 211, and the headquarters and headquarters confirm this and decide to adopt it. For example, the management can be performed by the specific image information management apparatus (head office, head office management apparatus) 211. The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the digital copier at another store via the mutual transfer means 212 described above.
[0225]
<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, the image information processing system of the eighth embodiment uses specific communication information (advertising images, etc.) registered in the color digital copying machine using the communication infrastructure that currently exists in various forms, The point is to provide a digital image information processing system in which specific image information (advertisement images) created in a lump at the headquarters is transferred to each store.
[0226]
Hereinafter, this image information processing system will be described with reference to FIG.
An administrator of the digital copier 1 at each store requests transfer of specific image information (advertisement image or the like) from the operation panel by means of specific image information transfer request means, for example, by inputting a simulation code. By the mutual information transfer means (212, 213) already described, the transfer request signal for specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is transferred to the specific image information management device 211 in the head office and headquarters. The specific image information management apparatus 211 transfers specific image information data such as specific image information (such as advertisement images) stored and managed to the communication unit (communication interface) 47 of the digital copier 1 in each store. The transferred specific image information data is already a CMYK signal, is temporarily subjected to halftone processing 41h, stored in the hard disks 43a to 43d of the image memory 43, and managed by the specific image information management unit 48.
[0227]
The head office and headquarters transfer specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) in response to requests for specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) at each store. Etc.) can be obtained, and specific image information (advertisement image etc.) can be confirmed and selected when there is enough time.
[0228]
As described above, the specific image information management device 211 in the head office and the headquarters collectively creates and stores specific image information (such as advertisement images) for each store. Specific image information (such as advertisement images) is required to be timely, new ones are created sequentially, and old ones are deleted. However, it is difficult to create all the specific image information (such as advertisement images) stored and managed at a time, and the information is updated sequentially. Therefore, in the case of regular transfer, the specific image information management device 211 at the head office and headquarters transfers only updated specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data to the communication unit (communication interface) 47 of the digital copier 1 at each store. To do. Also, when transferring based on a transfer request signal from each store, the specific image information management device 211 in the head office and headquarters only sends updated specific image information (such as advertisement images) data to the communication unit of the digital copier 1 in each store. (Communication interface) 47.
[0229]
FIG. 70 shows a management table of the specific image management apparatus (head office, headquarter management apparatus) 211. Previous month management specific image information (advertising images, etc.) B, C, H of management numbers 2, 3, 8 remain unchanged this month, and other previous month specific image information (advertising images, etc.) A, D, E, F, G is updated to new specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) J, K, L, M, N this month, and the updated specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is flagged with 1 flag and updated. Specific image information (such as advertisement images) that is not displayed is flagged with 0. The specific image information management apparatus 211 transfers only the updated specific image information (advertisement image or the like) with the flag of 1 to the digital copier at each store.
[0230]
Since only the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) updated from the head office and headquarters is transferred to the digital copiers at each store, the transfer time can be greatly shortened, and the cost for transferring the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is reduced. Can be cheap.
[0231]
The administrator of the digital copier 1 at each store confirms the transferred specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 of the digital copier by means of transfer information confirmation means such as a simulation code input. The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) can be displayed, or the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) can be output on the paper by the printing function of the digital copying machine. The administrator of the digital copier at each store confirms the specific image information data transferred from the specific image information management device 211 at the head office or headquarters to the digital copier at each store via the mutual information transfer means (212, 213). select.
[0232]
In this way, the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the headquarters and headquarters is confirmed by printing it out on the display device of the digital copying machine or printing, so Etc.) Whether the data has been sent successfully can be confirmed on the display screen or on the output print. Is the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the head office or headquarters necessary or unnecessary for the store? Can be judged.
[0233]
Next, a case where all transferred advertisement images are temporarily stored in the image memory will be described.
The manager of the digital copier 1 at each store outputs all the specific image information (advertisement image or the like), and selects only the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) that seems appropriate for the store based on the result. When the administrator inputs the management number from the operation panel 60 or the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, the selected specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is stored in the image memory 43 as it is. The specific image information data not selected is automatically deleted from the image memory 43. As another example, specific image information (advertising images, etc.) is sequentially displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, confirmation and selection are performed on the display screen, and unnecessary identification is performed with the registration and deletion keys on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61. Image information (such as advertisement images) is deleted from the image memory 43.
[0234]
Next, a description will be given of a case where advertisement images to be transferred are sequentially selected and only the selected portion is stored in the image memory.
Specific image information data transferred from the specific image information management device 211 of the head office or headquarters to the communication unit (network interface) 47 of the digital copier in each store via the mutual information transfer means (212, 213) one by one in the image memory 43, and is displayed on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 or output on a sheet for confirmation and selection. As a result, unnecessary specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is erased from the image memory 43 by the registration / deletion key on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61.
[0235]
In this way, the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) sent to each store from the head office and headquarters side is confirmed, and the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) information selected from among them is stored in the digital copying machine. The image memory of a limited digital copier can be used effectively, and by selecting from specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) of all genres transferred from the head office and headquarters, the characteristics of the store can be determined. Is possible.
[0236]
The head office and headquarters also create black and white specific image information (such as advertisement images) for black and white digital copiers. Therefore, the specific image information data transferred from the specific image information management device 211 to the digital copier of each store via the mutual information transfer means (212, 213) includes not only color specific image information (advertisement image etc.) but also Black and white specific image information (such as advertisement images) is also included. In order to distinguish this, an identification code of color or monochrome is given to the first part of the specific image information data. For example, if the digital copier at the store B in FIG. 66 is a black and white digital copier, the black and white digital copier at the store B will transfer this identification information before transferring specific image information (such as advertisement images). By recognizing the code, transfer of only monochrome specific image information data is permitted and stored in the image memory 43. On the other hand, if the digital copiers at other stores A and C in FIG. 66 are color digital copiers, an identification code for color or black-and-white that is transferred prior to data transfer of specific image information (such as advertisement images). And the transfer of only the color specific image information data is permitted, stored in the image memory 43, and managed by the specific image information management unit 48.
[0237]
In this way, specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) transferred from the headquarters and headquarters in mixed colors and black and white, black and white digital copying machines only receive monochrome specific image information (advertisement images, etc.), and color digital copying machines Since only color specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is stored and managed, black and white specific image information from the specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) transferred from the headquarters and headquarters at stores where black and white digital copiers are installed By permitting the transfer of only (advertisement image etc.), the transfer time can be greatly shortened.
Further, the image memory can be greatly reduced, and even in a store where a color digital copying machine is installed, specific image information for color (advertisement image etc.) is identified and only the color specific image information (advertisement image etc.) is transferred. As a result, the transfer time can be shortened.
[0238]
When the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) data for this month is transferred from the specific image information management apparatus 211, the specific image for the previous month that was stored and managed on the digital copying machine 1 side together with or in advance. All the information (advertisement image etc.) is erased from the image memory 43 and replaced with the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) for this month. As an embodiment, as shown in the management table of the digital image recording apparatus (the digital copying machine at each store) in FIG. 72, all the specific image information (advertising images, etc.) for the previous month is automatically deleted, and the administrator of the digital copying machine The operation of selecting specific image information (advertisement image etc.) transferred from the head office is performed every month and newly stored in the image memory 43 of the digital copying machine for management.
[0239]
Since all the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) stored in the copying machine is rewritten to a new transfer image for each transfer, the necessary image memory 43 does not increase and the old specific image information (advertisement) Since images are automatically deleted, time efficiency is good.
[0240]
As an input method of specific image information (advertisement image, etc.), as shown in FIG. 2, the original image reading unit 2 (scanner) of the color digital copying machine 1 or a personal computer 32, digital camera 33, digital Input from the video camera 34, the communication portable terminal 35, and the like is possible. Therefore, it is possible to create specific image information (advertisement image or the like) uniquely at each store, and specific image information (advertisement image or the like) unique to each store is also necessary for characterizing each store. It is necessary to distinguish the unique specific image information (advertisement image or the like) of each store from the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) transferred from the head office or the headquarters. Each specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is stored in the image memory 43, but is managed separately in the specific image information management device 48. As an example, as shown in the management table of the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) in FIG. 72, the specific image information transferred from the head office and headquarters as the specific image information code is 1, and the specific image information unique to each store. Is given a code of 0. Each is managed by a specific image information code.
[0241]
As another example, in the image memory 43, there is a method of completely separating the specific image information storage area unique to each store and the specific image information storage area transferred from the head office and the head office. Specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) input from the copier side and specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) transferred from the head office and head office are stored separately and managed. When transferring (advertisement image, etc.), the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) unique to each store is not mistakenly deleted, and it is easy to search for each specific image information (advertisement image, etc.).
[0242]
When specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is periodically transferred from the specific image information management apparatus 211 (head office, headquarters side management apparatus) via information transfer means, the digital image recording apparatus (each store shown in FIG. All the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) whose specific image information code is 1 in the management table of the digital copier) is deleted. Thereafter, the administrator of the digital copying machine performs an operation of selecting specific image information (advertisement image or the like) transferred from the head office, newly stores it in the specific image information storage area, and performs management.
[0243]
Another example will be described. When specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is periodically transferred from the specific image information management device 211 (head office, headquarters side management device) via the information transfer means 212, the digital image recording device (see FIG. 73). All the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) whose specific image information code is 1 in the management table of the digital copier at each store is deleted. This is the same up to this point, except that the transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is automatically selected and newly stored in the specific image information storage area. If the management number is the same for the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) managed by the specific image information management device 211 at the head office or the headquarters side, the specific manufacturer information, the same sponsor advertisement, etc. Has been created. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 73, the pre-selected head office and head office management numbers are stored in the digital copying machine, so that specific image information (such as advertisement images) with the same management number is automatically stored from the next month. be able to.
[0244]
The specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) stored in the copying machine for each transfer is rewritten only for the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the head office or headquarters, so once Each time it is transferred, it is not necessary to rewrite up to each store's own specific image, so it is time efficient, the necessary image memory does not increase, and old specific image information (such as advertisement images) is automatically deleted. Therefore, time efficiency is good. In another example, it is not necessary to select specific image information (advertisement image etc.) for each transfer, and if the management number of the specific image information management device at the head office is stored once, automatic Can be erased and stored.
[0245]
The specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) stored in the copying machine for each transfer is limited to the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the head office or headquarters side. Although the same as the example, the difference is that even if the specific image information code in the management table of the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier in each store) is 1, all the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) is not erased. is there. As shown in FIG. 74, the specific image information management apparatus 211 transfers only specific image information (such as an advertisement image) with a flag of update information 1 to the digital copier at each store in the management table of the head office management apparatus. In response to this, the digital image recording device (digital copier in each store) checks the management number of the head office management device that has been selected and registered in advance and the transferred management number. The image information (advertisement image or the like) is deleted, and the transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is stored in the specific image information storage area.
[0246]
The specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) stored in the copying machine for each transfer is the updated specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) of the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the head office or headquarters. Etc.), only the updated specific image is replaced with the previous specific image, and the total processing time including the transfer time is shortened.
[0247]
As shown in the management table of FIG. 72, the specific image information code of the original specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) created at each store is 0, and the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) created at the head office and headquarters is 1. Set. When deleting specific image information (advertisement image, etc.), be sure to check the specific image information code so that it cannot be deleted unless the specific image information code is 1. Specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) created independently at each store Protect. Since specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is protected from being erased by information communicated from the headquarters or headquarters side, specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) created by each store will not be deleted by mistake. Absent.
[0248]
Specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) created at the headquarters and headquarters may be common throughout the country. As shown in FIG. 75, specific image information (advertisement) is divided into several regions. Images, etc.) are created at the headquarters and headquarters together, and the headquarters specific image information management device 211 stores and manages them together with the area code. The white dots in the figure are the head office and the black dots are the branches. The specific image information management apparatus 211 periodically transfers the data via the mutual transfer means 212. In response to this, the digital copier 1 in each store skips and matches the specific image information data that does not match the area code transferred and the area code registered in the digital copier 1 itself when installed in each store. Only transfer specific image information (such as advertisement images).
[0249]
Specific image information (advertising images, etc.) information created by the head office and headquarters for each region is regularly transferred to the digital copier at each store, so the specific image information that is common to a certain extent (region) while producing regional colors (Advertisement image etc.) is created at the head office side, so the cost is lower than creating it independently at each store. Further, since the same specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is used for each region, the head office can easily collect advertisement sponsors.
[0250]
As shown in FIG. 75, the image is divided into several regions, and specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) suitable for each region is created at the headquarters and headquarters. The process up to the point of storage management is the same as in the previous embodiment. The difference is that the area code is input and specified from the digital copying machine side through the mutual information transfer means 212 and 213 to the specific image management apparatus 211 at the head office, for example, by inputting a simulation code from the operation panel of the digital copying machine. Transfer request input of image information (advertisement image etc.) is performed. By the mutual information transfer means 212, 213 already described, the transfer request signal of the area code and specific image information (advertisement image etc.) is transferred to the specific image information management device 211 of the head office or headquarters. The specific image information management device 211 of the headquarters transfers specific image information data matching the area code from the stored specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data to the digital copier 1 of each store.
[0251]
The regional specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is transferred from the headquarters and headquarters upon request for regional specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) information along with the transmission of the regional code from each store. Specific image information (advertisement image etc.) can be replaced. Moreover, since only data that matches the region code is permitted to be transferred, specific image information (advertisement image or the like) peculiar to the region, such as specific image information (advertisement image or the like) with good time efficiency and regional characteristics, can be obtained.
[0252]
When transferring specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) from the specific image information management device 211 at the head office or headquarters to the digital copier at each store, the specific image information management device 211 is pre-registered in the digital copier 1 at each store. Get Therefore, the specific image information management apparatus 211 is provided with a machine information transfer request unit, and in response to the machine information transfer request, the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) receives the machine information via the information transfer units 212 and 213. Forward.
Depending on the machine information of the digital image recording device (digital copier at each store), the specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device) 211 is appropriately selected from the stored and managed specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is automatically selected and periodically transferred to the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) via the information transfer means 212 and 213. Therefore, it is not necessary to make various settings when transferring specific image information (such as advertisement images) each time.
[0253]
As the above machine information, information on color machines or black and white machines, installation area information, language correspondence information, and the like can be considered. As shown in the machine information table of FIG. 75, code 0 is used if the digital copying machine is a color machine, and code 1 is used if it is a monochrome machine. If the installation area of the digital copying machine is divided as shown in FIG. 74, code 0 in Tohoku / Hokkaido, code 1 in Kanto, code 2 in Chubu, code 3 in Kinki, code 4 in China / Shikoku, Code 5 for Kyushu and Okinawa. As language support, Japanese code 0, English code 1, German code 3, Spanish code 4, and Chinese code 5 are used. These code digital image recording devices (digital copiers at each store) transfer the information to specific image information management device 211 (head office, headquarter side management device) via information transfer means 212 and 213.
[0254]
In this way, the head office / headquarters side management device 211 automatically determines the installation area code of the digital copier in each store, and periodically sends appropriate specific image information (such as advertisement images) information created for each area to the digital copier in each store. Therefore, it is not necessary to set installation area information at the time of transferring specific image information (such as an advertisement image) every time. Moreover, since only data that matches the region code is permitted to be transferred, specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) peculiar to the region, such as specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) with good time efficiency and regional characteristics can be obtained. .
[0255]
Corresponding to these codes, the specific image information management device 211 (head office, headquarters side management device) automatically selects the appropriate specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) from the stored specific image information (advertisement image, etc.). It is sorted and periodically transferred to a digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) via the information transfer means. The head office / head office management device 211 automatically identifies the destination and language information of the digital copier at each store and periodically transfers appropriate specific image information (such as advertisement images) created for each language to the digital copier at each store. Therefore, it is not necessary to set language-compatible information at the time of transferring specific image information (such as an advertisement image) every time. Also, it is conceivable to use a digital copying machine in another language at overseas stores or in Japan, and specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) rich in international colors can be obtained.
[0256]
<Ninth Embodiment>
In the ninth embodiment, specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) registered in a color digital copying machine and original image information of a document set at a predetermined position of the color digital copying machine for copying are placed on the same sheet. This is a digital image information processing system that incorporates a mode for recording together as part of the functions of a color digital copying machine, and is constructed as a system that efficiently operates this function in a network environment using a communication infrastructure. . Furthermore, the point of this embodiment is that the bi-directional communication infrastructure is used, and the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) data created collectively at the head office and the headquarters is not stored and managed on the digital copier side of each store. Store and manage at the head office, headquarters specific image information management device or each store server, transfer specific image information data only when necessary, and perform total management of specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) at the same time as transfer. It is. The aim is to increase the utilization rate of copies with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) by analyzing these data collected in real time and creating better specific image information (advertisement images, etc.).
[0257]
Hereinafter, the digital image information processing system of the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.
[0258]
First, a case where specific image information is stored and managed in each store server will be described.
FIG. 77 is a diagram showing a digital image information processing system in which specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred via each store server by mutual information transfer means 212 and 213 taking a convenience store of a chain store organization as an example. In supermarkets and convenience stores that also provide copy services in chain store organizations, servers that manage POS terminals that have already been built as systems are connected to the headquarters and headquarters via a network using a bidirectional communication infrastructure. Yes. Using this network system (mutual information transfer means 212 such as the Internet or an intranet using a telephone line or a dedicated line), the specific image information management device 211 of the head office and the headquarters creates specific image information collectively created for each store. (Advertisement image etc.) is transferred to the information management device (server of each store) 214. The transferred specific image information data is stored in a memory (hard disk or the like) of the information management device (server of each store) 214. The information management device (server of each store) 214 and the digital copying machine 1 are connected to a network.
[0259]
The copy user can select a copy with specific image information (such as an advertisement image) and a normal copy. When a copy with desired specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is selected from a plurality of genres, the digital copier 1 of each store requests the transfer of the desired specific image information by the specific image information transfer request means. In response to the transfer request, the requested specific image information is recorded in the digital image record via the information transfer means 212 and 213 from the specific image information stored and managed in the information management device 214 (server of each store). It is transferred to the apparatus 1 (digital copier at each store). The subsequent processing is the same as the case where the specific image information is stored and managed in the specific image information management apparatus in the head office or headquarters. In any case, the point is that specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is not stored and managed on the digital copying machine side. The advertisement image is managed by an external advertisement image management device (head office or server), and the advertisement image is transferred in response to a transfer request from the digital copying machine. ) Memory is not required, and the price of the digital copier itself is reduced.
[0260]
Next, a method of using general information (size, color / black and white, genre, title, reduced schematic image, etc.) to determine specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) on the digital copying machine side will be described. The specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device or each store's server) stores and manages the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) and outline information corresponding to each specific image information (size, color / monochrome, Genre, title, reduced summary image, etc.). FIG. 78 is a summary information management table managed by the head office, the head office management apparatus, or the server of each store. When the copy user selects the copy with advertisement image, only the outline information of the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) is transferred to the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) through the information transfer means already described. The general information of the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) transferred to the digital copier at each store is temporarily stored in the memory 43.
[0261]
FIG. 79 is an operation screen flowchart for determining specific image information (such as an advertisement image) from the summary information. It is an example for further limiting specific image information (advertisement image etc.) to FIG. 27 explaining the operation screen flow. When the selection area of “Electrical product advertisement” is pressed in FIG. 27B, items related to the electrical product are extracted from the middle classification of the schematic information management table (FIG. 78), and the screen of FIG. 79A is displayed. The
[0262]
Next, when the “copier” selection area is pressed, the screen of FIG. 79B is displayed, and a reduced schematic image 219 of specific image information (such as an advertisement image) relating to the copier appears. With the selection key 220, other specific image information (such as an advertisement image) relating to the copying machine can be displayed. When the specific image information is determined, the selection area 221 “determined” is pressed. When the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is confirmed, a transfer request signal is output from the digital copying machine 1, and in response to the transfer request, the specific image requested each time from the head office, head office management device or each store server. Information (such as advertisement images) is transferred to a digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) via an information transfer means.
[0263]
The transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like) and the original image information input from the original image information input means of the digital copier 1 at each store are combined and output on one sheet of paper. An external advertisement image management device (head office or server) that manages advertisement images transfers information related to advertisement images in response to a request from a digital copying machine, and in response to subsequent requests for confirmed advertisement images Therefore, a memory for specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is not required on the digital copying machine side, and the price of the digital copying machine main body is reduced. In addition, the copy user can select his / her favorite image information (such as an advertisement image) without relying on the machine.
[0264]
Next, a description will be given of a case where only the outline information (size, color / black and white, genre, title, reduced outline image, etc.) of specific image information (advertisement image etc.) is stored and managed in advance on the digital copying machine side.
The specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device or each store's server) stores and manages the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) and outline information corresponding to each specific image information (size, color / monochrome, Genre, title, reduced summary image, etc.). This summary information is transferred to the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) periodically or based on a transfer request from the digital copier via the information transfer means already described. The general information of the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) transferred to the digital copier at each store is stored in the image memory 43 and managed by the general information management means 48.
[0265]
As already described with reference to FIG. 79, specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is determined by the copy user from the summary information managed by the summary information management means 48 of the digital copying machine. When specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is confirmed, a transfer request signal is issued from the digital copying machine 1, and requested in response to the transfer request from the head office, the head office management device 211 or the server 214 of each store each time. The specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) via the information transfer means 212 and 213. The external advertisement image management apparatus (head office or server) that manages advertisement images transfers and manages only information related to advertisement images to the digital copying machine. It is not necessary to have a full memory for advertisement images, etc., and only a small amount of memory for general information is required, and the price of the digital copying machine main body is reduced. Further, the copy user does not leave the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) to the machine, the favorite one is selected, and the total processing time is short because the outline information transfer is unnecessary.
[0266]
The description so far has been about transferring specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) from the server of the head office, headquarters, or each store to the digital copying machine each time. .
As described above, the user can select the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) from various genres, and can also perform normal copying without selecting the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.). . Therefore, knowing how many copies with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) are being used, and which specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is well selected, is more important for the headquarters and headquarters. For (sponsors), this is one of the ways to measure the effect, and how effective it is is a very important issue.
[0267]
Next, an example of totaling specific image information (such as advertisement images) will be described.
In response to a transfer request for specific image information (such as an advertisement image) from the digital copier 1 of each store, the specific image information management device (head office, head office management device or each store server) requests the specific image information requested each time. Are transferred to the digital copier 1 of each store via the information transfer means, and at the same time, the specific image information management device (head office, head office management device or each store server) counts the transferred specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) Manage. It is not necessary to collect the total data of each digital copying machine, and the total can be performed in real time simultaneously with the transfer of the advertisement image. FIG. 80 shows an example of a management table that is tabulated and managed for each advertisement image in the specific image information management apparatus in the head office and headquarters. The number of times of transfer for each advertisement image, that is, the number of times of use is shown in real time. The total management information is also useful information for each store. The server of each store can obtain real-time total management information from the specific image information management apparatus in the head office and headquarters by requesting transfer of total management information.
[0268]
An external advertisement image management device (head office or server) that manages advertisement images counts the transferred advertisement images every time an advertisement image is transferred in response to a request from the digital copying machine. It is not necessary to collect the total data, and it can be totaled in real time at the same time as the transfer of the advertisement image. In addition, the aggregated data can be analyzed at any time, making it possible to create more specific image information (advertising images, etc.) in a more timely manner. By transferring the real-time aggregated data of the head office and headquarters to each store, each store can grasp the aggregated results in real time. it can.
[0269]
<Tenth embodiment>
In the tenth embodiment, the server of each store uses specific image information (advertisement) suitable for a color digital copying machine from among a plurality of specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) transferred from a specific image information management device at the head office or headquarters. This is an image information processing system that selects and confirms an image etc. and transfers it to a color digital copying machine.
In FIG. 77, the server 214 of each store stores specific image information (such as an advertisement image) suitable for the characteristics (color digital copying machine, black and white digital copying machine, copyable size, etc.) of the digital image recording device (digital copying machine of each store). Select, confirm, and transfer to digital image recording device (digital copier at each store). In FIG. 77, assuming that the digital copy machine of the A store is the color digital copy machine 1-a and the digital copy machine of the B store is the monochrome digital copy machine 1-b, the server 214 of the A store is the head office and the head office. The specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) suitable for the color digital copying machine is selected from a plurality of specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the specific image information management device 211, and then confirmed in the A store. Transfer to color digital copier 1-a.
[0270]
The B store server 214 also has specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) suitable for a black and white digital copier out of a plurality of specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the specific image information management apparatus 211 at the head office and headquarters. Is selected and confirmed, and transferred to the B store monochrome digital copier 1-b. There are also satellite communication networks using satellites as mutual information transfer means, terrestrial communication (not shown), and the like. The advertisement images transferred from the head office and headquarters are managed by the server 214 of each store, and the advertisement image information is determined in the server 214 and then transferred to the digital copying machine. Therefore, the limited image memory 43 of the digital copying machine is stored. It can be used effectively. In addition, since the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the server 214, the transfer is not hindered even when the digital copying machine is in use.
[0271]
An embodiment of a method for confirming specific image information (such as an advertisement image) will be described below.
As a means for confirming the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) transferred from the specific image information management device 211 (head office, headquarters side management device) to the information management device (server of each store) 214, it is shown in FIG. It can be confirmed by displaying it on the display device of the server. Outline information (genre, size, area information, language information, color / monochrome, reduced outline image, etc.) of specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is displayed. Also, by pressing the “confirmation printing” selection area on the server 214 display screen shown in FIG. 81 with a finger, the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) data is transferred to the digital copying machine 1, and the digital copying machine 1 One specific image information (such as an advertisement image) can be printed on one sheet by the output means (FIG. 82). Alternatively, a plurality of pieces of specific image information (such as advertisement images) can be printed on one sheet (FIG. 82).
[0272]
In the case of confirmation printing, the specific image information data is transferred from the server 214 of each store to the communication unit (communication interface) 47 of the digital copier 1 of each store. The transferred specific image information data is already a CMYK signal, and is temporarily intermediate. The tone processing 41h is performed and stored in the hard disks 43a to 43d of the image memory 43, and can be printed on the paper by the series of printing operations already described. In the embodiment, the touch panel type display device has been described, but a method of instructing by a normal mouse operation is often used. In order to confirm the advertisement image transferred from the head office and headquarters, it is possible to output the advertisement image from the digital copier according to the instruction from the server, so the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data transferred from the head office and headquarters Can be confirmed from the output print whether it was sent normally. Further, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) information transferred from the head office or the headquarters is necessary for the store.
[0273]
The specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is confirmed on the display device of the information management device (server of each store) 214, or the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) data of the digital copying machine is transferred. It can be confirmed by printing specific image information (such as an advertisement image) (FIGS. 81, 82, and 83). Of the confirmed image information, desired specific image information is confirmed by pressing the “determined” selection area with a finger on the touch panel display device of the server 214 in FIG. 81, and the confirmed specific image information (advertisement image) Etc.) are stored in the specific image information storage means 43 of the digital image recording apparatus (digital copier at each store) and managed by the specific image information management means 48. The advertisement image transferred to the server from the head office and headquarters is confirmed, and the selected advertisement image is transferred to the digital copier. Therefore, the limited image memory of the digital copier must be used effectively. It is possible to characterize the store by selecting from specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) of all genres transferred from the head office and the headquarters.
[0274]
Next, an embodiment of an automatic selection / confirmation method will be described below. Machine information (color copier / black and white digital copier, copyable size, installation area information, language support information, etc.) of the digital copier connected to the information management device (store server) 214 is stored in the server 214 of each store In addition, the information that matches the feature information (color image, black and white image, image size, installation area information, language information, etc.) of the transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is selected and confirmed. FIG. 84 is a schematic information management table showing the characteristics of the transferred specific image information. Advertising image transferred from the characteristics of the advertising image (color image, black and white image, image size, etc.) and machine information of the digital copier (color copier / black and white digital copier, copyable size, installation area information, language support information, etc.) The transfer time can be greatly shortened. The cost for transferring specific image information (such as advertisement images) can be reduced, and the image memory can be greatly reduced.
[0275]
Next, description will be made assuming the case of the C store of FIG. 77 in which a plurality of digital copying machines are connected to a server 214 that manages a POS terminal or the like constructed as a system in a supermarket or a convenience store.
[0276]
In this network system (mutual information transfer means 212 such as the Internet or an intranet using a telephone line or a dedicated line), the specific image information management device 211 of the head office and the headquarters is configured to generate specific image information (advertisement) collectively for each store. The image or the like is transferred to the information management apparatus (server at each store) 214. The transferred specific image information data is stored in a memory (hard disk or the like) of the information management device (server of each store) 214. Each store's server 214 selects and confirms specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) suitable for the characteristics (color digital copier, black and white digital copier, copyable size, etc.) of each digital copier installed in each store. The data is then transferred to each digital copier at each store.
[0277]
Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 77, a plurality of digital copiers are connected to the C store server 214, one color digital copier 1-a, and the other is a monochrome digital copier 1-a. b, the server 214 of the C store uses specific image information (advertising images, etc.) transferred from the specific image information management device 211 of the head office and headquarters, and is suitable for each digital copier. The advertisement image or the like is selected and confirmed, and then transferred to the color digital copying machine 1-a and monochrome digital copying machine 1-b of the C store.
[0278]
The advertisement image transferred from the head office side is managed by the server of each store, and the advertisement image managed by the server is determined and transferred to a plurality of digital copiers managed by the server. The headquarters does not need to transfer specific image information (advertisement image or the like) for each digital copying machine, and transfers only to the server of each store. Therefore, the transfer time can be greatly shortened, and the transfer cost can be reduced. In addition, since the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the server, transfer is not hindered even when a plurality of digital copying machines are in use.
[0279]
Specific image information (such as advertisement images) most suitable for each digital image recording device transferred to each of a plurality of digital image recording devices (digital copiers at each store) managed by an information management device (server at each store) 214 For confirmation, printing can be performed on paper by the output means of each digital copying machine. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 77, specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) suitable for each of the color digital copying machine 1-a and the monochrome digital copying machine 1-b from the C store server 214 will be described. In order to confirm the transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like), the digital of each of the color digital copying machine 1-a and the monochrome digital copying machine 1-b is received by an instruction from the server 214. In a copying machine, it can be printed on paper. Also, it is possible to confirm the transferred specific image information (advertisement image or the like) not by an instruction from the server 214 but also by a print instruction operation in each digital copying machine. FIG. 83 shows an example of printing in the field of electrical products / copiers for specific image information that has been confirmed and transferred for color digital copying machines, for the Kansai region and for the whole country, and for Japanese.
[0280]
The advertisement image confirmed by the server and transferred to each digital copying machine can be output for confirmation on each digital copying machine side, so that the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data transferred from the server is stored. It can be confirmed by the output print whether it was sent normally. Further, it can be visually determined whether the output specific image information (advertisement image or the like) matches the characteristics of the output digital copying machine.
[0281]
In the above description, the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is unilaterally transferred from the head office or the headquarters, but the specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) is transferred based on the transfer request from the server 214 of each store. The case where it does is demonstrated.
[0282]
When the manager of the server 214 of each store makes a transfer request for specific image information (such as an advertisement image) from the server to the head office and headquarters, the transfer request signal is transmitted by the mutual information transfer means (212, 213) already described. The specific image information management apparatus 211 of the head office and the head office is sent to the specific image information management apparatus 211 of the head office and the head office. In response to this request signal, the specific image information management apparatus 211 of the head office and the head office stores the specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data stored and managed. Forward to. The transferred specific image information data is temporarily stored in an image memory (such as a hard disk) of the server 214. Since the head office transfers the advertisement image information in response to the advertisement image request from the server 214 of each store, specific image information (such as an advertisement image) can be obtained from the head office and the head office at a convenient date and time of each store. In addition, since the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is transferred to the server 214, no trouble occurs even when the digital copying machine is in use.
[0283]
When a request for transferring specific image information (such as an advertisement image) is sent from the server 214 of each store to the head office or headquarters, the machine information (color copying machine / color copying machine / Black and white digital copying machine, copyable size, installation area information, language support information, etc.) are transferred to the specific image information management apparatus 211 in the head office and headquarters together with a transfer request signal. By the mutual information transfer means (212, 213) already described, the machine information and the transfer request signal are sent to the specific image information management device 211 of the head office and headquarters, and the specific image information management device of the head office and headquarters according to this request signal. 211 transfers only specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data that matches the machine information from the stored specific image information (advertisement image etc.) data to the server 214 of each store. When each store server makes a transfer request for advertisement images to the headquarters or headquarters, it forwards information that identifies the image that requires the transfer (regional information, color image, monochrome image, image size, etc.) The transfer time of specific image information (advertisement image or the like) can be greatly shortened, and the cost for transferring the specific image information (advertisement image or the like) can be reduced. In addition, the image memory of the digital copying machine can be greatly reduced.
[0284]
The description so far has been the content of transferring specific image information (such as advertisement images) from the head office and headquarters to the server 214 of each store, but in the following, advertisements on a plurality of digital copiers managed by the server 214 of each store A feedback system for counting the usage status of images and transferring the counting results to the head office and headquarters will be described.
[0285]
Specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) connected to the server 214 of each store and stored in the digital copying machine 1 is selected by the user from various genres as described in (Explanation of Operation Screen Flow). It is possible to perform normal copying without selecting specific image information (such as an advertisement image). Therefore, knowing how many copies with specific image information (advertising images, etc.) are used at each store and which specific image information (advertising images, etc.) is well selected is also an advertisement for the head office and headquarters. For the main (sponsor), it is one of the methods to measure the effect, and how much effect is effective is a very important issue.
[0286]
Next, an example of counting specific image information (such as advertisement images) will be described.
FIG. 85 is an example in which the number of outputs of a normal copy and a copy with specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is compared on a monthly basis, and the total image management is performed by the specific image information management unit 48. FIG. 86 shows, as an example, how many copies were output as specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) last month and this month, assuming that there was specific image information (advertisement image, etc.) from A to J. The number of outputs for each copy with specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is tabulated by the specific image information management unit 48 of the digital copying machine 1.
[0287]
As described above, the total result is managed in the specific image information management unit 48 for each digital copying machine. The server 214 to which a plurality of digital copiers are connected further manages the total results of each digital copier, and the total management data of copy output with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) is regularly or at the head office or headquarters Is transferred to the headquarters / headquarters specific image information management device (headquarters / headquarters side management device) via the mutual information transfer means already described. The head office and headquarters collect the aggregation result data transferred from each store, further aggregate the whole or for each region, and analyze each specific image information (advertisement image etc.).
[0288]
As another embodiment, each digital copying machine 1 directly transfers data to the server 214 each time a copy with specific image information (advertisement image or the like) is output without performing total management in each digital copying machine. It is also possible to perform aggregation management on the server. Each store server counts the usage status of advertising images on multiple digital copiers it manages, and forwards the count results to the head office and headquarters. The specific image information (advertisement image) can be analyzed at each store, and can be used for determining the selection of specific image information from the next time. In addition, the head office and headquarters can further determine the continuation of new image information (advertisement images, etc.) and new creation by collecting and analyzing these information, and creating better specific image information (advertisement images, etc.). Know-how can be accumulated. Furthermore, aggregate data and analysis data can be used to develop advertisers (sponsors) at the head office and headquarters.
[0289]
Aggregate management data of copy output with specific image information (advertisement images, etc.) gathered from each store to the headquarters and headquarters specific image information management device (headquarters, headquarters side management device). Aggregate and analyze. These total management information and analysis information are useful information for each store. Each store's information management device (each store's server) sends a total information transfer request signal requesting transfer of total management information (nationwide, regional total information, other store total information, etc.) to the headquarters and headquarters specific image information management device (headquarters) To the head office management device).
[0290]
In response to the request for the total management information, the specific image information management device (head office, headquarters side management device) sends the total management information managed (national, regional total information, other store total information, etc.) to the information transfer means. To the information management device (server of each store). And if there is specific image information (advertisement image etc.) that seems necessary based on the total management information transferred, the specific image information of the head office and headquarters using the transfer request means for specific image information described above Request to the management device (head office, head office management device).
[0291]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the specific image information registered in the copying machine in advance and the original image information of the original set in the copying machine for copying are recorded on the same sheet, thereby recording the image editing and recording. From the viewpoint of the device installation side, it is possible to record information desired to be conveyed to an unspecified number of people as an advertisement image together with a copy image. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the user using this image editing / recording apparatus, a copy to which a specific image is added is output without damaging the image information of the manuscript required by the user. It will not be. Conversely, various information different from the original image information is obtained, and when the specific image is, for example, an advertisement image, an advertisement fee can be collected.
[0313]
  In particular, since the feature of the original image information is maintained and the feature of the specific image information is processed in a predetermined state, even if the image information is combined into one image, The information content intended by each piece of image information can be expressed and transmitted without direct influence.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a color digital copying machine which is an embodiment of an image editing / recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a network system having a color digital copying machine as a core.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing portion included in a color digital copying machine.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing operation management of each part of the entire digital copying machine by a central control unit.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an operation panel in a color digital copying machine.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for a copy service store that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for a copy service store that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device following FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a color digital copying machine which is an image editing and recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where a black and white original and color advertisement information are combined.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for synthesizing a boundary line as a boundary image.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram in which the background color of the advertisement image is a fixed density solid pattern as a boundary image.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram using a shading pattern of a specific color as a boundary image so that an advertisement image is more conspicuous.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the image editing / recording apparatus.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process in which a color original and a color advertisement are combined, and the original is set to black and white.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process in which a document is colored when a monochrome document and a monochrome advertisement are combined.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a compositing process in which the advertisement is black and white when the color original and the color advertisement are combined.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process when a B5 document image is enlarged by 1.2 times.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process when a document image is reduced by 0.9 times.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process when a predetermined vertical reduction ratio is set for each size of document image information.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process for advertising image emphasis by confirming the second process in preference to the first process, confirming the first process according to the area of the remaining area, and FIG. is there.
FIG. 24 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the second embodiment.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process when the first process and the second process are performed based on the output paper size.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a composition process when document image information and advertisement image information are processed at the same magnification.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for a copy service store that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a partial block diagram showing a third embodiment of a color copying machine.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a management table related to deadline information of advertisement image information.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen on which an advertisement genre can be selected.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram for recording both an advertisement image and expiration date information when a document image and an advertisement image are combined.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen displaying selectable advertisements.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen after advertisement selection.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing storage management processing of advertisement images by a specific image information management unit.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing another storage management process of an advertisement image by the specific image information management unit.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing another storage management process for advertising images by the specific image information management unit 48;
FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen displaying an advertisement when an advertisement image is confirmed.
FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image output from an image information output unit when an advertisement image is confirmed.
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen displaying an advertisement together with additional information related to the advertisement image when confirming the advertisement image.
FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image output from the image information output unit together with additional information related to the advertisement image when confirming the advertisement image.
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image output from the image information output unit for each field together with additional information related to the advertisement image when confirming the advertisement image.
FIG. 42 shows an example of an operation screen for a copy service that is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 61 with a touch panel arranged in a substantially central portion of the operation panel 60 in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 43 is a table showing a price ratio of each advertisement image information to a normal copy fee.
FIG. 44 is a table showing the price ratio of each advertisement image to the normal copy fee for each paper size.
FIG. 45 is a table showing totals of the number of outputs in the first output mode and the number of outputs in the second output mode in units of months.
FIG. 46 is a table showing the previous month and the current month for each advertisement image totaled in units of months.
FIG. 47 is a table showing the current month totaled for each advertisement image by paper size in units of months.
FIG. 48 is a table showing monthly totals for each advertisement image for each cut-out paper size by advertiser, and the total number of previous month and current month, and the advertiser's combined copy with advertisement.
FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing a tabulation management table for managing advertisement images according to document sizes in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 50 is a block diagram of a first output mode and a second output mode in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 51 shows a block diagram of another second output mode in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen in which the field of the selection area changes depending on the time zone.
FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing a management table for switching contents displayed as selectable information on the display unit with time information;
FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing a management table for switching the contents to be displayed as selectable information on the display unit with calendar information.
FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing document types taking A4 size as an example.
FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for confirming the position of the advertisement image.
FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram in which a manuscript is set upside down and is combined and copied with an advertisement image without correction processing.
FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram in which a manuscript is set upside down, input manuscript image data is processed and combined with an advertisement image.
FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram of setting a manuscript upside down, processing selected advertisement image data, and synthesizing and copying the manuscript image.
FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram of various A4 advertisement images corresponding to advertisement image positions.
61 is an explanatory diagram for selecting and synthesizing an image from FIG. 66 based on FIG. 55;
FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing an advertisement image position management table for automatically determining an advertisement image position.
FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen that displays a document image and a combined image with an advertisement for which an advertisement position can be selected.
FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen that displays a document image that is upside down and a combined image with an advertisement in which an advertisement position can be selected.
FIG. 65 is a block diagram of a color digital copying machine according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram of a digital image information processing system that transfers specific image information by means of mutual information transfer means taking a convenience store of a chain store organization as an example in the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram of a tabulation management table in which the number of normal copy outputs per month and the number of copy outputs with advertisement images can be compared.
FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram of a tabulation management table showing the number of outputs for each type of advertising image in units of months.
FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of a tabulation management table showing the total number of outputs for each advertiser in units of months.
FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram of a specific image information management table of a specific image information management apparatus in the head office and headquarters in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram of a management table of a color digital copying machine.
FIG. 72 is an explanatory diagram of a management table of a color digital copying machine for separately managing an advertisement image created in each store and an advertisement image created in the head office and headquarters.
FIG. 73 is an explanatory diagram of a management table for the head office and headquarters and a management table for the color digital copying machine when the management number of the advertisement image selected on the head office and headquarters side is stored on the color digital copying machine side.
FIG. 74 is an explanatory diagram of a management table of the head office and headquarters and a management table of the color digital copier when the management number and update information of the advertisement image selected on the head office and headquarters side are stored. .
FIG. 75 is an explanatory diagram in which chain stores are divided into regions and assigned to region codes.
FIG. 76 is a machine information table of a color digital copying machine.
77 is an explanatory diagram of a digital image information processing system in which specific image information (such as advertisement images) is transferred via a server of each store by mutual information transfer means taking a convenience store of a chain store organization as an example in the ninth embodiment. FIG. is there.
FIG. 78 is an explanatory diagram of a management table managed by the head office, headquarters-side specific image information management apparatus or each store server;
FIG. 79 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for determining specific image information (such as an advertisement image) from the summary information.
FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram of a management table that is tabulated and managed for each advertisement image in the specific image information management device at the head office or headquarters side.
FIG. 81 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of a server of each store for confirming and selecting an advertisement image according to the tenth embodiment.
FIG. 82 is an explanatory diagram in which one advertisement image is printed on one sheet for confirmation of the advertisement image.
FIG. 83 is an explanatory diagram in which a plurality of advertisement images are printed on one sheet for confirmation of advertisement images.
FIG. 84 is an explanatory diagram of a summary information management table regarding summary information of features of advertisement images transferred from the head office and headquarters.
FIG. 85 is an explanatory diagram of a tabulation management table in which the number of normal copy outputs per month and the number of copy outputs with advertisement images can be compared.
FIG. 86 is an explanatory diagram of a tabulation management table showing the number of outputs for each type of advertisement image information in units of months.
[Explanation of symbols]
40 Image data input section
41 Image processing unit
42 Image data output unit
43 Image memory
43a-43d hard disk
43e Synthesis memory
43f Delay memory
44 Central processing unit
45 Image Editing Department
46, 47 External interface
48 Specific Image Information Management Department
101 Image input means
102 Specific image information memory
103 1st processing part
104 Second processing unit
105 Image information composition unit
106 Black image recording unit
107 color image recording unit

Claims (2)

In an image editing and recording apparatus that combines document image information and specific image information that is image information different from the document,
An image editing unit that gives instructions for a first process that is an image process of the document image information and a second process that is an image process of the specific image information ;
A first processing unit that performs the first processing according to an instruction from the image editing unit;
A second processing unit that performs the second processing according to an instruction from the image editing unit;
An image combining unit that combines the processed document image information and the specific image information into one image;
An image information output unit that outputs and records composite image information as an image;
When both the original image information and the specific image information are color image information, the image editing unit performs the first or second processing so as to replace any image information with monochrome image information. An image editing and recording apparatus characterized by confirming . In an image editing and recording apparatus that combines document image information and specific image information that is image information different from the document,
An image editing unit that gives instructions for a first process that is an image process of the document image information and a second process that is an image process of the specific image information;
A first processing unit that performs the first processing according to an instruction from the image editing unit;
A second processing unit that performs the second processing according to an instruction from the image editing unit;
An image combining unit that combines the processed document image information and the specific image information into one image;
An image information output unit that outputs and records composite image information as an image;
The image editing unit performs the first or second processing so that, when both the original image information and the specific image information are monochrome image information, any of the image information is replaced with color image information. An image editing and recording apparatus characterized by confirming .

Images