JP4089191B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, image processing program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that reads a printed matter of a web page, character-recognizes a URL, connects to the web server, generates image data of the web page, and outputs the image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of personal computers, the number of users of the Internet has increased, the opportunity to print Web pages has increased, and a considerable amount of information is still being propagated through paper media. There are also many opportunities to do this.
[0003]
However, the Web page may be updated every day, and in this case, the content of the printed matter acquired before is not the latest information.
[0004]
In order to solve this problem, when copying a printed matter of a Web page, the URL recorded in the footer or the like of the document is recognized, and an HTML file is obtained by connecting to the Web server indicated by the URL. There has been proposed an image processing apparatus capable of acquiring a printed matter having the latest information by generating image data of a page and printing it.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the image processing apparatus as described above, when a printed matter of a Web page is used as a manuscript and, for example, a plurality of copies are specified and copied in order to prepare meeting materials to be distributed to attendees of the meeting, the contents of the manuscript and the printing process It can happen that the content of the copy having the latest information acquired in this way is different. In this case, there will be a shortage of copies having the latest update information for the person who owns the manuscript, and as a result, there is a problem that the number of copies of the meeting material will be one less than the required number. .
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and is intended to be specified when a printed matter of a web page is read as a document and printing processing is performed based on the latest web page. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of outputting one more copy than the number of print copies.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.
[0008]
(1) and the number of copies specifying means for specifying the number of copies at the time of printing, by scanning a document is a printed material that has been pre-printed, a reading unit obtaining scanned image data, said original is read by the reading means subject A printed matter printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web at the time of pre-printing of the document, with the description of the predetermined address added to a predetermined area of the printing surface The recognition means for recognizing the character in a predetermined area in the read image data so as to recognize the predetermined address from the read image data, and the predetermined image from the read image data by the recognition means. When the address is recognized, the second image data stored when the original is read at the predetermined address is acquired in order to obtain the second image data. A transfer request transmitting means for transmitting a transfer request to a predetermined address; and if the predetermined address is not recognized by the recognizing means or if the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target. while setting, wherein the recognition means predetermined address is recognized, and when the second image data are acquired, the print target setting means for setting the second image data as a print target, the read image data Is set as the printing target, the printing instruction is made with the number of printings designated by the printing number designation unit, while when the second image data is set as the printing target , the printing number designation unit is used. image, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to print instruction part more than the specified number of copies, the Processing apparatus.
[0009]
(2) The control means is a case where the second image data is set as a print target, and the second image data is compared with the first image data, and both image data are substantially different. When the control is performed so as to give a print instruction one more than the number of copies specified by the number-of-print-designating means, while the two image data are not substantially different, the number of copies designated by the number-of-printing designation means The image processing apparatus according to (1), wherein control is performed so as to instruct printing .
[0010]
(3) The image processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including a printing unit that prints data set as a print target among the second image data and the read image data .
[0011]
(4) a step of specifying the number of copies at the time of printing, by scanning a document is a printed material that has been pre-printed, and obtaining a read image data, the document is read target, preprinted of the document When the printed matter is printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web and the description of the predetermined address is added to a predetermined area of the printing surface, the reading is performed. Character recognition processing in a predetermined area in the read image data so as to recognize the predetermined address from the image data, and when the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data, the predetermined address Transmitting a transfer request to the predetermined address to obtain the second image data stored when the original is read at the address; If the predetermined address is not recognized from the image data or the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target, while the predetermined image is set from the read image data. address is recognized, and when the second image data is acquired, and setting the second image data as a print target, wherein when the read image data is set as the print target is designated and while print instruction in the print number of copies, when the second image data is set as the print target, and comprising: the step of controlling to print instructing part more than the specified number of copies, the Image processing method.
[0012]
(5) a step of specifying the number of copies at the time of printing, by scanning a document is a printed material that has been pre-printed, the procedure for obtaining the read image data, the document is read target, preprinted of the document When the printed image is printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web, and the description of the predetermined address is added to a predetermined area of the printing surface, the read image A procedure for character recognition processing in a predetermined area in the read image data so as to recognize the predetermined address from the data, and when the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data, the predetermined address A procedure for transmitting a transfer request to the predetermined address in order to obtain the second image data stored when the original is read; When the predetermined address is not recognized from the data or when the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target, while the predetermined address is set from the read image data. There are recognized, and when the second image data has been acquired, the procedure for setting the second image data as a print target, wherein when the read image data is set as the print target is specified Instructing the computer to execute a print instruction with the number of copies to be printed , and when the second image data is set as a print target, the computer executes a procedure for instructing to print one more copy than the designated number of print copies. A characteristic image processing program.
[0013]
(6) A computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program according to (5) is recorded.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing system including an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this image processing system, a digital copying machine 11 as an image processing apparatus and a Web server 20 are connected to each other via a communication network 30.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital copying machine 11 according to the present embodiment. 2, the digital copying machine 11 includes a CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, hard disk 114, operation panel unit 115, document reading unit 116, printing unit 117, and network interface 118, which exchange signals. They are connected to each other via a bus 119.
[0017]
The CPU 111 performs control of the above parts, various arithmetic processes, and the like according to a program. The RAM 112 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The ROM 113 stores various programs and parameters. The hard disk 114 is used for storing various programs and parameters, or temporarily storing image data obtained by image processing. In this embodiment, the digital copying machine 11 performs a predetermined operation to be described later. A program for controlling the operation of the digital copying machine 11 for this purpose is stored in the ROM 113 or the hard disk 114.
[0018]
The operation panel unit 115 includes a liquid crystal touch panel for displaying various information, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing start of operation, a stop key for instructing stop of operation, and a reset key for initializing various setting conditions. Etc.
[0019]
The document reading unit 116 applies light to a document set at a predetermined reading position with a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, photoelectrically converts the reflected light with a light receiving element such as a CCD or CIS, and converts image data ( Bitmap data) is generated. The document reading unit 116 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), which allows a plurality of documents to be conveyed one by one to a predetermined reading position by the ADF and sequentially read.
[0020]
The printing unit 117 prints the image data after image processing according to the setting conditions.
[0021]
The network interface 118 is an interface for connecting to a network and communicating with other devices on the network, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI are used.
[0022]
The Web server 20 is a computer having a WWW server function. The Web server 20 has a function of publishing a document file in the HTML format on the network as a WWW database and transferring the HTML file in response to a request from the client.
[0023]
The communication network 30 includes a public network such as a telephone network, ISDN, and a packet switching network, and a computer network such as a LAN, WAN, and the Internet.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the image processing procedure of the digital copying machine 11 in the present embodiment. First, in the digital copying machine 11, after a document on which a Web page is printed is set by a user at a predetermined position on the document table, the number of copies, sheet size, magnification, Copy conditions such as density, layout (function to place N pages of data in one page of output data (Nin1), etc.), single-sided / double-sided copying, sorting, finishing functions (staple function, folding function, punch hole function, etc.) Is set (S101). Then, it waits until there is a copy start command (S102). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document on which a Web page is printed. As described above, the URL of the Web page is printed in a predetermined area, for example, a header or a footer, on the document on which the Web page is printed.
[0025]
When receiving a copy start command from the user (YES in S102), the digital copying machine 11 reads the set original to obtain image data (S103), and stores the obtained image data in the hard disk 114 (S104). ).
[0026]
Next, character recognition is performed on a predetermined area of the image data (S105). As described above, when the original is a web page printed, a URL exists in a predetermined area of the acquired image data. In such a case, since the area where the URL is displayed is determined, the character recognition target can be limited to the area, and the efficiency of the character recognition process can be increased. As a method of character recognition, for example, a method of determining based on the degree of matching between the feature amount of each character image and a dictionary pattern stored in advance can be used.
[0027]
If the URL is not recognized by the character recognition process (NO in S106), the image data stored in the hard disk 114 in the procedure of S104 is read to the RAM 113 (S107), and the image data is printed in the printing unit 117 according to the setting conditions. And output (S108).
[0028]
On the other hand, when the URL is recognized by the character recognition process (YES in S106), an HTML file transfer request is transmitted to the Web server 20 indicated by the recognized URL via the network interface 118 and the communication network. (S109).
[0029]
After sending an HTML file transfer request, within a predetermined time for some reason, such as a connection error due to URL character recognition error, deletion or movement of a Web page, Web server down, congestion of access to the Web server, etc. When the HTML file cannot be received from the Web server 20 (NO in S110), an error message as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the operation panel unit 115 (S111), and the image data stored in the hard disk 114 in the procedure of S104 is displayed. The image data is read out to the RAM 113 (S107), and the image data is printed and output by the printing unit 117 according to the setting conditions (S108).
[0030]
In the error message display procedure of S111, buttons for "correct URL and reconnect" and "copy original" as shown in FIG. 6 are provided on the error message screen displayed on operation panel unit 115, and S105. If the URL cannot be connected to the Web server 20 because the URL was erroneously recognized in the character recognition procedure, the user is prompted to select whether to correct the URL and reconnect to the Web server 20 or to output a copy of the document. It is good also as a structure. In this case, the user confirms the URL displayed on the screen, and when there is an error in the URL, presses the “correct URL and reconnect” button, and then displays the URL correction screen as shown in FIG. The URL can be corrected and a reconnection instruction can be issued.
[0031]
If an HTML file is received from the Web server 20 within a predetermined time after sending the HTML file transfer request (YES in S110), the received HTML file is analyzed and the link file such as an image file is sent to the Web server. Is transmitted via the network interface 118 and the communication network (S112). If the link file cannot be received from the Web server 20 within a predetermined time due to congestion of access to the Web server after sending the link file transfer request (NO in S113), “No link file found”. Are displayed on the operation panel unit 115 (S114), the image data stored in the hard disk 114 in the procedure of S104 is read out to the RAM 113 (S107), and the image data is printed and output in the printing unit 117 according to the setting conditions. (S108).
[0032]
If a link file is received from the Web server 20 within a predetermined time after transmitting the HTML file transfer request (YES in S113), Web page image data is generated from the received HTML file and link file (S115). The image data is printed and output by the printing unit 117 in accordance with the setting conditions (S108).
[0033]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the printing process (S108) in FIG. In this printing process (S108), first, the number of copies designated in accordance with the input by the user in the copy condition setting (S101) in FIG. 3 is read and the number of copies N is set (S201). Next, it is determined whether the image data to be printed is image data based on a file received from the Web server or image data obtained by reading a document (S202).
[0034]
If the image data is based on a file received from the Web server (YES in S202), it may be different from the content of the document, so printing is performed so that one more copy than the specified number of copies is output. The number of copies (= N + 1) is set (S203). On the other hand, if the image data is obtained by reading the original (NO in S202), the designated number of copies is set as the number of copies (= N) (S205). Then, printing is performed based on the number of copies set in S203 or S205 (S204).
[0035]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a printed matter of a Web page is read as a document and printing processing is performed based on the latest Web page, one copy is output more than the designated number of copies. A copy having the latest information is created for the person who has it, and therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the meeting material becomes less than the required number of copies.
[0036]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration requirements are the same as those in the first embodiment, only the differences will be described.
[0037]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing of the digital copying machine 11 in the second embodiment. S302 to 307 and S309 to 315 are the same as S102 to 107 and S109 to 115 in FIG.
[0038]
In S301, copy conditions are set through the operation panel unit 115. As a result, the number of copies N designated in accordance with the input by the user is stored in the RAM 113.
[0039]
In the second embodiment, the contents of the image data generated based on the Web server file and the image data obtained by reading the original (S303) are compared (S316), and only when the image data are different from each other. (NO in S317), the number of copies to be set is one more than the designated number of copies (S318). By doing so, it is possible to print one more copy only when the content of the original and the content of the copy obtained by the printing process are actually different. Therefore, unnecessary printing processing can be prevented and a copy with no excess or deficiency can be obtained.
[0040]
Next, the image data comparison process (S316) of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In the digital copying machine, the original read image data stored in the hard disk 114 is read into the RAM 113, and the generated Web image data is compared with the original read image data. Here, the comparison processing of both image data is performed based on the print data bitmap-expanded with the same size and resolution.
[0041]
The image data comparison method is as follows. First, document read image data is subtracted between corresponding pixels from Web image data (S401). Corresponding pixels are detected by detecting the boundary between the area corresponding to the original and the area corresponding to the original suppression provided in the original reading unit in the original read image data, and determining that the area is within the area corresponding to the original. This is performed by associating with the upper left pixel of the Web image data in order from the upper left pixel. However, the detection method of the corresponding pixel is not limited to the above method. Next, the ratio of the absolute value of the subtraction result to a predetermined first threshold value (for example, 25.6 corresponding to 10% when one pixel is 256 gradations) or less is calculated (S402). ). If the calculated ratio is lower than a predetermined second threshold value (for example, 90%) (YES in S403), it is determined that the Web image data and the document read image data are different (S405), and the calculated ratio is If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined second threshold value (NO in S403), it is determined that the Web image data and the original read image data are substantially the same. In addition, said 1st and 2nd threshold value is based on an experience value, and is not limited to the said value. Further, the image data comparison method is not limited to the above method.
[0042]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a scanner having a document reading function, a facsimile apparatus, and a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) in addition to the digital copying machine shown in the above embodiment.
[0043]
Each means and image processing method constituting the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or by a programmed image processing apparatus. When the present invention is realized by a programmed image processing apparatus, a program for operating the image processing apparatus can be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a ROM, a hard disk or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the apparatus as one function of the image processing apparatus.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a printed matter of a web page is read as a document, a URL is recognized as a character, specified when a web page image data is generated and printed out by connecting to the web server. Since one more copy than the number of prints can be output, a copy having the latest information is created for the person who has the manuscript, and therefore, the problem that, for example, there are not enough meeting materials can be solved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system including a digital copying machine 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital copying machine 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing of the digital copying machine 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document on which a Web page is printed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an error message displayed on the operation panel unit 115 when an HTML file cannot be received from the Web server 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating another example of an error message displayed on the operation panel unit 115 when an HTML file cannot be received from the Web server 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a URL correction screen displayed on the operation panel unit 115 when correcting a URL error in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of print processing in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing image processing procedures of the digital copying machine 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of image data comparison processing in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Digital copier,
20 ... Web server,
30 ... communication network,
111 ... CPU,
112 ... ROM,
113 ... RAM,
114: Hard disk,
115 ... operation panel section,
116: Document reading unit,
117 ... printing section,
118: Network interface,
119 ... Bus.

Claims (6)

And the number of copies specifying means for specifying the number of copies at the time of printing,
Reading means for reading a document that is a pre-printed printed matter to obtain read image data ;
The original to be read by the reading means is a printed matter printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web when the original is pre-printed, and the predetermined original on the printing surface Recognizing means for performing character recognition processing in a predetermined area in the read image data so as to recognize the predetermined address from the read image data when a description of the predetermined address is added ;
When the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data by the recognition means, transfer to the predetermined address to obtain the second image data stored when the original is read at the predetermined address. A transfer request transmission means for transmitting the request;
If the predetermined address is not recognized by the recognition unit or the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target, while the predetermined address is recognized by the recognition unit. and when the second image data are acquired, the print target setting means for setting the second image data as a print target,
When the read image data is set as a print target, a print instruction is made with the number of prints designated by the print number designation means, while when the second image data is set as a print target , the print Control means for controlling to instruct to print one more copy than the number of copies designated by the number of copies designation means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The control means is a case where the second image data is set as a print target, and when the second image data and the first image data are compared and the two image data are substantially different, Control is made to give a print instruction one more than the number of prints designated by the print number designation means, and when the two image data are not substantially different, a print instruction is given with the number of prints designated by the print number designation means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled to do so . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints data set as a print target among the second image data and the read image data . And the stage to specify the number of copies at the time of printing,
Scanning a document which is a pre-printed printed material to obtain scanned image data ;
The original to be read is a printed matter printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web when the original is pre-printed, and the predetermined address is set in a predetermined area of the printing surface. A step of performing character recognition processing in a predetermined area in the read image data so that the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data when the description is added ;
When the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data, a transfer request is transmitted to the predetermined address in order to obtain the second image data stored when the original is read at the predetermined address. And the stage of
If the predetermined address is not recognized from the read image data or the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target, while the read image data is selected from the read image data. when the predetermined address is recognized, and the second image data is acquired, and setting the second image data as a print target,
When the read image data is set as a print target, printing is instructed by the designated number of prints. On the other hand, when the second image data is set as a print target, one copy is made from the designated number of prints. A stage to control so as to give many printing instructions,
An image processing method comprising: And procedures that specify the number of copies at the time of printing,
A procedure for obtaining scanned image data by reading a document that is a pre-printed printed matter ;
The original to be read is a printed matter printed based on the first image data stored at a predetermined address on the Web when the original is preprinted, and the predetermined address is described in a predetermined area of the printing surface. A character recognition process in a predetermined area in the read image data so as to recognize the predetermined address from the read image data ,
When the predetermined address is recognized from the read image data, a transfer request is transmitted to the predetermined address in order to obtain the second image data stored when the original is read at the predetermined address. And the steps to
If the predetermined address is not recognized from the read image data or the second image data cannot be acquired, the read image data is set as a print target, while the read image data is selected from the read image data. when the predetermined address is recognized, and the second image data has been acquired, the procedure for setting the second image data as a print target,
When the read image data is set as a print target, a print instruction is made with the designated number of prints. On the other hand, when the second image data is set as a print target, one copy is made from the designated number of prints. A procedure to control to print many instructions,
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program according to claim 5 is recorded.

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