JP4697189B2 - Digital multifunction device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital multi-function peripheral, and more specifically, an improvement of a digital multi-function peripheral capable of obtaining decoded information consisting of a character string by extracting and decoding a symbol image obtained by encoding a character string from a read image. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital multi-function peripheral capable of encoding and embedding a character string specified by a user in a read image read from a document by a scanner is known. In such a digital multi-function peripheral, a character string such as a user name and date is encoded so as to be optically readable, and a symbol image is generated. This symbol image is composed of binary pixel data, and is displayed on the screen or has a transparent color as a background color so as to be inconspicuous when printed on paper. Consists of pixels. That is, it is difficult for the user to recognize that the symbol image is embedded by looking at the screen display of the read image in which the symbol image is embedded or the paper on which the read image is printed.

Normally, a symbol image obtained by encoding a character string is embedded in an image area on a document on which a photograph or the like is printed so as to make it less noticeable. Conventionally, a digital multi-function peripheral that can read a document in which such a symbol image is embedded to generate a read image, extract and decode the symbol image from the read image, and obtain decode information including a character string has been conventionally used. Known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Special Table 2002-523944 JP 2006-80939 A

  When a symbol image is extracted from a plurality of image areas on the read image in the digital multifunction peripheral as described above, even if the decode information obtained by decoding the symbol image is simply displayed on the screen, the user can decode it. There was a problem that it was difficult to determine where the information was embedded in the read image. In particular, when a plurality of different pieces of decode information are obtained from the same read image, it is difficult to specify an area where the decode information is embedded simply by displaying the decode information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a digital multi-function peripheral having improved convenience in displaying a read image embedded with a symbol image obtained by encoding a character string. It is an object. In particular, when a symbol image is extracted from a plurality of image areas on a read image, a digital multi-function peripheral capable of displaying on the screen the decode information obtained by decoding the symbol image in association with the read image is provided. It is an object. It is another object of the present invention to provide a digital multi-function peripheral that can display decode information in association with a read image in an image area in which a symbol image corresponding to the decode information is embedded. Also, to provide a digital multi-function peripheral capable of displaying site access information in association with a read image when site access information for accessing a website on a communication network is included in the decode information. It is aimed.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital multi-function peripheral that includes an image reading unit that generates a read image by optical reading of a document on which two or more image areas are formed, a display unit that displays the read image on a screen, a character string Symbol image extraction means for extracting a single-color symbol image obtained by encoding from the read image, and decoding means for decoding the symbol image extracted by the symbol image extraction means and generating decode information consisting of character strings And a decoding information storage means for holding the decoding information obtained from the symbol image in association with the image area in which the symbol image is embedded, and for accessing a website on a communication network. Access information extracting means for extracting the site access information from the decoding information, Display means configured to display the site access information in association with the read image in the image region associated with the decoded information containing the site access information.

  In this digital multi-function peripheral, decode information obtained by decoding a symbol image is held in association with an image area, and site access information extracted from the decode information is displayed in association with a read image in the image area. . At that time, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area where the decode information is embedded as a symbol image.

  With such a configuration, the site access information obtained from the symbol image is displayed in association with the read image in the image area, which makes it very convenient to compare the site access information and the read image. In particular, when symbol images are extracted from a plurality of image areas on the read image, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area in which the symbol image corresponding to the site access information is embedded. Therefore, it is convenient to specify the area where the site access information is embedded. Further, when the site access information for accessing a website on a communication network such as the Internet is included in the decode information, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image. Easy to access and convenient.

  In addition to the above configuration, the digital multi-function peripheral according to the second aspect of the present invention accesses a website on the communication network based on the site access information specified by the user when the user specifies any of the site access information. Web information acquisition means for acquiring web information provided by the website is provided, and the display means is configured to display the web information acquired based on the user-specified site access information. According to such a configuration, when the user designates any of the site access information, the web information is acquired by accessing the website on the communication network and displayed on the screen. It is possible to browse desired web information simply by specifying.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the digital multifunction peripheral according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured so that the display unit associates the web image with the read image in the image area associated with the decode information including the user-specified site access information. Configured to display information. According to such a configuration, since the web information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area in which the symbol image corresponding to the site access information is embedded, it can be compared with the read image related to the web information. it can.

  In addition to the above configuration, the digital multi-function peripheral according to the fourth aspect of the present invention accesses a website on the communication network based on the site access information specified by the user when the user specifies any of the site access information. Web information acquisition means for acquiring web information provided by the website; and number determination means for determining the number of sheets necessary for printing the web information on a predetermined size of paper based on the web information. The display means is configured to display the determination result by the number determination means in association with the site access information. According to such a configuration, when the user designates any of the site access information, the number of sheets required for accessing the website on the communication network to acquire the web information and printing the web information. Since the determination result is displayed, the user can confirm the data amount of the web information simply by specifying the site access information.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the digital multi-function peripheral according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes a read image in the image area and a symbol image before embedding the symbol image based on the symbol image extracted from the read image in the image area. Image restoration means for generating a restored image as a read image is provided, and the display means is configured to display the restored image as a read image in the image area. According to such a configuration, since the site access information is displayed in association with the restored image before the symbol image is embedded, the site access information can be compared with the restored image.

  According to the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention, the site access information obtained from the symbol image is displayed in association with the read image in the image area, so that the site access information and the read image can be compared with each other, which is very convenient. . In particular, when symbol images are extracted from a plurality of image areas on the read image, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area in which the symbol image corresponding to the site access information is embedded. Therefore, it is convenient to specify the area where the site access information is embedded. Furthermore, when the site access information for accessing the website on the communication network is included in the decode information, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image, so that the desired website can be easily accessed. It is possible and convenient. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience when displaying a read image in which a symbol image obtained by encoding a character string is embedded.

  1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an appearance of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and FIG. 1B shows an example of a communication system including the digital multi-function peripheral 1. This communication system includes a digital multi-function peripheral 1, a public line A1, a gateway A2, a communication network A3, and a web server A4.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 is a facsimile machine having a scanner function and a printer function, and an input key 12 and an operation display unit 13 are arranged on an operation panel 11 provided in the apparatus housing.

  The input key 12 is an operation input means for inputting a telephone number or the like, and includes, for example, a ten key and a start key. The operation display unit 13 includes a display device for displaying operation information and a read image, and a touch panel arranged on the display screen. The display device includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a rectangular display screen.

  This digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected to a gateway A2 via a public line A1. The gateway A2 is a device that mutually converts communication data having different communication protocols, and is connected to a communication network A3 such as the Internet. That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected to the communication network A3 via the gateway A2. When the digital multi-function peripheral 1 accesses a website on the web server A4 connected to the communication network A3, communication data is transmitted via the gateway A2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. The digital multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2, a printing unit 3, a communication unit 4, a control unit 5, a memory 6, and an operation display unit 13. The image reading unit 2 is an optical reading unit that generates a read image by optical reading of an original, and image data including pixel data is generated as a read image. For example, the read image is read by irradiating the original with light and scanning the irradiation light.

  Specifically, pixel data including intensity data for each RGB color component is generated as a read image. Here, it is assumed that such pixel data is converted from RGB into YCbCr consisting of a luminance or lightness component (Y) and a color difference or saturation component (Cb and Cr).

  Here, it is assumed that the document is an optically readable recording medium in which a monochrome symbol image obtained by encoding a character string is embedded in a predetermined area. For example, a document in which characters or photographs are printed on rectangular paper is read as a document.

  The symbol image embedded in the document is composed of binary pixel data, for example. Specifically, a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark) is embedded as a symbol image. The QR (Quick Response) code is a matrix-type two-dimensional code configured by arranging the same number of small square points (dots) vertically and horizontally. Such a symbol image is composed of a single color, for example, a yellow pixel, which is difficult to recognize visually with a transparent color as a background color so as not to be noticeable when displayed on the screen or printed on paper. Further, the symbol image is embedded in an image area on a document on which a photograph or the like is printed in order to make it less noticeable.

  The control unit 5 performs an operation of compressing the image data from the image reading unit 2 by a predetermined image compression method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and storing the compressed data in the memory 6. The memory 6 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that holds compressed data.

  The printing unit 3 is an image output device that prints a read image on a sheet of a predetermined size based on image data from the control unit 5. The control unit 5 performs an operation of decompressing the compressed data as necessary and outputting the decompressed image data to the printing unit 3.

  The communication unit 4 performs an operation of transmitting and receiving image data and communication data via the public line A1. The control unit 5 performs an operation of outputting the compressed data read from the memory 6 to the communication unit 4 as transmission data and storing the reception data from the communication unit 4 in the memory 6. The operation display unit 13 is a user interface including an LCD 13a having a rectangular display screen and a touch panel 13b.

  On the display screen of the LCD 13a, the image data generated by the image reading unit 2 and the image data received by the communication unit 4 are displayed based on a user operation. The touch panel 13b is an operation input unit that detects a user operation and performs a predetermined operation input according to an operation position.

  The controller 5 performs an operation of reading compressed data from the memory 6 based on an operation input signal from the touch panel 13b and expanding it, reducing the expanded image data to image data having a smaller number of pixels, and outputting the image data to the LCD 13a. Is called. For example, image data is displayed when image data is read from a document or when image data is received. In addition, when image data is printed or when image data is transmitted, the image data is previewed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 2, in which an example of a functional configuration in the control unit 5 is illustrated. The control unit 5 includes a reduction processing unit 21, a region extraction unit 22, a symbol image extraction unit 23, a decoding processing unit 24, a decoding information control unit 25, a decoding information storage unit 26, an access information extraction unit 28, and a web information acquisition unit 29. The number determination unit 30 and the image restoration unit 31 are configured.

  The reduction processing unit 21 performs a process of generating a display image by reducing the number of pixels of the read image in order to reduce the image size of the read image in accordance with the screen size of the display screen. Here, as the image data reduction processing, it is assumed that thinning processing that simply thins out pixel data in a frame, or filtering processing that thins out pixel data of adjacent pixels by obtaining an average value.

  The display image generated by the reduction processing unit 21 is output to the LCD 13a of the operation display unit 13 and displayed on the screen.

  The symbol image extraction unit 23 performs a process of extracting a single-color symbol image embedded in the read image from the read image. For example, yellow pixels are extracted from the read image as a symbol image. Specifically, when the read image is composed of RGB pixel data, {(R + G) / 2} -B is obtained from each color component, and a pixel having a negative value is extracted as a yellow pixel. When the read image is composed of YCbCr pixel data, a pixel having a negative color difference component Cb is extracted as a yellow pixel.

  The area extracting unit 22 performs processing for extracting an image area formed on the original from the read image. Specifically, there are a direct extraction mode in which an image area is directly extracted from a read image and an indirect extraction mode in which an image area is extracted using an extraction result obtained by the symbol image extraction unit 23. The extraction mode is selected.

  In the direct extraction mode, for example, pixel data is compared for neighboring pixels, and based on the amount of change in pixel data between pixels, a character area in which character information such as a message is arranged and image information such as a photo is arranged. The image area is determined. On the other hand, in the indirect extraction mode, the image area on the read image is extracted based on the extraction result of the symbol image. For example, a minimum area including all of one or more areas in which the same symbol image is embedded is extracted as an image area.

  The decoding processing unit 24 performs processing for decoding the symbol image extracted by the symbol image extracting unit 23 and generating decoding information including a character string. When a symbol image is extracted from each of a plurality of image areas on the read image, the decode information control unit 25 associates the decode information 27a obtained by decoding the symbol image with the image area in which the symbol image is embedded. The decoding information storage unit 26 stores the decoded information 27a to the access information extraction unit 28 as necessary.

  In the decode information storage unit 26, for example, as three different pieces of decode information 27a, "code 1" to "code 3" are changed from "area 1" to "area 3" of the area designation information 27b for designating an image area, respectively. It is held in association.

  The access information extraction unit 28 performs processing for extracting site access information for accessing a website on the communication network A3 from the decode information 27a. The site access information is a site address that identifies a website. For example, a part or all of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) starting with “http: //” is extracted as the site access information.

  The site access information extracted by the access information extraction unit 28 is output to the LCD 13a and displayed on the screen. At that time, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area associated with the decode information including the site access information. When the site information is not included in the decode information 27a, it is displayed that the site access information is not included, or the decode information is displayed as it is.

  The web information acquisition unit 29 accesses the website on the communication network A3 based on the site access information designated by the user when the user designates any of the site access information, and obtains the web information provided by the website. The operation to acquire is performed. Here, regarding all the site access information extracted by the access information extraction unit 28, it is assumed that the website is accessed and the web information is automatically acquired regardless of the user operation.

  The web information acquired by the web information acquisition unit 29 is output to the LCD 13a and displayed on the screen. At that time, the web information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area associated with the decode information including the site access information designated by the user.

  When a website is accessed based on the site access information, if no corresponding website is found, it is determined that the link is broken and a connection error is output.

  If the web information acquired from the website is image data in a data format that cannot be displayed on the screen, a display error is output. For example, only TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format image data and GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) format image data can be displayed, and image data other than these data formats are determined to be incompatible. An error is output.

  The sheet number determination unit 30 performs an operation of determining the number of sheets necessary for printing web information on a sheet of a predetermined size based on the web information acquired by the web information acquisition unit 29. For example, page number information indicating the number of pages of a website image included in the web information is output as a determination result.

  This page number information is output to the LCD 13a and displayed as a determination result by the sheet number determination unit 30 in association with the site access information.

  Based on the read image in the image area and the symbol image extracted from the read image in the image area, the image restoration unit 31 performs a process of generating a restored image as a read image before the symbol image is embedded. Yes.

  For example, for a single color pixel in the symbol image, a restored image is generated by interpolating with the average color of neighboring neighboring pixels. The restored image generated by the image restoration unit 31 is output to the LCD 13a and displayed as a read image in the image area. Here, it is assumed that the operation mode in which the read image is displayed as it is and the operation mode in which the restored image obtained from the read image is displayed can be changed based on a user operation.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the document B1 that is read by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. The document B1 is a document in which character information and image information are printed on a sheet whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. In the document B1, an image area B2 on which image information such as a photograph is printed is formed in addition to an area on which character information such as a message is printed.

  In this example, rectangular image areas B2 are formed in the upper, middle, and lower stages on the right side of the sheet. Character information is arranged on the left side of each image area B2. Specifically, a photographic image is arranged in the upper image area B2 in association with the explanatory note “product X”. In addition, a photographic image is arranged in the middle image area B2 in association with the description “product Y”. A photographic image is arranged in the lower image area B2 in association with the description “product Z”.

  The symbol image B3 obtained by encoding the character string is embedded in such an image region B2 so as not to stand out. From the viewpoint of improving the extraction accuracy and decoding accuracy when extracting and decoding a symbol image from the read image, the symbol image B3 is repeatedly embedded one or more times in accordance with the region size.

  In this example, three identical symbol images B3 are arranged in the left-right direction in the upper and middle image regions B2. For the lower image area B2, one symbol image B3 is arranged in the area.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment, such a document B1 is read to generate a read image, and a symbol image B3 embedded in each image area B2 on the read image is extracted and decoded.

  At that time, an image area extracted from the read image by the area extraction unit 22 is set as a display target area, an area occupied by the symbol image B3 is set as a symbol image area, and a plurality of corresponding to the same symbol image B3 are included in one display target area. When the symbol image area is arranged, the decode information obtained from the symbol image B3 is displayed in association with the read image in the display target area. With this configuration, when a plurality of symbol images B3 are repeatedly arranged in one image region B2, the decode information can be appropriately displayed without duplication.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the symbol image C1 extracted by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. The symbol image C1 is composed of a two-dimensional dot pattern in which a plurality of rectangular dot regions C2 are arranged vertically and horizontally at a constant interval. Each dot region C2 is a region composed of a plurality of pixels of the same color, and one of binary pixel data is selected according to binary data to be embedded.

  For example, the dot region C2 is configured by arranging a1 pixels in the horizontal direction and b1 pixels in the vertical direction. In addition, a gap of a2 pixels in the left-right direction and b2 pixels in the up-down direction is provided between the adjacent dot regions C2. a1 and b1 are both integers of 1 or more, and a2 and b2 are both integers of 0 or more.

  The gap between the dot areas C2 is composed of transparent pixels as a background area. That is, when such a symbol image C1 is embedded in the read image, the pixel data of the read image is used for the transparent color pixels in the symbol image C1, and the single color pixel in the dot region C2 is symbolized in the read image. The image C1 is overwritten.

  Specifically, for example, when a1 = b1 = 4 and a2 = b2 = 8, the symbol image C1 is configured by arranging 24 dot areas C2 in the horizontal direction and 8 dot areas in the vertical direction. In this case, 1-byte data is represented by eight dot areas C2 in the vertical direction, and 24-byte data can be embedded in the entire symbol image C1.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment, when such a symbol image C1 is embedded in the read image, the symbol image C1 is extracted from the read image based on the color component in the pixel data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 2, in which site access information 45 and page number information 46 are displayed in association with the cutout images B21 and B22 cut out from the read image. A preview screen 41 is shown. The preview screen 41 is a screen display displayed on the LCD 13a when the symbol image embedded in the read image is decoded.

  The preview screen 41 includes a display area 42 for displaying the cutout images B21 and B22, scroll buttons 43a and 43b for changing the cutout image to be displayed, and a read image for changing the display target. A page switching button 44 is arranged.

  In the display area 42, the read image in the image area is displayed, that is, images cut out from the read image for the area corresponding to each image area B2 on the document B1 are displayed as cut-out images B21 and B22, respectively.

  When displaying these cut-out images B21 and B22, if the image size is relatively larger than the screen size of the display screen, the image size is reduced and displayed. In the display area 42, one or two or more predetermined number of cut-out images are displayed. In this example, a cutout image B21 cut out for an area corresponding to the upper image area B2 of the document B1 and a cutout image B22 cut out for an area corresponding to the middle image area B2 are displayed.

  Site access information 45 and page number information 46 are displayed in association with such cut-out images B21 and B22. The site access information 45 is character information obtained from the symbol image embedded in the corresponding clipped image. The page number information 46 is character information generated based on the web information obtained as a result of accessing the website based on the corresponding site access information.

  In this example, URLs beginning with “http: //” are displayed as site access information 45 immediately below the cut-out images B21 and B22. Further, the number of sheets necessary for printing the web information on a sheet of a predetermined size is displayed directly below the site access information 45 as the page number information 46.

  Specifically, site access information “http://www.xxx.jp/xxx.tiff” and page number information “A4-1 page” are displayed in association with the cutout image B21. In addition, site access information “http://www.xxx.jp/yyy.tiff” and page number information “A4-6 page” are displayed in association with the cutout image B22.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 2, and shows a detailed screen 51 of web information corresponding to the site access information 45 selected by the user. The detailed screen 51 is a screen display that is displayed on the preview screen 41 by, for example, touching a desired cutout image B21, B22 or site access information 45 with a finger.

  In the display area 52 of the detailed screen 51, web information 53 is displayed in association with the cutout image B21, site access information, and page number information selected by the user. The web information 53 is image information obtained based on the corresponding site access information.

  When such web information 53 is displayed, if the image size is relatively larger than the screen size of the display screen, the image size is reduced and displayed. In the display area 53, one or more predetermined number of website images are displayed.

  6 and 7, an example in which a read image read from a document is displayed as it is as a cut image has been described. However, a restored image obtained from the read image may be displayed as a cut image. In this case, the decoding information can be confirmed together with the image in which the loss due to the symbol image embedding is reduced.

  Steps S101 to S112 in FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation at the time of decoding in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in FIG. First, the symbol image extraction unit 23 extracts a symbol image from the read image based on the color component in the pixel data (step S101). The decoding processing unit 24 decodes the extracted symbol image and generates decoding information (step S102).

  The access information extraction unit 28 extracts site access information from the generated decode information (step S103). At this time, if the URL starting with “http: //” is not included in the decode information, that fact is displayed, and this process ends (steps S104 and S110).

  Next, the web information acquisition unit 29 accesses the website on the communication network A3 based on the extracted site access information, and acquires the web information (steps S104 to S107). At this time, if no corresponding website is found, a connection error is output, and a message to that effect is displayed (steps S106, S111, S110).

  Next, the operation display unit 13 determines whether or not the acquired web information can be displayed. If not, the operation display unit 13 outputs a display error and displays the fact (steps S108, S112, and S110). ). When the web information can be displayed, the sheet number determination unit 30 generates page number information based on the web information (step S109). The operation display unit 13 displays site access information and page number information in association with the cut-out image cut out from the read image (step S110).

  According to the present embodiment, since the site access information obtained from the symbol image is displayed in association with the read image in the image area, the site access information and the read image can be compared, which is very convenient. In particular, when symbol images are extracted from a plurality of image areas on the read image, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area in which the symbol image corresponding to the site access information is embedded. Therefore, it is convenient to specify the area where the site access information is embedded. Further, when the site access information for accessing the website on the communication network A3 such as the Internet is included in the decode information, the site access information is displayed in association with the read image. Easy to access and convenient.

  Further, since the web information is acquired by accessing the website on the communication network A3 and displayed on the screen, the user can browse the desired web information only by specifying the site access information. In particular, since the web information is displayed in association with the read image in the image area in which the symbol image corresponding to the site access information is embedded, it can be compared with the read image related to the web information. Further, the web information is acquired by accessing the website on the communication network A3, the number of sheets necessary for printing the web information is determined, and the determination result is displayed. You can check the amount of web information by simply specifying.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the site access information and the page number information are displayed in preview on the LCD 13a in association with the clipped image has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the clipped image is not limited thereto. The site access information and the page number information may be printed on a sheet.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an external appearance of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a communication system including the digital multi-function peripheral 1 are illustrated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 2, in which an example of a functional configuration in a control unit 5 is illustrated. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document B1 that is read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol image C1 extracted by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 2 and shows a preview screen 41 on which cut-out images B21 and B22 are displayed. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 2, and shows a detailed screen 51 of web information corresponding to the site access information 45 selected by the user. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation at the time of decoding in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital multifunction device 2 Image reading part 3 Printing part 4 Communication part 5 Control part 6 Memory 11 Operation panel 12 Input key 13 Operation display part 13a LCD
13b Touch panel 21 Reduction processing unit 22 Region extraction unit 23 Symbol image extraction unit 24 Decoding processing unit 25 Decoding information control unit 26 Decoding information storage unit 27a Decoding information 27b Region designation information 28 Access information extraction unit 29 Web information acquisition unit 30 Number determination unit 31 Image Restoration Unit A1 Public Line A2 Gateway A3 Communication Network A4 Web Server B1 Document B2 Image Area B3, C1 Symbol Image C2 Dot Area

Claims (5)

An image reading unit that generates a read image by optical reading of a document on which two or more image areas are formed, a display unit that displays the read image on a screen, and a single-color symbol image obtained by encoding a character string In a digital multi-functional peripheral having a symbol image extracting means for extracting from a read image and a decoding means for decoding the symbol image extracted by the symbol image extracting means and generating decode information consisting of a character string,
Decoding information storage means for holding the decoding information obtained from the symbol image in association with the image area in which the symbol image is embedded;
Access information extracting means for extracting site access information for accessing a website on a communication network from the decode information;
The digital multifunction peripheral, wherein the display means displays the site access information in association with the read image in the image area associated with the decode information including the site access information. Web information acquisition means for accessing the website on the communication network based on the site access information specified by the user and acquiring the web information provided by the website when the user specifies any of the site access information With
The digital multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the web information acquired based on the site access information specified by the user.   3. The digital information according to claim 2, wherein the display means displays the web information in association with the read image in the image area associated with the decode information including the user-specified site access information. Compound machine. Web information acquisition means for accessing the website on the communication network based on the site access information specified by the user and acquiring the web information provided by the website when the user specifies any of the site access information When,
A sheet number judging means for judging the number of sheets necessary for printing the web information on a sheet of a predetermined size based on the web information;
2. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays the determination result by the number determination means in association with the site access information. Based on the read image in the image area and the symbol image extracted from the read image in the image area, image restoration means for generating a restored image as a read image before the symbol image is embedded,
2. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the restored image as a read image in the image area.

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