JP5606949B2 - Image forming apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals) or a copying machine, which is a digital multifunction peripheral, and confirms scanned data on a display unit, and saves, discards, and reloads scanned data. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image processing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP includes a scanner unit and a printer unit, reads an original with the scanner unit, processes the read image data with an image processing unit, and prints it with the printer unit. The image forming apparatus is provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the scanner unit reads a document sent by the ADF and reads a document placed on a document table.

  By the way, when scanning a document, the scanned image data is taken into a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, but whether or not the scanning is performed as desired by the user is completed and stored in the PC. You cannot know until you see the image data. For this reason, even if the read image data is skewed (skewed) or characters are not clearly visible, even if the image does not meet the user's wishes, there is no choice but to check the data scanned by the PC and scan again later. There was a need.

JP-A-9-91102

  The problem to be solved by the invention is to use the operation unit as a monitor device, display a scan confirmation screen before saving scan data, check the scan contents, and save the scan data or execute rescan. An image forming apparatus and an image processing method.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment scans and reads image information of a document, a storage unit that stores image data read by the scanner unit, and reads a plurality of documents at once by the scanner unit. An image processing unit that processes image data and generates a thumbnail image for each page; and a display unit that displays a scan confirmation screen including page information of the thumbnail images and the plurality of documents on the display unit, In response to an operation, the thumbnail images are sequentially switched , and an operation unit that enables selection of whether to store the image data in the storage unit or to perform rescan for each page, and from the operation unit to the thumbnail image Save when there is a save instruction of the corresponding image data before Symbol storage unit, wherein when receiving an instruction of re-scanning, coercive image data read before Without replacement, only the original of the page instructed to rescan is replaced with the image data read by rescanning with the scanner unit , and the thumbnail image based on the replaced image data is generated and displayed on the scan confirmation screen. And a control unit for controlling to do so .

1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The top view which shows an example of the operation part in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the scan confirmation screen in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the scan image is skewing in the scan confirmation screen of embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the scan confirmation screen in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the scan image is skewing in the other scan confirmation screen of embodiment.

  Embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same location.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals) is described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to a copying machine or the like.

  In FIG. 1, a printer unit 10 is provided at the center of the MFP 1. The printer unit 10 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum and a laser, and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum with a laser beam from the laser to create an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. A charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, and the like are disposed around the photosensitive drum. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed by the developing device, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum. The toner image is transferred onto the paper by the transfer device, and the transferred toner image is fixed on the paper S by the fixing device. The configuration of the printer 10 is not limited to the example described above, and there are various methods.

  In addition, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 is provided above the MFP 1. The ADF 20 includes a tray 21, a feed roller 22, a transport roller 23, an intermediate roller 24, and the like. The ADF 20 can be opened and closed facing the document table 25. The sheet-like original set on the tray 21 is pulled one by one by the rotation of the feed roller 22 and is conveyed by the intermediate roller 24 and the conveyance roller 23. A reading window 26 is provided at a position adjacent to the document table 25 and facing the conveying roller 23.

  Further, a scanner unit 30 is provided below the document table 25 of the MFP 1. The scanner unit 30 reads a document conveyed by the ADF 20 or a document placed on the document table 25 and has a first carriage 31 and a second carriage 32. The first carriage 31 includes a light source unit 33 that exposes and scans an original, and the second carriage 32 reflects light reflected from the original and guides it to a light receiver 35 through a lens 34. The light receiving unit 35 has an image sensor such as a CCD. The reflected light from the original is converted into a current corresponding to the light intensity by the CCD sensor, and further A / D converted and then image processed to generate image data (document data, drawing image data, etc.).

  When reading (scanning) a document conveyed by the ADF 20, the scanner unit 30 fixes the first carriage 31 at the position of the reading window 26 and the second carriage 32 at a fixed position. When reading a document placed on the document table 25, the first carriage 31 and the second carriage 32 are moved in parallel with the document table 25 within a preset range.

  An operation unit 40 is provided at the top of the MFP 1. The operation unit 40 includes a display unit 41 and operation keys 42. Further, a plurality of stages of paper feed cassettes 51 and 52 are provided below the MFP 1, and the paper S in the paper feed cassettes 51 and 52 is conveyed to the printer unit 10 via the conveyance rollers 53 and the like, and the paper discharge rollers 54 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 55.

  At the time of image formation, the scanner unit 30 reads the image information of the original, and the printer unit 10 outputs a laser beam from the exposure device based on the image data read by the scanner unit 30, and the surface of the photosensitive drum is scanned by this laser beam. Irradiate. As a result, a latent image corresponding to the intensity of the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum.

  The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is visualized as a toner image by selectively supplying the corresponding color toner from the developing device. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the paper S by the transfer device. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is guided to the fixing device, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet S by heat supplied from the fixing device. The paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing device is sequentially discharged to the paper discharge tray 55 by the paper discharge roller 54.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus (MFP) 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a main control unit 60, an operation unit 40, a scanner unit 30, and a printer unit 10. The control system of the MFP 1 is controlled by a plurality of CPUs including a main CPU 601 in the main control unit 60, a panel CPU 401 in the operation unit 40, a scanner CPU 301 in the scanner unit 30, and a printer CPU 101 in the printer unit 10.

  The main control unit 60 includes a main CPU 601, ROM (read only memory) 61, RAM 62, NVRAM 63, shared RAM 64, image processing unit 65, page memory control unit 66, page memory 67, network controller 68, and HDD 69 as a storage device. including. An image data bus 111 is also included.

  The main CPU 601 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1 and controls the ADF 20. The ROM 61 stores a control program and the like. The RAM 62 temporarily stores data, and the NVRAM 63 is a non-volatile memory and retains stored data even when the power is turned off. The shared RAM 64 is used for bidirectional communication between the main CPU 601 and the printer CPU 101.

  The image processing unit 65 controls the page memory control unit 66 to control the storage and reading of image data in the page memory 67 or a memory such as a line memory (not shown). Thereby, image conversion processing such as enlargement / reduction of image information is performed. A thumbnail image is generated based on the image data scanned by the scanner unit 30. The page memory 67 has an area capable of storing image information for a plurality of pages, and can store image data from the scanner unit 30 for each page.

  The network controller 68 is connected to the network 100, and the MFP 1 can be connected to an external device such as a server or a PC (Personal Computer) via the network controller 68. Therefore, image data captured from an external PC can be printed by the printer unit 10, and image data scanned by the scanner unit 30 can be captured into the PC.

  The HDD 69 compresses and stores image data read by the scanner unit 30 and image data (such as document data and drawing image data) from the PC. The image data stored in the HDD 69 is processed by the image processing unit 65, subjected to various image processing, and printed on paper by the printer unit 10.

  The operation unit 40 includes a panel CPU 401 connected to the main CPU 601, a display unit 41 made of liquid crystal or the like, and operation keys 42 including various operation keys. The operation key 42 is used to input various instructions such as the number of print copies, and the display unit 41 has various functions such as a touch panel function and can indicate a paper size, a print magnification, and the like.

  The scanner unit 30 includes a scanner CPU 301 that controls the operation of the scanner unit 30, a CCD driver 36 that drives the image sensor, a motor driver 37, an image correction unit 38, and the like. The CCD driver 36 reads an original by driving an image sensor and converts it into image data. The movements of the first and second carriages 31 and 32 are controlled by a scanning motor (not shown), and the scanning motor is controlled by a motor driver 37.

  The image correction unit 38 converts the R, G, and B analog signals output from the image sensor into digital signals, the shading correction circuit, and the corrected digital signal from the shading correction circuit, respectively. It is composed of a line memory and the like for storing once.

  The printer unit 10 includes a printer CPU 101 that controls the operation of the printer unit 10, a laser driver 11 that drives the laser of the exposure apparatus, a conveyance control unit 12 that controls conveyance of the paper S, and a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. It has the control part 13 which controls an apparatus etc.

  The main CPU 601 performs bidirectional communication with the printer CPU 101 via a shared RAM (random access memory) 64, the main CPU 601 issues an operation instruction, and the printer CPU 101 returns a status status. The printer CPU 101 and the scanner CPU 301 perform serial communication, the printer CPU 101 issues an operation instruction, and the scanner CPU 301 returns a status status.

  The image processing unit 65, page memory 66, network controller 68, image correction unit 38, and laser driver 11 are connected by an image data bus 111. The main CPU 601 controls the ADF 20. The ADF 20 has a conveyance motor (not shown) for rotating the conveyance roller 23 and the like, and this conveyance motor is controlled by a conveyance motor driver.

  By the way, when the scanner unit 30 scans a document or the like, the scanned image data can be confirmed by a PC connected to the network 100. However, the user does not know whether the scan is performed as desired until the scan is completed and the data stored in the PC is viewed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, before saving image data (hereinafter, also referred to as scan data) read by the scanner unit 30 to the PC, the operation unit 40 attached to the MFP 1 is used as a monitor device to easily check the scan data. It is characterized in that it can be done.

  That is, the image processing unit 65 reduces the image data read by the scanner unit 30 to generate a thumbnail image, and displays the thumbnail image on the display unit 41 of the operation unit 40. Further, the operation unit 40 has a size and display capability capable of easily displaying an image, and when scanning a document, a scan confirmation screen for selecting and executing whether or not to save scan data in a response manner Is displayed.

  The user can easily check the scan data with the thumbnail image before saving the scan data, and if it is not scanned as desired by the user (eg when skewed), the scanned image data is saved. You can cancel without re-scanning.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation unit 40. In FIG. 3, the display unit 41 of the operation unit 40 has a touch panel function. The display unit 41 has function selection keys such as a copy key 43, a scan key 44, and a fax key 45. The operation keys 42 include a numeric keypad and an enter key.

  For example, when the scan key 44 is pressed, item buttons relating to scanning are displayed on the display unit 41. Item buttons related to scanning include a BOX save button 70, a USB save button 71, a FILE save button 72, an e-mail transmission button 73, a batch scan start button 74, a confirmation scan start button 75, a detailed condition setting button 76, and the like.

  The BOX save button 70 is operated when the scanned data is saved in a folder created in the HDD 69 of the MFP 1. The USB save button 71 is operated when the scanned data is saved in an external USB. To do. The FILE save button 72 is operated when the scanned data is saved in the PC via the network 100. The e-mail transmission button 73 is for transmitting scan data stored in the HDD 69 or the like by e-mail.

  The batch scan start button 74 is a function button that scans a plurality of pages of the document in total and checks the scan data for each page later, and replaces the page when rescanning. The confirmation scan start button 75 is a function button for performing scanning while confirming data scanned for each page. The detailed condition setting button 76 is operated to set a scanning condition desired by the user.

  For example, when the FILE save button 72 is operated and the confirmation scan start button 75 is operated, the scan confirmation screen shown in FIG. When the FILE save button 72 is operated, the scan data is taken into the PC.

  In FIG. 4, in the confirmation area 81, an image 82 (thumbnail image) obtained by converting scanned image data into thumbnails is displayed. In the periphery of the confirmation area 81, a rescan button 83, a continuation after save button 84, a save end button 85, an enlarge button 86, and a cursor button 87 are displayed.

  The rescan button 83 is a button for executing rescan. For example, if the thumbnail image 82 has been confirmed and has not been scanned as desired by the user, setting the document again and operating the rescan button 83 cancels the previously scanned image data without saving it on the PC. Scan is performed.

  The save and continue button 84 is a button for saving the scanned data to the PC and continuing the scan. For example, if the thumbnail image 82 is confirmed and scanned as desired by the user, the next scanned document is set and if the save button 84 is operated, the previously scanned data is stored in the PC and newly set. The scanned document is scanned. The save end button 85 is a button operated when the scan is ended.

  The enlargement button 86 is a button for enlarging and displaying the thumbnail image 82 in stages. Since scanned character data and the like become smaller when they are converted into thumbnails, they can be enlarged and confirmed by operating the enlargement button 86. For example, each time the enlarge button 86 is pressed, the enlargement ratio increases, and after reaching the maximum enlargement ratio, the original image is restored. The cursor button 87 is a button for designating a place to be enlarged.

  Normally, the image is enlarged around the center position of the thumbnail image (indicated by a cross mark 88). However, by operating the cursor button 87, a place to be enlarged can be designated. For example, if the position of the cross mark 88 is moved to the position indicated by 88 ', the thumbnail image can be enlarged with the moved position as the center.

  As shown in FIG. 4, if the document is scanned correctly, the thumbnail image 82 is displayed without tilting in the display area 81, and the user presses the continue button 84 after saving. On the other hand, when the document is set to be inclined, the thumbnail image 82 is skewed and displayed in the display area 81 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the user does not scan as desired, if the user resets the document and presses the rescan button 83, the skewed image data is canceled without being saved and the rescan is executed. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not the scan has been performed as desired by the user before loading into the PC, and a rescan can be executed if necessary.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a scan confirmation screen when the FILE save button 72 is operated and the batch scan start button 74 is operated. In FIG. 6, a thumbnail image 82 based on scanned image data is displayed in the confirmation area 81, and a rescan button 83, a next page button 89, an OK button 90, an enlarge button 86, a cursor are displayed around the confirmation area 81. A button 87 is displayed.

  The next page button 85 is a button used to check thumbnail images for each page after the batch scan start button 74 is operated and a plurality of documents are scanned in total. When the next page button 85 is operated, the thumbnail image of the next page is displayed. Note that a page number 91 indicating the scanned total page and the current page may be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, if the document is scanned correctly, the thumbnail image 82 is displayed without tilting in the display area 81, so the user may press the OK button 90. When the next page button 89 is pressed, the thumbnail image 82 of the next page is displayed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the thumbnail image 82 of the current page may be skewed. In this case, if the user resets the original of the corresponding page and presses the rescan button 83, the skewed image data is canceled without being saved, and the thumbnail image 82 based on the rescanned image data is displayed. When the OK button 90 is operated, the page is replaced and the rescanned image data is stored in the PC. Therefore, it is possible to collectively check whether or not scanning has been performed as desired by the user before loading the data into the PC, and if necessary, rescanning can be performed to replace page data.

  In FIG. 6, an enlarge button 86 and a cursor button 87 are also displayed, so that a desired place can be enlarged and confirmed as necessary.

  When the BOX save button 70 is pressed, the scanned data is saved in a folder in the HDD 69 of the MFP 1, and when the USB save button 71 is pressed, the scanned data is saved on an external USB. 4 and 6 are displayed before saving, and the scan data is saved in response to the user confirmation result. When the e-mail transmission button 73 is pressed, the scan confirmation screen of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6 is displayed before the scan data stored in the HDD 69 or the like is transmitted by e-mail, and responds to the confirmation result of the user. E-mail is sent.

  According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to select whether or not to save while confirming the scan data. When scanning with confirmation, a thumbnail of the scan data is displayed on the operation unit 40 and the user confirms it. If there is no problem, the user can save it, and if there is a problem, rescan can be selected. Further, according to the user's selection, if there is a page to be scanned next, the next scanning operation can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a scanned image according to the desire with a single scan.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the shape and arrangement of various item buttons displayed on the display unit 41 can be arbitrarily set. The designation of the enlargement location is not limited to the illustrated example, and other designation methods may be used.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 10 ... Printer part 20 ... ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Scanner part 40 ... Operation part 41 ... Display part 42 ... Operation key 60 ... Main control part 65 ... Image processing part 68 ... Network controller 69 ... Storage device (HDD)
101: Printer CPU
301 ... Scanner CPU
401 ... Panel CPU
601. Main CPU

Claims (4)

A scanner unit that scans and reads image information of a document;
A storage unit for storing image data read by the scanner unit;
An image processing unit that processes image data obtained by collectively reading a plurality of documents by the scanner unit and generates a thumbnail image for each page ;
A display unit for displaying a scan confirmation screen including page information of the thumbnail images and the plurality of documents on the display unit, sequentially switching the thumbnail images in response to a user operation, and storing the image data; An operation unit that can be selected for each page to save to the copy or to perform rescan,
The saved from the operation unit in the prior SL storage unit when a save instruction of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image, when the an instruction for re-scan without storing the image data read before Only the original of the page for which the rescan instruction has been instructed is replaced with the image data read by rescanning with the scanner unit , and a thumbnail image based on the replaced image data is generated and displayed on the scan confirmation screen. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls; The operation unit can specify an arbitrary position of the thumbnail image displayed on the scan confirmation screen ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing unit is capable of displaying the thumbnail image in an enlarged manner around the designated position . The scanner unit scans and reads the image information of the document,
Processing image data obtained by reading a plurality of originals at the same time with the scanner unit to generate thumbnail images for each page ;
An operation unit having a display unit, wherein the display unit displays a scan confirmation screen including page information of the thumbnail images and the plurality of documents, and sequentially switches the thumbnail images in response to a user operation. Select whether to save the image in the storage unit or perform rescan for each page ,
The saved from the operation unit in the prior SL storage unit when a save instruction of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image, when the an instruction for re-scan without storing the image data read before Only the original of the page for which the rescan instruction has been instructed is replaced with the image data read by rescanning with the scanner unit , and a thumbnail image based on the replaced image data is generated and displayed on the scan confirmation screen. Image processing method to be controlled . Before Stories can be specified anywhere in the thumbnail image displayed on the scan confirmation screen by the operation unit, according to claim 3, wherein the viewable by enlarging the thumbnail images around the specified position Image processing method.

Images