JP5660165B2 - Image communication apparatus, image communication method, image communication program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus, an image communication method, an image communication program, and a recording medium, and more particularly to control for notifying a print result of image data received by network communication.

  When the image data is transmitted from the transmission side device to the reception side device, the reception confirmation notification function is implemented in the image communication device such as a facsimile device in order for the sender to check whether the transmitted image data has arrived normally. Has been. According to the reception confirmation notification function, the reception confirmation information including that the image data transmitted from the transmission side device has normally arrived at the reception side device and that transmission has been interrupted in the middle of reception is transmitted from the reception side device to the transmission side device. (See Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Even in the conventional image communication apparatus, the sender can confirm whether the image data has normally arrived at the receiving apparatus. However, the reception confirmation notification function installed in the conventional image communication apparatus merely notifies the transmission side terminal whether or not the reception side apparatus has received the image data normally. For this reason, in the image communication apparatus, the sender cannot confirm the quality of the image data printed by the receiving side apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved image that enables a sender to check the quality of image data printed on a receiving terminal. It is to provide a communication device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first image data transmitted from another image communication device, a printing unit that outputs the first image data to paper, and a printing unit. Reading means for reading the paper image output on the paper to obtain second image data, and extracting characters from the first image data stored in the storage means, and from the second image data obtained by the reading means Character extracting means for extracting characters, character determining means for determining whether the characters extracted from the first image data and the second image data by the character extracting means are the same character, the first image data and the first image data The image area cutout means for cutting out a predetermined image area including the character determined to be the same character by the character determination means, and the first image data and the second image data by the image area cutout means. A difference determination unit that determines whether or not a color difference of each pixel corresponding to the character is larger than a pre-stored condition in each image region cut out from the data; When it is determined that the color difference is greater than the condition, the second image obtained by reading the first image data transmitted from the other image communication apparatus and the paper image on which the first image data is output. Transmitting means for transmitting a message to the effect that the image data of the first image data is different to another image communication apparatus that is the transmission source of the first image data.

  According to the present invention, the sender can check the quality of the image printed by the receiving-side apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to improve the reliability of the image communication apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the paper discharge scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view showing a mounting position of the paper discharge scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention functions as a transmitter. FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention functions as a receiver. FIG. 7 shows ITU-T recommendation T.30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of an operation of performing communication using a protocol defined in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the multi-function peripheral 106 according to the first embodiment of the present invention transmits color image data to the multi-function peripheral 103. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving color image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a binary image according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention functions as a receiver. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a TCP packet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a mail address is included in the NSS command according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving color image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment of the present invention functions as a receiver. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving color image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention functions as a receiver. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving binary image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) in which a binary image according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is divided into blocks by layout analysis. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) in which a problem occurs when a binary image according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is output. FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 1) showing different characters in the comparison result of the character strings according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) in which a binary image according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is divided into blocks by layout analysis. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) in which a problem occurs when a binary image according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is output. FIG. 24 is a diagram (No. 2) showing different characters in a character string comparison result according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the character extraction unit in the receiving-side multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In this embodiment, as an example of an image communication apparatus, a multifunction machine in which the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in one housing will be described as an example. Any image communication apparatus may be used. In the present embodiment, the image communication function of the image communication apparatus will be described using an IP-FAX function that connects to a partner apparatus using a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server. It is not limited to.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an IP network 101 is connected to a SIP server 102. The MFP 103, the PC 104, and the IP phone 105 existing at the site A can communicate with the MFP 106, the PC 107, and the IP phone 108 existing at the site B via the IP network 101, respectively.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 103 or the MFP 106 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a main memory 203, a clock 204, and a bus. A controller 205, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bridge 206, and a cache memory 207 are connected via a CPU bus 225.

  The multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106 includes a document scanner 208, a document scanner controller 209, a print controller 210, a print engine 211, a paper discharge scanner 212, a paper discharge scanner controller 213, and a hard disk 214. An HD (Hard Disk) controller 215, an LCD display controller 216, an LCD 217, a LAN controller 218, and a LAN I / F 219 are connected via a PCI bus 226.

  In the multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106, a key input controller 220, a hard key 221, a touch panel controller 222, and a touch panel 223 are connected via an X bus (internal bus) 227.

  The MFP 103 or the MFP 106 is connected to the CPU bus 225, the PCI bus 226, and the X bus 227 via the bus controller 205 or the PCI bridge 206.

  The CPU 201 executes a control processing program and an OS (Operating System) stored in the flash ROM 202. The main memory 203 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and is used in the work area of the CPU 201 and the like.

  The flash ROM 202 is an electrically rewritable ROM whose data is not erased even when the power is turned off, and various programs are written in advance to realize the system startup and the functions of the multifunction device when the power is turned on. Yes. The flash ROM 202 also stores data such as switches and parameters that are referred to when the program is executed.

  The clock 204 includes a crystal oscillator and a frequency dividing circuit, and generates a clock for controlling the operation timing of the CPU 201 and the bus controller 205. The bus controller 205 controls data transfer through the CPU bus 225 and the X bus 227.

  The PCI bridge 206 uses the cache memory 207 to perform data transfer between the PCI bus 226 and the CPU 201. The cache memory 207 is composed of a DRAM and is used by the PCI bridge 206.

  The original scanner 208 reads a paper image by a color CCD line sensor using a one-dimensionally arranged LED array as a light source, and outputs each of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) output from the color CCD line sensor. Each analog image signal is converted into digital image data by A (Analog) / D (Digital) conversion. The document scanner controller 209 controls the document reading operation of the document scanner 208 and converts the RGB digital image data input from the document scanner 208 into color difference components (Cb, Cr) and luminance components (Y). Compression (encoding) processing conforming to JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is performed.

  The print controller 210 controls the operation of the print engine 211. The print engine 211 uses a cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner to print a color image or a monochrome image on a paper surface.

  As with the document scanner 208, the paper discharge scanner 212 reads a paper image and converts the read analog image signal into digital image data. A paper discharge scanner controller 213 controls a document reading operation of the paper discharge scanner 212. Details of the paper discharge scanner will be described later.

  The hard disk 214 stores image data input from the document scanner 208, image data received through communication, and the like. The HD controller 215 performs high-speed data transfer with the hard disk 214 as an interface with the hard disk 214.

  The LCD display controller 216 performs D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion of character data, graphic data, and the like, and performs control for displaying these data on the LCD 217.

  The LAN controller 218 executes a communication protocol compliant with, for example, the IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 standard, and communicates with other devices connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) via the LAN I / F 219. Control communication.

  The key input controller 220 performs conversion from serial data input from the hard key 221 to parallel data. The touch panel controller 222 detects a portion where an object such as a finger contacts on the touch panel 223, and takes in the position information. The touch panel 223 is in close contact with the LCD 217.

  Next, the configuration of the paper discharge scanner 212 is shown in FIG. The paper discharge scanner 212 includes an LED array 301 and a color CCD line sensor 302. The light emitted from the LED array 301 is reflected by the paper 303 to be read and input to the color CCD line sensor 302. As shown in FIG. 4, the paper discharge scanner 212 is attached to the inside of the paper discharge port.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106 functions as a transmitter.

  The image reading unit 501 reads an original image using the original scanner 208 and acquires RGB digital image data. Further, the image reading unit 501 converts the RGB digital image data into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data by the document scanner controller 209 and performs JPEG compression (encoding).

  The image transmission unit 502 converts the image data JPEG-encoded by the image reading unit 501 into a call connection using SIP defined by RFC 3261, an ITU-T recommendation T.264. The IP-FAX protocol defined in 38 is executed and transmitted to another terminal. For example, the image transmission unit 502 functions as an image data transmission unit.

  A display control unit 503 controls display processing of various screens on the LCD 217. Specifically, the display control unit 503 controls display of a menu screen for designating various functions, display of a screen for inputting an IP-FAX transmission destination, and the like.

  The operation unit 504 controls various operation processes based on key data input from the hard keys 221 and coordinate data input from the touch panel 223.

  The message receiving unit 505 receives an SIP instant message transmitted from another terminal.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration diagram when the MFP 103 or the MFP 106 functions as a receiver.

  The image receiving unit 601 is an incoming call connection using SIP, ITU-T recommendation T.264. The IP-FAX protocol defined in 38 is executed and JPEG image data is received from another IP-FAX. For example, the image receiving unit 601 functions as an image data receiving unit.

  The image storage unit 602 stores the JPEG image data received by the image receiving unit 601 in the hard disk 214. For example, the image storage unit 602 functions as a storage unit.

  The character extraction unit 603 extracts characters from the image data according to an algorithm described later. For example, the character extraction unit 603 functions as a character extraction unit.

  The print color conversion unit 604 performs JPEG-compliant decompression (decoding) processing on the JPEG image data stored in the hard disk 214, and converts the image data separated into color difference components (Cb, Cr) and luminance components (Y) into RGB The image data is converted, and the RGB image data is converted into Y (Yellow), M (Magenta), C (Cyan), and K (blacK) print image data. The print color conversion unit 604 stores the RGB image data converted from the JPEG image data in the main memory 203 so that the character extraction unit 603 and the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 can use them.

The L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 first converts RGB image data from RGB to CIEXYZ according to Equation (1). Equation (1) is an equation defined by CCIR709.

Subsequently, the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 converts the CIEXYZ into L * a * b * according to equations (2) to (7). Xn, Yn, and Zn in the equations (2) to (5) are values under the D65 light source, and have values of Xn = 95.045, Yn = 100.000, and Zn = 108.892, respectively. .

  The print output unit 606 prints the YMCK image data on the paper 303 using the print engine 211. For example, the print output unit 606 functions as an output unit.

  The color difference extraction unit 607 obtains a difference between two colors (color difference) according to an algorithm described later. For example, the color difference extraction unit 607 functions as a difference extraction unit.

  The color difference determination unit 609 compares and determines the color difference obtained by the color difference extraction unit 607 and a predetermined condition stored in the flash ROM 202 in advance. Here, the predetermined condition indicates a value of the color difference ΔE94 that is acceptable as the difference condition. For example, the color difference determination unit 609 functions as a difference determination unit.

  The image reading unit 608 reads an image printed on the paper 303 by using the paper discharge scanner 212 to acquire RGB digital image data, and the RGB digital image data is used by the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605. It is stored in the main memory 203 so that it can be done. The image reading unit 608 converts the RGB digital image data into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and the character extraction unit 603 converts only the luminance component (Y) image data. It is stored in the main memory 203 so that it can be used. For example, the image reading unit 608 functions as a reading unit.

  The message transmission unit 610 transmits a message to another terminal using an SIP instant message.

  The setting information storage unit 611 stores information serving as a color difference condition for determining whether or not the color printed from the received color image data is different from the color of the document in the flash ROM 202.

  Next, the MFP 106 existing at the site B shown in FIG. The flow of the operation of communicating with the protocol defined in 38 will be described together with the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  First, the multifunction device 106 transmits an INVITE message including the FAX number of the multifunction device 103 to the SIP server 102 (S701).

  Then, the SIP server 102 refers to the correspondence table between the registered FAX numbers and IP addresses (S702), and transmits an INVITE message to the multi-function peripheral 103 (S703).

  Upon receiving the INVITE message, the multifunction machine 103 transmits a 200 OK response indicating success to the SIP server 102 (S704). The SIP server 102 that has received the 200OK response transmits the 200OK response to the multi-function peripheral 106 (S705).

  Upon receiving the 200 OK response, the multifunction device 106 transmits an ACK message to the multifunction device 103 to establish a session (S706).

  Then, the multi-function device 106 transmits the image data to the ITU-T recommendation T.264. The protocol defined in 38 is executed and transmitted to the MFP 103 (S707). When the transmission of the image data is completed, the MFP 106 transmits a BYE message to the MFP 103 (S708). Then, a 200 OK response is transmitted from the MFP 103 to the MFP 106, and the session is terminated (S709).

  Next, an operation when the multi-function device 106 shown in FIG. 1 transmits color image data to the multi-function device 103 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  The sender sets a color original on the original scanner 208, inputs the FAX number of the multifunction machine 103, and presses the start key. Then, the image reading unit 501 controls the document scanner controller 209 to read a document image from the document scanner 208 and acquire RGB digital image data (S801).

  Next, the read RGB digital image data is converted into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and JPEG encoding is performed (S802).

  Then, the image transmission unit 502 transmits the JPEG-encoded image data to the multi-function peripheral 103 by the communication procedure shown in FIG. 7 (S803).

  Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving color image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 will be described in conjunction with the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The multi-function peripheral 103 determines whether the image receiving unit 601 has received JPEG image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 (S901). If received, the process proceeds to step S902. If not received, step S901 is repeated.

  The JPEG image data received by the image storage unit 602 is stored in the hard disk 214 (S902).

  Subsequently, the print color conversion unit 604 performs JPEG-compliant decompression (decoding) processing on the JPEG image data stored in the hard disk 214, and is separated into color difference components (Cb, Cr) and luminance components (Y). The image data is converted into RGB image data, and further converted from RGB to YMCK print image data. At this time, the print color conversion unit 604 converts the luminance component (Y) image data obtained by JPEG decompression from the color difference component (Cb, Cr) and the luminance component (Y) so that the character extraction unit 603 can use them. The RGB image data thus stored is stored in the main memory 203 so that it can be used by the L * a * b * color converter 605 (S903).

  Subsequently, the print output unit 606 prints the image data converted into YMCK on the paper 303 using the print engine 211 (S904).

  Next, when the printed paper passes through the paper discharge port, the image reading unit 608 reads the image printed on the paper 303 using the paper discharge scanner 212, acquires RGB digital image data, and The RGB digital image data is stored in the main memory 203 so that the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 can use it (S905).

  Further, the image reading unit 608 converts the RGB image data into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and the character extraction unit 603 uses only the image data of the luminance component (Y). The data is stored in the main memory 203 so that it can be performed (S906).

  Next, the character extraction unit 603 compares the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored by the print color conversion unit 604 with a predetermined luminance value stored in advance in the flash ROM 202 as a threshold level. If there is a white pixel (bit value is 0), otherwise, it is converted to a binary image as a black pixel (bit value is 1). Then, a character image is extracted from the binary image, and character recognition is performed on the character image (S907). This character image extraction and character recognition are described in, for example, Toshiba Review 1997 VOL. 52 NO. The method described in 2 is used.

  Here, an example of this binary image is shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, characters other than “NEWS” are represented by “... In the binary image shown in FIG. 10, the characters “N”, “E”, “W”, and “S” are first recognized by character recognition. When the first character string (“NEWS” in the example of FIG. 10) is recognized from the binary image, the character extraction unit 603 is printed on the paper 303 by the image reading unit 608 using the paper discharge scanner 212. In the same manner as described above, binary image conversion, character image extraction, and character recognition processing are performed on the luminance component (Y) image data generated by reading the obtained image, and “N”, “E”, “W”, and “S” are processed. Are recognized.

  Subsequently, the character extraction unit 603 recognizes the character string recognized from the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored by the print color conversion unit 604 and the character recognized from the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored by the image reading unit 608. The columns are compared (S908).

  If the character strings do not match (NO in S908), the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message to the effect that the color of the print image cannot be compared with the color of the document to the multifunction device 106 that is the transmission source terminal (S909). . At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  If the two character strings match (YES in S908), the process proceeds to a process of color-converting RGB image data corresponding to the binary character image that has been character-recognized into L * a * b *. Here, in order to facilitate the condition determination described later, the present embodiment employs a method of color-converting RGB image data into L * a * b *.

  First, the character extraction unit 603 includes image data of a character image area (rectangle) of “N” binarized from the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored by the print color conversion unit 604, and the print color conversion unit 604. Image data corresponding to this rectangular area is transferred to the L * a * b * color converter 605 from the stored RGB image data. The L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 uses the above-described equations (1) to (7) for the RGB data of each pixel corresponding to the black pixel (bit value is 1) among the binary pixels in this region. To L * a * b *. Here, when the color of the pixel constituting the character “N” is red, a * of this pixel is a large value of +, b * is a small value of + or −, and L * is a value around 40-60. Have. Then, the average of L *, a *, and b * is obtained for each pixel converted to L * a * b * (S910). At this time, pixels having a value greatly deviating from the average value may be omitted.

  Subsequently, the character extraction unit 603 includes the image data of the character image region (rectangle) of “N” binarized from the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored by the image reading unit 608, and the image reading unit 608 Image data corresponding to this rectangular area is transferred to the L * a * b * color converter 605 from the stored RGB image data. Similarly, the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 converts the RGB data of each pixel corresponding to the black pixel (bit value is 1) among the binary pixels into L * a * b *, and these The average of L *, a *, and b * is obtained for each of the pixels (S911).

Next, the process proceeds to a process for obtaining a color difference, which is information representing a color difference, from these two L * a * b * values. In this embodiment, ΔE94 (CIE1994) is used as the color difference. The calculation for obtaining the color difference ΔE94 is executed by the color difference extraction unit 607, and the values of two L * a * b * are (L1, a1, b1) and (L2, a2, b2), and ΔE94 is expressed by Equation (8). Is obtained by equation (9) (S912).

  Subsequently, the color difference determination unit 609 compares the obtained color difference ΔE94 value with a predetermined condition value stored in advance in the flash ROM 202 (S913).

  If the obtained color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition (NO in S913), the message transmission unit 610 sends a message that the color of the print image printed on the paper 303 is different from the color of the original, to the transmission source terminal. (S914). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  If the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition (YES in S913), the received JPEG image data stored in the hard disk 214 is deleted (S915). When the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is deleted. When the color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is not deleted. When not intended by the sender, the JPEG image data can be left. By leaving the JPEG image data, if the color toner is insufficient, after replenishing the color toner, the stored JPEG image data is printed again, and the color of the print image is changed to the color of the original. It becomes possible to repeat the process compared with.

  As described above, when there is a certain difference between the received image data and the printed image data by the MFP according to the present embodiment, by transmitting that fact to the transmission source terminal, The sender of the image data can check the print quality.

  In the above description, an example in which an image printed on the paper 303 is read by the paper discharge scanner 212 has been described, but the discharged paper 303 may be read by the original scanner 208. Thus, the present invention can be implemented without providing a paper discharge scanner at the paper discharge port.

  In the above description, the color difference ΔE94 is obtained by comparing the colors of the pixels constituting the character. However, when the periphery of the character is a white pixel, the color of the pixel included in the region including the white pixel. The color difference can be obtained by comparing the colors of the entire region and comparing the colors. The processing flow in this case will be described below.

  When the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 calculates an average value of L *, a *, and b *, the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 is included in the binary pixels of the character image area (rectangle). The RGB data of each pixel corresponding to the white pixel (bit value is 0) is also converted to L * a * b *. Here, when the color of the pixel constituting the character “N” is red, a * of this pixel is a large value of +, b * is a small value of + or −, and L * is a value around 40-60. Have. When the color of other pixels in the rectangular area is white, a * and b * of this pixel have a small value of + or −, and L * has a value close to 100 (the range of L * is 0 (black ) To 100 (white)). Therefore, the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 determines that when pixels other than characters in the rectangular area have small values of a * and b * of + or − and L * is close to 100, Consider the color of the pixel as white. If it is determined that all pixels other than characters in the rectangular area are white, the L * a * b * color conversion unit 605 calculates the average of a * and b * for all the pixels in the rectangular area. Ask. For L *, a value close to 100 regarded as white is omitted and an average is obtained. Then, the color difference extraction unit 507 obtains the color difference ΔE94 using the average value of these L *, a *, and b *.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the fact that the printed image data is different from the received image data is transmitted using an SIP instant message. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which notification is further sent to the sender's mail address together with the SIP instant message. In addition, about the component which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, the same or equivalent part as Embodiment 1 is shown, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106 functions as a receiver. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 11, a mail transmission unit 1101 that controls mail transmission to a specified mail address is added to the functional configuration illustrated in FIG. 6.

  Next, an operation when the multifunction device 106 shown in FIG. 1 transmits color image data to the multifunction device 103 will be described. The operation when the MFP 106 transmits will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The sender sets a color original on the original scanner 208, inputs the sender's mail address and the FAX number of the multifunction machine 103, and presses the start key. Then, the image reading unit 501 controls the document scanner controller 209 to read a document image from the document scanner 208 and acquire RGB digital image data (S801). Next, the read RGB digital image data is converted into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and JPEG encoding is performed (S802). Then, the image transmission unit 502 transmits the JPEG-encoded image data to the multi-function peripheral 103 by the communication procedure shown in FIG. 7 (S803).

  At this time, the multifunction device 106 sets the sender's mail address to ITU-T recommendation T.264. It is included in the NSS (Non-Standard Facilities Set-up) command of the protocol defined in 38 and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 103. Here, the NSS command is an ITU-T recommendation T.264. 30 is a command defined in ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 38 is an ITU-T recommendation T.38. 30 and ITU-T recommendation T.30. 38 is also an ITU-T recommendation T.38. It is a specification that HDLC (High-level Data Link control procedure) frames such as NSS specified in 30 are put in IFP (Internet Facsimile Protocol) packets, and these IFP packets are further put in UDP packets or TCP packets. . The data structure of the TCP packet is shown in FIG. An example in which a mail address is included in the NSS command is shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction device 103 when receiving JPEG image data transmitted from the multifunction device 106 will be described in conjunction with the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The operations from S1401 to S1408 are the same as S901 to S908 in FIG. If the character strings do not match (NO in step S1408), the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message to the effect that the color of the print image cannot be compared with the color of the document to the MFP 106 that is the transmission source terminal (S1409). ). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  Then, a mail message is sent to the mail address included in the NSS command received by the mail transmission unit 1101 (S1410). In the description of the flowchart, after the message is transmitted in S1409, the mail is transmitted in S1410. However, either may be transmitted first.

  If the two character strings match (YES in S1408), the process proceeds to a process of color-converting RGB image data corresponding to the binary character image that has been character-recognized into L * a * b *.

  The operations from S1411 to S1414 are the same as S910 to S913 in FIG. If the obtained color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition (NO in S1414), the message transmission unit 610 sends a message indicating that the color of the print image printed on the paper 303 is different from the color of the document. (S1415). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  Then, a mail message is sent to the mail address included in the NSS command received by the mail transmission unit 1101 (S1416). In the description of the flowchart, after the message is transmitted in S1415, the mail is transmitted in S1416. However, either may be transmitted first.

  Subsequently, when the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition (YES in S1414), the received JPEG image data stored in the hard disk 214 is deleted (S1417). When the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is deleted. When the color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is not deleted. When not intended by the sender, the JPEG image data can be left. By leaving the JPEG image data, if the color toner is insufficient, after replenishing the color toner, the stored JPEG image data is printed again, and the color of the print image is changed to the color of the original. It becomes possible to repeat the process compared with.

  As described above, when there is a certain difference between the received image data and the image data printed by the multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment, the sender terminal and the sender's e-mail address to that effect. Can be notified. Thereby, it is possible to check the print quality even if the sender of the image data is not in front of the transmission source terminal.

  In the above description, an example in which an image printed on the paper 303 is read by the paper discharge scanner 212 has been described, but the discharged paper 303 may be read by the original scanner 208. Thus, the present invention can be implemented without providing a paper discharge scanner at the paper discharge port.

  In the above description, when mail is transmitted in S1410 or S1416, the image data read in S1405 may be attached to the mail and transmitted. As a result, the sender of the image data can check the print quality by looking at the printed image data.

  If the device administrator's e-mail address is registered in the multi-function peripheral 103 (this e-mail address information is stored in the flash ROM 202), a message stating that the color of the print image is different from the color of the original is displayed. You may make it send by e-mail to e-mail address. In this case, the device manager can quickly know that the color quality has deteriorated, and can quickly replenish toner, repair and adjust the device.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first embodiment, the fact that the printed image data is different from the received image data is transmitted using an SIP instant message. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the read image data is transmitted together with the SIP instant message. In addition, about the component which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, the same or equivalent part as Embodiment 1 is shown, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 15 shows a functional configuration diagram when the multifunction machine 103 or the multifunction machine 106 functions as a receiver. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 15, an image transmission unit 502 is added to the functional configuration shown in FIG.

  The image transmission unit 502 has the same function as the image transmission unit 502 shown in the functional configuration diagram when functioning as the transmitter of FIG. The image transmission unit 502 converts JPEG-encoded image data into a call connection using SIP defined by RFC 3261, ITU-T recommendation T.264. The IP-FAX protocol defined in 38 is executed and transmitted to another terminal. For example, the image transmission unit 502 functions as an image data transmission unit.

  Next, an operation when the multifunction device 106 shown in FIG. 1 transmits color image data to the multifunction device 103 will be described. The operation when the multi-function peripheral 106 transmits is as described above with reference to FIG. 8 (S801 to S803).

  Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving JPEG image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The operations from S1601 to S1608 are the same as S901 to S908 in FIG. If the character strings do not match (NO in S1608), the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message indicating that the color of the print image cannot be compared with the color of the document to the multi-function peripheral 106 that is the transmission source terminal (S1609). ). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  Then, the image transmission unit 502 converts the image data read in S1605 to ITU-T recommendation T.264. The protocol defined in 38 is executed and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 106 which is the transmission source terminal (S1610). In the description of the flowchart, the image data is transmitted in S1610 after the message is transmitted in S1609, but either may be transmitted first.

  Subsequently, if the two character strings match (YES in S1608), the process proceeds to a process of color-converting RGB image data corresponding to the binary character image that has been character-recognized into L * a * b *.

  The operations from S1611 to S1614 are the same as S910 to S913 in FIG. If the obtained color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition (NO in S1614), the message transmission unit 610 sends a message indicating that the color of the print image printed on the paper 303 is different from the color of the document. (S1615). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  Then, the image transmission unit 502 converts the image data read in S1605 to ITU-T recommendation T.264. The protocol defined in 38 is executed and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 106 which is the transmission source terminal (S1616). In the description of the flowchart, the image data is transmitted in S1616 after the message is transmitted in S1615, but either may be transmitted first.

  Subsequently, when the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition (YES in S1614), the received JPEG image data stored in the hard disk 214 is deleted (S1617). When the obtained color difference ΔE94 is smaller than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is deleted. When the color difference ΔE94 is larger than the value of the difference condition, the stored JPEG image data is not deleted. When not intended by the sender, the JPEG image data can be left. By leaving the JPEG image data, if the color toner is insufficient, after replenishing the color toner, the stored JPEG image data is printed again, and the color of the print image is changed to the color of the original. It becomes possible to repeat the process compared with.

  As described above, when there is a certain difference between the received image data and the image data printed by the multifunction peripheral according to this embodiment, the fact is transmitted to the transmission source terminal and read. The transmitted image data can be transmitted to the transmission source terminal. As a result, the sender of the image data can check the print quality by looking at the printed image data.

[Embodiment 4]
In the present embodiment, binary image data is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 existing at the base B shown in FIG. 1 to the multi-function peripheral 103 existing at the base A, and characters are received from the binary image data received by the multi-function peripheral 103. The character string recognized by the recognition is compared with the character string recognized by the character recognition from the image data obtained by reading the paper on which the image data is printed. When it is determined that the character string difference does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the MFP 106 is notified of information indicating that the print quality is poor.

  FIG. 17 shows a functional configuration diagram of this embodiment when the multi-function peripheral 103 functions as a receiver. The multifunction machine 103 includes an image receiving unit 1701, an image storage unit 1702, a character extraction unit 1703, a print output unit 1704, a character difference determination unit 1705, an image reading unit 608, a message transmission unit 610, and a setting information storage unit 611. .

  The image receiving unit 1701 is an incoming call connection using SIP, ITU-T recommendation T.264. The IP-FAX protocol defined in 38 is executed and MMR compressed binary image data is received from another IP-FAX. The image storage unit 1702 stores the binary image data received by the image receiving unit 1701 in the hard disk 214.

  The character extraction unit 1703 extracts characters from the binary image data according to an algorithm described later. The print output unit 1704 prints the binary image data on the paper 303 using the print engine 211. The character difference determination unit 1705 includes a character string obtained by extracting the received binary image data by the character extraction unit 1703, and a character string obtained by extracting the binary image data read by the image reading unit 1706 from the paper 303 by the character extraction unit 1703. Compare The character difference determination unit 1705 compares and determines the number of different characters obtained by comparison with a predetermined condition stored in the flash ROM 202 in advance. Here, the predetermined condition indicates an allowable number of different characters.

  The image reading unit 1706 reads an image printed on the paper 303 using the paper discharge scanner 212, acquires RGB digital image data, and uses the RGB digital image data as a color difference component (Cb, Cr) and a luminance component ( Y). The image reading unit 1706 passes binary image data obtained by binarizing the image data of the luminance component (Y) to the character extraction unit 1703.

  The message transmission unit 610 transmits a message to another terminal using an SIP instant message. The setting information storage unit 611 stores, in the flash ROM 202, information serving as a difference condition between character strings extracted from the received binary image data and the binary image data obtained by reading the printed image.

  In the multifunction device 106, the sender sets a monochrome document or a color document on the document scanner 208, inputs the FAX number of the multifunction device 103, and presses the start key. As a result, the image reading unit 501 controls the document scanner controller 209 to read the document image from the document scanner 208 and acquire RGB digital image data. Next, the read RGB digital image data is converted into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and the luminance component (Y) data is binarized to perform MMR encoding. Then, the image transmission unit 502 transmits the MMR-encoded binary image data to the multi-function peripheral 103 using the communication procedure shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral 103 when receiving the binary image data transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The multi-function peripheral 103 determines whether the image receiving unit 1701 has received the binary image data (MMR encoded data) transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 106 (S1801). If received, the process proceeds to step S1802. If not received, step S1801 is repeated.

  The binary image data received by the image storage unit 1702 is stored in the hard disk 214 (S1802).

  Subsequently, the print output unit 1704 performs MMR decoding processing on the binary image data (MMR encoded data) stored in the hard disk 214, and binary image data (raw data) in which each pixel has a value of 0 or 1. Image data). Subsequently, the print output unit 1704 passes this raw image data to the character extraction unit 1703 and prints it on the paper 303 using the print engine 211 (S1803).

  The character extraction unit 1703 first performs a process of identifying the character part and identifying whether the extracted character is a printed or handwritten character from the binary raw image data. This process uses, for example, the method described in JP-A-2006-92346. That is, first, the inclination of the image is corrected, and the image is divided into blocks composed of type characters, blocks composed of handwritten characters, and other (such as figures) blocks by layout analysis (S1804).

  FIG. 19 shows an example in which the character extraction unit 1703 divides an image into blocks by layout analysis. In FIG. 19, a block A1 is a block containing type characters, a block B1 is a block containing handwritten characters, and a block C1 is another block. The circles in the block A1 represent characters abstractly. Subsequently, the character extraction unit 1703 recognizes the characters of the block A1 made up of type characters by using a contour zero-crossing feature and a canonical discriminant analysis (S1805).

  The outline zero-crossing feature is a method of recognizing a feature of a boundary portion between a character and a background after pattern processing a binary image as a multi-valued image with a blurred whole. Canonical discriminant analysis is a method of discriminating characters from character features, and a numerical table representing character features is created so that similar characters can be easily distinguished from each other (Technical Report of IEICE Technical Report. PRMU, pattern recognition / media understanding Technical report of IEICE. PRMU 98 (490) pp. 71-78 19981218 The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers). Note that a numerical table representing the character characteristics is stored in advance in the hard disk 214, for example.

  The character extraction unit 1703 also combines the contour analysis method that captures the structure of shapes such as end points, convex portions, and concave portions, and the above-described contour zero-crossing feature and canonical discriminant analysis for the block B1 made of handwritten characters. Recognize The contour analysis method is excellent for recognizing handwritten characters other than kanji, and the contour zero-crossing feature and canonical discriminant analysis are excellent for recognizing handwritten kanji. The recognized character string is stored in the main memory 203 separately for the character string of the block A1 and the character string of the block B2. Thereby, both character strings can be compared later.

  Next, when the printed paper passes through the paper discharge port, the image reading unit 608 reads the image printed on the paper 303 using the paper discharge scanner 212 to acquire RGB digital image data, and The RGB digital image data is converted into color difference component (Cb, Cr) and luminance component (Y) data, and only the image data of the luminance component (Y) is stored in the main memory 203 so that the character extraction unit 1703 can use it. To do. Next, the character extraction unit 1703 converts the image data of the luminance component (Y) stored in the image reading unit 608 into a binary image by comparing it with a predetermined luminance value stored in advance in the flash ROM 202 as a threshold level. Then, as described above, the character extraction unit 1703 cuts out the character portion from the binary image, identifies whether the cut out character is a type or handwritten character, divides it into blocks, and recognizes the character for each block. (S1806).

  Here, an example in which there is a problem in the output image will be described. For example, it is assumed that there is a problem with the print engine 211 and the image is printed with vertical lines added as shown in FIG. In this case, the character extraction unit 1703 recognizes the first line of the block A1 as “this material relates to the function of the parent product”.

  Next, the character difference determination unit 1705 extracts the character string extracted from the received binary image data and the binary image data read from the paper 303 by the image reading unit 608 for each of the block A1 and the block B1. The character string is compared (S1807). For the block A1, characters with different comparison results are shown in a box in FIG. In this case, the five characters are different. There is no different character for block B1.

  Next, the character difference determination unit 1705 determines whether or not the number of different characters is equal to or less than the allowable number of characters stored in the flash ROM 202 in advance (S1808). If it is less than the allowable number of characters, the process is terminated. If not, the process proceeds to step S1809.

  When the allowable number of characters is 3, since the number of different characters is larger than the allowable number of characters, a message indicating that there is a problem with the quality of the print image printed on the paper 303 is a composite in which the message transmission unit 610 is the transmission source terminal. It transmits to the machine 106 (S1809). At this time, the message transmission unit 610 transmits the message to the multi-function device 106 using the SIP instant message.

  22 to 24 are diagrams showing examples of images including English sentences. FIG. 22 shows an example in which the character extraction unit 1703 divides an image into blocks by layout analysis. In FIG. 22, a block A2 is a block containing type characters, a block B2 is a block containing handwritten characters, and a block C2 is another block. Note that the circles in the block A2 represent characters abstractly.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a vertical line is added to an image and printed, as in FIG. In this case, the character extraction unit 1703 recognizes the first line of the block A2 as “The Ouality of Products:”.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing characters with different comparison results surrounded by a frame in the block A2, similarly to FIG. In FIG. 24, five characters are different. There is no different character for block B2. Therefore, the process of step S1808 is executed by the character difference determination unit 1705.

  In the above example, the allowable number of characters is stored in advance in the flash ROM 202 as the character difference determination condition. However, the percentage of the total number of recognized characters is stored in the flash ROM 202 in advance, and the allowable number of characters is calculated from this percentage. You may make it calculate.

  In the above example, the case where different allowable characters exist in the horizontal direction is shown discretely. However, in order to cope with the case where the different characters exist continuously in the horizontal direction, the number of consecutive different characters is changed to the character. It can also be used as a difference determination condition. That is, if the number of consecutive different characters exceeds an allowable value, the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message indicating that there is a problem with the quality of the print image printed on the paper 303 to the multifunction device 106 that is the transmission source terminal. To do.

  In step S1807, a plurality of similar characters may be regarded as the same character. In this case, the character extraction unit 1703 stores, for example, information of the table shown in FIG. The table shown in FIG. 25 stores similar characters for each character separately for each degree of similarity into a first group, a second group, and a third group. For example, in the case of the Chinese character “day”, the characters corresponding to the similarity “1” are the alphabet “E” and the Chinese character “曰”. The characters corresponding to the similarity “2” are the alphabet “B” and “F”, and the Chinese character “ta”. The characters corresponding to the similarity “3” are the alphabet “A”, the number “8”, and the Chinese character “Han”.

  The character extraction unit 1703 refers to the table shown in FIG. 25 according to the allowable number of similar characters stored in the flash ROM 202 in advance, and compares the character strings assuming that the allowable similar characters are the same character.

  Note that the MFP according to the present embodiment may further include either or both of the mail transmission unit 1101 according to the second embodiment and the image transmission unit 502 according to the third embodiment. When the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message, the mail transmission unit 1101 transmits a similar message by mail. This process is the same as the process of step S1416 in the second embodiment. The image transmission unit 502 transmits the read image when the message transmission unit 610 transmits a message. This process is the same as the process of step S1616 in the third embodiment.

  In the above description, an example in which an image printed on the paper 303 is read by the paper discharge scanner 212 has been described, but the discharged paper 303 may be read by the original scanner 208. Thus, the present invention can be implemented without providing a paper discharge scanner at the paper discharge port.

  Note that the image communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC). Further, the image communication method according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed by using, for example, a main memory such as a RAM as a work area in accordance with a program stored in a ROM, a hard disk device or the like by the CPU.

  Each of the above functions can be realized by a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language, or the like. ROM, EEPROM , EPROM, flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, SD card, MO and the like can be stored and distributed in a recording medium readable by the apparatus.

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Moreover, it is not limited to what was demonstrated by embodiment, The method equivalent to these is also contained in the technical scope of this invention.

  As described above, the image communication apparatus according to the present invention is useful for confirming the quality of a received image, and is particularly suitable for a printer.

101 IP network 102 SIP server 103 MFP 104 PC
105 IP phone 106 MFP 107 PC
108 IP phone 201 CPU
202 flash ROM
203 Main Memory 204 Clock 205 Bus Controller 206 PCI Bridge 207 Cache Memory 208 Document Scanner 209 Document Scanner Controller 210 Print Controller 211 Print Engine 212 Discharge Scanner 213 Discharge Scanner Controller 214 Hard Disk 215 HD Controller 216 LCD Display Controller 217 LCD
218 LAN controller 219 LAN I / F
220 Key input controller 221 Hard key 222 Touch panel controller 223 Touch panel 301 LED array 302 CCD line sensor 303 Paper 501 Image reading unit 502 Image transmission unit 503 Display control unit 504 Operation unit 505 Message reception unit 601 Image reception unit 602 Image storage unit 603 Character Extraction unit 604 Print color conversion unit 605 L * a * b * color conversion unit 606 Print output unit 607 Color difference extraction unit 608 Image reading unit 609 Color difference determination unit 610 Message transmission unit 611 Setting information storage unit 1101 Mail transmission unit 1701 Image Reception unit 1702 Image storage unit 1703 Character extraction unit 1704 Print output unit 1705 Character difference determination unit

JP 2000-151957 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-174974

Claims (7)

Storage means for storing first image data transmitted from another image communication device;
Printing means for outputting the first image data on paper;
Reading means for reading a paper image output on paper by the printing means to obtain second image data;
Character extraction means for extracting characters from the first image data stored in the storage means and extracting characters from the second image data obtained by the reading means;
Character determination means for determining whether or not each character extracted from the first image data and the second image data by the character extraction means is the same character;
An image region cutout unit that cuts out a predetermined image region that includes characters determined to be the same character by the character determination unit from the first image data and the second image data;
A condition in which a difference in color of each pixel corresponding to a character is stored in advance in each of the image areas cut out from the first image data and the second image data by the image area cut-out means. A difference determination means for determining whether or not the difference is greater than
When the difference determining unit determines that the color difference is greater than the condition, the first image data transmitted from the other image communication apparatus and the paper on which the first image data is output And a transmission means for transmitting a message to the effect that the second image data obtained by reading the paper image is different to the other image communication device that is the transmission source of the first image data. apparatus. It further includes an email address acquisition means for acquiring an email address,
The transmission means includes the first image data transmitted from the other image communication apparatus and the second image data obtained by reading a paper image of the paper on which the first image data is output. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message indicating that the messages are different is transmitted by mail to the mail address acquired by the mail address acquisition unit. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the mail by attaching the second image data read by the reading unit to the mail to be transmitted by the mail. The image data transmitting means for transmitting the second image data read by the reading means to the other image communication device, further comprising any one of claims 1 to 3. The image communication apparatus described in 1. A storage step in which the storage control unit stores and controls the first image data transmitted from the other image communication device;
A printing step in which the printing means outputs the first image data to paper;
A reading step in which a reading unit reads a paper image output on paper by the printing unit to obtain second image data; and
A character extraction step of extracting characters from the first image data stored in the storage unit and extracting characters from the second image data obtained by the reading unit;
A character determination step for determining whether the characters extracted from the first image data and the second image data by the character extraction unit are the same character;
An image region cutout step of cutting out a predetermined image region including a character determined to be the same character by the character determination unit from the first image data and the second image data;
A difference determining unit is configured to determine whether a color difference of each pixel corresponding to a character in each of the image regions extracted from the first image data and the second image data by the image region extracting unit is in advance. A difference determination step for determining whether or not the condition is greater than a stored condition;
When the transmission unit determines that the color difference is larger than the condition by the difference determination unit, the first image data transmitted from the other image communication device and the first image data are A transmitting step of transmitting a message to the effect that the second image data obtained by reading the paper surface image of the output paper is different to the other image communication device that is the transmission source of the first image data; An image communication method comprising: Computer
Storage control means for storing and controlling the first image data transmitted from another image communication device in the storage means;
Printing control means for controlling the printing means to output the first image data on paper;
Reading control means for reading and controlling the reading means so as to read the paper image output on the paper by the printing means to obtain second image data;
Character extraction means for extracting characters from the first image data stored in the storage means and extracting characters from the second image data obtained by the reading means;
A character determination unit that determines whether each character extracted from the first image data and the second image data functions as the character extraction unit;
An image region cutout unit that cuts out a predetermined image region that includes the character determined to be the same character by functioning as the character determination unit from the first image data and the second image data;
By functioning as the image area cutout means, the difference in color of each pixel corresponding to the character in each of the image areas cut out from the first image data and the second image data is stored in advance. Difference determining means for determining whether or not the condition is greater than
When it is determined that the color difference is larger than the condition by functioning as the difference determination unit, the first image data transmitted from the other image communication apparatus and the first image data are A message indicating that the second image data obtained by reading the output paper image of the paper is different is transmitted so as to be transmitted to the other image communication device that is the transmission source of the first image data. An image communication program that functions as transmission control means for controlling the means. Computer
Storage control means for storing and controlling the first image data transmitted from another image communication device in the storage means;
Printing control means for controlling the printing means to output the first image data on paper;
Reading control means for reading and controlling the reading means so as to read the paper image output on the paper by the printing means to obtain second image data;
Character extraction means for extracting characters from the first image data stored in the storage means and extracting characters from the second image data obtained by the reading means;
A character determination unit that determines whether each character extracted from the first image data and the second image data functions as the character extraction unit;
An image region cutout unit that cuts out a predetermined image region that includes the character determined to be the same character by functioning as the character determination unit from the first image data and the second image data;
By functioning as the image area cutout means, the difference in color of each pixel corresponding to the character in each of the image areas cut out from the first image data and the second image data is stored in advance. Difference determining means for determining whether or not the condition is greater than
When it is determined that the color difference is larger than the condition by functioning as the difference determination unit, the first image data transmitted from the other image communication apparatus and the first image data are A message indicating that the second image data obtained by reading the output paper image of the paper is different is transmitted so as to be transmitted to the other image communication device that is the transmission source of the first image data. A computer-readable storage medium storing an image communication program that functions as transmission control means for controlling the means.

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