JP6399000B2 - Image processing apparatus and image creation program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image creation program, and more particularly to a technique for changing a layout of a document image obtained by reading by a document reading unit.

  There has been proposed a layout change technique for changing the arrangement of images constituting a document image with respect to a document image obtained by reading a document by a document reading unit such as a scanner. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, an original whose editing area is designated in advance by a marker line is read by a scanner unit, and the color of the marker line is extracted from the read image to identify the area. Then, image regions determined to be of the same type based on the extracted colors are collected to form a document image, and the image thus configured is output to a sheet. For example, the image region for each color type is provided on each sheet. A technique for collecting and forming an image is known.

JP 2009-111611 A

  However, the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 cuts out the image image itself included in the original document image when the reconstruction is performed on the document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit. In addition, since the layout of the original image is changed by synthesizing the image images to create a new original image, the degree of freedom in changing the layout is limited. Further, since the original image is reconstructed by compositing the images colored by the markers as described above, the original image newly created by the reconstruction is the image of the attached color. It will be added as an extra image. Further, in order to remove an unnecessary image portion from the original document image, it is necessary to operate the word processor, an image processing application, or the like to perform image removal work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. A new document image obtained by extracting only a necessary image area from a document image obtained by document reading by a document reading unit and eliminating an unnecessary image can be easily obtained. The purpose is to enable creation with simple operations.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention provides a document reading unit that reads an image on a document, and an image area that includes predetermined colors for each color from a document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit. Extracted by the region extraction unit to be extracted, the character data conversion unit that converts the image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit into character data for each image region, and the region extraction unit Further, a layout storage unit that stores a layout prepared in advance for rearranging each image region for each color, and character data indicating each image region for each color converted by the character data conversion unit, An image creating unit that arranges according to the layout stored in the layout storage unit and creates a new document image indicating the document. It is intended.

  An image creation program according to an aspect of the present invention includes an area extraction unit that extracts, for each color, an image area composed of predetermined colors from an original image obtained by reading by an original reading unit; A character data conversion unit that converts an image included in each image region extracted for each color by the unit into character data for each image region, and each image region for each color extracted by the region extraction unit. A layout storage unit that stores a layout prepared in advance for placement, and character data indicating each image area for each color, which is converted by the character data conversion unit, is stored in the layout storage unit. Arranging according to the layout, causing the computer to function as an image creation unit that creates a new document image showing the document A.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to create a new document image by extracting only a necessary image area from a document image obtained by reading a document by the document reading unit and eliminating an unnecessary image by a simple operation. Become.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document in which a predetermined color is assigned to an image area. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image obtained by reading a document by a document reading unit. It is a figure which shows notionally the example of the layout memorize | stored in the layout memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows notionally the example of the layout memorize | stored in the layout memory | storage part. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of layout change processing by the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows a mode that each image area | region used as the object of arrangement | positioning change is extracted from a document image. It is a figure which shows a mode that each image area | region which consists of character data is arrange | positioned according to a layout. It is a figure which shows a mode that each image area | region which consists of character data is arrange | positioned according to a layout. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of layout change processing by the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of originals in which a predetermined color is assigned to an image area. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which image areas extracted from a plurality of document images are collected into one document image. 6 is a flowchart illustrating layout customization processing by the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the state by which the image which shows each layout used as the candidate for edit was displayed on the display part. It is a figure which shows the state by which the image which shows the layout selected by the operator was displayed on the display part. It is a figure which shows an example of operation which designates the new arrangement position of an image area | region.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus and an image creation program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 11 that includes an operation unit 47, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, and the like.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays an operation guide to the operator, an image for notifying occurrence of a jam, and the like.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs a document reading operation, the document reading unit 5 optically reads a document fed by the document feeding unit 6 or a document placed on the document placing glass 161, Generate image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored as a document image in a built-in HDD or a computer connected to a network.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation, it is based on image data generated by the document reading operation, image data received from a computer connected to a network, image data stored in a built-in HDD, or the like. Then, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the recording paper P as a recording medium fed from the paper feeding unit 14. When performing color printing, the magenta image forming unit 12M, the cyan image forming unit 12C, the yellow image forming unit 12Y, and the black image forming unit 12Bk of the image forming unit 12 respectively A toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 121 by charging, exposure, and development processes based on an image composed of each color component constituting data, and the toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 by the primary transfer roller 126. Let them transcribe.

  The toner images of the respective colors transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 125 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 with the transfer timing adjusted to form a color toner image. The secondary transfer roller 210 passes the color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 from the paper supply unit 14 through the conveyance path 190 at the nip N between the intermediate transfer belt 125 and the driving roller 125a. It is transferred to the recording paper P that has been conveyed. Thereafter, the fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image on the recording paper P to the recording paper P by thermocompression bonding. The recording paper P on which the color image has been formed after completion of the fixing process is discharged to a discharge tray 151.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document in which a predetermined color is added to an image area. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image obtained by reading a document by the document reading unit 5.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and controls overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The document reading unit 5 includes the reading mechanism 163 having a light irradiation unit, a CCD sensor, and the like under the control of the control unit 10. The document reading unit 5 reads an image from the document by irradiating the document with the light irradiating unit and receiving the reflected light with a CCD sensor.

  The image memory 32 is an area for temporarily storing document image data obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 12.

  The image processing unit 31 reads an image read by the document reading unit 5 from the image memory 32 and performs image processing. For example, the image processing unit 31 performs predetermined image processing such as shading correction in order to improve the quality after the image read by the document reading unit 5 is formed by the image forming unit 12.

  The image forming unit 12 forms an image such as print data read by the document reading unit 5 and print data received from the computer 200 connected to the network.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions from the user regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 including a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a touch panel function.

  The facsimile communication unit 71 includes an unillustrated encoding / decoding unit, modulation / demodulation unit, and NCU (Network Control Unit), and performs facsimile transmission using a public telephone network.

  The network interface unit 91 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and transmits / receives various data to / from the computer 200 in the local area via a LAN connected to the network interface unit 91.

  The HDD (hard disk drive) 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores document images and the like read by the document reading unit 5. The HDD 92 is an example of a storage unit in the present embodiment.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and governs the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a region extraction unit 101, a character data conversion unit 102, a layout storage unit 103, an image creation unit 104, a layout designation reception unit 105, a designation reception unit 106, and a layout creation unit 107. . The HDD 92 or the ROM stores an image creation program according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the control unit 10 operates according to the image creation program to perform the following layout change processing shown in the present embodiment. Operations necessary for execution are performed as the control unit 100, the region extraction unit 101, the character data conversion unit 102, the layout storage unit 103, the image creation unit 104, the layout designation reception unit 105, the designation reception unit 106, and the layout creation unit 107.

  Regardless of the image creation program, the control unit 10 includes a control unit 100 as a hardware circuit, a region extraction unit 101, a character data conversion unit 102, a layout storage unit 103, an image creation unit 104, a layout designation reception unit 105, A designation receiving unit 106 and a layout creating unit 107 may be provided.

  The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The document reading unit 5, the document feeding unit 6, the image memory 32, the image processing unit 31, the image forming unit 12, the operation unit 47, a facsimile machine. The communication unit 71, the network interface unit 91, the HDD 92, and the like are connected, and drive control of these units is performed.

  The area extraction unit 101 extracts, for each color, an image area having a predetermined color from a document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5. The image area indicates an image area to be subjected to layout editing.

  Here, for the layout change processing described later, the document D1 (FIG. 3) in which the operator has added the predetermined color to the area to be layout changed is the object to be read by the document reading unit 5. Is done. Then, the document image obtained by reading the document D1 is a target of extraction processing by the region extraction unit 101.

  In this extraction process, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the region extraction unit 101 uses a document image im1 obtained by reading the document D1 by the document reading unit 5 as a predetermined direction (in FIG. 3, the document Scan sequentially from the position corresponding to the initial position P1 (reading start position) in the reading section 5 in the sub-scanning direction) to the final position P2 of the document image im (final reading position in the sub-scanning direction) An image area of a predetermined color is extracted. As the predetermined colors, in this embodiment, a plurality of colors, that is, four colors of red, yellow, blue, and green are determined.

  At the time of this extraction, the area extraction unit 101 first reads a document image im1 obtained by reading the document D1 by the document reading unit 5 in a predetermined direction (in FIG. 4, the reading by the document reading unit 5 is started. By sequentially scanning from the position corresponding to the initial position P1 in the scanning direction) to the final reading position (final position P2), the pixel value of each pixel constituting the document image im1 is detected. Then, the region extraction unit 101 determines the color of each pixel according to the pixel value of each pixel detected by the scanning. For example, the region extraction unit 101 determines whether the pixel value of the detected pixel belongs to a predetermined pixel value range for each of a red pixel, a yellow pixel, a blue pixel, and a green pixel, and Based on the determination result, the color of each pixel is determined. Then, the area extraction unit 101 extracts, as the image area, an area in which a plurality of pixels of the same color are continuously gathered in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. When there are a plurality of such image areas, the area extraction unit 101 extracts all the image areas.

  Further, the area extraction unit 101 detects the extraction order for each color for each extracted image area. For example, the region extraction unit 101 sets the detection order between the image regions for the pixel detected first as a pixel constituting the image region by scanning in the predetermined direction as the image region extraction order. The area extraction unit 101 stores each extracted image area together with its color and the order of extraction for each color.

  The character data conversion unit 102 converts a character or symbol image (hereinafter simply referred to as a character image) included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit 101 into character data. The character data conversion unit 102 performs the character conversion by performing, for example, OCR conversion processing on each image region. The character data conversion unit 102 stores the character group obtained by the conversion for each image area. Each image area is specified by the information on the color and the extraction order for each color.

  The layout storage unit 103 stores a layout for changing the arrangement of each image region (configured by the converted character group) extracted for each color extracted by the region extraction unit 101. For example, the layout is a document image size (for example, a standard size such as A4 or B5) and an arrangement position of each image area indicated by a combination of the color and the extraction order for each color (arrangement in a document image for one document). Information).

  An example of the layout is conceptually shown in FIGS. For example, in the layout 1 shown in FIG. 5, the original image size is A4, and the image area to be arranged on the original image is red first, yellow first, green first, blue first, yellow second. , Green second, blue second, yellow third, green third, blue third, yellow fourth, green fourth, and blue fourth.

  In layout 1, the arrangement positions of the first image areas of the respective colors are set so that the first set of image areas of the respective colors forms one paragraph. The layout 1 has the arrangement position information of each image area so that two paragraphs are arranged in the X direction and two in the Y direction in FIG.

  Also, the layout 2 shown in FIG. 6 has a document image size of A4 and, like the layout 1, the first image area of each color so that the first set of image areas of each color forms one paragraph. The arrangement position is set. However, the layout 2 has the arrangement position information of each image area so that the paragraph is arranged in the X direction and four in the Y direction in FIG. Whether layout 1 and layout 2 are used for layout change processing is switched according to the selection by the operator.

  The layout stores the arrangement position of each image area as an area having a certain area indicated by the coordinate position information in the document image.

  Returning to the description with reference to FIG. The image creating unit 104 creates a new document image by arranging the character group forming each image area for each color converted by the character data converting unit 102 in accordance with the layout read from the layout storage unit 103.

  The layout designation receiving unit 105 receives a layout designation input to the operation unit 47 by an operation by the operator. The image creation unit 104 reads the layout indicated by the designation from the layout storage unit 103, and uses the read layout for the rearrangement. The layout designation accepting unit 105 accepts even a document image having a document size different from that of the document image obtained by document reading by the document reading unit 5.

  The designation receiving unit 106 receives a customization instruction for customizing the layout based on the operation of the operation unit 47 (for example, a touch panel provided in the display unit 473) by the operator.

  The layout creating unit 107 creates a new layout from the previous layout by arranging each image area for each color constituting the layout in accordance with the contents indicated by the customization instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 106. . The layout creating unit 107 creates a new document image by arranging character data forming each image region for each color on a background (for example, a white image) of the document image size indicated by the layout, for example. For this reason, images other than the image regions in the original document image from which the image regions for each color are extracted are not included in the new document image created by the layout creation unit 107. The layout creation unit 107 replaces the created new layout with the old layout before the change.

  The image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 100, a region extraction unit 101, a character data conversion unit 102, a layout storage unit 103, an image creation unit 104, a layout designation reception unit 105, and a designation reception unit 106. And a layout creating unit 107. However, the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least the document reading unit 5, the region extraction unit 101, the character data conversion unit 102, the layout storage unit 103, and the image creation unit 104. It only has to be.

  Next, a first embodiment of layout change processing by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment of the layout change process by the image forming apparatus 1.

  When executing the layout change process, first, one document is read by the document reading unit 5 under the control of the control unit 100 (S1). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the document to be read is the document D1 (FIG. 3) in which a color is added to an area where the operator wants to change the layout.

  Subsequently, the area extraction unit 101 extracts each image area of red, yellow, green, or blue as the predetermined color from the document image obtained by reading in S1 (S2).

  Furthermore, the area extraction unit 101 detects the extraction order of each extracted image area of the same color (S3). That is, the area extraction unit 101 detects and stores the order of each color for each extracted image area. For example, when the document D1 shown in FIG. 3 is read and the document image im1 shown in FIG. 4 is an extraction target by the region extraction unit 101, the region extraction unit 101 reads the first red color from the document image im1. Yellow first, green first, blue first, yellow second, green second, blue second, yellow third, green third, blue third, yellow fourth, The fourth image area of the fourth green color and the fourth image area of the blue color are extracted.

  Subsequently, the character data conversion unit 102 converts the character image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit 101 into character data for each image region (S4).

  Then, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display a message prompting the operator to select a layout to be used for layout change processing (S5).

  Here, when an instruction to specify a layout to be used for the layout change process is received by the layout specification receiving unit 105 by the operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator (YES in S6), the image creating unit 104 The designated layout is read from the layout storage unit 103 (S7).

  On the other hand, when the instruction for designating the layout is not received from the operator (NO in S6), the image creation unit 104 is preset as a default among the layouts stored in the layout storage unit 103. A layout (for example, a layout having the same document image size as the document image obtained in S1 among the layouts stored in the layout storage unit 103) is read (S12).

  Then, the image creation unit 104 creates a new document image by arranging the characters of each image area converted in S4 according to the read layout (S8). At this time, the image creation unit 104 arranges the characters of each image area converted in S4 according to the designated or default layout. At this time, the document image size indicated by the layout is obtained in S1. Even if it is different from the original document size, the characters indicating the image areas are arranged as shown in the layout. That is, the image created by the image creation unit 104 in the original document image uses only each of the extracted image areas, and does not use images in other areas. Is not reflected.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 stores the created new document image in the HDD 92 (S9).

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the region extraction unit 101 has extracted an image region from the document image im1 illustrated in FIG. 4, and the image creation unit 104 arranges each image region according to the layout 1, As shown in FIG. 9, each image area is arranged using the character group converted in S4, and a new document image im10 is created. When the image creation unit 104 performs rearrangement using the layout 2, as shown in FIG. 10, each image area is arranged using the character group converted in S4, and a new document image im11 is created. Created. In the new document image im10 in FIG. 9 and the new document image im11 in FIG. 10, images other than the image areas in the original document image, for example, images indicating “circulation” are removed.

  Thereafter, when an image formation instruction is input by an operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator (“image formation” in S10), the control unit 100 sends the created new document image to the image forming unit 12. The used image formation is performed (S11).

  On the other hand, when a transmission instruction is input by the operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator in S10 (“Send” in S10), the control unit 100 transmits the newly created original document via the network interface unit 91. The image is transmitted to the computer 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network (S13). That is, the image forming apparatus 1 outputs the created new document image to the computer 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network.

  According to the first embodiment, when an operator causes the document reading unit 5 to read a document in which each predetermined image area to be subjected to layout change is read, the layout stored in the layout storage unit 103 is stored. Accordingly, the image areas are arranged, and a document image having a new layout is created. For this reason, even if the operator does not operate a word processor, an image processing application, or the like, a color is directly applied to an area on the document whose layout is to be changed with a pen or the like, and the document with the color is read by the document reading unit 5. By simply allowing the document to be read, a document image in which the layout of the image shown on the document to be read is changed can be created.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the operator causes the document reading unit 5 to read a document in which each image region to be changed in layout has the predetermined color, thereby extracting only the image region. Thus, it is possible to easily create a document image from which other portions are removed. For this reason, the labor of editing for the operator is reduced.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a new document image in which only a necessary image area is extracted from a document image obtained by document scanning by the document reading unit 5 and an unnecessary image is excluded is created with a simple operation. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, a second embodiment of layout change processing by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of layout change processing by the image forming apparatus 1. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same processing as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the layout change process according to the second embodiment, a plurality of documents are sequentially read by the document reading unit 5 under the control of the control unit 100 (S21). Each of the originals to be read is a plurality of originals, for example, originals D1 to D3, which are colored by the operator in each image area whose layout is to be changed, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 12). ).

  Subsequently, the region extraction unit 101 extracts each image region composed of red, yellow, green, or blue as the predetermined color from each document image obtained by reading a plurality of documents in S1. (S22). Further, the area extraction unit 101 detects the order of extraction for each extracted image area of the same color (S23). In this case, the region extraction unit 101 assigns each image region a young order from the first page in the order in which the document is read.

  Subsequently, the character data conversion unit 102 converts the character image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit 101 into character data for each image region (S24).

  Then, the image creation unit 104 reads the layout designated by the operator from the layout storage unit 103 (S27). Then, the image creation unit 104 reads the layout designated by the operator or the default layout from the layout storage unit 103, and arranges each image area composed of the character group converted in S24 according to the read layout, A document image for one document having a new layout is created (S28).

  For example, the originals D1 to D3 (FIG. 12) are read in this order, and as shown in FIG. 13, the image areas extracted from the original images im1 to im3 for a plurality of sheets are red first from the original image im1. From the first, yellow first, green first, blue first, original image im2, yellow second, green second, blue second, yellow image third, yellow third, green If the third, blue third, yellow fourth, green fourth, and blue fourth and the layout used for rearrangement by the image creation unit 104 is layout 2 (FIG. 6), the original image Each image area extracted from each of im1 to im3 is aggregated into one original image as shown in layout 2, and each image area is arranged at the position of each image area shown in layout 2. , For one original To create an equivalent to a new document image im12. In this case as well, only the image area extracted by the image creating unit 104 is used for creating a new document image, and portions other than the image areas in the original document image are used for creating a new document image. Absent. Note that each image region used for creating a new image region by the image creating unit 104 also uses character-converted character data instead of the original image itself.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 stores the created new document image in the HDD 92 (S29), and forms an image (S31) or computer using the created new document image in accordance with an instruction from the operator. Transmission to 200 (S33) is performed.

  According to the second embodiment, when the operator causes the document reading unit 5 to read a plurality of documents with the predetermined color added to each image area whose layout is desired to be changed, the document is stored in the layout storage unit 103. Each image area is arranged on a document image corresponding to one document according to the layout, and each image region over a plurality of documents whose layout is to be changed is integrated into a document image corresponding to one document. A new document image is created. For this reason, the operator performs editing operations for extracting only important sentences from a plurality of manuscripts and combining them into a single manuscript, without using a word processor or an image processing application, etc. This can be done simply by performing the attaching operation and the operation of causing the image forming apparatus 1 to read the document.

  Next, layout customization processing by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing layout customization processing by the image forming apparatus 1.

  When an instruction to execute a process for customizing the layout is input by an operation of the operation unit 47 by the operator (YES in S41), the control unit 100 is stored in the layout storage unit 103 as illustrated in FIG. The displayed layout, that is, an image showing each layout 1 and layout 2 as candidates for editing, is displayed on the display unit 473 as the display screen D21 (S42).

  Here, for example, when the operator performs an operation of touching a display portion of an image indicating a layout to be edited on the display screen of the display unit 473 and selects a layout to be edited (YES in S43), As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit 100 causes the display unit 473 to display an image of the selected layout (here, layout 1) as the display screen D22 (S44).

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the operator places a finger on a portion indicating an image region (fourth blue here) whose arrangement position is to be changed in the image showing the layout 1 on the display screen of the display unit 473. The user touches and drags the image area from the touch position. The control unit 100 moves and displays an image indicating the image area along the locus by the drag operation. When the operator performs a drag operation to a desired arrangement position and releases the finger from the display screen, the layout creation unit 107 sets the position displayed when the finger is released as the new arrangement position of the image area. Accept (S45).

  Subsequently, the layout creating unit 107 sets the received arrangement position as a new arrangement position of the image area (S46). In other words, the layout creation unit 107 creates a new layout with the received placement position as a new placement position of the image area. The layout creation unit 107 stores the newly created layout in the layout storage unit 103 in place of the previous layout (S47).

  Thereby, the operator can create a desired layout by customization.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a multifunction machine is used as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. However, this is only an example, and the document reading apparatus according to the present invention includes, for example, an image. A scanner device having no forming function may be used.

  Moreover, the structure and process shown by the said embodiment using FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 17 are only one Embodiment of this invention, and are not the meaning which limits this invention to the said structure and process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 5 Document reading part 10 Control unit 100 Control part 101 Area extraction part 102 Character data conversion part 103 Layout memory | storage part 104 Image creation part 105 Layout designation | designated reception part 106 Specification reception part 107 Layout creation part 12 Image formation part 200 Computer 31 Image processing unit 32 Image memory 47 Operation unit D1-D3 Document im1-im3, im11-im13 Document image

Claims (9)

An original reading unit for reading an image on the original;
An area extracting unit for extracting, for each color, an image area composed of predetermined colors from an original image obtained by reading by the original reading unit;
A character data conversion unit that converts an image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit into character data for each image region;
A layout storage unit for storing a layout prepared in advance for rearranging each image region for each color extracted by the region extraction unit;
Character data indicating each image area for each color converted by the character data conversion unit is arranged according to the layout stored in the layout storage unit to create a new document image indicating the document. An image creation unit,
The layout includes position information indicating an arrangement position of each image area for each color,
An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to customize the layout from an operator;
A layout creation unit that creates a new layout by changing the position information included in the layout in accordance with the instruction received by the instruction reception unit;
An image processing apparatus in which the layout storage unit stores a new layout created by the layout creation unit . An original reading unit for reading an image on the original;
An area extracting unit for extracting, for each color, an image area composed of predetermined colors from an original image obtained by reading by the original reading unit;
A character data conversion unit that converts an image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit into character data for each image region;
A layout storage unit for storing a layout prepared in advance for rearranging each image region for each color extracted by the region extraction unit;
Character data indicating each image area for each color converted by the character data conversion unit is arranged according to the layout stored in the layout storage unit to create a new document image indicating the document. An image creation unit,
The layout includes position information indicating an arrangement position of each image area for each color,
The region extraction unit sequentially scans the document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit from a predetermined direction to extract each image region for each color, and extracts each image region of the same color. Detects the order of extraction,
The layout is an image processing apparatus in which the position information is associated with each image area specified by the color and the order.   An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to customize the layout from an operator;
  A layout creation unit that creates a new layout by changing the position information included in the layout in accordance with the instruction received by the instruction reception unit;
  The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the layout storage unit stores a new layout created by the layout creation unit. The layout storage unit stores a plurality of the layouts,
A layout designation receiving unit that receives designation of the layout used by the image creating unit for creating the new document image from an operator;
The image generating unit reads the layout shown is accepted layout specified in the layout designation receiving section from the layout memory, in accordance with the read layout, according to claim 1 to claim 3 and create the new document image An image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The document reading unit reads a plurality of documents, acquires a plurality of document images,
The area extraction unit extracts the image area for each color from the plurality of document images obtained by reading a plurality of documents by the document reading unit,
The image creation unit creates the new document image for one document according to the layout, using the character data indicating each image area for each color extracted from the plurality of document images. the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image processing according to any one of the new original image created by the image creation unit, the claims output section further comprising an output to other devices connected to the image processing apparatus 1 to claim 5 apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 storing unit further comprising: storing the new document image created by the image creation unit. An area extracting unit for extracting, for each color, an image area composed of predetermined colors from an original image obtained by reading by an original reading unit;
A character data conversion unit that converts an image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit into character data for each image region;
A layout storage unit for storing a layout prepared in advance for rearranging each image region for each color extracted by the region extraction unit;
The converted by the character data conversion section, the character data representing each image area of each of the colors, and arranged in accordance with the layout stored in the layout memory, creating a new document image representing the original image Function as a computer to create an image ,
In addition, the computer
The layout includes position information indicating an arrangement position of each image region for each color,
An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to customize the layout from an operator;
In accordance with the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit, the position information included in the layout is changed to function as a layout creating unit that creates a new layout,
An image creation program that functions so that the layout storage unit stores a new layout created by the layout creation unit .   An area extracting unit for extracting, for each color, an image area composed of predetermined colors from an original image obtained by reading by an original reading unit;
  A character data conversion unit that converts an image included in each image region extracted for each color by the region extraction unit into character data for each image region;
  A layout storage unit for storing a layout prepared in advance for rearranging each image region for each color extracted by the region extraction unit;
  Character data indicating each image area for each color converted by the character data conversion unit is arranged according to the layout stored in the layout storage unit to create a new document image indicating the document image Function as a computer to create an image,
  In addition, the computer
  The layout includes position information indicating an arrangement position of each image region for each color,
  The region extraction unit sequentially scans the document image obtained by reading by the document reading unit from a predetermined direction to extract each image region for each color, and extracts each image region of the same color. Detects the order of extraction,
  An image creation program for causing the layout to function so that the position information is associated with each image area specified by the color and the order.