JPH01162986A - Data processor with simultaneous input function for plural read modes - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability by allowing image data to be inputted in respective read modes at the same time by performing scanning operation once. CONSTITUTION:The selector of an image data input device 22 generates black- and-white binary data and respective dot data of 1st-(n)th gradations for one line of a read original and transfers those dot data to data storage RAMs 24-27, and data corresponding to one kind of read mode that a user selects optionally are sent out to a display device 9 through a display control part 6 to display image data on its screen. Therefore, the user only makes a scan on the read original once by a manual scanner to input plural kinds of image data which differ in only read mode at the same time. Consequently, reading operation is reduced and the operativity is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Field of the Invention This invention is applicable to personal word processors, personal computers, DPS (data processing
System), other image input devices such as image scanners, and various data processing devices that have image processing functions to process input image data. When multiple types of halftone images are mixed and each has a different reading mode (input mode), you can simultaneously scan multiple types of image data with different reading modes with just one scan operation. This simplifies input operations and eliminates the complexity of aligning the input scanner for scanned originals, making it possible to speed up operations such as specifying inserts for display, editing, and printing. The present invention relates to a data processing device with improved operability during image data processing.

Traditionally, personal word processors, personal computers, and various other data processing devices have been configured to allow connection of image input devices such as manual image scanners. Editing the image data while displaying it on a display device and inserting it at a desired position in the text to create a so-called picture-filled document, or outputting the data of the created picture-filled document to a printing device to print a hard copy. It has the ability to create.

In this case, image input devices such as manual image scanners have conventionally been capable of inputting images using multiple types of reading modes. It is configured so that it can be read.

FIG. 6 is an external view showing an outline of a system configuration of a personal word processor, which is an example of a conventionally used data processing device having an image processing function. In the drawing, KYB is the keyboard, SCN is the image scanner, sw is its start switch, and S
YS is the system control main unit, PRN is the printer, CRT
indicates a CRT display unit 6 As already mentioned, the image scanner SCN shown in FIG. It is also possible to input a document with a half-tone image recorded thereon.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reading range on a document during a reading operation by a manual image scanner and the output image data. In the drawing, P is the read document, L
1-L7 indicates a sub-scanning line, and a white arrow indicates the moving direction of the scanner.

When the scanner is moved in the direction of the white arrow on the document P to be read, the sub-scanning line Ll v L2 + L3 +...
・.

Image data is input in the order of Lay...

However, the images (read originals) that I want to input include a black and white binary original part, a halftone original part with different gradations,
In other words, the highest density “black” and the lowest density “white”
If there is a mixture of one or more types of halftone document parts with different numbers of gray levels set as halftones, the user must select one of the reading modes.

In order to be able to select this reading mode, the image scanner SCN has a
A switch means for selecting a reading mode is provided, and after setting any one type of reading mode, the user presses the start switch sw to switch to the image processing system built in the system control main unit SYS. input.

The inputted image data of one type of reading mode is displayed on the screen of the CRT display unit for one editing, and one image data is processed by manual keystrokes from the keyboard KYB.

! The W-collected image data is treated as individual image data.
Alternatively, it is output to the printer PRN and printed together with the document data (text data) input from the keyboard KYB.

The following FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main part configuration of the image processing system of the conventional data processing apparatus shown in FIG. In the drawing, 1 is a keyboard, 2 is a key control unit, 3 is an image data storage unit, 4 is a scanner unit, 5 is a reading mode select switch, and 6
1 is a display control unit, 7 is a display data generation unit, 8 is a display data storage unit, 9 is a display device, IO is a character generator/font storage unit, 11 is a text data storage unit, 12
13 is a storage device control unit, 14 is a printing device control unit, 15 is a print data generation unit, 16 is a print buffer,
17 indicates a printing device.

The data processing device shown in FIG.
The functions of each part of the word processor are as follows.

The keyboard 1 is an input means for inputting character data, control data, etc. Information entered from keyboard 1 is
The key is passed through the manual control section 2 to the image data storage section 3, the storage device control section 12, and the printing device control section 14.

The scanner unit 4 is provided with a reading mode select switch 5, and the document is read in the selected reading mode, and the read pixel data is saved in the image data storage section 3. In this case, by selecting the reading mode, you can read the original in black and white 2Wi tones, for example, 4 tones, 8 tones, or even 16 tones.
It can also be read to express gradation differences using multiple gradations, such as six gradations. Furthermore, it is also possible to specify reading density, reading position, etc.

In response to one display request, the display control section 6 passes the image data saved in the image data storage section 3 and the font-expanded text data to the display data generation section 7 to generate display data.

The display data generated by the display data generation section 7 is
The data is saved to the display data storage section 8. The display data storage section 8 is a bitmap type memory that stores bitmap-developed text data and image data.

The display device 9 is a bitmap type display, and is display means for visually displaying one character data or image data in a dot pattern on the screen.

The character generator/font storage unit 10 is a memory in which dot pattern data (font data) corresponding to text data input as a single character code is saved.

The text data storage unit 11 is a memory that stores text data input using character codes.

The storage device control unit 12 controls the reading of image data and text data from and writing to the storage device 13 in response to storage/reading requests.

The storage device 13 is a floppy disk (FDD),
An external storage device such as a hard disk (HDD),
Control is performed by the storage device control unit 12.

In response to the print request, the printing device control unit 14 passes the image data saved in the image data storage unit 3 and the font-expanded text data to the print data generation unit 15 to generate print data.

The print data generated by the print data generation section 5 is saved in the print buffer 16.

The data saved in the print buffer 16 is sent to the printing device 17.

The printing device 17 is a dot image printing means such as a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, a thermal printer, etc., and prints a dot pattern. This printing device 17 is given the created text data and image data via the print data generation section 15 and print buffer 16, and creates a hard copy.

A conventional data processing apparatus equipped with an input function using a plurality of reading remotes has a configuration as shown in FIG.

As I have already explained many times, conventional data processing devices that have the function of manually inputting image data using multiple types of reading modes do not allow the document containing the image to be input to be read in black-and-white binary or gradation format. When images with different halftones coexist, it is necessary to select and set one of the reading modes in advance before starting reading with the scanner.

The reason is that even though scanners can read these black and white binary documents and multiple types of halftone documents,
This is because only one type of image data can be read in one scan operation.

Therefore, when images in different reading modes are mixed on a document P as shown in FIG. 7, for example, when you want to read a black and white binary document portion and n types of halftone document portions, (n+1) scan operations must be performed.

Moreover, in this case, every scanning operation in each reading mode is performed from the same reading start position and the same range (from one scanning line position consisting of sub-scanning lines L1 to L7 in FIG. 7) to another scan operation. When using a manual scanner, it is very time-consuming to meet such requirements, as it is necessary to input image data (up to the scan line position).
This poses a heavy burden on users.

In this way, with a conventional data processing device that has the function of inputting images using multiple types of reading modes and the function of processing the images, it is possible to read multiple types of images, but it is possible to read multiple types of images. , the scanning operation has to be performed many times, resulting in a decrease in operational efficiency.

Here, the problems with conventional data processing apparatuses that are capable of selecting a plurality of types of reading modes and that are equipped with an image processing system that processes input images can be summarized as follows.

First, even if the scanner has different reading modes for black and white binary documents and multiple types of halftone documents,
Since only one type of image can be read with one input, scanning operations must be performed multiple times.

For example, black and white binary.

When it is desired to read n types of halftones, (n+1) scan operations are required.

Second, when the image scanner is a manual type.

As mentioned in connection with Fig. 7, image data of the same reading start position and same range must be input for each scan operation in each reading mode, and although it is not impossible, it is extremely difficult to input image data. It takes time and effort.

Thirdly, in the case of a scanner that has (n+1) types of reading modes, when inputting the same image in all reading modes, it is not only necessary to select the reading remote before starting input, but also to select the next image. -danRA before inputting
The image data stored on M (image data storage unit 3 in FIG. 8).

The data must be transferred and stored in another storage device (storage device 13 in FIG. 8).

Fourth, even if you have finished inputting images in all reading modes, if you want to perform print processing or insert processing into a document (text), etc., check the target image and select any one
It is necessary to select the type, but in order to do so, it is necessary to reload the RAM from the storage device where it was stored previously (storage device 13 in Figure 8).
The image data must be loaded into the image data storage section 3 in FIG. 8.

As mentioned above, multiple types of conventional reading modes are possible,
Moreover, data processing devices equipped with image processing systems that process input images have many problems, so the operability is not very good for users, and unskilled users
This has the disadvantage that it is difficult to operate easily.

1-Issei Therefore, in the data processing device of the present invention having the function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes, the inconveniences in the conventional data processing device capable of multiple types of reading modes are solved,
From a document containing images recorded in different reading modes, it is possible to input image data in each mode at the same time with just one scan operation, and it is possible to select the reading mode and align the input scanner. The purpose of this invention is to simplify operations such as display, editing, and printing insertion specifications by eliminating the need for 1. .

Configuration To this end, the present invention includes an input device such as a keyboard, an image input device such as a scanner that inputs image data in a plurality of different reading modes, and a device that stores input character data, image data, etc. A conventional data processing device includes a memory, a display device, a printing device, and a central processing unit that controls each of these parts, and has a function of processing character and image data input from the input device, a reading mode selection means provided in the image input device; a memory group added as the memory for storing image data for each reading mode; and a reading mode for sequentially switching the reading mode for each reading line of the original. switching means is provided, and when the image input device reads a document, the reading mode switching means sequentially switches the reading mode for each line, and the input image data is transferred to a memory corresponding to each reading mode of the memory group. I am trying to have it memorized.

Next, referring to the drawings, we will explain the data processing device of the present invention having a function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes.
An example thereof will be explained in detail.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the main structure of an image processing system of a data processing apparatus according to the present invention having a function of simultaneously inputting a plurality of reading modes. Reference numerals in the drawing are the same as those in FIG. 8, and 21 is a reading/display selection section, 22 is an image data input device, and 23 is
24 is a black and white binary image data storage unit; 25 is a first halftone image data storage unit; 26 is an image data storage control unit;
27 is a second halftone image data storage section, 27 is an n-th halftone image data storage section, 28 is an image editing selection section, 29 is a print data synthesis section, and 30 is an image print selection section.

The data processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 uses a scanner capable of inputting n types of halftone mode image data in addition to black and white binary as the reading mode.

The reading/display selection section 21 sends a selection signal to the image data input device 22 for sequentially switching the reading mode for each reading line of the document in response to a display mode selection request or a reading mode selection request given from the key control section 2. Output.

As already mentioned, the image data input device 22 has a built-in reading mode selection means, and a plurality of reading modes are sequentially set in response to a selection signal from the reading/display selection section 21. This image data input device 22 differs from the conventional scanner unit 4 of the data processing device shown in FIG. It has a built-in selector for sequential selection.

The selector is operated by the output signal to the connected port.

The image data storage control unit 23 distributes the image data output from the image data input device 22 to the black and white binary image data storage unit 24 to the n-th halftone image data storage unit 27 in accordance with the reading remote. Make me remember.

The black-and-white binary image data storage unit 24 to the n-th halftone image data storage unit 27 are memory groups that store image data for each reading mode.
1) Types of image data.

It consists of separate memories for storing each part.

That is, in the black and white binary image data storage section 24.

The dot pattern of each pixel converted to black and white binary.

Stored as 1-bit image data.

In the first halftone image data storage section 25, the dot pattern of each pixel converted into the first halftone is stored as, for example, 2-bit image data. In the case of 2 bits, black and white and halftone image data can be expressed in a total of four gradations.

Similarly, the second halftone image data storage section 26 contains a second
The dot pattern of each pixel converted to a halftone is stored as 5, for example, 3-bit image data. In the case of 3 bits, black and white and halftone image data can be expressed in a total of eight gradations.

Similarly, in the n-th halftone image data storage section 27,
The dot pattern of each pixel converted to the nth halftone is
For example, it is stored as m-bit image data'.

In the case of m bits, black and white and halftone image data can be expressed in a total of m22 gradations. Of course, any gradation can be set within this range.

The image editing selection unit 28 selects image editing information from the black and white binary image data storage unit 24 to the n-th halftone image data storage unit 27 in response to the image #iI collection selection request given from the key human control unit 2. Any image data for the purpose is selected and displayed on the screen of the first display device 9.

The print data synthesis section 29 synthesizes the image data and text data provided from the printing device control section 14 and the text data storage section 11, respectively, and creates print data for the printing device 17.

The image print selection section 30 selects the black and white binary image data storage section 24 in response to a print request given from the key human control section 2.
- Selects arbitrary image data for image printing from the n-th halftone image data storage section 27, and prints the image data from the printing device control section 14.
The print data is sent to the print data synthesis section 29 via the print data synthesis section 29.

In the data processing device of the present invention, the selector of the image data input device 22 inputs black and white binary data and each of the first to nth halftone dot data for one line (horizontal one dot row) of the read document. Generate and DM the dot data
A. Through (direct memory access) transfer, etc., the black and white binary image data storage section 24, the first halftone image data storage section 25, and the second halftone image data storage section 26
At the same time, the data corresponding to one type of reading mode (input mode) arbitrarily selected by the user is sent to the display device 9 via the display control unit 6, and displayed on the screen. Display image data.

Through these steps, the user can move over the original to be read.
With just one scan using a manual scanner, it is possible to simultaneously input multiple types of image data that differ only in reading mode (black and white binary/first and second halftones).

Furthermore, it is also possible to select only one type of image in the reading mode that is desired to be displayed on the display device 9 at the time of input.

In other words, for originals in (n+1) types of reading modes, if you select any one type of reading mode that you want to display before starting scanner input, the screen will be displayed on the display device 9 in real time with the input operation. You can also check the contents.

As described above, with the data processing device of the present invention having the function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes, multiple types of images in different reading modes can be input simultaneously by scanning the original to be read only once. be able to.

Therefore, like a conventional data processing device.

It becomes possible to omit the extremely troublesome and time-consuming process of performing operations to obtain the same reading start position and the same reading range.

Furthermore, since it is possible to input images with multiple types of different input modes at the same time, it is necessary to select the reading mode each time before entering the scanner, and store the image data of the previously read mode in the RAM. Store (save) from to another storage device (image data storage section 3 in Figure 8)
This also eliminates the need for reloading data from the storage device to the storage RAM.

Therefore, especially in the case of manual scanners.

The reading operation is significantly reduced, and simultaneous input with good operability becomes possible.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing in detail one embodiment of the configuration of essential parts of the image data input device 22 and peripheral circuits of the data processing apparatus of the present invention.

In the drawing, 31 is a manual scanner unit;
31b is a light emitting element, 31c is a reading element, 31d is a photocoupler, 31e is a halftone image data generation section, 31f is a halftone selector that controls the reading mode, 32 is a scanner control circuit, and 33 is a reading control section. Inboard, 34 is outport, 35 is keychain, 36 is key control unit, 37 is CPU, 38 is ROM, 39 is RA
M, 40 is a display RAM, 41 is a display control unit, 42 is a display device, VD is an image data output signal, CL
K represents a clock pulse, AR represents an address request signal, and ST represents a sub-scanning signal.

This manual scanner unit 31 includes a reading control section 31
a7 light emitting element 3 l b, reading element 31c such as CCD
, photocoupler 31d, halftone image data generation section 31e
, and a halftone selector 31 that controls the reading mode.
It is composed of f.

The manual scanner unit 31 has the same structure as the conventional manual scanner unit except for the addition of a halftone selector 31f for controlling the reading mode.

That is, the reading control section 31a uses the photocoupler 31d.
A reading section consisting of a light emitting element 31b and a reading element 31c such as a COD is controlled by a sub-scanning signal ST generated for each line, and one line (one horizontal dot row) is controlled.
Each image data is read as an analog signal and output to the halftone image data generation section 31e.

The halftone image data generation unit 31e converts the input analog signal image data for each line (image data converted into a dot pattern) into a digital signal indicating the density of each pixel, that is, image data for each pixel. Convert it to
It is output to the scanner control circuit 32 at the next stage.

When outputting this image data, the halftone selector 31f
The reading mode of the halftone image data generating section 31e is sequentially switched every time reading of one line is completed. This halftone selector 31f is different from conventional scanners,
The selection operation is performed not by the operation of an external switch but by control from the CPU 37 side, that is, by an output signal to the outboard 34 connected to the CPU 37, and a halftone reading mode including black and white binary values is selected.

Therefore, the image data output signal VD output from the halftone image data generation section 31e becomes a signal of a reading mode that differs for each line.

The following examples are given for ease of understanding.

Assume that a scanner is used that can input image data in three types of reading modes, for example, two types of halftone modes in addition to black and white binary.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the switching of the reading mode and the timing of reading image data in the manual scanner unit 31 of the data processing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG.

The symbols attached to each signal waveform in the drawings correspond to the symbol positions in FIG. FIG. 4, which shows the data, is a diagram showing the relationship between the reading order on the @bridge and the output image data during a reading operation by the manual scanner unit 31 of the data processing apparatus of the present invention. The reference numerals in the drawings are the same as in FIGS. 3 and 7.

Scanner unit 31 moves on the original P to be read in the direction of the white arrow.
of the sub-scanning line by moving .

Image data in units of one line is read in the order of ■, ■, ■, ■, ■, . . . .

As shown in FIG. 3, the halftone image data generation unit 31e shown in FIG. Then, it is output to the scanner III control circuit 32 and the inboard 33.

As shown in the CPU of FIG. 3, the CPU 37 monitors the state of the inboard 33, and when the level of the sub-scanning signal ST changes from 1, for example, to 1H'', the CPU 37 sets the reading mode to the halftone selector 31f. In order to indicate one of the reading modes, a preset reading mode number is outputted via the outboard 34.

The halftone image data generation section 31e is configured by the scanner control circuit 3.
When the reading mode number is set in the halftone selector 31f, the valid data is output from the image data output signal VD at the timing shown in FIG. Take in.

Therefore, the image data of the data input (sub-scanning line ■ in FIG. 4) is stored at a transfer destination address in the RAM 39, for example, under the control of the scanner control circuit 32 and the CPU 37.

When the transfer of the data manually is completed, the CPU 37 outputs the number of the next reading mode and enters a state of waiting for data input.

In this state, the level of the sub-scanning signal ST is, for example, 11.
When the signal changes from HI+ to "L", the CPU 37 receives the next address request signal AR and stores the image data of the data input (sub-scanning line - in FIG. 4) to the transfer destination address in the RAM 39.

Thereafter, similar operations are repeated to read an image in a desired area on the document P shown in FIG. 4.

Note that the key fob 35, the key manual control unit 36, the ROM 38, the display RAM 40, the display control unit 4],
The display device 42 and the like are similar to conventional data processing devices, and each of these units performs editing and display of images and documents.

As described above, in the data processing apparatus of the present invention having the function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes, each line (horizontal 1 dot row) of the read document is read by the halftone selector 31f shown in FIG. The mode is controlled to generate black and white binary data and image data (dot data) for each pixel in the first and second halftones, and the data for each pixel is DM.
A (direct memory access) transfer or the like allows memory groups corresponding to each reading mode, such as the black and white binary image data storage section 24 in FIG. 1, the first halftone image data storage section 25, and the The data is stored in the No. 2 halftone image data storage section 26, the nth halftone image data storage section 27, and the like.

In this way, since it is stored in the storage section of the memory group corresponding to the reading mode (storage sections 25 to 27 in FIG. 1),
By simply instructing the image editing selection section 28, the image data corresponding to any one type of reading mode (input mode) desired by the user is sent to the display device 9 via the display control section 6, and the screen is displayed. It can be displayed on top.

Similarly, if an instruction is given to the image print selection unit 30, the storage unit of the memory group corresponding to the reading mode (storage unit 2 in FIG.
It is also possible to select and print the image data stored in 5 to 27).

Here, regarding the data processing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, while referring to the flowcharts, we will explain: 1) the operation of switching the reading mode for each line and storing image data in the storage unit corresponding to the reading mode; Explain.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a data processing apparatus according to the present invention having a simultaneous input function for a plurality of reading modes.

In Figure 6, which is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when reading a plurality of image data in different modes, #1 to #24 indicate steps.

In FIG. 5, three types of reading modes, that is, reading images of black and white binary, first halftone, and second halftone, are sequentially repeated, and each image is read from the original shown in FIG. This shows a case in which image data ① to ② are read in the mode.

When reading of image data is instructed, the flow shown in FIG. 5 starts.

In this flow, steps #1 to #5 are processes before starting reading.

Further, steps #7 to 310 are processes in a black and white binary reading mode, steps #11 to #14 are processes in a first halftone reading mode, and step #15 is a process in a first halftone reading mode.
~Step #18 is the flow of processing in the second halftone reading mode.

In steps #19 to #24, in each reading mode,
This is a flow of post-processing that is performed each time the transfer of data for one line is completed.

First, in step #1, the number of lines on which simultaneous input will be performed from now on, that is, the value of the number of times input in three types of reading modes will be repeated, is set in a loop counter.

In step #2, an address (address of the black-and-white binary image data storage section 24 in FIG. 1) to which the first type of black-and-white binary image data is transferred is set.

In step #3, an address (address of the first halftone image data storage section 25 in FIG. 1) to which the second type of first halftone image data is transferred is set.

In step #4, an address (address of the second halftone image data storage section 26 in FIG. 1) to which the second halftone image data of the third type is transferred is set.

In the next step #5, the scanner unit (image data input device 22 in FIG. 1, manual scanner unit 31 in FIG. 2) is initialized.

In step #6, the determination as to whether or not the start switch instructing the start of reading has been pressed is repeated until the start switch is pressed.

When it is detected that the start switch has been pressed, the process advances to step #7.

Steps #7 to #lO are a black and white binary image reading process, and the scanner unit is set to a black and white binary reading mode.

In step #8, the scanner unit is set to generate black and white binary image data.

In step #9, the dot data for one line (the first line marked with ■ in FIG. 4) is transferred to the set transfer destination.

In step #10, it is determined whether the transfer of all data on the l line has been completed. This determination is repeated until the transfer of one line of data is completed.

When the transfer of all the data on the l line is completed, the process advances to step #11.

Steps #11 to #14 are a first halftone image reading process, in which the scanner unit is set to the first halftone reading mode.

The processing in steps #12 to #14 is the same as in the case of the black and white binary reading mode described above.

In step #12, the scanner unit is set to generate first halftone image data, and in the next step #1
In step 3, the dot data for 1 line (the first line marked with ■ in FIG. 4) is transferred to the transfer destination.

In step #14, it is determined whether the transfer of all data for one line has been completed, and when the completion of the transfer is confirmed, the process proceeds to step #15.

Steps #15 to #18 are a second halftone image reading process, in which the scanner unit is set to the second halftone reading mode.

Hereinafter, in steps #16 to #18, the same processing as in the case of the first halftone is performed, and in step #18, when it is confirmed that the transfer of all data for the line has been completed,
Proceed to step #19.

Steps #19 to #24 are processes performed to start the next read mode cycle IJU when the transfer of data for one line is completed in the above three types of read modes.

In step #20, the address to which the monochrome binary image data set in step #2 is transferred (the address of the monochrome binary image data storage section 24 in FIG. 1) is updated.

In step #21, similarly, address (
The address of the first halftone image data storage section 25 in FIG. 1 is updated.

Step #22 is similar, and the address to which the second halftone image data set in step #4 is transferred (the address of the second halftone image data storage section 26 in FIG. 1)
Update.

In step #23, the initial value of the loop counter set in step #1 is decremented.

The flow goes through step #24 and then steps #7
The process returns to step #7 to step #23 and is sequentially repeated.

During this time, each time the process of step #23 is completed, the value set in the loop counter is changed to '' in step #24.
0'', that is, whether all processing has been completed.

Such processing is repeated one after another, and in step #24, it is detected that all the processing has been completed.

The flow of FIG. 5 ends.

As described above, in the data processing apparatus of the present invention having the function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes, the user can scan the document to be read once with the manual scanner, and the input mode (black and white/binary/ A plurality of types of image data that differ only in the first and second halftones can be input simultaneously.

In this case, you only need to place the manual scanner over the desired area of the document, press the start switch (start switch SW in Figure 6), and scan once.
The reading operation is extremely simple.

Furthermore, by selecting only one type of image in the reading mode that is desired to be displayed on the screen at the time of input, it is also possible to display the image in that mode on the display device. For example, before starting scanner input of a document in three types of reading modes, it is possible to display an image in any one mode in real time with the input operation and check its contents.

Therefore, like a conventional data processing device.

For example, when you want to read black and white binary values and n types of halftones, the inconvenience that (n+1) scanning operations are required (the first problem with conventional data processing devices) has been completely solved. Ru.

Moreover, images from multiple reading modes can be input at the same time by scanning the document only once, so each scan operation for each reading mode
There is also no room for operations for inputting image data at the same reading start position and in the same range (the second conventional problem).

Furthermore, since it is possible to input multiple types of images simultaneously, it is necessary to select the reading mode each time and store the previously read image data in another storage device before inputting with the scanner (see Figure 8). In the data processing device of the present invention, the operation (transfer of image data from the image data storage unit 3 to the storage device 13) (the third problem with the conventional method) is performed every time it is read.
By storing images in the memory corresponding to each reading mode (storage units 24 to 27 in FIG. 1) through DMA transfer etc., images in multiple reading modes can be input at the same time. There is also no room for an operation for inputting image data at the same reading start position and in the same range for each scanning operation (the second conventional problem).

Furthermore, since it is possible to input multiple types of images simultaneously, it is necessary to select the reading mode each time and store the previously read image data in another storage device before inputting with the scanner (see Figure 8). In the data processing device of the present invention, the operation (transfer of image data from the image data storage unit 3 to the storage device 13) (the third problem with the conventional method) is performed every time it is read.
This is unnecessary because the data is stored in the memory (storage units 24 to 27 in FIG. 1) corresponding to each reading mode by DMA transfer or the like.

Finally, since the image data for each mode is stored in the memory corresponding to each reading mode (storage units 24 to 27 in Figure 1), it is easy to print, insert into documents (text), etc. When performing processing, the operation of checking the target image only requires reading it from the corresponding memory, so unlike conventional methods, it is necessary to check the target image from the storage device (
The inconvenience of having to load the image data from the storage device 13 in FIG. 8 to the RAM (image data storage unit 3 in FIG. 8) again (the fourth problem of the prior art) does not occur.

As described above, the data processing device of the present invention solves all of the many inconveniences that have occurred with conventional data processing devices, and significantly reduces user operations when inputting a desired image area into a scanner. .

In addition, even operations such as displaying, editing, printing, and inserting image data into document data after scanner input is completed,
User operability is improved.

As a result, even in the case of a single manual scanner, a user who is not particularly skilled can easily and accurately read a desired image area from documents in different reading modes.

In the embodiments related to FIGS. 1 to 5, halftone image data is stored as a coded digital 4R number in the memory corresponding to each reading mode (storage units 24 to 27 in FIG. 1). We have explained the case where it is stored in . However, although the required memory increases by 8 degrees, it is also possible to simply convert analog signals to digital signals and store image data for each reading mode without performing such encoding processing. It is not limited to the case of the example.

Furthermore, the roughness of image data caused by sequentially switching the reading mode can be reduced by increasing the resolution of the image data input device (manual scanner unit 31 in Figure 2) compared to the case of conventional data processing devices. It is also possible to prevent the image quality of the read image data from deteriorating.

As described above in detail, the present invention includes an input device such as a keyboard, an image input device such as a scanner that inputs image data in multiple different reading modes, and input character data and image data. Conventional data processing apparatuses are equipped with a memory for storing data such as a display device, a printing device, and a central processing unit that controls each of these parts, and have a function of processing character and image data input from the input device. In the processing device, a reading mode selection means provided in the image input device, a memory group added as the memory for storing image data for each reading mode, and a reading mode selecting means provided in the image input device, a memory group that stores image data for each reading mode, and selecting the reading mode sequentially for each read line of the document. and reading mode switching means for switching the reading mode for each line by the reading remote switching means when reading a document by the image input device, and switching the input image data to each reading mode of the memory group. It is stored in the memory corresponding to the .

Therefore, according to the data processing apparatus of the present invention having the function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes, a personal word processor, personal computer, etc. to which an image scanner can be connected can scan an original to be read once. Just by doing it.

It becomes possible to simultaneously input images with the same reading start position and the same reading range, but with different reading remotes. In other words, when it is equipped with input modes of black and white binary and n types of halftones, the (n+1) operations required by conventional image input methods can be completed with only one operation, which improves operability. is significantly improved.

In addition, operations such as display, editing, and printing insert specifications do not require operations such as saving image data to a storage device and loading it from the storage device, so operability is further improved from this point of view as well. , and many other excellent effects can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the main configuration of an image processing system of a data processing apparatus according to the present invention having a function of simultaneously inputting multiple reading modes. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing in detail one embodiment of the configuration of main parts of an image data input device 22 and peripheral circuits of the data processing device. FIG. FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the switching of the reading mode and the timing of reading image data in the manual scanner unit 31 of the data processing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reading order on a document during a reading operation by the manual scanner unit 31 of the data processing device and the output image data. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a plurality of image data in different modes are read in a data processing device equipped with a personal computer. - An external view showing an overview of a system configuration example of a word processor. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reading range on a document and the output image data during a reading operation with a manual image scanner. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of main parts of the image processing system. In the drawing, ■ is the keyboard, 2 is the key manual control unit,
3 is an image data storage unit, 4 is a scanner unit, 5 is
is the reading mode select switch, 6 is the display control unit, 7 is the reading mode select switch,
1 is a display data generation unit, 8 is a display data storage unit, 9 is a display device, 10 is a character generator/font storage unit, 11 is a text data storage unit, 12 is a storage device control unit, 13 is a storage device, and 14 is a printing device a control unit, 15 a print data generation unit, 16 a print buffer, 17 a printing device,
21 is a reading/display selection section, 22 is an image data input device, 23 is an image data storage control section, and 24 is a black and white 2
a value image data storage section; 25, a first halftone image data storage section; 26, a second halftone image data storage section; 27, an n-th halftone image data storage section; 28, an image editing selection section;
29 is a print data synthesis section, and 30 is an image print selection section. \-1, -' G:Q )-Fuku 〉 φ 1 Monument 4 off-drawing procedure amendment (voluntary) February 12, 1988

Claims (1)

[Claims] An input device such as a keyboard, an image input device such as a scanner that inputs image data in multiple different reading modes, a memory that stores input character data, image data, etc., a display device, and a printing device. and a central processing unit that controls each of these parts, and has a function of processing character and image data input from the input device, wherein a reading mode provided in the image input device is provided. comprising a selection means, a memory group added as the memory for storing image data for each reading mode, and a reading mode switching means for sequentially switching the reading mode for each line read on a document; Data characterized in that when reading a document, the reading mode switching means sequentially switches the reading mode for each line and stores the input image data in a memory corresponding to each reading mode of the memory group. Processing equipment.