JPH0477973A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily separate and output a ruled line from a character and a mark in an original with a simple designation processing by separating and extracting ruled line information or character/mark information from image information which is read based on an output mode to be set while the transfer of output information for an image-forming means is controlled. CONSTITUTION:Original information is converted into digital image information and it is read, whereby the image is formed in a recording medium. An extraction means 104 separating and extracting ruled line information from character/ mark information while it identifies them and conversion means 107 and 108 converting ruled line information or character/mark information in the original, which are separated and extracted, into output information transferred to the image-forming means are provided. Thus, an operation for separating and designating ruled line information and character/mark information in the original becomes unnecessary and ruled line information of character/mark information in the original can easily be separated and identified while the image is formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on digital image information obtained by photoelectrically converting a document image.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, this type of device has been equipped with an image reading unit that photoelectrically converts and reads a document image, converts an analog image signal output by scanning the document into a digital signal, and then performs predetermined signal processing. The image forming section is configured to generate an image signal to be output to the image forming section.

Further, the image forming apparatus is configured to selectively form a desired image in the document on the recording medium by performing trimming or masking processing according to desired area information in the document specified by coordinate input means such as a digitizer. There is.

The apparatus is also configured to be able to form a color image on a recording medium while color-separating and extracting a color image using a color separation means or the like and converting it into a designated color.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, for example, when you want to extract only information such as multiple character symbols surrounded by multiple ruled lines, or when you want to extract information about only ruled lines, or when you want to extract information about only ruled lines, When you want to output images in distinct image patterns or in different colors, the areas specified by the digitizer, etc. described above are often required (and the specified ranges are also complex, especially when ruled lines and text/symbol information are complicated). In the case of manuscripts, etc., there is a problem in that it is extremely difficult to specify an area for extracting the information.

This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to separate and extract ruled line information or character/symbol information from the read image information based on the output mode that is set, while inputting it to the image forming means. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily separate and output ruled lines and characters/symbols in a document through simple designation processing by controlling output information transfer.

[Means for Solving the Problems] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an extraction unit that separates and extracts ruled line information and character/symbol information in a document while identifying them, and an extraction unit that separates and extracts ruled line information and character/symbol information in a document, and A conversion means is provided for converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information into output information to be transferred to the image forming means based on a set output mode.

Further, the extracting means is configured to identify either ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document and to separate and extract each piece of information.

Further, the converting means is configured to selectively transfer either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means to the image forming means based on a set output mode. It is.

Further, there is provided a specifying means for specifying the output color of the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means based on the set output mode, and an image based on the output color specified by the specifying means. A selection means for automatically selecting a color developing material for the forming means is provided.

Furthermore, the converting means is configured to transfer the output information, which has been pattern-converted based on the set output mode, such as the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means, to the image forming means. be.

[Operation] In the present invention, when the image reading means starts reading the document, the extraction means extracts the ruled line information, characters, and text in the document.
The separated and extracted ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document is converted into output information to be transferred to the image forming means based on the output mode set by the conversion means, and the image is converted into an image. transfer to a forming means.

Further, the extracting means identifies either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document, separates and extracts the respective information, and allows identification of either one to identify the other.

Further, the converting means selectively transfers either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means to the image forming means based on the set output mode, and converts the ruled line information in the document. Enables image formation of only information or character/symbol information.

In addition, when the output color of the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means is set in the output mode by the specifying means, the selection means selects the color of the image forming means based on the specified output color. It is possible to automatically select a developing material and form an image using one of the separated and extracted ruled lines or characters/symbols in a designated color.

Further, the converting means transfers the output information obtained by converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means into a pattern based on the set output mode to the image forming means, and converts the separated and extracted information into a pattern. It is possible to form one of the ruled lines or characters/symbols as a specified pattern image.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a main body of the image forming apparatus, document scanning section 2. Paper feeding section 32 image forming section 4. Intermediate training part consists of 5 etc.

First, the configuration of the document scanning section 2 will be explained.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a controller section, which is composed of a control board in which control elements for comprehensively controlling the image forming sequence are integrated.

Note that the controller section 2a includes a conversion means according to the present invention,
It is equipped with hardware that acts as an extraction means.

2b is a power switch, and 2c is an original exposure lamp, which together with a scanning mirror constitutes an optical scanning system, which scans and moves at a predetermined speed.

Reference numeral 2d denotes an imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected light from the original onto a photoelectric conversion element 2g composed of, for example, a CCD. The image information of the original is converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion element 2g, amplified by the analog processor (analog signal processing section) 2h, subjected to A/D conversion processing, and converted into a digital image signal. The digital image signal thus generated is subjected to various image processing such as density conversion and area processing in an image processing section (image processor) 21.

28 is a primary charger.

Next, the configuration of the intermediate training portion 5 will be explained.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an intermediate tray, which temporarily stores the cut sheets (SH) conveyed via the conveyance roller 34 and transfers them to the feed rollers 33, 35.
The image is retransmitted to the image forming section 4 via the conveyance path 31 by driving. Note that 81 to S15 in the figure. Sensors S19 to S23 are sensors, and sensor S1 detects the home position of the optical system serving as an analog scanning unit, and the optical system stops at this position during standby. Sensor S2 detects that the optical system has moved to a position corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image,
This sensor output controls the timing of the copy sequence. Sensor S3 is at the limit position (inverted position) during maximum scanning. The optical system reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and magnification inputted via an operation section, which will be described later.

Developing units 13a and 13b contain developers of different colors (red and black), and one of the developing units 13a and 13b is selectively placed close to the photosensitive drum 11 by driving solenoids 14a and 14b. Then, the other is retracted from the photosensitive drum 11. Note that when the second recording mode is set from the operation section described later, the controller section 2a is configured to perform red/black color development only on the recording material (cut sheet SH) for a specific document. is the solenoid 14a.

14b.

15 is a transfer charger, and a developing unit) 13a.

The toner image developed by 13b is transferred onto the cut sheet SH, and after the transfer, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 by the separation charger 16.
The cut sheet SH is separated from the paper. 17 is a pre-exposure lamp that neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and prepares for the next charging. A cleaning device 18 is composed of a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and is connected to the photosensitive drum 11.
Collect residual toner. 3a and 3b are paper feed rollers, 22a is a multiple conveyance path, 32 is a flapper, and 36 is a conveyance path.

A fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet sH using heat and pressure. 2o is a conveyance roller, 2
1 is the flapper and the cut sheet after the fixing process has been completed)
- The conveyance direction of the SH is switched to the intermediate tray part 5 direction via the paper discharge roller 23 or the conveyance path 22.

24 is a paper discharge tray; 25 is a scanner motor that rotates a rotating polygon mirror at a predetermined speed and deflects a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser 26;

Note that the scanner motor 25. A digital scanning unit includes a semiconductor laser 26 and the like, and emits a laser beam according to image information processed by the image processing section 21 to form a document image.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, first, the heater in the fixing device 19 is energized and waits (wait time) for the fixing roller to reach a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed. When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor MM is driven for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 11. The fixing device 19 and the like are driven to set the rollers in the fixing device 19 at a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). Thereafter, the main drive motor MM is stopped and the copying device is placed on standby (standby state).

Here, the main drive motor MM includes the photosensitive drum 11, the fixing device 19 . The developing units 13a and 13b and various transfer paper conveyance rollers are driven. Then, when a copy command is input from the operation unit, a copy sequence (image forming sequence) is started.

In response to the copy command, the main drive motor MM rotates, and the photosensitive drum 11 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time, high voltage is supplied from the high voltage unit HT■ to the cooking appliance 28 to apply a uniform charge onto the photosensitive drum 11. Next, the document exposure lamp 2C is turned on, the optical motor 2f is driven, the document placed on the document table is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and the photoelectric conversion element 2
Project onto g. The image information of the document converted into an analog image signal by the photoelectric conversion element 2g is sent to the analog processor 2h.
After being processed by the image processor 21, the semiconductor laser 26 is caused to emit light according to the image signal, and the photosensitive drum 1
By scanning 1, a latent image corresponding to the original is formed.

Next, this latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b, transferred to the cut sheet SH at the transfer charger 15, and separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at the separation charger 16.

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the static electricity is uniformly removed by the pre-exposure lamp 17, after which the copy cycle is repeated again.

Next, the configuration of the image processing section 21 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image processing section 21 and the controller section 2a shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 200 is a control unit (CPU), and an operation unit 20
1 (which also serves as the specifying means in this embodiment) analyzes the output mode information input as an instruction, and selects the photoelectric conversion element 2g.
, analog processor 2h.

Image processing unit 211 generally controls the image forming unit (printer unit) 4 and the like. The CPU 200 also serves as a selection means in this embodiment, and automatically selects the developing units 13a and 13b shown in FIG. 1 when both the ruled line extraction mode and color conversion mode are specified in the set output mode.

As already explained, the image signal read by the photoelectric conversion element 2g is amplified and digitally converted by the analog processor (analog signal processing section) 2h, and then converted to the image processing section 2.
1, the image signal input to the image processing unit 21 is subjected to shading correction processing, and then density correction,
Processing such as scaling and movement is performed, and the processed signals are sent to the printer section 4, where image formation is performed.

The shading correction signal is also sent to a formation extraction unit 101, which will be described later.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, an image reading means (in this embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element 2g, an analog processor (analog signal processing section) 2h9, an image processing section 21
etc.) starts reading the original,
The extraction means (in this embodiment, the ruled line extraction processing unit 104 shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later) separates and extracts the ruled line information and character/symbol information in the document while identifying them, and separates and extracts the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document. A means for converting character/symbol information (in this embodiment, the area synthesis processing section 1078 and the synthesis pattern output section 108
etc.) is converted into output information to be transferred to the image forming means based on the set output mode, and the output information can be transferred to the image forming means.

In addition, the extraction means (identifying ruled lines in this example) is
Either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document is identified and each piece of information is separated and extracted, and by identifying either one, it is possible to identify the other.

Further, the converting means selectively converts either the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means to the image forming means (in this embodiment, the image forming section) based on the set output mode. 4) to enable image formation of only the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document.

In addition, when the output color of the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means is set in the output mode by the specifying means, the selection means selects the color of the image forming means based on the specified output color. Developing material (in this embodiment, the developing unit 13a).

13b) to form an image with one of the separated and extracted ruled lines or characters/symbols in a designated color as described later.

Further, the converting means transfers the output information obtained by converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means into a pattern based on the set output mode to the image forming means, and converts the separated and extracted information into a pattern. It is possible to form one of the ruled lines or characters/symbols as a specified pattern image.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the image processing section 21 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 101 is a ruled line extraction section, and a binary conversion section 102 converts an image signal subjected to shading correction processing into a binary signal. Memory 103, 106° ruled line extraction processing unit 1o4
．． It is composed of address data controllers 105a and 105b, an area composition processing section 107, a composition pattern output section 108, and the like.

Image information read by bliscanning the original is sent to the ruled line extraction processing unit 104 as a post-shading image signal.

Here, the density data of the image is converted into binary data by the binary conversion unit 1.2, and the converted binary data is divided into signals for each block of the image by the ruled line extraction processing unit 104, and is stored in the memory. 103. The written data is read from the memory 103 by the CPU 200, and by dividing the image into arbitrary blocks and determining the continuity of the binary data, it is determined whether the part is a ruled line. Then, based on this determination result, the formation and other parts are converted into binary data and stored in the memory 10.
Write in 6. The data written to the memory 106 is
It is read out in synchronization with the timing at which image processing is performed during scanning to form an image of a document, and the pixels being processed by the area composition processing unit 107 are divided into ruled line areas and other character/symbol information areas. By separately trimming or masking the output image data as shown in FIG.
It becomes possible to use either one of the symbol information as data. Also, by reading out the pattern from the composite pattern output unit 108 at the same time as the ruled line area data in the memory 106 and combining it with the image data, for example, only the ruled line area can be
If the composite pattern and the image are combined and output, and the character/symbol information area is outputted as is, the input image data is output as is, then only the ruled lines can be converted into a document image, such as dotted lines or decorative ruled lines, as shown in FIG. 4(b). It is possible to output in a different pattern.

Furthermore, if it is possible to form an image in multiple colors by, for example, multiple copying, when forming one image, the area compositing processing unit 107 can process characters other than ruled lines.
If an image is formed by outputting an image signal containing only symbolic information, and the second development color is changed and control is performed to output an image signal containing only ruled line information, ruled lines can be formed as shown in FIG. 4(c). It is also possible to form an image with information and character/symbol information in different colors.

The image forming processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming process procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (15) indicate each step. Further, the procedure shown in each step is stored in advance in a ROM (not shown) of the CPU 200, and control information is managed via a work memory such as a RAM.

First, it is determined whether the ruled line discrimination mode is set using a predetermined key on the operation unit 201. If the answer is No, the process proceeds to step (15), executes normal copy processing, and returns.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is YES, it is determined whether the erase mode is set or not.2) YES
If S, it is further determined whether the ruled line erasing mode is set.3) If No, the process advances to step (5), executes character erasing copy, and returns.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is YES, execute the ruled line deletion copy including the ruled line extraction process described above.4)
Return. As a result, a line-erased copy shown in FIG. 4(a) can be obtained.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (2) is No, it is necessary to judge whether the output cover turn conversion mode is set or not.
1 If YES, further determine whether the ruled line conversion mode is set.7) If NO, step (9)
) and execute character conversion copy. 9) Return.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (7) is No, the process includes the ruled line extraction process and also performs the combining process with the pattern in the composite pattern output unit 108 to execute the ruled line conversion copy (8) and return. . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4(b), only the ruled line portion can be output in a pattern different from the original image, such as dotted lines or decorative ruled lines.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (6) is NO, it is necessary to determine whether the color conversion mode is set.
If so, proceed to step (15); if YES, operate section 2
01 to specify the border color 11), and the operation section 201
12) In the first copy process, the ruled line area is to be copied in the specified color 13) The transfer paper SH after the first copy process is transported in the machine using a known multi-process. Then, in the second copy process, the character part is copied in the specified color L (14) and returned. This makes it possible to form an image in which the ruled line information and character/symbol information are in different colors, as shown in FIG. 4(c).

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which an image is formed while separating ruled line information and character/symbol information by extracting ruled line areas from a document. , the character/symbol area and the ruled line area may be separated by extracting that portion.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention includes an extraction means that separates and extracts ruled line information and character/symbol information in a manuscript while identifying them, and extracts the ruled line information or A conversion means is provided that converts text/symbol information into output information to be transferred to the image forming means based on the set output mode, so there is no need to separate and specify ruled line information and text/symbol information in the document. Therefore, it is possible to form an image while easily separating and identifying the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document.

In addition, the extraction means is configured to identify either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the manuscript and separate and extract the respective information, so that by simply extracting the ruled line information in the manuscript, the character/symbol information can be extracted. Separate extraction of symbolic information is also possible, which greatly simplifies the hardware configuration.

Furthermore, the converting means is configured to selectively transfer either the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means to the image forming means based on the set output mode. Either the extracted ruled line information or character/symbol information in the original document can be automatically transferred to the image forming means, and the desired ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document can be transferred to the image forming means with a simple instruction operation. Can be transferred.

Further, there is provided a specifying means for specifying the output color of the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means based on the set output mode, and an image based on the output color specified by the specifying means. Since a selection means for automatically selecting a color developing material for the forming means is provided, a variety of images can be formed by color-converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information extracted from the document.

Further, the converting means is configured to transfer the output information obtained by converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means into a pattern based on the set output mode to the image forming means. It is possible to output ruled line information or character/symbol information in a manuscript with an image different from the original manuscript. Therefore, conventional ruled line information or characters/
Separate image formation designation processing for symbolic information is greatly relaxed, and anyone can extract only the necessary information with simple operations, and can form a variety of image-converted images.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image processing section and controller section shown in FIG. 1. , FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the image processing section shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ruled line/character/symbol separation image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. , FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming process procedure in an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 2a is a controller section, 2g is a photoelectric conversion element, 2
h is an analog processor, 21 is an image processing section, and 4 is an image forming section (printer section). (a) (b) (C) Color by diagram

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus having an image reading means for converting document information into digital image information and reading it, and an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on the output of the image reading means, ruled lines in the document are used. an extraction means for separating and extracting information and character/symbol information while identifying them; and forming the image based on a set output mode for the ruled line information or the character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extraction means. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: converting means for converting into output information to be transferred to an image forming apparatus. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extraction means identifies either ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document and separates and extracts each information. (3) The converting means selectively transfers either the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means to the image forming means based on a set output mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim (1). (4) a specifying means for specifying the output color of the ruled line information or text/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means based on the set output mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection means for automatically selecting a color developing material for the image forming means. (5) The converting means is characterized in that the converting means transfers output information obtained by converting the ruled line information or character/symbol information in the document separated and extracted by the extracting means into a pattern based on a set output mode to the image forming means. An image forming apparatus according to claim (1).