JPH06178086A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To exactly and efficiently join pictures broken into plural pieces by providing a join processing part which positions original data, and deletes shadow data generated at the joint. CONSTITUTION:This device is equipped with an inputting means which reads the pictures of an original, and a picture memory 43 which stores the pictures read from the broken original as the original data. And also, the device is equipped with a join processing part 48 which recognizes the shape of the broken original from each original data stored in the picture memory 43, positions the original data so that each broken original can be joined, and deletes the shadow data generated at the joint. Then, in the join processing part 48, the shape of the broken original is recognized from the original data stored in the picture memory 43, the positioning of the original data is operated so that each broken original can be joined, and the shadow data generated at the joint is deleted. Therefore, a labor to exactly position and join each broken original by a manual work can be unnecessitated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention accurately reads the image from each of the broken pieces of the original and recognizes the shape thereof, so that the above-mentioned pieces, that is, the broken originals, are accurately joined together, and the shadows generated at the joints. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, a scanner, a facsimile, a printer, etc., that can erase data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a plurality of originals are collectively recorded on one sheet, an information recording apparatus as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-33752 is used. In this device, the image data for each page is stored as independent data. For example, four A4 size image data are reduced and printed to the size of one A4 size sheet. You can do it. However, in the above-mentioned apparatus, since the image data is stored as individual data for each original, it is not possible to perform data alignment in consideration of image connection and shape.

Therefore, in the case of joining pieces of torn originals, conventionally, one piece of original is prepared and attached by adhering the pieces while confirming the shape of the pieces and the image to be a joint. The method of copying the manuscript is adopted.

[0004]

However, when a plurality of pieces are attached to each other to form one original as described above, it is troublesome to attach the pieces while confirming the shapes of the pieces and the matching of images. Therefore, there is a problem in that workability is deteriorated. Further, there is a problem that a shift is likely to occur at the joint, and an image obtained by copying the pasted originals may have a shadow at a portion corresponding to the joint, which makes the image very difficult to see.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object thereof is to divide into a plurality of pieces without causing image shift or shadow in a portion corresponding to a joint. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device capable of accurately and efficiently joining images.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 uses an input means for reading an image of an original and an image read from a broken original as original data. The shape of the broken originals is recognized from the storing means for storing and the respective original data stored in the storing means, the original data is aligned so that the broken originals are connected to each other, and the shadow data generated at the joint is erased. It is characterized in that it is provided with a joining processing means.

According to another aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the input means scans the document in a predetermined direction to read the image of the document,
Of the original data stored in the storage means by the storage means for storing the image read from the broken original as original data, the input means scans the plurality of broken originals arranged in the scanning direction. , From the original data corresponding to the rear end of the original scanned by the input means and the original data corresponding to the front end of the next scanned original,
Recognizing the shapes of the rear edge and the front edge of each broken document, aligns the document data so that the broken documents are connected to each other, and joins the shadow data generated at the joints. And means are provided.

According to another aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, input means for reading the image of the original, storage means for storing the image read from the broken original as original data, and approximately the original position before being broken. Due to the relationship, a plurality of broken originals arranged with their breaking ends aligned are present in the middle of the continuous original data from the original data stored in the storage means by being read by the input means. The shadow data generated by the seam of the edges is detected, and the data on both sides of this shadow data is recognized as the original data of the fractured edge of the fractured original, and the data of each fractured edge is calculated from the original data of the fractured edge. A joint processing unit that recognizes the shape and aligns the original data so that the broken originals are connected to each other and erases the shadow data generated at the joints. It is characterized in that it comprises.

[0009]

According to the structure of the first aspect, the image of each broken original that has been torn and divided is read by the input means and stored in the storage means as original data, and in the joining processing means, stored in the storage means. The shape of the broken originals is recognized from the cut original data, the original data is aligned so that the broken originals are connected to each other, and the shadow data generated at the joint is erased. Therefore, unlike the above-mentioned conventional technique, the labor of accurately aligning and bonding the broken originals by hand is not required, and the workability in joining the broken originals can be improved and the misalignment of the joints can be improved. Moreover, since it is possible to prevent the generation of shadows, it is possible to improve the image quality.

According to the structure of claim 2, when a plurality of broken originals arranged side by side in the scanning direction of the input means are scanned by the input means, the images of the respective broken originals are stored in the storage means as original data. To be done. Then, among these original data, the original data corresponding to the rear end of the original scanned by the input means and the original data corresponding to the front end of the next scanned original are used to determine the above-mentioned information in each broken original. The shapes of the trailing edge and the leading edge are recognized, and the document data is aligned based on the shapes of the trailing edge and the leading edge so that the above-mentioned broken documents are connected to each other, and the shadows generated at the joints are also adjusted. Will be erased.

Therefore, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the broken originals are connected in the scanning direction of the input means so that the broken originals to be joined are opposed to each other so that the broken originals are connected to each other. When aligning the document data, the process of finding the fractured ends to be joined together becomes simple. As a result, the joining process can be easily performed, and the process can be performed in a short time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the plurality of fractured originals are aligned with their fractured ends in an approximately original positional relationship before being fractured, the images of the fractured originals are input to the input means. Is read in and stored in the storage means as a series of document data. Then, from this document data, shadow data existing in the middle of almost continuous document data and generated by the seam of each of the above break edges is detected, and data on both sides of this shadow data is broken. Recognized as original document data at the end. Further, the shapes of the respective break edges are recognized from the document data at the break edges, the document data are aligned so that the broken documents are connected to each other, and the shadow data generated at the joint is erased. .

Therefore, in addition to the operation according to the first aspect of the present invention, by arranging a plurality of fractured originals so that the fractured end portions are aligned in an approximately original positional relationship before being fractured, the fractured originals are connected to each other. When aligning document data, the process of finding the fractured ends to be joined together becomes simple. As a result, the joining process can be easily performed, and the process can be performed in a short time.

[0014]

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copying machine as the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with an original placing table 27 made of hard transparent glass or the like at the upper end of the copying machine main body 26. Below the document table 27,
A scanner unit (input means) 22 having a lamp unit 1, mirrors 2, 3 and 4, a lens unit 5, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 6 and the like is provided. The reflected light obtained by irradiating the original (not shown) placed on the original placing table 27 with the lamp unit 1 passes through the mirrors 2, 3 and 4 and the lens unit 5 and is reflected by the CCD sensor 6. By being guided to the light receiving surface, it is captured as an electric signal.

A laser driver unit 7 is provided below the scanner unit 22. CCD above
The document data taken in by the sensor 6 as an electric signal is temporarily stored in an image memory (storage means) 43 provided in an image processing system, which will be described later, and after being subjected to a predetermined process in this image processing system, a laser driver. It is designed to be sent to unit 7. The laser driver unit 7 is
A semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam in accordance with the inputted original data, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at an equal angular velocity, and a correction that corrects the laser beam deflected at an equal angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 10 f It has a -θ lens and the like.

The laser light emitted from the laser driver unit 7 is reflected by the mirrors 8 and 9 arranged on the optical path, and is applied to the photosensitive drum 10 rotatably provided in the direction of arrow A in the figure. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 10. In addition, the photosensitive drum 1
0 is provided with a charger 16 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential prior to the exposure by the laser driver unit 7. Further, the charger 16 extends from the charger 16 in the rotating direction of the photosensitive drum 10. To supply toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 10 to form a toner image, a transfer belt 17 to which the toner image on the photoconductor drum 10 is temporarily transferred, and the photoconductor drum 10 A cleaning device 21 for removing the residual toner, a charge removing lamp 15 for removing the residual potential of the photosensitive drum 10 prior to the next charging, and the like are arranged in this order.

The developing device 28 is a black developing tank 1.
1, a yellow developing tank 12, a magenta developing tank 13, and a cyan developing tank 14, and the developing tanks 11 to 14 respectively store toners of the corresponding colors. The transfer belt 17 is formed as an endless belt, and is indicated by an arrow B in the figure.
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred by pressing a part of the toner image onto the photosensitive drum 10.

On the paper feed side of the transfer belt 17, a registration roller 19 for feeding the paper to the transfer belt 17 at a predetermined timing, and a paper feed cassette 2 for housing the paper.
0, and a paper feed tray 23 on which paper is placed,
In the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 20 and the paper feed tray 23,
A paper feed roller 24 for transporting a sheet and a transport roller 2
5 and the like are provided. Below the transfer belt 17, there is provided a transfer roller 18 that presses the paper sent from the registration roller 19 against the transfer belt 17 and transfers the toner image on the transfer belt 17 onto the paper.

On the paper output side of the transfer belt 17, a conveyor belt 30 for conveying the paper after the toner transfer, a fixing device 31 for heating and fixing the toner image on the paper, and a discharge roller 32 for discharging the paper after the fixing to the outside of the machine. Is provided.

In the above configuration, color copy (3 col
or copy) is performed by the following operation procedure. First, the charger 16 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 10 uniformly, the first scan is performed by the scanner unit 22, and the original data read by the CCD sensor 6 passes through the image processing system and laser beam. Laser light of yellow data is output from the driver unit 7 to expose the surface of the photoconductor drum 10 to form an electrostatic latent image for yellow on the exposed portion. Next, yellow toner from the yellow developing tank 12 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image in the image area, and a toner image of the same color is formed on the photoconductor drum 10.

Next, the yellow toner image is transferred onto the transfer belt 17 which is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10. At this time, a part of the toner that does not contribute to the transfer remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10, but the cleaning device 21 scrapes off the remaining toner. Further, the static elimination lamp 15 eliminates the residual electric charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

When the above steps are completed, the charger 16 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 uniformly again, the scanner unit 22 performs the second scan, and the obtained original data is stored in the image processing system. After that, the photosensitive drum 10 is irradiated with magenta data by the laser light, and an electrostatic latent image for magenta is formed. Then magenta developer tank 13
Magenta toner is supplied to form a toner image of the same color on the photoconductor drum 10. Then, the magenta toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 17 and the images are superimposed. After that, the cleaning device 21 and the static elimination lamp 1
When the same processing as the above described by 5 is performed, the charger 16
The electrostatic latent image for cyan is formed on the photosensitive drum 10 by uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 10 and performing the third scanning by the scanner unit 22 and irradiating the laser light as cyan data. To be done. Then, cyan toner is supplied from the cyan developing tank 14 to the photosensitive drum 10 to form a toner image of the same color, and this cyan toner image is transferred to the transfer belt 17, whereby final image superimposition is performed. .

After that, the toner image on the transfer belt 17 on which the images are superposed is transferred onto the paper by the transfer roller 18, and the toner image is heated and fixed in the fixing device 31, and then the paper is ejected outside the machine by the discharge roller 32. Is discharged.

Incidentally, the above-mentioned process is a process for three-color, and in the case of a four-color process, a process using the black toner stored in the black developing tank 11 is added to the above process. On the other hand, black-and-white copying is performed by supplying black toner from the black developing tank 11 to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 10 and transferring the toner image onto a sheet via the transfer belt 17.

Next, the configuration and function of the image processing system for subjecting the document data read by the CCD sensor 6 to predetermined processing and outputting it to the laser driver unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing system performs color reproduction according to an original document, or for example, splices pieces of an original that are torn and divided, that is, stitches images read from a torn original, as shown in FIG. The RGB level adjusting unit 40, A
/ D converter 41, shading correction unit 42, image memory 43, joint processing unit (join processing unit)
48, γ correction unit 49, black document detection unit 50, masking unit 51, UCR (Under Color Removal) · BP (Black Pri
nt) processing unit 52, sharpness filter 53, scaling processing unit (scaling unit) 54, density processing unit 55, color balance adjustment unit 56, gradation processing unit 57, and the like.

In this image processing system, the CCD sensor 6
The R, G, and B document data obtained from
The level adjustment unit 40 corrects the sensor variations among R, G, and B, and subsequently, the A / D converter 41 converts the variation into a digital signal, and then the shading correction unit 42.
At, the shading correction for correcting the variation in the sensitivity of each pixel of the sensor, the uneven illumination, and the like is received and temporarily stored in the image memory 43.

Here, when a joining mode, which will be described later, is designated, a plurality of pieces of an image are sequentially scanned as an original, and the original data of each piece is stored in the image memory 43. After that, the document data to be subjected to the joining process is sent from the image memory 43 to the joining processing unit 48.

The joint processing unit 48 is a joint recognizing unit 44, a data rearranging unit 45, and a position aligning unit 4.
6, and a combination processing unit 47. The document data input to the joint processing unit 48 is first recognized by the joint recognition unit 44 at the joints of the manuscript, rearranged so that the joints face each other in the data rearranging unit 45, and then in the aligning unit 46. , Aligned so that the shape and image of the joints match,
They are combined in the combining processing unit 47. If a shadow is formed at the joint, the shadow range is recognized and the shadow data is erased. The original data after the processing in the stitching processing unit 48 is completed is again recorded in the image memory 4
Input to 3. A more detailed processing procedure for performing the above-mentioned joining processing will be described later.

The original data output from the image memory 43 is input to the γ correction unit 49 together with the data from the black original detection unit 50 that determines whether it is a black-and-white copy or a color copy to adjust the contrast and brightness. Γ correction is performed, and then the masking processing unit 51 performs a predetermined calculation to convert the R, G, B data into C, M.
• Converted to Y (yellow, magenta, cyan) data. Next, the C, M, Y manuscript data is UCR, BP
UC in which the gray component is removed from the three color toners of C, M, and Y and replaced with black toner in the processing unit 52
R processing and BP processing in which black toner is added to the above three color toners are performed, whereby C, M, and
B _K (black) data is added to the Y document data.

Then, the C, M, Y, and B _K original data are subjected to sharpness enhancement by the sharpness filter 53, and then converted into the designated size and density by the scaling processing unit 54 and the density processing unit 55. Then, the color balance adjustment unit 56 and the gradation processing unit 57 perform balance adjustment and gradation processing of each color, and then output to the laser driver unit 7. After this, the laser beam output from the laser driver unit 7 causes the photosensitive drum 1 to move.
An electrostatic latent image is formed at 0, and the above operation is sequentially performed to form an image on the paper.

Next, a processing procedure for performing the processing of joining the images divided into a plurality of pieces will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the splicing mode is selected from an operation panel (not shown) (S1) and the pieces of the torn original are sequentially scanned (S2), the pieces of the pieces read by the scanner unit 22 having the CCD sensor 6 are detected. The document data is stored in the image memory 43 (S3).

Subsequently, the shape indicated by each original data stored in the image memory 43 is recognized, and the characteristic line segment and the symbol are extracted, so that the seam recognition unit 44 detects the seam of the image. Perform (S4). That is, by extracting data for a predetermined line from around each manuscript data, a feature is extracted, a similar feature is searched for between manuscript data, and the recognized shapes are collated to match the shapes. Detect seams.

Then, in S5, it is determined whether or not the joint is detected, and if the joint is not detected, that is, if there is no portion where the feature and the shape match between the document data, the joint processing is NO. A warning indicating that the operation cannot be performed is displayed (S6), and the operation is stopped.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S5 that the joint is detected, the data rearranging unit 45 rearranges the original data so that the joints detected as YES face each other (S7). Next, one original data is fixed, the other original data is shifted in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and the coincidence of the data is checked to find the position where the joint is most smoothly connected. Position adjustment is performed (S8). After this,
The original data is combined by the combining processing unit 47 (S9), and the shadow generated at the joint is erased to form one original data. This processing is performed by the synthesis processing unit 47.

Subsequently, in S10, it is determined whether or not the size of the paper on which the document data is printed is designated.
If the paper size is not specified, set as NO and
The maximum size paper is selected from the papers set in the digital copying machine (S11), and the original data combined by the scaling process is scaled according to the maximum size paper (S12). On the other hand, if the paper size is designated in advance, YES is determined in S10, and the scaling processing is performed according to the designated paper size (S1).
2). After scaling the original data, the original data is coordinate-converted if necessary depending on whether the paper is fed vertically or horizontally, and is output to the laser driver unit 7 to copy the image combined on the paper (S13). . The processing of S10 and S11 is performed by the synthesis processing unit 47, and the processing of S12 is performed by the scaling processing unit 54.

The above process will be described in detail. For example, as shown in FIGS.
When the images 61 are read from the scanner unit 22, the document data 60 and 61 as shown in FIG. 4C are stored in the image memory 43. This manuscript data 60
When the stitching process is performed on 61, first, data of a predetermined line portion (area indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) is searched from the periphery of the image, and a characteristic symbol or line segment to be a joint is obtained. Is extracted and its shape is recognized,
The part where the extracted features match is detected while observing the matching of the shapes.

When the seam is detected, the manuscript data is rearranged so that the seams of the respective manuscript data faces each other, and the manuscript data is aligned so that the features and the shapes thereof match. After this, the original data is combined, but at this time, the data of the shadows generated in the part corresponding to the joint is erased, and the data of the image that is missing due to this erasure is corrected so that it does not feel strange. To be done. The combined document data is scaled to a designated paper size, coordinate conversion is performed as necessary, and output to the laser driver unit 7. As a result of the above processing, a reduced copy 62 as shown in FIG. 4D is obtained.

In addition, the digital copying machine of the present embodiment compares the features and shapes of the extracted images with each other, and when a plurality of combinations occur when aligning the document data, the respective combinations are selected. It has the function of combining and reducing, and outputting samples on one sheet. By providing such a function, the operator can select a desired combination from the sampled combinations, so that more accurate joining processing can be executed.

As described above, in the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the image of the broken pieces of the original is read by the scanner unit 22 for each piece and stored in the image memory 43 as the original data, and the stored original data is stored. The original data is aligned by recognizing the joints and shapes of the. Therefore, it is not necessary to find the part where the image and the shape match each other between the fragments and accurately bond them together, and it is possible to automatically and accurately form the stitched image from the torn documents. Can be improved. Further, since it also has a function of eliminating a shadow generated in a portion corresponding to a joint, it is possible to provide a high-quality image with improved image quality.

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
The following description is based on FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5 to 17. The digital copying machine according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. 2 similarly to the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment, is equipped with each means shown in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG. As shown in (b) of the figure, the broken originals 71 and 72 are broken end portions 71a and 72a in the positional relationship before being broken.
When the originals 71 and 72 are respectively scanned in the direction of arrow A by the scanner unit 22 in a state where they are placed on the original placing table 27 so as to face each other, quick joining processing can be performed. . The operation of the joining processing unit 48 will be described below.

First, in FIG. 6, when the joining mode is selected from the operation panel (not shown) (S21),
The scanner unit 22 scans a plurality of broken originals arranged on the original placing table 27 and having divided images (S22), and the original data read from the CCD sensor 6 is stored in the image memory 43 (S23). ).

When the reading of the originals is completed (S24) and the execution of the joining process is instructed (S25), a predetermined portion is started from the portion corresponding to the end of each broken original in the original data stored in the image memory 43. The line shape data of the document is searched, and the characteristic line segment and the symbol are recognized to extract the feature of the document shape (S26).

Then, by comparing the features extracted from the respective document data, it is determined whether the data at the joints match (S27). The above S26 and S27 are the operations of the joint recognizing unit 44. Then, the original data is rearranged so that the ends of the original data having the joints face each other (S28), and the alignment is performed so that the images are smoothly connected. This is the operation of the data rearrangement unit 45 and the alignment unit 46. At this time, the characteristic of the shape of the original is extracted by recognizing the data of the line segment and the symbol as described above.
Data other than the data showing the characteristic of the original shape, that is, the data other than the above line segments and symbols is deleted as the data of the shadow of the edge of the broken original. As a result, the shadow of the joint in the document is deleted. This is the operation of the synthesis processing unit 47.

As described above, the original feature extraction (S2
6), data matching determination (S27), and document data rearrangement (S28) are repeated until it is determined in S29 that the processing of all data is completed. On the other hand, S2
If NO is determined in 7, the document data is not rearranged, and the process proceeds to S29. In the above process, if there is a side that cannot be joined, a mismatch flag is set and the remaining sides are joined.

When the processing of all data is completed, data loss correction is performed on the side for which the mismatch flag is set (S30). Then, in S31, it is determined whether or not the missing correction has been completed, and if the missing correction has been completed,
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not all the stored document data are combined into one image to complete the joining process (S33). On the other hand, in S31 and S33, when the completion of the missing correction and the completion of the joining process are determined to be NO, a warning that the joining process cannot be executed is displayed (S32), and the operation is stopped.

After that, when the joining process is completed in S33, the connected images shown in FIG. 5C are obtained. Next, it is determined whether or not the paper size for forming the combined image is designated (S34). here,
If the paper size is not specified, the maximum size paper set in the digital copying machine is selected (S35), and the original data is scaled according to the maximum size paper (S36). . On the other hand, when the paper size is designated in advance, the scaling processing is performed according to the designated size. Further, coordinate conversion of the scaled original data is performed in accordance with the sheet feeding direction (S37), and the processed original data is output to the laser driver unit 7, as shown in (d) of FIG. Then, the image combined on the paper is copied (S38). Above S29 to S3
5 and S37 are operations of the combination processing unit 47, and S3
6 is an operation of the scaling processing unit 54.

Next, the feature extraction of originals in the above-mentioned joining process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in FIG. 7, the side of the trailing edge of the fractured original that has been scanned previously is selected (S41), and from the edge of the selected edge to the inside of a predetermined line, for example, several tens of lines from the edge. The area is designated (S42). In this area, the method in which the feature is most clearly revealed by the data arrangement, pattern, hue, etc. is selected according to the image, and the feature of the above side in this image is extracted (S43), and the extracted feature is digitized. And memorize it (S44).

Next, the front side of the broken original scanned after the above image is selected (S45), and the area for extracting the feature is designated in the same manner as in the above case (S4).
6) The characteristics of this image are extracted (S47).

In the above operation, as shown in FIG. 5B, the broken originals 71 and 72 are broken end portions 71a and 72.
When the originals 71 and 72 are placed on the original placing table 27 in a state of facing a, and the originals 71 and 72 are respectively scanned in the direction A, the break end 71a of the rear end of the original 71 and the front end of the original 72 are broken. Assuming that the end portion 72a and the end portion 72a are connected to each other, the features of the portion surrounded by these broken lines are first extracted. After that, the features of other sides are similarly extracted by the operation of FIG.

That is, one of the remaining sides of the previously scanned image is selected (S51), its feature extraction area is designated (S52), and this area is examined to extract the features of the selected side. (S53), the extracted features are digitized and stored (S54). Then, the remaining one side of the scanned image is selected (S55), the feature extraction area is designated (S56), and the features of the image are extracted (S57).

In the image memory 43, the address space on the memory is set after detecting the reading size of the original document in accordance with normal control of image reading, storage, copying, and the like. , As shown in FIG.
Document data is stored at the rate of one image per page. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the edge of each image (for example, the hatched area in the figure) is defined by an address on the memory, and the above feature extraction is performed based on this address. The area to be used is specified.

After the features are extracted from each image as described above, the previously scanned image (hereinafter referred to as the target image) and the next scanned image (hereinafter referred to as the comparative image) are compared, As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the data match.

First, the features extracted from the target image and the features extracted from the comparison image are roughly compared (S61), and then it is determined whether the compared features match within an approximate range. (S62). If the features are substantially the same, the original data is rearranged so that the joints face each other, and the alignment is performed on the image memory 43 so that the data arrangement, the pattern, the hue, and the like match. That is, by moving the image in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction (S63 / S65), the deviation of the image at the time of reading is corrected, and by rotating the image several degrees (S67), the inclination of the document at the time of reading is corrected. To do.

Also, when the features are roughly compared at the beginning,
When it is determined that the features do not match when the image is moved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, or when the image is rotated (S62, S64, S66, S68), the image is rotated 180 degrees. (S39), it is again determined whether or not the features substantially match (S70). In S70,
If it is determined that the features do not match, the image is rotated several degrees (S71), and if it is determined that the features do not match (S72), the mismatch flag is set (S73).

That is, the shape of the original is almost rectangular, and it is possible to read the image by reversing the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the images do not match in the stored state, they are stored in the image memory 43. Then, one original data is rotated by 180 degrees and is checked again. Furthermore, in consideration of the case where the original is set with a slight inclination at the time of reading, even if the feature is not determined to match in the state of being rotated by 180 degrees, the image is further rotated by several degrees. ,
We are comparing features.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S70 and S72 that the features match, the process proceeds to S63, in the same manner as above, in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so that the data arrangement, pattern, hue and the like are matched. The images are moved, rotated, etc. to align the images.

Then, in S61 described above, the characteristics of the data corresponding to the side of the trailing edge of the original scanned first and the characteristics of the data corresponding to the side of the front edge of the next scanned original are set. First, after the comparison, the features of the data corresponding to the remaining other sides are compared with each other, if necessary. In such an operation, for example, by arranging the originals 71 and 72 in the state shown in FIG. 5B, the characteristics of the sides that should naturally coincide with each other are compared first. It becomes easy to compare the features between the sides, and the processing can be performed quickly.

Next, the determination of the completion of the processing of all data is performed by referring to FIG.
It will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

When the images are read, it is preliminarily input by some method that the stitching procedure, for example, the stitching of the originals 71 and 72 shown in FIG. If
In S81, it is determined that there is an input procedure, and in this case, the edge that is the end of the image is known, and the stitching processing of the edge that corresponds to the edge of the image is not performed. Therefore, the stitching of other edges is performed. By checking whether the processing has been performed (S83), it is determined whether the processing of all data is completed (S84).

On the other hand, if the original data is randomly input and the procedure for joining is not specified, NO is determined in S81, so check the execution of the joining processing on the four sides of each data. By (S82), it is determined whether or not the processing of all data is completed (S84). In this way, when the original data is randomly input, it is determined that the side for which the feature mismatch is determined corresponds to the end portion of the image, and then the other sides are joined. Execute the process.

This operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. For example, when four images a to d are randomly input, a total of 12 on all four sides of each image a to d.
Times [4 sheets x 4 times-4 sides (sides with matching features) = 12 times]
Performs a match or mismatch judgment of the data, as a result, a ₄
And b ₃ , b ₂ and d ₁ , a ₂ and c ₁ , c ₄ and d ₃ , respectively. In addition, 8 corresponding to the end of the image
Side (a ₁ , a ₃ , b ₁ , b ₄ , c ₂ , c ₃ , d ₂ ,
For d _4), to set a mismatch flag.

As described above, at the time when the processing of all the data is completed, if the mismatch flag is set in a portion other than the end portion of the image, data loss correction is performed. This missing correction will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch flag (S
91), if the mismatch flag is not set, the missing correction is not performed and the process proceeds to the determination of the joining process completion. On the other hand, if the mismatch flag is set, then it is checked whether or not the joining processing of other sides is completed (S92). In other words, if something goes wrong and the stitching process cannot be performed,
Since the mismatch flag is set,
To determine whether the cause is that the images are not finally combined into one due to an error when setting the originals, or if the images are missing when reading the originals, the other side joining processing is performed. Check if has been completed.

If it is determined in S93 that the joining of the other sides has not been completed, it is determined that the setting of the above flag is due to an error in setting the original, and the joining process cannot be performed. Is displayed as a warning. On the other hand, if it is determined in S93 that the joining of the other sides has been completed, it is determined that the setting of the flag is due to the loss of the image, and in order to perform the loss correction, the determination of the loss area is first started. To do.

That is, it is assumed that the position of the image in which the missing portion has occurred is determined with respect to the surrounding image by the joining process of the remaining sides other than the side in which it is determined that the image is missing. The missing area is determined. First, with the side joined to the side having the missing portion as the first line, the sub-scanning direction is scanned one line at a time in the main scanning direction until a change in data appears (S94). , The missing area is determined with the line showing the change in the data as b (S95).

Therefore, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 15 is stored as the original data in the image memory 43, and the original data 80 having a missing portion is surrounded by the sides 80a and 80b where the missing portion does not occur. Manuscript data 8
When the position is adjusted with respect to 1.82 and the position with respect to the manuscript data 83 is also determined, the scanning start line is a (the end of the manuscript data 83), and the line showing the change in data is b, It is determined that the area between a and b is a missing area of the image.

Next, the process of creating the correction data for complementing the missing region of the image determined as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the main scanning counter is cleared (S10
1) Based on the previously determined area, the main scanning counter is counted up until data exists in either one of the original data (S102), and data for a predetermined line, for example, several tens of lines is searched. Then, the data, that is, the inclination of the line segment is confirmed (S103). continue,
It is confirmed whether the other original data exists near the extension line of the data for which the inclination has been confirmed (S104). If there is no data, it is determined that the target is unknown (S1).
05), a warning message indicating that the joining process cannot be performed is displayed.

On the other hand, if the other original data exists near the extension line, NO is determined in S105, and the correction data for the missing area is created so as to connect the two original data (S106). The above-described processing (S102 to S106) is performed for one line in the main scanning direction, and if it is determined in S107 that the data creation is completed for all the one line in the main scanning direction, the process proceeds to the completion determination of the joining processing.

In the judgment of the completion of the joining process, FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the stitching procedure is input in advance, it is determined that there is an input procedure in S111, and all the data is connected to one image as specified according to the input procedure. Check for squid (S112). On the other hand, if the input procedure is not designated, it is checked whether all the data are connected (S113). Then, in S114, when the completion of the joining process is not determined, a warning that the process cannot be executed is displayed, while when the completion of the joining process is determined, it is determined whether or not the paper size is designated. After that, the above-described scaling processing, coordinate conversion, and the like are performed to copy the combined image.

As described above, in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, as in the case of the digital copying machine of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically obtain a correct original connected original from a broken original. Further, since the shadow of the portion corresponding to the joint can be erased, the image quality is also good.

Further, with respect to each of the broken originals arranged on the original placing table 27 so that the broken end portions face each other and are sequentially scanned, the rear end portion of the broken original document and the next scanned original document are scanned next. Assuming that the front end of the broken original is joined together, first, the match / mismatch between the front end and the rear end described above is determined. Matching / mismatching is easy, and if the front end and the rear end match, the data in that part only needs to be aligned and there is no need to rearrange the data by coordinate conversion or the like. . Therefore, the joining process is simplified, and the process can be performed in a short time. Further, for example, in the case of joining only two broken originals only at the front end portion and the rear end portion, it is determined whether or not the front end portion and the rear end portion are matched or not, and the data is aligned. Since only the processing is required, the joining processing becomes simpler and the processing time can be further shortened.

[Embodiment 3] Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, and 19. The digital copying machine of this embodiment is
Similar to the digital copying machine shown in the first embodiment, it has the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and is provided with the respective means shown in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG. As shown in (b) of the same figure, the scanner unit 22 is arranged in a state where the broken end portions 81a and 82a are aligned on the original placing table 27 in an approximately original positional relationship before being broken.
By scanning the originals 81 and 82, the quick joining process can be performed. Although the basic operation of the stitching processing unit 48 in this case is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the document feature extracting operation in S27 of FIG. 6 is as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.

First, the original data stored in the image memory 43 is searched to determine whether or not there is shadow data in the middle of almost continuous original data (S121). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG.
2 is about the original position before the break, and the break end 81
If the a and 82a are arranged in contact with each other, a shadow 83 is formed at this contact portion. Therefore, shadow data exists in the middle of almost continuous document data. In this case, the determination in S121 is YES, and the shadow portion is recognized as the fractured end portion (S122).

Next, one side of the shadow of the target image, that is, one side of the fracture end is selected as the target image and the image to be connected to the predetermined image as the comparison image (S12).
3) Specify an area from the end of the selected side to a predetermined inner line (S124). Then, the feature is extracted in this area (S125), and the extracted feature is digitized and stored (S126). Next, one side on the shadow side of the comparison image corresponding to one side of the target image is selected (S12).
7) Similarly, the area for extracting the feature is designated (S1).
28), the features of this image are extracted (S129). still,
The above S123 to S129 are S41 to S shown in FIG.
This is an operation corresponding to 47.

On the other hand, in S121, when there is no shadow data in the middle of the original data, that is, for example, the original 81.
When 82 is not arranged in the state as shown in FIG. 18B, but is distributed appropriately, one side of the target image is selected (S130) and the feature extraction area is designated. Then, (S131), the area is checked to extract the feature of the selected side (S132), and the extracted feature is digitized and stored (S133). Then, one side of the comparison image is selected (S134), and the feature extraction area is designated (S13).
5), the characteristics of the image are extracted (S136). The above S
130 to S136 are operations corresponding to S51 to S57 shown in FIG.

Next, in S27 of FIG. 6, that is, in agreement with FIG.
In the non-coincidence determination operation, first, in S61, the coincidence / non-coincidence between the corresponding fractured ends detected by the shadow data is determined as described above. Subsequent operations after S28 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those of the digital copying machine shown in the second embodiment, and the deletion of the shadow data is also performed in the operation of S28.

As described above, also in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, as in the case of the digital copying machine of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically obtain a correct original connected original from a torn original, and also to connect the joints. Since the shadow of the portion corresponding to can be erased, the image quality is also good.

Further, for each broken original placed on the original placing table 27 with the broken ends aligned in an approximately original positional relationship before being broken, the shaded data portion in the middle of the read original data is Since this is recognized as the broken end of the document and whether the corresponding broken ends match or not is determined first, this determination operation can be performed in a short time.
Further, when the above-mentioned corresponding break edges of the break originals match each other, only the position alignment of the data of that part is required, and the rearrangement of the data by the coordinate conversion or the like becomes unnecessary. For these reasons, the joining process is simplified and the process can be performed in a short time. Further, each of the broken originals is arranged on the original placing table 27 in a state in which all the broken edges correspond to each other, and the joining processing is not necessary for the edges of the broken originals other than the above-mentioned broken edges. If it is confirmed and this is input to the joining processing unit 48, it is sufficient to perform only matching / mismatching determination by the feature extraction between the corresponding fractured ends and data alignment. The joining process is further simplified, and the processing time can be further shortened.

[0083]

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has the input means for reading the image of the original document, the storage means for storing the image read from the broken original document as the original data, and the storing means. It recognizes the shape of the broken originals from each original data stored in, and aligns the original data so that the broken originals are connected to each other, and also has a joint processing means for erasing the shadow data generated at the joints. It has a structure.

This eliminates the need for the manual operation of accurately aligning and bonding the fractured originals to each other, improving the workability in joining the fractured originals together, and eliminating the misalignment of the joints. Since it is possible to prevent the generation of shadows, it is possible to improve the image quality.

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention stores the input means for scanning the document in a predetermined direction to read the image of the document and the image read from the broken document as document data. The storage means and the input means scan a plurality of broken originals arranged side by side in the scanning direction, and among the original data stored in the storage means, the trailing end portion of the original scanned by the input means. The shapes of the rear end portion and the front end portion of each broken original are recognized from the original data corresponding to the above and original data corresponding to the front end of the next scanned original, and the above-mentioned broken originals are connected to each other. As described above, the document data is aligned, and the joint processing means for erasing the shadow data generated at the joint is provided.

Thus, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, by arranging the fractured originals in the scanning direction of the input means in a state where the fractured ends to be spliced face each other, the splicing process can be simplified. It is possible to perform the processing, and it is possible to perform the processing in a short time.

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention includes the input means for reading the image of the original document, the storage means for storing the image read from the broken original document as the original data, and the pre-broken state. In the original data stored in the storage means by reading with the input means, a plurality of fractured originals arranged with their respective fractured ends aligned in an approximately original positional relationship exist in the middle of almost continuous original data. ,
The shadow data generated by the seam of each of the above break edges is detected, and the data on both sides of this shadow data are recognized as the manuscript data of the break end of the break manuscript, and Recognize the shape of the break edge,
The document data is aligned so that the fractured documents are connected to each other, and a joint processing unit that erases shadow data generated at the joint is provided.

Thus, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, by arranging a plurality of fractured originals in such a manner that the fractured end portions are aligned in an approximately original positional relationship before being fractured, the joining process can be simplified. It is possible to perform the processing, and it is possible to perform the processing in a short time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system provided in a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the original data is joined in the digital copying machine.

4A and 4B are plan views showing a torn original, FIG. 4C is an explanatory view showing original data stored in an image memory, and FIG. 4D is a joint. It is explanatory drawing which shows the image obtained by performing a matching process.

5 (a) is a plan view showing a torn original processed by a digital copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 (b) is a broken original on the original table. An explanatory view showing the arrangement state and the scanning direction of this original, an explanatory view showing an image obtained by the joining process in the same figure (c), and an explanation showing an image output from a digital copying machine in the same figure (d). It is a figure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for performing processing for joining document data in a digital copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when performing feature extraction of each of the above break edges in a break document arranged with the corresponding break edges facing each other in the joining process shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for performing feature extraction of fracture edges other than the above-mentioned fracture edges in a fracture original placed with the corresponding fracture edges facing each other in the joining process shown in FIG. 6; It is a flowchart shown.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of document data on an image memory provided in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a search area of document data stored in the image memory.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when determining whether or not document data coincides with each other in the above-mentioned joining process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining processing completion of all data in the above-mentioned joining processing.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of images when the above-mentioned joining process is performed on four images.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for performing data loss correction in the above-mentioned joining processing.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing document data to be a target of the data loss correction.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when performing data loss correction in the above-mentioned joining processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining completion of the joining process in the joining process.

FIG. 18 (a) is a plan view showing a torn original processed by a digital copying machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 (b) is a broken original on the original placing table. Is an explanatory view showing the arrangement state and the scanning direction of the original, and FIG. 6C is an explanatory view showing an image output from the digital copying machine through the joining process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for extracting characteristics of a broken original in the joining processing in the digital copying machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 22 Scanner Unit (Input Means) 43 Image Memory (Storage Means) 48 Joining Processing Section (Joining Processing Means) 60 Original (Break Original) 61 Original (Break Original) 71 Original (Break Original) 71a Break Edge (Rear Edge) 72) Original (broken original) 72a Broken end (front end) 81 Original (broken original) 81a Broken end 82 Original (broken original) 82a Broken end 83 Shadow

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input device for reading an image of an original document, a storage device for storing an image read from a broken original document as original data, and a shape of the broken original document recognized from each original data stored in the storage device. An image processing apparatus comprising: a joint processing unit that aligns original data so that broken originals are connected to each other and erases shadow data generated at a joint. 2. An input means for scanning an original in a predetermined direction to read an image of the original, a storage means for storing an image read from a broken original as original data, and an input means arranged side by side in the scanning direction. Of the original data stored in the storage means by scanning the plurality of broken originals, the original data corresponding to the trailing edge of the original scanned by the input means and the front edge of the next scanned original By recognizing the shapes of the above-mentioned rear end portion and front end portion of each broken original from the original data corresponding to the parts, the original data is aligned so that the above-mentioned broken originals are connected to each other, and a joint is generated. An image processing apparatus comprising: a joining processing unit that erases shadow data. 3. An input means for reading an image of an original, a storage means for storing an image read from an original that has been broken as original data, and each broken end portion in a substantially original positional relationship before being broken. A plurality of aligned fractured originals are read by the input means and are present in the middle of almost continuous original data from the original data stored in the storage means. The data is detected and the data on both sides of this shadow data is recognized as the document data of the fractured edge of the fractured document, and the shape of each fractured edge is recognized from the document data of these fractured edges. Image data is aligned so that they are connected to each other, and a joint processing means for erasing shadow data generated at the joint is provided. Processing apparatus.