JPH06215099A - Document processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically change a design of a table in an input document just by receiving a simple instruction from a user, so that a document having a design of a high quality based on the instruction can be prepared. CONSTITUTION:A table area extraction module 12 fetches a document image from a document image input module 11 and extracts only a table area. A matrix element division module 13 divides the inside of the table area into plural cells, and extracts row and column numbers and a coordinate value of each cell as matrix elements. An element attribute imparting module 14 decides whether its row or column number is an odd number or an even number with respect to the matrix element, and imparts a result of its decision to the matrix element as an element attribute. An output image generation module 15 extracts a cell image at every matrix element, refers to a parameter value of a color scheme parameter table 18 corresponding to the element attribute imparted to the matrix element of the extracted cell image, executes coloring to the cell image in accordance with its value, generates an output image by synthesizing the colored cell image with a document image, and by a print-out module 16, it is outputted as an output image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a document processing apparatus having a function of changing a document to a higher quality design and outputting the document based on an instruction from a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of document preparation devices such as DTP (Desk Top Publishing) and word processors,
Documents can be easily created even in general offices. Particularly in recent years, the number of high-performance document creation devices that can select a wide range of various parameters such as the page layout of a document, the typeface of characters, and the size is increasing, and if a creator with knowledge and experience takes time to tackle it, , You can create high-quality documents that reflect your intentions.

However, in order to make full use of such a high-performance document creating apparatus, complicated operations must be memorized, and the number of parameter values that can be set in a wide range should be set to obtain a high-quality document suitable for the purpose of creation. Since it is not easy to know whether a document can be created, general users cannot fully utilize the function, and as a result, it is a poor-looking and unreadable document that cannot be said to be a high-quality document. The current situation is that only one can be created.

On the other hand, there is a copying machine as a device corresponding to the function of reading a paper document, processing it, and outputting it. The basic function of the copying machine is to output a document that faithfully reproduces the original, but with the spread of digital copying machines,
For example, a copying machine having a document processing function, such as a copying machine disclosed in JP-A-2-223275, has appeared. However, these technologies require the user to give detailed instructions to the part to be processed and how to process the same as the above-described high-performance document creation device, and are complicated to use. It is necessary to perform various operations, and general users do not know how to end up creating a high-quality document that suits the intended purpose. It did not help to make the input document higher quality.

Particularly in the case of a table, in order to make the contents easy to read and reduce reading errors, it is generally common to use color coding every other row or every other column. The operation is very complicated and time-consuming. Moreover, it is a difficult technique for general users who have little knowledge about color arrangement to make the output document of high quality.

By the way, as a technique for easily improving the coloring and appearance of a document in a digital copying machine or the like, even a general user who has little knowledge about color arrangement or design sense, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-109874 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 122773/322 is cited.

[0007]

However, the color document creating apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-109874 is to simply display the characters on the color image in complementary colors. The image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication only realizes a clear copy function by distinguishing a character and a graphic portion of a handwritten document by a copying machine and aligning the character portion and straightening the line of the graphic portion. That is, all of these technologies are insufficient for realizing the function of reflecting the user's intention to create and processing and outputting a high-quality document in terms of design.

According to the present invention, the design of the table in the input document is automatically changed only by receiving a simple instruction indicating the intention of the user to create a document having a high quality design according to the instruction. An object is to provide a document processing device having a function of processing and outputting.

[0009]

The basic structure of a typical document processing apparatus according to the present invention is a document image holding means for holding a document image input as a digital image,
Table area extraction means for extracting a table area on the document image held in the document image holding means, and the table area extracted by the table area extraction means is divided into a plurality of cells, and as a matrix element of each cell Matrix element dividing means for extracting row numbers, column numbers, and coordinate values, and for the matrix element of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means, the odd number or even number of the row number or column number is judged, and the judgment is made. From the document image held in the document image holding means, the element attribute giving means for giving the result as an element attribute, the table holding means for holding the color arrangement parameter for every other row or every other column as a color arrangement parameter table, Cut out the cell image of each divided cell, refer to the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image, Comprising an output image generation means for generating an output image by coloring the cell image in accordance with the parameter values of 該配 color parameter table, and a visualization means for visualizing the output image that is generated.

In the basic structure, design instruction means for instructing selection of alternate row color coding or alternate column color coding, and emphasis on matrix elements of the table area based on user instructions. Emphasized portion instruction means for instructing a section,
A logical attribute instructing means or the like for instructing a logical attribute of whether the matrix element of the table area is the item part or the content part may be added alone or in combination.

[0011]

When the user gives a coloring instruction, the table area extracting means extracts the document image from the document image holding means, extracts the image of only the table area from the area such as characters and figures, and divides it into matrix elements. Hand over to means. The matrix element dividing means receives the partial image of the table area extracted by the table area extracting means, divides the inside thereof into a plurality of cells, and extracts the row number, column number, and coordinate value of each cell. The columns of these matrix elements are output as table-structured data. The element attribute assigning means determines whether the row number or the column number of the matrix element of the table-structured data output from the matrix element dividing means is odd or even, and the determination result is used as the element attribute for the matrix element. Given to. The output image generation means receives the table structure data from the element attribute giving means and the document image from the document image holding means, and extracts a cell image corresponding to the coordinate value of the table structure data for each matrix element. Then, the cell image is colored in accordance with the parameter value in the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the extracted matrix element of the cell image. Next, combine the colored cell image and the document image to generate the output image,
The visualization means outputs the output image.

When the design instructing means is provided, the element attribute assigning means, if the selection instruction is every other row for the matrix element of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means, every other column of the row number. If so, the column number is an odd number,
The even number is judged and the judgment result is given as an element attribute.

When the emphasizing unit instructing unit is provided, the element attribute assigning unit sets the attribute of the emphasizing unit instructed by the emphasizing unit instructing unit to the matrix element of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing unit. The output image generating means cuts out a cell image from the document image held in the document image holding means for each matrix element of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means, and assigns it to the matrix element of the cell image. The cell image is colored according to the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the created element attribute, and the output image is generated.

When the logical attribute designating means is provided, the element attribute assigning means assigns the logical attributes designated by the logical attribute designating means as element attributes to the matrix elements divided by the matrix element dividing means. , The output image generation means, from the document image held in the document image holding means,
A cell image is cut out for each matrix element of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means, each cell image is colored according to the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image, and output Generate an image.

[0015]

Embodiments 1 to 5 of a document processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 First, an embodiment of the document processing apparatus according to the first invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the document editing apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied to a copying machine.
This copying machine includes a document image input module 11, a surface area extraction module 12, a matrix element division module 13, an element attribute assignment module 14, and an output image generation module 1.
5 and the printout module 16.

The original image input module 11 is the mechanism of the image scanner itself, irradiating a narrow area in the main scanning direction with the light source while shifting the reading section consisting of the light source and the image sensor in the sub-scanning direction, and the reflected light is reflected by the lens. The light is collected by the input image memory 17 and converted into an electric signal by a CCD image sensor or the like, and is converted into a binary digital image.
Take in. In addition, the intensity of reflected light may be input as a multi-valued image through an AD converter and binarized by digital image processing.

The table area extraction module 12 is a module for inputting a document image and extracting a table area from an area such as a character or a figure, and corresponds to the area division processing in the document recognition technique. This is realized by a known technique.
For example, JP-A-64-15889 and JP-B-61-
The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 32712 corresponds to that. Here, the input image is divided into a character area, a drawing area, a table area, and the like, and a partial image of the area identified as the table is output. Before performing this processing, preprocessing such as inclination correction and noise removal may be performed.

The matrix element division module 13 receives the partial image of the table area output from the table area extraction module 12 as an input, divides the inside into a plurality of cells, and uses row numbers and columns as the matrix elements of each cell. The numbers and coordinate values are extracted and output. For dividing cells, for example, a method of extracting a ruled line from a partial image of a table area and recognizing a rectangular area as one cell based on the ruled line can be used. The column of elements output from this module as a result of extraction is called table-structured data.

The element attribute assigning module 14 determines whether the row number or the column number is odd or even for each matrix element of the table-structured data output by the matrix element dividing module 13, and The determination result is added to the table-structured data as an attribute of the matrix element and passed to the output image generation module 15.

The output image generation module 15 receives the table structure data from the element attribute assignment module 14 and the input image from the document image input module 11. Then, for each matrix element, a partial image of the input document corresponding to the coordinate values of the table-structured data is divided and extracted, and here, a color arrangement parameter table 18 for every other row or every other column is used.
With reference to, coloring is performed according to the color arrangement parameter corresponding to the element attribute, and a partial image is generated. The partial image thus generated and the input original are combined to generate an output image, which is sent to the printout module 16. The portion other than the front area is a faithful reproduction of the input document.

However, when the ruled lines forming the cells inside the table are not parallel, each matrix element indicated by the coordinate values of the table structure data output by the matrix element division module 13 and the partial image of each cell of the actual document. The gap may occur. In this case, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-18987 is used to instruct each matrix element output by the matrix element division module 13 about the coordinates of one internal point avoiding the characters of the cell. By doing so, the partial image of each cell may be converted.

The color arrangement parameter table 18 expresses how color should be arranged for each matrix element of the table, and ROM (Read Only Memor).
y) and so on. The data held by this table is for supporting users who have little knowledge about color arrangements. For example, in the 1991 42nd Information Processing Society National Convention Proceedings 7Q-7 "About Evaluation Scale for Document Representation Quality". Quantitative data obtained by methods such as subjective evaluation as described, "Fuji Xerox, Presentation & Documentation, Fuji Xerox, 1989" and "Fuji Xerox D Promotion Group, Core Design Production Department" , Business Document Rendering Techniques-II Colorization, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, 199
Based on various knowledge necessary for deciding the design of the document, such as qualitative or quantitative data as described in “2 years”, or data showing decisions made by internal rules. It has been decided.

In the print-out module 16, the output image is read into the output image memory 19, this is transferred onto paper using the laser beam printing technique, and the paper is discharged.
In this embodiment, since full-color output is performed, it is assumed that the output image memory 19 holds gradation value information for four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for each pixel. Although a laser beam printer capable of full-color printing is used here, marking technology such as thermal transfer of plain paper may be used instead of the laser beam.

Next, the operation of the above copying machine will be described with reference to the flow chart. Here, a case will be described in which a document as shown in FIG. 2 is taken as an example, and a table in which items are color-coded every other line is output. In the following description, as for the coordinate system, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 2, the direction toward the right of the page is the x coordinate, and the direction toward the bottom of the page is the y direction.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the overall processing flow when a document is created by the copying machine shown in FIG. First, in the state of waiting for the input of the coloring instruction (step 1
01), the user places the document shown in FIG. 2 on a platen such as an image scanner, and selects "table (color)" on the operation panel as shown in FIG. When the start button is pressed in this state (step 102), the document image input module 11 starts scanning, and the image of the document is read into the image memory which is the input image memory (step 10).
3).

Next, the table area extracting module 12 performs a table area extracting process (step 104). Here, the flow of the table area extraction processing by the table area extraction module 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the read input image is divided into regions (step 201), and one region element is extracted from the unprocessed region elements (steps 202, 20).
3) It is determined whether the area is a table (step 204). If the area is a table, the area image is output (step 205). If the area is not a table, the next unprocessed area element is taken out and the same processing is performed for all area elements.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, an image of only the table area (table area image) is extracted and output.

Next, the matrix element division module 13 performs matrix element division processing on this table area image to generate table structure data (step 105 in FIG. 3). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, for a certain cell, it is in the second row and third column, and the coordinates of the upper left point are (100.0, 13
5.0), the coordinates of the lower right point are (110.0, 120.0)
It is determined that This process is performed for all cells of the surface area image. The table-structured data is represented by "total number of cells, number of rows, number of columns" (not shown) as a whole, and "row number, column number, upper left point x coordinate," as shown in FIG. 8 for each cell. Upper left point y coordinate, lower left point x coordinate, lower left point y coordinate ".

Next, the element attribute assigning module 14 assigns an element attribute (parity attribute in this example) to the matrix element of each cell (step 106). here,
The flow of element attribute addition processing by the element attribute addition module 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, one matrix element is extracted from the matrix elements that have not been subjected to the parity attribute addition process (step 3).
01, 302). Then, the remainder of 2 is obtained for the row number of each matrix element of the table-structured data (step 303), and it is determined whether the remainder is 1 (step 304). At this time, when the remainder is 1, that is, when the row number is odd, 1 is added to the parity attribute (step 305), and the remainder is 0,
That is, when the row number is an even number, 0 is added to the parity attribute (step 306). Hereinafter, the same processing is repeated until there is no matrix element for which the parity attribute assignment processing has not been performed in step 301.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, table structure data with a parity attribute is generated and sent to the output image generation module 15.

The output image generation module 15 generates partial images color-coded according to the element attributes of the table structure data,
Output image generation processing is performed (FIG. 3, step 107). Here, the flow of the output image generation processing by the output image generation module 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, one matrix element is extracted from the unprocessed matrix elements (steps 401 and 402), and it is determined whether or not the element attribute of the extracted matrix element is 1 (step 403). At this time, when the element attribute is 1, a partial image is generated according to the color arrangement parameter corresponding to 1 (step 404), and when the element attribute is not 1,
A partial image is generated according to the color arrangement parameter whose attribute is 0 (step 405). And step 401
When there is no unprocessed matrix element, the generated partial image and the input image are combined to generate an output image (step 406).

That is, the output image generation module 15 receives the table structure data to which the element attribute is added and compares it with the color arrangement parameter of the color arrangement parameter table registered in the ROM in advance. FIG. 12 shows an example of the color arrangement parameter table. If the parity attribute of each matrix element of the table-structured data is 1 as compared with the color arrangement parameter for every other row as shown in FIG. 12, Cyan2
5%, Magenta 25%, Yellow 5%, Bl
If ack0% and parity attribute is 0, Cyan10
%, Magenta 15%, Yellow 10%, Bl
A partial image colored as instructed by the color arrangement parameter corresponding to the element attribute such as ack 0% is generated. This example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the left is the input image and the right is the generated partial image.

Next, the generated partial image is embedded in the white portion of the input original for each pixel. For this processing, for example, a method of taking an OR (logical sum) may be used by a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-65126. In this way, finally, the document image color-coded every other line is mapped to the output image memory 19 of the printout module 16. The output image generated in this manner is visualized on plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process (laser beam printing, etc.) and is recorded and displayed as shown in FIG. 14 (FIG. 3, step 10).
8).

Similarly, it is possible to output a table in which every other column is color-coded. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the processing of the element attribute assignment module 14 in this case. The element attribute assigning module 14 calculates the remainder of 2 for the column number of each matrix element of the table-structured data (step 50).
3) It is determined whether it is an odd number or an even number. As shown in FIG. 16, 0 is added as the parity attribute and 1 is added as the parity attribute and the parity attribute is sent to the output image generation module 15. Other processing is the same as that for every other line, but finally, the document image color-coded every other column is visualized on a plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process, and as shown in FIG. Recorded and displayed.

As described above, in the copying machine of the first embodiment, even if the user does not have any knowledge about color arrangement, the user can give a line or a line with an appropriate color arrangement only by giving a simple instruction "table (coloring)". You can create a color-coded table every other row. This makes it possible to easily read the contents of a table having a large number of items and to easily create a document that reduces reading errors.

Embodiment 2 Next, an embodiment of the document processing apparatus according to the second invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement when the document editing apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied to a copying machine.

The design instruction module 20 is a means for inputting design instructions, and is a touch input type which also functions as a selection button arranged on the operation panel of the device and a display section for displaying a message explaining the operation procedure. It is realized by a display or the like. When the button is pressed, the data corresponding to the designation is transferred to the element attribute assigning module 21. Here, the user's intention of color-coding every other row or every other column is selected and instructed.

The element attribute assigning module 21 has an odd row number or column number for each matrix element of the table-structured data output by the matrix element dividing module 13 according to the user's instruction in the design instruction module 20. Is determined to be an even number or an even number, and is added to the table structure data as an attribute of the matrix element, and the output image generation module 15
Hand over to.

The other structure is similar to that of the first embodiment. 18, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Next, the operation of the above copying machine will be described with reference to the flow chart. Here, a case will be described in which a document as shown in FIG. 2 is taken as an example and a table in which every other row or every other column is color-coded is output.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the overall processing flow when a document is created by the copying machine shown in FIG. First, while waiting for the input of the coloring instruction (step 6
01), the user places the document shown in FIG. 2 on a platen such as an image scanner, and selects "table (color)" on the operation panel as shown in FIG. Then, the panel as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display by the design instruction module 20, and the user is asked to select a design. While waiting for the input of the design instruction (step 602), the user selects either the color coding for every other row or the color coding for the one-row occurrence by the design instruction button. When the start button is pressed in this state (step 603), the document image input module 11 starts scanning, and the image of the document is read into the image memory which is the input image memory (step 604).

Next, the table area extraction module 12 and the matrix element division module 13 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment to generate table structure data (steps 605, 60).
6). Then, the element attribute addition module 21 performs an element attribute addition process on the matrix element of each cell (step 607). Here, the element attribute assignment module 21
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the flow of the element attribute addition processing by the.

First, one matrix element is extracted from the matrix elements that have not been subjected to the parity attribute addition process (step 7).
01, 702). And the design instruction is "every other line"
Is determined (step 703). At this time, when the design instruction is every other line, the remainder of 2 is obtained for the line number (step 704). If the design instruction is not every other row, the remainder of 2 is obtained for the column number (step 705). Next, as a result of obtaining the remainder of 2, it is determined whether the remainder is 1 (step 70).
6). At this time, when the remainder is 1, that is, an odd number, 1 is added to the parity attribute (step 707), and when the remainder is 0, that is, an even number, 0 is added to the parity attribute (step 708).

In this way, the element attribute assigning module 21
Then, for each matrix element of the table-structured data, if the user's instruction in the design instruction module 20 is "every other row", the surplus calculation of the row number 2 is performed, and if "every other column", the surplus calculation of the column number 2 is performed. It is determined whether it is an odd number or an even number, and 0 is added as the parity attribute and 1 is added as the parity attribute,
It is sent to the output image generation module 15.

The output image generation module 15 generates a partial image color-coded by the element attribute of the table structure data as in the first embodiment, and performs an output image generation process (step 608 in FIG. 19). User design instruction module 20
If "every other line" is selected, the generated output image is visualized on plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process (laser beam printing, etc.) and is recorded and displayed as shown in FIG. (FIG. 3, step 609).

As described above, according to the copying machine of the second embodiment,
Even if the user does not have any knowledge about color arrangement, the user can create a table in which a row or column is color-coded with an appropriate color, simply by giving a simple instruction of "every other row" or "every other column". As a result, it is possible to easily create a document that suits the user's intention or purpose with respect to the table, particularly for a table having a large number of items, and to reduce reading errors.

Embodiment 3 Next, an embodiment of the document processing apparatus according to the third invention will be described. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement when the document editing apparatus according to the third embodiment is applied to a copying machine.

The emphasizing unit instruction module 22 is realized by an editing pad, an editing instruction pen, etc. attached to the device. The user places the document to be edited on the editing pad and designates the column, row or cell to be emphasized. For example, if you want to specify a cell, specify a point inside it, and if you want to specify a column or row, specify a different
A point in one cell is pressed with an editing instruction pen or the like. Further, by using the ten-key pad attached to the device, the column number or the row number may be input when the column or the row is desired to be designated, or both of them may be designated when the cell is desired to be designated.

The element attribute assigning module 23 stores the table structure data output by the matrix element dividing module 13,
The coordinate value of the point designated by the emphasizing unit instructing module is compared with the row number and the column number to determine whether or not each matrix element is an emphasizing unit. Then, the determination result is given to the table structure data as the emphasis attribute of the matrix element, and is passed to the output image generation module 24.

The basic operation of the output image generation module 24 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but here, the color arrangement parameter table relating to coloring in the emphasizing portion is referred to. Further, the data held in this parameter table is also determined in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment.

The other modules are the same as those in the first embodiment. 22, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Next, the operation of the above copying machine will be described with reference to the flow chart. Here, a case will be described in which a document as shown in FIG. 2 is taken as an example and the instructed emphasized portion is colored and output.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the flow of the entire processing when a document is created by the copying machine shown in FIG. First, while waiting for the input of the coloring instruction (step 8
01), when the user puts the document in FIG. 2 on a platen such as an image scanner and selects “table (color)” on the operation panel as shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG.
The emphasizing unit instruction module 22 displays a message on the display to instruct the user to press a point in two different cells included in the column to be emphasized with an editing instruction pen or the like. Next, in the state of waiting for the input of the emphasis portion instruction (step 802), the user instructs two points according to the message as shown in FIG. 25, and moves the original document to the original image input module 11.

When the start button is pressed in this state (step 803), the document image input module 11 starts scanning, and the image of the document is read into the image memory which is the input image memory (step 804). Next, the table area extraction module 12 and the matrix element division module 13 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment to generate table structure data (steps 805 and 806).

Subsequently, the element attribute assigning module 23 performs a process of assigning an emphasis attribute (step 807). Here, the flow of the emphasizing attribute imparting process by the element attribute imparting module 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, one matrix element is extracted from the matrix elements that have not been subjected to the emphasis attribute addition processing (step 90).
1, 902), and it is determined whether the upper left point x-coordinate of the target cell is larger than the maximum x-coordinate of the designated point designated by the user (the larger of the x-coordinates of the two points). Step 903). Here, if Yes, 0 is added to the emphasis attribute (step 904). Also, No
If it is, it is determined whether the lower right x coordinate of the target cell is smaller than the minimum x coordinate of the designated point (step 905). If Yes, step 9
If the result is No, it is determined whether the lower right y coordinate of the target cell is larger than the maximum y coordinate of the designated point (step 906). Here, if Yes, the process proceeds to step 904, and if No, it is determined whether or not the y coordinate of the upper right point of the target cell is smaller than the y coordinate minimum value of the designated point (step 907). Here, if Yes, the process proceeds to step 904, and if No, 1 is added to the emphasis attribute (step 90).
8).

In this way, the element attribute assigning module 23
Then, the coordinate values of the two points indicating the emphasized portion designated by the emphasized portion instruction module 22 are compared with the coordinate values of each matrix element of the table structure data to extract the emphasized column number or row number. In the case of the instruction as shown in FIG. 25, the cell in the first row and the third column from the coordinates of the first point (127.5, 105.0) and the seventh row from the coordinates of the second point (110.0, 165.5) It is determined that the cell in the third column has been designated, that is, the emphasized portion is in the third column. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27, the matrix element whose column number of the table structure data is 3 has 1 as the emphasis attribute.
Is added to the other matrix elements and sent to the output image generation module 24. It should be noted that it does not matter which of the instruction of the emphasis portion and the input of the image comes first.

The output image generation module 24 receives the table-structured data to which the element attribute is added and preliminarily stores the R-structured data.
This is compared with a color arrangement parameter registered in the OM as shown in FIG. If the emphasis attribute of each matrix element of the table-structured data is 1, Cyan 10%,
Magenta 30%, Yellow 25%, Blac
If k0% and emphasis attribute are 0, Cyan 20%, Mag
As in the case of the first embodiment, the partial image is generated as instructed by the color arrangement parameters corresponding to the element attributes such as enta15%, Yellow0%, and Black0%.
Finally, the document image colored in the highlighted portion is mapped onto the output image memory of the printout module 16 (step 808 in FIG. 23). The output image generated in this way is visualized on plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process, and is recorded and displayed as shown in FIG. 14 (step 809).

In the above embodiment, the case where the selected one column is colored as the highlight portion has been described.
The same applies to cell emphasis.

As described above, according to the copying machine of the third embodiment,
Even if the user does not have any knowledge about color schemes, simply by giving a simple instruction "table (coloring)" and the emphasis section,
It is possible to create a table in which the designated portion is highlighted with an appropriate color scheme. This makes it possible to easily create a document that reflects the user's intention to emphasize the table.

Embodiment 4 Next, an embodiment of the document processing apparatus according to the fourth invention will be described. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement when the document editing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is applied to a copying machine.

The logical attribute instruction module 25 is realized by an edit pad, an edit instruction pen, etc. attached to the device. The user sets the document to be edited on the edit pad and designates the item part or the content part in order to distinguish logical attributes such as whether each matrix element is the item part or the content part. . For example, a point in the two cells at the upper left corner and the lower right corner in the content portion is pressed with an editing instruction pen or the like. Further, it may be instructed by inputting a column number or a row number showing the item section with a ten-key pad attached to the device.

The element attribute assigning module 26, the table structure data output by the matrix element dividing module 13,
The coordinate value of the point designated by the logical attribute designation module 25, or the row number and the column number are compared to determine whether each matrix element is an item part or a content part,
It is given to the table-structured data as an attribute of the matrix element and is passed to the output image generation module 27.

The element attribute assigning module 26 may determine whether it is the item part or the content part based on the thickness of the ruled line surrounding each cell. In this case, the logical attribute instruction module 25 can be omitted.

The operation of the output image generation module 27 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but here, the color arrangement parameter table relating to the color division of the item part and the content part is referred to. Further, the data held in this parameter table is also determined in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment.

The other modules are the same as those in the first embodiment. In FIG. 30, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Next, the operation of the above copying machine will be described with reference to the flow chart. Here, a case will be described in which a document as shown in FIG. 2 is taken as an example and the item part and the content part are output in different colors.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the overall processing flow when a document is created by the copying machine shown in FIG. First, while waiting for input of coloring instructions (Step 1
001), when the user puts the document of FIG. 2 on a platen such as an image scanner and selects “table (coloring)” on the operation panel as shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. A message is displayed on the display by the logical attribute instruction module 25 so that the points in the two cells at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the content portion are pressed with an editing instruction pen or the like. Next, while waiting for the input of the contents section instruction (step 1002), the user, as shown in FIG.
Two points are designated according to the message, and the original document is moved to the original image input module 11. When the start button is pressed in this state (step 1003), the document image input module 11 starts scanning, and the image of the document is read into the image memory which is the input image memory (step 1).
004). Next, the table area extraction module 12 and the matrix element division module 13 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment to generate table structure data (steps 1005, 10).
06).

Subsequently, the element attribute assigning module 26 performs a logical attribute assigning process (step 1007). Here, the flow of the logical attribute addition processing by the element attribute addition module 26 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, one matrix element is extracted from the matrix elements that have not been subjected to the logical attribute addition processing (step 110).
1, 1102), the x coordinate of the upper left point of the target cell is the maximum x coordinate of the designated point designated by the user (two x points).
It is determined whether or not it is larger than the larger one of the coordinates (step 1103). Here, if Yes, 1 is added to the logical attribute (step 1104). If No, it is determined whether the lower right x coordinate of the target cell is smaller than the minimum x coordinate of the designated point (step 1105). Here, if Yes, the process proceeds to step 1104, and if No, it is determined whether or not the y-coordinate of the lower right point of the target cell is larger than the maximum y-coordinate value of the designated point (step 1106). Here, if Yes, the process proceeds to step 1104 and No.
If it is, it is determined whether or not the y coordinate of the upper right point of the target cell is smaller than the y coordinate minimum value of the designated point (step 1107). Here, if Yes, the process proceeds to step 1104, and if No, 0 is added to the logical attribute (step 1108).

In this way, the element attribute assigning module 26
Then, the coordinate values of the two points indicating the content part designated by the logical attribute designating module 25 are compared with the coordinate values of each matrix element of the table structure data to extract the row number and column number of the item part. In the case of the instruction as shown in FIG. 33, the coordinates (1
10.5, 105.0) to the cell in the second row and second column, and the coordinate of the second point (145.0, 165.5) to the cell in the seventh row and fourth column. 1st row and 4th
Determined as a line. As a result, as shown in FIG. 35, the matrix element having the row number 1 or the column number 1 of the table-structured data is given 1 as the logical attribute and the other matrix elements are given 0 to generate the output image. Send to module 27. Either the logical attribute instruction or the image input may come first.

The output image generation module 27 receives the table-structured data to which the element attribute is added, and R
It is compared with the color arrangement parameters relating to the color division of the item part and the content part as shown in FIG. 36 registered in the OM. If the logical attribute of each matrix element of the table-structured data is 1, then Cyan
25%, Magenta 25%, Yellow 15%,
Black0%, if the logical attribute is 0, Cyan15
%, Magenta 20%, Yellow 20%, Bl
As in the case of the first embodiment, a partial image is generated as instructed by the color arrangement parameter corresponding to the element attribute such as ack0%, and finally the document image in which the item part and the content part are color-coded is printed out by the printout module. Are mapped to the output image memory (step 1008 in FIG. 31). The output image generated in this manner is visualized on plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process, and is recorded and displayed as shown in FIG. 37 (step 1009).

As described above, according to the copying machine of the fourth embodiment,
Even if the user does not have any knowledge about color schemes, they can simply specify "table (coloring)" and the content section.
It is possible to create a table in which the item part and the content part are distinguished by an appropriate color scheme. This makes it possible to easily create a document whose contents are easy to read with respect to the table.

Embodiment 5 Next, an embodiment of the document processing apparatus according to the fifth invention will be described. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement when the document editing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is applied to a copying machine.

The design instruction module 28 is realized by a selection button arranged on the operation panel of the device and a touch input type display which also serves as a display section for displaying a message explaining the operation procedure. When the button is pressed, the data corresponding to the designation is transferred to the element attribute assignment module 31 and the color arrangement parameter determination module 29. Here, the user's intention such as color-coding every other row or column, highlighting a part, or color-coding the item part and the content part is selected and instructed. These choices are not exclusive and may be combined. Also,
An output paper size selection button, which is prepared for ordinary copying machines, is also provided.

The color arrangement parameter determination module 29 uses a plurality of color arrangement parameter tables 3 registered in advance.
From 0, the parameter table corresponding to the user's intention instructed by the design instruction module 28 is transferred to the output image generation module 32. When the instruction by the design instruction module 28 is a combination of several instructions, a parameter table suitable for the combination is output. The parameter table is categorized by output paper size, design instruction content, etc. and stored in the ROM. When the storage amount is large, it may be realized by a magnetic disk device or the like. Further, the data held in this parameter table is determined in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment.

As the emphasizing unit instruction module 22, the same one as in the third embodiment is used.

The logical attribute instruction module 25 is used in the fourth embodiment.
The same as is used.

The element attribute assigning module 31 selects the same processing as that of the element attribute assigning module of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment according to the user's intention instructed by the design instruction module 28. Then, the table structure data output by the matrix element division module 13 is provided with respective attributes for each matrix element and is passed to the output image generation module 32.

The output image generation module 32 receives the color arrangement parameter table 30 from the color arrangement parameter determination module 29, receives the table structure data from the element attribute addition module 31 and the input image from the original image input module 11. For each matrix element, the partial image of the input document corresponding to the coordinate values of the table structure data is divided and extracted, and the color arrangement parameter table output from the color arrangement parameter determination module 29 is referred to, and the parameter corresponding to the element attribute is extracted. A partial image is generated according to the value. Hereinafter, the same processing as the output image generation module of the first embodiment is performed.

The other modules are based on FIG. 38, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Next, the operation of the above copying machine will be described with reference to a flowchart. Here, a case will be described where a document as shown in FIG. 2 is used as an example, and the emphasized portions designated by the color separation every other line are colored and output.

A flow chart of FIG. 39 shows the overall processing flow when a document is created by the copying machine of FIG. First, while waiting for input of coloring instructions (Step 1
201), when the user puts the document shown in FIG. 2 on a platen such as an image scanner and selects “table (color)” on the operation panel as shown in FIG. 4, a state of waiting for input of design instructions. (Step 1202). Here, the design instruction module 28 displays a panel as shown in FIG. 40 on the display so that the user can select what kind of design. The user selects whether to color every other row or every other column, to color the highlight portion, or to color the item portion and the content portion.

When the user sets the design instruction button, the element attribute assignment module 31 determines whether the design instruction is the highlight portion coloring (step 120).
3) If the highlighting is coloring, the process waits until the highlighting is instructed (step 1204). Further, it is judged whether or not the design instruction is color-coded for items and contents (step 1205), and if these are color-coded, the process waits until the contents section is instructed (step 1206).

If "every other row" or "every other column" is selected in the design instruction module 28, the same operation as that of the second embodiment is performed thereafter. When emphasis is selected, the same operation as that of the third embodiment is performed thereafter. Further, when “item and content” is selected, the same operation as that of the fourth embodiment is performed thereafter. It is also possible to select some of them in combination. In this embodiment, it is assumed that "every other line" and "emphasis" are selected.

When "highlighting" is instructed by the user, as shown in FIG. 24, the highlighting part instructing module 22 instructs the points in two cells in different columns to be emphasized to be pressed by an editing instructing pen or the like. The message is displayed on the display. As shown in FIG. 25, the user instructs two points according to the message and moves the original document to the image input module 11. When the start button is pressed in this state (step 1207), the document image input module 11 starts scanning, and the image of the document is read into the image memory which is the input image memory (step 1208).
Next, the table area extraction module 12 and the matrix element division module 13 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment to generate table structure data (steps 1209 and 1210).

Next, in the element attribute assigning module 31,
The remainder calculation of 2 is performed on the row number of each matrix element of the table-structured data to determine whether it is an odd number or an even number.
As shown in 1, if the parity attribute is even, 0 is assigned, and if it is odd, 1 is assigned (step 1211). In addition, the coordinate values of the two points indicating the emphasized portion designated by the emphasized portion instruction module 22 are compared with the coordinate values of each matrix element of the table structure data to extract the emphasized column number or row number. For example, in the case of the instruction as shown in FIG. 25, the coordinates (1
10.0, 105.0) indicates that the cell in the first row and third column has been designated, and the coordinate in the second point (110.5, 165.0) has designated the cell in the seventh row and third column. Determined to be in 3 columns. As a result, as shown in FIG. 41, the matrix element whose column number of the table structure data is 3 is given 1 as the emphasis attribute and 0 is given to the other matrix elements, and the output image generation module 3
Send to 2. It does not matter which of the design instruction, the emphasizing portion instruction, and the image input comes first.

The color arrangement parameter determination module 29
Then, from among the color arrangement parameter tables of a plurality of tables that have been classified and registered in the ROM in advance, a parameter table for every other row and for the coloring of the emphasis portion is selected as shown in FIG. 42, and the output image is generated. Send to module 32.

The output image generation module 32 receives the table structure data to which the element attributes are added and the color arrangement parameter table, and the emphasis attribute of each matrix element of the table structure data is 1
And the parity attribute is 1, Cyan 10%, M
agenta 30%, Yellow 25%, Black
If 0%, the emphasis attribute is 1, and the parity attribute is 0,
Cyan 10%, Magenta 20%, Yellow
15%, Black 0%, emphasis attribute 0, and parity attribute 0, Cyan 10%, Magenta 1
As in the case of the first embodiment, partial images are generated in accordance with the color arrangement parameters corresponding to the element attributes, such as 5%, Yellow 10%, and Black 0%, and finally, every other line is color-coded and emphasized. The document image colored in the set is mapped onto the output image memory 19 of the printout module 16 (step 1212). The output image generated in this manner is visualized on plain paper or the like according to a normal full-color image output process, and is recorded and displayed as shown in FIG. 43 (step 1213).

As described above, according to the copying machine of the fifth embodiment,
Even if the user does not have knowledge about design and color scheme,
You can create a colored table with an appropriate color scheme simply by selecting the displayed design. This makes it possible to easily create a good-looking document that suits the user's intention and purpose regarding the table.

Modifications In the printout module 16, instead of using a laser beam printer capable of printing in full color, a printer capable of printing another character based on black, or printing only one color may be used. It is also conceivable to use a possible printer. As a result, it can be expected to realize at a lower cost and improve the printing speed. However, in this case, since the number of colors that can be used is limited, it is necessary to change the color arrangement parameter and the like. In this case, it is also possible to change the modification pattern such as shading to compensate for the small number of colors.

The present invention can also be applied to a document preparation device such as a DTP or word processor, and a complicated design instruction can omit complicated operations. In this case, the table-structured data expressing each matrix element may be held as internal data.

[0097]

As described above, in the document processing apparatus according to the present invention, after dividing the table area in the document into a plurality of cells, whether the row number or the column number of each cell is odd or even. Since the element attribute indicating the is added to the matrix element of each cell and each cell image is colored according to the color arrangement parameter corresponding to the element attribute to generate the output image, the user can easily create an output image. By giving instructions, for example, you get a table that is color-coded every other row or every other column, a table in which the indicated part is highlighted with an appropriate color scheme, or a table in which the item part and the content part are distinguished by an appropriate color scheme. be able to.

Therefore, it is possible for the user to easily create a document having a high-quality design in accordance with the instruction without having any knowledge about color arrangement.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when a document processing apparatus according to a first invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input document.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a document is created by the copying machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a table area extraction module.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing result of a table area extraction module.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of elements extracted by a matrix element division module.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of table-structured data output from a matrix element division module.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an element attribute assignment module according to the first exemplary embodiment (color coding for every other line).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of table structure data to which a parity attribute is added according to the first embodiment (every other row is color-coded).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an output image generation module.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of color arrangement parameters related to color coding every other row or every other column.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a partial image generated by an output image generation module.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an output image in which every other line is color-coded.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an element attribute assignment module according to the first exemplary embodiment (color coding for every other column).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of table structure data to which a parity attribute is added according to the first embodiment (color coding for every other column).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an output image in which every other line is color-coded.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the document processing apparatus according to the second invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a document is created by the copying machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example of a design instruction panel according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an element attribute assignment module according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the document processing apparatus according to the third invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a document is created by the copying machine of the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display example of an emphasized portion instruction panel according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an emphasis portion instruction for an input document.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an element attribute assignment module according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of table-structured data to which an emphasis attribute is added.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of color arrangement parameters relating to coloring of an emphasis portion.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an output image in which a highlight portion is colored.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the document processing apparatus according to the fourth invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a document is created by the copying machine of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of a contents section instruction panel in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a content section instruction.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an element attribute assignment module according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of table-structured data to which a logical attribute is added.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of color arrangement parameters relating to color coding of an item part and a content part.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an output image in which an item part and a content part are color-coded.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the document processing apparatus according to the fifth invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a document is created by the copying machine of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a display example of the design instruction panel according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of table-structured data to which a parity attribute and a logical attribute are added.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of color arrangement parameters relating to every other line of color classification and coloring of highlighting portions.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of an output image in which every other line is color-coded and the emphasis portion is colored.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Original image input module, 12 ... Surface area extraction module, 13 ... Matrix element division module, 14 (23,
26, 31) ... Element attribute assigning module, 15 (24,
27, 32) ... Output image generation module, 16 ... Printout module, 17 ... Input image memory, 18 ... Color arrangement parameter table, 19 ... Output image memory, 20 ...
Design instruction module, 21 ... Element attribute assignment module, 22 ... Emphasized portion instruction module, 25 ... Logical attribute instruction module, 28 ... Design instruction module, 29 ... Color arrangement parameter determination module, 30 ... Color arrangement parameter table

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A document image holding means for holding a document image input as a digital image, a table area extracting means for extracting a table area on the document image, and the extracted table area divided into a plurality of cells. Then, the matrix element dividing means for extracting the row number, the column number, and the coordinate value as the matrix element of each cell, and the odd or even of the row number or the column number for the matrix element of each cell is determined, Element attribute giving means for giving the result as an element attribute, table holding means for holding a color arrangement parameter relating to the color coding of the table as a color arrangement parameter table, and from the document image held in the document image holding means,
An output image generation unit that cuts out the cell image of each of the divided cells, colors the cell image according to the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image, and generates the output image. And a visualization unit that visualizes the generated output image, the document processing apparatus. 2. A design instructing means for selectively instructing whether the table area is colored every other row or every other column, and the element attribute assigning means is a matrix of each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means. The element is judged whether the selection instruction is every other row, its row number, or every other column, whether the column number is odd or even, and the judgment result is given as an element attribute. 1. The document processing device according to 1. 3. An emphasizing unit instructing unit for instructing an emphasizing unit based on a user's instruction for a matrix element in a table area, wherein the element attribute assigning unit is provided for each cell divided by the matrix element dividing unit. The attribute of the emphasis part designated by the emphasis part designating means is given to the matrix element as an element attribute, and the output image generating means uses the matrix element dividing means from the document image held in the document image holding means. The cell image is cut out for each matrix element of each divided cell, and the cell image is colored according to the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image to generate the output image. The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document processing apparatus is a document processing apparatus. 4. A logical attribute instructing means for instructing a logical attribute of whether it is an item part or a content part for a matrix element in a table area, wherein the element attribute assigning means is divided by a matrix element dividing means. The logical attribute designated by the logical attribute designating means is added to the matrix element as an element attribute, and the output image generating means determines the matrix element dividing means from the document image held in the document image holding means. The cell image is cut out for each matrix element of each cell divided by, and each cell image is colored according to the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image, and the output image is generated. The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. A design instructing means for selectively instructing whether the table area is color-coded every other row or every other column, and a plurality of color arrangement parameters are referred to with reference to the designated color-coding.
A color arrangement parameter determining means for selecting one parameter table from the table, and an emphasizing portion instructing means for instructing an emphasizing portion based on a user's instruction for the matrix elements in the table area, The matrix element of the table area is provided with logical attribute designating means for designating a logical attribute of whether it is an item part or a content part, and the element attribute assigning means is provided for each cell divided by the matrix element dividing means. The attribute instructed by the emphasizing unit instructing unit or the matrix element dividing unit is added to the matrix element as an element attribute, and the output image generation unit selects the matrix element from the document image held in the document image holding unit. The cell image is cut out for each matrix element of each cell divided by the dividing means, and the parameter value of the color arrangement parameter table corresponding to the element attribute given to the matrix element of the cell image Color each cell image according to
The document processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output image is generated.