JPH0638021A - Color image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To change the combination of image processing such as color conversion or erase to a specified reading color and an image part in that reading color corresponding to areas in an original. CONSTITUTION:A storage means 103 for editing code generation inputs a reading color code 114 showing the reading color of an original image generated by a reading color judging means 101 and an area code 115 showing whether the part is in the area designated by a marker generated by an area judging means 102 and outputs an output color setting code 116 set for each area and reading color or other codes 117-119. On the other hand, data selecting means 105 and 107 controlled by the drop setting code 118 and drop part density level setting code 119 select either base density data 121 generated by density data 120 and a base density detecting means 104 or blank level density data 123 and output the selected data as density data 124.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color image processing apparatus for performing specific image processing such as color conversion on a specific color in a color original.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital color copying machine reads a color original with a full color sensor and prints it with two or more colors. This digital color copying machine is characterized in that a color original is read as an analog value and then converted into a digital value, so that processing such as editing becomes easy after this conversion. The editing function of this digital color copying machine has a function of performing processing such as deletion or inversion on an area designated by a marker or the like, and converting a specific designated reading color into a designated conversion designated color and outputting it. There are functions, etc.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-141448, attributes for image editing can be set for each predetermined area of an image.
A technique of storing the set attribute information in the attribute storage means and editing the data of the color original read by the color density reading means based on the stored editing attribute information (hereinafter referred to as the first conventional technique). )It is shown.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-46071, a read specific color of a color image can be converted into another designated color, and the read specific color and the conversion designated color can be selected from a plurality of colors. Such a technique (hereinafter referred to as the second conventional technique) is shown.

[0005]

Now, referring to FIG.
It is assumed that there is a box design as shown in (a). In this figure, the designer's mark (the letter Fuji in a vertically elongated oval) is red, and the others are black. Only by changing the lateral dimension, which is a part of the dimension of this box, from “200” to “180”, a box having the same dimension as that of FIG. 13A is required except that the red pen is shown in FIG. 13A. Then, it is assumed that the leader line and the characters “change to 180” (hereinafter, these are referred to as comments) are entered to obtain FIG. 13B. As shown in this figure, the leader line is overlaid with the letter "box" in the figure. When creating a box of a new size, the design drawing shown in FIG. 13C in which the two parts of the horizontal size “200” and the comment are deleted is required. Therefore, by using a digital color copying machine, as shown in FIG.
13B is read as a manuscript, edited, and then subjected to the process shown in FIG.
Suppose you want to get a copy of the blueprint shown in (c). However, in such a case, the first and second prior arts have the following problems.

In the case of the first prior art, the leader line is a "box".
Since it overlaps with the character "," it is not possible to set an area that includes only two parts, "200" and a comment. Therefore, by deleting only these two parts, as shown in FIG.
The copy shown in (c) cannot be obtained. For example, the area is set as the inside of the loop 100 shown in FIG.
Even if the output prohibition is set as attribute information and a copy is made, the two parts of "200" and the comment are certainly deleted, but the character "box" is also deleted at the same time. In the first prior art, there is also a function to specify a print color for each area, but even if the print color inside the loop 1 shown in FIG. Together with the two parts of "200" and the comment, the character "box" is also converted into white and disappears.

In the case of the second prior art, the designated color can be selected for each read specific color to perform color conversion.
It is conceivable that (b) is read as an original, red is set as the read specific color, and white is set as the conversion designated color. However, if a copy is made with this setting, the comments are certainly deleted, but the designer's mark in red is also deleted at the same time. Also, the character "200" remains.

Up to this point, in the prior art, FIG.
It was explained that it is not possible to delete only two parts, "200" and comment in (b).
It is possible to convert only two parts of "0" and the comment to another color, or to convert the two parts of "200" and the comment and the part of the same red designer mark to different colors. It couldn't be processed.

By the way, one of the functions of the digital copying machine is a background removal function for converting a portion having a predetermined density level or a density lower than the density level of the background portion of the document into a pure white level. In a digital copying machine with this function, if the entire surface is a halftone image such as a photograph, it will be difficult to reproduce a faithful image, that is, halftone reproduction if the background is removed. Sometimes. When there is a portion to be erased inside the area where the background removal is not performed and the area where the attribute information is prohibited to be output is set by the first conventional technique, or when the conversion designation color is white by the second conventional technique. In any case, the density after conversion becomes “0” (white), and the part where the image has been erased appears white from the surrounding background part, giving the user an uncomfortable image. There is a problem that it ends up.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a color image processing apparatus capable of changing a combination of image processing for a specific read color and an image portion of the read color according to a region in a document. To provide.

A second object of the present invention is to convert a specific reading color in a document into a specified conversion designated color, and to combine a reading color and a conversion designated color in accordance with an area in the document. It is to provide a color image processing device that can be changed.

A third object of the present invention is to perform a color image processing capable of erasing a specific read color portion of a document and changing the color to be erased according to the area of the document. To provide a device.

A fourth object of the present invention is, in addition to the above second or third object, a color image processing apparatus capable of erasing a part of a specific read color without giving a sense of discomfort to the surroundings. To provide.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image processing apparatus, a region recognition means for recognizing a specific region in a document, and a reading designation for each region recognized by the region recognition means. Setting means for setting a combination of a color and image processing for an image portion of the read designated color, and for the color image information obtained by reading the original, for each area recognized by the area recognizing means, by the setting means And an image processing unit that performs image processing according to the combination.

In this color image processing apparatus, the combination of the designated reading color and the image processing for the image portion of the designated reading color is set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means, and the image processing is performed according to this combination. Image processing is performed by the means.

A color image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a combination of an area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, and a designated read color and a conversion designated color for each area recognized by the area recognition means. And the color image information obtained by scanning the original, for each area recognized by the area recognition means, according to the combination set by the setting means, the color of the image portion of the designated reading color is converted. It is provided with a color conversion unit that performs processing for converting to a designated color.

In this color image processing apparatus, the combination of the designated reading color and the designated conversion color is set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and the image of the designated reading color is set by the color conversion means according to this combination. The color of the part is converted to the specified color.

In the color image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in the original, and the designated read color and white are included for each area recognized by the area recognition means. Setting means for setting a combination with the conversion designated color, background density detecting means for detecting the density of the background portion of the original, and color image information obtained by reading the original for each area recognized by the area recognizing means. In accordance with the combination set by the setting means, the color conversion means for converting the color of the image portion of the read designated color into the conversion designated color, and the density of the image portion converted to white by this color conversion means, And a density conversion means for converting into the background density detected by the background density detection means.

In this color image processing apparatus, similarly to the second aspect of the invention, the color of the image portion of the read designated color is converted into the conversion designated color and the image portion of the image portion is converted into white for each area. The density is converted into the background density of the original.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image processing apparatus in which the area recognition means, the setting means, the background density detection means and the color conversion means, and the image converted into white by the color conversion means. Selection means for selecting whether to convert the density of the part to the background density of the document or to the density of white, and the density of the image part converted to white by the color conversion means to the density selected by the selection means And a density conversion means for performing the conversion.

In this color image processing apparatus, as in the second aspect of the present invention, the color of the image portion of the read designated color is converted into the conversion designated color and the image portion of the image portion is converted into white for each area. The density is converted into the selected density of the background density and the white density of the original.

In the color image processing apparatus of the present invention, the area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in the document and the designated reading color to be erased are set for each area recognized by the area recognition means. Setting means, and color erasing means for performing processing for erasing the image portion of the designated read color set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means with respect to the color image information obtained by reading the document. It is equipped with.

In this color image processing apparatus, the read designation color to be erased is set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and the image portion of the read designated color is deleted by the color erasing means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image processing apparatus, the area recognition means, the setting means and the color erasing means in the fifth aspect of the invention, and the background density detecting means for detecting the density of the background portion of the document. A density conversion unit that converts the density of the image portion of the read designated color erased by the color erasing unit into the background density detected by the background density detecting unit.

In this color image processing apparatus, similarly to the fifth aspect of the invention, the image portion of the designated reading color is erased for each area, and the density of the erased image portion is converted into the background density of the original. To be done.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image processing apparatus in which the area recognizing means, the setting means, the color erasing means and the background density detecting means in the sixth aspect of the invention and the read designated color set by the setting means are set. The selecting means selects the density of the image portion to be converted into the background density or the white density of the original, and the density of the image portion of the designated reading color to be erased by the color erasing means. And a density converting means for converting to a density.

In this color image processing apparatus, similarly to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image portion of the designated reading color is erased for each area, and the density of the erased image portion is the background density of the document. Converted to a selected density of white.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 12 relate to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the color image processing apparatus of this embodiment reads red, green, and blue obtained by reading an original (hereinafter, these are referred to as R, G, and B for signals).
Of the three primary color digital image signals 111, 112,
113 is input and the G image signal 112 is used as the image density data 120. The color image processing apparatus inputs the image signals 111, 112, 113, determines the read color of the image on the document based on these signals, and outputs the read color as the read color code 114.
And an area determining unit 102 that determines whether or not each pixel is within the area designated by the marker based on the color code determined to be a marker from the read color code 114, and outputs a coded area code 115. , Various edit codes set for each area and each read color are stored, and the read color code 11
4 and an edit code generation storage means 103 for outputting an edit code corresponding to the area code 115.

There are four edit codes output by the edit code generating storage means 103: an output color setting code 116, a background removal possible setting code 117, a drop setting code 118 and a drop portion density level setting code 119. The output color setting code 116 is a code for selecting one of the two output colors of black and red. Background removal possible setting code 1
Reference numeral 17 is a code for selecting whether or not to remove the background.
The drop setting code 118 is a code for selecting whether to erase an image of a specific color (hereinafter, also referred to as dropping). Drop portion density level setting code 119
Is a code for selecting whether to convert the image density to the background level or the white level when the image of a specific color is erased.

The color image processing apparatus further receives the image density data 120, detects the density of the background portion of the document, and outputs the background density data 121 according to the background density detecting means 104 and the drop setting code 118. Data selection means (1) 105 for selecting and outputting one of the image density data 120 and the background density data 121, a drop setting code 118, and a drop portion density level setting code 119.
AND gate 106 that takes the logical product of AND and data selection means (1) 105 according to the output of AND gate 106.
Output 122 and true white level density data 123 are selected and output, and an output 124 of the data selection means (2) 107 is input, and the background removal enable setting code 117 is input. Background removal means 10 for performing background removal processing and outputting as image density data 125
8 and.

Of the respective means shown in FIG. 1, the edit code generating storage means 103 is, for example, a look-up table (hereinafter referred to as LUT) realized by a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM). The area code 115 and the read color code 114 are input as addresses, and each edit code is output.
Further, the data selecting means 105 and 107 are composed of selectors, for example. Other means will be described in detail later.

The relationship between the input and the output in the edit code generating storage means 103 is preset as shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1, each setting code in the first area and the second area is the same as the priority processing area in the first area and the second area. Further, the drop setting code of the color designated as the marker color is automatically set to "1", whereby the marker can be erased.

[0034]

[Table 1]

The number of bits and the meaning of each code in FIG. 1 and Table 1 are as shown in Table 2 below.

[0036]

[Table 2]

Next, the operation of the color image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In this embodiment, two types of areas can be designated on the same document using two-color marker pens. An image signal 11 obtained by reading an image on a document with a full-color image sensor using, for example, a charge-coupled device (hereinafter referred to as CCD), and converting R, G, B analog signals output from the sensor into digital signals.
1, 112, and 113 are input to the read color determination unit 101. In the read color determination means 101, the image signal 11
Based on Nos. 1, 112, and 113, arithmetic processing for calculating the hue and saturation of the three attributes of color is performed, and the read color of the image on the document is determined for each pixel from the hue and saturation. The determined read color is coded, and as the read color code 114, the edit code generating storage means 103 and the area determination means 10 are generated.
Entered in 2. The area determining unit 102 determines, based on the color code determined as the marker from the read color code 114, whether each pixel on the document is inside or outside the closed loop formed by the marker, The encoded area code 115 is output to the edit code generating storage means 103.

The edit code generating storage means 103 receives the area code 115 and the read color code 114 as address inputs, and outputs the output color setting code 116, the background removal possible setting code 117, and the drop setting which are set for each area and each reading color. Code 118 and drop part density level setting code 1
19 is output. The output color setting code 116 makes it possible to replace the designated reading designated color with another designated conversion designated color for each designated area on the document.

Further, the G image signal 112 is inputted to the background density detecting means 104 and the data selecting means (1) 105 as image density data 120. Background density detecting means 1
04 determines, for each pixel, whether or not the density is within the range of the set upper limit value and the lower limit value.
The background density is detected by sampling every pixel to obtain the average density of the latest 4 pixels, and the background density data 12
Output as 1. The background density data 121 is input to the data selection means (1) 105. The drop setting code 118 is input as a control signal to the data selecting means (1) 105. Data selection means (1) 105
Selects and outputs the image density data 120 when the drop setting code 118 is "0", and selects and outputs the background density data 121 when the drop setting code 118 is "1". As described above, the drop setting code 118 can replace the density of the portion where the image is erased with the background density, and the portion of the specific read color can be erased without giving a sense of discomfort with the surroundings. Become.

Output 122 of data selection means (1) 105
Is input to the data selection means (2) 107. This data selection means (2) 107 has a drop setting code 11
The output of the AND gate 106, which is the logical product of 8 and the drop portion density level setting code 119, is input as a control signal. The data selection means (2) 107 selects and outputs the output of the data selection means (1) 105 when the control signal is "0", and outputs the white level density data 123 when the control signal is "1". Select and output. The data selecting means (2) 107 makes it possible to select either the background density or the pure white level density as the density of the portion where the image is erased.

The output 124 of the data selecting means (2) 107 has the following three types depending on the combination of the drop setting code 118 and the drop portion density level setting code 119. That is, the drop setting code 11
When 8 is "0", drop density level setting code 1
Image density data 1 regardless of whether 19 is "0" or "1"
20 passes through the data selection means 105 and 107 as it is, and becomes the output 124. Also, the drop setting code 118
Is “1” and the drop portion density level setting code 119 is “0”, the data selecting means (1) 105 replaces the image density data 120 with the background density data 121, and the background density data 121 is selected. Means (2) 107
To output 124. When the drop setting code 118 is “1” and the drop portion density level setting code 119 is “1”, the data selecting means (1) 105.
The image density data 120 is replaced with the background density data 121, but since the true white level density data 123 is selected by the data selecting means (2) 107, the true white level density data 123 becomes the output 124.

Output 124 of the data selection means (2) 107
Is input to the background removing means 108. The background removal enabling setting code 117 is input to the background removal means 108 as a control signal. The background removing means 108 has a control signal of "0".
When the control signal is "1", the background is not removed, and the background is removed.

In this embodiment, if the drop setting code 118 for the read color is set to "1" and the drop portion density level setting code 119 is set to "1", the image portion of the specific read color becomes pure white. If the drop setting code 118 for the read color is set to "1" and the drop portion density level setting code 119 is set to "0", the density of the image portion of the specific read color becomes the same as the background density. Therefore, if the drop setting code 118 is set to "1" and the drop portion density level setting code 119 is set to "0" when erasing an image portion of a specific read color,
It is possible to output the image portion of the specific read color with the same density as the background density, and thereby the portion of the specific read color can be erased without giving a sense of discomfort with the surroundings. In this case, the output color setting code 116 is set to "0".
When the background color is set to black, it is possible to erase a specific read color part without giving a sense of discomfort with the surrounding when outputting the background color part in black.
When “1” is set to “1”, when a surrounding background portion is output in red, a portion of a specific read color can be erased without giving a sense of discomfort with the surroundings.

Next, a detailed description will be given by taking as an example the case where the color image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a digital color copying machine.

This digital color copying machine reads an original with a full-color image sensor, performs various image processing,
The image scanner unit is equipped with a page memory for storing image data that has undergone image editing, and a printing unit for printing the image data stored by the image scanner unit in two colors. The image scanner unit is provided with a control panel for the user to specify the number of copies and various image processing / editing functions, etc. The desired copy can be obtained by this control panel specification. There is.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image scanner unit. The image scanner unit 220 is a CCD
Has an image sensor 308 which is mounted on the CCD drive circuit 200. In the subsequent stage of the CCD drive circuit 200,
An analog circuit 201, a video (1) circuit 202, a video (2) circuit 203, a color circuit 204, a digital filter circuit (hereinafter referred to as a DF circuit) 206, and a halftone processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as an HTP circuit) 207. Is provided. Further, an area recognition circuit (hereinafter referred to as an AR circuit) 205 is connected to the color circuit 204, and an HTP is provided.
An edit circuit (hereinafter referred to as an EDIT circuit) 208 is connected to the circuit 207. Also, the video (1) circuit 202 to the HTP circuit 207, the AR circuit 205, and the E circuit
The DIT circuit 208 and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls them (1) circuit 209 are connected to each other by a VME bus 16 which is one of the system bus standards. The circuits 202 to 209 are the image processing unit 214.

A data processing circuit 210 is connected to the subsequent stage of the HTP circuit 207. This data processing circuit 210
Includes a CPU (2) circuit 211 and a page memory circuit 2
12 are connected. In addition, the CPU (2) circuit 211
A control panel 213 is connected to the. The data processing circuit 210 outputs the image data 215 to the printing unit 22.
1 and the control signal 238 from the printing unit 221 is input. Also, CPU
(2) The circuit 211 is the CPU via the control data line 120.
(1) It is connected to the circuit 209 and also connected to the control unit of the printing unit 236 via the control data line 237.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the printing unit. The print unit 221 is the image scanner unit 22.
Data separation unit 23 for inputting image data 215 from 0
1 and the first provided in the latter stage of the data separation unit 231.
The color image data memory 232 and the second color image data memory 234, the first color laser driving section 233 provided in the latter stage of the first color image data memory 232, and the latter stage of the second color image data memory 234 are provided. A second color laser drive unit 235 and a control unit 236 that controls each of the above units are provided. The control unit 236 is connected to the CPU (2) circuit 211 of the image scanner unit 220 via the control data line 237 and sends a control signal 238 to the data processing circuit 210 of the image scanner unit 220.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a part of the cross section of the image scanner section. The image scanner unit includes a plurality of document feed rollers 302 provided on the upper side of the document feeding path,
303, and a plurality of rollers 304 and 305 provided below the document feeding path and nipping the document 310 together with the document feed rollers 302 and 303. A platen glass (not shown) is provided on the lower side of the document transport path,
A platen roller 311 is provided on this platen glass. A light source 306 and C are provided on the lower side of the platen glass.
The image sensor 308 mounted on the CD drive circuit 200 and the original 31 illuminated by the light source 306
A convergent rod lens array 309 for forming an image of 0 on the image sensor 308 is provided. In addition, a sensor 301 that detects the document 310 is provided in the document insertion portion. Around the platen roller 311, a reference plate 312 having a plurality of flat surfaces and rotatable about the central axis of the platen roller 311 is provided. This reference plate 3
Reference numeral 12 has a black surface serving as a black level reference and a white surface serving as a white level reference, and these surfaces can be selectively interposed between the platen glass and the platen roller 311.

The CPU (1) circuit 209 in FIG.
A CPU, a read only memory (hereinafter, referred to as ROM), a RAM, and the like are provided, and control of each circuit in the image processing unit 214 and communication with the CPU (2) circuit 211 are performed.

In FIG. 2, when the user specifies the desired number of copies and various image processing / editing operations from the control panel 213, the CPU on the CPU (2) circuit 211 passes on the CPU (1) circuit 209 via the control data line 120. Various image processing / editing information selected on the control panel 213 is sent to the CPU of the. Also, CPU
(2) The CPU on the circuit 211 is the control panel 2
Information such as the paper size selected by 13 is sent to the control unit 23 of the printing unit 221 through the control data line 237.
Send to 6.

Various image processing / editing information sent through the control data line 120 is decoded by the CPU in the CPU (1) circuit 209. The CPU uses the VM to store various parameters (control data) corresponding to the image processing / editing information.
Each circuit 202 in the image processing unit 214 through the E-bus 16
To 208 predetermined registers and RAM.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, when the document 310 is inserted into the image scanner unit 220, the sensor 301 is turned on, and the CPU in the CPU (1) circuit 209 detects this, and a motor for feeding the document (not shown) is activated. The document 310 is driven and is conveyed by the document feed rollers 302 and 303. When the transported original 310 reaches the platen roller 311, light 307 emitted by the light source 306 and reflected by the original 310 enters the image sensor 308, and the CCD
The original image is read by the image sensor 308 driven by the drive circuit 200, and the CCD video signal 9 is sequentially processed by the analog circuit 201.

In the analog circuit 201, a valid image signal is extracted from the CCD video signal 9 from the CCD drive circuit 200, and automatic gain control, removal of output change due to dark current of the image sensor 308, and automatic offset control are performed. The image data that has undergone analog-digital conversion (hereinafter referred to as A / D conversion) is sent to the video (1) circuit 202.

The video (1) circuit 202 performs the following processing on the image data from the analog circuit 201. That is, since the image sensor 308 used in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of chips arranged in a zigzag pattern, first, the data read by the two chip groups is converted into the data read by the same line of the original. The correction CCD gap correction is performed. Next, the output pixel data string after the CCD gap correction is a series of R, G, B data arranged in series, and a process of converting this into R, G, B pixel data strings is performed. Next, the dark shading correction is performed on the pixel data separated into R, G, and B in this way, and the dark shading correction is sent to the video (2) circuit 203. The dark shading correction means the reference plate 312.
Image data obtained by reading the black surface of each pixel is stored in the memory for each pixel, and the black surface read data stored for each pixel is subtracted from the image data of each pixel when the original is actually read. Is.

The video (2) circuit 203 first performs bright shading correction on the image data from the video (1) circuit 202. The bright shading correction means that the image data obtained by reading the white surface of the reference plate 312 is stored in the memory for each pixel, and the image data of each pixel when the original is actually read is stored in each pixel. It is a process of normalizing (dividing) with the white surface read data for each. Next, RGB misalignment correction is performed on the data after the bright shading correction. Since the image sensor 308 used in the present embodiment has B, G, and R pixels arranged side by side, the actual document reading position is deviated between B, G, and R. This causes an erroneous judgment when the color is judged by the color circuit 204 of the next stage.
RGB misregistration correction corrects the G and B reading positions so that they become the same virtual point. Further, in this embodiment, since the plurality of image sensors 308 are used for reading a wide original, the sensor position deviation correction for correcting the deviation of the plurality of image sensors 308 is next performed. The output image data after this correction is divided into a plurality of blocks in the main scanning direction, and is sequentially sent to the color circuit 204 as image data for each block.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the color circuit 204. The color circuit 204 includes a hue determination unit 41 that inputs the image data 29 from the video (2) circuit 203, and a ghost cancellation unit 42, a buffer memory 43, and a color editing unit 44 that are sequentially provided at the subsequent stage of the hue determination unit 41. And a density correction unit 45, and a control unit 46 for controlling the above units 41 to 45. The control unit 46 is connected to the VME bus 16 and inputs the control signal 30 from the video (2) circuit 203 and the control signal 49 from the AR circuit 205 to the DF circuit 206 and the AR circuit 205. Control signals 50 and 51 are sent respectively. The image data 29 input to the color circuit 204 is R, G, B.
, Which is a color image signal, and the hue determining unit 41 determines the color of the image on the document and generates a coded read color code and density data. The hue determining unit 41 corresponds to the reading determining unit 101 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the hue judging section 41. The hue determination unit 41 includes a subtractor 401 that subtracts B data from R data, a subtractor 402 that subtracts G data from R data, and a subtraction unit 401 of the subtraction units 401 and 402, which are B-R and G-R. R that operates as an LUT that outputs both colors as address input and read color code
AM 403 and. In this hue determination unit 41,
Subtractors 401 and 402 respectively cause BR and G-
R is required. The RAM 403 reads the read color code 404 corresponding to the combination of the hue (H) and the saturation (C) obtained by the following equations from both the BR and GR data.
Is output. In addition, G input to the hue determination unit 41
The data is output as the density data 405 as it is.

[0059]

## EQU1 ## H = tan ^-1 {(GR) / (BR)} C = √ {(BR) ² + (GR) ² }

The read color code output can be changed by rewriting the internal data of the RAM 403. Further, since the range of readable colors can be changed by changing the combination of the hue and saturation that outputs each read color code in the RAM 403, various colors can be used as markers. RAM40
To rewrite the internal data of the CPU 3, the control panel 213 of FIG.
(1) Performed via the circuit 209. By this operation, the range of the color read as the marker color is adjusted.

The ghost canceling section 42, which is the next stage to the hue judging section 41, corrects the read color code generated by the hue judging section 41. This is video (2) circuit 2
As a result of the RGB misregistration correction of No. 03, for example, an erroneous hue determination may be made at the edge portion of the black image on the document and a read color code other than the achromatic color may be generated. This is a process of converting to a read color code. This erroneous read color code is called a ghost, and since the change pattern of the read color code when a ghost occurs is known in advance, the read color code should be corrected to an achromatic color when this pattern matches. There is.

The hue judging section 41 treats white and black as the same achromatic color and gives the same read color code 404. The achromatic color is determined to be white or black depending on whether the density is lower than the background density. Therefore, the ghost cancellation unit 4
A background density detecting circuit for detecting the background density is provided in 2. This background density detecting circuit corresponds to the background density detecting means 104 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the background density detecting circuit. This background density detection circuit uses density data 1
A flip-flop (hereinafter referred to as FF) 131 that temporarily holds 20 and sequentially outputs 20 and whether or not the density data from the FF 131 is within the set upper and lower limit values is determined for each pixel. The window comparator 132 that outputs the density data within the range, three FFs 133 to 135 that sequentially hold the output of the window comparator 132 for each one pixel, and the window comparator 13 by sampling the clock 141 at a predetermined cycle.
2 and the sampling circuit 1 that supplies the FFs 133 to 135
36, the window comparator 132, and the FF 133-
Average value calculation circuit 137 for calculating the average value of the output of 135
And an adding circuit 138 for adding a predetermined offset density to the average value data from the average value calculating circuit 137 and outputting it as background density data 121.

In this background density detection circuit, the window comparator 132 separates the density data within the range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value, and the average density of the latest four pixels within the range is calculated by the average value calculation circuit 137. The offset density is added to the average density by the adding circuit 138, and the background density data 121 is output.

The ghost cancel unit 42 compares the density data with the background density data 121 and generates a background flag which is "1" when the density data is less than the background density data and "0" in other cases.

The density data and the read color code generated by the hue determining section 41 and the ghost canceling section 42 of FIG. 5 are sequentially stored in the buffer memory 43.
On the other hand, the read color code 47 and the background flag are the AR circuit 20.
Sent to 5. In this embodiment, various edits can be performed in real time on a region surrounded by a marker written on a document using a marker pen, and the region surrounded by the marker is detected. AR circuit 2
05. This AR circuit 205 corresponds to the area determination means 102 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the AR circuit 205. The AR circuit 205 is provided with a marker flag generation unit 61 for inputting the read color code 47 from the color circuit 204, and parallel-serial conversion (hereinafter referred to as PS conversion) provided in the subsequent stage of the marker flag generation unit 61. Part 6
2. Area recognition unit 63, serial-parallel conversion (hereinafter referred to as SP conversion) unit 64, and each of the units 61 to 64
And a control unit 65 for controlling the. The control unit 65 is V
The color circuit 20 is connected to the ME bus 16.
The control signal 51 from 4 is input and the control signal 49 is sent to the color circuit 204.

The read color code 47 sequentially sent from the color circuit 204 is a signal for each block.
First, the marker flag generator 61 determines from the read color code whether or not the image is a marker, and if the image is a marker, a marker flag is generated. Next, the PS converter 62 converts the marker flag subjected to block processing into a signal of one line. The area recognition unit 63 recognizes the area surrounded by the markers from the one-line marker flag thus obtained, and the area code indicating the inside of the area is generated here. The generated area code is divided again into each block by the SP conversion section 64, and as the area code 48, the color editing section 44 of the color circuit 204 is sequentially processed.
Is output to. The reason why the buffer memory 43 is provided in the color circuit 204 is that it takes time for the AR circuit 204 to recognize the area. Therefore, the read color code and the density data are stored during this time and the area code 48 from the AR circuit 204 is stored. To match the timing.

The marker flag generator 61 receives the read color code 47, detects a pixel which is a marker color for region designation, and generates a region color flag, and a region color flag generator circuit. And a concatenation correction circuit that performs connection correction of the generated area color flags and outputs as a marker flag.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of a region color flag generation circuit when two types of region designation markers are used at the same time. This area color flag generation circuit is provided with a first area color register 441 for holding a read color code of the first area color.
A second area color register 442 that holds the read color code of the second area color, and a first area color register 441 from the first area color register 441.
The read color code of the area color is compared with the read color code 47 from the ghost canceling section 42, and if the two match, the first area color flag 445a that outputs "1" and "0" otherwise is output. The comparator 443 and the read color code of the second area color from the second area color register 442 and the read color code 47 are compared with each other, and if the two match, the value is set to "1", and otherwise the value is set to "0". And a comparator 444 that outputs a second area color flag 445b. In the area color flag generation circuit 431, the comparators 443 and 444 determine, for each pixel, whether or not they match the first area color or the second area color. Is given.

By the way, when a marker is written on a manuscript, it is difficult to do so without color unevenness or blurring, and the marker may be interrupted by several pixels.
When this interruption occurs, the area designated by the marker may be erroneously determined. Therefore, in order to prevent erroneous determination of the area, the marker correction is performed by the connection correction circuit to determine the marker flag for each pixel.

The marker flag is converted into a one-line signal for one line by the PS conversion section in FIG. 8 and input to the area recognition section 63. The area recognition unit 63 is composed of an area determination circuit and an area code generation circuit provided in the subsequent stage.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of the area determination circuit. The area determination circuit 600 includes a PS converter 6
The LUT 601 which receives the second output (marker flag and background flag) 611 as an address, and the LUT 601.
(1) 602 and buffer 6 for inputting the output of
03 and a RAM 604 connected to this buffer 603
And a latch (2) 605. The output 612 of the latch (1) 602 and the output of the latch (2) 605 are adapted to be the address input of the LUT 601. In addition, the final status 613 is read from the RAM 604.
Is output. In this embodiment, since two area color flags are generated as shown in FIG. 9, two area determination circuits 600 are provided for each area color flag.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the structure of the area code generation circuit. This area code generation circuit 620
Final status 613 from the two area determination circuits 600
Latch 62 for inputting a, 613b, temporarily holding and outputting
1 and an AR mode register 622 that outputs AR mode data indicating which of the areas indicated by the final status is to be the designated area, the final statuses 613a and 613b from the latch 621, and the AR from the AR mode register 622. An LUT 623 for generating a region code using mode data as an address input, and this LUT
And a latch 624 for temporarily holding the output of 623 and outputting it as area codes 625a and 625b for each marker color.

The area judgment circuit 600 judges the state of each pixel using the marker flag and the background flag and outputs the status and history of each pixel. The status and history are states given to each pixel for area determination. The status is closed loop outside, closed loop inside,
There are markers, etc. The history represents the number of times the marker has been exceeded, which is "1" for odd number and "0" for even number. In the present embodiment, since the line sequential processing is performed using the line image sensor, the area determination is performed from three directions.
In the determination procedure, first, the main scanning direction is determined as the first step, and the provisional status / history of the pixel of interest is determined by the continuity of the pixel of interest from above and from the left.
Next, as a second step, the final status / history of the pixel of interest is determined based on the continuity from the right direction based on the temporary status / history obtained by the determination in the main scanning direction. The area determination is performed based on information (marker flag and background flag) indicating whether the target pixel is a marker portion, an image portion, or a background portion, and a status / history pattern of surrounding pixels.

The area judgment circuit 600 of FIG. 10 performs the judgment operation in the following procedure. (A) Judgment of main scanning direction 1) The address of the RAM 604 is set. 2) Read the status / history on one pixel from the RAM 604. 3) Latch the status / history on one pixel in the latch (2) and input the marker flag and background flag 611 of the target pixel to the LUT 601. 4) The read cycle of the RAM 604 is completed and the buffer 603 is turned on. 5) The LUT 601 outputs the temporary status / history. Note that the temporary status / history one pixel left is given by the output 612 of the latch (1) 602. 6) Write the temporary status / history in the RAM 604. 7) Completing the write cycle of RAM 604 and LU
The output of T601 is latched in the latch (1) 602. Further, the buffer 603 is turned off. 8) Increment the address of RAM 604. 9) 2) to 8) are repeated for all pixels in the main scanning direction. (B) Judgment in anti-main scanning direction 10) The LUT 601 is switched for judgment in the anti-main scanning direction. 11) Clear the contents of latch (1) 602. 12) Read the temporary status / history at the right end from the RAM 604. 13) Latch the temporary status / history at the right end (2) 605
Latch to. 14) When the read cycle of the RAM 604 is completed, the buffer 603 is turned on. 15) The status / history is output from the LUT 601. The status / history to the right of one pixel is latched (1)
Provided by output 612 of 602. 16) Write status / history to RAM 604. 17) L at the end of the write cycle of RAM 604
The output of the UT 601 is latched in the latch (1) 602.
Also, the buffer 603 is turned off. 18) Decrement the address in RAM 604. 19) 12) to 18) are repeated for all pixels in the main scanning direction.

The final status / history determined by the above processing is stored in the RAM 6 when the main scanning direction of the next line is determined.
It is output from 04.

The final status / history 613 output from the area determination circuit 600 of FIG. 10 is input to the area code generation circuit 620 of FIG. Area code generation circuit 620
Then, the final status / history 613 of the pixel of interest and the AR mode data from the AR mode register 622 are used as address inputs, and the area code is output from the LUT 623. According to the AR mode data, the AR mode register 622 defines, for example, that only the marker is inside the area, that only the inside of the closed loop that does not include the marker is inside the area, and that the inside of the closed loop that includes the marker is inside the area.
You can set the type of mode. The LUT 623 outputs a region code indicating whether or not the pixel of interest is inside the region according to each mode.

The area code generated by the area recognition unit 63 of FIG. 8 is divided again into each block by the SP conversion unit 64 and sequentially output to the color circuit 204 of FIG.

In the color circuit 204, the block-divided area code 48 output from the AR circuit 205 is input to the color editing section 44, and the control signal 4 from the AR circuit 205 is input.
9 is input to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 sends the density data of the corresponding pixel and the read color code from the buffer memory 43 to the read color editing unit 44 in synchronization with the area code 48. The color editing section 44 corresponds to the edit code generating storage means 103 in FIG.
~ 119 are generated. The setting of the edit codes 116 to 119 in the edit code generating storage unit 103 is performed by using the control panel 213 of FIG.
This is performed via the circuit 211 and the CPU (1) circuit 209. For each setting code in the first area and the second area in Table 1, if the priority processing of the first area and the second area is input from the control panel 213,
The same setting code as that of the priority processing area is set.

Edit code 11 generated in this way
6 to 119 and the density data are sequentially sent to the density correction unit 45. The density correction unit 45 makes the density data of the pixel on which the drop setting code 118 stands white (white) or enables independent density adjustment for each color on the document (each read color code). It is a thing. The data selection means 105 and 107 in FIG.
Is one function in. The output 52 of the output color setting code, the background removal possible setting code, the area code, the density data and the like processed in this way is sequentially sent to the DF circuit 206.

In the DF circuit 206, with respect to the output from the color circuit 204, the background removal processing for whitening the background portion of the document in the portion where the background removal enable code is set, and the selected image mode by the digital filter are performed. When the background density of the image edge portion is raised by the edge enhancement and smoothing processing according to the above, the correction processing that makes the output color setting code of the raised background pixel the same as the output color setting code of the image portion is performed. I ’m HT
It is sent to the P circuit 207. Background removal means 1 in FIG.
08 is one function in the DF circuit 206.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the structure of the background removing means 108. The background detecting unit 108 receives the density data 124 from the color circuit 204 to detect the background density, and the background density detecting circuit 151 and the density data 12.
4 and the background density data from the background density detection circuit 151 are compared, and when the density data 124 is smaller than the background density data, it is “1”; otherwise, the background flag 1 is “0”.
An AND gate 15 that ANDs the comparator 152 that outputs 62, the background flag 162 from the comparator 152, and the background removable setting code 117 from the color circuit 204.
3 and a selector 1 for selecting one of the density data 124 and the true white level density data 163 as a control signal using the output of the AND gate 153 and outputting it as the density data 125.
And 54. The structure of the background density detecting circuit 151 is similar to that shown in FIG.

In the background removing means 108, the background density is detected by the background density detecting circuit 151, and the density data 124 is obtained.
Is smaller than the background density data, the comparator 152 outputs a background flag “1”. Then, when the background removable setting code 117 is also "1", the selector 154 selects the pure white level density data 163 and replaces the density of the background portion with zero. On the other hand, when the density data 124 is equal to or higher than the background density data, the density data 124 is output as it is.

DF circuit 2 including this background removing means 108
In the HTP circuit 207 in the subsequent stage of 06, processing for converting an image data string for each block into an image data string for which parallel processing can be performed for each line, reduction / enlargement processing, density adjustment, and multi-valued image data are subjected to area gradation. Halftone processing for converting the obtained four-valued data, and four-valued data for converting the four-valued data into data 97 in which image data for a plurality of pixels (four-value density data and output color setting code) are collected. Conversion processing is performed, and this data 97 is output to the data processing circuit 210.

The EDIT circuit 208 performs the following processing. First, a rectangular area recognition process is performed based on the line-by-line data converted by the HTP circuit 207. In the present embodiment, in addition to the method of designating the area surrounded by the marker, the rectangular area can be designated by the points written by the marker on the document or the points designated by the control panel 213. Is a process of recognizing the rectangular area and generating an area code corresponding to each pixel in the rectangular area. The area code generated by this rectangular area recognition processing is sent to the HTP circuit 207, and reduction / enlargement processing is performed together with the background flag, output color setting code, and density data. The image data that has been reduced / enlarged is EDIT
In the circuit 208, mirror edit, negative / positive edit, density adjustment and sham edit are performed. Mirror editing obtains a mirror image, and negative-positive editing obtains a negative-positive inverted image in which black and white are inverted. The dummy edit is performed by adding a dummy pattern to the image with the dummy pattern selected from the control panel 213, erasing (masking) the inside of the area, and erasing (trimming) the outside of the area. Mirror editing, negative / positive editing, and ghost editing can be performed on a specified area or the entire surface. The image data sequentially processed in this way is sent to the HTP circuit,
The above-mentioned density adjustment, halftone processing, and quaternary data conversion processing are performed.

In FIG. 2, the data processing circuit 210 has an H level.
The image data sent from the TP circuit 207 is sent to the page memory circuit 212 and stored in the page memory in the page memory circuit 212. When all the originals have been read in this way, the CPU of the CPU (1) circuit 209 receives the C of the CPU (2) circuit 211 through the control data line 120.
Send information to PU. Then, the CPU of the CPU (2) circuit 211 causes the print unit 22 to pass through the control data line 237.
The first control unit 236 is informed that the paper is conveyed and that the image data is stored in the page memory.

In FIG. 3, the control unit 236 of the printing unit 221 conveys a predetermined sheet of paper and controls the control signal 238.
Then, the image data 215 in the page memory is read from the data processing circuit 210 at a predetermined timing. The read image data 215 is sent to the data separation unit 231. The data separation unit 231 has a function of distributing the density data according to the output color setting code. For example, when the output color setting code is “0”, the density data is sent to the first color image data memory 232 and the second color image data is stored. Memory 23
4, white data is sent to No. 4, density data is sent to the second color image data memory 234 when the output color setting code is "1", and white data is sent to the first color image data memory 232. The printing unit 221 prints by using the xerography technique, and the charge corotron, the developing device, and the like have two for the first color and the second color, and the two colors on the photoconductor (drum). The image is transferred onto paper at the same time and fixed. Then, the semiconductor lasers for exposure are provided for the first color and the second color, respectively, and the driving control of these for the first color laser drive section 233 and the second color is performed.
The color laser drive unit 235.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by setting the setting code of the edit code generating storage means 103 arbitrarily, a specific read color and the read color of the read color can be set according to the area in the document. It is possible to change the combination of image processing such as color conversion and deletion for the image portion. Further, according to the present embodiment, the density of the image portion of the specific read color can be selectively replaced with the true white level or the background level, so that the specific read color can be obtained without giving a sense of discomfort with the surroundings. The part of can be erased.

In this embodiment, the G image signal 112
Although the density data 120 is used as the density data 120, the brightness may be obtained by calculating the R, G, and B image data 111 to 113 and used as the density data.

[0091]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, for each area recognized by the area recognition means,
A combination of the designated read color and the image processing for the image portion of the designated read color is set, and the image processing is performed according to this combination. Therefore, depending on the area in the document, the specific read color and the image portion of the read color are set. There is an effect that the combination of image processing for can be changed.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a combination of the designated reading color and the designated conversion color is set for each area recognized by the area recognizing means, and the color of the image portion of the designated reading color is set according to this combination. Is converted to the conversion designated color, it is possible to convert a specific read color in the original to the specified conversion designated color, and to change the combination of the read color and the conversion specified color according to the area in the original. There is an effect that can be.

According to the invention of claim 3 or 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, the density of the image portion converted to white can be converted to the background density of the original. Thus, there is an effect that a specific read color portion can be erased without giving a sense of discomfort to the surroundings.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the designated read color to be erased is set for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and the image portion of this designated read color is deleted, so It is possible to erase the part of the specific read color of, and to change the color to be erased according to the area in the document.

According to the invention described in claim 6 or 7, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 5, the density of the image portion to be erased can be converted into the background density of the original, so that There is an effect that a specific read color portion can be erased without giving a sense of incongruity.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image scanner unit in a digital copying machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing unit in a digital copying machine to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of a cross section of the image scanner unit of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the color circuit of FIG.

6 is a block diagram of a hue determination unit of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a background density detection circuit in the ghost cancel unit of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the AR circuit of FIG.

9 is a block diagram of a region color flag generation circuit in the marker flag generation unit of FIG.

10 is a block diagram of an area determination circuit in the area recognition unit of FIG.

11 is a block diagram of a region code generation circuit in the region recognition unit of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the background removing means of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a problem of the conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Read color determination means, 102 ... Area determination means, 10
3 ... Storage means for generating edit code, 104 ... Background density detecting means, 105 ... Data selecting means (1), 106 ... AND gate, 107 ... Data selecting means (2), 108 ... Background removing means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A combination of an area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, and a combination of a designated read color and image processing for an image portion of the designated read color is set for each area recognized by the area recognition means. Setting means, and image processing means for performing image processing on the color image information obtained by reading the document, for each area recognized by the area recognition means, according to the combination set by the setting means. A color image processing device characterized by the above. 2. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, a setting means for setting a combination of a designated reading color and a designated conversion color for each area recognized by the area recognizing means, and a document being read. With respect to the color image information obtained as a result, processing for converting the color of the image portion of the designated reading color into the conversion designated color is performed according to the combination set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognition means. A color image processing apparatus comprising: a color conversion unit. 3. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, and a setting means for setting a combination of a designated reading color and a conversion designated color including white for each area recognized by the area recognizing means. A background density detecting means for detecting the density of the background portion of the original, and a combination of the color image information obtained by reading the original set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means. In accordance with the above, the color conversion means for converting the color of the image portion of the read designated color into the conversion designated color, and the density of the image portion converted to white by this color conversion means are detected by the background density detection means. A color image processing apparatus comprising: a density conversion unit that converts the background density. 4. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, and a setting means for setting a combination of a designated reading color and a conversion designated color including white for each area recognized by the area recognizing means. A background density detecting means for detecting the density of the background portion of the original, and a combination of the color image information obtained by reading the original set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means. In accordance with the above, the color conversion means for performing the process of converting the color of the image portion of the read designated color into the conversion designated color, and the density of the image portion converted to white by this color conversion means are converted to the background density of the document Selecting means for selecting whether to convert to density, and density converting means for converting the density of the image portion converted to white by the color converting means to the density selected by the selecting means Color image processing apparatus characterized by comprising. 5. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, a setting means for setting a designated reading color to be erased for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and a color obtained by reading the document. Color erasing means for erasing the image information of the read designated color set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means with respect to the image information. Image processing device. 6. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in an original document, a setting means for setting a read designated color to be erased for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and a density of a background portion of the original document. Background density detecting means for detecting, and processing for erasing the image portion of the designated reading color set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means in color image information obtained by reading an original. And a density conversion unit for converting the density of the image portion of the designated reading color erased by the color erasing unit into the background density detected by the background density detecting unit. Color image processing device. 7. An area recognition means for recognizing a specific area in a document, a setting means for setting a designated reading color to be erased for each area recognized by the area recognition means, and a density of a background portion of the document. A background density detecting means for detecting, a selecting means for selecting whether to convert the density of the image portion of the designated reading color set by the setting means into the background density or the white density of the document, and the document is read. With respect to the obtained color image information, color erasing means for erasing the image portion of the read designated color set by the setting means for each area recognized by the area recognizing means, and the color erasing means A color image processing apparatus, comprising: a density conversion unit that converts the density of the image portion of the read designated color to be erased into the density selected by the selection unit.