JPH0670105A - Rectangular area reading processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simultaneously recognize an area and read out the image information on the area through a digital copying machine. CONSTITUTION:The 1st-4th marking points 6041-6044 are set on an original 601. A scan area 607 set in the main scanning direction by the points 6041 and 6042 is decided, and the scanning of a rectangular area 608 shown by the oblique lines is started at a position of the subscanning direction (direction of an arrow 605) of the point 6042. When the point 6043 is detected, the reading/scanning operations of the area 608 are finished at a position of the subscanning direction of the point 6043. Thus a rectangular area is read.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rectangular area reading processing device used for cutting image information into a rectangular shape from an original and reading the image information in an image processing device such as a copying machine or a facsimile device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus which reads an image of an original by using an image sensor such as a one-dimensional image sensor and appropriately processes the image is used in various copying machines including digital copying machines. It has become widely used in equipment. In such an image processing apparatus, when it is not necessary to process all the image information on a document, it is general to extract and process only a specific area for efficient image processing. Although there is a method of designating an arbitrary shape for area extraction, a method of designating a rectangular area is often adopted.

As a method of specifying a rectangular area, there are a method of inputting coordinates using numerical values and a method of specifying coordinates on a document using a coordinate input device. In the former method, for example, the coordinates of four points forming a rectangle on the manuscript or the coordinates of two points at both ends of one diagonal of the rectangle are input from the control panel using a key such as a numeric keypad or a dial indicating a numerical value. ing. In the latter method, for example, a light pen is used to directly point on a document.

[0004]

In the former method, it is necessary to measure the position of each point in advance using a scale and input it as coordinate values representing the x-axis and the y-axis. For this reason, not only it takes time and labor until the coordinate value is input, but also a scale reading error or a unit setting error may occur. In this case, a region greatly different from the desired region is cut out, and it is necessary to specify the region again.

Further, in the latter method, it is necessary to specify a rectangular area in a state where the original is widened. Therefore, when a large original is targeted for editing, a device for area specification becomes large. there were. Further, since the region is recognized once and then the region is cut out, there is a problem that the time required for the editing process cannot be shortened sufficiently.

Further, conventionally, there is also an apparatus in which a document is marked with a marker and the marking is read to recognize an area to be cut out. However, in such an apparatus, it is necessary to recognize the area first and then to cut out the area, as in the case where the range of the area is specified on the original using the coordinate input device. There is a problem that the time required for processing cannot be shortened sufficiently. Further, when reading a marked point, one point may be mistakenly recognized as a plurality of points, and in this case, there is a risk of erroneously recognizing the area.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular area reading processing device capable of simultaneously recognizing an area and reading image information in the area.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular area reading processing device capable of accurately and quickly recognizing and reading an area when a rectangular area is designated by a marker.

A third object of the present invention is, when a document is read by a one-dimensional image sensor, a rectangular region reading process capable of accurately recognizing a rectangular region and reading image information regardless of the scanning direction of the document. To provide a device.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a reading means for reading an original in line units, a marking point recognizing means for recognizing a marked point on the original, and a recognition by the marking point recognizing means. Marking point storage means for storing the recognized order and position of the recognized marking points and the second marking point on the same document 1
An image reading start unit that starts reading an image from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point is defined as a rectangle with the main scanning position of the second marking point to the main scanning position of the second marking point as a scanning range in the main scanning direction. It is provided in the area reading processing device.

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, a reading means for reading the original in line units like a one-dimensional image sensor is used, and the marked point on the original is recognized by the marking point recognizing means. Then, the scanning start position in the main scanning direction is acquired at the first recognized marking point, and the scanning end position in the main scanning direction and the scanning start position in the sub scanning direction are acquired at the second recognized marking point. Then, based on this, cutting out of the rectangular area is started to achieve the above-described first object.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reading means for reading the original in line units, the marking point recognizing means for recognizing the marked points on the original, and the recognition of the marking points recognized by the marking point recognizing means. Marking point storage means for storing the read order and position, main scanning direction reading range determining means for determining the reading range of the original in the main scanning direction, and sub-marking when a predetermined marking point is recognized on the same original. The rectangular area reading processing device is provided with an image reading ending means for ending the reading of the image at the scanning position.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the reading range of the original in the main scanning direction is determined by the main scanning direction reading range determining means, while the reading means for reading the original in line units like a one-dimensional image sensor is used. The marking point recognition means recognizes the marked points on the document. Then, when the predetermined marking point is recognized on the document, the reading of the image is finished at the sub-scanning position so that the rectangular area can be read, thereby achieving the first object.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the reading means for reading the original in line units, the marking point recognizing means for recognizing the marked points on the original, and the recognition of the marking points recognized by the marking point recognizing means. Marking point storage means for storing the order and position of the marking, and a main scanning position of the first marking point to a main scanning position of the second marking point when the second marking point is recognized on the same document. As a scanning range in the main scanning direction, an image reading start unit that starts reading an image from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point, and when the third marking point is recognized on the same document, the image is read at the sub-scanning position. An image reading ending means for ending reading is provided in the rectangular area reading processing device. Make.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the reading means for reading the original in line units like the one-dimensional image sensor is used, and the marked point on the original is recognized by the marking point recognizing means. Then, the scanning start position in the main scanning direction is acquired at the first recognized marking point, and the scanning end position in the main scanning direction and the scanning start position in the sub scanning direction are acquired at the second recognized marking point. Then, when the third marking point is recognized, the reading of the image is ended at the sub-scanning position to enable the reading process of the desired rectangular area, thereby achieving the first object.

In the invention according to claim 4, in the marking point recognition means according to claims 1 to 3, the next marking point exists in a predetermined range centered on any one of the already recognized marking points. In this case, a marking point duplication recognition prohibition means for prohibiting new recognition of this as a marking point is provided. And by doing this, 1
This prevents the situation where one marking point is erroneously recognized as a plurality of points and achieves the above-mentioned second object.

In the invention according to claim 5, the marking point recognition means according to claims 1 to 3 recognizes the marking on the document as a single marking point when the marking on the document is a predetermined size or more. The following recognition result is excluded from the recognition target as noise to ensure accurate recognition of the area. This achieves the above-mentioned second object.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the four corners of the rectangular area surrounding the area to be read of the original are marked with predetermined colors. If three marking points are detected on the original, the rectangular area can be recognized. However, by marking the four corners of the rectangle, the rectangular area can be detected even when the original is scanned in the reverse direction. Enables recognition of. This achieves the above-mentioned third object.

[0019]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

(Outline of Digital Copier)

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a digital copying machine using the rectangular area reading / processing apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention. This digital copying machine includes an image scanner section 220 equipped with a page memory (not shown) for storing image data obtained by reading a document (not shown) with a full-color image sensor and performing various kinds of image processing and image editing.
The image scanner unit 220 includes a print unit 221 for printing the image data stored in two colors. The image scanner unit 220 is provided with a control panel for the user to specify the number of copies and various image processing / editing functions, and the desired copy can be obtained by this specification. .

(Structure of Image Scanner Section)

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the image scanner unit. The image scanner unit 220 has an image sensor 231 using a charge coupled device (hereinafter, referred to as CCD). The image sensor 231 is mounted on the CCD drive substrate 232. The analog drive board 233 and the analog drive board 233 are sequentially arranged in the subsequent stages of the CCD drive board 232.
First video board 234, second video board 235, color board 236, digital filter board (DF board)
A 237 and a halftone processing substrate 238 are provided.
An area recognition board 239 is connected to the color board 236, and an editing board 241 for performing image editing is connected to the halftone processing board 238.

The first video board 234 to the halftone processing board 238, the area recognition board 239 and the editing board 2 are also provided.
41 and a first CPU (central processing unit) for controlling these
The board 244 is a VM that is one of the system bus standards.
They are connected to each other by an E-bus 245 and are housed in an image processor system (IPS) rack 246.

Image processor system rack 246
The data processing board 251 is connected to the next stage of the halftone processing board 238 arranged at the end of the. A second CPU board 252 and a page memory board 253 on which a page memory is arranged are connected to the data processing board 251. The second CPU substrate 252 has a control panel 254 for operation by the operator described above.
Are connected. The data processing board 251 outputs the processed image data 255 to the printing unit 221 (see FIG. 2) and inputs the control signal 256 from the printing unit 221. In addition, the second CPU board 2
52 is the first CPU board 2 via the control data line 257
44, and is also connected via a control data line 258 to a control unit of a printing unit described later.

FIG. 4 shows a specific construction of the printing section. The print unit 221 includes a data separation unit 261 that inputs the image data 255 from the image scanner unit 220. A first color image data memory 262 and a second color image data memory 263 are provided at the next stage of the data separation unit 261 and are configured to store image data of the first color and the second color, respectively. The first color laser drive unit 2 is provided at the subsequent stage of the first color image data memory 262.
64, and the second color laser driving unit 265 is arranged in the subsequent stage of the second color image data memory 263, respectively.
The laser is driven by each color. The control unit 266 is connected to the second CPU substrate 252 (FIG. 3) of the image scanner unit 220 via the control data line 267. Further, the control signal 256 is sent to the data processing board 251 (FIG. 3) of the image scanner unit 220.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of the image scanner section shown in FIG. Image scanner unit 220
Are original feed rollers 302 and 303 arranged at a predetermined interval above the original conveyance path, and rollers 304 and 305 arranged correspondingly below the original conveyance path.
It has and. The manuscript 306 includes these rollers 302 to
It is sandwiched by 306 and conveyed leftward in the drawing. A platen glass 3 is provided at a substantially central position of the document feeding path.
07 is arranged on the platen roller 308.
Are arranged so as to be tangential to it.

A document 30 is placed below the platen glass 307.
A light source 309 for illuminating the reading position of No. 6 and a converging rod lens array 310 for forming the reflected light of the document on the image sensor 231 are arranged. The image sensor 231 is mounted on the CCD drive substrate 232 shown in FIG. A sensor 315 for detecting the insertion of the original 306 is provided in the original insertion portion of the image scanner unit 220. Furthermore, the platen roller 3
08 has a plurality of flat surfaces around the platen roller 3
A reference plate 312 rotatable about the central axis of 08 is provided.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of this reference plate. The reference plate 312 has a black surface 313 that serves as a black level reference when reading an image, and a white surface 314 that serves as a white level (background) reference. These black surfaces 313
The white surface 314 can be selectively interposed between the platen glass 307 and the platen roller 308.

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement structure of the image sensor. Image sensor 2 used in this embodiment
Reference numeral 31 is a full-color contact type sensor, and includes first to fifth line type sensor chips 321 to 321 arranged in a staggered pattern.
It consists of 25.

In this embodiment, a group of the first, third and fifth sensor chips 321, 323, 325 and the remaining second group.
The fourth sensor chip 322 and the group of the fourth sensor chips 324 are configured so that the reading of the image in the main scanning direction is not interrupted at the boundary between the groups. 1st, 3rd
Further, between the fifth sensor chips 321, 323, 325 and the remaining second and fourth sensor chips 322, 324, their arrangement positions are displaced by an interval Δx in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. The process of converting the image data read by these five line type sensor chips 321 to 325 into the image data obtained by reading the same line of the original 306 (FIG. 5) is performed by a circuit in the first video board 234 described later. ing.

FIG. 8 shows a state of pixel arrangement in a chip constituting an image sensor. In order to realize full color, the first to fifth line type sensor chips 321 to 325 shown in FIG. 7 have pixels 326B for reading blue image data, pixels 326G for reading green image data and red pixels 326G. Pixel 3 for reading image data
26R has a structure in which these are repeatedly arranged in this order.

(Description of First CPU Board)

FIG. 9 specifically shows the configuration of the first CPU board. The first CPU board 244 is a CP
U331, timer 332, read only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 333, random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 334, VME bus interface (hereinafter referred to as VME bus I / F). 33
5, an output control unit 336, an input control unit 337, and a serial communication unit 338. These are connected to each other by a bus 339. VMEbus I / F335 is V
The serial communication unit 338 is connected to the ME bus 245 (see FIG. 3) and the control data line 257 (see FIG. 3). The first CPU board 244 controls the respective boards in the image processor system rack 246 and executes the programs stored in the ROM 333 by using the RAM 334 as a work area, and the second CPU board 25.
2 (see FIG. 3). The first CPU board 244 is provided with a clock generator 340 for supplying a clock signal to each part thereof.

A description will be given with reference to FIG. In the image scanner unit 220 shown in FIG. 3, the control panel 254 controls the number of copies desired by the user and various image processing / editing operations.
From the above, the CPU on the second CPU board 252 sends various image processing / editing information selected on the control panel 254 to the CPU 331 on the first CPU board 244 through the control data line 257. Further, the CPU on the second CPU substrate 252 sends information such as the paper size selected by the control panel 254 to the control unit 266 of the printing unit 221 through the control data line 267 (FIG. 4).

In the first CPU board 244 shown in FIG. 9, various image processing / editing information sent through the control data line 257 is fetched into the first CPU board 244 through the serial communication section 338, It is decoded by the CPU 331. The CPU 331 sends various parameters (control data) corresponding to the image processing / editing information to the VMEbus I / O.
Each board 23 in the image processor system rack 246 through the F335 and the VME bus 245 shown in FIG.
It is set in a predetermined register or RAM of 4-241.

Next, the image scanner unit 2 shown in FIG.
When the operator inserts the document 306 at 20, the sensor 3
15 turns on. The CPU 331 is the first CPU in FIG.
This is detected through the input control unit 337 of the substrate 244. Then, a document feeding motor (not shown) is driven, and the document 306 is conveyed by the document feeding rollers 302 and 303. When the conveyed document 306 reaches the platen roller 308, the light source 309 irradiates the reflected light of the document 306 to the image sensor 231.
In this state, the original is read by the image sensor 231 driven by the CCD drive substrate 232 shown in FIG.
It is sequentially processed by 33.

(Description of analog board)

FIG. 10 specifically shows the analog substrate shown in FIG. The analog board 233 is CC
A sample and hold unit 351 for inputting a CCD video signal 341 from the D drive substrate 232 (FIG. 3) and extracting an effective image signal therefrom, and the sample and hold unit 3
A gain control unit 35 sequentially provided in the latter stage of 51
2, dark correction unit 353, offset control unit 3
54 and analog-digital conversion (hereinafter referred to as A / D conversion) unit 355, and digital-analog conversion (hereinafter referred to as D / A conversion) data 356 from the first video board 234 (FIG. 3). To D / A conversion of gain control section 352 and offset control section 35
4 and a D / A conversion unit 357 for setting 4 are provided. Image data 35 output from the A / D conversion unit 355
8 is the image processor system rack 2 shown in FIG.
46 is input.

By the way, in this digital copying machine, prior to the start of reading a document, when the power source of the image scanner section 220 shown in FIG. 5 is turned on, the black surface 313 of the reference plate 312 shown in FIG. It is designed to read this. Then, the offset value of the offset control unit 354 (FIG. 10) is automatically set from the CPU 331 to the D / A conversion unit 357 so that the read value at this time becomes a predetermined value (automatic offset control : AOC).

Next, the white surface 314 of the reference plate 312 shown in FIG. 6 is taken out on the platen glass and read, and the gain value of the gain control section 352 is adjusted so that the read value at this time becomes a predetermined value. From CPU331 to D / A
The conversion unit 357 is automatically set (automatic gain control: AGC). Since such adjustments have been made in advance, the actual document read data becomes video data having a sufficient dynamic range that does not saturate, and is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 355 to generate image data 358. It is sequentially sent to the first video board 234 (FIG. 3). Further, the dark correction unit 353 uses the output signal of the shield bit (light-shielded pixel) of the image sensor 231 to remove the output change due to the dark current.

(Explanation of First Video Board)

FIG. 11 specifically shows the first video board shown in FIG. First video board 234
Is a CCD gap correction unit 361 that receives the image data 358 output from the analog substrate 233 shown in FIG. 3 and corrects the gaps of the first to fifth line type sensor chips 321 to 325 shown in FIG. Is equipped with. CCD
An RGB separation unit 362 and a dark shading correction unit 363 are sequentially provided in the subsequent stage of the gap correction unit 361. In addition, the first video board 234 is provided with a control unit 364 that controls these units 361 to 363 and a clock generation unit 365 that supplies a clock signal to these units.

The control unit 364 is connected to the VME bus 245, and the analog circuit board 2 shown in FIG.
The D / A conversion data 356 is sent to 33 (FIG. 3) and the control signal 367 is output to the second video board 235 in the subsequent stage. Further, the clock generator 365 is adapted to send a drive clock signal 368 to the analog board 233. The drive clock signal 368 is sent to the CCD drive board 232 (FIG. 3) via the analog board 233.

As described above, the image sensor 231 used in this embodiment is composed of five sensor chips 321 to 325 arranged in a staggered pattern as shown in FIG. Then, the two chip groups are displaced by an interval Δx. Therefore, five sensor chips 321 to 32
The CCD gap correction unit 361 performs a process of converting the data read by the unit 5 into the data read by reading the same line of the original. In the CCD gap correction unit 361,
Specifically, the second and fourth sensor chips 322, 32
The data read in step 4 is delayed by using a memory to restore the read data on the same line.

FIG. 12 shows a pixel data string output from the CCD gap correction section. Pixel data output from each of the pixels 326B, 326G, and 326R shown in FIG. 9 is represented by B ₁ , G ₁ , R ₁ , B ₂ , G ₂ , and R.
₂ , ... B _N , G _N , and R _N
As shown in FIG. 2, B (blue), G (green), and R (red) are repeated in this order.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows the output of the RGB separation section. Here, the same figure (a)
Is a blue pixel data string output from the RGB separation unit 362, and FIG. 7B is a green pixel data string. Further, FIG. 6C shows a red pixel data string. As described above, the RGB separation unit 362 performs a process of converting the serial image data of B, G, and R shown in FIG. 12 into pixel data strings of B, G, and R, respectively.

The pixel data separated into B, G, and R are sequentially sent to the dark shading correction unit 363 in FIG. 11, and dark shading correction is performed. The dark shading correction is performed by performing automatic offset control and automatic gain control operations when the image scanner unit 220 (FIG. 4) is powered on before reading a document, and then reading the image data of the black surface 313 for each pixel. This is a process of storing in a built-in memory and subtracting the black surface read data stored for each pixel from the image data of each pixel when the document is actually read. The image data 369 sequentially processed by the first video board 234 in this manner is sent to the second video board 235.

(Description of Second Video Board)

FIG. 14 specifically shows the structure of the second video board. The second video board 235 has image data 369 from the first video board 234 (FIG. 3).
Of the bright shading correction unit 371 for inputting the
B position deviation correction unit 372, sensor position deviation correction unit 373
And a data block dividing unit 374 and the above-mentioned units 371.
To 374, and each of these units 371.
To 374, a clock generator 37 for supplying a clock signal
7 and 7. The control unit 376 is connected to the VME bus 245, inputs the control signal 367 from the first video board 234 (FIG. 3), and controls the color board 2
A control signal 378 is sent to 36.
Further, the clock generator 377 sends a control clock signal 379 to each substrate in the subsequent stage.

The image data 369 sent to the second video board 235 is first processed by the bright shading correction section 371.
Bright shading correction is performed with. Like the dark shading correction, the bright shading correction stores the image data obtained by reading the white surface 314 in the memory for each pixel after the automatic offset control and the automatic gain control operation, and performs each operation when the original is actually read. This is a process of normalizing (dividing) the white surface read data for each pixel that has stored the image data of the pixel.

The image data which has been subjected to the light shading correction and the dark shading correction is the light source 309 (FIG. 5).
The image data does not have the influence of the light intensity distribution or the variation of the sensitivity of each pixel. Also, the CPU 331 (FIG. 9)
Since the offset value and the gain value of the automatic offset control and the automatic gain control can be set by, and the memories of the light shading correction unit 371 and the dark shading correction unit 363 can be read and written from the CPU 331 via the VME bus 245. The CPU 331 can perform automatic offset control, automatic gain control, and control of bright and dark shading correction.

In the image sensor 231 (FIG. 3) used in this embodiment, the pixels 326B, 326G, 326R are arranged in order in the main scanning direction as shown in FIG. , R, the actual document reading position is deviated. This means that the next color substrate 236
Since an erroneous judgment occurs when judging a color with R, G, B
It is necessary to make a correction so that the reading positions of 1 and 2 become the same virtual point. This correction is performed by the RGB misregistration correction unit 372.
Is. For example, when the position of the pixel 326G ₂ in FIG. 8 is used as a reference, the correction of the RGB misalignment is performed by calculating the virtual B data and the virtual R data at the position of the pixel 326G ₂ by calculating the image data of the pixels 326B ₂ and B ₃ , respectively. , Pixels 326R ₁ and R ₂ are calculated from the image data.

The explanation of the operation up to this point is given in the image sensor 2.
31 went as if it were one, but already explained
As you can see, in order to scan wide documents,
Image sensor 231₁~ 231₃Are using. This
These three image sensors 231₁~ 231₃Is the manuscript
Adjust to read the same line (same sub-scanning position)
Although it is installed in the sub-scanning direction,
Cause This misalignment is corrected by sensor position misalignment
The part is 373. The sensor position deviation is corrected by the CCD
Image data of each sensor in the same way as the correction
By delaying each time using memory,
Three image sensors 231₁~ 231 ₃Image data
Becomes the adjacent image on the original in the main scanning direction at the joint.
To do so.

In the case of a high-speed wide-width digital copying machine, it is necessary to process image data at high speed. However, RAMs, digital integrated circuits, etc. have limitations in high-speed operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the output image data of the sensor position shift correction unit 373 is divided by the data block division unit 374 into a plurality of blocks in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 15 shows how the output image data is divided in the main scanning direction. Here, for example, if the output image data of one image sensor 231 is 2
The original 306 is divided into two blocks as shown in FIG.
Of dividing the read data to the total of six blocks b ₁ ~b _6, thereby performing parallel processing of each block b ₁ ~b ₆ in the next stage. In this way, blocks b _{1 to} b ₆
The image data 382 divided into
Sent to.

(Description of Color Substrate)

FIG. 16 specifically shows the color substrate. The color board 236 includes a hue determining section 391 for inputting the image data 382 from the second video board 235 shown in FIG. 3, a ghost canceling section 392 and a buffer memory 393 which are sequentially provided in the subsequent stage of the hue determining section 391. A color editing unit 394 and a density correction unit 395 are provided. The control unit 396 controls each of these units 391 to 395.
To control. The control unit 396 is connected to the VME bus 245 and also has the second configuration shown in FIG.
The control signal 378 from the video board 235 and the control signal 401 from the area recognition board 239 (FIG. 3) are input,
Control signals 411 and 412 are sent to the digital filter substrate 237 (see FIG. 3) and the area recognition substrate 239, respectively.

The image data 382 input to the color substrate 236 is R, G, B color image signals, and the hue determination unit 391 determines the color of the image on the document, and the encoded color code. A signal and concentration data are generated. The ghost canceling unit 392 in the next stage corrects the color code signal generated by the hue determining unit 391. This is because, as a result of the misregistration correction of the RGB three colors on the second video board 235 (FIG. 3), for example, an erroneous hue judgment is made at the edge portion of the black image on the original and a color code other than achromatic color is generated. Because there is a case to do.
The ghost canceling unit 392 performs a process of correcting a color code (ghost) for which such an erroneous hue determination has been performed into an achromatic color code. Since the change pattern of the color code when the ghost occurs is known in advance, the color code is corrected to an achromatic color when the pattern matches this pattern.

The density data and the color code signal thus generated are sequentially stored in the buffer memory 393. On the other hand, the color code signal 421 obtained from the ghost cancel unit 392 is sent to the area recognition board 239 shown in FIG. 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. The area recognition board 239 is.

After the area recognition board 239 has been described, the rest of the color board 236 will be described.

(Description of Area Recognition Board)

FIG. 17 specifically shows the area recognition board. The area recognition board 239 includes a marker flag generation unit 431 that inputs the color code signal 421 from the color board 236 described in FIG. In the subsequent stage of the marker flag generation unit 431, a parallel-serial conversion (hereinafter referred to as PS conversion) unit 432 and a region recognition unit 4 are sequentially arranged.
33 and a serial-parallel conversion (hereinafter referred to as SP conversion) unit 434 are arranged. The control unit 436 controls the respective units 431 to 434. The control unit 436 is connected to the VME bus 245, inputs the control signal signal 412 from the color substrate 236, and controls the color substrate 236 by the control signal 401.
Is sent.

The color code signal 421 sequentially sent from the color substrate 236 is a signal for each block. First, the marker flag generation unit 431 determines from the color code whether or not it is a marker image, and when it is a marker image, generates a marker flag. Next, the PS converter 432 converts the marker flag subjected to block processing into a signal of one line. The area recognition unit 433 recognizes the area surrounded by the markers from the thus obtained one-line marker flag, and the area signal indicating the inside of the area is generated here. This generated region signal is S
The P conversion unit 434 divides each block again, and sequentially outputs the region signal 438 to the color editing unit 394 of the color substrate 236 shown in FIG.

The buffer memory 3 is provided on the color substrate 236.
The reason why 93 is provided is that it takes time for the area recognition board 236 to recognize the area. Therefore, the color code signal and the density data are stored during this time and the area recognition board 236 is stored.
This is to match the timing with the area signal 438 from the.

The block-divided area signal 438 sent from the area recognition board 239 in this manner is the color editing section 39.
4 is input. The control signal 401 sent from the control unit 436 in FIG. 17 is input to the control unit 396. The control unit 396 synchronizes the density data and the color code signal of the corresponding pixel with the buffer memory 3 in synchronization with the area signal 438.
It is read from 93 and sent to the color editing unit 394.

The digital copying machine according to the present embodiment is a two-color copying machine, and which color on the original is printed by the sub color flag.
It is possible to specify which of the colors to print. Further, the drop color flag can be used to specify which color image on the document should be erased. By using this function, for example, the image data obtained by reading the marker itself does not need to be reproduced and is implicitly erased. It is also possible to perform the function for designating two colors or the function relating to the drop color only within or outside the area designated by the marker. It is also possible to generate a BKG enable flag for controlling on / off of the background removal and specify whether or not the background removal to be performed in the next stage is performed inside or outside the area. The color editing unit 394 generates these flags.

The flag, the density data and the color code signal generated in this manner are sequentially transferred to the density correction section 395.
Sent to. The density correction unit 395 is for making the density data of the pixels for which the drop color flag is set white (erasing), or for enabling independent density adjustment for each color on the document (for each color code). is there. The output 439 of the sub color flag, the BKG enable flag, the area signal, the density data, etc. processed in this way is
It will be sequentially sent to the digital filter substrate 237 (FIG. 3).

(Description of Digital Filter Substrate)

FIG. 18 specifically shows a digital filter substrate. Digital filter board 237
Is an output 439 from the color substrate 236 shown in FIG.
And a background removing section 441 for inputting
Digital filter 442 and sub color flag correction unit 443, which are sequentially provided in the subsequent stage, and these units 441.
And a control unit 444 for controlling 443 to 443. The control unit 444 is connected to the VME bus 245, receives the control signal 411 from the color substrate 236, and sends the control signal 446 to the halftone processing substrate 238 (FIG. 3).

In the digital filter substrate 237, the background removing section 441 sequentially whitens the background portion of the document in the portion where the BKG enable flag is set and generates the BKG flag. Next, in the digital filter 442,
Edge enhancement and smoothing processing are performed according to the selected image mode. Further, when the background density of the image edge portion is raised by the smoothing processing, the sub color flag correction unit 443 performs a correction to make the sub color flag of the raised background pixel the same as the sub color flag of the image portion. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent the generation of black contours around the color characters of the document. The sub color flag, the density data, the area flag, and the BK thus processed
The output 448 such as the G flag is sequentially sent to the halftone processing substrate 238 shown in FIG.

(Explanation of Halftone Processing Substrate)

FIG. 19 specifically shows a halftone processed substrate. In the halftone processing board 238, the output 448 of the digital filter board 237 shown in FIG. 18 is input to the block-line parallel conversion section 451. In the subsequent stage of the block-line parallel conversion unit 451, a reduction / enlargement unit 452, a density adjustment unit 454 for inputting image data 453 from the editing board 241 (FIG. 3),
A halftone processing unit 455 and a quaternary data conversion unit 456 are arranged in order. The four-valued data conversion unit 456 includes
A diagnostic memory 458 that stores the output data 457 is connected. The control unit 461 controls each of these units 451 and
452, 454 to 456, 458 are controlled. Further, the clock generator 462 supplies a clock signal to them. The control unit 461 is V
The control signal 446 connected to the ME bus 245 and from the digital filter substrate 237 shown in FIG.
And a control signal 464 from the editing board 241 are input, and control signals 465 and 466 are sent to the editing board 241 and the data processing board 251 (FIG. 3), respectively.

By the way, in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, the reduction / enlargement of the image in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the document conveying speed as in the analog copying machine, but the reduction / enlargement in the main scanning direction is performed by the digital image. It is done by processing. In this case, parallel processing for each block makes this processing very complicated. Therefore, the halftone processing substrate 2
The block-line parallel conversion unit 451 of 38 converts the image data string for each block consisting of 6 blocks in total into an image data string that can be processed in parallel for each line.

FIG. 20 shows a state of image data before conversion by the block-line parallel conversion unit. As shown in (a) to (f) of this figure, the image data before conversion includes the first line L ₁ , the second line L ₂ , ... For each of the first to _sixth blocks b _{1 to} b ₆ . The image data is arranged in order.

FIG. 21, on the other hand, shows the state of the image data after conversion by the block-line parallel conversion unit. As shown in (a) to (d) of this figure, 4
It will be converted into a line-parallel image data string. Thus, for example, in FIG. (A), the image data of the block b ₁ ~b ₆ of first to sixth of the first line L ₁ are arranged in this order, followed by a fifth line L _5, 9 line L ₉ , ........ The image data is rearranged. The same applies to the second line L ₂ and the sixth line in FIG.
The image data is rearranged in the line L ₆ , the tenth line L ₁₀ , and so on. The same applies hereinafter.

In this way, the image data converted by the block-line parallel conversion unit 451 of FIG.
The flag and the sub color flag are sent to the reduction / enlargement unit 452, while the area flag (area signal) 471 is the editing board 24.
1 (FIG. 3). The image data 472 output from the reduction / enlargement unit 452 is also sent to the editing board 241.

After the editing board 241 has been described, the rest of the halftone processing board 238 will be described.

(Explanation of Editing Board)

FIG. 22 shows a specific structure of the editing board. The editing board 241 has an area flag (area signal) 471 from the halftone processing board 238 shown in FIG.
And rectangular area recognition unit 481 for inputting
Mirror editing unit 4 for inputting image data 472 from 38
82, a negative / positive editing section 483, a density adjusting section 484, and an amikake editing section 485, which are sequentially provided in the subsequent stage of the mirror editing section 482, and a control section 486 for controlling each of these sections 481 to 485. Amitake editorial department 4
Reference numeral 85 designates the image data
53 is output. The control unit 486 is a VM
While being connected to the E bus 245, the control signal 465 from the halftone processing board 238 shown in FIG.
A control signal 464 is sent to the halftone processing substrate 238.

Further, the rectangular area recognition section 481 is adapted to send an area flag (area signal) 489 to the reduction / enlargement section 452 shown in FIG. A method of specifying an area will be described with reference to the area flag 489. In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the area can be designated by several methods.

FIG. 23 shows, as the first area designation method, a state of designating an area surrounded by markers. When you draw a rectangle in the marker on the document 306, are detected respectively 4 491 corresponding to the corner _{1-491 4,} which is recognized rectangle based on, for example, that the various editing processing is performed for the internal Become.

FIG. 24 shows a method of inputting an area by coordinates as another method of specifying an area. In this method, by inputting the distances x _A , y _A , x _B , and y _B of the two points A and B on the original 306 from the upper left corner of the original from the control panel 254 shown in FIG. It is possible to recognize a rectangular area having two points and perform various edits on the rectangular area.

In the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, in addition to these area designation methods, a method of marking three or four points on the original to designate the area is adopted. This will be described in detail later.

The rectangular area recognition section 481 recognizes the rectangular area and generates an area flag (area signal) corresponding to each pixel in the rectangular area. Area flag (area signal) 48 sequentially processed by the rectangular area recognition unit 481
9 is sent to the reduction / enlargement unit 452 of the halftone processing substrate 238 shown in FIG. The reduction / enlargement unit 452 performs reduction / enlargement processing together with the BKG flag, the sub color flag, and the density data. The image data 472 subjected to the reduction / enlargement processing is
It is sequentially sent to the mirror editing unit 482 of the editing board 241 shown in FIG. The edit board 241 is adapted to edit the image data 472 sequentially sent in real time.

FIG. 25 shows a state of image processing in the mirror editing section. The mirror editing unit 482 performs a mirror image editing process within the rectangular area 501 as shown in FIG. 7A or on the entire area of the image so as to obtain a mirror image as shown in FIG. There is.

The negative / positive editing section 48 at the next stage in FIG.
In No. 3, a negative / positive inversion image in which black and white are inverted is obtained. Further, the density adjusting unit 484 arranged in the next stage
Corresponds to the copy density adjustment function on the control panel 254 (FIG. 3), and several kinds of density conversion curves can be selected for each of the two output colors. The tentative edit unit 485 in the next stage performs tentative processing on the image with the tentative pattern selected from the control panel 254. Further, the function of erasing (masking) the inside of the area and erasing (trimming) the outside of the area is also performed by this sham-editing unit 485. Needless to say, the negative / positive editing and the dummy editing can also be performed on the area surrounded by the marker or the entire image. The image data 453 sequentially processed in this manner is sent to the halftone processing board 238 in FIG.

The description will be continued by returning to the halftone processing substrate shown in FIG. The image data 453 sent from the editing board 241 described in FIG. 22 is input to the density adjusting unit 454. The function of the density adjusting unit 454 is to edit the editing board 241.
This is equivalent to the density adjusting unit 484 of FIG. 22. The editing board 241 is an option board. Therefore, when the editing board 241 is not mounted, the density adjustment unit 454 of the halftone processing board 238 adjusts the density. When the editing board 241 is mounted, this density adjustment unit 4
54 does nothing. That is, in the digital copying machine of the present embodiment, when the editing board 241 is mounted, the density of the apparent pattern can be selected from the control panel 254 using this. Therefore, in order to prevent the selected density from changing by the copy density adjustment of the control panel 254, the density adjustment is performed before the dummy edit processing, and as a result, the editing board 24
When one is installed, the density adjustment unit 484 inside is used to adjust the density.

Now, in the halftone processing section 455 of FIG.
Multi-valued image data is converted into four-valued data by area gradation. The quaternarization is to set the density of one pixel to four gradations of white, first gray, second gray that is blacker than the first gray, and black. The data processed in this manner is used as image data for a plurality of pixels in the four-value data conversion unit 456 (four-value density data and sub color flag).
Are converted into combined output data 457 and sequentially output to the data processing board 251 outside the image processor system rack 246 as shown in FIG. The diagnostic memory 458 stores the output data 457 of the four-valued data conversion unit 456 for self-diagnosis.

The data processing board 251 of FIG. 3 sends the image data sent from the halftone processing board 238 to the page memory board 253 and stores it in the page memory. When all the manuscripts have been read in this way, the first document shown in FIG.
The CPU 331 in the CPU board 244 of the second CPU board 244 of the second CPU board 252 (FIG. 3) through the control data line 257.
Send information to U. Then, C of the second CPU substrate 252
The PU is connected to the print unit 221 through the control data line 267.
The control unit 266 (FIG. 4) is informed of the paper conveyance instruction and the fact that the image data is stored in the page memory.

Control unit 2 of print unit 221 in FIG.
66 conveys a predetermined sheet and controls signal 256.
The image data 255 in the page memory is read from the data processing board 251 (FIG. 3) at a predetermined timing. The read image data 255 is stored in the data separation unit 26.
1 (FIG. 4). The data separation unit 261 has a function of distributing the density data by the sub color flag. For example, when the sub color flag is “0”, the density data is sent to the first color image data memory 262 and the second color image data memory 263. Send white data to. When the sub color flag is “1”, the density data is sent to the second color image data memory 263, and the first color image data memory 2
White data is sent to 62. The printing unit 221 prints using the xerographic technique, and the developing device and the like have two for the first color and for the second color. Then, the two-color image on the photoconductor (drum) is simultaneously transferred to the paper and fixed. The semiconductor lasers for exposure are also provided for the first color and the second color, respectively. The first color laser drive unit 264 and the second color laser drive unit 265 drive and control these based on the image data.

(Principle of rectangle recognition by three points)

The overall structure of the digital copying machine of this embodiment has been described above. Next, I briefly explained 3
A method of designating a rectangular area by marking points or four points and area recognition by this method will be described in detail.

FIG. 26 is for explaining the principle of designation and recognition of a rectangular area. It is assumed that the original 601 has an area 602 that is to be edited and that is indicated by diagonal lines. The operator uses a rectangular area 603 that surrounds the area 602.
The corner at point 604 _{1-604 4} specified by marking. First to third marking point 604 _{1-604 3} of these marking point 604 _{1-604 4}
The image sensors 231 (231 _{1 to} 231 ₃ ) (see FIG. 3) are moved in the direction of the arrow 605 with respect to the original 601, and there are three points necessary when reading image information. Fourth marking point 604 ₄ is the point needed to position the document 601 is processed as a first or second marking point if it has been upside down in the figure, the scanning direction of the image sensor 231 Is unnecessary for the original 601, it is unnecessary.

FIG. 1 shows these four points on the manuscript to some extent.
It is shown in a stretched manner. In this figure, the recognition of the rectangular area
The principle that is carried out will be explained. First marking point 6
04 ₁Is the reading start position of the image sensor 231 (FIG. 26).
The second marking point
604₂Is the next closest point. Third marquis
Ng point 604₃Is the third closest point.

[0096] the rectangular area reading processor of the digital copying machine, the first to third marking point 604 _through 603
When each 4 ₃ is detected, their position is recognized. And the second marking point 6
04 first when _{the second} position is recognized and a second marking point 604 _1, 604 to determine the scanning area 607 in the _second main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the arrow 605), the second marking point 604 ₂ Rectangular area 60 indicated by diagonal lines from the position in the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow 605)
8 scanning starts. Then, when the third marking point 604 ₃ is detected, so that to terminate the readout scanning of the rectangular region 608 at the subscanning direction position. That is, the scanning area 609 in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the coordinates of the second and third marking points 604 ₂ and 604 _{3 in} the sub-scanning direction.

As already explained, the fourth marking
Point 604_FourProcesses the rectangular area 608 in this case
Not required to do. Reverse this original 601
If you edit and edit the image,
The fourth marking closest to the image sensor 231
Point 604_FourAnd the third marking point 604 ₃
The scanning area in the main scanning direction is determined by
Second marking point 604₃, 604₂By
The scanning area in the main scanning direction will be determined. Mochiro
The rectangular area determined by these is the rectangular area
The area is slightly different from the area 608.

(Circuit Configuration of Rectangular Area Read Processing Unit)

FIG. 27 shows a part of the rectangular area reading processing section. The rectangular area reading processing unit is mainly composed of the CPU 331 of the first CPU substrate 244 also shown in FIG. The CPU 331 is configured to control the rectangular area reading process by a program stored in the ROM 333. The RAM 334 is used to temporarily store the data required in the process.

By the way, the CPU 331 uses the VMEbus I /
Transfer data to the VME bus 245 via F335,
The size of the marking point 604 to be detected and the size of the detection prohibited area are set in the register 611. Here, in order to prevent one marking point 604 from being erroneously detected as a plurality of marking points 604 depending on the marking method, the size of the detection prohibited area is around the marking point 604 when it is detected. The size of the detection prohibited area that is set.

The register 611 is connected to the control circuit 612 and the counter 613. The control circuit 612 supplies the register write clock 614 to the register 611 to control the writing of the data. After that, the document 601 to be read (see FIG.
Control unit 612 is inserted at a predetermined position of the digital copying machine, the control circuit 612 at this point of time outputs the counter load signal 6
15 is supplied to the counter. As a result, the register 61
The output signal 616 of 1 is loaded into the counter 613.
The video clock 617 is supplied to the counter 613 and is used for control when counting up.

Now, it is assumed that the reading of the original 601 is started and the marking point 604 is read by the image sensor 231 (FIG. 26). As a result, the marking flag is generated on the color substrate 236 and the area recognition substrate 239 shown in FIG. The generated marking flag is input to the control circuit 612. Control circuit 612
When the marking flag is input, outputs a control signal 621 to the counter 613 and sets it in a countable state.

The counter 613 in the countable state is
Counting is started by the video clock 617. As a result, the generated marking flag is transferred to the register 61.
If it is determined that the size is smaller than the size set to 1,
The control circuit 612 uses the control signal 621 again to read the data relating to the size of the marking point 604 set in the register 611, and reads this data from the counter 61.
Load to 3.

As a result, it is assumed that the counter 613 has finished counting the loaded value. In this case, the counter 613 outputs the count end signal 622 when the loaded value is counted. The count end signal 622 is input to the control circuit 612. The control circuit 612 outputs the count end signal 6
When 22 arrives, a latch signal 6 for latching the coordinate values representing the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction at this time
23 will be output.

FIG. 28 shows a marked portion of a document to be read.
The operation of the circuit portion shown in FIG. 27 will be described with reference to this figure with respect to actual image information. In FIG. 28, each box represents one pixel.

Now, it is assumed that the register 611 shown in FIG. 27 stores data indicating that the size of the marking point 604 is 5 pixels or more. In this case, the count value “5” is set in the counter 613 of FIG. 27 prior to the detection operation of the marking point 604. Then, the first marking 625 shown in FIG. 28 is scanned in the main scanning direction 626. Marking 6
Each time 25 is detected pixel by pixel from the left end in the figure, the counter 613 counts down the marking flag in synchronization with the video clock 617. Then, at the point 627 where the marking flag of the fifth pixel is detected, the counter 6
The count value of 13 becomes "0" and the count end signal 622
Is output, and the marking point 604 is detected.

On the other hand, with respect to the minute marking noise 629 present in the line which is shifted by one line in the sub-scanning direction 628 from the first marking 625 in FIG. 28, the count value of the counter 613 is again set to “5”. After setting, down count is performed, but the count value is 2
Only one is down and it does not become "0". That is, the minute marking noise 629 is not detected as the marking. Next, how the coordinate value of the marking point 604 is calculated will be described.

FIG. 29 shows a circuit portion for counting the coordinate value of the marking point. This circuit portion includes first and second up counters 631 and 632.
And a latch circuit 633. Here first
The up counter 631 is a counter that counts coordinate values in the main scanning direction. The first up counter 631 is L
The count value is cleared at the beginning of the line by the (low) level line synchronization signal 634, and thereafter, the count is incremented as the reading progresses in the main scanning direction in synchronization with the video clock 635. In this way, the first up counter 631 outputs the main scanning direction count value 636 representing the coordinate value in the main scanning direction.

The second up counter 632 is a counter for counting the coordinate value in the sub-scanning direction. The page sync signal 638 is supplied from the latch circuit 633 to the clear terminal CLR of the second up counter 632. The page synchronization signal 638 is a page synchronization signal 63 generated at the beginning of one page of image information.
9 is latched in synchronization with the line synchronization signal 634. As a result, the second up counter 632 is cleared at the beginning of the image information of one page, and thereafter, the line synchronization signal 634 is used as a clock signal to count up the number of lines in the sub scanning direction. As a result, the second up counter 632 outputs the sub-scanning direction count value 641 representing the coordinate value in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 30 shows a circuit portion for storing the coordinate values of the first to third marking points in the main scanning direction. This circuit portion includes first to third point registers 651 to 653 which receive the main scanning direction count value 636 shown in FIG. These point registers 651 to 653 have the first to third points, respectively.
The main scanning direction count value 636 is registered when the corresponding one of the write signals 654 to 656 is received.

The multiplexer 657 outputs the write signal 65 output based on the latch signal 623 (FIG. 27).
Every time 8 is input, the first to third write signals 654 to 6
56 will be generated in sequence. In this way, the coordinate values at the timing when the first marking point 604 ₁ is detected is stored in the first point register 651, the coordinate values at a second timing that the marking point 604 ₂ is detected first 2 point register 65
Stored in 2, the coordinate value in the third timing marking point 604 ₃ is detected will be stored in the third point register 653.

These first to third point registers 65
The coordinate values of the first to _third marking points 6041 to 6043 registered in _{1 to} 653 in the main scanning direction are
The third marking point output values 661 to 663 are output.

In FIG. 30, the circuit portion for storing the coordinate values in the main scanning direction has been described. Although not shown, the circuit portion that stores the coordinate values in the sub-scanning direction also has the same configuration as this circuit portion. It is natural that the sub-scanning direction count value 641 is used in place of the main-scanning direction count value 636 shown in FIG. 30 in the circuit portion that stores the coordinate value in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 31 shows a selection circuit that selects the first to third marking point output values and outputs them to the subsequent circuit. The multiplexer 671 is shown in FIG.
Output value 6 of the first to third marking points described in 0
61 to 663 and an output selection signal 672 for selecting them as required. The multiplexer 671 outputs the first to third marking point output values 661 to 663 according to the output selection signal 672.
Will be selected and output as the output coordinate value signal 673.

FIG. 32 illustrates the generation of the detection prohibited area after each marking point is detected. The document 601 has an arrow 68 for reading image information.
It shall be transported in one direction. In this case, it is assumed that the marking 682 is first detected at the point 683. Here, the detection point 683 is a point where a predetermined number of marking flags are continuously detected as described in FIG. In the apparatus of this embodiment, for example, 10 mm on the plus side and 1 on the minus side in the main scanning direction from the detection point 683.
A prohibited range of 0 mm is set, and a prohibited range of 10 mm is set from the detection point 683 in the sub scanning direction, for example.

The substantially rectangular area shown by hatching in this figure becomes the detection prohibited area 684. Detection prohibited area 68
It goes without saying that 4 must completely cover the size of the marking 682 that is normally assumed. However, if the detection prohibition area 684 is set to be unnecessarily large, the minimum size that the image information can be cut out becomes large accordingly.

FIG. 33 shows the relationship between the first and second marking points shown in FIG. 1 and their detection prohibited areas. First marking point 604 ₁
For set first detection prohibited area 684 _1, for the second marking point 604 ₂ is set second detection prohibited area 684 _2. The third detection prohibition region 684 ₃ is not set for Although not shown in this figure a third marking point 604 ₃ (see FIG. 1). This is because the third marking point 604 ₃ as already described is a point to be extracted in order to stop the reading of the rectangular area.

[0118] Three waveforms 691-693 shown on the document 601 in FIG. 33 represents the marking flags on and off for first to third marking point 604 _{1-604 3} respectively is set ing. Taking the first marking point 604 ₁ relating to the waveform 691 as an example, is detected on the marking flag from time t _1, which is marked is detected when successive five pixels for example, the first marking point 604 ₁ Determined. From the first marking point 604 _1, it would have determined that the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the prohibited ranges as described in FIG. 32.

The waveform 694 shown at the left end of FIG. 33 represents the prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction which constitutes the _first detection prohibited area 684 ₁ . Waveform 695 is similar to the second
2B shows the prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction that constitutes the _second detection prohibited area 684 ₂ regarding the marking point 6042 of FIG. In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction can be adjusted to an arbitrary value by using a switch (not shown) arranged on the control panel 254 (see FIG. 3). ing.

FIG. 34 shows a state in which the first and second marking points are arranged close to each other. Thus the first and second marking points 6
When 04 ₁ and 604 ₂ are arranged close to each other, the detection prohibited areas 684 ₁ and 684 ₂ often overlap each other. Even in such a case, as long as the respective marking points 604 are not present in the detection prohibited area of the other party, there is no problem in detecting the marking points 604.

FIG. 35 shows a main scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit for setting such a prohibited range of the detection prohibited area in the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction forbidden range setting circuit 701 includes prohibited range data indicating a forbidden range in the main scanning direction centered on the detection point 683 shown in FIG. 32 (a half length of the forbidden range in the entire main scanning direction). Two registers, a main-scanning prohibited range end setting register 703 and a main-scanning prohibited range start end setting register 704, which are supplied with 702, are provided.

The main scanning prohibited range end setting register 703 out of these is for determining the end of the detection prohibited region 684 (FIG. 32) in the main scanning direction, and this output data 705.
Is input to the first adder 707 and added together with the output coordinate value signal 673X in the main scanning direction. Here, the main scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673X refers to a signal in the main scanning direction in the output coordinate value signal 673 described in FIG. That is, from the first adder 707, the marking point 6
The main scanning prohibited range end position data 708 obtained by adding the prohibited range data 702 to the position 04 in the main scanning direction is output.

The main scanning prohibited range end position data 708 is input to the first comparator 709, and the main scanning direction count value 63 is input.
6 (see FIG. 29) and its magnitude are compared. Since the main scanning direction count value 636 represents the current reading position in the main scanning direction, if the value indicated by the main scanning prohibited range end position data 708 is larger than the current position, the end of the prohibited range is missed. There will be no. In this case, the first comparison output 711 of H (high) level indicating that there is a possibility of being in the prohibited range is output. The first comparison output 711 is input to one input terminal of the 2-input AND gate 712.

On the other hand, the main scanning prohibited range start edge setting register 7
04 is used to determine the start end of the detection prohibited area 684 in the main scanning direction. The output data 714 of the main scan prohibited range start end setting register 704 is input to the 2's complement circuit 715. The output data 716 of the 2's complement circuit 715 is output along with the output coordinate value signal 673X in the main scanning direction to the second adder 7
It is input to 17 and added. The second adder 717 is
By adding the two's complement to the main scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673X, as a result, the main scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673 is obtained.
A value obtained by subtracting X from the output data 714 will be obtained.
That is, the prohibited range data 702 is output from the second adder 717 to the position of the marking point 604 in the main scanning direction.
The main scanning prohibited range start end position data 718 obtained by subtracting is output.

The main scanning forbidden range start end position data 718 is input to the second comparator 719, and the main scanning direction count value 63 is entered.
6 and its size are compared. Since the main scanning direction count value 636 represents the current reading position in the main scanning direction, the main scanning prohibited range start end position data 708 is more than the present position.
If the value indicated by is smaller, it means that the beginning of the prohibited area has already been passed. In this case, the second comparison output 721 at the H (high) level indicating that there is a possibility of being in the prohibited range is output. Second comparison output 7
21 is input to the other input terminal of the 2-input AND gate 712. The 2-input AND gate 712 has the first and second
Since the logical product of the comparison outputs 711 and 721 is obtained, the main scanning direction prohibited range signal 722 which becomes H level in the main scanning direction prohibited range is output from now on.

FIG. 36 shows a sub-scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit for setting the prohibited range of the detection prohibited area in the sub-scanning direction. Sub-scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit 73
1 includes a sub-scanning direction range end setting register 733 that receives supply of prohibited range data 732 that indicates a prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction with the detection point 683 shown in FIG. 32 as one end.

Sub-scanning direction range end setting register 733
Is for determining the end of the detection prohibited area 684 (FIG. 32) in the sub-scanning direction. This output data 735 is input to the adder 737 together with the sub-scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673Y and added. Here, the sub-scanning direction output coordinate value signal 6
73Y is a signal in the sub-scanning direction in the output coordinate value signal 673 described in FIG. That is, the adder 73
7, the sub scanning direction range end position data 738 obtained by adding the prohibited range data 732 to the position of the marking point 604 in the sub scanning direction is output.

The sub-scanning direction range end position data 738 is input to the first comparator 739, and the sub-scanning direction count value 64 is input.
1 (see FIG. 29) and its magnitude are compared. Since the sub-scanning direction count value 641 represents the current reading position in the sub-scanning direction, if the value indicated by the sub-scanning direction range end position data 738 is larger than the current position, the end of the prohibited range is missed. There will be no. In this case, the H-level first comparison output 741 indicating that there is a possibility of being within the prohibited range is output. First comparison output 7
41 is input to one input terminal of the 2-input AND gate 742.

The sub scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673Y is the second
Is also supplied to the comparator 743. Second comparator 743
Compares the count value 641 in the sub-scanning direction with its magnitude. Since the sub-scanning direction count value 641 represents the current reading position in the main scanning direction, if the value indicated by the sub-scanning direction output coordinate value signal 673Y is smaller than the current position, the start end of the prohibited range has already been passed. You are doing it. In this case, the second comparison output 745 at the H (high) level indicating that there is a possibility of being in the prohibited range is output.

The second comparison output 745 is input to the other input terminal of the 2-input AND gate 742. The 2-input AND gate 742 has first and second comparison outputs 741 and 74.
Since the logical product of 5 is obtained, the sub-scanning direction prohibition range signal 746 which becomes H level in the sub-scanning direction prohibition range is to be output from now on.

Therefore, the logical product of the main scanning direction prohibited range signal 722 described with reference to FIG. 35 and the sub scanning direction prohibited range signal 746 described with reference to FIG.
If the marking point 604 is not detected because the level range is within the detection prohibited area 684,
One marking point 604 will be prevented from being erroneously detected as multiple points.

(Mode setting for rectangular area)

FIG. 37 shows the flow of the mode setting work for reading the rectangular area as described above with this digital copying machine. First, when the power of this digital copying machine is turned on, the control panel 2
An initial menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 54 (see FIG. 3) (step S101).

FIG. 38 shows an example of the initial menu screen. When the "Edit" portion 762 on the initial menu screen 761 is pressed with a finger or the like, the edit mode is selected (step S102 in FIG. 37; Y). On the other hand, when any other mode is selected (step S103;
Y), the procedure moves to the procedure for specifying the details of the selected mode, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

When the edit mode is selected, the edit mode menu screen is displayed instead of the initial menu screen 761 (step S104). On this menu screen, it is possible to select whether the editing is for the entire document or the document portion. When the operator selects partial editing (step S105; Y), a menu screen for partial editing is displayed to enable detailed designation in partial editing (step S106). On the other hand, when the editing of the entire document is selected in step S105 (step S107; Y), the procedure moves to the procedure for specifying the details for executing the selected editing.
The description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

When the menu screen for partial editing is displayed in step S106, the operator selects either "rectangle selection" or "freeform selection" in order to specify the area to be partially edited. In this embodiment, since the rectangular area is designated by three points or four points, the "rectangle selection" is selected (step S108; Y). On the other hand, when the free form is selected (step S10)
9; Y), the procedure moves to a procedure for specifying the area in detail, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

When the "rectangle selection" is selected, a menu screen for making detailed designations is displayed (step S110). In relation to the present embodiment, the location of "4 point marker indication" is selected (step S11).
0). As a result, the portion displayed as "4 point marker indication" on the currently displayed menu screen is highlighted (step S112). It should be noted that if the four-point marker is not designated in step S111 (N), it is checked whether or not coordinate input is designated (step S11).
3 ”, and if so, the procedure moves to a procedure for making detailed designations for inputting coordinates, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

When the instruction of the four markers is given in step S111, the operator further designates the marking position and the marking color on the menu screen displayed in step S111 (step S114). Here, the designation of the marking position means an operation of designating the medium on which the marking is performed. In the case of the present embodiment, since the marking is directly performed on the original 601, a portion (not shown) "on the original" is designated. The marking color is selected according to the color of the marker used. For example, when using an orange marker, the location "orange" (not shown) is designated. When such a designation is made, the designation contents are similarly highlighted on the menu screen (step S115).
The designation of the rectangular area using the three points in this embodiment is completed by the above work.

(Editing process of rectangular area)

FIG. 39 shows a flow before the editing work after the rectangular area is designated. When a document is inserted into this digital copying machine (step S2)
01; Y), and the CPU 331 shown in FIG. 27 detects this and reads the mode information (step S20).
2). If this is the rectangular mode in the partial editing described in FIG. 37 (step S203; Y), the device is set to the rectangular extraction interrupt enable state (step S20).
4). On the other hand, when a mode other than the rectangular mode is selected (step S203; N), the designated mode is executed (step S205). For example, when normal copying is instructed, the original is copied with the instructed contents (reduction ratio, number of copies, paper size, image density, etc.).

When the rectangular extraction interrupt enable state is set in step S204, an interrupt due to detection of the _first marking point 6041 shown in FIG. 1 is waited for (step S206). Then, if there is this interrupt (Y), since the coordinate value of the first marking point 604 ₁ in the main scanning direction are stored in the first point register 651 shown in FIG. 30, reads this And stores it in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 334 (FIG. 27).
Read from the first marking point 604 ₁ in the sub-scanning direction of the first point register coordinate values also correspond similarly (not shown) is stored in the corresponding memory area of the RAM 334 (step S207).

Next, the second marking point 604 ₂
Waits for an interrupt due to detection of (step S208),
If there is an interrupt (Y), similarly, the coordinate value is read from the second point register 652 or the like and the RAM is read.
The data is stored in the corresponding storage area 334 (step S20).
9). Thereafter, it compares the magnitude of the first and second marking point 604 _1, 604 the main scanning direction coordinate values of ₂ written to RAM 334 (step S21
0).

As a result, the first marking point 60
4 in the case towards _one large set (Y), the reading of only the image information dwell coordinates of the second main scanning direction of the marking point 604 ₂ in the main scanning direction starting point, the first marking point 604 The coordinate value of _{1 in} the main scanning direction is set as the end point of reading the image information in the main scanning direction (step S211). If greater in the second marking point 604 ₂ to the contrary (N), the starting point of the reading of only the image information dwell coordinate value of the first marking point 604 ₁ in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction Set to the second
The marking point 604 _second coordinate value of the main scanning direction is set to the end of the reading of only the image information dwell in the main scanning direction (step S212).

FIG. 40 shows a flow after the editing process is started as a continuation of the flow of FIG. Since the start point and the end point of the reading of the image information in the main scanning direction are determined in steps S211 and S212 of FIG. 39,
Editing of the image information between the start point and the end point is started for each scanning line (step S213).

In this state, the CPU 331 waits for an interrupt due to the detection of the _first marking point 6041 (step S214). Then, when this interrupt occurs (Y), the third point register 65 in FIG.
The coordinate value in the sub-scanning direction is read from the register storing the coordinate value in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to 3 (step S21).
5) Then, the editing of the image information is completed at the scanning line corresponding to this coordinate value (step S216). And FIG.
The rectangular extraction interrupt enable state set in step S204 is returned to the rectangular extraction interrupt disabled state (step S217), and the editing work is terminated (END).

(Details of Control Circuit)

The overall description of the rectangular area reading processing portion of the embodiment has been given above. Next, the control circuit 61 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, the circuit configuration of the part directly related to the present invention will be specifically described.

FIG. 41 shows a circuit portion in which a counter load signal is generated. The counter load signal 615 is output from the 4-input AND gate 801 as shown in FIG.
7 is input to the counter 613 shown in FIG. Here, the 4-input AND gate 801 receives the line sync signal 634 shown in FIG. 29, the page sync signal 639, the area flag 804, and the output data 806 of the first D flip-flop circuit 805, respectively. It has become. The area flag 804 is a signal which becomes H level at the place where marking is performed.

By the way, the counter load signal 615 is normally active at the L level as shown in FIG.
The output signal 616 of the register 611 shown in FIG.
It is loaded at 13. When the original document 601 marked as shown in FIG. 1 is read, the area flag 804 changes from the L level to the H level at the time when the marking is detected. As a result, the counter load signal 615 becomes H level (inactive). In this state, the counter 613 counts down the video clock 617 synchronized with the image signal.

As a result, the count value of the counter 613 becomes "0" and the count end signal 622 is output.
This counting end signal 622 is the OR gate 807 of FIG.
Is input to the first D flip-flop circuit 805, which is set. As a result, the output data 806 output from the negative logic output terminal Q ^{* of} the first D / flip-flop circuit 805 becomes L level, and the counter load signal 615 output from the 4-input AND gate 801 that inputs this is output. It becomes L level (active) again. That is, after the marking point 604 is detected, the counter 613 outputs the output signal 6 of the register 611.
16 will be reloaded.

By the way, the area area is larger than the size of the marking point 604 set by the register 611.
If the size detected by the flag 804 is smaller, the area flag 804 changes to the L level before the counting end signal 622 is output from the counter 613.
As a result, the counter load signal 615 output from the 4-input AND gate 801 becomes L level, and in this case also, the output signal 616 of the register 611 is reloaded to the counter 613. As a result, the detection is not performed for the marking smaller than the set size of the marking point 604.

Next, the case where the marking exists in the detection prohibited area will be described. The circuit shown in FIG. 41 includes two first and second two-input AND gates 811, 81.
2 are arranged. First two-input AND gate 811
It is the first marking point 604 _1, the second 2-input AND gate 812, second marking point 6
04 ₂ respectively. That is, the first two-input AND gates 811, shown as the main scanning direction prohibited range signal 813 ₁ indicating detection prohibited area of the first main scanning direction relates to the marking point 604 _1, the detection prohibited area in the sub-scanning direction sub The scanning direction prohibited range signal 814 ₁ is inputted respectively. The second 2-input AND gate 812 has a second marking point 604.
A main scanning direction prohibited range signal 813 ₂ indicating the detection prohibition area in the main scanning direction about _2, the sub-scanning direction prohibited range signal 814 ₂ indicating the detection prohibited area in the sub-scanning direction are input, respectively.

The main scanning direction prohibited range signal 813 ₁ ,
813 ₂ in the main scanning direction prohibited range signal 72 shown in FIG. 35
The logic of the sub-scanning direction prohibited range signals 814 ₁ and 814 ₂ is the same as that of the sub-scanning direction prohibited range signal 746 shown in FIG.

First and second two-input AND gate 81
The outputs of 1 and 812 are input to a NOR circuit 816, and the output signal 817 is supplied to the other input terminal of the OR gate 807 via the inverter 818.
The signal is supplied to one input terminal of the third two-input AND gate 819. The count end signal 622 is supplied from the counter 613 to the other input terminal of the third two-input AND gate 819. The output signal of the third two-input AND gate 819 is supplied to the second D flip-flop circuit 821 and is set in synchronization with the clock signal 822.

Therefore, the reading position of the original 601 is in the detection prohibited area, and at least one of the main scanning direction prohibited range signal 813 ₁ and the sub scanning direction prohibited range signal 814 ₁ of the first two-input AND gate 811 is at the L level. , The output of the NOR circuit 816 becomes L level, and the latch signal 623 for latching the coordinate values representing the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the marking point 604.
(FIG. 27) will not be output.

(Change of rectangle detection parameter)

Finally, the change of the data registered in the register when the rectangular area is detected will be described. In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the rectangular area can be set by using the marker, but the size of the drawn point of the marker differs depending on the type and the history of use. Setting the detection prohibited area shown in FIG. 32 and the like to an appropriate size or setting the minimum number of pixels marked for detecting the marking point 604 to an appropriate value ensures that the rectangular area is recognized. It is also important in order to set a smaller rectangular area, or to remove noise. Therefore, in the digital copying machine of this embodiment, the parameter set in the register 611 (FIG. 27) can be changed by setting the predetermined mode.

FIG. 42 shows the flow of work when changing the data to be registered in the register. A service engineer operates a special switch on the digital copier or the control panel 254 (Fig. 3)
When a predetermined number is input using the ten-key pad, the device is set to the SE mode which is a mode dedicated to the service engineer (step S301; Y). When the service engineer further inputs a special number in this state, the digital copying machine is set to the rectangular parameter changing mode (step S302; Y). If any other number is input (N), the parameter corresponding to this number will be changed (step S303).

When the rectangular parameter changing mode is set (step S302; Y), the CPU 331 causes the RAM 3 to operate.
The predetermined numerical value n stored in 34 is initialized to "0" (step S304). Then, in this state, the service engineer waits for input of a numerical value from the ten keys (step S305), and when the numerical value is input, the numerical value is displayed on the liquid crystal display on the control panel 254 (step S306). When the service engineer presses the registration key on the control panel 254 after inputting the changed numerical value as the minimum numerical value for detecting the marking point 604 (step S307; Y), the numerical value n is incremented by "1". (Step S30
8). In this state, the CPU 331 sets the numerical value n to "1"-
It is checked which is "3" (step S3)
09, S310).

In the first case, since the numerical value n is "1" (step S309; Y), the numerical value input by the service engineer is updated as the minimum detected numerical value of the marking point 604 (step S311). After this,
The input numerical value temporarily stored in the RAM 334 is cleared (step S312), and the process returns to step S305 to start the next update work.

In the next work, the service engineer inputs the size of the prohibited area in the main scanning direction which constitutes the detection prohibited area (step S305). After that, when the registration key is pressed (step S307; Y), the numerical value n is incremented to "2" (steps S308, S310;
Y). As a result, the currently input numerical value is updated and registered as the size of the prohibited range in the main scanning direction (step S313). After that, the input numerical value temporarily stored in the RAM 334 is cleared (step S312),
Since the last update work is started, the process returns to step S305.

In the last update operation, the service engineer inputs the size of the prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction which constitutes the detection prohibited area (step S305). After that, when the registration key is pressed (step S307; Y), the numerical value n is incremented and becomes "3" (step S308; Y, S).
310; N). As a result, the currently input numerical value is updated and registered as the size of the prohibited range in the sub-scanning direction (step S314). Then, all update work is completed (return).

The data thus updated can be stored in the nonvolatile memory area of the RAM 334 shown in FIG. 27 backed up by a battery (not shown), if necessary. The same applies to the data to be updated, which allows the data to be saved even when the power of the digital copying machine is turned off. Further, if the ROM 333 is a rewritable memory element, it is possible to store these data in the memory element and update the content as necessary.

In the embodiment, three or four markings are made on the original, and the marking points are recognized based on these markings to discriminate one rectangular area. However, a plurality of rectangular areas are formed on the original. May be set and read. In such a case, the predetermined 3
It is sufficient to mark the points or four points as one cycle and sequentially recognize the first to third or the first to fourth marking points to discriminate a plurality of rectangular areas. It is also possible to switch the determination of each rectangular area by changing the marking color of the third marking point, for example.

[0165]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, two marking points are recognized on a document, and the main scanning position from the first marking point to the second scanning point is detected. Since it is decided to start reading the image from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point with the scanning range up to the main scanning direction, the line-by-line reading of the document and the necessary rectangular area extraction work are performed in parallel. be able to. Therefore, not only the image reading process is performed quickly, but also these processes can be performed line by line, so there is no need to enter coordinate values from the control panel or specify coordinates using a digitizer. There is an effect that the device such as can be downsized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reading range of the original in the main scanning direction is determined by an appropriate method, and when a marking point is detected on this original, the order and position thereof are determined. When the predetermined marking point is detected, the reading of the rectangular area in the sub-scanning direction is ended. Therefore, the operator can set the end of the rectangular area only by designating the marking points on the document, and similarly, the input of coordinate values from the control panel and the coordinate designation using the digitizer are unnecessary, and the operator of the copier etc. The device can be downsized.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, three marking points are recognized on the document, and the main scanning is performed from the main scanning position of the first marking point to the main scanning position of the second marking point. As the scanning range in the direction, the image reading is started from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point, and the image reading is ended at the sub-scanning position when the third marking point is recognized. Therefore, as compared with the case of designating two points in the rectangular area with diagonal lines, the range of the rectangular main scanning direction can be set from the first scanning line, and the speed of image processing can be increased. Further, as compared with the case where the rectangular area is designated by four points, the rectangular area along the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction can be set, so that the processing within the rectangle is simplified. Further, since the reading in the sub-scanning direction is completed at the detection position of the third marking point, the rectangular area can be determined by the three-point designation, and the rectangular pointing method is more convenient than the case where the four-point designation is required. It has the advantage of simplicity.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when recognizing a marked portion as a marking point, a marking point detection prohibited area is set around one fixed point, so that one marking is performed. There is no risk of points being mistakenly recognized as multiple marking points. Therefore, even if the marker is used roughly to some extent for marking, the rectangular area can be accurately read and processed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, since the marking size is set to a certain size or more at the time of recognizing the marking point, there is a possibility that a fine colored dot is erroneously recognized as the marking point. Instead, the rectangular area can be accurately recognized.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the four corners of the rectangular area surrounding the area to be read of the original are marked with the respective predetermined colors, the original is read by the reading device. If the image sensor is inserted in the direction opposite to the normal direction or the image sensor subscans the document in the opposite direction, the first to third marking points 6
There is an effect that the recognition of No. 04 can be performed accurately and the rectangular area can be always discriminated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a part of a marked original used in a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a digital copying machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image scanner unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a printing unit in this embodiment.

5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a document reading portion of the image scanner unit shown in FIG.

6 is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the reference plate shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an arrangement structure of an image sensor used in this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state of pixel arrangement in a chip constituting the image sensor of this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram specifically showing a circuit configuration of a first CPU substrate of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the analog substrate of this embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the first video substrate of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a pixel data string output from a CCD gap correction unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the output of the RGB separation unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram specifically showing a circuit configuration of a second video board according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing how the output image data is divided in the main scanning direction in the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the color substrate of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the area recognition substrate of the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the digital filter substrate according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the halftone processing substrate of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image data before conversion by the block-line parallel conversion unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image data after conversion by the block-line parallel conversion unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the editing board of the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where a region is designated by enclosing it with a marker in the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of inputting a region by coordinates in the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing in a mirror editing unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a relationship between an area to be edited on a document and a set rectangular area in the present embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of a rectangular area reading processing unit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing, for each pixel, a portion of a document on which a marking is attached in the present embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a circuit portion for counting the coordinate value of a marking point in the present embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a circuit portion for storing coordinate values of the first to third marking points in the main scanning direction in the present embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a selection circuit that selects the first to third marking point output values and outputs them to a circuit in a subsequent stage in the present embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a marking on a document and a detection prohibited area in the present embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing two marking points on a document and respective detection prohibited areas in the present embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a state in which the first and second marking points are arranged close to each other in the present embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a main scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit for setting the prohibited range of the detection prohibited area in the main scanning direction in the present embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a sub-scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit for setting the prohibited range of the detection prohibited area in the sub-scanning direction in the present embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the flow of a mode setting operation for reading a rectangular area in this embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a plan view showing an initial menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display in the present embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the flow up to before the editing work after the rectangular area is designated in the present embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a flow after the editing process is started as a continuation of the flow of FIG. 39 in the present embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit portion in which a counter load signal is generated in the control circuit of this embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a work flow when changing the data registered in the register in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

231 ... Image sensor, 331 ... CPU, 333 ... R
OM, 334 ... RAM, 335 ... VMEbus I / F, 6
01 ... manuscript, 602 ... area to be edited, 604 ₁
... first marking point, 604 ₂ ... second marking points, 604 ₃ ... third marking point,
604 ₄ ... Fourth marking point, 5 ... Sub-scanning direction, 607 ... Scanning area in main scanning direction, 608 ... Rectangular area, 611 ... Register, 612 ... Control circuit, 613 ... Counter, 631 ... First up counter, 632 ... Second
Up counter, 633 ... Latch circuit, 651 ... First
Point register, 652 ... Second point register, 653 ... Third point register, 657, 671
... multiplexer, 684 ... detection prohibited area, 701 ... main scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit, 703 ... main scanning prohibited range end setting register, 704 ... main scanning prohibited range start end setting register, 707 ... first adder, 709, 739 ... first comparator, 712, 742 ... 2-input AND gate, 715
... 2's complement circuit, 717 ... second adder, 719, 74
Reference numeral 3 ... Second comparator, 731 ... Sub-scanning direction prohibited range setting circuit, 733 ... Sub-scanning direction range end setting register, 737
... Adder, 801 ... 4-input AND gate, 805, 82
1 ... D flip-flop circuit, 807 ... OR gate,
811 ... First two-input AND gate, 812 ... Second two-input
Input AND gate, 819 ... Third two-input AND gate

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading a document in line units, a marking point recognition unit for recognizing marked points on the document, and a recognition order and position of the marking points recognized by the marking point recognition unit. Marking point storage means to be stored and 2 from the main scanning position of the first marking point when the second marking point is recognized on the same document.
A rectangular area reading process comprising: an image reading starting unit that starts reading an image from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point with the main scanning position of the second marking point as a scanning range in the main scanning direction. apparatus. 2. A reading unit for reading a document in line units, a marking point recognition unit for recognizing marked points on the document, and a recognition order and position of the marking points recognized by the marking point recognition unit. Marking point storing means to be stored, main scanning direction reading range determining means for determining the reading range in the main scanning direction of an original, and image reading at the sub-scanning position when a predetermined number of marking points are recognized on the same original And a rectangular area reading processing device. 3. A reading unit for reading a document in line units, a marking point recognition unit for recognizing marked points on the document, and a recognition order and position of the marking points recognized by the marking point recognition unit. Marking point storage means to be stored and 2 from the main scanning position of the first marking point when the second marking point is recognized on the same document.
An image reading start unit that starts reading an image from the sub-scanning position of the second marking point with the main scanning position of the second marking point as the scanning range in the main scanning direction, and the third marking point on the same document are recognized. A rectangular area reading processing device, comprising: an image reading ending means for ending the reading of the image at the sub-scanning position when the reading is performed. 4. The marking point recognition means prohibits newly recognizing a next marking point as a marking point when a next marking point exists in a predetermined range centered on any one of the already recognized marking points. 4. The rectangular area reading processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: marking point duplication recognition prohibiting means. 5. The rectangular area reading process according to claim 1, wherein the marking point recognition means recognizes a marking on a document as a single marking point when the marking has a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size. apparatus. 6. The rectangular area reading processing device according to claim 3, wherein the original has markings in predetermined colors at four corners of a rectangular area surrounding an area to be read. .