JPH09305070A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability and working efficiency in the case of specifying a closed loop and to prevent recording paper from being wastefully consumed by informing an operator about specified coordinates which are not correct in the case the closed loop does not exist. SOLUTION: A system control part 101 gives a command to an operation display unit 400 so as to check(retrieve) whether or not the closed loop including the specified coordinates exists. The unit 400 retrieves whether the closed loop including the position of the specified coordinate in image data stored in the RAM 403 of the unit 400 exists by referring to coordinate data from the area coordinate and image editing condition control table of an area editing data control part 406. The control part 101 which receives the retrieved result from the unit 400 decides whether or not an error is found in the coordinates of a specified point to specify the closed loop, and the control part 101 instructs the unit 400 to display a closed loop specifying error warning screen in the case the closed loop which is not found exists.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an area editing function capable of setting an arbitrary area in image information and designating an image editing condition for each set area. Relates to an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently detecting an error in a closed loop designated position in an area editing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional image forming apparatus, an arbitrary area is set in image information, at least one of the set areas is set as a group, and a copy condition (image editing condition) is designated for each set group. There is an image forming apparatus having a region editing function that can be performed.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-217372.
An image forming apparatus capable of selecting an arbitrary closed loop in image information and performing editing processing such as cutting out, deleting, and synthesizing the selected closed loop, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication "Image Information Editing Apparatus" Has been done.

Further, also in an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a method of displaying an original image on a display of an operation display unit and designating a closed loop in image information on the display, or an editing board such as a coordinate input device. It is possible to specify a closed loop and perform coloring processing on the specified closed loop by the method of specifying a closed loop above.

In either method, the specification of the closed loop is
The operator selects and inputs coordinates (points) existing in a desired closed loop in the image information, and the device side searches for a closed loop that includes the starting point with the coordinates as the starting point and finds the corresponding closed loop. Recognized as the specified closed loop.

[0006]

However, according to the image forming apparatus having the conventional area editing function described above, it is possible to perform area editing by designating a closed loop, but erroneous coordinates are designated when the closed loop is designated. When (Position) is specified, the erroneous specification of coordinates (position) cannot be recognized until the area-edited image is output on the recording paper, resulting in poor operability and work efficiency, and image forming operation. However, there is a problem that the recording paper is wasted by performing the above procedure.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to improve the operability and work efficiency when designating a closed loop, and prevent waste of recording paper.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect sets an arbitrary area in image information and specifies an image editing condition for each set area. In an image forming apparatus having an editable area editing function, display means for displaying various image information and messages, storage means for storing display image information displayed by the display means, and display on the display means Specifying means for specifying arbitrary coordinates in the displayed image information, and whether or not a closed loop including the coordinates specified by the specifying means exists in the display image information before executing the image forming operation. Closed loop correctness determination means for determining whether or not the specified coordinate is incorrect when the closed loop does not exist.

That is, the closed loop correctness determination means is
Before executing the image forming operation, it is judged whether or not the designation of the closed loop is correct based on the display image information, and if it is not correct, the error of the closed loop is notified without performing the image forming operation. .

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention has an image forming apparatus having an area editing function capable of setting an arbitrary area in image information and designating an image editing condition for each set area. In the above, in the specification means for specifying arbitrary coordinates in the image information, and before executing the image forming operation, the image information is inputted by pre-scanning, and the closed loop including the coordinates specified by the specification means is inputted. Closed-loop correct / wrong determination means for determining whether or not the specified coordinates are present, and notifying that the specified coordinates are incorrect when the closed-loop is not present.

That is, the closed-loop correctness determination means is
Before executing the image forming operation, it is judged based on the image information input by the pre-scan whether or not the designation of the closed loop is correct, and if it is not correct, the error of the closed loop is detected without performing the image forming operation. Notice.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the closed loop does not exist, the corresponding coordinates are differentiated from other coordinates by using the designation error coordinates. Is displayed.

That is, the coordinates of the designated error are differentiated and displayed so that the operator can correctly identify the error.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, when the closed loop does not exist, the corresponding coordinates can be re-designated by using the designating means. It is a thing.

That is, by making it possible to re-specify an incorrect coordinate, the work becomes easier and the work time can be shortened.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a color copying machine will be described in detail in the order of [First Embodiment] and [Second Embodiment] with reference to the drawings. explain.

[Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, regarding the color copying machine of the first embodiment, the configuration of the control system of the color copying machine of the first embodiment, the configuration of the operation panel, the structure of the management table of the area edit data management unit, the liquid crystal display Screen display example of screen A detailed description will be given in the order of the operation of the closed loop correctness determination process of the first embodiment.

Configuration of Control System of Color Copier of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a color copier to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. The color copying machine according to the first embodiment is roughly divided into a system unit 100, a scanner unit 200, an image processing unit 300, and an operation display unit 400. The first embodiment
In the color copying machine, the structure of the scanner engine unit (image reading device), the printer engine unit (image output device), etc. can be applied to the structure of a general color copying machine.
Since it is not particularly limited, illustration and description are omitted.

The system unit 100 centrally manages the entire color copying machine, issues an operation instruction to each of the units 200 to 400, and executes a copying operation. A system control section 101 and a printer engine section (not shown) are provided. A printer control unit 102 that controls printer operations and a communication control unit 103 that communicates with each of the units 200 to 400.
A RAM 104 for storing various data and a non-volatile RAM 105 in which copy control condition data of the entire color copying machine are stored.

The scanner unit 200 includes a scanner unit controller 2 for controlling the entire scanner unit 200.
01, a communication control unit 202 for communicating with the system control unit 101, a lamp control unit 203 for controlling lighting of a halogen lamp (not shown) which is a light source, and a halogen lamp for obtaining reflected light of an original. A drive control unit 204 that performs scanning and scanning by moving the or reflection plate, a RAM 205 that stores various data, and a reading control unit 206 that photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the document and reads it as RGB image data are provided. . The communication control unit 202 is connected to the communication control unit 103 of the system unit 100 via a serial line. Also, the reading control unit 206
Is connected to an image data processing unit 305 of the image processing unit 300, which will be described later, by a bus, and transfers the read RGB image data via the bus.

The image processing unit 300 includes an image processing unit controller 3 for controlling the entire image processing unit 300.
01, a communication control unit 302 for communicating with the system control unit 101, and color image data processed by an image data processing unit 305, which will be described later, emits LD light for each color component,
A write controller 303 that exposes a photosensitive drum (not shown), and a RAM 304 that stores various data.
Then, the RGB image data sent from the reading control unit 206 via the bus is subjected to γ correction, UCR processing is performed, and
An image data processing unit 3 for converting into K, Y, M, C color image data and performing gradation reproduction correction processing and gradation correction processing.
05. The communication control unit 302 is connected to the communication control unit 103 of the system unit 100 via a serial line. Also, the image data processing unit 305
Is the display control unit 40 of the operation display unit 400 described later.
4 is connected by a bus to transfer the RGB image data read by the scanner unit 200 via the bus.

The operation display unit 400 includes an operation display unit control section 4 for controlling the operation display unit 400 as a whole.
01, a communication control unit 402 for communicating with the system control unit 101, and a RAM 4 for storing various data.
03, screen and scan unit 20 required for copying
A liquid crystal display screen 407, which will be described later, shows the original image read by 0.
The display control unit 404 to be displayed on a, the touch panel that is also provided on the liquid crystal display screen 407a of the operation panel 407 described below, and all keys on the operation panel 407 are managed, and the selected key is operated by the operation display unit control unit. 40
1. An input control unit 405 for notifying 1 and an area edit data management unit 406 that stores and manages data of a specified area (area) and copy condition data of the specified area during area processing in the area editing function. Is equipped with. The communication control unit 402 is connected to the communication control unit 103 of the system unit 100 via a serial line. In the area edit data management unit 406, an area coordinate / image edit condition management table 406a and an area management table 406b, which will be described later, are provided.

Configuration of Operation Panel Next, the configuration of the operation panel 407 of the operation display unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Operation panel 40
At the center of 7, a liquid crystal display screen (display means of the present invention) 407a that also functions as a touch panel is arranged. The liquid crystal display screen 407a is a color screen capable of displaying a color image, and can reproduce and display the RGB image data read by the scanner unit 200.

Reference numeral 407b denotes a copy button for inputting the execution of copying. Below, 407c is an interrupt button used when other urgent copying is performed during the copying operation, and 407d is an interruption button or a copy operation. Stop / Clear key for inputting the number of sheets reset, 407
e is a numeric keypad used for setting the number of copies, 407f
Is a memory call key used when calling the mode used when copying last time, 407g is a residual heat / mode clear key used when setting various settings such as residual heat mode and copy mode, and 407h is a liquid crystal display An input pen used for key selection and edit area setting displayed on the display screen 407a, 407i is a color adjustment / registration key used for color adjustment and registration, 407j is a program key used for user program registration and reading, 407k and 407l are option keys used to call the set option,
Reference numeral 407m indicates a viewing angle adjustment knob of the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

The input pen 407h serves as a designation means for designating an arbitrary point in the image information displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

Structure of Management Table of Area Edit Data Management Unit Next, the structure of the management table provided in the area edit data management unit 406 will be described. In the first embodiment,
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the area coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a and the area management table 406b.
Two management tables are provided.

In the first embodiment, among a plurality of areas (areas) set in the image information, areas having the same copy condition data (image editing conditions) can be set and managed as one group. It is a structure. That is, by managing the copy condition data in units of groups, it is possible to store the copy condition data with a smaller memory capacity than in the case of managing the copy condition data in areas.

Area coordinate / image editing condition management table 40
6a has a structure capable of storing at least the coordinate data of each area belonging to each group and the copy condition (image editing condition) designated for each group in group units. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, each group has a copy condition data area and a coordinate data area, and
This group unit is secured as an array of the maximum number of groups that can be specified, j. That is, the data is managed for each group. In addition, here

[0] to [j-1] correspond to group numbers.

The copy condition data area is further classified into a create processing setting data area and a color processing setting data area according to the edited contents.

In the create processing setting data area, a create processing mode, a create processing specified color, a specified color density and auxiliary data are secured as 1-byte data areas.

For example, in the create processing mode, modes such as "italic,""shadowing,""reversal,""mirror," and "repeat" are set. Also, the create processing specified color is valid only when "Shadow" is selected, and the shadow color is set. The specified color density is valid only when "Shadow" is selected, and the density notch for the specified color is set. The auxiliary data differs in the data held by each create processing mode. Italic angle data is used in "Italic", shadow type is set in "Shadow", and the number of repeats is set in "Repeat". It becomes invalid in "Mirror".

The above-mentioned create processing mode, create processing specified color, specified color density, and auxiliary data are set with information indicating that there is no setting, invalidity, or non-selection.

The color processing setting data area is provided with a data area of a color processing mode, a color processing designated color and a designated color density. The color processing mode includes "under color", "paint color" and the like. . If it is not set, information indicating no setting is set. A density notch for the specified color is set for the specified color density.

On the other hand, the coordinate data area provided for each group unit is an area for storing only the coordinate data of each area.

The coordinate data is an array of the maximum number k of coordinates (that is, k points) that can be designated by one editing, with the x coordinate data and the y coordinate data as one coordinate.
Each coordinate data stores the coordinate data (that is, the coordinate data of each area) input when the edit area is specified, and invalid data (for example, 0xFFFF) is always set at a point which is not input. Therefore, if the area is determined before the maximum number of coordinates is reached, the range of valid data can be determined from the invalid data.

On the other hand, the area management table 406b is shown in FIG.
As shown in, area management data is provided for each area (that is, for each area). This area management data is secured as an array of the maximum number h of areas that can be specified. In the area management data, (array number) +1 is the area number, and group attribute data indicating the group number to which it belongs, area shape data indicating the shape of the area, and the number of coordinates used in the corresponding area. It is composed of the designated area coordinate number and the number of the corresponding area within the group indicated by the group attribute data.

Here, as the group attribute data, the group number assigned based on the editing contents at the time of area editing is stored. Also, the area shape data stores the area shape selected when the area (area) is specified. Specifically, "diagonal 2 points", "right angle polygon", "polygon", "closed loop" , "Line", etc. are stored. In addition, the number of coordinates designated based on the area shape is stored in the area designated coordinate number. Further, in the in-group area number, an ID (here, an array number) indicating the number of the designated area in the group to which the corresponding area belongs is stored.

Further, since the area management table 406b has area management data including group attribute data, area shape, number of area designated coordinates, and area number in group, as a group of information, the area management table 4
Each area can be easily managed by using 06b. That is, the coordinate data and the area shape can be changed on an area-by-area basis without affecting the settings of other areas in the same group.

The group attribute data of each area is
Until the copy condition (mode, color, etc.) of the designated area is changed, the group No. is assigned as the same group. Therefore, when the copy condition data is changed, the area coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a
It is possible to easily change the copy condition for each group simply by changing the copy condition data area. Therefore, since the copy condition data is managed in group units, it is possible to reduce the amount of memory used in the management table.

Screen Display Example of Liquid Crystal Display Screen Next, a screen display example of the liquid crystal display screen 407a used in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 shows a basic screen displayed when the warm-up is completed after the power supply of the color copying machine is started.
Reference numeral 01 is an area processing key used when performing area processing, 502 is a message area for notifying the state of the copying machine and notifying the operator of the operation procedure, 503
Is a density adjustment key row, 504 is a color selection key row, 505
Is a character / photo selection key sequence, 506 is a paper selection key sequence, 5
Reference numeral 07 is a same-size / paper-designation variable-magnification designation key row, 508 is an unspecified original designation key, 509 is a create key, 510 is a color processing key, 511 is a move / book processing key, and 512.
Is a scaling key. When the area processing key 501 is touch-operated on the basic screen shown in the figure, the reading standby screen in the area processing mode shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

FIG. 6 shows a reading standby screen in the area processing mode. Reference numeral 513 denotes a whole surface processing key, which is used to cancel the area processing mode and return to the basic screen shown in FIG. A basic content change key 514 is used to change the basic content such as the paper feed stage and the scaling factor. A reading key 515 is used when reading a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) and displaying it on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. When the read key 515 is touch-operated, the image data of the read document is reduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows an original image display screen in the area processing mode, and 516 shows a reduced display image of RGB image data read by the scanner unit 200. Also, 5
A content confirmation key 17 is used to confirm the copy conditions (contents) of the set area and group. An area shape selection key 518 is used to select how to specify the shape of the area, and the currently selected area shape is displayed in the lower display frame 518a (here, the area shape is selected). Shape is unselected / shows blank). 519
Is an area confirmation key and is used to confirm the specified area. Reference numeral 520 is an area edit key. Reference numeral 521 denotes an erase key, which is 1 before touching the area confirmation key 519.
It is used to erase backwards point by point. Area confirmation key 51
It is used to erase the entire confirmed area after the touch operation of 9. Reference numeral 522 is a cursor key, which is an input pen 407.
It is used when performing fine adjustment of the point (coordinates) specified by h (see FIG. 2). A display magnification key 523 is used to change the display magnification of the displayed image information (reduced display image 516). An out-of-area key 524 is used to set a copy mode outside the designated area.
When the area selection key 518 is touch-operated, an area selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an area shape selection screen in the area processing mode. Reference numeral 525 denotes a release and close key, which releases and closes the area shape specified on the area shape selection screen, and the original image display screen of FIG. Used when returning to. A two-point diagonal key 526a is used to specify a quadrangle formed by the coordinates of the two diagonal points as the area shape. 526b
Is a right-angled polygon key and is used to specify a right-angled polygon formed by the coordinates of multiple points as the area shape. A polygon key 526c is used to specify a polygon formed by the coordinates of a plurality of points as an area shape. A closed loop key 526d is used to specify an arbitrary closed loop in the image information as a point as an area shape. A line key 526e is used when the coordinates of a plurality of points input as an area shape are sequentially designated as a connecting line area. When the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated, the area designation screen of FIG. 9 is displayed.

FIG. 9 shows an area designation screen (screen for coordinate designation of closed loop) in the area processing mode.
If the area shape (here, closed loop) is specified using 7h (see FIG. 2), the selected area shape (not shown)
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. Here, by touching the area confirmation key 519, it is recognized as an area. It should be noted that when an arbitrary closed loop is designated, a predetermined closed loop designated number counter is incremented. When the closed loop is continuously specified, the previously input specified points are sequentially determined, and therefore it is not necessary to touch the area confirmation key 519 every time the designation is performed. When the input of the closed loop area is completed, the area confirmation key 519 is pressed and the area edit key 520 is touched.
The area processing mode edit screen shown in is the liquid crystal display screen 407.
a.

FIG. 10 shows an area processing mode edit screen when the color / image quality key 600 is touch-operated.
A color / image quality key 00 designates the basic screen of the area editing screen shown in FIG. A color processing key 601 is used to set a color processing mode such as paint, undercolor, color conversion, and designated color deletion.
A create key 602 is used to set a create mode such as shadowing, hollowing, and italics.

Reference numeral 603 is an automatic density key, 604 is a copy density key, 605 is a color mode key, and 606 is an image quality mode key. Also, 608 is a key to release and close,
It is used to clear all the operations performed on the area edit screen and return to the area designation screen of FIG. A close key 607 is used to proceed to the next work while keeping the operation performed on the area edit screen. A content list key 609 is used to display a list of setting contents.

An image quality adjustment key 610 is used when adjusting contrast, background adjustment, UCR adjustment, and the like. A color adjustment key 611 is used for color adjustment. A color balance adjustment key 612 is used when performing color balance adjustment. Reference numeral 613 denotes a basic content change key, which is used when changing the basic content such as the paper feed stage and the scaling factor. An area erase key 614 is used to erase the inside of the designated area. An out-of-area erasing key 615 is used to erase out of the designated area. The key of the set mode is highlighted.

FIG. 11 shows a color processing mode edit screen when the color processing key 601 is touch-operated in FIG. 10, and 616 is a color conversion key, which is a key used when setting color conversion. A designated color erasing key 617 is used to erase a designated color. 618
Is an undercolor key and is used to color the white area of the specified area. A paint key 619 is used to paint a specified area. A frame line key 620 is used when the frame line of the designated area is reproduced as a line.

FIG. 12 shows a paint designation color selection screen when the paint key 618 in FIG. 11 is touch-operated. In the drawing, 701 is a release and close key,
It is used when invalidating the set contents and returning to the color processing mode edit screen of FIG. A close key 702 is used to return to the color processing mode edit screen of FIG. 11 while saving the set contents. A color to be set is selected from a designated color key 703, a registered color key 704, and a document color key 705. The thin key 706 is effective when a color is selected from the designated color keys 703, and can reduce the density of the designated color. Similarly, the dark key 707 is also effective when a color is selected from the designated color key 703, and the density of the designated color can be increased.

FIG. 13 shows a closed loop designation error warning screen to be used when the closed loop cannot be searched at the designated coordinates (points) by the closed loop correctness determination process described later. As shown in the figure, the warning message 801 is displayed. Is displayed. Further, reference numeral 802 is a re-editing key, which is used to re-specify a coordinate having an input error (that is, a point corresponding to an erroneous closed loop). Reference numeral 803 denotes a close key, which is used when re-editing of a coordinate having an input error is not performed.

In FIG. 13, when the re-editing key 802 is touched, a closed loop content correction screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. As shown, a star-shaped closed loop 80
4, when there is a closed loop 805 of a circle and a closed loop 806 of an ellipse, the corresponding closed loop can be specified by specifying the coordinates inside each closed loop. For example, the closed loop 806 of an ellipse is intended to be specified Then, when the coordinates outside the closed loop 806 of the ellipse are erroneously specified, the erroneous specified point (coordinate) 806a is displayed blinking. Here, the blinking designated point 806a can be moved using the cursor 807 and corrected to correct coordinates.

When the delete key 521 is pressed, the blinking designated point 806a can be deleted. After that, if you want to specify the closed loop again, you can correct the coordinates by inputting points as described above.
When the return key 808 is touched at the end of re-editing,
The closed-loop correctness / incorrectness determination process described below is started again.

Operation of Closed Loop Correctness / False Judgment Processing of Embodiment 1 With the above configuration, the closed loop correctness / wrongness judgment processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. However, here, for the sake of simplicity, only the closed loop is selectable in the area type selection.

First, in step S1501, the original image is read. Specifically, when the operator touch-operates (ON) the area processing key 501 from the basic screen of FIG. 5, the operation display unit 400 transmits the fact that there is a key input to the system control unit 101, and the operation display unit 400 of FIG. The LCD standby screen 40
7a.

Then, after the operator places an original document to be area-processed on the contact glass of the color copying machine, and touches (ON) the read key 515 on the reading standby screen, the scanner unit The image data of the original is read by 200. The read image data is transmitted from the scanner unit 200 to the image processing unit 300, from the image processing unit 300 to the operation display unit 400, and then the operation display unit 40.
0 of the RAM 403. On the other hand, when the system control unit 101 receives the read key input notification, it issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the image data transmitted from the image processing unit 300 on the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

Next, in step S1502, the operation display unit 400 displays the read image data of the original in a reduced size on the liquid crystal display screen 407a as shown in FIG. 7, and an input screen prompting the user to select the next process is displayed. indicate. Here, it is assumed that the area type selection key 518 is selected.

When the area type selection key 518 is selected,
The system control unit 101 instructs the operation display unit 400 to display the area type selection screen of FIG.
The operation display unit 400 displays the area type selection screen of FIG. 8 according to the instruction. Here, it is assumed that the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated as the area shape.

Next, in step S1503, it is determined whether or not the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated as the area shape, and when the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated, that is, when the area is designated by the closed loop, step S1504. If any key other than the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated, the process proceeds to step S152.
Proceed to 2.

Next, in step S1504, the system control unit 101 issues an instruction to display the area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) of FIG. 9 on the operation display unit 400. At this time, the current area shape is displayed. An instruction is issued to display the closed loop in the display frame 518a shown. The operation display unit 400 displays the area designation screen of FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. In addition, the system control unit 101
Initializes a closed loop specified number counter that counts the specified number of closed loops.

Subsequently, in step S1505, a designated point (coordinates) designating a closed loop is input. This designated point (coordinate) is input by touching the position to be designated in the reduced display image 516 displayed on the area designation screen of FIG. 9 with the input pen 407h (see FIG. 2).

Specifically, when the designated point of the closed loop is input, the operation display unit 400 is operated by the system control unit 101.
The specified point input and the coordinate data of the specified point are transmitted to. The system control unit 101 having received the coordinate data from the RAM 10
4, and the operation display unit 400 is instructed to display the undetermined point mark at the designated coordinate position. When the operation display unit 400 receives the instruction of the undetermined point mark, the operation display unit 400 displays the undetermined point mark at the designated coordinate position.

After that, when the next point is input, the system control unit 101 performs the same operation, but issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the undetermined point mark of the designated point input this time and , The coordinates of the designated point input last time are fixed, the previous unfixed point mark is instructed to be changed to the fixed point mark, and the fixed coordinate data and area type data (closed loop) are transmitted to the image processing unit 300. .

Also, when the area confirmation key 519 is touch-operated, the system control unit 101 performs the same operation, but in this case, the coordinates of the previously input designated point are confirmed and the operation display is performed. The unit 400 is instructed to change the last undetermined point mark to the finalized point mark, and the finalized coordinate data and area-shaped data (closed loop) are transmitted to the image processing unit 300.

In step S1506, if the coordinates of the designated point are confirmed by the input of the next point or the coordinates of the designated point are confirmed by the touch operation of the area confirmation key 519 as described above, the system control unit 101 The closed loop designated number counter is incremented, and the closed-loop data determined is stored in the area edit data management unit 406. Specifically, the coordinate data of the fixed point is registered in the area coordinate / image edit condition management table 406a of the area edit data management unit 406, and the group attribute data, the area shape, the number of designated area coordinates, and the in-group are registered in the area management table 406b. Register the area number. For example, the group attribute data is a group 1, the area shape is a closed loop, the area designated coordinate number is 1, and the area number within the group is a closed loop such as data indicating the position where the coordinate data of the area coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a is stored. The data for identifying is registered. Further, the system control unit 101 transmits the coordinate data and the area shape to the image processing unit 300, and the image processing unit 300 stores the received data in the RAM 304.

After that, in step S1507, it is determined whether or not the area edit key 520 is touch-operated. If the area edit key 520 is touch-operated, the process proceeds to step S1508. If not, the process returns to step S1505 to specify the closed loop. repeat.

In step S1508, the system control unit 101 which receives the input of the area edit key 520 from the operation display unit 400 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the area processing mode edit screen of FIG. The operation display unit 400 receiving the display command of the edit screen displays the area processing mode edit screen of FIG. 10 on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. Here, the operator sets the copy condition data (mode editing).

For example, when the color processing key 601 is pressed on the area processing mode editing screen of FIG. 10, the system control unit 101 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the color processing mode editing screen of FIG. Let Further, when the paint key 619 is pressed on the color processing mode edit screen of FIG. 11, the system control unit 1
01 issues a command to the operation display unit 400, and
Display the paint specification color selection screen of.

Further, in the paint designation color selection screen of FIG. 12, for example, when red of the designation color key 703 is pressed, the operation display unit 400 causes the system control unit 101 to operate.
The system control unit 101 that has transmitted the red color code and the designated color key selection that have been pressed to the RAM 10
The color code of red is stored in 4, and the operation display unit 40
Issue a command to reverse display the red key pressed to 0. Operation display unit 400 that received the reverse display command
Highlights the pressed red key and notifies the operator that the key input has been accepted.

Further, in the paint designation color selection screen of FIG. 12, for example, the darkest notch 4 is the initial value as the density notch, and when the thin key 706 is pressed in this state, the operation display unit 400 controls the system. Part 101
The system control unit 101, which has transmitted that the thin key 706 has been pressed and has received this, updates the density notch data stored in the RAM 104 to the notch 3, which is the data obtained by subtracting 1 from the density notch data, and notifies the operation display unit 400 of the notch. Issue a command that 3 has been selected. The operation display unit 400 that has received the notch 3 selection command moves the selection display (selection mark) to the notch 3 display position.

When the paint designated color selection screen shown in FIG. 12 is selected, the operator presses the close key 702. At this time, the operation display unit 400 displays the close key 7 on the system control unit 101.
When 02 is pressed, the system control unit 101 receiving this command issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the color processing mode edit screen of FIG. 11 and display the paint key 619 for determination. Issue a command to display red as the reverse color of the paint key. The operation display unit 400 also stores the set image editing condition (copying condition data) in the copying condition data region of the region coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a.
At the same time, the system control unit 101 transmits to the image processing unit 300 that the paint mode is set to red and the density notch is notch 3. The image processing unit 300 receives the image editing condition (red notch 3) and stores it in the RAM 304.

When the operator presses the close key 608 on the screen of FIG. 11 (or FIG. 12), mode editing (setting of copy condition data) is completed. At this time, the operation display unit 400 transmits to the system control unit 101 that the close key 608 is pressed.

In step S1509, the close key 60
It is determined whether or not No. 8 is pressed, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1510, and if not, step S15
Returning to 1508, the mode editing is repeated.

In step S1510, the system control unit 101 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to check (search) whether or not there is a closed loop containing the specified coordinates, and the operation display unit 400 displays the area. The specified coordinate position (position of coordinate data) in the image data stored in the RAM 403 of the operation display unit 400 is included by referring to the coordinate data from the area coordinate / image edit condition management table 406a of the edit data management unit 406. Search for the existence of a closed loop.

By the steps S1511 and S1512, the operation display unit 400 has the above-mentioned step S15.
The closed loop search of 10 is performed until the closed loop designated number counter reaches 0, that is, the designated number of times, and when the search of the designated number of times is completed, the search result is the system control unit 101.
To step S1513.

In step S1513, the system control unit 1 that has received the search result from the operation display unit 400.
01 determines whether or not there is a closed loop that is not found in the closed loop search in step S1510. In other words, it is determined whether or not there is an error in the coordinates of the specified point that specifies the closed loop. If there is, go to step S1514. If there is no closed loop that cannot be found, the process advances to step S1521.

In step S1514, the system control unit 101 commands the operation display unit 400 to display the closed-loop specification error warning screen of FIG. 13, and the operation display unit 400 that receives the warning display command specifies the closed-loop specification of FIG. An error warning screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

In step S1515, it is determined whether or not the reediting key 802 is selected on the closed loop designation error warning screen of FIG. 13. If the reediting key 802 is selected, the process proceeds to step S1516, and if not ( That is, if the close key 803 is selected), the process advances to step S1520.

In step S1520, the operation display unit 400 transmits to the system control unit 101 that the close key 803 has been selected, and the system control unit 101 that has received this deletes the incorrect coordinate data in the RAM 104,
The operation display unit 400 is instructed to invalidate the designated error coordinates, and the flow advances to step S1521.

On the other hand, if the re-editing key 802 is selected, then in step S1516 the system controller 1
01 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14 according to the selection of the re-editing key 802, and the operation display unit 400 displays the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14 on the liquid crystal display. Screen 407
Display in a.

Subsequently, in step S1517, the system control unit 101 causes the operation display unit 400 to blink the display of the erroneous coordinate data (designated point).
The operation display unit 400 receives the command and changes the display of the error designation point (coordinate data having an error) to a blinking display.

In step S1518, when the operator re-designates the designated point of the closed loop on the closed loop content correction screen, the operation display unit 400 displays the erroneous coordinate data and the re-designated coordinate data. The system control unit 10 which has transmitted to and received the system control unit 101
1 retrieves the coordinate data having an error from the RAM 104 and updates it to the re-designated coordinate data. Further, the operation display unit 400 is instructed to rewrite the coordinate data. On the other hand, the operation display unit 400 that has received the coordinate data rewriting command rewrites the erroneous coordinate data in the region coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a of the region editing data management unit 406 with the redesignated coordinate data.

After that, when the return key 808 is pressed after the re-designation on the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14, the operation display unit 400 returns to the system control unit 101.
The system control unit 101, which has transmitted that 08 has been selected and has received this, determines in step S1519 that the return key 808 has been pressed (ON), and then proceeds to step S1.
Returning to 510, the operation display unit 400 is instructed to perform a search again for a closed loop including the specified coordinates (specified point). According to this command, the operation display unit 400 returns to step S1510 and executes the closed loop search again. Subsequently, the system control unit 101 and the operation display unit 400 perform step S
1511-step S1513 are repeated, and if the re-designated coordinates are incorrect, step S151 is repeated.
4, the closed loop designation error warning screen of FIG. 13 is displayed.

On the other hand, if there is no closed loop that cannot be found in step S1513 (that is, if all closed loops are correctly specified), or if erroneous coordinate data is deleted in step S1520, step S152
1, the system control unit 101 commands the operation display unit 400 again to display the area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) of FIG.
00 displays the area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) of FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. In this state, if there is any key input, the process proceeds to step S1522.

In step S1522, it is determined whether to continue editing. Specifically, if the closed loop is continuously designated or the area type selection key 518 is designated, it is determined that the editing is to be continued, the process returns to step S1502, and the processes after step S1502 are repeated. If there is any other key input, the process advances to step S1523 to determine whether the copy button 407b has been pressed. If the copy button 407b has been pressed (ON), in step S1524, Operation display unit 4
00 to the system control unit 101, the system control unit 101 causes the image processing unit 300
And the copy condition data (image editing condition) is transmitted to the printer engine unit (not shown) to execute the copy operation,
A desired copy image can be obtained. If the copy button 407b is not pressed, step S152
Return to 1.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the RAM of the operation display unit 400 is executed before the copy operation is executed.
Based on the image data stored in 403, it is determined whether or not the designation of the closed loop is correct, and if the designation is not correct, the error of the closed loop is notified without performing the copy operation, so the designation of the closed loop is performed. In this case, it is possible to improve the operability and work efficiency at the time, and prevent unnecessary waste of recording paper.

Further, when there is no closed loop, the corresponding coordinates are displayed as the designation error coordinates by differentiating them from other coordinates (in the first embodiment, blinking display), so that the operator correctly identifies the error. be able to. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

When the closed loop does not exist, it is possible to re-designate the corresponding coordinates (designation error coordinates).
The work becomes easier and the work time can be shortened. In other words, since only the incorrectly designated coordinates are re-edited, it is not necessary to re-designate all coordinates, and only the minimum necessary coordinates can be designated for correction.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, before executing the copy operation, the image data is input by the pre-scan, and whether a closed loop including the designated coordinates exists in the input image data. It is determined whether or not the closed coordinates do not exist, and the fact that the designated coordinates are incorrect is notified. The first embodiment
Since the configuration is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof will be omitted, and only different parts will be described here.

The closed loop correctness determination process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 and 18. However, here, for the sake of simplicity, only the closed loop is selectable in the area type selection. Further, the reference numerals common to the closed-loop correctness / incorrectness determination processing of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

First, in step S1501, the original image is read.

In step S1502, the operation display unit 400 displays the read image data of the original in a reduced size on the liquid crystal display screen 407a as shown in FIG. 7, and displays the input screen prompting the selection of the next process.

In step S1503, it is determined whether or not the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated as the area shape. If the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated, that is, if the area is designated by the closed loop, the process proceeds to step S1504. If any key other than the closed loop key 526d is touch-operated, the process advances to step S1522.

In step S1504, the system control unit 101 issues an instruction to display the area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) of FIG. 9 on the operation display unit 400, and at this time, a display frame indicating the current area shape. 518
Instruct a to display a closed loop. The operation display unit 400 displays the area designation screen of FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display screen 4
It is displayed on 07a. Further, the system control unit 101 initializes a closed loop designated number counter that counts the designated number of closed loops.

In step S1505, designated points (coordinates) designating a closed loop are input. This designated point (coordinate) is input by inputting the position to be designated in the reduced display image 516 displayed on the area designation screen of FIG.
It is performed by touching with h (see FIG. 2).

In step S1506, when the coordinate of the designated point is confirmed by the input of the next point or the coordinate of the designated point is confirmed by the touch operation of the area confirmation key 519, the system control unit 101 causes the closed loop designated number of times. The counter is incremented, and the area edit data management unit 4
The closed loop data determined in 06 is stored.

In step S1507, the area edit key 5
It is determined whether or not 20 is touch-operated. If touch-operated, the process proceeds to step S1508. If not, the process returns to step S1505 to repeat the closed loop designation.

In step S1508, the system control unit 101 which receives the input of the area edit key 520 from the operation display unit 400 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the area processing mode edit screen of FIG. The operation display unit 400 receiving the display command of the edit screen displays the area processing mode edit screen of FIG. 10 on the liquid crystal display screen 407a. Here, the operator sets the copy condition data (mode editing).

At step S1509, the close key 60 is pressed.
8 is pressed, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1521, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1521.
Returning to 1508, the mode editing is repeated.

In step S1521, the system control unit 101 commands the operation display unit 400 again to display the area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) of FIG. 9, and the operation display unit 400 displays the liquid crystal display screen 407a.
The area designation screen (closed loop designation screen) shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. In this state, if there is any key input, the process proceeds to step S1522.

In step S1522, it is determined whether or not to continue editing. To continue editing, step S1
Returning to step 502, if editing is not continued, step S1
Proceed to 523.

In step S1523, copy button 4
It is determined whether 07b has been pressed, and the copy button 40
When 7b is pressed (ON), the process proceeds to step S1801. If the copy button 407b is not pressed, the process returns to step S1521.

In step S1801, the system control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a closed loop area in the image data to be copied and output. If there is no closed loop area, the system control unit 101 proceeds to step S1524. Transmits the copy condition data (image edit condition) to the image processing unit 300 and the printer engine section (not shown), executes the copy operation, and obtains a desired copy image. On the other hand, if there is a closed loop area,
The process advances to step S1802.

In step S1802, the system control unit 101 commands the scanner unit 200 to read a document image, and the scanner engine unit (not shown) performs a prescan to read the document image under the control of the scanner unit 200. . The read image data is sent from the scanner unit 200 to the image processing unit 300 and stored in the RAM 304.

In step S1803, the system control unit 101 issues a command to the image processing unit 300 to check (search) whether or not there is a closed loop including the specified coordinates, and the image processing unit 300 causes the RAM 304 to execute the command. It is searched whether or not there is a closed loop that includes the position of the coordinate data of the closed loop shape designation stored in.

Through steps S1804 and S1805, the image processing unit 300 determines
The closed loop search of 03 is performed until the closed loop designated number counter reaches 0, that is, the designated number of times, and when the search of the designated number of times is completed, the search result is returned to the system control unit 101.
To step S1806.

In step S1806, the system control unit 1 that has received the search result from the image processing unit 300.
01 determines whether or not there is a closed loop that is not found in the closed loop search in step S1803. In other words, it is determined whether or not there is an error in the coordinates of the specified point that specifies the closed loop, and the closed loop that is not found is found. If there is, go to step S1807. If there is no closed loop that cannot be found, the process advances to step S1524.

In step S1807, the system control unit 101 commands the operation display unit 400 to display the closed loop designation error warning screen of FIG. 13, and the operation display unit 400 that receives the instruction of the warning display designates the closed loop designation of FIG. An error warning screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 407a.

In step S1808, it is determined whether or not the reedit key 802 is selected on the closed loop designation error warning screen of FIG. 13. If the reedit key 802 is selected, the process proceeds to step S1809, and if not ( That is, if the close key 803 is selected), the process advances to step S1813.

In step S1813, the operation display unit 400 transmits to the system control unit 101 that the close key 803 has been selected, and the system control unit 101 that has received this deletes the incorrect coordinate data in the RAM 104,
The operation display unit 400 is instructed to invalidate the designated error coordinates, and the process advances to step S1524.

On the other hand, if the re-editing key 802 is selected, in step S1809 the system controller 1
01 issues a command to the operation display unit 400 to display the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14 according to the selection of the re-editing key 802, and the operation display unit 400 displays the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14 on the liquid crystal display. Screen 407
Display in a.

Subsequently, in step S1810, the system control unit 101 causes the operation display unit 400 to blink the display of the erroneous coordinate data (designated point).
The operation display unit 400 receives the command and changes the display of the error designation point (coordinate data having an error) to a blinking display.

In step S1811, when the operator re-designates the designated point of the closed loop on the closed loop content correction screen, the operation display unit 400 displays the erroneous coordinate data and the re-designated coordinate data. The system control unit 10 which has transmitted to and received the system control unit 101
1 retrieves the coordinate data having an error from the RAM 104 and updates it to the re-designated coordinate data. Further, the operation display unit 400 is instructed to rewrite the coordinate data. On the other hand, the operation display unit 400 that has received the coordinate data rewriting command rewrites the erroneous coordinate data in the region coordinate / image editing condition management table 406a of the region editing data management unit 406 with the redesignated coordinate data.

After that, when the return key 808 is pressed after the redesignation on the closed loop content correction screen of FIG. 14, the operation display unit 400 returns to the system control unit 101.
The system control unit 101, which has transmitted that 08 has been selected and has received this, determines in step S1812 that the return key 808 has been pressed (ON), and then proceeds to step S1.
Returning to step 521, the operation display unit 400 is instructed to perform a search again for a closed loop containing the specified coordinates (specified point). According to this command, the operation display unit 400 returns to step S1811, and executes the closed loop search again. Subsequently, the system control unit 101 and the operation display unit 400 perform step S
1522 and subsequent steps are repeated, and if the re-designated coordinates are incorrect, the process proceeds to step S1807 again, and FIG.
Display the closed loop specification error warning screen of.

On the other hand, in step S1806, when there is no closed loop that cannot be found (that is, when all closed loops are correctly specified), the process proceeds to step S1524, and the stem control unit 101 causes the image processing unit 300 to operate.
And the copy condition data (image editing condition) is transmitted to the printer engine unit (not shown) to execute the copy operation,
A desired copy image can be obtained.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, before the copy operation is performed, it is determined whether the closed loop designation is correct or not based on the image information input by the prescan. In addition, since the error of the closed loop is notified without performing the copy operation, it is possible to improve the operability and work efficiency when designating the closed loop, and prevent waste of the recording paper.

[0117]

As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 1) can set an arbitrary area in the image information and can specify the image editing condition for each set area. In an image forming apparatus having an area editing function, display means for displaying various image information and messages, storage means for storing display image information displayed by the display means, and image displayed on the display means Designating means for designating arbitrary coordinates in the information, and before executing the image forming operation, it is determined whether or not a closed loop including the coordinates designated by the designating means is present in the display image information. ，
Closed loop correctness determination means for notifying that the specified coordinates are incorrect when the closed loop does not exist;
With this, it is possible to improve operability and work efficiency when designating a closed loop, and prevent waste of recording paper.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 2)
Specifies an arbitrary coordinate in the image information in an image forming apparatus having an area editing function capable of setting an arbitrary area in the image information and specifying an image editing condition for each set area. Before executing the image forming operation with the designating means, the image information is input by pre-scanning, and it is determined whether or not a closed loop including the coordinates designated by the designating means is present in the input image information. Since the closed loop correct / error determination means for notifying that the designated coordinate is incorrect when the closed loop does not exist is provided, the operability and work efficiency in designating the closed loop are improved, and wasteful. It is possible to prevent the recording paper from being consumed.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 3).
Will display the corresponding coordinates as differentiating other coordinates when the closed loop does not exist.
The operator can correctly identify the error, and the work efficiency in the case of re-editing or canceling the error-designated coordinate can be improved.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 4).
When the closed loop does not exist, since the corresponding coordinates can be re-designated by using the designating means, the work is facilitated and the work time can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a control block diagram of a color copying machine to which an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a region coordinate / image editing condition management table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of an area management table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (basic screen) of a liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example of a liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment (a screen waiting for reading in the area processing mode).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (a document image display screen in an area processing mode) of a liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (area type selection screen in area processing mode) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (area designation screen in area processing mode) of a liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (area editing mode edit screen when the color / image quality key is pressed) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (color processing mode edit screen when the color processing key is pressed) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (paint designation color selection screen) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (closed loop designation error warning screen) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example (closed loop content correction screen) of the liquid crystal display screen used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart for showing the operation of closed-loop correctness determination processing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart for showing the operation of closed-loop correctness determination processing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart for showing the operation of closed loop correctness determination processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart for showing the operation of closed loop correctness determination processing according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 system unit 101 system control unit 200 scanner unit 201 scanner unit control unit 300 image processing unit 301 image processing unit control unit 400 operation display unit 401 operation display unit control unit 406 area edit data management unit 406a area coordinate / image edit condition management table 406b Area management table 407 Operation panel 407a Liquid crystal display screen

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having an area editing function capable of setting an arbitrary area in image information and designating image editing conditions for each set area, and displaying various image information and messages. Display means, storage means for storing display image information displayed on the display means, designating means for designating arbitrary coordinates in the image information displayed on the display means, and image forming operation. Before, it is determined whether or not a closed loop including the coordinates designated by the designating means is present in the display image information. If the closed loop is not present, it is determined that the designated coordinates are incorrect. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a closed-loop correctness / incorrectness determination means for notifying. 2. An image forming apparatus having an area editing function capable of setting an arbitrary area in image information and designating an image editing condition for each set area, in an arbitrary coordinate in the image information. And a designation means for designating whether or not a closed loop containing the coordinates designated by the designation means is present in the inputted image information before the image forming operation is performed. Is judged,
Closed loop correctness determination means for notifying that the specified coordinates are incorrect when the closed loop does not exist;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the closed loop does not exist, the corresponding coordinate is displayed as a designation error coordinate differently from other coordinates. apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the closed loop does not exist, the corresponding coordinates can be re-designated by using the designating unit.