JPH10334261A - Image processor and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent such a case where the image processing mode that is registered in response to the image processing mode designated by a user is inadvertently deleted by registration of a new image processing mode in the limited memory capacity and to construct an effective image processing mode environment. SOLUTION: The information content of the image processing mode that is designated and inputted by an area designation part 6 and an operation part 4 is compared with the idle capacity of an area processing information memory 7 which stores the inputted image processing mode. If the former information content is larger than the latter idle capacity, a CPU of a controller 9 controls the deletion of the image processing mode stored in the memory 7 based on the priority of the image processing modes stored in the memory 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for setting an image processing mode for image information to be read and performing image processing based on the set image processing mode, and a method of controlling the image processing apparatus. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image processing apparatus, an image processing mode is set for image information to be read, which includes an area specification and an area processing information for specifying image processing of the specified area. There has been proposed an image processing apparatus capable of registering up to nine modes in a memory, for example.

When newly registering an image processing mode accompanied by the area processing information, if the information amount of the newly stored area processing information exceeds the free space of the memory for storing it, a sufficient free space is required. Has been deleted, the image processing mode including the area processing information already stored is deleted.

[0004]

However, the memory for storing the information amount of the area processing information is not limited to the image processing mode but corresponds to the image processing with the previously executed area processing information called history. Image processing mode
For example, up to three are stored. If the memory for storing the area processing information is insufficient even though the image processing mode is generally used more frequently than the history, the area processing information Has to be deleted, and there is a problem in that the convenience of registration and use of the image processing mode is reduced.

[0005] Also, among the registered image processing modes, there are an image processing mode that the user uses more frequently and an image processing mode that is not so frequently used. Since the user cannot set the image processing mode in advance, there is a problem in that the user may erroneously delete a highly usable image processing mode.

The above-mentioned image processing mode and history can be selectively used depending on whether or not the data is backed up in the memory, the timing of the backup, and the timing of erasing the data from the memory. Has a data structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the first to fifth inventions according to the present invention is to specify an area for image information to be read and specify the area. Designating and inputting an image processing mode accompanied by designation of a predetermined image processing for the designated area, storing a plurality of the designated image processing modes in a memory, designating a priority order for the stored image processing modes, The information amount of the designated image processing mode is compared with the free space of the memory, and if the information amount of the image processing mode exceeds the free space of the memory, the image stored in the memory based on the priority order By controlling the execution of the deletion of the processing mode, the image processing mode registered in accordance with the user's designation of the image processing mode within the limited memory capacity becomes inconsistent with the registration of the new image processing mode. The second object is to prevent the data from being accidentally deleted and to construct an image processing mode processing environment in which the registered image processing mode can be effectively used. A first image processing mode accompanied by designation of a predetermined image processing for the designated area is designated and input, and a second image processing corresponding to the designated first image processing mode and the previously executed image processing A plurality of modes are respectively stored in the memory, a priority is designated for the stored first and second image processing modes, and the information amount of the designated and inputted first image processing mode and the free space of the memory are determined. If the information amount of the first image processing mode exceeds the free space of the memory, the first or second image processing mode stored in the memory is deleted based on the priority. By controlling the rows, the image processing mode registered automatically by the user in the limited memory capacity or the image processing mode registered automatically is inadvertently deleted along with the registration of the new image processing mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and a control method for the image processing apparatus, which can prevent the situation from occurring and can construct an image processing mode processing environment in which a registered image processing mode can be effectively used.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing mode including designation of an area for read image information and designation of predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area. A first designating means (the operation unit 4 and the area designating unit 6 shown in FIG. 1); and a storage means (an image processing mode memory shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of image processing modes designated by the first designating means. 5, area processing information memory 7) and second specifying means (CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1) for specifying the order of priority for the image processing modes stored in the storage means. The first designating means compares the information amount of the image processing mode designated by the first designating means with the free space of the storage means, based on the user's input and a program stored in a ROM (not shown). When the information amount of the image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage unit, control for controlling execution of deletion of the image processing mode stored in the storage unit based on the priority specified by the second specifying unit. (A CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1 performs deletion control based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown)).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first image processing mode is specified and input, which includes specification of an area for image information to be read and specification of predetermined image processing to be performed on the specified area. (Operation unit 4 and area designating unit 6 shown in FIG. 1), and a first image processing mode designated by the first designating means and a second image processing mode corresponding to the previously executed image processing. Image processing mode (history)
Means (image processing mode memory 5 and area processing information memory 7 shown in FIG. 1) for storing a plurality of image data, respectively, and priorities are designated for the first and second image processing modes stored in the storage means. A second designation unit (a CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1 performs designation control based on a user input from the operation unit 4 and a program stored in a ROM (not shown)) and the first designation unit The first specified by
Comparing the information amount of the image processing mode with the free space of the storage means, and when the information amount of the first image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage means, Control means for controlling the execution of deletion of the first or second image processing mode stored in the storage means based on the priority order (the CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1 is stored in a ROM (not shown)). Delete control based on the program).

A third invention according to the present invention is directed to the second designating means (CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1).
Specifies that the priority is higher in the second image processing mode (history described later), which is stored sequentially, in the reverse order of the storage order.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the second specifying means (CPU (not shown) of the controller 9 shown in FIG. 1).
Specifies a higher priority order for the first image processing mode than for the second image processing mode (history).

A fifth invention according to the present invention is directed to a first image processing mode designated and input together with designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area. A comparing step (step (2) in FIG. 5) for comparing the amount of information with the free space of the memory for storing the first image processing mode;
When the information amount of the image processing mode is larger than the free space of the memory, the first image processing mode stored in the memory and the second image processing mode corresponding to the previously executed image processing are switched to the second image processing mode. A deletion step (step (5) in FIG. 5) for executing the deletion of the first or second image processing mode stored in the memory based on the assigned priority; And a registration step (step (6) in FIG. 5) of registering the first image processing mode in the memory.

[0013]

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

In FIG. 1, an image reading device 1 optically reads a document image set on a document table (not shown) and outputs an image signal 8. Reference numeral 2 denotes an image processing unit which performs various image processing described later on an image signal output from the image reading device 1. Reference numeral 3 denotes an image output device which outputs image data processed by the image processing unit 2 to a recording medium as a permanent image.

Reference numeral 6 denotes an area designating unit such as a digitizer.
For a specific area in the input image input by the image reading apparatus 1, the area for performing specific image processing such as masking, trimming, and color conversion is specified, and the output position of predetermined character and stamp information stored in advance is specified. Perform the specified input. Reference numeral 4 denotes an operation unit, which includes a display unit and a plurality of keys (not shown). , Size, and image input / output conditions such as color tone and size of the output image are set. Also,
Specifying that these settings be stored as the image processing mode, and storing the image processing mode and the second automatically stored with the execution of the image processing with the area processing information
Of the image processing mode (hereinafter, referred to as history).

Reference numeral 5 denotes an image processing mode memory for setting various image processing mode settings specified by the operation section 4 and setting conditions such as image input / output conditions such as image processing contents specified by the area specifying section 6 in the image processing mode or the image processing mode. Store as history.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an area processing information memory for storing data relating to area processing such as coordinate information of each area corresponding to an image processing mode or history stored in the image processing mode memory 5 and image processing contents. That is, the image processing mode memory 5 stores an area management table including input / output conditions of an image stored in the area processing information memory 7 and an identifier for accessing area processing information of each area and history. .

The image processing mode memory 5 and the area processing information memory 7 are composed of a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, a memory backed up by a battery, or the like. Shall be saved.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a controller, which comprises an image processing mode memory 5, an image processing section 2, an area processing information memory 7, a CPU (not shown), a ROM, a RAM, and the like.
The CPU executes processing based on the program stored in the CPU to control the entire image processing apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the data constituting the image processing mode or the history is divided and arranged in the image processing mode memory 5 and the area processing information memory 7, but these data are arranged in one memory. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the memory is divided and arranged on a plurality of memories.

The priorities of the image processing modes are as follows:
When registering the image processing mode, for example, “1” to “5”
Specify one of the priorities. The default priority of the image processing mode and the priority of the history are specified in the user mode or the like. Further, when it is desired to change the priority of the history, the setting of the priority of the history is changed in the user mode before the copy is started.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of area processing information stored in the area processing information memory 7 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes the next area ID.
This is the identifier of the next area processing information. When there is no next area processing information, that is, in the area processing information in which the area processing information is at the end of the list, information indicating the end of the list is stored in the next area ID portion. An upper left corner coordinate value (X1, Y1) 203 indicates the XY coordinates of the upper left corner of the rectangular area specified by the area specifying unit 6. Reference numeral 204 denotes a lower right corner coordinate value (X2, Y2), which indicates the XY coordinates of the lower right corner of the rectangular area specified by the area specifying unit 6. Reference numeral 202 denotes an image processing ID, which indicates the content of image processing applied to the area represented by the upper left corner coordinate value 203 and the lower right corner coordinate value 204 specified by the operation unit 4.

In this embodiment, since the same image processing mode (history) may include a plurality of areas, a plurality of areas included in the same image processing mode (history) are managed in a list structure. I do. The area processing information is stored in the area processing information memory 7 shown in FIG.
Stored above.

Further, since the capacity of the area processing information memory 7 is limited, the number of area processing information that can be stored is also limited.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described where the shape of the region set for performing image processing is rectangular, but the shape of the region is not limited to a rectangle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of an area management table stored in the image processing mode memory 5 of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.
This is for managing area processing information in each image processing mode and history.

In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes an area management table, and each row has an image processing mode or a history identifier (image processing mode 1, image processing mode 2,
... corresponding to the image processing mode m, history 1, history 2,..., History n) 303, priority 30 in the second column
4, the identifier (area ID) 305 of the first area information of the list constituting the area group belonging to the image processing mode or the history corresponding to the third column is stored.

Here, "History i" means "History i +
1 ". Further, since the image processing mode or the history in which the area processing is not specified does not have the area processing information, a value indicating that no area is specified is stored in the corresponding area ID field.

Further, reference numeral 302 denotes an area ID corresponding to the unused area 301, which is the head of a list constituting an area processing information group which is not used in any image processing mode or history (that is, a corresponding memory area can be used). (Area ID) is stored.

FIG. 4 shows the area management table 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of area processing information management by 00, and the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, area ID 302 corresponding to unused area 301 in area management table 300 includes
Information indicating “area 26” is stored. next,
Area ID 40 indicating the area next to "area 26"
1 stores information indicating “area 27”;
Area ID 40 indicating the area next to "area 27"
2 stores information indicating “area 28”.
.., And a value indicating the end of the area (indicated by oblique lines in the figure) is set in the area ID 403 indicating the area next to the last “area 49” in the list. That is,
.., Area 48, and area 49 are unused areas that are not currently used in any image processing mode or history.

Therefore, these areas (storage areas for area processing information secured in the area processing information memory 7)
Can store other image processing modes or history.

Similarly, for the area processing information group belonging to the image processing mode or the history already registered in the area processing information memory 7, the corresponding item of the area management table 300 includes the head of the list constituting the area group. By tracing the list from the top, the area processing information group belonging to the image processing mode or history can be searched.

For example, reference numeral 404 denotes an area ID corresponding to "image processing mode 1", and area processing information (image processing ID, diagonal coordinates (X1, Y1, X2, Y2)) is stored with information indicating “area 0”, and information indicating “area 1” is stored in the area ID 405 indicating the area next to “area 0”. Further, an area ID 406 indicating the area next to “area 1” includes
Information indicating “area 2” is stored, and a value indicating the end of the area (shown by oblique lines in the figure) is stored in the area ID 407 indicating the area next to “area 8” at the end of the list. Is stored.

Reference numeral 408 denotes an area ID corresponding to the "image processing mode 2". Since the "image processing mode 2" is an image processing mode in which no area processing is specified and has no area processing information, the area ID 408 is A value indicating that no area is specified (hatched in the figure) is stored.

Further, reference numeral 409 denotes an area ID corresponding to "History 1". Since "History 1" has no area processing information as in "Image processing mode 2" described above,
The area ID 409 stores a value indicating that no area is specified (hatched in the figure).

An area ID 410 corresponding to "History 2" stores information indicating "Area 20" in which the entity is stored. An area ID 411 indicating the next area following "Area 20" is stored in the area ID 411. Stores information indicating “area 22”. Next, information indicating “area 25” is stored in the area ID 412 indicating the next area connected to “area 22”, and the area ID 413 indicating the next area connected to “area 25” is included in the area ID 413. A value indicating the end (hatched in the figure) is stored.

The image processing mode or history registration processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an image processing mode or history registration processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which corresponds to the image processing mode registration processing including area processing information designation. The CPU (not shown) executes based on a program stored in the ROM. Note that (1) to (6) correspond to each step.

First, when a new registration of the image processing mode with the designation of the area processing or a new registration of the history by executing the image processing with the designation of the area processing is instructed by the operation unit 4 and the area designation unit 6, the area processing information memory is provided. 7, calculate how many pieces of area processing information (areas) can be stored (empty areas) (1), and compare with the number of areas included in the newly registered image processing mode (history). Then, it is determined whether there is sufficient space in the area processing information memory 7 (2). If it is determined that there is not enough space in the area processing information memory 7 (memory is insufficient), In order to secure a sufficient free space, an image processing mode or history that has already been registered and has the lowest priority of history is acquired (3).

Next, it is determined whether or not the image processing mode (history) obtained in step (3) has an area (area designation information) (4). Returning to (3), the image processing mode or history with the next lowest priority is acquired.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the image processing mode (history) obtained in step (3) has an area (area designation information), the image processing mode (history) is deleted. Then, the memory is released (5), and the process returns to the step (2) (that is, the above process is repeated until a sufficient space is left in the area processing information memory 7).

On the other hand, in step (2), it is determined that there is sufficient free space in the area processing information memory 7 (sufficient free space is secured in the area processing information memory 7 by steps (3) to (5)). In this case, the newly registered image processing mode (history) is registered (registered in the area management table 300 in the image processing mode memory 5 and stored in the area processing information memory 7) (6), and the processing is performed. To end.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the image processing mode or history registration processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention shown in the flowchart of FIG. CPU
Is executed based on a program stored in the ROM.

Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an image processing mode or a history data structure Mode.
rity indicates the priority of the image processing mode or history, areaNum indicates the number of areas belonging to the image processing mode (history), and areaList indicates a list of areas belonging to the image processing mode or history. The three terms of image processing mode, history, and setting are used to determine whether or not the data is backed up in the memory, when the data is backed up,
Depending on the timing at which they are erased from memory, they can be used differently.The contents of the data they represent have the same data structure, so here we will
Call it de.

The Mode includes a priority (priorit)
y), the number of areas to be subjected to area processing (areaNum), a list of area processing information (areaList), and the like. Also,
502 is the maximum number of image processing modes that can be stored (MAX_MODE
_NUM), 503 defines the maximum number of storable histories (MAX_HISTORY_NUM), and 504 defines the maximum number of storable area processing information (MAX_AREA_NUM).

Further, reference numeral 505 denotes a declaration of a variable mode,
mode is the data structure Mo of the image processing mode defined in 501
The number of image processing modes that can be stored (MAX_MODE_N
UM) + the number of storable history (MAX_HISTORY_NUM) ”is a variable that stores the image processing mode or history currently registered as an array.

Reference numeral 506 declares a variable usedAreaNum for storing the number of areas currently used.

In the mode and usedAreaNum, the currently registered image processing mode or history and the number of currently used areas are set by other tasks (not shown).

Reference numeral 507 denotes a new image processing mode or history (newMode) registration function.

Hereinafter, the new image processing mode registration function will be described.

When registration of a new image processing mode with area processing designation (or history by executing image processing with area processing designation) newMode is instructed from the operation unit 4 and the area designation unit 6, the area processing is performed at 508. The number of free areas in the information memory 7 freeAreaNum (how much more area processing information can be stored in the area processing information memory 7) is calculated, and 50
9, the number of free areas is compared with the number of areas included in the freeAreaNum and the new image processing mode (history) newMode.
It is checked whether there is sufficient space in the area processing information memory 7.

If the area processing information memory 7 is insufficient, 510 to secure a sufficient free space.
Until the space processing information memory 7 has a sufficient space, the currently registered image processing modes and histories stored in the array mode are viewed in the order of lower priority, and if there is an area, The image processing mode (history) is deleted and the memory is released.

Then, after securing a sufficient free space in the memory, a new image processing mode (history) ne is set at 511.
Store wMode in the memory and end the process.

According to the above-described processing, the area processing information memory 7 becomes insufficient at the time of registering a new image processing mode or history, and if registration is not possible, the currently registered image processing mode or priority given to the history is used. Then, a new image processing mode or history is registered without deleting the image processing mode or history frequently used by the user by sequentially deleting the image processing mode or history having the lowest priority that the user does not use much. be able to.

In the above processing, when the image processing mode or the history deletion is executed, the image processing mode (history) to be deleted having the lowest priority is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the operation unit 4. The deletion may be configured to wait for a deletion execution instruction from the user.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the effective image processing mode (history) which is inadvertently designated with a lower priority from being accidentally deleted.

In the above embodiment, the operation unit 4
Has been described, the priority order for the image processing mode or the history is designated and input. However, only the priority order for the image processing mode is designated and input from the operation unit 4, and the priority order for the history is set to the older history. May be configured to automatically designate a lower priority.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the old history that is not frequently used from being deleted in order, and prevent the image processing mode of the frequently used new history from being erroneously deleted.

Further, in the above case, the priority of the image processing mode specified and input from the operation unit 4 may always be set higher than the priority of the history.

This makes it possible to always designate the priority of the image processing mode higher than the priority of the history, thereby preventing erroneous deletion of the frequently used effective image processing mode.

Further, when inputting the designation of the priority order and registering the image processing mode from the operation unit 4, a password may be input to perform the input.

As a result, a predetermined administrator manages the registration of the image processing mode, so that an inexperienced user may mistakenly delete an effective image processing mode frequently used by many users. Can be prevented.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0073]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the first designating means designates and inputs an image processing mode including designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of a predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area, and the first designation The storage means stores a plurality of image processing modes designated by the means, the second designation means designates a priority order for the image processing modes stored in the storage means, and the first designation means designates the priority. The information amount of the image processing mode is compared with the free space of the storage unit. If the information amount of the image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage unit, the priority order specified by the second specifying unit is changed to the priority order. The control means controls the execution of the deletion of the image processing mode stored in the storage means based on the image processing mode. It becomes possible to prevent that with the registration get deleted inadvertently.

According to the second aspect, the first designating means designates the first image processing mode including designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area. The storage means stores a plurality of first image processing modes designated by the first designation means and a plurality of second image processing modes corresponding to previously executed image processing. The second designating means designates the priority order for the stored first and second image processing modes, and the first designation designated by the first designating means.
Comparing the information amount of the image processing mode with the free space of the storage means, and when the information amount of the first image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage means, The control unit controls the execution of the deletion of the first or second image processing mode stored in the storage unit based on the priority order, so that the image processing mode registered according to the user's designation of the image processing mode is newly set. Can be prevented from being inadvertently deleted with the registration of the image processing mode.

According to the third aspect, the second designating means designates the second image processing mode, which is sequentially stored, such that the priority is higher in the reverse order of the storage order. Deletion of the stored image processing modes accompanying the registration of the new image processing mode is performed in the storage order of the second image processing modes, and the latest second image processing mode registered with the execution of the image processing is changed. It is possible to prevent accidental deletion.

According to the fourth aspect, the second designating means designates a higher priority order for the first image processing mode than for the second image processing mode. Deletion of the stored image processing mode in accordance with the mode registration is performed in order from the second image processing mode, and the first image processing mode registered according to the user's designation of the image processing mode is inadvertently deleted. It can be prevented from being done.

According to the fifth aspect, the information amount of the first image processing mode specified and input along with the specification of the area for the image information to be read and the specification of the predetermined image processing to be performed on the specified area And the free space of the memory for storing the first image processing mode. If the comparison result indicates that the information amount of the first image processing mode is larger than the free space of the memory, the information stored in the memory is The first or second image stored in the memory based on the priority assigned to the first image processing mode and the second image processing mode corresponding to the previously executed image processing. The processing mode is deleted, and the first image processing mode is registered in the memory released by the execution of the deletion. Registered image processing mode it is possible to prevent that being removed inadvertently with the registration of a new image processing mode of the.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image processing mode registered with the user's designation of the image processing mode from being inadvertently deleted with the registration of the new image processing mode within the limited memory capacity. And an image processing mode processing environment in which the registered image processing modes can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of area processing information stored in an area processing information memory of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an area management table stored in an image processing mode memory of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of area processing information management by the area management table shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing mode or history registration processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing mode or a history registration processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the form of a program list in C language.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image reading device 2 image processing unit 3 image output device 4 operation unit 5 mode memory 6 area designation unit 7 area processing information memory 9 controller

Claims (5)

[Claims] A first designation unit for designating and inputting an image processing mode with designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of a predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area; Storage means for storing a plurality of image processing modes specified by the following; second specifying means for specifying a priority order for the image processing modes stored in the storage means; and an image specified by the first specifying means. Comparing the information amount of the processing mode with the free space of the storage unit, and when the information amount of the image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage unit, based on the priority specified by the second specifying unit. Control means for controlling execution of deletion of the image processing mode stored in the storage means. 2. A first designating means for designating and inputting a first image processing mode with designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of a predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area, The first image processing mode designated by the designation means and the second image processing mode corresponding to the previously executed image processing
Storage means for respectively storing a plurality of image processing modes, second designating means for designating priorities for the first and second image processing modes stored in the storage means, and first designating means Compares the information amount of the first image processing mode designated by the user with the free space of the storage means, and
The first or second image processing mode stored in the storage unit based on the priority specified by the second specification unit when the information amount of the image processing mode is larger than the free space of the storage unit. And a control means for controlling execution of deletion of the image. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second designating means designates the second image processing mode sequentially stored so as to have a higher priority in a reverse order of the storage order. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second designating means designates a priority of said first image processing mode higher than a priority of said second image processing mode. apparatus. 5. An information amount of a first image processing mode designated and input together with designation of an area for image information to be read and designation of predetermined image processing to be performed on the designated area, and first image processing A comparing step of comparing a free capacity of a memory for storing a mode, and a first stored in the memory when an information amount of the first image processing mode is larger than a free capacity of the memory in the comparison result. Of the first or second image processing mode stored in the memory, based on the priority given to the image processing mode and the second image processing mode corresponding to the previously executed image processing. A deletion step of executing the deletion;
And a registration step of registering the image processing mode.