JPS634372A - Image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an unnecessary analogue image iron digital recording by deciding whether the image is a non-image or not from the whole picture elements of an analogue recording medium. CONSTITUTION:A camera 12 photographs an original 10 and a readable microfilm 16 is generated. Image information of the film 16 is recorded in a floppy disk 38 with recording instruction information (retrieval information, read information, etc.). A file controller 41 records image information and recording instruction information from the floppy disk 38 in an optical disk 54 and a floppy disk 55 at every conversion frame. In such a case, the controller 41 finds out the density of the whole image, and if a difference in the level of the density is below a prescribed value, decides it to be the non-image, generates the display of abnormality and an alarm sound, and urges an operator to judge skipping or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an image processing method, and in particular, the present invention relates to an image processing method, and in particular, it reads an image recorded on an analog recording medium such as microfilm or paper, and processes it into a digital recording medium such as an optical disk or magnetic tape. This invention relates to an image processing method for digitally recording on a medium.

[Conventional technology]

Filing OA (office automation) requires the following characteristics.

(1) High-speed input of large amounts of information (2) High-speed duplication (3) Legal evidence (4) Long-term storage (5) Uniformity of recording media standards (6) High resolution (7) High recording density (8) High speed Search ゛ (9) Link with communication network (10) Immediate processing (no need for liquid development or fixing,
(11) Ease of addition and updating Microfilm files are excellent in the characteristics (1) to (7) above, while optical disk files are excellent in characteristics (7) to (1) above.
It is excellent in characteristics 1). Therefore, in order to complement the characteristics of both files, optical/micro integrated file systems have been proposed (for example, "Micrographics J
December 1984 issue, pages 17 to 22, Applied Mechanical Engineering J July 1984 issue, pages 76 to 81, JP-A-59-64855, JP-A-59-638
Publication No. 60).

When creating a microfilm file, you can carry the camera and take pictures without taking out the original, which provides excellent confidentiality. ), so when recording images that require confidentiality or images that can only be taken out for a short period of time on an optical disc, first create a microfilm file, then read the image with a microfilm scanner and record it on the optical disc. It is preferable to record digitally on an optical disc using i3 '11.

However, since images of optical disk files cannot be viewed directly, when converting a microfilm file to an optical disk file, an operator must manually input search information. In addition, when reading an image and recording it on an optical disc, the reading information necessary for reading this image, for example, the reading range of one image on a microfilm, the resolution (8 dots) / am when converting to digital data,
16 dots)/, etc.) or a threshold value for black and white discrimination, etc. must be set. As a result, the file conversion speed was slow (approximately 500 pages/8 hours).In addition, when performing such manual work, it is difficult to search for optical disk files and print out work. I can't do it,
The operating rate of expensive optical disk recording devices becomes low, resulting in poor efficiency.

Therefore, the present inventors have developed an image processing method for reading an image recorded on microfilm and digitally recording it on a digital recording medium. A step of creating recording instruction information to be recorded on a recording medium, and independent of this step, reading the read information from the indicating information recording medium, reading the image recorded on the microfilm based on it, and digitally writing it to the digital recording medium. We have devised an image processing method (unknown to the public) characterized by having a digital image recording step of recording.

According to this image processing method, both processes are independent, and the speed at which the recording instruction information created on the record↑indication information recording medium can be read is determined by the operator inputting this information into the recording instruction information recording medium. It is possible to digitally record a large number of microfilm images all at once and continuously onto a digital recording medium.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, in the recording instruction information creation step, a frame whose image is not captured due to an overshadowing error or the like may be designated as a frame to be recorded on the optical disc.

Furthermore, when attempting to read a portion of an image and record it on an optical disc, a portion where no image exists may be mistakenly designated as the reading range.

The above reading information input errors are particularly likely to occur when common reading information for multiple frames is input all at once. If such an input error occurs, unnecessary images are recorded on the optical disc, which not only reduces the actual storage area of the optical disc, but also causes discomfort when sequentially accessing and retrieving frames.

Furthermore, for images that should have been recorded (images that were not recorded by mistake), it is necessary to go through the recording instruction information creation process and the digital image recording process again for the same microfilm, which reduces file conversion efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method that can reduce the occurrence of erroneous digital recording of unnecessary analog images and the failure to record images that should be stored as a result. It is in.

[Means for solving problems]

The image processing method according to the present invention includes a sampling step of reading the density of a sample pixel from all pixels of an analog recording medium, and determining whether or not it is a non-image based on a characteristic value of the density of the read pixel. and a non-image information output step of interrupting processing without performing digital recording on a recording medium and outputting information indicating that there is no image if it is determined that there is no image. It is characterized by

Here, a characteristic value is a local minimum value, a local maximum value, a minimum value, or a maximum value, for example, a local minimum value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a local maximum value is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the absence of an extreme value, or the maximum value and the minimum value. If the difference from the value is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that there is no image.

Furthermore, examples of analog recording media include manuscripts, photographs, films, and the like.

Sampling of pixel density can be carried out, for example, by using a line sensor, electrically scanning each light receiving element in the main scanning direction, and moving the line sensor in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction for sub-scanning, or by using an area sensor and performing the sub-scanning. This is done by electrically scanning a part of all the light receiving elements.

[Effect]

@When the image information is output, the operator visually views the corresponding analog recording medium such as a manuscript or indirectly through a projector or the like.

If the operator determines that the no-image determination is correct, the operator does not digitally record the document or the like.

If the operator determines that the pixel density of the specimen happens to be between -, but that an image actually exists, digital recording is performed normally.

〔Example〕

First, an overview of a file conversion system to which the present invention is applied will be explained with reference to FIG.

A document 10 is photographed from the side by a camera 12, and the exposed microfilm is subjected to a processing process 14 such as development, fixing, and water washing to create a readable microfilm 16. Examples of the microfilm 16 include a 15 mm roll microfilm 18.35 mm roll microfilm 20, a microfiche 22, an aperture card 24, and the like.

Possession work can be carried out by taking the camera 12 to the location where the original 10 is located, and there is no need to take the original 10 out.This provides excellent confidentiality and prevents loss of the original, and even if it is taken out, it can be done in a short period of time. Manuscript 10 can be returned. Also,
Faster input (e.g. 5000~
10,000 pages/8 hours, which is approximately 10 to 8 hours when directly reading a document 10 with a scanner and recording the image on an optical disc.
20 times), so even if you take it out, you can return the manuscript in a short period of time. Since images on microfilm can be viewed visually, search information can be entered after imaging, but images recorded on optical discs cannot be viewed visually, so search information must be entered at the same time as the images are recorded. Furthermore, microfilm has excellent legal evidence and long-term preservation.

For this reason, it is preferable to create a microfilm file and then convert only the necessary images into optical disc files, rather than directly reading the image of the original 10 to create an optical disc file.

The microfilm 16 is loaded into a kit 26 according to its type, and installed in a microfilm reader 28. The microfilm reader 28 is equipped with a screen 30, and the image of the microfilm 16 is displayed on the screen 30.
projected on. Frame feeding of the microfilm 16 is performed in response to input signals from the keyboard 34, and frame addresses and the like are displayed on the CRT display 36. The operator, while looking at the image projected on the screen 30 or without looking at the memo, inputs one-line recording instruction information (for example, search information and reading information) for the image to be converted into an optical disk file. . This recording instruction information is displayed on the CRT display 36.

The input recording instruction information is checked for errors and recorded on the floppy disk 38 after the errors are corrected.

- On the other hand, independently of the above steps, the conversion of microfilm files into optical disk files is performed automatically and continuously. That is, the kit 26 and floppy disk 38 that have been processed by the microfilm reader 28 are loaded into the microfilm scanner 40 and file controller 41, respectively. The image on the microfilm 16 loaded in the kit 26 is projected onto the screen 44, read by the rhino sensor 42, digitized, and recorded on an optical disc via the wiring 50! The data is supplied to the file controller 41 of the No. 3 device 52.

The recording instruction information recorded on the floppy disk 38 is read by the file controller 41 and supplied to the microfilm scanner 40 via the wiring 50, and the microfilm scanner 40 performs frame feeding of the microfilm 16 and the above-mentioned projection according to this recording instruction information. , digitalization, etc. Digital image data from the microfilm scanner 40 and search information from the floppy disk 38 are processed by a file controller 41 and recorded onto an optical disk 54. Further, this search information is recorded on a recording medium other than the optical disk, such as the floppy disk 55, and is used for high-speed search of optical disk files. The recording instruction information and digital image data are each CR
It is displayed on the T-display 56 and monitored.

Operation signals such as start and stop of work are input through the keyboard 58 and supplied to the file controller 41.

Microfilm readers 28 (inexpensive) are distributed and provided at multiple companies, for example, and optical disk recording devices 52 (expensive) are provided at a central location for use.

Next, the microfilm reader 28 will be explained in detail according to FIG.

In this example, the microfilm 16 is a roll microfilm 18, and the roll microfilm 18 wound around a supply reel 60 is pulled out and wound onto a take-up reel 62. Pulled out roll microfilm 18
The middle part of is held between the pressure bonding glass mechanism 64,
The image projected onto the screen 30 is not distorted.

The light from the light source 66 is irradiated onto the roll microfilm 18 through a condenser lens 68, transmitted through the roll microfilm 18, and an image of the roll microfilm 18 is projected onto the screen 30 through an imaging lens 70.

The supply reel 60 and the take-up reel 62 are rotated by a drive signal from a drive circuit 72 being supplied to a motor (not shown).

The rotation of the winding wheel 62 is detected by a pulse generator 74, and one pulse is output from the pulse generator 74 every time the winding wheel 62 rotates by a certain minute angle.

Here, one part of the original 10 is placed on the roll microfilm 18.
Simultaneously with the shadowing, a page blip mark 122 corresponding to each frame 120 and a file blip mark 124 denoting the block separation of the associated frame are exposed to the edge of the film, as shown in FIG. The address of piece 120 is page blip mark 122 and file blip mark 124
It can be detected by counting sequentially.

As shown in FIG. 3, the page blip mark 122 and the file blip mark 124 are detected by two blip mark sensors (optical sensors) 76.

C/L/line generator 74, blip mark sensor 7
The signal from 6 is supplied to the input port 80 of the microcomputer 78, and the motor control signal 18 is supplied from the output port 82 of the microcomputer 78 to the drive circuit 72. The operator looks at the image projected on the screen 30 or looks at the memo, operates the keyboard 34, and inputs recording instruction information into the input port 80. This recording instruction information is supplied from the output port 82 to the CRT display 36, and the input information is confirmed. Further, the address of the projected image is displayed on the CRT display 36. A control signal and recording instruction information are supplied from the output port 82 to the floppy disk driver 84, and the floppy disk 3
This recording instruction information is recorded in 8. Further, the recording instruction information already stored on the floppy disk 38 is supplied to the input port 80 and read, and it becomes possible to add to, insert, delete, correct, etc. the stored recording instruction information. There is. The microcomputer 78 is a CPU
86, ROM88, RAM90, CPU8
6 performs processing such as input/output according to a program stored in a ROM 88, and a RAM 90 is used for temporary storage of recording instruction information and for working purposes.

Next, the software configuration of the microcomputer 78 will be explained according to FIG.

First, in step 150, the floppy disk 3
8 into the floppy disk driver 84.

Next, in step 152, if the operator determines that it is necessary to load the microfilm 16, that is, if the operator inputs recording instruction information while confirming the image by projecting it on the screen 30, the operator loads the microfilm 16 in step 154. do.

If the recording instruction information is memorized at the stage of imaging the original 10 with the camera 12, it is not necessary to load the microfilm 16. Loading of microfilm 16 may be necessary for existing microfilm 16 that was created without consideration of the need for digital recording.

Then, in step 156, the operator selects a processing mode. This processing mode includes a new creation mode in which recording instruction information is created on a new floppy disk 38, and an additional update mode in which recording instruction information is added or updated to a floppy disk 38 in which recording instruction information is already stored. .

When the new creation mode is selected, in step 158, the floppy disk 38 is initialized (formatted).
will be held. The operator also uses CRT display 3.
6 and select the type of microfilm 16 and frame search mode.

The types of roll microfilm 18 include roll microfilm 18.35 shown in FIG. 1, m roll microfilm 20, microfiche 22,
There is an aperture card 24, etc.

In the case of the microfiche 22, the number of vertical and horizontal frames and the number of header rows are also specified. In addition, the piece search mode includes, for example, a mode in which a piece is specified by counting only the number of page blip marks 122, as shown in FIG. There is a mode in which a piece is searched by counting the number of page blip marks 122 from the position.

By selecting the type of microfilm 16 and the frame search mode, the search method for the frame to be projected is determined. This initial configuration information is based on key personnel
δ is written into M90, and in the case of the additional update mode, it is read from the floppy disk 38 and written to the RAM 90.

Next, in step 160, the address of the frame (converted frame) to be recorded on the optical disc 54 is specified according to the frame search mode selected in step 158. In this case, multiple pieces may be designated at the same time. This address is one of the read information.

Next, if the microfilm 16 is loaded in the microfilm reader 28, step 162)
, in step 164, the piece having the address specified in step 160 may be searched for. When this piece is found (step 166, step 168),
The image is projected onto the screen 30.

Note that the check for the presence of pieces at the specified address may be performed all at once in step 180, which will be described later.

Next, in step 170, the operator views this projected image and inputs the following reading information required when the microfilm scanner 40 reads the image.

If the microfilm 16 is not loaded, the operator manually performs the operation while looking at a memo of recording instruction information prepared in advance.

(1) Reading Size Depending on whether the document before being photographed on the microfilm is, for example, A4 or A3, the image captured on the microfilm will be vertically long or horizontally long (see FIG. 3).

This determines the range to be read by the microfilm scanner 40 when converting to an optical disk file.

(2) Reading resolution In the resolution switching circuit 112 (Fig. 5), which will be described later,
For example, it is determined whether to switch to 8 dots/l field or 16 dots/l field.

(3) Black and White Judgment Threshold This is a threshold for determining whether pixel data is white or black in the binarization circuit 108 (FIG. 5), which will be described later.

Threshold setting modes include automatic mode in which the threshold is automatically set by detecting the amount of projection light, manual mode in which the operator determines and sets the threshold by looking at the projected image, and locking the setting value so that the same threshold is set every time. There is a long mode to set the value, and you can select one. When in manual mode, also input the threshold value.

Note that the above example is for binarization, but even when halftones are used, the shading can be adjusted using mode settings such as auto, lock, or manual. Step-by-step settings are also done manually.

(4) Reading range This is the reading range when only a part of one projected image is converted into an optical disk file.

This range specification mode includes a trimming mode for reading the set range and a masking mode for reading outside the set range. Select one of these modes and input the range to be sold.

(5) Decide whether to read the image stored on the image scratchable microfilm 16 as it is (positive) or with black and white reversed (negative).

(6) Same number of sheets to be read - Set how many sheets to read using the reading information ((1) to (5) above).

Note that all the frames within the address range input in step 160 may be set as the number of sheets to be read.

Next, the process proceeds to steps 171 and 172, and if the input of recording instruction information for each document has not been completed, the process proceeds to step 160.
- Repeat the process of 170. Here, the document unit may include multiple documents, but it means that the document is not in the middle of the last document. Further, the -document is, for example, a range (such as a specification) delimited by the file blip mark 124 in FIG. 3.

If it is determined in step 166 that the frame at the address specified in step 160 was not found in step 164, the process advances to step 174, and an address specification error is displayed on the CRT display 36. Then, the process returns to step 160 and the address is input again.

If it is determined in step 172 that reading information has been input for each document, the process proceeds to step 176, where search information (keywords, etc.) for searching the image after it has been digitally recorded on the optical disc 54 is input. Keywords are entered for each document. -By entering multiple keywords into a document, you can search from various angles.

Next, if the microfilm 16 is loaded in the microfilm reader 28 (step 178),
At step 180, the content of the read information input at step 170 is checked while the microfilm 16 is being fed frame by frame.

This includes the following checks.

(1) Microfilm address check step 1
A check is made while performing a film search to see if there is a frame corresponding to the microfilm address specified in step 60.

(2) Reading size setting error check This is the page blip mark 12 of the projected piece.
2 and the page blip mark 122 of the previous frame (see FIG. 3), and compare this distance X with the horizontal width of the image determined by the reading size input in step 170. Determine whether the read size is reasonable. The distance X between the page blip marks 122 is measured by counting pulses from the pulse generator 74.

(3) Black and White Judgment Threshold Setting Error Check The appropriate range of this threshold value is stored in advance in the ROM 88, and it is checked whether the threshold value set in step 170 is within this range.

Note that the validity of the set threshold value may be checked using the detected value of the amount of projection light.

(4) Reading range specification error check This calculates the maximum readable range of the frame image from the spacing of the page blip marks 122, and checks whether the reading range input in step 170 is included in this maximum range. .

If there is no error in the input contents (step 182) and input of recording instruction information has not been completed for all converted frames (step 184), the process returns to step 160 and repeats the input process.

If it is determined in step 182 that there is an error in the input content, the error content is displayed on the CRT in step 186.
The information is displayed on the display 36, and the process returns to step 170 to re-enter the corresponding recording instruction information. If an error occurs that requires retrieval of the designated frame on the microfilm, the process returns to step 160 (not shown).

For input items that are not shown in FIG. 4 but do not require correction, the correction process is performed while skipping the corresponding steps.

When it is determined in step 184 that the process of inputting the recording instruction information using the keys manually from the keyboard 34 has been completed, in step 188 the recording instruction information stored in the RAM 90 is recorded on the floppy disk 38 via the floppy disk driver 84. do. If the addition/update mode has been set in step 156, Effi for additions and changes is performed when recording onto the floppy disk 38.

Next, in step 190, the operator takes out the microfilm 16 and the floppy disk 38 from the microfilm reader 28, and the process of recording the recording instruction information on the floppy disk 38 is completed.

If the microfilm 16 is not loaded into the microfilm reader 28 in the above process, the input content of the recording instruction information is checked on the CRT display (
(not shown). If it is necessary to check the input contents of recording instruction information with high accuracy, the microfilm 16 is loaded into the microfilm reader 28, and the process of step 180 shown in FIG. 4 is performed. In this case, an affirmative determination is made in step 184. In FIG. 4 shown as an embodiment, the recording instruction information creation step and the checking of the created recording instruction information are shown as a series of processes, but it goes without saying that they can be performed as separate steps. In that case, the former process may be performed without using a microfilm, and the latter checking process may be performed using a microfilm.

Next, according to FIG.
will be explained in detail.

Components that are the same as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numbers as those used in FIG. 2, and are designated with A, and their explanations are omitted.

Image projection onto the line sensor 42 and screen 44 is performed by rotating the mirror 92. The line sensor 42 includes a sub-scanning mechanism 98 that moves horizontally on the projection surface by a motor 96.
is sub-scanned by Further, an automatic exposure sensor 100 is disposed toward the optical path of the projection light, and the amount of light transmitted through the film is detected and supplied to the input port 80A via the A/D converter 102. The signal from the automatic exposure sensor 100 is used to adjust a light amount diaphragm mechanism (not shown) or adjust the lamp voltage to change the amount of light.

The line sensor 42 is composed of, for example, a CCD, and is main-scanned by a transfer pulse from the main-scanning/reading circuit 104, and charges proportional to the amount of light received by the elements of the line sensor 42 are sequentially supplied to the main-scanning/reading circuit 104. This is converted into a voltage and supplied to the A/D converter 106.

The signal converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 106 is supplied to the binarization circuit 108, compared with the threshold value from the microcomputer 78A, converted to a value of 1 or 0, and sent to the line buffer 110. The bits are supplied sequentially one by one. When switching the resolution, when two lines of data are supplied to the line buffer 110, this is supplied to the resolution switching circuit 112, and the microcomputer 78
The resolution is switched from 16 dots/1 m to 8 dots/dragon by the switching signal from A. The binarized data is supplied to the file controller 41 via the interface 114. Further, control information is exchanged between the file controller 41 and the microcomputer 78A via an interface 118.

The microfilm scanner 40 operates based on control instructions from the file controller 41, and the control instructions are supplied from the file controller 41 via the interface 118.

Next, the software configuration of the microcomputer 78A and the file controller 41 will be explained according to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, this software scans the original 10 for multiple lines (scanning lines 11) at regular intervals, sequentially reads the pixel density, and uses this as a sample to determine the degree of the overall seven areas of the original image. is examined to determine a binary threshold value, and an image is recorded on the optical disc 54. In addition, if the level difference between the light and shade of the entire image is below a certain value, an abnormality display or alarm sound will be displayed to notify the operator, and the operator will be able to decide whether to skip the reading or record it on an optical disk.

This process is performed in a preliminary scan prior to the read scan to determine the threshold value. This preliminary scanning is performed by the microfilm scanner 40 in response to a reading instruction from the file controller 41. However, if reading is performed continuously and it is necessary to determine the threshold value depending on the density of the image each time, it is necessary to scan the target film frame. Efficiency is increased by doing this during the return scan of the line sensor after the movement to is completed.

At step 300, recording instruction information is read from the floppy disk 38 and transferred to the RAM 90A. Next, the process advances to steps 301 and 302, where the value of l indicating that the image density sampling is the first sampling is set to 0.
shall be. Next, the process proceeds to step 304, where the address of the converted frame is read from this recording instruction information, and the roll microfilm 18 is moved f hyperactively so that the converted frame is positioned at the pressure-bonding glass mechanism 64. Then, this converted piece is projected onto the screen 44. Next, the process proceeds to step 305, in which the position of the scanning line 11 and the number N of pixels to be sampled are determined in accordance with the recording instruction information fn, such as the reading size and the partial reading range of one image. Next, the process proceeds to step 306, where the sub-scanning mechanism 98 is started at a faster speed than when converting into an optical file.

The process then proceeds to steps 308 and 310, where the image density D, is read from the A/D converter 106. Since the initial value is 1-0, the process proceeds to steps 312 and 314, and the maximum density is reached. A.M.
%minimum 4-variant D M I s is set as Do.

Next, the process proceeds to steps 316.308 to 312.318, and the maximum density D1. The values of lAX and image density D, (i=1) are compared. If DMAX<D, step 320
Then, the value of the image density D is set as the maximum density D□. D
, if IN > D H, step 318.322
．． Proceed to 324 and view the image 4 times.

Let the value be the minimum density D MIN . D WAX
= D + or when l+N=Di, the process proceeds to step 316 without changing the values of IAX and minimum density D HI N at most once.

If the difference between the maximum density D□ and the minimum density D818 is less than or equal to the small value Δ, i=i+1 is set in step 317, and the process returns to step 308 to repeat the above processing. By repeating this several times, the maximum density DMA, l and the minimum density D
When the difference between N I N is greater than or equal to Δ, the process proceeds from step 316 to step 325, where a black and white discrimination threshold is determined based on a predetermined known method, and further step 326.
Then, the line sensor 42 is moved at high speed to the initial position for image reading. This initial position is determined by the recording instruction information written in the RAM 90A. For example, if the reading range of the image is specified, the image will be moved to the initial position of the reading part. The process then returns to step 328, reads the image of the converted frame using the threshold value in step 325 while moving the line sensor 42, and supplies digital image data to the file controller 41 via the interface 114. The file controller 41 records this onto the optical disc 54. Further, the file controller 41 records the search key item among the recording instruction information from the floppy disk 38 onto the optical disk 54 and the floppy disk 55 every conversion 9.

If the number of samples of image density is larger than the preset value of N (in the example of FIG. 7, four times the number of pixels in one row), it is determined that there is no image, and the process moves from step 308 to step 330. Go forward and send the image abnormality signal to interface 11.
8 to the file controller 41 and the CRT
The image abnormality is displayed on the display 58. Next, the process advances to step 332 and waits for the operator to view this display and the image projected on the screen 44 and operate the keyboard 56.

In addition to displaying the abnormality on the CRT display, the means for notifying the user that there is an abnormality can be provided by emitting an alarm sound or the like. Further, it may be possible to select a mode in which to always wait for an operator's instruction or to automatically skip reading when an abnormality occurs.

If the sampled scan lines 11 happen to be of approximately the same density and an image has been recorded between the scan lines 11, the operator presses the record image key on the keyboard 56, which advances to steps 334, 325, and 326. , proceed to normal recording processing.

If the operator determines that there is no image, the process returns from step 334 to step 301. That is, the non-image is not recorded on the optical disc 54 and is skipped.

Therefore, unnecessary non-images are not recorded on the optical disc 54. Further, since sampling of the image four times is performed for the image in the specified reading range, it can be discovered at this stage that a reading range in which no image exists has been specified by mistake.

When the above processing is repeated and images of all converted frames are sequentially recorded on the optical disk 54, step 301
At , it is determined that the recording process has ended, and the above process ends.

Next, another method for determining whether there is no image will be explained.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the line sensor 42 when the microfilm 16 is main scanned.
The amount of light received by the light receiving elements constituting 2 is shown. 8th A
The figure shows the case of a negative image, and FIG. 8B shows the case of a positive image.

In the case of a negative image, if the number of peak values above a predetermined level is at least a predetermined percentage, it is determined that the image is present; otherwise, (
(including cases where there is no peak) is defined as no image.

In the case of a positive image, if the number of bottom values below a predetermined level is less than or equal to a predetermined percentage, it is determined that the image is present, and otherwise (including the case where there is no peak) it is determined to be a non-image.

Whether an image is negative or positive is determined to be negative if the base level is below a predetermined value, and otherwise determined to be positive.

In the present invention, the recording medium for the recording instruction information is not limited to a floppy disk, but may be any medium capable of temporarily storing the information (magnetic tape, paper tape, R with backup battery, etc.).
It may be AM or the like.

Further, the analog recording medium is not limited to microfilm, but may be paper that can be continuously processed, such as paper fed by an auto feeder.

Furthermore, digital recording media are not limited to optical discs;
It only needs to be able to record digital signals, and may be a magnetic tape or the like.

In addition, the line sensor 4 is attached to the microfilm scanner 40.
Separately from 2, an inexpensive area sensor with a relatively small number of pixels may be provided, and only electrical scanning may be performed without performing mechanical sub-scanning in the sampling process.

Further, the microfilm reader 28 may be provided with a line sensor or the above area sensor to determine whether there is an image.

〔Effect of the invention〕

In the image processing method according to the present invention, the density of a sample pixel is read from all the pixels of an analog recording medium, and it is determined whether or not there is a non-image based on the characteristic value of the read pixel density, and it is determined that there is no image. If the operator judges that the judgment is correct, the process is interrupted without digital recording on the digital recording medium, and information indicating that there is no image is output. If the operator determines that the judgment is correct, the digital recording is This has an excellent effect in that it is possible to prevent unnecessary non-images from being erroneously recorded on a digital recording medium.

Moreover, the output of this no-image information has the excellent effect of alerting the operator and preventing recurrence of input errors in recording instruction information.

Furthermore, since the presence of an image is normally determined based on this characteristic value at the initial stage of sampling, it is possible to easily and quickly determine whether or not there is an image with a simple configuration, which has the excellent effect of implementing the above-mentioned prevention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a file conversion system to which the present invention is applied, Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the microfilm league shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows the relationship between pieces of roll microfilm and blip marks. 4 is a flowchart showing a partial software configuration of the microcomputer 78, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the microfilm scanner shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a software configuration of the microcomputer 78A and file controller 41. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the process, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing scanning lines of pixels that serve as samples for determining whether the pixel density is the same for all pixels. Figures 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the cough sensor when the line sensor scans the image, and Figure 8A shows the case of a positive image.
FIG. 8B shows the case of a negative image. 16...Marc film 2B...Microfilm reader 38...Floppy disk 40...Microfilm scanner 41...File controller 42...Line sensor 52...Optical disk recording device 5, t ...Optical disk 74...Pulse generator 76.76A...Blip mark sensor 92...Half mirror 98...Sub-scanning groove

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A sampling step of reading the density of a sample pixel from all pixels of an analog recording medium, a non-image determination step of determining whether or not there is a pixel based on a characteristic value of the density of the read pixel, and Image processing characterized by having a non-image information output step of interrupting processing without performing digital recording on a digital recording medium and outputting information indicating that there is no image if it is determined to be an image. Method. (2) In the non-image determining step, if the minimum value of the density of the read pixel is above a predetermined value, the maximum value is below a predetermined value, or there is no extreme value, it is determined that there is no image. Image processing method. (3) The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein in the non-image determining step, if the difference between the maximum and minimum density values of the read pixels is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is no image.