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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for registering images on a storage
medium and, in particular, to a method of entering index information on
the registered images in such an apparatus.
2. Related Background Art
To preserve storage space for documents, etc., produced in great
quantities, it has conventionally been the practice to store the image
information contained therein on microfilms, magnetic/opto-magnetic discs,
etc.
From the viewpoint of information management, it is necessary to enter an
index corresponding to the items of information thus stored so that the
information may be easily accessed (retrieved) later on. Conventionally,
the operation of preparing such an index has required an enormous amount
of time.
As a means of avoiding this problem, a system is known, according to which
code information serving as an index is imparted to the documents stored.
The code information is read by a scanner, with the documents being
photographed at the same time.
The scanner used may, for example, be a bar code scanner for reading bar
codes, an MICR for reading magnetic characters, or an OCR for reading
ordinary characters.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a simple example of an apparatus to
which the above conventional method is applied.
In this apparatus, original sheets 100, each equipped with a bar code as
index information, are conveyed by a feeding means consisting of rollers
101, 102 and 103 and a belt 104 toward a discharge tray 108. The above
index information is read by a bar code scanner 105, and the image of an
original sheet which has reached a photographing section 106 is
photographed by a camera 107 so as to be recorded on a microfilm.
The index information thus read is transferred to a computer.
As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the index information is recorded on the
computer memory in such a manner that the items of index information
respectively representing the original sheets have a one to one
correspondence to the numbers of frames 110 of a microfilm 109. By using
the index data thus recorded on the memory, a desired image frame in the
microfilm can be easily and definitely retrieved later on.
An example of a conventional device of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,283,621.
Apart from the above example, an electronic filing apparatus which employs
a CCD as the image reading device for the photographing section and an
optical disc as the recording device has recently been attracting
attention.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a simple example of an apparatus using
an optical disc.
In this apparatus, a bar code 111, imparted to a text 110, is read by a
pen-type scanner 112. The bar code data thus read is displayed on a
display terminal 115 equipped with a keyboard. If the bar code proves
unreadable, the data contained therein is manually entered at the display
terminal 115.
Then, an image scanner 113 reads the image of the document. The image
information thus read is stored in a memory 114 and, at the same time,
displayed on the display terminal 115. The index information, which has
been read by the scanner 112 or manually entered, is simultaneously
displayed on this display.
The operator verifies the displayed data and depresses a "verification"
key, thereby causing a predetermined image processing operation (such as
edge emphasis or data compression) to be performed in a processing circuit
116, and thus the image data and the index data are recorded on an optical
disc 117.
In another construction, the recording of the data is effected separately;
e.g., the image data is recorded on the optical disc, and the index data
is recorded on some other recording medium (e.g., a floppy disc).
By using this index data, a desired image can be easily and definitely
retrieved out of the optical disc later on.
A problem with the above prior-art techniques is that the speed of the
entire data processing depends on the speed of the paper handling
operations, including the reading of bar codes. Thus, a substantial
improvement in the data processing capacity for original texts cannot be
expected even if the image scanning speed is increased. Accordingly, the
above prior-art techniques are not suited for mass data processing.
Further, in a case when original texts can be conveyed successively, any
error in code reading causes the system operation to be interrupted,
necessitating restoring (re-inputting) by the operator. Thus, the operator
has to constantly keep an eye on the apparatus.
Determination as to whether or not the data obtained through bar code
reading by the scanner is correct can be made with an improved level of
reliability by adopting one of the following methods:
(1) Scanning a bar code two or more times, the data being regarded as
correct when scanning results agree with each other;
(2) Scanning a bar code three or more times, the data being regarded as
correct when the results of two consecutive scannings agree with each
other; and
(3) Scanning a bar code three or more times, the data being determined on
the basis of majority logic.
With most high speed scanners, however, data is determined with a single
scanning, resulting in a rather low level of reliability or correctness in
data reading.
Thus, with conventional scanners, a satisfactory level of reliability in
data reading cannot be expected in the case of high speed data processing.
A satisfactory level of reliability cannot be attained without decreasing
the processing speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an image registering apparatus
in which the above problems are eliminated.
Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for and a
method of image registration wherein the step of registering on a
recording medium the image of an original equipped with index information
in the form of a bar code or the like and the step of preparing an index
file indicating the correspondence of the index information to the address
of the image, are performed in different time ranges, whereby the
registration of the image and the preparation of the index file can be
performed efficiently.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for and a
method of image registration wherein, when the image of an original
equipped with index information in the form of a bar code or the like is
being registered on a recording medium, the position of the index
information is indicated beforehand, whereby the index information can be
read easily and efficiently.
A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for and a
method of image registration wherein the reading of the image of an
original equipped with index information in the form of a bar code or the
like and the entering of information indicative of the position of the
index information are effected simultaneously, thereby achieving an
improvement in terms of operability.
Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following
description when reference is also made to the accompanying drawings and
the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image recording system in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing, in three dimensions, the microfilm
scanner section of the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the image registering operation in the first
embodiment;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the
direction in which the microfilm is fed and the direction in which the bar
code are arranged;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an image recording system in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing, in three dimensions, the microfilm
scanner section of the second embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an image recording system in accordance
with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the running direction of the feeding belt and
the arrangement of the CCD sensor in the third embodiment;
FIG. 9 including FIGS. 9A and 9B is a flowchart showing the image
registering operation in the third embodiment;
FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of partition paper display;
FIG. 11 shows a partition paper;
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing originals equipped with a bar code;
FIG. 13 including FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C is a flowchart showing the image
registering operation in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 shows a partition paper;
FIG. 15 shows an example of partition paper display;
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing partition papers;
FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing originals equipped with a bar code;
FIG. 18 including FIGS. 18A and 18B is a flowchart showing the image
registering operation in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the construction of an image reading
section;
FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing the front and back sides of an
original sheet;
FIG. 22 including FIGS. 22A and 22B is a flowchart showing the image
registering operation in a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 shows how the image data on the front side of an original is
combined with the image data on the back side of the same;
FIG. 24 shows a microfilm;
FIG. 25 shows a microfilm reading section;
FIGS. 26A and 26B are diagrams showing the front and back sides of an
original sheet;
FIG. 27 shows the construction of a conventional image registering
apparatus;
FIG. 28A shows a microfilm;
FIG. 28B shows an index file configuration; and
FIG. 29 shows the construction of a conventional image registering
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of an image registering
apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of this invention.
Basically, the system is composed of a photographing section A for
recording originals on microfilms and a reading section B for reading
codes from microfilms.
In FIG. 1, an original sheet P is equipped with code information 1 (in the
form, for example, of a bar code).
A paper feeding section 2 in which original sheets P are stacked is
provided in the photographing section A. Arranged adjacent to the paper
feeding section 2 is a feeding means 5 for feeding the paper sheets P in
the paper feeding section 2 one by one starting with the one at the
bottom. This feeding means consists of rollers 3a and 3b, a belt 4
stretched therebetween, and a (reversing) roller 3c which is in touch with
the roller 3a.
Arranged above this feeding means is a photographing camera 6 serving as
the recording means, by means of which the original sheets P in the
photographing section 5 are recorded on a microfilm 7. Provided on the
downstream side in the feeding direction of the feeding means is a paper
discharge stacker 8 in which original sheets P already photographed are
placed.
A microfilm which has undergone the processes of photographing and
development is shown at F in FIG. 1. Recorded on this microfilm are
reduced images (frames) 10 of the originals P and marks 11 called blips
for specifying the image positions. Naturally, the code information 1 is
also recorded as part of the reduced images 10.
To enable the after-treatment to be carried out as unattended as possible,
the microfilm which has undergone the processes of photographing and
development is loaded on a cartridge, as shown at C in the drawing. The
microfilm loaded on the cartridge is then set in the medium change section
B.
The medium change section B is composed of a film feeding means, a film
image reading means, a decoding means, and an image recording means.
The microfilm feeding means is composed of a roller (not shown) for feeding
the microfilm 9, a glass platen (not shown), a take-up reel 13 for taking
up the film, etc.
The microfilm image reading means is composed of a light source 14 for
irradiating the microfilm 9, a condenser lens (not shown), a projection
lens 15, an image reading device 16, a signal processing circuit 16, a
bit-map memory 22, etc.
The decoding means is composed of a data extraction circuit 23 and a
decoder 24. The image recording means is composed of an image data
compression circuit 25, a disc control circuit 26, and a disc 27.
The entire system is controlled by a microcomputer 28.
The circuits 21 through 28, exclusive of the disc 27, are connected to a
bus line 29.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing, in three dimensions, the microfilm
scanner section in the above medium change section B.
In this medium change section B, a sensor 17 detects the blip marks 11 on
the microfilm 9. These marks are counted successively, the film being fed
until a count number corresponding to a desired image 10 is attained.
When a count number 10 corresponding to a desired image has been attained,
the feeding of the microfilm 9 is stopped. A rotary reflecting mirror 30
continues to rotate around an axis of rotation L (indicated by the broken
line) until the upper end of an image 10 is projected onto the image
reading device 16. Subsequently, the reflecting mirror 30 rotates in the
reverse direction to scan the image 10.
An analog image signal from the scanned image 10 is amplified by an
amplifier 18 and converted by an A/D converter 19 to a digital signal,
which undergoes image processing procedure such as edge emphasis in an
image signal processing unit 20 and is transmitted to the bus line 29.
These processes are performed substantially in synchronism with the
angular velocity of rotation of the rotary reflecting mirror 30.
While in this embodiment the sub-scanning of the image 10 is performed with
a single rotary mirror 30, this should not be construed as restrictive.
There are, for example, a number of other methods available in which two
mirrors are used in combination.
Then, output signals from the image reading device 16 are stored in the
bit-map memory 22. These signals are also transmitted to the data
extraction circuit 23.
When it detects among the digital signals of one line a signal which
appears to be a bar code signal, the data extraction circuit 23 transmits
the signals corresponding to the period starting from that time to the
rear end of the one line to the bar code decoder 24, where signal analysis
is performed. By "a signal which appears to be a bar code signal" is meant
a signal having the pattern of white-run/black-run/white-run, with the
first white run being at least three times the size of the black run. If
this condition is satisfied, the above black run is regarded as the
reference in length, and decoding for one character is performed in
accordance with a predetermined rule. If the decoding is successful, it is
further continued. If not, the above operations of detecting a signal
which appears to be a bar code signal and decoding the same are performed
again, repeating these operations until the rear end of the line is
reached. These operations are repeated for each line, and, when the same
data has been detected a predetermined number of times, it is kept as
reading data. When the reading for one microfilm frame has been completed,
data is read for each line from the bit-map memory 22 and compressed by
the data compression circuit 25 in accordance with a predetermined rule,
the compressed data being recorded on the disc 27. Further, substantially
at the same time, the data kept in the decoder 24 is also recorded on the
disc 27 as index data.
Assuming, for example, in the case of a standard bar code with a narrow bar
size of 0.3 mm, a frequency which is two times higher than the narrow bar
frequency (1 mm.div.0.3 mm) is set taking into account the image
deterioration due to the microfilm,
1 mm.div.0.3 mm.times.2=6.67 pel
By considering this in the light of the well-known sampling theorem, the
bar code can be read with accuracy at a sampling frequency which is two
times higher than 6.67 pel.
Thus, it will be seen that, in this example, the reading of code
information from microfilm images is fully possible by using an image
sensor with a resolution of approximately 16 pel/mm.
FIG. 3 illustrates the above image registering operation.
First, a cartridge number to identify the cartridge is entered (Step 1),
and a frame number counter for identifying microfilm frames is set to 1
(Step 2). Then, the frame corresponding to the value of the frame number
counter is searched for and is stopped at the reading position (Step 3).
The lamp 14 is lighted up and, while rotating the mirror 30, the frame
image is read by the line and stored in the bit-map memory 22 and, at the
same time, transmitted to the extraction circuit 23 (Step 4). The
extraction circuit 23 makes a judgment as to whether a bar code pattern is
contained in one line data or not (Step 5). If there is a bar code
pattern, the data from that time onward is transmitted to the decoder 24,
where it is analyzed (Step 6). Then, the reading is repeated until the
images of all the frame image lines have been read (Step 7). Afterwards,
the images stored in the bit-map memory 22 are read out line by line,
compressed in the compression circuit 25 (Step 8), and stored in the
optical disc 27 through the disc control unit 26 (Step 9). Then, data
indicating the relationship between the index information analyzed by the
decoder 24 and the frame number is stored on the disc 27 as an index file.
When the registration of one-frame image has been completed, it is judged
from the blip marks, etc. whether there is a next frame or not (Step 10).
If there is, the frame number counter is incremented by one (Step 11),
repeating the retrieval, reading, etc. of the next frame.
While in this embodiment the codes added to the documents are bar codes,
this should not be construed as restrictive. This embodiment also is
applicable, substantially in the same way, to a case where the codes are
represented by characters. In that case, however, it is difficult to
extract such a character code out of the document, so that the place where
the characters are recorded is determined beforehand, the above extraction
circuit transmitting the data recorded on the place to the decoder (OCR).
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the
direction in which the microfilm is fed and the direction in which the bar
codes are lined up.
The drawings show how original sheets are conveyed by the belt 4 to the
photographing section 5, the arrow X indicating the conveying direction.
In the example shown in FIG. 4A, which constitutes the first embodiment,
it is slips, and, in the example shown in FIG. 4B, it is A4 size
documents, that are conveyed.
In the condition shown in FIG. 4B, the direction in which the bar codes are
lined up is perpendicular to the scanning direction, so that the bar codes
cannot be read.
This problem is eliminated in the second embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an image recording system in accordance
with the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing, in
three dimensions, the microfilm scanner section in the second embodiment.
Since the second embodiment is similar to the first one, the following
description will only be with respect to the differences therebetween.
If the bar codes are lined up perpendicular to the original conveying
direction, the film prepared is such as indicated at F in FIG. 5.
In this condition, the bar codes on this film cannot be decoded since they
are lined up perpendicular to the scanning direction. Thus, in the second
embodiment, the image data of a document is read and subjected to image
processing, and then stored in the bit-map memory 22a. Afterwards, the
image data is rotated on the bit-map memory.
The rotation of the image data can be expressed by the following formulae:
Y=cosA.multidot.y-sinA.multidot.x
X=sinA.multidot.y+cosA.multidot.x
In particular, in the case of a 90.degree. rotation,
Y=-x, X=y
Image signals which have been subjected to the rotation scanning are stored
in the bit-map memory 22b, from which they are transmitted line by line to
the decoder 24, where they are analyzed. At the same time, the signals are
transmitted to the compression circuit 25.
Afterwards, processes similar to those of the first embodiment are
performed.
It is desirable that the decision as to whether to use the signals before
the vertical/horizontal conversion or those thereafter as the image data
be made in accordance with the direction in which the original can be
observed in the normal direction.
Further, it is also possible, in the second embodiment, to perform decoding
without rotation scanning, performing, if index data is obtained, an
operation similar to that of the first embodiment, and, if no index data
is obtained, an operation similar to that of the second embodiment, on the
contents of the bit-map memory 22a; if still no data is obtained, a "no
bar code" operation may be performed. In this way, data processing can be
performed on originals consisting of a mixture of slips and documents.
While in the first and second embodiments the image information and the
code data are recorded on the same recording medium, they may also be
recorded on separate media. When recording large quantities of image data,
for example, a plurality of discs are required. In such a case it is
desirable that the code data as the index data be recorded on a different
medium from that for the image data so that an overall view of data may be
obtained.
Thus, documents/slips produced in great quantities are first photographed
at high speed so as to be recorded on a microfilm and then transferred to
a medium like an optical disc, thereby attaining a substantial
rationalization through high speed photographing and unmanned medium
change.
Further, it is possible to construct a more ideal document management
system in which data is stored on microfilms and extracted for use out of
optical discs or the like. Further, this system can be effectively applied
to a case where only index files are prepared and where the data transfer
onto optical discs or the like is not performed.
In the above embodiments, an original document is first photographed so as
to be recorded on a microfilm and is then stored on an optical disc. In
the method described below, in contrast, the original document is directly
stored on an optical disc.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an image recording system in accordance
with the third embodiment of the present invention.
Basically, the system is composed of a scanning section A.sub.1 for
electronically reading originals and a data-processing/control unit
B.sub.1.
Provided in the scanning section A.sub.1 is a paper feeding section 2, in
which original sheets P equipped with code information 1 (in the form, for
example, of bar codes) are stacked. Arranged adjacent to the paper feeding
section 2 is a conveying means 5 for conveying the original sheets P in
the paper feeding section 2 one by one, starting with the one at the
bottom, to an original reading section 45.
In this embodiment, a one-dimensional CCD sensor 47 is used, which is
arranged perpendicular to the running direction of the feeding belt 4.
Accordingly, in FIG. 7, the image reading section 45 is shown as a point.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the running direction of the belt 4 and the
arrangement of the CCD sensor 47.
Image formation on the CCD sensor 47 of the image information of one line
of the original P is effected by a lens 46.
The conveying means is composed of rollers 3a and 3b, the belt 4 stretched
therebetween, and a (reversing) roller 3c which is in contact with the
roller 3a. Provided on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the
conveying means is a paper discharge stacker 8 in which originals P
already read are to be placed.
The original to be read is illuminated by an illuminating lamp 48, and
image formation of the image of one line of the original is effected on
the CCD sensor 47 by the optical lens 46.
The image signal read by the CCD sensor 47 is subjected to operations of
A/D conversion, edge emphasis, etc. at a signal processing circuit 50, and
the digital image signal obtained at the processing circuit 50 is
transmitted by way of a control circuit 51 in the scanner section A.sub.1
to a bus line 52.
The data-processing/control unit B.sub.1 is also connected to the bus line
52. The control circuit 51 also controls the feeding belt 4.
The data-processing/control unit B.sub.1 comprises: a display device 56
which performs a data thinning-out operation on a digital image signal in
accordance with a predetermined rule and which displays the thinned-out
image; a bit-map memory 53 which temporarily stores the digital image
signal; a compression/expansion circuit 57 which compresses or expands the
data by a predetermined method (e.g., MH or MR); an optical disc 58 which
stores the data which has been compressed or expanded; and a floppy disc
59, each of these components being connected to the bus line 52.
Further, connected to the bus line 52 are a data extraction unit 54 which
extracts a signal which appears to be a bar code signal out of one-line
image data and a data decoder 55 which analyzes bar codes.
Further, provided in the lines respectively connecting the bus line 52 to
the bit-map memory 53, the data extraction unit 54, and the data decoder
55 are switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, which are adapted to change positions
through mode selection.
The main control over the entire system is effected by a microprocessor MPU
60.
When the operator designates at the keyboard a first mode or optical disc
recording mode, the MPU 60 turns ON the switch SW1 and turns OFF the
switches SW2 and SW3, with the bit-map memory being connected to the bus
line 52. These switches need not be physical ones; they may also be of a
logical character.
With this system configuration, original images which have been read are
temporarily stored in the bit-map memory 53. When the reading of one
original sheet has been completed, the data obtained thereby is compressed
by the compression/expansion circuit 57, the compressed data being
recorded on the optical disc 58. Meanwhile, the digital image signal is
subjected to a predetermined thinning out process (e.g., at the ratio of
two pixels to one), the image being displayed on a display device 56
equipped with a keyboard.
When the operator designates at the keyboard a second mode or index file
forming mode, the MPU 60 turns OFF the switch SW1 and turns ON the
switches SW2 and SW3, with the data extraction unit 54 and the data
decoder 55 being connected to the bus line 52.
In this mode, the image data recorded on the optical disc 58 is read out
and subjected to data expansion at the compression/expansion circuit 57.
Then, it is stored in the bit-map memory 53 and transferred to the data
extraction unit 54. When the data extraction unit 54 detects among the
digital signals a signal which appears to be a bar code signal, the
signals from that time to the rear end of one line are transmitted to the
bar code decoder 55, where they are subjected signal analysis.
Here, a signal which appears to be a bar code signal is such as explained
with reference to the first embodiment. These operations are repeated line
by line, and, when the same data has been detected a predetermined number
of times, it is kept as read-out data.
When the data transfer for one frame has been completed, the data stored in
the decoder 55 is also recorded on the disc 58 as index data.
In some cases, the index file is recorded on the optical disc on which the
images are recorded, thus performing a unitary data management. In other
cases, it is recorded on some other medium (e.g., a floppy disc 59).
The quantity of the index data is far smaller than that of the image data,
so that a plurality of image discs can be managed with a single index data
disc.
The control over the entire system is effected by a control circuit 60,
which usually consists of a microcomputer.
The second mode may be automatically executed after the completion of the
first mode, independently of the operator's instructions.
Next, the above image registering operation will be described with
reference to FIG. 9.
First, when the operator designates the first mode at the keyboard (Step
21), the switch SW1 is turned ON, and the switches SW2 and SW3 are turned
OFF (Step 22). Then, a judgment is made as to whether there are originals
in the paper feeding section 2 of the scanner section A.sub.1 or not (Step
23). If there are originals, the feeding means is operated to feed the
original at the bottom, whose image is read by the CCD sensor 47 (Step 24)
and stored in the bit-map memory 53 (Step 25). Then, the image data is
read line by line from the bit-map memory 53 and compressed at the data
compression circuit 57 before it is recorded on the optical disc 58 (Step
26). When the recording of image data of one page has been completed, a
judgment is made as to whether there is a next original or not (Step 27).
If not, the operation is ended, and if there is one, the procedures from
Step 24 are performed again.
When the operator designates the second mode (Step 28), the switch SW1 is
turned OFF and the switches SW2 and SW3 are turned ON (Step 29).
Subsequently, image data for which no index file has been formed yet is
read out from the optical disc and expanded by the data compression
circuit before it is stored in the bit-map memory 53 (Step 30). Then, the
image data is read out line by line from the bit-map memory 53 and
transmitted to the data extraction unit 54 (Step 31). A judgment is made
in the data extraction unit 54 as to whether there is a bar code pattern
in one line data or not (Step 32). If there is, the data is transmitted to
the decoder 55, where it is analyzed (Step 33). Then, the operation is
repeated until the data extraction has been completed for the data of all
lines (Step 34). The system may be so arranged that the procedure moves on
to the next step, i.e., Step 35, if the analysis of the same bar code
pattern has been performed for several consecutive lines. In Step 35, the
index file indicating the correspondence of the storage address of the
image read out from the optical disc to the index data obtained from the
analyzed bar code, is recorded on the optical disc 58 (Step 35), repeating
the operation until there is no image data for which no index file has
been formed. If no bar code pattern has been detected, a display to that
effect may be given on the CRT 56, demanding the entering of index data at
the keyboard. This applies to the other embodiments.
Further, if there is no original in Step 27, the procedure may move on to
Step 29, as stated above.
Thus, after reading original documents produced in great quantities and
recording images on a recording medium, the recorded images are read out
to extract index information therefrom for the purpose of automatically
preparing an index file, thus realizing a substantial rationalization
through high speed photographing and unmanned medium change.
Further, index information is not recognized by directly scanning an
original but from a signal which has undergone a digital image processing,
so that the data recognition can be effected with accuracy. Moreover,
there is no need for a special option device, thus realizing an economical
system.
In the above embodiments, the data of each line is scanned so as to detect
a bar code pattern. This method may take a lot of time when bar code
patterns have to be detected out of great quantities of originals. In view
of this, the places where the bar codes are provided may be previously
indicated, as described below.
The fourth embodiment allows the application of the system configuration
shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the images of partition papers on
which information indicative of the bar code positions is provided are
registered in the optical disc 58 or the floppy disc 59, and partition
paper image selection is performed when forming an index file.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show displays on the CRT when the registration or
selection of partition papers is performed.
In the following, the operations of registering partition papers, recording
originals, and automatically preparing an index file, will be described.
First, to register partition papers, the operator designates, at the
keyboard, a partition paper registration mode to set the apparatus to this
mode. When set to the partition paper registration mode, the apparatus
displays, on the CRT 56, the patterns of the partition papers already
registered, as shown in FIG. 10A. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, 1
through 5 denote patterns already registered. When, in this condition, the
operator selects the position of 6 and sets the partition paper shown in
FIG. 11 in the paper feeding section 2 so as to execute the registration,
the control unit 51 causes the partition paper to be conveyed, with its
image being read photoelectrically by the CCD 47. The binary image data is
then supplied to the bus 52, and the MPU 60 causes it to be compressed by
the data compression/expansion circuit 57 and to be recorded on the
opto-magnetic disc 58 as the registered image of the partition paper.
Then, the binary image data is condensed through a predetermined
thinning-out process and written at that address in the bit-map memory
corresponding to 6. In this way, the image of the partition paper is
registered and displayed as shown in FIG. 10B.
When recording originals as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B (hereinafter
referred to as originals a and b) on the optical disc 58, the operator
designates, at the keyboard, a partition paper selecting mode to set the
apparatus to this mode. When the apparatus is set to the partition paper
selecting mode, the MPU 60 reads out, from the opto-magnetic disc 58, the
already registered partition papers and condenses then through a
predetermined thinning-out process before writing then to the bit-map
memory 53. As a result, a display as shown in FIG. 10B is given. When
recording the original a on the optical disc 58, the operator selects, at
the keyboard, the partition paper pattern 1 indicating the bar code
position of the original. Afterwards, the operator designates, at the
keyboard, an image registration mode, setting the apparatus to this mode.
Then, he sets the original a in the paper feeding section 2, the image
thereof being read. The control unit 51 causes a motor (not shown) to be
driven so as to convey the original a, the image thereof being read by the
CCD 47 and supplied to the bus 52 as binary image data. The MPU 60 stores
the binary image data in the bit-map memory 53 and causes it to be
compressed by the data compression circuit 57 and to be recorded on the
opto-magnetic disc 58 after being joined with the (already compressed)
image data of the selected partition paper. When further registering a new
original having a bar code at the same position as the original a, image
registration may be performed after setting the new original in the paper
feeding section 2. When an original having a bar code at a different
position, like the original b, is further to be registered, image
registration may be preformed after designating the partition paper
selecting mode at the keyboard to set the apparatus to this mode and
selecting the new partition paper 6.
Next, to be described will be the operations of obtaining index information
from the images registered on the optical disc 58 by the above procedures
and preparing an index file on the basis of this index information. The
operator designates, at the keyboard, an index file forming mode, setting
the apparatus to this mode. The MPU 60 reads, out of the opto-magnetic
disc 58, an original image of which no index file has been prepared yet
and to which a partition paper image has been imparted. Then, the
partition paper image and the original image are separated from each
other, and the original image is written to the bit-map memory 53 after
being expanded by the data compression/expansion circuit 57. Subsequently,
while expanding the partition paper image by the data compression circuit
57, the address of the black region in the image is detected as bar code
position information. The image on the bit-map memory 53 corresponding to
the detected address is transferred to the data extraction unit 54, where
a bar code pattern is extracted from the image, the extracted pattern
being transferred to the decoder 55. The decoder 55 then performs decoding
on the bar code pattern transferred from the data extraction unit 54
before transmitting it to the MPU 60. Upon receiving the index
information, the MPU 60 registers it in the index file along with the
storage address of the original image. The MPU 60 performs this operation
on each of the recording images of which no index has been registered yet,
thus automatically forming an index file. When all the images have been
registered, the apparatus is restored to the initial condition.
Next, the above image registering operation will be described with
reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13. First, designation of any mode by
the operator at the keyboard is identified (Steps 41, 50 and 59). When the
partition paper registration mode is designated, the image of the
partition paper pattern is read out from the optical disc 58 and displayed
on the CRT (Step 42). When the operator specifies the registering position
of a new partition paper (Step 43), a judgment is made as to whether
partition papers have been set in the paper feeding section 2 or not (Step
44). When partition | | |
