 |
Description  |
|
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image processing apparatus which reads an
image of an original, performs processing for the read image, and outputs
a processed image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Copiers have been known in which an image of an original is read, and the
read image is recorded on paper or the like. In such a conventional
copier, when it is desired to obtain an output image of an image of an
original having a size so large that a reading unit of the copier cannot
read the image in a single reading operation, the image of the original
is, for example, divided into four portions, the respective portions are
read, the read images are individually recorded, and the operator connects
four recorded images to provide one image.
However, this approach has the problem that the operator must paste a
plurality of recorded images in order to connect them, and the operation
of pasting images is troublesome.
Copiers having an editing function have also been provided in which an area
is assigned for each of a plurality of images of an original, respective
images of assigned areas are synthesized, and a synthesized image is
output.
In such a copier, an area is assigned, for example, by inputting the
numerical values of coordinates using keys on an operation unit while
watching an original, or by inputting the position of coordinates by
pressing a pad surface of a digitizer with a pen point. By such an
operation, images other than those in assigned areas are erased from image
data received in the copier, and output images are synthesized by
transferring a plurality of images on a single sheet of recording paper.
In such an approach, however, a troublesome operation is needed, since
areas must be manually assigned. Furthermore, a high-degree of skill is
needed for performing exact positioning in order to connect a plurality of
images, and a difficult operation must be performed.
Recently, needs for large-size originals, such as maps, PERT charts, CAD
drawings and the like, have increased. For such needs, digital color
copiers which can read large-size, such as the A1 size or the like,
originals have been proposed.
However, the sizes of not a few actual large-size originals exceed the A1
size, for example, the B1 size, the A0 size and the like. It is possible
to propose an image reading apparatus having a much larger original mount.
Such an apparatus, however, has the disadvantages that original-mount
glass is deflected by its own weight, whereby the distance between an
image pick-up device and an original differs at a surrounding portion and
at a central portion, adversely influencing an image and increasing
installation space.
It is also possible to provide a sheet feed mechanism, which moves a
scanner only in the main scanning direction, and moves an original in the
sub-scanning direction, in a reader unit. In such a mechanism, the size of
the original is not limited at least in the sub-scanning direction.
In an apparatus including such a reader unit, however, an original to be
set must be in the form of a sheet, and a reading operation is limited by
the size of an original. Furthermore, such an apparatus also has the
disadvantages that in order to move an original in the above-described
manner, control for obtaining accuracy is difficult, and the production
cost will be increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved image
processing apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an image
processing apparatus which can obtain entirety of an image of an original
having a size so large that it cannot be read by a single reading
operation.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an image
processing apparatus which can perform connecting processing of images
read in a plurality of reading operations.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an image
forming apparatus which can easily synthesize images.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become
more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a copier of the first
embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detail of an image reading unit 20 and an
image signal control unit 30 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detail of a memory circuit 340 shown in
FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in a large-size original mode
in the first embodiment;
FIGS. 6(1)-6(6) are diagrams showing a specific example of an original
image, read images and an output image;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detail of the image reading unit 20
and the image signal control unit 30 according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detail of the memory circuit 340 in
the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation in an original-synthesizing
mode in the second embodiment;
FIGS. 10(1)-10(5) are diagrams showing a specific example of original
images, read images and a synthesized image processed in the second
embodiment;
FIGS. 11(1)-11(3) are diagrams showing a specific example of original
images and a synthesized image processed in the second embodiment;
FIGS. 12(1)-12(6) are diagrams showing a specific example of an original
image, read images and a synthesized image in a third embodiment of the
present invention;
FIGS. 13(1)-13(6) are diagrams showing a specific example of an original
image, divided images and a synthesized image in the third embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing
apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 15(a)-15(c) are diagrams illustrating an image processing procedure
in the fourth embodiment;
FIGS. 16(a)-16(c) are diagrams illustrating an image processing procedure
in the fourth embodiment;
FIGS. 17(a)-17(d) are diagrams illustrating an image processing procedure
in the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing procedure in the
fourth embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing procedure in the
fourth embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing
apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 21(a)-21(e) are diagrams illustrating an image processing procedure
in a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an appearance of a digital color copier
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the
digital color copier of the seventh embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of a scanning carriage of
the seventh embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in
the seventh embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main image
processing unit and an input image processing unit;
FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing a copy sequence in the seventh
embodiment;
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating division of an original in the seventh
embodiment;
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a message indicating arrangement of an
original on an original mount;
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing respective corners of the original mount;
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a message indicating arrangement of an
original on the original mount;
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating movement to divided positions;
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating division of an original in the seventh
embodiment;
FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are diagrams showing a layout of printout in the
seventh embodiment;
FIG. 37 comprises diagrams illustrating inconvenience in a conventional
approach; and
FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b) are diagrams showing messages for indicating
arrangement of an original on an original mount.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a copier of the
first embodiment.
The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises an operation unit 10, an
image reading unit 20 for reading an original image (an original having an
image), an image signal control unit 30 for storing the read image
obtained by reading the original image and performing image processing,
such as reduction, synthesis and the like, for the read image, an image
output unit 40 for outputting the read image, a CPU (central processing
unit) 50 for controlling the respective units, and a ROM (read-only
memory)/RAM (random access memory) 60 used for storing control programs
for the CPU 50, or used as work areas.
The operation unit 10 includes a group of keys to be depressed when modes,
such as a normal copy mode, a large-size size original mode and the like
are set, a read key (not shown) to be depressed when an image original is
read, a read-end key (not shown) to be depressed when a reading operation
of an image original is terminated, and the like. The normal copy mode is
a mode of outputting a read image without synthesizing it when an image
original has been read by the image reading unit 20. The large-size
original mode is a mode of dividing an image original larger than an image
original which can be read at one reading operation by the image reading
unit 20, reading divided images a plurality of times by the image reading
unit 20, synthesizing read images, and outputting a synthesizing image.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detail of the image reading unit 20 and the
image signal control unit 30 shown in FIG. 1.
The image reading unit 20 comprises an original feed device 21, original
mount glass 22, a scanner unit 24, mirrors 25 and 25a, a lens 26, a color
image sensor 27, amplifiers 28, 28a and 28b, and the like. The image
reading unit 20, which is an example of a reading means for reading an
image, optically reads an image original 23, converts read optical signals
into electric analog three-primary-color signals, and amplifies converted
three-primary-color signals.
The image signal control unit 30 comprises A/D converters 31, 31a and 31b,
a Y-signal generation circuit 32, a binary-coding circuit 33, a memory
circuit 340, and a density conversion circuit 35. The A/D converters 31,
31a and 31b convert analog three primary color signals into digital
three-primary-color signals. The Y signal generation circuit 32 generates
a luminance signal according to three-primary-color signals received from
the A/D converters 31, 31a and 31b. If the luminance signal is represented
by Y, and the three primary color signals are represented by R, G and B,
the luminance signal Y is obtained from the following expression:
Y=0.30R+0.59G+0.11B.
The binary-coding circuit 33 converts a multivalue luminance signal
received from the Y signal generation circuit 32 into a binary image
signal.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detail of the memory circuit 340 in the
first embodiment.
The memory circuit 340 comprises bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c,
a pattern matching coincidence circuit 342, H counters/V counters 343,
343a, 343b and 343c, a selector 344, and an A3 memory 345. The bit-map
memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c separately store four read images when
one original image is read in four reading operations in the large-size
original mode. The bit-map memory is an example of a storage means for
separately storing read images when an original larger than an original
which can be read by a reading means in one reading operation is divided
and is read a plurality of times by the reading means.
The pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 recognizes an overlapped image
area of two read images among four read images stored in the bit-map
memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c. The H counters/V counters 343, 343a,
343b and 343c store addresses (addresses of the bit-map memories 341,
341a, 341b and 341c) indicating a border line between overlapped image
areas and non-overlapped image areas recognized by the pattern matching
coincidence circuit 342.
The selector 344 selects one of outputs of the bit-map memories 341, 341a,
341b and 341c. The A3 memory 345 synthesizes four read images stored in
the bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c into one image and stores
the synthesized image. The A3 memory 345 can store an image having the
size as large as A3-size recording paper. The bit-map memories 341, 341a,
341b and 341c, the pattern matching coincidence circuit 342, the H
counters/V counters 343, 343a, 343b and 343c, and the A3 memory 345
constitute an example of an image synthesizing means which synthesizes
separately-stored read images into, for example, an image of the
above-described original.
The density conversion circuit 35 inverts an image signal received from the
binary-coding circuit 33 in the normal copy mode, or an image signal
received from the A3 memory 345 in the large-size original mode, and
outputs the inverted signal to the image output unit 40.
The image output unit 40 comprises an exposure control unit 41, a
photosensitive member 42, developing units 43 and 43a, mounting units 44
and 44a for transfer paper (paper on which an image is transferred), a
transfer unit 45, a fixing unit 46, a paper discharge unit 47, and the
like. The image output unit 40 converts an image signal received from the
image signal control unit 30 into an optical signal, and outputs a read
image onto transfer paper. The image output unit 40 is an example of an
output means for outputting a synthesized read image.
Next, the operation of the copier of the first embodiment will be
explained.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the large-size original mode
in the first embodiment. FIG. 6(1) is a diagram showing an image of an
original larger than an original which can be read by the image reading
unit 20 in a single reading operation.
In the following explanation, it is assumed that one image original is
divided and is read in four reading operations. The operator sets the
number "4" of reading operations by a key input from the operation unit 10
(step S1), and sets an image area slightly larger than 1/4 of the original
on the original mount glass 22. If the CPU 50 determines that the read key
has been depressed (step S2), the image area of the original set on the
original mount glass 22 is read by the image reading unit 20 (step S3),
and the read image is stored in the bit-map memory 341 (step S4). The same
processing is performed for the remaining 3/4 image areas (steps S2, S3,
S4 and S5). At that time, read images of the remaining image areas are
stored in the bit-map memories 341a, 341b and 341c. When the operator sets
an image area slightly larger than 1/4 of the image original on the
original mount glass 22, the operator must set the image area so that
surrounding portions of the set image area overlap other image areas.
FIGS. 6(2), 6(3), 6(4) and 6(5) illustrate a specific example of read
images stored in the bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c.
When reading operations for all the image areas of the original have been
completed, the operator depresses the read-end key. If the CPU 50
determines that the read-end key has been depressed (step S6), the CPU 50
reads read images from the bit-map memories 341 and 341a, and stores the
read images in the pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 (step S7).
The pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 recognizes overlapped image
areas for the read images stored in the bit-map memories 341 and 341a by a
pattern matching method, stores addresses of bit-map memories indicating a
border line between the recognized image areas and non-overlapped image
areas in the H counters/V counters 343 and 343a, and stores read images
for which pattern matching has been completed in the bit-map memories 341
and 341a. Pattern matching is also performed for read images stored in the
bit-map memories 341 and 341b, 341 and 341c, 341a and 341b, 341a and 341c,
341b and 341c (step S7, S8 and S9). Broken lines shown in FIGS. 6(2)-6(5)
indicate border lines between overlapped image areas and non-overlapped
image areas.
After the completion of pattern matching (step S9), the CPU 50 reads read
images stored in the bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b and 341c according
to addresses stored in the H counters/V counters 343, 343a, 343b and 343c,
and stores the read images in the A3 memory 345 via the selector 344 (step
S10). That is, the CPU 50 reduces the four read images, synthesizes the
reduced images into one image having the size of A3 recording paper, and
stores the synthesized image in the A3 memory 345. When synthesizing the
four read images, a synthesizing operation is performed not by superposing
broken-line portions of adjacent read images shown in FIGS. 6(2)-6(5), but
by superposing end portions of overlapped areas and broken lines
corresponding to the end portions. That is, a synthesizing operation is
performed by including overlapped areas in a synthesized image.
When outputting a synthesized image, the operator depresses the copy key.
If the CPU 50 determines that the copy key has been depressed (step S11),
the CPU 50 reads the image stored in the A3 memory 345, inputs the read
image in the image output unit 40, and outputs the input image onto
recording paper by the image output unit 40 (step S12). FIG. 6(6) is a
diagram showing an output image, which is obtained by performing reduced
copy of an image original which cannot be read by the image reading unit
20 in a single reading operation.
As described above, one original image is read in four reading operations,
the pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 recognizes overlapped image
areas for the four read images, and the CPU 50 synthesizes the four read
images into one image by reducing the read images in the A3 memory 345 and
outputs the synthesized image on recording paper. Hence, it is possible to
remove an operation of pasting a plurality of output images by the
operator after dividing one original image into a plurality of areas and
reading the divided areas.
If the image output unit 40 can output an image on recording paper having
the size larger than an image original to be read, four read images may be
synthesized without being reduced, and a synthesized image may be output
on recording paper having the same size as the image original. In this
case, the capacity of the memory 345 may be set in accordance with the
size of an output image.
If the original mount is configured as an XY stage for reading large-size
originals independently movable in the X and Y directions and having a
size such that a large-size original can be set, it is possible to remove
trouble of newly setting an original on the original mount every time the
original is read by being divided. Particularly, as described above, since
connection of divided images is performed by automatic recognition of
marker portions, positioning of the XY stage may be rough. Hence, it is
possible to obtain an inexpensive and convenient configuration.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, an explanation has been
provided of a case wherein one original image is divided and read by the
image reading unit 20 in four reading operations, the present invention
may also be applied to a case wherein one original image is divided and
read by the image reading unit 20 in n reading operations, other than four
reading operations. In this case, n bit-map memories and n H counters/ V
counters may be provided.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, an explanation has been
provided of a case of printing an image on recording paper, a
configuration may be adopted wherein an image is output onto a recording
medium, such as a magnetic disk or the like, and the recorded image data
are stored. When, for example, image data stored on such a recording
medium can be printed by another output device, it is possible to output
an image on recording paper having the size larger than the maximum
original which can be read by a reading unit, the above-described
connection of divided images may be performed without reducing the size of
images so that an image having the same size as that of the read original
is obtained. The capacity of the memory 345 may be set in accordance with
the size of an output image.
An explanation will now be provided of the method and configuration of a
second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 10(1)-10(5),
color marker portions M1 and M2 are provided in a plurality of originals,
and each of the original is read. Subsequently, by connecting images
included in the color marker portions M1 and M2 of respective read images
by pattern matching, and recognizing the positions of the images, the
respective read images are electrically connected to synthesize them into
one image, and the synthesized image is output.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reading
unit 20 and the image signal control unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 in the
present embodiment.
A color detection circuit 250 detects the color of an input image by
inputting output signals from the A/D converters 31, 31a and 31b and
comparing level ratios of the respective signals with a preset color
recognition table, and recognizes a marker portion by this color
information. A color maker itself included in the marker portion and an
ordinary image portion (for example, a black letter or the like) are
separated by the color detection circuit 250 and are stored in a memory
circuit 340. Other blocks are the same as those in FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the detail of the memory circuit 340.
The memory circuit 340 comprises bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b, . . . ,
341n and a pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 , H conunters/V
counters 343, 343a, 343b, . . . , 343n, a selector 344, an A3 memory 345,
and color marker registers 346, 346a, 346b, . . . , 346n.
The bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b,. . . , 341n individually store four
read images when one original is read in four reading operations in the
original-synthesizing mode.
The color marker registers 346, 346a, 346b, . . . , 346n store data of
coordinates of both ends and data of angles of color markers detected by
the color detection circuit 250
A pattern matching coincidence circuit 342 recognizes overlapped color
marker portions for two read images among a plurality of read images
stored in the bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b, . . . , 341n according to
data of the color marker registers 346, 346a, 346b, . . . , 346n by a
pattern matching method.
The H counters/V counters 343, 343a, 343b, . . . , 343n store addresses
(addresses of the bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b, . . . , 341n) of color
marker portions recognized by the pattern matching circuit 342.
The selector 344 selects one of outputs of the bit-map memories 341, 341a,
341b, . . . , 341n.
The A3 memory 345 synthesizes a plurality of read images stored in the
bit-map memories 341, 341a, 341b, . . . , 341n into one image, and stores
the synthesized image The maximum size which can be stored in A3 memory
345 is the size of A3 recording paper.
The color marker registers 346, 346a, 346b, . . . , 346n, the bit-map
memories 341, 341a, 341b, . . . , 341n, the pattern matching coincidence
circuit 342, the H counters/V counters 343, 343a, 343b, . . . , 343n and
the A3 memory 345 constitute an image synthesizing means for synthesizing
separately-stored read images into one image.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of reading two originals each
provided with color portions M1 and M2 as shown in FIGS. 10(1) and 10(2),
synthesizing read images into one image, and outputting the synthesized
image.
First, the operator sets an original-synthesizing mode of connecting two
originals so as to synthesize two images into one image by a mode set key
on the operation unit 10 (step S21) The first original provided with the
marker portion M1 is set on the original mount glass 22, and the read key
is depressed.
When the CPU 50 detects the depression of the read key (step S22), an image
of the original set on the original mount glass 22 is read by the image
reading unit 20 (step S23), and the read image is stored in the bit-map
memory 341. At the same time, the coordinates and the like of the color
marker are stored in the color marker register 346 (step S24). The same
reading operation is performed for the second original provided with the
marker portion M2 (step S22).
When all the originals have been read (step S25, the operator depresses the
read-end key. If the CPU 50 thereby determines the end of the reading
operation (step S26), image data are read from the bit-map memories 341
and 341a, and the read data are stored in the pattern matching coincidence
circuit 342 (step S27)
Data of color markers corresponding to respective images are read by the
color marker registers 346 and 346a, and pattern matching is performed for
an overlapped portion of images included in respective markers. Exact
synthesizing positions of respective read images are determined by such
pattern matching, and addresses of bit-map memories for correcting read
positions of respective read images are stored in the H counters/V
counters 343 and 343a (step S28).
Since two originals are read in the example shown in FIGS. 10(1) and 10(2),
the process then proceeds to the next step. However, if three or more
originals are read, the same processing is performed for combinations of
other bit-map memories. When all of the above-described processing has
been terminated (step S29), read images stored in the bit-map memories are
sequentially read according to addresses stored in respective H counters/V
counters, and are stored in the A3 memory 345 via the selector 344 (step
S30). At that time, the coordinates and angles of the respective read
images are adjusted according to data of the respective H counters/V
counters 343, 343a, 343b, and 343c, necessary magnification-varying
processing is performed, and read images are connected to one image having
the size of A3 recording paper. After the completion of the connection,
processing of erasing color markers is performed, and a storing operation
in the A3 memory 345 is performed.
For outputting the synthesized image, the operator depresses the copy key.
If the CPU 50 determines the depression of the copy key (step S31), the
image stored in the A3 memory 345 is read, and is input to the image
output unit 40, which outputs the image on recording paper (step S32).
FIG. 10(5) is a diagram showing a specific example of an output image.
As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to
exactly connect color marker portions of a plurality of read images by
performing pattern matching and magnification-varying processing, and
thereby to remove a manual pasting operation.
Although, in the second embodiment, an explanation has been provided of a
case of printing an image on recording paper, a configuration may be
adopted wherein an image is output onto a recording medium, such as a
magnetic disk or the like, and the recorded image is stored.
In the second embodiment, since respective read images are synthesized by
automatically performing rotation and magnification-varying processing,
the sequence of reading respective originals may be arbitrary, and the
direction of each original is not necessarily the same. Hence, it is
possible to configure the system such that a plurality of originals to be
connected are set in an automatic original feeding apparatus, a reading
operation is performed by an automatic feeding mechanism, the completion
of the reading operation is automatically detected by an original
detection sensor of the feeding apparatus, and the process then proceeds
to the above-described pattern matching processing, and thereby to
simplify the operation. Particularly, as described above, since images
included in marker portions are connected by performing automatic
| | |
