JP2010068267A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently creating a mark that simply indicates image data and allowing a user to efficiently perform filing processing even when the number of image data becomes enormous.
An image processing apparatus includes an original reading unit that reads an original image, an image storage unit that stores an original image, an operation panel that allows a user to specify a partial area of the image, and a specified portion. A control for creating a thumbnail image from a portion specified by the partial region information of the image data stored in the RAM 260 for storing the partial region information for specifying the region and the image storage unit 256 and displaying the thumbnail image on the operation panel 280 Part 250. The operation panel 280 can allow the user to select one of the displayed thumbnail images. The controller 250 executes a predetermined process on the image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that allows a user to select a list of image data and performs some processing on the selected image data.

  In recent years, information terminals such as PCs (Personal Computers) adopting GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) have become widespread. Various files are stored in the information terminal. A list of icons or names of various files is displayed on the display of the information terminal, and the user confirms the contents of the file by selecting the icon or name with a mouse pointer.

  When the file is image data, it may be desirable to display a part of the image data with an icon. This is because the user may be able to immediately understand what the image data looks like at a glance of the icon.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for causing a user to specify an arbitrary partial area of an image for each image data and displaying an image of the specified partial area as an icon of the file.

Since the range of the partial area displayed by the icon is determined by the user, the user immediately understands which icon is what image data and opens the file to confirm the desired image. be able to.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-14854

  Currently, an image forming apparatus that stores a printed image and has a function for allowing a user to perform a filing process is widely used. In addition to the filing function, there may be a function of displaying a list of stored images and allowing the user to select and printing the image selected by the user or faxing to another facsimile apparatus. .

  When executing such filing processing in an image forming apparatus, it is assumed that a large amount of image data is stored. In order to increase the number of image data files and perform filing processing, it is desirable to display the files as icons.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a partial area is designated for each image data file. However, it is troublesome for the user to designate a partial area for each file when the number of image data becomes enormous. Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for coping with a large number of image data.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently creating a mark that simply indicates image data and allowing a user to efficiently perform filing processing even when the number of image data becomes enormous. Is to provide.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image data input means for inputting image data, and an image data input by the image data input means for storing the image data in association with a user identifier. Image storage means, area information designation means for allowing a user to designate a partial area of image data, and partial area information for specifying the partial area designated by the area information designation means are stored in association with the identifier of the user. Region information storage means for reading, and in response to an instruction from the user, the partial information stored in the area information storage means in association with the identifier of the user who gave the instruction is read out, and image storage means Thumbnail image display means for creating and displaying a thumbnail image from a portion specified by the partial region information of the image data stored in Selection means for selecting one of the displayed thumbnail images by thumbnails image display means to the user, with respect to a thumbnail image selected by the selecting means, and means for executing a predetermined process.

  The image storage means stores the image data input by the image data input means in association with the user identifier. The area information specifying unit causes the user to specify a partial area of the image data, and the area information storage unit stores partial area information for specifying the partial area specified by the user in association with the identifier of the user. In response to an instruction from the user, the thumbnail image display means reads partial area information associated with the identifier of the user who gave the instruction from the area information storage means, and stores the image stored in the image storage means. A thumbnail image is created from the portion specified by the partial region information of the data and displayed. The selection means causes the user to select one of the thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail image display means, and the means for executing executes a predetermined process on the selected image data.

  Even if the number of image data stored in the image storage unit becomes enormous, the thumbnail image display unit extracts the thumbnail image from the portion specified by the partial area information of the image data stored in the image storage unit. Generate and display. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to generate partial area information for each image data.

  By confirming the thumbnail image displayed by the thumbnail image display means, the user can easily understand what the content of the corresponding image data is. Therefore, the user can immediately find a desired image from the thumbnail images and cause the image processing apparatus to execute a predetermined process.

  As a result, even if the number of image data becomes enormous, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently creating a mark that simply indicates the image data and allowing the user to efficiently perform filing processing. it can.

  Preferably, the area information specifying means includes display means for displaying the image data input by the image data input means, and means for causing the user to specify a partial area of the image data displayed by the display means. Including.

  The display means displays and designates the image data input by the image data input means, and the means for causing the user to designate a partial area of the displayed image data. Therefore, the user can designate a partial area appropriate for the image data while confirming the input image data.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further performs authentication of the user using an input unit for causing the user to input information unique to the user, and information unique to the user input by the input unit. And authentication means for permitting or not permitting the user to operate the image processing apparatus.

  The input means causes the user to input unique information. The authentication unit performs user authentication using the input information, and permits or disallows the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the authentication result. Therefore, the image processing apparatus can prevent an operation by a user having an unauthorized purpose.

  More preferably, the input means includes a keyboard.

  Since the input means is a keyboard, if the user is used to operating the keyboard, information can be input easily.

  More preferably, the input means includes means for acquiring information unique to the user from the external storage medium.

  The input means acquires information specific to the user from the external storage medium. Therefore, the user can input information to the image processing apparatus with a simple operation if information unique to the user is stored in the external storage medium in advance.

  More preferably, the display size of the thumbnail image displayed by the thumbnail image display means is predetermined. The thumbnail image display means displays the image of the part specified by the partial area information stored in the area information storage means in association with the identifier of the user of the image data stored in the image storage means. Process and display to fit.

  The thumbnail image display means processes and displays the image of the part specified by the partial area information of the image data so as to fit within a predetermined display size. Even if the size of the partial image of the image data does not match the display size, the image processing apparatus automatically processes and displays the size of the partial image so as to fit the display size. When the user designates a partial area of the image data, the user does not have to worry about whether or not the display size can be accommodated.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus can operate on the image processing apparatus in a filing mode for causing the user to file the image data stored in the image processing apparatus. The thumbnail image display means displays the thumbnail image in response to an instruction from the user in the filing mode.

  The image processing apparatus can operate in the filing mode, and the thumbnail image display means displays the thumbnail image in the filing mode. Therefore, the user can easily file the image data on the image processing apparatus.

  More preferably, the thumbnail image display means displays the name of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image and the time when the image data is stored in the image processing apparatus adjacent to the thumbnail image.

  The image display device displays the name of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image and the stored time adjacent to the thumbnail image. Since the user can also check the name and time of the thumbnail image, it becomes easier to grasp the contents of the displayed thumbnail image.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if the number of image data stored in the image processing apparatus becomes enormous, the thumbnail image from the portion specified in the partial area information of the stored image data. Is generated and displayed. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to generate partial area information for each image data.

  By confirming the thumbnail image displayed by the image processing apparatus, the user can easily understand what the content of the corresponding image data is. Therefore, the user can immediately find a desired image from the thumbnail images and cause the image processing apparatus to execute a predetermined process.

  As a result, even if the number of image data becomes enormous, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently creating a mark that simply indicates the image data and allowing the user to efficiently perform filing processing. it can.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system 210 constructed using an image processing apparatus 220 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing system 210 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 230 and a public telephone line network 234, and functions as a facsimile, a copier, and a printer as an electrophotographic digital multifunction peripheral. An image processing apparatus 220, an external computer 222 connected to the image processing apparatus 220 via the LAN 230, and an external facsimile apparatus 228 connected to the image processing apparatus 220 via the public telephone network 234. including. The image processing system 210 further includes an external computer 224 connected to a LAN 230 via a gateway (not shown) and the Internet 232, and an Internet facsimile machine 226 (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine 226).

  The image processing apparatus 220 reads a document image and prints it on a recording sheet. The image processing apparatus 220 stores electronic data of the image read in the copy mode and the document filing (hereinafter referred to as DF) that causes the user to perform filing processing. Mode, and other modes of operation.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus 220. Referring to FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 220 reads a document image and outputs a RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog image signal, and a document reading unit 268. An image processing unit 252 for digitally processing the image signal read by the image processing unit, converting it into a digital signal and outputting it, and reproducing the color of the image read by the document reading unit 268 by the electrophotographic formation process on the paper And a printing unit 266 for forming and performing printing output.

  The image processing apparatus 220 further includes an image storage unit 256 for storing the image data digitally processed by the image processing unit 252 and a NIC (Network) for communicating with the external computer 222 or the like via the LAN 230. (Interface Card) 270 and a FAX communication unit 274 which is a control circuit for realizing a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving image data to / from a facsimile apparatus 228 and the like via a public telephone line network 234 and a telephone call function. Including.

  The image processing apparatus 220 further stores an IC card reader 278 for reading various information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card (not shown), setting input from a user, and input destination of image data. And an operation panel 280 for receiving various inputs.

  The image processing apparatus 220 further includes a document reading unit 268, an image processing unit 252, a printing unit 266, an image storage unit 256, a NIC 270, a FAX communication unit 274, an IC card reader 278, and a bus 254 connected to the operation panel 280. A control unit 250 connected to the bus 254 for realizing general functions as an image processing apparatus, and a ROM (all connected to the control unit 250 for storing programs executed by the control unit 250) And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 260 for providing a storage area for various programs.

  The control unit 250 governs overall control of the image processing apparatus 220. The control unit 250 controls the document reading unit 268, the image processing unit 252, the printing unit 266, the image storage unit 256, the NIC 270, the FAX communication unit 274, the IC card reader 278, the operation panel 280, the ROM 258, and the RAM 260. It is.

  The image processing apparatus 220 according to the present embodiment has a preview display function and a DF image processing function. The preview display function is a function for displaying the read image on the operation panel 280 and confirming the user on the operation panel 280 after reading the image of the document in the copy mode and before printing the image on paper. The DF image processing function is a function for printing the filed image data or transmitting it to another facsimile apparatus in the DF mode.

  In the DF image processing function, a list of image data is displayed on the display unit 302 of the operation panel 280 to allow the user to select which image data is to be printed or transmitted by FAX. In the DF image processing function, a list of thumbnail images composed of partial areas of image data is displayed and the user is allowed to select. The partial area is determined by the user. A thumbnail image is a reduced image. Thumbnail processing for converting image data into thumbnail images is a known technique, and details of the processing will not be described here.

  A method for specifying the partial area will be described below.

  The user can designate the partial area for each size of the document. For example, the range of the partial area can be determined for each of an A4 size document and an A3 size document. In the present embodiment, the partial area is designated as a rectangle. For each document size, the image processing apparatus 220 causes the user to select the position of a vertex having a partial area and a vertex that forms a diagonal with the partial area, and stores the two vertices as information indicating the partial area. The positions of the two vertices are determined by a coordinate system in which the vertex of the original is the origin.

  Hereinafter, information stored in the RAM 260 will be described. The RAM 260 uses the DF image processing function for each combination of the user ID and the document size for the image information table 262 for storing the user ID and the address of the image data stored in the image storage unit 256 in association with each other. An area information table 264 for storing the positions of the two vertices indicating the partial area of the image data designated by the user as thumbnailing information is included.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the operation panel 280. Referring to FIG. 3, operation panel 280 includes an operation unit 300 composed of various hardware keys, and a display unit 302 composed of a liquid crystal display and a touch panel.

  The operation unit 300 includes a numeric keypad 304 for inputting a numerical value, a clear key 306 for clearing an input set value, an all cancel key 308 for canceling all input settings, a copy start, and a transmission start. And a user setting key 318 for switching to a setting mode by the user.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configurations of the image information table 262 and the area information table 264, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, the image information table 262 indicates the user ID of the user who has given an instruction for reading the document image at the address of the image data stored in the image storage unit 256. Remember.

  With reference to FIG. 4B, the area information table 264 stores the positions of two vertices of a rectangle indicating a partial area of the image data designated by the user for each combination of the user ID and the document size. In the area information table 264, combinations of user IDs and document sizes are not stored redundantly.

Software configuration
5 to 8 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program executed by the image processing apparatus 220.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a program executed by the control unit 250 when the copy mode is selected by the user. Referring to FIG. 5, this program causes a user to input a user ID and a password to perform user authentication in step 350, and after step 350, a screen for copy mode shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on display unit 302. Displaying 352 and allowing the user to input various operating conditions.

  In step 350, the user operates the operation unit 300 of the operation panel 280 or causes the IC card reader 278 to read information on the IC card storing the user ID and password, thereby allowing the user ID and the user ID and password to be read. The password is input to the image processing apparatus 220. If user authentication fails in step 350, the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an initial screen 450 in the copy mode displayed on the display unit 302 in step 352. Referring to FIG. 9, an initial screen 450 includes a duplex copy button 454 for transitioning to a duplex copy setting mode, a finishing button 456 for transitioning to a finishing setting mode such as punching and stapling, and detailed settings for copying. A special function button 458 for transitioning to a special function setting mode for performing image processing, a paper setting button 451 for transitioning to a paper setting mode for setting the paper size and paper type of the paper tray, and an image read by the scanner A preview confirmation button 452 for confirming a finished state at the time of printing of an image input from an external device and an image stored in a storage device such as a hard disk drive. In addition, on the initial screen 450, the copy density, the original reading magnification, the setting state of the color mode, and the like can be confirmed.

  In step 352, the user can make various settings for the copy mode by pressing buttons 451 and 454-458.

  The program further includes, after step 352, step 354 that allows the user to make settings for preview confirmation.

  In step 354, when the user presses the preview confirmation button 452 on the initial screen 450, after the document reading unit 268 reads the image of the document, a preview of the read image is displayed, and the state at the time of printing is confirmed. be able to.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a screen 460 when the preview confirmation button 452 is pressed on the initial screen 450. Referring to FIG. 10A, preview confirmation button 452 on screen 460 is shaded. In a state where the preview confirmation button 452 is shaded, the image processing apparatus 220 displays a preview of the read image and allows the user to confirm it before printing the read image on paper.

  This program further waits until the start key 310 is pressed. In step 356, when the start key 310 is pressed, the document reading unit 268 is controlled to read the image of the document. The stored image is stored in the image storage unit 256, and the address of the image and the user ID are associated and stored in the image information table 262. After step 358, whether the preview confirmation button 452 is pressed is determined. , After executing the preview confirmation, a print execution process is performed and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed flow of the print execution process executed in step 360 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, this routine determines whether preview confirmation button 452 is pressed, step 380 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and the determination result in step 380 is YES. In addition, a step 382 for generating an image for preview and a step 384 for displaying an image for preview on the display unit 302 after step 382 are included.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a preview confirmation screen 470 on which an image for preview is displayed. Referring to FIG. 10B, preview confirmation screen 470 includes a document image 476 for preview and a region change button 472 operated by the user to start designating a partial region of the document image. And a copy start button 474 operated by the user to execute printing on the paper.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, this routine determines after step 384 whether or not area change button 472 shown in FIG. 10B has been pressed, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. If the determination result of 386 and step 386 is YES, step 388 that allows the user to specify a partial area for the thumbnail image, and after step 388, the user ID of the current user is specified. Storing the partial area in the area information table 264 and returning control to step 386.

  In step 388, the user designates the position of one vertex of the rectangle of the partial area by pressing a point on the image 476 for preview. Thereafter, the user can designate two vertices indicating a partial region by pressing a point on the image 476 different from the point.

  This routine further determines whether or not the copy start button 474 shown in FIG. 10B is pressed when the determination result in step 386 is NO, and branches the control flow in accordance with the determination result. And step 394 which is executed when the determination result of step 380 is NO or when the determination result of step 392 is YES, and prints the image of the document and ends the process. If the determination result of step 392 is NO, the control returns to step 386.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial screen 480 displayed on the display unit 302 when the DF mode is selected by the user. Referring to FIG. 11, an initial screen 480 includes a print button 482, a send button 484, and a delete button 486 that are respectively operated by the user in order to specify image printing, FAX transmission, and deletion, and an image storage. An image confirmation button 488 operated by the user for confirming the image stored in the unit 256 is included.

  The image confirmation button 488 is a button for determining whether or not to allow the user to confirm the image immediately before printing, FAX transmission, or deletion of the image is executed. When the user presses the image confirmation button 488, the image confirmation button 488 is shaded or switched to white display. If the print button 482 or the like is pressed while the image confirmation button 488 is shaded, the image processing apparatus 220 displays an image to be printed or the like immediately before executing the printing or the like on the display unit 302. To display. In this case, the entire area of the image is displayed instead of the partial area of the image. When the image confirmation button 488 is displayed in white and the print button 482 or the like is pressed, the image processing apparatus 220 executes processing such as printing without displaying an image.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a program executed by the control unit 250 when the DF mode is selected by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 7, this program displays a list of thumbnail images of a partial area of an image already stored after step 400 that enables operation of image confirmation button 488 after activation, and after step 400. And step 402 for displaying at 302.

  In step 402, specifically, the following processing is performed. The control unit 250 refers to the image information table 262 and extracts all image addresses associated with the current user's user ID. The control unit 250 refers to the area information table 264 and extracts the coordinates of the two vertices indicating the partial area for each image size. The control unit 250 generates a thumbnail image in which a partial area of the image is reduced for each size. The control unit 250 displays a list of generated thumbnail images on the display unit 302.

  12A and 12B are views showing screens 500 and 520 when a list of thumbnail images is displayed in step 402, respectively. In step 402, either the screen 500 or the screen 520 is displayed on the display unit 302. Which of the screen 500 and the screen 520 is displayed is determined in advance by a user setting on the operation panel 280.

  Referring to FIG. 12A, the screen 500 displays the file name of the image and the date and time when the file was created for each of the thumbnail images 502 and 504 and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 12B, thumbnail images 522 to 526 and the like are displayed on screen 520.

  On the screens 500 and 520, the thumbnail images are displayed in a rectangular shape, and the display size is predetermined. Hereinafter, the display size is referred to as a default size. The vertical and horizontal lengths of the rectangle of the partial area of the image do not necessarily match the predetermined vertical and horizontal lengths, respectively. In this embodiment, in this case, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the rectangle of the partial area of the image are expanded or shortened so as to match the vertical and horizontal lengths of the predetermined size, respectively. A thumbnail image is generated so that the image fits in a predetermined size.

  This program further corresponds to the selected thumbnail image after step 404 in which the user selects any image from the list of thumbnail images displayed on the display unit 302 after step 402, and after step 404. After step 406 for reading the image from the image storage unit 256, and after step 406, it is determined whether any of the print button 482, the send button 484, or the delete button 486 shown in FIG. If the determination result in step 408 branches the control flow accordingly and the determination result in step 408 is YES, according to whether the image confirmation button 488 is pressed, the preview confirmation is executed, and then the selected image is printed. Etc., and the process 410 is terminated. If the determination result of step 408 is NO, the control returns to step 404.

  FIG. 8 is a detailed flow of processing such as printing executed in step 410 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, this routine determines whether or not image confirmation button 488 has been pressed, and step 420 for branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and the determination result in step 420 being YES 6 is executed in steps 382A to 392A for executing the same processing as steps 382 to 392 shown in FIG. 6 and if the determination result in step 420 is NO or if the determination result in step 392A is YES. And a step 422 for executing a process corresponding to the button and terminating the process.

  In step 384A, a screen similar to the screen 470 shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display unit 302. However, this screen is replaced with the copy start button 474, in which the process “start processing” is displayed. It differs from screen 470 in that it includes a start button. When the user presses the processing start button, the control unit 250 performs one of printing, FAX transmission, and deletion in step 422 according to the button pressed by the user in step 408.

[Operation]
1 to 12, image processing apparatus 220 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows.

  Assume that the user operates the image processing apparatus 220 in the copy mode.

  The image processing apparatus 220 causes the user to operate the operation unit 300 or causes the IC card reader 278 to read information on the IC card, thereby reading the user ID and password and performing user authentication (shown in FIG. 5). Step 350).

  If the image processing apparatus 220 determines in step 350 that the user is not a valid user, the process is terminated.

  If the image processing apparatus 220 determines in step 350 that the user is a legitimate user, the initial screen 450 is displayed on the display unit 302 to allow the user to set various operating conditions (see FIG. Step 352 and Step 354) shown in FIG.

  In step 354, when the user does not display the preview confirmation button 452 in a shaded manner, the image processing apparatus 220 operates as follows.

  Assume that the user presses start key 310 (YES in step 356 shown in FIG. 5).

  The image processing apparatus 220 causes the document reading unit 268 to read the image of the document, stores the read image in the image storage unit 256, and associates the address of the image on the image storage unit 256 with the user ID. This is stored in the image information table 262 (step 358 shown in FIG. 5).

  Since the user did not shade the preview confirmation button 452, the determination result in step 380 shown in FIG. 6 is NO. The image processing apparatus 220 prints the image of the read original and ends the processing (step 394 shown in FIG. 6).

  In step 354, when the user presses the preview confirmation button 452 to display the preview confirmation button 452 in a shaded manner, the image processing apparatus 220 operates as follows.

  Assume that the user presses the start key 310. The image processing apparatus 220 causes the document reading unit 268 to read the image of the document, stores the read image in the image storage unit 256, and associates the address of the image on the image storage unit 256 with the user ID. And stored in the image information table 262. The image processing apparatus 220 generates an image for previewing the read image (step 382 shown in FIG. 6), and displays the screen 470 on the display unit 302 (step 384 shown in FIG. 6). On the screen 470, an image 476 of the read original is displayed, and the user can determine whether or not the image can be printed by checking the image.

  Assume that the user presses the area change button 470. In that case, the determination result of step 386 shown in FIG. 6 is YES.

  The image processing apparatus 220 designates the range of the partial area of the image 476 by pressing down on the image 476 displayed on the screen 472 (step 388 shown in FIG. 6).

  Assume that the user presses a point on the image 476 and then presses a point different from that point. The image processing apparatus 220 stores the two pressed points in the area information table 264 in association with both the user ID and the size of the read document (step 390 shown in FIG. 6).

  Assume that the user presses the copy start button 474. The image processing apparatus 220 prints the image 476 on the paper and ends the processing (step 394 shown in FIG. 6).

  When the user performs the above process many times, in the image information table 262, addresses of a plurality of images are stored in association with one user ID.

  In the DF mode, the image processing apparatus 220 operates as follows.

  The image processing apparatus 220 displays an initial screen 480 on the display unit 302 to allow the user to operate the image confirmation button 488 (step 400 shown in FIG. 7). The image processing device 220 refers to the image information table 262 and extracts an image associated with the user ID of the current user. The image processing apparatus 220 refers to the area information table 264 and extracts the coordinates of the two vertices of the partial area for each document size. The image processing apparatus 220 displays a screen 500 that displays a list of thumbnail images of partial areas of the image on the display unit 302. It is assumed that the screen 500 is set in advance to be displayed on the display unit 302 when the user activates the DF mode. Note that although the screen 520 may be displayed on the display unit 302, no matter which of the screen 500 and the screen 520 is displayed, there is no significant difference in the operation in the DF mode. The operation when is displayed will not be described.

  The image processing apparatus 220 causes the user to select one of the displayed thumbnail images (step 404 shown in FIG. 7). It is assumed that the user has selected one of the thumbnail images. The image processing apparatus 220 reads an image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image from the image storage unit 256 (step 406 shown in FIG. 7).

  If the user does not press the image confirmation button 488 and the image confirmation button 488 is not shaded, the image processing apparatus 220 operates as follows.

  Assume that the user presses any one of the print button 482, the send button 484, and the delete button 486.

  In that case, the determination result of step 420 shown in FIG. 8 is NO. The image processing apparatus 220 processes the selected image according to the pressed button of the print button 482, the send button 484, and the delete button 486.

  When the user presses the image confirmation button 488 and displays the image confirmation button 488 in a shaded manner, the image processing apparatus 220 operates as follows.

  Assume that the user presses any one of the print button 482, the send button 484, and the delete button 486.

  In that case, the determination result of step 420 shown in FIG. 8 is YES. The image processing apparatus 220 performs the processes of Steps 382A to 392A, which are the same processes as Steps 382 to 392, respectively.

  If the determination result in step 392A is YES, the image processing apparatus 220 executes processing corresponding to the button pressed by the user in step 408 (step 422 shown in FIG. 8).

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the image processing apparatus 220 according to the present embodiment displays a list of thumbnail images of partial areas of the image for each combination of the user ID and the document size in the DF mode. Even if the number of images stored in the image processing apparatus 220 becomes enormous, the user does not need to designate a partial area for each image. Therefore, the user can easily perform filing processing on an enormous number of image data stored in the image processing apparatus 220.

  In the field of research and development, specifications, etc. are created. For such specifications, the file format is often predetermined. The file format is, for example, which part of the document the title of the specification and the number of pages are displayed. As a file format, titles are often displayed at the same position across multiple pages.

  It is assumed that such a specification is stored in the image processing apparatus 220, filing processed, and printed or faxed many times. In the image processing apparatus 220 according to the present embodiment, when filing a specification in the DF mode, a user can specify a location where a title is displayed as a partial region of an image and display a list of thumbnail images. It is possible to easily determine which page of the specification sheet the displayed thumbnail image points to. As a result, the user can easily perform filing processing on the image processing apparatus 220.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the image processing system 210 constructed | assembled using the image processing apparatus 220 which concerns on this Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image processing apparatus 220. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel 280. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image information table 262 and the area | region information table 264. FIG. It is a figure showing the control structure of the program performed by the control part 250 in a flowchart format. It is a detailed flow of step 360 shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the control structure of the program performed by the control part 250 in a flowchart format. It is a detailed flow of step 410 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the initial screen 450 when copy mode is selected. It is a figure which shows the structure of the screen displayed in copy mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of the screen displayed in DF mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of the screen displayed in DF mode.

Explanation of symbols

210 Image Forming System 220 Image Processing Device 250 Control Unit 252 Image Processing Unit 254 Bus 256 Image Storage Unit 258 ROM
260 RAM
262 Image information table 264 Area information table 266 Printing unit 268 Document reading unit 270 NIC
274 FAX communication unit 278 IC card reader 280 Operation panel 302 Display unit

Claims (8)

Image data input means for inputting image data;
Image storage means for storing the image data input by the image data input means in association with a user identifier;
Area information specifying means for allowing a user to specify a partial area of image data;
Area information storage means for storing partial area information for specifying the partial area specified by the area information specifying means in association with the identifier of the user;
In response to an instruction from the user, the partial information stored in the area information storage means in association with the identifier of the user who gave the instruction is read, and the image data stored in the image storage means Thumbnail image display means for creating and displaying a thumbnail image from a portion specified by the partial region information,
Selection means for causing a user to select one of the thumbnail images displayed by the thumbnail image display means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for executing a predetermined process on the thumbnail image selected by the selection means. The area information specifying means includes:
Display means for displaying the image data input by the image data input means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for causing a user to designate a partial area of the image data displayed by the display means. The image processing apparatus further includes:
An input means for allowing the user to input unique information;
Authentication for authenticating a user using information unique to the user input by the input means, and permitting or disallowing the operation of the image processing apparatus by the user according to the authentication result The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the input unit includes a keyboard.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the input unit includes a unit for acquiring information unique to a user from an external storage medium. The display size of the thumbnail image displayed by the thumbnail image display means is predetermined,
The thumbnail image display means displays an image of a part specified by the partial area information stored in the area information storage means in association with the identifier of the user of the image data stored in the image storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is processed and displayed so as to be within the display size. The image processing apparatus is operable on the image processing apparatus in a filing mode for causing a user to file image data stored in the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail image display unit displays the thumbnail image in response to an instruction from a user in the filing mode. 8. The thumbnail image display means according to claim 7, wherein the thumbnail image display means displays the name of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail image and the time when the image data was stored in the image processing apparatus adjacent to the thumbnail image. Image processing device.

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