JP2010219778A - Image storing system and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To instruct contents of image processing at a terminal, and to easily obtain an extended definition file as expected without moving again to a copying machine, etc. to reread. <P>SOLUTION: This image storing system includes: an image forming device; and the terminal, and the image forming device includes: an image reading part; an image processing part; and an image storing part for storing image data before the image processing part performs image processing, and sends a file to the terminal. The terminal includes: a display part for displaying the image based on the file; and an input part for inputting instructions, and accepts an input of instructions of performing different image processing from the image processing performed to the file. The terminal uses the instructions as instructions data and sends them to the image forming device, and the image forming device reflects the instructions data in image data read out from the image storing part, and sends to the terminal a re-output file output by performing the image processing again. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image storage system including an apparatus having an image reading unit such as a multifunction peripheral or a copying machine, and a terminal such as a PC that receives transmission of scanned image data (file). The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus having an image reading unit that performs scanning.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as copiers and multifunction machines have an image reading unit that reads (scans) a document. Based on the original image data obtained by the image reading unit, copying (copying function) or file transmission to a terminal or the like connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus is performed (scanner function). Further, in order to confirm whether or not the expected reading result is obtained, the file transmitted from the image forming apparatus is viewed on the terminal or the like by the user. Further, there is an image forming apparatus that displays a reading result on a display unit (operation panel) of the image forming apparatus.

For example, in Patent Document 1, in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a computer, the image forming apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts image information read by a scanner into a digital data format, a display unit that displays image information on a screen, Transfer means for transferring image information in digital data format to a computer, wherein the computer receives image information in digital data format and displays image information on the screen at the same time as receiving image information in digital data format There is described an image forming system having starting means for automatically starting the image display software and display means for automatically displaying the image information on the screen by the image display software. As a result, the image information is confirmed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus or the computer (see Patent Document 1: Claim 2, paragraph [0042], etc.).
JP2003-046700

  When using a copying machine or a multifunction machine as a scanner, for example, a file (for example, PDF) using image data of a document is transmitted to a terminal or the like. When the received file is expanded and confirmed on the terminal or the like, there may be a case where the read result expected by the user is not obtained, for example, the red stamped portion is thin and the stamper cannot be identified. In such a case, the user must move to the image forming apparatus again, set the reading again (for example, setting the reading density, resolution, file destination terminal, etc.) and re-read the reading. Furthermore, even if the file obtained by re-execution of reading is confirmed, the reading result expected by the user is not always obtained. Therefore, until the reading result expected by the user is obtained, the movement to the image forming apparatus, the reading operation, and the browsing of the file must be repeated, and there is a problem that the convenience for the user is poor.

  With respect to this problem, the invention described in Patent Document 1 certainly displays the image information read by the scanner on the display means of the image forming apparatus, so it is possible to confirm whether the expected reading result has been obtained without returning to his seat. it can. However, until the expected reading result is obtained, the user must repeat the reading setting from the beginning and confirm the reading result on the display means. Further, it is difficult to confirm with a small-sized display means (screen) provided in the image forming apparatus, and there may be a case where the result of reading is not as expected when it is confirmed with a terminal. Therefore, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the user's inconvenience is not completely eliminated. If the display unit of the image forming apparatus is a large screen, there are problems such as a significant increase in product price and an increase in installation space.

  Patent Document 1 describes that “image processing can be further performed on image information in a PDF file format by a computer” (Patent Document 1: Paragraph [0032]). In this case, image processing such as resolution reduction or density conversion may be performed. Therefore, image processing is performed once at the time of PDF conversion, and image processing is performed again on an image in which information is missing from the original. That is, a PDF file obtained by subjecting a PDF file to image processing again has a problem that image quality deteriorates such as document reproducibility.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides an image file with high image quality as expected without having to move to a copying machine or the like again and perform reading again by instructing the contents of image processing at the terminal at the desk. It is an object to make it possible to easily acquire the password.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image storage system according to claim 1 is an image storage system including an image forming apparatus and a terminal that are communicably connected, and the image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads a document, and the image An image processing unit that receives image data obtained by the reading unit, performs image processing, and outputs the image data as a file; and an image storage unit that stores the image data before the image processing unit performs image processing, The file is transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal includes a display unit that displays an image based on the file, and an input unit that can input an instruction to the terminal and the image forming apparatus. Receiving an input of an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing performed on the file, and the terminal transmits the instruction as instruction data to the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus corresponds to the file and re-outputs the image data read from the image storage unit by reflecting the instruction data and causing the image processing unit to perform image processing again. The file was sent to the terminal.

  According to this configuration, the user can move to a copier or a multifunction machine again, and do not reset the reading, but simply instruct the image processing to be performed from a terminal such as a terminal. A read result file can be obtained. The image storage unit stores image data before the image processing by the image processing unit. When the file is re-output, the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data read from the image storage unit. As a result, the number of times of processing by the image processing unit is one time for one image data, and a high-quality file such as high reproducibility of the original is re-output.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the input unit receives an input of an instruction to change image processing related to density, and the terminal receives an instruction to change image processing related to density. Instruction data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image processing unit performs image processing relating to density based on the instruction data to generate the re-output file.

  According to this configuration, for example, the user is instructed to obtain a more appropriate density after confirming a file generated earlier, such as a stamped portion, on the display unit of the terminal at his / her desk. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a read result file having the expected density.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the input unit accepts an input of an instruction to change a pixel of a certain color to another color, and the terminal issues an instruction to change the color. The instruction data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image processing unit performs color change image processing based on the instruction data to generate the re-output file.

  According to this configuration, the user can be instructed to change the color such as the character color after confirming the previously created file on the display unit of his / her own terminal and considering the appearance and layout. . Therefore, the user can easily obtain a read result file of a desired color.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, the input unit accepts an input indicating a range for performing image processing different from the image processing performed on the file, and the terminal An instruction of a range to be processed is transmitted to the image forming apparatus as the instruction data, and the image processing unit performs image processing different from the image processing applied to the file only in the specified range based on the instruction data. Then, the re-output file is generated.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to specify a range of image data to be subjected to image processing different from that of the previously generated file. Therefore, it is possible to issue an instruction to perform density change or color change only on a part of the area. it can. For example, if you are dissatisfied only with the point where the color of the stamped part is light in the reading result, the user can specify the range corresponding to the stamped part in the image data and instruct it to darken, etc. You can get a file that shows the expected results.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the image reading unit reads at the highest resolution, and the image storage unit stores the image data at the highest resolution. It was decided to.

  Although it is possible to reduce the resolution in later image processing, according to this configuration, the image reading unit reads at the highest resolution, and the image storage unit stores the image data at the highest resolution. Therefore, the image data stored in the image storage unit has the highest image quality level. Then, image processing is performed on the image data of the highest image quality level, and the file is re-output based on the instruction data. Therefore, the user can obtain a high-quality file.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an operation panel for inputting instructions, and the input unit and / or the operation panel includes the image. An input designating a storage period of the image data by the storage unit is accepted, and the image storage unit discards the image data whose storage period has expired.

  According to this configuration, since the image storage unit discards the image data whose storage period has expired, an extreme decrease in the free area of the image storage unit is avoided. In addition, the user can set the storage period in consideration of the frequency of reuse of image data by the user and the relationship between long-term image data storage and security. High degree.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 7 includes: an image reading unit that reads a document; an image processing unit that receives image data obtained by the image reading unit, performs image processing, and outputs the image data; and the image processing unit An image storage unit that stores the image data before the image processing is performed, and a communication unit for communicating with the terminal. The communication unit transmits the file to the terminal, and from the terminal In response to the instruction data indicating an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing applied to the file, the image processing unit corresponds to the file and the instruction data is read from the image storage unit. The data is reflected and image processing is performed again to re-output the file, and the re-output file is transmitted to the terminal. This configuration expresses the above invention as an image forming apparatus, and has the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can obtain the file as expected without having to move to the copying machine again and perform reading again by instructing the contents of the image processing at the terminal at his / her desk. Is possible. Also, the image quality of the re-output file is high.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of an image storage system. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of one of the image forming units. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of an image storage system. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation panel. (B), (c) is an enlarged view of the liquid crystal display unit, and shows an example of a document reading setting screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen of the period which preserve | saves the image data accumulate | stored by the image storage system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen in a terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change of the image after file re-output. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of file re-output control.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of the image storage system 100)
First, an outline of an image storage system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an image storage system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image storage system 100 according to this embodiment includes a multifunction device 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) that is communicably connected via a network or various cables, and a plurality of terminals 10 (for example, PCs). = Personal Computer). As will be described in detail later, the multifunction device 1 receives an image reading unit 2 that reads a document, an image processing unit 9 that receives image data obtained by the image reading unit 2, performs image processing, and outputs the file as a file. And an image storage unit 80 for storing image data before the image processing is performed by the unit 9, and the output file can be transmitted to the terminal 10. On the other hand, the terminal 10 includes a display 14 (corresponding to a display unit) that displays various information such as an image based on a file, a keyboard 15 that can input instructions and data to the terminal 10 and the multifunction device 1, and a mouse 16 (in the input unit). Equivalent). In FIG. 1, for convenience of space, only one multifunction device 1 and only three terminals 10 are shown. However, one or more multifunction devices 1 may be used, and the number of terminals 10 is not limited to three.

  The multifunction device 1 can transmit the image data of the document to each terminal 10 in a file format such as PDF or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) (scanner function). Note that the file received by each terminal 10 is transmitted from each terminal 10 to the multifunction device 1, and the multifunction device 1 can perform printing (printer function). In order to use these scanner functions and printer functions, a driver program for the multifunction machine 1 is installed in a storage device (for example, the HDD 12) in the terminal 10.

(Configuration of MFP 1)
Next, an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of one of the image forming units 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a cover 1 a that holds a document at the top, and an image reading unit 2 below the cover 1 a. In the main body of the multifunction device 1, a paper feeding unit 3, a conveyance path 4, an image forming unit 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 66 and the like are provided. In addition, an operation panel 7 (see FIG. 1) is provided at a position above the front surface of the multifunction device 1.

  The cover 1a is attached to the image reading unit 2 so as to be openable and closable in the vertical direction with the back side of the sheet of FIG. 1 as a fulcrum, and presses the contact glass 21 of the image reading unit 2 from above. Instead of the cover 1a, a document conveying device that continuously and automatically conveys a plurality of documents to the reading position can be mounted on the multifunction machine 1. The image reading unit 2 reads an original to obtain image data, and reads the original placed on the contact glass 21.

  In the image reading unit 2, a first moving frame 22a, a second moving frame 22b, a wire 23, a winding drum 24, a lens 25, an image sensor 20 that generates image data for each line, and the like are arranged. . The first moving frame 22a supports a lamp 26a that irradiates light on the document and a first mirror 26b below the lamp 26a. On the other hand, the second moving frame 22b below the first moving frame 22a supports the second mirror 26c upward and the third mirror 26d downward. A plurality of wires 23 are attached to the first moving frame 22a and the second moving frame 22b (only one is shown in FIG. 1 for convenience), and the other end of the wire 23 is connected to the winding drum 24. With the winding motor M2 as a drive source, the winding drum 24 rotates forward and backward, and the first moving frame 22a and the second moving frame 22b move in the horizontal direction. The image sensor 20 is configured by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a line. The image sensor 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention can read a color image in addition to a black and white image.

  When reading the document placed on the contact glass 21, the first moving frame 22a and the second moving frame 22b are moved from the home position to the right in FIG. Move horizontally to. The light emitted from the lamp 26a strikes the document, and the reflected light is guided to the lens 25 by the first mirror 26b, the second mirror 26c, and the third mirror 26d. The lens 25 makes the reflected light incident on the image sensor 20, and the image sensor 20 converts the reflected light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image density. Then, reading is performed in units of lines in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the document conveying direction), and reading in units of lines is repeated in the sub-scanning direction (document conveying direction) to read one document.

  For example, the paper feed unit 3 stores various types of paper (copy paper, OHP sheet, label paper, etc.) and various sizes (A type, B type paper, etc.), and sends out the paper during printing. The paper feed unit 3 includes a cassette 31 that stores paper, a paper feed roller 32 that contacts the uppermost paper and rotates during printing to feed paper. The transport path 4 is a path for transporting paper in the multifunction machine 1 from the paper feed unit 3 to the discharge tray 41. For example, the conveyance path 4 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 42 (42 a and 42 b), a guide 43, and a registration roller pair 44 that waits for the conveyed paper in front of the image forming unit 5 and sends the paper in time. Provided.

  The image forming unit 5 is a part that forms a toner image based on image data of an image to be formed. The image forming unit 5 includes an image forming unit 50M (magenta), 50C (cyan), 50Y (yellow), 50K (black), an exposure device 51, and the like from the right side of FIG. The Although the image forming units 50M to 50K are arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement order can be changed.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the image forming unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, each of the image forming units 50M to 50K has basically the same configuration except that the color of the toner image to be formed is different. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of one image forming unit 50. In the following description, the symbols M, C, Y, and K that indicate colors are omitted unless specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each image forming unit 50 is formed by a photosensitive drum 52, a charging device 53, a developing device 54, a cleaning device 55, and the like. An exposure device 51 that scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 52 to form an electrostatic latent image is provided below the image forming unit 50 (see FIG. 2). The photosensitive drum 52 is an image carrier on which a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface. Specifically, the charging device 53 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 52, and the exposure device 51 scans and exposes with laser light corresponding to the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 54 supplies toner toward the electrostatic latent image and develops it as a toner image. In FIG. 3, the cleaning device 55 is disposed obliquely above and to the left of the photosensitive drum 52 and cleans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer unit 6 will be described. The intermediate transfer portion 6 is a portion where the toner images of the respective colors formed by the image forming portion 5 are primarily transferred and then subjected to secondary transfer onto the paper. Specifically, the intermediate transfer unit 6 is provided facing the conveyance path 4 and is rotated above the driving roller 61, the three driven rollers 62 (62 a to 62 c), and the respective photosensitive drums 52 that rotate during printing or the like. There are four primary transfer rollers 63 (63M to 63K) arranged to face each other, and an intermediate transfer belt 64 is stretched and supported by each roller.

  Then, the intermediate transfer belt 64 is driven to rotate (rotate) in the clockwise direction (arrow direction) in FIG. By applying a voltage to each primary transfer roller 63 that sandwiches the photosensitive drum 52 and the intermediate transfer belt 64 in accordance with the circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 64, the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 64 without deviation, and full color. The toner image is formed. Further, the intermediate transfer unit 6 is provided with a secondary transfer roller 65 that faces the drive roller 61 and is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 64 in the direction of the drive roller 61. When the toner image and the paper enter the nip between the secondary transfer roller 65 and the intermediate transfer belt 64, a predetermined voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 65. As a result, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 64 is secondarily transferred to the sheet.

  The fixing unit 66 heats and pressurizes the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper and fixes the toner image. For example, the fixing unit 66 mainly includes a heating roller 67 incorporating a heat source and a pressure roller 68 pressed against the heating roller 67, and a sheet on which a toner image is transferred to the nip between the heating roller 67 and the pressure roller 68. Enters. As a result, the toner image and the paper are heated and pressurized, and the toner image is fixed on the paper. The fixed sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 41 and the image forming process is completed.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 8 is provided on a substrate or the like in the device. The control unit 8 includes, for example, a CPU, a semiconductor memory (not shown), and the like, and includes a paper feeding unit 3, a conveyance path 4, an image forming unit 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 66, an operation panel 7, and an image storage unit. 80, an image processing unit 9, an I / F unit 81 (corresponding to a communication unit), and the like, and controls the operation of the multifunction device 1. The operation panel 7 includes a liquid crystal display 71 for displaying a setting input screen, a touch panel 72 that is superimposed on the liquid crystal display 71 and for recognizing a user's pressing position (coordinates), and a liquid crystal display. A display control unit 73 that performs display control of the unit 71 is provided, and communication is performed between the control unit 8 and the operation panel 7, and a setting input made on the operation panel 7 is transmitted to the control unit 8. Then, the control unit 8 controls the multifunction device 1 so as to operate according to the set input made.

  On the other hand, the image reading unit 2 is provided with a controller 27 for operation control of the image reading unit 2, and the control unit 8 gives an operation instruction to the controller 27 at the time of scanning or copying. The controller 27 receives the operation instruction and controls the image reading unit 2. For example, the controller 27 controls the operation of the winding motor M2 that rotates the winding drum 24, the light emission of the lamp 26a, the image sensor 20, and the like. Here, in the present embodiment, when the multifunction device 1 is used as a scanner, the controller 27 causes the image sensor 20 to read a document at the highest resolution.

  In the image reading unit 2, an amplification unit 20a, a quantization unit 28, a correction unit 29, and the like are provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the output after photoelectric conversion of each pixel of the document by the image sensor 20 is appropriately amplified by the amplifying unit 20 a and input to the quantizing unit 28. The quantization unit 28 performs quantization on each pixel of the image data of the document. For example, when a document is read in gray scale, each pixel is quantized to 8 bits (256 gradations). For example, when reading an original in color, the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colors are quantized with 8 bits (24 bits in total). Thereafter, the output of the quantization unit 28 is input to a correction unit 29 that performs shading correction, γ correction, and the like in order to improve the reading characteristics of the image reading unit 2. If various corrections are performed by the image processing unit 9 described later, the correction unit 29 may not be provided.

  The image storage unit 80 is a large-capacity storage device for storing image data before image processing by the image processing unit 9 (for example, a hard disk drive or a flash memory). The data is input to the storage unit 80, and the image storage unit 80 stores the image data in, for example, a bitmap format. As shown in FIG. 4, the corrected image data can be directly input to the image processing unit 9. Therefore, the image reading unit 2 reads at the highest resolution, and the image storage unit 80 stores the image data at the highest resolution.

  The image processing unit 9 is a part that performs various types of image processing on the image data provided from the correction unit 29 or the image storage unit 80. For example, the image processing unit 9 includes an enlargement / reduction unit 91, a resolution changing unit 92, a density changing unit 93, a ground color adjusting unit 94, a color changing unit 95, and an output unit 96. Each of these units may be realized in software by a processor or an image processing work memory provided in the image processing unit 9, or may be realized in hardware by a chip such as an ASIC. It is also possible to perform image processing other than the image processing performed by each unit.

  The enlargement / reduction unit 91 enlarges or reduces the image data in order to change the size of the original and the output matter such as a printed matter or a scan result (for example, B4 → A4). The resolution changing unit 92 changes the resolution of the output according to the user's instruction (for example, reducing the resolution of the document read at 600 dpi to 200 dpi). The density changing unit 93 changes the density of the image data. For example, when the background color of the document is not white, the background color adjusting unit 94 performs adjustment such as designating the background color to lighten the background color in the output product. The color changing unit 95 performs processing for converting a pixel of a certain color into another color in accordance with a user instruction.

  The output unit 96 is a part that performs processing to output the image data read by the image reading unit 2 to the terminal 10 as a file. For example, the output unit 96 converts a document reading result (image data) by the image reading unit 2 into another format such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, or the like based on a user instruction, and converts the image data file format into another format. The converted file is output to 10.

  On the other hand, when viewing the terminal 10, the terminal 10 has a control board 11 on which a CPU, a memory, a chip, and the like are arranged. For example, an HDD 12 as a storage device is mounted on the control board 11, and various software such as driver software for using the multifunction device 1 can be installed in the HDD 12. A display 14 is connected to the control board 11. For example, it is possible to browse a file transmitted to the terminal 10 based on the image data read by the multifunction device 1 using the display 14. The browsing software can be installed in the HDD 12.

  In addition, a keyboard 15 and a mouse 16 can be connected to the control board 11 of the terminal 10 by a terminal, a cable, radio, or the like. With respect to the present invention, the keyboard 15 and the mouse 16 accept input of instructions for performing image processing different from the image processing performed on the displayed file. Note that the keyboard 15 and the mouse 16 are a kind of input device, but another type of input device (for example, a trackball) may be connected to the terminal 10 so that the user can input to the terminal 10.

  The multifunction device 1 is provided with an I / F unit 81 (interface unit) including various connectors, and an I / F unit 13 (interface unit) is provided on the terminal 10 side. The I / F unit 81 and the I / F unit 13 connect the multi-function device 1 and the terminal 10 so that they can communicate directly with each other via a network or a cable. For example, a file generated from a document read by the multifunction device 1 can be transmitted to the terminal 10 (scanner function). Also, it is possible to send instruction data for the operation of the multifunction device 1 or a file to be printed from the terminal 10 and cause the multifunction device 1 to print (printer function).

(Settings related to operation panel 7 and document reading)
Next, based on FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of settings relating to document reading on the operation panel 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 7. (B), (c) is an enlarged view of the liquid crystal display unit 71, showing an example of a document reading setting screen. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a period for storing image data stored in the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation panel 7 is provided on the upper front side of the multifunction machine 1 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a function selection key group 74 for selecting a function to be used on the left side of the operation panel 7, a liquid crystal display 71 in the center, and other numeric keypads for inputting numbers and the like. 75, a start key 76 for instructing start of execution of various functions such as document reading and copying is provided.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the liquid crystal display unit 71 can display a setting screen related to document scanning by the image reading unit 2. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the left side portion of the liquid crystal display unit 71 is provided with a destination display column 77 in which a transmission destination (destination) of a file generated by scanning a document is displayed. . Further, below the destination display column 77, a user terminal key K1 for separately displaying a list of terminals 10 connected to the MFP 1 via a network or the like, and a list of destinations registered in the address book are separately displayed. An address book key K2 is arranged. After the user terminal key K1 or the address book key K2 is pressed, when an input for selecting a transmission destination (pressing the liquid crystal display unit 71 and recognizing by the touch panel 72) is made in each separately displayed list, the selected transmission destination Is displayed in the destination display field 77.

  In FIGS. 5B and 5C, a save setting key K0 is arranged on the right side of the address book key K2. The multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment stores, for example, image data obtained by reading a document at the highest resolution of the image sensor 20 in the previous state in the image storage unit 80. The image storage unit 80 has a large capacity ( Several GB or more) but not infinite. Further, in some cases, the user does not need image data after a certain amount of time. Furthermore, long-term storage of unnecessary image data is not preferable from the viewpoint of information security.

  Therefore, in the multi-function device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to set a period for storing image data in the image storage unit 80 with the save setting key K0. When the save setting key K0 is pressed, for example, a setting window WN for a period for saving the accumulated image data as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. In the setting window WN, the number of days for storing image data (for example, 7 days = 1 week), the time (for example, 24 hours), and the date / time for discarding image data are specified by pressing the liquid crystal display unit 71 or the numeric keypad. This can be done by entering numbers into 75. Further, an instruction not to discard the image data can be given. When the OK key K13 or the cancel key K14 is pressed, the setting window WN disappears.

  It should be noted that each user may be able to set a storage period uniformly for his / her own image data as a user setting, not for each original (for each scan). Further, a screen such as a setting window WN shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 14 of each terminal 10 so that each user can set the storage period uniformly using the mouse 16, the keyboard 15, and the like. (At this time, the data relating to the setting of the storage period is transmitted to the multifunction device 1 and managed). As described above, the multifunction device 1 has the operation panel 7 for inputting instructions, and the input unit of the terminal 10 such as the operation panel 7, the mouse 16, and the keyboard 15 determines the storage period of the image data by the image storage unit 80. In response to the input to be designated, the image storage unit 80 discards the image data whose storage period has expired.

  Further, in FIGS. 5B and 5C, on the right side of the destination display column 77, the up / down movement for moving up and down the selected portion of the transmission destination displayed in the destination display column 77 (for example, the selected portion is displayed in black and white reversed). A key K3 and a delete key K4 for deleting the transmission destination of the selected part from the destination display field 77 are displayed. Further, a setting area for making detailed settings for document reading is arranged to the right of the up / down movement key K3 and the deletion key K4. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, a plurality of tabs such as “basic”, “image quality”, and “application” are provided below the setting area and displayed in the setting area. The display of the key for setting the original reading can be switched.

  First, based on FIG. 5B, each key displayed when the basic tab is selected will be described. In the selected state of the basic tab, for example, an original size selection key K5, an original setting direction key K6, a file name input key K7, a transmission size selection key K8, a reading resolution selection key K9, and a file format key K10 are provided.

  When the original size selection key K5 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the original size (area to be read, such as A4 or B5) when the original is set behind the contact glass 21 can be set. Note that the user can also set to automatically detect the document size. When the document setting direction key K6 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the position of the upper side of the set document can be set.

  When the file name input key K7 is pressed, for example, a software keyboard is displayed, and the file name of the file to be transmitted to the terminal 10 can be set. Further, it is possible to automatically set the MFP 1 to assign a file name based on the date, time, cumulative number of read sheets, and the like. When the transmission size selection key K8 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the size of the file to be transmitted to the terminal 10 (for example, the same size original, A4, B5, etc.) can be set. For example, when the transmission size is different from that of the document, the enlargement / reduction unit 91 of the image processing unit 9 performs image processing so as to match the designated transmission size.

  When the reading resolution selection key K9 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the resolution of the file to be transmitted to the terminal 10 can be selected and set (for example, 200, 300, 400, 600 dpi, etc.). In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the original is read at the maximum resolution (for example, 600 dpi) in the image reading unit 2 and stored in the image storage unit 80. Therefore, when the file is output, the resolution of the image processing unit 9 is changed. The unit 92 performs the process of reducing the resolution according to the setting. When the file format key K10 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the format of the file output from the output unit 96 of the image processing unit 9 and transmitted to the terminal 10 can be selected. For example, the user can select from JPEG (color / gray), TIFF (black and white), PDF, and high-compression PDF.

  Next, each key displayed when the image quality tab is selected will be described with reference to FIG. In the selected state of the image quality tab, for example, a read density key K11, a document image quality key K12, and the like are displayed. When the reading density key K11 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the density of each pixel in the image data of the original can be changed and the degree of image processing to be adjusted can be set. For example, in addition to being able to set the MFP 1 to automatically adjust the density of the document, density adjustment is performed by designating a user's favorite stage at a stage where a plurality of stages (for example, 7 to 15 stages) are prepared. be able to. The density changing unit 93 of the image processing unit 9 changes the density of each pixel of the image data in accordance with the setting and stage. When the document image quality key K12 is pressed, another window is displayed, and the image quality of the document such as “character”, “photo”, “character + photo” can be set. The image processing unit 9 performs image processing in accordance with the selected image quality (for example, character edge enhancement for a character document).

  As described above, various settings can be made regarding the reading of the original on the operation panel 7. Then, the user displays the file transmitted from the multifunction machine 1 on the display 14 and confirms the reading result. At this time, if the result is not as expected for the user, conventionally, the destination is selected, the above-mentioned various settings such as resolution, density, output file format, etc. are performed again. The original is read. At this time, the user has to move to the multifunction device 1 again and perform the setting again, which is not convenient.

  Note that it is not preferable to perform image processing again on the file transmitted from the multifunction device 1 using graphic software or the like on the terminal 10. This is because image processing has already been performed by the multifunction device 1 such as resolution reduction, density adjustment, etc., and when image processing is performed again, original information may be lost or noise may be mixed, resulting in deterioration of original fidelity. It is for inviting. That is, image quality deteriorates when image processing is repeated.

  Therefore, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to give an instruction to perform image processing different from that at the time of the previous file generation, such as density change based on the reading result, on the terminal 10, thereby improving the convenience for the user. Further, the image stored in the image storage unit 80 is read, image processing is performed in accordance with the instruction, and the file is output again. That is, a re-reading operation is not required and a high-quality file can be output again.

(Re-output file based on instruction data)
Accordingly, file re-output in the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen on the terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of changes in the image after file re-output.

  First, FIG. 7 shows application software (for example, installed in the HDD 12 of the terminal 10, which is installed in the HDD 12 of the terminal 10 below) for browsing a file obtained by reading a document and instructing to perform image processing different from the previous file generation. It is an example of a setting screen 14a of “this software”. A setting screen 14 a of the software as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 14 of the terminal 10. Then, a preview screen PV of a file received by the terminal 10 from the multifunction device 1 is displayed on the left side of the setting screen 14a shown in FIG. That is, the user can view the document reading result by displaying the file on the preview screen PV. The preview screen PV can display the contents of the file regardless of the file format output by the output unit 96 of the image processing unit 9.

  Various keys for setting are arranged on the right side of the setting screen 14a. The density setting key K15 is a key for giving an instruction to change the density of the previously output file and the density when the file is output again. For example, the density changing unit 93 decreases the density of the image data of the file to be re-output as the number of clicks is increased by clicking the left arrow portion of the density setting key K15 with the mouse 16. Execute image processing. On the contrary, the density changing unit 93 increases the density with respect to the image data of the file to be re-output as the arrow 16 pointing to the right of the density setting key K15 is clicked with the mouse 16 and the number of clicks increases. Image processing is performed. In other words, by operating the darkness setting key K15, the degree to which the pixel value of each pixel in the image data is changed is changed at the time of the previous file output.

  Further, a range designation key K16 and a retransmission key K17 are arranged in the lower right part of the setting screen 14a. A range designation key K16 is pressed when designating a range for density change or color change when a file is re-output. When the range is designated, for example, the range designation key K16 is pressed with the mouse 16 or the keyboard 15. Then, the cursor Cr appears on the preview screen PV, and for example, a range for density change or color change can be specified by dragging the mouse 16 (for example, the specified range is surrounded by a broken line in the preview screen PV). ). If the density setting key K15 is pressed in this range designation state, an instruction to change the density only within the range can be given. The resend key K17 transmits the content instructed by the user on the setting screen 14a as instruction data from the terminal 10 to the multi-function device 1, and reads out the image data corresponding to the file displayed on the preview screen PV from the image storage unit 80. The key is used to instruct execution of transmission of the re-output file to the terminal 10 by the image processing unit 9 based on the instruction data.

  The color setting palette CP is arranged between the range designation key K16, the re-transmission key K17, and the darkness setting key K15, and is divided in a grid pattern, and different colors are displayed on the squares (see FIG. 7). (For convenience, only the squares are displayed.) For example, after clicking the portion where the color to be changed is displayed on the preview screen PV and specifying the color to be changed, the changed color is selected from each square. As a result, for example, the marking portion can be changed from red to dark red, or the color of the character portion can be instructed to change from black to blue.

  Furthermore, for example, the character color may be automatically changed by designating the range of the character portion with the range designation key K16 and selecting the squares of the color setting palette CP. For example, if a histogram of pixel values of each pixel is generated within a specified range, the colors of the background portion and the character portion are discriminated, and the color of the character portion is specified, it is automatically selected by the square of the color setting palette CP Can be replaced with the selected color. Note that these color change instructions may be reflected on the preview screen PV.

  Next, an example of comparison of file contents before and after re-output will be described with reference to FIG. First, in FIG. 8A, for example, when the previously output file is confirmed on the preview screen PV (left side of FIG. 8A), the color of the stamped portion is light, and the character portion is also light. It is assumed that the color is light overall and is different from the state expected by the user. Therefore, the user can give an instruction to increase the overall density on the setting screen 14a of the terminal 10 (click the arrow pointing to the right of the density setting key K15 with the mouse 16 without pressing the range designation key K16). When the retransmit key K17 is pressed, the user's instruction content is transmitted to the multifunction device 1 as instruction data.

  Then, image data corresponding to the file transmitted earlier in the multifunction device 1 is read from the image storage unit 80, and image processing different from the image processing for the image data of the previously output file is performed based on the instruction data. After the processing by the unit 9 (density changing unit 93), the re-output file is transmitted to the terminal 10. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8 (a), the stamped portion is darker than the previously output file, the character portion is also darker, and the expected file with the overall darker density is used by the user. Can get.

  Next, in FIG. 8B, for example, when the previously output file is confirmed on the preview screen PV (left side of FIG. 8B), the user is expected in that the color of the stamped portion is light. Suppose you want to change the color of the character part, unlike the state you do. Then, the user can instruct to increase the density of the stamped portion by specifying the range of the stamped portion on the setting screen 14a of the terminal 10 (the state in which the stamped portion is specified by dragging after pressing the range specifying key K16). Click the right arrow of the darkness setting key K15 with the mouse 16). Next, the user can press the range designation key K16 again, designate the range of the character portion, and give an instruction to change the color of the character portion (for example, after pressing the range designation key K16, drag the character. (A desired color is selected with the mouse 16 in the color setting palette CP in a state where the range is specified). Thereafter, the retransmission key K17 is pressed. As a result, the instruction content of the user is transmitted to the multi function device 1 as instruction data.

  Then, as in the case of FIG. 8A, based on the instruction data, a re-output file that has been subjected to image processing different from the image processing for the image data of the previously output file is transmitted to the terminal 10. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8B, the user can obtain a file in which the stamped portion is darker than the previously output file and the color of the character portion is changed.

  As described above, the input unit of the terminal 10 such as the keyboard 15 and the mouse 16 accepts an input of an instruction to change image processing related to density or an instruction to change a pixel of a certain color to another color. The image processing unit 9 transmits an instruction to change the image processing and the instruction to change the color to the multifunction device 1 as instruction data, and the image processing unit 9 performs the image processing on the density based on the instruction data and the image processing for color change, Generate an output file. Further, the input unit such as the keyboard 15 and the mouse 16 accepts an input for instructing a range for performing image processing different from the image processing applied to the file, and the terminal 10 combines the instruction for the range for different image processing as instruction data. The image processing unit 9 can transmit the image to the machine 1 and perform image processing different from the image processing applied to the file only in the designated range based on the instruction data to generate a re-output file.

(File re-output control)
Next, an example of the file re-output control flow of the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of file re-output control of the image storage system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the start is the time when the present software that can instruct the change of the image processing to be performed and the browsing of the file as shown in FIG. 7 is started. This software is launched when, for example, the user returns from the multifunction device 1 to the terminal 10 at his / her seat in order to confirm the file transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the terminal 10. Then, the user makes full use of the input device such as the mouse 16 and the keyboard 15 to display the file transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the terminal 10 on the software on the preview screen PV (step # 1). At this time, the user confirms the reading result of the document on the preview screen PV, and inputs an instruction for density change, color change, range specification, etc. to the terminal 10 (step # 2).

  Then, in a state where the retransmission key K17 is not pressed in this software (No in step # 3), the terminal 10 confirms whether the browsing of the file has been completed due to the termination of this software or the closing of the file ( Step # 4). If the file transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the terminal 10 is as expected by the user and it is not necessary to give the multifunction device 1 an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing at the time of file generation, the user Is terminated (Yes in step # 4), and the file re-output control is terminated (END). On the other hand, if browsing of the file is not completed (No in step # 4), the process may return to step # 2.

  If the re-send key K17 is pressed (Yes in step # 3), the terminal 10 combines the instruction data indicating the instruction contents of the image processing to be performed by the image processing unit 9 of the multifunction machine 1 made with this software. Transmit to the machine 1 (step # 5). That is, the terminal 10 transmits an instruction as instruction data to the multi-function device 1 through a route of the I / F unit 13 → I / F unit 81. In order to re-output the file, data for specifying the image data of the image storage unit 80 corresponding to the previously output file (data for collation) and data indicating the setting at the time of reading (at the time of reading) Setting data) can be included in or added to the instruction data.

  For example, the multifunction device 1 adds collation data indicating a file number, a file name, an image data generation date and time, etc. to the file in order to specify the image data of the image storage unit 80 used for file generation when the file is output. To do. Also, the file size, resolution, file format, and density depending on the file destination and various keys (transmission size selection key K8, reading resolution selection key K9, file format key K10, reading density key K11, original image quality key K12, etc.). Reading setting data such as settings and image quality of the document may be added to the file. When the re-send key K17 is pressed with this software, if the terminal 10 includes or adds to the instruction data and sends the verification data and the reading setting data to the multifunction device 1, the multifunction device 1 The image data used for the previously output file can be easily retrieved and read out from the image storage unit 80, and the setting at the time of reading can be confirmed to re-output the file.

  Alternatively, for example, when the file is output, the multifunction device 1 adds only the file number, for example, and the multifunction device 1 stores the reference data corresponding to the image data and the setting data at the time of reading during the storage period of the image data. It may be stored and managed in the unit 80 or the like. Each terminal 2 transmits the file number together with the instruction data, and the multi-function device 1 can search the image storage unit 80 for the image data based on the matching data corresponding to the file number, and based on the reading setting data. You can check the settings when reading and re-output the file.

  As described above, after receiving the instruction data, the verification data, and the like from the terminal 10, the multi-function device 1 reads the image data to be re-output from the image storage unit 80 (step # 6). Here, the terminal 10 (control board 11) may have already deleted the image data used for generating the previous file from the image storage unit 80 due to the expiration of the storage period (see FIG. 6). It is confirmed whether the image data used for file generation exists in the image storage unit 80 (step # 7). If there is no image data in the image storage unit 80 (No in Step # 7), the file cannot be re-output, and the multi-function device 1 transmits to the terminal 10 that the image data has already been deleted (Step S7). # 8) The file re-output control is terminated (END).

  On the other hand, if the image data used for generating the previous file exists in the image storage unit 80 (Yes in step # 7), the image processing unit 9 of the terminal 10 refers to the setting data at the time of reading and reads the document at the time of reading the document. The setting is confirmed, and image processing different from that for generating the previously output file is performed based on the instruction data (step # 9). In other words, the image processing unit performs image processing based on the verification data. However, only the portion instructed by the user based on the instruction data is subjected to image processing different from the previous file generation (for example, an output file) The format and resolution are the same). Then, the image processing unit 9 re-outputs the file based on the same image data (Step # 10), and the multi function device 1 transmits the re-output file to the terminal 10 (Step # 11 → End). That is, the multi-function device 1 corresponds to the file, reflects the instruction data to the image data read from the image storage unit 80, causes the image processing unit 9 to perform image processing again, and outputs the re-output file output. Transmit to the terminal 10.

  In this way, according to the present embodiment, the user can expect only by instructing image processing to be performed from the terminal 2 without moving to the multifunction device 1 again and performing reading resetting or the like. A file of the reading result can be obtained. The image storage unit 80 stores the image data before the image processing by the image processing unit 9. When the file is output again, the image processing unit 9 adds the image data read from the image storage unit 80 to the image data. Since image processing is performed on the image data, the number of times the image processing unit 9 processes the image data is only one, and a high-quality file such as document reproducibility is output again.

  Further, for example, the user is given an instruction regarding a more suitable density after confirming the file created earlier, such as the color of the seal, on the display unit of the terminal 10 at his / her desk. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a read result file having the expected density. In addition, after confirming the file created previously on the display unit (display 14) of the terminal 10 at his / her desk and taking the appearance and layout into consideration, the user gives an instruction to change the color, for example, the character color. Given. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a read result file of a desired color. In addition, since it is possible to specify a range of image data to be subjected to image processing different from the previously created file, an instruction to perform density change, color change, etc. on only a part of one page is given. Can do. For example, if you are dissatisfied only with the point where the color of the stamped part is light in the reading result, you can specify the range corresponding to the stamped part in the image data and instruct it to darken the user as expected A file showing the results can be obtained.

  Further, it is possible to reduce the resolution in later image processing. However, the image reading unit 2 reads at the highest resolution, and the image storage unit 80 stores the image data at the highest resolution. The image data stored in the image storage unit 80 has the highest image quality level. Then, image processing is performed on the image data of the highest image quality level, and the file is re-output based on the instruction data. Therefore, the user can obtain a high-quality file. Further, since the image storage unit 80 discards the image data whose storage period has expired, an extreme decrease in the free area of the image storage unit 80 is avoided. In addition, the user can set the storage period in consideration of the frequency of reuse of image data by the user and the relationship between long-term image data storage and security. High degree.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the image storage system 100 has been described. However, the present invention can also be understood as an image forming apparatus that stores images. That is, an image forming apparatus such as the multifunction machine 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads a document, an image processing unit 9 that receives image data obtained by the image reading unit 2, performs image processing, and outputs the file as a file, The processing unit 9 includes an image storage unit 80 that stores image data before image processing is performed, and an I / F unit 81 (communication unit) for communicating with the terminal 10. The image processing unit 9 receives the instruction data indicating an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing applied to the file from the terminal 10, and the image processing unit 9 corresponds to the file and is read from the image storage unit 80. On the other hand, the instruction data is reflected, image processing is performed again, the file is re-output, and the re-output file is transmitted to the terminal 10.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used for an image storage system including an image forming apparatus having a scanning function and a scanning function and a terminal, and an image forming apparatus included in the image storage system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunctional device (image forming apparatus) 2 Image reading part 7 Operation panel 80 Image storage part 81 I / F part (communication part) 9 Image processing part 10 Terminal 14 Display (display part)
15 Keyboard (input unit) 16 Mouse (input unit)
100 image storage system

Claims (7)

In an image storage system including an image forming apparatus and a terminal that are communicably connected,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image reading unit for reading an original;
An image processing unit that receives the image data obtained by the image reading unit, performs image processing, and outputs the file as a file;
An image storage unit for storing the image data before the image processing unit performs image processing;
Comprising: sending the file to the terminal;
The terminal
A display unit for displaying an image based on the file;
An input unit capable of inputting instructions to the terminal and the image forming apparatus,
The input unit accepts an input of an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing applied to the displayed file;
The terminal transmits the instruction as instruction data to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus corresponds to the file and re-outputs the image data read from the image storage unit by reflecting the instruction data and causing the image processing unit to perform image processing again. An image storage system, wherein a file is transmitted to the terminal. The input unit receives an input of an instruction to change image processing related to density,
The terminal transmits an instruction to change image processing relating to density to the image forming apparatus as the instruction data,
The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs image processing related to density based on the instruction data to generate the re-output file. The input unit receives an input of an instruction to change a pixel of a certain color to another color,
The terminal transmits a color change instruction as the instruction data to the image forming apparatus,
The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs image processing for color change based on the instruction data to generate the re-output file. The input unit receives an input indicating a range in which image processing different from image processing performed on the file is performed;
The terminal transmits an instruction of a range in which image processing is different to the image forming apparatus as the instruction data,
4. The image processing unit generates the re-output file by performing image processing different from the image processing performed on the file only in the designated range based on the instruction data. 5. The image storage system according to any one of the above. The image reading unit reads at the highest resolution,
The image storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image storage unit stores the image data in a state of the highest resolution. The image forming apparatus has an operation panel for inputting instructions,
The input unit and / or the operation panel receives an input specifying a storage period of the image data by the image storage unit,
The image storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image storage unit discards the image data whose storage period has expired. An image reading unit for reading an original;
An image processing unit that receives the image data obtained by the image reading unit, performs image processing, and outputs the file as a file;
An image storage unit for storing the image data before the image processing unit performs image processing;
Having a communication unit to communicate with the terminal,
The communication unit receives instruction data indicating an instruction to perform image processing different from the image processing performed on the file from the terminal while transmitting the file to the terminal.
The image processing unit corresponds to the file, reflects the instruction data on the image data read from the image storage unit, performs image processing again, and re-outputs the file.
The re-output file is transmitted to the terminal.

Images