JP2011114807A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for more accurately confirming whether a composite image generated by a page summarizing function or an image repeating function is appropriately generated before image formation,. <P>SOLUTION: When setting to an individual image display mode is input, a display mode setting input request receiving section turns on an individual image display mode flag (#3:YES, #4) and in accordance with the operation of an "OK" button, a control section causes an image reader to perform a reading operation (#5:YES, #6) and generates an image repeat picture for image data (#7). When the flag is turned on at present, a preview image generating section generates a preview individual image by matching an individual image to a size of a display area in an image display section (#8:YES, #9), a display control section causes the preview image display section to display the image (#10), and thereafter, the control section causes a recording section to execute an image forming operation based on the image data when a start button is turned on (#11:YES, "13). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of image processing apparatuses such as copiers and multifunction machines.

  In general, an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has a so-called page aggregation function for generating an image (hereinafter referred to as an aggregate image) by reducing images of a plurality of pages and consolidating them into one page. In recent years, a function called an image repeat function for generating an image (hereinafter referred to as an image repeat image) in which a plurality of read original images or only a specific area of the original image are arranged in one page is called an image processing apparatus. Some are installed.

  In an image processing apparatus equipped with such a page aggregation function and an image repeat function, in general, before an image is output (printed) on a sheet so that a user can check a finished state of an image generated using these functions. In addition, a configuration is provided in which an image generated using the above function is displayed as a preview image on an operation panel or the like of the image processing apparatus.

  On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151620 proposes a technique for arbitrarily setting a magnification condition for copying an original and generating a preview image of the original image corresponding to the transfer paper under the set condition.

JP 2004-77616 A

  In view of avoiding an increase in the size of the apparatus, the screen size of the operation panel mounted on the image processing apparatus is limited, and it is difficult to mount such a large operation panel on the image processing apparatus. Therefore, an image processing apparatus equipped with a function for displaying the aggregated image or the image repeat image as a preview image is required to display the image on the operation panel with a relatively large reduction.

  Therefore, particularly when the characters formed on the original are small characters or when the specific area designated when forming the image repeat image is small, each image displayed on the operation panel becomes small. Whether or not the characters are collapsed when the aggregated image is formed on the paper by the image reduction processing performed when the aggregated image is generated, and the image in the specific area is the image repeat image on the paper. There are cases where it is difficult to confirm whether or not it will not collapse when formed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and whether or not the composite image generated by the page aggregation function or the image repeat function is appropriately generated before image formation is determined. An object is to provide a technique that can be confirmed more accurately.

  The invention according to claim 1 is obtained by an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a display unit that displays an image, and a reading operation by the image reading unit. Each image of a plurality of pages as an individual image, a combined image in which the individual images are arranged in one page, and an entire image obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit or an image of a partial area thereof as the individual image A composite processing unit that generates at least one composite image among composite images in which individual images are repeatedly arranged in one page, and an entire image after the composite processing by the composite processing unit is displayed in a predetermined display area of the display unit. An entire preview image obtained by performing processing for display, and the individual image is enlarged from the individual image in the entire preview image, and the predetermined display area of the display unit is displayed. A preview image generation unit capable of generating a preview individual image obtained by performing processing for display on the screen, and at least one of the entire preview image and the individual preview image is generated by the preview image generation unit And a display control unit that displays the generated preview image in the predetermined display area of the display unit.

  According to the present invention, in addition to the entire preview image, the individual image is enlarged from the individual image in the entire preview image and displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. An individual image for preview can be generated, and when the individual image for preview is generated, the individual image for preview is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. When the image is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit, the user can visually recognize an image enlarged from the individual image in the entire preview image. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately check whether or not the individual image is properly set as compared with the case where the individual image for preview is performed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, any one of the entire preview image and the individual preview image is displayed as an object to be displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. A first input operation unit for performing an input for selecting, the preview image generation unit generates a preview image selected by the first input operation unit, and the display control unit includes: The preview image generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit.

  According to the present invention, the user can select either the entire preview image or the individual preview image as a target to be displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. Therefore, even when it is not necessary to display the individual preview image in the predetermined display area of the display unit, a wasteful process of displaying the individual preview image in the predetermined display area is not performed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the character region detection processing unit that detects a character region in the entire image after the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit, and the image reading unit When an image of a partial area of the image obtained by the reading operation is an individual image and a composite image obtained by repeatedly arranging the individual images in one page is generated by the composition processing unit, the character region detection processing unit A determination unit that determines whether or not a character region included in the partial region of the detected character region protrudes from the partial region, and the display control unit includes a character included in the partial region If the determination unit determines that the area does not protrude from the partial area, the preview entire image generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed on the display unit, If the determination unit determines that a character region included in the partial region is out of the partial region, the individual image for preview generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed on the display unit. It is something to be made.

  According to this invention, the determination unit includes a determination unit that determines whether a character region included in the partial region of the character region detected by the character region detection processing unit protrudes from the partial region. When the character area included in the partial area extends beyond the partial area, the individual image for preview is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit. Therefore, the user defines the individual image. When there is a possibility that the setting of the partial area is inappropriate, the individual image can be visually recognized in a form enlarged from the individual image in the entire preview image, and the entire preview image is used. It can be performed more accurately than the case.

  The display control unit displays the preview entire image on the display unit when the determination unit determines that a character region included in the partial region does not protrude from the partial region. When the determination unit determines that the character region included in the partial region is out of the partial region, the preview individual image is displayed on the display unit. The structure which sets automatically the object displayed on the said predetermined display area of a part is realizable.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the individual image which is an image of the entire image or a partial area obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit is reduced to 1 When the composite processing unit repeatedly generates a composite image arranged in a page, the composite processing unit further includes a second input operation unit for inputting a reduction ratio of the individual image, and the composite processing unit includes the second input operation unit. Character area detection that generates a composite image in which the individual images reduced by the reduction ratio input by the input operation unit are repeatedly arranged in one page, and detects a character area in the entire image after the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit A character area included in the partial area among the character areas detected by the processing section and the character area detection processing section; A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the region protrudes from the region, and the display control unit can detect the character region by the character region detection processing unit, and the character region included in the partial region is the partial region. When the determination unit determines that the image does not protrude from the area, the entire preview image generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed on the display unit. Otherwise, the preview image generation is performed. The individual image for preview generated by the unit is displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, when generating a composite image in which reduced individual images are repeatedly arranged in one page, when the character region cannot be detected by the character region detection processing unit, the character region detection processing unit Even if the character area can be detected by the above, if the character area included in the partial area of the character area protrudes from the partial area, the preview individual image is displayed on the display unit. Since the image is displayed in the display area, the user can view the individual image in a form enlarged from the individual image in the entire preview image, and whether or not the individual image is appropriately set. Confirmation can be performed more accurately than in the case where the entire preview image is used.

  The display control unit can detect a character region by the character region detection processing unit, and the determination unit determines that a character region included in the partial region does not protrude from the partial region. The entire preview image is displayed on the display unit. In other cases, the individual preview image is displayed on the display unit, so that the predetermined display area of the display unit is displayed. A configuration for automatically setting an object to be displayed can be realized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the preview image generation unit generates both the entire preview image and the individual preview image, and the display control unit includes: The entire preview image is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit, and the preview individual image is displayed in a margin portion in the predetermined display area.

  According to the present invention, when the entire preview image is displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit, the preview individual image is displayed in a margin portion in the predetermined display area. Since the user can view the entire preview image and the individual preview image at the same time, it is possible to confirm whether or not the composite image is properly generated and whether or not the individual image is appropriately generated. Confirmation can be performed at the same time.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, after the display processing by the display control unit, the composite image generated by the composite processing unit is used as a recording medium. A third input operation unit for inputting an instruction to be formed, and an operation for forming a composite image generated by the composition processing unit on a recording medium when the instruction is input by the third input operation unit And an image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to execute.

  According to the present invention, a recording medium on which a composite image is appropriately formed can be generated by the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more accurately confirm whether or not a composite image generated by the page aggregation function or the image repeat function is appropriately generated before image formation.

1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of a setting screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of position designation of a designated area. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. (A) is a diagram showing a document to be aggregated, (b) is a diagram showing an aggregated image, and (c) is a state where an individual image indicated by an arrow X in (b) is displayed on the preview image display unit. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing a document to be subjected to image repeat processing, (b) is a diagram showing an image repeat image, and (c) is an individual image indicated by an arrow Y in (b) displayed on the preview image display unit. It is a figure which shows a state. It is a flowchart which shows the preview image display process by a control part. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the multifunctional device which concerns on a deformation | transformation form (1). It is a figure which shows the state which the designation | designated area | region and the character area have shifted | deviated. It is a flowchart which shows the preview image display process by the control part in a deformation | transformation form (1). It is a flowchart which shows the preview image display process by the control part in a deformation | transformation form (2). It is explanatory drawing of a deformation | transformation form (3).

  Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, as an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, an embodiment in which functions are integrated in a multifunction machine having functions such as a color copy, a scanner, a facsimile, and a printer will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment. 1 is roughly composed of an image reading unit 2 and an apparatus body 3. The image reading unit 2 includes a document feeding unit 4 and a scanner unit 5. The document feeder 4 implements ADF, and includes a document tray 6, a sheet feed roller 7, a transport drum 8, a sheet discharge roller 9, and a sheet discharge tray 10.

  The document tray 6 is a place where the document is placed. The documents placed on the document tray 6 are taken one by one by the paper feed roller 7 and conveyed to the conveyance drum 8. The document that has passed through the transport drum 8 is discharged to a discharge tray 10 by a discharge roller 9.

  The scanner unit 5 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data, and is provided in the apparatus main body 3. The scanner unit 5 includes a contact glass 11, a light source 12, a first mirror 13, a second mirror 14, a third mirror 15, a first carriage 16, a second carriage 17, an imaging lens 18, and a CCD (Charge Coupled) as a line sensor. Device) 19 is provided.

  In the scanner unit 5, a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube is used as the light source 12, and the first mirror 13, the second mirror 14, the third mirror 15, the first carriage 16, the second carriage 17, and the imaging lens are used. By 18, the light from the original is guided to the CCD 19. Since the scanner unit 5 uses a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube as the light source 12, the scanner unit 5 is superior in color reproducibility to CIS 20 described later in which a three-color LED or the like is used as the light source.

  The CIS 20 is a line sensor, and is provided downstream of the scanner unit 5 in the document transport direction. The CIS 20 is provided at a position for reading a surface opposite to the document surface read by the scanner unit 5 in the document conveyance path.

  The contact glass 11 constitutes a surface on which an original is placed. The light source 12 and the first mirror 13 are supported by the first carriage 16, and the second mirror 14 and the third mirror 15 are the second mirror. It is supported by a carriage 17.

  As a document reading method of the image reading unit 2, there are a flat bed reading mode in which the scanner unit 5 reads a document placed on the contact glass 11, and an ADF reading mode in which the document is captured by ADF and the document is read while being conveyed. is there.

  In the flatbed reading mode, an original on which the light source 12 is placed on the contact glass 11 while the first carriage 16 and the second carriage 17 move in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow Y direction). Irradiated and reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction in which the pixels of the CCD 19 as a one-dimensional image sensor are arranged is reflected in the order of the first mirror 13, the second mirror 14, and the third mirror 15. Is incident on. The light incident on the imaging lens 18 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 19. The CCD 19 outputs document image data for each line.

  In the ADF reading mode, the originals placed on the original tray 6 are taken one by one by the paper feed roller 7, and the originals are placed on the image reading position 21 provided in the conveyance path from the conveyance drum 8 to the paper discharge tray 10. When passing, the light source 12 irradiates the original, and the reflected light for one main scanning line is reflected in the order of the first mirror 13, the second mirror 14, and the third mirror 15 and enters the imaging lens 18. The light incident on the imaging lens 18 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 19. Such an operation is performed for each line. In the following description, those not specifically described will be described on the assumption that an original is automatically fed in the ADF reading mode and an image is read.

  Further, the document feeder 4 has a document reversing mechanism including a switching guide 22, a reversing roller 23, and a reversing conveyance path 24. The original on which the front side (one side of the original) is read by the first ADF reading is reversed using the original reversing mechanism and conveyed again, whereby the CCD 19 reads the back side (the other side of the original) again. Can be done. This document reversing mechanism operates only when reading both sides, and does not operate when reading one side. After reading the back side during single-sided reading and double-sided reading, the switching guide 22 is switched to the upper side, and the document that has passed through the transport drum 8 is discharged onto the discharge tray 10 by the discharge roller 9. After the surface reading at the time of double-sided reading, the switching guide 22 is switched to the lower side, and the document that has passed through the conveying drum 8 is conveyed to the nip portion of the reversing roller 23. Thereafter, the switching guide 22 is switched to the upper side and the reverse roller 23 rotates in the reverse direction, whereby the original is re-conveyed to the conveyance drum 8 via the reverse conveyance path 24.

  Further, in the ADF reading mode, the image reading unit 2 according to the present embodiment causes the CCD 19 to read the front surface of the document while the document is being conveyed as described above, and simultaneously reads the back side of the document by the CIS 20. Can be performed. That is, the document fed from the document tray 6 is read by the CCD 19 when passing over the image reading position 21, and the back side is read when passing through the CIS 20. By using the CCD 19 and the CIS 20 in this way, both sides of the original can be read with one pass.

  The multifunction machine 1 includes an apparatus main body 3 and a stack tray 25 disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 3. The apparatus main body 3 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 26, a paper feed roller 26 a that feeds paper (recording medium) from the paper feed cassette 26 one by one to a recording unit (image forming unit) 27, and a paper feed cassette 26. And a recording unit 27 that forms an image on the sheet conveyed from the printer.

  Further, the multifunction machine 1 includes a manual feed tray 28 at an appropriate position on the side surface. From this manual feed tray 28, a sheet of a size that is not stored in any paper feed cassette, or a sheet on which an image has already been formed on one side. Arbitrary recording media such as (backing paper) and OHP sheets can be placed, and are fed into the apparatus main body 3 one by one by a sheet feeding roller 29.

  The recording unit 27 is based on a charge eliminating device 31 that removes residual charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, a charging device 32 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 after charge removal, and image data acquired by the scanner unit 5. The laser beam is output to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and on the photosensitive drum 30 based on the electrostatic latent image. , Cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) developing devices 34C, 34M, 34Y, and 34K that form toner images of each color, and toners of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 30 The transfer drum 35 on which the image is transferred and superimposed, the transfer roller 36 for transferring the toner image on the transfer drum 35 to the paper, and the paper on which the toner image has been transferred are heated to fix the toner image on the paper. And a fixing device 37 that. Note that toner is supplied to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black from a toner supply container (toner cartridge) (not shown). Further, conveyance rollers 39 and 40 for conveying the paper that has passed through the recording unit 27 to the stack tray 25 or the discharge tray 38 are provided.

  When images are formed on both sides of the paper, after the image is formed on one side of the paper by the recording unit 27, the paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 39 on the discharge tray 38 side. In this state, the transport roller 39 is rotated in the reverse direction to switch back the paper, and the paper is sent to the paper transport path L to be transported again to the upstream area of the recording unit 27. The recording unit 27 forms an image on the other surface. Then, the paper is discharged to the stack tray 25 or the discharge tray 38.

  In addition, an operation unit 41 is provided in front of the apparatus main body 3. The operation unit 41 displays a display screen such as an operation screen and various messages, for example, a display unit 42 provided with a touch panel, and operation button groups (number key group 43, start button 44, etc.) for inputting various operation commands. ). The display unit 42 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or the like, and displays a selection screen for paper size selection, magnification selection, density selection, and the like. The start button 44 corresponds to a third input operation unit.

  By the way, as one of the functions installed in the multi function device 1 according to the present embodiment, a process of reducing a plurality of pages of images (hereinafter referred to as individual images) and integrating them into one page (hereinafter referred to as “pages”). There is an aggregation function that executes aggregation processing). When using this aggregation function in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the user sets a document on the document tray 6 or the contact glass 11 after pressing a copy mode button (not shown) in the operation button group. Then, a predetermined button (not shown) in the operation screen displayed on the display unit 42 is pressed. Thereby, for example, a setting screen G1 as shown in FIG.

  In the setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 2, a “2in1” button B1 for inputting an instruction to perform a so-called 2in1 process for reducing and consolidating two pages of individual images into one page, and four pages of individual images. A “4in1” button B2 for inputting an instruction to perform a so-called 4in1 process for reducing the images and consolidating them into one page. In addition, on this setting screen G1, it is possible to make an input for setting the necessity of a boundary line between individual images aggregated in one page and the layout of each individual image when performing the 2in1 process or the 4in1 process. It is also.

  Further, a preview image display part P1 for displaying the aggregated image as a preview image is provided in a predetermined area of the setting screen G1. Here, in this embodiment, whether the preview image displayed on the preview image display unit P1 is a preview image indicating the entire image after aggregation or a preview image indicating one individual image among the plurality of individual images. The user can select a screen, and by pressing a “display mode” button B4 on the setting screen G1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen G2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the selection screen G2 has an “overall image” button B5 and an “individual image” button B6. In the display mode in which the entire collected image is displayed on the preview image display unit P1 of the setting screen G2 shown in FIG. 2, when the “individual image” button B6 is pressed, This is a display mode in which one individual image is displayed on the preview image display part P1. In the present embodiment, various settings on the setting screen G1 and the selection screen G2 are performed before the image reading operation of the documents to be collected is performed. The “entire image” button B5 and the “individual image” button B6 correspond to a first input operation unit.

  When the user operates the “OK” button B3 after performing various settings on the setting screen G1 and the selection screen G2, the multi-function device 1 performs a reading operation on the document and displays a preview image on the setting screen G1. A preview image corresponding to the display mode preset on the selection screen G2 is displayed on the part P1. When the user operates the start button 44 in this state, the multi function device 1 forms an image in which the images of the originals are aggregated on the sheet in the aggregation mode set on the setting screen G1.

  As another one of the functions installed in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the entire read original image or an image of a specific partial area (hereinafter referred to as a specified area) designated by the user in the original image. There is an image repeat function for executing a process of generating a plurality of (repeatedly) arranged unit images as individual images (hereinafter referred to as image repeat images).

  When the image repeat function is used in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the user sets a document on the contact glass 11 after pressing the copy mode button in the operation button group, and displays it on the display unit 42. When a predetermined button (not shown) in the operation screen is pressed, a setting screen G3 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 42, for example.

  The setting screen G3 shown in FIG. 4 includes a “magnification designation” button B7, and whether or not the designated area is further set by the user pressing the “magnification designation” button B7. A button B8 for performing an input to instruct the user, a button B9 for displaying a setting screen (not shown) for setting the designated area on the display unit 42, and a copy magnification of the individual image. Buttons B10 and B11 (corresponding to a second input operation unit).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the designated area is Y <b> 1 from the left back of the contact glass 11 to the upper side of the range that repeats when the user stands up in front of the multifunction machine 1. In the setting screen displayed by pressing the button B9, the length from the left back to the left side of the repeating range can be specified as X1, the length of the repeating range as Y2, and the width of the repeating range as X2. Each set value X1, X2, Y1, Y2 can be set. The method for setting the designated area is not limited to this. For example, when the user designates two different points, a rectangle having these two points as a pair of opposing vertices is defined and surrounded by the rectangle. The designated area may be set as the designated area.

  Furthermore, a preview image display part P2 for displaying the image after the image repeat process as a preview image is provided in a predetermined area of the setting screen G3. Here, in the present embodiment, the user can select whether the preview image to be displayed on the preview image display unit P2 is a preview image related to the entire image after the image repeat process or a preview image related to one individual image. When a “display mode” button B12 on the setting screen G3 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed, a screen on which the selection can be made is displayed on the display unit 42. This selection screen is the same as the selection screen shown in FIG.

  When the “overall image” button B5 is pressed, the multifunction device 1 displays the entire image repeat image in which a plurality of (repeated) individual images are arranged in one page on the preview image display portion P2 of the setting screen G3 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the “individual image” button B6 is pressed, the display mode is displayed in which the individual image is displayed on the preview image display portion P2. In the present embodiment, various settings on the setting screen G3 and the like are performed before the image reading operation of the image repeat processing target document.

  When the user operates the “OK” button B13 after making various settings on the setting screen G3 or the like, the multi function device 1 performs a reading operation on the document, and displays the preview image display portion P2 on the setting screen G3. The preview image corresponding to the display mode preset on the selection screen G2 is displayed. When the user operates the start button 44 in this state, the multi-function device 1 forms on the sheet a plurality (repeated) images of the individual images arranged in one page on the setting screen G3. .

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the structure same as the structure shown in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the multifunction machine 1 includes a control unit 45 that controls these operations in association with the scanner unit 5, the document feeding unit 4, the recording unit 27, and the operation unit 41 described above.

  The control unit 45 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) having a function for temporarily storing data and a function as a work area, a ROM for storing a program in advance, and a CPU for reading the program from the ROM and executing the program. The CPU, RAM, and ROM are configured to exchange data via a data bus.

  The control unit 45 executes an aggregation processing unit 46, an image repeat processing unit 47, a display mode setting input request reception unit 48, a preview, when the CPU executes a processing program unique to the present embodiment stored in the ROM. The image generation unit 49, the display control unit 50, and the image formation control unit 51 function.

  When the aggregation processing unit 46 is set to execute the 2in1 process or the 4in1 process on the setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 2, the images of a plurality of pages read by the image reading unit 2 are aggregated into one page. Aggregation processing for generating image data of the aggregated image is performed.

  For example, when the 2 in 1 process is selected, when the image reading unit 2 performs the reading operation on the two originals 1 and 2 as shown in FIG. ), Image data of an aggregated image is generated in which the images of the originals 1 and 2 are arranged side by side in one page, for example.

  When the image repeat processing unit 47 is set to execute the image repeat processing on the setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 4 or the like, the entire image of the document read by the image reading unit 2 or the image of the designated area is displayed as the individual image. As an image, image repeat processing for generating image data of an image repeat image in which the individual images are arranged in a matrix is performed.

  For example, it is assumed that the image indicated by the image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit 2 is the image shown in FIG. 8A, and the image of the region surrounded by the arrow Y as the individual image among the images. Assuming that the image repeat processing unit 47 is set, as shown in FIG. 8B, the image repeat processing unit 47 converts image data of an image repeat image in which individual images indicated by arrows Y in FIG. 8A are arranged in a matrix. Generate. The aggregation processing unit 46 and the image repeat processing unit 47 correspond to a synthesis processing unit.

  The display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 is a selection displayed on the display unit 42 by the display control unit 50 when the “display mode” buttons B4 and B10 on the setting screens G1 and G4 shown in FIGS. On the screen G2 (see FIG. 3), a setting input for the display mode of the preview image is requested and the input is accepted.

  The display mode of the preview image refers to the entire aggregated image generated by the aggregation processing unit 46 (the entire image shown in FIG. 7B) or the entire image repeat image generated by the image repeat processing unit 47 (FIG. 8 ( The entire image shown in b) is displayed on the entire preview image display unit P1, P2, and is generated by the aggregation processing unit 46 as shown in FIGS. 7 (c) and 8 (c). Individual images (for example, an image indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 7B) or an individual image (for example, an image indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 8B) that is a constituent unit of the image repeat image. This is an individual image display mode for displaying the entire preview image display portion P2.

  When the display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 receives the setting instruction for the whole image display mode, the preview image generating unit 49 generates a whole image for preview and receives the setting instruction for the individual image display mode. In this case, an individual image for preview is generated.

  When the aggregated image is generated by the aggregation processing unit 46, the individual image for preview is an individual image (an arrow in FIG. 7B) constituting the aggregated image as shown in FIG. (Image indicated by X) refers to an image that matches the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P1, and when the image repeat image is generated by the image repeat processing unit 47, FIG. As shown in (c), the individual images constituting the image repeat image (the image indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 8B) are matched with the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P2. An image.

  Here, in the individual image display mode, an individual image that is a part of the entire image is displayed in the entire preview image display portions P1 and P2, and therefore, for the preview displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2 in the individual image display mode. The individual image is enlarged as compared with the image of the region representing the individual image among the preview whole images displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2 in the whole image display mode.

  When the preview image generation unit 49 generates a preview image (the entire preview image or the individual preview image), the display control unit 50 displays the preview image on the preview image display units P1 and P2. is there.

  The image forming control unit 51 controls the image forming operation by the recording unit 27. When the start button 44 is turned on, the image forming control unit 51 forms an image on the sheet based on the image data obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit 2. The operation is executed by the recording unit 27.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing preview image display processing by the control unit 45. Here, attention is focused on the case where the image repeat function is used among the aggregation function and the image repeat function.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when a predetermined operation is performed (YES in step # 1), the display control unit 50 displays the setting screen G3 on the display unit 42, and performs various types of input including setting input of the designated area. An input is accepted (step # 2). When the display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 receives an input for setting the individual image display mode (the “individual image” button B6 is operated on the selection screen G2 shown in FIG. 3) (step # 3). YES), the individual image display mode flag is turned on (step # 4), and the control unit 45 determines whether or not the “OK” button B13 is operated (step # 5).

  On the other hand, in step # 3, when display mode setting input request acceptance unit 48 has not accepted an input for setting the individual image display mode ("all image" button B5 is operated on selection screen G2 shown in FIG. 3). (No in step # 3), the process of step # 4 is not performed, and the control unit 45 determines whether or not the “OK” button B13 is operated (step # 5).

  In step # 5, when control unit 45 determines that “OK” button B13 is not operated (NO in step # 5), the process returns to step # 1, while “OK” button B13 is operated. If it is determined (YES in step # 5), the image reading unit 2 is caused to perform a reading operation (step # 6), and various image processing is performed on the image data obtained by the reading operation (step # 6). Step # 7). This image processing includes the image repeat processing.

  Then, the preview image generation unit 49 determines whether or not the individual image display mode flag is currently turned on (step # 8), and if it is determined that the individual image display mode flag is turned on ( In step # 8, YES), an individual image (for example, an image indicated by an arrow Y in FIG. 8B) as a constituent unit of the image repeat image is set to the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display portion P2. The combined preview individual image is generated (step # 9), and the display control unit 50 causes the preview image display unit P2 to display the preview individual image (step # 10).

  Then, the control unit 45 determines whether or not the start button 44 is turned on (step # 11), the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 11), and the designated area and the display mode are reset. If an instruction to perform is not input (NO in step # 12), the process returns to step # 11, and the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 11). If an instruction for resetting is input (YES in step # 12), the process returns to step # 2.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 45 determines in step # 11 that the start button 44 has been turned on (YES in step # 11), the recording unit 27 performs the image forming operation on the sheet based on the image data generated in step # 7. (Step # 13).

  On the other hand, if the preview image generation unit 49 determines in step # 8 that the individual image display mode flag is not currently turned on (NO in step # 8), the image repeat image is displayed as the preview image display unit. The entire preview image corresponding to the size (number of pixels) of the display area P2 is generated (step # 14), and the display control unit 50 causes the preview image display unit P2 to display the entire preview image (step # 14). 15) Thereafter, the process of step # 11 is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the preview individual images can be displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2, the user can display only the entire preview image on the preview image display portions P1 and P2. Compared to a configuration that is not performed, it is possible to confirm (in detail) whether or not the aggregated image and the image repeat image are appropriately generated.

  Further, since the user can select the preview image or the preview individual image as a preview image to be displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2, an aggregated image or an image repeat image is appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to reflect the user's judgment as to whether or not it is necessary to confirm whether or not it has been generated.

  Therefore, even when the user thinks that it is not necessary to check whether or not the aggregated image and the image repeat image are appropriately generated, the preview individual image is always displayed on the preview image display units P1 and P2. Compared with the structure to be made, it can avoid giving an annoyance to a user.

  In this case, the following modifications may be employed instead of or in addition to the embodiment.

  (1) In the first embodiment, the target to be displayed on the preview image display units P1 and P2 is configured to allow the user to select either the entire preview image or the individual preview image. The present invention is not limited to the form, and any one of the entire preview image and the individual preview image may be selected (automatically selected) by the multifunction device 1.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the structure same as the structure shown in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment selects either the entire preview image or the individual preview image with the multifunction device 1, and thus the multifunction device of the first embodiment. 1 includes a character area detection processing unit 52 and a determination unit 53 in place of the display mode setting input request receiving unit 48.

  The character area detection processing unit 52 detects a character area (character image portion) in the document image read by the image reading unit 2. For example, for each pixel constituting the document image, the character area detection processing unit 52 calculates a difference in pixel value between the target pixel and eight neighboring pixels adjacent to the target pixel, and is larger than a predetermined threshold value. When there are a predetermined number or more (for example, four or more) of difference values having values, the character area is detected by a processing method in which it is determined that the target pixel is a pixel constituting the character.

  For example, when an image of a document is read by the image reading unit 2, the determination unit 53 selects a character area centered on a designated area preset by the user from among the character areas detected by the character area detection processing unit 52. In consideration of this, it is determined whether or not this character area protrudes from the designated area. The state in which the character area included in the designated area protrudes from the designated area is, for example, a state in which a character area exists outside the designated area continuously to the character area in the designated area. This is when it may be inappropriate.

  It is assumed that a character area as shown in FIG. 11A is detected by the character area detection processing unit 52, and the designated area includes a part of the character “A” in the upper left, and the arrow W in FIG. It is assumed that the area is indicated by. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the character area “A” exists both inside and outside the designated area and is continuous, that is, protrudes outside the designated area. . The determination unit 53 determines whether or not such a situation has occurred.

  When the determination unit 53 determines that the character area included in the specified region does not protrude from the specified region, the preview image generation unit 49 displays the image repeat image generated by the image repeat processing unit 47. An entire preview image is generated in accordance with the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display section P2.

  The preview image generation unit 49 determines that the image repeat generated by the image repeat processing unit 47 when the determination unit 53 determines that the character region included in the specified region is outside the specified region. When the image is generated, a preview individual image is generated by matching the individual image, which is a constituent unit of the image repeat image, with the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P2.

  When the preview image is generated by the preview image generation unit 49, the display control unit 50 displays the preview image on the preview image display units P1 and P2.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing preview image display processing by the control unit 45 in the present embodiment. Here, attention is focused on the case where the image repeat function is used among the aggregation function and the image repeat function.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when a predetermined operation is performed (YES in step # 21), display control unit 50 displays setting screen G3 on display unit 42, and display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 specifies Various inputs such as region setting input are accepted (step # 22).

  Next, the display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 determines whether or not the “OK” button B13 has been operated (step # 23), and when determining that the “OK” button B13 has not been operated ( If NO in step # 23, the process returns to step # 21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button B13 has been operated (YES in step # 23), the image reading unit 2 performs a reading operation (step S23). # 24) Various image processing is performed on the image data obtained by the reading operation (step # 25). This image processing includes the image repeat processing. Further, the character region detection processing unit 52 detects a character region based on the image data after the image processing (image repeat image image data) (step # 26).

  The determination unit 53 determines whether or not the character area included in the specified area protrudes from the specified area (step # 27), and determines that the character area included in the specified area protrudes from the specified area. If so (YES in step # 27), an individual image (an image indicated by an arrow Y in FIG. 8B), which is a structural unit of the image repeat image, is displayed in the size of the display area of the preview image display unit P2 ( An individual preview image corresponding to the number of pixels) is generated (step # 28), and the display control unit 50 displays the individual preview image on the preview image display unit P2 (step # 29).

  Then, the control unit 45 determines whether or not the start button 44 is turned on (step # 30), the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 30), and the designated area and display mode are reset. If no instruction to perform is input (NO in step # 31), the process returns to step # 30, the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 30), and the designated area and display mode are not changed. If an instruction to reset is input (YES in step # 31), the process returns to step # 22.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 45 determines in step # 30 that the start button 44 has been turned on (YES in step # 30), the recording unit 27 performs the image forming operation on the sheet based on the image data generated in step # 25. (Step # 32).

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 53 determines in step # 27 that the character area included in the specified area does not protrude from the specified area (NO in step # 27), the preview image generation unit 49 The entire image for preview is generated by matching the image repeat image with the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P2 (step # 33), and the display control unit 50 previews the entire image for preview. The image is displayed on the image display part P2 (step # 34), and the process of step # 30 is performed.

  As described above, when the control unit 45 detects a character area from the read image and the character area included in the specified area protrudes from the specified area, the specified area may be inappropriate. As a result of the determination, the individual images for preview are displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2, so that the user can accurately confirm the suitability of the designated area.

  In addition, since the MFP 1 determines the target to be displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2, when the individual preview image is to be displayed on the preview image display portions P1 and P2, the individual preview image is displayed. While having the configuration of displaying on the parts P1 and P2, it is possible to omit the trouble of automatically setting the objects to be displayed on the preview image display parts P1 and P2 and setting the user.

  Here, when the character area included in the designated area protrudes from the designated area, it is determined that the designated area may be inappropriate, and the preview image display units P1 and P2 display individual preview images. Although the entire image is displayed, the present invention is not limited to this, and the portion that protrudes from the designated area may be enlarged and displayed.

  (2) As a configuration for selecting (automatically selecting) one of the entire preview image and the individual preview image with the multi-function peripheral 1, the following configuration is also assumed in addition to the modified mode (1). Is done.

  For example, when the entire image obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit 2 is the detection target of the character region detection processing unit 52, the character region can be detected individually even though the character region can be detected in a certain region including the designated region. When the character area detection process is performed by extracting only the image and using the individual image as a detection target of the character area detection processing unit 52, the detection of the character area may be impossible or the detection rate of the character area may be low. Can occur. In such a case, it is considered that an improper designated area is set such that a character area constituting one character is partially lost when an individual image is extracted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the above-described situation occurs, there is a possibility that the setting of the designated area may be inappropriate in order to allow the user to accurately confirm the suitability of the setting of the designated area. Accordingly, the individual image for preview is displayed on the preview image display unit P2.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing preview image display processing by the control unit 45 in the present embodiment. Here, attention is focused on the case where the image repeat function is used among the aggregation function and the image repeat function.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when a predetermined operation is performed (YES in step # 41), display control unit 50 displays setting screen G3 on display unit 42, and display mode setting input request receiving unit 48 specifies Various types of input including area setting input are accepted (step # 42).

  Next, the display mode setting input request acceptance unit 48 determines whether or not the “OK” button B13 has been operated (step # 43), and if it determines that the “OK” button B13 has not been operated ( If NO in step # 43, the process returns to step # 41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button B13 is operated (YES in step # 43), the image reading unit 2 is caused to perform a reading operation (step S43). # 44) Various image processing is performed on the image data obtained by the reading operation (step # 45). This image processing includes the image repeat processing.

  Next, the character region detection processing unit 52 performs character region detection processing on the entire image (image repeat image) after the image processing (step # 46). The character area detection processing unit 52 extracts an individual image from the entire image (step # 47), and performs a character area detection process on the extracted individual image (step # 48).

  Then, the determination unit 53 determines whether or not the character region can be detected in a certain range including the designated region in the entire image, but the character region cannot be detected from the individual image extracted in step # 47. However (step # 49), in this state (YES in step # 49), the preview image generation unit 49 selects an individual image (an arrow Y in FIG. 8B) which is a constituent unit of the image repeat image. Is generated in accordance with the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P2 (step # 50), and the display control unit 50 previews the individual image for preview. The image is displayed on the image display part P2 (step # 51).

  Then, the control unit 45 determines whether or not the start button 44 is turned on (step # 52), the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 52), and the designated area and the display mode are reset. If no instruction to perform is input (NO in step # 53), the process returns to step # 52, and the start button 44 is not turned on (NO in step # 52). If an instruction to reset is input (YES in step # 53), the process returns to step # 42.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 45 determines in step # 52 that the start button 44 has been turned on (YES in step # 52), the recording unit 27 performs the image forming operation on the sheet based on the image data generated in step # 45. (Step # 54).

  On the other hand, in step # 49, the determination unit 53 can detect the character area in a certain range including the designated area in the entire image, but cannot detect the character area for the individual image extracted in step # 47. If it is determined that it is not present (NO in step # 49), the preview image generating unit 49 adjusts the image repeat image according to the size (number of pixels) of the display area of the preview image display unit P2. An image is generated (step # 55), and the display control unit 50 displays the entire preview image on the preview image display unit P2 (step # 56), and performs the process of step # 52.

  Also in this embodiment, since the target to be displayed on the preview image display parts P1 and P2 is determined by the multifunction device 1, the preview individual image is displayed when the preview individual image is to be displayed on the preview image display part P2. While having the configuration of displaying on the display unit P2, it is possible to omit the trouble of automatically setting the target to be displayed on the preview image display unit P2 and setting by the user.

  (3) As a configuration for selecting (automatically selecting) either the entire preview image or the individual preview image with the multi-function peripheral 1, the first embodiment or the modified embodiments (1) and (2) In addition, the following configuration is also assumed.

  That is, when an image repeat image is generated by reducing an individual image corresponding to a specified area, if the degree of reduction is relatively large, a certain image quality may not be satisfied when the image repeat image is formed on paper. is there. In this case, it is preferable to give the user an opportunity to reconsider the reduction ratio.

  Therefore, when the reduction ratio of the individual image is set with the buttons B10 and B11 shown in FIG. 4, the image repeat processing unit 47 repeatedly arranges the individual images reduced at the input reduction ratio in one page. A repeat image is generated, the character region detection processing unit 52 detects a character region in the image repeat image, and whether the determination unit 53 has detected the character region by the character region detection processing unit 52; and Then, it is determined whether or not the character area detected by the character area detection processing unit 52 protrudes from the designated area.

  The preview image generation unit 49 can detect the character region by the character region detection processing unit 52, and if the determination unit 53 determines that the character region does not protrude from the designated region, Since the necessity of giving the user the opportunity to reconsider the reduction ratio is considered to be low, the entire preview image is displayed on the preview image display unit P2, and in other cases, the reduction ratio is reconsidered by the user. Since it is considered highly necessary to give an opportunity, the preview individual image may be displayed on the preview image display unit P2.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the preview image generation unit 49 uses the preview image display mode (the entire image display mode or the individual image display) that has received a setting instruction from the display mode setting input request receiving unit 48. Only the preview image (the whole preview image or the individual preview image) is generated, and the display control unit 50 displays the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 49 as a preview image display unit P1, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the preview image generation unit 49 generates both the entire preview image or the individual preview image, and the display control unit 50 requests the display mode setting input. The preview image display mode in which the setting instruction is received by the receiving unit 48 (the entire image table) A preview image corresponding to the mode or separate image display mode) may be displayed in the preview image display portion P1, P2.

  (5) In the first embodiment, one of the entire preview image and the individual preview image is displayed on the preview image display units P1 and P2. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. As shown in FIG. 14, when a blank portion is generated when the entire preview image is displayed, the individual preview image may be displayed in the blank portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunctional device 2 Image reading part 27 Recording part 41 Operation part 42 Display part 43 Number key group 44 Start button 45 Control part 46 Aggregation process part 47 Image repeat process part 48 Display mode setting input request reception part 49 Preview image generation part 50 Display Control unit 51 Character area detection processing unit 52 Determination unit

Claims (6)

An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium;
A display for displaying an image;
Each image of a plurality of pages obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit as an individual image, a combined image in which each individual image is arranged in one page, and the entire image obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit or A composite processing unit that generates at least one composite image among composite images obtained by repeatedly arranging the individual images in one page using the images of the partial areas as individual images;
The preview whole image obtained by performing processing for displaying the whole image after the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit in a predetermined display area of the display unit, and the individual image in the whole preview image A preview image generating unit capable of generating a preview individual image obtained by performing a process for enlarging and displaying in the predetermined display area of the display unit;
A display control unit that displays the generated preview image in the predetermined display area of the display unit when at least one of the preview entire image and the individual preview image is generated by the preview image generation unit; Image processing device. A first input operation unit for performing an input for selecting either the entire preview image or the individual preview image as a target to be displayed in the predetermined display area of the display unit;
The preview image generation unit generates a preview image selected by the first input operation unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit in the predetermined display area of the display unit. A character region detection processing unit for detecting a character region in the entire image after the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit;
When a composite image formed by repeatedly arranging the individual images in one page as an individual image is an image of a partial region of the image obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit, the character A determination unit that determines whether a character region included in the partial region of the character region detected by the region detection processing unit protrudes from the partial region;
When the determination unit determines that a character area included in the partial area does not protrude from the partial area, the display control unit generates the preview entire image generated by the preview image generation unit Is displayed on the display unit, and when the determination unit determines that a character area included in the partial region is out of the partial region, the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an individual image is displayed on the display unit. When the composite processing unit generates a composite image obtained by reducing and repetitively arranging the individual images, which are images of the entire image or a partial area thereof obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit, in one page, A second input operation unit for inputting a reduction ratio of the individual image;
The composition processing unit generates a composite image in which the individual images reduced by the reduction ratio input by the second input operation unit are repeatedly arranged in one page,
A character region detection processing unit for detecting a character region in the entire image after the synthesis processing by the synthesis processing unit;
Whether or not the character area can be detected by the character area detection processing unit, and whether the character area included in the partial area out of the character area detected by the character area detection processing unit protrudes from the partial area A determination unit for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the character region can be detected by the character region detection processing unit, and the character region included in the partial region does not protrude from the partial region, The entire preview image generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed on the display unit, and otherwise, the individual preview image generated by the preview image generation unit is displayed on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The preview image generation unit generates both the entire preview image and the individual preview image,
2. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the preview entire image in the predetermined display area of the display unit, and displays the preview individual image in a blank portion in the predetermined display region. Image processing device. A third input operation unit for inputting an instruction to form a composite image generated by the composite processing unit on a recording medium after the display processing by the display control unit;
An image forming control unit that causes the image forming unit to execute an operation of forming a composite image generated by the combining processing unit on a recording medium when the instruction is input by the third input operation unit. Item 6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

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