U.S. patent application number 09/961296 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-14 for image processing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Ideyama, Hiroyuki.
Application Number | 20020031282 09/961296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17804788 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020031282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ideyama, Hiroyuki |
March 14, 2002 |
Image processing apparatus
Abstract
An image read by an image reader is rendered into binary data
and then is stored in a document reading memory. In accordance with
the color information provided to the document by a color marker
which is stored in the document reading memory, a document image
subjected to image processing is displayed on a color LCD. The user
can check the color LCD before printing by a printer, such that
photocopying by mistake and the like can be prevented.
Inventors: |
Ideyama, Hiroyuki;
(Toyokawa-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Platon N. Mandros
BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P.
P.O. Box 1404
Alexandria
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
17804788 |
Appl. No.: |
09/961296 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09961296 |
Sep 25, 2001 |
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08747835 |
Nov 13, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
382/309 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/626 20130101;
H04N 1/622 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/309 |
International
Class: |
G06K 009/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 13, 1995 |
JP |
7-294212(P) |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: storing means for
storing the correlation between a plurality of colors of markers
for providing a mark on a document and content of editing processes
set for the colors of the markers respectively; and a printer for
printing out a list of correlation between the plurality of colors
of the markers and content of editing processes set for the colors
of the markers respectively stored by said storing means.
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
including a display for displaying a list of correlation between
the plurality of colors of the markers and content of editing
processes set for the colors of the markers respectively stored by
said storing means.
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
including changing means for changing the correlation between the
plurality of colors of the markers and content of editing processes
set for the colors of the markers respectively.
4. An image processing apparatus, comprising: storing means for
storing a changed correlation between a plurality of colors of
markers for providing a mark on a document and content of editing
processes set for the colors of the markers respectively; and a
printer for printing out a list of the changed correlation between
the plurality of colors of the markers and content of editing
processes set for the colors of the markers respectively stored by
said storing means.
5. The image processing apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:
means for changing a correlation between at least one of a
plurality of colors of markers for providing a mark on a document
and content of editing processes set for the colors of the markers
respectively, to produce the changed correlation.
6. An image processing method, comprising the steps of: changing a
correlation between at least one of a plurality of colors of
markers for providing a mark on a document and content of editing
processes set for the colors of the markers respectively, to
produce a changed correlation; storing the changed correlation; and
printing out a list of the changed correlation between the
plurality of colors of the markers and content of editing processes
set for the colors of the markers respectively stored by said
storing step.
7. An image processing apparatus, comprising: storing means for
storing the correlation between a plurality of colors of markers
for providing a mark on a document and content of editing processes
set for the colors of the markers respectively; and an output unit
for outputting a list of correlation between the plurality of
colors of the markers and content of editing processes set for the
colors of the markers respectively stored by said storing
means.
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
said output unit includes a display for displaying a list of
correlation between the plurality of colors of the markers and
content of editing processes set for the colors of the markers
respectively stored by said storing means.
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further
including changing means for changing the correlation between the
plurality of colors of the markers and content of editing processes
set for the colors of the markers respectively.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image processing
apparatus, and particularly to an image processing apparatus which
reads a document having information for editing images (i.e., area
specification) marked thereon by a marker to perform an image
editing process to the read document image according to the read
information.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Image processing apparatuses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,220,416; U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,041; U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,182 and
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 5-14630 in which a user marks or
specifies an area of a document by a color marker (the term, as
used herein, refers to a coloring pen) of a predetermined color
before the document is read by a scanner or the like, thereby
performing an image editing process (for example, trimming and
masking) to the marked or area-specified image.
[0005] In addition, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 5-211600
discloses an apparatus in which colors of a plurality of color
markers and the image editing process corresponding to each of the
colors are registered in advance such that the user can select the
editing process by choosing the color.
[0006] However, there have been the following problems (1) to (4)
in such image processing apparatuses.
[0007] (1) In the conventional image processing apparatus in which
image editing process is performed using a marker, the result of
editing could be known only after copy output by a printer.
[0008] (2) In the conventional image processing apparatus in which
an area to be edited is specified by a marker, when the edited
result is not what the user of the apparatus had expected, the user
had to specify the area in the document to be edited once again by
a marker.
[0009] (3) In addition, in the conventional image processing
apparatus in which an area to be edited is specified by a marker,
the content of editing corresponding to the color of the marker had
to be specified separately by the user, which had been troublesome
for the user.
[0010] (4) Among a plurality of editing processes, the editing
process desired may differ from user to user such that a standard
process memorized by the apparatus would be of no use since it
often is not what the user desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Based upon the foregoing, an object of the present invention
is to make the a conventional image processing apparatus to be used
more conveniently.
[0012] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to
one aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus
includes a detector for detecting an area which is indicated by a
mark provided on a document, an editing processing unit for editing
the image data within the area detected by the detector, and a
display for displaying an image data performed the editing
process.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, the image data
obtained after editing process is performed to the image data
within the marked area can be displayed on the display.
Accordingly, the user of the apparatus can check the output result
of the edited image data on the display before it is printed out so
as to prevent an image subjected to undesired editing from being
output from the printer.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an image processing apparatus includes a scanner for scanning a
document having an area which is indicated by a mark, a detector
for detecting the position of the area from the image data obtained
by the scanner, an editing process unit for performing editing
process to the image data within the area, and a display which can
display the image data obtained by the scanner as well as an image
data performed the editing process.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention, since the image
data obtained from the scanner can be displayed on the display, the
user of the apparatus can check the range (area) specified by the
marker easily, and thus the apparatus would be utilized more
conveniently. In addition, since it is also possible to check which
color of the marker is used for the specification, the convenience
of the apparatus is further improved.
[0016] More preferably, the image processing apparatus has a
display switching unit for switching to the display. The display
switching unit performs switching between the display of image data
obtained by the scanner and the image data performed editing
process.
[0017] In accordance with the present invention, switching is
performed between display of image data after editing process on
the display and display of image data obtained by the scanner on
the display such that unnecessary displaying is eliminated, thereby
making the apparatus more convenient.
[0018] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes a
determination unit for determining the number of areas which are
indicated by a mark provided on a document.
[0019] Still more preferably, the image processing apparatus
inhibits display of image data on the display when the
determination unit determines that the number of areas is smaller
than a predetermined number.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, when the number of
marked areas in the document image is small, it may be considered
that there is little need of checking the state obtained after
editing process, and thus display of document image after editing
process on the display is inhibited. Accordingly, efficiency of
printing output of the document image is improved, such that the
apparatus can be used more conveniently.
[0021] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes a
determination unit for determining the number of colors of the mark
provided the document.
[0022] Still more preferably, the image processing apparatus
inhibits the display of image data on the display when the number
of colors of the mark is smaller than a predetermined number.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, when the number of
colors of the mark used for specifying the areas to be edited in
the document image is small, it may be considered that there is
little need of checking the state obtained after editing process,
and thus display of document image after editing process on the
display is inhibited. Accordingly, efficiency of printing output of
the document image is improved, such that the apparatus can be used
more conveniently.
[0024] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes a
changing unit for changing the correlation between the plurality of
marker colors and the editing processes preset for each of the
marker colors.
[0025] In accordance with the present invention, the user can
change the correlation between each of the marker colors and the
editing process, and thus the apparatus is used more
conveniently.
[0026] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes a
document conveying device for setting the document on the platen to
read the document image by the scanner, and then discharging the
document from the platen.
[0027] Still more preferably, the image processing apparatus
inhibits displaying of image data on the display when the document
conveying device is in use.
[0028] In accordance with the present invention, when the document
conveying device is in use, it is often desired that completion
speed of the document image forming operation is made higher, and
thus display of image data on the display is inhibited.
Accordingly, efficiency of printing output is improved, and the
apparatus can be used more conveniently.
[0029] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes an
area adding unit for adding an area to be edited on the display on
which the image data is displayed.
[0030] In accordance with the present invention, it is made
possible to set a new area intended to be edited in addition to the
marked area, and thus the apparatus is used more conveniently.
[0031] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes an
area correction unit for correcting the area to be edited on the
display on which the image data is displayed.
[0032] In accordance with the present invention, the user of the
apparatus can correct the area to be edited on the display such
that the apparatus is used more conveniently.
[0033] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, an image processing apparatus includes a memory for
storing the correlation between a plurality of marker colors and
the editing process set for each of the marker colors, and a
printer for printing out a list of correlation between the
plurality of marker colors stored in the memory and the editing
process set for each of the marker colors.
[0034] In accordance with the present invention, a list of
correlation between the plurality of marker colors and the editing
process set for each of the marker colors is printed out as a
sample. Accordingly, even when there is a slight difference between
the color displayed on the display and the real color, the user can
check the color close to the real printed out color, and thus the
apparatus is used more conveniently.
[0035] More preferably, the image processing apparatus includes a
changing unit for changing the correlation between the plurality of
marker colors and the editing process set for each of the marker
colors.
[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the user of the
apparatus can change the correlation between the plurality of
marker colors and the editing process corresponding to each of the
marker colors arbitrarily and thus the apparatus is used more
conveniently.
[0037] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
photocopier of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a front cross sectional view of the photocopier of
FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic circuitry of the
photocopier shown in FIG. 1
[0041] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for display mode switching
process.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a specific example of step S108
in FIG. 4.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows an example of the content of document reading
memory 109 and the read document.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a specific example of the content of
display memory 114 and content stored in editing memory 117.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows an image plane for the user to select the
relationship between a color of a marker and the process
corresponding to the color.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the printed-out color
of the marker and the process corresponding to the color.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows an image plane for changing the relationship
between the color of the marker and the process corresponding to
the color.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows an image plane for urging the user to set the
documents.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows an image plane on which the read document is
displayed.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows an image plane for urging instruction from the
user for copying.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows an image plane for adding to or correcting the
instruction by the marker on the display.
[0052] FIG. 15 shows an image plane in a state where a document
laid to be longer in the lateral direction is read.
[0053] FIG. 16 shows an image plane for adding to or correcting the
instructions by the marker in the case where a document laid to be
longer in the lateral direction is read.
[0054] FIG. 17 is a flow chart for a process in the editing
operation routine (S107) of FIG. 4.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a flow chart for a process in the corrected and
changed area displaying routine (S10) of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention
will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in
which the same reference characters denote the same or
corresponding portions.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a color photocopier 100 includes an
auto document feeder (or ADF) 200 for conveying a large amount of
documents successively onto a platen and for discharging them
automatically from the platen out of the machine after their images
are read, a sorter 400 for sorting the paper for photocopying, a
film projector 500 for copying an image from a film document, a
screen editor 600 characteristic in the photocopier according to
the present embodiment, and a printer controller 700 for using this
photocopier as a color printer by connecting it to a personal
computer or an EWS (workstation).
[0058] Screen editor 600 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD)
115 on which a menu for various operations is displayed for giving
instructions of operations to the user.
[0059] In addition, on this color LCD 115, a transparent tablet is
stacked for detecting the coordinates designated by the user, and
by an input by the user with a pen 800, the coordinates on color
LCD 115 can be input directly to the apparatus.
[0060] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view for illustrating the
mechanism of the color photocopier shown in FIG. 1.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the photocopier is generally comprised
of image reader portion 30 and printer portion 20. Each of these
portions will be described in the following.
[0062] (1) Image Reader Portion 30
[0063] Image reader portion 30 includes a platen 31 for stacking a
document thereon, a scanner 32 for scanning the document with
exposure light, an image sensor (CCD) 201 for sensing the reflected
light from the document, a image signal processing portion 330 for
processing signals from image sensor 201, a print head (PH)
controlling portion 335 for providing a control signal to the
printer portion in accordance with the signal from image signal
processing portion 330, and a pulse motor 35 for driving scanner
32.
[0064] The image of the document placed on platen 31 is scanned
with exposure light by scanner 32, and the light reflected from the
image is photoelectrically converted by image sensor 201. The
photoelectrically converted signal is subjected to a predetermined
process at image signal processing portion 330 so as to produce
digital image data to drive laser diode. The produced digital image
data is transmitted to print head controlling portion 335.
[0065] (2) Printer Portion 20
[0066] Printer portion 20 is generally formed of an image creating
portion, a developing unit portion, and a paper processing portion.
Details thereof are given separately in the following.
[0067] (a) Image Creating Portion
[0068] The image creating portion includes a laser device 21 driven
in accordance with the digital image data transmitted from image
reader portion 30, a photosensitive drum 4 for writing
electrostatic latent image, a developing unit 6 for developing by a
toner, a transfer drum 10 for transferring the image onto the
surface of the paper, and a drum driving motor 22 for driving the
photosensitive drum and the transfer drum.
[0069] Laser device 21 is driven by the input digital image data
and the like. Laser device 21 being driven causes formation of
electrostatic latent image on the surface of photosensitive drum 4.
The electrostatic latent image is toner-developed by developing
unit 6, and is transferred onto the surface of the paper for
printing placed on the transfer drum.
[0070] At this time, photosensitive drum 4 and transfer drum 10 are
driven in synchronization by driving motor 22.
[0071] (b) Developing Unit 6
[0072] Developing unit 6 includes a magenta developer 6M for
development by a magenta toner, a cyan developer 6C for development
by a cyan toner, a yellow developer 6Y for development by a yellow
toner, a black developer 6K for development by a black toner, four
toner hoppers for supplying the toner of the corresponding color to
each of the developers, and a developing unit motor 61 for moving
developing unit 6 in a vertical direction.
[0073] (c) Paper Processing Portion
[0074] The paper processing portion includes housing cassettes 42
to 44 for putting in the papers for printing, and an intermediate
housing portion 50 for temporarily putting in the papers.
[0075] A paper drawn out from any one of the housing cassettes 42
to 44 or supplied from intermediate housing portion 50 is conveyed
to transfer drum 10 by a group of conveying rollers and is rolled
onto transfer drum 10. Thereafter, toner images (of 4 colors at
most) on photosensitive drum 4 are successively transferred onto
the paper.
[0076] The paper on which images are transferred is then separated
from the transfer drum 10, subjected to image fixation by a fixing
device 48, and is discharged at a discharge tray 49.
[0077] It may be noted that the apparatus is provided with a timing
roller pair 45 for taking resist timing when the paper is conveyed,
and a conveying belt 47.
[0078] The above described group of rollers, conveying belt 47 and
the like are driven by a main motor 41.
[0079] In addition, in transfer drum 10, a tip chuck claw for
chucking the tip of the paper, an adsorption charger 11 for
electrostatical adsorption of the paper to transfer drum 10, a
paper clamping roller 12 for clamping the paper, a transfer charger
14 for causing the toner image appearing on the photosensitive drum
to be sucked and transferred onto the paper, dischargers 16, 17 for
discharging from the transfer drum to separate the paper, and a
separation claw for peeling off the paper from the transfer
drum.
[0080] To intermediate housing portion 50, the paper which has once
gone through the printing process as described above is
introduced.
[0081] Whether the paper which has once gone through the printing
process is conveyed to discharge tray 49 or to intermediate housing
portion 50 is chosen by switching a conveying route switching
portion 53 disposed in the conveying route of the paper already
subjected to fixing process.
[0082] Within the conveying route to intermediate housing portion
50, a conveying route switching portion 54 is further disposed. By
conveying route switching portion 54, selection is made on whether
the conveyed paper is put in intermediate housing portion 50 after
switch-back conveyance with an inversion device 51 or is put
directly into intermediate housing portion 50.
[0083] This selection is made in order to select whether the image
is transferred on the same side of the paper on which printing is
done already when the paper supplied from intermediate housing
portion 50 is conveyed again to the transfer drum (a mode in which
such transfer is performed being referred to as "image overlapping
mode"), or is transferred on the rear side (in a mode similarly
referred to as "both-sides copying mode").
[0084] On the transfer drum, a reference location sensor 13 for
detecting the reference location of the transfer drum, and an
actuator plate 13a for actuating the reference location sensor are
further disposed.
[0085] Operations of the above-described image reader portion 30
and printer portion 20 are described further hereinbelow.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic circuitry for
image processing provided to the photocopier of FIG. 1.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic circuitry for image
processing includes an image reader (hereinafter also referred to
as "IR" and which corresponds to image reader portion 30 in FIG.
2.) 30, a mono-color processing portion 102 for performing
mono-color processing in which the image data (8 bits for each of
RGB) obtained by IR 30 are replaced by a mono-color image data, a
color conversion processing portion 103 for color conversion
process in which image data of a specific color in the signals
output from mono-color processing portion 102 are replaced by
another color, an NP inversion processing portion 104 for inverting
the NP (negative/positive) of the signal output from color
conversion processing portion 103, an erase processing portion 105
for partially erasing the signals output from NP inversion
processing portion 104, an image processing portion 106 for other
image processes, and a printer 107 (printer portion 20 in FIG. 2)
for printing out the image data output from image processing
portion 106.
[0088] In addition, the circuitry includes, as a block for editing,
a binary conversion processing portion 108 for rendering the image
data output from IR 30 into binary data, a document reading memory
109 for storing the binary image data separated into data of each
of the colors including black, red, green and blue, a control CPU
110 for controlling the read image and the output image, a display
memory 114 for recording the content of the data displayed on color
LCD 115, color LCD 115, a pen input tablet 116 loaded on color LCD
115, an editing memory 117 employed for editing the image data
consisting of memory for eight image planes, a work memory 118 of
memory for two image planes forming a working area, and an editing
function decoder 119 for controlling which of mono-color processing
portion 102, color conversion processing portion 103, NP inversion
processing portion 104, erase processing portion 105 would be made
effective in accordance with data recorded in editing memory
117.
[0089] Control CPU 110 includes an image reduction processing
portion 111 for reducing the size of the image to display the read
document on color LCD, an editing function set processing portion
112 for setting the editing function in accordance with the
coordinates data input from the pen input tablet, and a drawing
processing portion 113 for drawing the outline of the area to be
edited also in accordance with the input coordinates data.
[0090] Description will now be made for the process flow in the
block diagram of FIG. 3. In general, there are two types of process
flows. One is a flow in a mode in which document is read and
displayed on the color LCD (hereinafter referred to as "document
display mode"), and the other is a flow in a mode in which the read
image data is printed directly by printer 107 (hereinafter referred
to as "copy mode").
[0091] In document display mode, the image data read by IR 30 is
displayed on color LCD 115 via binary conversion processing portion
108, document reading memory 109, control CPU 110, and display
memory 114.
[0092] Meanwhile, in copy mode, the image data read from IR 30 is
output to printer 107 via mono-color processing portion 102, color
conversion processing portion 103, NP inversion processing portion
104, erase processing portion 105 and image processing portion
106.
[0093] In document display mode, the digital image data output from
IR 30 is rendered into binary data by binary conversion processing
portion 108. The digital image data is a full-color image data of 8
bits, 400 DPI (dot-per-inch) for each of R, G, B. Since a large
memory capacity is required to store these data in the memory, the
digital image data output from IR 30 is rendered into binary data
by binary conversion processing portion 108 and has its resolution
lowered from 400 DPI to 100 DPI. In this way, amount of information
is reduced.
[0094] Then, the data rendered into binary data is stored in
document reading memory 109. Document reading memory 109 is formed
of a structure including four planes. One of them is a plane of
memory for the color black. The plane of memory for black stores
the black portion of the document image (that is, the monotone
image itself). The remaining three planes are for red, green and
blue, and these three planes (3 bits) can indicate information for
eight colors. Here, the planes of memory for red, green and blue
stores colored figures indicated by color markers of up to six
colors except for white and black.
[0095] Thereafter, the image data stored in image reading memory
109 is sent to image reduction processing portion 111 inside
control CPU 110 so as to reduce the resolution further.
[0096] This reduction in resolution is performed because, while the
image data in document reading memory 109 has a resolution of 100
DPI, the image displayed by color LCD 115 is about 30 to 50 DPI
(the resolution differing depending on the size of the image to be
displayed), such that further reduction in the size of the image is
required.
[0097] The image data reduced by image reduction processing portion
111 is stored in display memory 114.
[0098] The image data stored in display memory 114 is directly
displayed on color LCD 115.
[0099] On color LCD 115, pen input tablet 116 is stacked.
[0100] User can select the operation menu or newly specify the
edited area easily by inputting with the pen on pen input tablet
116.
[0101] In particular, the user can perform the operation in an
interactive manner owing to operation menu being displayed on color
LCD 115 in accordance with the coordinates data input by pen input
tablet. In addition, by outputting a plurality of operation menus
successively on color LCD 115, the operator can select a desired
mode from hierarchically formed modes.
[0102] Then, the instructions are processed by editing function set
processing portion 112 and drawing processing portion 113 included
in CPU 110.
[0103] In editing function set processing portion 112, process is
performed in an image editing mode (of process according to the
color of the marker) determined by the user. A setting signal is
transmitted from editing function set processing portion 112 to
mono-color processing portion 102, color conversion processing
portion 103, NP inversion processing portion 104 and erase
processing portion 105, thereby performing various types of
operations to the digital image data output from IR 30.
[0104] In drawing processing portion 113, process is performed to
image editing area (that is, the area encircled by the marker)
determined by operation by the user. Drawing processing portion 113
sets the edited area of the image using editing memory 117 and work
memory 118.
[0105] The eight planes included in editing memory 117 each
corresponds to one editing function (image editing mode),
respectively. On each of these planes of the editing memory, a
figure is drawn in which the area specified by the user is colored
completely. More specifically, only the area of the completely
colored figure recorded in editing memory 117 is subjected to image
editing.
[0106] Editing function decoder 119 inputs an area signal (also
referred to as editing area valid signal) according to the figure
recorded in these planes of editing memories 117, and in accordance
with the input area signal, determines which of the processing
portions among mono-color processing portion 102, color conversion
processing portion 103, NP inversion processing portion 104 and
erase processing portion 105 is allocated.
[0107] Editing function decoder 119 outputs a valid signal for
allowing editing function required for the edited area needed for
the editing processing portions allocated.
[0108] More specifically, signal is output to editing function
decoder 119 in accordance with area signal indicating inside and
outside the edited area developed by the editing memory 117, such
that valid/invalid is set for each of the pixels and process is
carried on so that appropriate setting of the edited area is
possible as specified by the user.
[0109] At this time, work memory 118 of two planes is employed as
memory for working upon drawing process to editing memory 117.
[0110] The data subjected to image processing is output onto the
paper as a color image according to electrostatic latent image
scheme by printer 107.
[0111] In the photocopier according to the present embodiment, by
the user encircling the desired area of a monotone document with
markers of colors such as red, green and blue, the image of the
area encircled by the marker is, after the document is read by the
image reader of the photocopier, edited as set corresponding to the
color of the marker having that color.
[0112] As the content of the editing process, for example, hatching
is done on the image within the area encircled by the red marker,
color editing (e.g., to render the image into blue image) is
performed on the image in the area encircled by the green marker,
and reduction in size is performed on the image in the area
encircled by the blue marker.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 6A, description will be given in the
following on the process performed when there are areas in portions
of the document which are encircled by red (R), green (G) and blue
(B) markers.
[0114] First, the document is read by image reader 30 and rendered
into binary data by binary conversion processing portion 108.
Thereafter, the data are stored in document reading memory 109.
[0115] At this time, in document reading memory 109, only the data
for black and white portions of the document are stored at plane
109K where black data are to be stored, as shown in FIG. 6B. Here,
since the document used in the present embodiment is a monotone
document (not including any colors), all of the image data are
stored in plane 109K.
[0116] Meanwhile, at planes 109R, 109G and 109B where red, green
and blue data are to be stored respectively, the shapes of the
markers on the document themselves are stored. That is, plane 109R
stores the shape of the area encircled by the red marker, plane
109G stores the shape of the area encircled by the green marker,
and plane 109B stores the shape of the area encircled by the blue
marker.
[0117] At this time, selection is made on whether the document read
by image reader 30 is displayed with markers by the markers still
appearing thereon (marker display mode) or the image after image
editing is performed on the area encircled by the marker is
displayed (edited display mode) in accordance with the setting by
the user of the apparatus, for example, by input from the key and
icon provided on the display portion or automatic determination by
the apparatus.
[0118] Here, when the marker display mode is selected, data of all
planes of document reading memory 109K to 109B are transferred to
display memory 114 via control CPU 110, and then is displayed on
color LCD 115. This displayed state is shown as image plane 114M of
FIG. 7(A).
[0119] Meanwhile, when edited display mode is selected, image after
image editing is performed in accordance with the colors of the
markers and the locations of the markers is displayed, as shown by
image plane 114S of FIG. 7(A).
[0120] In a state in which image plane 114M of marker display mode
is displayed on LCD 115, the user can further add and correct the
marker areas by input with a pen via pen input tablet 116. For
example, the user can newly add areas (1) and (2) to the state
shown in 114M of FIG. 7(A) to obtain image plane 114T, via tablet
116.
[0121] More specifically, the user can check the states before and
after image editing process is performed, and in addition, can
newly add/correct the marker areas for image editing process via
tablet 116, and thus the apparatus is used more conveniently.
[0122] In each of the planes in editing memory 117 shown in FIG.
7(B), figures indicating the areas to be edited which has been set
by user's marking by the markers or input from the tablet are
stored.
[0123] For example, assume that areas to be edited is set as shown
in image plane 114T of FIG. 7(A). At this time, referring to FIG.
7(B), the area encircled by red marker (R) on the monotone document
is stored in the first plane 117 (1) of editing memory with its
inner portion completely colored.
[0124] Similarly, in the second plane 117(2) and the third plane
117(3) in the editing memory, areas encircled by green (G) and blue
(B) are stored, respectively, in a completely colored state.
[0125] In addition, in the fourth plane 117(4) of the editing
memory, a portion (1) which is newly input from tablet 116 is
written with its inner region completely colored, and in the fifth
plane 117 (5), a portion of (2) input from tablet 116 is stored
with its inner region colored completely.
[0126] Editing function decoder 119 recognizes these areas having
their inner region colored completely, thereby identifies these
areas as areas to be subjected to image editing, and outputs valid
signals to each of the processing portions 102 to 105.
[0127] Description will now be made for the actual procedure for
the user to manipulate the photocopier in accordance with the
present embodiment.
[0128] The user can set the combination of the color of the marker
used to mark the document and the process corresponding to that
color of the marker in an arbitrary manner.
[0129] The menu image plane for selecting the color of the marker
and the process corresponding to that color is shown in FIG. 8.
This menu image plane is displayed on color LCD 115.
[0130] Here, in the frames denoted by 1 to 8 of FIG. 8, six colors
(e.g., blue, green, red, yellow, pink and brown) indicating the
colors of the markers are shown in the left hand side, while the
content of the editing process corresponding to each of the colors
are shown in the right hand side.
[0131] More specifically, by selecting any of the frames 1 to 8 as
desired, the operator can change the setting of the color of the
marker and the corresponding editing process, which was difficult
in the conventional art.
[0132] The content of the editing process corresponding to the
color of the marker shown in the right hand side of the
above-described frame may be indicated by characters and the
like.
[0133] The relationship between the color of the marker and the
corresponding editing process in the above-described frame can be
changed and registered by the user arbitrarily. For example,
hatching process preset as the editing process corresponding to the
red marker can be changed to a process of different editing content
like color editing. More specifically, by indicating the portion of
"registration change" displayed in the upper portion of the image
plane shown in FIG. 8, a manipulation image plane shown in FIG. 10
is displayed on color LCD 115.
[0134] In the image plane of FIG. 10, the left frame of the plane
shows the color of the marker which can be subjected to change of
registration at left hand side LL, and the right hand side LR of
the same frame shows the content of the editing process
corresponding to that color. It shows the currently registered six
colors of the markers and the current content of the editing
processes corresponding to them respectively.
[0135] In addition, at the center of the image plane, a menu M for
changing the setting is displayed. From the six colors LL of the
markers indicated in the left portion of the frame and the content
of the corresponding editing processes LR, the user can choose the
ones which he or she wants to change, and make a selection from
menu M to effect the change.
[0136] If the changing process is completed, the user indicates the
"OK" button displayed at the upper-right corner of the image plane
by the pen such that the set content are registered to the
apparatus, and the manipulation image plane of FIG. 8 will display
the newly registered content instead of the former content.
[0137] In addition, in the image plane of FIG. 8, by indication by
the user of the "Print" button at the upper portion of the plane
with the pen, a sample of marker editing as shown in FIG. 9 is
printed out.
[0138] By looking at this sample, the user can know the colors of
the markers and the editing processes corresponding to those colors
even when not being near the photocopier. Accordingly, it is
possible for the user to conveniently perform the work of coloring
the document by the marker at his or her desk and the like.
[0139] There are slight difference in the tone of the result of
editing between what is displayed on color LCD 115 as shown in FIG.
8 and what can be seen in print as shown in FIG. 9. This is because
LCD 115 has lower resolution. Normally, the result in print can
show the colors more closer to the real colors. In other words, by
printing out the sample of the marker editing shown in FIG. 9, the
user can know the relationship between the colors and the processes
with colors more closer to the real colors.
[0140] By the user selecting either one of the marker editing types
1 to 8 in the image plane shown in FIG. 8 and then indicating the
"OK" portion at the upper-right portion of the image plane by the
pen, the plane shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on color LCD 115.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, the image plane shows the image
indicating the selected color of the marker and the corresponding
content of the editing process at the left hand side, a sample of
the coloring performed on the document at the center, and how the
document should be set to the platen at the right hand side.
[0142] After checking the displayed image plane of FIG. 11, the
user sets the document and indicates the "checked" portion of the
image plane at the lower right portion with the pen. Thus, image
reader 30 starts reading the document.
[0143] Then, when reading of the document is completed, an image
plane shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on color LCD 115.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 12, the image plane displays the colors of
the marker and the corresponding content of the editing process at
its left, and the read document at its right.
[0145] As the document image displayed at the right hand side of
the image plane, in addition to the image of the read document as
it is (i.e., the image still having markers), an image after being
subjected to editing process by specification by the marker can
also be displayed. The user can look at this document image after
editing process so as to check to be sure that the editing with the
specification by the marker is performed.
[0146] After checking the displayed document image, the user
presses the "OK" button at the upper right portion of the image
plane if copying output can be performed at this state, and thus an
image plane as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on color LCD 115.
[0147] Regarding the image plane shown in FIG. 13, the user can set
the number of copies required by a ten key and press the start key
so as to obtain the copies of the document image processed
according to specification by the marker.
[0148] Meanwhile, in the image plane shown in FIG. 12, as a result
of the user's check of the displayed document, if it happens that
there is something wrong with the content of the editing process
and the user wants to make corrections, indication of a "correct"
button by the pen causes an image plane as shown in FIG. 14 to be
displayed on the color LCD 115.
[0149] Referring to FIG. 14, the image plane shows an icon 201 at
its left edge for various kinds of area specification, a menu 203
for specifying the editing process within the specified area at its
right, and a read document 205 at the right hand side of the plane.
The user can make changes and the like on the area and content of
the editing process specified by the marker by pen input on color
LCD 115 while checking the display thereof.
[0150] In the image plane shown in FIG. 12, as a result of the
user's check of the displayed document, if it happens that the user
wants to make further editing, the portion to be edited can be
added by indicating an "add" button at the upper portion of the
image plane by the pen.
[0151] If the read document is laid in a landscape manner (i.e.,
longer in a lateral direction), a read document image plane shown
in FIG. 15 and a corrected document image plane shown in FIG. 16
are output.
[0152] Specifically, positions where an icon 201 for area
specification and menu 203 for specifying editing mode depends on
whether the read document is laid to be longer in vertical or
lateral direction.
[0153] In this way, by changing the displayed positions of the
operation menu and the like corresponding to the orientation or
direction of the document, the document can be displayed on color
LCD 115 to be seen as large as possible.
[0154] Although manual switching of whether the document specified
by the marker is displayed on the color LCD or not can be done at
the side of the user as described above, it is also possible to
automatically switch whether the document is displayed or not.
[0155] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for illustrating the process for
automatically switching whether the document image is displayed on
color LCD 115 or not.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 4, at step S101, determination is made on
whether automatic document feeder (ADF) is employed or not. When it
is (YES at S101), a large amount of documents are subjected to copy
output, and since productivity of the copying is reduced
significantly if display of the document image is performed on the
color LCD for each of the document, the process is progressed to
step S111 and display of the document image on the color LCD is
inhibited.
[0157] When NO at step S101, determination is made at step S103
after pre-scanning at S102 on whether the number of areas in the
document specified by the marker is small, for instance, five or
less. When NO at step S103, that is, when the number of areas is
small, determination is made at step S104 on whether the number of
colors used for the specification by the markers is small or not,
for instance, less than three colors.
[0158] When NO at step S104, that is, if the number of colors of
the marker is small, process is progressed to a mode for displaying
the document (S105). On the other hand, when YES at either of steps
103 or 104, process is progressed to a mode in which document is
not displayed (S111).
[0159] If both of the numbers of marker areas and colors of the
markers are small, the marker specification performed is a simple
one. When every one of the documents are displayed for such simple
marker specification, manipulation by the user would be made
troublesome, and therefore, documents are not displayed on LCD 115
when either one of the number of marker areas and the number of
marker colors is small. It may be noted that the above-described
numbers of the area and markers are arbitrary and can be variable
by the user.
[0160] At step S106, determination is made on whether the mode for
displaying the documents on color LCD 115 is performed.
[0161] When NO at step S106, the image data read by the image
reader at step S112 is not displayed on color LCD 115 and is stored
in editing memory 117 via control CPU 110.
[0162] Thereafter, the image data stored in editing memory 117 at
step S110 is edited, and is copied by the printer. Thus, the
copying is completed.
[0163] On the other hand, when YES at step S106, operation control
is performed for the editing process in accordance with the color
and the area of the marker in the document at step S107.
Thereafter, at step S108, operation control of the image in the
memory is performed by the user. The process at step S108 will be
described later.
[0164] At step S109, determination is made on whether instruction
is given from the user to start printing (more specifically,
whether the start key is pressed at FIG. 13) or not.
[0165] When YES at step S109, edited copying is performed at step
S111.
[0166] Meanwhile, if NO at step S109, processes of steps S107 and
S108 are repeated again.
[0167] FIG. 17 shows a sub routine for editing operation
controlling process of step S108 shown in FIG. 4.
[0168] First, at step S201, image plane of color LCD 115 is
switched to the state shown in FIG. 8. Then, determination is made
on whether the print key an the upper portion of the image plane of
FIG. 8 is ON or not at step S202. Here, when print key is ON,
sample indicating the colors of the markers and the content of the
editing processes corresponding to those colors is printed out as
shown in FIG. 9 at step S203. Thereafter, process from step S201 is
performed.
[0169] Meanwhile, if it is determined that print key is not ON at
step S202, determination is made on whether a registration change
key at the upper portion of the image plane shown in FIG. 8 is ON
or not at step S204. Here, if registration change key is ON, the
image plane of color LCD 115 is switched to the state shown in FIG.
10 at step S205. Then, after changing the content of the editing
process at step S206, the process is halted, waiting for the OK
button to be ON at step S207. Thereafter, when the OK button is
turned ON, the changed content of the editing process is
registered. Then, process from step S201 is performed.
[0170] Meanwhile, if it is determined that registration change key
is not ON at step S204, determination is made on whether one of the
frames 1 to 8 in the image plane of FIG. 8 is selected at step
S209. Here, for example, if the ON key at the upper portion of the
image plane of FIG. 8 is pressed after the user has selected frame
6 (step S210), the image plane of color LCD 115 is switched to the
state shown in FIG. 11 (step S211). Then, the user presses the
"checked" key after checking the sample, how the documents are set
and the like, and the process returns to the main routine.
[0171] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for illustrating the specific example
for the memory operation controlling process of step S108 shown in
FIG. 4.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 5, document is read by the image reader at
step S1. The read data is stored in document reading memory
109.
[0173] At step S2, determination is made on whether the marker
display mode is selected in which the read document with markers
thereon is displayed as it is, or the edited display mode is
selected in which the document after being edited according to the
marker is displayed.
[0174] When it is determined that the marker display mode is
selected at step S2 (YES at step S2), data corresponding to all of
the colors are transferred from all of the planes 109K to 109B of
the document reading memory to display memory 114. Accordingly, the
read document image is displayed on color LCD 115 as it is. Then,
the image plane of LCD 115 is switched to the state shown in FIG.
12 at step S4.
[0175] Thereafter, at step S5, determination is made on if there is
addition of area indicated with the marker by the user. This is a
determination on whether the add key at the upper portion of the
image plane shown in FIG. 12 is ON/OFF.
[0176] If YES at step S5, the displayed image plane is switched to
the state shown in FIG. 14 at step S6, the user adds an area
through icon 201, and the added area is displayed.
[0177] After the process of step S6, the process from step S5 is
carried on again.
[0178] When NO is determined at step S5, determination is made at
step S9 on whether there should be any correction or change to the
edited area specified by the marker at step S9 and the area added
at step S6. In other words, ON/OFF of the correct key at the upper
portion of the image plane shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is
determined.
[0179] When YES at step S9, the user makes corrections/changes to
the area so that the result is displayed, at step S10.
[0180] Detailed description will now be given for the control (step
S10) of display process of corrected/changed area, with reference
to FIG. 18.
[0181] First, when it is determined that correct key is ON at step
S9, the image plane of FIG. 12 which had been displayed on color
LCD 115 is switched to the image plane of FIG. 14 (step S301).
Then, determination is made on whether pen 800 is pressed onto any
one point of the marker in the marker area displayed on tablet 116
(step S302). If pen 800 is pressed onto any one point on the
marker, the user moves this pen 800 on tablet 116 while still
pressing the tablet with the pen (step S303). Then, at step S304,
detection is made on whether pen 800 is lifted up from the tablet
or not. Thereafter, the coordinates of the point where pen 800 was
lifted up from tablet 116 is recognized at CPU 110 and is stored
(step S305).
[0182] However, correction is made only to the coordinates of an
arbitrary one point of the marker with the control performed until
step S305. Therefore, the entire coordinates of the marker area is
corrected in accordance with this recognized coordinates of one
arbitrary point of the marker (step S306), and according to this
corrected coordinates, a new marker area is developed in display
memory 114 (step S307). Then, the process is returned.
[0183] If the pen 800 had been pressing the tablet 116 at a point
which is not an arbitrary one point on the marker, process is
returned without allowing correction/change of the marker area.
[0184] When NO is determined at step S9, it is decided at step S11
whether the area specified by the marker at step S11 and area
added, corrected or changed at steps S6, S10 are determined or not.
More specifically, this determination is performed by the user
indicating the "OK" region (FIG. 14) displayed on the image plane
by the pen.
[0185] When YES at step S11, the document image together with the
area specified by the marker is stored in editing memory 117.
[0186] On the other hand, if NO in step S11, process from step S6
is repeated.
[0187] Meanwhile, when it is determined that edited display mode is
selected in which the image after being subjected to image editing
process of the area encircled by the marker is displayed (NO at
S2), only the content of plane of the memory 109K for black in the
document reading memory is transferred to display memory 114 at
step S7.
[0188] Thereafter, in accordance with the content stored in each of
the planes of the document reading memory, that is, planes for red
109R, green 109G, and blue 109B, data in the display memory is
edited at step S5. In this way, the image plane obtained as a
result of editing by the marker is output on color LCD 115.
[0189] Based upon the foregoing, the photocopier in accordance with
the present embodiment has the following effects.
[0190] (1) Since the result of editing (image processing) according
to the marker is displayed on the color LCD before copy output such
that the user can check this result, photocopying by mistake can be
reduced significantly.
[0191] (2) Even if the result obtained from the editing is not
desirable, since information for editing by the marker can be
added, changed and so on from the tablet on the color LCD, the need
of marking the actual document again is eliminated.
[0192] (3) The user can set the color of the marker and the process
corresponding to the color in a simple manner such that the
apparatus would be utilized more conveniently.
[0193] (4) The operator can color the document with the marker
referring to a sample in print indicating the relationship between
the color of the marker and the process corresponding to that
color. Thus, the apparatus can be utilized more conveniently. In
addition, since the color of the marker on the printed sample is
closer to the real color of the marker as compared to the color
seen on the color LCD, coloring can be done more accurately.
[0194] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is to be taken by way of
limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *