U.S. patent number RE47,951 [Application Number 16/191,167] was granted by the patent office on 2020-04-14 for image processing apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hiroyuki Kawano, Takanobu Otsubo, Hiroshi Sekine.
United States Patent |
RE47,951 |
Sekine , et al. |
April 14, 2020 |
Image processing apparatus
Abstract
There is provided an image processing apparatus where in an
additional image storage unit 3, a color additional image is stored
into a color image storage unit 4, and a black/white additional
image is stored into a black/white image storage unit 5. A color
judging unit 2 judges as to whether an input image corresponds to a
color image, or a black/white image every page thereof. Based upon
the judgment result of the color judging unit 2, an image
synthesizing unit 6 adds the color additional image stored in the
color image storage unit 4 to the input image when the input image
is the color image, and adds the black/white additional image
stored in the black/white image storage unit 5 in the input image
when the input image is the black/white image. Then, the image
synthesizing unit 6 outputs the resulting image synthesized with
the additional image. When the input image is the black/white
image, the black/white additional image is added to this input
image charge amount for the black/white image can be
determined.
Inventors: |
Sekine; Hiroshi (Ebina,
JP), Kawano; Hiroyuki (Ebina, JP), Otsubo;
Takanobu (Ebina, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD. (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
35922801 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/191,167 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09716958 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
7006247 |
Feb 28, 2006 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 2, 2000 [JP] |
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2000-133635 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
1/46 (20130101); H04N 1/3871 (20130101); H04N
1/3871 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06K
15/00 (20060101); H04N 1/387 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;358/1.9,2.1,3.3,500,515,518,529,530 ;382/162,167,165,305
;715/274,275 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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11-192760 |
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Jul 1999 |
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JP |
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H11-261798 |
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Sep 1999 |
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JP |
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020001309171 |
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Nov 2001 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Campbell; Joshua D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oliff PLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image storage
memory that stores .[.one or more.]. additional images; a judging
unit that judges a .[.characteristic.]. .Iadd.plurality of
characteristics .Iaddend.of an input image; and a synthesizing unit
that selects .[.the.]. .Iadd.a plurality of .Iaddend.additional
.[.image.]. .Iadd.images .Iaddend.from the .[.image.]. .Iadd.stored
additional images in the .Iaddend.storage memory based on the
.[.characteristic.]. .Iadd.plurality of characteristics .Iaddend.of
the input image judged by the judging unit and adds the
.Iadd.selected plurality of .Iaddend.additional .[.image.].
.Iadd.images .Iaddend.to the input image.Iadd., wherein at least
one image of the selected plurality of additional images is added
to the input image with respect to each characteristic of the
plurality of characteristics.Iaddend..
2. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said image storage memory stores .Iadd.for each stored additional
image .Iaddend.both a color additional image and a black/white
additional image as said .Iadd.stored .Iaddend.additional image;
wherein said judging unit judges whether said input image
corresponds to a color input image, or a black/white input image;
and wherein said synthesizing unit adds said color additional image
to said input image when said judging unit judges that said input
image is the color input image, and also adds said black/white
additional image to said input image when said judging unit judges
that said input image is the black/white image.
.[.3. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: an image converter that converts a characteristic of an
additional image; and wherein when an additional image
corresponding to the characteristic of said input image is not
stored into said image storage memory, said image converter
converts the additional image stored in said image storage memory
into an additional image having a characteristic in response to the
characteristic of said input image..].
.[.4. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said image storage memory stores a color additional image as said
additional image; wherein said image converter converts the color
additional image stored in said image storage memory into a
black/white additional image; and wherein when said judging unit
judges that said input image is a color image, said synthesizing
unit adds the color additional image stored in said image storage
memory to said input image, whereas when said judging unit judges
that said input image is a black/white image, said synthesizing
unit adds said black/white additional image converted by said image
converter to said input image..].
.[.5. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
when an additional image corresponding to the characteristic of
said input image is not stored into said image storage memory, said
synthesizing unit issues such an instruction that the additional
image stored in said image storage memory is outputted while having
a characteristic corresponding to the characteristic of said input
image; and also adds said additional image to said input
image..].
.[.6. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein
said image storage memory stores a color additional image as said
additional image; and wherein when said judging unit judges that
said input image is a black/white image, said synthesizing unit
adds the color additional image stored in the image storage memory
to said input image in connection with a command for outputting the
color additional image as a black/white image..].
.[.7. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a charging unit to calculate a charge amount in
response to a characteristic of an output image..].
.[.8. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
when said judging unit judges that the characteristic of said input
image is the characteristic of the black/white image, said charging
unit calculates the charge amount for the black/white image,
assuming that the characteristic of said output image corresponds
to the characteristic of the black/white image..].
.[.9. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
said synthesizing unit is capable of selectively determining as to
whether or not said additional image is added to the input image;
and said charging unit is capable of varying a charge amount,
depending upon such a fact as to whether or not said additional
image is added to the input image..].
10. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a charging unit for calculating a charge amount in
accordance with the .[.characteristic.]. .Iadd.plurality of
characteristics .Iaddend.of said input image .[.which is.].
.Iadd.that are .Iaddend.judged by said judging unit.
.[.11. An image processing method comprising: storing one or more
additional images; judging a characteristic of an input image; and
selecting the additional image based on the characteristic of the
input image; and adding the additional image to the input
image..].
.[.12. The image processing method as claimed in claim 11, wherein
both a color additional image and a black/white additional image
are stored as said additional image; wherein said judging the
characteristic of the input image includes judging whether said
input image corresponds to a color input image, or a black/white
input image; and wherein said color additional image is added to
said input image when said input image is judged as the color input
image, and also adds said black/white additional image to said
input image when said input image is judged as the black/white
image..].
.[.13. The image processing method as claimed in claim 11, further
comprising: converting a characteristic of an additional image; and
wherein when an additional image corresponding to the
characteristic of said input image is not being stored, the
additional image that is stored is converted into an additional
image having a characteristic in response to the characteristic of
said input image..].
.[.14. The image processing method as claimed in claim 13, wherein
a color additional image is stored as said additional image;
wherein the color additional image that is stored is converted into
a black/white additional image; and wherein when said input image
is judged as a color image, the color additional image that is
stored is added to said input image, whereas when said input image
is judged as a black/white image, said black/white additional image
is added to said input image..].
.[.15. The image processing method as claimed in claim 11, wherein
when an additional image corresponding to the characteristic of
said input image is not being stored, the additional image that is
stored is outputted while having a characteristic corresponding to
the characteristic of said input image; and said outputted
additional image is added to said input image..].
.[.16. The image processing method as claimed in claim 15, wherein
a color additional image is stored as said additional image; and
wherein when said input image is judged as a black/white image, the
color additional image is added to said input image in connection
with a command for outputting the color additional image as a
black/white image..].
.[.17. The image processing method as claimed in claim 11, further
comprising: calculating a charge amount in response to a
characteristic of an output image..].
.[.18. The image processing method as claimed in claim 17, wherein
when the characteristic of said input image is judged as the
characteristic of the black/white image, the charge amount is
calculated for the black/white image, assuming that the
characteristic of said output image corresponds to the
characteristic of the black/white image..].
.[.19. The image processing method as claimed in claim 17, wherein
said adding an additional image includes selectively determining as
to whether or not said additional image is added to the input
image; and said calculating a charge amount includes varying a
charge amount, depending upon such a fact as to whether or not said
additional image is added to the input image..].
.[.20. The image processing method as claimed in claim 11, further
comprising: calculating a charge amount in accordance with the
characteristic of said input image as judged..].
.Iadd.21. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image
storage memory that stores additional images; a judging unit that
judges a plurality of characteristics of an input image; and a
synthesizing unit that selects one or more additional images from
the additional images stored in the image storage memory based on
the plurality of characteristics of the input image judged by the
judging unit and adds the one or more additional images to the
input image, wherein the one or more additional images is added to
the input image with respect to each of the plurality of
characteristics..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image
storage memory that stores additional images; a judging unit that
judges one or more characteristics of an input image; and a
synthesizing unit that selects a plurality of additional images
from the additional images stored in the image storage memory based
on the one or more characteristics of the input image judged by the
judging unit and adds the plurality of additional images to the
input image, wherein the plurality of additional images are added
to the input image with respect to the one or more
characteristics..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising: an image converter configured to convert a
characteristic of an additional image among the additional images;
and wherein when the image storage memory does not contain among
the additional images an additional image corresponding to a
characteristic among the plurality of characteristics of said input
image, said image converter converts an additional image among the
additional images stored in said image storage memory into an
additional image having a characteristic in response to one of the
characteristics of said input image..Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.This application is a Reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,006,247,
issued Feb. 28, 2006, which issued from U.S. application Ser. No.
09/716,958, filed Nov. 22, 2000, which claims priority to Japanese
Patent Application No. 2000-133635, filed on May 2,
2000..Iaddend.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to an image processing apparatus
which may be applied to various sorts of image output systems such
as a facsimile, a copying machine, and a printer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image output apparatuses known as facsimiles, copying machines, and
printers are manufactured in composite forms by digitally combining
various functions thereof. On the other hand, these image output
apparatuses are gradually connectable to networks such as the
Internet and an intranet. In addition, data transfer speeds via
networks are gradually increased. On the other hand, while hard
disks and semiconductor memories are manufactured in low cost and
with large storage capacities, better environments may be
established under which image data are distributed/stored in
relatively easy manners. For instance, Japanese Laid-open Patent
Application No. Hei-11-192760 discloses the following charge amount
discounting method. That is, in this disclosed apparatus, with
respect to the images outputted on the paper and also the images
transmitted by using the networks and the FAX (facsimiles), the
images such as advertisement information are added, so that the
charge amounts for the users are discounted.
However, in the conventional technique described in the
above-explained publication, since the images such as the
advertisement information are uniformly added, there is such a
possibility that when the image to be outputted by the user
corresponds to the black/white image, the color image is added to
this black/white image. Normally, there are differences in output
speeds in the case that a color image is outputted, whereas a
black/white image is outputted. As a consequence, if a color image
is added to an input image although a user intends to output a
black/white image, then an output speed is lowered due to the added
color image. As a result, there is such a risk that productivity is
considerably lowered.
Also, generally speaking, in a charging system for calculating a
charge amount when an image is outputted, a charge amount shared by
a user when a color image is outputted is different from a charge
amount shared by the user when a black/white image is outputted. As
a consequence, the following problem may occur. That is, even when
an image which is outputted by a user corresponds to a black/white
image, if an added image corresponds to a color image, then this
charging system simply calculates a charge amount for the color
image.
Furthermore, the following case may be conceived. In such an output
apparatus capable of outputting only a black/white image after a
color image has been added to an input image, only such a
black/white image is merely outputted. In such a case, in
accordance with the conventional technique described in the
above-explained publication, the following problems may be
conceived. That is, since the image formed for the color image is
black/white-converted, certain colors are dropped out, and color
differences cannot be discriminated from each other, so that the
content of the image cannot be correctly informed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to solve the above-explained
problems, and therefore, has an object to provide an image
processing apparatus capable of adding an additional image to an
input image in response to a characteristic of this input image,
and capable of outputting an image without deteriorating
productivity when an image is outputted, and also capable of
avoiding dropping of a content of an additional image.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image
processing apparatus capable of calculating a charge amount in a
proper manner even when a charge amount is calculated, and also
even when an additional image is added.
An image processing apparatus, according to the present invention,
is featured by comprising: additional image storage means for
storing thereinto one, or more additional images in response to a
characteristic of an input image; judging means for judging the
characteristic of the input image; and synthesizing means for
adding an additional image corresponding to the characteristic of
the input image stored in the additional image storage means to the
input image in accordance with the judgment result made by the
judging means. For instance, while the additional image storage
means stores thereinto both a color additional image and a
black/white additional image, depending upon such a fact as to
whether the input image corresponds to a color input image, or a
black/white input image, the additional images to be added to the
input image can be switched. As a result, when the input image is
the black/white image, the black/white image can be added to this
input image. This is different from the conventional image
processing apparatus in which only the additional image is the
color image, so that productivity is not lowered. Also, as to the
image to be added, since the additional image corresponding to the
black/white image is added to the black/white input image, dropping
of the content of the additional image can be prevented.
Also, in order to accept such a case that there is no such an
additional image corresponding to a characteristic of an input
image, image converting means for converting a characteristic of an
additional image may be employed. For instance, while a color
additional image is stored in the additional image storage means,
when a black/white image is inputted as an input image, the color
additional image is converted into a black/white additional image
by the image converting means, and then, this converted black/white
additional image may be added to the input image. Also, in this
case, for example, when the input image is the black/white image,
the black/white image can be added to this input image. This is
different from the conventional image processing apparatus in which
only the additional image is the color image, so that the
deterioration of productivity can be avoided.
Otherwise, when an additional image corresponding to the
characteristic of the input image is not stored, it is possible to
issue such an instruction that this additional image is outputted
while having a characteristic corresponding to the characteristic
of the input image, and also add the additional image to the input
image. For example, while a color additional image is stored in the
additional image storage means, when a black/white image is
inputted as an input image, the color additional image stored in
the additional image storage means is added to the input image in
connection with a command for outputting the color additional image
as a black/white image. As a consequence, when the image to which
the additional image is added is actually outputted, both the input
image and the additional image can be outputted as the black/white
images. This is different from the conventional image processing
apparatus in which only the additional image corresponds to the
color image, so that lowering of the productivity can be
prevented.
Furthermore, when a charge amount is calculated, as explained
above, since the additional image in correspondence with the
characteristic of the input image is added, if the charge amount
calculation is performed in accordance with the characteristic of
the input image, then the charge amount can be calculated in a
proper manner. As a consequence, even when the color additional
image is added to the black/white image, the charge amount for the
user can be handled as the charge amount for the black/white image.
Otherwise, the charge amount calculation may be carried out in
accordance with the judgment result of the input image by the
judging means. Alternatively, the charge amount may be varied,
depending upon such a condition as to whether or not the additional
image is added.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for showing an image processing apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for describing an example of operation of the
image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams for explaining one example
of an input image and an output image in the image processing
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a
charging method employed in the image processing apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining another
example of an input image and an output image in the image
processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for showing an image processing apparatus
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for describing an example of operation of
the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for showing an image processing apparatus
according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart for describing an example of operation of
the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Now, a description will be given in more detail of preferred
embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for indicating an image processing
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In this drawing, reference numeral 1 shows an interface unit,
reference numeral 2 indicates a color judging unit, reference
numeral 3 represents an additional image storage unit, reference
numeral 4 shows a color image storage unit, and reference numeral 5
demotes a black/white image storage unit. Also, reference numeral 6
shows an image synthesizing unit, reference numeral 7 indicates an
image output unit, and reference numeral 8 is a control unit. The
interface unit 1 receives an input image which is transferred
outside this image processing apparatus. The input image may be
realized by, for example, image data represented by a raster
format, and other various data such as image data described by a
page description language (will be referred to as a "PDL"
hereinafter). The input image is supplied to both the color judging
unit 2 and the image synthesizing unit 6.
The color judging unit 2 judges as to whether each of output pages
is color, or black/white with respect to an input image. When such
a portion other than a black/white portion is present even in an
output page, this color judging unit 2 can judge that the input
image thereof is a color image.
The additional image storage unit 3 can store thereinto one, or
more additional images which are added to the input image. In the
example of FIG. 1, both the color image storage unit 4 and the
black/white image storage unit 5 are provided. In the color image
storage unit 4, such an additional image is stored which is
outputted in an optimum condition in such a case that an image is
outputted in a color mode. Also, in the black/white image storage
unit 5, such an additional image is stored which is outputted in an
optimum condition in such a case that an image is outputted in a
black/white mode. Similar to the input image, as the additional
images stored in the color image storage unit 4 and the black/white
image storage unit 5, various formats of data such as the raster
format and the PDL format may be employed. Alternatively, as to the
color image and the black/white image, a plurality of additional
images may be stored into the color image storage unit 4 and the
black/white image storage unit 5.
The image synthesizing unit 6 owns the following function. That is,
in response to a judgment result made by the color judging unit 2,
this image synthesizing unit 6 adds to an input image, any one of a
color additional image stored in the color image storage unit 4 and
a black/white additional image stored in the black/white storage
unit 5. For example, in such a case that the color judging unit 2
judges that an inputted image is a color image, the image
synthesizing unit 6 can add the color additional image stored in
the color image storage unit 4 to this input color image. For
example, in such a case that the color judging unit 2 judges that
an inputted image is a black/white image, the image synthesizing
unit 6 can add the black/white additional image stored in the
black/white image storage unit 5 to this input black/white image.
Apparently, even when an inputted image is a black/white image, the
image synthesizing unit 6 may add the color additional image to
this input black/white image. In a process operation for adding an
additional image to an input image, for example, when output image
data owns the raster format, the input image may be synthesized
with the additional image. Also, for instance, when output image
data owns the PDL format, such a command may be transferred to the
image output unit 7, by which both the input image and the output
image are imaged into the same page.
The image output unit 7 forms an image in accordance with such
image data obtained by adding an additional image to an input image
by the image synthesizing unit 6. Alternatively, the image output
unit 7 may output this image data to, for example, an external
network. Even when an image is formed in this image output unit 7,
and also even when an image is formed via the external network in
another apparatus, there are many possibilities that an efficiency
is lowered when a color image is formed, as compared with that when
a black/white image is formed. However, since the image
synthesizing unit 6 adds the additional image to the input image,
depending upon such a fact that this input image corresponds to
either the color image or the black/white image, for instance, if
the black/white additional image is added to the black/white input
image, then the black/white image can be formed in a higher
efficiency. Thus, lowering of productivity can be suppressed, which
is caused by that only the color additional image is added to the
black/white input image.
The control unit 8 controls an entire operation of the image
processing apparatus. In this case, this control unit 8 also
preforms a reading control operation of an additional image with
respect to the additional image storage unit 3 in accordance with
the judgment result derived from the color judging unit 2, and
further, executes an adding control operation of an additional
image to an input image in the image synthesizing unit.
Alternatively, as apparent from the foregoing description, these
control operations may be carried out in the respective units.
Furthermore, the control unit 8 may perform a control operation
related to a charging operation (charging system). The charging
operation may be carried out based upon, for example, a
characteristic of an image outputted from the image output unit 7.
As an example, this charging operation may be performed, depending
upon such a fact that an output image corresponds to either a color
image or a black/white image. Alternatively, the charging operation
may be carried out based upon a judgment result of a characteristic
of an input image judged in the color judging unit 2. For example,
this charging operation may be carried out, depending upon such a
fact that an input image corresponds to either a color image or a
black/white image. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus
may be arranged in such a selectable manner as to whether or not an
additional image is added from an external source. In response to
this instruction, the control unit 8 may control the image
synthesizing unit 6. A charge amount calculated in the charging
operation may be made different from each other, depending upon
such a fact as to whether or not an additional image is added.
Furthermore, the image processing apparatus may be alternatively
arranged in such a way that a color additional image is always
designated as the additional image, or a black/white additional
image is always designated as the additional image.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for describing an example of operations of
the above-described image processing apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it
is so assumed that while an input image described in the PDL format
is entered into the interface unit 1, an image outputted
(synthesized) from the image synthesizing unit 6 is also data
described in the PDL format. Apparently, both the format of the
input image and the format of the image outputted from the image
synthesizing unit 6 are not limited to the above-explained PDL
formats, but also may be the raster formats by which operations of
this image processing apparatus are substantially same as these as
to the data having the PDL format.
In the flow chart of FIG. 2, when the interface unit 1 receives an
input image, the color judging unit 2 judges at a step S11 as to
whether of not each of pages of the input image corresponds to a
color page, or a black/white page. In the case that the color
judging unit 2 judges that this relevant page corresponds to the
color page, the image synthesizing unit 6 adds a PDL command to the
data of the input image which is described by the PDL format, and
then outputs PDL data of an image of this page to the image output
unit 7 at a step S12. This PDL command is used to add the color
additional image stored in the color image storage unit 4.
On the other hand, in such a case that the relevant page of the
input image corresponds to the black/white page which is judged by
the color judging unit 2, the image synthesizing unit 6 adds a PDL
command to the data of the input image which is described by the
PDL format, and then outputs PDL data of an image of this page to
the image output unit 7 at a step S13. This PDL command is used to
add the black/white additional image stored in the color image
storage unit 5.
At a step S14, a check is made as to whether or not pages of the
input image up to a final page have been outputted. When the pages
up to the final page have not yet been outputted, the process
operation is returned to the previous step S11 in order to execute
the image processing operation as to the next page. As previously
explained, the above-described image processing operation is
repeatedly carried out as to all of the pages contained in the
input image.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams for explaining one example
of an input image and an output image in the image processing
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. Since the above-explained operation of the image
processing apparatus is carried out, for instance, as indicated in
FIG. 3A, in the case that an input image corresponds to a color
document, such a document to which a color additional image is
added is outputted as an image to be outputted. Also, for instance,
as shown in FIG. 3B, in the case that an input image corresponds to
a black/white document, such a document to which a black/white
additional image is added is outputted as an image to be outputted.
It should be that although the additional image is inserted into
the upper portion of the document in FIGS. 3A and 3B, this position
where the additional image is inserted is arbitrarily
selectable.
As previously described, in such a case that the output apparatus
is an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a time duration
required to form a color image becomes several times longer than a
time duration required to form a black/white image. As previously
explained, since the black/white additional image is added to the
black/white input image, the additional image can be added, while
the productivity is not lowered when the black/white image is
outputted.
Also, in this first embodiment, since the color additional image
and the black/white additional image are separately saved, as
represented in FIG. 3A, the present image processing unit is not
limited to such a case that the color additional image is added,
but also not limited to such a case that the black/white additional
image is added (see FIG. 3B). Therefore, the optimum additional
image can be added with respect to the black/white image. As a
consequence, the following problems can be prevented. That is to
say, the image becomes unclear, and also the contents of the image
cannot be read, depending upon the color in such an example that
the color image is formed in the black/white ink.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a
charging system employed in the image processing apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this
example, it is so assumed that a selection can be made as to
whether or not an additional image is added to an input image.
Also, in this example, a charge amount is made different, depending
upon such a fact as to whether an input image corresponds to a
color image, or a black/white image. In other words, 4 sorts of
charging systems are managed by determining as to whether or not an
additional image is added to an input image, and also by checking
as to whether an input image corresponds to a color image, or a
black/white image. In general, a charge amount required when a
color image is outputted in higher than a charge amount required
when a black/white image is outputted, for instance, a charge
amount "A" is higher than another charge amount "C". Also, assuming
now that an advertisement is added as an additional image to form
an image, since a charge amount of the added advertisement is
shared by an advertisement owner, a charge amount of the output
image may be reduced when such an additional image is added. In
other words, the charge amount "B" may be made cheaper than the
charge amount "A", and also, a charge amount "D" may be made
cheaper than the charge amount "C." Apparently, in the case that an
additional image such as an advertisement is added, a charge amount
may be set to a free charge.
For instance, in FIG. 3A, when a color input image is outputted
without adding an additional image, the charge amount "A" is
applied, whereas when the additional image is added to the color
input image, the charge amount "B" is applied. In this case, since
the input image is the color image, the same charge amount is
applied even when the additional image corresponds to either the
color image or the black/white image. On the other hand, as shown
in FIG. 3B, when an input image corresponds to a black/white image,
if this input image is directly outputted, then the charge amount
"C" is applied. In such a case that an additional image is added to
this black/white input image, as previously explained, the
black/white image is added thereto. As a result, an output image
becomes a black/white image, so that the charge amount "D" is
applied. Since there is no such a conventional problem that the
color additional image is mistakenly added to the black/white input
image, the below-mentioned charging problem never occurs. That is,
since the color additional image is not added to the black/white
input image in this embodiment, the charge amount as to the color
additional image is not requested.
It should also be noted that FIG. 4 indicates such an example where
the charge amount is classified into 4 sorts of charge amounts "A"
to "D", the present invention is not limited to this charge amount
classification. For example, while a total color number of an input
image is detected, for example, if only two colors (red and black
colors) are used in this input image, a charge amount specific to
such a two-color image may separately defined. Alternatively,
charge amounts may be made different from each other, depending
upon a total number of additional images to be added.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the charge amount is selected based
upon such a fact as to whether the input image is the color image,
or the black/white image. Alternatively, the charging system may be
carried out in a similar manner. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3A and
3B, in the case that when the input image is the color image, the
color additional image is added to this input image, whereas when
the input image is the black/white image, the black/white
additional image is added, the charge amount may be selected,
depending upon such a fact as to whether the image outputted from
either the image synthesizing unit 6 or the image output unit 7
corresponds to either the color image or the black/white image.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining another
example of an input image and an output image in the image
processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention. In the above explanation, if the input image
corresponds to the black/white image, then the black/white
additional image is added to this black/white input image. However,
for instance, the following case may be conceived due to an
intention of an advertisement owner. That is, as to the additional
image, a color additional image must be always added to an input
image. In other words, similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in such a case
that an input image is a color image, a color additional image is
added to this color input image as represented in FIG. 5A. Even
when an input image is a black/white image, a color additional
image is added to this black/white image, as shown in FIG. 5B. For
instance, such an alternative operation may be conceived in the
case that while the output apparatus is the color output apparatus
and the black/white output apparatus, the output speeds are not
varied.
In such an alternative case, even when an input image is a
black/white image, an image outputted from the image synthesizing
unit 6 becomes a color image. However, as shown in FIG. 4, since
the charge amount is selected based upon such a fact as to whether
the input image corresponds to the color image, or the black/white
image, even in such a case that while the input image is the
black/white image, the color additional image is added to this
black/white image similar to the above case, the charge amount may
be determined as the black/white image. As previously explained,
since the charge amount is selected by checking as to whether the
input image corresponds to the color image, or the black/white
image, this image processing apparatus can provide such a charge
system which is very useful for users.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram for showing an image processing
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. It should be understood that the same reference numerals
shown in FIG. 1 will be employed as those for indicating the same,
or similar structural units of FIG. 6, and therefore, explanations
thereof are omitted. Reference numeral 9 indicates a black/white
converting unit 9. In this second embodiment, the black/white image
storage unit 5 is not provided with the additional image storage
unit 3, and such an example is indicated. That is, with respect to
a black/white input image, an additional image corresponding to
this input image is not stored in the additional image storage unit
3.
The black/white converting unit 9 converts a color additional image
stored in the color image storage unit 4 into a black/white
additional image. In response to a judgment result made by the
color judging unit 2, the image synthesizing unit 5 adds to an
input image, any one of the color additional image stored in the
color image storage unit 4 and the additional image which is
converted into the black/white additional image by the black/white
converting unit 9.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operations of
the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment
of the present invention. In this second embodiment, it is so
assumed that while an input image described in the PDL format is
entered into the interface unit 1, an image outputted (synthesized)
from the image synthesizing unit 6 is also data described in the
PDL format. Apparently, both the format of the input image and the
format of the image outputted from the image synthesizing unit 6
are not limited to the above-explained PDL formats, but also may be
the raster formats by which operations of this image processing
apparatus are substantially same as these as to the data having the
PDL format.
In the flow chart of FIG. 7, when the interface unit 1 receives an
input image, the color judging unit 2 judges at a step S21 as to
whether of not each of pages of the input image corresponds to a
color page, or a black/white page. In the case that the color
judging unit 2 judges that this relevant page corresponds to the
color page, the image synthesizing unit 6 adds a PDL command to the
data of the input image which is described by the PDL format, and
then outputs PDL data of an image of this page to the image output
unit 7 at a step S12. This PDL command is used to add the color
additional image stored in the color image storage unit 4.
On the other hand, in such a case that the relevant page of the
input image corresponds to the black/white page which is judged by
the color judging unit 2, the image synthesizing unit 6 receives
the black/white additional image from the black/white converting
unit 9 at a step S23. This black/white additional image is produced
in such a manner that the color additional image stored in the
color image storage unit 4 is converted into the black/white image
in the black/white converting unit 9. Then, this image synthesizing
unit 6 adds such a PDL command to the data of the input image
written by the PDL format, and then outputs PDL data of an image of
this page to the image output unit 7. This PDL command is used to
add the received black/white additional image.
At a step S24, a check is made as to whether or not pages of the
input image up to a final page have been outputted. When the pages
up to the final page have not yet been outputted, the process
operation is returned to the previous step S21 in order to execute
the image processing operation as to the next page. As previously
explained, the above-described image processing operation is
repeatedly carried out as to all of the pages contained in the
input image.
Since the above-explained operation of this image processing
apparatus according to the second embodiment is carried out, for
instance, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the color additional image
is added with respect to the color input image, whereas the
additional image which is converted into the black/white additional
image is added with respect to the black/white input image. As a
consequence, even when a time duration required to form a color
image becomes several times longer than a time duration required to
form a black/white image, since the black/white additional image is
added to the black/white input image, the additional image can be
added, while the productivity is not lowered when the black/white
image is outputted. As apparent from the foregoing description, in
the case that a time duration required to form a color image is not
made different from a time duration required to form a black/white
image, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a color additional image may be
added to a black/white input image.
It should also be noted that since the charging system control
operation of the second embodiment can be carried out in a similar
manner to that of the first embodiment, descriptions thereof are
omitted in this embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram for showing an image processing
apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
It should be understood that the same reference numerals shown in
FIG. 1 will be employed as those for indicating the same, or
similar structural units of FIG. 8, and therefore, explanations
thereof are omitted. Similar to the above-described second
embodiment, in this third embodiment, the black/white image storage
unit 5 is not provided with the additional image storage unit 3,
and such an example is indicated. That is, with respect to a
black/white input image, an additional image corresponding to this
input image is not stored in the additional image storage unit 3.
Also, the image processing apparatus, according to the third
embodiment, may become effective in such a case that an input image
described in the PDC format is entered into the interface unit 1,
and furthermore, an image outputted from the image synthesizing
unit 6 is similarly data described in the PDL format.
In this third embodiment, the image synthesizing unit 6 switches
one instruction and another instruction in response to a judgment
result obtained by the color judging unit 2 as a PDL command by
which a color additional image stored in the color image storage
unit 4 is added to an input image. In one instruction, such a
command for adding a color additional image is added to the input
image. In another instruction, such a command for adding a
black/white additional image is added to the input image. As a
result, for example, when an image described in the PDL format is
interpreted in either the image output unit 7 or an
externally-provided image forming apparatus, either the color
additional image or the black/white input image is added to this
input image in response to the PDL command.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for describing an example of operations of
the above-described image processing apparatus according to the
third embodiment of the present invention. In the flow chart of
FIG. 9, when the interface unit 1 receives an input image, the
color judging unit 2 judges at a step S31 as to whether of not each
of pages of the input image corresponds to a color page, or a
black/white page. In the case that the color judging unit 2 judges
that this relevant page corresponds to the color page, the image
synthesizing unit 6 adds a PDL command to the data of the input
image which is described by the PDL format, and then outputs PDL
data of an image of this page to the image output unit 7 at a step
S32. This PDL command is used to add the color additional image
stored in the color image storage unit 4.
On the other hand, in such a case that the relevant page of the
input image corresponds to the black/white page which is judged by
the color judging unit 2, the image synthesizing unit 6 adds a PDL
command to the data of the input image which is described by the
PDL format, and then outputs PDL data of an image of this page to
the image output unit 7 at a step S33. This PDL command is used to
add the black/white additional image stored in the color image
storage unit 5.
At a step S34, a check is made as to whether or not pages of the
input image up to a final page have been outputted. When the pages
up to the final page have not yet been outputted, the process
operation is returned to the previous step S31 in order to execute
the image processing operation as to the next page. As previously
explained, the above-described image processing operation is
repeatedly carried out as to all of the pages contained in the
input image.
When the image having the PDL format is interpreted which is
produced by executing the above-explained operation of the image
processing apparatus according to the third embodiment, for
example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the color additional image is
added with respect to the color input image, whereas the additional
image which is converted into the black/white additional image is
added with respect to the black/white input image. As a
consequence, even when a time duration required to form a color
image becomes several times longer than a time duration required to
form a black/white image, since the black/white additional image is
added to the black/white input image, the additional image can be
added, while the productivity is not lowered when the black/white
image is outputted. As apparent from the foregoing description, in
the case that a time duration required to form a color image is not
made different from a time duration required to form a black/white
image, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a color additional image may be
added to a black/white input image.
It should also be noted that since the charging system control
operation of the second embodiment can be carried out in a similar
manner to that of the first embodiment, descriptions thereof are
omitted in this embodiment.
In the above-described first to third embodiment, such an example
is described. That is, either the color additional image or the
black/white additional image is added, depending upon such a fact
as to whether the input image corresponds to the color image, or
the black/white image. As previously explained in the charging
system, for example, the charge amounts may be made different from
each other, and also the image forming durations may be made
different from each other by forming either an image in two colors
or an image in three colors. In such an alternative case, while
additional images corresponding to these images are stored in the
additional image storage unit 3, converting units are employed in
accordance with these arrangements. Otherwise, the PDL command may
be added, by which the relevant images may be formed. In the case
that there are many sorts of additional images, several additional
images are previously prepared, whereas when there is no
corresponding additional image, the additional image stored in the
additional image storage unit 3 may be converted into such a
desirable additional image similar to the second embodiment mode.
Alternatively, a PDL command may be added so as to output the
relevant additional image similar to the third embodiment mode.
Also, in the above-described example, while the color is considered
as one of the characteristics of the input image, the corresponding
additional image is added to the input image. However, the present
invention is not limited to this example, but may be applied to
other examples. For example, as the characteristic of the input
image, the corresponding additional images may be added to the
input images with respect to each of various characteristics such
as resolution, and drawing objects, i.e., a text and an image.
Also, the corresponding additional images may be added to the input
images with respect to each combination of plural characteristics.
Apparently, as to the charging system, the charge amounts may be
calculated in response to these characteristics. For example, when
a test printing operation with low resolution is carried out, a
charge amount may be set to low cost, whereas when a printing
operation with a high image quality is carried out, a charge amount
may be set to high cost. This charge amount setting operation is
determined by checking as to whether or not an additional image is
added to an input image.
As apparent from the foregoing description, since the additional
image can be added to the input image in correspondence with the
characteristic of this input image, the image processing apparatus
of the present invention can output the image in the following
manner, while productivity during the image output operation is not
lowered. That is, for example, when the time duration required to
form the black/white image is different from the time duration
required to form the color image, the additional images fitted to
the respective characteristics may be added to the input image.
Also, since the additional images fitted to the respective
characteristics are prepared, such a problem can be prevented. That
is, for example, a color additional image is outputted as a
black/white image, so that a content of this color additional image
is dropped.
Furthermore, even when the charging system is carried out, since
the additional image fitted to the characteristic of the input
image is added, such a problem can be avoided, so that the proper
charging system can be achieved. That is, for instance, although
the input image is the black/white image, since the additional
image is only the color additional image, the charge amount for the
color input image is mistakenly calculated. In accordance with the
present invention, there is such an effect that the image
processing apparatus capable of giving usabilities to the users can
be provided.
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