JPH1051622A - Image processing apparatus and layout processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To output a laid-out image integrated for each format even when originals having different formats are mixed. SOLUTION: When a format mode and a layout mode are set by respective keys on an operation unit 107, an original image information read by an image reading unit 101 is analyzed, and a character direction determining unit 103 determines the format of each original image information. The determination is stored in the RAM unit 108B, and based on the stored determination result, the CPU circuit unit 108 searches the image memory 106 for document image information having the same format and lays out the image data. The layout document image having the same format is output from the image recording unit 105.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a layout processing method capable of reading a plurality of original images and outputting the image while editing the layout on a memory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus of this type, for an original of the same size using an image memory, a layout mode (layout of a plurality of original images on one sheet) ) Has been proposed.

[0003]

However, at present,
In languages where the original to be copied has both vertical and horizontal writing styles, such as Japanese, the characters on the scanned image are considered as a single image regardless of the writing direction. When the original is laid out on one sheet of paper, the layout method is uniformly adapted to the horizontally written original.

In a language such as Japanese where both vertical writing and horizontal writing exist, a vertically written original proceeds from right to left, but when a plurality of originals are laid out on one sheet, The first of the images to be laid out is on the left, 2
The first sheet is set on the right side, and the text on the completed image moves from left to right opposite to the traveling direction when moving from the first sheet to the second sheet of the document, so that it is difficult to read.

As described above, according to the reduced layout output processing in the conventional image processing apparatus, the reading direction of each laid-out document does not match the layout position.
There have been problems such as causing the reader to feel uncomfortable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to seventh inventions according to the present invention to provide a method for reading a document image fed from a document. By discriminating the format of the original image, storing the original image in the same format in an identifiable manner, searching for the stored original image information for each same format and performing layout processing, originals of different formats are mixed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and a layout processing method capable of outputting a laid-out image integrated for each of the same formats.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeding means capable of sequentially feeding each document to a reading position, and an image for reading a document fed from the document feeding means. Reading means, first storage means for storing document image information read by the image reading means, and image output for outputting an image to a recording medium based on each document image information stored in the first storage means Means for setting a layout mode for expanding a predetermined number of document image information stored in the first storage means into a plurality of layout areas secured according to the size of a selected recording medium Second setting means for setting a format mode for determining a format of a document fed from the document feeding means;
Determining means for analyzing the document image information read by the image reading means to determine the format of each piece of document image information when the format mode and the layout mode are set by the second setting means; Second storage means for storing the result of the determination, and layout control means for searching and laying out document image information in the same format from the first storage means based on the determination result stored in the second storage means. And output control means for outputting from the image output means a layout document image having the same format laid out by the layout control means.

In a second invention according to the present invention, the determination means determines a format from a character string direction and a character direction on a document.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the layout control means independently lays out each document image having the same format.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the second storage means stores the original image information read by the image reading means in the first storage means, and The format of each document image information determined by analyzing the information is stored.

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the second storage means stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information by the determination means. It stores the output address on the same recording medium laid out as follows.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the second storage means stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information by the determination means. The output address and the document page information corresponding to the output address on the same recording medium to be laid out are stored together.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeding step of sequentially feeding each document to a reading position, an image reading step of reading the fed document, and analyzing the read document image information. A discriminating step of discriminating the format of each document image information, a retaining step of retaining the read document image information and the discriminated format of each document image information in a memory resource, and a discrimination result retained in the memory resource A layout process of retrieving and laying out document image information of the same format from the memory resources based on the layout, and an image output process of outputting the laid out layout document image of the same format.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view for explaining the configuration of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

In FIG. 1, when a copy start key provided on an operation unit described later is pressed, a document placed on a document feeder (feeder) 1 is fed onto a platen glass 2, and The lamp is turned on, and the scanner unit 4 moves to irradiate the original. The reflected light of the document passes through the lens 8 via the mirrors 5, 6, 7, and then is input to the image sensor 9. An image input to the image sensor unit 9 is a CPU circuit unit 10 shown in FIG.
After being processed by a signal controlled by the controller 8 and directly input to the exposure controller 10 or temporarily stored in an image memory 106 shown in FIG. Are input to the exposure control unit 10.

The light is converted into an optical signal by the exposure controller 10 and modulated according to the image signal to irradiate the photosensitive member 11. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 by this irradiation is developed by the developing device 12 or the developing device 13. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking section 14 or the transfer paper stacking section 15 in synchronization with the development, and the developed toner image is transferred to the transfer paper in the transfer section 16. Then, the toner image transferred to the transfer sheet is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 17,
8 to the outside of the apparatus. Further, at the time of double-sided printing, the sheet is conveyed by the flapper 21 to the double-sided conveying units 22, 23, 24. A paper discharge sensor 19 monitors the paper discharge state of the receiving paper.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an image reading unit, which is an optical system for inputting reflected light of a document image, a CCD for converting reflected light from the optical system into an analog signal, and a digital signal (image) received from the CCD. data)
An A / D converter for converting the original into an image, reads an original image, and converts the read image data into an image processing unit 102
To send to.

The image processing unit 102 includes a character direction determining unit 103
And a shading correction circuit, a light color density conversion circuit, and an image editing circuit for editing the magnification, movement, decoration, etc. of the image based on a user's instruction. The image data is corrected and edited, and passed through the image data selector 104 to the image recording unit 105.
Alternatively, it is sent to the image memory 106 for storing images.

The character direction discriminating unit 103 includes a circuit included in the image processing unit 102 and discriminating in which direction a character on the image input from the image reading unit 101 is oriented. And the direction of writing on the input image is determined together with the determination of the length and width of the read original size.

The image data selector 104 is an image processing unit 1
02, a path for transmitting the image data transmitted from the image processing unit 102 to the image memory 106, and a path for transmitting the image data transmitted from the image processing unit 102 to the image memory 106.
It is composed of a data bus switching circuit for switching according to an instruction from the U circuit unit 108, a circuit for switching or synthesizing the image data sent from the image processing unit 102 and the image data read from the image memory 106, and the like.

The image recording unit 105 includes an image data selector 1
The image is recorded (copied) on the recording paper based on the density signal of the image data sent from the printer 04.

The CPU circuit section 108 controls the entire apparatus, and stores a control program, an error processing program, a layout scheme determination program, and the like.
M108A, a RAM unit 108B used for a work area of various programs and the like, and various timer control units and the like.

An operation unit 107 includes various key groups for instructing the image processing unit 102 to perform image copy operations such as image editing contents, the number of copies, and a magnification ratio, and a display unit for displaying the contents at the time of operation. ing.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a feeder which, when feeder copy is selected, feeds the placed document onto a platen, detects the number and size of the placed document, and sends the document to the CPU circuit unit 108. Send a signal.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to sixth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeding means (feeder 109) capable of sequentially feeding each document to a reading position, and an image reading means (image reading unit) for reading a document fed from the document feeding means. 101), first storage means (image memory 106) for storing document image information read by the image reading means, and an image on a recording medium based on each document image information stored in the first storage means. Image output means (image recording unit 105) for outputting a predetermined number of document image information stored in the first storage means in a plurality of layout areas secured according to the size of the selected recording medium A first setting unit (key 5040 of the operation unit 107 shown in FIG. 3) for setting a layout mode to be set, and a second mode for setting a format mode for determining a format of a document fed from the document feeding unit. Setting means (operation section 10 shown in FIG. 3
7 key 5051), and when the format mode and the layout mode are set by the first and second setting units, the document image information read by the image reading unit is analyzed to format each document image information. (For example, upward vertical writing, upward horizontal writing, left horizontal writing, left vertical writing, and the like shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described later) and a determination result of the determination means are stored. A second storage unit (RAM unit 108B), and a layout control unit that searches the first storage unit for document image information having the same format based on the determination result stored in the second storage unit and lays out the same. CPU circuit unit 108
The control program stored in the OM 108A is executed to perform the layout processing), and output control means (the CPU circuit unit 108 controls the ROM 108A to output the layout original image of the same format laid out by the layout control means from the image output means). And executes output processing by executing a control program stored in the
When the format mode and the layout mode are set by 0,5051, the document image information read by the image reading unit 101 is analyzed, and the character direction determination unit 103 determines the format of each document image information. RAM result
The CPU circuit unit 108 searches the image memory 106 for document image information in the same format based on the stored determination result, lays out the document image information, and lays out the layout document image in the same format. Image recording unit 1
Thus, even if a document image with an irregular format is fed and read, a layout result integrated so that the format is the same can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the character direction discriminating unit 103
Since the format is determined from the character string direction and the character direction on the document, an integrated layout result in which the character string direction and the character direction on the document match can be obtained.

According to the third aspect, the CPU circuit unit 108 lays out each document image having the same format independently.
An integrated layout result can be obtained for each format in which the character string direction and the character direction on the document match.

According to the fourth aspect, the RAM unit 108B
When the document image information read by the image reading unit 101 is stored in the image memory 106, the character direction determination unit 1
Since the document memory 03 stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information, the document image having the same format can be reliably identified and laid out during the layout process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the RAM unit 108B is laid out in the same format when the character direction determining unit 103 stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information. Since the output addresses on the same recording medium are stored, the same format is used at the time of the layout processing, and each document image arranged on the same recording medium can be laid out at a predetermined position according to the address.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the RAM unit 108B is laid out in the same format when the character direction determining unit 103 stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information. An output address on the same recording medium,
Since the document page information corresponding to the output address is stored together, each document image which has the same format at the time of the layout processing and is arranged on the same recording medium is searched according to the page information. Can be laid out at a predetermined position.

FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation unit 107 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 5001 denotes a power switch,
The power supply to the image forming apparatus is controlled. A reset key 5002 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 5003 denotes a copy start key.
A clear key 5004 is used to clear a numerical value. Reference numeral 5005 denotes an ID key.
05 enables copying operation for a specific operator,
For other operators, the copying operation can be prohibited unless the ID information is input using the ID key 5005. A stop key 5006 is used to interrupt or stop copying. 5
Reference numeral 007 denotes a guide key, which is used when the user wants to know each function.

An upper cursor key 5008 is a key for moving the pointer upward on each function setting screen. Reference numeral 5009 denotes a down cursor key which is used to move a pointer downward on each function setting screen. 501
A right cursor key 0 is a key for moving the pointer to the right on each function setting screen. A left cursor key 5011 is a key for moving the pointer to the left on each function setting screen.

Reference numeral 5012 denotes an OK key. In each function setting screen, this key is depressed when it is sufficient to determine the function. A key 5013 is pressed to execute the display output at the lower right of the display screen 5052 in each function setting screen. Reference numeral 5014 denotes a fixed size reduction key, which is used when reducing a fixed size to another fixed size. Reference numeral 5015 denotes a same size copy key, which is used when selecting a same size copy. A standard enlargement key 5016 is used to enlarge the standard size to another standard size. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cassette selection key for selecting a sheet in a cassette stage to be copied.

Reference numeral 5018 denotes a copy density adjustment key which is used to reduce the copy density. Reference numeral 5019 denotes an AE.
A key for automatically adjusting the copy density with respect to the density of the original. A copy density adjustment key 5020 is used to increase the copy density. 5021
Is a key for specifying the operation of the sorter. Reference numeral 5022 denotes a preheating key, which is used to turn on / off a preheating mode. 5
Reference numeral 023 denotes an interrupt key, which is depressed when the user wants to interrupt the copying operation and perform copying.

Reference numeral 5024 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used for inputting numerical values. 5025 is a marker processing key,
Trimming, masking, and partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing) are set. 5026
Is a patterning processing key, which is used for expressing a color in a pattern or expressing a color by a density difference.
A color erasing key 5027 is used to erase a specific color.

An image quality key 5028 is used to set the image quality. A negative / positive key 5029 is used when performing a negative / positive process. Reference numeral 5030 denotes an image create key.
Used when performing net processing, italics, mirror processing, and repeat processing.

Reference numeral 5031 denotes a trimming key used to designate an area and perform trimming. 5032
Is a masking key, which is used when designating an area and performing masking. Reference numeral 5033 denotes a partial processing key, which designates an area, and thereafter sets partial processing (contour processing, halftone processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing).

Reference numeral 5034 denotes a frame erasing key which is used when erasing a frame in accordance with a mode.

The modes include a sheet frame erasing mode (a mode for creating a frame for a sheet size), a document frame erasing mode (a mode for creating a frame according to the document size, and a mode in which a document size is specified), and a book frame erasing mode. There are a mode (a mode in which a blank is created in the frame and the center according to the spread size of the book, a mode in which a book spread size is specified), and a punch hole erasing mode (a mode in which a hole width is set).

A binding margin key 5035 is used to create a binding margin at one end (up, down, left, or right) of the sheet. 5
Reference numeral 036 denotes a move key, which is used when the user wants to move. The movement includes parallel movement (up, down, left and right), center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point designation). 5037
Is a zoom key, which can set a copy magnification from 25% to 400% in increments of 1%.

Further, main scanning and sub scanning can be set independently. Reference numeral 5038 denotes an automatic scaling key, which automatically enlarges or reduces the size according to the size of the copy paper. In addition, the main scanning and the sub-scanning can be automatically scaled independently.

Reference numeral 5039 denotes an enlargement continuous shooting key, which is used when one original is enlarged to a plurality of copies and copied. 50
Reference numeral 40 denotes a reduced layout key, which is used when a plurality of originals are enlarged or reduced to one copy for copying (in the present embodiment, the reduced layout mode is a layout mode). To convert four originals into one, use 4
in1 and 2in to make two originals one
It is one.

Reference numeral 5043 denotes a continuous shooting key which is used to divide the copy area on the original platen glass surface into two right and left sides and perform continuous copying in which two copies are automatically made (page continuous shooting, double-sided continuous printing). Photo). Reference numeral 5044 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when two-sided output is desired (single-sided double-sided, page continuous double-sided, double-sided double-sided). Reference numeral 5045 denotes a multiplex key, which is used when multiplexing is desired (multiplexing, page continuous copying multiplexing). 50
Reference numeral 46 denotes a memory key which is used when a mode using a memory is desired (memory synthesis, area synthesis, watermark synthesis).

Reference numeral 5047 denotes a projector key, which is used when using the projector. Reference numeral 5048 denotes a printer key, which is used when setting for a printer. A document mixed key 5050 is used when the size of the document is different (the width is the same) when copying using the feeder. Reference numeral 5051 denotes a document writing direction discriminating key. The character direction discriminating unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 determines whether the document is upward, leftward, or vertically written based on the character string direction and character direction of the read document image. Or horizontal writing. 5052
Is a display screen, which shows the status of the apparatus, the number of copies, the copy ratio,
Displays the copy paper size, etc.
Displays the contents to be set.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the feeder 10
Image processing for reading out all the originals placed on the original 9 and then reducing and synthesizing the image for each original direction and outputting the resulting image will be described.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing a first reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4A shows a case where the character string direction is vertical and the character direction is vertical. When four originals P1 to P4 facing upward are displayed and reduced in size, a layout output LA1 is obtained. Note that in the case of this layout, the document direction is referred to as upward vertical writing.

FIG. 4B shows four originals P11 to P14 in which the character string direction is horizontal and the character direction is upward, and when these are reduced in layout, a layout output LA2 is obtained. Note that in the case of this layout, the document direction is referred to as upward horizontal writing.

FIG. 5A shows four originals P21 to P24 in which the character string direction is horizontal and the character direction is leftward. When these originals are reduced in layout, a layout output LA3 is obtained. In the case of this layout, the original direction is referred to as leftward horizontal writing.

FIG. 5B shows four originals P31 to P34 in which the character string direction is vertical writing and the character direction is leftward. When these are reduced and laid out, a layout output LA4 is obtained. In the case of this layout, the document direction is referred to as vertical writing to the left.

Among these layout methods, FIG. 4B corresponds to a conventional layout method.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing a second reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIGS. 4 (a) and (b), FIGS. The original direction is not fixed as shown in (b), but corresponds to a reduced layout output state for a plurality of (eight) originals having different original directions. FIG. 6 corresponds to a case where two types of document directions are mixed, and FIG. 7 corresponds to a case where all types of document directions are mixed.

As shown in FIG.
There are eight sheets up to H, and the originals PA, PD, PE, PH are upward horizontal writing originals, and the originals PB, PC, PF, PG are upward vertical writing originals. When these manuscripts are applied to the present invention, the manuscripts having the same manuscript direction can be reduced and laid out. Therefore, as shown by the arrows, manuscripts PA, PD, PE, P
H is laid out on the same output image, and the originals PB, PC, PF, and PG are laid out on the same output image, so that two layout outputs LAY11 and LAY12 can be obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when two types of originals are mixed in the feeder 109 shown in FIG. 2 or when all types of originals are mixed in the feeder 109 shown in FIG.
By applying the present invention, the following layout output can be obtained.

That is, as shown in FIG.
In the case where the document directions are not fixed as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) and FIGS. The reduced layout (layout outputs LAY11 and LAY12) shown in FIG. 6 is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 7, for example, FIG.
The original direction is not fixed as shown in (a), (b), and FIGS. 5 (a), (b), and eight originals having different original directions are shown in FIG. A reduced layout (layout outputs LAY21 to LAY24) is obtained. More specifically, the original PA1 is a vertically written original, the originals PB1 and PF1 are vertically oriented originals, and the originals PC1 and PE
1, PH1 indicates an upward horizontal writing original, and originals PD1, PG1 indicate a left horizontal writing original. When the present invention is applied to these documents, an output image of only the document PA1 (output layout LAY23) and documents B and F
Output image (output layout LAY21) and originals C and
By laying out the output images of E and H (output layout LAY22) and the output images of originals D and G (output layout LAY24), four output images can be obtained.

Next, the layout output processing of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of the present invention shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing an example of the layout output processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 8 corresponds to the original reading processing up to recording in the storage device. FIG. 10 corresponds to the layout output process. Note that (1) to (49) indicate each step.
The original writing direction discriminating key 5 on the operation unit 107
When the button 051 is pressed and the start key 5003 is pressed, the control of this embodiment is started.

First, the image reading unit 101 reads the original image fed from the feeder 109 (1), and the character direction discriminating unit 103 determines whether the read original image is an upward original or a leftward original. (2) If it is determined that the document is an upward document, the process proceeds to step (3), and it is determined that the document is facing upward.
Store it in B. Then, it is determined whether the original is a vertical original or a horizontal original (4). If it is determined that the original is a vertical original, the process proceeds to step (5), and the read image is turned upward. Since the original is a vertically written original, the page corresponding to the entire page is stored in the RAM unit 108B of the CPU circuit unit 108. Then, the fact that it is vertical writing is determined by the RAM unit 108 of the CPU circuit unit 108.
B is stored (6), and in a step (7), an upper vertical counter, which is a counter for an upward vertical writing original, is counted up.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the image is horizontal writing, the image read in step (11) is an upward horizontal writing manuscript. 108 RAM unit 1
08B. Then, the fact that horizontal writing is performed in step (12) is determined by the RAM unit 108 of the CPU circuit unit 108.
B, and in step (13), the RAM section 108B of the CPU
The counter for the upper and lower sides is counted up.

On the other hand, if the character direction discriminating unit 103 determines that the original image read in step (2) is a left-facing original, the process proceeds to step (14), and the RAM of the CPU circuit unit 108 determines that the image is left-facing. The information is stored in the unit 108B. Then, the character direction discriminating unit 103 determines whether the document is a vertical writing document of a left-facing document or a horizontal writing document of a left-facing document (15). If it is determined that the document is a vertical writing document, it is read in step (16). Since the original image is a left-right vertical writing manuscript, C
It is stored in the RAM unit 108B of the PU circuit unit 108.

Next, in step (17), the fact that the document is written vertically is stored in the RAM unit 108B of the CPU circuit unit 108, and in step (18), the RAM unit 108 of the CPU circuit 108, which is a counter for a vertically written document facing left, is stored. The left vertical counter is counted up.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (15) that the image is horizontal writing, since the image read in step (19) is a left-right horizontal writing document, the CPU circuit unit determines which page of the whole page is hit. 108 is stored in the RAM unit 108B. Then, in step (20), the fact that the document is written horizontally is stored, and in step (21), the R value of the CPU
The counter for the left side of the AM unit 108B is counted up. The storage for each document direction is completed by the above processing.

Next, in step (8), the document image data is stored in the image memory 106. Then, in step (9), the information for each document direction of the image data is stored in the RAM unit 108B of the CPU circuit unit 108, and is used when actually laying out the image. Next, in step (10), the CPU circuit unit 108 determines whether or not all the original images have been read. If there is an original which has not been read yet, the process returns to step (1). Is a step (2) shown in FIG. 9 for ending the reading and actually laying out the image.
The process proceeds to 2).

As described above, FIGS. 9 and 10 correspond to the processing for using the image stored in the image memory 106 as a layout image. The operation “a% b” used in FIGS. 9 and 10 means an error obtained by dividing “a” by “b”.

First, before the start of step (22), all the originals placed on the feeder 109 are stored in the image memory 10.
6, first, it is determined whether or not the value of the vertical counter of the RAM unit 108B is “negative”. This means that it is determined whether or not there is an upright portrait document stored in the image memory 106 that is not laid out.

If the upper vertical counter is still equal to or greater than "0", an upwardly-oriented vertically-written original that has not been laid out remains in the image memory 106. If the value of the vertical counter is "negative", the process goes to step (29) because all of the vertical portrait documents have already been laid out.

If it is determined in step (22) that the vertically oriented original remains in the image memory 106, then in step (23), the information of the original image is set to C in step (9).
The image of the page stored in the RAM unit 108B of the PU circuit unit 108 and corresponding to the vertical counter is read from the image memory 106 based on the information. Next, in step (24), the upper vertical address on the layout for vertical vertical writing is determined from the value of the upper vertical counter. The upper vertical address is a value obtained by dividing the upper vertical counter by “4”, and the corresponding image is a layout image of a vertical vertical original shown in FIG. When the upper vertical address is "0", it corresponds to the image A of the layout output LA1 in FIG. 4A, and the upper vertical address is "1".
Corresponds to the image B of the layout image in FIG.
When the upper vertical address is “2”, it corresponds to the image C of the layout image in FIG. 4A, and when the upper vertical address is “3”, FIG.
This corresponds to the image D of the layout image in FIG. After the upper vertical address is determined in step (24), the upper vertical counter is decremented by "1". Then, step (2)
In step 5), the image read for layout is reduced and scaled.

Next, the image reduced in step (25) is actually laid out (layout processing on the image memory 106) from the upper vertical address of the layout destination of the read image determined in step (26). Next, in a step (27), it is determined whether or not the upper vertical address is "0". This means that when the upper vertical address is “0”, it is impossible to lay out an image on the layout image any more. Therefore, if the upper vertical address is "0", the layout image is output from the image recording unit 105 in step (28), and it is determined in step (28) whether there is an image that has not been laid out yet. Return to 22). On the other hand, in step (27), the upper vertical address is "0".
If not, there is an image that has not been laid out yet, and the process returns to step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (22) that the upright counter is "negative", that is, if it is determined that there is no vertically laid-out original in the image memory 106 that has not been laid out, the process proceeds to step (22). Proceed to (29).

Then, in a step (29), it is determined whether or not the upper horizontal counter is "negative". That is, it is determined whether or not there is an upward horizontal writing document stored in the image memory 106 that is not laid out.

Here, if the upper horizontal counter is still "0" or more, an upwardly-horizontal document which has not been laid out remains in the image memory 106, and the flow advances to step (30) to perform the layout. . If the upper horizontal counter is "negative", the process proceeds to step (36) and subsequent steps since all of the upward horizontal writing originals have been laid out.

If it is determined in step (29) that the horizontally oriented original remains in the image memory 106, then in step (30), the information of the original image is stored in the RAM of the CPU circuit unit 108 in step (9). 108B, and reads out the image of the page corresponding to the upper horizontal counter from the image memory 106 based on the information.

Next, in step (31), the upper horizontal address on the upward horizontal writing layout is determined from the value of the upper horizontal counter. This upper horizontal address is "4" for the upper horizontal counter.
And the corresponding image is shown in FIG.
Is a layout image of an upward horizontal writing original, and the upper horizontal address is “0” according to the original layout position.
4B corresponds to the image A of the layout output LAY2 in FIG. 4B, and when the upper horizontal address is “1”, it corresponds to the image B of the layout image in FIG. 4B and the upper horizontal address is “2”. "" Corresponds to the image C of the layout image in FIG. 4B, and when the upper horizontal address is "3", it corresponds to the image D of the layout image in FIG. 4B. After the upper horizontal address is determined, the upper horizontal counter is decremented by "1".

Next, in step (32), the image read out for layout is reduced and scaled. The image reduced in step (32) is actually laid out in step (33) from the upper horizontal address of the layout destination of the read image determined in step (33). Next, in a step (34), it is determined whether or not the upper horizontal address is "0". This means that the upper horizontal address being “0” indicates that it is impossible to lay out an image on the layout image any more. Therefore, if it is determined that the upper horizontal address is "0", the layout image is output from the image recording unit 105 in step (35) to determine whether there is an image that has not been laid out yet. , Step (2
Return to 9). On the other hand, if the upper horizontal address is not "0" in step (34), there is an image that has not been laid out yet, and the process returns to step (29).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (29) that the value of the upper horizontal counter is "negative", that is, if it is determined that there is no upward horizontal writing original that is not laid out on the image memory 106, Proceed to step (36)
It is determined whether or not the value of the left vertical counter is “negative”. This means that it is determined whether or not there is a left-right vertical writing document stored in the image memory 106 that is not laid out. Here, if the left vertical counter is still “0” or more, the left-vertical writing original which has not been laid out remains on the image memory 106, and therefore, the flow proceeds to step (37) to perform the layout. If the value of the left vertical counter is "negative",
Since all left-right vertical manuscripts have already been laid out,
Proceed to step (43).

If it is determined in step (36) that the left-orientated original is left in the image memory 106, then in step (37), the information of the original image is set to C in step (9).
The image of the page stored in the RAM unit 108B of the PU circuit unit 108 and corresponding to the left vertical counter is read from the image memory 106 based on the information. Next, in step (38), a left vertical address on the left vertical writing layout is determined from the value of the left vertical counter. This left vertical address is the remainder of the left vertical counter divided by "4".
The corresponding image in FIG. 5B is a layout image of a left-vertical original, and the image of the layout image in FIG. 5B when the left vertical address is “0” according to the original layout position. A, when the left vertical address is “1”, it corresponds to image B of the layout image in FIG. 5B, and when the left vertical address is “2”, the image of the layout image in FIG. 5B. C, and when the left vertical address is “3”, it corresponds to the image D of the layout image in FIG. 5B. After determining the left vertical address, the left vertical counter is decremented by "1".

Next, in step (39), the image read out for layout is reduced and resized. Then, from the left vertical address of the layout destination of the read image determined in step (38), the image reduced in step (39) is actually subjected to layout processing (layout processing in the image memory 106) in step (40).

Next, at step (41), it is determined whether or not the left vertical address is "0". This means that if the left vertical address is "0", it is impossible to lay out an image on the layout image any more. Therefore, if it is determined that the left vertical address is "0", the process proceeds to step (42).
Outputs the layout image from the image recording unit 105, and returns to step (36) to determine whether or not there is an image that has not been laid out yet. On the other hand, step (4)
If the left vertical address is not “0” in 1), there is an image that has not been laid out yet, and therefore, step (36)
Return to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (36) that the value of the left vertical counter is “negative”, that is, if it is determined that there is no left-right vertical writing document that is not laid out on the image memory 106, Then, the process proceeds to step (43).

Here, it is determined whether or not the value of the left side counter is "negative". This means that it is determined whether there is a left-to-right writing document stored in the image memory 106 that is not laid out. In step (43), the left side counter is still “0”.
If so, the left-side horizontally written document that has not been laid out remains in the image memory 106, and the process proceeds to step (44) to perform the layout.

If it is determined in step (43) that the left-hand sideways original is left in the image memory 106,
In step (44), the information of the document image in step (9) is stored in the RAM unit 108B of the CPU circuit unit 108. Based on the information, the image of the page corresponding to the counter for the left side is stored in the image memory 106. Read from

Next, in step (45), the address on the left-side horizontal writing layout is determined from the value of the left-side horizontal counter. The left side address is a value obtained by dividing the left side counter by “4”, and the corresponding image is a layout image of a left-side horizontal document as shown in FIG. 5A. When the address is "0", it corresponds to the image A of the layout image in FIG. 5A, and when the address is "1", it corresponds to the image B of the layout image in FIG. When the address is “2”, it corresponds to the image C of the layout image in FIG. 5A, and when the left lateral address is “3”, it corresponds to the image D of the layout image in FIG. Also, after determining the left side address,
The left side counter is decremented by "1".

Next, in step (46), the image read out for layout is reduced and scaled. Next, from the left side address of the layout destination of the read image determined in step (45), the image reduced in step (46) is actually laid out in step (47) (layout processing on the image memory 106). I do.

Next, in a step (48), it is determined whether or not the left lateral address is "0". This means that the left lateral address being “0” indicates that it is impossible to lay out an image on the layout image any more. Therefore, if the left horizontal address is “0”, the layout image is output from the image recording unit 105 in step (49), and in step (49), it is determined whether there is an image that has not been laid out yet. Return to 43). On the other hand, if the left side address is not “0” in step (48), there is an image that has not been laid out yet, and the process returns to step (43).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (43) that the left horizontal counter is "negative", all the read original images on the image memory 106 have already been laid out. The process ends.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the seventh invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

The seventh invention comprises a document feeding step (step (1) in FIG. 8) for sequentially feeding each document to a reading position, and an image reading step (step in FIG. 8) for reading the fed document. (1)) and analyzing the read original image information to determine the format of each original image information (for example, upward vertical writing, upward horizontal writing, left horizontal writing, left vertical writing, etc. shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). (Step (2) in FIG. 8)
(4), (15)), a holding step (step (9) in FIG. 8) for holding the read document image information and the format of the discriminated document image information in a memory resource, and holding the format in the memory resource. A layout process (steps (22) and (2) in FIG. 9) for retrieving and laying out document image information in the same format from the memory resources based on the discriminated result.
9) to (34), (36), (43) to (48), FIG.
0 steps (23)-(27), (37)-(4
1)) and an image output step (steps (35) and (49) in FIG. 9) and steps (28) and (4) in FIG. 10 for outputting the laid out layout original image having the same format.
2)), the CPU 108 executes the control program stored in the ROM 108A, and the integrated layout so that the format is the same even when the original image having the irregular format is fed and read. The result can be obtained.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0093]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, when the format mode and the layout mode are set by the first and second setting means, the document image information read by the image reading means is analyzed and the format of each document image information is changed. The determination result of the determination means for determination is stored in the second storage means, and based on the stored determination result, the layout control means searches the first storage means for document image information in the same format and lays out the document image information.
Since the output control means causes the output document output means to output the layout document image having the same format as the layout,
Even when a document image having an irregular format is fed and read, it is possible to obtain an integrated layout result so that the format is the same.

According to the second aspect, the discriminating means discriminates the format from the character string direction and the character direction on the document, so that the integrated layout result in which the character string direction and the character direction on the document match. Can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the layout control means lays out each document image in the same format independently. Therefore, the layout control means is integrated for each format in which the character string direction and the character direction on the document match. Layout results can be obtained.

According to the fourth invention, when the second storage means stores the original image information read by the image reading means in the first storage means, the discriminating means stores the original image information in the first storage means. Since the format of each document image information determined by analysis is stored, the document image having the same format can be reliably identified and laid out during layout processing.

According to the fifth aspect, the second storage means, when storing the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information by the determination means, uses the same format. Since the output addresses on the same recording medium to be laid out are stored, the same format is used at the time of layout processing, and each document image arranged on the same recording medium can be laid out at a predetermined position according to the address.

[0098] According to the sixth aspect, the second storage means stores the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information by the determination means. An output address on the same recording medium to be laid out,
Since the document page information corresponding to the output address is stored together, each document image which has the same format at the time of the layout processing and is arranged on the same recording medium is searched according to the page information. Can be laid out at a predetermined position.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the original is read while sequentially feeding each original to the reading position, the read original image information is analyzed to determine the format of each original image information, and the read original is read. Image information and the format of each of the determined document image information are stored in a memory resource, and based on the determination result stored in the memory resource, document image information having the same format is searched from the memory resource and laid out. ,
Since the laid out layout document image having the same format is output, even when a document image having an irregular format is fed and read, an integrated layout result can be obtained so that the format is the same. .

Therefore, even if originals of different formats are mixed, an effect is obtained that a laid-out image integrated for each format can be output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a second reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second reduced layout output state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout output processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout output processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout output processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image reading part 102 Image processing part 103 Character direction discrimination part 104 Image data selector 105 Image recording part 106 Image memory 107 Operation part 108 CPU circuit part 108A ROM 108B RAM part 109 Feeder

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masanari Inui 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Keizo Isemura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Non-corporation (72) Inventor Hirohiko Tashiro 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Akinobu Nishikata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Rieko Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Huang Matsuo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An original feeding unit capable of sequentially feeding each original to a reading position, an image reading unit for reading an original fed from the original feeding unit, and an original image information read by the image reading unit A first storage unit that stores an image, an image output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on each document image information stored in the first storage unit, and a predetermined storage unit that is stored in the first storage unit. First setting means for setting a layout mode for developing a number of document image information into a plurality of layout areas secured according to the size of the selected recording medium; and setting a layout mode of the document fed from the document feeding means. Second setting means for setting a format mode for determining a format;
When the format mode and the layout mode are set by the first and second setting means, a discriminating means for analyzing document image information read by the image reading means and discriminating a format of each document image information; A second storage unit that stores the determination result of the determination unit, and retrieves and lays out document image information in the same format from the first storage unit based on the determination result stored in the second storage unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a layout control unit; and an output control unit that outputs a layout document image having the same format laid out by the layout control unit from the image output unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a format based on a character string direction and a character direction on the document. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said layout control means independently lays out each document image having the same format. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores the document image information read by the image reading unit in the first storage unit, and the discrimination unit analyzes and discriminates the document image information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a format of the document image information is stored. 5. The same storage medium laid out in the same format when the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information is stored by the determination unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output address is stored. 6. The same storage medium laid out in the same format when the format of each document image information determined by analyzing the document image information is stored by the determination unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output address and the document page information corresponding to the output address are stored together. 7. A document feeding step of sequentially feeding each document to a reading position, an image reading step of reading the fed document, and a format of each document image information by analyzing the read document image information. A determination step of determining the original document image information and a storage step of storing the format of the determined document image information in a memory resource; and a document having the same format based on the determination result stored in the memory resource. A layout processing method, comprising: a layout step of retrieving image information from the memory resources to lay out the image; and an image output step of outputting the laid out layout document image having the same format.