Image processing system, recording medium, and image processing method

Abstract

An image processing system, a recording medium, and an image processing method are provided, the image processing system including an image capturing unit and a processor that performs a process for generating a read image of a document if a user specifies a read attribute set when generating the read image of the document and an attribute value of the read attribute; if so, displaying a captured image of the manuscript captured by the image capturing unit; acquiring a position on the captured image specified by a user; generating a preview image of the manuscript according to the specified attribute value by using a partial region on the manuscript including the acquired position as a generation range; and amplifying and displaying the preview image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an image processing system, a recording medium and an image processing method. Background Art

[0002] When a document is scanned to generate a read image, various read attributes such as color mode and resolution can usually be set. Therefore, the user may want to confirm whether the attribute values ​​of the read attributes are set correctly before generating and saving the read image of the document. In this case, the user generates a preview image before actually generating the read image of the document through the actual scanning, thereby confirming in advance what kind of read image can be produced through the actual scanning.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, multiple modes of scanning setting data are generated by combining selection candidates of setting values ​​in each setting item such as resolution, color or data format, and a preview image corresponding to each scanning setting data is generated by pre-scanning the original document and provided to the user. The user can confirm whether the combination of setting values ​​in each setting item is correct by observing the preview image corresponding to each scanning setting data.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-252537

[0005] However, conventionally, if there are many selection candidates for attribute values ​​in each read attribute of the document, the number of preview images provided increases. In this case, the user must find a preview image generated based on a desired combination of attribute values ​​from a large number of preview images. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently find the attribute values ​​of the read attributes set when generating the read image of the document. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to make it easier to check whether attribute values ​​are appropriate than in a case where the user is asked to check whether the attribute values ​​of the read attributes are set correctly based on preview images before generating a read image of a document and the user generates a plurality of preview images by combining attribute values ​​of the read attributes as selection candidates.

[0007] The image processing system involved in the present invention is characterized in that it has a photographing unit and a processor, and the processor performs the following processing: if a user specifies a reading attribute and an attribute value of the reading attribute to be set when generating a read image of an original, the photographic image of the original photographed by the photographing unit is displayed; a position on the photographic image specified by the user is acquired; a preview image of the original is generated according to the specified attribute value using a partial area on the original including the acquired position as a generation range; and the preview image is enlarged and displayed.

[0008] Furthermore, the processor sets a partial area on the document that is likely to differ depending on the attribute value that can be taken by the read attribute and is specified by the user as a generation range of the preview image without requiring the user to specify a position.

[0009] Furthermore, it is characterized in that the processor performs the following processing: when a reading attribute related to image quality is specified by a user, character recognition processing is performed on the photographic image of the original; and a partial area on the original including the positions of characters with relatively small character sizes among the characters on the original obtained by the character recognition processing is set as a generation range of the preview image.

[0010] Furthermore, it is characterized in that the processor performs the following processing: displaying selection candidates of the attribute value of the read attribute according to a setting change instruction from the user; regenerating a preview image of the original with the partial area as a generation range according to the attribute value selected by the user from the selection candidates based on the photographic image of the original; and enlarging and displaying the regenerated preview image.

[0011] Furthermore, it is characterized in that the partial area is a display area of ​​an object on the original document.

[0012] The recording medium involved in the present invention records a program for causing a computer to implement the following functions: if a user specifies a reading attribute and an attribute value of the reading attribute to be set when generating a read image of a manuscript, a photographic image of the manuscript taken by a photographing unit is displayed; a position on the photographic image specified by the user is acquired; a preview image of the manuscript is generated using a partial area on the manuscript including the acquired position as a generation range; and the preview image is displayed with enlargement.

[0013] The image processing method involved in the present invention includes the following steps: if the user specifies the reading attribute set when generating the read image of the original and the attribute value of the reading attribute, then the photographic image of the original photographed by the photographic unit is displayed; the position on the photographic image specified by the user is acquired; a preview image of the original is generated by using a partial area on the original including the acquired position as a generation range; and the preview image is displayed with enlargement.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the appropriateness of the attribute values ​​can be easily confirmed compared to a case where the user is allowed to confirm whether the attribute values ​​of the read attributes are set correctly based on the preview images before generating the read image of the original document, and the user generates a plurality of preview images by combining the attribute values ​​of the read attributes as selection candidates.

[0016] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a partial area on a document that is suitable for the reading attribute designated by the user can be automatically set as a preview image generation range.

[0017] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate a read image of a document in which characters having a relatively small character size are easily visible.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a preview image generated according to a selected attribute value can be displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to confirm whether the attribute value designated by the user is appropriate.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the user is asked to confirm whether the setting of the attribute value of the reading attribute is correct based on the preview image before generating the read image of the original, the user can easily confirm whether the attribute value is appropriate by combining the attribute values ​​of the reading attributes as selection candidates to generate a plurality of preview images.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the appropriateness of the attribute values ​​can be easily confirmed compared to a case where the user is allowed to confirm whether the setting of the attribute values ​​of the read attributes is correct based on the preview images before generating the read image of the original document, and the user generates a plurality of preview images by combining the attribute values ​​of the read attributes as selection candidates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine forming the image processing system in Embodiment 1;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the multifunction machine in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction device in Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the read attribute setting process in implementation mode 1;

[0027] Figure 5A is a diagram showing a display example of a confirmation screen in Implementation Example 1;

[0028] Figure 5B It means in Figure 5A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display in which a preview image is superimposed and displayed on a confirmation screen;

[0029] Figure 5C It means in Figure 5BFigure 2 is a display example when the setting change button is selected on the confirmation screen shown;

[0030] Figure 5D It means in Figure 5C The figure is a display example when resolution is selected as the read attribute to be changed on the confirmation screen shown;

[0031] Figure 5E It means in Figure 5D The figure shows a display example in which a preview image generated again according to the selected attribute value is superimposed on the confirmation screen;

[0032] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine forming an image processing system in Embodiment 2;

[0033] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of attribute value setting information stored in the attribute value setting information storage unit in the second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the read attribute setting process in implementation mode 2;

[0035] Fig. 9 It means that in the second embodiment Figure 5B The figure shows an example of the display when the setting change button is selected on the confirmation screen shown.

[0036] Explanation of symbols

[0037] 10-Multifunction machine, 11-Photographing unit, 12-User interface (UI) unit, 13-Confirmation screen generating unit, 14-Preview area setting unit, 15-Image processing unit, 16-Attribute value setting unit, 17-Service processing unit, 18-Control unit, 19-Attribute value setting information storage unit, 21-Document camera, 22-Device body, 23-Original table, 24-Support rod, 25-Operation panel, 31-CPU, 32-ROM, 33-RAM, 34-Hard disk drive (HDD), 35-Printer, 36-Network interface (IF), 37-Address data bus, 151-Preview image generating unit, 152-Read image generating unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Implementation method 1.

[0040] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine 10 that forms one embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the multifunction machine 10 in this embodiment. Figure 3 It is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 10 in this embodiment.

[0041] The multifunction device 10 in this embodiment is characterized in that, as a device structure, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a document camera 21 is mounted. The multifunction machine 10 is provided with a document table 23 on the upper surface of a device body 22, and is provided with the document camera 21 that takes the entire document table 23 as a photographable range. The document camera 21 is supported by a support rod 24. In addition, an operation panel 25 that functions as an input unit operated by a user and as a display unit that displays information is also provided on the upper surface of the device body 22.

[0042] The multifunction machine 10 in this embodiment is a form of an image forming device equipped with various functions such as printing function, copying function, scanning function, etc., and is a device with a built-in computer. Figure 3 As shown, the multifunction device 10 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 34 as a storage unit, the operation panel 25 as a user interface, the document camera 21 as a photographing unit, a printer 35 providing a printing function, and a network interface (IF) 36 as a communication unit. In addition, an address data bus 37 connects various mechanisms 31 to 36, 21, and 25 that are controlled by the CPU 31 to perform data communication.

[0043] However, in order to realize the scanning function, the existing multifunction machines are usually equipped with a scanner that optically reads the original 2 on the original table 23. The multifunction machine 10 in this embodiment is equipped with a document camera 21 instead of a scanner. Therefore, the read image of the original 2 is generated based on the photographic image obtained by photographing based on the document camera 21, or by performing image processing on the photographic image. The document camera 21 generates a photographic image of the original 2 by photographing the original 2 on the original table 23, but it can also be said that the original 2 is read by photographing, so in this embodiment, the terms "photographing" and "reading" are not strictly distinguished and are used synonymously. Therefore, sometimes "photographing" based on the document camera 21 is replaced with "reading", and "photographing" based on the document camera 21 is also called "reading" or "scanning".

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction machine 10 in this embodiment includes a photographing section 11, a user interface (UI) section 12, a confirmation screen generating section 13, a preview area setting section 14, an image processing section 15, an attribute value setting section 16, a service processing section 17, and a control section 18. In addition, components not used in the description of this embodiment are omitted from the figure.

[0045] The photographing unit 11 is implemented by a document camera 21, and takes a photograph of the entire upper surface of the document table 23 as a photographing range. The user interface unit 12 is implemented by an operation panel 25, and displays screens of various menus in the multifunction machine 10, etc. In addition, the user interface unit 12 receives user operations on the displayed screen. The confirmation screen generation unit 13 generates the confirmation screen exemplified below. The preview area setting unit 14 sets a predetermined range including a position specified by the user in the photographic image of the document taken by the document camera 21 as a preview area. In the present embodiment, the preview area is a generation range of the preview image.

[0046] The image processing unit 15 performs image processing on the photographic image taken by the document camera 21 as a processing object. The image processing unit 15 has a preview image generating unit 151 and a read image generating unit 152. The preview image generating unit 151 generates a preview image based on the read attributes specified by the user. "Read attributes" refer to attribute items related to the reading of the original 2 among the attribute items added to the original 2. Attribute items equivalent to the read attributes include, for example, resolution or clarity related to image quality, file format when saving the read image, color mode, border deletion, and read size. By the way, attribute items that are not equivalent to the read attributes include, for example, the production date and time or the producer. Regarding the read attributes, it can be an item of a common attribute that has existed before.

[0047] The read image generation unit 152 generates a read image of the document according to the attribute value of the read attribute specified by the user, based on the photographic image captured by the document camera 21. The document camera 21 uses the entire upper surface of the document table 23 as the photographic range, so the photographic image of the document 2 is obtained by extracting the photographic range of the document 2 from the photographic image captured by the document camera 21. Then, as described later, the read image generation unit 152 generates a read image of the document 2 by performing necessary image processing on the photographic image of the document 2.

[0048] The attribute value setting unit 16 sets the attribute value selected by the user through the operation confirmation screen as the attribute value of the read attribute. The service processing unit 17 uses the read image of the original generated by the read image generating unit 152 to implement the service specified by the user. As the service provided by the multifunction machine 10 to the user, there is a sending service for sending the read image of the original to a specified recipient. The control unit 18 controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned components 11 to 17.

[0049] Each of the components 11 to 18 in the multifunction peripheral 10 is implemented by a cooperative operation of a computer mounted on the multifunction peripheral 10 and a program executed by a CPU 31 mounted on the computer.

[0050] Furthermore, the program used in this embodiment can be provided by the communication unit, or can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory. The program provided from the communication unit or the recording medium is installed in the computer, and the CPU 31 of the computer executes the program in sequence to implement various processes.

[0051] Furthermore, the multifunction machine 10 constituting the image processing system is shown as a single device, but it can also be implemented by combining a plurality of computers or devices. For example, the multifunction machine 10 can perform image processing, and the user interface can use another information processing device such as a PC.

[0052] Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

[0053] When the user uses a desired service of scanning a document by the multifunction machine 10, the user logs in to the multifunction machine 10 and performs an operation of selecting the desired service from the main screen displayed on the operation panel 25. The document camera 21 starts photographing at a certain time interval in accordance with the user operation. In addition, the photographing of the document camera 21 starts after the service is selected and before the scanning of the document 2 is instructed by the user, so it is called "pre-scanning". On the other hand, the scanning performed to obtain the read image of the document 2 in accordance with the execution instruction of the service or the scanning instruction issued by the user is called "main scanning".

[0054] The user places the document 2 on the document table 23 before or after selecting the service. At this time, the user places the document 2 so that the printed side to be read by the document camera 21 faces upward. Here, the user uses a single document 2 to use the service. Figure 4 The flowchart shown here explains the reading attribute setting process of the document 2 in this embodiment.

[0055] As described above, when the user selects a service that requires document scanning from the main screen displayed on the operation panel 25, the photographing unit 11 starts photographing the document 2 on the document table 23 at a certain time interval using the document camera 21 according to the user operation. Here, it is assumed that the user selects, for example, a sending service that sends a read image of the document to a designated recipient. In this case, the user sets the reading attributes and attribute values ​​that the user wants to confirm on the preview image before generating the read image of the document 2, and the sending destination of the read image of the document 2 from a screen (not shown) corresponding to the service. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs, for example, "resolution" as the reading attribute and "200 dpi" as the attribute value of the resolution.

[0056] When the user interface unit 12 receives the reading attribute and the attribute value designated by the user (step S101 ), the imaging unit 11 images the document 2 (step S102 ).

[0057] As described above, the document imager 21 , i.e., the imaging unit 11 that starts imaging, performs imaging at a certain time interval. However, it is necessary to image the document 2 on the document table 23 to obtain an image of the document 2 . Therefore, the process of imaging the document 2 is explicitly described in a flowchart.

[0058] The confirmation screen generator 13 generates a confirmation screen for the user to confirm by displaying the photographed image of the document 2. The user interface 12 displays the generated confirmation screen on the operation panel 25 (step S103).

[0059] Figure 5A 1 is a diagram showing a display example of the confirmation screen 50 in the present embodiment. The confirmation screen 50 shows a display area 51 of a photographic image of the document 2, a setting change button 52, and a start button 53. The confirmation screen generation unit 13 extracts the image of the document 2 from the photographic image photographed by the document camera 21 and displays it in the display area 51. The image photographed by the document camera 21 according to the initial setting, for example, is displayed in the display area 51 without particularly depending on the read attribute of the read image of the document 2.

[0060] Here, the user refers to the photographic image of the original 2 displayed on the confirmation screen 50. As instructions that the user can issue next, there are an operation for confirming whether the attribute value of the reading attribute (here, resolution) specified when the service is selected is correct, and an operation for performing a formal scan. Here, when you want to confirm whether the former, that is, the attribute value of the resolution specified by the user, is correct, click on the portion of the photographic image of the original 2 where you particularly want to confirm the resolution. That is, select the portion of the original 2 displayed on the operation panel 25 where you want to confirm the resolution. Basically, it is considered that the portion where characters with relatively small size are located is prone to differences depending on the attribute value, so it is estimated that the user can find and click on the small character portion on the read image of the original 2. In addition, in Figure 5A 4 shows a portion (hereinafter referred to as a “confirmation position”) 54 that the user wants to confirm on the image of the finger.

[0061] However, many manuscripts 2 are sometimes formed by combining contents such as documents or images. Moreover, even if it is a document, it is possible to process it by dividing it into multiple contents according to each text and paragraph. These contents have been able to be processed as objects since the past. Therefore, as described above, if the user specifies the confirmation position 54 on the photographic image of the manuscript 2, the user interface unit 12 receives and obtains the confirmation position 54. In this case ("Yes" in step S104), the preview area setting unit 14 sets the display area of ​​the partial area including the confirmation position 54, that is, an image of an object, as the preview area (step S105). In this way, the confirmation position 54 specified by the user is extended to the range of the object image.

[0062] Next, the preview image generating unit 151 in the image processing unit 15 extracts an image corresponding to the preview area from the photographic image of the original document 2, and generates a preview image according to the attribute value of the read attribute specified by the user by performing image processing on the extracted image (step S106). In the present embodiment, instead of using the preview image of the entire original document 2, only a partial area including the confirmation position 54 specified by the user as the position where the resolution is to be confirmed is set as the generation range of the preview image, so that the efficiency is high. The user interface unit 12 enlarges the preview image generated in this way and displays it in an overlapping manner on the confirmation screen 50 (step S107).

[0063] Figure 5B FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the confirmation screen 50 when a preview image is displayed in an overlapping manner. Figure 5B The preview image display area 55 shown in the figure displays a preview image generated at a resolution of 200 dpi specified by the user in an enlarged manner. As long as the user can confirm the preview image, there is no need to set any restrictions on the display position or shape of the preview image display area 55 and the enlargement and reduction ratio of the content. It is also possible to change the size or display position of the preview image display area 55 according to user operations. Figure 5B In the figure, in order to show that the characters are difficult to recognize at a resolution of 200 dpi, the characters are displayed in a lighter color for convenience.

[0064] When the user determines that the image cannot be read sufficiently at a resolution of 200 dpi after viewing the preview image, the user selects the setting change button 52. When the setting change button 52 is selected, the attribute value setting unit 16 displays the read attribute selection screen 56 superimposed on the confirmation screen 50. The display example of the confirmation screen 50 when the read attribute selection screen 56 is superimposed is shown in FIG. Figure 5C middle.

[0065] exist Figure 5C The reading attribute selection screen 56 shown in FIG. 1 shows a list of reading attributes and the attribute values ​​of the reading attributes at the current time point in a group. The user selects resolution from the list. Here, the user selects resolution as the reading attribute to be processed. Therefore, on the reading attribute selection screen 56, as shown in FIG. 1 , Figure 5C Here, if the user selects resolution from the read attribute selection screen 56, the attribute value setting unit 16 displays it superimposed on the confirmation screen 50 corresponding to the read attribute "resolution" instead of the read attribute selection screen 56. The display example of the confirmation screen 50 when the attribute value selection screen 57 is superimposed is shown in Figure 5D middle.

[0066] If reference Figure 5DThe attribute value selection screen 57 shown in the figure shows that the multifunction device 10 can take four attribute values ​​of 200 dpi, 300 dpi, 400 dpi and 600 dpi as the resolution. Then, as "●" is currently added, it can be seen that 200 dpi is currently selected as the attribute value of the resolution. Here, when the user wants to increase the resolution to 400 dpi, for example, he selects "400 dpi" from the selection candidates displayed on the attribute value selection screen 57.

[0067] When the user instructs to change the current 200 dpi to 400 dpi as the attribute value of resolution ("Yes" in step S108), the user interface unit 12 receives the designated attribute value "400 dpi". Then, the attribute value setting unit 16 sets the attribute value of the changed resolution based on the received attribute value (step S109).

[0068] Next, the preview image generating unit 151 extracts the image corresponding to the preview image display area 55 from the photographic image of the document 2, and regenerates the preview image according to the attribute value of the read attribute changed by the user by performing image processing on the extracted image (step S106). The user interface unit 12 displays the preview image regenerated in this way by overlapping it on the confirmation screen 50 (step S107).

[0069] Figure 5E FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the confirmation screen 50 when a preview image generated again is displayed in an overlapping manner. Figure 5E The preview image display area 55 shown in the figure displays an enlarged preview image of the preview area generated at a resolution of 400 dpi specified by the user. Figure 5E In the preview image display area 55 shown in the figure, when the resolution is 400 dpi, it becomes easier to recognize characters than at 200 dpi. In order to indicate that the characters can be read, the characters are Figure 5B The preview image display area 55 shown is displayed more deeply.

[0070] The shape of the preview image display area 55 after the attribute value is changed does not need to be changed from that before the attribute value is changed, but may be changed to facilitate confirmation of the preview image according to the read attribute.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Figure 5B and Figure 5E , a display example is shown in which a preview image based on a property value before setting the change is updated based on a preview image based on a property value after setting the change. However, in order to easily compare the difference between the property values ​​before and after the change, the preview images before and after the change can be displayed side by side.

[0072] In the present embodiment, since the processing steps S106 to S109 can be repeated, the user can confirm various attribute values.

[0073] In the above manner, it is confirmed on the preview image whether the attribute value of the read attribute is correct. Then, if it is confirmed that a resolution that can be fully read is selected, the user selects the start button 53. In this case ("No" in step S108, "Yes" in step S110), the photographing unit 11 photographs the original 2 (step S111). In this way, the selection of the start button 53, which is the photography implemented by the user according to the explicit operation instruction, is equivalent to the aforementioned "formal scanning". The read image generation unit 152 cuts and extracts the range in which the original 2 is photographed from the photographed image. Then, the read image generation unit 152 performs image processing on the photographed image of the original 2 so that a read image corresponding to the set attribute value can be obtained. For example, when the resolution is set to 400dpi, image processing is performed to make the resolution 400dpi. When the document camera 21 shoots at a resolution of 400dpi, there is no need to convert the resolution. In this way, the read image generation unit 152 generates a read image of the original 2 by formal scanning (step S112).

[0074] When the read image of the document 2 is generated in the above-described manner, the service processing unit 17 implements the service selected by the user, which is a service of transmitting the read image of the document 2 to a designated transmission destination.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, two kinds of operation instructions from the user are received, namely, setting change of attribute values ​​based on selection of setting change button 52 or execution of actual scanning based on selection of start button 53. However, there may be a case where the user wants to confirm attribute values ​​of read attributes other than those specified in step S101 through the above-mentioned processing and change the attribute values ​​as needed. Figure 5A Although not shown in the figure, a button for transferring the processing to step S101 can be set on the confirmation screen 50 illustrated in the figure, so that when the button is operated ("No" in step S110), the attribute values ​​of the read attributes other than those previously specified in step S101 are confirmed, and then the setting changes of the attribute values ​​are made.

[0076] However, the reading attributes are not limited to those that have a predetermined possible attribute value (200dpi, 300dpi, 400dpi, 600dpi in the above example) and can be set by allowing the user to select from the selection candidates, such as "resolution". For example, there are also reading attributes that allow the user to specify a desired numerical value between 0% and 100%. In this case, the attribute value setting unit 16 needs to display an attribute value setting screen for specifying a numerical value instead of Figure 5DAlternatively, one or more attribute values ​​may be selected from the range of possible attribute values ​​as typical candidate attribute values ​​of the read attribute, and the attribute value selection screen 57 displaying the selected candidates may be generated and displayed as in the above example.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, if the Figure 5B When the setting change button 52 is selected in the state of the confirmation screen 50 shown, the read attribute ( Figure 5C ), but in step S101, the user specifies the read attribute to be processed, so it can be Figure 5B Transition to Figure 5D Rather than transitioning to Figure 5C method to process.

[0078] Implementation method 2.

[0079] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when the user is asked to confirm the attribute value set for a certain reading attribute (for example, resolution) on the preview image, the user is asked to specify a partial area containing the position to be confirmed, that is, a preview area. However, the position selected by the user as the preview area can be estimated to a certain extent based on the reading attribute. That is, it is possible to estimate the position on the original 2 where the user specifies that the attribute value that can be taken according to the reading attribute is likely to be different. For example, it is conceivable that when the reading attribute is a reading attribute related to image quality such as resolution, the user specifies a character with a relatively small character size, specifically, specifies the position of the character with the smallest character size. And, if the reading attribute is "delete border", it is the position where the border is located in the read image of the original 2, and if it is "remove background color", it is the position where there is no object image such as a character or figure whose background color is easy to confirm.

[0080] Therefore, the present embodiment is characterized in that confirmation position 54 , ie, preview area, can be automatically set without requiring the user to designate it.

[0081] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine that forms an image processing system in this embodiment. Figure 1 The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The multifunction device 10 in this embodiment has a configuration in which an attribute value setting information storage unit 19 is added to the multifunction device 10 in Embodiment 1. The attribute value setting information storage unit 19 is preliminarily set with attribute value setting information.

[0082] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the attribute value setting information stored in the attribute value setting information storage unit 19 in the second embodiment.

[0083] The attribute value setting information is set by establishing a correspondence between the setting area condition and related parameters and the reading attribute. The setting area condition is used to set the partial area on the original 2 that is likely to differ according to the attribute value that can be taken by the reading attribute, that is, the preview area. Figure 7 The following preview area setting conditions are set in the setting area conditions when the reading attribute is resolution, which are illustrated in the example in FIG. 1 : by comparing the sizes of characters extracted by performing OCR, i.e., character recognition processing on the read image of the original 2, a partial area containing characters with the smallest size is set as the preview area. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the smallest character among the characters contained in the original 2 is processed as a character with a relatively small size. In the first embodiment, when the attribute value of the reading attribute specified by the user in step S101 is to be changed, as shown in FIG. Figure 5C As shown in the example, the read attributes are displayed in a list, and the read attributes displayed in the list are set together with the display order for the relevant parameters.

[0084] The attribute value setting information storage unit 19 is implemented by a hard disk drive (HDD) 34 mounted on the multifunction device 10. Alternatively, the RAM 33 or an external storage device may be used via a network.

[0085] Next, use Figure 8 The flowchart shown here explains the reading attribute setting process of the document 2 in this embodiment. In addition, the same process steps as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the user selects a service requiring document scanning from the main screen displayed on the operation panel 25, and further sets the reading attributes and attribute values ​​that the user wants to confirm on the preview image before generating the read image of the document 2, and the destination to which the read image of the document 2 is to be sent. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user inputs and specifies "resolution" as the reading attribute and "200 dpi" as the attribute value of the resolution.

[0087] As described above, the present embodiment is characterized in that the preview area is automatically set without requiring the user to specify a position on the document 2. Therefore, when the user inputs a specified read attribute and its attribute value, the preview area setting unit 14 automatically sets the preview area with reference to the attribute value setting information (step S201). Specifically, the operation is performed as follows.

[0088] That is, the preview area setting unit 14 first performs OCR, which is a function of the multifunction peripheral 10, on the read image of the original document 2 according to the set area condition set corresponding to the reading attribute (here, resolution) designated by the user, and sets a partial area including characters of the smallest size among the characters extracted thereby (more specifically, an area corresponding to an object including characters of the smallest size) as a preview area.

[0089] Next, the preview image generating unit 151 generates a preview image according to the attribute value of the read attribute specified by the user in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S106). Figure 5B The preview image is superimposed and displayed on the confirmation screen 50 like the confirmation screen 50 shown in FIG. 2 (step S202). The subsequent processing may be the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0090] However, if Figure 5B When the user selects the setting change button 52 on the confirmation screen 50 shown in the figure, the confirmation screen 50 ( Figure 5C ), the attribute value setting unit 16 in this embodiment refers to the relevant parameters set in the attribute value setting information to obtain the read attributes as the attribute value setting change object and displays the list on the attribute value selection screen 91. The display example of the confirmation screen 50 at this time is shown in Fig. 9 .

[0091] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example, the read attributes set for the relevant parameters in the attribute value setting information are displayed on the attribute value selection screen 91 in the set display order. Fig. 9 The attribute value selection screen 91 shown includes "Others" so that the read attributes that are not set for the relevant parameters can be changed. That is, by selecting "Others", the user displays a list of read attributes other than resolution and image quality, and can select the read attribute for which the attribute value is to be confirmed to be correct from the list.

[0092] In addition, for example, when Figure 7 If the read attribute in the attribute value setting information shown in the example is "density" and no related parameters are set, Figure 5B By selecting the setting change button 52 on the confirmation screen 50 shown, the screen for setting the attribute value can be directly displayed without displaying the attribute value selection screen.

[0093] In the above description, resolution is described as an example as a reading attribute. For example, when the user specifies "Delete Border" (not resolution) of the document 2 as "Yes" as a reading attribute, the preview area setting unit 14 executes the delete border function of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the setting area condition of the reading attribute "Delete Border" in the attribute value setting information to set the preview area including the top, bottom, left, and right parts of the document 2 (here, the lower right end of the read image of the document 2).

[0094] Furthermore, when the user designates “background removal” as “yes” as the reading attribute, the preview area setting unit 14 executes the background removal function of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the setting area condition of the reading attribute being “background removal” in the attribute value setting information, and sets the preview area including the blank portion where objects such as characters or images of the document 2 are not displayed.

[0095] According to the present embodiment, even without requiring the user to designate the confirmation position 54 , the preview area can be automatically set to allow the user to confirm the preview image.

[0096] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0097] Furthermore, the actions of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed by only one processor or by multiple processors in physically separate locations in collaboration. Furthermore, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0098] (Note) (1)

[0100] An image processing system, characterized in that it comprises a photographing unit and a processor,

[0101] The processor performs the following processing:

[0102] When a user designates a read attribute set when generating a read image of a document and an attribute value of the read attribute, a photographic image of the document photographed by the photographing unit is displayed;

[0103] Acquiring a position on the photographic image specified by a user;

[0104] generating a preview image of the document according to the designated attribute value, using a partial area on the document including the acquired position as a generation range; and

[0105] The preview image is displayed in an enlarged manner. (2)

[0107] The image processing system according to (1) is characterized in that

[0108] The processor sets a partial area on the document, which is designated by a user and is likely to differ according to attribute values ​​that can be taken by a read attribute, as a generation range of the preview image without requiring the user to designate a position. (3)

[0110] The image processing system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0111] The processor performs the following processing:

[0112] When a reading attribute related to image quality is designated by a user, character recognition processing is performed on the photographic image of the document; and

[0113] A partial area on the document including positions of characters with relatively small character sizes among the characters on the document obtained by the character recognition process is set as a generation range of the preview image. (4)

[0115] The image processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that:

[0116] The processor performs the following processing:

[0117] displaying selection candidates of attribute values ​​of the read attribute according to a setting change instruction from a user;

[0118] regenerating a preview image of the document using the partial area as a generation range based on the photographed image of the document and in accordance with the attribute value selected by the user from among the selection candidates; and

[0119] The preview image generated again is enlarged and displayed. (5)

[0121] The image processing system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that:

[0122] The partial area is a display area of ​​an object on the original document. (6)

[0124] A program that enables a computer to:

[0125] When the user designates a read attribute set when generating a read image of a document and an attribute value of the read attribute, a photographic image of the document photographed by the photographing unit is displayed;

[0126] Acquiring a position on the photographic image specified by a user;

[0127] generating a preview image of the document by using a partial area on the document including the acquired position as a generation range; and

[0128] The preview image is displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0129] According to the invention described in (1), the appropriateness of the attribute values ​​can be easily confirmed compared to a case where the user is asked to confirm whether the attribute values ​​of the read attributes are set correctly based on the preview images before generating the read image of the original document, and the user generates a plurality of preview images by combining the attribute values ​​of the read attributes as selection candidates.

[0130] According to the invention described in (2), a partial area on a document that is suitable for the reading attribute specified by the user can be automatically set as a preview image generation range.

[0131] According to the invention described in (3), it is possible to generate a read image of a document in which characters having a relatively small character size are easily visible.

[0132] According to the invention described in (4), the preview image generated according to the selected attribute value can be displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0133] According to the invention described in (5), it is easy to confirm whether the attribute value specified by the user is appropriate.

[0134] According to the invention described in (6), the appropriateness of the attribute values ​​can be easily confirmed compared to a case where the user is allowed to confirm whether the attribute values ​​of the read attributes are set correctly based on the preview images before generating the read image of the original document, and the user generates a plurality of preview images by combining the attribute values ​​of the read attributes as selection candidates.

[0135] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image processing system, characterized in that: Equipped with a photography unit and a processor, The processor performs the following processing: When a user designates a reading attribute set when generating a reading image of a document and an attribute value of the reading attribute, a photographic image of the document photographed by the photographing unit is displayed; Acquiring a position on the photographic image specified by a user; generating a preview image of the document according to the specified attribute value by using a partial area on the document including the acquired position as a generation range; and The preview image is displayed in an enlarged manner.

2. The image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor sets a partial area on the document, which is designated by a user and is likely to differ according to attribute values ​​that can be taken by a read attribute, as a generation range of the preview image without requiring the user to designate a position.

3. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The processor performs the following processing: When a reading attribute related to image quality is designated by a user, character recognition processing is performed on the photographic image of the document; and A partial area on the document including positions of characters with relatively small character sizes among the characters on the document obtained by the character recognition process is set as a generation range of the preview image.

4. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processor performs the following processing: displaying selection candidates of attribute values ​​of the read attribute according to a setting change instruction from a user; regenerating a preview image of the document based on the photographed image of the document and taking the partial area as a generation range according to the attribute value selected by the user from among the selection candidates; and The preview image generated again is enlarged and displayed.

5. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The partial area is a display area of ​​an object on the original document.

6. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to implement the following functions: When the user designates a reading attribute set when generating a reading image of the original document and an attribute value of the reading attribute, a photographic image of the original document photographed by the photographing unit is displayed; Acquiring a position on the photographic image specified by a user; generating a preview image of the document by using a partial area on the document including the acquired position as a generation range; and The preview image is displayed in an enlarged manner.

7. An image processing method comprising the following steps: When the user designates a reading attribute set when generating a reading image of the original document and an attribute value of the reading attribute, a photographic image of the original document photographed by the photographing unit is displayed; Acquiring a position on the photographic image specified by a user; generating a preview image of the document by using a partial area on the document including the acquired position as a generation range; and The preview image is displayed in an enlarged manner.

Images