Image processing device, image processing system, and image processing program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system and an image processing program capable of accurately dividing an assigned image and detecting and deleting a blank sheet of the divided image as compared to the case of determining and dividing the assigned image by using a feature quantity of the image.SOLUTION: A block dividing unit 60 divides a page into blocks with respect to each page of image information obtained by reading a document with a document optical reading unit, a counting unit 62 counts the number of black dots in each block, a document blank sheet detecting unit 64 detects a blank sheet of the document and deletes the blank sheet, and an assigned image determining unit 66 determines whether the image is an assigned image or not by using the count result of the counting unit 62. An assigned image blank sheet detecting unit 68 then detects the blank sheet in the assigned image using the count result of the counting unit 62, and deletes a blank sheet area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, after performing signal conversion processing and resolution conversion processing for converting an input RGB signal into a luminance signal, feature amounts of each line are calculated for a plurality of lines along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of an image, analysis of the feature amounts is performed for each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and it is disclosed that it is determined whether it is an assigned manuscript based on a determination as to whether there is one blank area in the main scanning direction or whether there is one blank area in the sub-scanning direction.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, based on the distribution of feature amounts for each line in the main scanning direction, a non-image part extraction unit that extracts a blank area in the center of the manuscript of the assigned manuscript, a center coordinate of the center of the blank area in the center of the manuscript, and a position coordinate of the center of the manuscript are compared, and a manuscript division position determination unit that determines a position for dividing the assigned manuscript, and when the center coordinate of the center of the blank area in the center of the manuscript and the position coordinate of the center of the manuscript are separated by a predetermined value or more, an image processing apparatus including an image shaping processing unit that performs editing of image data (such as interpolation of image data, readout control, etc.) so that both match is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If we extract image features and determine whether an image is a layout image with multiple images on one page, and then divide it accordingly, there is a risk of misjudging the division position if pixels with pixel values ​​that are not extracted as features are clustered together. Furthermore, we were unable to detect and delete blank pages in the divided images after the layout image has been divided.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image processing device, an image processing system, and an image processing program that can accurately divide an allocated image and detect and delete blank areas in the divided image, compared to the method of determining and dividing an allocated image using image features. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a processor, which acquires image information obtained by reading a document image, divides one page of the acquired image information into predetermined block units, counts black dots for each of the divided block units, and uses the counting result of black dots for each block unit to determine whether the document image is a layout image in which multiple images are allocated to one page, and to detect and delete blank pages in the layout image.

[0008] In the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the processor, prior to the determination and the detection and deletion of blank pages, uses the counting result to detect and delete blank pages on an entire page.

[0009] In the third embodiment, the image processing apparatus, in the first embodiment, performs the determination using the counting results of predetermined blocks in the central part of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the image information.

[0010] In the fourth embodiment, the image processing apparatus, in the first embodiment, has a processor that, in the case of the assigned image, uses the counting results of the blocks corresponding to the divided regions obtained by dividing the plurality of images to detect and delete blank areas in the divided regions.

[0011] The image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, determines that a block corresponding to the divided region is blank and deletes it if the count result is less than a predetermined threshold according to the number of allocated images.

[0012] In the sixth embodiment, the image processing apparatus, in the first embodiment, has a processor that performs the determination using the determination result of the assigned image on the previous page.

[0013] In the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, the processor performs the determination using the determination result on the previous page when predetermined conditions are met.

[0014] The image processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, generates and outputs an image from which blank spaces have been removed if blank spaces exist in the assigned image.

[0015] The image processing system according to the ninth aspect includes an image reading device that reads a document image and generates image information, and the image processing device described in claim 1.

[0016] The image processing program according to the tenth embodiment causes a computer to acquire image information obtained by reading an original document image, divide one page of the acquired image information into predetermined block units, count black dots for each of the divided block units, and use the counting results of the black dots for each block unit to determine whether the original document image is a layout image in which multiple images are allocated to one page, and to detect and delete blank pages in the layout image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first embodiment, compared to determining and dividing an image based on its features, it is possible to provide an image processing device that can accurately divide an image and detect and delete blank areas in the divided image.

[0018] According to the second aspect, it is possible to detect and delete a blank page of an entire page.

[0019] According to the third aspect, it is possible to accurately determine the assigned image as compared with the case of determining the assigned image using the feature amount of the image.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to detect and delete a blank page of the image assigned to the assigned image.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to determine whether it is an assigned image without limiting the number of images assigned to the assigned image.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to more accurately determine whether it is an assigned image than determining whether it is an assigned image for only one page. [[ID=二十]]

[0023] [[ID=二十一]] [[ID=二十二]]According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress misjudging that the assigned image is not an assigned image. [[ID=二十三]] [[ID=二十四]]

[0024] [[ID=二十五]] [[ID=二十六]]According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to create an assigned image with the blank page in the assigned image deleted. [[ID=二十七]] [[ID=二十八]]

[0025] [[ID=二十九]] [[ID=三十]]According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to provide an image processing system that can accurately divide the assigned image and detect and delete the blank page of the divided image as compared with the case of determining and dividing the assigned image using the feature amount of the image. [[ID=三十一]] [[ID=三十二]]

[0026] [[ID=三十三]] [[ID=三十四]]According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to provide an image processing program that can accurately divide the assigned image and detect and delete the blank page of the divided image as compared with the case of determining and dividing the assigned image using the feature amount of the image. [[ID=三十五]] [[ID=三十六]]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [[ID=四十]] [[ID=四十一]] [Figure 1] [[ID=四十二]]It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [[ID=四十三]] [[ID=四十四]] [Figure 2] [[ID=四十五]]It is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [[ID=四十六]] [[ID=四十七]] [Figure 3]This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of dividing a single page image into multiple blocks. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the method for determining the placement of images. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the SEF direction of 2UP. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the image of the 2UP in the LEF direction. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the SEF direction of 4UP. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the image of the 4UP in the LEF direction. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the subsequent processing flow. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an image forming system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a printing function that receives various data via a communication line such as a network and performs image forming processing based on the received data. The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment also has multiple functions, such as a reading function that reads a document and obtains image information representing the document, a copying function that copies the image recorded on the document onto paper, a facsimile function that sends and receives various data via a telephone line (not shown), a transfer function that transfers document information such as image information read by the reading function, etc., and a storage function that stores document information such as image information read.

[0029] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a document reading unit 52 at the top of the apparatus, and an image forming unit 24 is located below the document reading unit 52. The document reading unit 52 is equipped with a document transport unit (not shown) inside the document cover 54. The document transport unit sequentially pulls in documents 56 placed on the document feeding unit 54A provided in the document cover 54 and transports them onto a platen glass (not shown) to read the images recorded on the documents 56. The document transport unit also discharges the documents 56 after the image reading is complete onto the document discharge unit 54B provided in the document cover 54.

[0030] Furthermore, the document reading unit 52 is provided with a user interface 22 that accepts various instructions and operations from the user. This user interface 22 includes display buttons that enable the acceptance of instructions and operations via a software program, a display 22A that displays various information, hardware keys 22B such as a numeric keypad, etc. The display 22A is a touch panel type that combines a display device such as an LCD panel with a position input device such as a touchpad. The user interface 22 is used for setting the number of copies and magnification when using the copying function, and as a dial pad for a telephone when using the facsimile function, etc. via the display buttons on the display 22A and the hardware keys 22B. Note that the hardware keys 22B may be omitted.

[0031] On the other hand, the image forming unit 24 includes a paper feed and storage unit 58 in which paper, which will be used as a recording medium for image formation, is stored. The image forming unit 24 takes out the paper stored in the paper feed and storage unit 58 one sheet at a time and forms an image on the paper based on the image data, for example, by an electrophotographic process. The image forming unit 24 also discharges the paper on which images have been formed sequentially onto a paper discharge unit (not shown).

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20 that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 20C is used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 20A. The ROM 20B stores various control programs such as image processing programs and various parameters in advance. The various parts of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 are electrically connected by a system bus 42.

[0034] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 26 for storing various data, application programs, etc. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a display control unit 28 connected to a user interface 22, which controls the display of various operation screens, etc., on the display 22A of the user interface 22. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22, which detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 10, the storage unit 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. For example, the storage unit 26 may be an HDD (hard disk drive) or a non-volatile storage unit such as flash memory.

[0035] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the original optical reading unit 46 and the original feeding operation by the original transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming processing by the image forming unit 24 and the transport of paper to the image forming unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36 ​​connected to a communication line (not shown) that transmits and receives communication data with other external devices such as servers connected to the communication line, and an image processing unit 44 that performs various image processing. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a facsimile I / F (interface) unit 38 connected to a telephone line (not shown) that transmits and receives facsimile data with a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a transmit / receive control unit 40 that controls the transmit and receive of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38. In the image forming apparatus 10, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line I / F unit 36, the facsimile I / F unit 38, and the image processing unit 44 are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0036] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 20A to access the RAM 20C, ROM 20B, and storage unit 26, respectively. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the display 22A of the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the document optical reading unit 46 and the document transport unit via the reading control unit 32. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the image forming unit 24 and the transport unit 25 via the image forming control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36, respectively. The image forming apparatus 10 also uses the CPU 20A to control the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38 by the transmission and reception control unit 40. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the CPU 20A to understand the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation input detection unit 30, and performs various controls based on this operation content.

[0037] Next, we will describe the functional configuration realized in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, which is achieved by the CPU 20A of the control unit 20 loading the program stored in the ROM 20B into the RAM 20C and executing it. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The control unit 20 has the functions of a block division unit 60, a counting unit 62, a blank document detection unit 64, a layout image determination unit 66, and a layout image blank detection unit 68. In this embodiment, the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 is described as the functions of the control unit 20, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be the functional configuration of the image processing unit 44.

[0039] The block division unit 60 divides each page of image information obtained by the document optical reading unit 46 into block units. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the image on one page is divided into multiple blocks. Figure 4 shows an example where the image is divided into 21 × 15 blocks.

[0040] The counting unit 62 counts the number of black dots present in each divided block unit and stores the counting result in RAM 20C or the like. In this disclosure, "black dot" refers to any pixel that has a pixel value, not limited to black pixels.

[0041] The blank page detection unit 64 detects blank pages in the document and deletes them. Blank page detection of the document is performed prior to determining whether it is a layout image and detecting and deleting blank pages within the layout image. In this embodiment, the counting result from the counting unit 62 is read out, and if the number of black dots in the entire area of ​​a page is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the page is blank, and if it is above the threshold, it is determined that the page is not blank.

[0042] The assigned image determination unit 66 uses the counting result from the counting unit 62 to determine whether or not an image is an assigned image in which multiple images are assigned. Specifically, it compares the number of black dots in predetermined blocks (three blocks in Figure 5 as an example) in the central block of the main scanning direction, as shown by the thick frame in Figure 5, and predetermined blocks (three blocks in Figure 5 as an example) in the central block of each sub-scanning direction, with a predetermined assigned image determination threshold to determine whether it is a 2UP image in which two images are assigned, or a 4UP image in which four images are assigned. At this time, the assignment result for each page is stored in RAM 20C or the like.

[0043] The layout image blank detection unit 68 uses the counting result from the counting unit 62 to detect blank areas in the layout image and deletes the blank areas.

[0044] White areas in the allocated image are detected using a predetermined threshold based on the number of allocated areas. For example, a white area is determined if the number of black dots in the allocated area is less than the threshold, using a white area detection threshold t1 for 2UP or a white area detection threshold t2 for 4UP.

[0045] For example, if an image is determined to be a 2UP image, the number of vertical and horizontal blocks in the selected area will differ depending on whether the image orientation is vertical (SEF: Short edge food) or horizontal (LEF: Long edge feed), as shown by the thick lines in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows a 2UP image in the SEF direction, and Figure 7 shows a 2UP image in the LEF direction. The total number of black dots in the blocks corresponding to each thick-lined area, which is the divided region of the allocated image, is compared with a predetermined threshold. If the number is less than the threshold, the specified area is judged to be blank.

[0046] In the SEF direction, as shown in Figure 6, if the image is determined to be split into two parts, upper and lower, the total number of black dots in the block corresponding to the Sh1 region is compared with a predetermined threshold t1. If the number is less than the threshold t1, the upper region within the thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. Similarly, the Sh2 region is also compared with the threshold t1, and if the number is less than the threshold, the lower region within the thick-lined frame is determined to be blank.

[0047] In the LEF direction, as shown in Figure 7, if the image is determined to be split into left and right halves, the total number of black dots in the block corresponding to the Sv1 region is compared with a predetermined threshold t1. If the number is less than threshold t1, the region within the thick border on the left is determined to be blank. Similarly, the Sv2 region is also compared with threshold t1, and if the number is less than the threshold, the region within the thick border on the right is determined to be blank.

[0048] Even when an image is determined to be a 4UP image, the number of blocks in the selected region differs depending on whether the image is oriented in the SEF direction or the LEF direction, as shown by the thick lines in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows a 4UP image in the SEF direction, and Figure 9 shows a 4UP image in the LEF direction. The total number of black dots in each region of the thick lines is compared with a predetermined threshold, and if it is less than the threshold, the specified region is judged to be blank.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, if the image is determined to be a four-part image in the SEF direction, the total number of black dots in the block corresponding to the Sh1 region is compared with a predetermined threshold t2. If it is less than the threshold t2, the region in the upper left thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sh1' region, where the total number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If it is less than the threshold, the region in the upper right thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sh2 region, where the total number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If it is less than the threshold, the region in the lower left thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sh2' region, where the total number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If it is less than the threshold, the region in the lower right thick-lined frame is determined to be blank.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, if the image is determined to be a four-part image in the LEF direction, the total number of black dots in the block corresponding to the Sv1 region is compared with a predetermined threshold t2. If the number is less than the threshold t2, the region in the upper left thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sv1' region, where the number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If the number of black dots is less than the threshold, the region in the upper right thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sv2 region, where the number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If the number of black dots is less than the threshold, the region in the lower left thick-lined frame is determined to be blank. The same applies to the Sv2' region, where the number of black dots is compared with the threshold t2. If the number of black dots is less than the threshold, the region in the lower right thick-lined frame is determined to be blank.

[0051] Next, we will describe the specific processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The processing in Figure 10 starts, for example, when a predetermined instruction is given to the image information by operating the user interface 22. The image information may be image information obtained by reading by the document optical reading unit 46, or image information that has been read and stored in the storage unit 26 in advance. Furthermore, the processing in Figure 10 will be described as being performed for each page of the image information. That is, the processing in Figure 10 will be performed for one page of the image information, and if there is a next page, the processing in Figure 10 will be performed for the next page as well.

[0052] In step 100, the CPU 20A divides each page into blocks and proceeds to step 102. That is, the block division unit 60 focuses on one page of image information and divides that page into blocks. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the image on one page is divided into multiple blocks.

[0053] In step 102, the CPU 20A counts the number of black spots across the entire area of ​​one page and proceeds to step 104. That is, the counting unit 62 counts the number of black spots present in each block of one page and stores the counting result in RAM 20C or the like.

[0054] In step 104, the CPU 20A determines whether or not the document is blank. This determination is made by the blank document detection unit 64 reading the counting result from the counting unit 62 and determining whether or not the number of black dots across the entire area of ​​one page is less than a predetermined threshold. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 108.

[0055] In step 106, the CPU 20A deletes the blank pages of the document to complete the series of processes. That is, the blank page detection unit 64 deletes the blank pages of the document that it has determined to be blank.

[0056] Meanwhile, in step 108, the CPU 20A performs an allocation image determination and proceeds to step 110. That is, the allocation image determination unit 66 uses the counting result of the counting unit 62 to determine whether or not it is an allocation image to which multiple images have been allocated. Specifically, as described above, it compares the number of black dots of predetermined blocks in the central part of the main scanning direction and predetermined blocks in the central part of each of the sub-scanning directions with a predetermined allocation image determination threshold to determine whether it is a 2UP image to which two images have been allocated or a 4UP image to which four images have been allocated.

[0057] In step 110, the CPU 20A determines whether or not the result of step 108 is an assigned image. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 112; if it is positive, the process proceeds to step 114.

[0058] In step 112, CPU 20A completes the series of processes by passing the page to a subsequent process. Examples of subsequent processes include printing and saving the file.

[0059] On the other hand, in step 114, the CPU 20A determines whether the previous image is also a layout image. This determination determines, for example, whether the image on a predetermined previous page, such as page 1 or page 2, is a layout image, or whether the layout image continues across several previous pages. If this determination is denied, the process proceeds to step 112; if it is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 116. Note that the processing in step 114 may be omitted.

[0060] In step 116, the CPU 20A compares the number of black dots for each allocation area with a threshold defined for each allocation area and proceeds to step 118. Specifically, the allocation image blank space detection unit 68 compares the total number of black dots for the allocation area with a blank space detection threshold t1 for 2UP images, and with a blank space detection threshold t2 for 4UP images.

[0061] In step 118, the CPU 20A determines whether the allocation area is blank. This determination is made by the allocation image blank detection unit 68, which determines whether the total number of black dots in the allocation area is less than a threshold defined for each allocation. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120; otherwise, it proceeds to step 122.

[0062] In step 120, CPU 20A deletes the blank areas and passes the non-blank areas as a single-page image to the next processing stage, thus ending the series of processes.

[0063] Meanwhile, in step 122, the CPU 20A passes the non-blank area as a single-page image to the next processing stage, thus ending the series of processes.

[0064] Next, we will explain a specific example of post-processing. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of post-processing. Note that the processing in Figure 11 is explained as starting after the processing in Figure 10 has been performed for all pages of the image information, as an example.

[0065] In step 200, the CPU 20A determines whether or not it is an assigned image. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 204.

[0066] In step 202, the layout image is reorganized and the process moves to step 204. Specifically, if the layout image contains blank areas, the blank areas are deleted, and the next page is moved up to generate the layout image.

[0067] In step 204, CPU 20A outputs the image information and completes the series of processes. Specifically, it saves the image information, which has had blank pages and blank areas in the layout image removed, to a folder or prints it.

[0068] Next, a modified example of the processing flow performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing flow performed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Processes identical to those in Figure 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0069] In the modified example, step 111 is added to the process in Figure 10. That is, if it is determined in step 110 that the image is not an allocation image, the process proceeds to step 111.

[0070] Then, in step 111, the CPU 20A determines whether or not an image is potentially an assigned image. This determination is made by determining whether or not predetermined conditions are met. An example of predetermined conditions is determining whether or not the image is a non-assigned image and whether or not the number of black dots in the horizontal and vertical center is lower than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the assigned image determination result in step 108 determined that the image was an assigned image because it was above the threshold, the CPU 20A determines whether or not the image has a number of black dots within a predetermined range above the threshold. If the predetermined conditions are met and the determination is affirmed, the process moves to step 114; otherwise, it moves to step 112. That is, for images that have been determined not to be assigned images but have the potential to be assigned images, the process moves to step 114 to determine whether or not the previous image is also an assigned image. This suppresses the misidentification of assigned images as not being assigned images. The predetermined conditions only need to be conditions that allow for the determination of whether or not an image is potentially an assigned image.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs the processing shown in Figures 10 and 11, but the system is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the image processing system 80 may consist of the image forming apparatus 10 and at least one of a client computer 14 and a server 12 such as a cloud server connected to a communication line 16. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 may be an image reading device, and the client computer 14 or server 12 may be an image processing device, with the client computer 14 or server 12 performing at least one of the processing shown in Figure 10 and the processing shown in Figure 11. In the case of an image forming system that includes both a client computer 14 and a server 12, the client computer 14 and server 12 may work together to perform the processing shown in Figure 10 and the processing shown in Figure 12.

[0072] Furthermore, although the CPU was described as an example of a processor in the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a broader term that includes general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and specialized processors (such as GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and programmable logic devices).

[0073] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] Furthermore, the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may be performed by software, by hardware, or by a combination of both. Also, the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0075] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its intent.

[0076] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (((1))) The processor comprises, By scanning the original image, image information is obtained, The acquired image information is divided into predetermined block units, The black dots are counted for each of the divided block units, An image processing device that uses the counting results of black dots for each block unit to determine whether the original image is a layout image in which multiple images are arranged on one page, and to detect and delete blank pages in the layout image.

[0077] (((2))) The image processing apparatus according to (((1))), wherein the processor, prior to the determination and the detection and deletion of blank pages, uses the counting result to detect and delete blank pages on an entire page.

[0078] (((3))) The image processing apparatus according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the processor performs the determination using the counting results of predetermined blocks in the central part of the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction of the image information.

[0079] (((4))) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein the processor, in the case of the allocated image, uses the counting result of the blocks corresponding to the divided regions obtained by dividing the multiple images to detect and delete blank areas in the divided regions.

[0080] (((5))) The image processing apparatus according to (((4))), wherein the processor determines that the block corresponding to the divided region is blank and deletes it if the count result is less than a predetermined threshold according to the number of allocated images.

[0081] (((6))) The processor performs the determination using the determination result of the allocation image on the previous page, as described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))) the image processing device.

[0082] (((7))) The image processing apparatus described in (((6))) (the processor which performs the determination using the determination result on the previous page when predetermined conditions are met).

[0083] (((8))) The image processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein the processor generates and outputs the layout image from which blank spaces have been removed if blank spaces exist in the layout image.

[0084] (((9))) An image reading device that reads a document image and generates image information, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, An image processing system including [specific components / features].

[0085] (((10))) On the computer, By scanning the original image, image information is obtained, The acquired image information is divided into predetermined block units, The black dots are counted for each of the divided block units, An image processing program that uses the counting results of black dots for each block unit to determine whether the original image is a layout image in which multiple images are arranged on one page, and to perform the following processes: detection and deletion of blank pages in the layout image.

[0086] According to (((1))), compared to determining and dividing the allocated image using image features, it is possible to provide an image processing device that can accurately divide the allocated image and detect and delete blank areas in the divided image.

[0087] According to (((2))), it is possible to detect and delete an entire blank page.

[0088] According to (((3))), the assigned image can be determined more accurately than when the assigned image is determined using the image's features.

[0089] According to (((4))), blank spaces in the assigned images can be detected and deleted.

[0090] According to (((5))), it is possible to determine whether an image is an assigned image without limiting the number of images assigned to it.

[0091] According to (((6))), it is possible to determine whether an image is a layout image more accurately than by determining whether it is a layout image based on only one page.

[0092] According to (((7))), it becomes possible to suppress the misidentification of an assigned image as not being an assigned image.

[0093] According to (((8))), it is possible to create a layout image with the blank space removed from the layout image.

[0094] According to (((9))), compared to determining and dividing the assigned image using image features, it is possible to provide an image processing system that can accurately divide the assigned image and detect and delete blank areas in the divided image.

[0095] According to (((10))), compared to determining and dividing the assigned image using image features, it is possible to provide an image processing program that can accurately divide the assigned image and detect and delete blank areas in the divided image. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 servers 14 client computers 16 Communication lines 20 Control Unit 20A CPU 60 Block division section 62 Counting Unit 64. Blank page detection unit 66. Image assignment determination unit 68. Blank image detection unit for layout images

Claims

1. The processor comprises, By scanning the original image, image information is obtained, The acquired image information is divided into predetermined block units, The black dots are counted for each of the divided block units, An image processing device that uses the counting results of black dots for each block unit to determine whether the original image is a layout image in which multiple images are arranged on one page, and to detect and delete blank pages in the layout image.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor, prior to the determination and the detection and deletion of blank pages, uses the counting result to detect and delete blank pages on an entire page.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs the determination using the counting results of predetermined blocks in the central part of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the image information.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor, in the case of the allocated image, uses the counting results of blocks corresponding to the divided regions obtained by dividing the plurality of images to detect and delete blank areas in the divided regions.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor determines that a block corresponding to the divided region is blank and deletes it if the count result is less than a predetermined threshold according to the number of allocated images.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs the determination using the determination result of the layout image on the previous page.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor performs the determination using the determination result on the previous page when predetermined conditions are met.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates and outputs the layout image from which blank spaces have been removed if blank spaces exist in the layout image.

9. An image reading device that reads a document image and generates image information, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, An image processing system including [specific components / features].

10. On the computer, By scanning the original image, image information is obtained, The acquired image information is divided into predetermined block units, The black dots are counted for each of the divided block units, An image processing program that uses the counting results of black dots for each block unit to determine whether the original image is a layout image in which multiple images are arranged on one page, and to detect and delete blank pages in the layout image.

Images