Image processing device and program

Abstract

To suppress media waste and suppress deterioration in legibility of each image due to overlap between a read image and an additional image when outputting a read image of a document read by a document reading device and an additional image added to the read image to a medium.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a processor, and the processor acquires a read image of a document read by a document reading device, outputs the read image and an additional image to a medium such that a significant portion and the additional image do not overlap when the significant portion of the read image overlaps with a specified area to which the additional image of the read image is added, and controls an output device to extend the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an information processing apparatus having a writing unit that writes information regarding a printing paper size larger than the page size of document data into annotation information in the document data, a reading unit that reads the written information regarding the printing paper size, and an instruction unit that designates the paper size at the time of printing based on the read information regarding the printing paper size and instructs generation of a print image of the document data including the annotation information. Patent Document 2 describes an information processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores document data including a document data main body including description content and annotation paper data including annotation information regarding the description content, a paper information determination unit that determines the presence or absence of the annotation paper data, and a display processing unit that, when the paper information determination unit determines that there is annotation paper data, generates an annotation paper that is drawing data for display from the annotation paper data and a document paper that is drawing data for display from the document data main body, arranges the document paper inside the annotation paper, and displays the annotation paper and the document paper on a display unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When outputting the scanned image of a document and an additional image added to the scanned image onto a medium, the readability of each image may be reduced due to overlapping of the scanned image and the additional image. In such cases, if a configuration is adopted in which the scanned image and the additional image are output by switching to a medium of a predetermined size that can accommodate both the scanned image and the additional image, the medium cannot be extended by an arbitrary length in the sub-scanning direction, resulting in wasted medium.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to suppress the waste of media while preventing a decrease in the readability of each image due to the overlapping of the scanned image and the added image when outputting the scanned image of a document read by a document scanning device and an added image to the scanned image onto a medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Claim 1 The invention described is A processor is provided, the processor acquires a scanned image of a document read by a document scanner, and when a significant portion of the scanned image overlaps with a designated area to which an additional image is to be added to the scanned image, the processor outputs the scanned image and the additional image to a medium so that the significant portion and the additional image do not overlap, and controls the output device to extend the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction. The document scanning device scans the document at a first speed, the output device outputs the scanned image to the medium at a second speed faster than the first speed, and the processor controls the output device to start outputting the scanned image to the medium after a waiting time corresponding to the position in the sub-scanning direction of the designated area has elapsed from the time the document scanning device starts scanning the document. Characterized by It is an image processing device. Claim 2 The invention described above is characterized in that, after the document reading device has completed reading the designated area, the processor outputs the additional image if the significant portion and the designated area overlap, and then controls the output device to output the portion of the significant portion that overlaps with the designated area. Claim 1 This is the image processing device described above. Claim 3The invention described above is characterized in that, after the reading of the designated area by the document reader is completed, the processor outputs at least the additional image if the significant portion and the designated area do not overlap, and then controls the output device to output the portion of the significant portion that is on the rear end side in the sub-scanning direction relative to the designated area. Claim 1 This is the image processing device described above. Claim 4 The invention described herein is characterized in that the processor controls the output device such that, if the reading of the document by the document reader is completed after the reading is completed but before the waiting time has elapsed, the output of the scanned image to the medium begins after the reading is completed but before the waiting time has elapsed. Claim 1 This is the image processing device described above. Claim 5 The invention described above provides a computer with the following functions: a function to acquire a scanned image of a document read by a document scanner; and a function to control an output device so that, when a significant portion of the scanned image and a designated area to which an additional image is to be added to the scanned image overlap, the scanned image and the additional image do not overlap, and the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction is extended. The present invention further provides a function to control the output device such that the document scanning device scans the document at a first speed, the output device outputs the scanned image to the medium at a second speed faster than the first speed, and the output device starts outputting the scanned image to the medium after a waiting time corresponding to the position in the sub-scanning direction of the designated area has elapsed from the time the document scanning device starts scanning the document. This is a program for that purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Claim 1 According to this invention, the reading of image data of a document by a document scanning device and the output of image data of a document to a medium by an output device can be performed in parallel, even when it is determined whether or not the medium is extended once the reading of a specified area is complete. Claim 2 According to this invention, when a significant portion and a designated region overlap, the length of the medium can be extended while maintaining the position of the additional image with respect to the leading edge of the medium. Claim 3 According to this invention, when the significant portion and the designated area do not overlap, the occurrence of unnecessary margins in the medium can be suppressed. Claim 4 According to this invention, if scanning is completed before the waiting time elapses after scanning of the document by the document scanner begins, the output of the scanned image to the medium can be completed faster compared to the case where the output of the scanned image to the medium begins after the waiting time elapses after scanning of the document by the document scanner begins. Claim 5 According to the invention, The scanning of the document image data by the document scanner and the output of the document image data to the medium by the output device are performed in parallel, even if it is determined whether or not the medium is extended once the scanning of the specified area is complete. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a copying system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a document scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an output device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figures (a) and (b) show the first example of image synthesis when the valid image from the scanned document overlaps with the annotation image. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a second example of image synthesis when the valid image from the scanned document overlaps with the annotation image. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating examples of combining images while maintaining the offset of the annotation image from the leading edge of the paper when the valid image from the scanned original document overlaps with the annotation image. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating examples of composite images that maintain the offset of the annotation image from the trailing edge of the paper when the valid image from the scanned original document overlaps with the annotation image. [Figure 9]A graph showing the first example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the leading edge base point of the paper. [Figure 10] A graph showing the second example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the leading edge base point of the paper. [Figure 11] A graph showing the third example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the leading edge base point of the paper. [Figure 12] A graph showing the first example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the trailing edge base point of the paper. [Figure 13] A graph showing the second example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the trailing edge base point of the paper. [Figure 14] A graph showing the third example of the output start timing in the case of specifying the trailing edge base point of the paper. [Figure 15] A block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-1] A flowchart of a reading routine of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-2] A flowchart of a reading routine of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the content of the output start timing calculation process. [Figure 18-1] A flowchart of an output routine of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-2] A flowchart of an output routine of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of a processing history for recording that the copy paper has been extended. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Outline of the Present Embodiment] This embodiment provides an image processing device that acquires a scanned image of a document read by a document scanner, and when a significant portion of the scanned image overlaps with a designated area to which an additional image is to be added to the scanned image, outputs the scanned image and the additional image to a medium so that the significant portion and the additional image do not overlap, and controls the output device to extend the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction.

[0011] Here, the significant portion of the read image refers to the part of the read image that conveys meaningful information to the user. The portion that conveys meaningful information may be all parts other than the background color, or it may be the part in which pixels of a color other than the background color are connected and exceed a threshold size. Alternatively, a specific type of portion within such a portion may be designated as the portion that conveys meaningful information. Here, the designated type of portion may be the part in which a character image is formed, the part in which a photographic image is formed, etc. Below, the significant portion of the read image will be explained as the effective image. An annotated image is an image added to image data. In the following explanation, annotation images may be used as an example of an annotated image, but it is not limited to this; any image containing any information is acceptable. A medium is an object used to transmit some kind of information, and from which image data can be output. Examples of mediums include paper and plastic sheets, but in the following explanation, we will use paper as an example. Extending the length of a medium means increasing its length by shifting the point where it is cut.

[0012] [Overall Configuration of the Copying System] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the copying system 1 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the copying system 1 comprises a document reading device 10, an output device 20, and an image processing device 30. The document reading device 10 reads the document and outputs its image data. The output device 20 transfers the image onto paper based on the image data and ejects it. The image processing device 30 acquires the image data from the document reading device 10, processes it in some way, and outputs it to the output device 20. It is assumed that the copying system 1 is capable of synchronized cutting copying. Synchronized cutting copying is a type of copying in which the copy paper is cut to match the length of the original.

[0013] [Hardware configuration of the document scanning device] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the document scanning device 10 in this embodiment. Inside the document scanning device 10, there are transport rollers 101 to 106 for transporting the document 100 along the transport direction. These transport rollers 101 to 106 consist of three transport mechanisms in total, each consisting of two rollers arranged vertically in Figure 2. The document 100 inserted through the document insertion slot 100a is transported sequentially by the first transport mechanism, transport rollers 101 and 102, the second transport mechanism, transport rollers 103 and 104, and the third transport mechanism, transport rollers 105 and 106, and discharged from the document discharge slot 100b. A reading sensor 110 is positioned in the section between the second transport mechanism, transport rollers 103 and 104, and the third transport mechanism, transport rollers 105 and 106. This reading sensor 110 is a one-dimensional sensor consisting of a number of light-sensing sensors arranged perpendicular to the transport direction of the document 100. These light-sensing sensors detect reflected light from the surface of the document 100. Each output signal from each light-sensing sensor is sequentially scanned within a predetermined period and converted into a digital signal, thereby generating image data of the straight lines facing each light-sensing sensor from the entire image of the surface of the document 100. Furthermore, this image data generation is repeated in parallel with the transport of the document 100, thereby generating image data representing the image of the surface of the document 100. The image data obtained by the reading sensor 110 is sent to the image processing device 30. Sensors F1 to F4 are placed at each point along the transport path of the document 100 to detect the passage of the edges of the document 100. In addition, a gate 111 is provided between the transport rollers 101 and 102, which constitute the first transport means, and the transport rollers 103 and 104, which constitute the second transport means. This gate 111 is opened only during the period when the reading sensor 110 is reading the document 100, allowing the document 100 to pass to the second transport means side.

[0014] [Output device hardware configuration] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the output device 20 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the output device 20 includes cut paper supply units 201 and 202 and a roll paper supply unit 210. The output device 20 also includes a cutter 211 for cutting the copy paper fed from the roll paper supply unit 210. The user selects whether to use the copy paper in the cut paper supply units 201 and 202 or the copy paper wound on the roll paper supply unit 210 for copying. The selected copy paper is sent to the transfer unit 220 in response to an output command from the image processing device 30. A resist sensor 222 for detecting the arrival of copy paper is positioned in front of the transfer unit 220. The exposure unit 231 applies exposure processing to the surface of the transfer drum 221, which rotates at a predetermined speed, based on image data supplied from the image processing device 30, and forms a latent image corresponding to this image data. The developing unit 232 applies toner to the surface of the transfer drum 221 on which the latent image has been formed, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the image data on the surface of the transfer drum 221. The transfer unit 220 presses the copy paper against the surface of the transfer drum 221, transferring the toner image on the surface of the transfer drum 221 to the copy paper. The copy paper, with the toner image transferred in this way, undergoes a fixing process by the fixing unit 240 and is then discharged through the paper discharge transport path 250.

[0015] [Hardware configuration of the image processing unit] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 30 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image processing device 30 includes a processor 31, RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 34, an operation panel 35, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 36. The processor 31 loads various programs stored in the ROM 33, etc., into the RAM 32 and executes them, thereby realizing the various functions of the image processing device 30, which will be described later. RAM32 is memory used as working memory for the processor 31, etc. ROM33 is memory that stores various programs and other data executed by the processor 31. HDD34 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores image data obtained by scanning a document with the document scanning device 10. The operation panel 35 is, for example, a touch panel that displays various information and accepts user input. Here, the operation panel 35 consists of a display that shows various information and a position detection sheet that detects the position indicated by an instruction means such as a finger or a stylus pen. Alternatively, a display and a keyboard may be used instead of a touch panel. Communication I / F36 transmits and receives various types of information with other devices via a communication line (not shown).

[0016] [Overview of the copying system's operation] Figures 5 to 8 show examples of the synthesis of a scanned image 51 of a document read by the document scanning device 10 and an annotation image 52, which is an example of an additional image, on a copy paper 50 output by the output device 20.

[0017] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show a first example of image synthesis when the valid image 53 of the scanned original document 51 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Here, as shown in (a), a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Then, as shown in (b), a blank line 521 is first formed on the copy paper 50 and this is synthesized with the annotation image 52, and then an image line is formed that includes the portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52. The portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52 includes a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 and a blank area 54 where the valid image 53 does not exist. Therefore, in this first example, an image line 541 including the blank area 54 and an image line 531 including a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 are formed. As a result, the copy paper 50 is extended not only by the portion of the image line 531 that includes the leading edge of the effective image 53, as indicated by the arrow 55, but also by the portion of the image line 541 that includes the blank area 54.

[0018] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show a second example of image synthesis when the valid image 53 of the scanned original document 51 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Here again, as shown in (a), a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Then, as shown in (b), a blank line 521 is first formed on the copy paper 50 and this is synthesized with the annotation image 52, and then an image line is formed that includes the portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52. The portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52 includes a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 and a blank area 54 where the valid image 53 does not exist. However, in this second example, an image line including the blank area 54 is not formed as an image line, and an image line 531 including a portion of the leading edge of the valid image 53 is formed. As a result, the copy paper 50 is extended only by the amount of the image line 531, which includes a portion of the leading edge of the effective image 53, as indicated by the arrow 56.

[0019] By the way, when combining the read image 51 and the annotation image 52, there are two methods for specifying the position of the annotation image 52: specifying the position using an offset from the leading edge of the paper, and specifying the position using an offset from the trailing edge of the paper. When specifying the position using the leading edge of the paper, it is convenient to combine the annotation image 52 while maintaining its offset from the leading edge of the paper, and when specifying the position using the trailing edge of the paper, it is convenient to combine the annotation image 52 while maintaining its offset from the trailing edge of the paper. Figures 5 and 6 did not mention whether to combine the annotation image 52 while maintaining its offset from the leading edge of the paper or while maintaining its offset from the trailing edge of the paper. Therefore, here we will take the case where the image line 541 including the blank area 54 is also extended as shown in Figure 5 as an example, and explain the cases of combining the annotation image 52 while maintaining its offset from the leading edge of the paper and the cases of combining it while maintaining its offset from the trailing edge of the paper.

[0020] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show an example of combining the annotation image 52 while maintaining the offset of the annotation image 52 from the leading edge of the paper, when the valid image 53 of the scanned original image 51 and the annotation image 52 overlap. Here, as shown in (a), it is assumed that a portion of the trailing edge of the valid image 53 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Then, as shown in (b), a blank line 521 is first formed on the copy paper 50 and combined with the annotation image 52, and then an image line is formed that includes the portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52. As indicated by the arrow 57, the scanned image 51 and the annotation image 52 are formed in this order in order to maintain the offset of the annotation image 52 from the leading edge of the paper. The portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52 includes a portion of the trailing edge of the valid image 53 and a blank area 54 where the valid image 53 does not exist. Therefore, in this example, two image lines are formed: an image line 541 that includes the blank area 54, and an image line 531 that includes a portion of the rear end of the effective image 53. As a result, the copy paper 50 is extended not only by the portion of the image line 531 that includes a portion of the rear end of the effective image 53, but also by the portion of the image line 541 that includes the blank area 54, as indicated by the arrow 55.

[0021] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show an example of combining the annotation image 52 while maintaining the offset of the annotation image 52 from the trailing edge of the paper, when the valid image 53 of the scanned original image 51 and the annotation image 52 overlap. Here, as shown in (a), we assume that a portion of the trailing edge of the valid image 53 overlaps with the annotation image 52. Then, as shown in (b), an image line including the portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52 is first formed on the copy paper 50, followed by a blank line 521 which is then combined with the annotation image 52. As indicated by the arrow 58, the scanned image 51 and the annotation image 52 are formed in this order in order to maintain the offset of the annotation image 52 from the trailing edge of the paper. The portion of the scanned image 51 that overlaps with the annotation image 52 includes a portion of the trailing edge of the valid image 53 and a blank area 54 where the valid image 53 does not exist. Therefore, in this example as well, two image lines are formed: an image line 541 that includes the blank area 54, and an image line 531 that includes a portion of the rear end of the effective image 53. As a result, the copy paper 50 is extended not only by the portion of the image line 531 that includes a portion of the rear end of the effective image 53, but also by the portion of the image line 541 that includes the blank area 54, as indicated by the arrow 55.

[0022] In this embodiment, when the document scanning device 10 reads the document and the output device 20 outputs the image in parallel, the image processing device 30 reads the image data from the document scanning device 10 and calculates the timing for starting the output to transfer the image to the copy paper.

[0023] Figures 9 to 14 are graphs illustrating the timing of output. In these graphs, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents the document position, the reading is indicated by a line 60, and the output is indicated by a line 61. The annotation area at the trailing edge of the paper is also shown in the graphs with dot hatching. In these graphs, T, Ta, T2, and T3 are used as symbols to represent time, but since the reading start timing is set to 0, they are also used as symbols to represent the elapsed time from the reading start timing.

[0024] Figure 9 shows a first example of the output start timing when the leading edge of the paper is specified. Arrow 65 indicates that the leading edge of the paper is specified. In Figure 9, when the image processing device 30 performs reading and outputting in parallel, it delays the output start timing so that the reading and outputting of a document with a preset maximum document length are completed simultaneously. Specifically, the image processing device 30 notifies the output device 20 of the output start timing after a print delay time T has elapsed, which takes into account the difference between the reading speed (an example of a first speed of the document scanning device 10) and the output speed (an example of a second speed of the output device 20), starting from the start timing of reading image data from the document scanning device 10. By the way, in this first example, at time Ta, when the check to determine whether the annotation area overlaps with the valid image is completed, the document position P to be printed has not yet reached the annotation area. In other words, since printing of the annotation area has not started when the check to determine whether the annotation area overlaps with the valid image is completed, there is no need to shift the output start timing. In Figure 9, line 61a shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area does not overlap with the valid image and therefore the paper is not extended. Line 61b shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area overlaps with the valid image and therefore the paper is extended. Line 64 indicates the UI display period for the user to decide whether or not to extend the paper.

[0025] Figure 10 shows a second example of the output start timing when the leading edge of the paper is specified. Arrow 65 indicates that the leading edge of the paper is specified. In Figure 10, as in Figure 9, the image processing device 30 delays the start of output by the print delay time T so that when reading and outputting are performed in parallel, the reading and output of a document with a preset maximum document length are completed simultaneously. However, in this second example, the document position P reaches the annotation area at time Ta, when the check to determine whether the annotation area overlaps with the valid image is completed. In other words, printing of the annotation area begins before the check to determine whether the annotation area overlaps with the valid image is completed, so the line representing the output is shifted to line 62, and the start timing of the output is further delayed to time T2. In Figure 10, line 62a shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area does not overlap with the valid image and therefore the paper is not extended. Line 62b shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area overlaps with the valid image and therefore the paper is extended. Line 64 indicates the UI display period for the user to decide whether or not to extend the paper.

[0026] Figure 11 shows a third example of the output start timing when the leading edge of the paper is specified. Arrow 65 indicates that the leading edge of the paper is specified. In Figure 11, as in Figure 9, the image processing device 30 delays the start of output by the print delay time T so that when reading and outputting are performed in parallel, the reading and output of a document with a preset maximum document length are completed simultaneously. Incidentally, in this third example, let's assume that the actual size of the document is shorter than the length assumed as the maximum document size. In that case, once the document scanning is complete, the output will not overtake the scanning, so it is OK to start the output. Therefore, the line representing the output is shifted to line 63, and the output start timing is advanced to time T3. In Figure 11, line 63a shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area does not overlap with the valid image and therefore the paper is not extended. Line 63b shows the transition of the print position when the annotation area overlaps with the valid image and therefore the paper is extended. Line 64 indicates the UI display period for the user to decide whether or not to extend the paper. Furthermore, even if the actual document size is shorter than the length assumed as the maximum document size, printing may start as soon as the document scanning is complete. In that case, the situation is the same as in Figure 9, and the print delay time T is not shortened.

[0027] Figure 12 shows a first example of the output start timing when the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Arrow 66 indicates that the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Since Figure 12 is the same as that shown in Figure 9, its explanation is omitted here.

[0028] Figure 13 shows a second example of the output start timing when the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Arrow 66 indicates that the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Since Figure 13 is the same as that shown in Figure 10, its explanation is omitted here.

[0029] Figure 14 shows a third example of the output start timing when the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Arrow 66 indicates that the paper trailing edge is specified as the starting point. Since Figure 14 is the same as that shown in Figure 11, its explanation is omitted here. Furthermore, even if the actual document size is shorter than the length assumed as the maximum document size, printing may start as soon as the document scanning is complete. In that case, it is the same as in Figure 12, and the print delay time T is not shortened.

[0030] [Functional Configuration of Image Processing Devices] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 30 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image processing device 30 includes a copy condition setting unit 41, a read control unit 42, an image memory 43, an output start timing calculation unit 44, an additional image generation unit 45, and an output control unit 46.

[0031] The copy condition setting unit 41 sets the copy conditions instructed by the user on the operation panel 35. Copy conditions include whether it is a standard copy or a synchronized cut copy, magnification, paper size, and the operation mode in synchronized cut copying. Copy conditions also include the position of the composite area of ​​the additional image. Here, the position of the composite area of ​​the additional image may be specified by the base point of the composite area and the offset from that base point.

[0032] The reading control unit 42 controls the reading of the document by the document scanning device 10. Specifically, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not a document has been inserted from the document insertion slot 100a, and if it determines that a document is present, it acquires all the storage areas in the image memory 43. Furthermore, the reading control unit 42 instructs the document scanner 10 to scan the document and acquires the image data sent from the document scanner 10 accordingly. The reading control unit 42 then stores the acquired image data in the image memory 43. Furthermore, the reading control unit 42 sets the cut length of the copy paper and issues a cut request, and sets the position of the additional image and issues a request to combine the additional image. Furthermore, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not there is a valid image in the composite region of the added image of the image data, and notifies the output control unit 46 of the information regarding the presence or absence of a valid image. In this embodiment, the processing of the reading control unit 42 is performed as an example of acquiring a scanned image of a document read by the document scanner.

[0033] The image memory 43 stores the image data read by the reading control unit 42 from the document scanning device 10. The image memory 43 is implemented, for example, by an HDD 34.

[0034] The output start timing calculation unit 44 determines, based on the copying conditions set by the copying condition setting unit 41, that reading and output should be performed in parallel, and calculates the print delay time T2 from the reading start timing to the output start timing. Specifically, the output start timing calculation unit 44 calculates the print delay time T required for reading and outputting a document of a preset maximum document length to be completed simultaneously. Furthermore, if the document position P to be printed at reading time Ta of the trailing end position of the composite area of ​​the added image is further to the trailing end than the leading end position of the composite area of ​​the added image, the output start timing calculation unit 44 changes the print delay time T2 so that the leading end position of the composite area of ​​the added image is printed at time Ta. Then, the output start timing calculation unit 44 calculates the output start timing based on the reading start timing and the print delay time T2, and notifies the output control unit 46 of the calculated output start timing. In this embodiment, a print delay time T2 is used as an example of a waiting time corresponding to the position in the sub-scanning direction of the specified area. In this embodiment, the output start timing calculation unit 44 performs this process as an example of controlling the output device so that output of the scanned image to the medium begins after a waiting time has elapsed since the start of scanning of the document by the document scanner.

[0035] Furthermore, once the document scanning is complete, the output start timing calculation unit 44 determines whether the current time is earlier than the calculated output start timing. If it is earlier, it notifies the output control unit 46 that the current time is the new output start timing. In this embodiment, if scanning is completed before the waiting time elapses after scanning of the document by the document scanner begins, the output device is controlled to start outputting the scanned image to the medium after scanning is completed but before the waiting time elapses. This is an example of how the output start timing calculation unit 44 performs this process.

[0036] The additional image generation unit 45 generates an additional image. The additional image generation unit 45 may, for example, generate an additional image based on user information or date information, but is not limited to this. The additional image generation unit 45 stores information about the height of the additional image, that is, the length of the additional image in the sub-scanning direction.

[0037] The output control unit 46 controls the output of image data read from the image memory 43 to the output device 20. Specifically, the output control unit 46 determines whether or not there is an output request from the reading control unit 42, and if there is an output request, it prepares the output device 20 for operation. When the time obtained by subtracting the paper delay time Td from the output start timing notified by the output start timing calculation unit 44, the output control unit 46 instructs the output device 20 to start printing. After instructing the output device to start printing, the output control unit 46 outputs the image data read from the image memory 43 to the output device 20 in response to the image data transfer request from the output device 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the output control unit 46 determines whether the print position of the image data has reached the composite area of ​​the additional image. If it has reached the composite area of ​​the additional image, it outputs the image data to the output device 20 while compositing the additional image generated by the additional image generation unit 45. Here, since the transfer of the image to the copy paper is started at the output start timing notified by the output start timing calculation unit 44, the print position of the image data reaches the composite area of ​​the additional image after the reading control unit 42 has determined whether there is a valid image in the composite area of ​​the additional image. In other words, after the reading control unit 42 has determined whether there is a valid image in the composite area of ​​the additional image, the output control unit 46 outputs the image data with the additional image composited according to the determination result to the output device 20. If the output control unit 46 determines that there is a valid image in the composite region of the added image, it outputs image data to the output device 20 arranged in the order of the added image, the portion overlapping with the composite region of the valid image, and the portion of the valid image thereafter. Alternatively, the output control unit 46 may output image data to the output device 20 arranged in the order of the portion overlapping with the composite region of the valid image, the added image, and the portion of the valid image thereafter. If it is determined that there is no valid image in the composite region of the added image, the output control unit 46 outputs image data to the output device 20 arranged in the order of the added image, and the portion of the valid image after the composite region. Alternatively, the output control unit 46 may output image data to the output device 20 arranged in the order of data obtained by superimposing the portion of the added image and the composite region of the valid image, and the portion of the valid image thereafter. In this embodiment, a valid image is used as an example of a significant portion of the read image, and a composite region of the additional image is used as an example of a designated region to which an additional image of the read image is specified. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the significant portion and the designated region overlap, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of outputting the read image and the additional image to the medium in such a way that the significant portion and the additional image do not overlap. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the document scanning device has finished reading the specified area, if the significant portion and the specified area overlap, an additional image is output, and then the portion of the significant portion that overlaps with the specified area is output. This is an example of how the output control unit 46 controls the output device, and performs this process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the document scanning device has finished reading the specified area, if the significant portion and the specified area do not overlap, at least an additional image is output, and then the output device is controlled to output the portion of the significant portion that is further back in the sub-scanning direction than the specified area. This is an example of how the output control unit 46 performs this process.

[0039] Incidentally, when the reading control unit 42 determines whether there is a valid image in the composite region of the added image, it may be found that the part of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the added image contains a blank area where no valid image exists.

[0040] In such cases, the output control unit 46 may output the image data, including the blank areas, to the output device 20. For example, the output control unit 46 may output an image line obtained by compositing the additional image onto a blank line, then output an image line that includes the portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the additional image, and then output an image line that includes the subsequent portion of the image data. In this embodiment, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of controlling the output device to output the portion that overlaps with the specified area of ​​the read image after outputting the additional image. Alternatively, the output control unit 46 may output an image line that includes the portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the added image, then output an image line that has the added image composited onto a blank line, and then output an image line that includes the subsequent portion of the image data. In this embodiment, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of controlling the output device to output an additional image after outputting the portion of the read image that overlaps with the specified area.

[0041] In such cases, the output control unit 46 may output the image data with the added image to the output device 20 without including the blank areas. For example, the output control unit 46 may output an image line obtained by compositing the additional image onto a blank line, then output an image line that includes the portion of the valid image that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the additional image, and then output an image line that includes the subsequent portion of the image data. In this embodiment, as an example of controlling the output device to output the portion that overlaps with the specified area of ​​significance after outputting the additional image, the output control unit 46 performs this process. Alternatively, the output control unit 46 may output an image line that includes the portion of the valid image that overlaps with the composite region of the additional image, then output an image line in which the additional image has been composited onto a blank line, and then output an image line that includes the subsequent portion of the image data. In this embodiment, as an example of controlling the output device to output an additional image after outputting the portion that overlaps with the designated area of ​​significance, the output control unit 46 performs this process.

[0042] Furthermore, the output control unit 46 reads the cut length set by the read control unit 42 and transmits it to the output device 20. Also, if the output control unit 46 transfers a portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the added image, it transmits a command to the output device 20 to extend the cut length by the height of the portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the added image. In this embodiment, as an example of controlling the output device to extend the length of the sub-scanning direction of the medium when the significant portion and the designated area overlap, the output control unit 46 performs this process.

[0043] In this case as well, the processing of the output control unit 46 will differ depending on whether or not the blank area included in the part of the image data that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the added image is output to the output device 20.

[0044] When the output control unit 46 outputs image data with the added image to the output device 20, including the blank area, it sends a command to the output device 20 to extend the cut length by the length of the part of the image data that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the added image. In this embodiment, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of controlling the output device to extend the length of the sub-scanning direction of the medium by the length of the sub-scanning direction of the specified area.

[0045] When the output control unit 46 outputs the image data with the added image to the output device 20 without including the blank area, it sends a command to the output device 20 to extend the cut length by the length of the part that overlaps with the composite area of ​​the added image of the valid image. In this embodiment, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of controlling the output device so that the length of the sub-scanning direction of the medium is extended by the length of the sub-scanning direction of the region where significant parts of the designated region overlap.

[0046] The output control unit 46 transfers image data from the image memory 43 to the output device 20 only during the period when there is an image data transfer request, and stops transferring image data when the transfer request stops. Then, the output control unit 46 releases the image memory 43.

[0047] If the cut length of the copy paper is extended, the output control unit 46 outputs information indicating that it is longer than the original copy paper length. The output control unit 46 may display this information on the operation panel 35 or store it in the HDD 34 as processing history. In this embodiment, the output control unit 46 performs this process as an example of outputting information indicating that the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction has been extended.

[0048] Furthermore, if the output control unit 46 finishes drawing the original document before starting to draw the composite area of ​​the additional image, or if the original document finishes drawing the composite area of ​​the additional image before finishing, it may add a blank line and draw all of the additional image.

[0049] [Example of image processing device operation] Figures 16-1 to 18-2 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the operation of the image processing device 30 in this embodiment. Here, we will describe the case where the copying condition setting unit 41 is set to synchronized cut copying as the difference between standard copy and synchronized cut copying, the magnification is set to 1:1, and the paper is set to roll paper.

[0050] Figures 16-1 and 16-2 show flowcharts of the reading routine of the image processing device 30. After the copy condition setting unit 41 sets various copy conditions, the image processing device 30 executes this reading routine.

[0051] As shown in Figure 16-1, in the image processing device 30, first, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not a document has been inserted from the document insertion slot 100a (step 401), and if no document has been inserted, it remains in standby mode. When a document is inserted and the leading edge of the document is detected by the sensor F1, the reading control unit 42 acquires all the storage areas in the image memory 43 as storage areas for storing the image data to be read from the document (step 402). Next, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not all the storage areas were acquired in step 402 (step 403), and if not, it returns to step 402.

[0052] If all memory areas are acquired in step 402, the output start timing calculation unit 44 performs the output start timing calculation process (step 404). Specifically, the output start timing calculation unit 44 performs the process shown in Figure 17 to determine the print delay time T2 from the start of image data reading to the start of output.

[0053] Next, the reading control unit 42 instructs the document scanning device 10 to start scanning the document (step 405). As a result, scanning of the output signals of each light-detecting sensor constituting the reading sensor 110 begins, and the image data obtained each time this scanning is repeated is sequentially sent to the image processing device 30. The reading control unit 42 then acquires the image data (step 406).

[0054] Next, the output start timing calculation unit 44 waits until the read control unit 42 starts inputting image data into the image memory 43, and once the first image data is input, it sets the image data output start timing (output request) (step 407). That is, it sets the image data output start timing to a time that is a print delay time T2 determined in step 404, relative to the present time when the first image data was input.

[0055] Next, as shown in Figure 16-2, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not it has read the composite area of ​​the added image (step 411). At this time, the reading control unit 42 sets the leading edge position and trailing edge position of the composite area of ​​the added image. First, we will describe the case where the copy condition setting unit 41 sets the leading edge of the paper as the base point for the composite area of ​​the added image. In this case, the reading control unit 42 sets the offset position from the leading edge of the paper as the leading edge position of the composite area of ​​the added image. Then, the reading control unit 42 sets the trailing edge position of the composite area of ​​the added image to a position that is an amount equal to the height of the added image obtained from the added image generation unit 45, which is further to the trailing edge than this leading edge position. Next, we will describe the case where the copy condition setting unit 41 sets the trailing edge of the paper as the base point for the composite area of ​​the added image. In this case, the reading control unit 42 sets the trailing edge position of the composite area of ​​the added image to a position that is an amount equal to the offset value from the trailing edge of the paper than the predetermined maximum document length position. The reading control unit 42 then sets a position that is one length from the rear end position toward the front end by the height of the additional image acquired from the additional image generation unit 45, as the front end position of the additional image synthesis area. If the additional image synthesis area has not been read, the reading control unit 42 remains in standby mode. When the additional image synthesis area is read, the reading control unit 42 determines whether or not there is a valid image in this additional image synthesis area and sets the information of that determination result (step 412).

[0056] Next, the reading control unit 42 continues the process of acquiring image data and inputting it into the image memory 43, and determines whether or not the document scanning device 10 has finished scanning the document (step 413). If the document scanning is not finished, it waits. Once the document scanning is finished, the output start timing calculation unit 44 determines whether or not the current time T3 is earlier than the output start timing set in step 407 of Figure 16-1 (step 414). If the current time T3 is earlier than the output start timing, the output start timing calculation unit 44 sets the current time T3 as the new output start timing (step 415). For convenience, the time set as the new output start timing is referred to as the current time T3 here, but strictly speaking, it is preferable that it be the current time T3 plus the time required to transmit the time information to the output control unit 46. If the current time T3 is not earlier than the output start timing, the output start timing calculation unit 44 does not execute step 415.

[0057] Next, the reading control unit 42 performs processing to generate a cut request (step 416). That is, the reading control unit 42 detects the length of the original document via the sensor F1 in the document scanning device 10 and sets the detected length of the original document as the cut length of the copy paper.

[0058] Subsequently, the reading control unit 42 performs processing to generate a request for the synthesis of an additional image (step 417). That is, the reading control unit 42 sets the leading and trailing positions of the synthesis area of ​​the additional image. If the copy condition setting unit 41 sets the leading edge of the paper as the base point for the synthesis area of ​​the additional image, the reading control unit 42 sets the leading and trailing positions of the synthesis area of ​​the additional image as described in step 411. If the copy condition setting unit 41 sets the trailing edge of the paper as the base point for the synthesis area of ​​the additional image, the reading control unit 42 uses the length of the original document detected in step 416 instead of the predetermined maximum length of the original document, and sets the leading and trailing positions of the synthesis area of ​​the additional image as described in step 411. If the length of the original document detected in step 416 is shorter than the predetermined maximum length of the original document, the output control unit 46 determines whether or not there is a valid image in the synthesis area of ​​the additional image set in step 417, and may replace the information set in step 412 with the information of the determination result here. The reading routine is then terminated.

[0059] Figure 17 shows a flowchart illustrating the output start timing calculation process in step 404 of Figure 16-1.

[0060] As shown in the figure, first, the output start timing calculation unit 44 calculates the print delay time T so that the reading end time and the output end time are the same for the maximum document length (step 421).

[0061] Next, the output start timing calculation unit 44 calculates the reading time Ta of the trailing end position of the composite region of the added image (step 422). At this time, the output start timing calculation unit 44 identifies the trailing end position of the composite region of the added image as described in step 411 of Figure 16-2. Next, the output start timing calculation unit 44 calculates the position P of the document to be printed at time Ta (step 423).

[0062] Next, the output start timing calculation unit 44 determines whether the document position P to be printed is on the trailing end side of the leading end side of the composite area of ​​the added image (step 424). At this time, the output start timing calculation unit 44 identifies the leading end side of the composite area of ​​the added image as described in step 411 of Figure 16-2. If the document position P to be printed is on the trailing end side of the leading end side of the composite area of ​​the added image, the output start timing calculation unit 44 changes the print delay time to T2 so that the leading end side of the composite area of ​​the added image is printed at time Ta (step 425). If the document position P to be printed is not on the trailing end side of the leading end side of the composite area of ​​the added image, the output start timing calculation unit 44 does not execute step 425.

[0063] Figures 18-1 and 18-2 show flowcharts of the output routine of the image processing device 30. This output routine is executed in parallel with the processing shown in Figures 16-1 and 16-2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 18-1, in the image processing device 30, the output control unit 46 first determines whether or not there is an output request from the reading control unit 42 (step 451), and if there is no output request, it remains in standby mode. When the output start timing is set (output request) in step 407 in Figure 16-1, the determination result in step 451 becomes "YES", and the output control unit 46 prepares the output device 20 for operation (step 452).

[0065] Next, the output control unit 46 calculates the time obtained by subtracting the paper delay time Td from the output start timing set in step 407 of Figure 16-1, waits until this time is reached (step 453), and then instructs the output device 20 to start printing (step 454). Here, the paper delay time Td is the time required for the copy paper to reach the resist sensor 222 in front of the transfer unit 220 from the paper supply unit (cut paper supply unit 201, 202, roll paper supply unit 210). This paper delay time Td will be a different value depending on whether the cut paper supply unit 201, 202 or the roll paper supply unit 210 is selected as the paper supply unit. However, since the roll paper supply unit 210 is selected here, in step 453 the paper delay time Td corresponding to the roll paper supply unit 210 is selected, and the time to instruct the start of printing is calculated based on this selected Td. Next, the output control unit 46 determines whether or not there is a request from the output device 20 to start outputting image data (step 455).

[0066] Now, as instructed in step 454 to start printing, copy paper is supplied to the output device 20 from the roll paper supply unit 210. When this copy paper reaches the position of the registration sensor 222, the output device 20 sends a request to the image processing device 30 to start outputting image data. If the request to start output has already arrived when the decision in step 455 is made, the output control unit 46 starts outputting image data from the image memory 43 (step 456).

[0067] Next, the output control unit 46 reads the cut length set in step 416 of Figure 16-2 and transmits it to the output device 20 (step 457). As a result, the output device 20 requests the image processing device 30 to transfer image data for the period until the copy paper corresponding to the received cut length is fed out from the roll paper supply unit 210. In response to this request, as shown in Figure 18-2, the output control unit 46 transfers the image data (step 461), and the output device 20 performs image transfer according to the transferred image data.

[0068] Next, the output control unit 46 determines whether the image data output from the image memory 43 has reached the composite region of the additional image (step 462). Here, the composite region of the additional image is the region determined by the leading edge position and trailing edge position set in step 417 of Figure 16-2. If the image data has not reached the composite region of the additional image, the output control unit 46 returns to step 461. If the image data has reached the composite region of the additional image, the output control unit 46 determines whether there is a valid image in the composite region of the additional image (step 463). The output control unit 46 makes this determination based on the information set in step 412 of Figure 16-2.

[0069] If there is a valid image in the composite region of the added image, the output control unit 46 sequentially transfers to the output device 20 the blank line formed by the composite of the added image generated by the added image generation unit 45, and the image line that includes the portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the added image (step 464). For example, the output control unit 46 may transfer the image line after the blank line, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, or it may transfer the blank line after the image line, as shown in Figure 8. In addition, the output control unit 46 may transfer the blank line that includes the blank portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the added image and where no valid image exists, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, or it may not transfer it, as shown in Figure 6.

[0070] Next, the output control unit 46 sends a command to the output device 20 to extend the cut length according to the configuration of the data transferred in step 464 (step 465). For example, if the output control unit 46 also transfers blank lines in step 464, which include blank areas where no valid images exist among the parts of the image data that overlap with the composite area of ​​the additional image, it extends the cut length by the height of the composite area of ​​the additional image. If the output control unit 46 does not transfer blank lines in step 464, which include blank areas where no valid images exist among the parts of the image data that overlap with the composite area of ​​the additional image, it extends the cut length by the height of the part of the composite area of ​​the additional image where valid images exist.

[0071] If there is no valid image in the composite region of the additional image, the output control unit 46 transfers an image line to the output device 20 that includes the additional image generated by the additional image generation unit 45 superimposed on the portion of the image data that overlaps with the composite region of the additional image (step 466).

[0072] Meanwhile, after transmitting the cut length in step 457 of Figure 18-1, the output control unit 46 transfers image data from the image memory 43 to the output device 20 only for the duration of the image data transfer request, and stops transferring image data when the transfer request stops (step 467). Then, the output control unit 46 releases the image memory 43 (step 468). This completes the output routine.

[0073] Finally, we will explain the output from the output control unit 46 indicating that the copy paper has been extended. First, we will explain the case in which the output control unit 46 displays information on the operation panel 35 indicating that the copy paper has been extended. In this embodiment, when the reading of the trailing end of the composite region of the additional image is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a valid image in the composite region of the additional image. Since the decision of whether or not to extend the copy paper is made at that point, the output control unit 46 displays information on the operation panel 35 indicating that the copy paper has been extended, at the earliest at that point. Furthermore, the output control unit 46 may display a paper extension message on the operation panel 35, for example, "The paper has been extended so that the annotation and the original image do not overlap." When copying is complete, the output control unit 46 may switch the display on the operation panel 35 to a copy completion message, such as "Copying is complete." Alternatively, if the display time for the paper extension message is short, the output control unit 46 may display the paper extension message on the operation panel 35 for a predetermined time before displaying the copy completion message.

[0074] Next, we will explain the case in which the output control unit 46 records the fact that the copy paper has been extended as a processing history in the HDD 34. If the copy paper is extended, the output control unit 46 may record information to that effect in the processing history by one of the following methods. The first method is to express the output paper size in the processing history not by a fixed size, but by the width and length of the paper. The second method involves adding an item to the processing history to record whether or not an additional image was output. Figure 19 shows an example of the processing history 70 in this case. In this processing history 70, for example, items 71 and 72 correspond to the width and length of the paper in the first method, respectively. Also, item 73 corresponds to whether or not an additional image was output in the second method. If the copy paper is extended, for example, "Yes (extended)" should be recorded in item 73.

[0075] [Processor] In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0076] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in this embodiment 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's operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0077] [program] The processing performed by the image processing device 30 in this embodiment is provided, for example, as a program such as application software.

[0078] In this case, the program that implements this embodiment can be understood as a program that enables a computer to implement the following functions: acquiring a scanned image of a document read by a document scanner, and controlling an output device to output the scanned image and the additional image to a medium so that the significant portion of the scanned image and the additional image do not overlap when the significant portion and the designated area to which an additional image is specified overlap, thereby extending the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the program that implements this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means, but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1... Copying system, 10... Document scanning device, 20... Output device, 30... Image processing device, 41... Copying condition setting unit, 42... Reading control unit, 43... Image memory, 44... Output start timing calculation unit, 45... Additional image generation unit, 46... Output control unit

Claims

1. comprising a processor, The aforementioned processor, The scanned image of the document scanned by the document scanner is acquired. When a significant portion of the read image overlaps with a designated area on which an additional image is to be added to the read image, the output device is controlled to output the read image and the additional image to the medium so that they do not overlap, and to extend the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction. The document scanning device scans the document at a first speed. The output device outputs the read image to the medium at a second speed faster than the first speed. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the processor controls the output device so that it starts outputting the scanned image to the medium after a waiting time corresponding to the position in the sub-scanning direction of the designated area has elapsed since the scanning of the document in the document scanning device started.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor controls the output device to output the additional image if the significant portion and the designated portion overlap after the reading of the designated portion by the document reading device is completed, and then output the portion of the significant portion that overlaps with the designated portion.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor, after the reading of the designated area by the document reading device is completed, outputs at least the additional image if the significant portion and the designated area do not overlap, and then controls the output device to output the portion of the significant portion that is on the rear end side in the sub-scanning direction of the designated area.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor controls the output device so that if the reading is completed after the reading of the document by the document reader has started but before the waiting time has elapsed, the output of the read image to the medium begins after the reading is completed but before the waiting time has elapsed.

5. On the computer, A function to acquire scanned images of documents scanned by a document scanner, When a significant portion of the read image overlaps with a designated area on which an additional image is to be added to the read image, the output device is controlled to output the read image and the additional image to the medium so that they do not overlap, and to extend the length of the medium in the sub-scanning direction. To make it happen, The document scanning device scans the document at a first speed. The output device outputs the read image to the medium at a second speed faster than the first speed. A program for further implementing a function to control the output device such that, after the scanning of the document by the document scanning device has started, a waiting time corresponding to the position of the designated area in the sub-scanning direction has elapsed, and the output of the scanned image to the medium has started.

Images