Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing unit and an information processing program that can output double-spread pages even when material whose end part is broken is read.SOLUTION: An information processing unit has a processor, which acquires a plurality of page images obtained by reading respective pages, specifies a broken part of adjacent end parts if two page images as object pages among the page images are double-spread pages showing the same image, and uses the specification result to detect and output the double-spread pages.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a detection processing region determination unit 501 that determines a region for performing a center fold determination process on image data obtained by reading a divided book, a center fold page detection processing unit 502 that detects a center fold page, and a post-detection processing unit 503 that performs processing after the center fold page detection processing so that the center fold pages can be browsed together when browsing the center fold pages as an e-book.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a technique of detecting a center fold page representing the same image across two documents among page images obtained by reading a plurality of documents using a reading function of an image forming apparatus or the like, and combining the center fold pages and outputting them as image data. For example, an image forming apparatus is disclosed that uses the read page images to detect whether a page is a center fold page by comparing adjacent ends of two target page images that are page images.

[0005] By the way, when reading a book or the like as a page image, the book is divided into individual pages in advance. When dividing, the ends of the pages may be damaged.

[0006] Therefore, when scanning documents with damaged edges, even if they were actually double-page spreads, they could not always be output as such.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can output a double-page spread even when reading a document with damaged edges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment of the information processing device has a processor, which acquires multiple page images by reading each page, identifies damaged areas at adjacent edges in two page images of the target page if the target pages are facing pages representing the same image, and uses the identified results to detect and output facing pages.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the information processing apparatus, the processor, in the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, corrects the damaged area according to the identification result and detects the spread pages.

[0010] In the third embodiment of the information processing device, the processor corrects the damaged area using pixel values ​​in a predetermined first range starting from the damaged area, in the information processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0011] The fourth aspect of the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in which, if the processor corrects the damaged area, it further corrects the damaged area in a double-page spread using pixel values ​​in a predetermined second range starting from the damaged area.

[0012] The fifth aspect of the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the processor identifies at least one of the following as a damaged area: an area at the edge where the contour is missing, and an area where a predetermined color-related feature quantity is detected.

[0013] The information processing device of the sixth embodiment is an information processing device according to the fifth embodiment, in which the processor detects a double-page spread by excluding damaged parts according to the identification result.

[0014] The information processing apparatus of the seventh embodiment, in the information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, excludes the damaged area if the area of ​​the damaged area is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0015] The information processing device of the eighth embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment, in which the processor identifies facing pages by comparing pixel values ​​at the edges.

[0016] The information processing apparatus of the ninth embodiment is an information processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, in which the processor compares each pixel or each divided region obtained by dividing the edges.

[0017] The information processing apparatus of the tenth embodiment is an information processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment, in which the processor compares the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the divided region using the average value of the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the divided region as the pixel values ​​of the divided region.

[0018] The information processing apparatus of the 11th embodiment is an information processing apparatus according to the 9th embodiment, wherein the processor divides the area excluding the damaged portion from the edge into a predetermined number of divided regions and compares the divided regions.

[0019] The information processing program of the twelfth embodiment acquires multiple page images by reading each page, identifies damaged areas at adjacent edges in two page images of the target page if the target pages are facing pages representing the same image, and uses the identified results to cause the computer to perform a process of detecting and outputting facing pages. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the information processing device of the first embodiment and the information processing program of the twelfth embodiment, even when reading a document with damaged edges, a double-page spread can be output.

[0021] According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, it is possible to detect a facing page including the damaged portion.

[0022] According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to detect a facing page using pixels estimated to be similar to the pixels set in the damaged portion.

[0023] According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the correction accuracy is improved as compared with the case where correction of the damaged portion is performed using a single page image.

[0024] According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to select the detection accuracy according to the damaged portion to be detected.

[0025] According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, the detection accuracy is improved as compared with the case of detecting a facing page including the damaged portion.

[0026] According to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, it is possible to detect a facing page including the damaged portion according to the processing load.

[0027] According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, it is possible to detect by clarifying the criterion for detecting a facing page.

[0028] According to the information processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, it is possible to detect a facing page with higher accuracy as compared with the case where the entire end portion in the facing page is compared at once.

[0029] According to the information processing apparatus of the tenth aspect, it is possible to suppress the processing load as compared with the case of comparing pixels one by one in the target area.

[0030] According to the information processing apparatus of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to detect a facing page with high accuracy regardless of the size of the damaged portion as compared with the case where the number of comparison targets varies according to the damaged portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to each embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page image used to explain the target page according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page image used to explain the end portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page image used to explain the divided region according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page image used to explain the divided region according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a page image used to explain the correction of damaged areas according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0033] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is comprised of a multifunction device 2 and an information processing device 10. The multifunction device 2 and the information processing device 10 are connected to each other via a network N.

[0034] The multifunction device 2 is an image forming device equipped with image reading, image printing, and image transmission functions. For example, the multifunction device 2 performs a process of transmitting images (hereinafter referred to as "page images") of each page of a document or book, etc., to the information processing device 10 in response to instructions from the user.

[0035] The information processing device 10 is a server, such as a personal computer, that, in response to user instructions, performs a process to detect the page image corresponding to a double-page spread from among multiple page images acquired from the multifunction printer 2. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 is described as a server, but is not limited to this. The information processing device 10 may also be a terminal. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be installed on the multifunction printer 2. In this embodiment, a double-page spread is described as a page in which a single image is displayed across two pages.

[0036] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0037] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication interface (communication I / F) 17. Each of the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, and communication I / F 17 is interconnected by a bus 19.

[0038] The CPU 11 oversees and controls the entire information processing unit 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs and data. The RAM 13 is memory used as a work area when various programs are executed. The CPU 11 performs the process of detecting facing pages by loading the programs stored in the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executing them.

[0039] Storage 14 may include, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. Various programs may also be stored in storage 14.

[0040] The input unit 15 includes a keyboard and pointing device that accept character input and image selection. The monitor 16 displays characters and images. The communication interface 17 transmits and receives data.

[0041] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0042] As an example, as shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 21, a target setting unit 22, a specification unit 23, a detection unit 24, and an output unit 25. The CPU 11 executes an information processing program, which enables the acquisition unit 21, target setting unit 22, specification unit 23, detection unit 24, and output unit 25 to function.

[0043] The acquisition unit 21 acquires multiple page images, each of which is read from a book or other document, received from the multifunction printer 2.

[0044] The target setting unit 22 sets two page images from the acquired page images as the target pages for detecting double-page spreads (hereinafter referred to as "target pages"). In this embodiment, the target pages are described as page images arranged so that the two page images can be viewed simultaneously as candidates for double-page spreads.

[0045] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, a spread includes the left page (hereinafter referred to as the "left page") 30 and the right page (hereinafter referred to as the "right page") 31 when the two page images of the target pages are placed side by side.

[0046] The target setting unit 22, for example, sets the page image of the first page from the acquired page images to the left page 30, and sequentially sets the other page images from the second page onwards to the right page 31, thereby brute-forcing all combinations of acquired page images to detect double-page spreads. Furthermore, once the detection process for the first page is complete, the target setting unit 22 sets the page image of the second page to the left page 30, and sequentially sets the other page images (excluding the second page) to the right page 31 to detect double-page spreads.

[0047] In this embodiment, a method for detecting facing pages by combining all possible page images as target pages has been described. However, the method is not limited to this. For example, combinations of adjacent pages may be set as target pages. Also, if the book is right-bound, odd-numbered pages may be set as the left page and even-numbered pages as the right page as target pages, and if the book is left-bound, even-numbered pages may be set as the left page and odd-numbered pages as the right page as target pages. In other words, page images may be set according to a predetermined opening direction (binding direction).

[0048] The identification unit 23 identifies the damaged area from the region corresponding to the binding margin of the spread pages. Specifically, the identification unit 23 identifies the damaged area at the adjacent edges of two page images that are the target pages for detecting a spread page among the acquired page images, if the target pages are a spread page representing the same image.

[0049] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, the identification unit 23 sets a predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as the "right edge area") 32 from the right edge of the left page 30 as the area to be identified as the area to be identified as damaged. The identification unit 23 also sets a predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as the "left edge area") 33 from the left edge of the right page 31 as the area to be identified as the area to be identified as damaged. The identification unit 23 identifies the damaged area 34 in the page image from the right edge area 32 and the left edge area 33. Here, the damaged area is the area at the edge of the page image where the outline of the page image is missing, and the area where a predetermined color-related feature quantity is detected. The color-related feature quantity is the color of the back of the scanning section of the multifunction printer 2 that was captured when the page was scanned (for example, white and black, etc.), and is the area where the area occupied by the back color is larger than a predetermined area.

[0050] The identification unit 23 identifies the damaged area 34 by detecting areas where the outline is missing and areas where predetermined color-related feature quantities are detected. Here, as a result of the identification, the identification unit 23 identifies the page image in which the damaged area 34 exists and the position (coordinates) of the damaged area 34 in the page image. In this embodiment, the damaged area 34 has been described as an area where the outline is missing and a predetermined color-related feature quantity. However, it is not limited to this. It may be an area where the outline is missing or a predetermined color-related feature quantity. Also, the user may select at least one of an area where the outline is missing and a predetermined color-related feature quantity as the damaged area 34.

[0051] The detection unit 24 uses the identification result identified by the identification unit 23 to detect facing pages from the target page. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6 as an example, the detection unit 24 divides the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 into a predetermined number of parts, and compares the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 for each divided region (hereinafter referred to as "divided region") 35.

[0052] The detection unit 24 derives the average value of the pixels included in each divided region 35, derives the difference between the average value of the divided region 35 related to the rightmost region 32 and the average value of the divided region 35 related to the leftmost region 33, and compares the divided regions 35. Here, if a damaged area 34 is included in the divided region 35 related to the rightmost region 32 or the leftmost region 33, the detection unit 24 excludes the divided regions 35 related to the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 from the comparison.

[0053] The detection unit 24 determines that the divided region 35 relating to the rightmost region 32 and the divided region 35 relating to the leftmost region 33 match if the derived difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "difference threshold"). The detection unit 24 compares the corresponding divided regions 35 in the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33, and if the number of matches is greater than a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as the "match threshold"), it detects the target page as a double-page spread.

[0054] The output unit 25 combines the page images detected as a double-page spread and outputs the double-page spread along with the page images.

[0055] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes it, thereby executing the information processing shown in Figure 7. The information processing shown in Figure 7 is executed, for example, when a page image is input and an instruction to execute information processing is input.

[0056] In step S101, the CPU 11 acquires a page image from the multifunction printer 2.

[0057] In step S102, the CPU 11 sets the target page using the acquired page image.

[0058] In step S103, the CPU 11 identifies the damaged area from the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 of the target page.

[0059] In step S104, the CPU 11 divides the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 into separate regions 35.

[0060] In step S105, the CPU 11 derives the average value of the pixel values ​​for each divided region 35.

[0061] In step S106, the CPU 11 compares the average pixel values ​​of the corresponding divided regions 35 relating to the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 to derive the difference in average values. If the difference is smaller than the difference threshold, the CPU 11 detects the divided region 35 as a matching divided region 35. If the divided region 35 contains a damaged area 34, the corresponding divided region 35 in the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 is excluded from the comparison.

[0062] In step S107, the CPU 11 counts the number of matching partition regions 35.

[0063] In step S108, the CPU 11 determines whether the number of matching partitioned regions 35 is greater than the matching threshold. If the number of matching partitioned regions 35 is greater than the matching threshold (step S108: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the number of matching partitioned regions 35 is not greater than the matching threshold (the number of matching partitioned regions 35 is less than or equal to the matching threshold) (step S108: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S110.

[0064] In step S109, the CPU 11 stores the target page as a double-page spread.

[0065] In step S110, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the next page image exists. If the next page image exists (step S110: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102 and sets the next page image on the right page 31. On the other hand, if the next page image does not exist (step S110: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S111.

[0066] In step S111, the CPU 11 determines whether it has compared all combinations of page images for the target page. If all combinations of page images have been compared (step S111: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if not all combinations of page images have been compared (there are combinations that can be set as the target page) (step S111: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102 and sets the target page.

[0067] In step S112, the CPU 11 combines the page images detected as a spread and outputs the spread page along with the page images.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when a page with a damaged edge is read, a double-page spread can be output.

[0069] In this embodiment, a configuration was described in which pixel values ​​are compared for each corresponding divided region 35 in the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Pixel values ​​may also be compared for each corresponding pixel in the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a damaged area 34 is identified, a configuration has been described in which the divided region 35 containing the damaged area 34 is excluded to detect the spread pages. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Depending on the size of the damaged area 34, the divided region 35 containing the damaged area 34 may also be excluded. For example, the detection unit 24 may exclude the divided region 35 containing the damaged area 34 if the area of ​​the damaged area 34 is greater than or equal to a predetermined area, and may not exclude the divided region 35 containing the damaged area 34 if the area of ​​the damaged area 34 is less than a predetermined area.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a method for comparing the edges of each page image (right edge region 32 and left edge region 33) has been described. However, the method is not limited to this. For example, if part or all of the edges of each page image are margins, control may be performed so that the edges are not compared.

[0072] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which each of the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 is divided into a predetermined number of subdivision regions 35, regardless of the presence or absence of the damaged area 34. In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33, excluding the damaged area 34, are divided into a predetermined number of subdivision regions 35.

[0073] In the following, the configuration of the information processing system (see Figure 1), the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 (see Figure 2), the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 (see Figure 3), an example of a page image related to the target page (see Figure 4), an example of a page image used to explain the edges (see Figure 5), and an example of a page image used to explain the divided areas (see Figure 6) are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 24 uses the identification results identified by the identification unit 23 to divide the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 into divided regions 36. As an example, as shown in Figure 8, the detection unit 24 removes the damaged area 34 and the area corresponding to the damaged area 34 from the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33, and divides the remaining rightmost region 32 and leftmost region 33 into a predetermined number of divided regions 36. The detection unit 24 compares the corresponding divided regions 36 to detect the double-page spread.

[0075] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes it, thereby executing the information processing shown in Figure 9. The information processing shown in Figure 9 is executed, for example, when a page image is input and an instruction to execute information processing is input. In Figure 9, steps that are the same as those in the information processing shown in Figure 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 7, and their explanations are omitted.

[0076] In step S113, the CPU 11 divides the damaged area 34, the rightmost area 32 excluding the area corresponding to the damaged area 34, and the leftmost area 33 into a predetermined number of partitioned areas 36.

[0077] As explained above, this embodiment allows for accurate detection of double-page spreads regardless of the size of the damaged area, compared to cases where the number of divided regions to be compared varies depending on the damaged area.

[0078] In this embodiment, the number of division regions 35 to be divided is predetermined. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The number of division regions 35 to be divided may be set according to the area of ​​the damaged area 34.

[0079] [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, a method for detecting double-page spreads was described, excluding the area indicating the damaged portion 34. In this embodiment, a method for detecting double-page spreads including the area indicating the damaged portion 34 will be described.

[0080] In the following, the configuration of the information processing system (see Figure 1), the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 (see Figure 2), an example of a page image related to the target page (see Figure 4), an example of a page image used to explain the edges (see Figure 5), and an example of a page image used to explain the divided region (see Figure 6) are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation is omitted. Also, an example of a page image used to explain the divided region excluding the damaged area (see Figure 8) is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

[0081] First, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 10, functional components that are the same as those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0082] As an example, as shown in Figure 10, the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 21, a target setting unit 22, a specification unit 23, a detection unit 24, an output unit 25, and a correction unit 26. The CPU 11 executes an information processing program, which enables the acquisition unit 21, target setting unit 22, specification unit 23, detection unit 24, output unit 25, and correction unit 26 to function.

[0083] The correction unit 26 corrects the damaged area 34 identified by the identification unit 23. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11 as an example, the correction unit 26 derives the average value of pixels included in a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the "first range") 37 of the page image, starting from the damaged area 34, and applies the derived average value as the pixel value at the damaged area 34 to correct the damaged area 34. The correction unit 26 also derives the average value of pixels included in a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the "second range") 38 of the detected double-page spread, starting from the damaged area 34, and applies the derived average value as the pixel value at the damaged area 34 to correct the damaged area 34.

[0084] Specifically, when the correction unit 26 identifies a damaged area 34 in each page image, it corrects the damaged area 34 using the pixel values ​​of the pixels in the first range 37. Furthermore, if the detected double-page spread contains a damaged area 34, the correction unit 26 further corrects the damaged area 34 using the pixel values ​​of the pixels in the second range 38.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first range 37 and the second range 38 have been described in terms of predetermined forms. However, they are not limited to these forms. The first range 37 and the second range 38 may be determined by the user or set according to the area of ​​the damaged area 34. Alternatively, the divided area 36 in the page image may be set as the first range 37 and the second range 38.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a method of correction regardless of the state of the damaged area 34 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The damaged area 34 may be corrected according to its size. For example, the correction unit 26 may correct the damaged area 34 if its area is greater than or equal to a predetermined area, and not correct the damaged area 34 if its area is less than a predetermined area.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a method for correcting the pixel values ​​of the damaged area 34 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The contour of the damaged area 34 may also be corrected. In addition, in this embodiment, a method for correcting the damaged area 34 using the average value of the pixel values ​​has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The median and mode of the pixel values ​​may also be used for correction.

[0088] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes it, thereby executing the information processing shown in Figure 12. The information processing shown in Figure 12 is executed, for example, when a page image is input and an instruction to execute information processing is input. In Figure 12, steps that are the same as those in the information processing shown in Figure 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 7, and their explanations are omitted.

[0089] In step S114, the CPU 11 corrects the damaged area 34 in the identified page image using the pixel values ​​of pixels that fall within the first range 37 from the damaged area 34.

[0090] In step S115, the CPU 11 compares the average pixel values ​​of the corresponding divided regions 35 relating to the rightmost region 32 and the leftmost region 33 to derive the difference in average values. If this difference is smaller than the difference threshold, the CPU 11 detects the divided region 35 as a matching divided region 35. Here, the difference threshold for the divided region 35 containing the damaged area 34 is set to a value greater than the difference threshold applied to the divided region 35 that does not contain the damaged area 34. By changing the difference threshold depending on the presence or absence of the damaged area 34, the double-page spread is detected taking into account the pixel values ​​at the damaged area 34.

[0091] In step S116, the CPU 11 corrects the damaged area 34 in the detected double-page spread using the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the second range 38, which is based on the damaged area 34.

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect the spread pages, including the damaged area 34.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the first and second embodiments describe a configuration in which the damaged area 34 is excluded, and the third embodiment describes a configuration in which the damaged area 34 is corrected. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The above embodiments may be switched depending on the processing desired by the user. For example, if the user desires processing speed, the processing may be performed according to the first embodiment; if the user desires processing accuracy, the processing may be performed according to the second embodiment; and if the user desires output of a double-page spread without any sense of incongruity, the processing may be performed according to the third embodiment.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above using various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be made to each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes, for example, general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0096] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also 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, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0097] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an configuration in which the information processing program is installed on storage, it is not limited to this. The information processing program according to this embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the information processing program according to the present invention may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. The information processing program according to the present invention may also be provided in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. In addition, the information processing program according to this embodiment may be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to a communication interface.

[0098] [Note] The following are preferred forms of this disclosure.

[0099] (((1))) It has a processor, and the processor is Obtain multiple page images by reading each page, In the aforementioned page images, if the two target page images are facing pages representing the same image, the damaged areas at adjacent edges are identified. Using the identified results, the aforementioned double-page spread is detected and output. Information processing device.

[0100] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, Based on the identified results, the damaged area is corrected and the double-page spread is detected. The information processing device described in (((1))).

[0101] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, The damaged area is corrected using pixel values ​​in a predetermined first range starting from the damaged area. The information processing device described in (((2))).

[0102] (((4))) The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned damaged area is corrected, the damaged area is further corrected in the spread page using pixel values ​​in a predetermined second range starting from the damaged area. The information processing device described in (((3))).

[0103] (((5))) The aforementioned processor, As the damaged area, at least one of the following locations is identified at the end: a location where the contour is missing, and a location where a predetermined color-related feature quantity is detected. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((4))).

[0104] (((6))) The aforementioned processor, Based on the identified results, the damaged area is excluded and the double-page spread is detected. The information processing device described in (((5))).

[0105] (((7))) The aforementioned processor, The information processing device according to ((6))) which excludes the damaged area if the area of ​​the damaged area is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0106] (((8))) The aforementioned processor, The pixel values ​​at the aforementioned end are compared to identify the double-page spread. An information processing device described in any one of (((1))) through (((7))).

[0107] (((9))) The aforementioned processor, The comparison is performed pixel by pixel, or for each divided region obtained by dividing the aforementioned edge. The information processing device described in (((8))).

[0108] (((10))) The aforementioned processor, The pixel values ​​of the divided region are compared using the average value of the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the divided region. The information processing device described in (((9))).

[0109] (((11))) The aforementioned processor, The area remaining after removing the damaged portion from the aforementioned end is divided into a predetermined number of division regions, and these division regions are compared. The information processing device described in (((9))).

[0110] (((12))) Obtain multiple page images by reading each page, In the aforementioned page images, if the two target page images are facing pages representing the same image, the damaged areas at adjacent edges are identified. Using the identified results, the aforementioned double-page spread is detected and output. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

[0111] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0112] According to the information processing device (((1))) and the information processing program (((12)))), even when reading a document with damaged edges, a double-page spread can be output.

[0113] According to the information processing device (((2))), it is possible to detect double-page spreads, including any damaged areas.

[0114] According to the information processing device (((3))), a double-page spread can be detected using pixels that are presumed to be similar to the pixels that were set in the damaged area.

[0115] According to the information processing device (((4))), the accuracy of correction is improved compared to when correction of damaged areas is performed using a single page image.

[0116] According to the information processing device (((5))), the detection accuracy can be selected according to the location of the damage to be detected.

[0117] According to the information processing device (((6))), the detection accuracy is improved compared to detecting double-page spreads including damaged areas.

[0118] According to the information processing device (((7))), it can detect double-page spreads, including damaged areas, depending on the processing load.

[0119] According to the information processing device (((8))), the criteria for detecting facing pages can be clearly defined and detected.

[0120] According to the information processing device (((9))), a double-page spread can be detected with greater accuracy compared to comparing the entire edges of a double-page spread at once.

[0121] According to the information processing device (((10))), the processing load can be reduced compared to comparing each pixel in the target area one by one.

[0122] According to the information processing device (((11))), compared to cases where the number of comparison targets varies depending on the location of the damage, it is possible to detect double-page spreads with high accuracy regardless of the size of the damaged area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Information Processing System 2 Multifunction device 10 Information Processing Devices 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Storage 15 Input section 16 monitors 17 Communication I / F 19 bus 21 Acquisition Department 22 Target setting section 23 Specific section 24 Detection unit 25 Output section 26 Correction section 30 Left page 31 Right page 32 Right edge area 33 Leftmost area 34 Damaged areas 35, 36 divided area 37. First Scope 38. Second Range

Claims

1. It has a processor, and the processor is Obtain multiple page images by reading each page, In the aforementioned page images, if the two target page images are facing pages representing the same image, the damaged areas at adjacent edges are identified. Using the identified results, the aforementioned double-page spread is detected and output. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, Based on the identified results, the damaged area is corrected and the double-page spread is detected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The damaged area is corrected using pixel values ​​in a predetermined first range starting from the damaged area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, When the aforementioned damaged area is corrected, the damaged area is further corrected in the spread page using pixel values ​​in a predetermined second range starting from the damaged area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned processor, As the damaged area, at least one of the following locations is identified at the end: a location where the contour is missing, and a location where a predetermined color-related feature quantity is detected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned processor, Based on the identified results, the damaged area is excluded and the double-page spread is detected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, If the area of ​​the damaged portion exceeds a predetermined threshold, the damaged portion is excluded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned processor, The pixel values ​​at the aforementioned end are compared to identify the double-page spread. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned processor, The comparison is performed pixel by pixel, or for each divided region obtained by dividing the aforementioned edge. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned processor, The pixel values ​​of the divided region are compared using the average value of the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the divided region. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned processor, The area remaining after removing the damaged portion from the aforementioned end is divided into a predetermined number of division regions, and these division regions are compared. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

12. Obtain multiple page images by reading each page, In the aforementioned page images, if the two target page images are facing pages representing the same image, the damaged areas at adjacent edges are identified. Using the identified results, the aforementioned double-page spread is detected and output. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

Images