JP2006060577A - Image data processor and image data processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data processor and an image data processing method capable of improving operability at the time of reading and storing a plurality of originals in different formats for a single page and multiple pages. <P>SOLUTION: When image data obtained by reading an original by a scanner is stored as a file, a format for the file and a selection file for adding the image data are set. If the original is read in a multi-page format, the image data is added to the selection file and the format of the selection file is stored as a multi-page. If the original is read in a single page format, the image data is stored as a new file of the single page format. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data processing apparatus and an image data processing method, and more particularly to an image data processing apparatus and an image data processing method capable of reading and processing a plurality of originals.

  When storing image data obtained by scanning a plurality of originals, the image data is stored using different format formats for single page and multi-page.

  This format is determined by the user before starting the job, and is read in the same format while reading multiple documents continuously, so even if an operation to instruct that there is a document continues during reading , Single page and multi-page format could not be switched.

  By the way, when reading a plurality of originals continuously, the originals may be read in the wrong order, for example, when the originals are stacked in the wrong order and set on an automatic paper feeder (for example, ADF).

  In this case, it is necessary to add the image data as the next page of any document read before that instead of the document read immediately before. The image data to be added is temporarily saved as a single page, and then the pages are connected again. It is necessary to perform an operation, or to read from the beginning of a multi-page again including a document that has already been read, and then delete an unnecessary file.

As for switching between single page and multi-page, a method of detecting and switching a separation member including a document separation when reading a plurality of documents (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or a batch print job of a plurality of documents. There has been proposed a method of converting a continuous single page file into a multi-page file (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-172694 A JP 2002-073316 A

  However, in the method of detecting and switching the separation member, when the original is read in the wrong order, or when the continuation of the multi-page reading that has been interrupted is resumed, the operation of connecting the pages of the image data is performed again. There was a need.

  Also, in the method of converting continuous single-page files into multi-pages, if the originals are read in the wrong order, the single-page files in the wrong order will not be added to the desired multi-pages. Then, it is necessary to perform a page editing operation to edit a multi-page file later or to read again after correcting the order of the originals.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image data processing apparatus and an image data processing method capable of improving the operability when reading and storing a plurality of originals in different formats of single page and multi-page. Objective.

  An image data processing apparatus according to the present invention sets a reading unit that reads an original and acquires image data, a reading parameter setting unit that sets a final format of the image data, and a selection file that adds the image data File setting means, and control means for converting the image data into a file and storing the file, and when the final format is multi-page, the control means sets the format of the selected file. In the case of multi-page, the image data is added to the selected file and stored, and when the final format is a single page, the image data is stored as a new file with a single-page format.

  Further, the apparatus further comprises reading start instructing means for instructing start of reading of the original, and means for instructing change of setting of the reading parameter after starting reading of the original.

  The file setting means sets the new file as a selected file when the image data is stored as a new file.

  The image data is image data obtained by capturing the final format as a multipage.

  The image processing apparatus further includes means for designating a page into which the image data to be added to the selected file is to be inserted, and the control means adds the image data as a designated page and sequentially lowers the order of the pages that have already been read. And save.

  The control means stores the identifier of the selected file when the end of reading of the image data is instructed, and the file selecting means turns the file of the identifier into the selected file when instructed to start reading. Set.

  Further, the apparatus further comprises a completion list selection means for accepting an input of the completion list and setting the completion list as a reading parameter. The reading parameter setting means is configured to select the completion list when the completion list is selected as the reading parameter. The reading parameter settings are sequentially changed according to the list.

  Next, an image data processing method according to the present invention is an image data processing method in which image data obtained by reading a document with a reading unit is converted into a file of a desired format by a control unit and stored, and finally the image data is processed. If the final format format is multi-page, the control unit selects the format format of the selected file. If the final format is a single page, the control means converts the image data to a new file with a single page format. Save as.

  Further, the reading parameters can be changed by means for instructing to change the setting of the reading parameters after the reading of the original is started.

  When the image data is saved as a new file, the new file is set as a selected file by the file setting means.

  In addition, when the image data obtained by reading the original by the reading unit is saved as a new file, the new format is selected by the file setting unit. Set to file.

  Further, when the page into which the image data to be added to the selected file is inserted is set as a reading parameter, the image data is added as a page set by the reading parameter by the control unit, and a page that has already been read Save the order in order.

  Further, when the end of reading of the image data is instructed, the identifier of the selected file is saved by the control means, and when the start of reading is instructed, the file of the identifier is set as the selected file by the file selecting means. .

  Further, when the completed list is received by the completed list selecting means and the completed list is selected as the reading parameter, the setting of the reading parameter is sequentially changed according to the completed list.

  In the present invention, it is possible to perform reading in a desired format without performing operations such as editing to a desired format or deleting an unnecessary file after reading, so that it is possible to improve operability. .

  The best mode for carrying out an image data processing apparatus and an image data processing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image data processing apparatus 10 includes a document reading unit 11 and a reading parameter setting unit. 12, a file selection unit 13, a reading start instruction unit 14, and a control unit 15.

  The document reading unit 11 reads a document and acquires image data of an image formed on the document.

  The reading parameter setting unit 12 sets various parameters (reading parameters) including the final format (single page or multipage) of image data read from one or more originals.

  The file selection unit 13 sets a selection file to which the image data acquired by the image reading unit 11 is added as a reading parameter.

  The reading start instruction unit 14 instructs the image reading unit 11 to start reading a document.

  The control unit 15 converts the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 11 into a desired format and stores it.

  That is, if the selected file is not set, the image data is saved as a new file in a single page format.

  In addition, when adding image data to a selected file whose format format is a single page, the format format of the selected file is converted to multi-page and stored.

  When the format format of the selected file is multi-page, only the process of adding image data is performed.

  When adding image data to the selected file, if the page into which the image data is to be inserted is specified, the image data is inserted and the file is edited and saved so that the order of the already read pages is sequentially lowered. To do.

  The storage destination of the image data converted into a desired format by the control unit 15 is not limited to a storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) provided in the image data processing device, and for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. Any storage device provided outside the image data processing apparatus via the network may be used as the storage destination.

  In addition, setting of reading parameters and an instruction to start reading are performed by, for example, displaying a UI (user interface) on a display terminal (not shown) and instructing the user using an operation terminal such as a touch panel or a mouse.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the Run screen UI 20 displayed during image reading. As shown in FIG. 2, a “no next document” button 21, an “add page” button 22, and a “selected file” are shown. A “setting change” button 23 is provided.

  The state of the button in the Run screen is associated with the setting of the reading parameter such as designation of the format format (single page or multi-page).

  For this reason, the “no next document” button 21 is in an On state when reading of a plurality of documents is not set in the reading parameter, and is in an Off state when reading of a plurality of documents is instructed.

  Further, when the “no next document” button 21 is changed from the Off state to the On state, an instruction to end (interrupt) reading is given.

  The “add to page” button 22 is turned off when the reading parameter is a single page, and turned on when the reading parameter is a multi-page.

  Here, when the “add to page” button 22 is in the On state, the image data from the next original is added to the selected file until it is returned to the Off state.

  When the “add to page” button 22 is changed from the On state to the Off state, the setting of the selected file is cleared, and the image data from the next original is saved as a new single page file.

  On the other hand, when the “add to page” button 22 is changed from the Off state to the On state, the image data is added to the selected file as the next page of the already read page.

  If the selected file is not set when the “Add to page” button 22 is changed from the Off state to the On state, the image data of the first document acquired after the change is saved as a new file, and this Set a new file as the selected file.

  When adding image data to the selected file, if you want to save the image data for the next and subsequent pages as a new multi-page file, set the “Add to Page” button to the On state as a delimiter between files. Clear the settings of the selected file. As a result of this operation, a new file is created, and image data from the next original is stored in this new file.

  “Selected file setting change” button 23 is used to set read parameters related to the selected file, such as setting (specifying) or changing a selected file to which image data is added, or specifying a page into which image data is inserted, by operating the button. Make a change.

  It should be noted that the operations of the “no next document”, “add page”, and “change selected file settings” buttons on the Run screen can be received in a timely manner.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a Run screen UI displayed during image reading. If the file format or selected file can be set or changed, another UI may be used. The operation terminal is not limited to a mouse or the like, and another operation terminal such as a keyboard may be used.

  In the image data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment using the above-described configuration, when reading is instructed, reading of a document is started, and during reading, an “add to page” instruction and a “no next document” instruction (end or (Interruption instruction), selection of a file to be added, and insertion page instruction to the selected file can be performed at appropriate times.

  If no file to which image data is added is set, the file format is saved as a single page. On the other hand, if the file to which the image data is to be added has been selected, the image data is added as the next page of the already read page, and if the file format is a single page, it is converted to a multi-page and saved. .

  Further, when the file is a multi-page and an insertion destination page is designated, the file is added as a desired page, and the file is edited and saved so that the order of the already read pages is sequentially lowered.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of image data processing in this embodiment.

  First, various reading parameters such as the final file format (single-page or multi-page file) of a file for storing image data read from a document and whether or not to read a plurality of documents are set (step 100). ).

  Next, when an original is set on the scanner and an instruction to start reading is given (step 101), one original is read and image data is captured (step 102).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the file format specifies multipage (step 103). If it is determined that multipage is not specified (NO in step 103), the image data is converted into a single page as a new file. The data is saved in the form (step 104), and it is determined whether or not the reading is finished (step 105).

  If it is determined that a multi-page is designated (YES in step 103), it is determined whether or not a selection file for adding image data is set (step 106).

  If it is determined that the selected file is not set (NO in step 106), the image data is saved in a single page format as a new file, and the file is set as the selected file (step 107) and read. It is determined whether or not to end (step 105).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected file is set (YES in step 106), it is determined whether the selected file is multi-page (step 108).

  If it is determined that it is not a multi-page (a single page) (NO in step 108), the file format is converted to a multi-page (step 109), and the image data is added to the selected file and saved (step 110). ), It is determined whether or not the reading is completed (step 105).

  If it is determined that the page is a multi-page (YES in step 108), it is determined whether or not a page into which image data is to be inserted is specified (step 111).

  If it is determined that there is no page designation (NO in step 111), the image data is added and stored as the next page of the already read page (step 110), and it is determined whether or not the reading is finished (step 110). Step 105).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a page designation (YES in step 111), image data is added as a designated page, and the order of the pages that have already been read is sequentially lowered and saved (step 112). (Step 105).

  If it is determined that reading is not complete (NO in step 105), the image data of the next original is captured (step 102). If it is determined that reading is complete (YES in step 105), reading is terminated. An end process is performed (step 113).

  In this embodiment, when a document is read with the final format of the file set to multi-page in a state where the selected file is not set, the image data file of the document is set as the selected file. You may comprise so that a selection file may be preset as a parameter.

  As described above, in this embodiment, switching between single page and multi-page can be accepted before an instruction to read a document or during reading. For this reason, when adding image data to an existing multi-page file, by accepting selection of a file to be added and specification of a page, the document can be in a desired file format.

  Also, when reading multiple originals, if the read order of the prepared originals is wrong or can be easily added to a file that has not been read, editing to the desired format after reading is unnecessary. The file can be read in a desired format without deleting the file, and the operability can be improved.

  In particular, when a document is read and saved in multi-pages, even after the work has been interrupted (finished), the work can be resumed and image data (pages) can be added. There is no need to connect pages later, and the total work time can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, when image data is read as a single page, the image data file is not set as a new selection file.

  For this reason, when reading a document as a single page, if the user wants to read the document by changing the format to multi-page, the reading operation must be interrupted and the setting of the reading parameter must be changed.

  Therefore, processing of image data that can be updated as a new selection file even if it is a file of image data stored as a single page will be described using a second embodiment.

  In this embodiment, an item for setting whether or not image data read as a single page is to be a new selection file is provided in the reading parameter, and the image data read as a single page is newly set according to the setting of the reading parameter. Select a selected file.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of image data processing in the present embodiment.

  First, various reading parameters are set, such as the final file format of a file for storing image data read from a document, and whether or not the image data file read as a single page is to be a new selection file (step 200). ).

  Next, when an original is set on the scanner and an instruction to start reading is given (step 201), one original is read and image data is captured (step 202).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the file format specifies multipage (step 203). If it is determined that multipage is not specified (NO in step 203), the image data is converted to a single page as a new file. Save in the form (step 204).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the selected file is to be changed (step 205). If it is determined that the selected file is not to be changed (NO in step 205), it is determined whether or not the reading is finished (step 206).

  If it is determined that the selected file is to be changed (YES in step 205), the file in which the image data is stored in step 204 is set as the selected file (step 207), and it is determined whether or not the reading is finished (step 206). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 203 that multi-page is designated (YES in step 203), it is determined whether or not a selection file for adding image data is set (step 208).

  If it is determined that the selected file is not set (NO in step 208), the image data is saved in a single page format as a new file, the file is set as the selected file (step 209), and reading is completed. Is determined (step 206).

  If it is determined that the selected file is set (YES in step 208), it is determined whether the selected file is multi-page (step 210).

  If it is determined that the page is not multi-page (NO in step 210), the file format is converted to multi-page (step 211), the image data is added to the selected file and saved (step 212), and there is no next original. It is determined whether or not it is set to (step 206).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the page is a multi-page (YES in step 210), it is determined whether or not a page into which image data is to be inserted is specified (step 213).

  If it is determined that there is no page designation (NO in step 213), the image data is added and stored as the next page of the already read page (step 212), and it is determined whether or not the reading is completed (step 212). 206).

  If it is determined that there is a page designation (YES in step 213), image data is added as a designated page, and the order of pages that have already been read is sequentially reduced and saved (step 214). (Step 206).

  If it is determined that reading is not complete (NO in step 206), the image data of the next original is captured (step 202). If it is determined that reading is complete (YES in step 206), reading is terminated. An end process is performed (step 215).

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when image data is read as a single page, the setting of the selected file is changed to the file read immediately before. By switching from single page to multi-page, it is possible to add the image data of the next original to the immediately preceding file, and the operability can be improved.

  In each of the above embodiments, when resuming reading once interrupted, the file to which image data has been added at the time of interruption must be set as a selected file by the reading parameter.

  Accordingly, a description will be given of image data processing that can add image data to a file in which an image has been added at the time of interruption when resuming a reading operation that has been once interrupted.

  In this embodiment, when instructing to interrupt (end) the reading operation, the ID of the selected file selected at this time is stored as a temporary job memory, and when the image reading is resumed, the ID of the stored ID is stored. Set the file as the selected file.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of image data processing in the present embodiment.

  First, when reading end is instructed (step 300), an ID (identifier) such as a file name for identifying the file set in the selected file at the end instruction is acquired (step 301), and the acquired ID is Store (step 302).

  When the reading start is instructed (step 303), it is determined whether or not the selected file is set (step 304). If it is determined that the selected file is set (YES in step 304), the image data Ingestion is started (step 305).

  If it is determined that the selected file is not set (NO in step 304), the file is searched based on the stored ID (step 306), and the file obtained as a search result is set as the selected file. (Step 307), image data is captured (step 308).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the interrupted reading operation is resumed, the image data can be continuously saved in the file before the interruption. Therefore, even if the reading operation is interrupted, the format format is not edited or unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a desired file without deleting a new file, and the operability can be improved.

  In this embodiment, a means for selecting a file completion list is provided as a reading parameter, and when the completion list is selected and read, the format of image data is controlled each time an original is read according to the selected completion list.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image data processing apparatus according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the image data processing apparatus 10 includes a document reading unit 11 and a reading parameter setting unit. 12, a file selection unit 13, a reading start instruction unit 14, a control unit 15, and a completed list selection unit 16.

  Here, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 are attached to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIG. 1, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  The completed list selection means 16 accepts input of a list of files to be created by reading a document (finished list) and sets the completed list as a reading parameter.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a completed list. For each file created by reading an original, a file name, the number of originals to be read, the paper size of the original, and a final format format are set.

  In the image data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment using the above-described configuration, when a completed list is selected as a reading parameter, control for creating a file in a desired format format is performed according to the file list order every time a document is read. To sequentially.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of image data in this embodiment.

  First, a completed list is selected as a reading parameter (step 400), and when reading of a document is instructed (step 401), a file setting for storing image data is selected from the completed list (step 402).

  Next, the original is read and the image data is taken in (step 403), and it is determined whether or not the final file format is set to multi-page (step 404).

  If it is determined that the multi-page is not specified (single page is specified) (NO in step 404), the image data is saved in a single page format as a new file (step 405), and then the image is displayed. It is determined whether or not a file for storing data is set in the completed list (step 406).

  If it is determined in step 404 that a multi-page is designated (YES in step 404), it is determined whether or not a selection file for storing image data is set (step 407).

  If it is determined that the selected file is not set (NO in step 407), the image data is saved as a new file in a single page format, and the new file is set as the selected file (step 408). Then, it is determined whether there is a next document to be read next (step 409).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a selected file (YES in step 407), it is determined whether the selected file is multi-page (step 410).

  If it is determined that the page is not multipage (single page) (NO in step 410), the file format of the selected file is converted to multipage (step 411), and the image data is added to the selected file and saved. (Step 412).

  If it is determined that the page is a multi-page (YES in step 409), the image data is added and stored as the next page of the already read page (step 411).

  Here, it is determined whether or not there is a next document to be read next (step 409). If it is determined that there is a next document (YES in step 409), image data of the next document is captured (step 403). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next document (NO in step 409), it is determined whether or not a file for storing image data is set in the completed list (step 406).

  If it is determined that the next file setting is in the completed list (YES in step 406), the next file setting is selected from the completed list (step 402).

  If it is determined that there is no next file setting in the completed list (NO in step 406), an end process for ending the reading is performed (step 413).

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the document to be read in advance and the format format of the file storing the image data are associated with each other in the completed list, the user operation during reading becomes easier and the operability can be improved. .

1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image data processing apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows an example of UI of a Run screen 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of image data processing in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of image data processing in the second embodiment. Flowchart illustrating the flow of image data processing in the third embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image data processing apparatus according to the present invention. Figure showing an example of a completed list Flowchart illustrating the flow of image data processing in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image data processing apparatus 11 ... Document reading means 12 ... Reading parameter setting means 13 ... File selection means 14 ... Reading start instruction means 15 ... Control means 16 ... Completion list selection means 20 ... UI of Run screen
21 ... "No next document" button 22 ... "Add page" button 23 ... "Change selected file setting" button

Claims (14)

Reading means for reading an original and obtaining image data;
Reading parameter setting means for setting the final format of the image data;
File setting means for setting a selection file for adding the image data;
Control means for converting the image data into a file and storing it,
The control means includes
If the final format format is multi-page, the format format of the selected file is multi-page, the image data is added to the selected file and saved,
When the final format is a single page, the image data processing apparatus stores the image data as a new file whose format is a single page. Reading start instruction means for instructing start of reading of the original;
2. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for instructing to change the setting of the reading parameter after the reading of the original is started. 3. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image data is stored as a new file, the file setting unit sets the new file as a selected file. 4. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image data is image data obtained by capturing the final format as a multi-page. Means for designating a page for inserting the image data to be added to the selected file;
5. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means adds the image data as a designated page, and sequentially stores the read pages in a sequentially lowered order. When the control means is instructed to end reading of the image data, the control means stores the identifier of the selected file,
6. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file selecting unit sets the file with the identifier as a selected file when an instruction to start reading is given. And further comprising a completion list selection means for receiving the input of the completion list and setting the completion list as a reading parameter;
7. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the completion list is selected as the reading parameter, the reading parameter setting means sequentially changes the setting of the reading parameter according to the completion list. In an image data processing method for converting image data obtained by reading a document with a reading unit into a file of a desired format by a control unit and storing it,
Set the final format of the image data as a reading parameter,
Set a selection file to add the image data with the file setting means,
When the final format is multi-page, the control unit uses multi-page as the format format of the selected file, adds the image data to the selected file, and saves it.
When the final format is a single page, the control means stores the image data as a new file whose format is a single page. 9. The image data processing method according to claim 8, wherein the reading parameter can be changed by means for instructing a change in setting of the reading parameter after the reading of the original is started. 10. The image data processing method according to claim 8, wherein when the image data is stored as a new file, the new file is set as a selected file by the file setting means. When the image data obtained by scanning the original by the reading unit is stored as a new file, the final format is multi-page, and the new file is selected as a selected file by the file setting unit. 10. The image data processing method according to claim 8, wherein the image data processing method is set. When a page for inserting the image data to be added to the selected file is set as a reading parameter,
12. The image data processing method according to claim 8, wherein the image data is added by the control means as a page set by the reading parameter, and the order of the already read pages is sequentially reduced and stored. . When the end of reading the image data is instructed, the control unit stores the identifier of the selected file,
13. The image data processing method according to claim 8, wherein when the start of reading is instructed, the file having the identifier is set as a selected file by the file selecting means. 14. The image data according to claim 8, wherein when a completed list is received by a completed list selecting means and the completed list is selected as the reading parameter, the setting of the reading parameter is sequentially changed according to the completed list. Processing method.

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