JPH07212559A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the trouble of a key input operation by facsimiletransmitting an input picture based on facsimile transmission destination information which a character recognition means recognizes as against the picture when CPU identifies a peculiar layout picture. CONSTITUTION:A content is mentioned in facsimile (FAX) information recording paper, and it is overlapped on a transmission original. A reader part 1 reads it and picture data is temporarily stored in the memory M of a FAX part 5. When a format is identified in the memory, picture data is character- recognized by CPU in an image memory part 11 through a core part 12. The result is transferred to the FAX part 5 and is stored in the memory M. The FAX part 5 FAX-transmits picture data through MODEM based on a FAX transmission destination telephone number obtained in the recognition processing. Telephone directory data of a hard disk 4 is registered and updated. Thus, the trouble of the key input operation such as the input of the telephone number at the time of FAX transmission can be reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of facsimile transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus capable of facsimile transmission, it was necessary for an operator to key in a telephone number of a transmission destination when transmitting a facsimile.

Further, in the case of an image processing apparatus having a function of registering a telephone number in advance, the operator can collate the telephone number of the transmission destination registered in advance by a key operation,
Although it was possible to omit the operation of keying in the telephone number as described above, the operator had to register the destination telephone number in advance.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, the key input operation of the telephone number at the time of facsimile transmission is troublesome for the operator. Also,
In the case of a conventional device having a function of registering a telephone number in advance, it is necessary to perform a telephone number registration operation for omitting the operation of keying in the telephone number, or a verification of the destination telephone number using the registered telephone number book. The key operation was troublesome for the operator.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the key input operation of an operator when transmitting a facsimile.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image input means for inputting an external image, an image storage means for storing an input image input to the image input means, and an input image for the input image. Transmission means for transmitting by facsimile,
The identifying means includes an identifying means for identifying a specific layout image among the input images stored in the image storage means, and a character recognizing means for recognizing a specific layout image identified by the identifying means. When a specific layout image is identified, the transmission unit transmits the input image by facsimile based on the facsimile transmission destination information obtained from the recognition result of the character recognition unit for the image.

In order to achieve the same object, a second invention of the present invention is to provide an image input means for inputting an external image, an image storage means for storing the input image input to the image input means, and the input image. Transmission means for transmitting by facsimile,
The destination information storage means for storing the facsimile destination information including the destination name and the telephone number, the collation means for collating the facsimile destination information stored in the destination information storage means, and the image storage means are stored. An identification unit for identifying a specific layout image in the input image and a character recognition unit for recognizing a specific layout image identified by the identification unit are provided, and the identification unit identifies the specific layout image. At this time, the facsimile transmission destination information stored in advance in the transmission destination information storage means is collated by the collation means using the recognition result of the character recognition means for the image, and the facsimile transmission destination information obtained as the collation result. Based on the above, the transmitting means transmits the input image by facsimile.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, a third aspect of the present invention provides an image input means for inputting an external image, an image storage means for storing the input image input to the image input means, and the input image. Transmission means for transmitting by facsimile,
A destination information storage means for storing facsimile destination information including a destination name and a telephone number, a search means for searching the facsimile destination information stored in the destination information storage means, and a storage means for storing in the image storage means. Identification means for identifying a specific layout image of the input image, recognition means for character recognition of the specific layout image identified by the identification means, and transmission destination information for adding / updating the facsimile transmission destination information. Facsimile destination information stored in advance in the destination information storage means by using a recognition result of the character recognition means for the image when the identification means identifies a unique layout image including an addition / update means. By the collating means, and based on the collation result, the facsimile transmission destination information is added by the transmission destination information adding / updating means. It is characterized in that pressurized-update.

[0009]

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the identifying means identifies a unique layout image, the transmitting means recognizes the input image based on the facsimile destination information obtained from the recognition result of the character recognizing means for the image. Send by fax.

In the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the identification unit identifies a unique layout image, the facsimile destination information stored in advance in the transmission information storage unit using the recognition result of the character recognition unit for the image. Is collated by the collation unit, and the transmission unit transmits the input image by facsimile based on the facsimile transmission destination information obtained as the collation result.

In the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the identifying unit identifies a specific layout image, the facsimile transmission destination information stored in advance in the transmission information storage unit using the recognition result of the character recognizing unit for the image. Is collated by the collating means, and the facsimile transmission destination information is added / updated by the transmission destination information adding / updating means based on the collation result.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an image input device for converting an original into image data (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit), 2 is a recording paper cassette having a plurality of types of recording paper, and image data is visualized on the recording paper according to a print command. An image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) 3 serving as an output unit for outputting as an external device (image processing device) 3 electrically connected to the reader unit 1.

The structure and operation of each of the above-mentioned units 1 to 3 will be described in detail below.

[Description of Reader Unit 1] The structure and operation of the reader unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2.

In FIG. 2, the originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are successively conveyed one by one onto the original glass platen surface 102. Then, the document is placed on the platen glass surface 10
2 is conveyed to a predetermined position, the lamp 10 of the scanner unit
3 lights up and the scanner unit 104 moves to illuminate the original. The reflected light of the document is reflected by the mirrors 105, 10
CCD image through 6, 107 and lens 108
It is input to the sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the signal processing circuit in the reader unit 1. The configuration and operation of the signal processing circuit of the reader unit 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, the reflected light of the document irradiated on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 109,
It is converted into an electric signal of each color of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The color information from the CCD 109 is A / D by the following amplifiers 110R, 110G and 110B.
It is amplified according to the input signal level of the converter 111.
The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, and the shading circuit 112 corrects the uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and the uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109. The output signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to the Y signal / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F (interface) switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generation circuit section of the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 performs a calculation based on the output signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to generate a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B Furthermore, the color detection circuit section of the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 separates the R, G, and B color signals into seven colors and outputs signals for each color. To do. Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113
The output signal from is input to the scaling / reporting circuit 114.

The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104 shown in FIG. 2, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed by the magnification / repeat circuit 114. Further, the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images. The contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 enhances the high frequency component of the output signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114 to obtain edge enhancement and contour information of the image. The output signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is
Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and patterning
It is input to the thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates contour information of the marker, and in the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117,
From this contour information, thickening, masking, and trimming are performed. Further, patterning is performed by the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

An output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118, and the laser driver circuit 118 converts various processed signals into laser driving signals. The output signal from the laser driver circuit 118 is output to the printer unit 2.
Is input to and image formation is performed as a visible image.

In FIG. 3, an external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing (I / F) with the external device 3 is
When the image information is output from the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 to the external device 3, the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the connector 120.
When the image information from the external device 3 is input to the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1, the external I / F switching circuit 119 causes the image information from the connector 120 to be generated by the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.
To enter.

Each of the above-mentioned image processings is performed according to an instruction from a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 122, and the CPU 122
The area signal generation circuit 121 according to the value set by
Generates various timing signals necessary for the above-mentioned image processing. Further, the CPU 122 communicates with the external device 3 of FIG. 1 by using the communication function incorporated therein.
The SUB / CPU 123 uses the operation unit 124 as an input unit.
Control. Further, the SUB / CPU 123 communicates with the external device 3 shown in FIG. 1 by using the communication function incorporated therein.

[Description of Printer Unit 2] The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, the image signal input to the printer section 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control section 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. Transfer paper (recording paper) is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit (recording paper cartridge) 204 or 205 at the same timing as the front end of the developed image, and the transfer unit 2
At 06, the developed image is transferred.

The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 is stored in the sorter 22.
When the sort function is 0, the paper is discharged to each bin, and when the sort function is not operated, the paper is discharged to the highest bin of the sorter.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described with reference to FIG.

After the transfer sheet having the image fixed by the fixing section 207 in FIG. 2 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge section 208, the conveying direction is reversed and the conveying direction switching member 209 is started to be re-transferred. The paper is conveyed to the paper stacking unit 210. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, but for the transfer paper, the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section 21 is used.
Since the paper is fed from 0, it is possible to output two original images on the front surface and the back surface of the same transfer paper.

"Description of External Device 3" The configuration of the external device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, the external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable. The external device 3 is connected to a hard disk 4 as a registration means, is connected to a facsimile unit 5 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, and is connected to an external storage device 6, and is a file unit for converting various document information into electric signals and storing them in a magneto-optical disk (not shown). 7, a computer interface unit 9 for interfacing between the external device 3 and the external computer 8, and a formatter unit 1 for developing code information from the computer 8 into image information
0, an image memory section 11 for accumulating information from the reader section 1 or temporarily accumulating information sent from the computer 8, and a core section 1 for controlling the above-mentioned functions.
It consists of two.

[Description of Core Unit 12] The configuration and operation of the core unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the core portion 12.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

In the figure, the first connector 1001 of the core section 12 of FIG. 1 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader section 1 of FIG. 3 by a cable. The first connector 1001 has four types of signal lines 1051, 1052, 105.
5, 1057 are connected.

The signal on the signal line 1051 is a signal for communicating with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1 in FIG. 3, and the signal on the signal line 1052 is a SUB.CP in the reader unit 1 in FIG.
This is a signal for communicating with U123. The signals on these signal lines 1051 and 1052 are subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC 1002, and then, communication information is transmitted to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1053. Signal line 1
The signal 055 is a control signal for controlling a video signal, and the signal on the signal line 1057 is an 8-bit multi-value video signal.

The signal line 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and the information from the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 is received by the core unit 12 in FIG. 1, and the information from the core unit 12 is sent to the reader unit 1. It is possible to output. Signal line 1057 is connected to buffer 1010, where bidirectional signal lines to unidirectional signal lines 1058 and 107.
It is separated into 0 and.

The signal on one signal line 1058 is shown in FIG.
Is an 8-bit multilevel video signal from the reader unit 1 of
Next-stage first look-up table (LUT) circuit 101
Input to 1. The first LUT circuit 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value by using a look-up table. The output signal from the first LUT circuit 1011 is sent via the signal line 1059 to the binarization circuit 10.
12 or the first selector 1013.

The binarization circuit 1012 includes a signal line 10
A simple binarization function of binarizing 59 multi-valued signals at a fixed slice level, a binarization function of a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from the values of pixels around the pixel of interest, and an error diffusion method It has a valuation function. The binarized information is "00H" for "0" and "F" for "1".
FH ”multivalued signal is converted into the first selector 10 in the next stage.
13 is input.

This first selector 1013 has a first LUT.
The output signal from the circuit 1011 or the binarization circuit 10
The output signal from 12 is selected. First selector 101
The signal on the signal line 1060 output from the signal 3 is input to the second selector 1014. This second selector 1014
Are output video signals from the facsimile unit 5, the file unit 7, the computer interface unit 9, the formatter unit 10 and the image memory unit 11 of the external device 3 of FIG. 1, respectively. , Fifth and sixth connectors 1005, 10061007, 1008, 1009
The signal input to the core unit 12 of FIG. 1 via the signal line 1064 via the signal line 1060 and the signal on the signal line 1060 output from the first selector 1013 are selected according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The signal (image signal) on the signal line 1061 output from the second selector 1014 is the rotation circuit 101.
5 or the third selector 1016.

The rotation circuit 1015 has a function of rotating the input image signal by +90 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees. The rotation circuit 1015 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 1012, stores the information as the information from the reader unit 1 in the rotation circuit 1015, and outputs the instruction from the CPU 1003. Then, the stored information is rotated and read out. The third selector 1016 uses the signal on the signal line 1062 output from the rotation circuit 1015,
One of the signals on the signal line 1061 input to the rotating circuit 1015 is selected, and the second connector 1005 with the facsimile unit 5, the third connector 1006 with the file unit 7, and the computer interface unit 9 are selected via the signal line 1063. And a fourth connector 1007, a formatter unit 10 and a fifth connector 1008, an image memory unit 11 and a sixth connector 1009, and a fourth selector 101.
Output to 7 respectively.

The signal line 1063 is the core portion 12 of FIG.
From facsimile section 5, file section 7, computer
It is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus that transfers image information to the interface unit 9, the formatter unit 10, and the image memory unit 11. The signal line 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the facsimile unit 5, the file unit 7, the computer interface unit 9, the formatter unit 10, and the image memory unit 11.

Signal line 1063 and signal line 1064
It is the video control circuit 1 that controls the synchronous bus of
004, and control is performed by the signal on the signal line 1056 output from the video control circuit 1004. 2nd
The signal line 105 is connected to the sixth connectors 1005 to 1009.
4 are respectively connected. The signal line 1054 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges data commands asynchronously. Facsimile section 5,
File section 7, computer interface section 9,
Information can be transferred between the formatter unit 10 and the image memory unit 11 and the core unit 12 by the two video buses (signal lines) 1063 and 1064 and the CPU bus 1054.

Output signals from the facsimile section 5, the file section 7, the computer interface section 9, the formatter section 10 and the image memory section 11 are sent to the second selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017 via the signal line 1064. Are input respectively. Second selector 10
14 is a signal line 106 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
The signal No. 4 is input to the rotating circuit 1015 at the next stage.

The fourth selector 1017 is connected to the signal line 10
63 and the signal line 1064 are selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003. The signal of the signal line 1065 output from the fourth selector 1017 is the pattern matching circuit 10
18 and the fifth selector 1019, respectively.
The pattern matching circuit 1018 uses the signal line 106.
The signal input via 5 is subjected to pattern matching with a predetermined pattern, and when the patterns match, a predetermined multi-valued signal is output to the signal line 1066. If the pattern matching circuit 1018 does not match, the signal on the signal line 1065 is set to the signal line 106.
Output to 6.

The fifth selector 1019 is connected to the signal line 10
65 and the signal line 1066 are selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003. The signal on the signal line 1067 output from the fifth selector 1019 is input to the second lookup table (LUT) circuit 1020 at the next stage. This second L
The UT circuit 1020 converts the signal on the signal line 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer unit 2 when outputting the image information to the printer unit 2 of FIG.

The sixth selector 1021 outputs the output signal line 1068 and the signal line 106 of the second LUT circuit 1020.
5 and 5 are selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003. This 6th
The output signal of the selector 1021 is the expansion circuit 102 of the next stage.
Entered in 2.

The enlarging circuit 1022 can set the enlarging magnification independently in each of the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. The expansion method is a linear interpolation method of the first order. The signal on the signal line 1070 output from the expansion circuit 1022 is input to the buffer 1010. Signal line 1070 input to buffer 1010
1 becomes a bidirectional signal according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, is sent to the printer unit 2 of FIG. 1 via the signal line 1057 and the first connector 1001, and is printed out.

The signal flow between the core section 12 and each section will be described below with reference to FIG.

[Core part 1 based on information of facsimile part 5]
Operation of 2 ”First, the case of outputting information to the facsimile unit 5 will be described. In FIG. 4, the CPU 1003
CPU 1 of the reader unit 1 of FIG. 1 via the communication IC 1002
22 and outputs a document scan command signal.
The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 of FIG. 3 by scanning the document with the scanner unit 104 of FIG. 2 according to the command signal.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reader unit 1 and the external device 3
Are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the first connector 1001 of the core unit 12.
Further, the image information input to the first connector 1001 in FIG. 4 is input to the buffer 1010 through the multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057. Buffer circuit 101
0 indicates a signal line 1057 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
Is input to the first LUT circuit 1011 via the signal line 1058 as a unidirectional signal. First LUT circuit 1
At 011 the image information from the reader unit 1 is converted into a desired value using a look-up table. For example, it is possible to remove the background of the original.

The signal on the signal line 1059 output from the first LUT circuit 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 in the next stage. The binarization circuit 1012 uses the signal line 105.
The 8-bit multilevel signal of 9 is converted into a binarized signal. The binarization circuit 1012 outputs “0” when the binarized signal is “0”.
In the case of "0H" and "1", it is converted into two multilevel signals such as "FFH". The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the third selector 1016 via the first selector 1013 and the second selector 1014.

The signal on the signal line 1062 output from the rotating circuit 1015 is also input to the third selector 1016, and the third selector 1016 selects either the signal line 1061 or the signal line 1062. The selection of this signal line is determined by the CPU 1003 communicating with the facsimile section 5 of FIG. 1 via the CPU bus 1054. Signal line 1 output from the third selector 1016
The signal 063 is sent to the facsimile unit 5 via the second connector 1005.

Next, the case of receiving information from the facsimile section 5 will be described.

The image information from the facsimile section 5 in FIG. 1 is sent to the signal line 10 via the second connector 1005 in FIG.
64 is transmitted. The signal on this signal line 1064 is
It is input to the second selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017. The printer unit 2 of FIG. 1 is instructed by the CPU 1003.
When the image at the time of facsimile reception is rotated and output, the signal line 106 input to the second selector 1014 is input.
The signal of No. 4 is rotated by the rotating circuit 1015. The signal on the signal line 1062 output from the rotation circuit 1015 is input to the pattern matching circuit 1018 via the third selector 1016 and the fourth selector 1017.

When the image at the time of facsimile reception is directly output to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 1003, the signal line 106 input to the fourth selector 1017 is input.
The signal No. 4 is input to the pattern matching circuit 1018. The pattern matching circuit 1018 has a function of smoothing rattling of an image when received by facsimile.

The signal pattern-matched by the pattern matching circuit 1018 is input to the second LUT circuit 1020 via the fifth selector 1019. This second L
Since the UT circuit 1020 outputs the image received by facsimile to the printer unit 2 at a desired density, the lookup table of the second LUT circuit 1020 uses the CPU 1003.
It can be changed with. The signal on the signal line 1068 output from the second LUT circuit 1020 is the sixth selector 1
It is input to the expansion circuit 1022 via 021.

The enlargement circuit 1022 has two values (00H,
FFH) 8-bit multilevel signal is subjected to enlargement processing by a linear interpolation method of the first order. The 8-bit multi-valued signal with many values from the expansion circuit 1022 is stored in the buffer 10
1 through the first connector 1001 and the first connector 1001
Sent to. The reader unit 1 inputs the signal from the expansion circuit 1022 to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120 of FIG.

The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the signal from the facsimile section 5 in FIG. 1 to the Y signal generating / color detecting circuit 113. This Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113
After being subjected to the above-described processing, the output signal from is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on the recording paper.

[Operation of Core Unit 12 According to Information of File Unit 7] A case of outputting information to the file unit 7 will be described.

In FIG. 4, the CPU 1003 is a communication IC.
It communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 of FIG. 1 via 1002 and outputs a document scan command signal. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 of FIG. 3 by scanning the original document by the scanner unit 104 of FIG. 2 based on the command signal. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable as shown in FIG. 1, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the first connector 1001 of the core unit 12 of FIG.

The image information input to the first connector 1001 becomes a one-way signal on the signal line 1058 by the buffer 1010. The signal on the signal line 1058, which is a multilevel 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the first LUT circuit 1011. The signal on the signal line 1059 output from the first LUT circuit 1011 is the first selector 1
013, second selector 1014, third selector 1016
Is input to the third connector 1006 via.

That is, the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1
The 8-bit multivalued signal is transferred to the file unit 7 in FIG. 1 without using the function of 015.

In FIG. 4, when filing a binarized signal by communicating with the file unit 7 via the CPU bus 1054 of the CPU 1003, the binarization circuit 1012 is used.
And the function of the rotation circuit 1015 is used. The binarization process and rotation are the same as those explained in the above-mentioned description of the facsimile section 5, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file section 7 will be described.

The image information from the file section 7 in FIG. 1 is the third connector 1006 and the signal line 106 in FIG.
The second selector 1014 or the fourth selector 101
Input to 7. In the case of 8-bit multi-valued filing, it is possible to input to the fourth selector 1017, and in the case of binary filing, it is possible to input to the second selector 1014 or the third selector 1017. The binary filing process is the same as the operation of the core unit 12 based on the information of the facsimile unit 5 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In the case of multi-value filing, the fourth selector 1
The signal of the signal line 1065 output from 017 is input to the second LUT circuit 1020 via the fifth selector 1019. The second LUT circuit 1020 creates a look-up table according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. The signal on the signal line 1068 output from the second LUT circuit 1020 is the sixth selector 102.
It is input to the expansion circuit 1022 via 1. The signal of the 8-bit signal line 1070 expanded to a desired expansion ratio by the expansion circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 of FIG. 1 via the buffer 1010 and the first connector 1001. The information of the file unit 7 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is formed on the recording paper, as described in the description of the facsimile unit 5 described above.

[Operation of Core Unit 12 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 9] The computer interface unit 9 of FIG. 1 interfaces with the computer 8 connected to the external device 3. Computer·
The interface unit 9 includes a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. Computer interface section 9
Has the above three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is the fourth connector 10 in FIG.
It is sent to the CPU 1003 via 07 and the data bus 1054. The CPU 1003 performs various controls based on the sent contents.

[Operation of Core Unit 12 Based on Information of Formatter Unit 10] The formatter unit 10 in FIG. 1 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 9 into image data. Have. When the CPU 1003 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 9 via the data bus 1054 in FIG. 4 is the data related to the formatter unit 10, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 10 via the fifth connector 1008. To do. The formatter unit 10 develops from the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a figure.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter section 10 and forming an image on a recording sheet will be described. The image information from the formatter unit 10 in FIG. 1 is sent to the signal line 1 via the fifth connector 1008 in FIG.
064 is transmitted as a multi-valued signal having two values (00H, FFH). The signal on signal line 1064 is the second
It is input to the selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017. The second selector 1014 is instructed by the CPU 1003.
And controls the fourth selector 1017. Subsequent processing is the same as that described in the description of the facsimile section 5 described above, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

[Operation of Core Unit 12 Based on Information of Image Memory Unit 11] Image memory unit 11 in FIG.
The case of outputting information to will be described.

In FIG. 4, the CPU 1003 has a communication I
It communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 in FIG. 3 via C1002 and outputs a document scan command signal. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1 of FIG. 3 by scanning the original document by the scanner unit 104 of FIG. 2 based on the command signal. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable as shown in FIG. 1, and the information from the reader unit 1 is the first information of the core unit 12.
It is input to the connector 1001. First connector 1001
Image information input to the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1
The first LUT circuit 1 via the 057 and the buffer 1010.
011 is sent.

The signal on the signal line 1059 output from the first LUT circuit 1011 is the first, second and third selectors 1.
013, 1014, 1016 and sixth connector 1009
The multivalued image information is transferred to the image memory unit 11 via the. The image information stored in the image memory unit 11 is sent to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1054 of the sixth connector 1009. This CPU 1003
Transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 11 to the computer interface unit 9 described above. The computer interface unit 9 transfers the image information to the computer 8 of FIG. 1 through a desired interface among the three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, Centronics system).

Next, the case of receiving information from the image memory unit 11 will be described.

First, in FIG. 1, image information is sent from the computer 8 to the core unit 12 via the computer interface unit 9. CP of the core portion 12 in FIG.
U1003 receives data sent from the computer interface unit 9 via the CPU bus 1054 as
If the data is determined to be data relating to the image memory unit 11, the data is transferred to the image memory unit 11 via the sixth connector 1009. Image memory unit 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a signal on the signal line 1064, which is an 8-bit multi-level signal, via the sixth connector 1009, and the second selector 101
4 and the fourth selector 1017. Second selection 1
014 or the output signal from the fourth selector 1017 is
The above-mentioned facsimile unit 5 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
The image is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is formed on the recording paper in the same manner as described in the above section.

The image memory unit 11 can receive and store information from the computer 8 connected to the computer interface unit 9 described above. On the other hand, conversely, the image memory unit 11
It is also possible to transfer the image information temporarily stored in and the character recognition result information by the character recognition processing in the image memory unit 11 to the facsimile unit 5, the file unit 7, and the computer interface unit 9.

The image memory unit 11 is the computer 8
When the information from the computer 8 is received, the information from the computer 8 is first sent to the core unit 12 via the computer interface unit 9. CPU 1003 of the core unit 12
Is the image data sent from the computer interface unit 9 via the CPU bus 1054.
If the data is determined to be data relating to the memory unit 11, the data is transferred to the image memory unit 11 via the sixth connector 1009.

On the other hand, when transferring the information stored in the image memory unit 11 to the facsimile unit 5, the file unit 7, and the computer interface unit 9, first, the information stored in the image memory unit 11 is 6 CPU 100 via CPU bus 1054 of connector 1009
Sent to 3. The CPU 1003 uses the second connector 10
05, the third connector 1006, and the fourth connector 1007 to transfer the data sent from the image memory unit 11 to the facsimile unit 5, the file unit 7, and the computer interface unit 9, respectively. Here, the computer interface unit 9 transfers to the computer 8 by a desired interface among the above-mentioned three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS233C, Centronics).

[Description of Facsimile Unit 5] The configuration and operation of the facsimile unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 5
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile unit 5.

In the figure, the facsimile section 4 is connected to the core section 12 of FIG. 1 by a connector 400 and exchanges various signals. The binary information from the core unit 12 is the first,
Second, third and fourth memories 405, 406, 407, 40
In the case of storing in any one of No. 8, the signal of the signal line 453 output from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404, and under the control of the memory controller 404, the first memory 405, the second memory 406, and the third memory It is stored in any one of 407 and the fourth memory 408, or one in which two sets of memories are cascade-connected.

The memory controller 404 is the CPU 41
The first memory 405, the second memory 406,
Third memory 407, fourth memory 408 and CPU bus 46
2, a second mode in which data is exchanged with a codec bus 463 of a codec (CODEC) 411 having an encoding / decoding function, a first memory 405, a second memory 406, A third mode in which the contents of the third memory 407 and the fourth memory 408 are exchanged with the data bus 454 from the scaling circuit 403 under the control of the DMA (direct memory access) controller 402, and under the control of the timing generation circuit 409. In the fourth mode in which the binary video input data of the data bus 454 is stored in any of the first memory 405 to the fourth memory 408, and the memory content is read from any of the first memory 405 to the fourth memory 408. , Signal line 452
It has the 5 functions of the 5th mode which outputs to.

The first memory 405, the second memory 406, the third memory 407, and the fourth memory 408 each have 2 Mb.
It has a capacity of ytes and stores an image corresponding to a paper size of A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 via a signal line 459, and receives a control signal (HSYN) from the core unit 12.
C, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions.

The first is that the image signal from the core section 12 is
~ Any one of the fourth memories 405 to 408,
Alternatively, it is a function of storing in two memories. The second is
This is a function of reading an image signal from any one of the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 and transmitting it to the signal line 452.

The dual port memory 410 includes the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 via the signal line 461 and the CPU 4 of the facsimile unit 5 via the signal line 462.
12 are connected respectively. Each CPU 100
9, 412 exchange commands via the dual port memory 410. By exchanging this command, commands related to the operation of the facsimile section 5, telephone numbers related to the facsimile destination, group keywords,
The facsimile unit 5 can receive various destination information such as an address (hereinafter referred to as telephone directory data).

The codec 411 includes the first to fourth memories 4
05 to 408, the image information stored in any one of the 05 to 408 is read out and encoded by a desired one of the MH, MR and MMR methods, and then the first to fourth memories 405 to 408.
Is stored as encoded information. In addition, the codec 411 reads out the encoded information stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408, and outputs the MH, MR, MMR.
After performing decoding in a desired method among the methods, first to fourth
The decoded information, that is, image information is stored in any of the memories 405 to 408.

The SCSI controller 413 interfaces with the hard disk 4 connected to the facsimile section 5 of FIG. This hard disk 4 stores the data at the time of facsimile transmission / reception, telephone directory data, etc.
Can be accumulated. In addition, input of personal identification information is
It is inputted by a key input by an operator from the operation unit 124 (see FIG. 3) of the reader unit 1 or based on data obtained by reading a personal identification information registration sheet (not shown) by the reader unit 1.

The modem (MODEM) 414 has a function of modulating the coded information from the hard disk 4 connected to the codec 411 or the SCSI controller 413 for transmission on the telephone line, and from the NCU (network control unit) 415. The sent information is demodulated and converted into coded information, and the coded information is transferred to the hard disk connected to the codec 411 or the SCSI controller 413. The NCU 415 is directly connected to a telephone line and exchanges information with an exchange installed in a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure.

In FIG. 5, the CPU 4 of the facsimile section 5
Reference numeral 12 has a function of determining whether or not the binary image information from the core unit 12 stored in any of the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 is an image having a fixed layout. This function is to determine whether the image data stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 is an image to be transmitted by facsimile, or a fixed format paper (hereinafter referred to as facsimile) for recording various information regarding the operation of the facsimile unit 5. Information recording sheet).

Here, an example of the facsimile information recording paper in this embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the facsimile information recording sheet is a facsimile operation specification list T1.
001 and various telephone book data entry fields T1002 to T1005 such as an address entry field, a telephone number entry field, a group / keyword entry field, an address entry field and the like. Also,
A certain bar code pattern is recorded on the left end of the paper, and the paper is identified by using the bar code pattern.

If the identification information indicates that the sheet is a facsimile information recording sheet, the facsimile unit 5
The binary image information stored in any of the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 is transmitted to the image memory unit 11 via the core unit 12. Then, the character recognition processing function of the image memory unit 11 identifies the content described on the facsimile information recording sheet,
When the facsimile unit 5 receives the instruction regarding the operation of the facsimile unit 5 and the information regarding various telephone directory data, which is the identification result, via the core unit 12, some operation of the facsimile unit 5 is instructed and executed. . The character recognition processing algorithm in the image memory unit 11 will be described in detail later.

Here, there are two commands related to the operation of the facsimile unit 5 that the core unit 12 can accept from the facsimile unit 5, that is, "facsimile transmission command" and "phonebook data registration / update command". Upon receipt of the command, the facsimile section 5 performs facsimile transmission processing and telephone directory data registration / update processing.

First, the operation of facsimile transmission will be described with reference to FIG. CPU 412 of the facsimile section 5
When the facsimile transmission start command is received by the reader unit 1, the reader unit 1
The binary image signal from is input from the connector 400 and reaches the memory controller 404 through the signal line 453. The binary image signal on the signal line 453 is stored in the first memory 405 by the memory controller 404.
The timing stored in the first memory 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 according to the timing signal of the signal line 459 output from the reader unit 1.

The CPU 412 is the memory controller 40.
4 of the first memory 405 and the second memory 406 are connected to the codec bus 463 of the codec 411. The codec 411 reads the image information from the first memory 405, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information in the second memory 406. When the codec 411 encodes the image information of the A4 sheet size, the CPU 412
C in the second memory 406 of the memory controller 404
Connect to the PU bus 462. The CPU 412 sequentially reads the encoded information from the second memory 406 and transfers it to the modem 414. Modem 414 modulates the encoded information and sends the facsimile information over the telephone line via NCU 415.

Next, the operation of registering / updating the telephone directory data will be described. When the CPU 412 of the facsimile section 5 receives the telephone book data registration / update command, at the same time, the new telephone book data for registration / update processing input from the core section 12 via the dual port memory 410 is the signal line 4.
It passes through 62 and reaches the memory controller 404. The new telephone directory data on the signal line 462 is stored in the memory controller 4
04, it is temporarily stored in the first memory 405.
Then, the CPU 412, based on the result of comparing all the old telephone directory data recorded in advance in the hard disk 4 connected to the facsimile unit 5 with the new telephone directory data stored in the first memory 405, Add / update new phone book data to hard disk 4.

Further, the facsimile section 5 can receive the information sent from the telephone line by facsimile.
The operation of this facsimile reception will be described. The information sent from the telephone line is input to the NCU 415, and the NC
U415 is connected to the facsimile section 5 in a predetermined procedure. The information from the NCU 415 is input to the modem 414, and the information input to the NCU 415 is input to the NCU 41.
5, the facsimile unit 5 is connected in a predetermined procedure. NC
The information from U415 enters modem 414 and is demodulated.

The CPU 412 stores the information from the modem 414 in the third memory 407 via the CPU bus 462. When the information of one screen is stored in the third memory 407, C
The PU 412 connects the data line 457 of the third memory 407 to the codec bus 463 of the codec 411 by controlling the memory controller 404. The codec 411 sequentially reads the encoded information in the third memory 407 and decodes it, that is, stores it in the fourth memory 408 as image information. The CPU 412 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 via the dual port memory 410, and makes settings for printing out an image from the fourth memory 408 through the core unit 12 to the printer unit 2.

When the setting is completed, the CPU 412 activates the timing generation circuit 409, and the signal line 46
The memory controller 40 outputs a predetermined timing signal from 0.
Output to 4. The memory controller 404 synchronizes with the signal from the timing generation circuit 409, and the fourth memory 40.
The image information is read from No. 8, transmitted to the signal line 452, and output to the connector 400. The output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the above description of the core unit 12, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[Description of File Unit 7] The configuration and operation of the file unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the file unit 7.

In the figure, the file section 7 is a connector 5
At 00, the core unit 12 of FIG. 1 is connected to exchange various signals. The multi-valued signal is input from the connector 500 to the compression circuit 503 via the signal line 551, converted from the multi-valued image information into the compression information by the compression circuit 503, and then output to the memory controller 510. The signal on the signal line 552 output from the compression circuit 503 is controlled by the memory controller 510 and is output to the first memory 506 and the second memory 506.
It is stored in any one of the memory 507, the third memory 508, and the fourth memory 509, or one in which two sets of memories are cascade-connected.

The memory controller 510 is the CPU 51
According to the instruction of No. 6, the first memory 506 and the second memory 50
7, the third memory 508, the fourth memory 509, the first mode for exchanging data with the CPU bus 560, and the codec bus 57 of the codec 517 for encoding / decoding.
0 in the second mode in which data is exchanged, and the contents of the first memory 506, the second memory 507, the third memory 508, and the fourth memory 509 are controlled by the DMA controller 518 by the bus 562 from the scaling circuit 511 and the data. And a signal on the signal line 563 under the control of the timing generation circuit 514.
A fourth mode stored in any of the fourth memories 509;
It has the five functions of the fifth mode of reading the memory contents from any of the first to fourth memories 506 to 509 and outputting them to the signal line 558.

Each of the first memory 506, the second memory 507, the third memory 508, and the fourth memory 509 is 2 Mb.
It has a capacity of ytes and stores an image of A4 size with a resolution of 400 dpi. Timing generation circuit 514
Are connected to the connector 500 via a signal line 553, and control signals (HSYN) from the core unit 12 in FIG.
C, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions.

The first is a function of storing the information from the core section 12 in any one of the first to fourth memories 506 to 509 or in two memories. The second is the first
The image information is read from any one of the fourth memories 506 to 509 and transmitted to the signal line 556.

The dual port memory 515 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core section 12 via a signal line 554 and to the CPU 516 of the file section 5 via a signal line 560, respectively. Each CPU 1003, 516
Exchange commands via the dual port memory 515. The SCSI controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 7 of FIG. The external storage device 6 is specifically composed of a magneto-optical disk, and stores data such as image information.

The codec 517 includes the first to fourth memories 5
After reading the image information stored in any one of the 06 to 509 and performing encoding by a desired one of the MH, MR and MMR methods, the first to fourth memories 506 to 50
Stored in any one of 9 as encoded information. Also, the first
After reading the coded information stored in the fourth memories 506 to 509 and performing decoding using a desired one of the MH, MR, and MMR methods, the first to fourth memories 506 to 5
The data is stored in one of the Nos. 09 as decoding information and image information.

The operation of storing file information in the external storage device 6 will be described. The 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader unit 1 in FIG.
It is input to the compression circuit 503 via 51. Signal line 5
The signal of 51 is input to the compression circuit 503, and the compression circuit 5
It is converted into compressed information by 03, and this compressed information is input to the memory controller 510 via the signal line 552. The memory controller 510 is generated by the timing generation circuit 559 according to the signal on the signal line 553 output from the core unit 12 of FIG.
Signal line 5 according to the timing signal input via
The compressed signal of 52 is stored in the first memory 506.

The CPU 516 is the memory controller 51.
The first memory 506 and the second memory 507 of 0 are connected to the bus line 570 of the codec 517. Codec 5
Reference numeral 17 reads the compressed information from the first memory 506, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information in the second memory 507. When the codec 517 finishes encoding, the CPU 516 connects the second memory 507 of the memory controller 510 to the CPU bus 560. CPU
516 sequentially reads the encoded information from the second memory 507 and transfers it to the SCSI controller 519.
The SCSI controller 519 stores the encoded information of the signal line 572 in the external storage device 6.

Next, the operation of fetching information from the external storage device 6 and outputting it to the printer unit 2 of FIG. 1 will be described. When the information retrieval / print command is received, the CPU 5 in FIG.
16 receives the encoded information from the external storage device 6 via the SCSI controller 519, and transfers the encoded information to the third memory 508. At this time, the memory controller 510 connects the CPU2 bus 560 to the bus 566 of the third memory 508 according to an instruction from the CPU 516.

When the transfer of the encoded information to the third memory 508 is completed, the CPU 516 causes the memory controller 510 to
The third memory 508 and the fourth memory 509 are connected to the bus 570 of the codec 517 by controlling the.
The codec 517 reads the encoded information from the third memory 508, sequentially decodes it, and then transfers it to the fourth memory 509.

If scaling such as enlarging / reducing is required when outputting to the printer unit 2, the fourth memory 509 is used for the scaling circuit 51.
It connects to the first bus 562 and scales the contents of the fourth memory 509 under the control of the DMA controller 518. CPU5
16 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 of FIG. 1 via the dual port memory 515, and the fourth memory 5
The setting for printing out an image from the 09 through the core unit 12 to the printer unit 2 is performed. When the setting is completed, CP
U516 activates the timing generation circuit 514,
A predetermined timing signal is output from the signal line 559 to the memory controller 510.

The memory controller 510 synchronizes with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514 in the fourth memory 509.
The decoded information is read from and transmitted to the signal line 556. The signal on the signal line 556 is input to the decompression circuit 504, where the information is decompressed. The output signal from the expansion circuit 504 is output from the signal line 555 to the core unit 12 via the connector 500. As for the output from the connector 500 to the printer unit 2, the core unit 1 described above is used.
Since it has been described in the second section, its description is omitted.

[Description of Computer Interface Unit 9] The configuration and operation of the computer interface unit 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer interface unit 9.

In the figure, the first connector 700 and the second connector 700
The connector 701 is a connector for the first and second SCSI interfaces (I / F) 704 and 708. The third connector 702 is a connector for the Centronics interface (I / F) 705. Fourth connector 7
03 is an RS232C interface (I / F) 70
6 connector. The fifth connector 707 is a connector for connecting to the core portion 12 of FIG.

First and second SCSI I / Fs 704, 7
08 has two connectors (first connector 700, second connector 701), and when connecting a device having a plurality of SCSI interfaces, the first connector 70
0 and the second connector 701 are used for cascade connection. When connecting the external device 3 and the computer 8 of FIG. 1 in a one-to-one manner, the first connector 700 and the computer 8 are connected by a cable, and the second connector 701 is connected to a terminator or The second connector 701 and the computer 8 are connected by a cable, and the first connector 700
Connect the terminator to.

First connector 700 or second connector 7
The information input from 01 is sent to the first SCSI I / F 704 or the second SCSI I / F 704 via the signal line 751.
It is input to F708. The first SCSI I / F 704 or the second SCSI I / F 708 sends data to the signal line 75 after performing the procedure according to the SCSI protocol.
4 to the fifth connector 707.

The fifth connector 707 is the CP of the core portion 12.
It is connected to the U bus 1054, and C of this core unit 12
The PU 1003 uses the CPU
The information input to the I / F connector (first connector 700, second connector 701) is received. C of the core part 12
Data from the PU1003 is sent to the SCSI connector (first
When outputting to the connector 700 and the second connector 701), the procedure is reversed.

The Centronics I / F 705 is connected to the third connector C702 and input to the Centronics I / F 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to the procedure of a predetermined protocol, and outputs the data to the fifth connector 707 via the signal line 754. Fifth connector 707
Is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 12, and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 is connected to the CPU bus 1
The information input to the Centronics I / F connector (third connector 702) from 054 is received.

The RS232C I / F 706 is connected to the fourth connector 703 and is connected to the RS via the signal line 753.
It is input to the 232C I / F 706. RS232C
The I / F 706 receives the data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the fifth connector 707 via the signal line 754. Fifth connector 707
Is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 12, and the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 is connected to the CPU bus 1
The information input to the RS232C I / F connector (third connector 703) from 054 is received. Core part 12
Data from the CPU 1003 of the RS232C I / F
When outputting to the connector (4th connector 703) for
The procedure is the reverse of the above.

[Description of Formatter Unit 10] The configuration and operation of the formatter unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 8
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the formatter unit 10.

The data from the computer interface unit 9 of FIG. 1 described above is discriminated by the core unit 12 of FIG. 4, and when the data is related to the formatter unit 10, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 determines Data from the computer 8 of FIG. 1 is transferred to the dual port memory 803 via the fifth connector 1008 of 12 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 10 of FIG. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 10 is the dual port memory 8
The code data sent from the computer 8 via 03 is received. The CPU 809 sequentially develops this code data into image data, and the memory controller 80
8 through the first memory 806 or the second memory 807
Transfer the image data to.

First memory 806 and second memory 807
Has a capacity of 1 Mbytes each and 300 dp in one memory (first memory 806 or second memory 807).
A resolution of i is possible up to A4 paper size. Three
In the case of supporting up to A3 size paper with a resolution of 00 dpi, the first memory 806 and the second memory 807 are connected in cascade to develop image data.

The memory control described above is performed by the memory controller 808 according to an instruction from the CPU 809. Further, when it is necessary to rotate a character, a graphic or the like when developing the image data, the image data is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and then transferred to the first memory 806 or the second memory 807. When the expansion of the image data in the first memory 806 or the second memory 807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to connect the data bus line 858 of the first memory 806 or the data bus line 859 of the second memory 807 to the memory controller. Connect to output line 855 of 808.

Next, the CPU 809 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 via the dual port memory 803, and sets the mode in which the image information is output from the first memory 806 or the second memory 807. CP of core part 12
The U 1003 sets the print output mode in the CPU 122 using the communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 via the communication circuit 1002 in the core unit 12.

When the print output mode is set, the CPU 1003 of the core section 12 of FIG.
Also, the timing generation circuit 802 is activated via the connector 800 of the formatter unit 10 of FIG. The timing generation circuit 802 generates a timing signal for reading image information from the first memory 806 or the second memory 807 to the memory controller 808 according to the signal from the core unit 12.

First memory 806 or second memory 807
The image information from is input to the memory controller 808 via signal line 858. Memory controller 8
The output image information from 08 is transferred to the core unit 12 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. The output from the core unit 12 to the printer unit 1 has been described in the above description of the core unit 12, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[Description of Image Memory Unit 11] The configuration and operation of the image memory unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image memory unit 11.

The image memory section 11 has a connector 90.
0 is connected to the core unit 12 of FIG. 1 to exchange various signals. The multi-valued input signal on the signal line 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the memory controller 905.
The memory controller 905 has a first mode in which data is exchanged between the memory 904 and the CPU bus 957 according to an instruction from the CPU 906, and a second mode in which a signal on the signal line 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902. It has three functions of the third mode of reading the memory contents from the memory 904 and outputting them to the signal line 955.

The memory 904 has a content of 32 Mbytes and stores an image corresponding to a sheet size of A3 with a resolution of 400 dpi and 256 gradations. The timing generation circuit 902 is connected to the connector 900 by a signal line 952, and controls signals (HSYNC, HSYNC) from the core unit 12.
EN, VSYNC, VEN)
Generate signals to accomplish one function.

The first is a function of storing information from the core section 12 in the memory 904. The second is memory 904
It is a function of reading out image information from the device and transmitting it to the signal line 955.

The dual port memory 903 has a CPU 1003 in the core section 12 via a signal line 953 and a CPU 906 in the image memory section 9 via a signal line 957.
Respectively connected to. Each CPU 1003,9
06 exchanges commands via the dual port memory 903.

The operation of storing image information in the image memory unit 10 and transferring this information to the computer 8 of FIG. 1 will be described. The 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 is input from the connector 900 and input to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 uses the signal on the signal line 952 output from the core unit 12 to generate the timing generation circuit 90.
The signal of the signal line 954 is stored in the memory 904 according to the signal generated in 2 and input through the signal line 956.

The CPU 906 is the memory controller 90.
No. 5 memory 904 is connected to the CPU bus 957. CP
The U 906 sequentially reads the image information from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 outputs the image information of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 11 to the signal line 9
53, it is read via the connector 900, and this information is transferred to the computer interface section 9. The transfer of information from the computer interface unit 9 to the computer 8 has been described in the description of the core unit 12 described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of outputting the image information sent from the computer of FIG. 1 to the printer section 2 will be described. The image information sent from the computer 8 of FIG. 1 is sent to the core unit 12 via the computer interface unit 9. In FIG. 4, the CPU of the core unit 12
Reference numeral 1003 denotes a CPU bus 1054 and a connector 1009.
The image information is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 11 of FIG.

At this time, the CPU 906 in FIG. 9 controls the memory controller 905 and connects the CPU bus 957 to the bus of the memory 904. The CPU 906 transfers the image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. After transferring the image information to the memory 904, the CPU 906
Controls the memory controller 905, and the memory 904
Of the data lines of the above are connected to the signal line 955.

The CPU 906 is the dual port memory 9
The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 12 via 03 to make settings for printing out an image from the memory 904 through the core unit 12 to the printer unit 2. When the setting is completed, the CPU 906 causes the timing generation circuit 902 to
The signal line 956 outputs a predetermined timing signal to the memory controller 905.

The memory controller 905 reads the image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 902, transmits it to the signal line 955, and outputs it to the connector 900. The output from the connector 900 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the description of the core unit 12 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Further, the CPU 90 of the image memory 11
Reference numeral 6 has a function of performing character recognition processing on the document image data having the above-mentioned facsimile information recording paper format of FIG.

Hereinafter, the character recognition processing operation in the image memory unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the document image data to be subjected to the character recognition processing is stored in the memory 904. The document image data in this case is binary image data having the facsimile information recording paper format shown in FIG.

Character recognition processing is performed on the image data thus stored in the memory 904. The algorithm of the character recognition processing in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1101, extraction processing of character description image data from the facsimile information recording sheet layout portion in the document image data is performed.
The character description image data can be extracted by taking the difference between the prepared facsimile information recording paper layout image data and the document image data stored in the memory 904, and the resulting character description image data is , And is temporarily stored in the memory 904.

Next, in step S1102, the character segmentation processing is performed on the character description image data extracted in step S1101. This character cutout processing is performed by obtaining a circumscribed rectangle of a character image for each character and storing character image data of the size of the rectangle in the memory 904.

Next, in step S1103, character recognition processing is performed on the character image data that has undergone the character cutting processing in step S1102. In the character recognition processing, first, normalization processing of position, inclination, line width, density, etc. is performed. Then, a feature vector based on the contour line feature or the like is extracted from the normalized cut-out character image data. Then, the obtained feature vector is matched with the standard pattern vectors of all the recognition target characters in the prepared recognition dictionary, and the character code corresponding to the most reliable standard pattern is used as the recognition result, and the memory 904 To memorize.

Next, in step S1104, the recognition result and each item of the destination information are associated with each other from the character description position of the character description image subjected to the character recognition processing and the layout of the facsimile information recording paper. , Based on that, the recognition result is converted into the telephone book data format. The conversion result data is temporarily stored in the memory 904.

In the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described structure, when performing facsimile transmission and telephone directory data registration / update processing, the operator sends instructions and information regarding each operation from the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1. Although it can be executed by inputting, other than that, the operator writes various instructions and information about each operation on the facsimile information recording sheet, and the reader unit 1 reads the written contents to give various instructions for the facsimile operation. It is possible to

The operation of facsimile transmission and telephone directory data registration / update processing when an operation instruction is given using this facsimile information recording sheet will be described in detail below.

First, the processing operation for facsimile transmission will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the processing operation for facsimile transmission will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1201, the operator writes a facsimile transmission instruction and information regarding a facsimile transmission destination on a facsimile information recording sheet. For a facsimile transmission instruction, check the facsimile transmission item in the processing item column T1001 on the facsimile information recording sheet shown in FIG. As for the information regarding the facsimile transmission, the information required for the facsimile transmission is described in the columns T1002 to T1005 on the facsimile information recording sheet.

Regarding the contents of the information described at this time, in the case of carrying out facsimile transmission to a destination whose telephone number is not registered in the telephone directory, at least the telephone number needs to be written. However, this is not limited to the case where the telephone book data including the telephone number is registered in the telephone book in advance, and only a part of information that enables the telephone book data to be searched may be used.

Next, in step S1202, the described facsimile information recording sheet and the transmitted document are read into the facsimile section 5. When the operator places the transmission document on the document feeding device 101 of the reader unit 1, the facsimile information recording sheet is placed on top of the transmission document. The details of the document scanning process have been described in the description of the reader unit 1 described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

The processing when the image data of the facsimile information recording paper and the original scanned by the reader unit 1 is input to the facsimile unit 5 has also been described in the above-mentioned description of the core unit 12. Is omitted.
The facsimile information recording paper and the image data of the document input to the facsimile unit 5 are stored in the first to fourth memory 4
05-temporarily stored in the memory 408.

In step S1203, the facsimile information recording sheet format identification processing is performed on the facsimile information recording sheet and the image data of the original document temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408.
For details of this processing, refer to the above-mentioned facsimile unit 5
Since it has been described in the section above, its description is omitted. If all the originals input to the facsimile unit 5 are not identified as facsimile information recording sheets, the process proceeds to step S1204, error processing is performed, and then this processing operation ends. On the other hand, if the facsimile information recording sheet is identified, step S120
The processing of 5 or less is executed.

In step S1205, character recognition processing is performed on the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet. In this process, first, the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 of the facsimile unit 5 is transmitted to the memory 904 of the image memory unit 11 via the core unit 12. . The details of this data transmission have been described in the description of the core unit 12 described above, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Then, the CPU 906 of the image memory unit 11 performs character recognition processing on the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet stored in the memory 904 of the image memory 11. The operation of this character recognition processing algorithm has been described in the description of the image memory unit 11 described above, and thus its description is omitted. The recognition result here is transferred to the facsimile unit 5 via the core unit 12 and temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408 of the facsimile unit 5. The recognition result here is converted into the same data format as the telephone directory data.

Next, in step S1206, the telephone number of the facsimile transmission destination is determined based on the recognition result of the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet obtained in step S1205. If the above step S12
If the telephone directory data, which is the recognition result of the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet obtained in 05, includes a telephone number, it becomes the telephone number of the facsimile transmission destination.

On the other hand, if the telephone directory data as the recognition result of the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet obtained in step S1205 does not include a telephone number,
Destination information of other phonebook data, that is, destination name,
All the telephone directory data recorded in the hard disk 4 connected to the facsimile unit 5 in advance is searched using the group / keyword and the address as search keys, and the telephone number of the transmission destination is determined based on the result. In addition, in step S12
If the telephone directory data, which is the recognition result of the image data of the facsimile information recording paper obtained in 05, is only the group keyword, there is a possibility that a plurality of telephone numbers will be searched. In that case, , There are multiple destination telephone numbers. That is, it is possible to simultaneously perform facsimile transmission to a plurality of destinations. The telephone number obtained here is temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408.

As a result of searching the telephone directory data,
If the corresponding telephone number has not been obtained, the process proceeds to step S1207, the telephone number is input by the operator through the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1, and then a normal facsimile transmission process is performed. If the facsimile information recording sheet is identified, step S1
The processing of 208 and below is executed.

In step S1208, the above-mentioned step S
At 1206, facsimile transmission is performed based on the telephone numbers stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408. The facsimile transmission processing operation has been described in the above-mentioned description of the facsimile section 5, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, in step S1209, the telephone directory data, which is the recognition result of the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet obtained in step S1205, is used and recorded in advance in the hard disk 4 connected to the facsimile section 5. Performs registration / update processing of all phone book data.
The operation of registering / updating the telephone directory data has been described in the description of the facsimile unit 5 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the processing operation for registering / updating the telephone directory data will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1301, the operator writes an instruction for registering / updating telephone book data and information regarding telephone book data to be registered / updated on the facsimile information recording sheet. For the instruction to register / update the phone book data, the item of registering / updating the phone book data in the processing item column T1001 on the facsimile information recording sheet shown in FIG. 10 is checked. Further, regarding the information on the telephone book data to be registered / updated, the information necessary for the registration / update of the telephone book data is described in the columns T1001 to T1005 on the facsimile information recording sheet.

Regarding the contents of the information described at this time, in the case of newly registering the telephone directory data regarding the facsimile transmission destination which has not been registered in the past, at least the transmission destination name and telephone number are described. Will be required. However, when updating registered telephone directory data in the past, if the data to be updated can be uniquely determined, either the destination name or the telephone number may be left blank.

Next, in step S1302, the described facsimile information recording sheet is read into the facsimile section 5. The operation of reading the facsimile information recording sheet is similar to that of the facsimile original reading process, and since the details have been described in the above description of the reader unit 1, the description thereof will be omitted. Also, regarding the processing when the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet scanned by the reader unit 1 is input to the facsimile unit 5,
Since it has been described in the above description of the core portion 12, the description thereof will be omitted. The image data of the facsimile information recording sheet input to the facsimile unit 5 is temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408.

In step S1303, the facsimile information recording sheet format identification process is performed on the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet temporarily stored in the first to fourth memories 405 to 408. The details of this processing have been described in the description of the facsimile section 5 described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. If the image data input to the facsimile unit 5 is not identified as a facsimile information recording sheet, the flow advances to step S1304 to perform error processing, and then this processing operation ends. On the other hand, if the facsimile information recording sheet is identified, the processing from step S1305 is executed.

In step S1305, character recognition processing is performed on the image data of the facsimile information recording sheet. The operation of this process is the same as that of step S1205 of FIG. 12 described above, and therefore its description is omitted.

Next, in step S1306, based on the recognition result of the image data on the facsimile information recording sheet obtained in step S1305, all telephones previously recorded in the hard disk 4 connected to the facsimile section 5 are recorded. After registering / updating the book data, this processing operation ends. The operation of registering / updating all telephone directory data has been described in the description of the facsimile unit 5 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Other Embodiments] The data entry items of the facsimile information recording sheet do not necessarily have to have the configuration according to this embodiment as long as they include a telephone number entry field.
In addition to the items of this embodiment, a plurality of groups / keywords, district information (nationality, prefecture, etc.), etc. may be included.

Further, the error processing in step S1204 of FIG. 12 does not necessarily need to interrupt the processing as in the present embodiment, and the operator continues to perform normal operation via the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1. The processing configuration may be such that a facsimile transmission process can be performed.

Further, the error processing in step S1304 of FIG. 13 does not necessarily have to interrupt the processing as in the present embodiment, and the operator continues to perform normal operations via the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1. The processing configuration may be such that the telephone directory data can be registered / updated.

[0168]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, by using the character recognition means for recognizing a specific layout image among the images stored in the storage means, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission. Enter the phone number of
There is an effect that the operator's time and effort of key input operation in registering a telephone number for collating a destination telephone number and collating a registered destination telephone number can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing configurations of a reader unit and a printer unit in the same device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit in a reader unit of the same apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a core unit configuration in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile unit in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a file unit in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer interface unit in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a formatter unit in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image memory unit in an external device of the same device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a facsimile transmission sheet.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of character recognition processing in the image memory unit of the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of a facsimile transmission process using the character recognition process of the apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of telephone book data registration / update processing using the character recognition processing of the apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Reader Unit (Image Input Means) 11 Image Memory Unit (Character Recognition Means) 405-408 First to Fourth Memories (Image Storage Means) 412 CPU (Identification Means, Matching Means) 414 Modem (Transmission Means)

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Michiko Hirayu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Eiji Ohara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Within the corporation

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image input unit for inputting an external image, an image storage unit for storing the input image input to the image input unit, a transmission unit for transmitting the input image by facsimile, and an image storage unit for storing the input image. An identification unit for identifying a specific layout image in the input image and a character recognition unit for recognizing a specific layout image identified by the identification unit are provided, and the identification unit identifies the specific layout image. In this case, the image processing apparatus is characterized in that the transmission means performs facsimile transmission of the input image based on the facsimile transmission destination information obtained from the recognition result of the character recognition means for the image. 2. An image input means for inputting an external image, an image storage means for storing the input image input to the image input means, a transmitting means for transmitting the input image by facsimile, a destination name and a telephone number. A destination information storage unit for storing the facsimile destination information including the collation unit, a collation unit for collating the facsimile destination information stored in the destination information storage unit, and a unique one of the input images stored in the image storage unit. Of the layout image, and character recognition means for recognizing a specific layout image identified by the identification means. When the identification unit identifies a unique layout image, The facsimile destination information previously stored in the destination information storage means is collated by the collating means by using the recognition result of the character recognizing means. An image processing apparatus, wherein the transmitting means transmits the input image by facsimile based on the facsimile transmission destination information obtained as a result of the collation. 3. An image input means for inputting an external image, an image storage means for storing the input image input to the image input means, a transmitting means for transmitting the input image by facsimile, a destination name and a telephone number. A destination information storage unit that stores the facsimile destination information that includes it, a search unit that searches the facsimile destination information stored in the destination information storage unit, and a unique one of the input images stored in the image storage unit. Identification means for identifying the layout image, a recognition means for recognizing a specific layout image identified by the identification means, and a destination information adding / updating means for adding / updating the facsimile destination information. ,
When the identifying unit identifies a unique layout image, the facsimile destination information stored in advance in the destination information storage unit is collated by the collating unit by using the recognition result of the character recognizing unit for the image, An image processing apparatus, wherein the facsimile transmission destination information is added / updated by the transmission destination information adding / updating means based on the collation result.