JPH09121277A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the operation of an operator and to prevent an image formation mistake by determining the arrangement location within the composite image of each partial image and a pair of joint sides to be joint objects and joining the sides based on the detection result of the image density of the edge part of each partial image. SOLUTION: An original of A1 size is divided into 4 partial images A to D and each image has a blank part of a width L1 around the image and images which are similar to each other exist in the part of the width L1 in the vicinity of the boundary between adjacent partial images. The partial image of the original is read by a magnification of 0.5 times, for instance, and the image is stored in an image memory. The image density of the belt-like part of the width L1 of the four sides around the partial image stored in this image memory is detected. Based on this detection result, it is discriminated which of the four partial images A to D the partial image stored in each image memory in a reading order belongs to and the storing direction of the partial image within each image memory is specified. In accordance with these, the four partial images are joined.

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 which divides a large-sized original that cannot be read at one time into a plurality of partial images, reads them in sequence, and joins them to output them as one composite image. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A large-sized original that cannot be placed on the original table is divided into a plurality of images (= a plurality of images of a size that can be placed on the original table), sequentially read, and stored in a memory. An apparatus has been proposed that combines and outputs divided images.

Prior art relating to image composition is, for example, the following publication. In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 5-122501, a large-sized original image is read by dividing it into a plurality of divided images each having an overlapping portion, and the overlapping portion of each divided image is recognized by pattern matching to determine the arrangement position of each divided image. An apparatus and a method for synthesizing divided images by determining and determining a boundary line with a non-overlapping portion and synthesizing divided images according to the boundary line are disclosed. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-331567 discloses image data of a divided image read at a reduction ratio for the first time in 90
There is disclosed a device that rotates a document image, rotates the image data of the remaining divided images read at the second reduction ratio by 90 ° in the opposite direction, and joins them to combine a large-sized document.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
The method of determining the arrangement position of each divided image by pattern matching of overlapping portions like the technique of Japanese Patent No. 2501 has a problem that it takes a long time because processing is complicated and erroneous determination is likely to occur. In addition, the above-mentioned JP-A-4-
In the method of Japanese Patent No. 331567, since it is premised that the placement direction of the original when reading each partial image is predetermined, the operation of the operator at the time of setting the original becomes complicated and the burden is heavy. In addition, if the originals are set in the wrong direction, there is a problem that an image combining error occurs. Further, there may be a device in which it is difficult to set the partial image in a predetermined direction.

In the present invention, when a large-sized original is divided and read and combined, regardless of the reading order of each partial image or the setting direction on the original plate when reading each partial image, An object of the present invention is to enable composition and output of each partial image in the correct position and in the correct direction. Moreover, it aims at achieving this objective by comparatively simple processing.

[0006]

The present invention is an image processing apparatus having a function of sequentially reading an original having a size that cannot be read at once as a plurality of partial images and synthesizing and outputting the plurality of partial images. Storage means for storing each of the partial images, detection means for detecting the image density at the edge of each partial image, and arrangement for synthesizing the partial images based on the detection result by the detection means. Positioning means for deciding the joining side of the pair to be joined with respect to each of the partial images, and arranging each partial image at the arrangement position decided by the deciding means, for the joining side of the pair decided by the deciding means. At this, a joining means for joining the partial images,
An image processing apparatus having a.

In the mode in which the partial images of the large-sized original are combined and output, the image densities at the edges of the partial images are respectively detected, and based on the detection result, the arrangement positions in the combined image of the partial images are detected. And the joining edge of the pair to be joined is determined. According to this determination, the partial images are joined.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1. Mechanism FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of an apparatus embodying the present invention. The apparatus shown in the figure is a known scanning optical device (= light source 21, light source 21, which is a document D placed on a platen glass 27 with its image surface facing downward.
It is read by a device composed of the reflection mirrors 22a, 22b, 22c, the lens group 23, the CCD line sensor 24, the drive motor 25, the driver IC 26, etc.) 2, converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is sent to the image processing unit 4. Well-known image processing (A / D conversion, shading correction, scaling, etc.) is performed to generate image data, and when the 4-division large-format combining mode is set, the image is read from a large-format original at a reduction ratio. This is a device that joins the four pieces of divided image data in the image synthesizing unit 5 and outputs them to the outside. Further, at the time of this joining, the control unit 3 causes the image combining unit 5 to correct the arrangement position (A to D) and the arrangement direction (up and down direction) in the combined image of the divided image data. Controlled. In FIG. 2, 28 is an original cover.

The scanning optical device includes a light source 21 and a reflection mirror 22a.
First moving body (not shown) for mounting and reflection mirrors 22b, 22c
By moving a second moving body (not shown) that mounts the same in the left-right direction in the figure along the lower surface of the original platen glass 27, the image reflected light of the original D is reflected by the line system C through the lens system 23.
It is a device for forming an image on the CD line sensor 24. here,
The moving speed of the first moving body is twice the moving speed of the second moving body. The CCD line sensor 24 generates an electric signal of each pixel of the line corresponding to the image reflected light of each line formed as described above, and outputs the electric signal to the image processing unit 4.

When the scaling processing is performed as in the 4-division large-format combining mode described later, the scanning speed of the scanning optical device (first movement) is used together with the scaling processing of the image data in the image processing unit 4. The moving speeds of the body and the second moving body are changed. That is, the scanning speed is changed from the reference speed (speed at the same magnification) so as to match the set scaling ratio. This change can be performed by changing the speed of the drive motor 25 of the scanning optical device from the reference speed according to the set scaling ratio. For example, when a large-sized document of A1 size is divided and read, and the area ratio is reduced to 1/4 and then combined, the scanning speed is changed to 4 ^1/2 = 2 times the reference speed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the platen glass 27 is A3 size.
Is the size. Therefore, if it is an A1 size original,
By reading the image in four divisions, the image data of the entire original can be obtained. In this device, the reading direction and the reading order are arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, all partial images may be set and read in the same direction, and as shown in FIG. 7, two partial images A and B in the upper half and two partial images in the lower half may be read. The reading direction may be reversed by 180 ° between the individual partial images C and D. Further, the order of reading the partial images is not limited to the order of (a) to (d) shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, and may be read in any order. 5 and 7, each partial image is on the back side (original platen).
27), and the handle shown is a perspective view from above. The document cover 28 is not shown.

Further, as shown in FIG.
An operation panel 1 is provided on the right front side (lower right side in the figure) of the. The operation panel 1 has a start key 11 for instructing the start of the document reading operation, a mode key 12 for instructing switching between the normal mode, the 2-part large-size combining mode and the 4-part large-size combining mode, and the 2-part large-size combining mode. 2 division large-format mode display lamp 13a that lights and displays the setting status of 4 divisions 4 division large-format mode display lamp 13b that lights and displays the setting status of 4-division large format compositing mode, numeric keypad and clear / stop key 14 A display panel 15 for displaying the reading magnification value, reading size, etc. is provided.

In the two-division large-format combining mode, a document larger than A3 size and smaller than A2 size is divided into two parts and read at a reduction ratio, and the read images are combined to form an A3 size image. In this mode, the following single image is combined and output. In the 4-division large-format combining mode, a document that is larger than A2 size and equal to or smaller than A1 size is divided into 4 times and read at a reduction ratio, and the read images are combined to form an A3 size image.
In this mode, a single image of size or less is combined and output. In the following, the 4-division large-format combining mode will be mainly described.

The process of joining and synthesizing the partial images is performed by the image synthesizing unit 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the image composition unit 5 includes an image memory (1), an image memory (2), and an image memory (3).
, Image memory (4), image memory (5), and DMAC
(Direct Memory Access Controller) 51 is included. The image combining unit 5 includes the image reading unit 2 and the image processing unit 4.
It is controlled by the control unit 3 in the same manner as. This control unit 3
As will be described later, by determining the set direction when reading each partial image and the order of reading each partial image, and setting the data in the DMAC 51 of the image synthesizing unit 5 based on the result, each partial Control the image to be placed in the correct position in the composite image and in the correct orientation.

The image data read in the normal mode is stored in the image memory (1). Also, in the two-division large-format combining mode, the image data read at the first reduction ratio is stored in the image memory (1), and the image data read at the second reduction ratio is stored in the image memory (2). . Further, in the 4-division large-format combining mode, the image data read at the first reduction ratio is stored in the image memory (1), and the image data read at the second reduction ratio is stored in the image memory.
The image data stored in (2) and read at the third reduction magnification is stored in the image memory (3), and the image data read at the fourth reduction magnification is stored in the image memory (4).

Partial image data stored in the image memories (1) and (2) in the two-division composition mode, and stored in the image memories (1), (2), (3) and (4) in the four-division composition mode. Under the control of the DMAC 51, the image data in each image memory is combined with the specified address (address corresponding to the arrangement positions A to D in the combined image. Is rotated) and stored in. The data for that purpose is set by the control unit 3 as described later.

Although not specifically mentioned in this example, in the case where the boundaries of the partial images are read redundantly and the partial images are joined in accordance with the joining line in the overlapping area (one of the overlapping portions is adopted). For each pixel in the overlapping area, it is necessary to make the addresses of the corresponding portions of the image memories (1) to (4) common.

The image memory (5) can store image data up to A3 size. Image memory in normal mode
The image data of (1) is transferred and stored. Also, in the 2-division large-format combining mode, the image memory (1) and the image memory
The composite image of (2) is stored. In the 4-division large-format synthesis mode, the image memory, image memory (2), image memory
(3) and the composite image in the image memory (4) are stored. The image data in the image memory (5) is output to an external device (not shown) such as a printer or a facsimile and used for image formation or the like in the external device.

2. Operation Next, the operation of the apparatus in the 4-division large-format combining mode will be described with reference to FIG.
The following is a description based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, the A1 size (840 mm × 59) shown in FIG.
(4 mm) original is divided into four partial images A, B, C, D, and each is read at a reduction ratio of 0.5 times (area ratio: 0.25 times), and these four partial image data are read. Join A
A case of combining the image data of three sizes will be described. This manuscript has a margin portion of width L1 on the periphery, and images similar to each other are present in the portion of width L1 near the boundary between adjacent partial images (see (b) in FIG. 4). Existing.
Further, it is assumed that the partial image A is the upper left image, the partial image B is the upper right image, the partial image C is the lower left image, and the partial image D is the lower right image.

2-1. Principle of operation As a method of reading an original by dividing it into four parts, there are a method shown in FIG. 5 and a method shown in FIG. In the method of FIG.
All four partial images A, B, C, and D are set on the original table 27 and read in an arbitrary order so as to face the same direction. That is, the partial images A, B, C, and D are set so that the top and bottom faces the correct direction when viewed from the operator. Note that the partial images A, B, C, and D may be set so that the top and bottom of the images are 180 ° opposite to each other when viewed from the operator. On the other hand, in the method of FIG. 7, the partial images A and B and the partial images C and D are oriented 180 ° opposite to each other,
The documents are set on the platen 27 and read in any order. That is, the partial images A and B are set so that the upper and lower sides thereof face the correct direction when viewed from the operator, and the partial images C and D are set so that the upper and lower sides thereof face in the opposite direction by 180 ° as viewed from the operator. Note that this relationship may be reversed.

The partial images A, B, C, D read by the method of FIG. 5 are shown in FIG. 6, and the partial images A, B, C, D read by the method of FIG. 7 are shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the read image by the method of FIG. 5, the margins around the document are the upper and left sides of the partial image A, the upper and right sides of the partial image B, the lower and left sides of the partial image C, and the partial image D. Located on the bottom and right sides respectively. On the other hand, in the image read by the method of FIG. 7, the above-mentioned blank area is shown in FIG.
Although it is at the same position as the image read by the method
Is located on the upper side and the right side, and is located on the upper side and the left side in the partial image D.

That is, when the image is read by the method of FIG. 5, the position of the blank portion is different in each partial image, but FIG.
When the image is read by the above method, there are two partial images A and D having a blank area on the upper side and the left side, and two partial images B and C having a blank area on the upper side and the right side. There are circumstances. Further, as described above, there is a circumstance that the images near the sides to be joined are similar to each other between adjacent partial images. In this device, the partial images stored in the image memories (1), (2), (3), and (4) in the reading order are divided into four partial images A, B, C, and D by utilizing this fact. In addition to specifying which, the storage direction of the partial images in each image memory is specified, and based on this, the four partial images are joined.

2-2. Step of Operation When the 4-division mode is set, first, an initial value "1" is set to a variable n indicating the number of readings (S01). Further, initial values “0” are set to the variables i, j, k, and m (S0
2). The variables i, j, k, and m are used in the image type classification process (S06 / FIG. 10) described later.

Next, the operator waits until the start key 11 is turned on (S03). When the operator sets one of the partial images of the original on the original table 27 and turns on the start key (S03; YES), the partial image of the original set on the original table 27 is magnified 0.5 times. Is read at a magnification of and stored in the image memory (n) (S04). Since "n = 1" at the first time, it is stored in the image memory (1).

Next, the image densities of the strip-shaped portions having a width L1 of the four sides of the partial image stored in the image memory (n) are detected, and the image densities of the strip-shaped portions of the upper side are set to a variable Dt (n). The image density of the strip on the lower side is set to the variable Db (n), the image density of the strip on the left side is set to the variable Dl (n), and the image density of the strip on the right side is set to the variable Dr (n) ( S05). The first time is "n =
1 ”, the image densities of the four sides of the partial image stored in the image memory (1) are the variables Dt (1) and Db, respectively.
Set to (1), Dl (1), Dr (1). Here, the image density is obtained by reading out the pixels in the strip portion of the target side pixel by pixel from the image memory (n) and using the predetermined density TD as a threshold.
The number of pixels having a higher density than TD is counted, and the number of pixels having a higher density than the density TD is calculated as a value obtained by dividing the total number of pixels in the strip portion on the side. That is, it is calculated as a value indicating the ratio of the area of the image excluding the base portion of the strip portion of the side. When the image density is smaller than the predetermined threshold value D0, the strip-shaped portion is regarded as a blank portion (see FIG. 10). The subscript t means top, the subscript b means bottom, the subscript L means left, and the subscript r means right.

Next, an image type classification process is executed (S
06). The image type classification process is a process of detecting the image type of the partial image stored in the image memory (n),
The details are shown in FIG. The image type is a partial image with margins on the top and left sides, a partial image with margins on the top and right sides, a partial image with margins on the bottom and left sides, or a margin on the bottom and right sides. It is classified according to the combination of the positions of the margins as if it is a partial image (see FIGS. 6 and 8). This classification is based on the image densities Dt (n) and Db (n) of each side described above. , Dl (n), Dr (n). Since "n = 1" at the first time, the image type is detected for the partial image stored in the image memory (1).

As shown in FIG. 10, in the image type classification processing, based on the size comparison of the image densities of the upper side and the lower side, the size comparison of the image densities of the left side and the right side, and the size comparison with the predetermined threshold value D0. It is determined whether or not the strip-shaped portion on the side is a margin, and the image type is determined based on the combination of the margins.

For example, the image density of the upper side is smaller than the image density of the lower side (S0601; YES), and the image density of the upper side is the threshold value.
If it is smaller than D0 (S0602; YES), the upper side is a margin. Also, the image density on the left side is smaller than the image density on the right side.
(S0604; YES) and when the image density on the left side is smaller than the threshold value D0 (S0605; YES), the left side is a blank space. Therefore, when the determination in step S0601 is “YES”, in other words, when it is determined that the upper side and the left side are margins, the image type of the partial image stored in the image memory (n) is the upper side. Variable Tt to indicate that the left side is a margin type
"n" is set to l (i) (S0601) and the variable "i" that indicates the number of the image type is incremented.
(S0610). Since "n = 1" is set for the first time, the partial image stored in the image memory (1) is set as described above.

Similarly, the image density of the upper side is smaller than the image density of the lower side (S0601; YES), and the image density of the upper side is the threshold value.
If it is smaller than D0 (S0602; YES), the upper side is a margin. If the image density on the right side is greater than or equal to the image density on the left side (S06
04; NO), and when the image density on the right side is smaller than the threshold value D0 (S0606; YES), the right side is a margin. Therefore, when the determination in step S0606 is “YES”, in other words, when it is determined that the upper side and the right side are margins, the image type of the partial image stored in the image memory (n) is the upper side. The variable Ttr (j) is set to "n" to indicate that the right side is a blank type (S0613), and the variable "j" indicating the number of the image type is incremented (S061).
2). Since "n = 1" is set for the first time, the image memory
The partial image stored in (1) is set as described above.

Similarly, the image density of the lower side is equal to or higher than the image density of the upper side (S0601; NO), and the image density of the lower side is the threshold value D0.
If it is smaller (S0603; YES), the bottom side is the margin.
The image density on the left side is smaller than the image density on the right side (S06
07; YES) and when the image density on the left side is smaller than the threshold value D0 (S0608; YES), the left side is a blank space. Therefore,
If the determination in step S0608 is "YES", in other words,
If it is determined that the lower side and the left side are margins, the variable Tbl (k) is used to indicate that the image type of the partial image stored in the image memory (n) is the lower side and the left side.
Is set to "n" (S0615), and the variable "k" indicating the number of the image type is incremented (S0615).
14) . Since "n = 1" is set for the first time, the image memory
The partial image stored in (1) is set as described above.

Similarly, the image density of the lower side is equal to or higher than the image density of the upper side (S0601; NO), and the image density of the lower side is the threshold value D0.
If it is smaller (S0603; YES), the bottom side is the margin.
If the image density on the right side is greater than or equal to the image density on the left side (S0607; N
O), and if the image density on the right side is smaller than the threshold D0,
(S0609; YES), the right side is the margin. Therefore, if the determination in step S0609 is "YES", in other words, if it is determined that the lower and right sides are margins, the image memory
The variable Tbr (m) is set to "n" to indicate that the image type of the partial image stored in (n) is a type with blanks on the lower and right sides (S0617), and the number of image types The variable "m" that indicates is incremented (S061
6). Since "n = 1" is set for the first time, the image memory
The partial image stored in (1) is set as described above.

In addition, in the case other than the above, it is a case where an error occurs in the detection of the image density in step S05, or the document is a document outside the scope of the present invention (for example, there is no margin portion around the document). Since it is the case of "original", an error is displayed (S0618). For example, a message such as "Could not be joined automatically. Please try again from the beginning."

When the above-described processing is completed for the first partial image read for the first time and stored in the image memory (1), next, after the variable n is incremented (S08), the start is performed in the same manner as the first time. Corresponding to turning on of key 11 (S03; YE
S), read partial image and store it in image memory (2) (S0
4), each processing of the image density detection (S05) and the image type classification (S06) of the strip-shaped portions on the four sides is performed on the second partial image, and then the processing on the fourth partial image is performed. The same is repeated until the end.

When the above-mentioned processing for the fourth partial image is completed (S07; YES), the relative position determination processing (S09) is executed. In the relative position determination processing, as shown in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12, the partial images stored in the image memories of the image memories (1) to (4) are any of the partial images A to D. Is a process for determining whether the vertical direction is the correct direction or the opposite direction when viewed from the operator.

First, it is determined whether or not all the variables i, j, k, m indicating the number of each image type are "1" (S09).
01). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, if the vertical direction is set and read in the correct direction when viewed from the operator, all four image types shown in FIG. 6 should be present one by one. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, partial images A and B
8 and the partial images C and D are set upside down and read, the image types are the two types shown in FIG. 8 (a type having a margin on the upper side and the left side, a margin on the upper side and the right side). There should be two types). By utilizing this fact, it is determined whether it is the one read by the method of FIG. 5 or the one read by the method of FIG. 7 (S0901).

When all the variables i, j, k, m are "1",
That is, when the image is read by the method of FIG. 5, each partial image is as shown in FIG. In this case, the image types Ttl, Ttr, Tbl, Tbr, which exist one by one, and the respective layout positions A, B, C, D of the partial images, correspond to each other 1: 1. Therefore, each variable indicating each placement position A, B, C, D
Ptl, Ptr, Pbl, Pbr respectively to Ttl (1), Ttr (1), Tbl (1), Tbr
(1) is set (S0904, S0905, S0906, S0907). That is,
Variables Ptl, Ptr, Pbl, Pb that indicate the respective layout positions A, B, C, D
Data indicating the image memory in which the partial image to be arranged at the position is stored is set in r.

Further, in the case of being read by the method of FIG. 5, since all the partial images are read in the same direction, it is not necessary to rotate any of the partial images at the time of joining. Therefore, variables Rtl, Rtr, Rbl, indicating whether or not the partial images at the respective layout positions A, B, C, D should be rotated.
“0” is set in each Rbr (S0908). If this variable is "0", it means that there is no need to rotate,
In the case of "1", it means that it is necessary to rotate 180 °.

If it is determined "NO" in step S0901, the process proceeds to step S0902, and the variables I and J are "2",
Moreover, it is determined whether or not the variables k and m are "0", in other words, whether or not they are read by the method of FIG. As a result, when the variables I and J are "2" and the variables k and m are "0"(S0902; YES), the partial images are as shown in FIG. In this case, the arrangement position of the partial image having a margin on the upper side and the left side is A or D, and the arrangement position of the partial image having a margin on the upper side and the right side is B or C. That is, as it is, the arrangement positional relationship of the four partial images cannot be determined.

Therefore, first, of the two partial images having margins on the upper and left sides, the partial image Ttl read first is read.
Set (1) to the variable Ptl indicating the placement position A on the upper left (S0909)
Then, the partial image Ttl (2) read later is set to the variable Pbr indicating the arrangement position D at the lower right (S0910). After setting in this way, the arrangement positions of the two partial images having margins on the upper side and the right side are determined based on the image density of the adjacent portions of each partial image.

For example, if the previously read partial image Ttr (1) is a partial image to be arranged at the arrangement position B on the upper right of the two partial images having the margins on the upper and right sides, The image of the strip-shaped portion having the width L1 on the left side of the partial image Ttr (1) and the image of the strip-shaped portion having the width L1 on the right side of the partial image Ptl = Ttl (1) to be arranged at the upper left arrangement position A are mutually It is similar, and the difference between these image densities Dl (Ttr (1)) and Dr (Ptl) should be smaller than a predetermined threshold D1. Further, the image of the strip-shaped portion having the width L1 of the lower side of the partial image Ttr (1) to be arranged at the arrangement position B at the upper right, and the partial image Pbr = Ttl (2 which should be arranged at the arrangement position D at the lower right. ) Is similar to the image of the strip-shaped portion having the width L1 of the upper side (however, the orientations of the upper-right and lower-right partial images are 180 ° opposite to each other, the image data is the lower side). Image density Db (Ttr (1))
The difference from Db (Pbr) should also be smaller than the predetermined threshold D1. In step S0911, it is determined whether or not this condition is satisfied, and if the result is "YES", step S091
Go to 3, S0914. That is, the variable Ptr indicating the arrangement position B is set to Tt.
r (1) is set (S0913), and the variable Pbl indicating the placement position C is set.
Ttr (2) is set (S0914). That is, each variable Ptr, Pbl indicating the arrangement positions B, C is set with data indicating the image memory in which the partial image to be arranged at the position is stored.

On the other hand, the determination in step S0911 is "N
If it is "O", then the above assumption was incorrect. For this reason, the process proceeds to step S0912, and this time, of the two partial images having a margin on the upper side and the right side, the previously read partial image Ttr (1) is to be arranged at the lower left arrangement position C. Assuming that the partial image Ttr (2) that is an image and is read later is the partial image to be arranged at the upper right arrangement position B, the image density near the boundary with the adjacent partial image is determined. As a result, the partial image read later Ttr (2)
The image of the strip-shaped portion with the width L1 on the left side and the image of the strip-shaped portion with the width L1 on the right side of the partial image Ptl = Ttl (1) to be arranged at the upper left arrangement position A are similar to each other. The difference between the image density Dl (Ttr (2)) and Dr (Ptl) is smaller than a predetermined threshold D1, and the width L1 of the strip-shaped portion of the lower side of the partial image Ttr (2) read later is The image and the upper side of the partial image Pbr = Ttl (2) to be arranged at the lower right arrangement position D (however, since the upper right and lower right partial images have opposite 180 ° orientations, the image data is on the lower side). , And the image of the strip with width L1 is similar to each other, and these image densities Db (Ttr
If the difference between (2)) and Db (Pbr) is also smaller than the predetermined threshold D1 (S0912; YES), Ttr (2) is set to the variable Ptr indicating the arrangement position B (S0915), and the arrangement position C is set. Ttr (1) to the variable Pbl indicating
Is set (S0914). That is, each variable Ptr, Pbl indicating the arrangement positions B, C is set with data indicating the image memory in which the partial image to be arranged at that position is stored.

When the image memory in which the partial images to be arranged at the respective arrangement positions are stored is set in this way, then the partial images to be arranged at the arrangement positions C and D are set 180 times.
“1” is set to the variables Rbl and Rbr indicating whether or not the partial images at the arrangement positions C and D should be rotated so as to be rotated and arranged (S0917). Since the partial images at the arrangement positions A and B do not need to be rotated, "0" is set to the variables Rtl and Rtr indicating whether or not to rotate them.
(S0917).

In the case other than the above, it means that an error has occurred in the detection of the image density in step S05, or the document is not the subject of the present invention (eg, there is no margin portion around the document). Since it is the case of (original), an error message is displayed (S0903). For example, a message such as "Could not be joined automatically. Please try again from the beginning."

When the relative position is determined in this way, the partial images read from the image memories (1) to (4) are transferred to the determined arrangement positions (addresses) in the image memory (5).
Each is stored (S10), with or without being rotated as determined. In addition, this image data transfer process,
The DMAC 51 to which data has been set as described above by the control unit 3
Is controlled by Further, the image data stored in the image memory (5) is output to an external device (printer, facsimile, etc.) and used for image forming processing and the like in the external device (S11).

In the above example, the case where the A1 size image is divided into four and read and then combined into the A3 size is described, but the same applies to other sizes. Also, split into two,
For 6-division, 8-division, etc., the method of detecting the blank space and determining the arrangement position of the partial image based on the result can be similarly applied. Further, regarding 6-division, 8-division, etc., in addition to the technique of deciding the arrangement position by using the margin portion, the technique of deciding the rotation direction by utilizing the similarity of the image density of the boundary portion can be similarly applied. . Further, in the above example, the boundary portion of the partial image is read and joined without duplication, but the reading is performed so as to have an overlap, the joining line is obtained by a method such as pattern matching, and the joining portion is overlapped according to the joining line. The same can be applied to the case of removing one of them and joining them.

[0046]

According to the present invention, in the mode in which the partial images of the large-sized original are combined and output, the partial images are combined in the combined image based on the detection result of the image density at the edge of each partial image. Since the arrangement position and the joining side of the pair to be joined are determined and joined, even if the order of reading each partial image or the setting direction on the original plate when reading each partial image is arbitrarily changed Since each partial image can be combined and output in the correct position and in the correct direction, the operator's operation is simple and an image forming error can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of an apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism of the apparatus of FIG.

3 is an explanatory view of an operation panel and a document table of the apparatus shown in FIG.

4A and 4B are explanatory views showing a document image, in which FIG. 4A shows a blank portion around the original image, and FIG. 4B shows that adjacent portions of partial images are similar to each other.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reading four partial areas of a large-sized document in the same direction.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing each partial image read by the method of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of reading a lower half partial area of four partial areas of a large-sized document in a direction opposite to the upper half by 180 °.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing each partial image read by the method of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in the 4-division large-format synthesis mode of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the image type classification processing of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing details of the relative position determination processing of FIG.
Part of the chart.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the details of the relative position determination processing of FIG.
The rest of the chart.

[Explanation of symbols]

 27 Manuscript platen 5 Image composition section 11 Start key 12 Large format composition mode key

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a function of sequentially reading a manuscript having a size that cannot be read at once as a plurality of partial images, synthesizing the plurality of partial images, and outputting the combined partial images. A storage unit for storing each of the partial images, a detection unit for detecting the image density of the edge portion of each partial image, and a pair to be joined with the arrangement position when the partial images are combined based on the detection result by the detection unit. Deciding means for deciding the joining side of each of the partial images, and arranging each partial image at the arrangement position decided by the deciding means, and deciding each partial image on the joining side of the pair decided by the deciding means. An image processing apparatus comprising: a joining unit for joining.