Method of scanning document and image forming apparatus for performing the same

A method of scanning a document includes obtaining an original image by scanning a document; detecting at least one pair of marks disposed on the original image; extracting an image of an area that is defined by the detected at least one pair of marks from the original image; and creating a new document file by using the extracted image.

BACKGROUND

One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a method of scanning a document and an image forming apparatus for performing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A document is generally scanned in units of pages. That is, when the document is scanned, an image of an entire page is obtained. Accordingly, if a user wants to extract only some areas from a page of the document and then store the extracted areas of the page individually or create a new document based on the extracted areas, the user is required to use an editing program. In other words, after opening an original image that is obtained by scanning in an editing program and designating and extracting only desired areas of the original image, the user may store the extracted areas in separate files or may dispose images of the extracted areas in a desired layout and store the images as a new document file.

Likewise, there is an inconvenience that an editing program is required in order to extract and edit only some areas of a document.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments include a method of scanning a document and an image forming apparatus for performing the same.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a method of scanning a document includes obtaining an original image by scanning a document; detecting at least one pair of marks on the original image; extracting an image of an area that is defined by the detected at least one pair of marks from the original image; and creating a new document file using the extracted image.

In some embodiments, detecting the at least one pair of marks includes detecting objects having a predetermined color on the original image; and matching a pair of marks among the detected objects based on distances between the detected objects, color differences between the detected objects, and degrees to which the detected objects match a predetermined form.

In some embodiments, detecting the at least one pair of marks includes measuring a slope of the original image; rotating the original image based on the measured slope; and detecting at least one pair of marks on the rotated original image.

In some embodiments, detecting the at least one pair of marks includes determining vertical alignment of the original image; if the original image is determined to be upside down, rotating the original image rightside up; and detecting at least one pair of marks on the rotated original image.

In some embodiments, extracting the image includes automatically classifying a category of the extracted image according to a form of marks that define the area.

In some embodiments, creating the new document file includes confirming a predetermined layout; and creating a new document file by disposing the extracted image in the confirmed layout.

In some embodiments, creating the new document file includes individually storing the extracted image.

In some embodiments, creating the new document file includes extracting text by performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the extracted image; and storing a new document file including the extracted text.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an image forming apparatus includes an operation panel for displaying a screen and receiving a user input; a scanning unit for obtaining an original image by scanning a document when a scanning command is received through the operation panel; a controller for receiving the original image from the scanning unit and creating a new document file from the received original image; and a storage unit for storing data that is needed for creating the new document file, wherein the controller is configured to detect at least one pair of marks on the original image, extracts an image of an area that is defined by the detected at least one pair of marks, and creates a new document file by using the extracted image.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to detect objects that have a predetermined color on the original image, and matches a pair of marks among the detected objects based on distances between the detected objects, color differences between the detected objects, and degrees to which the detected objects match a predetermined form.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to measure a slope of the original image, rotates the original image based on the measured slope, and detects at least one pair of marks on the rotated original image.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine vertical alignment of the original image, rotate the original image rightside up if the original image is determined to be upside down, and detect at least one pair of marks on the rotated original image.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to automatically classify a category of the extracted image according to a form of marks that define the area.

In some embodiments, the controller configured to confirm a predetermined layout and create a new document file by disposing the extracted image in the confirmed layout.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to individually store the extracted image.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to extract text by performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the extracted image and create a new document file including the extracted text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Description of details which would be well known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the following embodiments pertain will be omitted to clearly describe the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1is a diagram for describing basic operation characteristics of a method of scanning a document, according to an embodiment. The method of scanning a document, according to the present embodiment, is performed by using an image forming apparatus100. In this regard, the image forming apparatus100may, for example, be an apparatus having a scanning function like a scanner or a multifunction printer.

According to the method of scanning a document, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus100obtains an original image by scanning a document, automatically extracts images defined by marks from the obtained original image, and creates a new document file using the extracted images.

In detail, the image forming apparatus100may create a new document file by disposing the extracted images in a predetermined layout, may store the extracted images individually, or may extract text by performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the extracted images and create a new document file including the extracted text.

Referring toFIG. 1, a document10has, for example, first to sixth areas A1to A6. The example six areas are obtained by arbitrarily partitioning the document10, and the document10may be partitioned in various ways according to a page format of the document10. For example, if the document10is a workbook, areas of the document10may each include one question. Also, the example first to sixth areas A1to A6may be uniform in size and separate from each other by a constant interval as illustrated, for example, inFIG. 1, for convenience of description. However, an area that may be defined by an actual mark is not limited thereto.

For example, four marks11a,11b,12a, and12bmay be marked on the document10. One pair of marks11aand11bof the four marks11a,11b,12a, and12bdefines a first area A1, and the other pair of marks12aand12bdefines a third area A3. In this regard, a form of marks that define areas is not limited to that illustrated inFIG. 1and may be variously set.

When a user, as illustrated inFIG. 1, designates the first and third areas A1and A3that the user wants to be extracted from the document10by marking the document10with the marks11a,11b,12a, and12band scans the document10, the image forming apparatus100may automatically extract images of the first and third areas A1and A3defined by marks and reorganize the extracted images.

FIG. 2illustrates an example configuration of the image forming apparatus100for implementing the method of scanning a document, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2, the image forming apparatus100according to the present example embodiment may include, but is not limited to, a user interface unit110, a scanning unit120, a storage unit130, a controller140, a printing unit150, a communication unit160, and a fax unit170. The printing unit150, the communication unit160, and the fax unit170are not essential configurations of the image forming apparatus100and may be optionally included according to need.

The user interface unit110is configured to provide information to the user by displaying a screen and to receive user input. For example, the user interface unit110may be an operation panel including a touch screen for displaying a screen and receiving a touch input and hard buttons for receiving a button input.

Also, a screen that displays an operation status of the image forming apparatus100, an execution screen of an application installed in the image forming apparatus100, or the like may be displayed on the user interface unit110. In particular, user interface (UI) screens of an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment may be displayed on the user interface unit110.

The scanning unit120obtains a scan image by scanning a document and provides the scan image to the controller140so that image processing may be performed on the scan image.

The storage unit130includes any recording medium capable of storing information, including, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a secure digital (SD) card, or the like, and different types of information may be stored in the storage unit130. In particular, an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment may be stored in the storage unit130. Also, a text database for performing OCR may be stored in the storage unit130.

The controller140controls an operation of elements of the image forming apparatus100. In particular, of the controller140may be configured to execute an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment. In detail, the controller140may be configured to detect marks on the scan image received from the scanning unit120, extract images of areas that are defined by the detected marks, and create a new document file by using the extracted images.

The printing unit150and the fax unit170are configured to perform printing and faxing, respectively, and the communication unit160is configured to perform wired or wireless communication with a communication network or an external device.

An operation of each element of the image forming apparatus100will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 3 through 16B.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a detailed hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus100according to an embodiment and an example of a software configuration300of an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, the image forming apparatus100may include a UI board and a mainboard. The UI board may include a central processing unit (CPU), RAM, a screen, an SD card, and an input/output (IO) terminal. The mainboard may include a CPU, RAM, an HDD, and an IO terminal.

FIG. 3illustrates an example software configuration300of an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment will be referred to as a workbook composer (WBC).

The software configuration300of the WBC may include a WBC UI module310, an image-obtaining unit320, a smart-cropping module330, an image-cropping module340, an image construction module350, and an OCR module360.

Modules included in the software configuration300of the WBC may be driven by using elements of the UI board of the image forming apparatus100. In detail, the WBC UI module310displays an execution screen of a workbook composer application on the screen of the UI board and receives user input through the screen of the UI board. The image-obtaining unit320requests the mainboard to perform scanning via the IO terminal of the UI board and receives a scan image from the mainboard. The smart-cropping module330, the image-cropping module340, the image construction module350, and the OCR module360perform image processing on the scan image that is received by the image-obtaining module320by using the CPU, the RAM, and/or the SD card of the UI board.

A detailed operation of the example software configuration300of the WBC in the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment is as follows:

When a command for scanning a document is input to the WBC UI module310by the user, the WBC UI module310requests a scan image from the image-obtaining unit320. In response to the request of the WBC UI module310, the image-obtaining unit320requests the mainboard for the availability of the image forming apparatus100. If it turns out that scanning operation is available based on a result of confirming the availability of the image forming apparatus100, the image-obtaining unit320requests the image forming apparatus100to perform scanning and obtains the scan image. The image-obtaining unit320transmits the obtained scan image to the WBC UI module310, and the WBC UI module310transmits the received scan image to the smart-cropping module330.

The smart-cropping module330performs image processing, such as deskewing, autorotation, mark detection, area extraction, and mark removal, on the received scan image and transmits the processed image to the WBC UI module310along with information about an extracted area. In this regard, the information about an extracted area, which is information that may specify the extracted area, may include, for example, coordinates of pixels included in the extracted area. Image processing operations performed in the smart-cropping module330will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 8 through 11.

Deskewing, autorotation, and mark removal are among the image processing operations performed in the smart-cropping module330and may be optionally performed depending on user settings. That is, if, before a document is scanned, the user sets the smart-cropping module330, via the WBC UI module310, not to perform at least one of deskewing, autorotation, and mark removal, the smart-cropping module330performs only image processing operations but not at least one of deskewing, autorotation, and mark removal.

The WBC UI module310transmits the received processed image and information about extracted areas to the image-cropping module340. The image-cropping module340crops images of the extracted areas from the processed image using the received information about extracted areas and transmits the cropped images to the WBC UI module310.

The WBC UI module310transmits the cropped images to the image construction module350or the OCR module360according to a user's command in order to create a new document file using the received cropped images.

When the user requests a new document file to be created by disposing the cropped images in the predetermined layout, the WBC UI module310transmits the cropped images to the image construction module350. The image construction module350creates a new document file by disposing the cropped images in the predetermined layout and transmits the created document file to the WBC UI module310.

When the user requests OCR to be performed on the cropped images, the WBC UI module310transmits the cropped images to the OCR module360, and the OCR module360creates a new document file by extracting text from the cropped images and transmits the created document file to the WBC UI module310.

Alternatively, when the user requests the cropped images to be stored individually, the WBC UI module310stores the received cropped images as individual document files.

WhenFIG. 3is compared withFIG. 2, CPUs respectively included in the UI board and the mainboard ofFIG. 3correspond to the controller140ofFIG. 2, and the RAM, the SD card, and the HDD correspond to the storage unit130ofFIG. 2. Accordingly, the software configuration300of the WBC is executed by the controller140ofFIG. 2.

Hereinafter, a method of scanning a document according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 through 16, and will be described with reference to the example configurations illustratedFIGS. 2 and 3, when necessary.

FIG. 4illustrates a UI screen400that appears when an application for implementing an example method of scanning a document according to an embodiment, that is, a WBC, starts. The UI screen400is displayed on a screen of the user interface unit110.

An example screen for guiding a method of using the WBC is displayed on an area410of the UI screen400. A user may see the example screen displayed on the area410of the UI screen400, confirm a method of defining areas by marking with marks, and predict a result to be obtained by scanning.

When the user puts a document, on which marks define areas, on the scanning unit120and touches a start button420, the scanning unit120starts scanning the document. In this regard, as described with reference toFIG. 3, the WBC UI module310requests a scan image from the image-obtaining unit320, and the image-obtaining unit320obtains the scan image from the scanning unit120and transmits the scan image to the WBC UI module310.

Referring toFIG. 5, while the document is scanned, a UI screen500is displayed on the user interface unit110. A pop-up510showing that scanning is currently being performed is displayed on the UI screen500.

In regard to scanning the document, the user may set scanning options, such as scanning resolution, document source, size, and the like, in advance via the user interface unit110. Alternatively, the controller140may automatically set scanning options such that an optimum result may be obtained according to the capability of the scanning unit120.

FIG. 6illustrates an original image600obtained by scanning a document in a method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, the original image600obtained by scanning the document includes first to sixth areas A1to A6, and a pair of marks610aand610band a pair of marks620aand620bthat respectively define the first area A1and the third area A3on the original image600. As the original image600obtained as such is provided to the controller140, image processing is performed on the original image600.

If a slanted or skewed document is scanned or a document that is upside down is scanned, an original image obtained by scanning is misaligned, and thus, it may be unsuitable to perform image processing on the original image. Accordingly, in this case, the original image is preprocessed to be in a suitable form for image processing, and then, image processing is performed. Hereinafter, a process of, when an original image is misaligned, preprocessing the original image so that the original image may be in a suitable form for image processing will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 through 9.

FIG. 7illustrates an original image700obtained by scanning a slanted or misaligned document.

Referring toFIG. 7, the original image700is slanted at a small angle. The original image700ofFIG. 7also includes first to sixth areas A1to A6, and a pair of marks710aand710band a pair of marks720aand720bthat respectively define the first area A1and the third area A3are marked on the original image700.

The smart-cropping module330measures a slope and vertical alignment of the slanted original image700. By performing deskewing and autorotation according to a measurement result, the original image700may be modified in a suitable form for subsequent image processing such as mark detection and area extraction.

FIG. 8is a diagram for describing a method of performing deskewing for alignment of an original image in a method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 8, a detailed image800in the third area A3of the original image700illustrated inFIG. 7is illustrated. Referring toFIG. 8, the smart-cropping module330determines each of texts included in the detailed image800as an object, and forms groups810,820,830,840, and850by connecting neighboring objects to one another.

Next, the smart-cropping module330measures a slope of the objects included in each of the groups810,820,830,840, and850and calculates an average value of the measured slopes. That is, the smart-cropping module330respectively measures the slopes of the groups810,820,830,840, and850and calculates an average value of the measured slopes. The smart-cropping module330rotates the original image700ofFIG. 7as much as a certain angle according to the calculated average value of the measured slopes.

FIG. 9is a diagram for describing a method of performing autorotation for alignment of an original image in a method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 9, a detailed image900in the third area A3of the original image700illustrated inFIG. 7is illustrated. Referring toFIG. 9, the smart-cropping module330measures a distance between each line of texts included in the detailed image900and a left fiducial line911and a distance between each line of texts included in the detailed image900and a right fiducial line912and determines vertical alignment of the document based on the measured distances.

In detail, the smart-cropping module330compares a variation in distances measured in a left area921with a variation in distances measured in a right area922. Referring toFIG. 9, while the distances measured in the left area921are substantially similar and have a small difference therebetween, the distances measured in the right area922have a relatively large variation. Generally, compared to a right side of the document, a left side of a document is aligned. Therefore, in the case ofFIG. 9, vertical alignment of the document is determined to be correct.

However, if a variation in distances measured in a left area of a document is greater than a variation in distances measured in a right area of the document, the document is determined to be upside down. Then, the smart-cropping module330rotates the document rightside up to correct vertical alignment of the document.

FIGS. 10 and 11are diagrams for describing an example method of detecting marks on an original image in a method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

The smart-cropping module330checks each pixel of the original image to detect marks having a predetermined color and/or form. InFIG. 10, a top left mark1010and a bottom right mark1020that are expressed by image pixels are each illustrated. When the marks having the predetermined color and/or form are detected, coordinates of the detected marks are obtained.

A method of detecting the coordinates of the detected marks may vary. For example, in the case of the top left mark1010, the smart-cropping module330obtains a coordinate of a top left point1011of the top left mark1010and determines the top left mark1010as a “start” mark. In the case of the bottom right mark1020, the smart-cropping module330obtains a coordinate of a bottom right point1021of the bottom right mark1020and determines the bottom right mark1020as an “end” mark. When the coordinates of a start mark and an end mark are each obtained as such, an area1030defined by the pair of marks is specified. That is, when the smart-cropping module330extracts an area defined by marks, coordinates of a pair of marks are obtained.

When the coordinates of the start mark and the end mark obtained by the smart-cropping module330are transmitted as information about the extracted area to the WBC UI module310, the WBC UI module310transmits the received coordinates to the image-cropping module340. The image-cropping module340may specify the extracted area based on the received coordinates.

An example method of detecting a pair of marks from an original image will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 11.

Referring toFIG. 11, the smart-cropping module330may obtain a first image1100bby detecting an object having a predetermined color from an original image1100a. Objects having the predetermined color are included in the first image1100b. Referring toFIG. 11, besides marks1101,1102,1105, and1106that have been marked by a user, objects1103and1104having a predetermined color are further included in the first image1100b.

The smart-cropping module330may apply weights to various features and match a pair of marks according to an order of high result value in order to detect marks among all the objects included in the first image1100b.

In detail, the smart-cropping module330applies a weight to each of the features such as distances between objects, color differences between the objects, degrees to which the objects match a predetermined form, and/or the number of edges on a boundary of an area that is defined by two objects, or the like. However, since the above features given as examples are arbitrarily set in order to increase the accuracy of mark detection, some features may be omitted or replaced by other features according to need.

The smart-cropping module330predetermines an average value of distances between pairs of marks, and, as a distance between any two objects is close to the average value, applies large weights to the two objects. As a color difference between any two objects is little, the smart-cropping module330applies large weights to the two objects. As the degree to which an object matches a predetermined form is high, the smart-cropping module330applies a large weight to the object. As the number of edges on a boundary of an area that is defined by any two objects is little, the smart-cropping module330applies large weights to the two objects.

After applying a weight to each of the features as such, the smart-cropping module330matches any two objects in the order of high result values and determines the two objects as a pair of marks.

When detecting pairs of marks is completed, the smart-cropping module330extracts areas that are defined by the detected pairs of marks and removes the marks from the original image. Next, the smart-cropping module330transmits information about the extracted areas, that is, coordinates of the pairs of marks, to the WBC UI module310along with the image from which the marks have been removed, and the WBC UI module310transmits the information about the extracted areas to the image-cropping module340.

In this regard, before transmitting the information about the extracted areas to the image-cropping module340, the WBC UI module310may provide a preview of the extracted areas to the user so that the user may have a chance to confirm and correct the extracted areas. Such a process will be described below with reference toFIG. 12.

FIG. 12illustrates a UI screen1200displaying a preview of extracted areas on an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

A WBC according to an embodiment may provide a preview of extracted areas so that, after areas that are defined by marks are extracted, a user may confirm if the extracted areas are accurate or if any correction should be made to the extracted areas. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the WBC UI module310may display a preview of displaying the extracted areas on the user interface unit110by using information about the extracted areas which is received from the smart-cropping module330and receive confirmation and correction inputs by the user.

On the UI screen1200ofFIG. 12, a preview of an entire scan image of the whole document is displayed as a thumbnail image1230on the left side of the UI screen1200. Also, in the center of the UI screen1200, a preview including displays1210and1220of the extracted areas is displayed. The user may expand or reduce the sizes of the extracted areas by simultaneously touching two or more corners among corners of each of the displays1210and1220of the extracted areas and expanding or contracting his or her fingers. Also, the user may delete the extracted areas by touching “X” on the displays1210and1220of the extracted areas. Also, the user may define a new extraction area by touching a portion outside the extracted areas for a long time or touching the portion outside the extracted areas with two fingers.

As described above, the WBC according to the present embodiment may prevent an error that may occur in processes of mark detection and area extraction by providing a chance to confirm and correct the extracted areas to the user.

FIG. 13illustrates a UI screen1300displaying a preview of cropped images on an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

When a user completes confirming and correcting extracted areas, the WBC UI module310transmits information about final extracted areas and an image from which marks have been removed, which are received from the smart-cropping module330, to the image-cropping module340. By using the information about the final extracted areas, the image-cropping module340crops images of the extracted areas from the image from which the marks have been removed. When the cropping of the images is completed, the image-cropping module340transmits the cropped images to the WBC UI module310.

When the WBC UI module310receives the cropped images from the image-cropping module340, the UI screen1300for displaying a preview of the cropped images and receiving selection of an operation to be performed on the cropped images is displayed on the user interface unit110.

Referring toFIG. 13, on the left side of the UI screen1300, previews of images of a first area A1and a third area A3that have been cropped are displayed as thumbnail images1320and1330. In the center of the UI screen1300, a detailed preview1310of the third area A3selected from among thumbnail images on the left side of the UI screen1300is displayed. The user may, via the UI screen1300ofFIG. 13, confirm again if an image of a desired area has been accurately extracted.

On the right side of the UI screen1300, an operation selection list1340is displayed. The user may select an operation to be performed on the cropped images via the operation selection list1340.

In detail, when the item “CONSTRUCT PRINTABLE PAGE” is selected from the operation selection list1340, the WBC UI module310transmits the cropped images to the image construction module350. The image construction module350creates a new document file by disposing the received cropped images in a predetermined layout and transmits the created document file to the WBC UI module310. The WBC UI module310may display a preview of the received document file on the user interface unit110so that the user may confirm the document file. The preview of the document file created by the image construction module350is illustrated inFIG. 14.

When the item “INDIVIDUALLY STORE EXTRACTED IMAGES” is selected from the operation selection list1340, the WBC UI module310stores each of the cropped images as an individual document file.

When the item “STORE EXTRACTED IMAGES IN DOCUMENT FORMAT (OCR)” is selected from the operation selection list1340, the WBC UI module310transmits the cropped images to the OCR module360. The OCR module360extracts text by performing OCR on the received cropped images. That is, the OCR module360extracts text by matching the cropped images with a text database stored in the storage unit130. When extracting text from the cropped images is completed, the OCR module360creates a new document file including the extracted text and transmits the document file to the WBC UI module310. The WBC UI module310provides a preview of the received document file to the user interface unit110. The user may, via the preview, confirm if text has been accurately extracted, and, if necessary, change a font of text, a size of text, a color of text, and the like.

FIG. 14illustrates a UI screen1400displaying a preview of a document created by reorganizing cropped images on an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

As described above, when the WBC UI module310receives a document file created by disposing the cropped images in a predetermined layout from the image construction module350, the WBC UI module310may display the UI screen1400including a preview of the received document file on the user interface unit110.

On the left side of the UI screen1400ofFIG. 14, a preview of an entire newly created document file is displayed as a thumbnail image1420, and in the center of the UI screen1400, a detailed preview1410, in which a layout may be changed, is displayed.

A user may confirm a layout of the created document file via the detailed preview1410displayed on the UI screen1400and may change the layout by dragging and dropping the cropped images.

When the image construction module350creates a new document by disposing the cropped images in a predetermined layout, in the case that the cropped images each include a number according to an order of those on an original document, original numbers of the cropped images are deleted and the cropped images may be newly numbered according to an order of those on the new document. For example, as shown in the detailed preview1310ofFIG. 13, the cropped image of the third area A3has the number “3” according to an order of the original document. However, since, in the detailed preview1410ofFIG. 14, the cropped image of the third area A3comes second, the image construction module350may delete “3” from the cropped image of the third area A3and number the cropped image of the third area A3“2” instead.

The user may confirm the layout of the new document file on the UI screen1400ofFIG. 14and then print the new document or share the new document with another user by selecting a “PRINT” button or a “SHARE” button.

Regarding performing mark detection and area extraction, the smart-cropping module330may classify categories of extracted areas according to a form of detected marks. An example of classifying the categories of extracted areas according to the form of detected marks is illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 15is a diagram for describing an example of classifying categories of extracted areas according to a form of marks in the method of scanning a document according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15, an original image1500includes first to sixth areas A1to A6. Also, a pair of marks1510aand1510bdefining the first area A1, a pair of marks1520aand1520bdefining the third area A3, and a pair of marks1530aand1530bdefining the fifth area A5are marked on the original image1500. Among the pairs of marks, the pair of marks1510aand1510bdefining the first area A1and the pair of marks1520aand1520bdefining the third area A3each include a top left mark and a bottom right mark. On the contrary, the pair of marks1530aand1530bdefining the fifth area A5includes a top right mark and a bottom left mark.

In the case that areas are defined by pairs of marks in two different forms as such, the smart-cropping module330may classify the areas into different categories according to a form of marks that define each of the areas. That is, the smart-cropping module330classifies the first area A1and the third area A3defined by the top left marks1510aand1520aand the bottom right marks1510band1520bas Category1and the fifth area A5defined by the top right mark1530aand the bottom left mark1530bas Category2.

By using such a function, a user may designate an extracted area as a desired category in a process of marking with marks. For example, in the case of a workbook, the user may manage extracted questions by defining an area by using a pair of top left and bottom right marks for an important question and defining an area by using a pair of top right and bottom left marks for a question with a wrong answer.

FIGS. 16A and 16Billustrate UI screens1600aand1600bfor setting a layout for disposing cropped images on an application for implementing the method of scanning a document according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 16A, document forms of the layout that have been prepared in advance are displayed as thumbnail images on a thumbnail list1610on the left side of the UI screen1600a. When a user selects any one of the thumbnail images from the thumbnail list1610, a detailed image1620of the selected thumbnail image is displayed in the center of the UI screen1600a. As such, the user may select any one of document forms that have been prepared in advance.

Referring toFIG. 16B, tools for creating a document form are displayed on a tool list1630on the left side of the UI screen1600b. The user may select any one of the tools displayed on the tool list1630and move the selected tool to a preview image1640in the center of the UI screen1600bby using, for example, a drag-and-drop method, thereby creating a document form having a layout in a desired form.

FIGS. 17 through 19are flowcharts for describing a method of scanning a document, according to an example embodiment. Hereinafter, operations ofFIGS. 17 through 19will be described with reference to the configuration ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 17, in operation1701, the scanning unit120obtains an original image by scanning a document and transmits the original image to the controller140.

In operation1702, the controller140detects at least one pair of marks from the original image. The controller140may perform deskewing and autorotation in order to increase the accuracy of mark pair detection. Detailed operations of detecting a pair of marks will be described in detail below with reference toFIG. 18.

When detecting the pair of marks is completed, in operation1703, the controller140extracts an image of an area defined by the detected at least one pair of marks. That is, the controller140obtains coordinates of the detected marks and crops an image of an area defined by the obtained coordinates from the original image. In this process, the controller140may display, on the user interface unit110, a preview where the extracted area has been marked on the original image and may also receive, from a user, correction and confirmation inputs with respect to the extracted area.

Finally, in operation1704, the controller140creates a new document file by using the extracted image. That is, the controller140creates a new document file by disposing the extracted image in a predetermined layout, stores the extracted image individually, or extracts text by performing OCR on the extracted image and creates a new document file including the extracted text.

FIG. 18is a flowchart that illustrates detailed operations that may be included in operation1702ofFIG. 17.

Referring toFIG. 18, in operation1801, the controller140measures a slope of the original image and may perform deskewing. A detailed method of performing deskewing is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 8.

In operation1802, the controller140determines up-and-down alignment status of the original image and may perform autorotation. A detailed method of performing autorotation is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 9.

In operation1803, the controller140detects objects having a predetermined color from the original image.

In operation1804, the controller140detects a pair of marks based on distances between detected objects, color differences between the detected objects, degrees to which the detected objects match a predetermined form, the number of edges on a boundary of an area that is defined by two objects, and the like. A detailed method of detecting the objects having the predetermined color from the original image and matching the pair of marks from among the detected objects is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 19is a flowchart that illustrates detailed operations that may be included in operation1703ofFIG. 17.

Referring toFIG. 19, in operation1901, the controller140obtains the coordinates of the detected pair of marks. A detailed method of detecting the coordinates of the pair of marks is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 10.

In operation1902, the controller140provides the preview where the extracted area has been marked on the original image by using the obtained coordinates to the user via the user interface unit110. A UI screen, on which the preview is displayed, is the same as illustrated inFIG. 12.

In operation1903, the controller140receives, from the user, the correction and confirmation inputs with respect to the extracted area. As described above with reference toFIG. 12, the user may correct or delete the extracted area or add an extracted area via a preview screen.

In operation1904, the controller140crops an image of a final area from the original image.

A workbook composer application may be executed by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. That is, when the workbook composer application installed in the mobile terminal is executed, connection between the mobile terminal and an image forming apparatus may be established, and a scan image may be received from the image forming apparatus and processed, or an image stored in the mobile terminal may be processed. In this regard, processing an image, as described above, refers to extracting an image of an area defined by a pair of marks included in an image to be processed and creating a new document file by using the extracted image.

An embodiment in which the workbook composer application is executed by the mobile terminal will now be described with reference toFIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 20is a flowchart of a method of executing a workbook composer application, the method performed by a mobile terminal, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 20, in operation2001, the workbook composer application is executed by the mobile terminal. In this regard, the workbook composer application may be an application provided by a third party. Accordingly, a user of the mobile terminal may download the workbook composer application from an application store and install the workbook composer application in the mobile terminal.

When the workbook composer application is executed by the mobile terminal for the first time, the mobile terminal may show a tutorial on a method of using the workbook composer application and may also show a screen for establishing a connection to an image forming apparatus.

In operation2002, connection between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus is established. A list of connectable image forming apparatuses may be displayed on a screen of the mobile terminal, and connection to an image forming apparatus selected by the user from among the image forming apparatuses in the list may be performed. In this regard, when authentication is required, the user has to input authentication information such as a user ID and a password to the mobile terminal to perform authentication. When connection between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus has already been established, operation2002may be skipped.

In operation2003, an input of selecting whether to perform scanning and process a scan image or process an image stored in the mobile terminal is received. In this regard, processing an image, as described above, refers to extracting an image of an area defined by a pair of marks included in an image to be processed and creating a new document file by using the extracted image.

When, in operation2003, the processing of the image stored in the mobile terminal is selected, operation2004is performed to extract an image of an area defined by at least one pair of marks from the image stored in the mobile terminal. A detailed process of extracting the image of the area defined by the at least one pair of marks is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 19. In this regard, a UI screen for allowing the user to confirm the extracted image and correct or select the extracted image may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal.

In operation2005, a new document file may be created by using the extracted image, and in operation2006, the created document file may be stored or printed. In this regard, the created document file may be individually stored or may be stored in a format designated by the user. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal may use the extracted image to create a document file in a printable form, such as a portable document format (PDF) file, and may transmits the created PDF file to the image forming apparatus, to which the mobile terminal is connected, to print the created PDF file.

When, in operation2003, perform scanning is selected, operation2007is performed for the mobile terminal to request the image forming apparatus to perform scanning. When the image forming apparatus scans a document in response to the request and transmits a scan image to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal receives the scan image from the image forming apparatus, in operation2008.

In operation2009, the mobile terminal extracts an image of an area defined by at least one pair of marks from the received scan image. A detailed process of extracting the image of the area defined by the at least one pair of marks is the same as described above with reference toFIG. 19. In this regard, a UI screen for allowing the user to confirm the extracted image and correct or select the extracted image may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal.

Next, operations2005and2006may be performed the same as described above.

Operations2004to2006ofFIG. 20, that is, a process of processing the image stored in the mobile terminal, will now be described with reference toFIG. 21.

FIG. 21is a flowchart of a process of processing the image stored in the mobile terminal, according to an embodiment. Operation2101ofFIG. 21is performed when the processing of the image stored in the mobile terminal is selected in operation2003ofFIG. 20.

Referring toFIG. 21, in operation2101, a thumbnail image of the image stored in the mobile terminal is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal.

In operation2102, an input of selecting an image to be processed is received from the user.

In operation2103, an input of selecting whether to provide a preview after processing the selected image or perform printing immediately is received.

When, in operation2103, providing a preview is selected, operation2104is performed to extract an image of an area defined by at least one pair of marks from the selected image and create a PDF file including the extracted image. In this regard, a UI screen for allowing the user to confirm the extracted image and correct or select the extracted image may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal.

In operation2105, a preview of the created file is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal. The user may confirm the created PDF file on the screen of the mobile terminal and may store the created PDF file or make a print request for the created PDF file.

In operation2106, according to an input by the user, the PDF file may be stored in the mobile terminal, or a print request for the PDF file may be made while the PDF file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

When, in operation2103, performing printing immediately is selected, operation2107is performed to extract an image of an area defined by at least one pair of marks from the selected image and create a PDF file including the extracted image. In this regard, a UI screen for allowing the user to confirm the extracted image and correct or select the extracted image may be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal.

Once the PDF file is completely created, the mobile terminal may transmits the created PDF file to the image forming apparatus to print the created PDF file, in operation2108.

As described above, according to one or more of the above exemplary embodiments, when a user designates an area that the user wants to be extracted from a document by marking the document with marks and performs scanning, an area defined by the marks may be automatically extracted in the performing of scanning, and a new document may be created by disposing the extracted area in a predetermined layout or the extracted area may be stored individually. Accordingly, user convenience in scanning and editing a document may be improved.

The above-described exemplary embodiments may be implemented as an executable program, and may be executed by a digital computer that is configured to run the program by using a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g. read only memories (ROMs), floppy discs, or hard discs), optically readable media (e.g. compact disk-read only memories (CD-ROMs), or digital versatile disks (DVDs)).