Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising process mode setting unit which sets process condition for image reading such as edge emphasis degree, selection of binarization or pseudo-halftone processing and a threshold level of a binarizer/pseudo-halftone processor. In processing of original including an OCR sheet as the first sheet, the process mode setting unit sets process condition corresponding to OCR reading for the OCR sheet, and from the next sheet, the unit changes process condition appropriate to a reading mode designated by an user. Thus, the apparatus realizes image reading with excellent reproductivity, preventing erroneous recognition in OCR reading.

Description: The present invention relates to image processing method and apparatus which comprise a plurality of image process modes and, more particularly, to image processing method and apparatus applied to a facsimile apparatus having a plurality of image process modes for processing read original image data. A facsimile apparatus has rapidly permeated into offices and established a status as one of indispensable office automation machinery. Efforts have been made to develop the function and reduce the price in various ways, providing a full lineup from high-end to low-end. As one of the various developed function, mark sheet (= Optical Character Reader (OCR) sheet) input has been provided for simplifying manual dialing operation. A dialing number of the destination apparatus on a mark sheet can be read from the mark sheet and automatically transmitted to the destination apparatus. Upon multi-destination delivery, once a mark sheet script is made, from the next time, the operations become very easy. Further, a specific operation can be simplified by preparing a mark sheet script. On the other hand, various image processing methods upon image reading have been provided, e.g., "picture mode" (mode for processing a picture image) and edge emphasis, for reproducing various original images in high-quality. In this manner, the image reproductivity has been improved as image processing method has progressed. As a result, a problem occurs upon reading an OCR script marked with a pencil, i.e., even a vague white spot (drop out/in as an image noise) and a black spot (dot(s) as an image noise) in the script are read as significant data, causing recognition error of OCR sheet. If parameters for image processing are changed to prevent such inconvenience, the image reproductivity of the other original images is degraded. From document JP-A-63-205 238 (Abstract), an image processing apparatus is disclosed which changes image processing by selecting among a plurality of image processing circuits (a fixed threshold value circuit, a dither circuit and a moire suppressing circuit). All of the image processing circuits disclosed in this prior art document process image data to improve reproductivity of output image data. Furthermore, from document EP-A-0 392 781 an image processing apparatus which changes an image processing mode between a process mode appropriate for photographs and a process mode appropriate for characters is known. That is, with the process modes as disclosed in this prior art document, image signals are processed in order to improve reproductivity of output image signals, i.e. to improve the image quality of images to be reproduced. However, in case this known apparatus is used in connection with, for example, a facsimile device adapted for automatically transmitting a dialing number of the destination apparatus on a mark sheet and read and recognized therefrom, the performed image processing_is inadequate. That is, problems may occur upon reading a mark sheet marked with a pencil, for example, and recognizing the information contained thereon. This may result in recognition errors and hence, result in a transmission not performed or a transmission effected to a wrong destination apparatus. Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved image processing apparatus and method, respectively, which are free from the above problems. This object is achieved by an image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Furthermore the foregoing object is achieved by an image processing method according to claim 6. Advantageous further developments of the invention are defined in respective dependent claims. Accordingly, the image processing in an appropriate image process mode corresponding to image type can be made with excellent reproductivity. It should be noted that the "image process mode" in the present invention generically represents a reading process mode set based on such as presence/absence of halftone processing, edge emphasis degree, and a binarization threshold level. The invention is particularly advantageous since the image processing method and apparatus can be applied to a facsimile apparatus to prevent recognition error of mark sheet by changing over process mode between a mark sheet script and the next normal script, moreover, reproduce a normal original image in high quality. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of reader 1-3 of the apparatus in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing reading control in the embodiment; Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a part of an console panel for selecting an image reading mode; Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of reader 1-3 of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment; and Figs. 6A and 6B show input/output characteristics of γ correction tables in y corrector 2-5. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings. [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The outline of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1-1 denotes a controller comprising a microcomputer circuit having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a clock IC, an I/O and a CG-ROM; 1-2, a console panel comprising various keys for key-input and a display; and 1-3, a reader comprising a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) circuit, an AD converter, an image process circuit. The controller 1-1 controls the overall apparatus and various data by software control of the microcomputer. The console panel 1-2 displays various information for an operator, who designates an image process mode (hereinafter, referred to as "reading mode") through the console panel 1-2. Further, setting of an "OCR mode" (mode for processing an OCR script) is made using the console panel 1-2. Note that these modes will be described in detail later. The reader 1-3 performs image processings such as photoelectric conversion, AD conversion, image correction and binarization to optically-read data. Numeral 1-4 denotes a recorder comprising an image output device such as a thermal-printer and a laser-beam printer; 1-5, an image processor; 1-6, an image memory; and 1-7, a communication controller comprising a line interface and a telephone circuit. The recorder 1-4 outputs image data read by the reader 1-3, received image data and image data formed by the controller 1-1. The image processor 1-5 controls coding of the image data read by the reader 1-3 into compressed code data, decoding of received compressed code data into still-image data, and image reduction/magnification. The read image data, the coded data, the received code data and the decoded still-image data are stored into the image memory 1-6. The communication controller 1-7 controls transmission/reception of image data and communication control data, calling, and reception of incoming-call. Fig. 2 shows in detail the configuration of the reader 1-3. In Fig. 2, numeral 2-1 denotes an optical reader which optically reads an original image by the CCD circuit, performs photoelectric conversion to the read data, and outputs the converted data; 2-2, an A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted by the optical reader 2-1 into a multi-level digital signal; 2-3, an edge emphasizing circuit which performs edge emphasizing process to the multi-level digital signal in accordance with a set parameter; 2-4, a binarizer which converts multi-level data into binary data in accordance with a set parameter (threshold level); 2-5, a γ corrector which corrects multi-level data in accordance with a set γ correction table; 2-6, a pseudo-halftone processor which converts input multi-level image data into binary data using, e.g., the error diffusion method; 2-7, a multiplexer which selects either of the binary data outputted from the pseudo-halftone processor 2-6 or the binary data outputted from the binarizer 2-4 and outputs the selected data; 2-8, a memory I/F which serves as an interface for the image memory 1-6 for storing the binarized image data. Numeral 2-10 denotes an image judgment circuit which judges the type of image data outputted from the A/D converter 2-2 to the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 per each pixel. More specifically, the image judgment circuit 2-10 extracts 3 × 3 matrix image data (image area) composed of an object pixel to be outputted to the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 and the neighboring eight pixels from the A/D converter 2-2, and judges the type of the extracted image data. The image type judgment is performed in this 3 × 3 image area units. The judgment result of each matrix is outputted to process mode setting unit 2-9, and the central pixel data in the matrix is outputted to the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3. The image judgment circuit 2-10 judges an extracted matrix as picture image data if difference between the pixel data within the matrix is small, while it judges the matrix as character image data if the difference is large. The image judgment circuit 2-10 functions when a "character/picture mode", appropriate for reading script which includes both characters and picture(s), is designated. The process mode setting unit 2-9 sets process condition such as edge emphasis degree in the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3, a parameter (threshold level) in the binarizer 2-4, selection of the multiplexer 2-7 output (binarized data or pseudo-halftone processed data) in accordance with a reading mode designated at the console panel 1-2. Numeral 2-11 denotes a switch which switches over image data flow in accordance with a switchover signal from the process mode setting unit 2-9. If the switchover signal is "ON" (1), image data outputted from the A/D converter 2-2 is inputted into the image judgment circuit 2-10. If the switchover signal is "OFF" (0), the image data from the A/D converter 2-2 is inputted into the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3. If the reading mode designated at the console panel 1-2 is the "character/picture mode", the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the switchover signal to "1" (ON) so that the image data can be inputted into the image judgment circuit 2-10. The image judgment circuit 2-10 performs image type judgment to the input image data in image area units. The control operations of the reader 1-3 having the above construction will be described. The reader 1-3 can perform image processing corresponding to OCR reading by process condition set by the process mode setting unit 2-9. In this embodiment, as an example of the process condition appropriate to the OCR reading, parameters are set to lower the edge emphasis degree and lower the threshold level in the binarization so as to read image data in higher density from the original. The multiplexer 2-7 selects the binarizer 2-4 output and outputs the selected data. The above process condition can prevent reading of a white spot in black portion and a black spot in white portion which may cause recognition error. Regarding the next and the subsequent sheets of original script, the process mode setting unit 2-9 changes the parameters of process condition in accordance with a reading mode designated in advance by the user through the console panel 1-2. For example, if the designated reading mode is a "character mode" (mode for reading character script), the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the switchover signal to "0" (OFF) to switch over the switch 2-11 to select the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 so as to input image data from the A/D converter 2-2 into the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3. The process mode setting unit 2-9 raises the edge emphasis degree of the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 and sets the threshold level of the binarizer to a normal value (e.g., 36th level in case if an image data is of 6 bit i.e. 64 levels), further, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the multiplexer 2-7 to select an output signal from the binarizer 2-4. If the mode is a "picture mode" (mode for reading picture script), the process mode setting unit 2-9 lowers the edge emphasis degree and sets the multiplexer 2-7 to select the pseudo-halftone processor 2-6 output. If the "character/picture mode" is designated, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the switchover signal to "1" (ON) so as to connect the image judgment circuit 2-10 and the A/D converter 2-2 via the switch 2-11. The process mode setting unit 2-9 switches over the process condition in accordance with image type judgment results in image area units from the image judgment circuit 2-10. More specifically, if the judgment result in an image area is a character image, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the process condition for the character mode. If the judgment result is a picture image, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the process condition for the picture mode. As described above, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets an appropriate process condition for the second and the subsequent sheets, to perform image processing with excellent image reproductivity. It should be noted that the description of types of reading modes and setting of parameters for process condition is one example and it does not pose any limitation on the present invention. Next, image reading operations including the control operations of the reader 1-3 will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 3. At first, determination of "OCR mode" is performed in step S1. The OCR mode is designated by key-input at the console panel 1-2 or selection of software switch by the controller 1-1. In the embodiment, the OCR mode is designated by pressing of selection key 4d on the console panel 1-2 as shown in Fig. 4. The controller 1-1 examines the designation and determines whether or not the designated mode is the OCR mode. If NO, normal reading process is performed in step S2. If YES, the condition for the OCR reading is set by the process mode setting unit 2-9 in step S3. More specifically, parameters appropriate to OCR reading are set to the respective elements in Fig. 2. In step S4, reading of the first script sheet is performed with parameters appropriate to the OCR reading. In step S5, whether or not the reading is finished is determined. If the reading is finished and the read image data is stored into the image memory 1-6, the process proceeds to step S6 for reading the next script sheet. In step S6, the parameters corresponding to a reading mode which has been selected by the user in advance are set to the respective elements in Fig. 2 by the process mode setting unit 2-9. In step S7, reading of the second sheet is performed. In step S8, whether or not the reading of the second sheet is finished is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S9. If the user has designated the "character mode" or the "picture mode" in advance, the switchover signal to the switch 2-11 is set to "0" (OFF) by the process mode setting unit 2-9 in step S6. As the image judgment circuit 2-10 is not selected, the image type judgment in image area units is not performed. If the "character/picture mode" is designated as the reading mode, the switchover signal is set to "1" (ON) by the process mode setting unit 2-9 in step S6 to select the image judgment circuit 2-10. While the image reading is performed in step S7, image type of the sheet is judged in image area units by the image judgment circuit 2-10. The process parameters (for character mode or picture mode) are successively set by the process mode setting unit 2-9 based on the judgment results. In step S9, whether or not there are other sheets to be read is examined. If YES, the process returns to step S7 to perform reading of the next sheet. In this case, the original is read in the process condition set in step S6. If NO in step S9, operations such as image processing by the image processor 1-5 and transmission to the destination facsimile apparatus are performed. In this embodiment, selection keys 4a to 4d as shown in Fig. 4 are provided for easy manual operation. The user can select a reading mode appropriate to each original with these selection keys. Conversely, the manual operation can be complicated for more detailed instruction. In this embodiment, the image data processing is started after the reading of the whole pages has been completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. The image processor 1-5 may perform image processing each time data for one page has been read. Further, each time image data for one page has been read, the image processor 1-5 may process the image data and the communication controller 1-7 can perform transmission. As describe above, the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment, having a plurality of image reading modes and reading densities, can change over the image reading mode and the reading density between the first sheet and the second sheets of original in accordance with reading mode designation through a predetermined switch. In case where the first sheet of the original is an OCR sheet, the present invention prevents erroneous recognition in OCR reading by designation of a reading mode appropriate to the OCR reading. The second and the subsequent sheets are read in the reading mode and the reading density designated by the user. Thus, excellent image reproductivity can be maintained. Accordingly, the present invention can solve the disadvantage of the conventional OCR reading, and can utilize image reading modes which provide excellent image reproductivity. [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, if the "character/picture mode" is selected, the image judgment circuit 2-10 performs image type (character/picture) judgment in image area units, and the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets process condition based on the judgment results. In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus which sets process condition appropriate to the "character/picture mode" for processing an image including both characters and picture(s) will be described. It should be noted that the apparatus has the same construction of the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment, and the explanation of the configuration of the apparatus will be omitted. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of reader 1-3 of an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 5, elements corresponding to those in Fig. 2 have the same reference numerals and the explanations of the elements will be omitted. Reference numeral 2-9' denotes a process mode setting unit which, based on a designated reading mode, sets edge emphasis degree in the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 and a threshold level in the binarizer 2-4, and selects γ correction table of the γ corrector 2-5' and the multiplexer 2-7 output. The γ corrector 2-5' which performs γ correction to input image data has a γ correction table for the "picture mode" having input/output characteristic as shown in Fig. 6A and a γ correction table for the "character/picture mode" having input/output characteristic as shown in Fig. 6B. The process mode setting unit 2-9' outputs a γ table switchover signal to select one of these tables. In this embodiment, process conditions for OCR reading, the "character mode" and the "picture mode" are set similarly to the first embodiment. However, process condition setting in the "character/picture mode" is different from that in the first embodiment. If the "character/picture mode" is designated, the process mode setting unit 2-9' sets edge emphasis degree in the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 to a lower level, and selects the γ correction table of Fig. 6B. The γ corrector 2-5' using this γ correction table (Fig. 6B) outputs input data of density levels equal to/less than 19 as 0 level, and outputs all input data of density levels more than 19 as level 30 data. The pseudo-halftone processor 2-6 halftone-processes the image data converted by the γ corrector 2-5'. The process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the multiplexer 2-7 to select the pseudo-halftone processor 2-6 output and the data from the pseudo-halftone processor 2-6 is stored into the image memory 1-6. In this manner, image process appropriate to an image including both characters and picture(s) can be performed. It should be noted that the process in the second embodiment is also performed in accordance with the flowchart of Fig. 3. However, in case the "character/picture mode" has been designated in advance, the process mode setting unit 2-9 sets the above-described process condition in step S6. According to the second embodiment, image type judgment in image area units in the first embodiment is not required. Consequently, the image judgment circuit 2-10 in the first embodiment is not necessary, thus the configuration can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced. It should be noted that the γ correction table of Fig. 6B for the "character/picture mode" is merely one example and various modification to this table can be considered. Further, as the "character/picture mode" process condition, the edge emphasis degree in the edge emphasizing circuit 2-3 can be set to higher level. In this case, the γ corrector 2-5' can use the γ correction table for the "picture mode" (Fig. 6A). As described above, the image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention can realize reading in appropriate process mode and image processing with excellent image reproductivity. The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus comprising a simple device. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the invention is applicable also to a case where the object of the invention is attained by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.

Claims: An image processing apparatus for generating image data based on image signals input from input means (2-1, 2-2) comprising: setting means (2-9, 2-9') for setting plural kinds of image process modes used upon processing of image data; process means (2-3) for performing image data processing using one of the process modes set by said setting means; and first mode processing means (2-5, 2-6; 2-5', 2-6) for processing, in a first mode, image signals input from said input means (2-1, 2-2) via said process means (2-3) so as to output the image signals as image data; characterized by further comprising second mode processing means (2-4) for processing, in a second mode, image signals input from said input means (2-1, 2-2) via said process means (2-3) for pattern recognition; determination means (1-1; 2-9, 2-10) for determining whether or not the pattern recognition is to be performed on image signals input from said input means (2-1, 2-2); control means (1-1; 2-9; 2-9') for controlling changeover between said first mode processing means (2-5, 2-6; 2-5', 2-6) and said second mode processing means (2-4), in accordance with the result of determination by said determination means (1-1; 2-10); and output means ( 2-7 , 2-8 , 1-6 ) for selecting the output of said first mode processing means ( 2-5 , 2-6 ; 2-5' , 2-6 ) or said second mode processing means ( 2-4 ) in accordance with the result of determination by said determination means ( 1-1 ; 2-10 ). The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said input means comprise digitizing means ( 2-2 ) for digitizing image signals input from said input means. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said first mode processing means ( 2-5 , 2-6 ; 2-5' , 2-6 ) and said second mode processing means ( 2-4 ) digitally process image signals input from said input means using different parameters, respectively. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second mode processing means ( 2-4 ) performs a binarization process appropriate for recognizing mark sheet pattern. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first mode processing means ( 2-5 , 2-6 ; 2-5' , 2-6 ) performs a digital processing using a parameter which is appropriate for generating character image data or picture image data, and said control means ( 1-1 ) controls the changeover in accordance with whether image signals input by said input means ( 2-1 , 2-2 ) correspond to a character image, a picture image or an image on which the pattern recognition is performed. An image processing method for generating image data based on image data input by an input step, comprising: a setting step (S3, S6) for setting plural kinds of image process modes used upon processing of image data; a processing step for performing image data processing using one of the process modes set by said setting means; and a first mode processing step ( S2 ) for processing, in a first mode, image signals input in said input step and processed in said processing step so as to output the image signals as image data; characterized by further comprising a second mode processing step for processing, in a second mode, image signals input in said input step and processed in said processing step for pattern recognition; a determination step ( S1 ) for determining whether or not the pattern recognition is to be performed on image signals input in said input step; a control step for controlling changeover between said first mode processing step and said second mode processing step, in accordance with the result of determination in said determination step; and an outputting step for selecting the output of said first mode processing step or said second mode processing step in accordance with the result of determination in said determination step. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that image signals input in said input step ( S4 , S7 ) are digitized. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that at said first mode processing step and said second mode processing step, image signals input from said input step are digitally processed using different parameters, respectively. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that at said second mode processing step, a digital processing appropriate for recognizing mark sheet pattern is performed. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that a digital processing is performed, at said first mode processing step, by using a parameter which is appropriate for generating character image data or picture image data, and the changeover is controlled, at said control step, in accordance with whether image signals input by said input step correspond to a character image, a picture image or an image on which the pattern recognition is performed. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first mode processing means ( 2-5 , 2-6 ; 2-5' , 2-6 ) performs the digital processing using a parameter which improves reproductivity, and said second mode processing means ( 2-4 ) performs the digital processing using a parameter which reduces erroneous recognition at a pattern recognition process. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that said second mode processing means (2-4) lowers a threshold level and performs a binarization process using the threshold level. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said determination means (1-1; 2-9, 2-10) performs the determination before inputting object image signals to be digitally processed from said input means (2-1). The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the digital processing is performed, at said first mode processing step, by using a parameter which improves reproductivity, and the digital processing is performed, at said second mode processing step, by using a parameter which reduces erroneous recognition at a pattern recognition process. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that at said second mode processing step, a threshold level is lowered and a binarization process is performed using the threshold level. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that at said determination step ( S1 ), the determination is performed before object image signals to be digitally processed are input at said input step.

Inventors: MURATA YUKIO, MURATA, YUKIO, Murata, Yukio, c/o Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Applicants: CANON KK, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Application year: 1993
Main classification: H04N1
IPC codes: H04N1, G06T1, G06T5