Abstract:
User-selectable functions for use in output devices to generate background images. One embodiment of the invention provides an image capture and printing device for creating a scanned image of an item or an original image. The device includes a user interface configured to present a plurality of capture-to functions and to receive input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of capture-to functions; an image capturer configured to capture an image, where the size, shape, or intensity of the image, or a combination thereof is based upon the selected capture-to function; and a print engine configured to print the captured image as a background layer in a copy.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     None.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     None.  
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.  
       [0003]     None.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates to printers and multi-function devices that have some combination of scanning, facsimile, and printing capabilities. These devices may operate in a stand-alone manner, but are often used as peripherals for computers. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to such devices that are configured to produce background images.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0007]     There are a variety of existing printers and devices that have some combination of scanning, facsimile, printing, and other capabilities. The latter devices are often referred to as multi-function or all-in-one (“AIO”) devices. Some existing devices have capabilities that allow a user to print background indicia in copies of documents or other content printed by the devices. For example, in some devices it is possible to print a word such as “DRAFT” or “CONFIDENTIAL” on all copies of a document. In some instances, a word may appear in the background in a manner that is similar in appearance to a watermark.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Although devices such as the ones described above exist, relatively few, multi-function devices designed for use in the home provide a video graphics display. In addition, the inventors are unaware of devices that allow a user to incorporate images and graphics from an external, user selected source into printed documents. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and systems for printing documents with background images or objects.  
         [0009]     Some embodiments of the invention provide one or more user-selected functions referred to as a global scan-to function, or more broadly, a global capture-to function, that allows the user to input images to the device to be used for a variety of background images including, watermarks, headers and footers, borders and frames, fax cover sheets, and other applications.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment, the invention provides an image capture and printing device for creating a scanned image of an original image. The device contains a user interface configured to present a plurality of global, capture-to functions and to receive input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of global, capture-to functions. The device also provides an image capturer configured to capture an image and an image processor configured to process the image by adjusting the image&#39;s size, shape, or intensity, or a combination thereof, based upon the selection of the user, to produce a processed image. Finally, the device includes a print engine configured to print the processed image as a background layer in a copy that includes at least part of the captured image.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing a background layer from a scanned image. The method includes providing a user interface configured to present a plurality of global, capture-to functions; receiving input from a user indicating a selection of at least one of the plurality of global, capture-to functions; capturing an image; processing the image by adjusting the image&#39;s size, shape, and intensity or a user-selected combination thereof, to produce a processed image; and placing the processed image in a background layer of another image that includes at least part of the captured image.  
         [0012]     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     In the drawings:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary computer system including a workstation connected to a number or peripherals.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface that is suitable for use in one of the peripherals of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of hardware inside one of the peripherals shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating software that may be stored in the memory illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of non-volatile memory, which may be part of the memory illustrated in  FIG. 4 , illustrating that a portion of the non-volatile memory may be used to store a background object or image.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 6A , taken together, constitute a flow chart diagramming a process of selecting capture-to function options displayed on the interface shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart displaying a process of producing output including a background image captured by the device. 
     
    
       [0021]     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary computer system  10 . The system  10  includes a workstation  12  having a keyboard  14  and cursor control device  16 , which is shown in the form of a mouse. The workstation  12  is connected to a scanner  18 , a printer  19 , and a multi-function device  20 . The multi-function device  20  may be an AIO device as described above. Alternatively, the multi-function device  20  may be a device that combines only printing and scanning functionality and no other. In addition, although shown as a peripheral connected to the workstation  12 , the multi-function device  20  could operate as a stand-alone device. For example, using the scanning functionality of the multi-function device  20 , a user could scan an image into the memory (discussed below) of the multi-function device  20  and then print multiple copies of that image using the printing components of the device  20 . None of these acts would require interaction with the workstation  12 . As should also be apparent, the system  10  could be configured to include multiple workstations, scanners, multi-function devices, and other devices not shown. Routers, switches, or network connections allowing the scanners, multi-function devices, and other components to communicate with the multiple workstations could also be included. In addition, the various connections between elements of the system  10  could include both wired and wireless connections as well as local area network and wide area network connections.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates an interface or operator panel  30  for the multi-function device  20 . The operator panel  30  includes a graphical display  32 , and a keypad  34  having a variety of input buttons. The keypad  34  includes a cursor control portion having a decrement or left arrow button  36 , an options button  37 , an increment or right arrow button  38 , and a select button  39 . The keypad  34  also includes a number of copies button  40 , a reduce/enlarge button  41 , and a copy quality button  42 . In addition, the keypad  34  includes two start copy buttons: a color copy button  43  and a black and white copy button  44 .  
         [0024]     The keypad  34  also includes a photo control section  49  having a photo options button  50  and a photo copy button  52 . Adjacent the photo control section  49  is a scanning control section  54  having a destination selection button and  55  and a start capture button  57 . Finally, the keypad  34  includes a fax control section  59  with a start fax button  61  and a device control section  63  having a stop/clear button  65  and a power button  67  with an indicator LED  69 .  
         [0025]     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the graphical display  32  is a 2 line by 16 characters/line alphanumeric panel. Graphical displays of different sizes, particularly larger displays, could be used in place of the display shown. In one embodiment, the multi-function device  20  may be configured such that, at power up, the display  32  generates a default message such as the following:  
                         
 
 In the discussion that follows, reference will be made to the exemplary display on the graphical display  32  based on the following key: 
        The left arrow character,          , will be represented with a left arrow, &lt;;     The right arrow character,          , will be represented with a right arrow, &gt;;     A double slash, //, is used to indicate a division of the text on line  1  of the 2 line display from the text on line  2  of the exemplary display; and     Left and right brackets, [and], surround any variable value in the menu setting. 
 
 For example, the default message shown above may, using the key above, be written as: 
        “BLANK PAPER SIZE //&lt;LegaL*&gt;”   
 
         [0031]     If a user pushes or selects the destination selection button  55  in the scanning control section  54 , a message is displayed in the graphical display  32  prompting the user to select a destination for images that are scanned when the start capture button  57  (which is labeled as “Start Scan” in  FIG. 2 ) is pressed. When the destination selection button  55  (which is labeled as “E-mail File Software” in  FIG. 2 ) is selected, the graphical display  32  displays the following: 
    “Scan To: //&lt;[programmed capture-to destination]*&gt;”
 
 where the text in the “programmed capture-to destination” field encompasses the last selected destination. For example, the graphical display could present the following information: 
    “Scan To: //&lt;WordPad*&gt;”
 
 In one embodiment of the invention, the multi-function device  20  may be configured so that a list of programmed capture-to destination applications is loaded in a menu associated with the destination selection button  55 . Loading of the menu may occur, for example, automatically at the time the driver software for the multi-function device is installed on the workstation  12 . It is also possible that the list could be manually updated using, for example, interface screens generated by the driver software. Some exemplary destination options that could be included are “E-mail,” “File,” and “Software.” As should be apparent, the “E-mail” option allows a user to designate an e-mail program as a destination. The “File” option allows a user to designate a file as a destination. And, the “Software” option allows the user to designate a program, which may be loaded on the workstation, as a destination. In one embodiment, the “E-mail” option may be a default option. 
   
 
         [0034]     In addition to the “E-mail,” “File,” and “Software” options, additional destination options may be provided. These options may be “global” functions. As used herein, “global” means that the selected option or function applies to all situations or jobs. In addition, “global” functions may be referred to as those functions that may be executed when the device  20  is operated in a stand-alone manner. For example, a “Software” destination may be associated with an application program that is available only on the workstation  12 . Under such circumstances the “Software” destination is unavailable when the device  20  is operating in a stand-alone mode. Although not a requirement, many of the exemplary “global” functions are not dependent on the device  20  communicating with the workstation  12 .  
         [0035]     Whether global or not, the additional options may include “Watermark,” “Header/Footer,” “Border/Frame,” and “Fax/Coversheet.” As with the “E-mail” and other options discussed above, the additional options are associated with destinations that generally correspond to their names. For example, selection of the “Watermark” option designates a scanned image as one that will be used as a watermark.  
         [0036]     Once the driver and the destination menu are loaded, any additional destination options such as those that the user manually enters or those that are automatically downloaded by the installed driver when the multi-function device  20  is connected to a workstation  12  or another device capable of providing additional destination options are included in the destination menu. These additional destinations may be downloaded from the workstation  12  to the device  20  via a string of characters. Additional destination options may include Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint software; other drawing, word processing, spreadsheet or presentation programs, clipboard applications; and custom applications.  
         [0037]     The left arrow button  36  and right arrow button  38  are used to scroll through or display the destination options. When a desired destination option is displayed on the display  32 , the user may activate the select button  39 . The destination selection button  55  is disabled when scanning commences and during print jobs. The device  20  may be designed so that pressing the select button  39  causes the graphical display  32  to read: 
    “Press Start Scan// button to begin”   
 
         [0039]     In one embodiment of the invention, the device  20  may be programmed or otherwise configured to display only those destination options that are available. Thus, for example, when the device  20  is disconnected from the workstation  12  (or operating in stand-alone mode) it may be configured to display only the destination options that are independent of the workstation or other external devices. In one embodiment, these options include the global capture-to destination options.  
         [0040]     Unless an error or prohibited condition exists, when the start capture button  57  (labeled as “Start Scan” in  FIG. 2 ) is activated, a scan or capture is initiated. The destination of the data that is captured during the operation is the destination that has been selected by the user from the destination list displayed on the display  32 . Generally, the scan is performed in accordance with current scan settings programmed into the device  20 . These settings may be default settings set at the time of manufacture or settings modified by the user.  
         [0041]     Conditions under which a scan operation might be prohibited include selection of a destination that requires interaction with the workstation  12  or other external devices when the device  20  is operating in a stand-alone mode. The device  20  may be configured such that when a prohibited or error condition occurs an appropriate error message is displayed. For example, if a user presses the start capture button  57  in a case where an application on the workstation  12  is the destination and the device  20  is disconnected from the workstation or the workstation is not on, an error message such as 
    “Computer // not connected&gt;”
 
 may be displayed on the graphical display  32 . 
   
 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates hardware  71  that may be used in the multi-function device  20  or another peripheral such as the scanner  18  or printer  19 . In the exemplary configuration shown, the hardware  71  includes a display and keyboard module  73 , an I/O module  75 , a processor  77 , and a memory module  79 . The memory module  79  may contain non-volatile memory such as one or more forms of ROM, RAM or media cards, one or more disk drives, other memory, or combinations of the foregoing.  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  illustrates the possible contents of the memory module  79  or a portion thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the memory module  79  contains software. The software is illustrated as having four portions: a user interface  83 , an image capturer  85 , an image processor  87 , and a print engine  89 . In various implementations, the software may be configured in such a way that it does not include four distinct portions. Functional features could be combined in a variety of ways. However, in at least some embodiments, the user interface  83  includes instructions for generating output on the display  32 , the image capturer  85  includes instructions for capturing data from a capture device such as an array of charge-coupled devices (“CCD”) or contact image sensor (“CIS”) or the like. The image processor  87  may include instructions for processing image data such as combining foreground and background images and the print engine  89  may include instructions for converting data into a format that is suitable for use by a printer. The memory module  79  is not limited to the components listed and may contain other applications and data used to support the multi-function device  20 . Software used in devices such as the device  20 , scanner  18 , and printer  19  to carry out basic operations such as scanning, printing, and faxing is well known and, therefore, not described.  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  represents a diagram of a non-volatile memory portion  91  of the memory module  79 . The memory portion  91  contains locations for varying types of stored data. A background section  93  holds background objects or images and a program section  95  holds application programs such as the user interface  83 , the image capturer  85 , the image processor  87 , and the print engine  89 . The memory module  79  may contain more designated sections to store data although it is not required.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 6A  illustrate an exemplary background data or image capture process carried out by the device  20  when a user selects a global capture-to function. As may be seen by referring to  FIG. 6 , the process begins at block  100  where any required hardware and software initializations are performed to calibrate and prepare the system for use. The graphical display  32  is initially in a default condition, as shown in block  102 . The processor  77  (executing the software described above) periodically queries or scans the operator panel  30  to determine whether a button is pressed or selected (block  104 ). If a button is not selected, the processor  77  continues to display the default screen on the graphical display  32  (block  102 ). If a button is selected, the processor  77  determines whether the destination selection button  55  is pressed (block  106 ). If the destination selection button  55  is pressed, the processor  77  directs the graphical display  32  to display the most recently selected capture-to destination (block  108 ). The processor  77  then inquires as to whether the left arrow button  36  or the right arrow button  38  is pressed (block  110 ). If either button is pressed the processor  77  instructs the graphical display  32  to display the previous or next capture-to destination from the preprogrammed list of destinations as indicated in block  112 , and the processor  77  continues to check for further input from the operator panel  30  (block  110 ). If neither the left arrow button  36  or the right arrow button  38  is pressed, the processor  77  determines whether the select button  39  is pressed (block  113 ). If the select button  39  is pressed the processor  77  sets the capture-to destination to the destination currently displayed on the graphical display  32 , as indicated in block  114 . The process proceeds to block  116  where the graphical display  32  presents the message: 
    “Press Start Scan// button to begin”
 
 The processor  77  then displays the default message, as shown in block  102 . If the select button  39  is not pressed the processor simply displays the previously set capture-to destination (block  108 ). 
     
         [0048]     If the destination selection button is not pressed the processor  77  determines whether the start capture button  57  is pressed, as shown at block  118 . If the start capture button  57  is pressed, the processor  77  disables the destination selection button  55  (block  120 ) and causes the display of the currently selected capture-to destination on the graphical display  32  (block  122 ). The processor  77  must then decide, depending on the chosen capture-to destination, how to process and where to export or save the captured image. The processor  77  first inquires as to whether the capture-to destination is set to “Watermark” (block  124 ). If “Watermark” is the selected capture-to destination, the image capturer  85  captures the image (block  126 ), and the image processor  87  crops or otherwise processes the image as needed (block  128 ). Although not shown in  FIG. 6 , the program may be adapted to allow the user to select the masked intensity of the image, such as 5%, to be used for the watermark. The processor  77  then stores the captured image in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79 . Finally, the processor  77  enables the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ) and then resumes displaying the default message (block  102 ).  
         [0049]     If a “Watermark” destination is not the selected capture-to destination, the processor  77  determines whether the capture-to destination is a “Header/Footer” destination, as shown in block  134  of  FIG. 6A . If the capture-to destination is a “Header/Footer” destination, the image capturer  85  attains the header and footer section from the provided image, for example, the top one inch and bottom one inch of the image (block  136 ). Although not shown in  FIG. 6A , the program may be adapted to allow the user to select the amount of the image to be used for the header and footer sections. Since only the header and footer of the provided image will be reproduced on subsequent output, only the header and footer sections of the provided image need to be captured. It would also be possible to capture the entire image and process it later on to obtain the header and footer sections. The captured image is then stored in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79  (block  138 ). Generally, images associated with a function other than the “Watermark” destination are stored at full or 100% intensity. Finally, the processor  77  enables the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ), and returns to displaying the default message (block  102 ).  
         [0050]     If a “Header/Footer” destination is not the selected capture-to destination, the processor  77  determines whether a “Border/Frame” destination is the selected capture-to destination (block  140 ). If the selected capture-to destination is a “Border/Frame” destination, the image capturer  85  acquires the circumference of the image, for example the top one inch, bottom one inch, left one inch, and right one inch of the presented image (block  142 ). Since only a border or frame of the provided image will be added to future output, only the area corresponding to that area needs to be captured and retained. Again, although not shown in  FIG. 6A , the program may be adapted to allow the user to select the amount of the image to be used for the border/frame sections. The processor  77  then stores the captured image in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79  (block  144 ). Finally, the processor  77  enables the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ), and returns to displaying the default message (block  102 ). One use for the “Border/Frame” feature is to scan a return address to be used in printing information on an envelope.  
         [0051]     If a “Border/Frame” destination is not the selected capture-to destination, the processor  77  inquires as to whether a “Fax/Coversheet” destination is the selected capture-to destination (block  146 ). If a “Fax Coversheet” destination is the selected capture-to destination, the processor  77  instructs the image capturer  85  to secure the upper portion, for example the upper 33%, of the imported image (block  148 ). Only the upper section needs to be attained and saved since it will be used as a fax coversheet added with upcoming output. Next, the processor  77  enables the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ), and displays the default message (block  102 ).  
         [0052]     Finally, if a “Fax Coversheet” destination is not the selected capture-to destination, it is assumed that the captured image will not be processed and stored in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79  of the multi-function device  20 . The processor  77 , however, must first check if the multi-function device  20  is attached to a workstation  12  or a device with an appropriate interface (block  152 ). If no connection is available, the message 
    “Computer // not connected &gt;”
 
 will be displayed on the graphical display  32  (block  158 ), and the processor  77  will enable the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ) and again display the default message (block  102 ). If the multi-function device  20  is connected to a workstation  12  or a device capable of interfacing to a workstation, the captured image, captured by the image capturer  85  at block  154 , will be stored or exported to the specified capture-to destination as shown in block  156 . After storing the image, the processor  77  will enable the destination selection button  55  (block  132 ) and return to block  102  where the processor  77  displays the default message again (block  102 ). 
   
 
         [0054]     The capture-to destinations where the multi-function device  20  stores and uses the captured image as background indicia for forthcoming output are not limited to the ones presented. Other destination formats may be created and added as needed.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the process for producing output commences with a start block  160 . The graphical display  32  displays a default message and the processor  77  awaits instruction either from the operator panel  30 , the workstation  12 , or any other device with an appropriate interface. The processor  77  continually checks for output requests, as shown at block  162 . If no request is found, the processor  77  continues to display the default message on the graphical display  32  (block  160 ). If a request is found, the processor  77  first disables the destination selection button  55  (block  163 ) and proceeds to determine if background indicia have been specified for all output. At block  164  the processor  77  examines the selected capture-to destination and first checks if it is set to a “Watermark” destination. If the selected capture-to destination is a “Watermark” destination the processor  77  merges the requested output with a lower masked intensity version, such as 10%, of the image stored in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79  (block  166 ). The reduced intensity allows the stored image to appear as a watermark embedded with the requested output that is created as shown in block  168 .  
         [0056]     Alternatively at block  170 , the processor  77  queries whether the selected capture-to destination is set to a “Header/Footer” destination. If the processor  77  finds the selected capture-destination to be set to a “Header/Footer” destination, the output is reduced to fit and centered within the stored “Header/Footer” image (block  172 ). The device  20 , as shown at block  168 , then produces the combined output.  
         [0057]     If the selected capture-to destination is not set to a “Watermark” or a “Header/Footer” destination, the processor  77  checks if the capture-to destination is set to a “Border/Frame” destination (block  174 ). If this is the case, the sent output is reduced to fit, centered, within the stored “Border/Frame” image (block  176 ). The final output is then produced at block  168 .  
         [0058]     If the capture-to destination has not been set to any of the previously checked destinations, the processor  77  checks if the capture-to destination is set to a “Fax/Coversheet” destination (block  178 ). If the capture-to destination is indeed set to a “Fax/Coversheet” destination the processor  77  scales the requested output to 66% the original size and merges it, centered, below the “Fax/Coversheet” indicia stored in the background section  93  of the memory portion  91  of the memory module  79  (block  180 ). The “Fax/Coversheet” image combined with the original output is then created at block  168 . Although 33% and 66% of the page size are exemplary embodiments for providing the facsimile transmission information and the information to be faxed, respectively, other proportions may be used. For example, the typical transmission information found on a fax coversheet, such as sender and recipient names, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, date and number of pages can be placed in a header or footer or in a region smaller than 33% of the height of the page with the other information to be sent being correspondingly scaled to fit on the remainder of the page.  
         [0059]     Finally, if no matching capture-to destination has been discovered of those previously listed, it is assumed that no background image is to be combined or merged with the desired output. The output is simply produced at block  168 .  
         [0060]     After any output is produced, with background images or without, the processor  77  enables the destination selection button  55  (block  182 ) and returns to displaying the default message (block  160 ).  
         [0061]     Once a capture-to destination requiring the addition of background indicia has been set, all future output may contain, in addition to the original data, the stored background in a format designated by the specific capture-to destination value, until either a settings timeout occurs, which cancels all non-default programmed settings, or a capture-to destination is chosen which does not require the addition of a stored background image to all outputs. A “cancel background” capture-to destination may also be added to the list of possible destinations that the user can select by using the destination selection button  55 . The multi-function device  20  may also have a reset option which would clear any saved background images.  
         [0062]     In another embodiment of the invention, a set of peripherals, not housed in the same device, could be configured to perform similar capture-to functionality otherwise provided by the multi-function device  20 . The scanner  18  and the printer  19  illustrated in  FIG. 1  could be organized in such a way that the printer  19  could receive and store images captured by the scanner  18 , and the printer  19  could use the saved images as background indicia. Any device that can output images capable of being captured by another device, such as a workstation or a digital camera, could replace the scanner  18 . Any device that creates output and is capable of holding received data in memory could replace the printer  19 , including a fax machine and a photocopier.  
         [0063]     The functionality to create, process, and use background images in both the stand-alone multifunction device  20  embodiment and the embodiment utilizing the coupling of a number of single-operation devices, such as the scanner  18  and the printer  19 , configured to operate like the multifunction device  20 , could be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof.  
         [0064]     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.