Abstract:
Disclosed is a method that makes it easier to configure an image processing apparatus capable of reading an image and processing the image in accordance with settings information, the method including an identification step of identifying whether the read image is a document that carries settings information; and a setting step of setting the settings information, which is carried on the read image, if the read image has been identified as being a document carrying the settings information.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to an image processing apparatus and, more particularly, to a technique for improving usability when the apparatus is configured.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     In the field of image processing apparatus, there has heretofore been developed a multifunction apparatus in which various functions have been integrated, examples of which are a copier function, a facsimile transceive function and a printer function. Though such an apparatus is convenient, configuring the apparatus is more complicated and users tend to find such an apparatus troublesome and difficult to configure.  
         [0003]     Methods of avoiding this complexity involved in configuring the apparatus for the purpose of simplifying the settings have been proposed. For example, the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-102808 discloses a technique for reading a document image for setting purposes and configuring the apparatus based upon information from the image. Further, the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-258943 discloses a technique for configuring an apparatus by specifying the apparatus settings based upon handwriting, characters, voice and bar codes.  
         [0004]     However, none of these examples of the prior art are such that the apparatus is capable of recognizing a settings form automatically. Rather, the user must consciously follow an apparatus configuring process such as by pressing a settings button to instruct the apparatus that a certain form is indicative of the apparatus settings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it more convenient to configure an image processing apparatus.  
         [0006]     According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing an image processing method in an image processing apparatus that is capable of reading an image and processing the image in accordance with settings information, comprising an identification step of identifying whether the read image is an image carrying settings information; and a setting step of setting the settings information, which is carried on the read image, if the read image has been identified as being an image carrying the settings information.  
         [0007]     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. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     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.  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an image processing apparatus that is in accordance with each of the embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a CPU board of the image processing apparatus that is in accordance with each of the embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of settings form used in an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example of entries on a settings form used in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of entries on a settings form used in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of entries on a settings form used in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating data tables in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of how papers of settings forms are put in the original papers according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example of how papers of settings forms are put in the original papers according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating the results of settings made in an image processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an image processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an example of entries on a settings form used in the image processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating the results of settings made in an image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus includes a voice output unit  101  such as a speaker for outputting a message produced by a voice message generator  105 . The generation of the voice message in the voice message generator  105  employs a well-known technique such as a speech synthesis method of the kind disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-149600. The apparatus further includes a printer  102 , such as a laser printer or ink-jet printer, which is connected via a printer interface  106 .  
         [0026]     The printer interface  106  controls the printer  102  and performs control for interfacing data with an external device. A scanner  103  is connected via a scanner interface  107 . Image data that has been read in from the scanner  103  is stored in an image buffer  111 .  
         [0027]     The apparatus further includes a CPU board  104  having a function for controlling the overall system; an external interface  108  for effecting a connection to an external device such as a computer; and a FAX (facsimile) board  109 , which is connected to a communication line, capable of transmitting image data, which has been read in from the scanner  103 , externally of the apparatus via the communication line, and of outputting image information, which has been sent from outside, by the printer  102 .  
         [0028]     An OCR board  110  reads a text document optically and recognizes characters that have been written on the document. The OCR board  110  reads in a marking sheet or the like and is capable of executing information processing.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the structure of the CPU board  104  each of the components of which is connected by a CPU bus  207 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the CPU board  104  includes a CPU  201  for controlling the overall system; a ROM  202  storing the control program of the CPU board  104  and various data; a RAM  203  for temporarily storing various data and the like necessary to run the control program; and an interface  204  for connecting the CPU board  104  and a system bus  112 .  
         [0030]     The CPU board  104  further includes a panel  205  for displaying messages intended for the user, and a communications RAM  206  through which each port of the apparatus may exchange information. For example, when the CPU  201  transmits information to the printer  102 , it writes request information to the communications RAM  206 . Each port checks the communications RAM  206  of the CPU board  104  at regular time intervals and determines whether or not request information has been written to the RAM  206 . If request information has been written to the RAM  206 , processing in accordance with this information is executed. When processing is finished, information indicative of this fact is written to the communications RAM  206  to so notify the CPU  201 .  
         [0031]     FIGS.  3  to  9  are diagrams illustrating operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example ( 301 ) of a settings form used in configuring a copier. The settings form  301  may be a marking sheet. The settings form  301  has a box  302  that the user may check to indicate whether this sheet (document) is a settings form. If the box has been checked, as indicated at  402  in  FIG. 4 , this indicates that settings form  401  in  FIG. 4  is for making settings.  
         [0033]     If the box has not been checked, as shown at  502  in  FIG. 5 , then settings form  501  itself can be copied. By thus providing a check box indicating whether the sheet is for making settings, not only the user but also the apparatus per se can discriminate whether the sheet is for making settings or not.  
         [0034]     A field  303  in  FIG. 3  is for writing in the ordinal position of a form serving as a reference form. Here a form that serves as a reference is a sheet applied to a case where settings items are blank (not filled in). For example, in a case where settings forms used are plural in number, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the user employs a second settings form ( 902  in  FIG. 9 ) to set the fact that the reference form is a first settings form ( 901  in  FIG. 9 ). On the second settings form, therefore, the user need merely fill in only changes desired to be made to the settings.  
         [0035]     The settings on the first settings form ( 901  in  FIG. 9 ;  401  in  FIG. 4 ) are stored beforehand in a data table  702  shown in  FIG. 7 , and the settings on the second settings form ( 902  in  FIG. 9 ;  601  in  FIG. 6 ) are stored temporarily in a data table  703  in  FIG. 7 . At this time the information contained in the reference settings (data table  702 ) is combined with that of data table  703 , with the settings of table  702  that correspond to the blank items in table  703  being applied to these corresponding blank items. The combined results are stored in a data table  704 .  
         [0036]     Further, a list in which default values have been set for each of the items is stored beforehand. By specifying the list of these default values as the first form serving as the reference, the user need merely make entries in items where the default values are to be changed, thereby making it possible to make settings in simple fashion. Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a field  304  for setting number of copies, a field  305  for setting magnification, a field  306  for setting paper size, an area  307  relating to a sorter, and an entry area  308  for filling in settings relating to double-sided printing.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates data tables ( 701  to  706 ). These data tables are created for each type of settings form ( 401  in  FIG. 4 ) and for each type of settings item ( 402  to  408  in  FIG. 4 ), and the data is stored. Table  701  stores a list of settings forms, and tables  702 ,  704  store data concerning each of the setting items of the settings forms. Table  703  is for temporarily storing data concerning each of the setting items of a settings form, table  705  is for previously storing settings values relating to sorting, and table  706  is for previously storing settings values relating to double-sided printing. Based upon the results of recognition by the OCR 110, these results are stored in each of the tables.  
         [0038]     Processing by the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart, in which a copier is taken as an example, for reading in a document image and, if the document is a settings form, for configuring the apparatus based upon the form.  
         [0039]     If a start button is pressed to start processing (step S 1001 ) and it is determined that a document has been placed on the platen (“YES” at step S 1002 ), the document image is read in by the scanner  103  (step S 1003 ) and the read image is transmitted to the OCR  110  (step S 1005 ). If no document has been placed on the platen (“NO” at step S 1002 ), then processing is exited (step S 1004 ). If a result of recognition is received from the OCR 110 (“YES” at step S 1006 ), it is determined from this result whether the document is one for configuring the apparatus (step S 1007 ).  
         [0040]     The determination as to whether the document is for configuring the apparatus is made by determining whether the document has a prescribed format, which can be discriminated from the characters, symbols and positions and sizes of borders in the results recognized by the OCR 110. The prescribed format is required to be stored beforehand and may be registered by user. If the document has the prescribed format, box  302  in  FIG. 3  is investigated to determine whether it has been checked. If box  302  in  FIG. 3  has been checked, then the document is recognized as being for the purpose of configuring the apparatus.  
         [0041]     If the document is not a document for configuring the apparatus (“NO” at step S 1007 ), the image read from the document is transmitted to the printer (step S 1008 ). If the document is a document for configuring the apparatus, on the other hand, then control proceeds to step S 1009 . If the settings items lack entries in terms of operating the apparatus (“YES” at step S 1009 ), these items are listed up (step S 1010 ). If there are no items having such difficient entries, control proceeds to step S 1011 . Here the settings information is stored. The settings information, as well as information relating to any items having deficient entries, is transmitted to the voice message generator  105  (step S 1012 ).  
         [0042]     As mentioned above, generation of the voice message employs a well-known technique such as the speech synthesis method disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-149600. When the voice output ends (“YES” at step S 1013 ), the user is prompted to confirm that the apparatus has been configured correctly (step S 1014 ). If the settings are confirmed to be correct (“YES” at step S 1015 ), then the apparatus is configured in accordance with these settings (step S 1016 ).  
         [0043]     If a setting is erroneous or a settings item is deficient, the user is prompted to revise or add to (correct) the setting (step S 1017 ). After the revision and/or addition (“YES” at step S 1018 ), control returns to S 1009 . It should be noted that confirmation relating to the voice message may be performed by displaying characters or symbols on the panel ( 205  in  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0044]     As should be evident from the description rendered above, this embodiment is such that by providing a prescribed format with an area in which the user enters whether a document is a settings form, the apparatus is capable of distinguishing between a settings form and a document for copying. This means that the apparatus can be configured in simple fashion by having the user place a sheet of paper on which the settings have been filled in on the apparatus platen together with the documents that are for copying.  
         [0045]     Further, filling in the settings on the settings form makes it unnecessary for the user to perform troublesome settings on the spot (e.g., while standing in front of the copier) and enables the settings to be filled in beforehand. Another individual can be made to make the entries on the settings form, and it is also possible to copy the settings form itself. This enhances convenience when difficult settings need to be made. A settings form can be included among other documents, as indicated at  801  in  FIG. 8 . Here the currently prevailing settings are used with regard to documents  802  preceding the settings form  801 , and the content that has been filled in on the settings form  801  becomes valid with regard to documents  803  following the settings form  801 .  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0046]     An image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a single settings form is included in documents set in the apparatus at one time. However, it is also possible to include a plurality of settings forms ( 901 ,  902 ), as shown in  FIG. 9 . A flowchart for executing this operation is illustrated in  FIG. 11  taking a copier as an example.  
         [0047]     If a start button is pressed to start processing (step S 1101 ) and it is determined that a document has been placed on the platen (“YES” at step S 1102 ), the document image is read in by the scanner  103  (step S 1103 ) and the read image is transmitted to the OCR  110  (step S 1105 ).  
         [0048]     If no document has been placed on the platen (“NO” at step S 1102 ), then processing is exited (step S 1104 ). If a result of recognition is received from the OCR 110 (“YES” at step S 1106 ), it is determined from this result whether the document is one for configuring the apparatus (step S 1107 ). The determination as to whether the document is for configuring the apparatus is made by determining whether the document has a prescribed format, which can be discriminated from the characters, symbols and positions and sizes of borders in the results recognized by the OCR 110.  
         [0049]     The prescribed format is required to be stored beforehand and may be registered by user. If the document has the prescribed format, box  302  in  FIG. 3  is investigated to determine whether it has been checked. If box  302  in  FIG. 3  has been checked, then the document is recognized as being for the purpose of configuring the apparatus.  
         [0050]     If the document is not a document for configuring the apparatus (“NO” at step S 1107 ), the image read from the document is transmitted to the printer (step S 1108 ). If the document is a document for configuring the apparatus, on the other hand, then control proceeds to step S 1109 . If the document has reference settings, (“YES” at step S 1109 ), this settings information is read in (step S 1110 ). If the document does not have reference settings, (“NO” at step S 1109 ), then default settings information is read in (step S 1111 ). With regard to the default settings information, it is possible for the user to set the values in advance.  
         [0051]     Next, the settings that have been read from the document image for settings and the reference settings information or default setting information are combined (step S 1112 ) and the results are stored in a data table ( FIG. 7 ) (step S 1113 ).  
         [0052]     As for the method of combining the above information, a conceivable method is to set an area that was blank in the settings document to a value in the reference settings information. However, the invention is not limited to this method. Next, at step S 1114 , the information that has been set is transmitted to the voice message generator  105 .  
         [0053]     As mentioned above, generation of the voice message employs a well-known technique such as the speech synthesis method disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-149600. When the voice output ends (“YES” at step S 1115 ), the user is prompted to confirm that the apparatus has been configured correctly (step S 1116 ). If the settings are confirmed to be correct (“YES” at step S 1117 ), then the apparatus is configured in accordance with these settings (step S 1118 ).  
         [0054]     If a setting is erroneous, the user is prompted to revise the setting (step S 1119 ). After the revision (“YES” at step S 1120 ), control returns to S 1113 . It should be noted that confirmation relating to the voice message may be performed by displaying characters or symbols on the panel ( 205  in  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0055]     In a case where a plurality of settings forms are included among the documents, as shown in  FIG. 9 , settings that have been filled in on the settings form  901  become the settings of documents  903  that follow the settings form  901 , and settings that have been filled in on the settings form  902  become the settings of documents  904  that follow the settings form  902 . For example, if “SINGLE SIDED&gt;SINGLE-SIDED COPY” is set by the settings form  901  and “SINGLE SIDED&gt;DOUBLE-SIDED COPY” is set by the settings form  902 , “SINGLE SIDED&gt;SINGLE-SIDED COPY” will be applied to the documents  903  and “SINGLE SIDED&gt;DOUBLE-SIDED COPY” will be applied to the documents  904 .  
         [0056]     By adopting means such as calling out the settings by voice or displaying the settings on the panel ( 205  in  FIG. 2 ) also when settings change partway through a number of documents, as described above, a user-friendly interface can be achieved.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0057]     The first and second embodiments have been illustrated taking a copier as an example. However, it is possible to perform operation in a similar manner also with regard to the configuring of an apparatus when a document is transmitted by facsimile or e-mail. In such case the destination of the facsimile transmission or the address of the e-mail transmission would be set not by pressing a button provided on the apparatus but by filling in the destination or address on a settings form in advance, thereby making it possible to configure the apparatus simply.  
       Fourth Embodiment  
       [0058]     Settings information that has been set in the apparatus in the first and second embodiments can also be read out of the data table ( FIG. 7 ) and printed by the printer  102 .  
         [0059]     By way of example, a settings-result sheet  1201  is printed, as shown in  FIG. 12 , following the copied documents. At this time the information on the sheet may be printed together with the time at which the copying operation was performed. Further, a specific settings form may be output in such a manner that these settings can be re-utilized. If this expedient is adopted, it is possible to ascertain when a document was copied and in accordance with what settings.  
         [0060]     Further, in a case where copying has been requested by another person, the person who requested copying can ascertain and check the settings. The settings can not only be printed but can also be transmitted by e-mail or facsimile or reported to a computer over a network.  
       Fifth Embodiment  
       [0061]     With regard to means for revising and/or adding to settings in the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to use voice recognition techniques in addition to means that relies upon a GUI screen displayed on the panel ( 205  in  FIG. 2 ) or operation of a button.  
         [0062]     For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the apparatus is provided with a voice input unit  1301  such as a microphone, a well-known A/D converter  1302  for converting an analog signal of the entered voice to a digital signal; a voice recognition unit  1303  for recognizing the entered voice; and a voice processing unit  1304  for analyzing voice.  
         [0063]     With regard to the voice recognition unit  1303  and voice processing unit  1304 , well-known means such as a voice processing apparatus disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-219591 is used. Since this makes it possible to make revisions by voiced dialog, even a user who is visually impaired can correct settings easily.  
       Sixth Embodiment  
       [0064]     In the first and second embodiments, a settings form is filled out with the apparatus settings. However, it is also possible to fill in additional information.  
         [0065]     For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , optional text such as a name, destination or date and optional images are entered on a settings form  1401  as additional information  1402 , and the characters, symbols or images are printed out together when copying is performed by the copier. The additional information may be read by the scanner  103  and stored in the same manner as the settings information.  
         [0066]     When a document ( 1501  in  FIG. 15 ) is output by the printer  102 , the above information is read in, combined and printed ( 1502  in  FIG. 15 ). With regard to such combining and printing of information, use may be made of a well-known technique such as a method disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-102844, in which desired merge information is output while being merged with an area that is specified.  
       Seventh Embodiment  
       [0067]     In the first and second embodiments, the determination as to whether a document is one for configuring the apparatus is made by discriminating whether the document has a prescribed format, which is judged based upon the characters, symbols and positions and sizes of borders recognized by the OCR  110 . However, the determination may be achieved by using an electronic watermark or two-dimensional bar code.  
         [0068]     In a case where an electronic watermark is used, the user fills in settings on a sheet in which information to the effect that the purpose of the sheet is configuring of the apparatus is embedded as watermark data. In the case of a copier, paper in which watermark data has been embedded is stacked on a certain tray beforehand and, if a settings form per se is to be copied, printing is performed using this sheet of paper. Operation is similar in a case where a two-dimensional bar code is employed.  
       Other Embodiments  
       [0069]     The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface, reader, printer, etc.) or to an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., a copier or facsimile machine, etc.).  
         [0070]     Furthermore, it goes without saying that the object of the invention is attained also by supplying a storage medium storing the program codes of the software for performing the functions of the foregoing embodiments to a system or an apparatus, reading the program codes with a computer (e.g., a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus from the storage medium, and then executing the program codes.  
         [0071]     In this case, the program codes read from the storage medium implement the novel functions of the embodiments and the storage medium storing the program codes constitutes the invention.  
         [0072]     Examples of storage media that can be used for supplying the program code are a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile type memory card or ROM, etc.  
         [0073]     Furthermore, besides the case where the aforesaid functions according to the embodiments are implemented by executing the program codes read by a computer, it goes without saying that the present invention covers a case where an operating system or the like running on the computer performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the functions according to the embodiments.  
         [0074]     It goes without saying that the present invention further covers a case where, after the program codes read from the storage medium are written in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or in a memory provided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like contained in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs a part of or the entire process in accordance with the designation of program codes and implements the functions of the above embodiments.  
         [0075]     Thus, in accordance with the present invention, it is easier to configure an image processing apparatus.  
         [0076]     The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention, the following claims are made.