JP2002112009A - Image processing device and system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device which is capable of enabling another device that is capable of carrying out image direction discrimination processing faster than the former device itself to execute the processing when an image data receiving device is capable of carrying out image direction discrimination processing. SOLUTION: An image data sending end (image processing device itself) receives performance information from an image data receiving end (a device on the other end of the line) (S12). It is judged on the basis of performance information which is capable of carrying out image direction discrimination processing faster, the image data sending end or image data receiving end ('Y' at S13, S14). When it is judged that the image processing device itself is capable of carrying out the processing faster, a direction discrimination flag is set at '1' (S15). When it is judged that the receiving end device is capable of carrying out the processing faster, a direction discrimination flag is kept at '0' and it moves to an S22. When the flag is set at '1', the image processing device itself carries out image direction discrimination processing, adds it to image data and outputs the discrimination result to the receiving end. When the flag is set at '0', the image processing device indicates to the receiving end to carry out the image direction discrimination processing and outputs the image data to the receiving end.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system which are communicably connected to a terminal device having an image direction discriminating means for discriminating the direction of an image from image data, and which have the image direction discriminating means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Image formation in which the direction of the top of an image is determined from image data read by an image reader, and the image data is rotated so that the direction of the top of the image is oriented in a certain direction, and then image formation is performed. The device has appeared. When this image forming apparatus is connected to a personal computer (PC) and the read image data is transmitted to the PC, the image forming apparatus is displayed with the top of the image facing upward on the monitor screen of the PC. The image data is rotated in the direction and then transmitted to the PC. Thereby, the user of the PC can conveniently view the image with the heavenly direction facing upward on the monitor screen without performing processing such as rotation of the image data.

[0003]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, even if the PC which is the image data receiving side has the image direction determining function and the rotation function, the image direction determining process must be performed by the transmitting side. This is performed by an image forming apparatus. Therefore, for example, a PC is superior in processing capability of image direction discrimination, and even if the processing time is shortened by performing the processing on the PC, the transmitting side having a lower processing capability can perform the processing. Is performed, and the processing time becomes long.

Such a problem generally occurs not only in the image forming apparatus but also in an image processing apparatus generally having an image direction determining function and outputting received image data to a terminal device such as a connected PC. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and in a case where image direction determination processing can also be performed by an image data receiving side, an apparatus that can reduce processing time executes the processing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that can perform the processing.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus communicably connected to a terminal device having image direction determining means for determining an image direction from image data. Image direction determining means for determining the direction of an image from the received image data, first obtaining means for obtaining the processing capability of the image direction determining means in the terminal device, and image direction determining means in the obtained terminal device. First determining means for comparing the processing capability with the processing capability of its own image direction determining means, and determining whether to perform the image direction determining processing by itself or the terminal device according to the comparison result; If it is determined that the discrimination process is to be performed by itself, the control unit controls its own image direction discriminating unit to discriminate the direction of the image from the received image data. Output to the terminal device, and when it is determined to be performed on the terminal device side, output the received image data to the terminal device and issue an instruction to execute the image direction determination process on the terminal device side. Output control means.

Further, the first output control means further comprises direction information adding means for adding the determined result to the image data when it is determined that the image direction determination processing is to be performed by itself. Features. The processing capability of the image direction discriminating means refers to the processing speed of the image direction discriminating processing, and the first determining means compares the processing speed of the image direction discriminating processing of both apparatuses, and the processing speed is high. The other device is determined as the device that executes the image direction determination process.

The image processing device and the terminal device each include a rotation unit for rotating image data based on the result of the image direction determination. The image processing device further includes a rotation unit of the terminal device. The second acquiring means for acquiring the processing capacity, the acquired processing capacity of the rotating means of the terminal device, and the processing capacity of its own rotating means are compared, and the rotation processing is performed between itself and the terminal device according to the comparison result. And a second determining means for determining which one to perform, and when it is determined that the image direction determining processing and the rotation processing are to be performed by itself, controlling the own image direction determining means to perform A method of determining the direction of the image from the data, controlling its own rotation unit, rotating the input image data based on the determined direction of the image, and then outputting the rotated image data to the terminal device. 2 out And a controlling unit.

[0008] The processing capacity of the rotating means refers to the processing speed of the rotation processing. The second determining means compares the processing speeds of the rotating means of both apparatuses, and determines the processing speed of the apparatus having the higher processing speed. Is determined as a device that executes a rotation process. Further, the terminal device is a device that forms an image on a sheet based on received image data, and the image processing device further includes a top alignment mode for rotating the image data so that the image is oriented in a predetermined direction. Determining means for determining whether or not to execute, third obtaining means for obtaining information on the size of paper that can be fed in the terminal device and the transport direction of the paper, and determining not to execute the top alignment mode In addition, if it is determined that the rotation processing is to be performed by itself, the rotation processing is performed based on the size and direction of the received image data and the information on the paper size and paper conveyance direction acquired by the third acquisition unit. Determining the rotation angle of the image data, controlling the rotation means, rotating the image data at the determined rotation angle, and outputting the image data. Characterized in that it comprises a stage.

Further, the present invention is an image processing system in which an image data transmitting device and an image data receiving device are communicably connected, wherein the image data receiving device is sent from the image data transmitting device. A first image direction discriminating unit for discriminating the direction of the image from the image data; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the processing capability of the image direction discriminating unit to the image data transmitting device. Second image direction determining means for determining the direction of the image from the image data, and receiving means for receiving the processing capability of the image direction determining means from the image data receiving device;
Processing capability of the image direction determining means of the image data receiving device;
A determination unit that compares the processing capability of its own image direction determination unit with the image data receiving device to determine whether to perform the image direction determination process based on the comparison result; If it is determined to perform, the second image direction determining means is controlled to determine the direction of the image from the input image data, and the determination result and the image data are output to the image data receiving device. Output control means for outputting the input image data to the image data receiving device when the image data receiving device is determined to perform the image data receiving device and instructing the image data receiving device to execute the image direction determining process on the image data receiving device. It is characterized by the following.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A case where an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "copying machine") will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a copying machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine includes an automatic document feeder 10, an image reader 30, a printer 50, and a paper feeder 70.

The automatic document feeder 10 transports a document set on a document feed tray 11 to a document reading position on a platen glass 31 of an image reader 30 by a transport belt 12, and the document is transferred to the image reader 30. When the document is scanned by the scanner 32, the document is again sent rightward in FIG.

The image reader section 30 optically reads an image of a document conveyed to a document reading position on the platen glass 31, and includes a scanner 32 and a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as "CCD sensor") 38. Etc. The scanner 32 has an exposure lamp 33 and a mirror 34 for changing the optical path of light reflected from the original by irradiation of the exposure lamp 33 in a direction parallel to the platen glass 31.
And scans the original on the platen glass 31 by moving in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The reflected light from the original is reflected by a mirror 34 and then further reflected by mirrors 35 and 3.
The light is guided to the CCD sensor 38 via the condenser lens 6 and the condenser lens 37, where it is converted into an electric signal to generate image data.

The image data is A / D-converted into a digital signal by the control unit 100, and further subjected to a known correction process such as shading correction, and then driven to drive the laser diode 51 of the printer unit 50. Signal. Here, the image reader unit 30 is configured to read a document at a resolution of 600 dpi.

The printer section 50 forms an image on a sheet by a known electrophotographic system, and upon receiving the drive signal, drives the laser diode 51 to emit a laser beam. The laser light is reflected by the mirror surface on the side of the polygon mirror 52 rotating at a predetermined angular velocity, and is passed through the fθ lens 53 and the mirrors 54 and 55 to the photosensitive drum 5.
6 is exposed and scanned.

Before the photosensitive drum 56 receives the above-mentioned exposure, the cleaning unit 57 removes residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and after being irradiated with an eraser lamp (not shown) to be de-charged, the charged drum is charged. The photosensitive drum 56 is charged uniformly, and when the above-described exposure is performed in such a state of being uniformly charged, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 56.

The developing device 59 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 56. On the other hand, the paper supply unit 70 is provided with two paper cassettes 71 and 72,
The paper is fed from one of the paper cassettes 71 and 72 by driving the paper feed roller 711 or 721 in synchronization with the exposure and development operations on the photosensitive drum 56 described above. The fed sheet comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 56 below the photosensitive drum 56, and at this time, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 56 is moved by the electrostatic force of the transfer charger 60. It is transferred to the paper surface.

Thereafter, the sheet is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 56 by the electrostatic force of the separation charger 61, and is conveyed to the fixing unit 63 by the conveying belt 62. The toner image transferred to the paper is fixed by being pressed while being heated by a fixing roller 64 having a heater inside in a fixing unit 63. After fixing, the paper is fed to a discharge roller 65.
Is discharged onto the discharge tray 66.

At the end of the image reader unit 30, an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as "I / O") for communicating with an external device is provided.
Part F ". ) 39 are provided. This copier 1
Is connected to the LAN 4 via the I / F unit 39 as shown in FIG.
Connected to. The LAN 4 includes external devices such as a scanner 2, a printer 3, and a personal computer (PC) 5.
The copier 1 can receive the image data read by the scanner 2 via the LAN 4 and cause the printer unit 50 to print out the image data.
Further, the image data of the document read by the image reader unit 30 is output to the printer 3 via the LAN 4 for printing and output, and can also be output to the PC 5. In the PC 5, the received image data can be displayed and viewed on a display screen.

Returning to FIG. 1, an operation panel 90 is provided at a position where the image reader section 30 can be easily operated.
The operation panel 90 is provided with a copy start key for starting copying, a copy number key for setting the number of copies, and the like. In addition, when transmitting image data to an external device and receiving image data from the external device, it is possible to select and input a partner device. When the other party is selected, communication with the other party's device is performed via the LAN 4, and processing such as reception of capability information and output of image data, which will be described later, is performed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit 100 includes an image signal processing unit 110, an input unit 115, a high resolution image memory 120, a rotation processing unit 130, an LD driving unit 140, an output unit 150, a resolution conversion unit 160, a low resolution recognition Memory 1
70, a CPU 180, a ROM 190, and a RAM 191.

When receiving the image data of the document photoelectrically converted by the CCD sensor 38 of the image reader unit 30, the image signal processing unit 110 A / D converts the received image data, and
Known processing for improving image quality such as shading correction for correcting sensitivity unevenness of the D sensor 38 and MTF correction for performing edge enhancement, and binarization processing are performed, and stored in the high-resolution image memory 120 in page units. The resolution is sent to the resolution conversion unit 160.

The input unit 115 receives various control signals such as a capability signal described below sent from a device such as the printer 3 (hereinafter, referred to as an “external device”) connected to the LAN 4 via the I / F unit 39. CPU 180
Send to When image data is received from an external device,
This is transferred to the high-resolution image memory 120 and the resolution conversion unit 1
60. Also, tag information (described later) added to the image data is sent to CPU 180.

The rotation processing unit 130 sequentially reads out image data of a target page from the high-resolution image memory 120 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 180, and performs a rotation process as necessary based on rotation angle information from the CPU 180.
When an image is formed by the printer unit 50, the image data is converted to L by an instruction from the CPU 180.
The data is transferred to the D drive unit 140. In addition, image data can be
When the image data is transmitted to an external device via the external device 4, the image data is transmitted to the output unit 150.

The rotation processing of the image data is performed by a known technique for changing the memory address of the image data (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-126767). The LD drive section 140 generates a drive signal for the laser diode (LD) 51 based on the transmitted image data, and drives the LD 51. The output unit 150 performs a process of outputting the image data sent from the rotation processing unit 130 to an external device to which the CPU 180 instructs via the I / F unit 39.

Further, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 180, processing for adding tag information to image data sent from the rotation processing unit 130 is also performed. On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit 160
Is a high resolution sent from the image signal processing unit 110 upon receiving an instruction from the CPU 180, here 600d
pi image data is converted into low-resolution image data, in this case, 25 dpi image data.
To send to. Similarly, image data sent from the external device via the input unit 115 is converted to 25 dpi image data. This resolution conversion processing is a known technique, and for example, a matrix of 16 pixels × 16 pixels that are respectively continuous in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is extracted as one block from 600 dpi image data, and this one block is extracted. Of the 256 pixels, the one with the highest value of the gradation data is acquired and set as the gradation data value of one pixel of 25 dpi, and this is performed for all the image data, and 25 dpi is obtained.
i to obtain image data.

The low-resolution recognition memory 170 stores the low-resolution image data whose resolution has been converted for each page.
The stored image data is used for an image direction determination process executed in an image transmission process and an image reception process described later. The ROM 190 is a program relating to a document conveying operation in the automatic document conveying apparatus 10, a scanning operation in the image reader unit 30, an image forming operation in the printer unit 50, a program for performing image direction discrimination processing and rotation processing of image data, and data of capability information. Are stored. In addition to this, the image data is
A program related to image transmission processing for transmitting image data to another device via N4 and image reception processing for receiving image data via LAN4 is stored.

The CPU 180 reads a necessary program from the ROM 190, performs an image transmission process and an image reception process, and unifies the operations of the automatic document feeder 10, the image reader unit 30, the printer unit 50, etc. while taking timing. To perform a smooth copying operation. The image data stored in the low-resolution recognition memory 170 is read out for each page, and an image direction determination process for determining the direction of the image of the document is performed. The rotation angle of the image is determined based on the result of the determined image direction, and rotation angle information in which the number of pages of the document to be read and the rotation angle with respect to the document are transmitted to the rotation processing unit 130. When sending image data to an external device, tag information is sent to the output unit 150 and added to the image data.

When transmitting image data to an external device, for example, the printer 3 via the LAN 4, information (capability information) on the image processing capability of the printer 3 is acquired from the printer 3 before the transmission. More specifically, as shown in the figure, information indicating whether or not image direction determination processing (so-called top and bottom recognition processing) for determining the direction of an image on a document can be performed, and whether image rotation processing for rotating image data can be performed. Information indicating whether or not the image has been processed, information indicating the processing speed of the image direction determination process (direction determination speed information), information indicating the processing speed of the rotation process (rotation processing speed information), and a sheet size indicating information about a printable sheet. Information, including sky alignment information indicating whether or not to perform sky alignment described below. Note that the processing speed of the image direction determination processing refers to the operating speed of an IC element such as a CPU that is in charge of executing the processing. This is the same for the rotation processing speed.

In the present embodiment, this capability information is stored in advance in the storage means for each device, and each device connected to the LAN 4 stores the capability information when there is a transmission request for the capability information from the device to communicate with. It is configured to read its own capability information from the means and transmit it. Such a configuration can be realized by, for example, installing software as a printer driver or a scanner driver corresponding to each device.

It should be noted that the capability information is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and it is sufficient that the capability information includes information relating to the executable processing of the apparatus. In addition, there is information that is not included in some apparatuses, for example, paper size information in the case of the PC 5. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image direction discriminating function is provided in each of the external devices, and the processing is performed by the same method as that described later in each device. Similarly, an image rotation function is also provided in each external device, and the processing is performed by the above-described method in each device.

The CPU 180 receives this capability information from the I / F unit 39 via the input unit 115, and from this, can know what capability the printer 3 of the partner device has. . FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the image transmission process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a plurality of originals are read by the image reader 30 of the own device, the read image data is transmitted page by page to the printer 3 installed at a remote place, and the image is supposed to be printed out by the printer 3. The contents of the transmission process will be described. This image transmission process is a process performed for each communication, that is, when the process of transmitting image data of a document of one document bundle to the printer 3 is defined as one job.

First, in step S 1, the CPU 180 performs the image direction discrimination processing and the image rotation processing based on the capability information acquired from the printer 3, that is, the apparatus to which the image is transmitted by the printer 180. Performs a capability identification process to determine whether the time required for the process can be reduced (whether the process efficiency is high). Details of this processing will be described later.

Next, a process for inputting the read image data to the image signal processing unit 110 is performed (step S).
2) The high resolution image memory 120 is stored for each page (step S3). At that time, in step S1,
If it is determined that it is better to perform the image direction discrimination processing by itself, the resolution conversion unit 160 is instructed to perform the resolution conversion, and the image data is stored in the low-resolution recognition memory 170 for each page.

Then, the process proceeds to the image direction discriminating process in step S4. In the image direction discrimination process, in step S1, if it is determined that performing the process by itself can shorten the processing time, the process is performed by itself, and it is determined that the process should be performed by an external device. Then, the process proceeds to the rotation angle determination process of step S5 without performing the process. The rotation angle determination processing determines the rotation angle of the image data based on the direction of the image determined by the image direction determination processing. Also,
When the top alignment is not performed, the rotation angle of the image data is determined in accordance with the size of the paper that can be fed by the printer 3 and its direction.

In the image rotation process in step S6, the rotation processing unit 130 reads the image data of the document to be read from the high-resolution image memory 120, and rotates the document at the rotation angle determined in the rotation angle determination process. In the image output process in step S7, the tag information indicating that fact is added to each of the case where only the image direction discrimination is performed, the case where the image data is rotated, and the case where the image direction discrimination is not performed. The F unit 29 outputs the data to the printer 3 via the LAN 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the capability identification process. As shown in FIG.
The PU 180 calls the printer 3 to communicate with the destination to which the image data is transmitted, here, the printer 3 (step S11), requests the printer 3 to transmit the capability information, and receives it (step S11). S12). The communication with the printer 3 is started when the printer 3 is selected and input as a communication partner on the operation panel 90.

The CPU 180 determines whether or not the printer 3 has an image direction determining function based on the received capability information (step S13). Here, when it is determined that the printer 3 has the image direction determination function (“Y” in step S13), it is determined whether or not the processing speed at the time of executing the image direction determination processing is higher for itself. (Step S
14). This determination is made by determining the processing speed of the printer 3 as the processing capability from the determination processing speed information of the capability information, and comparing this with the processing speed of the printer 3 itself. Since the processing time can be shortened by performing the processing with the apparatus having the higher processing speed, if it is determined that the processing speed is higher (“Y” in step S14), the processing is performed. Is performed by itself, the direction determination flag is set to "1" (step S15), and the process proceeds to step S16.

This direction discrimination flag is determined in step S4.
Is a flag that is referred to in the image direction discrimination processing of (1) to determine whether or not to perform the processing by itself. In addition,
This flag is reset to “0” when the transmission process (one job) of image data to one destination is completed. This is the same for a ceiling alignment flag, a rotation flag, and a direction information addition flag described later.

In step S14, the processing speed of the own device is slower, that is, the printer 3
Is determined to be earlier ("N" in step S14), the processing time can be shortened by causing the printer 3 to perform the image direction discrimination processing, so the direction discrimination flag is set to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S22. Also,
If "N" in step S13, that is, if it is determined that the printer 3 does not have the image direction determining function,
The direction discrimination flag is set to "1" in step S15 to perform the operation by itself.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not to perform the top alignment. Top alignment is a process of rotating a plurality of images such that the directions of the tops are aligned in a predetermined same direction. For example, if it is determined that the image direction discrimination processing and the image rotation processing are to be performed by itself, and if the top is also aligned, the image data of the document of each page in which the top directions are all in the same direction is directed to the printer 3. Output. If the printer 3 prints the received image data as it is, that is, without performing image rotation processing for each page, all the images on the respective sheets of the output sheet bundle face the same direction. Will be. This eliminates the need for the user to change the direction of the paper in order to align the image directions, thereby improving usability.

The determination to perform the top alignment is made based on the top alignment information included in the capability information from the partner. For example, in a case where the destination (destination) is a device such as the PC 5 that filings image data and displaying the image on a display, it is more convenient for the user that the tops of the images are aligned, for example, upward. . Therefore, the PC 5 of the present embodiment is configured such that when receiving image data from an external device (here, the copying machine 1), the user can select whether or not to operate the sky alignment function. When the top alignment is selected, the top alignment information indicating the content is included in the capability information and transmitted to the copying machine 1, and the CPU 180 of the copying machine 1 determines from the top alignment information that the top alignment is necessary. to decide. If the user does not select the sky alignment, the sky alignment information indicating that the sky alignment is not necessary is transmitted. In this case, the CPU 180 determines that the sky alignment is not necessary. Will be.

The operation panel 90 of the copying machine 1 may be configured to accept a selection input as to whether or not to perform the alignment, and the alignment may be performed when the user selects the alignment. . In this case, for example, even if the user has received the sky alignment information indicating that the sky alignment is not to be performed from the other party, the sky alignment can be performed if the user selects execution of the sky alignment.

If the CPU 180 determines that the head is aligned ("Y" in step S16), it sets the head alignment flag to "1" (step S17), and proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tops are not aligned (step S
(N at 16), and the process proceeds to step S18 with the sky alignment flag remaining at "0". In step S18, it is determined whether or not the printer 3 has an image rotation function based on the received capability information. When it is determined that the image rotation function is provided (“Y” in step S18), it is determined whether or not the processing speed at the time of executing the image rotation processing is higher for itself (step S19). This determination is made by determining the processing speed of the printer 3 from the rotation processing speed information of the capability information and comparing this with the own processing speed, as in the image direction determination processing. Since the processing time can be reduced by performing the processing with the apparatus having the higher processing speed, if it is determined that the processing speed is higher (“Y” in step S19), the rotation flag is set. It is set to "1" (step S20), and the process moves to step S22. on the other hand,
If it is determined that the process performed by the printer 3 can be shortened (“N” in step S19), the direction information addition flag is set to “1” (step S21), and the process proceeds to step S22.

This rotation flag is a flag which is referred to in the image rotation processing in step S6 to determine whether or not to perform the processing by itself. Further, in step S112 of the image output process (FIG. 12) described later, the direction information addition flag sets either the direction information indicating the direction determination result of the image or the rotation information indicating that the rotation process has been completed as tag information as image data. Is a flag for determining whether or not to add to.

In step S22, the paper size that can be supplied by the printer 3 is checked. This is performed based on the paper size information of the capability information. The paper size information includes, in addition to size information such as A4 and B4 sizes that can be fed by the printer 3, a paper transport direction, for example, a horizontal direction (a state in which the short side of the paper is parallel to the transport direction). ) Or information in the vertical direction (a direction in which the long side of the sheet is parallel to the transport direction). Based on this information, the CPU 180 can know which size paper is set in which direction in the paper feed cassette of the printer 3.

After completing the paper size check, the process returns to the main routine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the image direction determination processing. As shown in the drawing, the CPU 180 first determines whether or not the direction determination flag is “1” (step S51). If it is determined that the direction determination flag is "1"("Y" in step S51), the direction of the image is determined by a known method. Since various processes for discriminating the image direction have been disclosed, detailed description will be omitted, but in the present embodiment, the direction of the image is discriminated using the following method.

First, a process of extracting a character area from the image data of the original is performed (step S52). The extraction of the character area is performed based on a figure or a ruled line of a table when the original image contains the figure or ruled line of the table. This is because, if the orientation of the image is determined, the orientation of the document is easily misidentified.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 32247, one page of a document is divided into a plurality of areas, and the density value of each area is calculated from the image data stored in the low-resolution recognition memory 170 in the main scanning direction. And a histogram integrated in the sub-scanning direction. Then, based on the generated histogram, a degree of reliability when the image data of the area is used for recognizing the top and bottom is obtained, and an area having the highest reliability is extracted as a character area.

Then, the character direction is determined, and the direction of the image is determined (top and bottom recognition) (steps S53 and S54). For this processing, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-9040 can be used. That is, the direction of the character string is determined from the distribution of the histograms in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction generated for the region extracted as the character region, and the histogram corresponding to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the character string is determined. The head of the character string is determined from the number and direction of the points, and the image direction is determined by recognizing the top and bottom of the image. Here, when the top of the image is determined in one direction, for example, upward, four directions of 90 ° (rightward), 180 ° (downward), and 270 ° (leftward) are recognized clockwise.

The CPU 180 sequentially performs this process for each page, and stores the number of pages of the document in the RAM 191 in association with the direction determined as the image direction. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the rotation angle determination process. As shown in FIG.
180 determines whether or not the direction determination flag is “1”, and when it is determined to be “1” (“Y” in step S71), refers to the result of determining the direction of the image (step S7).
2) A rotation angle of the image data is determined based on the determination result (step S73).

That is, the CPU 180 stores in the RAM 191
By referring to, the direction of the document image determined by the image direction determination processing can be acquired for each page, and the rotation angle of the page with respect to the image data is determined from the acquired direction. For example, if the top direction of the original image of the first page is recognized to be rightward (90 °), when the image data is rotated in the image rotation processing, the top direction of the image will be upward. So that the rotation angle is 90 ° (the rotation direction of the image is
Counterclockwise. ) Is set. Similarly, when the top direction of the image is recognized to be leftward (270 °), 270 ° is set as the rotation angle. If the top direction of the image is recognized as downward (180 °), 180 ° is set as the rotation angle. If it is originally recognized that the top of the image is upward, 0 ° is set and no rotation is performed.

The CPU 180 sequentially performs this process for the document of each page, and stores the determined rotation angle value in the RAM 191 in association with the number of pages of the document. Next, it is determined whether or not the ceiling alignment flag is “1” (step S74). Here, when it is determined that the top alignment flag is “1” (“Y” in step S74), if the image data of each document is rotated at the determined rotation angle, the top direction of the image is the same. The direction, here upward, returns as it is.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the sky alignment flag is not "1", that is, it is "0" (step S74).
, “N”), and then proceed to step S75. In the step S75, it is determined whether or not the rotation flag is “1”. When the rotation flag is “1”, in the image rotation processing,
Although the image data is rotated by itself, it is not necessary to operate the ceiling alignment function here because the ceiling alignment flag is “0”. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the top alignment is not performed, the rotation angle of the image data is determined according to the sheet setting direction (transport direction) of the printer 3 that is the transmission destination. In this way, for example, when the printer 3 does not have a rotation function, the printer 3 cannot print out unless the received image data is rotated to match the setting direction of the paper set therein. This is convenient for the user. Hereinafter, when the rotation angle is determined according to the direction of the sheet, the value of the rotation angle determined in step S73 and stored in the RAM 191 is rewritten.

If it is determined in step S75 that the rotation flag is "1", it is determined whether a sheet of the same size as the document is set in the printer 3 (step S77). This determination is made by referring to the paper size information. If it is determined that sheets of the same size are set ("Y" in step S77), it is determined whether the direction of the document being read is the vertical direction or the horizontal direction (step S7).
8). The determination of the direction of the document is made based on whether the document is read in a state where the long side of the document is parallel to the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 8 shows the case where the image of the original is rotated with respect to the direction of the paper set on the printer 3 when the original is read in the horizontal direction and when the original is read in the vertical direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows a situation. As shown in the figure, the “original image” column indicates a read document image. For example, when an image 201 is read in a horizontal direction, the image of the document Similarly, the image 202 shows a case where the top of the image of the document is right, the image 203 shows a bottom, and the image 204 shows a left.

The "direction determination result" column indicates the result determined in the image direction determination processing in step S5 for the document. The "Rotation angle" column is set in step S73.
Indicates a rotation angle set as an angle for turning the top of the image upward with respect to the original. The “image after rotation” column shows a state where the document image in the “original image” column is rotated as necessary in accordance with the paper set in the printer 3 in the vertical or horizontal direction. As described above, in this embodiment, the state in which the short side of the document is oriented in the left-right direction is referred to as “horizontal direction”, and the state in which the short side is oriented in the up-down direction is referred to as “vertical direction”.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step S78,
If it is determined that the original is in the vertical direction, it is determined whether there is a sheet set in the vertical direction (step S79). This determination is made by referring to the paper size information. If it is determined that there is a sheet ("Y" in step S79), it is determined whether the rotation angle set for the document is 90 ° or 270 ° (step S80). If the set rotation angle is not 90 ° or 270 °, that is, 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S80), the process returns. In this case, the original image 205 in “when the original is read vertically” in FIG. 8 is in the state of the image 209 (not rotated because the rotation angle is 0 °), or the original image 207 is rotated to When the image data is rotated at a set rotation angle, for example, 180 ° for the document image 207,
The top of the manuscript will be facing the same direction, here upward.

On the other hand, if the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (“Y” in step S80), the process proceeds to step S81 to add 90 ° to the rotation angle set for the document. Then, the value is rewritten in the RAM 191 and the process returns. In this case, the document image 206 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated to become the image 210, or the document image 208 becomes the image 212, and a value obtained by adding 90 ° to the set rotation angle, for example, the document image 2
If it is 06, the set rotation angle is 90 °, and if the image data is rotated by 180 ° by adding 90 ° to the rotation angle, the top of the document is turned to the same direction, here, to the left.

As described above, regardless of whether the top of the image is in the upper, right, lower, or left direction when reading the original, the printer 3 is arranged with the top of the original aligned, for example, upward or leftward. When the image data is transmitted, when the image data is output from the printer 3, at least the images with the image orientations of the downward and right directions are not mixed, and the trouble of realigning the sheets of the sheet bundle one by one can be eliminated. This is particularly effective when stapling a bundle of sheets output from the printer 3.

On the other hand, if it is determined that no paper in the vertical direction is set in the printer 3, that is, if there is paper in the horizontal direction (“N” in step S 79), the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270. It is determined whether or not it is ° (step S82). If the set rotation angle is 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S82), the process proceeds to step S81, where 90 ° is added to the set rotation angle, the value is rewritten in the RAM 191, and the process returns. I do. In this case, the original image 205 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated to become the image 213, or the original image 207 is rotated to become the image 215, and the image data in which the top of the image is turned to the left is transmitted to the printer 3. Will be.

If "Y" is determined in step S82, that is, if it is determined that the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °, the process returns. In this case, the original image 206 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated to become an image 214, or the original image 208 is rotated to become the image 216.
When the image data is rotated at the set rotation angle, the top of the document faces upward.

If it is determined in step S78 that the document is not in the vertical direction, that is, in the horizontal direction ("N" in step S78), it is determined whether or not there is a sheet set in the printer 3 in the horizontal direction. (Step S83) If it is determined that there is (“Y” in Step S83), it is determined whether the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (Step S84). If the rotation angle is 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S84),
Return as it is. In this case, the original image 201 of “when the original is read horizontally” in FIG. 8 becomes the image 217, or the original image 203 is rotated to become the image 219. On the other hand, when the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (“Y” in step S84),
It moves to step S81. In this case, the original image 2 shown in FIG.
02 is rotated to become the image 218, or the original image 204 becomes the image 220.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper in the horizontal direction is not set in the printer 3, that is, it is determined that the paper in the vertical direction is present ("N" in step S83), the process proceeds to step S82.
And the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270
° is determined. Rotation angle is 0 ° or 1
If it is 80 ° (“N” in S82), step S8
Move to 1. In this case, the original image 201 shown in FIG.
Is rotated into the state of the image 223. If the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (step S8
("Y" at 2), and return as it is. In this case, the document image 202 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated to be an image 222, or the document image 204 is rotated to be in the state of an image 224.

If it is determined in step S77 that paper of the same size as the original is not set in the printer 3, the process proceeds to step S85 to determine whether paper of a size larger than the original is set in the printer 3. to decide. If it is determined that a sheet having a size larger than the document is set (“Y” in step S85), it is determined whether the document is in the vertical direction (step S86).
If the paper is in the vertical direction, it is determined whether the paper is in the vertical direction (step S87).

In the case of the vertical direction, the length L of the long side of the document
Is compared with the length M of the short side of the sheet (step S88).
The values of L and M can be obtained from the document and paper size. Here, if L <M (“Y” in step S88), the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270.
° is determined (step S89). If the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (step S89
"Y"), and return as it is. In this case, FIG.
As shown in (a), when the original is read in the vertical direction and the top of the image is directed to the right, for example, the set rotation angle becomes 90 ° (the original image 206 in FIG. 8).
), When the image data is rotated at the same rotation angle and transmitted to the printer 3, the top of the image is printed out with the top facing upward as shown in the output image on the right side of FIG. The part can be effectively used for other purposes. This process is the same when the document is read with the top of the document image facing left.

On the other hand, if the set rotation angle is not 90 ° or 270 °, that is, 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S89), the process proceeds to step S90, where the set rotation angle is set to 90 °. , The value is rewritten in the RAM 191 and the process returns. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9C, the original is read in the vertical direction. For example, when the top of the image is facing upward, the set rotation angle becomes 0 ° (see FIG. 9C). 8 is rotated by 90 °, the top of the image is printed to the left as shown in the output image on the right side of the figure, and printed as shown in the example shown in FIG. The top of the image when it is output can be aligned upward or left. This process is the same when the document image is read with the top of the document image facing down.

On the other hand, if L <M is not satisfied in step S88, that is, if L ≧ M, it is determined whether the set rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (step S91). If the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° (“Y” in step S91), the process proceeds to step S90. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, for example, when the top of the image of the document is directed rightward, the set rotation angle becomes 90 °, so that 90 ° is added and 180 ° is added. When rotated, the top of the image is printed and output to the left like the output image on the right side of the figure, and the margin of the paper can be reduced. This process is the same when the image is read with the top of the image facing left. If "N" is determined in step S91, that is, if it is determined that the rotation angle is 0 ° or 180 °, the process directly returns. In this case, FIG.
As shown in (d), for example, when the top of the image is facing upward, the set rotation angle is 0 °. Is printed upward with an upward facing image as shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S87 that the sheet is not in the vertical direction, that is, in the horizontal direction,
In step S92, it is determined whether L <M. If L <M (“Y” in step S92), the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 ° in step S91.
Is determined, and if it is determined to be 90 ° or 270 ° (“Y” in step S91), the process proceeds to step S9.
Move to 0. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, when the top of the image is directed to the right, the set rotation angle is 90 °, so that 90 ° is added and 180 ° is added. When rotated, the top of the image is printed and output to the left as in the output image on the right side of FIG. If "N" is determined in step S91, that is, if the rotation angle is determined to be 0 ° or 180 °, the process directly returns. In this case, FIG.
As shown in the figure, for example, if the top of the image is facing upward, the set rotation angle is 0 °, so if left as it is, the top of the image will be the output image on the right side of FIG. Will be printed upward.

On the other hand, if L <M is not satisfied in step S92, that is, if L ≧ M, the process proceeds to step S89 to determine whether or not the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °. In the case of ° (“Y” in step S89), the process returns. In this case, an example shown in FIG. If it is not 90 ° or 270 ° (“N” in step S89),
Move to step S90. In this case, an example shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S86 that the document is not in the vertical direction, that is, in the horizontal direction, it is determined whether the sheet is in the horizontal direction (step S93). If it is in the horizontal direction, it is determined in step S94 whether L <M. If L <M (“Y” in step S94), it is determined in step S95 whether the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °. If 90 ° or 270 °, the process returns. If "N" is determined in step S95, that is, if the rotation angle is determined to be 0 ° or 180 °, the process proceeds to step S96, where 90 ° is added to the set rotation angle, and the value is stored in the RAM 191. Rewrite and return. As a result, the top of the document image is turned to the left. As described above, even when the document is in the horizontal direction, the image is rotated so that the top of the document image is directed upward or leftward, as in the case of the vertical direction.

If "N" is determined in step S94, that is, if L ≧ M, it is determined in step S98 whether the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °, and 90 ° or 270 ° is determined. Is determined (“Y” in step S98), the process proceeds to step S96. As a result, the top of the document image is turned to the left. On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotation angle is 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S98), the process returns. As a result, the top of the document image is directed upward.

If "N" is determined in step S93, that is, if it is determined that the paper is in the vertical direction, the process proceeds to step S93.
At 97, it is determined whether L <M. L <M
Is satisfied (“Y” in step S97), step S98
It is determined whether or not the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °, and if it is 90 ° or 270 °, the process moves to step S96. As a result, the top of the document image is turned to the left. Further, it is determined as “N” in step S98, that is, the rotation angle is 0 ° or 180 °.
If it is determined that the angle is °, the routine returns. As a result, the top of the document image is directed upward.

On the other hand, if "N" is determined in step S97, that is, if L ≧ M is satisfied, step S89 is performed.
It is determined whether the rotation angle is 90 ° or 270 °, and if it is 90 ° or 270 ° (“Y” in step S89), the process returns. As a result, the top of the document image is directed upward.
On the other hand, when the rotation angle is determined to be 0 ° or 180 ° (“N” in step S89), the process proceeds to step S90. As a result, the top of the document image is turned to the left.

If it is determined in step S71 that the direction discrimination flag is not "1", that is, it is "0", since the image direction discrimination processing is not performed by itself, the rotation angle is not set. Return to the main routine. If it is determined in step S75 that the rotation flag is not “1”, that is, “0”, the image is not rotated by itself, so that the rotation angle is 0 °.
Is set (step S76), and the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in step S85 that a sheet larger than the original is not set in the printer, that is, only a sheet smaller than the original is set, the printing process cannot be performed in either direction. It returns as it is to rotate it at the set rotation angle. In this case, in consideration of the time required for the rotation process, the rotation angle can be set to 0 ° so as not to rotate.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the image rotation processing. As shown in FIG.
If it is 0, it is determined whether the rotation flag is "1" (step S101). If it is determined that the rotation flag is “1” (“Y” in step S101), information on the rotation angle set in the rotation angle determination processing and stored in the RAM 191 is read. Then, in order to rotate the image data according to the read rotation angle information,
The rotation processing unit 130 transmits rotation angle information in which the number of pages of the document to be read and the rotation angle with respect to the document are transmitted, and after rotating the image data, the image data is output to the output unit 150. Transfer (step S10
2) Return to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the rotation flag is not "1", that is, it is "0"("N" in step S101), the process returns to the main routine.
The rotation angle information indicating 0 ° as the rotation angle is transmitted, and the image data is transferred to the output unit 150 without being rotated. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the image output process.

As shown in the figure, the CPU 180 first determines whether or not the direction discrimination flag is "1" (step S111). When it is determined that the direction determination flag is “1” (“Y” in step S111), it is determined whether the direction information addition flag is “1” (step S111).
112). If it is determined that the direction information addition flag is “1” (“Y” in step S112), the image direction is determined by itself, but image rotation has not been performed. RAM stores the determined image direction
191 and instructs the output unit 150 to add the direction information as tag information to the image data of the document of each page (step S113).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the direction information addition flag is not "1", that is, it is "0"("N" in step S112), it means that the image has been rotated by itself, and the output unit 150 Is instructed to add rotation information indicating that the image has been rotated to the image data of the document of each page as tag information (step S11).
4). In this case, if the top alignment flag is “1”, it means that the rotation process has been performed in a state where the tops of all the originals are facing upward. On the other hand, if the top alignment flag is “0”, it means that the rotation processing has been performed so as to match the direction of the paper set in the printer 3.

If it is determined in step S111 that the direction determination flag is not "1", that is, it is "0", the output unit 150 is informed that the image direction has not been determined (the image has not been rotated). Is instructed to add the tag information indicating to the image data of each page (step S116). Then, the image data to which the tag information is added is transmitted to the printer 3 via the I / F unit 39 and the LAN 4 (step S115), and the process returns to the main routine.

When the printer 3 receives the image data from the copier 1 via the LAN 4, the printer 3 performs processing such as rotation of the image data with reference to the tag information added to the image data, and then performs the processing on the image data. Execute printout based on the data. That is, when the direction information is added as the tag information, only the image direction determination is performed, so the direction of the image is determined from the direction information, and the necessary rotation angle is determined. Print output is performed after rotating the image data by the rotation angle. If the rotation information is added as the tag information, the image is rotated, so that the print is output without the need for the rotation. If information indicating that image direction determination has not been performed is added as tag information, image direction determination and rotation processing are performed by itself, and printed out.

The processing for transmitting image data has been described above. The contents of the image data receiving processing (image receiving processing) when the copying machine 1 is on the receiving side will be described with reference to FIG. Will be explained. First, the CPU 180
Upon receiving a transmission request of the capability information from the transmission side, for example, the scanner 2, it transmits this to the scanner 2 (step S20).
1).

When image data is received from the scanner 2,
The data is stored in the high-resolution image memory 120 for each page via the I / F unit 39 and the input unit 115 (FIG. 3) (steps S202 and S203). The CPU 180 receives the tag information added to the image data from the input unit 115, and refers to the content (step S204).

Then, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to determine the image direction (step S205). This determination is made based on whether information indicating that the image direction has not been determined is added as tag information. That is, if the information is added, it means that the image direction has not been determined, so that it is determined that the image direction needs to be determined (“Y” in step S205), and the image direction is determined (step S205). S206). The determination of the image direction is performed by the same method as the image direction determination processing of the image transmission processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that it is not necessary to determine the image direction (step S205)
, "N"), and determines whether image rotation is necessary (step S207). This determination is made by determining which of the direction information and the rotation information has been added as the tag information. That is, when the direction information is added, the image direction is determined, but the image is not rotated. Therefore, it is determined that image rotation is necessary (“Y” in step S207), and the direction is determined. The rotation angle is determined based on the direction of the image based on the information (step S20)
8). The image is rotated according to the determined rotation angle (step S209), and the printer unit 50 performs print output based on the image data (step S21).
0).

If rotation information has been added in step S207, it is determined that image rotation is not necessary, and
The process proceeds to step S210, and prints out based on the image data. As described above, in the present embodiment, when outputting image data to an external device, the processing speed is compared as the processing capability of the image direction discrimination process and the image rotation process between itself and the external device. The device performs the process. Accordingly, for example, although the processing speed of the image direction discrimination process is faster in the receiving device than in the transmitting device, it is not reasonable and the processing time is longer because the transmitting device independently performs the process. This eliminates the problem of the related art, reduces the time required for the image direction discrimination processing and the like, and has the effect of shortening the print processing time as a whole.

In the present embodiment, in the capability identification process in step S1, the capability information of the other party is received for each communication (each job) (step S12).
The present invention is not limited to this. If it is considered that the capability of the other party does not frequently change, the capability information may be received only, for example, every predetermined number of jobs or when a predetermined time, for example, one day or more has passed since the last communication. You can also In this case, the acquired capability information is stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and when the capability information is not received, the information is read out from the memory and referred to, and when new capability information is received, the information is overwritten. do it.

In the present embodiment, both the transmitting and receiving apparatuses can perform the image direction determination processing and the image rotation processing. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The present invention can be applied to a case where only the direction determination process can be performed and the other device can perform both processes, and a case where both the transmission side and the reception side devices can only perform the image direction determination process. can do.

In the above description, whether the image direction discriminating process is performed by the copier or the external device is determined by comparing the processing speed of the process as the processing capability. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The accuracy (accuracy) of the direction determination may be compared. In the image direction discrimination process, besides the above-described method of generating a histogram, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 229763, character data is cut out, and character data (comparison characters) corresponding to the character data is found from a pattern dictionary stored in a memory in advance, and the comparison characters are separated by 90 °. After the rotation, a method of comparing the extracted data with the extracted data and determining the image direction as the direction of the extracted character at the time of coincidence may be used. In this method, processing is complicated by cutting out characters, but accuracy is increased. From this, it is possible to compare which method is used in both the devices,
The processing can be executed by a device with higher accuracy. If the processing method is different between both devices,
The time related to the process may be acquired as capability information, and the process may be executed by a device that shortens the process time.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a copying machine has been described.
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention has at least an image direction discriminating function, and is applied to general apparatuses that output received image data to an external device communicably connected, for example, an image forming apparatus, a scanner, a PC, a facsimile, and the like. It is possible to

Further, application as an image processing system including an image data transmitting device and an image data receiving device communicably connected is also possible.

[0091]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the processing capability of the image direction determining means of the terminal device is compared with the processing capability of its own image direction determining means, and the comparison result is obtained. , The image direction discriminating process is performed by itself or the terminal device, so that the device with the faster processing speed of the image direction discriminating device can perform the process. Although the processing speed of the image direction discriminating process is faster in the device, the conventional problem that the processing time is longer because the transmitting side independently performs the process does not occur, and the time required for the process can be reduced. It works.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a copying machine provided with an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the copying machine is connected to an external device via a LAN.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of an image transmission process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a capability identification process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of an image direction determination process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a rotation angle determination process.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a document image is rotated with respect to the direction of a sheet set in a printer in each of a case where a document is read in a horizontal direction and a case where a document is read in a vertical direction. is there.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a direction of a document and a direction of a sheet to be output.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between a direction of a document and a direction of a sheet to be output.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of an image rotation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of an image output process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the image receiving process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 30 image reader unit 39 I / F unit 50 printer unit 70 paper feed unit 71, 72 paper cassette 90 operation panel 100 control unit 110 image signal processing unit 115 input unit 120 high-resolution image memory 130 rotation processing unit 140 LD drive unit 150 output Unit 160 Resolution conversion unit 170 Low-resolution recognition memory 180 CPU 190 ROM 191 RAM

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Araki 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. 5B057 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB08 CB12 CB16 CB19 CD03 DB02 DB09 DC08 5C075 CD05 5C076 AA16 AA24 BA02 BA06

Claims (7)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus communicably connected to a terminal device having image direction determining means for determining the direction of an image from image data, the image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing device that determines an image direction from received image data; Means, first acquiring means for acquiring the processing capability of the image direction discriminating means in the terminal device, the acquired processing capability of the image direction discriminating device in the terminal device, and the processing capability of its own image direction discriminating means. Compare,
First determining means for deciding whether to perform the image direction discrimination processing by itself or by the terminal device according to the comparison result; and By controlling the direction determination means, the direction of the image is determined from the received image data, and the determination result and the image data are output to the terminal device. An image processing apparatus comprising: first output control means for outputting data to a terminal device and instructing the terminal device to execute an image direction determination process. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first output control unit further determines that the image direction determination processing is to be performed by itself.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a direction information adding unit that adds the determined result to the image data. 3. The processing capability of the image direction determining means is the processing speed of the image direction determining processing, and the first determining means compares the processing speeds of the image direction determining processings of the two devices and performs processing. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus having the higher speed is determined as the apparatus that executes the image direction determination processing. 4. The image processing device and the terminal device each include a rotation unit that rotates image data based on a result of image direction determination, and the image processing device has a processing capability of the rotation unit in the terminal device. The second processing unit acquires the processing capability of the rotating device of the terminal device and the processing capability of the rotating device of the terminal device. A second determining unit for determining whether to perform the image direction determination, and when it is determined that the image direction determination processing and the rotation processing are to be performed by itself, the image processing apparatus controls its own image direction determination means to determine from the input image data A second method for determining the direction of the image, controlling its own rotation means, rotating the input image data based on the determined direction of the image, and outputting the rotated image data to the terminal device. Output control means Claims 1, characterized in that it comprises a to the image processing apparatus according to any one of the three. 5. The processing capability of said rotating means refers to the processing speed of the rotation processing. The second determining means compares the processing speeds of the rotating means of both apparatuses, and determines the processing speed of the apparatus having the higher processing speed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein is determined as a device that executes a rotation process. 6. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data. The image processing device further includes a rotating device for rotating the image data so that the image is oriented in a predetermined direction. Determining means for determining whether or not to execute the alignment mode; third obtaining means for obtaining information on the size of paper that can be fed in the terminal device and the transport direction of the paper; and not executing the top alignment mode And if it is determined that the rotation process is to be performed by itself, information on the size and direction of the received image data and the size of the paper and the paper transport direction acquired by the third acquisition unit The rotation angle of the image data is determined based on the above, the rotation unit is controlled to rotate the image data at the determined rotation angle, and then the third image data is output. Claim, characterized in that it comprises an output control means 4 or 5
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 7. An image processing system in which an image data transmitting device and an image data receiving device are communicably connected to each other, wherein the image data receiving device converts an image from image data sent from the image data transmitting device. A first image direction discriminating means for discriminating the direction of the image data; and a transmitting means for transmitting the processing capability of the image direction discriminating means to the image data transmitting device. Second image direction determining means for determining the direction of the image; receiving means for receiving the processing capability of the image direction determining means from the image data receiving device; processing capability of the image direction determining means of the image data receiving device;
A determination unit that compares the processing capability of the image direction determination unit with its own and the image data reception device to perform the image direction determination process based on the comparison result; and If it is determined to perform, the second image direction determining means is controlled to determine the direction of the image from the input image data, and the determination result and the image data are output to the image data receiving device. Output control means for outputting the input image data to the image data receiving device when the image data receiving device is determined to perform the image data receiving device and instructing the image data receiving device to execute the image direction determining process on the image data receiving device. An image processing system, characterized in that: