JP2003018389A - Image processing apparatus, network system, image processing method, medium providing control program, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] When an advertisement image is included in a print image, when the same advertisement image is used, duplication is avoided, and another advertisement image is automatically replaced to efficiently promote the advertisement. Provided is an image processing apparatus and the like that can obtain an effect. SOLUTION: Image input means for inputting image data,
Determining means for determining whether or not the specific image is included in the image data input from the image input means; and when the determining means determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is It is characterized by comprising image replacement means for replacing the image with another specific image, and image output means for outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement means. The image input means inputs, for example, optically read information photoelectrically converted and input as image data, or input image data transferred via a network.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device such as a digital copying machine, and more particularly to an image processing device capable of detecting a specific image such as an advertisement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multifunction digital copying machine or the like is known as a system for inputting and outputting an image.

This multifunction digital copying machine is equipped with a scanner for reading an original image recorded on paper or the like, and a printer for outputting the read image or the image sent from the host computer to a medium such as paper. There is. Furthermore, a device controller that controls the operations of these scanners and printers or performs various image processing, an operation unit that provides the user with the operation of the device, and a plurality of image data and processing programs temporarily or It is composed of a memory and a hard disk for permanent storage.

In addition to copying originals, this type of copying machine transfers image data read by a scanner to a host computer via a LAN (network), or conversely prints a document created on the host computer via network printing. It can also be output.

There is a demand for a system such as a digital copying machine connected via such a network to output information or advertisement of a company or an organization in a timely manner and use it as a part of various public relations and advertisement activities. stay up.

[0006]

However, the above conventional system has the following problems.

Since copying and printing require costs such as paper and toner, a method has been proposed in which an advertiser assists a part of the cost for printing an image when an advertisement is included in the printed image. ing.

[0008] In the case of carrying out public relations and advertisement activities by such means, if the same advertisement data is included in the print image, useless expenses will be generated, and efficient public relations and advertisement activities will be carried out. There was a problem that I could not.

In view of the above conventional problems, the present invention avoids duplication when an advertisement image is included in a print image and the same advertisement image is used, and automatically replaces another advertisement image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device and the like that can obtain an efficient advertising effect.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a determining means for determining whether or not a specific image is included in image data, and the determining means includes the specific image. When it is determined that the specified image is present, the image replacement means for replacing the specified image with another specified image, and the image output means for outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement means are provided. To do.

According to the present invention, image input means for inputting image data, judging means for judging whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input means, and the judging means for judging When it is determined that the specific image is included, an image replacement unit that replaces the specific image with another specific image, and an image output unit that outputs the image data after the replacement process by the image replacement unit are provided. It is characterized by

According to the present invention, a determination process for determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data, and when the determination process determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is distinguished. And an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step.

According to the present invention, an image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the determination step described above. When it is determined that the specific image is included, an image replacement step of replacing the specific image with another specific image and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step are executed. It is characterized by

According to the present invention, a determination step for determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data, and if the determination step determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is distinguished. The control program is provided with an image replacement step of replacing the specific image with the image replacement step, and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step.

In the present invention, an image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the determination step in the above When it is determined that the specific image is included, an image replacement step of replacing the specific image with another specific image, and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step are provided. It is characterized by providing a control program.

According to the present invention, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data and, when the determination step determines that the specific image is included, separates the specific image from each other. And an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step.

In the present invention, an image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the determination step described above When it is determined that the specific image is included, an image replacement step of replacing the specific image with another specific image, and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step are provided. It is characterized by

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Overall System> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1001 in the figure denotes an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which is composed of a scanner and a printer, which will be described later.
The image received from can be printed out by the printer. Further, the image processing apparatus 1001 uses an FAX transmission unit (not shown) to convert the image read from the scanner into a PS image.
Images can be transmitted to the public line network 1030 of TN or ISDN, and images received from the public line network 1030 can be printed out by a printer.

A database server 1002 manages a binary image and a multivalued image read by the image processing apparatus 1001 of the present invention as a database. 1003 is
The database client of the database server 1002 can browse / search image data stored in the database 1002.

An electronic mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the image processing apparatus 1001 of the present invention as an electronic mail attachment. 1005 is
An email client, an email server 100
It is possible to receive and view the received mail of No. 4 and to send an electronic mail.

A WWW server 1006 provides an HTML document to the LAN.
The HTML document provided by the WW server 1006 can be printed out. Reference numeral 1011 is a router, which is a LAN 1010.
Is connected to the Internet / Intranet 1012.

In the Internet / Intranet 1012, devices similar to the image processing device 1001, the database server 1002, the electronic mail server 1004, and the WWW server 1006 described above are respectively included in the image processing device 1020, the database server 1021, and the electronic mail. The server 1023 and the WWW server 1022 are linked.

On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 1001 uses the PSTN
Or, via the public line network 1030 of ISDN, FAX
It is possible to transmit / receive with the device 1031. LAN
A printer 1040 is also connected to the printer 1010 so that an image read by the image processing apparatus 1001 can be printed out.

The configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

<Overall Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 1001 of the Present Invention> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus 1001 in FIG.

The controller unit 2000 is connected to the scanner 2070, which is an image input device, and the printer 2095, which is an image output device.
It is a controller for inputting and outputting image information and device information by connecting to the AN 1010 and a public line (WAN) 1030.

The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. RAM 2002 is CPU 200
1 is a system work memory for operating and also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. RO
M2003 is a boot ROM in which a system boot program is stored.

The HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data. Further, the advertisement image data necessary for the present invention is also stored in the HDD 200.
4 is stored in the RAM 200 at the time of data comparison.
Expand to 2 and use for comparison.

The operation unit I / F 2006 is an operation unit (UI) 2
The interface unit with 012 outputs the image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. In addition, the information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 is transmitted to the CPU 2001.

The network 2010 is connected to the LAN 1010 to input / output information. The modem 2050 connects to the public line 1030 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

The image bus I / F 2005 is a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2 for transferring image data at high speed.
A bus bridge connected to 008 and converting a data structure. The image bus 2008 is a PCI bus or IEEE
It is composed of E1394.

A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 and a device I / F unit 20 are provided on the image bus 2008.
20, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotation processing unit 2030, and an image compression processing unit 2040 are arranged.

Raster image processor (RIP) 20
60 expands a PDL code into a bit map image. The device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 2070 or printer 2095, which is an image input / output device, to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090, for the print output image data,
Performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. The image rotation processing unit 2030 rotates image data. Image compression processing unit 2
040 performs compression / expansion processing of JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

<Image Input / Output Unit> FIG. 3 is an external view of the image input / output device.

Scanner 2070 which is an image input device
Illuminates an image on a paper serving as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert it into an electric signal as raster image data 2071. Document sheets are set on the tray 2073 of the document feeder 2072, and the controller CPU 2001 causes the scanner CPU 207 to operate when the apparatus user issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2012.
An instruction is given to 0 (2071), and the feeder 2072 feeds the original sheets one by one to read the original image.

A printer 2095 which is an image output device
Is a device that converts the raster image data 2096 into an image on paper. The system is an electrophotographic system using a photoconductor drum or a photoconductor belt, or ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array directly on the paper. Although there is an inkjet method for printing an image, any method may be used.

The print operation is started by the controller CP.
It is started by an instruction 2096 from U2001. The printer 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and corresponding paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, 2
There is 104. The paper discharge tray 2111 receives the printed paper.

<Operation Unit> FIG. 4 is a front external view showing the structure of the operation unit 2012.

The LCD display section (operation panel) 2013 is
A touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD to display the operation screen of the system, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information thereof is displayed as the controller CPU 2001.
Tell.

The start key 2014 is used when starting the reading operation of the original image. Start key 20
In the center of 14 is a two-color LED 2018 of green and red,
The color indicates whether the start key 2014 is ready for use. The stop key 2015 functions to stop the operation in progress. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. Reset key 20
Reference numeral 17 is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit 2012.

<Scanner Image Processing Unit> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the scanner image processing unit 2080.

The image bus I / F controller 2081 is
It connects to the image bus 2008 and controls the bus access sequence, and controls and timings of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs convolution calculation with a spatial filter. The editing unit 2083 recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area.

The scaling processing unit 2084 performs interpolation calculation in the main scanning direction of the raster image to change the resolution of the read image, thereby performing enlargement / reduction. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of the image reading line sensor (not shown). Table 2085
Is a table conversion performed to convert the read image data which is the brightness data into the density data. The binarization unit 2086 binarizes the multivalued grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

The processed image data is transferred to the image bus 2008 again via the image bus controller 2081.

<Printer Image Processing Unit> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the printer image processing unit 2090.

The image bus I / F controller 2091 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008 and has a function of controlling the bus access sequence and control and timing of each device in the printer image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 uses the LAN 1010 or the public line 1.
The resolution conversion for converting the image data from 030 into the resolution of the printer 2095 is performed. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing for smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary portion such as a diagonal line) of image data after resolution conversion.

<Image Compression Processing Unit> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image compression processing unit 2040.

The image bus I / F controller 2041 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, functions to control the bus access sequence, controls timing for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, and controls modes such as mode setting for the image compression unit 2043.

Next, the processing procedure of the image compression processing unit 2040 will be described.

Via the image bus 2008, the CPU 200
From 1 to the image bus I / F controller 2041, settings for image compression control are made. With this setting, the image bus I
The / F controller 2041 configures the image compression unit 2043 with settings necessary for image compression (eg, MMR compression, JBI
G extension). After making the necessary settings, CP again
The U2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data. According to this permission,
The image bus I / F controller 2041 is a RAM 2002
Alternatively, the transfer of image data is started from each device on the image bus 2008.

The received image data is stored in the input buffer 20.
The image is temporarily stored in 42, and an image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043. At this time, the input buffer 2042 determines whether or not image data can be transferred between both the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and the image bus 2008
When it is impossible to read the image data from the device and write the image to the image compression unit 2043, control is performed so as not to transfer the data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as a handshake).

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because, when performing image compression, several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing, and several lines of image data are prepared to perform the first one-line compression. This is because the image compression cannot be performed until after that. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately output to the output buffer 2045.
Sent to.

In the output buffer 2045, the image bus I /
Handshaking is performed with the F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and the image data is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to the RAM 2002 or the image bus 20.
Data is transferred to each device on 08.

Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when the processing for the required number of pages is finished) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit 2043 (when an error occurs during compression and decompression). Etc.) is repeated.

<Image Rotation Processing Unit> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image rotation processing unit 2030.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, works to control the bus sequence, controls the image rotation unit 2032 to set a mode and the like, and performs timing control for transferring image data to the image rotation unit 2032.

Next, the processing procedure of the image rotation processing unit 2030 will be described.

Via the image bus 2008, the CPU 200
From 1 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 is set for image rotation control. With this setting, the image bus I
The / F controller 2041 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, etc.) to the image rotation unit 2032. After making the necessary settings, CP again
The U2001 permits the image bus I / F controller 2041 to transfer image data. According to this permission,
The image bus I / F controller 2031 is a RAM 2002
Alternatively, the transfer of image data is started from each device on the image bus 2008. Note that here, 32 bits is the size, the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bits), and when transferring image data on the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits. (The image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the above-mentioned unit data transfer 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses ( (See FIG. 9). The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so as to be rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, in the case of 90 ° counterclockwise rotation, the 32-bit image data transferred first is displayed as shown in FIG.
Write in the direction. The image is rotated by reading in the X direction at the time of reading.

32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (RAM
(Writing to 2033) is completed, the image rotation unit 20
The image bus I / F controller 203 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-mentioned reading method.
Transfer the image to 1.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the image data that has been subjected to the rotation processing is subjected to the continuous addressing, and then the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.
Transfer data to each device above. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when the processing for the required number of pages is completed).

<Device I / F Unit> FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the structure of the device I / F unit 2020.

The image bus I / F controller 2021 is
It connects to the image bus 2008 and controls the bus access sequence, and also controls and timings of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. It also generates control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070,
The image data is output in synchronization with the image bus 2008.

The serial-parallel / parallel-serial converter 2023 arranges or decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order, and converts it into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. Parallel-serial / serial-parallel converter 202
Reference numeral 4 denotes a print buffer 20 in which image data transferred from the image bus 2008 is decomposed or arranged in order.
25 is converted into the data width of the image data which can be stored. The print buffer 2025 temporarily stores the image data sent from the image bus 2008, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 2095.

Next, a processing procedure at the time of image scanning will be described.

The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when 32 bits or more of image data is stored in the buffer 2022, the image data of 32 bits is sent from the buffer 2022 to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 by first-in first-out. , 32-bit image data, and transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 2021.

Further, the image bus 2008 is IEEE139.
In the case of 4, the image data in the buffer 2022 is first-in first-out and serial-parallel
The image data is sent to the parallel / serial conversion unit 2023, converted into serial image data, and the image bus I / F controller 2021.
Through the image bus 2008.

Next, a processing procedure for printing an image will be described.

When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, the image bus I / F controller 2021 receives the 32-bit image data sent from the image bus 2008, and the parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion unit 20.
24, the image data having the number of input data bits of the printer 2095 is decomposed and stored in the print buffer 2025.

Further, the image bus 2008 is IEEE139.
In the case of 4, the serial image data sent from the image bus 2008 is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2021.
Received by the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024, converted into image data having the number of input data bits of the printer 2095, and the print buffer 2025.
Save to. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer 2025 is sent to the printer 2095 on a first-in first-out basis.

<Creation of Advertisement Image Data and Advertisement Data Management Information> Next, the production of advertisement image data and advertisement data management information, which is the core of the present invention, will be described.

When the advertisement registration mode key is selected on the copy screen on the operation panel 2013, the advertisement image is scanned and the mode is changed to the mode for registering the image data management information. RAM 2002 when scanned in advertising image mode
The following advertisement image recognition processing is performed by software on the image data expanded in the above.

In the present embodiment, "area separation processing" and "character recognition processing" are used as means for advertising image recognition processing.

1) Area Separation Processing In the area separation processing in this embodiment, first, black pixels of the document image data are detected, and a rectangular frame of a black image block is created by the contour tracking method or the labeling method. Next, character areas (title, text, calibration, etc.), graphic area, natural image area, and table area are determined based on the black pixel density in the rectangle, the presence / absence of adjacent rectangular blocks, and the aspect ratio of the rectangle. And so on. A rectangular area of a character required for character recognition is determined based on the result of this processing.

2) Character recognition processing As one method of character recognition processing, feature vector extraction,
There is a comparison method. For example, it is assumed that a character area including the character "book" is identified. As the first step, character cutting processing is performed on this character area. This example is shown in FIG.
It shows in (a). This is a process of cutting out a rectangle of one character, and is obtained by detecting the state of black pixel continuity.

Then, as a second step, one character is cut out into m × n pixel blocks. This example is shown in FIG. Furthermore, a window of 3 × 3 pixels is shifted from that, and several tens of direction vectors are obtained. This example is shown in Figure 1.
2 (c). This vector information is recognized as a character feature, this feature vector is compared with the contents of the character recognition dictionary in the HDD 2004, and the first candidate, the second candidate, ... Becomes In this case, the closeness of the feature to the feature vector is represented by a closeness of the distance to the character, that is, the confidence level (accuracy) of character recognition.

3) Result of Area Separation Processing and Character Recognition Processing By the above processing, the advertisement image data and the advertisement image management data can be obtained. As shown in FIG.
004 is stored in the advertisement image area 4a and the advertisement image management area 4b. Advertising image management data is advertising ID
14 and is managed, and is composed of area separation data (FIG. 14A) and character recognition information (FIG. 14B) as shown in FIG.

The area separation data has a format shown in FIG. First, “header” indicating that the data is the region separation data and the identifier “r” for each separated rectangular region
ect1 ”to“ lectn ”. The information of each area (block) distinguished by this identifier is “order” indicating the block number, “att” indicating the attribute of the block (character portion, graphic portion, etc.), and the coordinate value “x” at the upper left of the block.
1 ”,“ y1 ”, block width“ w ”, block height“ h ”, and spare area“ reserve ”.

Further, the character recognition information is "header" indicating that it is the character recognition information as shown in FIG. 14 (b).
Further, for example, the character recognition information “OCR1” regarding a single character such as “book” and “blk” corresponding to the above “rect1” indicating a block including the character.
・ The combination information with "header1" is "OCRn"
And "blk-headern". And
Each character recognition information such as "OCR1" is "type" indicating whether it is a character or a blank, and the first to fifth candidate characters "character 1" to "character" according to the confidence level of the character recognition described above. 5 ”, the cutout positions“ x1 ”,“ y1 ”of the character,
It is composed of the width “w” of the character, the height “h” of the character, and the reserve area “reserve”.

The data structure shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is merely an example, and depending on the purpose of use of the processing result,
It goes without saying that the change can be made appropriately.

The area separation data and character recognition information are notified to the CPU 2001 which controls the main body of the image processing apparatus. As a result, in the image processing unit 2080, the HDD 2
The image data temporarily stored in 004 passes through the image rotation processing unit 2030 and the printer image processing unit 2040, and an image is printed on a sheet and discharged.

<Advertisement Image Replacement Process> 1) Advertisement Registration Mode FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process in the advertisement registration mode according to this embodiment.

When the advertisement registration mode is selected on the operation panel 2013, the advertisement manuscript set on the manuscript table is scanned (step S11). The effective part of the advertisement image is
A means for automatically recognizing the area or a means for the user to manually set the area may be used. After the advertisement image is scanned, a screen for selecting whether to perform a test print of the advertisement image appears on the operation panel 2013 (step S12).

When the test print is not performed, the advertisement image and advertisement ID are registered (step S14). When performing a test print, after the test print is executed, a display for confirming whether or not the result of the test print is OK appears on the operation panel 2013 (step S1).
3). If the result of the test print is OK, the advertisement image and advertisement ID are registered (step S14). When the result of the test print is not OK, the state before the advertisement image is input is returned.

According to the above flow, the advertisement image and advertisement ID
Is registered, and information is stored in the HDD 2004 as a database for determining whether or not to replace the advertising image in the operation such as the copy mode described in the next section.

2) Copy Mode In the present embodiment, an image has already been output from the registered advertisement IDs, starting from the state in which the user has operated the operation panel 2013 to indicate the start of the match or mismatch of advertisements. An array as shown in FIG. 16 that picks up only the ID (outputted ID) of the generated advertisement is stored in the HDD 2004, and the advertisement image included in the scan image is output as it is by performing a search on this array. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the advertising image is replaced.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the processing in the copy mode according to this embodiment.

When the copy operation is selected on the operation panel 2013, the document set on the document table is scanned (step S21). At this time, the count value i of the output ID for searching the array on software is set to 1 (step S22). Then, the count value i of the output advertisement ID is compared with the number n of the output advertisement images (step S23), and the count value i of the output ID is output.
When the number of output advertisement images exceeds n, it is determined that the same advertisement is not included and image output is performed (step S29).

When the count value i of the output IDs does not exceed the output advertisement image number n, the output ID =
The image of i and the scanned image are compared based on the area separation data and the character recognition information of FIG. 14 (step S
24). When it is determined that the features of the images match (step S25), the work of replacing the unoutput advertisement image is performed (step S26), and the number n of the output advertisement images is incremented (step S27). The data is added to the array of FIG. 16 as comparison data for the next document scan.

When it is determined that the features do not match, the output ID count value i is incremented (step S28), and the output ID count value i and the output advertisement image number n are compared again. Processing (step S2
Return to 3).

Note that the contents of the array shown in FIG. 16 are cleared when the user performs an operation on the operation panel 2013 to indicate the end of detection of matching or mismatching of advertisements.

As described above, the scanned image and the output advertisement image are compared with each other, and when the document containing the advertisement image which is considered to be the same as the output advertisement image is scanned, the advertisement image data is replaced. Made it possible to do.

The control method described above can be realized by storing the program in the HDD 2004 or the like according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 17 and operating the program.

3) Print Mode Although the details of the copy mode are described in this embodiment, not only the copy operation but also the image data directly transferred from the personal computer or the image data (bitmap) transferred via the network. By handling the same as scan data in copy mode,
Compare the print image with the output advertisement image,
When the data including the advertisement image that is considered to be the same as the output advertisement image is developed, it is possible to replace the advertisement image data.

The software according to this embodiment will be described below.

<Overall Configuration of Software Block> FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of an image processing apparatus embodying the present invention.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, and is a module that mediates with the equipment when the operator performs various operations and settings of the image processing apparatus. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, to request processing, set data, etc., according to the operation of the operator.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes an AddressBook, that is, a database module for managing a data transmission destination, a communication destination and the like. The contents of AddressBook are UI1
Data is added, deleted, or acquired by an operation from 501, and is used to give data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by an operator's operation.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a WebServer module, which receives a request from a Web client (not shown)
It is used to notify management information of the image processing apparatus. The management information is ControlAPI 151 described later.
HTTP1512, TC which will be described later and read through
P / IP1516, NetworkDriver151
The Web client is notified via 7.

Reference numeral 1504 is a UniversalSend, that is, a module that controls the distribution of data.
The data instructed by the operator by 1 is distributed to the similarly instructed communication (output) destination. If the operator uses the scanner function of this device to instruct the generation of distribution data, the
The device is operated via the lAPI1518 to generate data.

1505 is UniversalSend1
A module executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in 504. 1506 is UniversalS
This module is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in end 1504.

1507 is UniversalSend1
A module executed when a database is designated as an output destination in 504. 1508 is Universal
This module is executed when an image processing device similar to this device is designated as an output destination in the lSend 1504.

1509 is a RemoteCopyScan
This module is a module that uses the scanner function of the image processing apparatus and outputs the image to another image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like.
This module performs the same processing as the y function. 1510
Is the RemoteCopyPrint module,
This module uses the printer function of the present image processing apparatus, inputs another image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like, and performs the same processing as the Copy function realized by the present image processing apparatus alone.

Reference numeral 1511 denotes a WebPullPrint, that is, a module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or the intranet. 1
Reference numeral 512 denotes a module used when the image processing apparatus communicates by HTTP, which will be described later in TCP / IP15.
16 modules described above WebServer150
3. It provides communication to the WebPullPrint1511 module.

Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module, which is used by the TCP / IP 1516 module described later to execute the above-mentioned Uni
Communication is provided to the printer module 1505 in the verticalSend 1504. 1514 is SM
It is a TP module, which uses the TCP / IP1516 module described below to enable the UniversalSend15
It provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in 04.

Reference numeral 1515 is an SLM, that is, Salutatio
nManager module, which will be described later in TCP / I
P1516 module enables the above-mentioned Universal
Database module 151 in Send 1504
7, DP module 1518, and RemoteCop
yScan1509 module, RemoteCopy
It provides communication to the Print 1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which is provided in each of the above-mentioned various modules and NetworkD described later.
The network communication is provided by the river. Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver, which controls a portion physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes a Control API, which provides an upstream module such as UniversalSend 1504 with an interface with a downstream module such as JobManager 1519, which will be described later. It will increase

Reference numeral 1519 is JobManager,
Control API15 from the above various modules
It interprets the processing instructed via 18, and gives an instruction to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC Manager, which manages and controls various compression / expansion of data in the processing instructed by the JobManager 1519. 1521 is a FBEncoder, which is Job
Manager1519, ScanManager15
The data read by the scanning process executed by the reference numeral 24 is compressed by the FBE format.

1522 is JPE-GCODEC,
JobManager1519, ScanManager
Scan processing executed by r1524 and Pri
In the print processing executed by the ntManager 1526, JPEG compression of the read data and JPEG expansion processing of the print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1523 is an MMR-CODEC, J
obManager1519 and ScanManager
Scan processing executed by er1524 and Pr
In the print processing executed by the intManager 1526, MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1524 denotes a ScanManager, which manages and controls the scan processing instructed by the JobManager 1519. 1525 is SCSI
The driver is a driver for performing communication between the ScanManager 1524 and the scanner unit internally connected to the image processing apparatus.

A print manager 1526 manages and controls the printing process instructed by the JobManager 1519. 1527 is Engine
It is an I / F driver, and PrintManager15
26 and the I / F of the printing unit.

Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver, which is an I / I used when the WebPullPrint 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.
It provides F.

<Application> An embedded application applied to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an embedded application related to distribution according to this embodiment.

Reference numeral 4050 is a block showing the operation unit application, and 4100 is a block showing the transmission side of the remote copy application. Reference numeral 4150 is a block indicating a sender of the broadcast distribution, and 4200 is a WebPu.
Block showing the llPrint module, 4250
Is a block showing the WebServer module, 4
Reference numeral 300 is a block indicating a remote copy reception side (print side).

Further, 4350 is a block for receiving and printing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a general-purpose printer, 4400 is a block showing the receiving side (print side) of the remote print, and 4450 is the broadcast distribution. The image sent by the well-known Notes Server
Block 4500 for receiving / storing the binary image of the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution.

Further, 4550 is a block for receiving / storing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known MailServer, and 4600 is a block for receiving / storing the multi-valued image transmitted by the broadcast distribution. It is a block.

Further, 4650 indicates a well-known Web server including information contents, and 4700 indicates W.
A well-known Web that accesses eb Server, etc.
Shows Browser.

The application group will be described in detail below with reference to each block.

1) UserInterface UserBlock shown in the application block 4050.
The details of (hereinafter, UI) are as described above. Here, AddressBook 4051 will be described. This AddressBook is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the image processing apparatus, and the characteristics of the device connected to the network are described in this. For example, the following items are included.

That is, the official name and alias name of the device,
Device network address, device processable network protocol, device processable document format, device processable compression type, device processable image resolution, printer device paper size that can be fed, and The information includes sheet feed tray information, a folder name in which a document in the case of a server (computer) device can be stored, and the like.

Each application described below can determine the characteristics of the delivery destination based on the information described in the AddressBook 4051. Also,
This AddressBook is editable, and it is also possible to download and use what is stored in a server computer or the like in the network, or to directly refer to it.

2) Remote Copy Application The remote copy application sends the resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination to the AddressB.
The binary image read by the scanner is compressed using known MMR compression according to the determination based on the check 4051, and the binary image is converted into the known TIFF (Tagged Image).
It is converted into a file format, and is transmitted to the printer device on the network through the SLM 4103. SL
The M4103 is not described in detail, but the well-known Sal
Automation Manager (or Smart
This is a type of network protocol including device control information called Link Manager).

3) Broadcast Delivery Application Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast delivery application can send an image to a plurality of delivery destinations with one image scan. Further, the delivery destination is not limited to the printer device, and can be directly delivered to a so-called server computer.

Hereinafter, description will be made in order according to the delivery destination.

The delivery destination device is an LPD (Line Print) which is a well-known network printer protocol.
r Daemon) and LIPS known as printer control romance can be processed by AddressBo.
When it is determined from ok4051, Address is also the same.
An image is read according to the image resolution determined by the Book 4051, and the image itself is a known F in this embodiment.
BE (First Binari Encoding)
Is used for compression, further LIPS coded, and transmitted to the partner device by LPR which is a known network printer protocol.

When the delivery destination device can communicate with the SLM and is a server device, the AddressBook 4051 discriminates the server address and the designation of the folder in the server, and the binary image read by the scanner is read as in the remote copy application. It is compressed using the known HR compression, and the compressed data is compressed using the known TIFF (Tagged Image).
ge File Format) and can be stored in a specific folder of the server device on the network through the SLM.

In the device of this embodiment, when it is determined that the server, which is the other device, can process a well-known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image, the multi-valued image is read in the same manner as the binary image. Can be converted into a known JFIF by using a known JPEG compression, and can be stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

When the delivery destination device is a publicly known E-Mail server, the mail address described in AddressBook4051 is discriminated, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed by the publicly known MMR compression, and the publicly known it. TIFF (Tagged Image File)
Format) and known SMTP (SimpleM)
ail Transfer Protocol) 4153
To send to the E-Mail server. Subsequent distribution is executed according to the Mail Server 4550.

<DIS (DeviceInformation)
IonService)> ControlAP for setting values for jobs in the controller, device (scanner, printer, etc.) functions, status, and billing information.
I / F of the database which holds in the data form which conforms to I, and the I / F of the database
ationService (hereinafter referred to as DIS)
Is defined as In FIG. 20, DIS7102 and Jo
bManager7101, and Scan, Print
DocumentManager7103,710 of each
Show interaction with 4.

Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is sent from the JobManager 7101 to each Docume.
Directly instructed by ntManager, the DIS 7102 is referred to for static information such as device functions and job contents. Static and dynamic information and events from each DocumentManager are sent to the Job via the DIS7102.
Reported to Manager7101.

D from each DocumentManager
When setting and acquiring data in the IS database,
Since the internal data format of DIS is Control API compliant, mutual conversion processing is performed between a data format compliant with Control API and a data format that each DocumentManager can understand. For example, each Do
When setting status data from the documentManager, interpret the device-specific data and
Convert to the corresponding data defined by the control API,
Write to the DIS database.

When setting and acquiring data from the JobManager to the DIS database, the JobM
No conversion of data occurs between the manager and the DIS.
In addition, event data is updated in the DIS based on various event information notified from the DocumentManager.

FIG. 21 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DB) held inside the DIS, and each DB will be described. Each block in FIG. 21 represents an individual DB.

Reference numeral 7201 denotes a Supervisor DB, which is a DB that holds statuses and user information for the entire device. Information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and password, is stored in a non-volatile memory such as an HD device or a backup memory. Held on the device.

7202 is ScanComponentD
B and 7203 are PrintComponentDBs, and these ComponentDBs are existing Comps.
It is held corresponding to each onent. For example, if the device consists of only a printer, PrintComponen
Only tDB exists, and, for example, in the case of a device equipped with a FAX, FAXComponentDB is held.
At the time of initialization, each of the ComponentDBs has a corresponding DocumentManager.
Set the function and status of ent.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes ScanJobService.
DB, 7205 is PrintJobServiceDB
And these JobServiceDB are also Comp
Similar to onentDB, Do that corresponds to each at initialization
Sets the functions that the documentManager can use on the device and the support status of them.

Next, JobDB and DocumentD
B will be described.

7206 is ScanJobDB, 7207
Is each JobDB of PrintJobDB, 7208 is S
canDocumentDB, 7209 is PrintD
documentDB.

JobDB and DocumentDB are
Every time a Job and a Document associated with it are generated, JobManager dynamically secures and initializes them, and sets necessary items. Each Docume
ntManager will use JobD before Job processing starts.
Items required for processing are read from B and DocumentDB, and Job is started. After that, when Job ends, these Job and the Docu attached to it
The ment DB is released. Job is more than one Do
Since there is a document, multiple D's for a job
Occasion DB may be secured.

7210 is each DocumentManager
er is a database that holds event information notified from er, and 7211 is a counter table for recording the number of scans and the number of prints of the apparatus.

The event notified from the DocumentManager includes ScanDocumentMan.
State transition of Component from ager, Sca
n Processing operation completion and various errors, PrintDocum
There are state transitions of Components from entManager, completion of Print processing operation, paper jam, opening of paper feed cassette, and the like, and an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

When an event is issued from DocumentManager, the DIS registers the issued event ID in the event database 7211 and, if necessary, detailed data associated with the event. Also, Docum
When the event release is notified from entManager, the event data designated to be released is deleted from the event database 7211.

When an event is polled by JobManager, the DIS refers to the event database 7210, and the event ID currently occurring and, if necessary, detailed data attached to the event are recorded in JobManager.
It returns to the ger, and if an event is not currently occurring, it is returned to that effect.

When an event indicating the completion of the scan processing operation or the completion of the print processing operation is notified, the counter value of the user who has performed the scanning or printing is updated. The software counter writes back the value to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device each time the value is updated so that the value is not lost due to accidental power-off or the like.

<Scan Operation> The details of the scan operation will be described below.

FIG. 22 is a block conceptual diagram relating to the scan operation.

The PCI bus 8105 has a CPU 810.
1, a memory 8102, a CODEC 8104, and a SCSI controller 8103 that provides an I / F for connecting the scanner 8107 to this system.

The SCSI controller 8103 and scanner (or scanner function unit of copying machine) 8107 are S
It is connected by a CSI cable 8106. Also PCI
An IDE controller 8108 is connected to the bus 8105, and is connected to an IDE hard disk 8110 via an IDE cable 8109.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the software structure relating to the scan operation.

The JobManager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application level requests.
The DIS8202 stores parameters required for scan operation from the application level. The request from the application is stored in the memory 8102. The scan operation management unit 8203 acquires information necessary for performing a scan from the JobManager 8201 and the DIS 8202.

The scan operation management unit 8203 uses JobM
The job number and document number table data 8301 of FIG. 24A is received from the manager 8201, and the scan parameter 8302 of FIG. 24B is received from the DIS 8202 based on the job number and document number table data 8301. This allows
Scan based on the scan conditions requested by the application.

The scan operation management unit 8203 uses the DIS8
The scan parameters 8302 acquired from 202 are passed to the scan sequence controller 8204 in the order of document numbers. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 receives the scan image attribute 83
The SCSI controller 8207 is controlled according to the contents of 08. As a result, the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PCI 8105 of FIG.
S to the scanner 8107 via the CSI cable 8106
The scan is performed by sending a CSI control command.

The scanned image is the SCSI cable 8
To the SCSI controller 8103 via 106,
Further, it is stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI 8105. When the scan is completed and the image is stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI 8105, the scan sequence control unit 8204 follows the contents of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302 and sets the memory 8
In order to compress the scan image stored in 102, a request is sent to the compression / decompression control unit 8205.

The compression / decompression control unit 820 that has received the request
5 is a CODEC 81 connected to the PCI8105
04, the scan sequence control unit 8204 specifies the scan image compression format 8309 to perform compression.
The compression / decompression control unit 8205 displays the compressed image on the PC.
It is stored in the memory 8102 via I8105.

In the scan sequence control unit 8204, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 controls the scan image compression format 830.
Compress the scanned image into the format specified in 9
When stored in 102, scan parameters 8302
Memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of
File the compressed scan image stored in. The scan sequence control unit 8204 sends the scan parameter 830 to the file system 8206.
It is requested to create a file in the file format specified by the second image file type 8307.

The file system 8206 uses the image file type 83 from the scan sequence controller 8204.
In accordance with 07, the compressed image stored in the memory 8102 is converted into a file, and the ID is transmitted via the PCI 8105.
Transfer to E controller 8108, IDE cable 81
The compressed image scanned by transferring it to the IDE hard disk 8110 via 09 is made into a file.
When the file system 8206 stores the filed image in the IDE hard disk 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204 notifies the scan operation management unit 8203 that the processing of one document on the scanner 8107 is completed. Will be sent back.

At this point, there is an original document that has not been scanned on the scanner 8107, and JobManag is present.
If there is a scan request from the er 8201, the scan sequence control unit 8204 is used again by using the scan parameter 8302 stored in the DIS 8202.
Request scan operation. If there is no unscanned document on the scanner 8107, or Job
If there is no scan request from the Manager 8201, it is assumed that the scan operation has ended and Job
A scan end notification is issued to the Manager 8201.

<Printing Operation> Next, the printing operation will be described in detail.

FIG. 25 is a block conceptual diagram relating to the printing operation according to this embodiment.

The PCI bus 9005 has a CPU 900.
1. Memory 9002, image compression / expansion board 900
4, and an engine I / F board 9003 that provides an I / F for connecting the printer 9007 and this system. Engine I / F board 9003 and printer (or printer function unit of copier) 9007
Are connected by an engine interface cable 9006.

The engine I / F board 9003 has a DPRAM inside, through which parameter settings and printer status readings to the printer and print control commands are exchanged. This board 9003 has a video controller, and the printer 900
The image data developed on the PCI 9005 is transmitted to the printer 9007 via the engine interface cable 9006 in accordance with VCLK (video clock) and HSYNC given from 7 via the engine interface cable 9006. The timing of this transmission is shown in FIG. 26.

VCLK is continuously output and HSYNC is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. The video controller stores the data for the set image width (WIDTH) in the memory (SO) on the set PCI9005.
URCE) 9002 and outputs it to the engine interface cable 9006 as video data. After repeating this for the designated line (LINES),
Generates an IMAGE / END interrupt.

As described above, from the application program on the CPU 9001 to the control API
When a print job instruction is passed to the
lAPI calls this a controller-level JobMan
Pass it to ager as a job. Furthermore, this JobMa
The manager stores the job settings in the DIS, and
Instruct tManager to start the job. Prin
Upon receiving the job, tManager reads the information necessary for executing the job from the DIS and sets the information in the printer 9007 via the engine I / F board 9003 and the DPRAM.

FIG. 27 shows the setting items of the engine I / F board 9003, and FIG. 28 shows the setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer 9007.
Shown in.

To simplify the explanation, it is assumed that this job is a non-compressed, letter-size (11 "× 8.5") binary image of one page of two pages, and the printer has a performance of 600 dpi. The operation will be explained.

First, upon receiving this job, PrintM
The manager calculates the number of image bytes of the width of this image (in this case, on the side of 8.5 ″).

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600 ÷ 8≈630
(Bytes) Next, the number of lines is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines) These calculated values and the SOURCE address in which the image of the given first page is stored are set in WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. .
At this point, the engine I / F board 9003 is ready for image output, but the HSY from the printer 9007 is output.
Since the NC signal has not come (VCLK has come), image data is not being output.

Next, PrintManager is shown in FIG.
Predetermined address of DPRAM (BookN
1) which is the number of output copies is written in o). Then, a paper feed request (FEED REQ) for the output paper for the first page is issued, and an image request (IMAGE) from the printer 9007 is issued.
REQ). Printer 9007 to IMAGE R
When EQ comes, PrintManager issues an image output start (IMAGE START).

In response to this, the printer 9007 causes the HSY
Engine I / which started to issue NC and was waiting for HSYNC
The F board 9003 outputs an image. Printer 900
When the trailing edge of the output sheet is detected, image output stop (I
Output MAGE END) and eject the output paper,
Outputs sheet discharge (SHEET OUT).

The PrintManager receives the IMAGE END on the first page and receives the WIDT on the second page.
Set H, LINES, SOURCE on the engine I / F board 9003, issue FEED REQ, and IMA
Wait for GE REQ. The operation after the IMAGE REQ of the second page comes is the same as that of the first page.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A storage medium storing a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, it can be completed by doing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk,
A magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, and a ROM can be used. In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer executes actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the next program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the expansion unit performs the expansion function to perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the function of the above-described embodiment. Yes.

[0180]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in the case where a specific image such as an advertisement is included in image data such as a print image, duplication occurs when the specific images used are the same. It is possible to avoid it and automatically replace it with another specific image to obtain an effective advertising effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing device 1001 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an image input / output device.

FIG. 4 is a front external view showing the configuration of an operation unit 2012.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner image processing unit 2080.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer image processing unit 2090.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image compression processing unit 2040.

8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image rotation processing unit 2030. FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of image rotation processing.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of image rotation processing.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device I / F unit 2020.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a method of character recognition processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an advertisement image area and an advertisement image management area.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing area separation data and character recognition information.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process in an advertisement registration mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an array of output advertisement IDs.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing in a copy mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of an image processing apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an embedded application related to distribution according to the embodiment.

FIG. 20: DIS, JobManager, and Print
It is a figure which shows interaction with Manager and ScanManager.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing various databases (DB) held in the DIS.

FIG. 22 is a block conceptual diagram related to a scan operation.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a software structure relating to a scan operation.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a parameter table in scanning.

FIG. 25 is a block conceptual diagram related to a print operation according to the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a transfer timing chart of print image data.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing setting items of an engine I / F board 9003.

FIG. 28 shows setting items via the DPRAM of the printer 9,
It is a figure which shows a control command and a state command.

[Explanation of symbols]

1010 LAN 1030 Public line (WAN) 2000 controller unit 2001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 HDD 2005 Image Bus I / F 2006 Operation unit I / F 2007 system bus 2008 image bus 2010 network 2012 operation unit (UI) 2020 Device I / F section 2030 Image rotation processing unit 2040 image compression processing unit 2050 modem 2060 Raster Image Processor (RIP) 2070 Scanner 2080 Scanner image processing unit 2090 Printer image processing unit 2095 printer

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C087 AA03 AA09 AB05 AC07 AC08                       AC15 BA03 BA06 BA07 BB10                       BD01 BD05 BD40 BD55                 5B057 AA11 BA02 CA12 CA16 CB12                       CB16 CC01 CE08 CE09 CH08                       DA06 DB02 DB08 DB09 DC16                       DC33                 5C076 AA13 BA06                 5L096 BA17 HA09 JA11

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A determination unit that determines whether or not a specific image is included in image data; and when the determination unit determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is identified as another specific image. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image replacement unit that replaces an image, and an image output unit that outputs the image data after the replacement process by the image replacement unit. 2. An image input unit for inputting image data, a determination unit for determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input unit, and the determination unit for determining the specific image. When it is determined that the specified image is included, an image replacement unit that replaces the specified image with another specified image, and an image output unit that outputs the image data after the replacement process by the image replacement unit are provided. A characteristic image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image is a specific image whose image has been output. 4. A storage unit for storing the specific image, wherein the determination unit compares the specific image in the storage unit with the image data, and the specific image in the storage unit is included in the image data. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a specific image matching with. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image is an image regarding an advertisement. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image input means photoelectrically converts the optically read information and inputs it as image data. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image input unit inputs image data transferred via a network. 8. A network system comprising the image processing device according to claim 2 on a network. 9. A determination process for determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data, and when the determination process determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is determined as another specific image. An image processing method comprising: performing an image replacement step of replacing with an image; and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step. 10. An image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the specific image in the determination step. When it is determined that the specified image is included, an image replacement step of replacing the specified image with another specified image, and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement process by the image replacement step are executed. Characterized image processing method. 11. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the specific image is a specific image that has been image-outputted. 12. The specific image is stored in advance in a storage means, and in the determination step, the specific image in the storage means is compared with the image data, and the specific image in the storage means is included in the image data. The image processing method according to claim 9, further comprising determining whether or not there is a specific image that matches the image. 13. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the specific image is an image relating to an advertisement. 14. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein in the image input step, optically read information is photoelectrically converted and input as image data. 15. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image input step inputs image data transferred via a network. 16. A determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data, and when the determination step determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is determined as another specific image. A medium for providing a control program, comprising: an image replacement step of replacing with an image; and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step. 17. An image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the specific image in the determination step. Control program including an image replacement step for replacing the specific image with another specific image when it is determined that the specified image is included, and an image output step for outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step. And a medium for providing a control program. 18. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 16, wherein the specific image is a specific image that has been output as an image. 19. The method comprises the step of storing the specific image in storage means, and the determining step compares the specific image in the storage means with the image data, and stores the image data in the storage means in the image data. The medium for providing the control program according to claim 16, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a specific image that matches the specific image. 20. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 16, wherein the specific image is an image regarding an advertisement. 21. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 17, wherein in the image inputting step, the optically read information is photoelectrically converted and input as image data. 22. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 17, wherein the image input step inputs image data transferred via a network. 23. A determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data, and when the determination step determines that the specific image is included, the specific image is determined as another specific image. A control program comprising: an image replacement step of replacing with an image; and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step. 24. An image input step of inputting image data, a determination step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the image data input from the image input step, and the specific image in the determination step. When it is determined that the specified image is included, an image replacement step of replacing the specific image with another specific image, and an image output step of outputting the image data after the replacement processing by the image replacement step are included. Characteristic control program. 25. The control program according to claim 23, wherein the specific image is a specific image whose image has already been output. 26. A step of storing the specific image in a storage means, the determining step compares the specific image in the storage means with the image data, and stores the image data in the storage means. 26. The control program according to claim 23, wherein it is determined whether or not there is a specific image that matches the specific image. 27. The control program according to claim 23, wherein the specific image is an image relating to an advertisement. 28. The control program according to claim 24, wherein in the image input step, the optically read information is photoelectrically converted and input as image data. 29. The control program according to claim 24, wherein the image input step inputs image data transferred via a network.