Patent Application
20060012833
This application is based on patent applications Nos. Tokugan 2004-321182 filed in Japan, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image scanning apparatus for reading original documents.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are image scanning apparatuses having functions to store image data obtained by reading an original document into a file, and to transmit the file attached to an electronic mail or transmit the file to an external device via networks. On such an apparatus, various solutions are taken so that no heavy load is placed on networks due to a large amount of transmitted data.
For example, in cases where data size exceeds a predetermined upper limit, some image scanning apparatuses automatically reduce data size by decreasing resolution or reducing image size (for example, see Patent Document 1). Also, image scanning apparatuses are offered which automatically select a compression method, depending on data size (for example, see Patent Document 2).
An apparatus which automatically changes resolution, image size, and compression method, according to data size, makes such a change without confirming user's intention. Consequently, sometimes, an image is transmitted which has an image quality undesired by the user. For example, in a case where the user prioritizes image quality, even sacrificing a little increase in the network load, it has been impossible to reflect such a desire by the user.
On the other hand, the user does not know to what extent data size and load on the network change when resolution or compression method is changed, and accordingly, the user can hardly select optimum reading conditions.
To solve the above problem, an object of the invention is to provide a user with information for determination allowing the user to select proper reading conditions of transmission, and to provide an image scanning apparatus on which the user himself/herself can select reading conditions based on this information for determination.
(1) An image scanning apparatus includes a reader which reads an original document, a detector which detects a calculated value relating to an attribution of a data read by the reader, a processor which performs calculation on the data having been read by the reader to obtain a supposed value relating to the attribution of a data after changing a reading condition of reading the original document, and a display which displays the calculated value and the supposed value.
According to above item (1), a display displays a calculated value relating to a predetermined attribution of a data obtained by reading an original document and a supposed value in a case of changing a reading condition. A single supposed value may be obtained, and a plurality of supposed values may also be obtained by changing the reading condition in various ways.
(2) An image scanning apparatus includes a reader which reads an original document, a first detector which detects a first calculated value relating to an attribute of a data read by the reader in accordance with a first reading condition, a second detector which detects a second calculated value relating to the attribute of a data read by the reader in accordance with a second reading condition different from the first reading condition, and a display which displays the first calculated value and the second calculated value.
According to above item (2), the same original document is read plural times in accordance with different conditions, and calculated values relating to a predetermined attribution are displayed for data obtained by the respective readings.
(3) An image scanning apparatus comprises a reader which reads an original document, a detector which detects a calculated value relating to an attribution of a data read by the reader, a processor which calculates a supposed value relating to the attribution of the data read by the reader in accordance with an output condition for output of the data, and a display which displays the calculated value and the supposed value.
According to above item (3), regarding a read data, a calculated value and a supposed value in accordance with an output condition for output are displayed, wherein the calculated value and the supposed value are related to a predetermined attribution. The output condition can be, for example, a recording sheet size for output or a resolution for output.
(4) An image scanning apparatus includes a reader which reads an original document and generates an image signals corresponding to the original document, an image processing condition setting section which is selectable for one of a first processing condition and a second processing condition, a processor which generates a first image data by processing the image signals in accordance with the first processing condition, and calculates a first calculated attribution value based on the first image data, and a display which displays the first calculated attribution value.
(5) An image scanning system includes an image scanning apparatus, a computer electrically connected with the image scanning apparatus, wherein the image scanning apparatus includes a reader which reads an original document and generates an image signals corresponding to the original document, and a processor which generates a first image data by processing the image signals in accordance with a first processing condition, and calculates a first calculated attribution value based on the first image data, and wherein the computer includes a display which displays the first calculated attribution value.
An image scanning apparatus in accordance with the invention displays a calculated value relating to a predetermined attribution of a data obtained by reading an original document, and displays calculated values and supposed values, the calculated values and the supposed values being of a case where a reading condition is changed, or displays supposed values corresponding to output conditions, and thus, a user is provided with information for determination of selection of reading conditions or the like. In this way, the user can select desired reading conditions or output conditions, referring to the displayed calculated value/values and/or supposed value/values. For example, when the calculated value/values and/or supposed value/values are data capacities, the user can select a data with a condition suitable for transmission. Further, when the user knows the network environment on the receiving side, the user himself/herself can select an image data which fits the environment, referring to the calculated and/or supposed values that are displayed.
By obtaining a supposed value, information for determination can be supplied to the user more quickly than a case of obtaining a calculated value by re-reading the original document. On the other hand, by repeating calculation, accurate information for determination can be provided.
By displaying information on transmission loads as well as calculated values and supposed values, even a user who cannot determine only by a data size can be noticed, in a way easy to understand, to what extent a load will be placed on a network.
The invention itself, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the following description, like parts are designated by like reference numbers throughout the several drawings.
An embodiment of the invention will be described below, referring to the drawings.
The image scanning apparatus 10 includes a reader 11, a processor 12, a display/selection section 13 (an operation panel), and a transmitter 14. The image scanning apparatus 10 further includes a storage section, not shown, which temporarily stores image data, and other sections.
The image scanning apparatus 10 is connected to a transfer destination terminal 16 via a transferrer 15. The transferrer 15 is a network or a medium, such as a LAN (local area network), a telephone cable, or an optical cable, which transfers image data having been transmitted. The transfer destination terminal 16 is a device which receives the transferred image data, such as a client PC, a FTP server, or the like.
The reader 11 has a function to read the original document and output image signals corresponding to the read original document. The reader 11 includes, for example, a light source which emitting light onto the original document, a line image sensor which reads the original document for one line in the lateral direction, a mover which moves a reading position in the longitudinal direction of the original document line by line, and an optical system including a lens and/or a mirror which guide(s) reflected light from the original document to the line image sensor to form an image. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is employed for the line image sensor. Analogue image signals, output by the line image sensor, are A/D converted to be output as digital image signals.
The processor 12 is configured, having an essential part being a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 12 has a function to perform image processing on the image signals having been output by the reader 11, in accordance with image processing conditions (for example, conditions on reading items such as resolution and compression format and conditions on output items such as output image size) set by an image processing condition setter, not shown, to generate an image data. The processor 12 also has a function to obtain a calculated value relating to a predetermined attribution (for example, data size) of the generated image data, to calculate a supposed value in a case of changing an image processing condition (for example, a reading condition) of the generated image data, and to perform other tasks. With respect to obtaining supposed values, weight coefficients are set in advance for respective conditions on a reading item (for example, each of 400 dpi and 200 dpi on the resolution item). Then, a calculated value relating to an attribution is multiplied by each weight coefficient so that each supposed value is calculated. A supposed value may be calculated based on the image data obtained by image processing. Further, the processor 12 has a function to determine information to be shown to a user, in a way easy to understand, on transfer load in transferring an image data obtained on the basis of an image processing condition having been set by the image processing condition setter. An example is information on a load which will be placed on the network.
The processor 12 may include an image processor which processes on the basis of an image processing condition which is set by the image processing condition setter, and calculator which calculates the attribution value of the image data obtained by the image processor, thus dividing the processing load.
The display/selection section 13 is constructed by a liquid crystal display having a touch panel on a surface and various operation switches, and provided with functions to show the user various guidance displays and status displays, as well as to receive various operational inputs from the user. In detail, in accordance with calculation results of attribution values by the processor 12, the display/selection section 13 displays attribution values (data sizes) for respective reading conditions/output conditions, displays information (information indicating transfer loads) corresponding to respective data sizes and the like, and receives arbitrary selection from displayed image processing conditions for an image data to be transferred. The display/selection section 13 may not be arranged as a unit and have a display section and a selector section, separately. Further, a generated image may be displayed on an external display connected to the image scanning apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, a case has been described, as an example, where the display/selection section 13 is provided on the image scanning apparatus 10. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and a display/selection section 13 may be provided on a computer connected to the image scanning apparatus 10. Further, an image processing condition setter and a display/selection section 13 are arranged as a unit.
The transmitter 14 functions to transmit the generated image data to outside by means of E-mail, FTP, or SMB (Server Message Block), etc. SMB is a network protocol for performing file services, print services, and the like. The transmitter 14 may transmits the image data to a printer, not shown, instead of the transferrer 15.
Further, without being limited to the above example, it is also possible to arrange a scanning system including an image scanning apparatus 10 provided with a reader 11 and a processor 12, and a computer having a display/selection section 13 and being connected to this image scanning apparatus 10. In this case, this scanning system is designed to have a transmitter 14 and to be able to transmit image data to inside and/or outside the scanning system by the use of the transmitter 14.
First, the type of a job is checked (step S101), and if job “Scan to E-mail” is selected (step S101; Y), then it is checked whether a calculation mode is selected (step S102). In job “Scan to E-mail”, the user can select either the calculation mode or a supposition mode. The calculation mode is an operation mode in which the original document is re-read, a reading condition is changed, or image signals obtained by reading the original document are stored and reused, and then the value of a predetermined attribution (for example, data size) of an image data corresponding to each reading condition are obtained. The supposition mode is an operation mode in which the original document is read, an image data and a calculated value relating to a predetermined attribution of the image data are obtained, and then a supposed value in a case of changing a reading condition is obtained by processing the calculated value or the image data.
If the calculation mode is selected (step S102; Y), “Scan to E-mail processing 1” is executed that processor 12 controls to repeat reading the original document plural times, and changing a reading condition each time, and then obtains plural calculated values (step S103). If the supposition mode is selected (step S102; N), “Scan to E-mail processing 2” is executed that processor 12 controls to read the original document and obtains a calculated value, and then obtains a supposed value from the calculated value (step S104). If no “Scan to E-mail” job is selected (step S101; N), then another processing is executed (step S105).
In “Scan to E-mail processing 1”, a calculated value relating to an attribution value for each of plural conditions settable with regard to reading items as image processing conditions are obtained. Namely, in “Scan to E-mail processing 1”, the original document is read and thus image signals are obtained, a plurality of image data are generated in accordance with the image signals and a plurality of image processing conditions, and then calculated values of a predetermined attribution of the respective image data are obtained. For an arbitrary reading item, herein, it is preferable that calculated values are obtained with regard to all the conditions settable on the image scanning apparatus 10. Reading items as image processing conditions include resolution, compression method, and image quality. For example, for resolution, processing conditions such as 600 dpi, 400 dpi, and 200 dpi are settable. In the following, resolution, compression method, and image quality, which are items relating to processing in reading, will be described.
Next, respective data sizes (calculated values) are detected from the image data generated with the respective resolutions (step S122), and then the data sizes categorized by resolution and information indicating supposed loads for transfer, of the image data, corresponding to the respective data sizes are displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S123).
For example, if a data size is less than 3 MB, a message “LITTLE LOAD WILL BE PLACED ON NETWORK” is displayed. If the data size is 3 MB or larger and is smaller than 6 MB, a message “MID-LEVEL LOAD MAY BE PLACED ON NETWORK” is displayed. If the data size is 6 MB or larger, a message “SIGNIFICANT LOAD WILL BE PLACED ON NETWORK” is displayed. Setting of the number of classes, values of the thresholds, and the content of messages can be properly changed.
The user is prompted to select a resolution for transmission of an image data, with the display screen 130 categorized by resolution and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
Upon receipt of a resolution selection operation from the user, the image scanning apparatus 10 transmits an image data of the selected resolution, attaching the image data to an E-mail (
Next, a case of changing a compression method will be described.
Next, respective data sizes (calculated values) are detected from the image data generated under respective compression-methods (step S162), and for the respective compression methods, the data sizes and information indicating supposed loads for transfer of the respective image data are displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S163).
The user is prompted to select a compression method for transmission, with the display screen 170 categorized by compression-method and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for such determination (
Incidentally, the calculated values of data sizes by the respective compression methods may be obtained in such a manner that raw data (image signals) obtained by reading the original document are stored in a memory, and later, compressed image data by the respective compression method are generated from the raw data. In this case, reading operation of the original document is required only once, and thus the working time is shortened. Further, it is not necessary to reset the original document on the automatic original document feeding device, improving the operationability.
Next, a case of changing image quality will be described.
Next, respective data sizes (calculated values) are detected from the image data having been generated image-quality by image-quality (step S202), and for the respective image qualities, the data sizes and information indicating supposed loads for transfer of the respective image data are displayed on the operation panel 13, the loads corresponding to the respective data sizes (step S203).
The user is prompted to select an image quality for transmission of an image data, with the display screen 210 categorized by image quality and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
Next, “Scan to E-mail processing 2” will be described. In processing image signals obtained by the reader 11 in “Scan to E-mail processing 2”, selection of conditions relating to reading items is required in one case, while selection of conditions relating to output items is required in another one case. First, the case of changing reading conditions will be described.
In the case of selecting reading conditions, an image data is generated by reading the original document once with a reading condition selected for reading the original document, and then a calculated value is detected on a predetermined attribution (data size) of the image data. For other reading conditions, predetermined calculation is performed on the already obtained calculated value to obtain supposed values.
Items relating to the processing in reading the original document include resolution, compression method, and image quality, which will be respectively described below.
For example, in a case where three resolutions of 600 dpi, 400 dpi, and 200 dpi are selectable via the operation panel 13 and the original document is actually read with the resolution of 400 dpi, supposed values of the data sizes for 600 dpi and 200 dpi are obtained by calculation. A supposed value is obtained by multiplying a calculated value by a preset weight coefficient.
A supposed value is obtained as “supposed value=(calculated data size)/(weight coefficient of resolution corresponding to actual resolution)×(weight coefficient of resolution corresponding to supposed resolution)”. For example, if the resolution for reading the original document is 400 dpi and the calculated value of the data size is 3 MB, “supposed value for 600 dpi=3/3×5=5 MB”, referring to the weight coefficient table 250 categorized by resolution in
Next, for each resolution, a resolution, a data size of a calculated value or a supposed value for the resolution, and information indicating a supposed load corresponding to the data size for transfer of image data are correspondingly displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S244). P2 in
Next, the user is prompted to select a resolution for transmission of image data, with the display screen 260 categorized by resolution and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
If the selected resolution is different from that at the time of reading the original document (step S246; N), the original document is re-read with the resolution after change and an image data is generated (step S247 and P4 in
If the selected resolution and the resolution at the time of reading the original document (
A supposed value is obtained as “supposed value=(calculated data size)/(weight coefficient of compression method corresponding to actual compression method)×(weight coefficient of compression method corresponding to supposed compression method)”. For example, if the compression method for reading the original document is TIFF and the calculated value of the data size is 5 MB, “supposed value for PDF=5/2×1=2.5 MB”, referring to the weight coefficient table 310 categorized by compression method in
Next, for each compression method, a resolution, a data size of a calculated value or a supposed value for the resolution, and information indicating a supposed load corresponding to the data size for transfer of image data are correspondingly displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S304).
Next, the user is prompted to select a compression method for transmission of image data, with the display screen 320 categorized by compression method and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
If the selected compression method and that applied at the time of reading the original document (
Incidentally, it is also possible that a raw data (image signals) is stored in a memory at the first time of reading the original document, and when the compression method is changed, an image data corresponding to the compression method after the change is generated from the raw data. In this case, reading operation of the original document is required only at the first time even if compression method is changed later, and thus the operating time is shortened. Further, it is not necessary to reset the original document on the automatic original document feeding device, improving the operationability.
Next, for each image quality, a resolution, the data size of a calculated value or a supposed value for the resolution, and information indicating a supposed load corresponding to the data size for transfer of image data are correspondingly displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S354).
Next, the user is prompted to select an image quality for transmission of image data, with the display screen 360 categorized by image quality and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
If the selected image quality and the image quality applied at the time of reading the original document are the same (
Next, a case of selecting conditions relating to output items will be described. In selection of output conditions, the calculated value of a data size is detected from a read image data, and for other output conditions, supposed values are obtained by performing calculation on the calculated value. The output items for output conditions include output sheet size in outputting, on the receiving side, the image data of the read original document being recorded on a designated recording sheet after forming an image. Such designation of output conditions is effective in a case where the transmitting side can designate an output size.
Next, for each output size, an output size, a data size of a calculated value or a supposed value for the output size, and information indicating a supposed load corresponding to the data size for transfer of image data are correspondingly displayed on the operation panel 13 (step S404).
Next, the user is prompted to select an output size for transmission of image data, with the display screen 410 categorized by output size and displayed on the operation panel 13 as information for determination (
Next, a case of changing a plurality of reading conditions will be described. In the foregoing description, it has been described about cases of changing a processing condition of any one item for processing of image signals such as resolution, compression method, or image quality. However, it is also possible to select plural condition items and change processing conditions in the respective items, and display information relating to data sizes and transfer loads corresponding to the respective conditions. For example, in a case of changing reading conditions of two items, the operation may be arranged in such a manner that data sizes corresponding to combinations of parameters of the respective items are displayed in a matrix, then the user is prompted to select a combination in this matrix, and then transfer load information corresponding to the selected combination is displayed in a different display region.
In the example shown in
When selection is made, the color of the parts for the selected conditions of the respective items and the data size changes. The load information display region 502 displays transfer load information associated with the data size corresponding to the selected combination of resolution and compression method. Since the data size corresponding to the combination of resolution 400 dpi and compression method PDF is 3 MB, a message “MID-LEVEL LOAD MAY BE PLACED ON NETWORK” is displayed.
Incidentally, a supposed value in a case of changing a plurality of reading conditions is obtained as follows. In a case of changing resolution and compression method, “supposed value=(calculated data size)/(weight coefficient of resolution corresponding to actual resolution)×(weight coefficient of resolution corresponding to supposed resolution)/(weight coefficient of compression method corresponding to actual compression method)×(weight coefficient of compression method corresponding to supposed compression method)”.
For example, if the weight coefficient table 250 categorized by resolution in
Supposed value for resolution of 600 dpi and compression-method of PDF=3/3×5/1×1=5 MB. Supposed value for resolution of 200 dpi and compression-method of PDF=3/3×1/1×1=3 MB. Supposed value for resolution of 600 dpi and compression-method of TIFF=3/3×5/1×2=10 MB. Supposed value for resolution of 400 dpi and compression-method of TIFF=3/3×3/1×2=6 MB. Supposed value for resolution of 200 dpi and compression-method of TIFF=3/3×1/1×2=2 MB.
In a case of obtaining a supposed value, a supposed value corresponding to a selected combination is obtained by calculation, and then the value is displayed in the data size area 522. In a case of calculated values, although the calculated values may be obtained by reading the original document for all combinations in advance, the original document also may be re-read with conditions corresponding to a new combination each time combination is changed. Of course, in a case where the conditions, with which the original document has been already read, are selected again, it is not necessary to re-read the original document. If the number of condition items is increased, the number of combinations becomes large. Therefore, rather than obtaining calculated values for all conditions, the original document is preferably re-read, with newly selected conditions each time a condition/conditions are changed.
The data size area 522 displays a supposed value or a calculated value of a data size with conditions of the resolution of 400 dpi, the image quality of pencil, and the compression method of PDF. The information area 523 displays transfer load information corresponding to the data size displayed in the data size area 522.
Although an embodiment of the invention has been described above, referring to the drawings, concrete structures are not limited to the structure shown in the present embodiment, and the invention includes modification and addition within a scope which does not deviate from the gist of the invention.
In the present embodiment, a supposed value is obtained from a calculated value by the use of a weight coefficient. However, calculation methods for supposed values are not limited to this. For example, a supposed value also can be obtained from a calculated value by using a function approximating the relationship between calculated values and suppose values, or by preparing a table showing the corresponding relationship between calculated values and supposed values and referring to this table. Further, a supposed value may also be obtained, not from a calculated value, but based on an image data obtained by reading the original document.
In the present embodiment, calculated values and/or supposed values are obtained for all selectable conditions, changing reading conditions and output conditions. However, it is also allowed to obtain attribution values, not for all selectable conditions of an arbitrary processing item, but for a partial plurality of them. For example, calculated values and/or supposed values may be obtained only for cases where data sizes of image data obtained by changing processing conditions are smaller than the data size of an image obtained with designated reading conditions and output conditions (for example, the data size of an image data obtained by first reading).
Further, it is also possible to transmit image data in such a manner that only one image data is obtained; only one attribution value is obtained; both processing conditions and added information are displayed; and the user confirms whether the one image data may be transmitted as it is, or a new image data is to be transmitted after changing a processing condition.
It is also possible to change a reading condition and/or output condition, and obtain and display a changed calculated value and/or a supposed value, only when a data size of an image data obtained by reading the original document at the first time will place a significant load on the network or may place a mid-level load on the network. Preferably, it is possible to define cases where conditions are to be changed to obtain calculated values and supported values.
Further, a method for obtaining a calculated value with a change of reading conditions from those of a stored raw data is not limited to be applied to a case of changing compression method, but may be applied to changes of other conditions, if possible.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004-208133 | Jul 2004 | JP | national |
| JP2004-321182 | Nov 2004 | JP | national |
