Facsimile and static presentation processing – Facsimile – Picture signal generator
Reexamination Certificate
1994-12-16
2001-11-06
Lee, Cheukfan (Department: 2622)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Facsimile
Picture signal generator
C358S487000, C358S444000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06313929
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which processes an array of n original mount areas (n≧2) of a subscanning direction each including a plurality of originals which are arranged in a line in a main scanning direction.
2. Description of the Background Art
There is a need for scanning an array of a number of originals and for storing resultant image signals (which express image data) in a storage medium such as a disk for original by original. One of conventional methods to meet this need is as follows.
Each original is scanned over its image area, all image processing steps necessary for each original are performed, and resulting image signals are stored as files.
FIG. 7
shows an example of this. In
FIG. 7
, a first original is scanned and its image is read during a period from a time t
s0
to a time t
s1
. Resultant image signals are stored in a memory and thereafter processed under an image processing condition which is set for this original. The processed image signals of the first original are stored in a disk as a file
1
during a period from the time t
s1
to a time t
F1
. At the time tsl, an image reading head is moved to a second original. The second original is scanned and its image is read during a period from the time t
s1
to a time t
s2
. In a similar manner, during a period from the time t
s2
to a time t
f2
, processed image signals of the second original are stored in a disk as a file
2
, while concurrently moving the head to a third original to start reading and processing of the third original. Such processes are performed in series until processing of the last original is complete. Scanning in the main scanning direction may be performed by a line scanning element such as a CCD installed in the head or a surface scanning element installed in the head. Scanning in the subscanning direction may be realized by moving the head in the subscanning direction. Scanning takes about 100 seconds, for example, whereas filing takes drastically shorter 24 seconds.
The conventional method above is not satisfactory since it is necessary to move the head for each original and a scanning time necessary for every original cannot be eliminated. It takes a long time to complete filing of image signals of all originals, which directly counters a recent need for high-speed mass processing.
One approach to deal with this is to define a scanning area in advance and to perform image processing while switching image processing conditions for the respective originals on a real time basis during scanning. See
FIGS. 8A and 8B
for details. In
FIG. 8A
, two originals A and B are placed next to each other. Assume that the originals A and B are being read by a head
60
along a main scanning line SL. Here, a switch
61
of
FIG. 8B
is switched under control every time the head
60
sweeps over intersections of the main scanning line SL and the originals A and B. In other words, at an intersection P
1
, the switch
61
is connected to an image processing circuit
62
(in which an image processing condition for the original A is set). While the head
60
moves from the intersection P
1
to an intersection P
2
, the image processing circuit
62
processes image signals which are read by the head
60
and processed image signals are stored in a disk
65
. At an intersection P
3
, the switch
61
is switched to an image processing circuit
63
(in which an image processing condition for the original B is set) so that the image processing circuit
63
processes image signals which are obtained between the intersection P
3
and an intersection P
4
. The switch
61
is switched under the control of a CPU
64
which operates in accordance with signals outputted by the head
60
such as a position detect signal.
It is true that the approach above makes it unnecessary to move the head for each original, thereby reducing the total processing time. However, demanding a high main-processing speed and a switching circuit which can operate at an accordingly high speed and requiring a plurality of image processing circuits as described above, this approach to be realized without expensive hardware. To a further disadvantage, high-speed processing may not be possible at all because of slower storing of signals in the disk during filing. Thus, this approach is not practical and is not acceptable in any regard. It is therefore important to offer an improved technique which solves all of these problems at the same time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to a method of applying different image processing steps to respective image signals obtained by reading a set of originals, the method comprising the steps of: a) holding said set of originals a in two dimensional array consisting of a parallel arrangement of a plurality of original trains, each of said original trains consisting of a plurality of originals; b) reading respective images of said set of originals for each original train to generate a series of image signals; c) alternately selecting one of first and second storage means to alternately write said series of image signals for each original train into said one of said first and second storage means selected d) alternately reading said series of image signals for each original train out of the other of said first and second storage means which is not currently selected the step c) to thereby obtain original image signals; and e) applying different image process steps to said original image signals for each original, respectively.
Preferably, the step b) comprises the step of: b-1) reading said set of originals for each scanning line passing through said plurality of originals, the step a) comprises the step of: a-1) holding said set of originals such that each original train is held in a main scanning direction and said parallel arrangement is an arrangement of said plurality of said original trains held in a subscanning direction, and the step c) comprises the step of: c-1) accumulating said series of image signals for respective scanning lines for each original train in said one of said first and second storage means to thereby establish original image signals representing said plurality of originals in said one of said first and second storage means.
Further, the step b-1) may comprise the step of reading said set of originals for each original train in response to timing signals, to thereby obtain said series of image signals which are synchronized with said timing signals, and the step c) may comprise the step of: c-2) delivering said series of said image signals to said one of said first and second storage means in response to said timing signals. The step d) may comprise the step of: d-1) alternately reading said series of image signals for each original train out of the other of said first and second storage means in response to said timing signals.
The step a) may comprise the step of: a-2) storing respective coordinate values which represent positions of respective originals held by said step a-1), and said step d-1) may comprise the step of alternately reading said series of image signals out of the other of said first and second storage means in accordance with said respective coordinate values.
The method may further comprise the step of: f) setting respective conditions applying different image process steps to said original image signals for each original, respectively.
Preferably, the step b) comprises the step of: b-1) reading said set of originals for each scanning line passing through said plurality of originals, the step a) comprises the step of: a-1) holding said set of originals such that each original train is held in a main scanning direction and said parallel arrangement of said plurality of said original trains which are held in a subscanning direction, and the step c) comprises the step of: c-1) accumulating said series of image signals for respective scanning in said one of said first and second storage means to establish original image signals representing s
Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co,. Ltd.
Lee Cheukfan
McDermott & Will & Emery
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