Image processing method and apparatus for processing oversized original images and for synthesizing multiple images

A method for forming an image comprising the steps of:

• sequentially inputting a plurality of images having common partial images;
• storing a plurality of images;
• extracting characteristics of images input in the input step;
• determining positions of respective overlapped common partial images of the plurality of images stored in said storing step based on the image characteristics extracted in said extracting step;
• forming an image by connecting and synthesizing said plurality of images according to a result of determination;
• and
• outputting the image formed in said image forming step.

An image processing apparatus, comprising:

• input means for inputting a predetermined amount of image data;
• first storage means for storing the predetermined amount of image data input by said input means;
• extraction means for extracting certain characteristics according to the predetermined amount of image data input by said input means;
• second storage means for storing the characteristics extracted by said extraction means;
• control means for controlling repetition of operations of said input means, said first storage means, said extraction means, and said second storage means;
• connection means for connecting at least two of the predetermined amount of image data obtained by said control means according to characteristics corresponding to each of the predetermined amount of image data;
• and
• output means for outputting image data obtained by the connection by said connection means.

An image processing method, comprising the steps of:

• inputting a predetermined amount of image data;
• storing, in a first storage means, the predetermined amount of image data input in said input step;
• extracting certain characteristics according to the predetermined amount of image data input in said input step;
• storing, in a second storage means, the characteristics extracted in said extracting step;
• controlling repetition of operations of an input means, said first storing means, an extracting means, and said second storing means;
• connecting at least two predetermined amounts of image data obtained in said controlling step according to characteristics corresponding to each of the predetermined amounts of image data;
• and
• outputting image data obtained by the connection in said connecting step.

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• reading means for reading a plurality of times an entire image of an original having a size larger than a mount for mounting the original;
• storing means for storing read images;
• pattern matching means for performing a pattern matching of the plurality of images stored in said storing means;
• determining means for determining positions of respective overlapped common partial images of the plurality of stored images in accordance with a result of the pattern matching of said pattern matching means;
• processing means for connecting and synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with a result of the determination of said determining means;
• and
• outputting means for outputting the image processed by said processing means.

A method for forming an image comprising the steps of:

• reading a plurality of times an entire image of an original having a size larger than a mount for mounting the original;
• storing read images;
• performing a pattern matching of the plurality of stored images;
• determining positions of respective overlapped common partial images of the plurality of stored images in accordance with a result of the pattern matching;
• forming an image by connecting and synthesizing said plurality of images in accordance with a result of the determination;
• and
• outputting the image formed in said image forming step.

An image processing apparatus, comprising:

• a mount for mounting an original;
• reading means for reading the original mounted on said mount, said reading means reading the original a plurality of times in order to read an entire image of the original which is larger than said mount;
• and
• image synthesis means for synthesizing a plurality of images read by said reading means into a synthesized image corresponding to the entire image of the original.

An image processing method, comprising the steps of:

• mounting an original on a mount;
• reading the original mounted on said mount, said reading step including reading the original a plurality of times in order to read an entire image of the original which is larger than said mount;
• and
• synthesizing a plurality of images read in said reading step into a synthesized image corresponding to the entire image of the original.