Technique for accomplishing copy and paste and scan to fit using a standard TWAIN data source

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to the art of document processing. More specifically, the invention relates to the art of copying a first image or portion of a first image and pasting the copy into a second image or portion of a second image where the source of the first image is a TWAIN data source. For example, the invention finds use where the first image data source is a TWAIN compliant scanner or image database. While the invention is described in relation to a TWAIN compliant scanner, the invention may be used in association with any TWAIN complaint data source.

#2. Description of Related Art

#The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments, they are not to scale, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

#FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a typical TWAIN based image processing system;

#FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of a TWAIN session;

#Referring to FIG. 3, a method 310 for copying and pasting and scanning to fit in a TWAIN environment, as seen from a users perspective, includes a destination image opening step 314. The destination image is open in an application. Typically the application is an image processing application such as a document processor, desktop publisher or document scan and make ready tool (“DSM”). For example, the destination is open in an application run in a xerographic environment, or on a personal computer. Typically, the environment the application is run on includes an interface, such as, for example a display screen, a keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a mouse. Preferably the application is useful for creating and editing images or documents. The application is TWAIN compliant. The application has the ability to communicate with TWAIN sources through a TWAIN Source Manager. In the destination image opening step 314 a destination image or document is opened or created. The destination image is displayed, for example in a window of the application as shown on the display screen. In a target area selection step 318 the user selects a portion of the destination image as a target for the placement of a new image. For example, the user uses a rubber band box or selection tool to indicate to the application that a portion or target area of the destination image is to be replaced with a new image. Of course, the user may indicate that the whole image is to be replaced. For example, the rubber band box may be sized and positioned so as to encompass the entire destination image.

#In a source-opening step 322 the user indicates that the new image is to come from a TWAIN image source. For example, the user chooses a source device or file from a menu. Additionally, the user enters an acquire or scan command. For example, the user selects—acquire—from a menu of the application. Preferably, where the source device is a TWAIN compliant scanner, the user has made a source image available to the scanner. For example, the user places an image on a scanning platen or input tray of the scanner. The acquire command causes a Source user interface (“UI”) to appear. For example, a UI window is opened. The source image is scanned and a representation of the image is displayed in the UI window. In a source portion selection step 326, the user indicates to the application (through the source UI and Source Manager) which portion of the source image is to be copied and pasted in the selected target area. For example, a selection tool, such as, for example, a rubber band box is placed around a portion of the representation of the image. This indicates the portion of the source image that the user wishes to copy and paste into the destination image. When the user is satisfied with the indicated selection, the user indicates that the selection is a final selection. For example, the user selects a scan command from a menu in the UI. Typically, the indication that the selection is final causes the selected portion to be rescanned. For example, the indicated portion is rescanned at a higher resolution. In a selection information transfer step 330, information about the selected portion of the source image is transferred to the application. This is an internal step and not necessarily known to the user. Typically, the UI closes at this point. Additionally image information may also be transferred to the application. However, the method does not require image information to be transferred at this point. If image information is transferred, it is as a side effect of the TWAIN commands used to access the selection information. This is discussed in further detail in reference to FIG. 4.

#In a resizing step 334 the application arranges for a resized version of the selected portion of the source image to be placed in the target area of the destination image. The details of the resizing are discussed in relation to FIG. 4. Of course, if the size and shape of the target area and the size and shape of the selected portion of the source image are the same, then the resizing step has no effect on the size and shape of the copied portion. However, an automatic scanning resolution selection aspect of resizing may still be applied.