JP2006174183A - Recording condition setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing condition setting device which relates to a copying machine or a multi-functional printing machine, especially stores a recording condition and a draft image corresponding each other, and carries out copying based on the stored recording condition when the same draft is copied. <P>SOLUTION: The invention offers the printing condition setting device which can set the printing condition without performing troublesome setting processing by storing the image data in a copying image file storing part 9, recording a draft image read by a scanner 4 in a scanning image buffer 10, performing comparison of the draft image and an image in the past time by an image comparison discriminating part 15, if the comparison results agree, reading a recording condition corresponding to the image data from recording condition data recording part 12 of an image comparison means, furthermore reading drawing condition data to a drawing condition data recording part 13, reading printing condition data to a printing condition data recording part 14, and performing automatically setting various printing conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying machine and a multi-function printing machine, and more particularly to a recording condition setting apparatus for setting recording conditions.

  Today, multifunction printers (multifunction printers) having not only a copying function but also a facsimile function, a printing function, a mail function, and the like are commercially available. In addition, the functions of conventional copiers are enhanced, and various recording conditions can be set. For example, it is possible to set a number of recording conditions, such as specifying the original paper direction and paper feed port, setting the enlargement / reduction ratio, and top / side binding during duplex printing.

Here, Patent Document 1 is an invention that deletes registered contents that are not reused or used less frequently in the copy mode in order to increase the use efficiency of the storage area in the image forming apparatus. Further, Patent Document 2 is an invention in which a difference in processing contents of a processor is determined in order to prevent a process different from the contents set by the user from being performed, and when there is a difference in the processing contents, that fact is displayed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-127832 (paragraph numbers 79 to 83, FIG. 26) JP 2000-98812 A (paragraph numbers 48 to 50, FIG. 9)

  However, when copying a document using a copier or multifunction machine as described above, there are many settings such as paper selection, enlargement / reduction ratio setting, and top / side binding for duplex printing. An operation must be performed. Therefore, it is troublesome to set such various recording conditions. In particular, when the recording conditions are different for each original, it takes time to set the recording conditions.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a recording condition setting device that stores recording conditions and document images in association with each other and performs copying based on the stored recording conditions when copying the same document.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing image data and recording conditions for copying the image data in correspondence with each other, document data read by a scanner, and image data stored in the storage means. And when the image collating unit determines that the image data match, the corresponding recording condition information is read from the storage unit and set as the recording condition at the time of copying the original data. This can be achieved by providing a recording condition setting device having a setting means.

  By configuring in this way, the recording conditions at the time of copying processing for past image data are stored in the storage means, and when a new document reading process is performed, if the matching results by the image matching means match, The copying process can be performed using the recording conditions. Therefore, complicated recording condition setting processing can be omitted, and copying processing can be performed efficiently.

The recording conditions include, for example, image data drawing conditions and printing conditions, and image data drawing processing and printing on recording paper are performed according to the respective conditions.
On the other hand, for example, information of an encoding pattern is recorded in the original data, and the encoding pattern includes information of the recording condition. With this configuration, it is possible to set recording conditions without performing a collation process between the original image and the image data stored in the storage unit, and it is possible to perform the copying process more efficiently.

  In addition, an encoding pattern corresponding to the recording condition is generated, and when the encoding data is not included in the document data, the generated encoding pattern is recorded on a copy image.

  With this configuration, even when the encoded pattern is not recorded in the document data, the encoded pattern can be recorded when the copy image is generated.

According to the present invention, when performing the same document copying process as that performed in the past, the recording condition is automatically set, and the recording condition setting operation can be facilitated.
Further, by recording an encoded pattern including a recording condition on a document image, the recording condition can be automatically set, and a more effective recording condition setting device can be obtained.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a copying machine according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, a copying machine 1 of this example includes a copy control unit 2, an operation panel 3, a scanner 4, a printer engine 5, an operation panel control unit (hereinafter referred to as an operation panel control unit) 6, a scanner control unit 7, and a print control. It is comprised by the part 8 grade | etc.,. In this example, a copy image file storage unit 9 that stores a copy image that has been subjected to a copy process, and a scan image buffer 10 that stores image data read by the scanner 4 are also provided.

  Also, the copy (recording) condition database, which is a feature of this example, is recorded in the copy condition data management table 11, and based on this database, the copy condition data recording unit 12, the drawing condition data recording unit 13, and the printing condition data recording unit. 14 stores data to be described later. The image collation determination unit 15 collates the image data recorded in the copy image buffer 16 with the image data stored in the scan image buffer 10. The image data drawing unit 18 is a drawing control unit that controls the development of a print image in the image memory 19. The image data developed in the image memory 19 is output to the printer engine 5 according to the control of the print control unit 8 and is printed on a sheet. Printed.

  In the above system configuration, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the copy condition data management table 11 described above. As shown in the figure, the copy condition data management table 11 is composed of a large number of record areas (# 0 to # n-1). Each record area has an “index number”, “original paper size”, and “original paper direction”. ”,“ Printing paper size ”,“ printing paper feed port ”,“ enlargement ratio ”, and“ image file name ”.

  For example, in the example shown in the figure, in the case of the record area (# 0), the “index number” is (1), the “original paper size” is (A4), and the “original paper direction” is (vertically placed). ”,“ Printing paper size ”is (A4),“ printing paper feed slot ”is (first cassette),“ enlargement ratio ”is (100%), and“ image file name ”is For example, (A0001). In the record area (# 1) and thereafter, the various copy condition settings shown in the figure are registered.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the copy condition data recording unit 12. Among the copy condition data recorded in the copy condition data management table 11, the data of the selected “image file name” is shown. To be recorded. The copy conditions recorded in the copy condition data recording unit 12 are “original paper size”, “original paper direction”, “print paper size”, “print paper feed port”, and “enlargement ratio”. There are two copying conditions. The timing at which the data is recorded in the copy condition data recording unit 12 is when the collation of the image data by the image collation determination unit 15 matches as described later.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the drawing condition data recording unit 13, and the above-described “enlargement ratio” copying condition is written in the drawing condition data recording unit 13. The writing of the “enlargement ratio” data to the drawing condition data recording unit 13 is also performed at the timing when the matching of the image data by the image matching determination unit 15 is matched. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing condition data recording unit 14, and the above-mentioned “printing paper size” and “printing paper feed port” copying conditions are written in the printing condition data recording unit 14. Note that the writing of data to these two is also performed at the timing when the matching of the image data by the above-described image matching determination unit 15 coincides.

Next, the processing operation of this example will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example, which is a process performed by the copy control unit 2.

  First, the number of registrations (for example, n) in the copy condition data management table 11 and the indexes (# 0 to # n-1) of all records are initially set to 0 (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). Next, it is determined whether there is a copy start notification from the operation panel control unit 6 (S2). This notification is a case where, for example, the user operates the copy start button on the operation panel 3 and the copy control unit 2 is notified of the copy start via the operation panel control unit 6.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 explains the processing of the operation panel control unit 6. For example, when a copy start button is operated by the user and a corresponding operation signal is input to the operation panel control unit 6 (YES in S2-1), the operation panel is displayed. The control unit 6 notifies the copy control unit 2 of the start of copying (S2-2). The operation panel control unit 6 determines whether there is a copy condition setting instruction from the operation panel 3 at a predetermined time interval when there is no copy start instruction from the operation panel 3 (S2-3). (S2-3 is YES), the set copy condition is written in the copy condition data recording unit 12 (S2-4).

  When the copy control unit 2 receives a copy start notification from the operation panel control unit 6, the copy control unit 2 notifies the scanner control unit 7 of a document scan (S3). FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the scanner control unit 7. The scanner control unit 7 controls the operation of the scanner 4 in response to the notification, and reads a document image placed on the scanner 4 (S3-1, S3-). 2). The document data read by the scanner 4 is sent from the scanner control unit 7 to the scan image buffer 10 and stored in the scan image buffer 10 (S3-2).

  Thereafter, the scanner control unit 7 notifies the copy control unit 2 of the completion of the document scan (S3-3). When the copy control unit 2 receives the notification of the completion of the document scan from the scanner control unit 7 (YES in S4). ), The start of image matching is notified to the image matching determination unit 15 (S5).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining image collation processing by the image collation determination unit 15. First, the image collation determination unit 15 determines whether there is a notification of image collation start from the copy control unit 2 (S5-1). Here, when there is an image collation start notification from the copy control unit 2 (YES in S5-1), the registration number n is set in the search parameter m of the copy condition data management table 11 (S5-2).

  Next, it is determined whether m = 0 (S5-3). Here, if m = 0 (YES in S5-3), it is determined that there is no data registered in the copy condition data management table 11, and the image matching process is completed for the copy control unit 2, and the data matches. A notification that there is no screen is sent (S5-4). On the other hand, if m = 0 is not satisfied (YES in S5-3), the “image file name” of the record whose “index number” matches m is read from the copy image data storage unit 9 to the copy image data buffer 16 (S5- 5).

  The image collation determination unit 15 collates the image data read into the copy image data buffer 16 with the above-described scan image stored in the scan image buffer 10 (S5-6). If they match (YES in S5-7), the copy control unit 2 is notified of the completion of the image matching process, and is notified of the presence of a matching image and the record number (S5-8). . If they do not match (S5-7 is NO), m is decremented by -1 (S5-9), and the above processing is repeated (S5-3 to S5-9).

  When there is an image collation completion notification from the image collation determining unit 15 (YES in S6), the copy control unit 2 determines whether there is a matching image at the same time (S7). This determination is made based on the notification of the presence / absence of a matching image transmitted together with the image collation completion notification. If there is a matching image, the record number information simultaneously notified from the copy condition data management table 11 Based on the data, the data is written in the drawing condition data recording unit 13 and the printing condition data recording unit 14 (S8).

  For example, if the image with the record number # 2 shown in FIG. 2 matches the image data stored in the scan image buffer 1, “magnification rate” data (141%) is written in the drawing condition data recording unit 13. It is. In addition, (A3) data is written as the “printing paper size” in the printing condition data recording unit 14, and (third cassette) data is written as the “printing paper feed port”.

  Next, the copy control unit 2 notifies the image data drawing unit 18 of the start of the drawing process (S9). In accordance with this notification, the image data drawing unit 18 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the above notification has been received from the copy control unit 2 (S9-1), and the image data drawing unit 18 performs image memory 19 based on the “magnification ratio” data recorded in the drawing condition data recording unit 13. An image is drawn on (S9-2).

  At this time, the information on the “enlargement ratio” already registered in the copy condition data management table 11 is recorded in the drawing condition data recording unit 13 by the above-described process (S8), and the information on the “enlargement ratio” is recorded. Print data is drawn in the image memory 19. For example, in the case of the record (# 2) shown in FIG. 2, the print data is developed in the image memory 19 with an “enlargement ratio” of 141%. When the expansion process to the image memory 19 is completed, the image data drawing unit 18 notifies the copy control unit 2 of the image drawing completion (S9-3).

  On the other hand, when the copy control unit 2 receives the image drawing completion notification output from the image data drawing unit 18 (YES in S10), it issues a print processing start notification to the print control unit 8 (S11).

  In accordance with this notification, the print control unit 8 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the above notification has been received from the copy control unit 2 (S11-1), and the print control unit 8 records “print paper size” and “print paper feed port” recorded in the print condition data recording unit 14. The print data is output to the printer engine 5 based on the information "S11-2".

  Also in this case, the printing condition data recording unit 14 records the information of “printing paper size” and “printing paper feed port” already registered in the copying condition data management table 11 by the above-described processing (S8). According to this information, print data is output to the printer engine 5. For example, in the case of the record (# 2) shown in FIG. 2, the print data is the printer engine based on the information that “print paper size” is (A4) and “print paper feed port” is (third cassette). 5 is output.

  The printer engine 5 performs print processing on the corresponding paper according to the print data. When the print processing in the printer engine 5 is completed, a print processing completion notification is output to the copy control unit 2 (S11-3). . When the copy control unit 2 receives the print processing completion notification output from the print control unit 8 (S12), the copy control unit 2 waits for the operation of the operation panel 3 to perform the next copy.

  As described above, according to this example, when the same copy process as the copy process performed in the past is performed, the previous copy conditions can be automatically read out by comparing the image data, and the copy process can be performed. Therefore, the user does not need to set complicated copying conditions and can provide a copying machine with good operability.

  On the other hand, in the above-described determination (S7), when there is no matching image (S7 is NO), it is determined whether there is a new scan image storage area in the copy image data storage unit 9 (S13). If there is a storage area (YES in S13), the registration number n in the copy condition data management table 11 is incremented (+1), and any record of “index number” (0) in the copy condition data management table 11 is recorded. Is set in the copy condition data, and the "index number" of the record is set to (n) (S14, S15).

  Further, for example, a unique image file name is determined, recorded in “image file name” of “index number” (n) of the copy condition data management table 11, and the image data is stored in the copy image data storage unit 9 (S16, S17).

  Further, in the above determination (S13), when there is no new scan image storage area in the copy image data storage unit 9 (S13 is NO), it corresponds to the “index number” (1) of the copy condition data management table 11. The file having the image file name to be deleted is deleted from the copy image data storage unit 9 (S18). Then, with respect to all the records in the copy condition data management table 11, those having an “index number” (1) or more are decremented (−1), and the registered number n in the copy condition data management table 11 is decremented (−1). (S19, S20).

  In the above example, the corresponding copy condition is automatically set when the collation results of the image data match. However, the copy condition to be set is displayed once on the operation panel 3 and waits for the user's confirmation button operation. The copying conditions may be set. At this time, a part of the copy condition may be changed.

Furthermore, the automatic setting of the copy conditions in this example may be shifted according to a command from the user, for example. Further, the recording condition setting device of this example is not limited to a copying machine, and may be configured to be used for a multifunction machine having a copying function. In the case of a multifunction machine, in addition to the copy function, it also has a print function of a document image input from a host device and a print function of a document image received from a facsimile line. Therefore, the “copy” described in the above embodiment is It means one form of “record”.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram of a multifunction machine for explaining the second embodiment of the present example.
In the same figure, the MFP 21 of this example also has an operation panel 3, a scanner 4, a printer engine 5, an operation panel control unit (hereinafter referred to as an operation panel control unit) 6, a scanner control unit 7, and a print control unit, as described above. 8 etc. However, in this example, there is no copy image data storage unit that stores the copy image that has been subjected to the copy process, the image collation determination unit 15, and the recording condition data management table. Instead of this configuration, a code control unit 22 and a code pattern buffer 23 are provided in this example. In addition to the copying function, the multifunction machine 21 has a facsimile transmission / reception function and a printer function. The FAX modem 25 is controlled by the FAX control unit 24 and is connected to an external telephone line via the FAX modem 25 to transmit / receive document data and the like. The NET control unit 26 controls information exchange with the computer 27 via a network line in order to print print data sent from a host device such as a computer (PC) 27. The control unit 2 'differs only in the part that performs control according to these, and the other basic configuration is the same as the copy control unit 2 in the above-described embodiment.

  Other configurations such as the scan image buffer 10, the recording condition data recording unit 12 ′, the drawing condition data recording unit 13, the printing condition data recording unit 14, the image data drawing unit 18, and the image memory 19 are described above. This is the same as the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the process of this example is demonstrated concretely.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. First, the control unit 2 ′ determines whether there is a copy start notification from the operation panel control unit 6 (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). This notification is the same as described above when the copy start button on the operation panel 3 is operated and the control unit 2 'is notified of the copy start via the operation panel control unit 6.

  When there is a copy start notification from the operation panel control unit 6 (YES in ST1), the control unit 2 'notifies the scanner control unit 7 of document scanning (ST2). As described above, the scanning of the document by the scanner 4 is processed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the scan process is completed and a document scan completion notification is transmitted from the scanner control unit 7 (YES in ST3), the control unit 2 ′ notifies the code control unit 22 of the start of the code pattern recognition process ( ST4).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the code control unit 22. When a code pattern recognition processing start notification is received from the control unit 2 ′ (ST4-1), the code pattern of the image data stored in the scanned image buffer 10 Is recognized (ST4-2). Here, an encoded code such as a bar code or a QR code is used as the code pattern, and is recorded on the recording paper using a yellow toner or a transparent toner that is hard to be seen by human eyes. Is recorded (ST4-3).

  If there is a code pattern (YES in ST4-3), the corresponding code pattern is decoded into print condition data, and information on the print condition is written in the print condition data section 14 (ST4-4). Then, the code control unit 22 notifies the control unit 2 'of the end of the code pattern recognition process and information on the presence of the code pattern (ST4-5).

  On the other hand, if the code pattern is not recorded (NO in ST4-3), the printing condition data is converted into a code pattern from the recording condition data recording unit 12 'and written in the code pattern buffer 23 (ST4-6). Then, the code control unit 22 notifies the control unit 2 'of the end of the code pattern recognition process and information on the presence of the code pattern (ST4-7).

  When there is an encoding pattern recognition completion notification from the code controller 22 (YES in ST5), the control unit 2 ′ determines whether or not there is an encoded pattern in the scanned image (ST6). If it has been recorded, the recording condition data is written from the recording condition data recording unit 12 ′ to the drawing condition data recording unit 13 (YES in ST6, ST7). On the other hand, if no encoded pattern is recorded, the drawing data is written from the recording condition data recording unit 12 ′ to the drawing condition data recording unit 13, and the recording (printing) condition data is further recorded from the recording condition data recording unit 12 ′. The data is written in the printing condition data recording unit 14 (NO in ST6, ST9). Thereafter, when an encoded pattern is recorded in the scanned image, the image data drawing unit 18 is notified of the start of image drawing (ST8). On the other hand, if no encoded pattern is recorded in the scanned image, the image data drawing unit 18 is notified of the start of image composition drawing (ST10).

  The image data drawing unit 18 performs processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, and first determines whether an image drawing start notification has been received (ST8-1). If an image drawing start notification is received (YES in ST8-1), drawing processing is performed according to the drawing conditions stored in the drawing condition data recording unit 13 (ST8-2). On the other hand, if an image drawing start notification has not been received (NO in ST10-1), it is determined whether an image composition drawing start notification has been received (ST10-1). When the start notification of image composition drawing is received (YES in ST10-1), the scanned image of the original stored in the scan image buffer 10 according to the drawing conditions stored in the drawing condition data recording unit 13 at this time Then, the code patterns stored in the code pattern buffer 23 are synthesized and developed in the image memory 19 (ST10-2).

  Thereafter, the completion of the image drawing process is notified to the code control unit 22 (ST10-3). When receiving the completion notification of the image drawing process (YES in ST11), the control unit 2 'notifies the print control unit 8 of the start of the printing process (ST12).

  In accordance with this notification, the print control unit 8 performs the processing described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and outputs print data to the printer engine 5. At this time, when an encoded pattern is not added to the original, the image to be printed is recorded on the copy image with an encoded pattern corresponding to the recording condition recorded in the recording condition data recording unit 12 '.

  Thereafter, when the printing process is completed, a printing process completion notification is output to the control unit 2 ′. When the control unit 2 'receives the print processing completion notification output from the print control unit 8 (YES in ST13), the control unit 2' waits for the operation of the operation panel 3 to perform further copying.

  As described above, according to this example, the copying process can be automatically performed according to the printing condition information included in the encoded pattern recorded on the original. Therefore, for example, the user can specify the printing conditions without operating the operation panel 3 to perform the setting operation of “printing paper size” and “printing paper feed port”.

Further, even when the encoded pattern is not recorded on the original, the encoded pattern corresponding to the recording condition recorded in the recording condition data recording unit 12 ′ can be recorded on the copy image.
In this example as well, the corresponding recording conditions are automatically set when the collation results of the image data match. However, the recording conditions to be set are temporarily displayed on the operation panel 3 and the confirmation button is operated by the user. The recording condition may be set after waiting. At this time, a part of the recording condition may be changed.

Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which transfers to the automatic setting of the recording conditions of this example according to the instruction | command from a user, for example.
In the above-described embodiment, only the scanned image data in the copying function has been described. However, in the document image transmitted by the facsimile or printer, an encoding pattern such as a bar code or a QR code registered in advance as described above is used. Can be automatically printed according to the recording (printing) condition information included in the encoded pattern. For example, various printing conditions such as enlargement / reduction printing on a paper having a size different from that of the transmitted original, printing with a specific color toner, stapling, etc. Can be specified by document information sent from a facsimile transmission source or a higher-level apparatus connected by a network line.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a copier according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a copy condition data management table. It is a figure which shows the structure of a copy condition data recording part. It is a figure which shows the structure of a drawing condition data recording part. It is a figure which shows the structure of a printing condition data recording part. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process of an operation panel control part. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a scanner control part. It is a flowchart explaining the image collation process by an image collation judgment part. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of an image data drawing part. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of a print control unit. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a copier for explaining a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of a code | symbol control part. It is a flowchart explaining the drawing process of an image data drawing part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine 2 ... Copying control part 2 '... Control part 3 ... Operation panel 4 ... Scanner 5 ... Printer engine 6 ... Operation panel control part 7 ... Scanner control Section 8 ... Print control section 9 ... Copy image data storage section 10 ... Scanned image buffer 11 ... Copy condition data management table 12 ... Copy condition data recording section 12 '... Recording condition data Recording unit 13... Drawing condition data recording unit 14... Printing condition data recording unit 15... Image collation judgment unit 16 .. Copy image buffer 18. ... Machine 22 ... Code control unit 23 ... Code pattern buffer

Claims (6)

Storage means for correspondingly storing image data and recording conditions for recording the image data;
Image collating means for collating document data read by a scanner with image data stored in the storage means;
A setting unit that reads information on the corresponding recording condition from the storage unit when the image collating unit determines that the two image data match, and sets the recording condition at the time of recording processing on the document data;
A recording condition setting device characterized by comprising:   2. The recording condition according to claim 1, wherein the recording condition includes a drawing condition and a printing condition for the image data, and the drawing process for the image data and the printing process on the recording paper are performed according to the respective conditions. Setting device.   3. The recording condition setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information of an encoding pattern is recorded in the document data, and the encoding pattern includes the information of the recording condition.   An encoded pattern corresponding to the recording condition is generated, and when the original data does not include the encoded pattern, the generated encoded pattern is recorded on a recorded image. Or the recording condition setting device according to 3. Storage means for storing image data and recording conditions correspondingly;
Image collating means for collating document data read by a scanner with image data stored in the storage means;
A print control unit that reads information on a corresponding recording condition from the storage unit when the image collating unit determines that both image data match, and performs a recording process on the document data according to the recording condition;
A recording apparatus comprising: Storage means for correspondingly storing image data and recording conditions for printing out the image data;
Image collating means for collating received document data with image data stored in the storage means;
A print control unit that reads out information of a corresponding recording condition from the storage unit when the image collating unit determines that at least a part of both the image data matches, and prints the document data according to the recording condition;
A recording apparatus comprising:

Images