JP3619195B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.,Image processing method, computer program, and computer-readable storage mediumConcerning.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the explosive spread of network technology in recent years, various services using computer networks are being realized.
[0003]
As a service using a computer network, for example, a multifunction printer (MFP) such as a copying machine connected to the network, which is introduced in a convenience store or the like, is known. The multi-function printer can provide not only a copy service but also an information providing service for acquiring various information from a server on a network or a web page on the Internet and printing it out.
[0004]
In such systems that perform information processing and information output, conventionally, when performing the above-described print output and copying, the image data for printing and the advertisement information of the company, etc. are automatically combined on the recording paper. A service for forming an image is known.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional information providing service, when an image in which advertisement information is combined is printed out and further copied, the advertisement information is newly combined. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to see a print image intended by the user.
[0006]
Furthermore, the conventional information providing service is not limited to the advertisement information, and cannot cope with updating the image to be printed when the scanner unit reads and copies the image.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an optimum image with a relatively simple operation when reading an image with a scanner or the like to obtain a new printed matter. Image processing device,To provide an image processing method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium.
[0008]
An image processing apparatus capable of acquiring optimal advertisement information with a relatively simple operation, particularly when advertisement information is included in an image.,To provide an image processing method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:Provide printing means that can communicate with external devices via a networkAn image processing apparatus,By scanning the manuscriptReading means for reading an image and read by the reading meansImage basedPrinting on recording mediaLet the printing means doControl means andTransmission control means for making a request to the external device via the network based on identification information included in the image read by the reading means via the communication unit, and the control means Printing on a recording medium based on print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network in response to a request and an image read by the reading unitIt is characterized by that.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 2An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device via a network, the control means for printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading means, and the identification included in the image read by the reading means Transmission control means for making a request to the external device via the network based on information via the communication unit, and the control means from the external device via the network in response to the request Printing on a recording medium based on the acquired print information and the image read by the reading unitIt is characterized by that.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect,Included in the image read by the reading meansAnalytical means for analyzing identification informationThe communication control means comprises:Analysis by the analysis meansTo make a request to the external device through the communication unitIt is characterized by that.
[0012]
Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the claim.Any one of 1-3In the image processing apparatus described inAnalysis means for analyzing the identification information included in the image read by the reading means, and the transmission control means includes the identification information to the external device based on the expiration date identified by the analysis by the analysis means. Whether to make requests based onIt is characterized by that.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect,Make the request and print informationIs further provided with an input means for inputting an instruction as to whether or not to execute acquisition, and an instruction not to execute is input.In case,The control means is based on an image read by the reading meansrecoding mediaIt is characterized in that printing is performed.
[0014]
Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the claim.5In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1,controlMeans input via the input meansInAccording to the abovePrinting on a recording medium based on print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to a request and the read image is performed.It is characterized by that.
[0015]
Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the claim.1In the image processing device according to any one of?Print information obtained via the networkIsAdvertisementIt is characterized by being.
[0016]
Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the claim.1In the image processing device according to any one of 7 to 7, the resolution of the image read by the reading unit,Print information obtained via the network indicatesIt is characterized by being different from the resolution.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 9 isClaim 1In the image processing device according to any one of?The print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request corresponds to a part of the image read by the reading unit.It is characterized by that.
[0018]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the identification information includes layout designation information.The control means causes printing on a recording medium based on the layout information, the print information acquired via the network, and the read image.It is characterized by that.
[0019]
In addition, the invention according to claim 11 is the first aspect.10In the image processing device according to any of the above,The control unit performs printing on a recording medium based on the layout information acquired from the external apparatus together with the print information in response to the request, the print information, and the image read by the reading unit.It is characterized by that.
[0020]
Further, the invention according to claim 12 is12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print information includes PDL data or an image.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 13 isThe image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the multifunction printer includes the reading unit and the printing unit.It is characterized by that.
[0022]
The invention as set forth in claim 14An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus including a printing unit that can communicate with an external apparatus via a network, wherein the reading unit scans a document in the image processing apparatus.Read imageStepWhen,The control means is read by the reading meansImage basedrecoding mediaPrint toA step of causing the printing means to perform, and a step of causing the transmission control means to make a request to the external apparatus via the network based on the identification information included in the image read by the reading means. The step of causing the printing to be performed on the recording medium based on the print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request and the image read by the reading unit. Make printIt is characterized by that.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 15 isAn image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device via a network, wherein the control unit performs printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading unit. And a step of making a request to the external device via the network via a communication unit based on identification information included in the image read by the reading means, and causing the printing to be performed. The step causes printing on a recording medium based on the print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network in response to the request and the image read by the reading unit.It is characterized by that.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 16By scanning a document by a reading unit on a computer having a printing unit that can communicate with an external device via a networkRead imageStepWhen,The control means is read by the reading meansImage basedrecoding mediaPrint toA step of causing the printing means to perform, and a step of causing the transmission control means to make a request to the external apparatus via the network based on the identification information included in the image read by the reading means. The step of performing the printing includes printing information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request and an image read by the reading unit. To print on the recording medium based onA computer program characterized by the above.
The invention according to claim 17A step of causing a computer capable of communicating with an external device via a network to print on a recording medium based on an image read by the reading unit; and identification information included in the image read by the reading unit And a step of causing a request to the external device via the network to be performed via a communication unit, the step of causing the printing to be performed from the external device in response to the request Printing on a recording medium based on print information acquired via the network and an image read by the reading unitIt is characterized by that.
The invention according to claim 18A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 16 or 17.It is characterized by that.
[0025]
This makes it possible to automatically update the advertisement information when copying the print output to which the advertisement information is added.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes a public network 101, a web server 103 connected to a database 102, multifunction printers 104 and 105 installed in a convenience store, and an advertiser. A personal computer (personal computer) 106, which is an information processing device used in a company, is connected to the computer.
[0028]
Here, it is assumed that the store where the multifunction printer 104 is installed is in the N district of Kanagawa Prefecture, and the store where the multifunction printer 105 is installed is in the H district of Nagano Prefecture.
[0029]
The personal computer 106 of the advertiser company has a communication function with the network 101 and transfers the advertising information created on the personal computer 106 to the web server 103. Although not shown, a predetermined service image is also transferred to the web server 103 from a personal computer used by a company that provides a predetermined image service in addition to the advertiser company. Yes. Various image data transferred to the web server 103 from these 106 and other personal computers and stored in the database 102 are used as update images in each embodiment described later. Note that the update image and the like will be described in detail later, and the description thereof is omitted here.
[0030]
The web server 103 has a communication function with the network 101, generates a web page that can be browsed on the Internet, sends the web page to each device via the network 101, and stores various data received via the network 101 in a database. Accumulate in 102. Note that the web page generated in the present embodiment relates to the information processing system shown in FIG. Further, the web server 103 searches for and acquires data (including processing) in the database 102 and outputs it to the network 101.
[0031]
The multi-function printers 104 and 105 have a communication function with the network 101, and lay out image data received via the network 101 and perform printout. The multi-function printers 104 and 105 can also send image data read by the scanner unit to the network 101.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction printers 104 and 105 of FIG.
[0033]
In FIG. 2, a main bus 201 that is a transmission path for basic information is connected to a local bus 202 that is a partial information transmission path via a local bus controller 203. Connected to the local bus 202 are a scanner unit 204 that reads an image original and a print unit 205 that forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by, for example, electrophotography. The main bus 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 206, a read only memory (ROM) 207, a random access memory (RAM) 208, a modem control unit 210, an operation display unit 211, and a hard disk drive (HDD). A controller 213, a system controller 215, a date / time information generation unit (calendar) 216, and a barcode generation / analysis unit 217 are connected.
[0034]
The CPU 206 controls the entire multifunction printer. The ROM 207 is a nonvolatile storage unit that stores programs and the like. A RAM 208 is a temporary storage means for data and programs, and stores location information (map information) of each store. The modem control unit 210 performs control for connecting to the public communication line 209. The operation display unit 211 includes, for example, an LCD touch panel, which includes an operation unit such as operation buttons, in addition to a display unit that displays an operation content menu, status, message, and the like of the multifunction printer. The HDD controller 213 controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 212 that stores image data and the like.
[0035]
The system controller 215 is connected to a frame memory 214 that stores image data expanded for printing, and controls image processing including data processing such as bus control, interrupt control, and data compression / decompression. The date / time information generation unit 216 includes a calendar IC or the like, and generates current time information. The barcode generation / analysis unit 217 generates barcode information to be printed out or analyzes the barcode information read by the scanner unit 204.
[0036]
FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the web server 103 connected to the database 102. The CPU 301 controls various components via the bus 306 in order to transmit / receive data, combine data, and the like. Via this bus 306, mutual address signals between various components (devices), control signals, and various data are transferred.
[0037]
The ROM 302 stores the control procedure (computer program) of the CPU 301. By reading this control procedure, the CPU 301 can execute processing such as data transfer and data combination. The RAM 303 is used as a work memory for data transmission / reception, data combination, and the like, and temporary storage means for controlling various components. In this embodiment, functions such as search are realized by the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the like.
[0038]
The external storage device 304 for storage is configured by a hard disk storage device or the like, and stores the database 102 that is a set of data. Further, the network interface (IF) 305 realizes a communication function with the network 101.
[0039]
(First embodiment)
Next, image acquisition and printing processing operations executed in the information processing system configured as described above will be described.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the information processing system when a user who visits a convenience store uses a print service such as information output or copying. Of course, the multi-function printer is not limited to the one installed in the convenience store, but in order to make the explanation easy to understand, it will be described below as being installed in the convenience store.
[0041]
A user who visits a convenience store in the N district of Kanagawa Prefecture operates the operation display unit 211 of the multifunction printer 104 to select a desired service menu (step S1201). Here, it is assumed that the copy service function is designated from the service menu and selected by the multi-function printer.
[0042]
The multifunction printer 104 reads an image with the scanner unit 204 and recognizes barcode information attached to the image (step S1202). The following description will be made based on the barcode information. However, the present invention is not limited to the barcode, and it is needless to say that any identification information having some kind of identification function can be applied to the flowchart of FIG. Returning to the description of the flowchart, when barcode information is attached to the read image (Yes route in step S1203), the barcode generation / analysis unit 217 performs analysis (step S1204). Next, a selection button is displayed on the operation display unit 211 in order to receive an image acquisition and printing instruction based on the content of the barcode information from the user (step S1205). Here, it is assumed that the barcode information includes identification information for specifying a corresponding image for updating an image read by the scanner unit 204. In this way, a process for instructing whether or not to acquire image data can be realized.
[0043]
When the selection button is operated by the user, the multifunction printer 104 executes processing corresponding to the button operation. In this way, processing for acquiring the image data is realized according to the instructed content. That is, when an instruction to execute the printing process according to the barcode information is received (Yes route of step S1206), the web server 103 is requested to transmit the printing information according to the barcode information (step S1206). S1207). Thereby, the process which analyzes identification information and acquires image data according to the result of an analysis is realized.
[0044]
The print information here refers to information for printing such as PDL data, but if it is information for updating an image read by the scanner unit 204, bitmap data or other data is used. It is assumed to apply.
[0045]
The web server 103 receives a request for print information corresponding to the barcode information via the network line (step S1212). Thereby, the process which acquires the image data according to identification information from an external information processing apparatus via a network is implement | achieved. Next, the web server 103 searches the database 102 for print information corresponding to the received barcode information (step S1213), and extracts the searched print information (step S1214). Here, the print information may be stored in the database 102 in the same way as the data to be transmitted in advance, or the print information transmitted by processing (compressing or converting the format) the retrieved print information. It is good. Then, it is transmitted to the multifunction printer 104 via the network line (step S1215).
[0046]
In step S1208, print information corresponding to the processing of the web server in step S1215 is received. Here, the received print information corresponds to that corresponding to the updated image data. For example, the image previously read by the scanner unit 204 is used.WhenIn comparison, it can correspond to a higher resolution image or the like, or an image newly updated from the original image read by the scanner unit 204 or the like.
[0047]
The multifunction printer 104 lays out an image based on the received print information (step S1209). The image layout is performed by replacing part or all of the image read by the scanner unit 204 with the received image. This layout method may be specified in the barcode information, or may be performed by transmitting the layout method specification information from the web server 103 together with the image. In this way, it is possible to update the read image in accordance with the content instructed in step S1206.
[0048]
Thereafter, the multi-function printer 104 executes a printing process for the laid out image (step S1210).
[0049]
By these processes, an image process for reading an image with an identifier, updating the read image according to the read identification information, and printing the updated image on a recording medium is realized.
[0050]
When the barcode information is not attached to the read image (No in step S1203), or when the user instructs not to execute the printing process corresponding to the barcode information (No in step S1206), the multifunction printer 104 executes normal copy (copying) processing (step S1211).
[0051]
In the description of FIG. 4, the processing of the multifunction printer has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the processing of FIG. 4 may be performed by an information processing apparatus having a scanner unit that can communicate with the printing apparatus. is assumed.
[0052]
As described above, by realizing the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 4, an image read by the scanner unit is automatically (or semi-automatically) simply by causing the multifunction printer to recognize identification information (barcode information). Can be updated.
[0053]
In addition, as an application example of FIG. 4, it is also assumed that a plurality of identification information for updating a predetermined image is prepared and an image (printed state) is updated according to each identification information. By doing so, it is possible to more flexibly update a predetermined image. A plurality of identification information is recorded in advance on an image to be read by the scanner unit 204, and the recorded information is recorded.TheWhen the identification information is read by the scanner unit 204, it is displayed on the display unit in a selectable form (displayed in a form that can be selected in step S1205 in FIG. 4), and the user can select the form. . This is also assumed in the second embodiment described later.
[0054]
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the mechanism for updating an image read by the scanner unit 204 to an image has been described. In the second embodiment, the image read by the scanner unit 204 includes advertisement information. A mechanism for updating the advertisement information when the advertisement information is updated will be described. With reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, description will be given of an operation for inserting an advertisement into an image executed in the information processing system configured as described above.
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the information processing system when a user who visits a convenience store uses a print service such as information output or copying. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image printed out.
[0056]
A user who visits a convenience store in the N district of Kanagawa Prefecture operates the operation display unit 211 of the multifunction printer 104 to select a desired service menu (step S401 in FIG. 5). Here, it is assumed that the map information providing service is selected.
[0057]
The multi-function printer 104 accesses the web server 103 via the network 101, and transmits a map acceptance code required by the user (step S402).
[0058]
When the web server 103 receives the reception code (step S403), the web server 103 searches the database 102 according to the reception code and reads the map image data required by the user (step S404). Next, the web server 103 searches the database 102 to search and acquire advertisement data (step S405).
[0059]
The advertisement data includes advertisement image data and advertisement additional data, and the advertisement additional data includes advertisement expiration date data and advertisement type data. Here, it is assumed that automobile sales is selected as the advertisement type when the user selects the menu in step S401 described above.
[0060]
When the search is completed as described above, the map image data and the advertisement data are transmitted to the multifunction printer 104 (step S406).
[0061]
When the multifunction printer 104 receives the map data and the advertisement data (step S407), the barcode generation / analysis unit 217 receives the advertisement addition data in the received advertisement data, the date information from the date information generation unit 216, and the like. Based on the store location information from the RAM 208, barcode information is generated (step S408).
[0062]
Next, the generated barcode information, advertisement image data, and map data are laid out in a predetermined format as shown in the example of FIG. 6 (step S409) and printed out (step S410). A series of processing ends.
[0063]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a processing operation for automatic advertisement update in the information processing system configured as described above will be described.
[0064]
The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows a processing operation when a user who has visited a convenience store or the like copies the above-described print output. FIG. 8 shows a print output in which advertisement information is updated.
[0065]
A user who visits a convenience store in the H district of Nagano PrefecturePrinterThe operation display unit 211 of 105 is operated to select a desired service menu (step S601 in FIG. 7). Here, it is assumed that the user has selected the copy service. The original to be copied is a multi-function.PrinterIt is assumed that the map information is printed out by 104.
[0066]
First, a document is read by the scanner unit 204 (step S602). If there is barcode information in the read image data (Yes route in step S603), the barcode generation / analysis unit 217 performs analysis (step S604). When the barcode information exists, information such as store location information, expiration date information, and advertisement type information related to the advertisement printed on the manuscript is obtained from the analyzed barcode information. At this time, if the location information of the store is different as in the present embodiment (Yes route in step S605), the multi-function printer 105 searches the database 102 by the method described above and acquires new advertisement information (step S609). . However, an advertisement having the same advertisement type as the advertisement type information obtained from the manuscript is acquired.
[0067]
Further, in the barcode analysis in step S604, new advertisement information is acquired in the same manner when the expiration date of the advertisement is recognized from the expiration date information (Yes route in step S606) (step S609).
[0068]
Thereafter, an image in which an image to be copied, newly acquired advertisement information, and newly generated barcode information are laid out is generated (step S610), and print output is executed (step S611). An example of an image that has been updated and printed out is shown in FIG.
[0069]
On the other hand, in the barcode analysis in step S604, if the read original does not have barcode information (step S603), if the user desires an advertisement addition service (Yes route in step S608), the method described above Similarly, advertisement information is added and printed out (step S611). On the other hand, when the advertisement addition service is not desired (No route in step S608), the read original image is subjected to normal copy processing and printed out (step S607). By these processes, image processing in which the image data is advertisement data is realized.
[0070]
Similarly, when the location information of the store is the same and the expiration date has not expired from the analysis result of the bar code information, a normal copy process is executed on the read document image and printed out (step S607). .
[0071]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of the present invention in which the multifunction printer acquires image data having a resolution different from that of the image included in the image read by the scanner unit.
[0072]
In this embodiment, an image distributed at a low resolution of 75 dpi or the like from the web server 103 is read and printed by a scanner unit of a multifunction printer. At this time, the multi-function printer acquires a corresponding high-resolution image via the network based on the identification information recorded together with the image on the paper medium to be read. Then, after the read image is updated using the acquired high-resolution image, printing is performed.
[0073]
Such processing by the multi-function printer is performed by adding the resolution information of the image to be printed by the multi-function printer 104 based on the internal setting value to the bar code information when generating the bar code in step S408 of FIG. Can be executed.
[0074]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when a user who visits a convenience store or the like copies the print output described above. The processing shown in this figure is substantially the same as the processing operation shown in FIG. 5, but differs in the determination processing after barcode analysis.
[0075]
That is, the multifunction printer 105 determines whether or not the image to be copied has a low resolution based on the barcode information after the barcode analysis in step S804 (step S805). At this time, if the image is a low-resolution image (Yes route in step S805), the multi-function printer 105 searches the database 102 by the method described above and acquires new advertisement information (step S).809). However, an advertisement having the same advertisement type as the advertisement type information obtained from the manuscript is acquired.
[0076]
On the other hand, if the image to be copied is not of low resolution (No route in step S808), the read original image is subjected to normal copy processing and printed out (step S).807).
[0077]
By these processes, image processing in which the read image includes the printed image and the resolution of the printed image is different from the resolution of the image data is realized.
[0078]
Such an embodiment is also effective when, for example, a reduced image is enlarged and printed. In this case, the multifunction printer acquires an enlarged image from the web server 103 instead of enlarging the read image. This makes it possible to print an enlarged image with high resolution.
[0079]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, as the identification information analyzed by the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, various information such as a character string and a digital watermark can be used in addition to the barcode.
[0080]
The multi-function printer is not limited to the one using the laser beam printer method, and the one using the ink jet printer method is also applicable.
[0081]
In the present invention, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.
[0082]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0083]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. Can do.
[0084]
In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer is one of the actual processes based on the instruction of the program code. The functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing some or all of the processes.
[0085]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.
[0086]
The present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is distributed to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication from a storage medium in which a program code of software realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded. Not too long.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, according to the present invention,When reading an image with a scanner, etc., and obtaining a new print, obtain the optimal image with relatively simple operations.be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a multifunction printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a web server connected to a database according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the information processing system in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the information processing system in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing information print output in a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the information processing system in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a print output after automatic advertisement updating in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the information processing system in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 network
102 database
103 Web server
104, 105 Multifunction printer
106 Advertiser Companies
201 Main bus
202 Local bus
203 Local bus controller
204 Scanner unit
205 Print section
206 CPU
207 ROM
208 RAM
209 Public communication line
210 Modem controller
211 Operation display
212 hard disk drive
213 HDD controller
214 frame memory
215 System controller
216 Date and time information generation unit
217 Barcode generation / analysis unit
301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304 External storage device
305 Network IF
306 bus

Claims (18)

An image processing apparatus including a printing unit capable of communicating with an external apparatus via a network,
Reading means for reading an image by scanning an original ;
Control means for causing the printing means to perform printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading means ;
Transmission control means for making a request to the external device via the network based on identification information included in the image read by the reading means via a communication unit, and the control means includes the request An image processing apparatus that causes printing on a recording medium based on print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network according to the image and an image read by the reading unit . An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device via a network,
Control means for performing printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading means;
Transmission control means for making a request to the external device via the network based on identification information included in the image read by the reading means via a communication unit, and the control means includes the request An image processing apparatus that causes printing on a recording medium based on print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network according to the image and an image read by the reading unit . Analyzing means for analyzing identification information included in the image read by the reading means , and the communication control means makes a request to the external device via a communication unit based on the analysis by the analyzing means The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. Analysis means for analyzing the identification information included in the image read by the reading means , and the transmission control means includes the identification information to the external device based on the expiration date identified by the analysis by the analysis means. the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carving whether to based request. An input means for inputting the instruction as to whether to execute the request and execute the acquisition of the print information is further provided, and when the instruction not to execute is input , the control means is read by the reading means The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein printing is performed on a recording medium based on an image. The control means is a record based on the print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request and the read image in response to an instruction input via the input means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein printing is performed on a medium . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the print information acquired via the network is an advertisement . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resolution of the image read by said reading means, different from the resolution indicated by the print information acquired via the network. 9. The print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request corresponds to a part of an image read by the reading unit. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The identification information includes layout designation information , and the control means performs printing on a recording medium based on the layout information, print information acquired via the network, and the read image. done so the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Rukoto. The control unit causes printing on a recording medium based on the layout information acquired from the external apparatus together with print information in response to the request, the print information, and the image read by the reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The print information includes PDL data or an image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is a multifunction printer including the reading unit and the printing unit. An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus including a printing unit capable of communicating with an external apparatus via a network, wherein the image processing apparatus includes:
A step of reading an image by scanning a document ;
A control unit causing the printing unit to print on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading unit ;
And a step of causing the transmission control means to make a request to the external device via the network based on the identification information included in the image read by the reading means, and performing the printing. And causing the printing to be performed on a recording medium based on the print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network in response to the request and the image read by the reading unit. Image processing method. An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external device via a network, wherein the image processing apparatus includes:
A step of causing the control means to perform printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading means;
Making a request to the external device via the network based on identification information included in the image read by the reading means via a communication unit, and causing the printing to An image processing method , comprising: printing on a recording medium based on print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network in response to a request and an image read by the reading unit . A computer having printing means that can communicate with an external device via a network,
A step of reading an image by scanning a document ;
A control unit causing the printing unit to print on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading unit ;
A transmission control unit that executes a step of making a request to the external device via the network via a communication unit based on identification information included in an image read by the reading unit; And causing the printing to be performed on a recording medium based on the print information acquired from the external apparatus via the network in response to the request and the image read by the reading unit. A computer program characterized by the above. To a computer that can communicate with an external device via a network,
A step of causing the control means to perform printing on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading means;
A computer program that executes a step of making a request to the external device via the network based on identification information included in an image read by the reading unit, and performing the printing. And causing the printing to be performed on a recording medium based on the print information acquired from the external device via the network in response to the request and the image read by the reading unit. Computer program. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 16 or 17 .

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