JP2000358152A - Image forming device, image forming method and recording medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output stored advertisement information in combination with a plurality of received original images in image output areas automatically or according to a selection instruction of a user. SOLUTION: A CPU 2001 conducts combination processing between a plurality of received original images and an advertisement image in a reduced layout mode so as to execute attachment of latest advertisement information stored on a hard disk 2004 to the received original images in the reduced layout mode and a printer 2095 prints out a reduced layout image that is a combination of the advertisement information and the received original image on a recording medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer having an image processing mode for scaling a plurality of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on one recording medium. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus with an advertisement function has been proposed in which, for example, a company name, a product name, and the like are output on copy paper to reduce a user's maintenance fee and a copy fee.

In this case, when the advertisement information is added to copy paper and output, it is common practice to print the advertisement information in the form of a banner on a header or footer of a document image.

[0004]

However, the printable area is narrow in the banner-like area. However, in order to add the full-page advertisement information, one copy sheet is consumed only by the advertisement and output to the copy sheet. However, there is a problem that an area where the advertisement information to be output can be output is limited, and data usable as the advertisement information is limited.

When the reduced layout mode can be set in the image forming apparatus, and when the number of images to be output matches the number of input images, the original image can be laid out in an orderly manner. In the case where a margin occurs in the relationship between the number and the number of input images, there has been a problem that an unnatural blank space is generated in the output paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and is intended to execute the addition of stored advertisement information in a reduced layout mode so as to be performed at the time of reduced layout processing on an input original image. By controlling the combined output of the manuscript image and the advertisement image, the advertisement information stored automatically or in accordance with the user's selection instruction can be output to a plurality of input manuscript images in combination with the image output area. , The restrictions on the advertising information by the advertising information provider can be greatly relaxed, the intended advertising information can be freely combined, and the margins are generated from the number of input images and the number of output images in the reduced layout processing. By controlling the combined output of the document image and the advertisement image in the reduced layout mode, Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus capable of orderly laying out detailed and effective advertisement information desired by an advertisement provider to be stored so as to fill a blank area in the image area without limiting the output area of the image It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having an image processing mode for scaling a plurality of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on a single recording medium. An advertisement information storage unit (hard disk 20 shown in FIG. 2) for storing input advertisement information;
04) and image output control means for combining the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means to output a layout on the recording medium when the image processing mode is selected (shown in FIG. 2). CPU 2001 is RO
M2003, and executes a control program stored in the hard disk 2004 or the like to control the layout output processing).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided determining means for determining whether or not a combination of the advertisement information with respect to the plurality of pieces of image information is possible based on the image processing mode selection state (the CPU 2001 shown in FIG. The control program stored in 2004 or the like is executed to determine whether layout output processing is possible or not.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the image processing mode is selected, a prohibition mode for prohibiting a combination of the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means is set. Setting means (setting is instructed by buttons BT11, BT21, BT31 shown in FIG. 10 and the like), and the image output control means sets the plurality of image information when the setting means sets the prohibition mode. And outputting the layout information on the recording medium in combination with the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a margin determining means for determining whether or not a margin occurs on the recording medium based on the total number of the plurality of original images input when the image processing mode is selected. The CPU 2001 shown in FIG.
M2003, executes a control program stored in the hard disk 2004 or the like, and performs margin determination processing).
The image output control means, when it is determined by the margin determination means that a margin occurs on the recording medium, combines the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means, This prohibits the layout output on the recording medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of pieces of image information are input by reading a document image.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the plurality of pieces of image information are input as print data from an external device via a predetermined communication medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the external device includes a facsimile device, a computer device, and a server device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing mode, a different numerical value can be selected and designated as the number N of images to be output on one recording medium.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the number of images N
Is any of 2, 4, and 8.

[0016] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the advertisement information storage means stores the advertisement information input via a predetermined communication medium so as to be sequentially updated.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the advertisement information storage means can store a plurality of different pieces of input advertisement information.

According to the twelfth and twenty-third aspects of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having an image processing mode for scaling a plurality of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on one recording medium. A computer-readable program for controlling an image forming apparatus, which is an image forming method or has an image processing mode for scaling down a plurality of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on one recording medium, is stored. A combination of the plurality of image information and advertisement information read from an advertisement information storage device (hard disk 2004 shown in FIG. 2) for storing the input advertisement information when the image processing mode is selected. 15 (steps (6), (8), (9) shown in FIG. 15) for outputting a layout on the recording medium.

According to a thirteenth and a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the determining step (step shown in FIG. 16) for determining whether or not the combination of the advertisement information with the plurality of image information is possible based on the image processing mode selection state. 6)).

According to a fourteenth or twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the prohibition mode for prohibiting the combination of the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device when the image processing mode is selected. (In the case where no advertisement is set in step (5) shown in FIG. 16), and the image output step includes the step of setting the plurality of sets when the prohibition mode is set by the setting step. The combination of the image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device to output the layout on the recording medium is prohibited.

The fifteenth and twenty-sixth inventions according to the present invention are directed to a margin for judging whether or not a margin is generated on the recording medium based on the total number of the plurality of original images input when the image processing mode is selected. A determining step (step (11) illustrated in FIG. 17), wherein the image output step includes determining the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement when the margin determining step determines that a blank space occurs on the recording medium. It is prohibited to output the layout on the recording medium in combination with the advertisement information read from the information storage device.

In the sixteenth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, the plurality of pieces of image information are input by reading a document image.

In the seventeenth and twenty-eighth aspects of the present invention, the plurality of pieces of image information are input as print data from an external device via a predetermined communication medium.

In an eighteenth and twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the external device is a facsimile device, a computer device,
It includes a server device.

In the nineteenth and thirtieth aspects of the present invention, in the image processing mode, a different numerical value can be selected and designated as the number N of images to be output on one recording medium.

In the twentieth and thirty-first inventions according to the present invention, the number N of images is one of 2, 4, and 8.

In the twenty-first and thirty-second inventions according to the present invention, the advertisement information storage device stores advertisement information input via a predetermined communication medium in a manner capable of being sequentially updated.

In the twenty-second and thirty-third inventions according to the present invention, the advertisement information storage device is capable of storing a plurality of different pieces of input advertisement information.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus of the present invention and its operation will be described in detail.

<Overall System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1001 denotes a multi-function copying apparatus (MFDC). A printer unit outputs an image to a recording medium based on image data read from a scanner unit and a local area network (L).
AN) Servers 1002, 1 connected via 1010
004, 1006, 1007, client 1003
The print data is processed based on a print request from the printer 1005, and an image is output from a printer unit to a recording medium.

The MFDC 1001 is internally provided with a facsimile board for executing facsimile communication processing, and is configured to be able to communicate with an external facsimile apparatus 1031 via a digital line 1030 such as ISDN or PSTN. It is configured to perform transmission / reception processing.

Reference numeral 1040 denotes a network compatible printer, which is a server 1002, 100
4,1006,1007, clients 1003,10
The print data is processed based on the print request from the printer 05 and an image is output to a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1011 denotes a router, which is connected to a communication network 1012 such as the Internet or an intranet by an L.
The connection with the AN 1010 is controlled.

Reference numeral 1020 denotes a digital copying apparatus, which is a server 1021 to 1 connected to a communication network 1012.
Print data received from the router 023 or the router 1011
A printer unit for outputting an image to a recording medium based on print data received via the printer, and a scanner unit for reading a document image.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The multifunction copying machine (MFDC) shown in FIG.
Corresponding to Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 2, the controller unit (C
controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 which is an image input device and a printer 2095 which is an image output device.
1 and a public line (WAN) 2051 to input and output image information and device information. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system.

The RAM 2002 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. ROM2003
Denotes a boot ROM, which stores a system boot program.

An HDD 2004 is a hard disk, and includes system software, image data (LAN 2011, WA
N2051), and the content of which is input through N2051 and includes updatable advertisement information). The operation unit I / F 2006 functions as an interface of the operation unit 2012, and the operation unit 2
The image data to be displayed at 012 is output to the operation unit 2012. In addition, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the system user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

Network 2010
Is connected to the LAN 2011 to input and output information. A modem (Modem) 2050 is connected to the public line 2051, and inputs and outputs various types of communication information including facsimile information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007. Image bus interface (Image B
A usI / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 2007 to the image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure.

The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. That is, the raster image processor (RIP) 2060 develops the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 includes a scanner 2070 and a printer 209 which are image input / output devices.
5 and the controller unit 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. First image processing unit 2
080 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data.

The second image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data.
The image compression unit 2040 converts the multi-valued image data into JPEG,
The value image data undergoes JBIG, MMR, and MH compression / expansion processing.

<Image Input / Output Unit> FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the external structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 3, a scanner unit 2070, which is an image input device, illuminates an image on paper as a document,
By scanning a CCD line sensor (not shown), it is converted into an electric signal as raster image data 2071.

The original sheet is set on the tray 2073 of the original feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user issues an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 2012, the CPU 2001 gives an instruction 2071 to the scanner 2070 and the feeder 207.
Numeral 2 feeds original sheets one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

Printer unit 209 serving as an image output device
Reference numeral 5 denotes a part for converting the raster image data 2096 into an image on paper.

The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 from the CPU 2001. Printer unit 209
5 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and corresponding paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104.
There is.

The paper discharge tray 2111 receives the printed paper. At the time of double-sided printing, the copy sheet passes through a re-feeding conveyance path (not shown) before printing, performs printing on the back surface, and is then discharged to a discharge tray. The image forming apparatus is connected to a sorter, a staple sorter, or the like as an optional device so that sheet post-processing can be performed.

<Operation Unit> FIG. 4 shows the operation unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of 012, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 4, the LCD display unit 2013
A touch panel sheet is stuck on the LCD to display an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 2001.

A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. Start key 201
In the center of 4 is a two-color LED 2018 of green and red,
The color indicates whether the start key 2014 is ready for use. A stop key 2015 functions to stop an operation in operation.

An ID key 2016 is a user ID of a user.
Used when inputting. A reset key 2017 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

<First Image Processing Unit> FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the first image processing unit 2080 shown in FIG. 2. The same components as those in FIG. is there.
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 5, an image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, and the first image processing unit 2
The control and timing of each device in 080 are generated. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a composition operation using a spatial filter.

The log converter 2083 converts the read image data, which is luminance data, into density data by referring to table data (not shown). Magnification processing unit 2084
In the case where the resolution of the read image is changed, interpolation calculation is performed on the raster image to perform enlargement and reduction. At the same magnification, image data is sent from a through path (not shown) to the next processing unit.

The gamma converter 2085 converts the density data in accordance with the color output characteristics of the printer unit 2095 that outputs an image with reference to the stored conversion table. 2
The binarizing unit 2086 binarizes the multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is transferred to the image bus again via the image bus I / F controller 2081.

<Second Image Processing Unit> FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the second image processing unit 2090 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. is there.
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 6, an image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, and the second image processing unit 2
The control and timing of each device in 090 are generated.

The resolution conversion unit 2092 is a network
The resolution conversion for converting the image data received from 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 2095 is performed. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs a process of smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary such as an oblique line) of the image data after the resolution conversion.

<Image Compressor> FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the image compressor 2040 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

Referring to FIG. 7, an image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to an image bus 2008 to control a bus access sequence thereof.
2. Control of timing for exchanging data with the output buffer 2045 and control such as mode setting for the image compression unit 2043 are performed. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit will be described below.

First, via the image bus 2008, the CPU
The setting for image compression control is performed from 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2041. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 makes settings required for image compression (for example, MMR compression / JB
IG extension etc.). After the necessary settings have been made, the CPU 2001 sends the image bus I / F controller 204 again.
1 is permitted to transfer image data.

In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 operates the RAM 2002 or the image bus 200
The transfer of image data from each device on 8 starts. The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, and the image data is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043.

At this time, the input buffer 2042 determines whether or not image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and reads and reads image data from the image bus 2008. If it is not possible to write an image into the image compression unit 2043, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as a handshake).

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044.

This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed when image compression is performed. To compress the first one line, image data of several lines is required. This is because the image compression cannot be performed until it is prepared. The image data subjected to image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045.

In the output buffer 2045, the image bus I /
A handshake is performed with the F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and the image data is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 stores the transferred compressed (or decompressed) image data in the RAM 2002 or the image bus 200.
8 to each device.

This series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression and decompression). Etc.) are repeated.

<Image Rotation Unit> FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of image rotation unit 2030 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 8, an image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus sequence, controls the image rotation unit 2032 to set a mode and the like, and controls the image rotation unit 2032 to control the image rotation. It performs timing control for transferring data. The processing procedure of the image rotation unit will be described below.

The CPU 200 via the image bus 2008
1 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 to make settings for image rotation control. With this setting, the image bus I /
The F controller 2031 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 2032.

After the necessary settings are made, C
Image bus I / F controller 2031 from PU 2001
For image data transfer. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031
02 or each device on the image bus 2008 starts transferring image data. Here, the size of the image to be rotated is set to 32 × 32 (bi) with 32 bits as its size.
t), and when transferring image data to the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits (the image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the image data thus rotated is
Data is transferred to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing. Such a series of processing is performed until the processing request from the CPU 2001 disappears (when the processing of the required number of pages is completed).
Repeated.

<Device I / F Unit> FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of device I / F unit 2020 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as those in FIG. is there. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

In FIG. 9, an image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, and to control and timing each device in the device I / F unit 2020. .

Further, it generates control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial / parallel / parallel / serial conversion unit 2023 arranges or decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order, and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008.

The parallel / serial / serial / parallel converter 2024 decomposes or arranges the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. The print buffer 2025 is connected to the image bus 2008.
Temporarily stores the image data sent from the
095 in synchronization with the image data. Hereinafter, a processing procedure at the time of image scanning will be described.

First, the image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image data enters the scan buffer 2022 by 32 bits or more, the image data is sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial / parallel / serial / serial conversion unit 2023 in a first-in first-out (FIFO) manner, and the 32-bit image data is sent. , And transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2021. Hereinafter, a processing procedure at the time of image printing will be described.

The 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021 and the parallel serial / serial / parallel converter 20
24, the image data is decomposed into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 2095, and stored in the print buffer 2025.

Hereinafter, the form of the advertisement information adding process according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows the LCD display unit 20 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 13, and corresponds to a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 when the user selects the reduced layout mode. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described. In this embodiment, 2
2, 4in1, and 8in1 for reducing the size of four, eight, and eight originals to one copy sheet and outputting the layout.

In FIG. 10, the LCD display unit 2013 has a built-in touch panel, and the user can select 2in1, 4i
Button BT on LCD display 2013 of n1, 8in1
By pressing 1 to BT3, a reduced layout mode can be selected.

Also, the buttons BT11, BT21, BT31 with / without advertisement arranged beside the buttons BT1 to BT3 of 2in1, 4in1, and 8in1 are set so as to toggle to display with / without advertisement each time the button is pressed. Mode 2in1, 4in1,
The presence or absence of an advertisement can be selected every 8in1.

Here, if the user desires a copy output in which no advertisement information is added, this toggle button may be selected without advertisement.

Next, an example of a copying operation to which the advertisement information at the time of the reduced layout is added will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the LCD display unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the settings on the reduced layout mode setting screen displayed at 013 and its output. Note that PR in FIG. 11 is an advertisement image, and is laid out at different magnifications according to the reduction mode.

As shown in FIG. 11, the original bundle 5001 is
An image output 5002 with an advertisement is output when a copy operation with an advertisement is performed with a setting of, for example, 4in1 by a setting operation on the reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the CD display unit 2013.

In this case, the advertisement information for three document images and one advertisement information is added, printed on one copy sheet, and output. Similarly, the output at the time of 2in1 and 8in1 are shown as the image output with advertisements 5003 and 500, respectively.
4. In this way, the advertisement information is added to the final part per Nin1 output.

First, the original image data read from the scanner 2070 is sent to the first image processing unit 2080 via the device I / F 2020 and the image bus 2008 in order, and the image is reduced. This document image data is stored in the RAM 2002. For example, when the reduced layout mode is 4in1, after three original data are stored in the RAM 2002, the HDD 200
The advertisement information data adjusted to a predetermined magnification prepared in the RAM 20 (stored in an updatable manner) is stored in the RAM 20.
02 and output by the printer 2095. The original and output at this time are shown in FIG.

As described above, on the display screen shown in FIG. 10, the setting of presence / absence of advertisement for each reduced layout mode (advertisement / no advertisement button BT11, BT21,
For example, the advertisement information is not added at the time of 2in1 and the 4in1,8
At the time of in1, it is possible to select to add advertisement information. If the user does not want to add an advertisement, setting of prohibition of addition of advertisement information is possible in all reduced layout modes.

Note that the addition of the advertising information in this embodiment
The advertisement image information read from the HDD 2004 was developed in such a manner that the reduced advertisement image data for each magnification stored in advance in the RAM 2002 according to a predetermined magnification was loaded into the RAM 2002. Part 2
080 using the scaling function, and then RAM 200
2 may be adopted.

Further, the advertisement information data is stored in the LAN 201
1 from another device from a server for providing advertisements periodically (daily, weekly, monthly) or irregularly (including at any timing determined by the user's will or when accessing the Internet) from another device It is also possible to download. As a result, the latest advertisement information can always be provided.

According to the above embodiment, the addition of the advertisement information is automatically performed only during the reduced layout processing, so that the detailed advertisement information can be effectively added to the document image. In addition, since the mode for prohibiting the addition of an advertisement can be selected by the reduced size, the user can select that there is no advertisement information in the case of an important document or the like, and that there is advertisement information in the case of other important documents according to the application.

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the advertisement information adding process of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a reduced layout output setting screen in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 when the user selects the reduced layout mode. Corresponding to the reduced layout mode setting screen. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described. In this embodiment, 2
2, 4in1, and 8in1 for reducing the size of four, eight, and eight originals to one copy sheet and outputting the layout.

Referring to FIG. 12, the LCD display unit 2013 has a built-in touch panel, and the user can select 2 in 1, 4 i
Button BT on LCD display 2013 of n1, 8in1
By pressing 1 to BT3, a reduced layout mode can be selected. Button BT with advertisement
Each time the button 300 is pressed, the display is toggled to display with / without advertisement. If the user desires a copy output in which no advertisement information is added, the toggle button can be selected without advertisement.

FIG. 13 shows the LCD display unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first reduced image layout state based on settings on a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed at 013.

FIG. 13A shows original image data 5001 to 5007 to be output to be reduced in size, FIG. 13B shows 4-in-1 outputs 5008 and 5009 with an advertisement image, and FIG. (C) shows 2-in-1 output 5010 to 5013 with an advertisement image, and (D) of FIG. 13 shows 8-in-1 output 501 with an advertisement image.
4 is shown. Note that PR in FIG. 13 is an advertisement image, and is laid out at different magnifications according to the reduction mode.

Next, a copying operation to which the advertisement information at the time of the reduced layout is added will be described.

First, the document image data read by the scanner 2070 is sent to the first image processing unit 2080 via the device I / F 2020 and the image bus 2008 in order, and the image is reduced. This data is stored in RAM2
002.

For example, when the mode of the reduced layout is 4in1 (when the button BT2 is pressed down) on the LCD display unit 2013 shown in FIG.
After four pieces of document data are accumulated in 002, the data is output by the printer 2095. Here, the document image data 5001 to 5007 when the number of document images is seven is shown in FIG.
3 (A).

As shown in FIG. 13B, 4-in-1 outputs 5008 and 5009 are obtained from the original image data 5001 to 5007 by the above-described reduced layout function.
The first output 5008 is obtained by outputting four normal original images on one copy sheet. Second 4in1 output 5
009 is obtained by adding an advertisement image PR to three original image data 5005 to 5007.

The second 4-in-1 output 5009 is RAM2
In step 002, three pieces of document image data are configured on the memory, and the advertisement information data (advertisement image data) prepared in advance in the HDD 2004 and adjusted to a predetermined magnification is added to the RAM 2002 and output by the printer 2095. It was done. Similarly, output results in the case of 2in1 and 8in1 are output as 2in1 outputs 5010 to 5013 (see FIG. 13C) and 8in1 outputs 5014 (FIG. 13D).
See).

In the above example, the number of original images is seven, and a margin for one sheet is generated during reduced layout. FIG. 14 shows an example of adding advertisement information when the remainder when the number of documents is divided by 4 is “2” and when the remainder is “3” in 4in1.

FIG. 14 shows the LCD display unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second reduced image layout output state based on a setting on a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed at 013.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 6001 denotes a second reduced image layout output, in which the remainder obtained by dividing the number of documents by 4 is “2”, and reference numeral 6002 denotes a second reduced image layout output. It is an example of the final output in the case of "3". In this case, a plurality of types of advertisement information PR1 to PR3 can be added.

According to the above-described embodiment, by adding the advertisement information according to the number of originals at the time of the reduced layout, it is possible to effectively use the useless margin at the time of the reduced layout. In addition, since the mode for prohibiting the addition of an advertisement can be selected, the user can select that there is no advertisement information in the case of an important document or the like, and that there is advertisement information in the case of other important documents according to the application.

Hereinafter, an image processing method in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a first image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step.

According to an instruction from the operation unit 2012, a plurality of document images set by the scanner 2070 are read and input (1). Next, the process waits until a desired image processing mode is selected by the operation unit 2012 (2), and when the image processing mode is selected, it is determined whether the selected image processing mode is the reduced layout mode (3). , N
If O, normal image processing is executed (7), and the processing returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the reduced layout mode is selected, the reduced layout mode setting screen shown in FIG.
012 is displayed on the touch panel (4).

Next, on the displayed reduced layout mode setting screen, which of the buttons BT1 to BT3 for the selected reduced layout is instructed to be pressed, that is, Nin1 for determining the reduced layout mode is determined. Is determined (5), and when it is determined that the value of N is “2”, the 2in1 mode is set and 2i1 is set.
An image is output by combining the original image data input based on the n1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (8), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step (5), the value of N is "4".
If it is determined that is, set the 4in1 mode,
An image is output by combining the original image data input based on the 4-in-1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (6), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step (5), the value of N is "8".
If it is determined that is, set the 8in1 mode,
An image is output by combining the original image data input based on the 8 in 1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (9), and the process returns.

Thus, when the user selects the image processing mode and the reduced layout is selected, it is possible to output an image in combination with the latest advertisement information stored automatically.

In the image processing shown in FIG. 15,
When the reduced layout is selected when the user selects the image processing mode, the case where the combined image with the latest advertisement information automatically stored is output has been described, but the screen shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 has been described. Above, it may be configured such that whether or not to add the advertisement information is left to the user's instruction according to the procedure shown in FIG. 16 to control the combined image output of the advertisement information.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the second image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

In response to an instruction from the operation unit 2012, a plurality of document images set by, for example, the scanner 2070 are read and input (1). Next, the process waits until a desired image processing mode is selected by the operation unit 2012 (2), and when the image processing mode is selected, it is determined whether the selected image processing mode is the reduced layout mode (3). , N
If O, normal image processing is executed (10), and the processing returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the reduced layout mode is selected, the reduced layout mode setting screen shown in FIG.
012 is displayed on the touch panel (4).

Next, on the displayed reduced layout mode setting screen, the CPU 2001 determines from the key input state whether or not a button for designating the presence of an advertisement has been pressed (5), and there is no advertisement (advertisement is prohibited). (Corresponding to the case where it is instructed) is determined to be instructed, the process proceeds to step (11), a normal Nin1 reduced layout output is executed, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the presence of an advertisement has been instructed, in step (6), on the displayed reduced layout mode setting screen, the reduced layout for the selected instruction is displayed. It is determined whether any one of the buttons BT1 to BT3 has been pressed, that is, the value of N of Nin1 that determines the reduced layout mode is determined. If it is determined that the value of N is “2”, 2in1 is determined.
A mode is set, and image output is performed by combining the original image data input based on the 2in1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (8).
Return the processing.

On the other hand, in step (6), the value of N is "4".
If it is determined that is, set the 4in1 mode,
The document image data input based on the 4in1 mode is combined with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 to output an image (7), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step (6), the value of N is "8".
If it is determined that is, set the 8in1 mode,
An image is output by combining the original image data input based on the 8 in 1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (9), and the process returns.

Thus, when the user selects the image processing mode and the reduced layout is selected, the combined image with the latest advertisement information stored according to the user's intention can be output.

In the image processing shown in FIG.
When the reduced layout is selected when the user selects the image processing mode, the case where the combined image with the latest advertisement information stored by the user instruction is output has been described. However, the advertisement information is output according to the procedure shown in FIG. At the time of addition, the number of input document images may be compared with the number of document images to be reduced and laid out, and if a margin occurs, the combined image output of the advertisement information may be controlled.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the third image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (12) indicate each step.

In response to an instruction from the operation unit 2012, a plurality of document images set by, for example, the scanner 2070 are read and input (1). Next, the process waits until a desired image processing mode is selected by the operation unit 2012 (2), and when the image processing mode is selected, it is determined whether the selected image processing mode is the reduced layout mode (3). , N
If O, normal image processing is executed (10), and the processing returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the reduced layout mode is selected, the reduced layout mode setting screen shown in FIG.
012 is displayed on the touch panel (4).

Next, on the displayed reduced layout mode setting screen, the CPU 2001 determines from the key input state whether or not a button for designating the presence of an advertisement is pressed (5), and an instruction for no advertisement is given. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step (12), and the value of N corresponding to the number of images output to one recording medium set in the set reduced layout is compared with the number of input document images. hand,
It is determined whether or not there is a margin in which the advertisement information can be output.
The n1 reduced layout output is executed (12), and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the presence of an advertisement is instructed, the process proceeds to step (1).
If it is determined in 1) that a blank space is generated, the process proceeds to step (6), and any of the buttons BT1 to BT3 for the selected reduced layout is displayed on the displayed reduced layout mode setting screen. Whether or not a press instruction has been given, that is, Ni for determining the reduced layout mode
The N value of n1 is determined, and if it is determined that the value of N is “2”, the 2in1 mode is set, and the original image data input based on the 2in1 mode and the latest image data stored in the hard disk 2004 are set. (8), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step (6), the value of N is "4".
If it is determined that is, set the 4in1 mode,
The document image data input based on the 4in1 mode is combined with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 to output an image (7), and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step (6), the value of N is "8".
If it is determined that is, set the 8in1 mode,
An image is output by combining the original image data input based on the 8 in 1 mode with the latest advertisement information stored in the hard disk 2004 (9), and the process returns.

Thus, when a reduced layout is selected when the user selects the image processing mode and a margin is generated, a combined image with the latest advertisement information stored according to the user's intention is output. Can be.

According to the above embodiment, the addition of the advertisement information is automatically performed only during the reduced layout processing, so that the detailed advertisement information can be effectively added to the document image. In addition, since the mode for prohibiting the addition of an advertisement can be selected by the reduced size, the user can select that there is no advertisement information in the case of an important document or the like, and that there is advertisement information in the case of other important documents according to the application.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS, etc. on the program reading side, for example, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes a new function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0145]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the thirty-third aspect, the combined output of the original image and the advertisement image in the reduced layout mode is controlled so that the addition of the stored advertisement information is performed at the time of the reduced layout processing for the input original image. Therefore, it is possible to output, in combination with the image output area, the advertisement information stored automatically or in accordance with the selection instruction of the user for a plurality of input document images, and to greatly restrict the advertisement information by the advertisement information provider. It can be relaxed and freely combined with the intended advertising information.

In the case where a margin is generated from the number of input images and the number of output images in the reduced layout processing, the combined output of the original image and the advertisement image in the reduced layout mode is controlled. The output area of the image is not limited, and the memorized details and effective advertisement information desired by the advertisement provider can be output in an orderly layout so as to fill the blank area in the image area.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second image processing unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image compression unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image rotating unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device I / F unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG.

11 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the settings on the reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG. 10 and the outputs thereof.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced layout output setting screen in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first reduced image layout output state based on settings on a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second reduced image layout output state based on a setting on a reduced layout mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third image processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2000 Controller unit 2001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 Hard disk 2070 Scanner 2095 Printer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06T 3/40 H04N 1/393 5C061 1/00 G03G 21/00 382 5C076 H04N 1/00 G06F 15/66 355A 1/393 450 F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AS02 JJ04 JJ14 2C087 AA03 AA09 AA18 AB06 BA03 BB10 BD06 BD07 CA02 2H027 EA20 EC02 EF09 FA30 FB05 FD02 FD03 GA45 5B021 AA01 AA11 CB12 CB02 CB02 AA05 AA27 AA35 AC06 AC18 BD06 5C076 AA13 AA14 AA17 AA19 AA22 AA37 BA02 BA03 BA04 BA06 CA08 CB02

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus, comprising:
An image forming apparatus having an image processing mode for outputting a reduced layout on a single recording medium, comprising: an advertisement information storage unit configured to store input advertisement information; and An image output control unit for combining the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage unit and outputting the layout on the recording medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the plurality of pieces of image information can be combined with the advertisement information based on the image processing mode selection state. 3. A setting means for setting a prohibition mode for prohibiting a combination of the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means when the image processing mode is selected, The output control means, when the prohibition mode is set by the setting means, outputs the layout on the recording medium by combining the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation is prohibited. 4. The image output control means further comprising: margin selection means for determining whether or not a margin is generated on the recording medium based on a total number of the plurality of original images input when the image processing mode is selected; When a margin is determined to be generated on the recording medium by the margin determination means, the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage means are combined and laid out on the recording medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output is prohibited. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input by reading a document image. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input as print data from an external device via a predetermined communication medium. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the external device includes a facsimile device, a computer device, and a server device. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing mode can select and specify a different numerical value as the number N of images to be output on one recording medium. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the number N of images is one of 2, 4, and 8. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement information storage unit stores the advertisement information input via a predetermined communication medium so as to be sequentially updated. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement information storage unit can store a plurality of different pieces of input advertisement information. 12. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus having an image processing mode for scaling a plurality of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on one recording medium, wherein the image processing mode selection is performed. An image output step of outputting a layout on the recording medium by combining the plurality of pieces of image information with the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device that stores the input advertisement information. Forming method. 13. The image forming method according to claim 12, further comprising a determining step of determining whether or not the advertisement information can be combined with the plurality of pieces of image information based on the image processing mode selection state. 14. A setting step of setting a prohibition mode for prohibiting a combination of the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device when the image processing mode is selected, The output step is to output the layout on the recording medium by combining the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device when the prohibition mode is set in the setting step. 13. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the image forming is prohibited. 15. A margin determining step of determining whether a margin occurs on the recording medium based on a total number of the plurality of original images input when the image processing mode is selected, the image output step comprising: When it is determined that a blank space is generated on the recording medium by the blank space determining step, a layout output is performed on the recording medium by combining the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device. 13. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the operation is prohibited. 16. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input by reading a document image. 17. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input as print data from an external device via a predetermined communication medium. 18. The facsimile apparatus, wherein the external device is a facsimile device,
18. The image forming method according to claim 17, comprising a computer device and a server device. 19. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein a different numerical value can be selected and designated as the number N of images to be output on one recording medium in the image processing mode. 20. The image forming method according to claim 19, wherein the number N of images is one of 2, 4, and 8. 21. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the advertisement information storage device stores advertisement information input via a predetermined communication medium so as to be sequentially updated. 22. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the advertisement information storage device can store a plurality of different pieces of input advertisement information. 23. A storage storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image forming apparatus having an image processing mode for scaling down a plurality of pieces of input image information and outputting a reduced layout on one recording medium. An image to be laid out on the recording medium by combining the plurality of pieces of image information with advertisement information read from an advertisement information storage device that stores input advertisement information when the image processing mode is selected. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program having an output step. 24. The computer-readable program according to claim 23, further comprising a determining step of determining whether or not the combination of the advertisement information with the plurality of pieces of image information is possible based on the image processing mode selection state. Storage medium in which is stored. 25. A setting step of setting a prohibition mode for prohibiting a combination of the plurality of pieces of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device when the image processing mode is selected, The output step is to output the layout on the recording medium by combining the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device when the prohibition mode is set in the setting step. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 23, wherein the program is prohibited. 26. A margin judging step of judging whether or not a margin occurs on the recording medium based on the total number of the plurality of input document images when the image processing mode is selected. When it is determined in the margin determining step that a margin is generated on the recording medium, the plurality of image information and the advertisement information read from the advertisement information storage device are combined to output a layout on the recording medium. 24. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 23, wherein the program is prohibited from being executed. 27. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input by reading a document image. 28. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of pieces of image information are input as print data from an external device via a predetermined communication medium. 29. The external device is a facsimile device,
The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 28, comprising a computer device and a server device. 30. The computer-readable program according to claim 23, wherein the image processing mode allows a different numerical value to be selected and designated as the number N of images to be output on one recording medium. Storage media. 31. The storage medium according to claim 30, wherein the number of images N is one of 2, 4, and 8. 32. The computer-readable program according to claim 23, wherein the advertisement information storage device stores advertisement information input via a predetermined communication medium so as to be sequentially updated. Storage medium. 33. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the advertisement information storage device is capable of storing a plurality of different pieces of input advertisement information.