JP2004023320A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically adjust a printing position on the basis of stored position information when desired recording paper is designated later. <P>SOLUTION: Position information of an image previously printed on the recording paper is read, and the position information is associated with paper identification information and stored. A scanner part 1 detects position information of an image recorded on a recording medium, and an image input-output control part 3 adjusts an image output position on the recording medium to form an image on the basis of the detected position information and position information following the stored paper identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that includes an image reading unit that reads an image and an image forming unit that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus that inputs data described in a page description language (hereinafter, also referred to as PDL data), and forms and outputs an image, various sizes and types of paper are used as recording paper.
[0003]
Further, as the paper, not only ordinary white paper but also recording paper on which ruled lines and frames are printed (printed) in advance such as postcards may be used.
[0004]
When such preprinted paper is used, it is necessary to adjust the printing position in order to print the developed image properly in accordance with the print content.
[0005]
Conventionally, in such a case, as a method of adjusting the print position, when a user creates a document with an application on the host, the print position of the recording paper is checked in advance, and then the layout position is adjusted and the document is adjusted. There is a method of creating.
[0006]
Further, there is a method in which an output offset value on the printer side is adjusted in advance in a service mode or the like, the offset value is held on the printer side, and an output position is shifted based on the offset value when outputting the output. .
[0007]
Furthermore, a method is used in which when a user prints out, an output offset value is specified by a printer driver or the like, and when output is performed on the printer side, the output position is shifted based on the specified offset value and output. ing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, regardless of whether the adjustment is performed on the application side or the printer side, an extremely complicated operation such that the user performs the adjustment while repeating trial and error is involved.
[0009]
When only one type of recording paper is used, once the adjustment is performed on the recording paper, the same adjustment value may be designated each time. In such a case, an adjustment value corresponding to each sheet must be specified, and the operation becomes complicated.
[0010]
Furthermore, in an apparatus having not only a printer function but also various image output functions such as a copy function, the same adjustment value may not necessarily be applied to the same recording paper depending on the position of an image printed on the recording paper in advance. It is not always necessary to output the data at the same time, and it is necessary to adjust at least for each function.
[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to read position information of an image printed on a recording medium in advance and store the information in association with paper identification information. Detecting the position information of the image recorded on the recording medium by the image reading means, and outputting an image to the recording medium based on the detected position information and the position information according to the stored sheet identification information. Provided is an image processing apparatus capable of automatically adjusting a printing position based on stored position information when a desired recording medium is specified later by performing image formation by adjusting a position. That is.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; and an image forming unit that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device. Image processing means for detecting position information of an image recorded on a recording medium by the image reading means and adjusting an image output position on a recording medium based on the detected position information to form an image It is characterized by having.
[0013]
A second invention according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; and an image forming unit that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device. Input means for inputting paper identification information for identifying a recording medium, detection means for detecting position information of an image recorded on the recording medium by the image reading means, and input means for inputting the input means. Storage means for associating the stored paper identification information with the position information of the image detected by the detection means, and stores the input image information in the storage means. And image processing means for adjusting the image output position on the recording medium based on the corresponding position information and forming an image when the sheet identification information coincides with the sheet identification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim Rukoto.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided image reading means for reading an image, image developing means for developing a visible image based on image information input from an external device, input from the image reading means, and image input means. An image forming apparatus for selectively outputting an image to be printed on a recording medium, comprising: input means for inputting sheet identification information for identifying the recording medium; and the image reading means. Detecting means for detecting the position information of the image recorded on the recording medium, paper identification information input by the input means, and storing the position information of the image detected by the detecting means in association with each other. Storage means for storing, when outputting the image input from the image developing means, the input image information stored in the storage means in the input image information If that contained the paper identification information matching the identification information, based on the corresponding position information, characterized in that it comprises an image processing means for performing adjustment to the image forming an image output position on a recording medium.
[0015]
A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the paper identification information input by the input means is paper size information.
[0016]
A fifth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the paper identification information input by the input means is paper size information detected by the image reading means.
[0017]
A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the paper identification information input by the input means is a paper name that can be arbitrarily specified by a user.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, a scanner unit 1 reads an original and outputs image data corresponding to the original image to a printer unit 2 or an image input / output control unit 3.
[0020]
The printer unit 2 records an image on recording paper based on image data input from the scanner unit 1 or the image input / output control unit 3.
[0021]
The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the scanner unit 1, the printer unit 2, the formatter unit 4, and the operation unit 5, and functions as a main controller that integrally controls these.
[0022]
The formatter unit 4 develops the image data (for example, PDL data) transferred from the information processing device 7 into image data (bitmap data) that can be recorded by the printer unit 2 and transfers the image data to the image input / output control unit 3. Further, various configuration information of the entire image processing apparatus 100 and an operation state are transferred to the information processing apparatus 7.
[0023]
In accordance with an instruction from the image input / output control unit 3, the operation unit 5 displays a screen for the user to perform various settings, and notifies the image input / output control unit 3 of the user's settings. Reference numeral 220 denotes a paper discharge unit.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the scanner unit 1 and the printer unit 2 illustrated in FIG.
[0025]
The document feeder 101 of the scanner unit 1 feeds a document one by one in order from the last page onto a document table 102, and discharges the document on the document table 102 each time the reading operation of each document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the document table 102, the lamp 103 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 104 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 109 by mirrors 105, 106, 107 and a lens 108. The read image data is transferred to the printer unit 2 or the image input / output control unit 3 after being subjected to predetermined processing.
[0026]
The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 2 drives the laser light emitting unit 201 to emit a laser beam based on the image data output from the scanner unit l. The laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 202, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. A developer is attached to a portion of the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 202 by a developing device 203.
[0027]
The recording paper is conveyed to the transfer unit 206 by either the cassette 204 or the cassette 205 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred.
[0028]
Then, the recording paper on which the developer is transferred by the transfer unit 206 is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. Further, the recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208, and the discharged recording paper is stored in an appropriate bin by a sorter 220, whereby the recording paper is sorted.
[0029]
When the sorter mode is not set to the sorting mode, the sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin.
[0030]
When the mode is set to the double-sided recording mode, after the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed and the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209.
[0031]
When the multiplex recording mode is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208. Then, the recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 is fed again to the transfer unit 206 at the above-described timing.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the scanner unit 1 shown in FIG.
[0033]
3, an image processing unit 111, an interface (I / F) unit 113, a ROM 115, and a RAM 116 are connected to a CPU bus 117 of the CPU 114.
[0034]
Then, the image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to analog / digital conversion by the A / D / SH unit 110 and is subjected to shading correction. The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 110 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 111 and to the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 113.
[0035]
The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface unit 113 in accordance with the settings specified by the image input / output control unit 3.
[0036]
For example, when a mode for performing copying after the trimming process is instructed, the image processing unit 111 executes the trimming process, and transfers the image data subjected to the image processing to the printer unit 2.
[0037]
When a mode for instructing reading of a document, obtaining print information printed on the read document, and holding the information in the image input / output control unit 3 is specified, the read image data is transmitted via the interface unit 113. To the image input / output control unit 3.
[0038]
A control program of the CPU 114 that performs such control is stored in the ROM 115, and the CPU 114 operates based on the control program on the ROM 115. The RAM 116 is used as a work area of the CPU 114.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the image input / output control unit 3 shown in FIG. As shown, an interface unit 300, an operation unit interface (I / F) unit 302, an interface unit 303, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, and an image processing unit 306 are connected to a CPU bus 308 of the CPU 301.
[0040]
Image data input from the scanner unit 1 is transferred to the image processing unit 306 via the interface unit 303, and then stored in the image memory 307. The control command input from the scanner unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 301.
[0041]
The image data input from the formatter unit 4 is transferred to the image processing unit 306 via the interface 300 and then stored in the image memory 307. Further, a control command input from the formatter unit 4 is transferred to the CPU 301.
[0042]
The image data stored in the image memory 307 is processed by the image processing unit 306 based on control commands input from the scanner unit 1, the formatter unit 4, and the operation unit 5 under the control of the CPU 301. After being subjected to image processing such as zooming and scaling processing, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the interface unit 303.
[0043]
When the CPU 301 receives a command requesting display on the operation unit 5 among the control commands input from the scanner unit 1 and the formatter unit 4, the CPU 301 transmits the specified display contents to the operation unit I / F unit 302. Displayed on the operation unit 5 via
[0044]
When an operation is performed by the user on the operation unit 5, the operation information is input to the CPU 301 via the operation unit I / F unit 302.
[0045]
The CPU 301 transfers the operation information input from the operation unit I / F unit 302 to the scanner unit 1 and the formatter unit 4. Alternatively, image input / output control is performed based on the operation information.
[0046]
A control program of the CPU 301 that performs such control is stored in the ROM 304, and the CPU 301 operates based on the control program on the ROM 304. The RAM 305 is used as a work area of the CPU 301.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the formatter unit 4 shown in FIG.
[0048]
In FIG. 5, a host interface (I / F) unit 400, an image data generation unit 401, an image memory 402, an interface unit 403, a ROM 405, and a RAM 406 are connected to a CPU bus 407 of the CPU 404.
[0049]
The PDL data sent from the host computer 7 is stored in the RAM 406 via the host I / F unit 400.
[0050]
The CPU 404 interprets the PDL data stored in the RAM 406 and transfers data for creating a bitmap image to the image data generator 401.
[0051]
The image data generator 401 converts the data sent from the CPU 404 into a bitmap image. The created bitmap image is stored in the image memory 402.
[0052]
The CPU 404 takes out the bitmap image stored in the image memory 402, transfers the bitmap image to the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 403, and outputs a control command for instructing an output destination of the transferred image and an output setting. Forward.
[0053]
The display screen and setting information relating to the operation of the formatter unit 4 are stored in the ROM 405 and the RAM 406 in advance, and the CPU 404 extracts them as necessary and transfers them to the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 403.
[0054]
Further, the CPU 404 performs various controls based on the operation information of the operation unit 5 transferred from the image input / output control unit 3. For example, when a clear operation of the receiving buffer of the formatter unit 4 is performed in the operation unit 5, the image input / output control unit 3 notifies the fact. The CPU 404 clears the received data stored in the RAM 406 according to an instruction from the image input / output control unit 3.
[0055]
A control program of the CPU 404 that performs such control is stored in the ROM 405, and the CPU 404 operates based on the control program on the ROM 405. Note that the RAM 406 is also used as a work area of the CPU 404.
[0056]
As described above, it is possible to perform processing combining functions such as reading of an original, printing of an image, generation of an image, transmission and reception of an image, etc., with the image input / output control unit 3 as the center.
[0057]
Next, when the PDL data sent from the host computer is developed into a visible image and printed out, the print position is adjusted and printed out based on the print position information obtained by scanning the print paper in advance. explain.
[0058]
[Offset data registration processing]
First, a print sheet is scanned in advance, print position information printed on the print sheet is acquired, and the print position information is registered in association with a designated sheet size. Hereinafter, the offset registration process will be described.
[0059]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a detailed procedure of offset registration processing in the image input / output control unit 3 in FIG. S601 to S610 indicate each step. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a state of the operation screen at the time of offset registration in the operation unit 5 shown in FIG.
[0060]
In FIG. 7, a screen 801 illustrated in FIG. 7A represents an initial screen for performing various settings.
[0061]
When offset registration is instructed on the screen 801 (S601), a screen 802 shown in FIG. 7B for inputting a paper size and a reference position to be registered next is displayed (S602).
[0062]
Then, when the paper size and the reference position are input and the OK key is pressed, a screen 803 shown in FIG. 7C for setting the paper on the platen and instructing to start scanning is displayed, and the OK key is pressed. Wait (S603).
[0063]
Then, when the OK key is pressed on the screen 803, a screen 804 shown in FIG. 7D is displayed, and the image input / output control unit 3 controls the scanner unit 1 to read the image data read by the image input / output control. The transfer is set to the unit 3 and a scan is instructed (S604).
[0064]
Next, when an image is input from the scanner unit 1, the image data is stored in the image memory 307, and an offset value is obtained from the image information stored in the image memory 307 based on the specified paper size and reference position (S605). .
[0065]
Then, when the offset value is obtained from the image information stored in the image memory 307, it is determined whether or not the obtained offset value is within an appropriate range (S606).
[0066]
Here, for example, if a sheet on which nothing is printed is erroneously set, an offset value cannot be obtained. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that an error state has occurred, and FIG. Is displayed on the screen 806 (S609).
[0067]
Here, on screen 806, it is determined whether the user has pressed the OK key as a redo instruction (S610). If it is determined that the OK key has been pressed, the process returns to step S603, and operation unit 5 displays screen 803. Is displayed, and the scanning is started.
[0068]
On the other hand, if the stop key is pressed in step S610, the screen returns to the initial screen 801 (S610).
[0069]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the offset value is normal, the set paper size, the reference position, and the acquired offset value are displayed, and are shown in FIG. A screen 805 is displayed.
[0070]
Then, when the OK key is pressed on the screen 805, these offset registration data are stored in the RAM 305 in the data format shown in FIG. 8 (S608), and the display returns to the initial screen 801.
[0071]
[Calculation method of offset value]
Here, a calculation method for calculating the offset value from the read image in step S605 of FIG. 6 will be described.
[0072]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a reference position serving as a reference for calculating an offset value with respect to a sheet 1501 read by the scanner unit 1 shown in FIG.
[0073]
In FIG. 9, the reference positions are four places of (1) upper left, (2) upper right, (3) lower left, and (4) lower right of the maximum area 1502 that can be printed on the paper.
[0074]
The offset value is a value (x, x) indicating how far the read image information has moved in the horizontal direction (X) and the vertical direction (Y), with the reference position specified in step S602 as the origin. y).
[0075]
As the position information of the reference position, a maximum printable area is stored in advance for each sheet size, and the stored position information is read out and set based on the sheet size specified in step S602.
[0076]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the paper 1501 to be read shown in FIG.
[0077]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output process of the image data stored in the image memory 307 illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, when outputting to the printer unit 2, the same as the paper 1501 read by the scanner unit 1 FIG. 11 (a) shows a case where the image is output in the orientation, and FIG.
[0078]
Note that (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) represent the offset value when outputting to the printer unit in each case.
[0079]
Based on the stored offset values (x, y), these values are output at the designated reference position (upper left / upper right / lower left / lower right) and output the image in the same direction or rotate the image. 12 (a) and (b) of FIG. 12, respectively.
[0080]
Next, the flow of processing until PDL data sent from the host computer is developed into a visible image and printed out will be described.
[0081]
In this processing, the image input / output control unit 3 performs image input processing until the image developed by the formatter unit 4 is stored in the image memory 307, and the image input / output control unit 3 converts the image stored in the image memory 307. The process is divided into image output processing up to output to the printer unit 2. Hereinafter, each process will be described.
[0082]
(Image input processing)
First, various data used in this processing will be described.
[0083]
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of control data exchanged between the formatter unit 4 and the image input / output control unit 3 shown in FIG.
[0084]
FIG. 13A shows control data (START command) indicating a job start request. START indicates a job start request command.
[0085]
In FIG. 13A, “Type of job” indicates the type of job. In the present embodiment, the print job is a print job that outputs an image input from the formatter unit 4 to the printer unit 2. “Number of copies” indicates the number of times of repeated output when outputting an image to the printer unit 2. “Input mode” indicates a paper feed mode for specifying a paper feed method. “Finish mode” indicates a paper discharge mode for specifying a paper discharge method.
[0086]
FIG. 13B shows control data (PAGE command) indicating a page image output request.
[0087]
In FIG. 13B, “PAGE” indicates a page image output request command. “Page No.” indicates a page number. “Page Size” indicates the size of the image.
[0088]
“H Size” indicates the number of pixels in the main scanning direction of the image. “V Size” also indicates the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction.
[0089]
FIG. 13C shows control data (END command) indicating the end of the job.
[0090]
In FIG. 13C, “END” indicates a job end command.
[0091]
FIG. 13D shows status response data STATUS which returns a status for each command.
[0092]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a table example of a print job managed by the image input / output control unit 3 illustrated in FIG. 1, and corresponds to various management tables used for managing the print job received from the formatter unit 4.
[0093]
FIG. 14A shows a print job management table.
[0094]
“Type of job”, “Number of copies”, “Input mode”, and “Finish mode” are the same as the data of the START command shown in FIG.
[0095]
“JobID” indicates the identification number of a job. “Number of Pages” indicates the number of pages of the entire job.
[0096]
“* Page table” indicates a pointer to the address where the input page table of the first page is stored.
[0097]
“* Next Job talble” indicates a pointer to the next print job management table. If the next table does not exist, NULL is set.
[0098]
FIG. 14B shows an input page table for managing information for each page.
[0099]
“Page No.”, “Page Size”, “H Size”, and “V Size” are the same as the data of the PAGE command shown in FIG.
[0100]
“* Image data” indicates a pointer to a storage destination address of an image input from the formatter unit 4 and stored in the image memory 307. “* NextPage table” indicates a pointer to the next input page table. If the next table does not exist, NULL is set.
[0101]
FIG. 14C shows an output page table created when an image stored in the image memory 307 is output to the printer unit 2.
[0102]
“Page No.”, “Page Size”, “H Size”, and “V Size * Image data” are the same as the data of the input page table of FIG. 14B.
[0103]
“Paper Source” is data for instructing from which sheet feeding port the sheet is actually fed. “H offset” indicates a delay amount in the main scanning direction when outputting an image to the printer unit 2 as a video. “V offset” also indicates the delay amount in the sub-scanning direction.
[0104]
Next, the exchange between the formatter unit 4 and the image input / output control unit 3 using these data will be described.
[0105]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the image input / output control unit 3, the image developed by the formatter unit 4 is input, and It corresponds to the processing procedure up to storage. In addition, S701 to S714 indicate each step.
[0106]
First, the image input / output control unit 3 waits for notification of a START command from the formatter unit 4 (S701).
[0107]
When a START command is received from the formatter unit 4, a print job management table as shown in FIG. 14A is created based on the data specified by the START command (S702), and the formatter unit 4 sends the print job management table using a STATUS command. OK is returned (S703).
[0108]
Next, when a PAGE command is received from the formatter unit 4 (S704), an input page table as shown in FIG. 14B is created based on each data specified by the PAGE command (S705).
[0109]
When the preparation for image input is completed, OK is returned by the STATUS command (S706), and the process waits for an image to be input from the formatter unit 4 (S707).
[0110]
When an image is input from the formatter unit 4, the image is sequentially stored in the image memory 307 (S708).
[0111]
Next, when the image of one page has been input normally (S709), “1” is added to Number of pages (P) of the job table (S710), and OK is returned to the formatter unit 4 by the STATUS command (S709). S711).
[0112]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S709 that an error or the like has occurred during image input and the image of one page has not been input normally, an error process is performed (S712), and then an NG command is issued with a STATUS command. Is returned (S713).
[0113]
Thereafter, the page image transfer sequence is repeated each time a page image for one page is generated in the formatter unit 4 until it is determined that the END command has been notified from the formatter unit 4 (S714) (S704 to S714). ).
[0114]
Upon receiving an END command from the formatter unit 4 (S714), the print job management table is set in the print job queue, and the process returns to step S701 to wait for a notification of a print job start request from the formatter unit 4.
[0115]
(Image output processing)
Next, a process in which the image input / output control unit 3 extracts an image stored in the image memory 307 based on information in the print job management table and outputs the image to the printer unit 2 will be described.
[0116]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image stored in the image memory 307 in the image input / output control unit 3 shown in FIG. This corresponds to a processing procedure when outputting to the unit 2. In addition, S901 to S918 indicate each step.
[0117]
First, the image input / output control unit 3 monitors the print job queue and determines whether a print job management table exists (S901). Here, if it is determined that the print job management table exists, it is extracted (S902), and based on this information, a START command for instructing the printer unit 2 to start a print job is issued (S903).
[0118]
Next, when OK is notified by the STATUS command from the printer unit 2 (S904), the print job management table is referenced, and the value p indicating the page count is set to Number of Pages (P) and the value c indicating the copy count is set to c. Number
of copies (C) is set (S905).
[0119]
Next, an output page table as shown in FIG. 14C is created based on the input page table of the page (S906).
[0120]
Subsequently, an output pre-process for outputting a page image (details are shown in FIG. 17) is performed (S907).
[0121]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the pre-output processing procedure in the image input / output control unit 3 illustrated in FIG. Note that S1001 and S1002 indicate each step.
[0122]
First, in the output pre-processing, an output mode determination process shown in FIG. 18 described later is performed (S1001), and an output adjustment value calculation process shown in FIG. 18 described later is executed (S1002).
[0123]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the output mode determination processing shown in FIG. In addition, S1101 to S1109 indicate each step. In this process, the paper size to be actually output and the paper feed port are determined.
[0124]
First, based on the paper feed mode specified by the command “Input mode” in the print job management table, a paper feed port matching the Page Size of the input page table is searched (S1101).
Here, if it is determined that a matching paper feed port is found, next, it is detected whether or not there is a sheet in the paper feed port (S1102).
[0125]
If there is no paper in the paper feed port, an error message indicating that paper is to be supplied is displayed on the operation unit 5 (S1103), and the apparatus stands by until paper is supplied (S1104).
[0126]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1102 that there is paper, or if paper is replenished, the Paper Size of the input page table is set to the Paper Size of the output page table, and the selected paper feed port is further set. This is set to Paper Source (S1105), and the process ends.
[0127]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1101 that a paper feed port that matches the Page Size of the input page table is not found, an error message is displayed on the operation unit 5 indicating that the paper size is to be replaced (S1106).
[0128]
If it is determined that the size of the paper feed port has been changed (S1107), the process returns to step S1101 to search again for a paper feed port that matches the Page Size.
[0129]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1107 that there is no matching paper size, but an operation of skipping an error of outputting to another paper without any instruction to change the paper size has been performed (S1108), the output page The selected paper size is set in Paper Size of the table, and the selected paper feed port is set in Paper Source (S1109), and the process ends.
[0130]
After the output mode determination process is completed, the process proceeds to an output adjustment value calculation process shown in FIG.
[0131]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sixth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the output adjustment value calculation processing procedure illustrated in FIG. In addition, S1201 to S1207 indicate each step.
[0132]
First, the offset registration data (see FIG. 8) stored in the RAM 305 is referred to (S1201), and it is determined whether or not a size matching the Page Size of the input page table is registered in the registration data (S1201). S1202).
[0133]
If it is determined that there is a matching size in the registered data, the registered size, that is, the paper size read by the scanner unit 1 at the time of offset registration, and the paper size of the output page table, that is, the printer unit It is determined whether the paper size to be output to No. 2 is the same size and the same direction (S1203).
[0134]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the sizes are the same and the same direction, an output adjustment value (Hoffset, Voffset) is calculated based on the size, reference position, and offset value (x, y) registered in the registration data. Is set in the output page table (S1204), and the process ends.
[0135]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1203 that the registered size and the Paper SiZe are not the same size and in the same direction, it is next determined whether or not the registered sizes are in the same size but in the different direction (S1205). Here, the same size different direction refers to, for example, a case where the registered size is A4, the paper size is A4R, and the size is the same, and the output direction is different, such as landscape and portrait.
[0136]
If the Paper Sizes are in the same size and different directions, an output adjustment value (H offset, V offset) is calculated and set in the output page table as in step S1204 (S1206). Note that when calculating the output adjustment failure, it is added that the output is performed on a paper size in a direction different from the registered size.
[0137]
On the other hand, if the input page size (PageS1ze) does not exist in the offset registration data in step S1202, or if the output paper size (Paler Size) is different from the registration size in step S1205, no output adjustment is performed. Therefore, “0” is set to the output adjustment value (H offset, V offset) (S1207), and the process ends.
[0138]
Returning to the image output processing shown in FIG.
[0139]
After finishing the pre-output processing in step S907, a PAGE command is issued to the printer unit 2 based on the information in the created output page table (S908).
[0140]
Then, when OK is notified from the printer unit 2 (S909). The image is retrieved from the image memory 307 by referring to the image consolidation destination address in the output page table, and video output is performed to the printer unit 2 (S910).
[0141]
At this time, the video output timing is adjusted based on the delay amounts Hoffset and Voffset in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction calculated in the calculation process of the output adjustment value in the output preprocessing, and the video output is performed. Adjust the position of the image formed on the.
[0142]
Next, the process waits for the notification of the STATUS command indicating the video output result from the printer unit 2 (S911). When the OK is notified, the page count p is reduced by "1" (S912). If p = 0 is not satisfied, that is, if it is determined that the page is not the last page (S914), the process returns to step S906 to create an output page table for the next page.
[0143]
On the other hand, if the video output is not normally completed due to a jam or the like, NG is notified from the printer unit 2 by a STATUS command. In this case, error processing is performed according to the error content (S913). When the error processing is completed, the process returns to step S906, and the processing from creating the output page table of the page is performed again.
[0144]
On the other hand, if p (page count) = 0 in step S914, this indicates that the page is the last page, and that the output of one portion has been completed normally, so the copy count c is reduced by “1”. (S915).
[0145]
If c = 0 is not satisfied, Number of pages (P) is set in p to perform the next copy output process (S918), the process returns to step S906, and the first page of the output page table is output again. Continue processing from creation.
[0146]
On the other hand, if it is determined that c = 0, an END command for notifying that all print jobs have been completed is issued to the printer unit 2 (S917), and the process returns to step S901 again to monitor the print job queue and Wait for a print job to occur.
[0147]
[Second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the paper to be printed is scanned in advance, print position information printed on the print paper is obtained, and the print position information is registered in association with the designated paper name. When printing out from the host, the output adjustment value is calculated from the registered print position information by designating the paper name, and the print position is adjusted based on the output adjustment value.
[0148]
In the first embodiment, since the paper size is registered in association with the offset value, if the paper sizes to be printed match, the print position is all adjusted in the same manner. On the other hand, by registering the offset value using the paper name in association with the offset value, a plurality of offset data can be registered even for the same size, that is, for various types of paper. Output adjustment can be performed.
[0149]
The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0150]
First, the paper to be printed is scanned in advance to obtain print position information printed on the print paper, and this print position information is registered in association with the designated paper name. Hereinafter, the offset registration processing will be described.
[0151]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the seventh data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the offset registration processing procedure in the image input / output control unit 3 shown in FIG. In addition, S2001 to S2012 indicate each step.
[0152]
First, the process waits for an offset registration instruction (S2001). When the offset registration is instructed, a screen for inputting a paper name to be registered and a reference position is displayed (S2002). When the sheet name and the reference position are input and the OK key is pressed, a sheet for setting the sheet on the document table is next displayed, and a screen for instructing the start of scanning is displayed.
[0153]
Then, when the OK key is pressed, the image input / output control unit 3 first instructs the scanner unit 1 to perform the first scan in order to acquire the paper size set on the document table (S2004).
[0154]
Next, when the paper size is notified from the scanner unit 1 (S2005). Next, a setting is made to transfer the read image data to the image input / output control unit 3, and a second scan is instructed (S2006).
[0155]
When an image is input from the scanner unit 1, the image is stored in the image memory 307, and based on the sheet size acquired in step 2005 and the reference position input in step 2002, the image information stored in the image memory 307 is used. An offset value is obtained (S2007).
[0156]
Next, when the offset value is obtained, it is determined whether or not the next obtained offset value is within an appropriate range (S2008). Here, when it is determined that the value is not within the appropriate range, an error display is performed (S2011). Then, after the error, if an instruction to re-scan is issued (S2011), the process returns to S2003 and waits for the start of scanning. If the stop is instructed, the process returns to step S2001.
[0157]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2008 that the offset value is within the appropriate range, the process waits for a registration instruction (S2009). When registration is instructed, the set paper name, paper size, reference position, The acquired offset value is stored in the RAM 305 in a data format as shown in FIG. 21 (S2110), and the process returns to step S2001.
[0158]
Next, in this embodiment, a flow of processing from developing PDL data sent from the host computer into a visible image and printing out the image will be described.
[0159]
This processing is performed by the image input / output control unit 3 until the image developed by the formatter unit 4 is stored in the image memory 307, and the image input / output control unit 3 stores the image stored in the image memory 307. Is output to the printer unit 2 and output to the printer unit 2.
[0160]
The basic processing flow of image input processing and image output processing is the same as in the first embodiment. Here, data processing that is different from the first embodiment will be particularly described. Hereinafter, data used in the image input / output control unit 3 will be described.
[0161]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data structure used in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the data structure used in the image input / output control unit 3.
[0162]
FIG. 22A shows a PAGE command received when a page image is input from the formatter unit 4. FIG. 22B shows an input page table for managing a page image input from the formatter unit 4.
[0163]
The difference from the first embodiment is that a parameter Paper Name representing a paper name is added to the PAGE command and the input page table.
[0164]
As a method of performing printout by designating a paper name from a host computer by a user, for example, a paper name list of offset registration data registered in advance in the image input / output control unit 3 is output via the formatter unit 4. Notify the host computer.
[0165]
When printing is performed from the host computer, the user specifies a paper name using a printer driver or the like, transmits it to the formatter unit 4 as PDL data, interprets this in the formatter unit 4, and uses a PAGE command to execute an image input / output control unit. 3 can be realized.
[0166]
Next, the calculation process of the output adjustment value in the image output process of the image input / output control unit 3 will be described.
[0167]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the eighth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the output adjustment value calculation processing procedure in the image input / output control unit 3 shown in FIG. In addition, S2301 to S2307 indicate each step.
[0168]
First, referring to the offset registration data (FIG. 21) stored in the RAM 305 (S2301), it is determined whether there is a paper name that matches the Paper Name of the input page table (S2302). If there is a matching paper name in the registration data, the registered paper size, that is, the paper size read by the scanner unit 1 at the time of offset registration, and the Paper Size of the output page table, that is, It is determined whether the output paper size is the same size and the same direction (S2303).
[0169]
Here, in the case of the same size and the same direction, an output adjustment value (Hoffset, VoffSet) is calculated based on the size, the reference position, and the offset value (x, y) registered in the registration data, and the output page It is set on the table (S2304).
[0170]
In step S2303, if the registered size and the paper size are not the same size and the same direction, it is determined whether the registered size and the paper size are the same size and different direction (S2305). Here, the same size different direction refers to, for example, a case where the registered size is A4, the paper size is A4R, and the size is the same, and the output direction is different, such as landscape and portrait.
[0171]
On the other hand, if the Paper Sizes are in the same size and different directions in S2305, the output adjustment values (H offset, V offset) are calculated and set in the output page table as in step S2304 (S2306), and return is performed. I do.
[0172]
When calculating the output adjustment value, it is added that the output is output to a paper size in a direction different from the registered size.
[0173]
On the other hand, if the paper name (Paper Name) does not exist in the offset registration data in step S2302, or if the output paper size (Paper Size) is different from the registration size in step S2305, output adjustment is not performed. Therefore, "0" is set to the output adjustment value (S2307), and the process returns.
[0174]
According to each of the above-described embodiments, in a case where image data taken from an external device is adjusted and printed on a recording sheet on which an image such as a ruled line is recorded, the position of the image previously printed on the recording sheet Read the information, store it in association with the paper size, and when printing an image from an external device later, if it matches the stored paper size, take out the position information of the corresponding image, By calculating the print adjustment amount, the print position can be automatically adjusted.
[0175]
Furthermore, by storing the read position information in association with the paper name, it is possible to register a plurality of position information for the same size, and to automatically print the print position on various papers. Adjustment can be performed.
[0176]
In this case, even if the paper size is the same, print adjustment is not performed unless the paper name matches, so it is possible to print at the normal print position on paper that does not require print position adjustment as before. It becomes.
[0177]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0178]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, position information of an image printed on recording paper in advance is read, stored in association with paper identification information, and recorded on a recording medium by image reading means. The position information of the present image is detected, and based on the detected position information and the position information according to the stored sheet identification information, the image output position on the recording medium is adjusted to form an image. When a desired recording sheet is designated, the printing position can be automatically adjusted based on the stored position information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a scanner unit and a printer unit illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a scanner unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of an image input / output control unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a formatter unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of an operation screen at the time of offset registration in the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of offset registration data managed by the RAM shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference position serving as a reference for calculating an offset value with respect to a sheet read by the scanner unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the paper to be read shown in FIG. 9 is actually set on a platen;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output process of image data stored in the image memory illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion table used in an offset value calculation process in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control data exchanged between the formatter unit and the image input / output control unit illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job table managed by the image input / output control unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sixth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a seventh data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of offset registration data managed by the RAM shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data structure used in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an eighth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Scanner section
2 Printer section
3 Image input / output control unit
4 Formatter part
5 Operation section

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; and an image forming unit that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device,
Image processing means for detecting position information of an image recorded on a recording medium by the image reading means and adjusting an image output position on the recording medium based on the detected position information to form an image. An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; and an image forming unit that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device,
Input means for inputting paper identification information for identifying a recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting position information of an image recorded on a recording medium by the image reading means,
A storage unit for storing the sheet identification information input by the input unit and the position information of the image detected by the detection unit in association with each other,
If the input image information includes sheet identification information that matches the sheet identification information stored in the storage unit, the image output position on the recording medium is determined based on the corresponding position information. Image processing means for adjusting and forming an image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Image reading means for reading an image,
Image developing means for developing a visible image based on image information input from an external device; image reading means; and image forming means for selectively outputting an image input from the image developing means to a recording medium. Image processing apparatus,
Input means for inputting paper identification information for identifying the recording medium,
Detecting means for detecting position information of an image recorded on a recording medium by the image reading means,
A storage unit for storing the sheet identification information input by the input unit and the position information of the image detected by the detection unit in association with each other,
When outputting the image input from the image expanding unit, if the input image information includes sheet identification information that matches the sheet identification information stored in the storage unit, Image processing means for adjusting the image output position on the recording medium to form an image based on the position information
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet identification information input by the input unit is sheet size information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet identification information input by the input unit is sheet size information detected by the image reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet identification information input by the input unit is a sheet name that can be arbitrarily specified by a user.

Images