JP2004312534A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To magnify the image data only when the font size of a character region included in the image data is smaller than the font size which a user desires and to form an appropriate image on paper based on the magnified image data. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus is provided with a font size setting means 12 for accepting the input of setting of the specified font size and a font size detection means 6 for detecting the minimum font size of the character region of the acquired image data, a control part 1 compares the specified font size with the minimum font size and magnifies the image data based on a comparison result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and an image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral including the apparatus, and more particularly, to image processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of the information society in recent years, copiers, facsimile machines and digital multifunction peripherals equipped with a plurality of these devices have become widespread not only in corporations but also in general homes and nursing homes, etc. ing. Conventionally, when characters included in an image of a sheet formed based on image data received by a facsimile machine or the like are small and difficult to read, the user needs to make the characters easy to read. In addition, an enlarged copy of the paper was made. For this reason, the user is burdened.
[0003]
Therefore, it is required to form an image on a sheet such as a recording sheet based on image data in which a character area included in the image data is enlarged to an easily readable size in accordance with the visual acuity of each user.
[0004]
Therefore, recent facsimile machines have a function of enlarging received received image data and recording it on recording paper, and enlarging the entire received image data based on a set enlargement magnification, and converting the received image data to the enlarged received image data. There is a method of enlarging characters included in a received image by recording on a recording paper of a corresponding size (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, it has a function of enlarging and transmitting the entire transmission image data as described above.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-237943
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, when enlarging the received image data and recording it on a recording sheet, the received image data does not include a character area or includes a character area of a small font size that is difficult to read. Even if it is not, the entire received image data is always uniformly enlarged, so that there is a possibility that uselessly large recording paper is used.
[0007]
Furthermore, the received image data is enlarged and recorded on the recording paper only when there is recording paper of the size corresponding to the enlarged received image data. Image data is recorded on recording paper. For this reason, the magnification is limited by the size of the recording paper provided in the receiving apparatus, and there is a possibility that an appropriate magnification cannot be set according to each user.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to enlarge image data only when a font size of a character area included in the image data is smaller than a font size desired by a user, and to form an appropriate image on a sheet based on the enlarged image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be formed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
[0010]
(1) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data,
Font size setting means for receiving an input of a desired font size setting desired by the user;
Font size detecting means for detecting a minimum font size among font sizes included in a character area extracted by performing character recognition from the image data,
Control means for comparing the specified font size with the minimum font size, and enlarging the entire image data when the minimum font size is smaller than the specified font size.
[0011]
With this configuration, in an image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet based on image data, the minimum of the designated font size desired by the user and the font size included in the character area extracted from the image data Are compared with each other, and if the minimum font size is smaller than the designated font size, the entire image data is enlarged. Therefore, since the image data is enlarged only when the minimum font size is smaller than the specified font size, when the character area is not included or the font size of the character area included in the image data is smaller than the specified font size. , The image data is not enlarged.
[0012]
(2) the control means detects an enlarged character area having a character having a font size smaller than the designated font size from the character area;
The image data of the enlarged character area may be enlarged instead of the entire image data.
[0013]
In this configuration, when the minimum font size among the font sizes included in the detected character area is smaller than the specified font size, instead of enlarging the entire image data, a character having a font size smaller than the specified font size is used. Only the image data of the enlarged character area having Therefore, since the area other than the character area is not enlarged, the size of the sheet does not become larger than necessary.
[0014]
(3) The enlarged character area is a character area including only characters having a font size smaller than the designated font size.
[0015]
In this configuration, when the minimum font size among the font sizes included in the detected character area is smaller than the specified font size, only the character having the font size smaller than the specified font size is set as the enlarged character area. The data is enlarged. Therefore, the area other than the character area that does not need to be enlarged and the character area having a font size larger than the designated font size are not enlarged, so that the paper size does not become larger than necessary.
[0016]
(4) The control means enlarges the image data so that the character area having the minimum font size becomes the designated font size.
[0017]
In this configuration, since the character area having the minimum font size of the detected character area is enlarged so as to have the specified font size, the font size of all the character areas does not become smaller than the specified font size.
[0018]
(5) identification information setting means for receiving input of user identification information, and storage means for storing the specified font size for each user;
The control unit compares the specified font size read from the storage unit with the minimum font size based on the identification information of the user.
[0019]
In this configuration, the designated font size stored for each user is read out based on the identification information of the user input using the identification information setting means, and the smallest font size of the font size included in the extracted character area is read out. Compared to font size. Therefore, there is no need for the user to set the designated font size every time, and the burden on the user is reduced.
[0020]
(6) The control means is a means for controlling image formation based on the enlarged image data, and is characterized in that the enlarged image data is divided into a plurality of pieces and image formation is performed for each image data.
[0021]
In this configuration, when forming an image on a sheet based on the enlarged image data, the enlarged image data is divided into a plurality of pieces, and an image is formed on a plurality of sheets. Therefore, the enlarged image data is not limited to the size of the sheet.
[0022]
(7) a destination setting unit that receives an input of a destination; and a transmitting unit that transmits image data based on the set destination.
When transmitting the image data, the control unit compares the designated font size read from the storage unit with the minimum font size based on a transmission destination.
[0023]
In this configuration, when image data is transmitted, the designated font size stored for each destination is read out based on the destination input using the destination setting means and included in the extracted character area. The font size is compared with the smallest font size. Therefore, there is no need for the user to set the designated font size every time, and the burden on the user is reduced.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of control of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100, which is a main body device of the present invention, has a scanner function for reading a document, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data and the like through a communication line and the like, and includes a recording medium such as a sheet (OHP) based on the image data. ) To form an image.
[0025]
The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 1 which is a control unit of the present invention and controls the entire apparatus. The control unit 1 is connected to the scanner 2, the image memory 3, the enlargement processing determination unit 4, the image processing unit 5, the font size detection unit 6, the print engine 7, the operation / display unit 8, the storage unit 13, and the communication control unit 14. ing.
[0026]
The scanner 2 reads an image of a document, and the image memory 3 stores image data of the image read by the scanner 2. The enlargement processing determination unit 4 determines whether or not to enlarge the image data, and the image processing unit 5 performs a process of enlarging the image data determined to be enlarged by the enlargement processing determination unit 4.
[0027]
The font size detecting means 6 is composed of a character recognizing means 10 for performing a known character recognition from image data to extract a character area, the control unit 1, and the like. Find the smallest font size. The print engine 7 includes a paper feed tray 11 and the like that stores and supplies paper, and forms an image on the paper supplied from the paper feed tray 11 using a fixing roller or the like (not shown) based on the read image data.
[0028]
The operation / display unit 8 includes a font size setting unit 12 for receiving an input of a setting of a designated font size from a user, and receives an input of an operation and a selection desired by the user. The storage unit 13 stores a designated font size for each user. The communication control unit 14 transmits and receives data by connecting to a line such as a telephone line or a LAN.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a first procedure for enlarging a character area when forming an image based on image data obtained by scanning a document of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In order to form an image on a sheet in a state where the character area in the image data obtained by scanning the document is enlarged to a font size desired by the user or more, the image can be formed through the font size setting means 12 via the font size setting means 12. The designated font size is set (s1), and scanning of the document is started (s2). At this time, a designated font size previously stored for each user in the storage unit 13 may be selected. Details will be described later.
[0030]
Next, the smallest font size among the font sizes included in the extracted character area is detected by performing character recognition by the character recognizing means 10 from the image data obtained by scanning the document (s3). The minimum font size is compared with the set specified font size (s4), and if it is determined that the minimum font size is larger than the specified font size, an image is formed on paper based on the image data as it is. Then (s12), the process ends.
[0031]
On the other hand, if it is determined in s4 that the minimum font size is smaller than the specified font size, the enlargement factor is determined so that the character area of the minimum font size becomes the specified font size (s5). Next, the image data is enlarged based on the enlargement magnification (s6), and a sheet having a size corresponding to the enlarged image data is selected (s7). Next, it is determined whether or not the size of the sheet corresponding to the enlarged image data is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (s8). If the size of the corresponding sheet is provided, the size of the sheet is enlarged. An image is formed based on the image data (s9).
[0032]
If it is determined in s8 that the corresponding sheet is not provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the image data enlarged to correspond to the size of the provided sheet is divided into a plurality of pieces (s10). Then, an image is formed on a plurality of sheets corresponding to the image data divided in step (s11), and the process ends. Here, in s9 and s11, the image position of the enlarged image data is adjusted according to the paper passing direction so that the image is appropriately formed on the paper.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for forming an image on a sheet based on the enlarged image data of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the characters "AB", "CD", and "EF" are formed in the A4 size original 60 shown in FIG. 6 with the font size of 12 points, 9 points, and 6.5 points, respectively, by the first procedure described above. When the image data including the image data is enlarged based on the designated font size of the Q point (Q> 6.5) to form an image on a sheet, “AB” and “CD” of the image data of the original 60 read in s2 , And the minimum font size of the character area of “EF”, which is smaller than the designated font size, is determined in s5 so that “EF” becomes the designated font size. Enlarge based on the magnification.
[0034]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a sheet having a size corresponding to the image data enlarged in s8 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100. If it is determined in s9 that the image forming apparatus 100 has a sheet of a size corresponding to the enlarged image data, an image is formed on the corresponding sheet based on the enlarged image data. For example, when the enlargement magnification is 101 to 122% as shown in FIG. 6, the image enlarged on the B4 size paper 61 so that the longitudinal direction of the enlarged image data and the arrow Y direction which is the paper passing direction match. To form When the enlargement magnification is 123 to 141%, an image is formed on A3 size paper 62.
[0035]
In the case of a larger magnification, there is no paper corresponding to the enlarged image data because the maximum size of the normal paper is A3. That is, when it is determined that the sheet corresponding to the size of the image data enlarged in s8 is not provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the image data enlarged in s10 is divided into a plurality. For example, when the enlargement ratio is 142 to 171%, the enlarged image data is divided so that an image can be formed over two B4 size sheets 63a and 63b as shown in FIG. Thereafter, an image is formed on the two B4 sheets 63a and 63b based on the image data divided in s11.
[0036]
Also, the information of the document is formed in a blank portion outside the area where the image is formed on the sheet on which the image is formed. For example, in the blank area outside the area indicated by the dotted line of the paper 63a and 63b in FIG. 6 on which the image is formed, it indicates which page of the document corresponds to which page image, and which page (top, lower) ) To form a comment (information) 64 indicating whether the image is an image. Further, a connection portion determination mark 65, which is a mark for appropriately bonding a plurality of sheets forming one image in the margin, is formed.
[0037]
Accordingly, when the enlarged image is divided into a plurality of sheets and formed, the connection between the sheets becomes easy to understand, so that the plurality of sheets can be easily joined after the image is formed.
[0038]
On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 has only one type of paper, for example, only A4 size paper, the enlargement magnification of “EF” of the character area that is the minimum font size in the original 60 shown in FIG. In the case of 101 to 141%, in the above-described example, the image is formed on the B4 or A3 size paper 61, 62, but since only the A4 size paper is provided, the image is enlarged as shown in FIG. The data is divided into two to form an image on two A4 size sheets 66a and 66b.
[0039]
When the enlargement magnification of the “EF” is 142 to 200%, in the above-described example illustrated in FIG. 6, the image is formed by dividing into two B4 size sheets 63 a and 63 b. As shown in (1), the enlarged image data is divided into four to form an image on four A4 size sheets 67a to 67d. A comment (information) is formed in the margin of the sheet, as in the case of forming an image by dividing the sheet into two sheets as described above. Further, in order to easily join a plurality of sheets, the image of the upper left corner of the image data enlarged so as to correspond to the upper left end of the image of the document is located at the position of the corner of the sheet 67a where the image is first formed. Adjust the image position so that
[0040]
With the above configuration, not all the image data to be formed, but only if the minimum font size is smaller than the specified font size, the image is formed on the paper based on the enlarged image data. Since the image data can be enlarged only at a time, and a large-sized sheet is not always required, the consumption of the sheet can be reduced, and the cost increase can be suppressed.
[0041]
Further, by enlarging the character area having the minimum font size to the designated font size, it is possible to surely increase the font size of all character areas to the designated font size desired by the user.
[0042]
Further, by dividing the enlarged image data into a plurality of parts and forming an image on a plurality of sheets based on the divided image data, the enlarged image data is not limited to the size of the sheet provided in the apparatus. An image can be appropriately formed on a sheet based on the obtained image data.
[0043]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing a second procedure for enlarging a character area when forming an image based on image data obtained by scanning a document of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the procedure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, instead of forming the image on the paper by enlarging the image data in accordance with the enlargement magnification obtained as in the first procedure described above, the image data of the scanned original is Image data is formed by enlarging only a character area including a font size smaller than the designated font size according to the enlargement factor.
[0044]
In the second procedure, the designated font size registered for each user is used in inputting the setting of the designated font size before the start of scanning.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 3, first, user authentication is performed, and a designated font size is set (s20). User authentication is performed using fingerprint data or user ID code as user identification information. After that, the control unit 1 reads the corresponding user's designated font size from the storage unit 13 and sets it. Here, the input of the fingerprint data or the user ID code is received by the identification information setting means of the present invention provided in the font size setting means 12.
[0046]
The designated font size stored in advance for each user is set via the operation / display unit 8 and is stored in the storage unit 13 by the control unit 1 so as to correspond to the identification information of the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the user ID code and the designated font size corresponding to the user ID code are stored in the storage unit 13.
[0047]
This eliminates the need for the user to set the designated font size every time, and can reduce the burden on the user.
[0048]
If there is no designated font size for the pre-registered user information, the designated font size may be set via the font size setting means 12 as in the process of s1 in the first procedure described above.
[0049]
After the designated font size is set in s20, scanning of the document is started (s2), and the image data obtained by scanning the document is included in a character area extracted by performing character recognition by the character recognition means 10 from the character data. The smallest font size among the font sizes is detected (s3). The minimum font size is compared with the set specified font size (s4), and if it is determined that the minimum font size is larger than the specified font size, an image is formed on paper based on the image data as it is. Then (s12), the process ends.
[0050]
If it is determined in s4 that the minimum font size is smaller than the designated font size, an enlarged character area which is a character area having a font size smaller than the designated font size in the character area is detected (s21). An enlargement magnification at which the minimum font size becomes the designated font size is obtained (s5). Next, only the image data of the enlarged character area is enlarged based on the enlargement magnification (s22), and a method of combining the enlarged image data of the enlarged character area with the entire image data is determined.
[0051]
First, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the entire image data is composed of only a single enlarged character area other than the blank area (s23). The image data of the enlarged character area is set as the entire image data (s24). If it is determined in s23 that there is not only a single enlarged character area, it is determined whether or not the entire periphery of the enlarged character area in the entire image data is a margin area (s25), and the entire periphery is determined to be a margin area. In this case, it is determined whether or not the size of the image data of the enlarged character area and the surrounding margin area is equal to or larger than the size of the image data of the enlarged enlarged character area (s26). If it is determined that the size of the enlarged character area is equal to or larger than the size of the enlarged character area image data in s26, the enlarged character area image data is embedded in the enlarged character area in the entire image data and the surrounding margin area (s27). . If it is determined that the size is smaller than the size of the image data of the enlarged character area enlarged in s26, the process proceeds to s28.
[0052]
If it is determined in s25 that the entire periphery of the enlarged character area is not a margin area, it is determined whether or not at least two of the four directions (up, down, left, and right) of the enlarged character area are margin areas (s28). If it is determined that at least two directions are the margin areas, the position of the non-margin area is adjusted and the enlarged image data is embedded in the entire image data (s29).
[0053]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when there is a blank area in the left and right direction of the image data 70a of the enlarged character area in the entire image data 70, the enlarged image data of the enlarged character area 70a can be embedded. The image position of the image data in the downward direction is shifted downward, and the entire image data 71 is created according to the size of the image data in the enlarged character area in which the size of the image data in the horizontal direction is enlarged.
[0054]
If it is determined in s28 that at least two directions are not the blank area, the image position of the area which is not the blank area of the image data cannot be properly adjusted. Cannot be embedded in data. Therefore, it is set to form two images based on the entire image data and the image data of the enlarged enlarged character area (s30). For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the four directions of the enlarged character area image data 73a in the entire image data 73 are not blank areas, the entire image data 73 and the enlarged enlarged character area image data 73a are not used. 'On the paper. At this time, the enlarged character area portion of the entire image data 73 may be surrounded by a thick frame to form an image so that the enlarged area can be easily understood by the user.
[0055]
The paper size corresponding to the size of the image data to be image-formed on the paper edited by the processes of s23 to s30 is determined (s7), and whether or not the paper of the determined size is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 is determined. Is determined (s8). If a sheet of the corresponding size is provided, an image is formed based on the image data enlarged on the sheet (s9).
[0056]
If it is determined in s8 that the corresponding sheet is not provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the image data enlarged so as to correspond to the provided sheet is divided into a plurality of pieces (s10), and divided into the plurality of pieces. Images are formed on a plurality of sheets based on the image data thus obtained (s11), and the process ends. At this time, in s9 and s10, the image position of the enlarged image data is adjusted according to the paper passing direction so that the image is appropriately formed on the paper.
[0057]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and forming image data read by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention on paper. For example, the characters “AB”, “CD”, and “EF” formed with the font size of 12 points, 9 points, and 6.5 points on the A4 size document 75 shown in FIG. 9 by the second procedure described above, respectively. When the image data including the image data is enlarged on the basis of the designated font size of the P point (9>P> 6.5) to form an image on paper, "AB" and "AB" of the image data of the original 75 read in s2 are used. At s21, an enlarged character area 75a including "EF" which is the smallest font size of the character areas "CD" and "EF" and is smaller than the designated font size is detected. Thereafter, the enlargement magnification is obtained in s5 so that “EF” becomes the designated font size, and the image data of the enlarged character area 75a is enlarged based on the enlargement magnification in s22.
[0058]
Since the image data of the original 75 is a blank area except for the enlarged character area 75a, the image data of the enlarged character area 75a enlarged in s22 is set as the entire image data. Next, it is determined in s8 whether a sheet corresponding to the size of the image data is provided in the image forming apparatus 100. In s8, the sheet corresponding to the size of the entire image data is determined. If it is determined that the image data is provided, an image is formed on a sheet of a corresponding size based on the enlarged image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the enlargement magnification is 101 to X1%, an image is formed on an A4 size sheet 76 based on the entire image data.
[0059]
Here, the reason why X1% is set as an arbitrary enlargement value is that the enlarged character area is formed on a sheet of a predetermined size depending on the size of another character font ("AB" or "CD") or the arrangement of each character. This is because the magnification at which an image can be formed is different. Hereinafter, magnifications of X1 or more are also represented as X2, X3, and X4, respectively (X4>X3>X2>X1> 101).
[0060]
If the effective area in the scanned image has an enlargement ratio of X1 to X2% and an image cannot be formed on an A4 size sheet, the image is formed using a B4 sheet 77. Further, similarly, in the case of X3 to X4%, an image is formed using A3 paper 78.
[0061]
Although not shown, if there is no paper of the corresponding size, the image is divided into a plurality of papers to form an image as in the example shown in FIG.
[0062]
According to the above configuration, only the image data in the enlarged character area having a character having a font size smaller than the designated font size in the image data is enlarged, so that the area other than the character area is not enlarged, and the entire image is not enlarged. Since the area of the data to be enlarged can be reduced and the increase in the size of the paper and the increase in the number of papers due to the enlargement of the image data can be suppressed, the cost can be suppressed.
[0063]
In the above configuration, the enlarged character area may be a character area having a font size smaller than the designated font size. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an image is formed as an enlarged character area using only "EF" having a font size smaller than the designated font size in the originals 80 and 82. In the case of the above example, as shown in FIG. 10A, there is a margin area around the “EF” of the document 80 where the “EF” can be enlarged, so that the enlarged “EF” is formed on the A4 paper 81. .
[0064]
Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, there is only a margin area in the upward and left directions around “EF”, which is an enlarged character area in the document 82, so that only “EF” usually appears on B4 paper or the like. Is enlarged to form an image, but the image may be formed on A4 sheets 83a and 83b based on the entire image data and the image data of the enlarged character area in the same manner as in the processing of s30 described above. This is because when the apparatus main body has only one kind of A4 paper having a relatively small size, it is not necessary to form an image based on the division of the image data divided using three or four sheets and many sheets. And the increase in the number of sheets can be suppressed.
[0065]
With the above configuration, the area other than the character area and the character area larger than the specified font size are not enlarged, so that the area to be enlarged in the entire image data can be further reduced, and An increase in paper size and an increase in the number of paper sheets can be further suppressed, so that a cost increase can be further suppressed.
[0066]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for enlarging a character area at the time of facsimile transmission of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In order to transmit image data obtained by enlarging the minimum font size among the font sizes included in the character area in the image data obtained by using the scanner to the specified font size to the specified destination, the destination setting of the present invention The transmission destination is set via the operation / display unit 8 as a means, and the designated font size is set (s31). Here, a designated font size corresponding to the transmission destination stored in the storage unit 13 in advance may be used. For example, an address book as shown in FIG. 11B is stored in the storage unit 13 via the operation / display unit 8, and when the destination is set, the control unit 1 sets the font size corresponding to the destination. It is read from the storage means 13 and set as the designated font size. Here, the reason why the e-mail address is stored is to allow not only data transmission by facsimile but also data transmission by e-mail in a similar manner.
[0067]
According to the above configuration, by using the designated font size read from the storage unit 13 based on the set transmission destination, the user does not have to set the designated font size every time, and the burden on the user can be reduced.
[0068]
If there is no font size for the user information registered in advance or if a new designated font size is to be set, the designated font size is set via the font size setting means 12 in the same manner as in the first procedure described above. Good.
[0069]
Thereafter, an image to be transmitted, which is obtained by performing scanning and performing the same processing as s2 to s30 of the second procedure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the second embodiment of the present invention, is to be transmitted. The data is edited and transmitted to the set destination (s32). If it is determined in s4 that the minimum font size in the image data obtained by scanning is larger than the specified font size, the process proceeds to s32 and the image data obtained by scanning is transmitted as it is. Send first. The image data enlarging process is performed by using the processes of s2 to s30 in the second procedure described above. However, the image data enlarging process is performed by using the process of enlarging the entire image data of the original in the first procedure shown in FIG. Is also good.
[0070]
On the other hand, the device to which the image data has been transmitted determines the size of the paper of the received image data after receiving the transmitted image data, and, if there is a paper corresponding to the device, based on the received image data. An image is formed on a sheet of a corresponding size, and if there is no sheet of a corresponding size, the image data is divided, and the image is formed on a plurality of sheets based on the divided image data.
[0071]
The present invention is applicable not only to a facsimile apparatus but also to an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0073]
(1) When necessary, by comparing the specified font size with the minimum font size of the character area in the image data and enlarging the entire image data only when the minimum font size is smaller than the specified font size Since the image data can be enlarged only in the image data, it is not necessary to always use a large-sized sheet, the consumption of the sheet can be reduced, and the cost increase can be suppressed.
[0074]
(2) By enlarging only the image data of the enlarged character area having a character area having a font size smaller than the designated font size in the image data, the area other than the character area is not enlarged, so that the entire image is not enlarged. Since the area of the data to be enlarged can be reduced and the increase in the size of the paper and the increase in the number of papers due to the enlargement of the image data can be suppressed, the cost can be suppressed.
[0075]
(3) By setting only characters smaller than the designated font size as the enlarged character region, regions other than the character region and character regions larger than the designated font size are not enlarged, and therefore, of the entire image data, The area to be enlarged can be further reduced, and an increase in the size of sheets and an increase in the number of sheets due to the enlargement of image data can be further suppressed, so that an increase in cost can be further suppressed.
[0076]
(4) By enlarging the character area having the minimum font size to the specified font size, it is possible to surely increase the font size of all the character areas to the specified font size desired by the user.
[0077]
(5) By using the designated font size read from the storage means based on the identification information of the user, the user does not have to set the designated font size every time, and the burden on the user can be reduced.
[0078]
(6) The enlarged image data is divided into a plurality of pieces, and an image is formed on a plurality of sheets based on the divided image data. An image can be appropriately formed on a sheet based on the image.
[0079]
(7) By using the designated font size read from the storage unit based on the set transmission destination, the user does not have to set the designated font size every time, and the burden on the user can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of control of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first procedure for enlarging a character area when forming an image based on image data obtained by scanning a document of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a second procedure for enlarging a character area when forming an image based on image data obtained by scanning a document of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second procedure for enlarging a character area when forming an image based on image data obtained by scanning a document of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for enlarging a character area during facsimile transmission of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging and forming image data read by the image forming apparatus on a sheet.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of enlarging and forming image data read by the image forming apparatus on a sheet.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging image data read by the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram in which image data read by the image forming apparatus is enlarged and formed on a sheet.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for enlarging image data read by the image forming apparatus and forming the image data on a sheet.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing items stored in a storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1-Control unit
4- Image processing unit
5-Enlargement processing determination unit
6- Font size detecting means
8-Operation / display unit
10-character recognition means
12-Font setting means
13-storage means
14-communication control unit

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data,
Font size setting means for receiving an input of a desired font size setting desired by the user;
Font size detecting means for detecting a minimum font size among font sizes included in a character area extracted by performing character recognition from the image data,
Control means for comparing the designated font size with the minimum font size, and enlarging the entire image data if the minimum font size is smaller than the designated font size. . The control means detects an enlarged character area having a character having a font size smaller than the designated font size from the character area,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the enlarged character area is enlarged instead of the entire image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the enlarged character area is a character area including only characters having a font size smaller than the designated font size. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enlarges the image data so that the minimum font size becomes the designated font size. Comprising identification information setting means for receiving input of user identification information and storage means for storing the specified font size for each user;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the designated font size read from the storage unit with the minimum font size based on user identification information. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the image formation based on the enlarged image data, and divides the enlarged image data into a plurality of pieces, and forms an image for each image data. Image forming apparatus. A destination setting unit that receives an input of a destination, and a transmission unit that transmits image data based on the set destination.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the designated font size read from the storage unit and the minimum font size based on a transmission destination when transmitting the image data.

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