JP2006324954A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain an image forming environment capable of omitting time and labor for setting a mark in each output of image data, capable of sharing mark setting among a plurality of users, and capable of securing the security of copyright display or the like by forcing mark output. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU in a control part 108 stores image data inputted to a digital copying machine 100 in the box area of a specified image memory 107, registers mark information in association with the box area in the image memory 107, and when the output of the image data stored in the box area in which the mark information is registered is instructed, controls image formation so as to execute image composition in which the image data and a mark image corresponding to the mark information registered in association with the box area in which the image data are stored are superposed to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that outputs a document by combining watermarks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a watermark composite output in an image forming apparatus having a personal box function.

  Conventionally, when a character string such as “confidential”, “circulation”, or “sample”, or an organization's logo mark is attached to a document as a watermark and output, the watermark function of the document editing application or printer driver is used. It was done. In recent years, some copiers, printers, and multi-function printers that copy and print documents have image output devices with a watermark output function, and these functions have been used to output watermarks. .

  Among the specifications that must be set by the user during watermark composition output, when composing a character string to be used as a mark, specify the character string, font, number of points, color, composition position, watermark ratio, angle The mark output format such as the presence or absence of an enclosure is specified, and it is necessary to make these settings in detail in order to obtain a desired output. Since this work is complicated, a proposal (Patent Document 1) has been made to prepare in advance a watermark that is generally used on the application or driver side, and to further facilitate mark setting in the printer driver. .

On the other hand, in recent years, copying machines, printers, and multifunction machines equipped with a hard disk have increased, and products having a personal box function as an application function have increased. With the personal box function, documents that are repeatedly printed as required, such as specifications, manuals, catalogs, and brochures, are registered in the personal box as print images, enabling immediate printout without repeating PDL expansion and scan input. A technique (Patent Document 2) that combines images such as watermarks at the time of output has been proposed.
JP 2000-20271 A JP 2001-94756 A

  However, the conventional techniques described above have the following problems.

  That is, the designation of the watermark is complicated because it is necessary to designate the watermark every time it is output.

  Also, even if frequently used watermark types and settings are registered as favorite settings such as printer drivers, an output flow that always prints a standard mark such as an organization's logo mark on the output document is realized. In order to do this, it is necessary to share these settings among a plurality of personal computers, but this is difficult.

  In recent years, as security awareness in document output, such as output of confidential documents and copyrighted content, has increased, a watermark must be displayed at the time of output to clearly indicate that it is a copyright notice or sample output. In such a case, there was only a means to synthesize the mark in advance in the output source data. However, there is no need to maintain and manage both with and without the mark in content management. There was a problem that was necessary.

  Further, such a problem is not limited to the watermark, but includes the same problem with respect to various print settings.

  Further, when reading an image from a document and storing it in a storage device, similarly, there is a problem that the reading setting has to be designated every time, which is complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by superimposing a mark image on image data. It is stored in the storage area of the designated storage means, mark information is registered in association with the storage area in the storage means, and output of image data stored in the storage area in which the mark information is registered is instructed. By controlling image formation so as to perform image composition to superimpose the image data and the mark image according to the registered mark information associated with the storage area in which the image data is stored, Once a mark is registered in the storage area for storing image data, mark composition is realized at the time of output simply by storing the image data in that storage area. It is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method and a program, and storage medium which can be omitted the trouble of.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by superimposing a mark image on image data, a storage unit for storing input image data in a storage area of a specified storage unit, A registration unit that registers mark information in association with a storage area; and when the registration unit instructs to output image data stored in the storage area in which the mark information is registered, the image data and the image data are And control means for controlling image formation so as to perform image composition for superimposing mark images corresponding to registered mark information in association with a storage area to be stored.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by superimposing a mark image on image data, wherein input image data is stored in a storage area of a specified storage unit, and stored in the storage unit When the mark information is registered in association with the area and the output of the image data stored in the storage area in which the mark information is registered is instructed, the storage area in which the image data and the image data are stored Since image formation is controlled so as to superimpose a mark image corresponding to the registered mark information in association with the image information, once the mark is registered in the storage area for storing the image data, the storage area By simply storing image data, mark compositing is realized at the time of output, so that it is possible to omit the trouble of setting a mark every time it is output.

  Further, since the mark is associated with the storage area, a plurality of users can share the mark setting by using the same storage area.

  Furthermore, once an image is registered in the folder, a mark is always combined at the time of output, so that mark output can be forced and security such as copyright display can be ensured.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming environment having excellent operability for forming an image by superimposing a mark image on image data.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system to which an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital copying machine as an image processing apparatus, which includes a digital copying machine main body 101 and an image input / output control unit 105. The digital copying machine main body 101 includes an operation unit 102, a reader unit 103 as an image reading device, and a printer unit 104 as an image forming device. The operation unit 102 is used to operate the digital copying machine main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105. The reader unit 103 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 104 and the image input / output control unit 105.

  The printer unit 104 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 103 and the image input / output control unit 105 on a recording sheet. The image input / output control unit 105 is connected to the reader unit 103 and includes a computer interface unit 106, an image memory 107, a control unit 108, and a backup RAM 110.

  The computer interface unit 106 is an interface between the control unit 108 and a print server configured by a personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) 109 as an information processing apparatus. The computer interface unit 106 develops code data (PDL) representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 109 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 104 and passes the image data to the control unit 108.

  The control unit 108 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 103, the computer interface unit 106, and the image memory 107. The control unit 108 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The digital copying machine includes a digital copying machine main body 101 and an image input / output control unit 105 based on a program stored in the ROM or other storage medium. The overall control of 100. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU.

  The backup RAM 110 is a memory that is not erased even when the power is turned off, such as a hard disk. The backup RAM 110 is for storing data that must be backed up in the digital copying machine main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105.

  The PC / WS 109 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk (HDD), interface with the digital copying machine 100, display, keyboard, pointing device, etc. (not shown), and the CPU stores in the ROM, HDD, or other storage medium. Based on the program, the entire PC / WS 109 is comprehensively controlled to generate PDL data and control transmission to the digital copying machine 100.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the digital copying machine main body 101 shown in FIG. 1, and particularly corresponds to the case where a Z-folding unit, a finisher, and the like are attached. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  In the reader unit 103 shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a document feeder. The document feeder 201 feeds the documents one by one to the platen glass 202 in order from the top, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 202 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 202, the lamp 203 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 204 is started to expose and scan the document. Reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 209 by mirrors 205, 206, 207 and a lens 208. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 209.

  Next, in the printer unit 104, reference numeral 221 denotes a laser driver. The laser driver 221 drives the laser light emitting unit 210 and causes the laser light emitting unit 210 to emit laser light corresponding to the output image data. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 211, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 211. Then, a developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 211 by the developing device 212. In the case of a color machine, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color developing devices are installed.

  Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, the recording paper is fed from any of the cassette 213, the cassette 214, and the manual paper feed stage 227, conveyed to the transfer unit 215, and developed on the photosensitive drum 211. The agent is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 216, and the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 216. Then, the recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 216 is discharged by a discharge roller 217. If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 217, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 217 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 by the flapper 218. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 is fed to the transfer unit 215 at the timing described above.

  In the case where the main body is equipped with the Z-folding unit 226, the recording paper is conveyed to the Z-folding unit, and Z-folding is performed according to an operation from the operation unit. In addition, when the finisher 220 is installed, the discharged recording sheets are bundled to sort the recording sheets, and according to the designation from the user, the puncher 223 punches the recording sheet, and the stapler 224 performs the stapling. Is called.

  When the saddle stitcher 225 is used, the recording paper is bound by stitching the central portion of the recording paper and folding the central portion. The inserter 222 can feed a preprinted recording sheet as a cover sheet or a slip sheet, and does not pass through the recording sheet path of the printer unit, so that the sheet can be conveyed without being damaged.

  A job that does not use the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 231 and is discharged to one of the movable trays 228 and 229. Both of these movable trays 228 and 229 can move up and down. When outputting to the movable tray 228, the movable tray 228 descends to the position of the paper discharge outlet 231. A job using the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 232 and is discharged to the bookbinding tray 230.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the printer unit (printer engine) 104 is a laser beam method has been described as an example. However, an electrophotographic method (for example, an LED method) other than the laser beam method may be used as a liquid crystal shutter method or an ink jet method. The present invention can be applied to a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, and other printing methods.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of the operation unit (operation panel) 102 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a power switch, which controls energization to the main body. A preheat key 302 is used to turn on / off the preheat mode. A copy A mode key 303 is used to select a copy A mode from a plurality of functions. A copy B mode key 304 is used to select the copy B mode from a plurality of functions. Copy A and Copy B have the same copy function, but if one of the copies has been read by the scanner, the next copy can be entered, so the two copies are used for the sake of clarity. It is divided.

  A mailbox key 305 is used when a mailbox mode is selected from a plurality of functions. The mailbox function is a function that has a storage area in the memory in the copying machine for each user or department, puts PDL or a scanned image in the memory area, and outputs it at any time. Reference numeral 306 denotes an expansion key, which is used when performing an operation on the PDL. These keys 303 to 306 are also used when calling up each function screen of an LCD touch panel 316 described later, and the status of each job can be viewed on the LCD 316 display.

  A copy start key 307 is used to instruct the start of copying. Reference numeral 308 denotes a stop key which is used when copying is interrupted or stopped. A reset key 309 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. Reference numeral 310 denotes a guide key which is used when it is desired to know each function. Reference numeral 311 denotes a user mode key which is used when the user changes the basic setting of the system. Reference numeral 312 denotes an interrupt key, which is used to interrupt and copy during copying.

  Reference numeral 313 denotes a numeric keypad which is used when inputting numerical values. Reference numeral 314 denotes a clear key, which is used to clear a numerical value input with the numeric keypad 313. An ID key 315 is used when shifting to an ID input mode when using a copying machine. Reference numeral 316 denotes an LCD touch panel composed of a combination of a liquid crystal screen and a touch sensor. An individual setting screen is displayed for each mode, and various detailed settings can be made by touching the drawn keys. It also displays the operation status of each job. A tally lamp 317 indicating a network communication state is normally green, blinks green when communicating, and turns red when a network error occurs.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a copy standard screen displayed on the operation panel (LCD touch panel 316) shown in FIG. The image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 so as to start up as a default copy standard screen shown below as a default when the power is turned on.

  In FIG. 4, 401 is a message line that displays the status of the copy job as a message. Reference numeral 402 denotes a magnification display, which displays a magnification that is automatically determined according to a set magnification or a copy mode as a percentage. A sheet size display 403 displays the selected output sheet. If automatic sheet selection is set, a message “auto sheet” is displayed. Reference numeral 404 denotes a number display indicating how many copies are made.

  Reference numeral 405 denotes a reduction key, which is used when a reduction copy is desired. An equal magnification key 406 is used when it is desired to return to the same magnification when reduction or enlargement is set. Reference numeral 407 denotes an enlargement key which is used when an enlarged copy is desired. Reference numeral 408 denotes a zoom key, which is used when it is desired to perform a reduction copy or an enlargement copy by setting a magnification in a fine unit.

  Reference numeral 409 denotes a paper selection key which is used when an output paper is designated. Reference numeral 410 denotes a sorter key, which is used when setting a sort or stapling mode. Reference numeral 411 denotes a double-sided key, which is used when setting the double-sided mode.

  Reference numeral 412 denotes a density display, which shows the current density. The density on the left side is light and the density on the right side is high. Further, the display of the density display 412 changes in conjunction with the light key 413 and the light key 415. The light key 413 is used when it is desired to reduce the density. The rich key 415 is used to increase the density. Reference numeral 414 denotes an automatic key, which is used when a mode for automatically determining density is used.

  A character key 416 is used to set a character mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a character document. Reference numeral 417 denotes a character / photo key, which is used to set a character / photo mode that is automatically set to a density suitable for copying a document in which photographs are mixed. An application mode key 418 is used to set various copy modes that cannot be set on the copy standard screen. The application mode key 418 is also used when image data is stored in the box area by performing a scan described later.

  Reference numeral 419 denotes a print status key, which is used when it is desired to check the status of printing currently being performed in the digital copying machine main body 101 of the digital copying machine 100. The print status key 419 always appears at this position as well as the copy standard screen, and the print status can be viewed at any time by pressing this key.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a logical usage method of the image memory 107 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the storage area of the image memory 107 such as a hard disk is logically divided into a temporary area 501 and an entire box area 502 according to the usage.

  The temporary area 501 is a memory that temporarily stores PDL development data and image data from a scanner in order to change the output order of image data or to output a plurality of copies in a single scan. It is an area.

  The entire box area 502 is a storage area for using the box function, and is divided into a small number of registered storage areas such as box areas 503, 504, 505,. These box areas 503, 504, 505,... Are allocated for each department such as each user or company, and a box name and a password can be attached to each box. The user can input a PDL job or scan job to each box by specifying one of the boxes. Also, by entering a password, the user can actually see the box, change settings, or print output. It can be carried out.

  The box registration procedure in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first and second control processing procedures in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the box registration procedure in the present embodiment.

  Note that registration in the box includes registration of a PDL image from the host computer (PC / WS 109) and a scan image from the scanner, and (a) and (b) in FIG. 6 correspond respectively.

  First, the case of registering a PDL image (first control process) will be described with reference to FIG. Note that S601 to S603 in FIG. 6A correspond to the steps executed by a CPU (not shown) of the PC / WS 109 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in a hard disk or other storage medium. S604 to S605 correspond to the steps executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in the ROM or other storage medium.

  First, when the property button 1001 on the print dialog 100 shown in FIG. 7 controlled by the CPU of the PC / WS 109 is pressed (instructed), in step S601, the CPU of the PC / WS 109 sets the print attribute shown in FIG. Display control of screen 1100 is performed on the display, and print settings by the user are received. When print setting is performed by the user on the PC / WS 109, the CPU of the PC / WS 109 advances the process to step S602. The print setting contents indicate the number of copies, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, single-sided / double-sided, page output order, sort output, presence / absence of stapling, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a print dialog displayed on a display (not shown) of the PC / WS 109 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a print attribute setting screen displayed on a display (not shown) of the PC / WS 109 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the folder selection button 1101 on the print attribute setting screen 1100 is instructed, the CPU of the PC / WS 109 displays the folder selection screen 1200 shown in FIG. 9 on a display (not shown) in step S602. Display control is performed, and folder selection designation by the user (selection designation of any one of the box areas 503, 504, 505,... Shown in FIG. 5) is accepted (in FIG. 9, box areas 503, 504, The name is added to 505, ...). When the user selects and designates a box number (folder) on the folder selection screen 1200 (when a folder is selected and designated in the folder list display area 1201 and the selection button 1202 is instructed), the CPU of the PC / WS 109 The process proceeds to step S603.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a folder selection screen displayed on a display (not shown) of the PC / WS 109 shown in FIG. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show examples of screens in which different folders are selected.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1203 denotes a watermark display field in which watermarks registered in the selected folder are displayed.

  Note that the folder information displayed in the folder list display area 1201 and the watermark information displayed in the watermark display field 1203 are the timing at which the CPU of the PC / WS 109 executes step S602 or earlier. Therefore, it is requested from the digital copying machine 100 and acquired from the digital copying machine 100.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S603, when the OK button 1102 is instructed on the print attribute setting screen 1100 of FIG. 8 and the OK button 1002 of the print dialog 1000 is instructed, the CPU of the PC / WS 109 displays on the PC / WS 109. The installed driver software (executed by the CPU of the PC / WS 109) converts the code data to be printed into so-called PDL data. Further, the driver software (CPU of the PC / WS 109) transfers the PDL data to the control device 110 of the image processing apparatus together with the print setting parameter and the folder selection parameter set in steps S601 and S602.

  On the other hand, when the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives the print setting parameters, folder selection parameters, and PDL data transferred from the PC / WS 109 via the computer interface unit 106, the CPU of the control unit 108 in step S604, The PDL data transferred from the WS 109 is developed (rasterized) into image data based on the print setting parameters. Then, when the development of the image data is completed, the CPU of the control unit 108 advances the process to step S605.

  In step S605, the CPU of the control unit 108 transfers the expanded image data to the box area (specified storage area in the image memory 107) selected and specified by the folder selection parameter in the image memory 107. Store (store). Then, after storing the image data, the CPU of the control unit 108 ends the processing.

  For example, when a folder corresponding to the box area 1 (503) is selected and designated on the PC / WS 109, the image data is stored in the box area 1 (503). Note that the print setting parameters set on the PC / WS 109 are also recorded in the box area 1 (503). When a folder corresponding to the box area 2 (504) and the box area 3 (505) is selected and specified, the folder corresponding to the box area 2 (504) and the box area 3 (505) is selected as the image data. When designated, the image data is stored in the box area 2 (504) and the box area 3 (505).

  Note that FIG. 9 shows a case where a name by an arbitrary character string is given to each box area, but each box area 1 (503), box area 2 (504), and box area 3 (505). ,... May be designated by numbers, for example, “1”, “2”, “3”,.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6B, a case where a scan image from the scanner (reader unit 103) is registered (second control process) will be described. Note that S606 to S609 in FIG. 6B correspond to the steps executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on the program stored in the ROM or other storage medium.

  First, when the application mode 418 shown in FIG. 4 is instructed and the image reading key is instructed on the application mode screen (not shown), the CPU of the control unit 108, in step S604, displays the folder selection screen shown in FIG. 1200 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 316 shown in FIG. 3, and a folder selection designation by the user (selection designation of any of the box areas 503, 504, 505,... Shown in FIG. 5) is accepted. When a user selects and designates a box number (folder) on the folder selection screen 1200 (when a folder is selected and designated in the folder list display area 1201 and a selection button 1202 is designated), the CPU of the control unit 108 The process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU of the control unit 108 receives scan settings such as image processing using the operation unit 102. Then, when a scan setting is instructed by the user using the operation unit 102, the CPU of the control unit 108 advances the process to step S608.

  Next, in step S608, when the start key 307 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the CPU of the control unit 108 instructs the reader unit 103 to start scanning, and the reader unit 103 reads (scans) a document. Let it run.

  In step S609, the CPU of the control unit 108 stores the image read (scanned) in step S608 in the box area specified in step S606, and ends the process.

  The CPU of the control unit 108 sets the processing mode such as finishing setting set at the time of image input and image allocation such as double-sided at the time of saving the image (when storing the image data in steps S605 and S609). It can be stored as an attribute in a memory (selected box area) and printed out based on the job information asynchronously with image input.

  Hereinafter, a printing process of image data stored in a folder (box area) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a folder selection screen displayed on the operation panel in the present embodiment. This screen is displayed and controlled on the LCD touch panel 316 by the CPU of the control unit 108 when the box key 305 of the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 is pressed.

  Here, the folder represents a storage unit of documents corresponding to the box areas 503, 504, 505,... Shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 701 denotes a created folder list display area. In this folder list display area 701, a list of folder names given by the user is displayed, and the currently selected folder portion is controlled to be highlighted (in this example, highlighted) by the CPU of the control unit 108. .

  Reference numeral 702 denotes a scroll bar. When there are a number of folders that cannot be displayed at once in the folder list display area 701, the scroll bar 702 can be used to scroll the display.

  Reference numeral 703 denotes a folder mark display area of the currently selected folder. In this folder mark display area 703, the watermark image registered in the folder selected in the folder list display area 701 in association with the folder by a folder mark registration procedure described later is displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108. If no folder mark is registered in the selected folder, a blank is displayed in the folder mark display area 703 by the CPU of the control unit 108.

  Reference numeral 706 denotes a mark creation / editing button. The mark creation / edit button 706 is a button for transitioning to a screen for registering and editing a folder mark. This button is selected when a new folder mark is registered or when a registered mark is edited.

  Reference numeral 705 denotes a selection button, which is a button for transitioning to a screen for displaying a document stored in the currently selected folder (in-folder document selection screen shown in FIG. 11). Reference numeral 704 denotes a return button, which is a button for transitioning to the upper screen of the folder selection screen. A mark creation / editing button 706 is a button for transitioning to a folder mark creation / editing screen (mark creation variant screen shown in FIG. 12).

  FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are examples of screens in which different folders are selected, and show how different folder marks are registered for each folder.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the in-folder document selection screen that is displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108 after the selection button 705 shown in FIG. 10 is pressed.

  11, reference numeral 801 denotes a document list, and the document names of documents stored in the folder selected in the folder list display area 701 of the folder selection screen shown in FIG. The

  Reference numeral 802 denotes a folder tab. The folder name currently displayed in the document list 801 is display-controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108. Reference numeral 803 denotes a preview display area, and the preview image of the currently selected document is displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108. If a folder mark is registered in the currently displayed folder, a preview image obtained by combining the document with the folder mark is displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108.

  Reference numeral 804 denotes a page scroll button, which is a button for turning a page to advance or return a page in a document to be previewed. On the left side of the page scroll button 804, the page number currently displayed and the total number of pages of the document are displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108.

  A print button 805 is pressed (instructed) when printing a document selected from the document list 801. When the print button 805 is instructed, a transition is made to a print setting screen as shown in FIG. 4, and print setting and print instruction for the selected document can be performed. When a print instruction (pressing the start button 307) is performed in a state where the print setting screen is displayed, the CPU of the control unit 108 automatically (without the user explicitly setting the watermark function). The folder mark and the document image are combined and printed out.

  Reference numeral 806 denotes a return button, which is a button for returning to the folder selection screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a mark creation / editing screen for folder mark creation / editing that is displayed and controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108 after the mark creation / editing button 706 shown in FIG. 10 is pressed.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 901 denotes a mark image preview display area for visually confirming the mark style and layout according to various parameter settings designated in the mark creation / editing screen. The display of the mark image in the preview display area 901 is controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108 based on various parameter settings specified in the mark creation / editing screen.

  A mark list area 902 is an area for displaying and selecting a mark registered as a mark. Reference numeral 903 denotes a new addition button. When a new mark is to be created, this new addition button 903 is pressed. Reference numeral 904 denotes a mark name field, which is a text box for assigning an arbitrary name to the mark. The name given in the mark name field is displayed in the mark list area 902 described above.

  Reference numeral 905 denotes a mark text input field, which is an area for inputting a character string that actually becomes a mark. 906 is a font input area, 907 is a style input area, 908 is a size input area, and 909 is a color input area. For a mark character string input in the mark text input field 905, the font, style, size, color, etc. This is to specify the style.

  Reference numeral 910 denotes an enclosing designation portion for a mark, which is used to designate whether or not to enclose (circle enclosing or square enclosing) a mark generated by the mark character string input in the mark text input field 905.

  Reference numeral 913 denotes a coordinate input unit for designating the position of the mark created and edited on the mark creation / editing screen in terms of the position and layout. The mark combining position designated by the coordinate input 913 is designated by a ratio to the output paper size of the document. During the printing process, the mark combining position specified by the coordinate input 913 is controlled by the CPU of the control unit 108 so as to be converted at a ratio to the output paper size of the document and combined at the corresponding position. . Reference numeral 914 denotes an angle input unit for designating an angle (character angle) of a mark designated on the mark creation / editing screen.

  Reference numeral 911 denotes a printing method designating unit for selecting designation of whether the mark created and edited on the mark creation / editing screen is to be watermark-printed or overprinted. Reference numeral 912 denotes a print page designation unit for selecting designation of whether to print only the first page or all pages of the mark created and edited on the mark creation / editing screen.

  The user confirms various settings related to the marks 902 to 912 in the preview display area 901, and when the desired settings are made, the user presses (instructs) the OK button 915 to cause the CPU of the control unit 108 to execute the folder. The mark is registered in the selected folder (the set folder mark is stored in the backup RAM 110 shown in FIG. 1 in association with the folder). Thereby, the registration operation is completed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the box printing procedure in the present embodiment. Note that S1301 to S1306 in FIG. 13 correspond to the steps executed by the CPU in the control unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 based on the program stored in the ROM or other storage medium.

  First, when the box key 305 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the CPU of the control unit 108 controls display of the folder selection screen shown in FIG. 10 on the LCD touch panel 316 shown in FIG. Folder selection (selection of any of the box areas 503, 504, 505,... Shown in FIG. 5) is accepted. When the user selects a box number (folder) on the folder selection screen (when a folder is selected in the folder list display area 701 and the selection button 702 is instructed), the CPU of the control unit 108 proceeds to step S607. Proceed with the process.

  Next, in step S1302, the CPU of the control unit 108 controls display of the in-folder document selection screen shown in FIG. 11 on the LCD touch panel 316 shown in FIG. 3, and accepts selection of a document to be printed. Then, when the user selects a document to be printed on the in-folder document selection screen (when a document is selected in the document list 801 and the print button 805 is instructed), the CPU of the control unit 108 performs processing in step S1303. To proceed.

  Next, in step S1303, the CPU of the control unit 108 controls display of the print setting screen as shown in FIG. 4 on the LCD touch panel 316 shown in FIG. 3, and issues print setting (print setting) and print start instructions. Accept. When the print setting is instructed on the print setting screen and the start button 308 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the CPU of the control unit 108 advances the process to step S1304.

  In step S1304, the CPU of the control unit 108 determines whether the folder selected in step S1301 is a folder in which a mark is registered. If the CPU of the control unit 108 determines in step S1304 that the folder is a registered mark, in step S1305, printing processing with a watermark is performed. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 108 outputs the mark registered in the folder selected in step S1301 to the output format (font, color, position, angle, printing method, etc.) according to various parameter settings of the mark. Thus, image formation control is performed so that the document selected in step S1302 is combined and printed. Then, when printing is finished, the process is finished.

  On the other hand, if the CPU of the control unit 108 determines in step S1304 that the folder selected in step S1301 is not a folder in which a mark is registered, normal print processing is performed in step S1306. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 108 prints the document selected in step S1302. Then, when printing is finished, the process is finished.

  Note that the CPU of the control unit 108 performs job attributes (such as finishing settings and double-sided) stored in the box together with the print settings and documents (image data) set in step S1303 during the print processing in steps S1305 and S1306. The printing process is controlled based on the processing mode such as image allocation).

  In the present embodiment, a character string format watermark has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that a watermark in any image format other than a character string is also included in the embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the image corresponding to the mark and the output format are designated on the mark creation / editing screen shown in FIG. In this case, it is assumed that the output format includes at least one of image size, composition angle, and composition position.

  As described above, conventionally, in an output flow in which a standard mark is always combined and a document is output according to the document type and the document issuer, the user needs to set the combination for each document every time. However, in this embodiment, when the mark setting is stored in association with the folder of the box and the document stored in the folder is output, the CPU of the control unit 108 performs the operation. , And control to output based on the mark setting associated with the folder.

  With this configuration, once a mark is registered in a designated folder, mark compositing can be realized at the time of output simply by storing an image in that folder, thereby eliminating the need for setting a mark for each output. .

  In addition, since the mark is associated with the folder, a plurality of users can share the mark setting by using the same folder.

  Furthermore, once an image is registered in the folder, a mark is always combined at the time of output, so that mark output can be forced and security such as copyright display can be ensured.

  In addition, the mark associated with each folder can be previewed, and the convenience of using the folder can be improved by visually confirming the contents of the mark registration in advance.

  Furthermore, a mark can be registered by setting an output format such as font, character size, character color, character angle, and mark combining position.

  In addition, since the mark combining position in the output format is combined and printed at a ratio to the output paper size, the mark combining position can be specified by a relative position rather than an absolute position with respect to the output paper, thereby facilitating specification work. Can do.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which a mark is always printed when printing a document stored in a folder in which a mark is registered has been described. In this embodiment, when a document stored in a folder in which a mark is registered is printed, the document can be printed without the mark. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the in-folder document selection screen displayed after the selection button 705 shown in FIG. 10 is pressed in this embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same items as those in FIG. is there.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1401 denotes an unmarked print button which is pressed (instructed) when printing a document selected from the document list 801 without a mark. When the markless print button 1401 is instructed, a transition is made to a print setting screen as shown in FIG. 4, and print setting and print instruction for the selected document can be performed. When a print instruction (pressing the start button 307) is performed while the print setting screen is displayed, the CPU of the control unit 108 is, for example, a document stored in a folder in which a document to be printed is registered in a mark. Even if there is, control is performed so that the document image is printed out without combining the folder marks.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to provide a flexible mark printing environment in which even a document stored in a mark-registered folder can be printed out without mark composition as necessary.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, a watermark is associated with a folder (box area), and when image data stored in the folder is instructed to print, the watermark is added to the image data and printed. Although the configuration to be controlled has been described, various print attribute settings other than watermark printing may be associated with a folder (box area).

  For example, bookbinding printing, N-UP printing (multiple page layout printing), and the like are associated with a folder. When the image data stored in the folder is instructed to be printed, control is performed so as to execute a printing process in which a process such as bookbinding printing or N-UP printing (multiple page layout printing) is added to the image data. The printing attributes that can be registered in the folder are not limited to the stamp (watermark) function, bookbinding printing, and N-UP printing, but the paper feeding method, paper ejection method, duplex printing function, stapling function, punch Various finishing functions such as functions, trimming functions, paper Z folding function, and other print settings such as bookbinding function, form overlay function, paper size and paper type, number of copies, etc. realized by combining these functions Good.

  As a result, once the print settings are registered in the designated folder (box area), the print processing is realized by adding the registered print settings at the time of output only by storing the image in the folder. It is possible to omit the trouble of performing print settings for each output.

  In addition, since the print setting is registered in association with the folder, a plurality of users can share the print setting by using the same folder.

  Furthermore, once an image is registered in the folder, print settings are always made at the time of output, so that the print setting output can be forced and print setting management can be performed.

  Note that the CPU of the control unit 108 controls to display the preview screen with the print settings set in the folder on the preview screen shown in 703 in FIG. 10, 803 in FIG. 11, and 901 in FIG. 12. Thus, it is possible to display a preview of print settings associated with each folder, and it is possible to improve the convenience of using folders (boxes) by visually confirming the print setting contents in advance.

  Similarly to the unmarked print button 1401 shown in the second embodiment, a button for printing a document without reflecting the print setting registered in the folder is provided on the in-folder document selection screen. Under the control of the CPU, even when a document stored in a folder in which print settings are registered is printed, the document can be printed out without reflecting the registered print settings.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, marks and print settings are registered in a folder (box area), and when a document stored in the folder is printed, printing that reflects the registered marks and print settings The configuration for performing the control has been described. In this embodiment, a scan setting such as image processing is associated with a folder (box area) and registered, and when the original is scanned by the reader unit 108, the CPU of the control unit 108 is registered in the selected folder. The scan process is controlled based on the scan setting.

  The reading setting information includes, for example, resolution, color / monochrome designation, γ value, image processing method (original type designation (photo, text, graphic, newspaper, etc.), diffusion dither method, various filter designations (blur, sharp , Embossing, mosaic, blurring, stippling, etc.), etc., and generally includes all information that can be set during scanning, and the reading setting information may include the presence or absence of execution of OCR processing.

  As a result, once the scan settings are registered in the specified folder (box area), the scan processing with the registered scan settings added is realized simply by specifying the folder and scanning. It is possible to save the trouble of setting the scan every time.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the setting data shown in the above drawings are not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the configuration data is composed of various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  In addition, all the structures which combined any or all of the structures shown in the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus (PC / WS 109) and the image processing apparatus (digital copying machine 100) constituting the image processing system according to the present invention with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. explain.

  FIG. 15 shows a storage medium (recording medium) for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus (PC / WS 109) and the image processing apparatus (digital copying machine 100) constituting the image processing system according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining a memory map.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 13 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

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

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a storage medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

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

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention by reading out to the system or apparatus a storage medium that stores a program represented by software for achieving the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  As described above, the mark setting is stored in association with the folder of the box, and when outputting the document stored in the folder, by performing output based on the mark setting associated with the folder, Once the document storage folder is associated with the mark, the mark composition is automatically applied when the stored document is output. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to simplify the output flow that normally uses the standard mark composition output.

  Therefore, by configuring the box print function in the multifunction peripheral to register the mark and output format in association with the image storage folder, the folder image can be output without selecting the mark and specifying the output format at the time of output. The mark composition output flow can be simplified, and the operability in the box print function in the multifunction machine can be improved.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the digital copying machine main body illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a top view which shows the key arrangement | sequence of the operation part (operation panel) shown in FIG. It is the schematic diagram which showed the copy standard screen displayed on the operation panel (LCD touch panel) shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the logical usage method of the image memory 107 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st, 2nd control processing procedure in the image processing apparatus of this invention.

It is a flowchart.
It is a figure which shows an example of the print dialog displayed on the display which PC / WS shown in FIG. 1 does not illustrate. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing attribute setting screen displayed on the display (not shown) of PC / WS shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the folder selection screen displayed on the display (not shown) of PC / WS shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the folder selection screen displayed on the operation panel in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the document selection screen in a folder by which display control is performed by CPU of a control part after pressing the selection button shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark creation edit screen for folder mark creation and edit controlled by CPU of a control part after pushing down the mark creation edit button shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the document selection screen in a folder displayed after pressing the selection button shown in FIG. 10 in this embodiment. Memory map of storage medium (recording medium) storing various data processing programs readable by information processing apparatus (PC / WS) and image processing apparatus (control unit of digital copying machine) constituting image processing system according to the present invention FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital copying machine 101 Digital copying machine main body 102 Operation part 103 Reader part 104 Printer part 105 Image input / output control part 106 Computer interface part 107 Image memory 108 Backup RAM
109 Personal computer / workstation (P / W)

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by overlaying a mark image on image data,
Storage means for storing input image data in a storage area of a specified storage means;
Registration means for registering mark information in association with a storage area in the storage means;
When the registration means instructs the output of image data stored in the storage area where the mark information is registered, the mark information registered in association with the image data and the storage area where the image data is stored Control means for controlling image formation so as to perform image composition for superimposing mark images according to
An image forming apparatus comprising: The mark information includes an output format of a mark image corresponding to the mark information,
The control unit performs image formation so as to perform image composition in which the image data and a mark image corresponding to registered mark information associated with a storage area in which the image data is stored are superimposed according to the output format. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled. The mark image according to the mark information is an image in which a character string is modified,
The mark information includes a character string corresponding to the mark and an output format including at least one of a character decoration format, font, character size, character color, character angle, and composition position of the character string. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mark information includes an output format including an image corresponding to the mark and at least one of a size, a composite angle, and a composite position of the image.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the mark combination position in the output format is indicated by a ratio to the output paper size.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage area for storing image data is designated while a mark associated with the storage area in the storage unit is displayed as a preview. Setting means for invalidating image composition by the control means;
In the case where image setting is set to be invalid by the setting means, the control means may be a case where the registration means instructs the output of image data stored in the storage area where the mark is registered. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image formation of the image data is controlled without performing the image composition. The image data is input by reading image data from a document,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage area for storing the input image data is designated from an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The image data is input from an external device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage area for storing the input image data is designated from the external apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of forming image data based on print setting information,
Storage means for storing input image data in a storage area of a specified storage means;
Registration means for registering print setting information in association with a storage area in the storage means;
When the output of the image data stored in the storage area in which the print setting information is registered is instructed by the registration unit, the image data is registered in association with the storage area in which the image data is stored. Control means for controlling image formation based on setting information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image reading apparatus capable of reading a document image based on image reading settings and storing image data in a storage means,
Designating means for designating a storage area in the storage means for storing the read image data;
Registration means for registering image reading setting information in association with a storage area in the storage means;
When the storage unit in which the image reading setting information is registered is designated by the registration unit and the reading of the document image is instructed, based on the image reading setting information registered in association with the designated storage region. Control means for controlling reading of the image data;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An image forming method in an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by superimposing image data mark images,
A storage step of storing input image data in a storage area of a specified storage means;
A registration step of registering a mark in association with a storage area in the storage means;
When the output of image data stored in the storage area in which the mark is registered in the registration step is instructed, the image data and the mark registered in association with the storage area in which the image data is stored are displayed. An image forming step for controlling image formation so as to perform image synthesis to be superimposed;
An image forming method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 12.   A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 12.

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