JP2007096474A - Image output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output apparatus for acquiring and outputting original data as a source for creating an original in copying the original. <P>SOLUTION: In reading an image of the original through an original read section (S13), the image output apparatus decides whether or not an identification mark is attached to the image by means of character recognition or pattern matching and decides whether or not the read original is an instruction sheet (S14). In the case of the instruction sheet (YES, in S14), the image output apparatus extracts storage destination information of a color original from the instruction sheet (S15) and acquires original data of the color original on the basis of the extracted storage destination information (S16). Then the image output apparatus executes the output processing on the basis of the acquired original data (S17). On the other hand, when the original is not the instruction sheet (NO in S14), the image output apparatus executes the output processing on the basis of the read image data (S18). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus capable of acquiring original data as a document creation source and performing output processing when copying a document.

In recent years, color copiers and digital color multifunction peripherals have become widespread. If the input data is color data, it is decomposed into each color component, subjected to image processing for each color component, and then superimposed on each color component image to form a multicolor image. On the other hand, when the input data is black and white data, it is not necessary to perform image processing for each color component by separating it into color components. As described above, the processing executed inside the apparatus differs between when reading a color original and when reading a black and white original. Therefore, in color copiers, digital color multifunction peripherals, etc., the color original reading mode and the black and white original are different. Is generally installed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-133697 JP 2002-244499 A

  By the way, when copying a document in which a black and white document and a color document are mixed, it is necessary to read the color document. Therefore, even when a large number of black and white originals are partially mixed with color originals, it is necessary to read the image in the color original reading mode, and the reading time cannot be shortened. It was.

  Further, when copying a color original, color separation is performed as described above, image processing is performed for each color component data obtained by color separation, and the output processing is completed by superimposing the images of the respective color components. . Therefore, when copying a color original, it is affected by the original reading unit, the image processing unit, etc., so that it is difficult to faithfully reproduce the color used in the original of the reading source, and the image is deteriorated. What happens is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and determines whether or not location information is included in the received image data. If it is determined that location information is included, the location information is included in the location information. An image output device that acquires image data on the basis of the image data and outputs the image based on the acquired image data, thereby shortening the image reading time and performing output processing without image deterioration The purpose is to provide.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention is an image output apparatus including means for receiving image data and means for outputting an image based on the received image data. Location information representing the location of the image data is based on the received image data. Means for determining whether or not the image is included in the image, and means for acquiring the image data with reference to the location information when it is determined that the location information is included; Means for outputting another image based on the image data.

  In the present invention, when location information is included in the image data, the image data is acquired based on the location information, and output processing is performed based on the acquired image data. Therefore, when copying a color original or the like, output processing can be performed based on original data when the original was created, not from image data read by the scanner.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising image reading means for reading an image of a document, and determining whether or not the read image includes location information of image data.

  In the present invention, since an image of a document is read and it is determined whether or not the read image contains location information of image data, it is used as a function for copying a document.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, when an image is read from a plurality of originals by the image reading means, it is determined whether or not location information of image data is included in each read image. When it is determined that the information is not included, output based on the read image is performed, and when it is determined that the location information is included, output of another image based on the image data acquired by referring to the location information It is characterized by carrying out.

  In the present invention, when the location information is not included, output based on the read image is performed, and when the location information is included, output is performed based on the image acquired based on the location information. .

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention comprises: means for determining whether or not the image data including the location information includes information relating to an output order; and when determining that the information is included, And means for outputting an image based on the image data obtained by referring to the information in accordance with the output order.

  In the present invention, when the information related to the output order of the image data is included in addition to the location information, the image is output according to the output order.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention comprises storage means for storing image data, and the location information is information for specifying a storage location of image data in the storage means.

  In the present invention, storage means is provided, and information for specifying a storage location of image data in the storage means is adopted as location information. Therefore, when the location information is extracted, the image data is read from the storage means.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention includes means for communicating with an external device, and the location information is information including a communication address of the external device.

  In the present invention, the information including the communication address of the external device is adopted as the location information. Therefore, when the location information is extracted, the image data is acquired by communication.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the location information is described by a character string or a barcode.

  In the present invention, since the location information is described by a character string or a barcode, the location information can be extracted using an existing recognition method.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the location information is information representing the location of image data relating to a color image.

  In the present invention, the location information indicates the location of the image data relating to the color image, so that the image is prevented from being deteriorated when the color original is copied.

  In the case of the present invention, when location information is included in the image data, the image data is acquired based on the location information, and output processing is performed based on the acquired image data. Therefore, when copying a color document or the like, it is possible to perform output processing based on original data when the document was created, not from image data read by a scanner, and image degradation due to copy processing can be reduced. Can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, since an image of a document is read and it is determined whether or not the read image includes location information of image data, it can be used as a function for copying a document. .

  According to the present invention, when location information is not included, output based on the read image is performed, and when location information is included, output is performed based on an image acquired based on the location information. The location information can be properly used according to the type of document. For example, location information may be added to a color manuscript that is prone to image degradation when copying, and location information may not be added to a black and white manuscript that does not cause much image degradation. it can. Further, instead of adding location information to a color document, a black and white document including the location information may be prepared separately. In this case, since all the originals can be read in the monochrome mode, the processing time can be shortened.

  In the case of the present invention, when information related to the output order of the image data is included in addition to the location information, the image is output according to the output order. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the reading order in advance so that the desired output order is obtained. Further, by reading a document with location information added before reading a general black-and-white document, it is possible to gain time for acquiring image data based on the location information.

  In the case of the present invention, storage means is provided, and information specifying the storage location of image data in the storage means is adopted as location information. Therefore, when the location information is extracted, the image data can be read from the storage means and output processing can be performed.

  In the case of the present invention, information including the communication address of the external device is adopted as the location information. Therefore, when the location information is extracted, image data can be acquired by communication and output processing can be performed.

  In the case of the present invention, since the location information is described by a character string or a barcode, the location information can be extracted using an existing recognition method.

  According to the present invention, the location information indicates the location of the image data relating to the color image, so that it is possible to prevent the image from being deteriorated when the color original is copied.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image output apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a copy function, a printer function, and the like will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. A document reading unit 10 is provided at the uppermost stage of the digital multifunction peripheral 100, and an image forming unit 20 and a sheet feeding unit 50 are arranged in parallel below the document reading unit 10, and a sheet feeding unit 50 is disposed below them. ing.

  The document reading unit 10 includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for sequentially capturing a plurality of documents, a document table 11b for placing documents to be read in an aligned state, and a document captured by the ADF. Or an optical reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on the document table 11b.

  The ADF mounted on the document reading unit 10 includes a document tray 11a for stacking documents for reading in a face-up state, a document regulating plate 12a for regulating the position of the placed document in the width direction, and a document tray. An original roller 11a for picking up the originals stacked on 11a one by one from the top layer, transport rollers 13b and 13c for conveying the originals taken in by the incoming roller 13a to the original table 11b, and originals on the original table 11b Is constituted by a conveying belt 11b that conveys the paper in the direction of the paper discharge tray 16 or in the opposite direction, and paper discharge rollers 13e and 13f that discharge the original to the paper discharge tray 16 after reading the image.

  The ADF also feeds the document transported by the transport roller 13g and the transport roller 13g for guiding the document transported by the transport belt 13d in the direction opposite to the direction of the paper discharge tray 16 from the document table 11b to the transport path S3. A transport roller 13h that transports to the transport roller 13c is further provided. As a result, the ADF takes the originals stacked on the original tray 11a one by one from the uppermost layer, conveys them to the original table 11b, reads the image recorded on the surface of the original, and then uses the conveyance rollers 13g and 13h. The image is reversed and then conveyed to the document table 11b again to read an image recorded on the back side of the document. The document whose front and back surfaces are read is discharged to the paper discharge tray 16. A document detection sensor (not shown) is mounted at an appropriate location on the document tray 11a so that the presence or absence of a document on the document tray 11a can be detected.

  The optical reading unit mounted on the document reading unit 10 includes a light source unit 15, a mirror unit 17, an imaging lens 18, a CCD line sensor 19, and the like for reading an image recorded on the surface of the document. Yes.

  The light source unit 15 condenses the reading illumination light emitted from the exposure lamp at an appropriate reading position of the document table 11b by the concave reflector, and the reflection surface is set at 45 ° with respect to the surface of the document table 11b. The optical path of the reflected light from the original is changed by 90 ° by the mirror and is guided to the mirror unit 17. The mirror unit 17 includes a pair of mirrors arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other in order to further change the optical path of the light whose optical path is changed by 90 ° by the mirror of the light source unit 15. When reading a document supplied from the ADF, the image is read with the light source unit 15 held at a predetermined reading position. When reading a document set on the document table 11b, the light source unit 15 is moved to the document table 11b. It is comprised so that it may scan in parallel with the surface of this.

  The light guided by the mirror unit 17 forms an image on the CCD line sensor 19 by the action of the imaging lens 18. The CCD line sensor 19 includes thousands of photocells arranged on a substantially straight line. Each photocell performs photoelectric conversion, converts incident light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light, and outputs it. The analog electrical signal output from the CCD line sensor 19 is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter (not shown), and correction of light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity unevenness of the CCD line sensor 19 and the like is performed. Is generated as image data. The generated image data is output to an image memory 106 (see FIG. 2) described later.

  The image forming unit 20 develops the photosensitive drum 23, the charger 25 that charges the photosensitive drum 23, the laser writing device 21 that writes a latent image on the charged photosensitive drum 23, and the latent image on the photosensitive drum 23. An electrophotographic process unit including a developing unit 22 and a cleaning unit 24 that removes the developer remaining on the photoconductive drum 23 and regenerates the photoconductive drum 23. The image is formed by conveying the.

  Further, the image forming unit 20 includes a paper feeding cassette 30 for storing paper below (upstream) of the process unit, and paper stored by a pickup roller 30a provided in the vicinity of the paper transport path S1. Are fed separately one by one. When a sheet separated and fed from the sheet feeding cassette 30 is conveyed to the process unit, the sheet is temporarily held by the registration roller 31. The registration roller 31 controls the timing of aligning the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 23 with the leading edge of the image forming area of the sheet based on the detection signal of the pre-registration detection switch (not shown). The drum 23 is conveyed to the process unit in accordance with the rotation of the drum 23.

  Further, a paper feeding unit 50 is installed below the image forming unit 20, and paper feeding cassettes 51, 52, and 53 are provided to accommodate a plurality of types of paper. In the paper feed unit 50, as described above, the sheets stored by the pickup rollers 51a, 52a, and 53a included in the paper feed cassettes 51, 52, and 53 are separated and fed one by one, and image formation is performed through the paper transport path S1. To the process unit of the unit 20.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred in the process unit is conveyed to the fixing unit 27 installed on the downstream side of the process unit. The fixing unit 27 includes a heat roller and a pressure roller. The fixing unit 27 rotates while sandwiching the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by these two rollers, and heat-fixes the toner image on the sheet by the heat of the heat roller.

  The paper on which the toner image has been heat-fixed by the fixing unit 27 is discharged to one of several paper discharge trays provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 100. In the default setting, the transport roller 32 and the switching gate 33 are controlled so that the paper to be discharged is guided to the paper discharge tray 34, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 34 through the paper discharge roller 34a in a face-down state. . On the other hand, when it is designated to discharge the paper to the paper discharge tray 41 provided in the paper discharge unit 40, the switching gate 33 is switched to guide the paper to the paper discharge unit 40 by the transport roller 35, and the switching gate 41a and the paper discharge The sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 41 through the roller 41b. The same applies to the case of discharging to the paper discharge tray 42 (or paper discharge tray 43). By controlling the transport path by the switching gates 41a, 42a, 43a and driving the paper discharge roller 42b (or paper discharge roller 43b). Eject the paper to the target tray.

  When the paper is discharged face-up or image formation is performed on both sides of the paper, the paper is once gripped by the transport rollers 32 and 35 and then the transport rollers 32 and 35 are driven to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, the sheet is guided to the double-sided document conveying path S2 by the conveying roller 36. When paper is discharged in the face-up state, it is discharged to the paper discharge tray 37 through the paper discharge roller 37a. When image formation is performed on both sides of the paper, the image is again guided to the registration roller 31 of the image forming unit 20 via the double-sided document conveyance path S2, and the toner image is formed on the back side of the paper in the process unit of the image forming unit 20. Form. A manual feed tray 38 is installed at the lower end side of the double-sided document transport path S2, and the type of paper not stored in the paper feed cassettes 30, 51, 52, 53 can be taken in by the pickup roller 38a. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 includes a CPU 101. In addition to the document reading unit 10 and the image forming unit 20 described above, the CPU 101 includes a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an operation panel 105, an image memory 106, an image processing unit 107, a communication IF 108, Hardware such as the HDD 109 is connected via the bus 102. The CPU 101 loads the control program stored in advance in the ROM 103 onto the RAM 104 and executes it, thereby controlling the above-described various hardware and operating the entire apparatus as the image output apparatus according to the present invention.

  The operation panel 105 includes an operation unit that accepts an operation by the user and a display unit that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit includes various operation keys, numerical keys, and the like for accepting settings such as function switching operations, the number of output sheets in print processing, and scaling in copy processing. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display device, and displays the operation status of the digital multi-function peripheral 100, setting values input from the operation unit, and the like.

  The image memory 106 is, for example, a volatile page memory, and temporarily stores image data acquired by the document reading unit 10 and image data obtained by developing a print job received through the communication IF 108 described later on a page basis. Remember.

  The image processing unit 107 performs processing designated by the operation panel 105 or the print job on the image data stored in the image memory 106. Further, the image processing unit 107 has functions of pattern matching processing and character recognition processing in order to extract necessary information from the image data stored in the image memory 106.

  The communication IF 108 includes an interface for connecting to a communication network N such as a local area network or the Internet network. External devices such as the information processing apparatus 200 and the server apparatus 300 are connected to the communication network N. A communication address is assigned as an identifier on the communication network N to the external devices such as the information processing apparatus 200 and the server apparatus 300. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 establishes a connection with an external device based on the communication address, and exchanges various data with the external device with which the connection has been established.

  The information processing apparatus 200 is, for example, a personal computer, and is installed with an application program for creating documents, graphics, and the like, and a driver program for using the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via the communication network N. A user can create a document or graphics using an application program installed in the information processing apparatus 200. Also, when printing a created document or graphic, a print job is generated by calling and executing a driver program from an application program, and printing is performed by transmitting the generated print job to the digital multifunction peripheral 100. Can do. The information processing apparatus 200 includes a storage device such as an HDD in order to store data (original data) such as created documents and graphics.

  The server device 300 is, for example, a file server, and includes a storage device for storing data (original data) such as document data and graphics data. The server device 300 has a function of reading electronic data stored in the storage device and transmitting it to the requesting device when there is a request from the outside.

  The HDD 109 is a storage device having a magnetic recording medium, and the storage area is used as a data storage area for storing various data. Examples of data stored in the HDD 109 include image data acquired by reading a document by the document reading unit 10, image data obtained by developing a print job received by the communication IF 108, and the like. The image data stored in the HDD 109 is read when a user request is received through the operation panel 105, for example. Therefore, when it is necessary to execute the printing process again due to a failure of the printing process or an insufficient number of output copies, it is possible to read the image data stored in the data storage area and execute the printing process. I have to.

  When copying a document using the digital multi-functional peripheral 100 described above, first, an image of the document is read by the CCD line sensor 19 of the document reading unit 10. Therefore, data output from the document reading unit 10 is data depending on the reading performance of the document reading unit 10. For example, the resolution is determined by the interval between the photocells of the CCD line sensor 19 arranged in the main scanning direction and the pitch when scanning in the sub-scanning direction. Further, since the read image data is stored in the image memory 106 and the image processing unit 107 performs image processing, the image data read from the image memory 106 becomes data depending on the processing in the image processing unit 107. Further, the image data read from the image memory 106 is transferred to the image forming unit 20 and image formation is performed on the paper. Therefore, the image formed on the paper depends on the performance of each hardware provided in the image forming unit 20.

  When copying a document in this way, the output image is deteriorated because it is affected by various hardware and software processes in the digital multifunction peripheral 100. In particular, the degradation of the image appears remarkably in the secondary copy and tertiary copy. Further, when copying a color document, it is necessary to convert the luminance signal (RGB signal) acquired by the document reading unit 10 into a density signal (CMYK signal), so that the color used in the document is faithfully reproduced. Is difficult. Accordingly, even when a color original is copied, image deterioration appears significantly.

  In this embodiment, when copying a color original, an instruction sheet is prepared instead of the color original. The instruction sheet is a sheet for instructing acquisition of original data generated at the time of creating a color document and output processing based on the acquired original data. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a document prepared when copying a color document. The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 3A is a black and white manuscript from page 1 to page 4 of a manuscript consisting of all eight pages, and an instruction sheet prepared for page 5 instead of a color manuscript. It is shown that the first to eighth pages are black and white originals.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of the instruction sheet. The storage location information of the original data is attached to appropriate portions of the instruction sheet. Further, an identification mark for identifying the instruction sheet and the general document is attached above the storage destination information. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the storage destination information is described by a character string “¥¥ 192.168.10.20 ¥ Pub ¥ Pic.jpg”. This storage destination information is composed of information on a communication address, a directory, and a file name of a storage destination device (for example, the information processing device 200 or the server device 300). If the storage destination of the original data is the HDD 109 in the digital multifunction peripheral 100, the communication address information can be omitted. On the other hand, as the identification mark, a predetermined figure, character, or a combination thereof can be used.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the reading order of documents and the output order of output images. When the black and white manuscript and the instruction sheet shown in FIG. 3A are read sequentially from the first page, only the instruction sheet for the fifth page is replaced, so that a black and white image is output from the first page to the fourth page. On the fifth page, a color image based on the original data is output, and black and white images are output from the remaining sixth page to the eighth page. As described above, in the present embodiment, when a color original is copied, original data of a creation source can be acquired and output processing can be performed, so that deterioration of an image can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100 during copy processing. In this flowchart, a case will be described in which an original is read one by one from a bundle of originals placed on the original tray 11a of the ADF and output processing is performed. The CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not a document reading start instruction is given by monitoring information input through the operation panel 105 (step S11). If it is determined that the document reading start instruction is not given (S11: NO), the process waits until the document reading start instruction is given.

  When it is determined that an instruction to start reading a document has been given (S11: YES), the CPU 101 drives the drawing roller 13a provided in the document reading unit 10 and starts feeding the document (step S12). The document separated and fed by the drawing roller 13a is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path. When the conveyed document passes through a predetermined position on the document table 11b, the image recorded on the document is read by the CCD line sensor 19 (step S13). The image read by the CCD line sensor 19 is output as digital image data and stored in the image memory 106.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the read original is an instruction sheet (step S14). Since the instruction sheet has an identification mark for identifying a general document and the instruction sheet, pattern recognition is performed on one page of image data stored in the image memory 106, and the identification mark is added. By determining whether or not there is, it is possible to determine whether or not the read document is an instruction sheet.

  If it is determined that the sheet is an instruction sheet (S14: YES), the color document storage destination information is extracted from the instruction sheet (step S15). In this embodiment, storage destination information of a color document is described by a character string. Therefore, storage destination information can be extracted by recognizing each character constituting the character string by a known character recognition technique. it can.

  Next, the CPU 101 acquires original data of a color document based on the extracted storage destination information (step S16). When document data and graphics data when a color document is created are stored in a storage device in the information processing apparatus 200 or the server apparatus 300, the CPU 101 makes a data transmission request to these apparatuses. For example, when the communication network N conforms to FTP (File Transfer Protocol), data can be acquired by transmitting a Fetch command to a target device. When document data and graphics data when a color document is created are stored in the HDD 109 in the digital multi-function peripheral 100, the CPU 101 reads target data from the HDD 109.

  And CPU101 performs an output process based on the acquired original data (step S17). When the acquired original data is document data, graphics data, or the like, the CPU 101 generates printing data (for example, bitmap data) from these data, and the generated data is sent to the image forming unit 20. Transfer and complete image formation on paper. If the acquired original data is image data read from the HDD 109, the original data is transferred to the image forming unit 20 as it is to complete the image formation on the paper.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the document read in step S14 is not an instruction sheet (S14: NO), output processing is executed based on the read image data (step S18). Since the read image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 106, the image data is subjected to appropriate image processing, and the processed image data is transferred to the image forming unit 20, whereby the image on the paper is displayed. Complete the formation.

  Next, it is determined whether or not reading of all originals has been completed (step S19). If it is determined that reading of all originals is not completed (S19: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S12, and if it is determined that reading of all originals is completed (S19: YES), the process according to this flowchart is performed. finish.

  In this embodiment, the color document storage destination information is described in a character string. However, a bar code may be used instead of the character string. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the instruction sheet. In FIG. 6A, the storage destination information is described by a barcode. By describing the storage destination information using a barcode, it is not necessary to execute character recognition processing, so that the information can be easily and accurately extracted. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, not only the storage destination information but also an identification mark indicating a distinction between a general document and an instruction sheet may be described by a barcode.

  In this embodiment, an instruction sheet is prepared for a color document, and original data when the color document is created is acquired from the information processing apparatus 200, the server apparatus 300, or the HDD 109. An instruction sheet may be prepared and the original data may be acquired in the same manner. When a black-and-white document includes a halftone image such as a black-and-white photo, when the black-and-white document is a secondary copy or a tertiary copy, output processing can be performed based on the original data, thereby preventing image deterioration.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, it is necessary to consider the reading order of the instruction sheet so that output can be performed in a desired page order. In addition to the storage destination information and the identification mark, page information indicating the output order is added to the instruction sheet. You may make it do.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a document prepared when copying a color document. The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 7A shows that among the eight-page original, the fifth and sixth pages are instruction sheets, and the rest are monochrome originals. FIG. 7B shows an example of the instruction sheet. The storage location information of the original data is attached to appropriate portions of the instruction sheet. Further, an identification mark for identifying the instruction sheet and the general document is attached above the storage destination information, and page information indicating the output order is attached below the storage destination information. “#N” in the page information specifies that the output is to the Nth page.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the reading order of documents and the output order of output images. In the present embodiment, since page information indicating the output order is added to the instruction sheet, it is not necessary to match the reading order with the desired output order, and for example, the instruction sheet can be read first. In the example shown in FIG. 8, two instruction sheets are read first, and then a black and white original is read. When the page information of the two instruction sheets is “# 5” and “# 6”, respectively, color images based on the original data are output on the fifth and sixth pages.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100 during copy processing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the instruction sheet is read prior to reading the black and white document. The CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not a document reading start instruction has been given by monitoring information input through the operation panel 105 (step S21). If it is determined that the document reading start instruction is not given (S21: NO), the process waits until the document reading start instruction is given.

  If it is determined that an instruction to start reading a document has been given (S21: YES), the CPU 101 drives the drawing roller 13a provided in the document reading unit 10 to start feeding the document (step S22). The document separated and fed by the drawing roller 13a is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path. When the document to be conveyed passes through a predetermined position on the document table 11b, the image recorded on the document is read by the CCD line sensor 19 (step S23). The image read by the CCD line sensor 19 is output as digital image data and stored in the image memory 106.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the read original is an instruction sheet (step S24). Pattern recognition is performed on image data for one page stored in the image memory 106, and it is determined whether or not an identification mark for identifying a general document and an instruction sheet is attached. It is determined whether it is an instruction sheet.

  If it is determined that the sheet is an instruction sheet (S24: YES), color document storage destination information is extracted from the instruction sheet (step S25), and color document original data is acquired based on the extracted storage destination information (step S26). ). That is, when original data of a color document is stored in a storage device in the information processing apparatus 200 or the server apparatus 300, the CPU 101 makes a data transmission request to these apparatuses. Then, data returned in response to the transmission request is received. If the original data when the color original is created is stored in the HDD 109 in the digital multifunction peripheral 100, the target data is read from the HDD 109.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S24 that the sheet is not an instruction sheet (S24: NO), that is, when it is determined that all the instruction sheets have been read, it is determined whether or not the page is the page to which the original data is to be output ( Step S27). Based on the page information attached to the instruction sheet, it can be determined whether or not the page is the page for which the original data is to be output.

  If it is determined that the original data is to be output (S27: YES), it is determined whether or not the original data has been acquired (step S28). If it is determined that the original data has not been acquired (S28: NO), the process waits until the original data is acquired. If it is determined that the original data has been acquired (S28: YES), an output process is executed based on the acquired original data (step S29). When the acquired original data is document data, graphics data, or the like, the CPU 101 generates printing data (for example, bitmap data) from these data, and the generated data is sent to the image forming unit 20. Transfer and complete image formation on paper. If the acquired original data is image data read from the HDD 109, the original data is transferred to the image forming unit 20 as it is to complete the image formation on the paper.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S27 that the original data is not a page to be output (S27: NO), an output process is executed based on the read image data (step S30). Since the read image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 106, the image data is subjected to appropriate image processing, and the processed image data is transferred to the image forming unit 20, whereby the image on the paper is displayed. Complete the formation.

  When the output process based on the original data and the output process based on the read image data are performed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not all the originals have been read (step S31). If it is determined that reading of all the originals has not been completed (S31: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that reading of all originals has been completed (S31: YES), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the instruction sheet is read prior to the reading of the monochrome document, the original data can be acquired while the monochrome document is being read. Therefore, as described in the first embodiment, the processing time can be shortened as compared with the case of acquiring original data each time. A plurality of storage destination information and page information may be recorded on one instruction sheet. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an instruction sheet on which a plurality of storage destination information and page information are recorded. When this instruction sheet is read, the original data specified by “¥¥ 192.168.10.20 ¥ Pub ¥ Pic1.jpg” is acquired as a color image to be output on the fifth page, and is output on the sixth page. Original data specified by “¥¥ 192.168.168.20 ¥ Pub ¥ Pic2.jpg” is acquired as a color image.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the control system of a digital multi-function peripheral. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a document prepared when copying a color document. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the reading order of a document, and the output order of an output image. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral during copy processing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of an instruction | indication sheet | seat. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a document prepared when copying a color document. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the reading order of a document, and the output order of an output image. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral during copy processing. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the instruction | indication sheet which recorded several storage destination information and page information.

Explanation of symbols

10 Document Reading Unit 20 Image Forming Unit 100 Digital Multifunction Machine 101 CPU
103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Operation Panel 106 Image Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 Image Forming Unit 109 HDD
200 Information processing device 300 Server device N Communication network

Claims (8)

In an image output apparatus comprising: means for receiving image data; and means for outputting an image based on the received image data.
Means for determining whether or not location information indicating the location of the image data is included in the image based on the received image data, and when determining that the location information is included, refer to the location information for the image data An image output apparatus comprising: means for acquiring image data; and means for outputting another image based on the acquired image data instead of outputting the image.   2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, and determining whether or not the read image includes location information of image data.   When the image reading unit reads an image from a plurality of originals, it is determined whether each read image includes the location information of the image data, and it is determined that the location information is not included. In this case, output based on the read image is performed, and when it is determined that the location information is included, another image is output based on the image data acquired by referring to the location information. The image output apparatus according to claim 2.   Means for determining whether or not the image data including the location information includes information relating to an output order, and image data acquired by referring to the location information when it is determined that the information is included The image output apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: means for outputting an image based on the output order according to the output order.   5. The image according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing image data, wherein the location information is information for specifying a storage location of the image data in the storage means. Output device.   5. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for communicating with an external device, wherein the location information is information including a communication address of the external device.   The image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the location information is described by a character string or a barcode.   8. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the location information is information indicating a location of image data relating to a color image.

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