JP2007189647A - Method of confirming image forming position, image forming system and image forming medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of confirming an image forming position, image forming system and image forming medium in which a recording position of a recorded image is guaranteed when outputting an image that requires a high-accuracy recording position, for example, outputting a paper sheet with special information by recording an image converted from encoded data. <P>SOLUTION: An image (black circle) to obtain high-accuracy position information and an image (dot circle) to become an index of the position information are printed on the same printing medium using different printing materials, the printed images are read, pixels formed by the different printing materials are separated and on the basis of a coordinate system (grid line segment) generated from the pixels of a printing material that forms the image to become the index of the position information, it is determined whether or not a position coordinate of the pixels of the printing material formed for obtaining the high-accuracy position information is a suitable position as an image to obtain the high-accuracy position information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming position confirmation method, an image forming system, and an image forming medium, for example, an image forming position confirmation method using an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, an image forming system and an image forming medium for realizing the method. is there.

  An image forming apparatus such as a so-called copying machine or printer that records an image on a recording medium is generally known. In this case, the position of image formation when document characters, graphics, and halftone images are recorded as images should be accurate enough to prevent distortion and twisting of characters and graphics for human viewing. Good. In addition, when recording on a form, the accuracy may be such that it does not overlap with the ruled line, and in the case of color, the misalignment between the color elements is not noticeable. On the other hand, the accuracy of the image forming position is increased in the case where the recording result is used as a design drawing with the same dimensions or is read by a machine with a scanner or the like, especially in the case of image recording such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. There is a need.

  Further, as a field where accuracy of the image forming position is required, a technique of recognizing designated coordinates by combining a paper with information and a dedicated information reading device is known. For example, according to Patent Document 1, when a user moves a dedicated pen on a sheet on which a pattern in which absolute coordinates are coded is recorded, one or a plurality of absolute coordinate data (x, y) is stored. The As a result of analyzing the stored information by a central device via a network, a system has been proposed in which user handwriting information can be obtained.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of the configuration of a typical system that uses information-added paper. FIG. 25 shows a system including the information-added paper 10, the information reading device 20, the communication path 30, the server unit 40, the absolute coordinate code source information 50, and the terminal 60. When the user traces the information-added paper 10 with the pen-shaped information reading device 20, the locus can be displayed on the terminal 60.

  The information-added paper 10 is printed on the entire surface or at a required location, in which two-dimensional absolute coordinates are encoded on the paper surface. The code pattern indicating the absolute coordinates is used by cutting out a specified part from the absolute coordinate code source information 50 obtained by coding the absolute coordinates corresponding to a very large area. Absolute coordinate code classifications 51 to 55 represent examples of ranges classified according to users or applications. The ink or toner used for printing the absolute coordinate code has a reflectance characteristic adapted to a sensor in the information reading device 20 described later. The information reading device 20 includes a sensor (not shown) for detecting the code pattern at the tip and a normal pen, and is a device that can be used with exactly the same feeling as a user fills in on a sheet.

When the user moves the information reading device 20 on the paper 10 with information, the information is stored as information including one or more coordinate points. The stored information is transmitted to the server unit 40 automatically or in accordance with a transmission instruction via the communication path 30 which is a wired or wireless network. The memory 42 provided in the server unit 40 stores absolute coordinate code source information 50, information related to the classification, and software for the CPU 41 to process based on the received coordinate information. The CPU 41 executes the software stored in the memory 42 using the information stored in the memory 42 and the information received from the information reading device 20. With this software, the locus drawn by the user on the sheet received as a set of coordinate information is converted into a format that can be handled as image information such as a bitmap format or a vector format. Further, a character code string is generated as necessary by a conventionally known character recognition process. Thereafter, the result obtained by the processing is transmitted to the terminal 60 in a specified file format, or the data string is transmitted to a specified application executable by the terminal 60.
FIG. 26 shows an example of information-added paper. The column of the two-dimensional coordinates 13 shown on the information-added paper 11 is a conceptual diagram, and actually dot patterns 14 like the information-added paper 12 are printed in a matrix. The dot pattern 14 represents a value obtained by digitizing two-dimensional absolute coordinates by a combination of dot arrangements, and is printed in an area where additional writing may be performed. For example, one coordinate is composed of six vertical and horizontal dot matrices 14D.

  FIG. 27 is an example of dots 16 constituting the dot pattern 14. Depending on where the dots 16 are placed on the top, bottom, left, and right of the grid point 15, numbers from 00 to 11 in binary numbers and 0 to 3 in decimal numbers are shown. In the system of FIG. 1, when one coordinate is constituted by a matrix 14D of six dots in length and breadth, a combination of 2 to the 72nd power is considered. In the above example, one coordinate is constituted by a matrix of six dots in the vertical and horizontal directions. However, by increasing this number, the expression range of coordinates can be increased. The same effect can be obtained by a method using a combination of a plurality of dots for one grid point.

  FIG. 28 is an example in which a plurality of dots are combined to increase the expression range of coordinates among the examples of the dots 16 constituting the dot pattern 14. Numerals from 000 to 111 in binary numbers and 0 to 7 in decimal numbers are shown depending on where the dots 19 are placed in the upper, lower, left, and right of the lattice point center dot 18 and in the respective diagonal directions. When the matrix 14D is configured in this manner, a combination of 2 to the 108th power is conceivable. The dot patterns 14 are arranged in a matrix on the paper surface, and hold the coordinate information arranged. In this embodiment, although it arrange | positions in matrix form, embodiment which arrange | positions, for example in a honeycomb form, or determines the arrangement position floating can also be implement | achieved easily. The dot pattern 14 can be identified by the ID pen by printing with ink or toner having reflectivity characteristics adapted to the sensor in the ID pen.

  FIG. 29 is a part of a coordinate expression example with the dot pattern of the method of FIG. FIG. 30 is a part of a coordinate expression example of the dot pattern of the method of FIG. The binary numbers on the right side of FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show the expression values of the corresponding lines.

At present, printers and copiers that print patterns encoded with absolute coordinates used in such systems on paper have also been realized.
WO0148591

  In a paper on which a pattern in which the absolute coordinates are coded is recorded, a fine pattern is important for reading the coordinates, and high recording accuracy is required.

  However, until now, there has been no guarantee of recording results when recording these coordinate codes. For this reason, there were many cases where coordinate reading failed. Note that this problem is not limited to the above-mentioned coordinate input paper, but is the same in other recording media that require a highly accurate image forming position.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and outputs an image that requires a highly accurate recording position, for example, records an image converted from encoded data, and has special information. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming position confirmation method, an image forming system, and an image forming medium that guarantee the recording position of a recorded image when a sheet is created.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system that prints a read image to obtain highly accurate position information, and an image that obtains highly accurate position information on the same print medium. Is printed with the first printing material, and the printing means for printing the image serving as the index of the position information with the second printing material, the reading means for reading the image printed by the printing means, and the image read by the reading means A pixel detection unit for detecting pixels formed with the first printing material and pixels formed with the second printing material, and generating coordinates serving as an index from the pixels formed with the second printing material. Calculated by the index coordinate generating means, the position coordinate calculating means for calculating the position coordinates of the pixels formed by the first printing material based on the coordinate system generated by the index coordinate generating means, and the position coordinate calculating means Is Position coordinates, and having a position coordinate determining means for determining whether the proper position not as an image to obtain a highly accurate positional information.

  Here, the pixels printed with the first printing material are printed in a specific arrangement in which coordinates representing positions on the recording medium are code-converted. Further, the pixels printed with the second printing material are arranged in units of regions expressing coordinates representing the position on the recording medium with the pixels printed with the first printing material. The first and second printing materials are made of different color materials. Further, the second printing material is selected from a coloring material having a hue that is relatively close to the color of the background of the print medium, and when the color of the background is white, the second printing material is yellow. In addition, the pixel detection unit detects a pixel formed of the first printing material and a pixel formed of the second printing material from a position in the color space of each pixel. The first printing material is selected from printing materials having reflectance characteristics adapted to an information reading device that reads an image of the first printing material from an image on the printing medium, and the second printing material is , Selected from printing materials having reflectance characteristics that are not applicable to the information reading device. Further, the first printing material has a carbon composition, and the second printing material has a non-carbon composition. The reading means is included in a printing apparatus together with the printing means.

  The image forming method of the present invention is an image forming method for printing a read image for obtaining highly accurate position information, and first printing an image for obtaining highly accurate position information on the same print medium. From the printing process of printing with the material and printing the image serving as an index of the position information with the second printing material, the reading process of reading the image printed in the printing process, and the image read in the reading process, the first A pixel detecting step of detecting pixels formed of one printing material and a pixel formed of the second printing material; and an index coordinate generating step of generating coordinates serving as an index from the pixels formed of the second printing material And a position coordinate calculation step for calculating a position coordinate of a pixel formed with the first printing material based on the coordinate system generated in the index coordinate generation step, and a position coordinate calculated in the position coordinate calculation step Is the image that obtains the high-accuracy position information. And having a position coordinate determination step of determining whether the proper position or not as.

  An image forming method for printing a read image for obtaining highly accurate position information, wherein an image for obtaining highly accurate position information and an image serving as an index of the position information are different on the same print medium. Coordinates generated from printing material pixels that have been printed with a printing material, read the printed image, separated pixels formed on each of the different printing materials, and formed an image serving as an index of the positional information Based on the system, it is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the position coordinates of the pixels of the printing material formed for obtaining the image for obtaining the high-accuracy position information is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining the high-accuracy position information. To do.

  The image forming medium of the present invention is an image forming medium on which a read image for obtaining highly accurate position information is printed, and the image for obtaining highly accurate position information is adapted to an information reading device. Reflection that has reflectance characteristics and is printed with a first printing material having a color that is relatively different in phase from the base color of the print medium, and that the image serving as the position information index is adapted to the information reading device It is characterized by being printed with a second printing material having a rate characteristic and having a color that is relatively in phase with the underlying color of the printing medium. Here, when the background color of the printing medium is white, the first printing material includes a black or blue printing material having a carbon composition, and the second printing material is a non-carbon composition yellow printing material. is there.

  The image processing method of the present invention includes an input process for inputting an image, and a second printing material that is different from the first printing material and pixels formed from the first printing material based on the image input in the input process. A pixel detection step for detecting pixels formed in step (b), an index coordinate generation step for generating coordinates serving as an index from the pixels formed of the second printing material, and a coordinate system generated in the index coordinate generation step. A position coordinate calculation step of calculating a position coordinate of a pixel formed of the first printing material, and a position coordinate calculated in the position coordinate calculation step is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining the highly accurate position information. And a position coordinate determination step for determining whether or not.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when recording an image that requires a highly accurate recording position, for example, an image converted from encoded data and outputting a sheet with special information, the recorded image is recorded. It is possible to provide an image forming position confirmation method, an image forming system, and an image forming medium that perform position assurance.

  That is, when the paper with special information is output, the position information of the special information can be relatively analyzed by recording with a material having a different composition, and the quality of the output paper with information can be guaranteed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Image Forming System of Present Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a control system for a digital multi-function peripheral suitable for applying the present invention.

  The controller unit 100 is a controller for inputting / outputting image information and device information by connecting to a scanner 200 as an image input device and a printer 300 as an image output device, and to a LAN 500 or a telephone line 600. . The CPU 103 functions as a controller that controls the entire digital multi-function peripheral. A RAM 107 is a system work memory for the CPU 103 to operate, and is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 108 is used as a boot ROM, and stores a boot program for the digital multifunction peripheral. An HDD 109 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, image data, and the like.

  The operation unit I / F 104 is an interface unit with the operation unit 400, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 400 to the operation unit 400. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user from the operation unit 400 to the CPU 103. A network I / F 105 is connected to the LAN 500 to input / output information. The MODEM 106 performs modulation / demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving data by connecting to the public line 600. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 101.

  The image bus I / F 110 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 101 and the image bus 102 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 102 is a high-speed bus such as a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

  The following devices are arranged on the image bus 102. A raster image processor (RIP) 111 develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 112 connects the scanner 100 and the printer 300, which are image input / output devices, to the controller 100, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 700 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 800 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like according to the printer on the print output image data. The image compression unit 115 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

(Overview of image input unit (scanner))
FIG. 2 is an overview of the scanner 200 that is an image input unit.

  The scanner unit 200 serving as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document, and scans a CCD line sensor composed of three lines R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (not shown). Then, it is converted into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray 202 of the original feeder 201, and the user issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 400. As a result, the CPU 103 of the controller gives an instruction to the scanner 200, and the feeder 201 reads the original image while feeding original sheets one by one.

(Overview of image output unit (printer))
FIG. 3 is an overview of the printer 300 that is an image output unit.

  The printer unit 300 serving as an image output device is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array and an image is directly printed on a sheet, and any method may be used. In the present embodiment, the printing material (for example, toner or ink) at the time of image formation of these output devices is an apparatus that can form an image using at least two types of printing materials.

  Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller CPU 103. The printer unit 300 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and paper cassettes 302, 303, 304, and 305 corresponding to the paper feed stages are mounted. A paper discharge tray 306 receives recording paper after printing.

  When printing on both sides of the recording paper, the recording paper is reversed in the printer 300 after printing an image on one side. Thereafter, according to an instruction from the CPU 103, an image is printed on a surface that has not yet been printed.

  When the finisher 310 is attached to the printer 300, the printed recording paper is conveyed to the finisher 310. A stapler unit 311 (post-processing unit) is attached to the finisher 310. The stapler unit 311 can bind 50 recording sheets or 100 recording sheets.

  On the finisher 310, paper discharge trays 312 to 314 and a sample tray 315 are mounted. In normal paper discharge, the paper is output from the paper discharge trays 312 to 314 according to the type of job, but the sample tray 315 is used for test printing and paper discharge of jammed paper. By using the sample tray 315, it is possible to prevent extra recording paper such as jammed paper from being mixed in the output bundle of normal jobs output from the paper discharge trays 312 to 314.

(Configuration example of scanner image processing unit)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the scanner image processing unit 700.

  The image bus I / F controller 701 is connected to the image bus 102 and controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 700. The pattern detection pre-processing unit 702 generates an image signal to be input to a paper detection program with information executed by the CPU 103. This signal generation will be described later. Note that the CPU 103 may fulfill the function of the pattern detection pre-processing unit 702.

  The image area separation processing unit 703 determines an image area by detecting a character part from the input image, and generates an image area signal used for subsequent image processing. The table processing unit 704 performs table conversion in order to convert image data that is read luminance data into density data. The filter processing unit 705 performs a convolution operation with a digital spatial filter according to a purpose such as edge enhancement. For example, the editing unit 706 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive reversal on the image data in the closed region. The processed image data is transferred to the image bus 102 via the image I / F bus controller 701 again.

(Configuration example of printer image processing unit)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer image processing unit 800.

  The image bus I / F controller 801 is connected to the image bus 102 and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the printer image processing unit 800. The background removal processing unit 802 removes the background color when image data or the like obtained by reading a document having a light background color is sent. A color conversion processing unit 803 performs color conversion in accordance with the output characteristics of the printer. A resolution conversion unit 804 performs resolution conversion for converting image data received from the LAN 500 or the telephone line 600 into the resolution of the printer 300. The smoothing processing unit 805 performs a process of smoothing jaggy (image roughness appearing at a black and white border such as an oblique line) of the image data after resolution conversion.

(Example of operation unit configuration)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 400 of the digital multi-functional peripheral suitable for the present embodiment.

  The liquid crystal operation panel 401 is a combination of a liquid crystal and a touch panel, and displays setting contents, soft keys, and the like. A start key 402 is a hard key for instructing to start a copying operation and the like, and green and red LEDs are incorporated therein. The green LED lights when the start is possible and the red LED lights when the start is impossible. . A stop key 403 is a hard key used to stop the operation. The hard key group 404 is provided with a numeric keypad, a clear key, a reset key, a guide key, and a user mode key.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the test result of the coordinate position as a result of image formation is displayed on the liquid crystal operation panel 401.

(Cross sectional view showing an example of a printer)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the printer 300.

  In FIG. 7, the image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 1012 and a charger 1013 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1012. Also, a toner image to be transferred to a recording paper by developing an electrostatic latent image formed by a light image irradiated from the laser unit 1011 through the reflecting mirror 1010 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1012 charged by the charger 1013. Is provided with a developing unit 1014. Further, a transfer charger 1015 for transferring the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1012 to the recording paper, and a separation charger 1016 for separating the recording paper having the toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 1012. Prepare. Further, a cleaner 1017 is provided for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1012 after the toner image is transferred.

  Although only one developing unit 1014 is shown in the figure, in this example, since color printing is performed, four developing units Y, M, C, and BK are provided. In addition, in order to print the absolute information dots and the position index dots shown below by one printing, in this example, the Y developer has a toner having a reflectance characteristic that is not applicable to the sensor in the ID pen. Will be used.

  In order to print the absolute information dot and the position index dot separately, the Y developing device is replaced. Although the configuration is somewhat complicated, even if two Y developing units are provided and the Y developing unit is switched between printing of absolute information dots and position index dots, or printing in normal printing and coordinate verification mode, Good.

  For example, when diverting a color multifunction peripheral, one of four color materials is used as a color material for forming position index dots, and the other three are used as color materials for forming absolute information dots.

Example 1) When absolute information dots are single color (dedicated color) C: For absolute information dots,
M: Free
Y: for position index dots,
K: Empty As described above, a color material for absolute information dots is used where C is used, and a color material for position index dots is used where Y is used. Further, a color material for absolute information dots may be used for M and a color material for position index dots may be used for K, so that the replacement time of the color material may be extended.

Example 2) When the absolute information dot is a single color (dedicated color) C: For absolute information dot 1,
M: 2 for absolute information dots
Y: 1 for position index dot,
K: For position index dot 2
If it does in this way, it will become the composition which can change a color material according to the color of the paper to print.

Example 3) When absolute information dot is a mixed color C: For absolute information dot (cyan of carbon composition)
M: for absolute information dots (magenta with carbon composition)
Y: for absolute information dots (carbon composition yellow),
K: For position index dots (non-carbon composition yellow)
In this way, the degree of freedom increases in the hue of the absolute information dot, and the absolute information dot can be formed with a favorite color.

  In consideration of the registration accuracy of the printer, the configurations of Example 1 and Example 2 in which absolute information dots are printed in a single color are desirable.

  On the downstream side of the image forming unit, there are a conveyance unit 1018 for conveying the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred, and a fixing device 1019 for fixing the image on the recording paper conveyed by the conveyance unit 1018 as a permanent image. Is provided. A paper discharge roller 1020 for discharging the recording paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing device 1019 is provided from the printer 300, and a discharge for receiving the recording paper discharged by the paper discharge roller 1020 is provided outside the printer 300. A tray 306 is provided.

  A cassette heater 1026 for preventing moisture absorption of the stacked recording sheets is provided above the sheet feeding cassettes 302 to 305 that stack and store a plurality of recording sheets. The recording sheets loaded in the sheet cassettes 302 to 305 are fed by the respective sheet feeding rollers 1030 and sent to the registration roller pair 1034 that stops rotating and correct the skew state. Next, in synchronization with the timing of the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1012, the toner is transferred between the photosensitive drum 1012 and the transfer charger 1015 by the rotating registration roller pair 1034, and the toner on the photosensitive drum 1012. The image is transferred. Thereafter, the recording paper is sent to a fixing device (fixing roller pair) 1019 by a conveying belt 1018, and a fixing process for fixing the transferred toner image on the recording paper surface is performed.

  The printer 300 has a double-sided print mode for performing double-sided printing on recording paper. In the single-sided print mode, the recording sheet after the fixing process is reversed by the inner discharge roller pair 1035 and the switchback roller pair 1036 and discharged to the discharge tray 306 by the discharge roller pair 1020. In the double-sided printing mode, the pair of registration rollers 1034 for image formation is formed again by the internal paper discharge roller pair 1035 and the switchback roller pair 1036 through the double-sided conveyance path 1037 disposed on the upper portion of the paper feed cassette 302. It is conveyed to. Thereafter, it is discharged out of the machine through the same process as single-sided printing. In the case of double-sided printing, the reverse process after the front surface printing is not required by printing the back surface (second surface) first and then printing the front surface (first surface) afterwards.

  In the present embodiment, scanner units 1090 and 1091 are mounted between the fixing device 1019 and the inner discharge roller pair 1035. The scanner units 1090 and 1091 read the image formed on the recording paper, and analyze and verify whether or not the image has been correctly formed. When analyzing one side at a time, only 1090 is used, and when analyzing both sides at the same time, both 1090 and 1091 are used simultaneously to read an image.

  In this embodiment, the scanner units 1090 and 1091 are mounted between the fixing device 1019 and the inner discharge roller pair 1035, but this is not restrictive. It may be installed after paper discharge, or the image-formed paper may be returned to the scanner 200 (automatically or manually) and read by the scanner 200. Furthermore, a commercially available flatbed scanner or the like may be used.

<Operation Example of Image Forming System of Present Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the analysis and testing method will be specifically described. This specific example also shows the analysis and verification of the recording result of the information-added paper (paper on which the pattern indicating the coordinates is recorded) shown in the conventional example. However, this shows an example of the position analysis and verification of the recorded image by recording the index position and the desired image in a pattern having at least two different reading characteristics of the present invention. Obviously, it can be applied to analysis and testing.

(Example of recording pattern of this embodiment)
FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the six dot matrices 14D shown on the information-added paper 11 shown in FIG. All the dots 1401 shown in FIG. 8 are printed with ink or toner having reflectance characteristics adapted to the sensor in the ID pen so as to be identified by the ID pen. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, all of these dots include absolute position information. For convenience, these dots are called “absolute information dots”.

  A method for analyzing and verifying the position information of the absolute information dot will be described.

  When the absolute information dots shown in FIG. 8 are printed by the printer 300, the dots 1501 to 1504 shown in FIG. These dots are printed with ink or toner having a reflectance characteristic that is not adapted to the sensor in the ID pen so as not to be identified by the ID pen. For convenience, these dots are referred to as “position index dots”. The position index dots may be printed at the same time as the absolute information dots or may be printed separately.

  Since the position index dot serves as an index for deriving relative coordinates, it is printed at a predetermined position. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is arranged at the four corners of the entire 6 × 6 dot matrix shown in the information-added paper 11 of FIG. The coordinates of the position index dot 1501 are (1,1), the coordinates of 1502 are (6,1), the coordinates of 1503 are (1,6), and the coordinates of 1504 are (6,6). Using these four coordinates as a reference, the 6 × 6 dot matrix 14D constructs a lattice-like coordinate. For example, although not given as a position index dot (= not printed), the coordinates of the grid point 1505 are given as (4, 3) relative to the coordinates of the position index dot. Thus, the position information of the absolute information dot can be specified based on the relative coordinates.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram in which the position index dots and the absolute information dots are represented at the same time, and the coordinates on the lattice are overlapped. A grid point of a 6 × 6 dot matrix is obtained based on the position index dot, and the position information of the absolute information dot 1401 is specified based on the relative coordinates. Since the absolute information dot 1401 is closest to the lattice point 1505 where the line segment 1614 and the line segment 1623 representing the lattice intersect, the relative position is determined from the relative coordinates (4, 3) of the lattice point, for example, the coordinate (4 .25, 2.75). The position information of other absolute information dots can be obtained by the same method.

  In this embodiment, a 6 × 6 dot matrix has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, the position information of absolute information dots may be specified by the following steps.
(1) Print index dots.
(2) The relative coordinates of the lattice points are formed with reference to the index dot.
(3) The absolute information dot position is calculated from the relative coordinates.
Alternatively, when there are many index dots, the position of the absolute information dot may be calculated directly from the index dots without obtaining the relative coordinates of the grid points.

  The shape of the position index dot may be a dot shape or a pattern having a specific shape such as “+”. Further, in order to increase the accuracy of the relative coordinates, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of position index dots may be increased. Such a position index dot pattern can be devised in various ways depending on the characteristics and conditions of the recorded image, such as the accuracy and accuracy of relative coordinates, and the direction and range.

  As the position index dot, it is desirable to use a printing material having characteristics different from those of the absolute information dot. For example, if the absolute information dot is a printing material having a carbon composition, the position index dot is preferably a printing material having a non-carbon composition. Furthermore, since the position index dots are not noticeable when printed with a color having low visibility, it is desirable to use an inconspicuous color material such as yellow.

(Example of separation of position index dots and absolute information dots 1)
Next, a method for detecting position index dots and absolute information dots will be described.

  The chromaticity of each pixel is calculated from the image signal read by the scanner. An example will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a cut out of a piece of paper with information on a white background. Absolute information dots are given by a black printing material (indicated by black circles in the figure), and position indicator dots are yellow printing materials (in the figure, (Indicated by a dot dot).

  At this time, for example, a uniform color space such as L * a * b * standardized by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) is used, and the chromaticity of each pixel is mapped around a * and b *. An example is shown in FIG. On the information-added paper, there are white of the background, black of the absolute information dot, and yellow of the position index dot. FIG. 13 shows these distributed in the a * b * space.

  The white of the background and the black of the absolute information dot are distributed in the vicinity of the origin 1802 (indicated by black circles in the figure). The yellow of the position index dot is distributed in the vicinity of 0 and b * in the + direction, and is located at, for example, the coordinate 1801 (indicated by a dot dot in the figure). At this time, a circle 1803 centered at the origin O is drawn in the a * b * space of FIG. 13, and the inside is defined as an achromatic region and the outside is defined as a chromatic region. As a result, the background white and the absolute information dot black are classified as achromatic, and the position indicator dot yellow is classified as a chromatic color. Further, the background white and the absolute information black are classified from the lightness information L *. An arbitrary threshold value is set, and when the lightness is smaller than the threshold value, it is regarded as black and is regarded as an absolute information dot. On the other hand, when the brightness is high, it is regarded as white and used as the background.

  By performing the above processing, the yellow of the position index dot is classified as shown in FIG. 14, and the black of the absolute information dot is classified as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows only chromatic pixels on the information-added paper. FIG. 15 shows pixels that are achromatic and have low brightness. By doing so, the position index dot and the absolute information dot can be detected (separated) separately.

  In the present embodiment, the chromaticity is described using L * a * b *, but is not limited to this. Other color spaces or color systems may be used.

  When the position index dot and the absolute information dot on the information-added paper are detected separately, as described above, the grid point coordinates are formed based on the position index dots, and the position of the absolute information is calculated based on the coordinates. . Verify whether the calculated absolute information dot position is printed at a predetermined position determined for printing or whether the absolute information dot is printed at a predetermined position by comparison based on the coordinates. it can.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the user can obtain the reliable information-added paper 10 by automatically performing the authentication as to whether or not the image has been accurately formed when the information-added paper 10 is printed.

(Separation example 2 of position index dot and absolute information dot)
In the separation example 1 described above, the absolute position information dots on the information-added paper 10 are black pixels, but may be color pixels. For example, in FIG. 9, absolute information dots are given by a blue printing material (shown by black circles in the figure), and position index dots are given by a yellow printing material (shown by halftone dots in the figure). .

  FIG. 16 shows the chromaticity of each pixel on the information-added paper 10 distributed in the a * b * space. The white background is distributed in the vicinity of the origin 2002 (indicated by white dots in the figure). In the absolute position information dot blue, a * is located near 0, b * is distributed in the negative direction, for example, at coordinates 2003 (indicated by a black circle in the figure). The yellow of the position index dot is a * is near 0, b * is distributed in the + direction, for example, at coordinates 2001 (indicated by a dot dot in the figure).

  At this time, a circle 2004 centered on the origin O is drawn in the a * b * space of FIG. 16, and the inside is defined as an achromatic region and the outside is defined as a chromatic region. As a result, the background white is classified as an achromatic color, and the absolute information dot blue and the position index dot yellow are classified as chromatic colors. Further, for example, a chromatic color is classified using a straight line 2005 of b * = 0 in the a * b * space as a boundary line. By doing so, the absolute position information dot blue and the position index dot yellow can be distinguished. By doing as described above, the blue color of the absolute information dot and the yellow color of the position index dot are classified as shown in FIGS.

  In this example, FIG. 14 shows only the chromatic colors on the information-added paper and the pixels satisfying the condition of b *> 0. FIG. 15 shows only pixels that are chromatic and satisfy the condition of b * <0. By doing so, the position index dot and the absolute information dot can be detected (separated) separately.

  In the present embodiment, the chromaticity is described using L * a * b *, but is not limited to this. Other color spaces or color systems may be used.

(Example 3 of separation of position index dots and absolute information dots)
In order to detect the yellow position indicator dot on the information-added paper and the black or blue absolute information dot separately, the separation examples 1 and 2 are determined by distributing them in the color space. A simpler method is described below. Explained.

  An image read by the scanner 200 is made up of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals. An example of the spectral characteristics of the CCD color filter is shown in FIG. The R channel is shaped like 2201 and has sensitivity on the long wavelength side in the visible range. The G channel has a shape like 2202 and has sensitivity on the middle wavelength side of the visible range. The B channel is shaped like 2203 and has sensitivity on the short wavelength side in the visible range.

  Next, the spectral characteristic of the yellow position index dot is shown in FIG. Sensitivity from medium to long wavelengths. Next, the spectral characteristics of black absolute information dots are shown in FIG. Depending on the density, if it is dark, it has almost no sensitivity in the visible range. Next, the white spectral characteristic of the base is shown in FIG. High sensitivity over the entire visible range.

  Since the signal value read by the CCD sensor is an integral of multiplication of each spectral characteristic, for example, the yellow position index dots that can read the R channel and the B channel are as shown by the hatched portions in FIGS. 17 (e) and 17 (f). become. Since the R channel of the CCD has sensitivity on the long wavelength side, the portion 2207 that overlaps the spectral sensitivity of the yellow dot increases, and the integration amount increases. Conversely, the B channel of the CCD has sensitivity on the short wavelength side, so the portion 2208 overlapping the spectral sensitivity of the yellow dot is reduced, and the integration amount is small. Since the integration amount is proportional to the magnitude of the read signal value, yellow indicates a high signal value in the R channel with a large integration amount, and indicates a low signal value in the B channel with a small integration amount. Actually, spectral characteristics such as a light source, a lens, and a mirror should be considered, but are omitted here to avoid complication.

  Using the characteristics described above, yellow position index dots and black absolute information dots on the information-added paper are detected separately.

  When the position index dot (yellow) and the absolute information dot (black) shown in FIG. 9 are read by the R channel, the yellow of the position index dot is read at a level close to the background white in the R channel read signal. When this read value is binarized at a certain signal level, FIG. 18 is obtained. The yellow position index dot is considered the same as the white background, leaving only the absolute information dot.

  Next, when the same position index dot and absolute information dot in FIG. 9 are read by the B channel, the yellow of the position index dot is read at a level close to the black of the absolute information dot in the B channel read signal. When this read value is binarized at a certain signal level, FIG. 19 is obtained. Yellow position index dots are considered the same as black absolute information dots.

  Therefore, a differential image of images (FIGS. 18 and 19) obtained by binarizing signal values read by the R channel and the B channel, respectively, is obtained as position index dots as shown in FIG.

  Although the separation examples 1 to 3 have been described separately, they may be combined, or a plurality of processes may be prepared, selected, and executed.

<Example of Operation Procedure of Image Forming System of Present Embodiment>
An example of the operation procedure of the image forming system for detecting and examining the image forming position of the present embodiment will be described below. This process is achieved by the CPU 103 in FIG. 1 executing a program using data stored in the ROM 108, the RAM 107, and the HDD 109.

(Configuration example of storage unit)
First, referring to FIG. 21, an example of the configuration of data and a program, or a temporary storage area on the RAM 107, which is necessary for the image formation position detection and verification processing of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 shows what is unique to the present embodiment, and details of image processing, image reading, and image formation are omitted, for example. The classification of the ROM 108, RAM 107, and HDD 109 is just an example.

  The ROM 108 stores a boot program 108a and fixed parameters 108b.

  The RAM 107 has a coordinate verification mode flag 107a for storing whether or not the image forming system according to the present embodiment is operated in the coordinate verification mode of this example. In addition, the print image data 107b including the position index dots and the absolute information dots in this example is included. When the position index dot and the absolute information dot are printed simultaneously, image data including both dots is stored. When the dot is printed separately, the image data including each dot is stored. Also, the read image data 107c read from the printed information-added paper by the scanner units 1090 and 1091 or the scanner 200 is stored.

  Further, based on the detection (separation) method from the read image data 107c, the index coordinate data 107d created from the position index dots and the grid coordinate data 107e generated from the index coordinates are stored. Also stored are absolute coordinate data 107f created from absolute information dots and print coordinate data 107g calculated as a desired pattern, which is the basis for creating print image data consisting of absolute information dots. In addition, it has a pass / fail flag 107h for storing the result of whether or not the detected absolute coordinate data 107f matches the print coordinate data 107g within a predetermined error range.

  In addition, it has a program load area in which a program stored in the HDD 109 is loaded to be executed by the CPU 103.

  The HDD 109 has an OS 109a and a coordinate verification program 109b (see FIG. 22) of this example in the program area. As a module shared by the coordinate test program 109b and another image processing program 109h related to the operation of the other image forming system, an image printing module 109c that controls image printing of the printer 300 is provided. In addition, the scanner units 1090 and 1091 or the image reading module 109 d that reads an image by the scanner 200 is provided.

  On the other hand, an index coordinate calculation module 109e and an absolute coordinate calculation module 109f are provided as modules unique to the coordinate verification program 109b of this example. Further, although not described in detail in the present specification, a coordinate deviation compensation module 109g that compensates for the deviation of coordinates when the test results in disqualification due to the deviation of coordinates is provided.

  In FIG. 21, the module for classifying (separating) the position index dots and the absolute information dots is not shown, but this is performed by the pattern detection pre-processing unit 702 of the scanner image processing unit 700 as shown in FIG. Because it is done. However, the CPU 103 may classify (separate) the position index dots and the absolute information dots. In this case, a reading dot classification module that implements any of the above separation examples 1 to 3 is added. .

  Furthermore, a plurality of types of print coordinate data (1 to n) 109i calculated as a desired pattern, which is a source for creating print image data composed of absolute information dots, are held. Also, a plurality of types of print image data (1 to n) 109j created from the plurality of types of print coordinate data (1 to n) 109i are held. Further, coordinate numerical data or the like, which is a further source of the print coordinate data (1 to n) 109i, may be held. These are databases selected depending on which pattern of information-added paper is required.

(Procedure example of coordinate test program)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the coordinate verification program of the present embodiment.

  First, in step S10, an image having position index dots and absolute information dots is printed. These may be printed simultaneously or separately. As an example in the case of printing separately, “absolute coordinate printing process” in step S10a and “index coordinate printing process” in step S10b are shown.

  Next, in step S20, the image having the position index dots and the absolute information dots printed in step S10 is read by the scanner units 1090 and 1091 or the scanner 200, and the dots are classified. As a result, index coordinate data 107d and absolute coordinate data 107f are obtained.

  In step S30, the index coordinate data 107d is analyzed to calculate lattice points. In step S40, the absolute coordinates are analyzed based on the lattice points from the absolute coordinate data 107f. In step S50, the absolute coordinates obtained in step S40 are compared with the print coordinate data 107g stored in advance, and it is determined whether or not the coordinate deviation is less than a predetermined range α. Test whether you are disqualified.

  If it is acceptable, the process proceeds to step S60, and the fact that it is acceptable is displayed on the liquid crystal operation panel 401 of FIG. 6 to notify the user. On the other hand, in the case of disqualification, the process proceeds to step S70, and the disqualification is displayed on the liquid crystal operation panel 401 of FIG. 6 to notify the user. After the notification of disqualification in step S70, the adjustment is finished by the user (adjustment of the printing process or adjustment of the print data), which is not described in detail in the present embodiment. If the image forming system has an automatic compensation function, the process proceeds to step S80 to automatically compensate for the coordinate deviation.

  For example, if the position index dot and the absolute information dot are shifted in the same direction on the entire surface of the print medium (5 pixels in the right direction, 3 pixels in the upward direction, etc.), either the position index dot or the absolute information dot plane Correct. In the correction method, the laser beam emission position during printing is shifted by the amount of shift.

  On the other hand, when a part of the position index dot and the absolute information dot are misaligned, it seems to be a sudden misalignment. Therefore, the defective position is stored and reprinting is performed.

(Example of image printing procedure)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the image printing process in step S10 of FIG.

  First, in step S11, desired print coordinates to be printed on a paper with information are selected. In step S12, it is determined whether or not print image data corresponding to the selected print coordinate has already been calculated or held. If stored, the process proceeds to step S13, the stored print image data is read, and printing is performed in step S15. On the other hand, if not stored, print image data is calculated from the print coordinate data in step S14, and printing is performed in step S15. Note that the image printing process in step S15 is realized by a program shared by the present image forming system, which is illustrated as the image printing module 109c in FIG.

(Example of image reading / coordinate separation procedure)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the image reading / coordinate separation process in step S20 of FIG.

  First, in step S21, the printed paper with information is read. This image reading process is realized by a program shared by the image forming system, which is shown as an image reading module 109d in FIG. In step S22, the coordinates of the position index dots and the absolute information dots separated by the method such as the above separation examples 1 to 3 are obtained from the read image. This processing may be performed by the CPU 103 or in cooperation with the scanner image processing unit 700. In step S23, the obtained index coordinate data is stored (see FIG. 14). In step S24, the obtained absolute coordinate data is stored (see FIG. 15).

  According to this embodiment, the user can obtain reliable information-added paper and the like by automatically authenticating whether or not an image has been accurately formed when printing the paper 10 with information.

  Note that the present invention may be applied to a system or an integrated apparatus constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus constituted by a single device.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU of the system or apparatus) Needless to say, this is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. This includes the case where the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the control system of the digital multifunctional machine suitable for applying this embodiment. 1 is an overview diagram of a scanner of an embodiment. 1 is an overview diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scanner image processing unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer image processing unit in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the operation part of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the printer of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the dot expression example of the paper with information. It is a figure which shows the example of an expression of the absolute information dot and position index dot of a paper with information. It is a figure explaining the procedure which calculates | requires a lattice coordinate from the position parameter | index dot of a paper with information. It is a figure explaining the procedure which calculates | requires the position of the absolute information dot of the paper with information from a position index dot. It is a figure which shows the other example of a position parameter | index dot. It is a figure explaining the 1st identification method of the absolute information dot of a paper with information, and a position index dot. It is a figure explaining the identification result of the position index dot of the paper with information. It is a figure explaining the identification result of the absolute information dot of the paper with information. It is a figure explaining the 2nd identification method of the absolute information dot of a paper with information, and a position index dot. It is a figure explaining the 3rd identification method of the absolute information dot of a paper with information, and a position index dot. It is a figure explaining the 3rd identification method. It is a figure explaining the 3rd identification method. It is a figure explaining the 3rd identification method. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the memory | storage part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the coordinate verification process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of FIG.22 S10. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of FIG.22 S20. It is a block diagram which shows the usage example of the paper with information of this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the paper with information. It is a figure which shows an example of the dot expression of a paper with information. It is a figure which shows the other example of the dot expression of the paper with information. It is a figure which shows the coordinate expression example of the paper with information by the dot expression example of FIG. It is a figure which shows the coordinate example of a paper with information by the example of dot representation of FIG.

Claims (16)

In an image forming system for printing a read image to obtain highly accurate position information,
Printing means for printing an image for obtaining highly accurate position information on the same print medium with the first printing material, and printing an image serving as an index of the position information with the second printing material;
Reading means for reading an image printed by the printing means;
Pixel detection means for detecting pixels formed of the first printing material and pixels formed of the second printing material from an image read by the reading means;
Index coordinate generation means for generating coordinates serving as an index from pixels formed of the second printing material;
Position coordinate calculation means for calculating position coordinates of pixels formed of the first printing material based on the coordinate system generated by the index coordinate generation means;
An image forming system comprising: a position coordinate determining unit that determines whether or not the position coordinate calculated by the position coordinate calculating unit is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining highly accurate position information.   2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the pixels printed with the first printing material are printed in a specific arrangement in which coordinates representing a position on a recording medium are subjected to code conversion.   The pixel printed with the second printing material is arranged in units of regions expressing coordinates representing a position on a recording medium, the pixel printed with the first printing material. The image forming system described.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing materials are made of different color materials.   The second printing material is selected from a color material having a hue that is relatively close to a color of a background of a print medium, and when the color of the background is white, the second printing material is yellow. The image forming system according to 3.   6. The pixel detection unit detects a pixel formed of the first printing material and a pixel formed of the second printing material from a position in a color space of each pixel. The image forming system described in 1.   The first printing material is selected from printing materials having reflectance characteristics adapted to an information reading device that reads an image of the first printing material from an image on the printing medium, and the second printing material is The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming system is selected from printing materials having reflectance characteristics that are not applicable to the information reading device.   The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the first printing material has a carbon composition, and the second printing material has a non-carbon composition.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is included in a printing apparatus together with the printing unit. An image forming method for printing a read image to obtain highly accurate position information,
On the same print medium, a printing process of printing an image for obtaining high-accuracy position information with the first printing material, and printing an image serving as an index of the position information with the second printing material;
A reading step of reading the image printed in the printing step;
A pixel detection step of detecting pixels formed of the first printing material and pixels formed of the second printing material from the image read in the reading step;
An index coordinate generation step of generating coordinates serving as an index from pixels formed of the second printing material;
Based on the coordinate system generated in the index coordinate generation step, a position coordinate calculation step for calculating a position coordinate of a pixel formed with the first printing material,
An image forming method comprising: a position coordinate determination step of determining whether or not the position coordinate calculated in the position coordinate calculation step is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining the highly accurate position information.   A computer-executable program for realizing the image forming method according to claim 10.   A storage medium for storing the program according to claim 11 in a computer-readable form. An image forming method for printing a read image to obtain highly accurate position information,
On the same print medium, print an image for obtaining high-accuracy position information and an image serving as an index of the position information with different printing materials,
Read the printed image to separate the pixels formed on each of the different printing materials,
Based on the coordinate system generated from the printing material pixels on which the image serving as the position information index is formed, the positional coordinates of the printing material pixels formed to obtain the high-accuracy position information are highly accurate. An image forming method comprising determining whether or not an image is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining accurate position information. An image forming medium on which a read image for obtaining highly accurate position information is printed,
An image that obtains high-accuracy position information has a reflectance characteristic adapted to the information reading device, and is printed with a first printing material having a color that is relatively different in phase from the background color of the print medium,
The image serving as an index of the position information has a reflectance characteristic adapted to the information reading device, and is printed with a second printing material having a color that is relatively in phase with the background color of the print medium. An image forming medium characterized by the above.   When the base color of the printing medium is white, the first printing material includes a black or blue printing material with a carbon composition, and the second printing material is a non-carbon composition and a yellow printing material. The image forming medium according to claim 14. An input process for inputting an image;
A pixel detecting step of detecting pixels formed of a first printing material and pixels formed of a second printing material different from the first printing material from the image input in the input step;
An index coordinate generation step of generating coordinates serving as an index from pixels formed of the second printing material;
Based on the coordinate system generated in the index coordinate generation step, a position coordinate calculation step for calculating a position coordinate of a pixel formed with the first printing material,
An image processing method comprising: a position coordinate determination step of determining whether or not the position coordinate calculated in the position coordinate calculation step is an appropriate position as an image for obtaining the highly accurate position information.

Images