JP2007221275A - Image forming apparatus and image formation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, whereby suitable printing is carried out depending on contents of two-dimensional codes in order to prevent reduced printing whose reading is disabled or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a read means 303 for reading an image, including the two-dimensional codes D (D1 to D3); a data conversion means 306 for converting the read two-dimensional codes into data, depending on the contents of the two-dimensional codes; and a print means 304 for printing an image including the converted data on paper. For example, when a data amount of information included in the two-dimensional codes is less than a prescribed amount, original two-dimensional codes are converted into mini two-dimensional codes that are reduced in size from the original two-dimensional codes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)) used for reading and printing an image with a two-dimensional code, and an image forming method.

Conventionally, as a device of this type, when reading a document image with a barcode attached, if there is an instruction to reduce the image data, the barcode is read at the same magnification without changing the image reading accuracy. Discloses a technique for reducing and printing as instructed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-153638 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, if there is an instruction for reduced printing, the barcode is reduced and printed as it is, so when attempting to read the barcode that was actually printed again, the barcode is below the readable size. There has been a problem that the bar code cannot be read in some cases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing suitable printing according to the contents of a two-dimensional code, such as preventing reduced printing that cannot be read. It is an issue to provide.

  The above problem is solved by the following means.

  (1) Reading means for reading an image including a two-dimensional code, data conversion means for converting the read two-dimensional code according to the content of the two-dimensional code, and printing an image including the converted data on a sheet An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit;

  (2) Data amount judging means for judging the data amount of information included in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means is provided, and the data amount of information of the two-dimensional code is less than a predetermined amount by the data amount judging means. The image forming apparatus according to the preceding item 1, wherein the data conversion means converts the original two-dimensional code into a miniaturized mini two-dimensional code.

  (3) When there are a plurality of two-dimensional codes, the converting unit converts information included in the plurality of two-dimensional codes read by the reading unit into one two-dimensional code, and the printing unit includes: 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the converted two-dimensional code is printed on a paper margin.

  (4) The conversion means attaches identification information to the information included in each of the two-dimensional codes and converts the information into one two-dimensional code, and the printing means corresponds to the original two-dimensional code. 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the image is printed on a sheet in a positional relationship.

  (5) When the reduction printing of the image including the two-dimensional code is instructed and it is recognized that the two-dimensional code after printing is reduced to an unreadable size, the conversion means Converts the information contained in the two-dimensional code into a readable two-dimensional code regardless of the specified reduction magnification, and the printing means prints the converted two-dimensional code on the margin of the paper. The image forming apparatus according to 1 above.

  (6) If the converted two-dimensional code cannot be printed on the margin of the paper, the printing means prints the information contained in the two-dimensional code on the margin of the paper in a form that is not converted into the two-dimensional code. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 5 above.

  (7) The image forming apparatus according to (6), wherein the information included in the two-dimensional code is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

  (8) a step of reading an image including a two-dimensional code, a step of converting the read two-dimensional code according to the content of the two-dimensional code, a step of printing an image including the converted data on a sheet, An image forming method.

  According to the invention described in (1) above, when printing an image including a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit is converted into data according to the content and printed on a sheet. For example, even when a reduction print of a two-dimensional code is instructed to a size that cannot be read, the data can be converted into data in a form that avoids this and printed.

  According to the invention described in item (2) above, if the amount of information included in the read two-dimensional code is less than a certain amount, the original two-dimensional code is converted into a mini mini two-dimensional code and printed. Therefore, for example, even if a reduction print instruction is given to an image including a two-dimensional code, the clearly printed two-dimensional code can be read without any trouble, and the mini-two-dimensional code The amount of toner can be reduced. .

  According to the invention described in (3) above, when there are a plurality of two-dimensional codes, the information included in the plurality of two-dimensional codes read by the reading means is converted into one two-dimensional code and the sheet Since it is printed in the margin, the area of the two-dimensional code is reduced, so that one two-dimensional code can be printed large, and the two-dimensional code after printing can be read without any trouble. In addition, since a plurality of two-dimensional codes are printed together as one two-dimensional code, toner consumption during printing can be reduced.

  According to the invention described in (4) above, the identification information attached to the information included in each two-dimensional code is printed on the paper in a positional relationship corresponding to the original two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code can be compared and grasped.

  According to the invention described in item (5) above, it is recognized that the reduction printing of an image including a two-dimensional code is instructed, and the two-dimensional code after printing is reduced to an unreadable size. In this case, the information contained in the two-dimensional code is converted into a readable two-dimensional code and printed in the margin of the paper regardless of the specified reduction ratio. The code can be read without any trouble.

  According to the invention described in item (6) above, when the converted two-dimensional code cannot be printed on the margin of the paper, the information contained in the two-dimensional code is not converted into the two-dimensional code. Since it is printed in the margin, the information content of the two-dimensional code can be easily grasped.

  According to the invention described in item (7), the URL that is information included in the two-dimensional code can be printed on the margin of the paper.

  According to the invention described in (8) above, when printing an image including a two-dimensional code, the read two-dimensional code is converted according to the contents and printed, so that, for example, reading is impossible. Even when the reduction printing of the two-dimensional code is instructed to a large size, the data can be converted into data in a form to avoid this and printed.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) which is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, a QR (Quick Response) code will be described as an example of a two-dimensional code attached to an image.

  In FIG. 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 includes an information processing unit 301, an image reading unit 303, and an image forming unit 304.

  The information processing unit 301 includes a nonvolatile memory 304, an operation unit 305, an image conversion unit 306, a data input / output unit 307, a data determination unit 308, a control unit 310, a display unit 311, and an image memory 312. And.

  The nonvolatile memory 304 is, for example, a hard disk (HDD) and stores image data, job conditions, and the like.

  The operation unit 305 includes the display unit 311 in addition to a key unit (not shown) for performing setting / selection of various modes such as a print mode and a copy mode, input settings, and the like. It is configured.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the image conversion unit 306 reads the document image G to which the QR code D is attached, and when the reduction printing instruction is given, the contents of the QR code D ( QR code D is converted into a form corresponding to the data amount of information). For example, when the data amount of information included in the QR code D is less than a certain amount, the original two-dimensional code is converted into a reduced mini QR code, or when there are a plurality of QR codes D, Are combined into one and converted into one QR code D0.

  The data input / output unit 307 exchanges read data between the image conversion unit 306 and the control unit 310.

  The data determination unit 308 determines whether or not the data amount of the QR code D is less than a predetermined amount when the image reading unit 303 reads the image G with the QR code D attached thereto, or reads the read QR code. It is determined whether or not there are a plurality of codes D, whether or not the two-dimensional code after printing is reduced to an unreadable size.

  The control unit 310 includes a data writing unit 401 in addition to the RAM 403 and the ROM 404.

  The CPU 402 controls the overall operation, and the RAM 403 is a memory that provides an operation area of the CPU 402. A ROM 404 is a memory that stores an operation program for the CPU 402.

  The data writing unit 401 is for writing input data or the like into the nonvolatile memory 304.

  The display unit 311 includes, for example, a liquid crystal element (LCD) and constitutes a part of the operation unit 305.

  The image memory 312 temporarily stores read image data or image data transmitted from an external device.

  The image reading unit 303 includes a scanner that reads an image of the document M together with the QR code D.

  The image forming unit 304 prints the read image G and the image data transmitted from the outside together with the converted data of the QR code D.

Next, an operation for reading and printing an image including a QR code by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
[I] When an instruction to perform “reduced printing (reduced copy)” of a document image with QR code D read by the image reading unit 303 is received.

The control unit 310 performs control so that normal reduction printing is performed if the reduction is such that QR code D can be read. Further, when the QR code D is reduced to a size that makes it impossible to read, the image conversion unit 306 performs the following image conversions (1) to (3).
(1) When converting QR code D to mini QR code d.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the image G of the document M, a QR code D... Is added, and the QR code D. .

In the case of a reduction instruction to reduce the QR code D... To a size that cannot be read, the data amount of each information of the QR code D. 3, the original two-dimensional code D is converted into a miniaturized mini QR code d... By the image converting unit 306, and then printed on the paper P by the image forming unit 304. Thus, even when the image G is reduced and printed, unlike the case where the QR code D... Is reduced more than necessary, the mini QR code d. The printed image is clear and can be read.
(2) A case where a plurality of QR codes D1 to D3 are collectively converted into one QR code D0.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the image G, a plurality of QR codes D1 to D3 are attached to the document M, and together with the document image G, the QR codes D1 to D3 are read and printed on the paper P. To do.

  The image conversion unit 306 collects information included in the QR codes D1 to D3 and converts the information into one QR code D0. Then, the converted QR code D0 is printed on the paper P by the print image forming unit 304 without being reduced and with substantially the same size as the original QR codes D1 to D3.

  By converting to one QR code D0, the area occupied by the QR code D0 on the paper P is reduced. Therefore, the combined QR code D0 can be automatically arranged and printed on the margin portion Pa of the paper P as shown in FIG.

  In other words, by converting to one QR code D0, even if reduced printing is instructed, printing is performed without reducing one QR code D0, so that reading is possible.

In this case, as the identification information of each information of the QR codes D1 to D3, for example, the information (FIG. 5) included in the original QR codes D1 to D3 can be compared with the information of the combined QR code D0. Round numbers 1 to 3 as shown in FIG. 7 are attached and converted into one QR code D0. And it is good also as a structure which respectively prints the round numbers 1-3 which are each identification information in the position where the original QR code D1-D3 existed, as shown in FIG. In the case of such a configuration, the two-dimensional codes before and after conversion can be compared and grasped.
(3) When the control unit 301 recognizes that the two-dimensional code after printing is reduced to a size that cannot be read.

  In this case, the image conversion unit 306 converts the information included in the two-dimensional code into a two-dimensional code having a readable size regardless of the instructed reduction magnification.

  Then, the image forming unit 304 prints the converted two-dimensional code on the margin of the paper.

  Note that images other than the two-dimensional code are reduced and printed at a specified reduction ratio.

  As described above, the information contained in the two-dimensional code is converted into a two-dimensional code having a readable size and printed on the margin of the paper regardless of the designated reduction magnification. Can be read without hindrance.

Note that the data amount of information included in the QR code is determined. If the data amount is less than a predetermined amount, the conversion process to the mini QR code described in (1) is performed. Processing may be performed.
(4) When the information of the QR codes D1 and D2 is converted into character data and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the image G, QR codes D1 and D2 are attached to the original M. The QR codes D1 and D2 are read together with the original image G and printed on the paper P.

In response to an instruction to reduce the original image to a size that makes the QR codes D1 and D2 unreadable, the QR codes D1 and D2 are converted to a size that can be read and cannot be printed on the margin of the paper. Each information (FIG. 9) included in the codes D1 and D2 is printed as it is on the margin Pa of the paper P as shown in FIG. As a result, the information contents of the QR codes D1 and D2 are displayed as character data, and the contents of the QR codes D1 and D2 can be grasped. In this example, the information included in the QR codes D1 and D2 is a URL. However, the information is not limited to the URL.
[II] The following methods (1) and (2) are used to reduce the amount of toner consumed when reading and printing an image including the QR code D.
(1) When converting QR code D to mini QR code d.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the data amount of the information of the QR code D is determined and the data amount is less than a certain amount and can be converted into the mini QR code, the mini QR code d is obtained as shown in FIG. The amount of toner consumption is reduced by converting the image into the print data.
(2) A case where a plurality of QR codes D1 to D3 are collectively converted into one QR code D0.

  As shown in FIG. 13, if the data amount of information included in the plurality of QR codes D1 to D3 can be determined and converted into one QR code, as shown in FIG. 15, one QR code D0 is obtained. After conversion, print on paper P. As a result, the amount of toner consumed when printing on the paper P can be reduced by the amount the area of the QR code D0 is reduced.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the information included in the original QR codes D1 to D3 is converted in a state where the round numbers 1 to 3 are disabled as the identification information, and the original QR codes D1 to D3 exist. It is preferable to print and display the corresponding circled numbers 1 to 3 as shown in FIG.

  Next, the flow of reading and copying a document image with a QR code D will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 17, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the QR code D is read together with the original image G. If the QR code D is not read (NO in step S1), the process returns to step S1 to repeat the reading determination. . If the QR code D has been read (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not an instruction for reducing and printing the image data including the read QR code D is issued. If no instruction for reducing and printing is given (NO in step S2), normal printing is executed in step S8. Go and exit. In this case, it is possible to determine whether or not a print instruction with a reduced toner amount described in [II] is given, and in the case where the print instruction is given, the contents of [II] may be implemented. .

  If an instruction to reduce printing is given in step S2 (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, it is determined whether QR code D can be read when reduced printing is performed. If QR code D can be read even after reduced printing (YES in step S3), in step S6, After reducing printing, the process ends. If the QR code D cannot be read after reduced printing (NO in step S3), it is converted into a form according to the content of the QR code D in step S4. This process will be described later.

  In step S5, it is determined whether the converted QR code can be printed on the margin Pa of the paper P. If printing is possible (YES in step S5), the converted QR code is reduced in step S6. Print with the original image and finish.

  If the changed QR code cannot be printed on the margin of the sheet (NO in step S5), in step S7, the information contained in the QR code D is printed in a form that is not converted into a QR code, and then the process ends.

  Next, a subroutine of processing (step S4) for converting the form according to the contents of the QR code D will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  18, in step S41, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of QR codes D. If there are a plurality of QR codes D (NO in step S41), the process proceeds to step S44, and if there are a plurality of QR codes D (step S41). The process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, identification information is provided for each of the QR codes D1 to D3, the information of each of the QR codes D1 to D3 is integrated into one, and after returning to one QR code D0, the process returns.

  On the other hand, in step S44, it is determined whether or not the QR code D data is less than a certain amount. If the QR code D data is not less than a certain amount (NO in step S44), the data is converted into a readable size. To return. If the data of the QR code D is less than a certain amount (YES in step S44), the QR code D is converted into the mini QR code d in step S45, and then the return is performed.

  In the above embodiment, the QR code is exemplified as the two-dimensional code, but the present invention can be similarly applied even when a two-dimensional code other than the QR code is attached to the image.

1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the original document to which the QR code was attached | subjected with the image. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an outline of converting a QR code into a mini QR code and printing on a sheet when there is an instruction to reduce the original image of FIG. 2; It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the original document to which several QR code was attached | subjected with the image. It is explanatory drawing of the information of the some QR code of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an outline of printing a plurality of QR codes collectively into a single QR code when there is an instruction to reduce and print the original image of FIG. 5. It is explanatory drawing of the information of one QR code of FIG. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of another original document with which several QR code was attached | subjected with the image. It is explanatory drawing of the information of the some QR code of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an outline of converting information of a plurality of QR codes into character data and printing on a sheet because there is an instruction to reduce the original image of FIG. In another embodiment, it is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the original document with which QR code was attached | subjected with the image. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of printing on paper after converting a QR code into a mini QR code in order to reduce the amount of toner during printing. In another embodiment, it is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the original document to which the some QR code was attached | subjected with the image. It is explanatory drawing of the information of the some QR code of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an outline of printing a plurality of QR codes collectively into one QR code and printing on paper in order to reduce the amount of toner during printing. It is explanatory drawing of the information of one QR code of FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for reading and printing a document image with a QR code D attached thereto. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process (S4 of FIG. 17) converted into the form according to the content of QR Code D.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 303 Reading part 304 Image forming part 306 Image conversion part 308 Data judgment part 310 Control part D (D1-D3) Two-dimensional code (QR code)
d (d1 to d3) Mini two-dimensional code (mini QR code)
D0 One-dimensional two-dimensional code (QR code)
G Image P Paper Pa Paper margin

Claims (8)

Reading means for reading an image including a two-dimensional code;
Data conversion means for converting the read two-dimensional code according to the content of the two-dimensional code;
Printing means for printing an image including the converted data on paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A data amount judging means for judging a data amount of information included in the two-dimensional code read by the reading means;
When the data amount determining means determines that the data amount of the information of the two-dimensional code is less than a certain amount, the data converting means converts the original two-dimensional code into a miniaturized mini two-dimensional code. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When there are a plurality of two-dimensional codes, the converting means converts information included in the plurality of two-dimensional codes read by the reading means into one two-dimensional code,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the converted two-dimensional code on a margin of a sheet. The converting means attaches identification information to information included in each of the two-dimensional codes and converts the information into one two-dimensional code,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing unit prints the identification information on a sheet in a positional relationship corresponding to an original two-dimensional code. When the reduction printing of the image including the two-dimensional code is instructed and it is recognized that the two-dimensional code after printing is reduced to an unreadable size, the conversion means Regardless of the reduction ratio, the information contained in the two-dimensional code is converted into a two-dimensional code of a readable size,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the converted two-dimensional code on a margin of a sheet.   When the converted two-dimensional code cannot be printed on a paper margin, the printing unit prints the information included in the two-dimensional code on the paper margin in a form that is not converted into the two-dimensional code. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information included in the two-dimensional code is a URL. Reading an image including a two-dimensional code;
Converting the read two-dimensional code according to the content of the two-dimensional code;
Printing an image containing the converted data on paper;
An image forming method.

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