JP2007266921A - Image forming apparatus, and image forming method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method and program, capable of processing data as binary data or grayscale data by flexibly coping with application purpose or the like, when the result of reading original in the ACS mode is decided as being a monochromatic original. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming method includes an acquisition step (S01) of reading the image of an original to acquire image data; a monochrome designation step, where whether the image data are processed by multivalued grayscale data or binary data can be designated before start of reading the original; a discrimination step (S02) of discriminating whether the read original is a color original or a monochromatic original; and monochromatic data processing steps (S03, S05, S06), where the image data are processed as data designated in the monochrome designation step, when the read original is discriminated as being the monochromatic original in the discrimination step. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is an image forming technique capable of flexibly processing depending on the purpose of use, which of binary data and gray scale data is processed when it is determined that the result of reading in the ACS mode is monochrome. About.

  The image forming apparatus employs ACS (Auto Color Selection) that automatically determines whether a read document is color or monochrome, and processes and outputs an image in a mode (color or monochrome) suitable for each. There is something.

The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has means for outputting data based on read image data or output data sent from a computer and detecting the presence or absence of color data. It is determined whether or not data is included. If color data is not included, output is performed in monochrome mode. If color data is included, output is performed in monochrome mode or The user is inquired whether to output in the color mode, and part or all of the output is performed in the monochrome mode or in the color mode according to the mode selected by the user.
JP 2002-165102 A

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when it is determined as monochrome as a result of reading in the ACS mode, the image data is processed as monochrome binarized data. Therefore, when processing as grayscale image data, it is necessary to read the document again in the grayscale mode, and the operation has been repeated.
By the way, the image forming apparatuses that have become widespread in recent years have not only a function of printing image data obtained by reading a document, but also various output functions such as an image transmission function by FAX, an image transmission function by E-mail, and the like. It has a variety of functions such as a multi-agent function that executes multiple functions associated with a single scan. Furthermore, the originals to be read are diversified, and not only color or monochrome originals but also originals using photographs are commonly used.

  As a result of the diversification of the use methods of the image forming apparatus as described above, the case of executing a process of reading a document in a desired mode again is diversified, and the repetition of operations is further increased as compared with the conventional case.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when it is determined as monochrome as a result of reading in the ACS mode, whether to process with binary data or grayscale data is flexibly used for the purpose of use. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can be processed correspondingly.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention reads an original as an image to acquire image data, and processes the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data. Monochrome designation means that can designate before reading of the original, a discrimination means for discriminating whether the read original is color or monochrome, and the image data when the original read by the discrimination means is determined to be monochrome. An image forming apparatus comprising monochrome data processing means for processing as data designated by the monochrome designation means.

  The image forming method according to the present invention includes an acquisition step of reading an original as an image to acquire image data, and whether the image data is processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting reading of the original. A monochrome designation step that allows the image data to be designated, a discrimination step that discriminates whether the read document is color or monochrome, and if the document read in the discrimination step is determined to be monochrome, the image data is designated in the monochrome designation step And a monochrome data processing step for processing as processed data.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention can specify an acquisition step of acquiring image data by reading a document as an image, and whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting to read the document. Monochrome determination step, a determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome, and if the document read in the determination step is determined to be monochrome, the image data is processed as data specified in the monochrome specification step. A program for causing a computer to execute a monochrome data processing step.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the image forming method, and the program of the present invention, when the result of reading in the ACS mode is determined to be monochrome, it is possible to flexibly use either binarized data or grayscale data for processing purposes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the repetition of the reading operation.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic shape of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

The image forming apparatus 101 is provided with an operation panel 9 including an image forming unit main body 1, a sheet supply unit 3, an image reading unit 5, an automatic document feeder 7 and an LCD 8.
The image forming unit main body 1 outputs the image information as an output image called hard copy or printout, for example. The paper supply unit 3 supplies an arbitrary size paper (output medium) used for image output to the image forming unit main body 1. The image reading unit 5 captures image information from the document as image data. The automatic document feeder 7 discharges the document that has been read from the reading position to the discharge position, and guides the next document to the reading position. The operation panel 9 is an instruction input unit for instructing operations of the image forming apparatus 101 such as start of image formation in the image forming unit main body 1 and start of reading of image information of a document by the image reading unit 5. The operation panel 9 is provided with an LCD 8 for inputting instructions and displaying information to the operator.
Further, the image forming apparatus 101 can be connected to a network or a communication line (not shown) and receive image data by FAX, Email, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 11, a main memory 12, an image compression / decompression unit 13, an image printing unit 14, an image memory unit 15, and a PC / IF control unit, in addition to the image reading unit 5, the LCD 8, and the operation panel 9. 16, a network control unit 17, a line control unit 18, an internal storage device (HDD) 19, an external storage device interface 20, an external storage device 21, a page memory 23, a scanner image processing ASIC 24, and a system image processing ASIC 25. These units are connected via a system bus 22.

The CPU 10 controls the above-described hardware components connected via the system bus 22. The ROM 11 stores various control programs necessary for the image forming apparatus 101 to operate. The main memory 12 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores data generated when the control program is executed.
The image compression / decompression unit 13 converts the image data read by the image reading unit 5 into a document file in a specified format (for example, JPEG, PDF, high-compression PDF, TIFF, etc.). The image printing unit 14 outputs an image on a sheet. The image memory unit 15 stores the read or transmitted image data.

The PC / IF control unit 16 is an interface for exchanging information with an information terminal such as a PC (personal computer). The network control unit 17 is an interface for transferring information via a network such as the Internet. The line control unit 18 is an interface for performing facsimile communication with an external device (not shown) via the public telephone line network PSTN.
The internal storage device 19 is a storage medium such as an HDD installed in the image forming apparatus 101. The external storage device interface 20 is an interface for exchanging data with the detachable external storage device 21 and capturing its operation state.
The page memory 23 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores read image data. The scanner image processing ASIC 24 converts RGB data of the read image data into YCrCb data. The system image processing ASIC 25 compresses image data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the input buttons on the operation panel 9.
The operation panel 9 is provided with a plurality of input buttons for setting a scan job mode, a plurality of input buttons for setting an ACS monochrome mode, and a scan button 9a for starting an ACS scan operation.

In the scan job mode setting, a method for handling scanned image data can be specified. The plurality of input buttons for setting the scan job mode are provided with an e-mail button 9b, an FTP button 9c, and a filing button 9d.
When the e-mail button 9b is selected, the read image data can be transmitted to a designated e-mail address via a communication line. When the FTP button 9c is selected, the read image data can be transmitted to a designated address via Internet communication. When the filing button 9d is selected, the read image data can be stored in a designated filing box.
Note that a plurality of input buttons relating to the setting of the scan job mode can be selected. That is, a plurality of jobs to be processed by one scan operation can be designated.

In the setting of the ACS monochrome mode, it is possible to set a processing method when it is determined by ACS that the read original is monochrome. A plurality of input buttons for setting the ACS monochrome mode are provided with a B / W button 9e, a gray scale button 9f, and a document analysis button 9g.
When the B / W button 9e is selected, the read electronic data is converted into binary data. When the gray scale button 9f is selected, the read electronic data is converted into gray scale data. When the original analysis button 9g is selected, the electronic data is converted into binary data or gray scale data according to the type of the read original.
Note that one of the input buttons for setting the ACS monochrome mode can be selected.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an outline procedure of the ACS scan. 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating a flow of image data regarding the ACS scan. Hereinafter, the ACS scanning operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

In step S01 in FIG. 4, when the operator presses the scan button 9a on the operation panel 9, ACS scanning is started.
In FIG. 6, the image reading unit 5 reads a document, generates color image data represented by R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and outputs the image data to the scanner image processing ASIC 24. In the scanner image processing ASIC 24, color image data represented by R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is color-converted into Y, Cb, and Cr, and the converted image data is stored in the page memory 23. .
The page memory 23 is provided with two memories. This is because the page memory 23 serves as a buffer for adjusting the receiving operation from the scanner image processing ASIC 24 and the transferring operation to the next stage processing. .

  The image data read from the page memory 23 is input to the rotation processing unit 31. When the operator designates an image rotation operation (not shown) from the operation panel 9, the rotation processing unit 31 rotates the image by the designated angle (90 ° / 180 ° / 270 °). In this rotation operation, a block buffer provided in the page memory 23 is used as a work area.

  The image data read from the rotation processing unit 31 is recorded in the main memory 12 via the DMA processing unit 32 by the DMA (Dynamic Memory Access) method. In parallel with the above-described operation, an ACS processing unit (not shown) determines whether the document is color or monochrome before image data is read from the page memory 23. The DMA processing unit 32 transfers the image data to the color or monochrome block buffer of the main memory 12 according to the determination result of the ACS processing unit. The reason why the two block buffers are provided is to provide a buffer function for adjusting the receiving operation from the DMA processing unit 32 and the transferring operation to the next stage processing.

[Color processing]
Returning to FIG. 4, the determination result of the ACS processing unit is examined in step S02. If the ACS processing unit determines that the document is a color document, step S20 in FIG. 5 is executed.
In the case of Yes in step S20 of FIG. 5, that is, when the operator has designated a thumbnail generation mode (not shown) from the operation panel 9, thumbnail image data is generated from the original image in step S21. In step S22, the thumbnail image data is compressed to generate a thumbnail file, and stored in the internal storage device 19 in step S23.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 7, the image data extracted from the color buffer memory of the main memory 12 is reduced and converted into thumbnail image data by the reduction task 33, and further subjected to compression processing for thumbnail images. Then, it is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the buffer of the main memory 12.

Returning to FIG. 5, after the original image data is compressed in step S24, the image file generated in step S25 is saved, and the ACS scan ends.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 7, the original image data is read from the block buffer of the main memory 12, and the system image ASIC 25 compresses it into the JPEG format. The compressed image file is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the block buffer of the main memory 12. The reason why the two blocks and the buffer of the main memory 12 are provided is to provide a role of a buffer for adjusting the receiving operation and the transferring operation to the next processing.

[Monochrome processing]
Returning to FIG. 4, the determination result of the ACS processing unit is examined in step S02. If the ACS processing unit determines that the document is a monochrome document, conversion from color image data to grayscale image data is performed in step S03.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining conversion from color image data to grayscale image data.
(1) in FIG. 10 represents an array of two pixels (2 × 2) of RGB color image data, and (2) in FIG. 10 represents an array of two pixels of YCbCr color image data.
(3) in FIG. 10 represents an arrangement of two pixels converted to gray scale.

[Monochrome processing: FTP, filing]
In step S04 in FIG. 4, the mode set by the operator in the scan job mode on the operation panel 9 is checked.
If the operator has designated the FTP button 9c or the filing button 9d, the mode set by the operator in the ACS monochrome mode setting on the operation panel 9 is checked in step S05.

[Monochrome processing: Grayscale mode]
If Yes in step S05, that is, if the operator has designated the gray scale button 9f of the operation panel 9, step S20 in FIG. 5 is executed.
In step S20 of FIG. 5, when the operator designates a thumbnail generation mode (not shown) from the operation panel 9, thumbnail image data is generated from the original image in step S21. In step S22, the thumbnail image data is compressed to generate a thumbnail file, and stored in the internal storage device 19 in step S23.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 8, the image data extracted from the monochrome block buffer of the main memory 12 is converted to gray scale by the Y component extraction & rearrangement task 35 and sent to the block buffer of the main memory 12.

  The grayscale image data extracted from the block buffer of the main memory 12 is reduced and converted into thumbnail image data by the reduction task 33, and further subjected to compression processing for thumbnail images. Then, it is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the buffer of the file access library 36.

Returning to FIG. 5, subsequently, in step S24, after the grayscale image data is compressed, the image file generated in step S25 is stored. Then, the ACS scan process ends.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 8, grayscale image data is read from the block buffer of the main memory 12, and the system image processing ASIC 25 compresses it into the JPEG format. The compressed image file is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the block buffer of the file access library 36. The reason why the two block buffers and buffers of the file access library 36 are provided is to provide a buffer function for adjusting the acceptance operation and the delivery operation to the next-stage processing.

[Monochrome processing: B / W mode]
Returning to FIG. 4, when the operator has designated the B / W button 9e on the operation panel 9 in step S05, a conversion process from gray scale to B / W is executed in step S06.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 9, the image data extracted from the monochrome block buffer of the main memory 12 is converted to gray scale by the Y component extraction & rearrangement task 35 and sent to the block buffer of the main memory 12.
The gray scale image data extracted from the block buffer of the main memory 12 is converted into binarized image data by the error diffusion & binarization task 37 and stored in the block buffer of the main memory 12.

Returning to FIG. 5, in the case of Yes in step S20, that is, when the operator designates a thumbnail generation mode (not shown) from the operation panel 9, thumbnail image data is generated from the grayscale image data in step S21. In step S22, the thumbnail image data is compressed. In step S23, a thumbnail file is generated and stored in the internal storage device 19.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 9, grayscale image data extracted from the block buffer of the main memory 12 is reduced and converted into thumbnail image data by the reduction task 33, and further subjected to compression processing for thumbnail images. Then, it is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the buffer of the file access library 36.

Returning to FIG. 5, subsequently, in step S24, the binarized image data is compressed, and then the image file generated in step S25 is stored. Then, the ACS scan process ends.
In the image data flow shown in FIG. 9, the binarized image data is read from the block buffer of the main memory 12, and the system image processing ASIC 25 compresses it into the MMR format. This MMR format is a format suitable for compression of binary image data. The compressed image file is stored in the internal storage device 19 via the block buffer of the file access library 36. The reason why the two block buffers and buffers of the file access library 36 are provided is to provide a role of a buffer for adjusting the receiving operation and the transferring operation to the next stage processing.

[Monochrome processing: Document analysis mode]
Returning to FIG. 4, when the operator has designated the document analysis button 9g on the operation panel 9 in step S05, document layout analysis is executed in step S15.
In the document layout analysis, the ratios of text data and photo data in the document are examined. Then, in accordance with the ratio, it is determined whether the document is handled as a text document or a photo document.
For example, when the photo data is present at a predetermined ratio or more, it is determined as a photo original, and when the photo data is less than the predetermined ratio, it is determined as a text original.

If it is determined in step S16 that the document is a text document, a gray scale to B / W conversion process is executed in step S06.
In addition, since the process after this step S06 is a process similar to the above-mentioned B / W mode process, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

If it is determined in step S16 that the document is a photo document, it is checked in step S20 in FIG. 5 whether or not the operator has designated a thumbnail generation mode (not shown) from the operation panel 9.
Since the processing after step S20 is the same processing as the above-described gray scale mode processing, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Monochrome processing: Email mode]
Returning to FIG. 4, in step S04, the mode set by the operator in the scan job mode of the operation panel 9 is checked.
If the operator has designated the e-mail button 9b, a gray scale to B / W conversion process is executed in step S10.
In addition, since the process after this step S10 is the same process as the above-mentioned B / W mode process, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When a plurality of scan job modes on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 are set, the above-described processes in FIGS. 4 to 9 are repeatedly executed for each job.

Note that the types of input buttons related to the scan job mode and ACS monochrome mode setting on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various jobs can be designated. For example, as a scan job mode, it is possible to designate that a file is referred to by a personal computer or input to an OCR. The ACS monochrome mode setting can also be specified in correspondence with the various jobs.
That is, in the embodiment according to the present invention, it is possible to set whether to process the file format as multi-value grayscale data or binary B / W data in advance according to the purpose of use of the job and the document type. It also indicates that the appropriate processing content is automatically determined.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present embodiment, desired effects can be obtained.
This embodiment can be described as follows.

(1) In the case of a predetermined usage purpose, whether the file format to be stored is processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary B / W data when it is determined as monochrome as a result of scanning in the ACS mode Can be designated in advance before the execution of the scan job.

(2) In the case of a predetermined usage purpose, whether the file format to be saved is processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary B / W data when it is determined as monochrome as a result of scanning in the ACS mode Is automatically determined.
For example, when used for e-mail transmission, it is processed as binary data with a small amount of data in order to reduce the load on the mail server, and when stored in a large number of file servers, as multi-value grayscale data with a large amount of data. Usage methods such as processing are possible.

(3) From the result of the layout analysis of the OCR pre-processing, it is automatically determined whether the file format is processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary B / W data.
In addition to the embodiment, for example, a page in which most of the original is analyzed as text data is processed as binary B / W data. On the other hand, it is possible to use a page in which most of the manuscript is analyzed as photographic data as multi-value gray scale data.

(4) When executing a multi-agent job that executes a plurality of jobs by one user operation, image conversion is performed in accordance with each job.
For example, the first job is processed as binary B / W data, and the other job is processed as multi-value grayscale data.

  Therefore, by using these functions, it is possible to reduce the repetition of the reading operation.

  Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

  Furthermore, each function can be realized by causing a computer to read a program stored in a recording medium (not shown). Here, as long as the recording medium in the present embodiment can record a program and can be read by a computer, the recording format may be any form.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic shape of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applicable. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the input button of an operation panel. The flowchart which shows the outline procedure of an ACS scan. The flowchart which shows the outline procedure of an ACS scan. The figure which shows the flow of the image data regarding an ACS scan. The figure which shows the flow of the image data regarding an ACS scan. The figure which shows the flow of the image data regarding an ACS scan. The figure which shows the flow of the image data regarding an ACS scan. The figure explaining the conversion from color image data to gray scale image data.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming part main body, 5 ... Image reading part, 8 ... LCD, 9 ... Operation panel, 9a ... Scan button, 9b ... E-mail button, 9c ... FTP button, 9d ... Filing button, 9e ... B / W button, 9f ... Gray scale button, 9g ... Document analysis button, 10 ... CPU, 13 ... Image compression unit, 16 ... PC / IF control unit, 17 ... Network control unit, 18 ... Line control unit, 20 ... External storage device interface, 21 ... external storage device, 24 ... scanner image processing ASIC, 25 ... system image processing ASIC, 101 ... image forming apparatus.

Claims (15)

An acquisition means for reading an original as an image and acquiring image data;
Monochrome designation means for designating whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting to read the document;
Discrimination means for discriminating whether the read document is color or monochrome;
An image forming apparatus comprising: monochrome data processing means for processing the image data as data designated by the monochrome designation means when the document read by the discrimination means is determined to be monochrome. A usage purpose specifying means for specifying the usage purpose of the image data read from the document;
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the monochrome data processing means processes the image data as data designated by the monochrome designation means when the designated use purpose is a predetermined use purpose. apparatus. The monochrome data processing means includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a plurality of usage purposes are designated, the monochrome image data processing is repeatedly executed for each usage purpose. An acquisition means for reading an original as an image and acquiring image data;
A purpose-of-use specifying means for specifying the purpose of use of the image data read from the document;
Discrimination means for discriminating whether the read document is color or monochrome;
Monochrome that is processed by determining whether the image data is processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary data in accordance with a designated purpose of use when the document read by the determining means is determined to be monochrome. An image forming apparatus comprising: a data processing unit. The monochrome data processing means includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when a plurality of usage purposes are designated, the monochrome image data processing is repeatedly executed for each usage purpose. An acquisition means for reading an original as an image and acquiring image data;
Monochrome designation means for designating whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting to read the document;
A purpose-of-use specifying means for specifying the purpose of use of the image data read from the document;
Discrimination means for discriminating whether the read document is color or monochrome;
When the document read by the determining unit is determined to be monochrome, and the designated usage purpose is a predetermined usage purpose, the image data is converted into multi-value grayscale data or binary data in accordance with the usage purpose. A first monochrome data processing means that decides which to process and a document read by the determination means is determined to be monochrome, and the designated usage purpose is different from the predetermined usage purpose An image forming apparatus comprising: second monochrome data processing means for processing the image data as data designated by the monochrome designation means. An acquisition means for reading an original as an image and acquiring image data;
Discrimination means for discriminating whether the read document is color or monochrome;
Layout analysis means for analyzing the ratio of each of text data and photo data included in the read original;
When the document read by the determination unit is determined to be monochrome, it is determined whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data based on the ratio of the layout analysis result. An image forming apparatus comprising: monochrome data processing means for processing. An acquisition step of reading the document as an image and acquiring image data;
A monochrome designating step for designating whether the image data is to be processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting reading the document;
A determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome;
And a monochrome data processing step for processing the image data as data designated in the monochrome designation step when the document read in the discrimination step is determined to be monochrome. A use purpose specifying step for specifying the use purpose of the image data read from the document;
9. The image formation according to claim 8, wherein the monochrome data processing step processes the image data as data designated in the monochrome designation step when the designated usage purpose is a predetermined usage purpose. Method. The monochrome data processing step includes:
The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein when a plurality of usage purposes are designated, the monochrome image data processing is repeatedly executed for each usage purpose. An acquisition step of reading the document as an image and acquiring image data;
A use purpose specifying step for specifying the use purpose of the image data read from the original;
A determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome;
Monochrome to be processed by determining whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data corresponding to the specified purpose of use when the original read in the determination step is determined to be monochrome An image forming method comprising: a data processing step. The monochrome data processing step includes:
12. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein when a plurality of usage purposes are designated, the monochrome image data processing is repeatedly executed for each usage purpose. An acquisition step of reading the document as an image and acquiring image data;
A monochrome designating step for designating whether the image data is to be processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting reading the document;
A use purpose specifying step for specifying the use purpose of the image data read from the original;
A determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome;
When the original read in the determination step is determined to be monochrome, and the designated usage purpose is a predetermined usage purpose, the image data is converted into multi-value grayscale data or binary data according to the usage purpose. A first monochrome data processing step for determining which to process and a document read in the determination step is determined to be monochrome, and the designated usage purpose is different from the predetermined usage purpose And a second monochrome data processing step for processing the image data as data designated in the monochrome designation step. An acquisition step of reading the document as an image and acquiring image data;
A determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome;
A layout analysis step for analyzing the ratio of each of text data and photo data included in the read original;
When the document read in the determination step is determined to be monochrome, it is determined whether to process the image data as multi-value grayscale data or binary data based on the ratio of the layout analysis result. An image forming method comprising: a monochrome data processing step for processing. An acquisition step of acquiring an image data by reading a document as an image;
A monochrome designation step for designating whether the image data is to be processed as multi-value grayscale data or binary data before starting reading the document;
A determination step for determining whether the read document is color or monochrome;
A program for causing a computer to execute a monochrome data processing step for processing the image data as data designated in the monochrome designation step when the document read in the discrimination step is determined to be monochrome.

Images