JP2007312100A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor where not only a copy with the same image quality as that of an original manuscript can be obtained by a simple operation, but also various processings can be executed concerning print data. <P>SOLUTION: The printing data and identification signs for identifying the printing data are related to one another to be stored in an HDD 29. Then, an original manuscript, where relevant information containing images based on the printing data and the identification signs for identifying the printing data are printed, is scanned by an image scanner 21, to read the relevant information printed. By using UI27, user is allowed to specify implementation of a process concerning the printing data which had been related to the identification signs contained in the relevant information which has been read-in and have been stored. Based on the result specified, control is performed so as to implement processings concerning the printing data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of reading and copying information printed on a document.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that creates electronic embedding information in a format such as a digital watermark (digital watermark) or a glyph code and superimposes it on image data of a print image (for example, Patent Document 1). 2).

  However, until now, it has been common to use copy-only restrictions, such as protecting the copyright of photographs or preventing counterfeiting of securities, etc. (For example, see Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5).

  In such a usage method, when a user wants to copy a document created and printed by a user in a general office where a plurality of users share a multifunction device or printer, the other user can copy the document. The only way to do this is to ask the user who created the document to print it again, or copy the necessary part. Further, in the case of copying, there is a problem that the image quality is deteriorated as compared with the original document.

Therefore, when a digital watermark is added to the print image data, the original document is printed with the print data including the digital watermark and the print data is stored, and the original document including the digital watermark is copied, An image forming apparatus has been proposed in which print data stored by recognizing the print data is read and printing is performed based on the print data (see, for example, Patent Document 6).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-232697 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-344736 JP 2001-350759 A JP 2002-101288 A JP 2001-203885 A JP 2003-134325 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 6, since printing is automatically performed according to a predetermined default printing condition based on automatically stored print data (print data), the user's There has been a problem that printing cannot be performed under desired printing conditions, and an optimum printing result cannot be obtained. In addition, since processing other than the default processing cannot be performed on the print data, the processing content is significantly limited.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and can obtain not only a copy having the same image quality as the original document with a simple operation but also an image processing apparatus capable of executing various processes relating to print data. The purpose is to provide.

  To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores print data and an identification code for identifying the print data in association with each other, an image based on the print data, and the print data. Reading means for reading related information printed on a recording medium on which related information including an identification code to be printed is printed, and print data stored in association with the identification code included in the related information read by the reading means Designating means for designating the execution of the processing relating to the print data, and control means for controlling the processing related to the print data to be executed based on the designation result of the designation means.

  As a result, as long as the related information printed on the recording medium is read, the print data of the image printed on the recording medium, and processing related to the print data stored in association with the identification code included in the related information However, since it is executed based on the designation result designated by the user, various processes relating to the print data can be executed with a simple operation.

  The processing relating to the stored print data includes reprint processing for reprinting based on the stored print data, editing processing for editing the stored print data, and storing the stored print data. It can be any one of deletion processes to be deleted from the means.

  Further, the related information is preliminarily set in a margin when the image based on the print data is printed on the recording medium as a digital watermark, or when the image based on the print data is printed on the recording medium. It can be printed on the recording medium in a predetermined format. The predetermined format can be any of a glyph code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an OCR font.

  Further, the related information printed together with the image on the recording medium identifies a device identification code for identifying the image and a device that has printed the related information, and a host computer that has instructed printing of the image and the related information. Whether to prohibit reprinting based on the stored print data in association with the host identification code, the print date and time of the image, the print condition of the image, the number of print pages of the image, and the identification code included in the related information It may further include at least one of reprint prohibition information indicating whether or not.

  As a result, various processes relating to print data can be executed without the need for complicated setting operations.

  Further, the related information printed together with the image on the recording medium further includes option information indicating executable processing options related to print data stored in association with an identification code included in the related information, The specifying means is configured to be able to specify any one of the options indicated by the option information included in the related information read by the reading means, and the control means executes processing of the options specified by the specifying means It can also be controlled.

  This makes it easy for the user to specify processing related to print data.

  The storage means may be one of a storage means that can be attached to and detached from the image processing apparatus main body, a storage means that is fixedly installed to the image processing apparatus main body, and a storage means that is connected via a network. it can.

  Furthermore, whether or not the designation means allocates N pages (N is an integer of 2 or more) of print data for reprinting, the number of print copies to be reprinted, the page range to be reprinted, and one side of the recording medium. And at least one of designation of whether or not the reprinted recording medium is stapled can be configured.

  As a result, finer settings can be made and desired reprint processing can be executed.

  The storage means stores print data for a plurality of pages in association with one identification code, and the control means reads the read data based on a designation result of the designation means. Control can be performed so that processing relating to print data of all pages stored in association with identification codes included in related information is executed.

  Thus, for example, when reprinting, as long as one piece of related information is read, print data of all pages stored in association with the related information can be reprinted, and reprinting becomes efficient. .

  Furthermore, when the reprinting prohibition information included in the related information read by the reading unit indicates that reprinting is prohibited, the display unit that displays the reprinting prohibition or the reading Display indicating that reprinting is prohibited for users other than registered users when the reprinting prohibition information included in the related information read by the means indicates prohibition of reprinting by users other than registered users Means can further be provided.

  In addition, when the control unit performs control so that reprint processing for reprinting based on the stored print data is executed as processing related to the print data, text or a mark indicating that reprinting is performed Can be controlled to be printed with the reprinted image.

  As a result, the original document and the reprinted copy can be easily identified.

  The control means deletes the print data used for the reprinting process from the storage means after the reprinting process for reprinting based on the stored print data is executed as the process relating to the print data. Can be controlled.

  As a result, it is possible to restrict the reprint process from being performed many times and to reduce the necessary storage capacity.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention stores storage means for storing print data and an identification code for identifying the print data in association with each other, an image based on the print data, and the print data A reading means for reading the related information printed on the recording medium on which the identification code for identifying the print data and the related information including the processing information indicating the contents of the processing relating to the print data are printed, and the related information read by the reading means Control means for controlling the processing related to the print data stored in association with the included identification code to be executed in accordance with the processing information included in the related information may be included.

  As a result, as long as the related information printed on the recording medium is read, the print data of the image printed on the recording medium, and processing related to the print data stored in association with the identification code included in the related information Is executed according to the processing information included in the related information, it is possible to execute various processes related to the print data with a simple operation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain not only a copy having the same image quality as the original document with a simple operation, but also an excellent effect that various processes relating to print data can be executed.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 10 as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 10 has a print function, a scanner function, and a copy function, and print data (print data may be PDL format data) input from a host computer (not shown) by the print function. Can be printed on the recording paper based on the bitmap format image data). At this time, the multi-function device 10 identifies the print data (in this embodiment, the identification code). The print data is stored in association with the data ID), and related information related to the printed image is printed at a specific position in the margin of the recording paper in the form of a two-dimensional code.

  Related information includes a device ID (for example, a serial number) for identifying a printed image processing device, a data ID for identifying print data of a printed image, reprint prohibition information indicating whether or not reprinting is prohibited, and a copy The copy prohibition information indicating whether or not to prohibit is included. The related information can be specified from the host computer at the time of printing, but the fixed information (for example, device ID) or the information that can be automatically given by the multifunction device 10 (for example, the data ID) is specified from the host computer. Even if it is not, it can be automatically included in the related information and printed. If the original document on which the related information is printed is scanned by the multi-function peripheral 10, it can be reprinted with the same image quality as the original document using the print data stored in association with the data ID. Note that both the reprint process and the copy process are the same process in that a copy of the original document is created. In the present embodiment, the process for printing based on the stored print data is referred to as a reprint process. A process for printing based on image data obtained by scanning an image of a printed document is called a copy process, and the two processes are distinguished.

  The multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 12, a document feeding unit 20, an image reading unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a paper feeding unit 23, an image forming unit 24, a communication control unit 25, and a UI (user interface) controller. 26, UI 27, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 28, and HDD 29.

  The document feeding unit 20 is a so-called automatic document feeder, and includes a document placing table, a paper feed roller, a document discharge table, and a drive unit that drives the paper feed roller. The document feeder 20 separates the uppermost document one sheet at a time from the document stack placed on the document table by a paper feed roller, and conveys it onto a platen glass (not shown). Thereafter, the document is scanned by the image reading unit 21, and the scanned document is discharged to the document discharge table or returned to the document table again.

  The image reading unit 21 includes a platen glass as a document placement table, a document illumination lamp that illuminates a document placed on the platen glass, a scanner, and the like. The document placed on the platen glass is scanned by a scanner that reciprocates in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown). Reflected light from the original illuminated by the original illumination lamp is imaged on a CCD sensor constituting the scanner and converted into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is captured as image data.

  The image processing unit 22 performs various image processing such as density adjustment on the image data input from the image reading unit 21. Also, a process for rasterizing data in the PDL format into a bitmap format is performed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 22 has a function of a two-dimensional code reader. More specifically, when the image data printed at a specific position in the margin of the document and read by the image reading unit 21 is recognized by the two-dimensional code reader function and the image data can be recognized as a two-dimensional code, Information indicated by the dimension code is output to a CPU 14 (described later).

  The sheet feeding unit 23 is configured to convey a recording sheet from a multi-stage sheet tray (not shown) to the image forming unit 24, a sheet discharging path for discharging the plain paper and the tab sheet printed by the image forming unit 24, and these conveyances. The driving unit is configured to drive a plurality of conveying rollers disposed along the path and the paper discharge path.

  The image forming unit 24 prints an image on the recording paper conveyed by the paper feeding unit 23 based on the print data input from the host computer or the image data input from the image reading unit 21.

  The image forming unit 24 includes an exposure unit, a photoreceptor, a charger, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. After the photosensitive member is charged to a desired potential by the charger, laser light is irradiated from the exposure unit, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member. The exposure unit includes a laser output unit, a polygon mirror, and the like, and the laser light emitted from the exposure unit is modulated based on image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 22. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor is developed by a developing device and visualized as a toner image. The toner image visualized on the photosensitive member is transferred onto a recording sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 23 by a transfer unit. The recording sheet after transfer is pressurized and heated in a fixing device, and the transferred toner image is fixed. The recording sheet that has been fixed is discharged out of the MFP 10 by the sheet feeding section 23.

  The communication control unit 25 is connected to an external host computer via a network, and controls communication with the host computer.

  The UI 27 is composed of a touch panel display and has functions as a display unit and a designation unit. The UI 27 is controlled by a UI controller 26 connected to the CPU 14. The user can designate execution of reprint processing or the like, or designate the number of copies, etc., by touching the touch panel display with a fingertip or the like. In addition to the designation screen and setting screen for various functions, the operation state of the multifunction machine 10 and various messages are displayed on the touch panel display.

  The HDD 29 is controlled by an HDD controller 28 connected to the CPU 14. The HDD 29 stores print data input from the host computer, document image data read by the scan function, various setting information, and the like.

  The control unit 12 includes a CPU 14, a RAM 16, and a ROM 18. The CPU 14 performs basic control of the multifunction machine 10. A control program is written in the ROM 18. The RAM 16 is a work memory. In accordance with the program written in the ROM 18, the CPU 14 includes an original feeding unit 20, an image reading unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a paper feeding unit 23, an image forming unit 24, a communication control unit 25, a UI controller 26, and an HDD controller 28. Control each action.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of a printing process (a process of printing an original document) performed in the multifunction machine 10.

  In step 100, it is determined whether print data has been received from the host computer. If it is determined that the print data has been received, the process proceeds to step 102 to determine whether a print instruction for related information related to the print data has been received. Here, the print instruction of the related information received from the host computer includes reprint prohibition information and copy prohibition information. Here, the related information to be printed on the recording paper includes the above-described device ID and data ID in addition to the reprint prohibition information and the copy prohibition information. The device ID is a serial number unique to the MFP 10 in advance. Is set to be included in the related information as a device ID, and the data ID is programmed to be automatically given on the multifunction peripheral 10 side in the order of receiving the print instruction of the related information. It is not necessary to specify from.

  If it is determined in step 102 that an instruction to print related information has been received, an image is printed on a recording sheet based on the print data in step 104, and the apparatus ID and data ID are included in the received related information. The related information converted into the two-dimensional code format is printed at a specific position in the margin of the recording paper.

  In step 106, the received print data is stored in the HDD 29 in association with the automatically assigned data ID.

  On the other hand, if the related information print instruction is not received in step 102, the process proceeds to step 108, where the related information is not printed, and normal print processing for printing only the received print data on the recording paper is performed. .

  Here, a case has been described in which normal print processing is performed when a print instruction for related information is not received from the host computer. However, only device ID and data ID are always used as related information when printing. It may be converted into a two-dimensional code and printed on recording paper.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of reprint / copy processing performed in the multifunction machine 10. When the user sets an original document on the document table of the multifunction machine 10 and presses a start button (not shown) for starting copying, this flowchart is started.

  In step 300, the document transported from the document table to the platen glass is read by the image reading unit 21. The image data of the original read by the image reading unit 21 is processed by the image processing unit 22 and stored in the HDD 29 once.

  In step 302, based on the read image data, it is determined whether or not there is related information converted into the two-dimensional code format at a specific position of the margin of the recording sheet (has been recognized by the image processing unit 22). If it is determined that the related information has not been recognized, the reprint / copy process is terminated. If it is determined that the related information has been recognized, the process proceeds to step 304.

  In step 304, it is determined whether the device ID included in the recognized related information is the ID of the own device, and it is determined whether the target document is a document printed by the own device. If the recognized device ID is the ID of the own device, the process proceeds to step 306. In the present embodiment, the reprint process is performed only on a document printed together with related information by the own apparatus. Therefore, if the device ID included in the related information does not match the ID of the own device, it is determined that the document is not a document printed by the own device, a negative determination is made here, and the process proceeds to step 322 to perform reprint processing. Absent.

  In step 306, it is determined whether print data is stored in the HDD 29 in association with the data ID included in the recognized related information. If it is determined that the print data is stored in the HDD 29, the process proceeds to step 308.

  In step 308, an instruction screen for instructing the user whether or not to reprint is displayed on the UI 27, and it is determined whether or not the user instructs reprinting on the instruction screen. If it is determined that a reprint instruction has been given, the process proceeds to step 310.

  In step 310, it is determined whether the reprint prohibition information included in the related information recognized above indicates reprint prohibition or reprint permission. If the reprint prohibition information indicates reprint permission, the process proceeds to step 312.

  In step 312, a designation screen for allowing the user to designate print conditions is displayed on the UI 27. In this designation screen, the number of copies to be reprinted, the range of pages to be reprinted, and designation of whether or not to perform N-up printing (N-up printing is N pages for one side of a recording medium (N is an integer of 2 or more) )), It is possible to specify whether or not the reprinted recording medium is stapled. The user can specify these specified items via the UI 27.

  In step 314, it is determined whether a print condition is designated by the user. Here, if it is determined that the printing condition is designated by the user, the process proceeds to step 316 and is stored in the HDD 29 in association with the data ID included in the related information recognized from the document under the designated printing condition. Based on the print data being printed, control is performed so that the image forming unit 24 forms an image (reprinting is performed). In order to recognize that the printed matter is a reprint, a character or mark indicating the reprint may be printed in the margin of the reprinted image, or the reprinted image is a reprint. A watermark character or watermark image indicating that may be superimposed and printed.

  On the other hand, if the reprint prohibition information indicates prohibition of reprinting in step 310, the process proceeds to step 320 and a reprint prohibition message is displayed on the UI 27.

  After the reprint prohibition message is displayed in step 320, or if a negative determination is made in steps 304, 306, and 308, an instruction screen for instructing the user whether or not to copy is displayed on the UI 27 in step 322. Then, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed copying on this instruction screen. If it is determined here that the user has issued a copy instruction, the process proceeds to step 324.

  In step 324, it is determined whether the copy prohibition information included in the recognized related information indicates copy prohibition or permission. If it is determined that the copy prohibition information indicates copy prohibition, in step 326, a copy prohibition message is displayed on the UI 27, and the reprint / copy process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 324 that the copy prohibition information indicates copy permission, normal copy processing is performed in step 328. That is, the image reading unit 21 scans an image of a document to capture image data, and the image forming unit 24 prints the image on a recording medium based on the image data. Therefore, the image quality of the copy process is deteriorated compared to the reprint process.

  As described above, when a document is copied, reprinting is performed based on the print data stored in the HDD 29, so that a copy result can be obtained without deterioration in image quality and at the time of reprinting. Since the print conditions can be specified in detail by the user, the user can obtain a desired print result.

  In the above embodiment, the print data used for reprinting is stored even after the reprinting process is finished. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print used for the reprinting process after the reprinting process is finished. Data may be deleted from the HDD 29. As a result, it is possible to restrict the reprint process from being performed many times. Also, the required storage capacity can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the reprint prohibition information included in the related information is information indicating whether or not reprinting is simply prohibited has been described as an example. Information indicating that reprinting is prohibited may be used. In this case, a user who permits reprinting is registered in the multifunction device 10 in advance, and the process of step 310 is replaced with a process of performing user authentication to determine whether or not the user is a registered user. If it is determined that the user is a registered user, the process proceeds to step 312 to perform reprint processing. If the authentication fails, the user is determined to be a user other than the registered user, and the process proceeds to step 320. Thus, it is possible to perform processing when reprinting is prohibited.

  Note that print data for one page may always be stored in association with one data ID. However, for example, when printing an image of a plurality of pages with one output job, the same data is printed on the plurality of pages. The same related information including the data ID can be printed, and the HDD 29 can store the print data for the plurality of pages in association with one data ID. When stored in this way, when reprinting, all of a plurality of pages are stored based on the print data stored in association with the data ID included in the related information obtained by reading one original. Can be reprinted. That is, when reprinting a plurality of pages of a document printed in one output job, all pages can be reprinted by simply reading one of the plurality of pages.

  In the above embodiment, the print data is stored in the HDD 29 that is fixedly provided in the multifunction machine 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print data can be connected using a removable CD-RW, DVD, or USB. You may make it memorize | store in a possible external storage device. Alternatively, it may be stored in a computer connected via a network and read out from the computer via the network when reprinting. In the above embodiment, since print data is stored in the HDD 29, reprinting must be prohibited unless the device ID of the recognized related information is the ID of the own device (step 304 in FIG. 3). In this way, if it is stored in an external storage device, a removable storage device, or a computer connected to a network, reprinting is possible even if it is not an original printed on the device itself. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which related information is printed on a recording medium in the form of a two-dimensional code has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a one-dimensional barcode, OCR font, glyph code, etc. The image may be printed in various formats, or may be embedded as a digital watermark in the image to be printed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the device ID, the data ID, the reprint prohibition information, and the copy prohibition information are included in the related information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an instruction to print an original document May include the identification code for identifying the host computer that has output, the print date and time when the original document was printed, the print information such as the resolution when the original document was printed, the number of print pages, and the like. If such information is included in the related information and printed, the information can be used for reprint processing or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which print data is sequentially stored in the HDD 29 each time an instruction to print related information is received from the host computer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if there is no information print instruction, the print data may always be sequentially stored in the HDD 29. The storage area for storing print data is a circular buffer of a predetermined size, and when the free space of the circular buffer becomes insufficient when new print data is stored, the oldest stored print data is deleted and a new one is stored. You may make it accumulate | store print data. Alternatively, print data that has not been used for the longest time may be deleted and new print data may be stored. As a result, new print data can be stored instead of old print data that can be regarded as being used infrequently, and the storage capacity can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which only reprint processing is executed as processing related to print data has been described. However, editing processing for editing stored print data, deletion processing for deleting print data from the HDD 29, and the like are executed. You may do it. Further, these processes may be appropriately selected by the user.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the user can select an executable processing option regarding print data when a document on which related information is printed is scanned. In this embodiment, when the original document is printed, this option information is included in the related information and printed.

  The processing from Step 400 to Step 406 is the same as the processing from Step 300 to Step 306 in FIG.

  If the determination in step 406 is affirmative, in step 408, the processing content option is displayed on the UI 27 from the option information included in the recognized related information. For example, if the option information includes reprint processing, editing processing, and deletion processing, these are displayed as options.

  In step 410, it is determined whether or not any one of the displayed options has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the user has selected, the process proceeds to step 412 to execute processing relating to print data according to the selected processing content. To do.

  If a negative determination is made in step 404 or step 406, the process proceeds to step 420 to perform a copy process. The processing in steps 420 to 426 is the same as the processing in steps 322 to 328 in FIG.

  Next, the process related to the print data executed in step 412 will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the reprint process executed in step 412 when the reprint process is selected in step 410.

  In step 500, it is determined whether the reprint prohibition information included in the related information recognized above indicates reprint prohibition or permission. If the reprint prohibition information indicates reprint permission, the process proceeds to step 502.

  In step 502, a designation screen for allowing the user to designate print conditions is displayed on the UI 27. In this designation screen, various print conditions can be designated as in the designation screen described with reference to FIG.

  In step 504, it is determined whether a print condition has been designated by the user. If it is determined that the print conditions are designated by the user, the process proceeds to step 506, and the print data stored in the HDD 29 in association with the data ID recognized from the document under the designated print conditions. Based on the above, control is performed so that the image forming unit 24 forms an image (reprinting is performed).

  On the other hand, if the reprint prohibition information indicates prohibition of reprinting in step 500, the process proceeds to step 508, a reprint prohibition message is displayed on the UI 27, and the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the deletion process executed in step 412 when the deletion process is selected in step 410. Here, it is assumed that the user authentication is performed and the deletion process is programmed only when the user is authenticated.

  In step 600, an authentication process is performed. Specifically, the user is made to input a user ID, and it is determined whether or not the user ID matches a registered user ID registered in advance.

  In step 602, it is determined whether authentication is OK. If the input user ID matches the registered user ID, the authentication is OK, and if they do not match, the authentication is NG. If it is determined that the authentication is not successful, the processing routine is terminated without deleting the data. If it is determined that the authentication is OK, a message to delete the data is displayed on the UI 27. Here, a cancel button is also displayed and programmed so that the user can cancel the deletion instruction.

  In step 606, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been selected by the user and the deletion instruction has been cancelled. If it is determined that the deletion instruction has been canceled, the processing routine is terminated without deleting the data. If it is determined that the deletion instruction has not been canceled, the print data is deleted from the HDD 29.

  When the editing process is selected in step 410, the editing process is executed in step 412. Although illustration is omitted, first, user authentication is performed similarly to steps 600 to 602. If the user authentication is OK, the user is allowed to freely edit the print data.

  In this manner, processing option information relating to executable print data is printed in advance on the original document as related information, and when the original document is scanned, processing selected by the user from the options is executed. By doing so, it is possible to easily execute the process desired by the user. Also in this case, more detailed processing can be executed by allowing the user to specify print conditions and the like.

  In the above description, the reprint process, the delete process, and the edit process have been described as examples that can be processed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, reprinting in which print conditions are set so that 2-up printing is performed. Even in the same reprint process such as a process or a reprint process for reprinting in black and white instead of color, reprint processes with different print conditions may be included in the related information as different options. As a result, the user can easily select and execute more various processes, and the processing efficiency is improved.

  In addition, it is possible to execute a plurality of processes continuously or in combination in one scan of the original document.

  In the above embodiment, the user specifies not only the processing related to the print data but also the detailed settings related to the processing (print conditions, etc.) before the processing. The content information is included in the related information in advance and printed on the original document, and the processing related to the print data is automatically executed according to the processing content information included in the related information simply by scanning the original document. It can also be done.

  Specifically, in the original document, processing information indicating what processing (reprint processing, deletion processing, etc.) is related to the print data to be executed is related information such as a device ID and a data ID. In addition, it is printed together with the image of the print data in the form of a two-dimensional code or the like.

  Furthermore, if the processing information is a reprint process, the number of copies to be reprinted, the page range to be reprinted, and whether or not to perform N-up printing (N-up printing is equivalent to N pages for one side of the recording medium). (N is an printing method in which print data is allocated and printed with an integer of 2 or more), designation as to whether or not the reprinted recording medium is stapled, resolution, number of copies, necessity of printing of printed date, etc. More detailed setting information can be included in the processing information. If the process related to the print data to be executed is an edit process, the process information can include setting information for setting the edit type (for example, rotation process, reduction process, etc.) and details of edit contents. For example, if the edit type is a rotation process, the rotation angle can be included in the process information, and if the edit type is a reduction process, a magnification or the like can be included in the process information.

  When the multifunction device 10 scans the original document, the multifunction device 10 executes processing related to the print data stored in association with the data ID included in the related information according to the processing information included in the related information. As a result, the user can execute processing relating to print data such as reprint processing and editing processing that are set in a complicated manner without having to specify complicated settings each time by scanning the original document. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction apparatus is described as an example of the image processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a reading apparatus corresponding to the format of related information to be printed (for example, a barcode is used). A printer or a computer provided with a barcode reader or the like may be used.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing process (a process for printing an original document) performed in the multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of reprint / copy processing performed in the multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a user can select an executable processing option regarding print data when a document on which related information is printed is scanned. 10 is a flowchart of a reprint processing subroutine that is executed when a reprint process is selected when a user can select an executable process option related to print data. 10 is a flowchart of a subroutine of a deletion process that is executed when a deletion process is selected when a user can select an executable process option related to print data.

Explanation of symbols

10 MFP 12 Controller 14 CPU
16 RAM
18 ROM
21 Image reading unit 22 Image processing unit 23 Paper feeding unit 24 Image forming unit 25 Communication control unit 27 UI
29 HDD

Claims (14)

Storage means for storing print data and an identification code for identifying the print data in association with each other;
Reading means for reading related information printed on a recording medium on which an image based on print data and related information including an identification code for identifying the print data are printed;
Designating means for designating execution of processing relating to print data stored in association with an identification code included in the related information read by the reading means;
Control means for controlling the processing relating to the print data to be executed based on the designation result of the designation means;
An image processing apparatus.   The processing relating to the stored print data includes reprint processing for reprinting based on the stored print data, editing processing for editing the stored print data, and storing the stored print data from the storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is one of deletion processes to be deleted.   The related information is printed on the recording medium as an electronic watermark with respect to the image based on the print data, or predetermined in a margin when the image based on the print data is printed on the recording medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is printed on the recording medium in a format.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined format is one of a glyph code, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an OCR font.   The related information printed together with the image on the recording medium includes a device identification code for identifying the image and a device that has printed the related information, and a host identification for identifying a host computer that has instructed printing of the image and the related information. Whether to prohibit reprinting based on the stored print data in association with the code, the date and time of printing of the image, the print condition of the image, the number of print pages of the image, and the identification code included in the related information 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of reprint prohibition information indicating the above. The related information printed together with the image on the recording medium further includes option information indicating executable processing options related to print data stored in association with an identification code included in the related information,
The specifying means is configured to be able to specify any one of the options indicated by the option information included in the related information read by the reading means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control such that processing of an option designated by the designation unit is executed.   The storage means is any one of a storage means detachable from the image processing apparatus main body, a storage means fixedly installed to the image processing apparatus main body, and a storage means connected via a network. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6.   Specifying the number of copies to be reprinted, the range of pages to be reprinted, and whether or not to reprint N pages (N is an integer of 2 or more) of print data for one side of the recording medium; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one designation of whether or not the reprinted recording medium is stapled. The storage means stores print data for a plurality of pages in association with one identification code,
The control unit performs control based on a designation result of the designation unit so that processing relating to print data of all pages stored in association with an identification code included in the read related information is executed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   10. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a display unit for displaying that reprinting is prohibited when the reprinting prohibition information included in the related information read by the reading unit indicates that reprinting is prohibited. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   When reprint prohibition information included in the related information read by the reading means indicates prohibition of reprinting by a user other than the registered user, the fact that reprinting is prohibited is displayed to the user other than the registered user. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a display unit configured to display the display unit.   When the control means performs control so that a reprint process for reprinting based on the stored print data is executed as a process relating to the print data, the text or mark indicating reprinting is reprinted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled so as to be printed together with a print image.   The control unit is configured to delete the print data used for the reprinting process from the storage unit after the reprinting process for reprinting based on the stored print data is executed as the process related to the print data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is controlled as follows. Storage means for storing print data and an identification code for identifying the print data in association with each other;
Reading means for reading the related information printed on the recording medium on which the image based on the print data, the identification code for identifying the print data, and the related information including the processing information indicating the content of the processing related to the print data are printed;
Control means for controlling processing related to the print data stored in association with the identification code included in the related information read by the reading means, according to the processing information included in the related information;
An image processing apparatus.

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