JP2009251168A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of flexibly changing arrangement of a two-dimensional code. <P>SOLUTION: A scanner part 14 reads one original 20 and generates image data 141. When the image data 141 is front-side image data 21 (Yes in step S102), the front-side image data 21 is stored in a memory 112. When the image data 141 are a back-side image data 22 (No in step S102), a code information processing part 113 segments a back-side code 221 from the back-side image data 22. An image synthesizing part 114 adds the back-side code 221 and an identification message 222 showing that it is the back-side code 221 to the front-side image data 21 (step S110), and the identification message 222 is added to the back-side image data 22 (step S111). The front-side image data 21 and the back-side image data 22 are printed on both surfaces, and a copy document 30 is output in which the two-dimensional codes are put together. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints image data on both sides of a printing sheet.

  When printing original data such as document data or image data, a two-dimensional code is conventionally printed together with the original data. In the two-dimensional code, for example, information related to document data such as a document data creator name, a change history, and storage destination information is recorded. For example, the user can read a two-dimensional code image printed on printing paper and acquire data that is an original of a printed matter.

  A technique related to a two-dimensional code is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus according to Patent Document 1 extracts a two-dimensional code from image data corresponding to a printed material when the printed material on which the two-dimensional code is printed is reduced. Then, the reduced image data and the same-size two-dimensional code are arranged in the print area, thereby creating a copy document.

JP 2006-259045 A

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to Patent Document 1 creates a copy document by multiplying only the two-dimensional code at the same magnification when copying a printed material on which the two-dimensional code is printed. This prevents the image data including the two-dimensional code from being reduced, and prevents the two-dimensional code from being read. It is assumed that such a function is used for, for example, an aggregate copy that copies a plurality of pages of a document on which a two-dimensional code is printed onto a single print sheet.

  In addition, the user sometimes makes a double-sided copy of a printed matter in which a different two-dimensional code is printed on each page. In this case, different two-dimensional codes are printed on the front and back surfaces of the printing paper. However, when reading a two-dimensional code from a printing paper having a two-dimensional code printed on both sides, the user must perform a task of reading the two-dimensional code on the front surface and a task of reading the two-dimensional code on the back surface. As described above, as a result of double-sided copying of the printed matter on which the two-dimensional code is printed, there is a possibility that the reading operation of the two-dimensional code becomes complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can flexibly change the arrangement of a two-dimensional code.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is printed on the front surface of the printing paper, the code information processing unit for extracting the back-side code information included in the back-side image data printed on the back surface of the printing paper. An image composition unit that synthesizes the front side image data and the extracted back side code information to create composite image data, prints the composite image data on the surface of the printing paper, and the back side image data to the printing paper And a printing unit for printing on the back surface of the printer.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the code information processing unit includes a front side code region specifying unit that specifies a display region of front side code information included in the front side image data. The image composition unit creates the composite image data by arranging the back side code information at a position not overlapping the display area of the front side code information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the code information processing unit includes a front side code information extracting unit that extracts front side code information included in the front side image data, and the image The synthesis unit includes an image reduction unit that reduces the front-side image data to create reduced image data. The image synthesis unit includes the reduced image data, the extracted front-side code information, and the extracted front-side code information. The composite image data is created by arranging the back side code information at a position that does not overlap each other.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, a front side code replacement unit that further replaces the front side code information included in the reduced image data with identification information for identifying the front side code information, It is characterized by providing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the back side code information included in the back side image data is further identified as identification information for identifying the back side code information. And a backside code replacement unit that replaces with.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention extracts back side code information included in the back side image data, and creates composite image data by combining the back side code information and the front side image data. The composite image data is printed on the front side of the printing paper, and the back side image data is printed on the back side of the printing paper. As a result, the code information can be printed together on one side of the printing paper, so that the code information can be easily read.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention arranges the back side code information at a position that does not overlap with the front side code information when creating the composite image data. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring when reading the front side code information and the back side code information.

  In addition, when creating the composite image data, the image forming apparatus of the present invention arranges the front side code information, the back side code information, and the reduced image data obtained by reducing the front side image data at positions that do not overlap each other. Thereby, since the back side code information is printed in a state where it does not overlap with the front side image data, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error when reading the back side code information.

{First embodiment}
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a copying machine will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of collecting two-dimensional codes on one side of printing paper when performing double-sided copying. The copier 1 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a touch panel display 13, a scanner unit 14, and a printer unit 15.

  The control unit 11 includes a double-sided copy management unit 111, a memory 112, a code information processing unit 113, an image composition unit 114, and a microprocessor (not shown). The microprocessor performs overall control of the copying machine 1.

  The operation unit 12 includes a hardware key for inputting various instructions to the copying machine 1. The touch panel display 13 displays information related to the copying machine 1 and various operation menus. The user can perform various operations of the copying machine 1 using the operation unit 12 and the touch panel display 13.

  The scanner unit 14 reads one side of the document 20 set on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or the like, and outputs image data 141, 141,... Corresponding to each page. The printer unit 15 has a double-sided printing function, and prints image data 141 created by the scanner unit 14 on printing paper according to various setting conditions.

  Next, each functional unit of the control unit 11 will be described. The double-sided copy management unit 111 determines whether the image data 141 created by the scanner unit 14 is the front side image data 21 printed on the front side of the printing paper or the back side image data 22 printed on the back side. The memory 112 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily stores image data 141 or the like created by the scanner unit 14. The code information processing unit 113 performs processing related to a two-dimensional code. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) is used as the two-dimensional code. The image synthesis unit 114 synthesizes the two-dimensional code extracted by the code information processing unit 113 and the front side image data 21.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing when the copying machine 1 having the above-described configuration executes double-sided copying will be described in detail.

  First, the user sets the document 20 on the ADF of the scanner unit 14. Setting information related to double-sided copying is input from the operation unit 12 or the touch panel display 13. At this time, the user inputs setting information regarding the arrangement of the two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code arrangement setting screen 131.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the two-dimensional code arrangement setting screen 131 displayed on the touch panel display 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the user uses the selection button 132 to select one of the normal mode, the two-dimensional code table aggregation mode, and the two-dimensional code area creation mode. When the determination button 133 is pressed, the mode selected by the user is input as setting information regarding the arrangement of the two-dimensional code.

  In the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code table aggregation mode will be described in detail, and the two-dimensional code area creation mode will be described in detail in the second embodiment. Since the normal mode is normal double-sided copying, detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the document 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the front side image data 21 is printed on one side of the first sheet 201 of the document 20, and the back side image data 22 is printed on one side of the second sheet 202. The front side image data 21 and the back side image data 22 are respectively provided with a front side code 211 and a back side code 221 as a two-dimensional code in which information about each image data is recorded.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a copy document 30 in which the original 20 is copied on both sides in the two-dimensional code front side aggregation mode. On the front surface 31 of the copy document 30, front side image data 21, a back side code 221 and an identification message 222 are printed. The identification message 222 indicates that the back side code 221 is a two-dimensional code corresponding to the back side image data 22, and is arranged below the back side code 221.

  Further, the back side image data 22 is printed on the back side 32 of the copy document 30. However, the back side code 221 is replaced with the identification message 222. In this way, in the two-dimensional code front side aggregation mode, the front side code 211 and the back side code 221 are aggregated and printed on the front surface 31.

  Next, the user operates the operation unit 12 or the touch panel display 13 to instruct the start of double-sided copying. As a result, the copying machine 1 starts double-sided copying. First, the double-sided copy management unit 111 initializes the code management information 23. The code management information 23 is information in which an ID assigned to a two-dimensional code is associated with arrangement information indicating an area where the two-dimensional code is arranged in each image data. Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the copying machine 1 when the two-dimensional code table side aggregation mode is executed. The scanner unit 14 reads one document 20 set on the ADF and creates image data 141 (step S101). The scanner unit 14 counts the number of read sheets every time one original 20 is read.

  Next, the double-sided copy management unit 111 determines whether the image data 141 is the front side image data 21 or the back side image data 22 (step S102). When the read number is an odd number, it is determined that the image data 141 is the front image data 21. When the read number is an even number, it is determined that the image data 141 is the back side image data 22.

  When the image data 141 is the front side image data 21 (Yes in step S102), the code information processing unit 113 detects the front side code 211 from the front side image data 21 and creates arrangement information of the front side code 211 (step S103). . The duplex copy managing unit 111 assigns ID “1” to the front side code 211 (step S104), and associates the ID “1” with the arrangement information of the front side code 211. Thereby, the code management information 23 is updated. The front image data 21 is stored in the memory 112 (step S105).

  If the document remains in the ADF of the scanner unit 14 (Yes in step S106), the copying machine 1 returns to the process shown in step S101. On the other hand, when there is no document in the ADF of the scanner unit 14 (No in step S106), the printer unit 15 prints the front side image data 21 (step S107), and the processing shown in FIG.

  Here, the description returns to step S102. When the image data 141 is the back side image data 22 (No in step S102), the code information processing unit 113 creates arrangement information of the back side code 221 and cuts out the back side code 221 from the back side image data 22 (step S108). The double-sided copy management unit 111 assigns ID “2” to the back side code 221 (step S109). The code management information 23 is updated by associating the ID “2” with the arrangement information of the back side code 221.

  Next, the image composition unit 114 adds the back side code 221 and the identification message 222 to the front side image data 21 (step S110). The image composition unit 114 adds the back side code 221 to the front side image data 21 so as not to overlap the front side code 211. The area to which the back side code 221 is added is determined based on the arrangement information of the front side code 211 recorded in the code management information 23. An identification message 222 is arranged below the added back side code 221. 4, the identification message 222 has contents corresponding to the ID “2” of the back side code 221 and is described as “two-dimensional code No. 2”.

  Note that an identification message 212 (see FIG. 6 described later) corresponding to the front side code 211 may be added below the front side code 211. In this case, the identification message 212 has contents corresponding to the ID “1” of the front code 211 and is described as “two-dimensional code No. 1”.

  Further, the image composition unit 114 adds the identification message 222 to the area where the back side code 221 of the back side image data 22 is arranged (step S111). At this time, the arrangement information of the back side code 211 recorded in the code management information 23 is used.

  After the processing shown in step S111, the printer unit 15 executes double-sided printing processing using the front side image data 21 and the back side image data 22 (step S112). As a result, the copy document 30 is output. If the document 20 remains in the ADF of the scanner unit 14 (Yes in step S113), the copying machine 1 returns to the process shown in step S101. Note that the double-sided copy management unit 111 may initialize the code management information 23 when returning to the process shown in step S101 after the double-sided printing process (step S112). On the other hand, if there is no document in the ADF of the scanner unit 14 (No in step S113), the copying machine 1 ends the process shown in FIG.

  As described above, the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment normally prints on the back surface 32 of the copy document 30 when performing double-sided copying of the document 20 having a two-dimensional code printed on each page. The back side code 221 is printed on the front surface 31 of the copy document 30. Thereby, a user's burden at the time of reading a two-dimensional code can be reduced.

{Second Embodiment}
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking a copying machine as an example. The configuration of the copier according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the copier 1 shown in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the copying machine 1 creates the copy document 40 based on the two-dimensional code area creation mode. In the present embodiment, detailed description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the above-described two-dimensional code area creation mode will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a copy document 40 created based on the two-dimensional code area creation mode. On the back side 42 of the copy document 40, as with the back side 32 of the copy document 30, an identification message 222 is printed instead of the back side code 221.

  However, on the front surface 41 of the copy document 40, the composite image data 24 is printed instead of the front image data 21. The composite image data 24 includes reduced front side image data 21, a front side code 211, a back side code 221, and identification messages 212 and 222. In the composite image data 24, the front side code 211 and the back side code 221 are arranged outside the reduced front side image data 21 at positions that do not overlap each other. Also, identification messages 212 and 222 for the user to identify each two-dimensional code are arranged below the front side code 211 and the back side code 221. In the reduced front image data 21, the front code 211 is replaced with an identification message 212.

  In the copy document 30 created in the two-dimensional code front side aggregation mode, the back side code 221 may overlap with a graphic drawn on the front side image data 21. In this case, an error in reading the back side code 221 may occur. On the other hand, in the copy document 40 created in the two-dimensional code area creation mode, the back side code 221 is arranged outside the front side image data 21, so that it is possible to prevent the reading error of the back side code 221 from occurring.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the copying machine 1 in the two-dimensional code area creation mode will be described. When the user selects the two-dimensional code area creation mode and instructs the start of double-sided copying, the copying machine 1 starts the process shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the copying machine 1 in the two-dimensional code area creation mode.

  First, the double-sided copy management unit 111 initializes the code management information 23. The scanner unit 14 reads one document 20 and creates image data 141 (step S201). The double-sided copy management unit 111 determines whether the image data 141 is the front side image data 21 or the back side image data 22 (step S202).

  When the image data 141 is the front side image data 21 (Yes in step S202), the code information processing unit 113 creates arrangement information of the front side code 211 and cuts out the front side code 211 from the front side image data 21 (step S203). The duplex copy managing unit 111 assigns ID “1” to the front side code 211 (step S204). The code management information 23 is updated by associating the ID “1” with the arrangement information of the front-side code 211. The front side image data 21 and the cut out front side code 211 are stored in the memory 112 (step S205). The processes shown in steps S206 and S207 are the same as the processes shown in steps S106 and S107.

  On the other hand, when the image data 141 is the back side image data 22 in step S202 (No in step S202), the code information processing unit 113 creates arrangement information of the back side code 221 and the back side code 221 is obtained from the back side image data 22. Cut out (step S208). The double-sided copy management unit 111 assigns ID “2” to the back side code 221 (step S209). The code management information 23 is updated by associating the ID “2” with the arrangement information of the back side code 221.

  Next, the code information processing unit 113 regenerates the front side code 211 and the back side code 221 (step S210). The code information processing unit 113 decodes the front side code 211 and acquires the recording information recorded in the front side code 211. Then, the code information processing unit 113 regenerates information including the recorded information and the identification message 212 as the front side code 211. The back side code 221 is also regenerated in the same manner. Note that the processing shown in step S210 may be omitted according to user settings or the like.

  Next, the image composition unit 114 creates composite image data 24 obtained by combining the front side image data 21, the front side code 211, and the back side code 221 (step S211). The image composition unit 114 refers to the code management information 23 and adds the identification message 222 to the area where the back side code 221 of the back side image data 22 is arranged (step S212).

  Here, the process shown in step S211 will be described in detail. The image composition unit 114 reduces the front image data 21. Also, white background image data having the same size as the original size of the front side image data 21 is created. The reduced front side image data 21 is arranged on the lower left side of the white background image data, and the regenerated front side code 211 and the rear side code 221 are arranged on the upper side of the white background image data. Further, an identification message 212 is arranged below the front side code 211 and in an area corresponding to the front side code 211 of the reduced front side image data 21. An identification message 222 is arranged below the back side code 221. Thereby, the composite image data 24 is created.

  After the processing shown in step S212, the printer unit 15 executes double-sided printing processing using the composite image data 24 and the back side image data 21 (step 213). As a result, the copy document 40 is output. Since the process shown in step S214 is the same as the process shown in step S213, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the front side image data 21 and arranges the front side code 211 and the back side code 221 outside the reduced front side image data 21. Thereby, compared with the copy document 30, an error when reading the back side code 221 can be prevented.

  Further, the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment regenerates the front side code 211 including the identification message 212 and the back side code 221 including the identification message 222 and prints it on the copy document 40. For this reason, when the front side code 211 and the back side code 221 printed on the front surface 41 of the copy document 40 are read, the user can immediately determine which image data the acquired information corresponds to.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the front side code 211 is arranged outside the reduced front side image data 21 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying machine 1 may leave the front side code 211 arranged in the reduced front side image data 21. However, as the front image data 21 is reduced, the reading accuracy of the front code 211 may be reduced. For this reason, when the size of the front side code 211 falls below a predetermined size due to the reduction of the front side image data 21, the copying machine 1 may be arranged outside the front side image data 21 obtained by reducing the front side code 211.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the number of two-dimensional codes printed on each page is one has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of back side codes 221, 221... May be arranged in the back side image data 22. In this case, the copying machine 1 may repeat the processing shown in steps S108 (S208) and S109 (S209) as many times as the number of the back side codes 221. The same applies to the front side image data 21.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example in which the two-dimensional code was printed on each page was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, the front side code 211 may not be arranged in the front side image data 21. If the front side code 211 cannot be detected from the front side image data 21, the copying machine 1 may omit the processes shown in steps S103 (S203) to S105 (S205). The same applies to the back side image data 22.

  In the above-described embodiment, the document 20 printed on one side has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the ADF of the scanner unit 14 can read both sides of the document 20, the front side image data 21 and the back side image data 22 may be printed on both sides of the document 20.

  Moreover, although the code information processing part 113 demonstrated the example which cuts out the back side code | cord | chord 221 in the said embodiment, it is not restricted to this. For example, the code information processing unit 113 may leave the back side code 221 in the back side image data 22 in step S108. In this case, the identification message 222 added to the back side image data 22 may be arranged below the back side code 221. The same applies to the front code 211.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the screen which sets arrangement | positioning of a two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows an example of a manuscript. It is a figure which shows the copy document produced in the two-dimensional code table side aggregation mode. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the copying machine according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the copy document produced in the two-dimensional code area | region production mode. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of a copying machine according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 11 Control part 12 Operation part 13 Touch panel type display 14 Scanner part 15 Printer part 111 Duplex copy management part 112 Memory 113 Code information processing part 114 Image composition part

Claims (5)

A code information processing unit for extracting back side code information included in the back side image data printed on the back side of the printing paper;
An image composition unit that composes the front side image data printed on the surface of the printing paper and the extracted back side code information to create composite image data;
Printing the composite image data on the front side of the printing paper, and printing the back side image data on the back side of the printing paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The code information processing unit
A front side code area specifying unit for specifying a display area of front side code information included in the front side image data;
Including
The image forming apparatus creates the composite image data by arranging the back side code information at a position not overlapping the display area of the front side code information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The code information processing unit
A front side code information extraction unit for extracting front side code information included in the front side image data;
Including
The image composition unit
An image reduction unit that reduces the front-side image data to create reduced image data;
Including
The image composition unit creates the composite image data by arranging the reduced image data, the extracted front side code information, and the extracted back side code information at positions that do not overlap each other. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:
A front-side code replacement unit that replaces the front-side code information included in the reduced image data with identification information that identifies the front-side code information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A back side code replacement unit that replaces the back side code information included in the back side image data with identification information for identifying the back side code information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

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