JP2010139835A - Image processor, image forming apparatus, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dot image having excellent light-resistance, and having a stable shape, regardless of types of recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: Regarding a code pattern image having an image structure 1, dots D are formed on the surface of the recording paper, and transparent toner images TF are formed in a dot formation area where the dots D are formed and in a surrounding area contacting with the dot formation area on the surface of the recording paper. The dot D means the dot image showing information with the arrangement of a plurality of dots D. Regarding the code pattern image, the transparent toner image is formed around the dot D, the deformation of the dot D due to toner dispersion is suppressed, regardless of properties of recording paper. Besides, external light projected onto the recording paper is shielded by the transparent toner image TF, it becomes difficult for the external light to project onto the dot D, accordingly, the dot D is excellent in light-resistance. Besides, the image forming apparatus is only required to specify an area to form the transparent toner image TF and the dot D and transfer the toner image, then, the system is simplified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a recording medium, and a program.

A technique for improving the quality of an image formed on a recording medium is known. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique in which transparent toner is arranged in the background portion of a colored image on a recording medium. Patent Document 3 discloses that a toner image is embedded in a transparent resin layer to obtain a color image having excellent glossiness. Patent Document 4 discloses that after a colored toner image is fixed, a transparent toner image is transferred onto the toner image to prevent bleeding.
JP-A-9-197858 JP 2001-312166 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-11982 JP 2001-122568 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for forming a dot-shaped image having excellent light resistance and a stable shape regardless of a recording medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention controls a first image forming unit to form a dot-shaped first image on a surface of a recording medium using a color material. And a surrounding area in contact with the area where the first image is formed on the surface of the recording medium, and a second image is formed using a color material different from the color material in the specified area Second control means for controlling the image forming means to cause the second image to be formed when or before the first image is formed on the recording medium. And a control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the first control unit forms a plurality of the first images on the recording medium, and the second control unit includes the second image. The surrounding region of each of the plurality of first images is specified so that the regions to be formed do not contact each other.
An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the first or second aspect, information is represented by an arrangement of the plurality of first images.
An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the color material used for forming the second image is an invisible color material. To do.
An image processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first, third, or fourth aspect, wherein the second control unit is an area used for image formation by the image forming unit on the surface of the recording medium. The second image is formed in the entire area where the first image is not formed among the areas determined as.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus controlled by the image processing apparatus having any one of the first to fifth aspects and the first or second control means of the image processing apparatus. And image forming means for forming an image by using the image forming means.
In the recording medium according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first and second images are formed by the image forming means of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling the image forming means to cause the computer to form a dot-shaped first image using a color material on the surface of the recording medium, and the recording The image forming means is controlled to identify a peripheral area in contact with the area where the first image is formed on the surface of the medium and form a second image using a color material different from the color material in the identified area. A second control unit configured to function as a second control unit that performs control so that the second image is formed when the first image is formed on the recording medium or before.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a dot-like image having excellent light resistance and a stable shape can be formed regardless of the recording medium as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image in which information is represented by the arrangement of a plurality of dot-like images can be formed with excellent light resistance and a stable shape regardless of the recording medium. .
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the difference in gloss at each position on the surface of the recording medium can be reduced as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is difficult to visually recognize the first image.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to form a point-like image having excellent light resistance and a stable shape regardless of the recording medium as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a point-like image having excellent light resistance and a stable shape regardless of the recording medium as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, the image by which information is represented by arrangement | positioning of several dotted | punctate images can be provided.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a dot-like image having excellent light resistance and a stable shape can be formed regardless of the recording medium as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

(Constitution)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.
The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that provides a work area, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various control programs, and is stored in the control program and the storage unit 20. Each part of the device is controlled according to the procedure described in the program. The storage unit 20 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various programs. The communication unit 30 is, for example, various modems for performing communication, and communicates with an external device such as a personal computer. The operation unit 40 includes a display surface, a transparent touch panel arranged on the display surface, and a plurality of operation keys. The operation unit 40 receives an operation from a user and notifies information by an image. The image forming unit 50 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer, and is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using toner.

Next, the structure of the image forming unit 50 will be specifically described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the image forming unit 50. The two-dot chain line shown in the drawing indicates the recording paper conveyance path.
The plurality of paper feed units 501 store recording papers of different sizes. The recording paper here is so-called “plain paper” made of pulp fiber. The paper feeding unit 501 sends out the recording paper at a timing instructed by the control unit 10. The paper transport roll 502 transports the recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 501 to a transfer area formed by the secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508.

  The exposure apparatus 503 includes a laser emission source, a polygon mirror, and the like, and irradiates laser light corresponding to image information toward each of the transfer units 504Y, 504M, 504C, 504K, 504I, and 504T. Transfer units 504Y, 504M, 504C, 504K, 504I, and 504T are respectively yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), infrared absorbing toner (I), and transparent toner ( A toner image is formed using T), and this is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 505. As shown in FIG. 2, transfer units 504Y, 504M, 504C, 504K, 504I, and 504T are arranged in order from the upstream side with respect to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 505 indicated by arrow B, and the toners of the respective colors in this order. The image is transferred. Note that the transfer units 504Y, 504M, 504C, 504K, 504I, and 504T differ only in the toner used, and there is no significant difference in their configuration. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of these descriptions, the alphabet at the end of the code indicating the toner color is omitted and referred to as “transfer unit 504”.

  The transfer unit 504 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, and a primary transfer roll. The photosensitive drum is an image carrier having a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, and is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the drawing by a driving unit (not shown). The charging device charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential. The surface of the charged photosensitive drum is exposed by the exposure device 503, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device is a tandem developing device that stores toner of any one of Y, M, C, K, I, and T, and generates a potential difference (developing bias) between the surface of the photosensitive drum. . The toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum due to this potential difference, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The primary transfer roll generates a potential difference at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 505 faces the photosensitive drum, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 505 by this potential difference.

Here, the infrared absorbing toner (I) and the transparent toner (T) will be described.
Infrared absorbing toner is an example of an invisible color material. This infrared absorbing toner has a degree of color development due to absorption of a specific wavelength in the visible light region (400 nm to 700 nm). For example, the maximum absorption rate in the visible light region is 7% or less. The toner has an absorptivity of 30% or more in the near infrared region (800 nm to 1000 nm). The transparent toner is, for example, a low molecular weight polyester resin obtained by externally adding SiO2 (silicon dioxide) or TiO2 (titanium dioxide), and is an example of an invisible color material that does not contain a colorant such as a pigment. Note that “invisible” here does not mean only those that are not completely recognizable by visual inspection, but that it is difficult to recognize at first glance or that it is hardly recognizable by visual inspection. To do.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The intermediate transfer belt 505 is an endless belt member, and the belt conveyance roll 506 stretches the intermediate transfer belt 505. At least one of the belt conveying rolls 506 has a drive unit, and moves the intermediate transfer belt 505 in the direction of arrow B in the drawing. At this time, the belt conveyance roll 506 having no driving unit rotates following the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 505. As the intermediate transfer belt 505 moves in the direction of arrow B in the figure, the toner image transferred by the transfer unit 504 moves to a transfer region formed by the secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508. .

The secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508 cause a potential difference at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 505 faces the recording paper, and the toner image is transferred to the recording paper by the potential difference. The fixing device 509 includes a heating roll 5091 and a pressure roll 5092. The toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is fixed on the recording sheet by heating and pressing the recording sheet with these roll members.
The configuration of the image forming unit 50 is as described above.

Returning to FIG.
The image processing unit 60 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a memory. The image processing unit 60 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 30, and executes various types of image processing based on the acquired image information. Image information sent from the external device is composed of three color components of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and the basis of the visible image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit 50. Image information. The visible image here is, for example, an image such as a document, a picture, a photograph, or a figure, and is formed using colored toner (here, C, M, Y, K) for the purpose of making the user visually recognize it. This is an image. The image processing unit 60 converts image information of R, G, and B color components into image information including color components used for processing of the image forming unit 50, and corresponds to Y, M, C, and C corresponding to colored toners. The image information is converted into image information of four color components of K. Further, the image processing unit 60 generates image information for causing the image forming unit 50 to form a code pattern image using infrared absorbing toner and transparent toner. The code pattern image is obtained by imaging identification information for identifying each recording sheet, and identification codes and position codes obtained by encoding position information representing coordinate positions on the recording sheet.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern image.
As shown in the figure, the code pattern image is an encoded image composed of a plurality of dot-like images (hereinafter referred to as “dots”). In the example shown in FIG. 3, black areas A1 and A2 correspond to areas where dots are arranged, and hatched areas A3 to A9 correspond to areas where dots are not arranged. The code pattern image is an image representing identification information and position information, and information is represented by arrangement of a plurality of dots. In the area on the recording paper on which the code pattern image is formed, the coverage of toner (dots) on the recording paper per unit area is approximately 8%. This code pattern image is formed over almost the entire recording paper. Further, the length of one direction of the dot is about 150 (μm; micrometer) at the maximum, which is an extremely fine image.
The above is the description of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

  When the detection device detects information from the code pattern image, infrared light is irradiated as irradiation light, and reflected light is received by a reading means such as a photodiode or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the code pattern is detected. Read the image. And a detection apparatus calculates | requires code information from the reading result of an infrared region, and converts it into original information. As described above, since the reading result of the infrared region is used, the detection device detects information based on the code pattern image from the recording paper on which the visible image and the code pattern image are formed.

  By the way, when a toner image is formed on the surface of the recording paper, the toner diffuses and blurs due to the properties of the recording paper, and the toner image may be formed in a larger area than the area where the toner is actually arranged. is there. The recording paper, which is plain paper, is configured in a sheet shape by entangling a number of fine thread-like pulp fibers, and there are voids. When toner is arranged on the surface of the recording paper having such a structure, the toner enters the gap, and there is a possibility that the toner may be diffused at a place other than the intended place.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional state of the recording paper on which the code pattern image is formed.
Immediately after the dot D of the code pattern image is formed on the recording paper, the dot D is arranged in the area shown in FIG. However, after that, as shown in FIG. 4B, the toner diffuses on the recording paper and the dots D are deformed. As a result, the adjacent dots D come into contact with each other, or the gap between the dots D becomes small. As described above, since the dot D is a fine image, if the toner image is deformed in this way, the detection device may not accurately detect information from the code pattern image. Even if a recording paper (recording medium) having a property that toner diffusion is difficult to occur is used, there are cases where there are restrictions in terms of cost, usage, and the like, and it is often not easy.

(Operation)
Next, an operation when the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image on a recording sheet will be described.
The image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image having an image structure described below on a recording sheet so as not to deform the dots constituting the code pattern image. Specifically, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes image information for forming dots D using infrared absorbing toner on the surface of the recording paper, and an area where dots on the surface of the recording paper are formed. The image processing unit 60 generates image information for forming a transparent toner image in the surrounding area in contact therewith. The control unit 10 and the image processing unit 60 are an example of first and second control units. A dot is an example of a first image, and a transparent toner image is an example of a second image. Then, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 50 to form an image on a recording sheet based on the image information that is the basis of the code pattern image and the image information that is the basis of the visible image. Specifically, the control unit 10 performs control for forming an image including a code pattern image of the image structures 1 and 2 described below on a recording sheet.
Subsequently, the code pattern images of the image structures 1 and 2 will be described. Note that description of the formation of the visible image is omitted.

(Image structure 1)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a recording sheet on which the code pattern image of the image structure 1 is formed.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the code pattern image of the image structure 1, the transparent toner image TF is formed in a donut shape only in the peripheral area in contact with the area where the dot D is formed and in the vicinity of the dot D. Is formed. More specifically, a region where the transparent toner image TF is formed is determined so that a plurality of dots D are formed on the surface of the recording paper and each region where the transparent toner image TF is formed does not contact each other. ing. The time when the transparent toner image TF is transferred to the recording paper is set to the time when the dots D are formed on the recording paper or before that, so that even if the dots D are deformed immediately after the recording paper is transferred, the transparent toner image TF is transparent. The deformation is blocked by the toner image TF. Thereby, the deformation of the dots D caused by the recording paper as described with reference to FIG. 4 does not occur. On the other hand, since the transparent toner image TF comes into contact with the recording paper, the transparent toner disposed on the surface diffuses, but is an invisible color material and does not adversely affect the reading of the code pattern image. Is hardly recognized. Further, since the transparent toner image TF suppresses the deformation of the dots D, it is sufficient if it is formed in a very small area around the transparent toner image TF. Depending on the accuracy of the image forming apparatus to be applied, for example, in the case of an image forming apparatus used as general office equipment, an area in the range of, for example, about 1.5 mm from the outer periphery of the dot D, substantially 1 mm. It is sufficient if a transparent toner image is formed on the surface. It should be noted that the size of this region is preferably determined at the design stage so as to be effective in preventing the deformation of the dot D.

Furthermore, for example, when a visible image representing a document is formed on a recording sheet, there is often a request from the user not to cause a high gloss feeling in the entire area. In response to this request, in the code pattern image of the image structure 1, the transparent toner image TF is only arranged in a very small area near the dot D, so that the transparent toner image TF is formed on the entire surface. Therefore, the user does not give the user a high glossiness due to the transparent toner image.
When forming the code pattern image of the image structure 1, the control unit 10 specifies a surrounding area in contact with the area where the dot D is formed, and sets image information for forming the transparent toner image TF in the specified area. Generate. As described above, the control unit 10 controls the image forming unit 50 so that the time when the transparent toner image TF is transferred to the recording paper is set to the time when the dots D are formed on the recording paper or before. Note that an algorithm for the control unit 10 to specify an area is determined at the design stage, and is described in a control program or a program stored in the storage unit 20.

(Image structure 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a recording sheet on which a code pattern image of the image structure 2 is formed.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the code pattern image of the image structure 2, an area in which the dot D is not formed among areas determined as an area used for image formation by the image forming unit 50 on the surface of the recording paper. A transparent toner image TF is formed on the entire surface. When the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording sheet, a margin area (for example, 20 mm) may be provided with a width determined with reference to one end of the recording sheet. Here, the margin area and the dot D are formed. This refers to the entire area where an image can be formed by the image forming unit 50, excluding the area to be printed. When no blank area is provided, the transparent toner image TF is formed on the entire surface except for the area where the dots D are arranged on the surface of the recording paper. According to the code pattern image of the image structure 2, since the transparent toner is arranged on almost the entire surface of the recording paper, the gloss difference (gloss variation) at each position on the surface of the recording paper is reduced, and the gloss difference is reduced. The ugliness caused by is unlikely to occur.
When forming the code pattern image of the image structure 2, the control unit 10 identifies the area where the dot D is to be formed, and causes the transparent toner image TF to be formed in an area excluding the identified area and a preset margin area. Image information is generated. Also in this case, the control unit 10 controls the image forming unit 50 so that the time when the transparent toner image TF is transferred to the recording paper is set to the time when the dots D are formed on the recording paper or before that.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the dots D and the transparent toner image TF almost simultaneously in the transfer region formed by the secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508. The toner image TF has already been formed on the recording paper. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 does not require special processing regarding the transfer timing of the transparent toner image TF and the dots D.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 forms dots constituting the code pattern image using the infrared absorbing toner on the surface of the recording paper, and surrounds the area where the dots are formed on the surface of the recording paper. A transparent toner image is formed in this area. According to this image forming apparatus 100, since the transparent toner image is arranged around the dots, the deformation of the dots is suppressed and the shape thereof is stabilized. Therefore, without using a special recording medium such as coated paper that has been processed to suppress bleeding of the toner image, dot deformation is suppressed regardless of the properties of the recording paper, and the code pattern image has a high quality. It is formed in a high state.

Moreover, according to the code pattern images of the image structures 1 and 2, in addition to the above-described points, the light resistance of the code pattern image is also suitable.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the light resistance of the code pattern image of the image structure 1. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the dot D is deformed, its surface area increases, and the area for receiving external light increases. When including an image with a low toner coverage per unit area of the recording paper, such as a code pattern image, external light per unit toner amount compared to an image with a high coverage (so-called solid image, etc.) The amount of irradiation light increases and deterioration such as fading due to the action of light tends to occur. On the other hand, according to the code pattern image of the image structure 1, since the dots D are not deformed and the surface area is not increased, an increase in the amount of external light irradiation per unit toner amount is suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the external light emitted from the front side of the recording paper is blocked by the transparent toner image TF. Also, external light is irradiated from the back side of the recording paper, or light irradiated from the front side enters the inside of the recording paper, and the external light reflected inside the recording paper is also reflected by the transparent toner image TF. Blocked. Although not shown, the dot pattern image of the image structure 2 also has a light fastness effect by the same action. However, in the dot pattern image of the image structure 2, since the transparent toner image TF is formed on almost the entire surface of the recording paper, the amount of external light entering the recording paper is reduced.
Further, in the image forming operation executed by the image forming apparatus 100, if the toner image is transferred by specifying the area where the transparent toner image and the dots are to be formed, the code pattern image having the above-described image structure is formed. A high quality image is formed by the mechanism.

(Modification)
The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Specifically, for example, the following modifications can be mentioned. These modifications can be combined with each other.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the example of the image processing unit 60 built in the image forming apparatus 100 has been described. However, the image processing unit 60 is not limited to that built in the image forming apparatus 100, and for example, an image You may implement | achieve by the computer apparatus connected to the forming apparatus via communication means, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable and LAN (Local Area Network). In this case, the computer device generates image information for forming a transparent toner image on the surface of the recording paper and image information for forming dots on the transparent toner image using infrared absorbing toner. Thus, by outputting to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus (image forming means) is controlled. Further, the output destination of the image information of this computer device may not have a function of forming an image of another computer device (information processing device) or the like. Also in this case, the image forming means is controlled by this image information at the time of image formation.

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a visible image using C, M, Y, and K toners, and forms a code pattern image using transparent toner and infrared absorbing toner. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may form a visible image using C, M, and Y toners, and may form a code pattern image using transparent toner and K toner. If a low-visibility toner is used in the formation of the code pattern image, it will not hinder the visibility of the visible image. Further, as long as the visible image and the code pattern image are clearly distinguished, any color of toner may be used for forming these images.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image in which position information and identification information are encoded. For example, for the purpose of personal information protection, counterfeit document prevention, copyright protection, added value, and the like. The information may be encoded, and the content of the information may be anything.
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes the tandem developing device, but may include another developing device such as a rotary method. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image by an electrophotographic method, but the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by another method such as an ink jet method. In this case, the type of the color material differs depending on the method of the image forming apparatus, but an invisible color material is used instead of the transparent toner, and a color material different from the invisible color material is used instead of the infrared absorbing toner. If is used, the same effects as in the embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, instead of the transparent toner, for example, a toner having the same or substantially the same color as the surface color of the recording paper such as white may be used. Even in this case, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the toner image. Here, at least the toner that does not affect the reading of the code pattern image may be used. The recording medium on which the code pattern image is formed is not limited to plain paper, and may be, for example, a plastic such as an OHP sheet or a sheet of other materials, and the image is recorded on the surface thereof. Any medium can be used.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 employs a so-called intermediate transfer method in which the toner image transferred from the transfer unit 504 to the intermediate transfer belt 505 is transferred to a recording sheet. Alternatively, a toner image may be formed on the recording paper. Also in this case, the image forming apparatus forms a transparent toner image when or before forming the dot of the code pattern image on the recording paper. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration that forms both the dot of the code pattern image and the transparent toner image, but may be controlled to form different image forming units (printers). In addition, a transparent toner image may be arranged on the recording paper in advance. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image using only infrared absorbing toner.

(Modification 5)
The image forming apparatus 100 may form each image such that the transparent toner image is higher than the dot D in the thickness direction (height direction) of the recording paper. By doing so, external light is more effectively blocked by the transparent toner image, and the light resistance of the code pattern image is further improved.

(Modification 6)
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 generates image information for forming a code pattern image by the image processing unit 60, but the image information supplied from the external device to the image forming apparatus 100 includes a visible image. Image information for forming the image and image information for forming the code pattern image may be included. In this case, the control unit 10 specifies an image area corresponding to the code pattern image based on the acquired image information. Then, the control unit 10 controls the image forming unit 50 to form dots and a transparent toner image as described above in an area of the recording paper on which an image corresponding to the specified image area is formed.

(Modification 7)
In the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 10 may switch which code pattern image of the image structures 1 and 2 is formed according to the operation mode designated by the user. When a high glossiness is not desired as in the case of forming an image meaning a document, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image having an image structure and is high as in the case of forming a photographic image. When glossiness does not matter, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code pattern image of the image structure 2. It should be noted that the standard for the code pattern image of which image structure is to be formed may take various forms.

(Modification 8)
For example, it is required to improve the reading accuracy of a coded image including a two-dimensional code or a dot-like image obtained by coding information such as yellow dots. Further, in the case of a visible image, in the case of a screen image composed of dot-like images for expressing halftones (so-called dot screen), if the dot is deformed, the density of the image expressed by the area gradation method Is not what it intended. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a transparent toner image on the surface of the recording paper and overlays the transparent toner image when forming various types of encoded images and visible images instead of the code pattern image. A dot-like toner image intended to prevent deformation may be formed. Also in this case, the control unit 10 performs control so that a transparent toner image is formed over the entire area where the dot-like toner image is formed. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may cause the user to designate an area in which an image is to be formed using the image structures 1 and 2 by the UI unit 40.

(Modification 9)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the code pattern image and the transparent toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 505, and simultaneously transfers them onto the recording paper, and then fixes them on the recording paper. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may transfer the code pattern image after fixing the transparent toner image on the recording paper after transferring the transparent toner image onto the recording paper, and fix the image on the recording paper. .

(Modification 10)
Each function realized by the control unit 10 and the image processing unit 60 of the above-described embodiment may be realized by one or a plurality of hardware, or may be realized by executing one or a plurality of programs.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is the model which showed the structure of the image formation part. It is a figure which shows an example of a code pattern image. It is a figure showing the mode of the section of the recording paper in which the code pattern image was formed. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a recording sheet on which a code pattern image of an image structure 1 is formed. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of a recording sheet on which a code pattern image of image structure 2 is formed. It is a figure explaining the light resistance of the code pattern image of the image structure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Control part, 100 ... Image forming apparatus, 20 ... Memory | storage part, 30 ... Communication part, 40 ... Operation part, 50 ... Image forming part, 504 ... Transfer unit, 505 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 507 ... Secondary transfer roll, Reference numeral 508 denotes a backup roll, 509 denotes a fixing device, and 60 denotes an image processing unit.

Claims (8)

First control means for controlling the image forming means to form a dot-like first image on the surface of the recording medium using a color material;
An image forming unit that specifies a peripheral region in contact with a region where the first image is formed on the surface of the recording medium, and forms a second image using a color material different from the color material in the specified region. And a second control means for controlling the second image to be formed when or before the first image is formed on the recording medium. An image processing apparatus. The first control means forms a plurality of the first images on the recording medium,
The said 2nd control means specifies the said surrounding area | region of each of the said some 1st image so that the area | region in which the said 2nd image is formed does not mutually contact. The image processing apparatus described.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is represented by an arrangement of the plurality of first images.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color material used for forming the second image is an invisible color material. The second control unit may include the second control unit over the entire region in which the first image is not formed among regions determined as the region used for image formation by the image forming unit on the surface of the recording medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is formed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to form an image using a color material under the control of the first or second control unit of the image processing apparatus.   A recording medium on which the first and second images are formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 6. Computer
First control means for controlling the image forming means to form a dot-like first image on the surface of the recording medium using a color material;
An image forming unit that specifies a peripheral region in contact with a region where the first image is formed on the surface of the recording medium, and forms a second image using a color material different from the color material in the specified region. And a second control unit that controls the second image to be formed when or before the first image is formed on the recording medium. Program for.

Images