JP2011093199A - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that, if a preview mode is once closed after editing and a printing preview image is displayed again, the preview image returns to the image before editing, and the reediting is required at each printing in an image editing using the printing preview mode. <P>SOLUTION: A printer control part 100 includes an input/output part 101 as an interface (I/F), a print data control part 102 which receives image data and print data created with PC1 from the input/output part 101 and controls the print data, a memory 103 for memorizing feature information (feature data), a print data extraction part 104 as a feature image extraction part, the same region data extraction part 105 as the same region image extraction part, a print data removing part 106 as an image editing part for editing the image data which has been extracted from the same region image extraction part based on the feature image extracted from the feature image extraction part, and a printing part 107. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) and an image forming apparatus such as a printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer).

When printing image data from the PC with a printer, the user can confirm what the image data to be printed can be printed in, and what is known as print content before printing, so-called printing The preview function is used.
When this function determines that the image data to be printed needs to be corrected by the user, the user operates the PC to return from the print preview mode to the image data creation mode and correct the original image data. Or edit unnecessary parts, etc., and then specify printing to the printer, and print according to the user's image and purpose.
As a technique of a PC or the like related to such a print preview function, for example, it is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

  This PC is based on image data acquisition means for acquiring image data by a print application, preview display processing means for displaying a print preview image of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means on the display means, and a command by an external operation. A selection range display processing unit for displaying the selection range in an identifiable state on the display unit, and the print preview image in units of images within the selection range displayed on the display unit by the selection range display processing unit. Image data processing means for performing image processing processing, and print instruction means for instructing the printer to print the print preview image.

JP 2006-277056 A

By the way, in the print preview function of the PC, the user selects an arbitrary range from the preview image in the print preview mode, and deletes the selected range from the image data in the print preview mode regardless of the image data creation mode. Can be processed and printed.
However, since the conventional print preview function of the PC does not have means for storing the processed or edited content and means for extracting the processed content from the storage means, even in the print preview mode, Even if you can print by deleting unnecessary parts in the data, once you delete the print preview image display and display the print preview image again, it will return to the original image before erasure, and you will have to reset it each time you print There was a problem that it was necessary.
(Object of invention)
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is not necessary for the user to designate an area for editing image data each time printing is performed, and an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can improve the convenience of printing. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention is configured as follows to achieve the above object.
<Configuration 1>
An image processing apparatus that inputs image data, processes the image, and issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores feature information of an image to be detected from the image data, and an image based on the feature information A feature image extraction unit that extracts the image data as feature image information from the image data, a same region image extraction unit that extracts image information existing in a region of the feature image extracted by the feature image extraction unit, An editing unit that edits the image information extracted from the same region image extraction unit based on the feature image information extracted from the feature image extraction unit.

<Configuration 2>
An image forming apparatus instructed to print by an image processing apparatus that inputs image data and processes the image includes a storage unit that stores feature information of an image to be detected from the image data, and an image based on the feature information A feature image extraction unit that extracts the image data as feature image information from the image data; a same-region image extraction unit that extracts image information existing in a region of the feature image extracted by the feature image extraction unit; An editing unit that edits the image information extracted from the same region image extraction unit based on the feature image information extracted from the feature image extraction unit.

  With the configuration described above, the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention allow the editing unit to specify the image data based on the feature information from the storage unit and the feature image information extracted from the feature image extraction unit. Regions can be processed or edited. Therefore, the user does not have to edit in the image data creation mode each time printing is performed, and it is not necessary to redesignate the editing area every time printing is performed in the print preview mode. Therefore, there is an advantage that the convenience of printing is improved.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of a printer control unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is an example of print data. (A)-(g) is an example of the printing result of Example 1. FIG. (A)-(b) is an example of the characteristic data of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print data extraction unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the same area data extraction unit according to the first embodiment. 3 is an example of a printing result of Example 1. 2 is an example of an operation process of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of a printer control unit according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the same area data selection and extraction unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of a printer control unit according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a print data adding unit according to the third exemplary embodiment. (A)-(b) is an example of the printing result of Example 3. FIG.

  In the following, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a PC, and the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer.

Here, a case where a part of an image is deleted when printing from a PC to a printer will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating basic configurations of the PC and the printer according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 1 is connected to the printer 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN. In the PC 1, when a user operates the PC 1, each device operates based on a system program, and according to each application program, image data creation, editing, setting of a print preview mode, printing instruction to the printer 2, and the like can be performed. it can.
When the user designates printing of image data from the PC 1, the image data to be printed is transmitted to the printer 2 via the network 3 and printed according to the printer driver program. Before the printing, the printer control unit 100 operates by switching from the image data creation mode to the print preview mode, and it is possible to check whether the printing contents are appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of a printer control unit 100 that operates according to a system program in a ROM (not shown) of the printer 2.

  The printer control unit 100 is stored as a program in a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM mounted on the printer 2 here, and as shown in FIG. 1, an input / output unit 101 as an interface (I / F) and the input / output unit A print data control unit 102 that receives print data as image data created by the PC 1 from the unit 101 and controls the print data, a storage unit 103 that stores feature information (feature data), and printing as a feature image extraction unit The data extraction unit 104 includes an identical area data extraction unit 105 as an identical area image extraction unit, a print data removal unit 106 as an image information removal unit, and a printing unit 107. The printer control unit 100 may be stored in a memory mounted on the PC 1 as long as the printing unit 107 is excluded.

  Here, the print data is software that defines a format and a procedure for printing image data, and is image data for printing.

The feature information is created in advance on a PC in order to delete or add data such as characteristic descriptions, graphics, or photographs in print data in the print preview mode. The data is registered in the storage unit 103 via the printer control unit 100 so as to correspond. This feature information is created at the same time as the print data when the user creates the print data on the PC, and is given a name for each print data and registered in a file in the storage unit 103 for each print data. The For example, when printing the print data in which the feature information is registered in the file when printing for the second time or later, the feature corresponding to the user from the file is based on the data name of the print data. The information can be automatically edited by searching for information and specifying “cut” or the like in “Edit” in the menu of the print preview mode. If the same print data does not need to be edited, it can be printed without changing the original print data state by directly specifying “print” without calling the data name from the file.
On the other hand, if the feature information is not registered with other print data, the feature information cannot be retrieved from the file, so the print processing is performed in the state of the original print data.

  The input / output unit 101 receives print data as image data from the PC 1 as a host device when a user performs printing, and an I / F for transmitting the received print data to the print data control unit 102 As a function.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the contents of the print data. Data contents will be described along the numbers (1 to 50) at the beginning of each line in FIG.
Print data setting parameters are recorded in the first to sixth lines of the line head number.
“Define” on the first line represents the definition of the print range and form in the print data.
“Size = A4;” on the second line represents the paper size to be printed.
“AutoRemove = true;” on the third line indicates that a process for automatically removing a part of the print data is executed. Here, “true” is set as a keyword meaning to execute.
“Color = color;” on the fourth line represents selection of whether or not to perform color printing. This content means the setting for color printing.
“Data = 2009/01/01 00:00:00” on the fifth line represents the date and time when the print data was created.
The eighth and subsequent lines in FIG. 3 represent the contents that are actually printed. Data indicated by “Page” and braces (“{” and “}”) is data for one page. In addition, a portion indicated by “Draw” and braces (“{” and “}”) is an instruction to draw one image. The data from the 8th line to the 46th line is the data of the 1st page, and the data after the 48th line are the data of the 2nd page (contents are omitted).
The 10th to 14th lines are data for drawing a rectangle, and are set to draw with a “Rectangle” command and to fill the rectangle with a “Fill” command. The arguments of the “Rectangle” command (numerical values in parentheses) represent drawing start coordinates, drawing end coordinates, and frame line thickness. The fill color is the color indicated by the code for each argument color of the “Fill” instruction.
The 22nd to 27th lines are data for drawing a character string.
The 42nd to 45th lines are data for drawing an image of print data. When the printer 2 processes this print data, the print data is processed from the top and drawing is performed. At this time, a portion indicated by “Draw” and braces (“{” and “}”) is set as one image, and an image divided into a plurality of “Draw” is created. If multiple images overlap, the image drawn later (image created from the data behind the print data) is printed at the time of printing, and the previous image drawn behind it (in front of the print data) Image created with some data is not printed. That is, an image created from this print data has a layer structure.

  FIG. 4 shows the result of printing processing by the printer 2 using the print data of FIG. (A) to (f) in FIG. 4 show a print result of a part of the print data, and (g) is printed as it is without deleting the print data shown in the 8th to 46th lines in FIG. Represents the case. These print results are displayed on a display (not shown) of the PC 1 by using the preview mode, and the user can confirm the image contents each time.

FIG. 3A shows a case where only the data shown in the 10th to 14th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, a rectangle is drawn on almost the entire surface of the paper and is filled. The data (a) is drawn on the bottom layer.
(B) shows the result when only the data shown in the 16th to 20th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, a rectangle is drawn above the paper and painted. This data is drawn on the second layer from the bottom layer.
(C) shows the result when only the data shown in the 22nd to 27th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, a character string is drawn above the paper, and this data is the third area from the bottom layer, and (b) is overwritten.
(D) represents the result when only the data shown in the 29th to 33rd lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, a rectangle is drawn at the center of the paper and painted. This data is drawn on the fourth layer from the bottom layer.
(E) represents the result when only the data shown in the 35th to 40th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, the character string at the center of the paper is drawn, and this data is the fifth area from the bottom layer, and (d) is overwritten.
(F) represents a result when only the data shown in the 42nd to 45th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 is drawn. Here, the image below the paper is drawn, and this data is drawn on the sixth layer from the bottom layer.
(G) represents the result when all the 8th to 46th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 are drawn. Drawing is completed by superimposing (a) to (f) in FIG. That is, the rectangle drawn in FIG. 4B is overwritten on the rectangle drawn in FIG.

The print data control unit 102 is configured by a program that receives print data from the input / output unit 101 and controls the print data. That is, the print data control unit 102 performs a keyword search to determine whether the received print data in FIG. 3 includes a setting parameter (“AutoRemove = true;” in the third line) indicating execution of the deletion process. When this keyword is received, the print data is transmitted to the print data extraction unit 104 and the same area data extraction unit 105 to instruct deletion processing.
The result of the deletion process is received from the print data removal unit 106.
On the other hand, if the setting parameter does not exist in the print data (blank) and the keyword cannot be searched, or if the value is other than “true”, for example, “false”, the removal process is not executed. Further, the print data control unit 102 transmits print data to the printing unit 107.

The storage unit 103 is configured by a storage medium such as RAM or EPROM, and stores feature data. This feature data is created by the PC and stored in the storage unit 103 through the input / output unit 101 by the printer control unit 100 before the print data is transmitted from the PC 1 to the printer 2.
The characteristic data is data that is referred to when the print data extraction unit 104 extracts characteristic data from the print data. The feature data features include, for example, “specific color”, “rectangle having a specific size (frame thickness)”, “specific pattern”, and the like.
FIG. 5 is an example of feature data stored in the storage unit 103. FIG. 5A shows feature data related to the fill color, which means that an area indicated by a code having a fill color of “0X010101” is extracted. FIG. 5B shows feature data relating to a rectangle, which means that a region surrounded by a rectangle whose thickness is a code “10” (for example, 0.5 mm) is extracted. The area in the print data that matches the feature data is automatically deleted.

  The print data extraction unit 104 is configured by a print data extraction program. For the print data received from the print data control unit 102, feature data stored in the storage unit 103 (coded “specific color”, “ Based on the data represented by “specific pattern” or the like), the print data is compared to determine whether the same data is included. As a result of the search, when it is determined that the data represented by the feature data is included in the print data, the print data extraction unit 104 uses the data as the feature print data (feature data in the print data). (Data matching feature data). Further, when the feature print data is extracted, the feature print data and the print data are transmitted to the same area data extraction unit 105. If not included, the print data is sent back to the print data control unit 102.

The same area data extraction unit 105 receives print data and feature print data from the print data extraction unit 104. From these data, the same area data extraction unit 105 searches based on the feature print data whether there is print data drawn in the same area as the feature print data on the same page in the print data. If there is, extract it. That is, the same area data extraction unit 105 searches for whether or not the feature print data extracted by the print data extraction unit 104 is in another place in the print data for drawing the same area as the drawing area.
At this time, the same area data extraction unit 105 extracts the print data constituting a layer different from the feature print data extracted by the print data extraction unit 104, and sets the extracted print data as the same area print data.
Then, the same area data extraction unit 105 transmits the same area print data to the print data removal unit 106 together with the print data and the feature print data.

  The print data removal unit 106 includes a print data deletion program. When print data, feature print data, and the same area print data are received from the same area data extraction unit 105, the print data removal unit 106 performs printing based on an instruction from the print data control unit 102. A process of deleting data represented by the same area print data as the characteristic print data from the data is executed. As a method of deleting the data corresponding to the characteristic print data and the same area print data, the print data removing unit 106 keeps the characteristic print data and the data corresponding to the same area print data from the divided layer structure print data. The print data after deleting the feature print data and the same area print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102.

  The printing unit 107 is constituted by a printer driver program for driving a printer driver as hardware (not shown), and receives print data and rasterizes it according to an instruction from the print data control unit 102. For example, in the case of an electrophotographic printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown), the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, transferred to recording paper, and further heated and pressed to be fixed, thereby performing printing. .

Next, operations of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described.
Here, the operation when the printer 2 receives print data from the PC 1 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This operation starts when the printer control unit 100 receives print data from the PC 1.

(S101)
Based on an instruction from the printer control unit 100, the input / output unit 101 receives print data from the PC 1 and transmits the received print data to the print data control unit 102.

(S102)
The print data control unit 102 investigates the contents of the print data, searches for a keyword whether the setting parameter “AutoRemove” exists in the data, and the value is “true”, and checks the presence / absence thereof. Since this setting parameter indicates whether or not the portion matching the feature data shown in FIG. 5 is deleted from the print data, if this setting parameter exists and the value is “true”, the print data control is performed. The unit 102 transmits the print data to the print data extraction unit 104 and executes the operation of S103.
On the other hand, if the setting parameter does not exist in the print data (blank) or the value is other than “true”, for example, “false”, the operation of S107 is executed without being deleted.

(S103)
The print data extraction unit 104 acquires feature data from the storage unit 103. A comparison is made based on the acquired feature data to check whether the area represented by the feature data is included in the print data. If included, the operation of S104 is performed. If not included, the print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102 and the operation of S107 is executed.

(S104)
The print data extraction unit 104 extracts feature data included in the print data as feature print data, transmits the feature print data and the print data to the same area data extraction unit 105, and executes the operation of S105.

(S105)
The same area data extraction unit 105 extracts the print data existing in the area where the feature print data is drawn from the print data as the same area print data. Further, the same area print data as the print data and the characteristic print data is transmitted to the print data removing unit 106.

(S106)
The print data removal unit 106 deletes the same area print data as the feature print data from the print data. Further, the deleted print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102.

(S107)
The print data control unit 102 transmits the print data to the printing unit 107 and starts a printing operation.

  Next, the processing operation of the print data extraction unit 104, that is, the details of S103 and S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(S111)
The printer control unit 100 instructs the print data extraction unit 104 to acquire feature data stored in the storage unit 103. In response to this, the print data extraction unit 104 acquires feature data from the storage unit 103.

(S112)
The print data extraction unit 104 determines whether there is a part to be deleted in the print data in the series of processed print data, specifically, there is print data that has not been cut out in S113. Investigate what to do. The investigation object is the print data of FIG. 3 and the data actually printed after the eighth line. If there is an unprocessed portion, the operation of S113 is performed, and if all of the portions are processed, the operation of S116 is performed.

(S113)
As an investigation method, the print data extraction unit 104 sequentially reads the print data in FIG. 3 and cuts out the print data in units that form one layer for each page portion in order from the top of the print data.
For example, it is cut out and divided in order, such as the 10th to 14th lines, the 16th to 20th lines, and the 22nd to 27th lines in FIG.

(S114)
The print data extraction unit 104 compares the divided print data acquired in S113 with the feature data from the storage unit 103 illustrated in FIG. For example, if the 16th to 20th lines of the print data in FIG. 3 satisfy the fill color condition indicated by the feature data shown in FIG. 5A, the operation of S115 is performed. On the other hand, if not satisfied, the print data extraction unit 104 performs the operation of S112.

(S115)
The print data extraction unit 104 saves a part of the print data acquired in S112 as feature print data in the storage unit.

(S116)
The print data extraction unit 104 checks whether or not the feature print data is stored in the storage unit 103 by the operation of S115. If it is stored, the operation of S117 is performed, and if it is not stored, the operation of S118 is performed.

(S117)
The print data extraction unit 104 transmits the print data and the extracted characteristic print data to the same area data extraction unit 105.

(S118)
The print data extraction unit 104 transmits the print data to the print data control unit 102 and ends a series of operations as the print data extraction unit 104.

  Next, the processing operation of the same area data extraction unit 105, that is, the details of S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This flow is executed once for each feature print data. If a plurality of feature print data is extracted, this process is performed for each feature print data.

(S121)
The printer control unit 100 instructs the same region data extraction unit 105 to acquire information on a region where the print data is drawn from the feature print data. In response to this, the same area data extraction unit 105 acquires information on an area in which the print data is drawn by the feature print data based on the print data from the print data extraction unit 104 and the feature data in the storage unit 103. For example, in the print data shown in FIG. 3, when the feature print data is on the 16th to 20th lines, an area in which the print data is drawn is acquired from the data on the 18th line in which rectangular drawing coordinates are described.

(S122)
The same area data extraction unit 105 determines whether there is a part not yet processed in the series of print data to be processed in another part of the print data, specifically, the print that has not been cut out in S123. Investigate whether data exists. The investigation object is the print data of FIG. 3 and the data actually printed after the eighth line. However, the portion that is characteristic print data is excluded. If there is an unprocessed portion, the operation of S123 is performed, and if all of the portions are processed, the operation of S126 is performed.

(S123)
As an investigation method, the same area data extraction unit 105 sequentially reads the print data of FIG. 3 and cuts out the print data in units that form one layer for each page portion in order from the top of the print data. However, the part which has already become characteristic print data is excluded.

(S124)
The same area data extraction unit 105 determines whether the feature print data in the drawing area of the print data cut out in S123 is within the drawing area based on the feature print data (obtained from the print data extraction unit 104) acquired in S121. To check. If it is within the drawing area, the operation of S125 is performed. If it is outside the drawing area, the operation of S122 is performed.

(S125)
The same area data extraction unit 105 stores a part of the print data acquired in S123 as the same area print data.

(S126)
The same area data extraction unit 105 transmits the print data, the characteristic print data, and the same area print data to the print data removal unit 106, and ends the series of operations.
FIG. 9 shows a printing result when the printer 2 performs processing based on the print data of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The feature data is data shown in FIG. 5, and the upper rectangle and character string (ABCD) are deleted as compared with FIG. 4 (g). This is because the rectangle is used as the characteristic print data, and is deleted from the print data, and the character string (ABCD) is deleted from the print data as the same area print data. Further, for example, even in the case shown in FIG. 10 where the character string (ABCD) to be deleted does not completely match the rectangle of the feature data and is slightly out of position, the character string is deleted as in FIG. Is possible.

Furthermore, information for prohibiting extraction of the layer as feature print data may be added to data constituting one layer in the print data. In that case, an operation for checking the information in the print data is added in S114, and if the prohibition information is added, the print data extraction unit 104 performs the operation for prohibiting the extraction in accordance with the operation in S112. Can be done.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a specific area can be deleted from the print data, so that it is not necessary for the user to specify the area to be deleted from the print data every time printing is performed. Convenience is improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Here, a case where a part of an image is selectively deleted will be described.
FIG. 11 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer control unit according to the second embodiment.

  The printer control unit 200 includes an input / output unit 101 as an I / F, a print data control unit 102 that receives print data as image data created by the PC 1 from the input / output unit 101, and controls print data. A storage unit 103 for storing information (feature data), a print data extraction unit 104 as a feature image extraction unit, an identical region data selection extraction unit 201 for selecting and extracting the same region image, and an image information removal unit The printing data removal unit 106 and the printing unit 107 are included.

  The input / output unit 101 receives print data as image data from the PC 1 as a host device when a user performs printing, and an I / F for transmitting the received print data to the print data control unit 102 As a function.

The print data control unit 102 is configured by a program that receives print data from the input / output unit and controls the print data. That is, the print data control unit 102 performs a keyword search to determine whether the received print data in FIG. 3 includes a setting parameter (“AutoRemove = true;” on the third line) indicating execution of the removal process. When this keyword is received, the print data is transmitted to the print data extraction unit 104 and the same area data selection extraction unit 201 to instruct removal processing.
The result of the removal process is received from the print data removal unit 106.
On the other hand, if the setting parameter does not exist in the print data (blank) and the keyword cannot be searched, or if the value is other than “true”, for example, “false”, the removal process is not executed. Further, the print data control unit 102 transmits print data to the printing unit 107.

The storage unit 103 is configured by a storage medium such as RAM or EPROM, and stores feature data. This feature data is created by the PC, and is stored in the storage unit 103 through the input / output unit 101 by the printer control unit 200 before the print data is transmitted from the PC 1 to the printer 2.
The characteristic data is data that is referred to when the print data extraction unit 104 extracts characteristic data from the print data. The feature data features include, for example, “specific color”, “rectangle having a specific size (frame thickness)”, “specific pattern”, and the like.
FIG. 5 is an example of feature data stored in the storage unit 103. FIG. 5A shows feature data related to the fill color, which means that an area indicated by a code having a fill color of “0X010101” is extracted. FIG. 5B shows feature data relating to a rectangle, which means that a region surrounded by a rectangle whose thickness is a code “10” (for example, 0.5 mm) is extracted. An area in the print data that matches the feature data is selectively deleted.

  The print data extraction unit 104 is configured by a print data extraction program. For the print data received from the print data control unit 102, feature data stored in the storage unit 103 (coded “specific color”, “ Based on the data represented by “specific pattern” or the like, a search is performed by comparing whether the same data is included. As a result of the search, when the data represented by the feature data is included in the print data, the data is extracted as feature print data (data matching the feature data in the print data) as feature image information. Further, when the feature print data is extracted, the feature print data and the print data are transmitted to the same area data extraction unit 201. If not included, the print data is sent back to the print data control unit 102.

The same area data selection extraction unit 201 receives print data and feature print data from the print data extraction unit 104. Further, the same area data selection / extraction unit 201 extracts print data drawn in an area drawn as feature print data from the print data. At this time, the same area data selection / extraction unit 201 extracts the print data constituting a layer different from the feature print data extracted by the print data extraction unit 104, and sets the extracted print data as the same area print data.
In addition to the function of the same area data extraction unit 105, the same area data selection / extraction unit 201 receives print data positioned in a layer above the characteristic print data when extracting print data, that is, print data representing the characteristic print data. Only print data that overwrites the area to be drawn is selected and extracted.
Then, the same area print data as the print data and the characteristic print data is transmitted to the print data removing unit 106.

  The print data removal unit 106 includes a print data deletion program. When the print data, the characteristic print data, and the same area print data are received from the same area data selection / extraction unit 201, the print data removal unit 106 is based on an instruction from the print data control unit 102. A process of deleting data represented by the same area print data as the characteristic print data from the print data is executed. As a method of deleting the data corresponding to the characteristic print data and the same area print data, the print data removing unit 106 keeps the characteristic print data and the data corresponding to the same area print data from the divided layer structure print data. The print data after deleting the feature print data and the same area print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102.

  The printing unit 107 is constituted by a printer driver program for driving a printer driver as hardware (not shown), and receives print data and rasterizes it according to an instruction from the print data control unit 102. For example, in the case of an electrophotographic printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown), the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, transferred to recording paper, and further heated and pressed to be fixed, thereby performing printing. .

Next, operations of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
Here, the operation when the printer 2 receives print data from the PC 1 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This operation starts when the printer control unit 200 receives print data from the PC 1.

(S201)
Based on an instruction from the printer control unit 200, the input / output unit 101 receives print data and transmits the received print data to the print data control unit 102.

(S202)
The print data control unit 102 investigates the contents of the print data, searches for a keyword whether the setting parameter “AutoRemove” exists in the data, and the value is “true”, and checks the presence / absence thereof. Since this setting parameter indicates whether or not the portion matching the feature data shown in FIG. 5 is deleted from the print data, if this setting parameter exists and the value is “true”, the print data control is performed. The unit 102 transmits the print data to the print data extraction unit 104 and executes the operation of S203.
On the other hand, if the setting parameter does not exist in the print data (blank) or the value is other than “true”, for example, “false”, the operation of S207 is executed without being deleted.

(S203)
The print data extraction unit 104 acquires feature data from the storage unit 103. Further, based on the acquired feature data, it is checked whether the area represented by the feature data is included in the print data. If it is included, the operation of S204 is performed. If it is not included, the print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102 and the operation of S207 is executed.

(S204)
The print data extraction unit 104 extracts feature data included in the print data as feature print data, transmits the feature print data and the print data to the same area data selection extraction unit 201, and executes the operation of S205.

(S205)
The same area data selection and extraction unit 201 exists in the area where the feature print data is drawn from the print data, and the upper layer print data from the feature area data, that is, the print data to be drawn by overwriting the feature area data is the same area. Extract as print data. Further, the same area print data as the print data and the characteristic print data is transmitted to the print data removing unit 106.

(S206)
The print data removal unit 106 deletes the same area print data as the feature print data from the print data. Further, the deleted print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102.
(S207)
The print data control unit 102 transmits the print data to the printing unit 107 and starts a printing operation.

  Next, the processing operation of the same area data selection / extraction unit 201, that is, the details of S205 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(S211)
The printer control unit 200 instructs the same region data selection / extraction unit 201 to acquire information on a region in which the print data is drawn from the feature print data. In response to this, the same area data selection / extraction unit 201 acquires information on an area in which the print data is drawn by the print data from the print data extraction unit 104 and the feature print data from the storage unit 103. For example, in the print data shown in FIG. 3, when the feature print data is on the 16th to 20th lines, an area in which the print data is drawn is acquired from the data on the 18th line in which rectangular drawing coordinates are described.

(S212)
The same area data selection / extraction unit 201 determines whether a part of the print data to be processed that is not yet processed exists in the print data, specifically, there is print data that has not been cut out in step S213. Investigate what to do. The investigation object is the print data of FIG. 3 and the data actually printed after the eighth line. However, the part that is characteristic print data is excluded. If there is an unprocessed portion, the operation of S213 is performed, and if all of the portions are processed, the operation of S217 is performed.

(S213)
As an investigation method, the same area data selection / extraction unit 201 sequentially reads the print data of FIG. 3 and cuts out the print data in units that form one layer for each page portion in order from the top of the print data. However, the portion that is characteristic print data is excluded.

(S214)
The same area data selection / extraction unit 201 compares the print data cut out in step S213 and the vertical relationship when drawing the characteristic print data. If the cut out print data is drawn on the upper layer than the feature area data, the operation of S215 is performed, and if the cut print data is drawn on the lower layer, the operation of S212 is performed.

(S215)
The same area data selection and extraction unit 201 checks whether or not the drawing area of the print data cut out in S213 is within the drawing area of the characteristic print data acquired in S121. If it is within the drawing area, the operation of S216 is performed. If it is outside the drawing area, the operation of S212 is performed.

(S216)
The same area data selection and extraction unit 201 stores a part of the print data acquired in S213 as the same area print data.

(S217)
The same area data selection and extraction unit 201 transmits the same area print data as the print data and the feature print data to the print data removal unit 106, and ends the series of operations.
According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, only the print data in the upper layer of the feature data is removed by the same area data selection / extraction unit 201. Can be left.

FIG. 14 illustrates an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Here, a case where a part of an image is added to the image data in the print preview mode of the PC 1 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer control unit 300 according to the third embodiment.

  The printer control unit 300 includes an input / output unit 101 as an I / F, a print data control unit 102 that receives print data as image data created by the PC 1 from the input / output unit 101, and controls print data. The storage unit 103 stores information (feature data), a print data extraction unit 104 as a feature image extraction unit, a print data addition unit 301 as an image information addition unit, and a printing unit 107.

  The input / output unit 101 serves as an I / F that receives print data as image data from the PC 1 serving as a host device when a user performs printing, and transmits the received print data to the print data control unit 102. It has a function.

  The print data control unit 102 receives print data from the input / output unit and controls the print data. That is, the print data control unit 102 searches the print data in FIG. 3 to determine whether there is a portion that has not yet been processed in the print data. The target of the search is the data actually printed after the eighth line of the print data in FIG. However, the portion that is characteristic print data is excluded.

  The storage unit 103 is configured by a storage medium such as RAM or EPROM, and stores feature data. This feature data is created by the PC 1 and stored in the storage unit 103 through the input / output unit 101 by the printer control unit 300 before print data is transmitted from the PC 1 to the printer 2.

  The print data extraction unit 104 searches the print data received from the print data control unit 102 to determine whether the data represented by the feature data stored in the storage unit 103 is included. When the print data includes data represented by feature data, the data is extracted as feature print data as feature image information. Further, when the characteristic print data is extracted, the print data adding unit 301 print data is transmitted. If not included, the print data is sent back to the print data control unit 102.

  The print data adding unit 301 receives the print data and feature print data from the print data extracting unit 104. Further, the print data that fills the drawing area of the feature print data is searched from the print data constituting the lower layer of the feature print data. Based on the retrieved print data, new print data is created by adding data for filling the drawing area of the characteristic print data. Then, the newly created print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102. On the other hand, if the print data is not found as a result of the search, new print data to which print data for filling the drawing area of the characteristic print data is added in white is created and transmitted to the print data control unit 102.

  The printing unit 107 is constituted by a printer driver program for driving a printer driver as hardware (not shown), and receives print data and rasterizes it according to an instruction from the print data control unit 102. For example, in the case of an electrophotographic printer, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown), the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner, transferred to recording paper, and further heated and pressed to be fixed, thereby performing printing. .

Next, operations of the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described.
Here, the operation when the printer receives print data from the PC 1 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This operation starts when the printer control unit 300 receives print data from the PC 1.

(S301)
Based on an instruction from the printer control unit 300, the input / output unit 101 receives print data and transmits the received print data to the print data control unit 102.

(S302)
The print data control unit 102 investigates the contents of the print data, searches for a keyword whether the setting parameter “AutoRemove” exists in the data, and the value is “true”, and checks the presence / absence thereof. Since this setting parameter indicates whether or not the portion matching the feature data shown in FIG. 5 is deleted from the print data, if this setting parameter exists and the value is “true”, the print data control is performed. The unit 102 transmits the print data to the print data extraction unit 104 and executes the operation of S303.
On the other hand, if the setting parameter does not exist in the print data (blank) or the value is other than “true”, for example, “false”, the operation of S306 is executed without being deleted.

(S303)
The print data extraction unit 104 acquires feature data from the storage unit 103. Also, it is checked whether the area represented by the feature data is included in the print data. If included, the operation of S304 is performed. If not included, the print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102 and the operation of S306 is executed.

(S304)
The print data extraction unit 104 extracts feature data included in the print data as feature print data, transmits the feature print data and the print data to the print data addition unit 301, and executes the operation of S305.

(S305)
The print data adding unit 301 investigates the print data and searches for print data that fills the drawing area of the feature print data from the print data that forms the lower layer of the feature print data. Based on the retrieved print data, new print data is created by adding data that fills the drawing area of the feature print data. Further, the newly created print data is transmitted to the print data control unit 102. If no print data is found as a result of the search, new print data to which print data for filling the drawing area of the feature print data is added in white is created and transmitted to the print data control unit 102.

(S306)
The print data control unit 102 transmits the print data to the printing unit 107 and starts a printing operation.

  Next, the processing operation of the print data adding unit 301, that is, the details of S305 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

(S311)
The printer control unit 300 instructs the print data adding unit 301 to acquire information on an area in which the print data is drawn from the feature print data. In response to this, the print data adding unit 301 acquires information on an area in which the print data is drawn based on the print data from the print data extracting unit 104 and the feature print data from the storage unit 103. For example, in the print data shown in FIG. 3, when the feature print data is on the 16th to 20th lines, an area in which the print data is drawn is acquired from the data on the 18th line in which rectangular drawing coordinates are described.

(S312)
The print data adding unit 301 determines whether there is a portion of the print data to be processed that is not yet processed in the print data, or more specifically, whether there is print data that has not been extracted in step S313. To investigate the. The investigation object is the print data of FIG. 3 and the data actually printed after the eighth line. However, the part that is characteristic print data is excluded. If there is an unprocessed portion, the operation of S313 is performed, and if all of the portions are processed, the operation of S317 is performed.

(S313)
As an investigation method, the print data adding unit 301 sequentially reads the print data in FIG. 3 and cuts out the print data in units that form one layer for each page portion in order from the top of the print data. However, the portion that is characteristic print data is excluded.

(S314)
The print data adding unit 301 compares the print data cut out in step S313 and the vertical relationship when drawing the characteristic print data. If the cut out print data is drawn on the upper layer than the feature area data, the operation of S312 is performed, and if the cut print data is drawn on the lower layer, the operation of S315 is performed.

(S315)
The print data adding unit 301 checks whether the drawing area of the print data cut out in step S313 is larger than the drawing area of the feature print data. Further, it is checked whether the print data is data to be filled. If it is larger than the drawing area of the characteristic print data and the data is to be filled, the operation of S316 is performed. If the condition is not satisfied, the operation of S312 is performed.

(S316)
The print data adding unit 301 acquires a fill color from data for filling the print data cut out in step S313. Further, print data is newly created by adding data for filling the drawing area of the feature print data with the color to the top layer of the print data.

(S317)
The print data adding unit 301 creates print data in which data for filling the drawing area of the characteristic print data with white is added to the uppermost layer of the print data.

(S318)
The print data adding unit 301 transmits the print data created in S316 or S317 to the print data control unit, and ends a series of operations.

  FIG. 17 shows the result when the printer 2 processes the print data created in the third embodiment. FIG. 17A shows a drawing result of the print data newly created in S316 and added to the print data. Since FIG. 17A is drawn by being added to the uppermost layer, the print result is drawn as shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, it is checked whether the print data is to be filled in S315, but drawing with a pattern may be performed. In this case, print data for drawing a pattern is added in S316. In S316, it is assumed that the fill color of the print data is acquired, and new print data to be filled with the color is created. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a specific color (for example, black) is filled. Also good. Furthermore, in S317, the drawing area of the feature print data is painted white, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other colors or patterns may be painted.

  According to the third embodiment, the print data adding unit 301 creates print data that fills the feature print data and creates print data in which the feature data is hidden. This has the effect of hiding a part of data for drawing an area larger than the area.

As described above, in each embodiment, the contents of the feature data stored in the storage unit have been described with respect to the “filling” and “rectangular” examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the “pattern (pattern)”, “ Information regarding “image” and “figure” may be used, or simple coordinate information may be used.
With such a function, according to the present invention, it is possible to edit image data according to the needs of the user when printing processing is performed on image data input from a Web site that could not be edited conventionally.

  As for the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is applied to a printer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a copying machine or MFP.

1 Personal computer (PC)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Printer 3 Network 100 Printer control part 101 Input / output part 102 Print data control part 103 Storage part 104 Print data extraction part 105 Same area data extraction part 106 Print data removal part 107 Printing part

Claims (10)

In an image processing apparatus that inputs image data, processes the image, and instructs the image forming apparatus to print,
A storage unit for storing feature information of an image to be detected from the image data;
A feature image extraction unit that extracts the image data including an image based on the feature information from the image data as feature image information;
The same region image extracting unit for extracting image information existing in the region of the feature image extracted by the feature image extracting unit;
An editing unit for editing the image information extracted from the same region image extraction unit based on the feature image information extracted from the feature image extraction unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The editing unit includes an image information removing unit that removes the feature image information extracted from the feature image extracting unit and image information extracted from the same region image extracting unit from image data. Item 8. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit includes an image information adding unit that adds another image that overwrites the image information and creates new image information.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data has a layer structure in which a plurality of images are overlapped.   The same region image extraction unit extracts the image information located in a layer above the feature image information from image information existing in the region of the feature image information extracted by the feature image extraction unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image information adding unit determines the content of an image to be overwritten based on an image arranged in a lower layer of the image information extracted as the feature image information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature information is color information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature information is image pattern information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature information is rectangular information. In an image forming apparatus instructed to print by an image processing apparatus that inputs image data and processes an image,
A storage unit for storing feature information of an image to be detected from the image data;
A feature image extraction unit that extracts the image data including an image based on the feature information from the image data as feature image information;
An editing unit for editing image data based on the feature image information extracted from the feature image extraction unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images