JP2011245688A - Printer and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can set identification IDs required for classifying cards such as business cards variously, and can manage or print a print image including unrecognizable characters.SOLUTION: Since the identification ID of a business card is extracted based on print images on the front and back of the business card read by means of first and second scanners 41 and 43, and a character string recognized by means of a character recognition device 82, the fact whether the character string is vertical writing or horizontal writing or whether the print image is printed on the front and back of the business card or not can be extracted as the identification ID. Consequently, the print mode of business card list image can be diversified by diversifying the method of classifying the print images of business cards. Furthermore, photographs, Logos, etc., included in the print image can be printed on a recording sheet because the print images of a business card are printed on the recording sheet.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that reads and organizes cards such as business cards and prints, and an image forming apparatus including the printing apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a print image printed on a business card is read by a scanner, a character string included in the read print image is recognized, an identification ID is extracted from the character string, and the character string and the identification ID are set. Are stored in the memory in association with each other, and the character string is searched based on the identification ID, the character string is displayed on the display device, and the character string is printed.

JP 2003-36260 A

  However, since the identification ID is extracted and set from the character string printed on the business card, the content of the identification ID is limited, the character string search based on the identification ID, the display of the character string on the display device, and the character string Printing was not diverse and was not easy to use.

  For example, there are vertical writing and horizontal writing depending on business cards, but these cannot be distinguished and printed. Alternatively, there are prints on which only the front is printed and prints on both the front and back sides, but these cannot be distinguished and printed. Also, print images that cannot be recognized by characters (face photos, logos, etc.) are not taken into account, and they cannot be managed or printed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to set various identification IDs necessary for classifying cards such as business cards, and printing that cannot be recognized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of managing and printing images and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus of the present invention includes a scanner that reads a print image printed on a card, a character recognition unit that recognizes a character string included in the print image read by the scanner, and the scanner. An identification ID extraction unit that extracts the identification ID of the card based on the print image read by the character recognition unit and the character string recognized by the character recognition unit, and the print image read by the scanner and the identification ID extraction unit. A storage unit that stores the identification ID in association with each other, an identification ID input unit that instructs to input the identification ID, and a print image that corresponds to the identification ID that is instructed to be input by the identification ID input unit. And a print control unit for printing on paper.

  In the present invention, since the card identification ID is extracted based on the print image read by the scanner and the character string recognized by the character recognition unit, the card identification ID is extracted based only on the character string. Compared to the above, it is possible to set various identification IDs and various print images corresponding to the identification IDs. In addition, since the print image of the card and the identification ID are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and the print image of the card is read from the storage unit and recorded on the recording paper, the photograph or logo included in the print image is stored. Etc. can be printed on recording paper.

  In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the identification ID extraction unit may vertically convert a character string included in the print image of the card based on the print image read by the scanner and the character string recognized by the character recognition unit. Whether the writing or horizontal writing is performed is extracted as the identification ID.

  In this case, when the identification ID indicating either vertical writing or horizontal writing is input by the identification ID extraction unit, the print control unit prints the print image of the card vertically or horizontally according to the identification ID. Print on recording paper.

  In this way, it is possible to extract whether the character string included in the printed image of the card is vertical writing or horizontal writing as the identification ID, and the vertical or horizontal writing image corresponding to the identification ID can be selectively selected. It becomes possible to print on.

  Furthermore, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, each printed image printed on the front and back of the card is read by the scanner, and each character string included in the printed image on the front and back of the card is read by the character recognition unit. The identification ID extraction unit recognizes whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card based on a print image read by the scanner or a character string recognized by the character recognition unit. Extracting.

  In this case, when the identification ID indicating whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card is input by the identification ID extraction unit, the print control unit receives the front of the card based on the identification ID. The printed image or the printed image on the front and back sides is printed on the recording paper.

  In this way, whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card can be extracted as the identification ID, and the front or back printed image of the card corresponding to the identification ID can be selectively printed.

  The printing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a blank detection unit that detects a blank area of the recording paper, and the print control unit reads the blank area of the recording paper detected by the blank detection unit from the storage unit. The printed image is printed.

  As a result, it becomes possible to print the print image of the added card in the blank area of the recording paper.

  Furthermore, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the card is a business card or a postcard.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the printing apparatus of the present invention.

  Such an image forming apparatus of the present invention also has the same effects as the printing apparatus of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, since the card identification ID is extracted based on the print image read by the scanner and the character string recognized by the character recognition unit, the card identification ID is extracted based only on the character string. Compared with the case where it does, identification ID can be set variously and the print image corresponding to identification ID can also be set variously. In addition, since the print image of the card and the identification ID are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and the print image of the card is read from the storage unit and recorded on the recording paper, the photograph or logo included in the print image is stored. Etc. can be printed on recording paper.

  For example, it is possible to extract whether the character string included in the printed image of the card is vertical writing or horizontal writing as the identification ID. Alternatively, whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card can be extracted as an identification ID. For this reason, the classification method of the printed image of the card is diversified, and the printed image of the vertically or horizontally written card can be selectively printed, or the printed image of the front or back of the card can be selectively printed.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus to which a first embodiment of a printing apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an image reading device mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows notionally the business card analysis data produced | generated by the printing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the business card list image which arranges the print image of the front side of each business card of vertical writing. It is a figure which illustrates the business card list image formed by arranging the print image of the front side of each business card of vertical writing and horizontal writing. It is a figure which illustrates the business card list image formed by arranging the front side print image and the back side print image of each business card of vertical writing and horizontal writing. It is a flowchart which shows the process from the reading of the printed image of the business card by the printing apparatus of 1st Embodiment to recording. It is a flowchart which shows the process from the reading of the printing image of the business card by the printing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment to recording. It is a figure which illustrates the blank area | region of the recording paper which printed the business card list image previously.

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

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus to which a first embodiment of a printing apparatus of the present invention is applied. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called multi-function machine having a scanner function, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, and transmits an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus 2 to the outside (corresponding to a scanner function). The image of the read original or the image received from the outside is recorded and formed in color or single color on a recording sheet (corresponding to a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function).

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a laser exposure device 11, a developing device 12, a photosensitive drum 13, a cleaner device 14, a charger 15, an intermediate transfer belt device 16, a fixing device 17, and a paper conveyance device for printing an image on recording paper. A path S, a paper feed tray 18, a paper discharge tray 19, and the like are provided.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 1 uses data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This is in accordance with the monochrome image. For this reason, four each of the developing device 12, the photosensitive drum 13, the cleaner device 14, and the charger 15 are provided so as to form four types of toner images corresponding to the respective colors, and black, cyan, magenta, respectively. , And yellow, four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd are configured.

  Each photosensitive drum 13 has a photosensitive layer on the surface thereof. Each charger 15 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a contact-type roller-type or brush-type charger, a charger-type charger. Is used.

  The laser exposure device 11 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of each charged photosensitive drum 13 according to image data and corresponds to the image data on those surfaces. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  Each developing device 12 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 with toner of each color, and forms a toner image on the surface of these photosensitive drums 13. Each cleaner device 14 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 16 is disposed above each photosensitive drum 13, and includes an intermediate transfer belt 21, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 22, a driven roller 23, four intermediate transfer rollers 24, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 25. It has.

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 is formed by forming a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm into an endless belt shape. The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 22, the driven roller 23, each intermediate transfer roller 24, and the like stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 21, and rotate the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of arrow C.

  Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 21 and is pressed against the respective photosensitive drums 13 via the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 13 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21 so as to form color toner images (each color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Transfer of the toner image from each photosensitive drum 13 to the intermediate transfer belt 21 is performed by each intermediate transfer roller 24 that is in pressure contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21. Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). Each intermediate transfer roller 24 is applied with a high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) in order to transfer the toner image. A high voltage is uniformly applied to the recording paper by the material.

  In this way, the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 13 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 21 to become a color toner image indicated by the image data. This color toner image is conveyed together with the intermediate transfer belt 21 and transferred onto a recording sheet in a nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26.

  The transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26 has a voltage (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (-)) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto a recording sheet. Is applied. Further, in order to constantly obtain a nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26, either the transfer roller 26a or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 22 is made of a hard material (metal or the like). The other is made of a soft material such as an elastic roller (such as an elastic rubber roller or a foaming resin roller).

  In addition, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 may not be completely transferred onto the recording paper by the secondary transfer device 26, and the toner may remain on the intermediate transfer belt 21. Causes color mixing. Therefore, the residual toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 25. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 25 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 21 and removes residual toner as a cleaning member, and the intermediate transfer belt is driven by a driven roller 23 at a portion where the cleaning blade comes into contact. 21 The back side is supported.

  The recording sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 17 after the color toner image is transferred in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26 a of the secondary transfer device 26. The fixing device 17 includes a heating roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like, and sandwiches and conveys a recording sheet between the heating roller 31 and the pressure roller 32.

  The heating roller 31 is controlled so as to have a predetermined fixing temperature based on a detection output of a temperature detector (not shown), and the color transferred to the recording paper by thermocompression bonding the recording paper together with the pressure roller 32. The toner image is melted, mixed, and pressed, and thermally fixed to the recording paper.

  On the other hand, the paper feed tray 18 is a tray for storing recording paper, and is provided below the image forming apparatus 1 to supply the recording paper in the tray. The manual feed tray 7 is a tray on which recording paper is placed, and is provided on the side wall of the image forming apparatus 1 to supply the recording paper in the tray.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, an S-shaped sheet for feeding a recording sheet supplied from the paper feed tray 18 or the manual feed tray 7 to the sheet discharge tray 19 via the secondary transfer device 26 or the fixing device 17. A conveyance path S is provided. A sheet registration roller 34, a fixing device 17, a transport roller 35, a paper discharge roller 36, and the like are arranged along the paper transport path S.

  A paper pick-up roller 33 is provided at the end of the paper feed tray 18, and the recording paper is pulled out from the paper feed tray 18 one by one by the paper pick-up roller 33 and transported to the paper transport path S. A pickup roller 8 is provided at the end of the manual feed tray 7, and the recording paper is pulled out from the manual feed tray 7 one by one by the pickup roller 8 and sent out to the paper transport path S.

  The conveyance roller 35 is a small roller for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of sets are provided.

  The paper registration roller 34 temporarily stops the recording paper that has been conveyed, aligns the leading edge of the recording paper, and is placed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26. In order to transfer the color toner image onto the recording sheet, the recording sheet is conveyed in a timely manner in accordance with the rotation of each photosensitive drum 13 and the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  For example, the paper registration roller 34 detects the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the nip region between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 26a of the secondary transfer device 26 based on the detection output of a pre-registration detection switch (not shown). The recording paper is transported so that the leading edge is aligned with the leading edge of the image forming area of the recording paper.

  Further, the recording paper is fixed with a color toner image by the fixing device 17, passes through the fixing device 17, and is then discharged face down on the paper discharge tray 19 by the paper discharge roller 36.

  In addition, when printing not only on the front side of the recording paper but also on the back side, the recording paper is stopped by rotating the paper discharge roller 36 while the recording paper is being conveyed by the paper discharge roller 36 in the paper conveyance path S, and recording is performed. The paper is passed through the reverse path Sr, the front and back sides of the recording paper are reversed, the recording paper is guided to the paper registration roller 34, and the image is recorded and fixed on the back surface of the recording paper in the same manner as the front surface of the recording paper. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 19.

  Next, the image reading device 2 mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the image reading device 2.

  The image reading apparatus 2 includes a lower first scanner 41 and an upper document conveying unit 42. The upper document transport unit 42 is pivotally supported on the inner side of the lower first scanner 41 by a hinge (not shown) and is opened and closed by moving the front portion up and down. When the document transport section 42 is opened, the platen glass 44 of the lower first scanner 41 is opened, and the document is placed on the platen glass 44.

  The first scanner 41 includes a platen glass 44, a first scanning unit 45, a second scanning unit 46, an imaging lens 47, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 48, and the like. The first scanning unit 45 includes a light source 51 and a first reflecting mirror 52. The first scanning unit 45 moves the document on the platen glass 44 to the light source 51 while moving in the sub-scanning direction by a distance corresponding to the document size at a constant speed V. The reflected light is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 52 and guided to the second scanning unit 46, whereby the image on the document surface is scanned in the sub-scanning direction. The second scanning unit 46 includes second and third reflecting mirrors 53 and 54, and follows the first scanning unit 45 while moving at a speed V / 2, while reflecting the reflected light of the document to the second and third. The light is reflected by the reflection mirrors 53 and 54 and guided to the imaging lens 47. The imaging lens 47 condenses the reflected light of the document on the CCD 48 and forms an image on the surface of the document on the CCD 48. The CCD 48 repeatedly scans the document image in the main scanning direction, and outputs an analog image signal of one main scanning line each time.

  The first and second scanning units 45 and 46 are provided with respective pulleys (not shown), and wires (not shown) are laid over these pulleys, and these wires are driven by a stepping motor. Thus, the first and second scanning units 45 and 46 are moved synchronously.

  The first scanner 41 can read not only a stationary document but also an image on the surface of the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 42. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the first scanning unit 45 is moved to a reading position below the original reading glass 55, and the second scanning unit 46 is positioned in accordance with the position of the first scanning unit 45. Then, the document conveyance unit 42 starts conveying the document.

  In the document transport section 42, the pickup roller 56 is pressed against the document on the document tray 57 and rotated to pull out the document, transport the document through the document transport path 58, and read the document with the document reading glass 55 of the first scanner 41. The original is passed between the guide plates 59 and further passed through the second scanner 43 to be conveyed from the paper discharge roller 61 to the paper discharge tray 62. Along the document conveyance path 58, a registration roller 63 that conveys the document after aligning the front end thereof and a conveyance roller 64 that conveys the document are arranged.

  When transporting the document, the light source 51 of the first scanning unit 45 illuminates the document surface via the document reading glass 55, and the reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the reflection mirrors of the first and second traveling units 45 and 46. The light is guided to the imaging lens 47, and the reflected light from the document surface is condensed on the CCD 48 by the imaging lens 47, and an image on the document surface is formed on the CCD 48, thereby reading the image on the document surface.

  Further, at the same time as reading the image on the front side of the document being conveyed by the document conveying unit 42, the image on the back side of the document can be read by the second scanner 43 built in the document conveying unit 42. The second scanner 43 is disposed above the platen glass 44 and includes a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS) 71 and a glass plate 72 through which a document passes. The CIS 71 photoelectrically converts the LED array 74 that illuminates the back side of the original, the SELFOC (registered trademark) lens array 75 that collects the reflected light of the original for each pixel, and the reflected light of the original received through the SELFOC lens array 75. And a line sensor 76 for outputting an analog image signal. The document that has passed over the document reading glass 55 of the first scanner 41 passes under the glass plate 72 of the second scanner 43 and is discharged to the discharge tray 62. When passing under the glass plate 72, the back surface of the document is illuminated by the LED array 74, and the reflected light from the back surface of the document enters the line sensor 76 via the Selfoc lens array 75. Read.

  The original image read by the CCD 48 and the CIS 71 is output as an analog image signal from the CCD 48 and the CIS 71, and the analog image signal is A / D converted into a digital image signal. The digital image signal (image data) is subjected to various image processing and then transmitted to the laser exposure device 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, where the image is recorded on a recording sheet. The paper is output as a copy original.

  By the way, the printing apparatus of the present embodiment is built in the image forming apparatus 1 and reads the printed images printed on the front or back of the business card by the first and second scanners 41 and 43 of the image reading apparatus 2. The character string included in the print image is recognized, the business card identification ID is extracted and set based on the print image and the character string, and the print image and the identification ID are associated with each other and stored in the memory. When an identification ID is input, a print image corresponding to the identification ID is read from the memory and printed on a recording sheet.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing such a printing apparatus 21 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the control unit 81 controls the image forming apparatus 1 and the printing apparatus 21 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU, various interfaces, and the like. The character recognition device 82 (OCR) is attached as an option to the image forming apparatus 1 and is implemented by executing application software by the control unit 81. The input operation unit 83 includes, for example, a plurality of input keys and a liquid crystal display device. The memory 84 is, for example, a hard disk device (HDD). The printing unit 85 includes a laser exposure device 11, a developing device 12, a photosensitive drum 13, a cleaner device 14, a charger 15, an intermediate transfer belt device 16, a fixing device 17, a paper transport path S, a paper feed tray 18, And corresponds to the paper discharge tray 19 and the like, and prints a print image on a recording paper by an electrophotographic method. The image reading apparatus 2 includes a first scanner 41, a document conveying unit 42, a second scanner 43, and the like.

  In such a configuration, at least one business card is set on the document tray 57 (shown in FIG. 2) of the document transport unit 42, and the input operation unit 83 is operated to read the printed image printed on the business card. In response to this, the control unit 81 controls the document conveying unit 42 to convey the business card by the document conveying unit 42, and the first and second scanners 41 and 42 print images of the front and back of the business card. To read.

  At this time, in the document conveying section 42 shown in FIG. 2, the business cards are drawn one by one from the document tray 57 and conveyed, the business cards are passed over the document reading glass 55 of the first scanner 41, and the business cards are further passed through the second scanner. After passing under the glass plate 72 of 43, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 62. In the first scanner 41, the printed image on the front side of the business card is read by the CCD 48, and image data indicating the printed image on the front side of the business card is output to the control unit 81. The second scanner 43 reads the printed image on the back side of the business card by the CIS 71 and outputs image data indicating the printed image on the back side of the business card to the control unit 81.

  When the control unit 81 inputs the image data indicating the printed image of the front and back of the business card, the control unit 81 determines whether or not the printed image is printed on the back side of the business card based on the image data indicating the printed image on the back side of the business card. If the printed image is not printed on the back side, the character recognition device 82 processes the printed image on the front side of the business card to recognize the character string included in the printed image on the front side of the business card. After determining the vertical direction and rotating the printed image on the front side of the business card so that the characters of this character string are upright, the printed image (image data) and the character string on the front side of the business card are stored in the memory 84.

  If a print image is printed on the back side of the business card, the character recognition device 82 processes the print image on the front and back side of the business card to recognize each character string included in the print image on the front and back side of the business card. Determine the vertical direction of the characters in these character strings, rotate the printed images on the front and back of the business card so that the characters in these character strings stand upright, and then print the image (image data) on the front and back of the business card and each Is stored in the memory 84.

  Subsequently, the control unit 81 generates a business card identification ID based on the business card print image and the character string, and stores the identification ID in the memory 84. For example, whether or not a print image is printed on the back side of the business card described above is stored in the memory 84 as an identification ID.

  Further, it is determined whether the character string is vertical writing or horizontal writing, and the determination result is stored in the memory 84 as an identification ID. Specifically, the vertical direction (direction along the long side) and the horizontal direction (direction along the short side) of the business card are determined based on the printed image of the business card, and the upper and lower characters of the character string are along the vertical direction of the business card. If it is determined that the character is written vertically, it is determined that the character is written horizontally if the upper and lower characters of the character string are along the horizontal direction of the business card.

  The control unit 81 extracts the company name and name from the business card character string, and stores the company name and name in the memory 84 as the identification ID. The extraction method of the company name and name may be a method already proposed. For example, if the business card is vertical writing, extract the maximum size character string from the center area of the business card, name this character string, extract the maximum size character string from the left and right area of the business card, and this character string Is the company name. Also, if the business card is horizontal writing, extract the maximum size character string from the center area of the business card, name this character string, extract the maximum size character string from the upper and lower area of the business card, Company name.

  Such reading and storage of the printed image of the business card, extraction and storage of the character string from the printed image, and storage of the identification ID are performed each time the printed image of the business card is read. As a result, the business card analysis data D as shown in FIG. 4 is created and stored in the memory 84.

  In the business card analysis data D of FIG. 4, the serial number generated in the reading order of the business card, the reading date of the business card, the identification ID (company name, name, vertical writing or horizontal writing, no back or yes), the front side of the business card The address of the print image (front side image ID), the address of the print image on the back side of the business card (back side image ID), and the character string included in the print image are stored in association with each other, and the print image of the business card is read. Each time, the serial number is incremented and added, and the reading date, identification ID, print image address, and character string are stored corresponding to the added serial number.

  The front-side image ID (address) is an address where the front-side print image in the memory 84 is stored, and the front-side print image can be read based on this address. Similarly, the back side image ID (address) is an address where the back side print image in the memory 84 is stored, and the back side print image can be read based on this address.

  After the printed image of the business card is read and recorded in the business card analysis data D in this way, the input operation unit 83 is operated to select and specify the identification ID in the business card analysis data D to record the business card. In response to this instruction, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D, extracts a plurality of business card print images corresponding to the designated identification ID, and arranges the business card print images. A list image is generated, image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85, and the printing unit 85 records the business card list image on a recording sheet.

  For example, when vertical writing is specified as an identification ID by operating the input operation unit 83 and recording of a business card is instructed, in response to this, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D to identify the vertical ID. Are selected, the respective front side image IDs corresponding to these identification IDs are read, the front side print images of the respective business cards corresponding to these front side image IDs (addresses) are read from the memory 84, The layout of the print image on the front side of each business card is set, a business card list image in which the print images on the front side of each business card are arranged in the layout is generated, and image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When the image data is input, the printing unit 85 prints a business card list image indicated by the image data. FIG. 5 exemplifies a business card list image 91 in which print images on the front side of vertical business cards are arranged.

  Further, when vertical writing and horizontal writing are specified as identification IDs by operating the input operation unit 83 and recording of a business card is instructed, in response to this, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D, and writes vertical writing and horizontal writing. Are selected, the front image IDs corresponding to these identification IDs are read, and the print images on the front side of each business card corresponding to these front image IDs (addresses) are read from the memory 84. Then, the layout of the print image on the front side of each business card on the recording paper is set, the business card list image formed by arranging the print images on the front side of each business card in the layout is generated, and the image data indicating this business card list image is sent to the printing unit 85 Output. When the image data is input, the printing unit 85 prints a business card list image indicated by the image data. FIG. 6 exemplifies a business card list image 92 formed by arranging print images on the front side of business cards written vertically and horizontally.

  Furthermore, when vertical writing and horizontal writing are specified as identification IDs by the operation of the input operation unit 83, and “back” is specified as the identification ID, and recording of the business card is instructed, the control unit 81 responds to this and the business card analysis data With reference to D, all the identification IDs indicating vertical writing and horizontal writing are selected, and the respective front side image IDs corresponding to these identification IDs are read, and there is a printed image on the back side of the business card for each identification ID. If there is a printed image on the back side, the back side image ID is read together with the front side image ID. Then, the front and back print images of each business card corresponding to the front image ID (address) and the back image ID (address) are read from the memory 84, and the front side print image and the back side print image layout of each business card on the recording paper. Is generated, a business card list image in which the front side print image and the back side print image of each business card are arranged in the layout is generated, and image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When the image data is input, the printing unit 85 prints a business card list image indicated by the image data. FIG. 7 exemplifies a business card list image 93 in which a front side print image and a back side print image of each business card of vertical writing and horizontal writing are arranged.

  In addition, when the operation of the input operation unit 83 specifies that the first character of the name is a line as an identification ID and instructs to record the business card, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D in response to this. Then, based on the identification ID, all the names having the first character in the line are selected, the front side print images of the name cards corresponding to these names are read from the memory 84, and the front side print images of the name cards on the recording paper The business card list image is generated by arranging the front side print images of each business card in the layout, and image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When the image data is input, the printing unit 85 prints a business card list image indicated by the image data.

  Furthermore, when an arbitrary company name is designated as an identification ID by operating the input operation unit 83 and recording of a business card is instructed, in response to this, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D based on the identification ID. All the front side print images of each business card corresponding to an arbitrary company name are read from the memory 84, the front side print image layout of each business card on the recording paper is set, and the front side print images of each business card are arranged in that layout. A business card list image is generated, and image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When the image data is input, the printing unit 85 prints a business card list image indicated by the image data.

  If the company name, name, vertical writing or horizontal writing, and no or back side are selected in another combination and an identification ID is specified, a print image corresponding to the identification ID is read out and arranged and printed. Is done.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, processing from reading a business card print image to recording will be described in an organized manner.

  First, when at least one business card is set on the document tray 57 of the document transport unit 42 in a state where the business card printing mode is instructed by the operation of the input operation unit 83, the business card on the document tray 57 is detected by the sensor ( The detection output of this sensor is input to the control unit 81 (step S101). The controller 81 determines that a business card has been set based on the detection output of the sensor, and waits for a business card reading instruction (step S102).

  Subsequently, when reading of a business card is instructed by the operation of the input operation unit 83, in response to this, the control unit 81 controls the document conveying unit 42 to cause the document conveying unit 42 to convey the business cards one by one. The printed images on the front and back of the business card are read by the first and second scanners 41 and 42 (step S103).

  When the print image on the front and back of the business card is input (step S104), the control unit 81 determines whether or not the print image is printed on the back side of the business card based on the print image on the back side of the business card. If is not printed, it recognizes the character string contained in the printed image on the front side of the business card, rotates the printed image on the front side of the business card so that the characters in this string are upright, and then prints on the front side of the business card The image and the character string are stored in the memory 84. Also, if a printed image is printed on the back side of the business card, each character string included in the printed image on the front and back side of the business card is recognized, and the front and back sides of the business card are printed so that the characters of these character strings stand upright After the image is rotated, the printed images of the front and back of the business card and the respective character strings are stored in the memory 84 (step S105). Further, the control unit 81 generates a business card identification ID based on the business card print image and the character string, and stores the identification ID in the memory 84 (step S106).

  As long as there is a business card before reading on the document tray 57 (“No” in step S107), the processes in steps S104 to S106 are repeated. Thereby, business card analysis data D as shown in FIG. 4 is created.

  When all the business cards on the document tray 57 have been read (“Yes” in step S107), the processes in steps S104 to S106 are terminated.

  After the printed image of the business card is read and recorded in the business card analysis data D in this way, when the identification ID is designated by the operation of the input operation unit 83 and the recording of the business card is instructed, the response is made. Then, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D and extracts a printed image of the business card corresponding to the instructed identification ID (step S108).

  At this time, the user operates the input operation unit 83 to input a page break condition for the recording paper (step S109). For example, the number of printed business cards per sheet of recording paper can be input as a page break condition, a name whose first character is a line, a name whose first character is a line, a name whose first character is a line, ... ... Is input as a condition for page break. The control unit 81 sequentially allocates and lays out all of the business card print images extracted in step S108 according to the input page break conditions to a plurality of recording sheets, and generates each business card list image (step S110). ) When the assignment of all the printed images of the business card is completed (“Yes” in step S111), the image data indicating each business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When these image data are input, the printing unit 85 sequentially pulls out the recording sheets from the paper feed tray 18, and prints each business card list image indicated by the image data on each recording sheet (step S112).

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 21 of the present embodiment, the business card identification ID is extracted based on the front and back printed images of the business card read by the first and second scanners 41 and 43 and the character string recognized by the character recognition apparatus 82. Therefore, it is possible to extract whether the character string is vertical writing or horizontal writing, or whether a print image is printed on the front and back of the business card, etc. as an identification ID, and the classification of the business card print image By diversifying the method, the printing mode of the business card list image can be diversified. In addition, since the printed image of the business card is printed on the recording paper, it is possible to print a photograph, a logo, or the like included in the printed image on the recording paper.

  Next, the printing apparatus 21A of the second embodiment will be described. The printing apparatus 21A of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 21 of FIG. 3 and is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, but part of the processing from reading a business card print image to recording. Is different.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing from reading to printing of a business card print image by the printing apparatus 21A. In FIG. 9, the same steps (S101 to S111) are assigned to the same steps as in FIG. Also, steps S121 to S124 are processes that enable additional printing of a new business card print image in a blank area of a recording sheet on which a business card list image has been previously printed, unlike the process of FIG.

  As described above, a business card on the document tray 57 is detected by a sensor (not shown) (step S101), a business card reading instruction is waited (step S102), and the business card is read by operating the input operation unit 83. When instructed, until the reading of all the business cards on the document tray 57 is completed (“Yes” in step S107), the processing of steps S104 to S106 is repeated, and the first and second scanners 41, 42 repeat the business card front and back. Is printed and recorded in the business card analysis data D. Subsequently, when the identification ID is designated by the operation of the input operation unit 83 and the recording of the business card is instructed, the printed image of the business card corresponding to the instructed identification ID is extracted with reference to the business card analysis data D. (Step S108).

  Thereafter, the control unit 81 displays a message asking whether or not to additionally print a new business card print image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device of the input operation unit 83 (step S121). At this time, if the user operates the input operation unit 83 and inputs that no additional printing is to be performed, in response to this, the control unit 81 determines printing on one new recording sheet (step S122). ). When the page break condition of the recording sheet is input by the operation of the input operation unit 83 (step S109), in response to this, the control unit 81 selects all of the business card print images generated in step S108. Each image data indicating each business card list image allocated and laid out on the recording paper is generated (step S110), and when all the business card print images are allocated (“Yes” in step S111), those image data are displayed. Each image data indicating the business card list image is output to the printing unit 85. When each image data is input, the printing unit 85 sequentially pulls out the recording sheets from the paper feed tray 18 and prints the respective print images indicated by the respective image data on the respective recording sheets (step S123). Therefore, when additional printing is not performed, the same processing as in FIG. 8 is performed.

  When the user operates the input operation unit 83 to input that additional printing is to be performed, in response to this, the control unit 81 refers to the business card analysis data D and prints the business card generated in step S108. A print image of a new business card whose creation date is the latest date is selected from among the images to be additionally printed. Then, the control unit 81 displays on the screen of the liquid crystal display device of the input operation unit 83 that the recording sheet on which the business card list image has been previously printed is set on the document tray 57 of the document conveying unit 42 and read. The user sets a recording sheet on which the business card list image has been previously printed on the document tray 57 and operates the input operation unit 83 to instruct reading of the recording sheet. In response to this, the control unit 81 causes the first scanner 41 to read the recording paper, inputs image data indicating an image of the recording paper read by the first scanner 41, and based on the image data A blank area of the recording paper is determined (step S124). Further, the user sets a recording sheet on which the business card list image has been previously printed on the manual feed tray 7 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Thereafter, when the condition for page break of the recording paper is input by the operation of the input operation unit 83 (step S109), the control unit 81 displays all the print images of the new business card selected to be additionally printed in step S124. Is assigned to the blank area of the recording paper determined in step S124 to generate a new business card list image. Further, if all of the new business card print images cannot be laid out in the blank area of the recording paper, the new business card print images are allotted to the blank area of the recording paper and the new recording paper on the next page for layout. Each new business card list image is generated (step S110). When all the assignments of the new business card print images are completed (“Yes” in step S111), the image data indicating the new business card list image is output to the printing unit 85.

  When the printing unit 85 inputs image data indicating a new business card list image that is allocated and laid out in a blank area of the recording paper, the printing section 85 pulls out the recording paper from the manual feed tray 7 and puts it in the blank area of the recording paper determined in step S124. The new business card list image is printed (step S123). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if there is a blank area K on the recording sheet on which the business card list image was previously printed, a new business card list image is recorded in this blank area K.

  In addition, when the printing unit 85 inputs image data indicating a new business card list image that is allocated and laid out on a new recording sheet on the next page, the printing unit 85 pulls out the recording sheet from the sheet feeding tray 18 and puts the new recording sheet on the recording sheet. A business card list image is printed (step S123).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a newly read business card print image can be additionally recorded in the blank area K of the recording paper on which the business card list image has been previously printed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood. For example, the present invention can be applied not only to business cards but also to postcards such as New Year's cards.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading apparatus 7 Manual feed tray 11 Laser exposure apparatus 12 Developing apparatus 13 Photosensitive drum 14 Cleaner apparatus 15 Charger 16 Intermediate transfer belt apparatus 17 Fixing apparatus 18 Paper feed tray 19 Paper discharge tray 19
21 Printing device 41 First scanner 42 Document transport unit 43 Second scanner 81 Control unit 82 Character recognition device 83 Input operation unit 84 Memory 85 Printing unit S Paper transport path

Claims (8)

A scanner that reads a printed image printed on a card;
A character recognition unit for recognizing a character string included in a print image read by the scanner;
An identification ID extraction unit that extracts an identification ID of the card based on a print image read by the scanner and a character string recognized by the character recognition unit;
A storage unit that stores the print image read by the scanner in association with the identification ID extracted by the identification ID extraction unit;
An identification ID input unit for inputting an identification ID;
A printing apparatus comprising: a print control unit that reads a print image corresponding to an identification ID instructed to be input by the identification ID input unit from the storage unit and prints it on a recording sheet. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The identification ID extraction unit determines whether the character string included in the print image of the card is vertical writing or horizontal writing based on the print image read by the scanner and the character string recognized by the character recognition unit. A printing apparatus that extracts the identification ID. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the identification ID indicating either vertical writing or horizontal writing is input by the identification ID extracting unit, the print control unit prints the print image of the card vertically or horizontally according to the identification ID. A printing apparatus for printing on a printer. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Read each printed image printed on the front and back of the card by the scanner, recognize each character string included in the printed image on the front and back of the card by the character recognition unit,
The identification ID extraction unit extracts, as the identification ID, whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card based on a print image read by the scanner or a character string recognized by the character recognition unit. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. The printing apparatus according to claim 4,
When the identification ID indicating whether or not a print image is printed on the front and back of the card in the identification ID extraction unit, the print control unit, based on the identification ID, A printing apparatus that prints front and back printed images on a recording sheet. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
It has a blank detector that detects blank areas on recording paper.
The printing apparatus, wherein the print control unit prints a print image read from the storage unit in a blank area of a recording sheet detected by the blank detection unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The printing apparatus, wherein the card is a business card or a postcard.     An image forming apparatus comprising the printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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