JP2012084940A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing load of work associated with setting/instruction to the image processing apparatus to effectively execute the work.SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus includes: OCR means for optically reading a command sheet that is a sheet-like medium having an area on which a user has written desired setting/instruction to the image processing apparatus and has specified the area of the setting/instruction with a marker recognizable by the image processing apparatus and converting the setting/instruction written in the area into text data; command sheet data analysis means for analyzing the text data and associating the analysis result with the setting of the image processing apparatus or action of the image processing apparatus; and specified data setting/instruction execution means for setting, in the case that the analysis result is setting data, the setting data to the image processing apparatus, and executing, in the case that the analysis result is instruction data, action of the image processing apparatus according to the instruction data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus in which desired setting / instruction is performed by a user.

  In the conventional copying apparatus, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620, a region for character recognition on a document is marked with a marker of a predetermined color, and character recognition / table analysis / image segmentation is performed according to the marking color. Processing is in progress. Even in a conventional stencil printing apparatus, as shown in Patent Document 2, an area specification is made by entering a surrounding line or a diagonal line on a command sheet (area specification sheet) as a sheet-like medium and reading it together with a document by a monochrome scanner. Engraving is performed separately for the inside and the area designated outside (this function is conventionally known as a make-up function), and this is used as a color separation, and it is multicolored by two cascaded stencil printing devices. It is used for printing.

  In both Patent Documents 1 and 2, a document is a target for performing marking and performing desired processing. That is, in Patent Document 1, the original is divided into appropriate document components by marking, and an object is to perform OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing only on a character area among the divided document components. Further, in Patent Document 2, an object is to divide the original into appropriate document components by marking with a command sheet and use it for color separation.

  By the way, when an image processing apparatus such as a copier (PPC), a multifunction printer (MFP), or a stencil printing apparatus is installed and installed in an office or business office, communication-related settings such as a network address and a netmask are set. In addition, initial settings and installation settings necessary for future operation / operation, such as option settings such as an electric discharge tray and a sorter, so-called introduction settings (an example of settings / instructions for the image processing apparatus) must be made.

  If the number of installations is only a few, even if the salesperson or service engineer manually sets them one by one from the operation panel of the image processing device one by one There is no amount or workload. However, in the case of what is called collective introduction / collective delivery, where the number of installations sometimes ranges from several tens to several hundreds at a time, when these installation settings are performed in the conventional manner, the number of work days is several days. In some cases, there may be a large number of temporary installation setting personnel assigned to the work, and in some cases, the work may be late night / all night work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and uses a make-up function that has been used exclusively for document processing so far for setting / instructing an image processing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the work load and efficiently performing the work.

  In order to achieve such an object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention uses a marker that allows a user to write a desired setting / instruction to the image processing apparatus in advance and recognize the area in which the setting / instruction is written. An OCR unit that optically reads a command sheet, which is a designated sheet-like medium, converts the setting / instruction written in the area into text data, analyzes the text data, and associates the analysis result with the settings of the image processing apparatus. Or the command sheet data analyzing means associated with the operation of the image processing apparatus, and if the analysis result is setting data, the setting data is set in the image processing apparatus, and if the analysis result is instruction data, the instruction And a designated data setting / instruction executing means for executing the operation of the image processing apparatus in accordance with the data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes display means for performing various displays for the user, and the display means starts setting / instructions using the command sheet before the command sheet is read by the OCR means. Display indicating the effect, display indicating the analysis result by the command sheet data analysis means, display regarding setting data to be executed in the image processing apparatus, display indicating the result of setting the setting data in the image processing apparatus, and execution from now on At least one of display relating to the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the instruction data and display indicating the result of executing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the instruction data.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the user determines whether or not to execute the setting / instruction by the command sheet before at least one of reading the command sheet by the OCR unit and after analyzing by the command sheet data analyzing unit. A command sheet setting / instruction designating unit for accepting an operation to be selected.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the command sheet is a color command sheet in which a plurality of areas are designated by a plurality of color markers, and the OCR unit reads the color command sheet and writes the settings in the plurality of areas. The command sheet data analysis means analyzes a plurality of text data, and as a result of the analysis, sets / instructions for the area designated by the same color marker are grouped as the same category. The grouped setting / instruction is associated with the setting of the image processing apparatus or the operation of the image processing apparatus.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the command sheet data analyzing means, as a result of the analysis of the text data, when different settings / instructions are designated in a plurality of areas for the same item setting / instructions, The setting / instruction designation specified in the area below the area is treated as valid.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the command sheet data analyzing means determines the setting / instruction with reference to a synonym dictionary prepared in advance when analyzing the text data, It is related to the setting of the processing apparatus or the operation of the image processing apparatus.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the command sheet data analyzing means, when the text data is analyzed, is a description of a setting / instruction simplified form, from the setting / instruction item information by the OCR means. The discrimination information of both the category discrimination to be judged and the category discrimination to be judged from the information of the color marker is used as the judgment material and is associated with the setting / operation of the image processing apparatus.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the display means is an electronic paper that does not require power for displaying an image, and the image displayed on the electronic paper can be edited or added. It is characterized in that designation of instructions can be substituted.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit may remove the sheet adjustment paper set on the paper feed tray of the image processing apparatus when the instruction data is instructed to adjust the sheet passing. When the paper is passed according to the paper passing conditions described in the instruction data, and the paper is passed normally as a result of the paper passing, control is performed so that a message to that effect is displayed. If the paper feed is successful, the paper tries to pass several times by changing the setting parameters related to paper transport of the image processing device. When the paper is successfully passed and the setting parameters are rewritten by self-correction, but the paper cannot be passed normally within the adjustable range, So that the display to that effect Characterized in that the Gosuru.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the designated data setting / instruction execution means self-diagnose a diagnostic item accompanying the instruction data when an instruction for diagnosis of the image processing apparatus is given in the instruction data, Control is performed to notify the user of the diagnosis result.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the synonym dictionary referred to by the command sheet data analysis means is a text file that can be viewed / edited by a general text editor, and is described in XML. Features.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the work load related to the setting / instruction to the image processing apparatus and perform the work efficiently.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a stencil printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stencil printing apparatus to which a stencil printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the schematic which shows an example of the hardware (electric equipment board | substrate) structure of the stencil printing apparatus control part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen displayed on a touchscreen at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen displayed on a touchscreen at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the message screen displayed on a touch panel at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the stencil printing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the command sheet analysis result display screen displayed on a touch panel at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the stencil printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the synonym dictionary which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the command sheet analysis result display screen displayed on a touch panel at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting / instruction | indication correspondence table which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the command sheet analysis result display screen displayed on the electronic paper by which the stencil printing apparatus was carried out at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet (electronic paper alternative) which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the stencil printing system which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command sheet which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the stencil printing system which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus diagnosis result screen displayed on a touch panel at the time of operation | movement of the stencil printing apparatus which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following embodiments, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions in the second and subsequent embodiments are omitted as much as possible. .

[First Embodiment]
A stencil printing system 1 (an example of an image processing system) according to the present embodiment includes an area designating unit 2 and a stencil printing apparatus 100 (an example of an image processing apparatus) as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a stencil printing apparatus is described as an example, but other image processing apparatuses may be applied. Examples thereof include other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine (PPC) and a multifunction printer (MFP) regardless of an image forming engine such as an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

  The stencil printing apparatus 100 forms a latent image on a master made of a thermoplastic film by using a thermal perforation process. The master on which the latent image is formed is loaded on a printing drum filled with ink, and the master is loaded. A visible image is formed on the paper by rotating the printing drum and bringing it into pressure contact with the fed paper.

  The area specifying means 2 is realized by a sheet-like medium such as a leaf sheet called a command sheet 15 (area specifying sheet), for example. The command sheet 15 has a function that allows the user to specify a specific area (region) by writing at least one encircling line, diagonal line, or the like with a marker that can be recognized by the stencil printing apparatus 100. A setting / instruction for the stencil printing apparatus 100 (hereinafter also simply referred to as setting / instruction) is written by the user in the area designated by the marker. Examples of settings / instructions include setting of the stencil printing apparatus 100, initial settings, various settings such as device settings and function settings, execution of instructions such as restart (reboot) of the stencil printing apparatus 100, self-diagnosis, Etc.

  The OCR means 2 is realized by, for example, the image scanner 110, optically reads the command sheet 15, and converts the area designated by the marker into text data from the read image data.

  The command sheet data analysis unit 4 is realized by the control unit 20, for example, and analyzes the text data and associates it with a setting item of the stencil printing apparatus 100 or an operation item of the stencil printing apparatus 100.

  The designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 is realized by, for example, the control means 20, and when the analyzed data is setting data (data indicating a predetermined setting for the stencil printing apparatus 100), the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 is set as setting data in the stencil printing apparatus 100. When the set and analyzed data is instruction data (data indicating an instruction of a predetermined operation for the stencil printing apparatus 100), the specified operation is executed.

  The command sheet setting / instruction designation means 6 is realized by, for example, the touch panel 115 or physical buttons / keys, and receives an operation selected by the user as to whether or not to execute the setting / instruction using the command sheet 15. The timing for accepting this selection operation is, for example, either the timing before the command sheet 15 is read by the OCR means 3, the timing after the setting / instruction analysis by the command sheet data analyzing means 4, or Both timings are mentioned.

  The display means 7 is realized by, for example, the touch panel 115 or the electronic paper 400, and performs various displays for the user. Examples of this display include the following. For example, prior to reading the command sheet 15 by the OCR means 2, there is a display indicating that execution of setting / instruction by the command sheet 15 is started. Further, for example, as a display showing the analysis result by the command sheet data analysis unit 4, the analysis data (setting data) analyzed by the command sheet data analysis unit 4 and the setting items of the stencil printing apparatus 100 in which the analysis data is set There is a display that contrasts with. Further, for example, as a display regarding setting of setting data to be executed from now on by the setting data setting / instruction execution unit 5 on the stencil printing apparatus 100, an analyzed setting (specific contents of the setting may be shown) will be displayed. There is a display for inquiring to the user as to whether or not to execute. Further, for example, the stencil printing apparatus of the analyzed setting (which may indicate the specific contents of the setting) as a display indicating the result of setting data setting / instruction execution means 5 being set in the stencil printing apparatus 100 There is a display indicating that the setting to 100 has been completed. Further, for example, as a display regarding the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100 according to the instruction data to be executed from now on by the setting data setting / instruction execution means 5, the analyzed instruction (the specific contents of the instructed operation may be indicated). There is a display for inquiring the user about whether to execute (good) from now on. Further, for example, the analyzed instruction (specific contents of the instructed operation may be indicated as a display indicating a result of the setting data setting / instruction execution unit 5 executing the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100 according to the instruction data. ) There is a display indicating that the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100 is completed.

  The outline of the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100 using each of the above means is summarized as follows.

  A user (a person who operates the stencil printing apparatus 100) writes in advance an instruction (setting data) to be set in the stencil printing apparatus 100 or an instruction (instruction data) to be operated in the stencil printing apparatus 100 on a sheet-like medium, This sheet-like medium is prepared as the command sheet 15 by designating the written area with a surrounding line by a marker.

  In the command sheet setting / instruction designating unit 6, when the user has previously set that the execution of the setting / instruction using the command sheet 15 is valid, the control unit 8 causes the stencil printing apparatus to read a normal document. Instead, the display unit 7 is caused to display that the setting / instruction operation is performed by reading the command sheet 15. By looking at the display on the display means 7, the user can recognize that the execution of the setting / instruction by the command sheet 15 is started. If normal document reading is set, the user performs a predetermined operation on the command sheet setting / instruction designating unit 6 to switch to execution of setting / instruction by the command sheet 15. Then, the user sets the prepared command sheet 15 in the stencil printing apparatus 100 and instructs reading.

  The OCR means 2 optically reads the command sheet 15 set on the platen of the stencil printing apparatus 100, and converts the area designated by the marker into text data from the read image data.

  The command sheet data analysis unit 4 analyzes the text data and associates it with the setting (setting item) or operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100. At this time, the control unit 8 causes the display unit 7 to display the result of the association, and to display a display asking the user whether to set or operate according to the result.

  In response to the inquiry, when the user performs an agreement operation in the command sheet setting / instruction designation unit 6, the designation data setting / instruction execution unit 5 instructs the stencil printing apparatus 100 when the analyzed text data is the setting data. When the text data set and analyzed as setting data is instruction data, an operation according to the instruction is executed.

  After executing the setting or operation, the control unit 8 causes the display unit 7 to display the result of the executed setting or operation.

  Next, a basic configuration of the stencil printing apparatus 100 constituting the stencil printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The stencil printing apparatus 100 includes a printing drum 101 around which a master 107 is wound around an outer peripheral surface, a press roller 102 serving as a printing pressure unit, a plotter 103 serving as a plate making device, and a plate discharging unit 104. Prepare. The stencil printing apparatus 100 records the image of the wound master 107 by pressing the recording paper 106 fed from the paper feeding means 105 arranged on the right side of the apparatus main body against the printing drum 101 by the press roller 102. Transfer to paper 106. In the case of single-sided printing, the stencil printing apparatus 100 transports the recording paper 106 onto which the image has been transferred to the paper discharge means 109 disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body. The recording sheet for which the printing has been completed is guided to the refeeding means 122 by the switching member 121 and fed again to perform printing on the back surface. Such a configuration is well known.

  A color scanner 110 serving as an image reading unit is arranged on the upper part of the apparatus main body, reads a document image, and acquires image data used for plate making.

  An operation panel 111 serving as an operation unit of the stencil printing apparatus 100 is disposed on the upper front of the apparatus main body. The operation panel 111 is provided with a printing / plate making switching key 113, a start key 114, a touch panel 115, an initial setting / printer setting key 116, a printing position adjustment key 117, a printing speed setting key 118, and the like.

  The touch panel 115 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and various guidance information and various operation screens are appropriately displayed on the screen. When the touch panel 115 is operated by the user, contents corresponding to the switch displayed on each screen are set in the control means 20 and the stencil printing apparatus 100.

  Control means 20 for controlling each part of the stencil printing apparatus 100 is disposed in the apparatus main body. As shown in FIG. 3, the control means 20 is roughly divided into two parts, that is, an ACU (Application Control Unit) 200 and an ECU (Engine Control Unit) 300 serving as a mounting board.

  The ACU 200 includes an operation panel interface 205 to which an operation panel 111 (touch panel 115) of the stencil printing apparatus 100 is connected, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card 201 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 203 which are portable large-capacity storage media. Are connected to an interface (SD I / F 206, USB I / F 209), an interface 208 to which a hard disk (HDD: Hard Disc Drive) 207 serving as a mass storage device is connected, and an information terminal such as a personal computer (LAN) A communication interface (NIC I / F 212, wireless LAN I / F 214) for connecting a network interface card (NIC) 202 or an unrelated LAN card for accessing via a network such as a local area network or the Internet, An I / O interface 221 for connecting an electronic paper 400 as a power supply image display device, a FAX interface 222 for connecting a FAX module, an ECU interface 215 to which the ECU 300 side is connected, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) serving as a central processing circuit 216, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 217 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 218 serving as storage means are connected to an ASIC (Application Specification Integrated Circuit) 220, respectively.

  The ACU 200 controls the stencil printing / accumulation of the stencil printing apparatus 100, accumulates documents transferred via the scanner or the network as accumulated documents in the HDD, or stores the documents stored in the scanner or the HDD via the network. From the transferred document data, plate making data is finally created and then transferred to the ECU 300. The characteristic functions of this embodiment belong mainly to the ACU 200.

  The ECU 300 includes a CPU 321 serving as a central processing circuit, a RAM 322 and a ROM 323 serving as storage means, an ACU interface 324 connected to the ECU interface 215 included in the ACU 200, a scanner interface 326 connected to the scanner 110, image area separation and various images. An IPP (Image Pre-Processor) 325 that performs correction and a plotter interface 328 to which the plotter 103 is connected are connected to the ASIC 329, respectively.

  Based on the plate making data created by the ACU 200, the ECU 300 creates a plate-making master by punching the heat-sensitive stencil film 119 of the master, which is a well-known stencil base paper, by a thermal process using the plotter 103. . Then, the ECU 300 winds the master 107 having been subjected to the plate making around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder to be the printing drum 101, and rotates the printing drum 101 while supplying ink from the ink pack 120 installed inside the drum. Then, the ECU 300 feeds the recording paper (printing paper) 106 so as to respond to it, thereby obtaining a printed product (printed material). That is, the ECU 300 controls the entire operation from the plate making to the printing of the series of digital stencil printing apparatuses 100 described above.

  The stencil printing apparatus 100 may be either a single-sided printing apparatus or a double-sided printing apparatus, but in the present embodiment, it is a double-sided printing apparatus. However, the embodiment of the installation setting / initial setting function by the command sheet 15 described in this embodiment is limited to the one based on single-sided reading and single-sided printing in order to focus on basic movements. .

  First, when the stencil printing apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory, the menu screen shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is displayed on the touch panel 115 of the main body of the stencil printing apparatus 100 so that installation / instruction can be performed by the make-up function (command sheet 15). Various settings related to the operation of the make-up function are made.

  In the present embodiment, in the command sheet 15, “enclosed line” is designated as the “area designation method”, “monochrome marker” is designated as the “marker designation method”, and “setting / instruction” mode is designated as the function of the command sheet. Yes.

  As a result, at the delivery destination of the stencil printing apparatus 100, the installation setting / initial setting by the command sheet 15 can be performed immediately after the unpacking / installation and the power is turned on.

  In the area specification of the command sheet 15, “diagonal lines” can be specified in the document editing mode or the like, but in the setting / instruction mode using the command sheet 15 in the present embodiment, only “border lines” are specified. This is because if “diagonal line” is specified for the setting / instruction in the specified area, there is a possibility that a problem or an error may be generated / induced during OCR processing if the setting / instruction and the diagonal line intersect. It is.

  Of course, even in a normal operation state after installation setting / initial setting, setting / instruction can be performed by the command sheet 15 by setting the make-up function from the touch panel 115. In the case of two levels, there is no difference in the amount of work because there is no difference in the setting amount directly from the touch panel 115, and there is not much merit.

  Control of the stencil printing apparatus 100 set as described above will be described below with reference to the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 and the flowchart of FIG.

  When the main power source of the stencil printing apparatus 100 is turned on by a user (an operator such as a setting engineer such as a sales engineer or customer engineer) (ST1 in FIG. 8), the control unit 20 displays the display unit 7 (for example, the touch panel 115). 6) A guidance display (message display) is made to indicate that the setting / instruction mode is based on the command sheet and prompts the user to set the command sheet as shown in FIG. 6 (ST2 in FIG. 8). Then, the control unit 20 waits for a predetermined operation or setting of the command sheet 15 (an example of the area specifying unit 2) by the user.

  Here, it is assumed that an operation is performed by the user in the command sheet setting / instruction designating unit 6 (for example, the touch panel 115) (ST3 in FIG. 8). When the operation is an operation that does not agree with the execution of the setting / instruction by the command sheet (ST4 / cancellation in FIG. 8), the control means 20 cancels the setting / instruction mode by the command sheet and enters the normal document reading mode. Switching (ST13 in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when the operation is an operation that agrees to execute the setting / instruction by the command sheet (ST4 / OK in FIG. 8), the control unit 20 sets the OCR unit 2 (for example, the image scanner 110) on the document table. The image of the command sheet 15 is read (ST5 in FIG. 8), and OCR processing (text data conversion) is performed in the area designated by the marker (ST6 in FIG. 8).

  Here, the command sheet 15 will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, FIG. 7 shows an example of setting / instruction designation regarding network relations and device configuration that is the most important and frequently set in the installation setting / initial setting.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the designation method in the command sheet 15 is such that the setting / instruction item and its setting value / instruction contents are written together with a colon inside the area designation by the marker. In addition, the area designated by each marker is a group of a series of setting / instruction items to which each marker is related. For example, in this embodiment, from the top, network-related, device configuration-related, initial setting-related, and instruction operation-related Represents.

  In the example of the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 7, “DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)” is set to “OFF”, that is, an IP address is not automatically acquired as a network-related setting. Instead, “192” is set as a fixed “IP address”. .168.118.0.2 "is assigned.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 7, “Electric paper discharge tray” is designated as “valid” as the setting related to the device configuration, and this is because the electric paper discharge tray is attached to the stencil printing apparatus 100 as an option. It is shown that.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 7, “command sheet setting / instruction” is designated as “invalid” as the initial setting. At first glance, since the make-up operation in the setting / instruction mode by the command sheet is currently performed, an inconsistent impression is received, but after the make-up operation in the setting / instruction mode by the command sheet has been completed, This means that the mode is disabled. Thereby, when the stencil printing apparatus 100 is handed over to the user, the original can be stenciled and printed as a normal stencil printing apparatus. If such a designation is not made, the setting / instruction mode by the command sheet is not canceled, and the setting / instruction operation by the command sheet will be repeated indefinitely against the user's intention. In order to prevent this, there is a method in which the user performs the release work, but this significantly impairs the convenience for the user.

  Finally, in the example of FIG. 7, “reboot” (restart) operation is designated as the “instruction” item. This is for restarting the system of the stencil printing apparatus 100 in order to reliably reflect the setting items in the setting items of the stencil printing apparatus. Some of the setting items do not require restarting, but this is specified to make sure.

  As described above, in the example of FIG. 7, three types of settings and one type of instruction for the stencil printing apparatus 100 are written, and each is divided into areas. Note that the types and number of settings and designations in the command sheet 15 are not limited to those shown in FIG. Further, as in the example of FIG. 7, both setting and instruction may be included in one command sheet, or only either setting or instruction may be included.

  As for network-related settings, if the DHCP mode is on (enabled) by default, the stencil printing apparatus 100 and the DHCP server communicate with each other with a unique protocol, and as a result, the stencil printing apparatus 100 is dynamically updated. In an environment where an IP address is allocated and the DHCP server is not operating, a specific IP address may be allocated without permission. However, unlike a personal computer (PC) terminal or the like, an image forming apparatus such as the stencil printing apparatus 100 is often operated with a fixed IP address in view of convenience. Such a setting method is effective.

  Further, in the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 7, a title, various information, a memo, and the like are described below the designated area. However, since it is outside the area designation by the marker, it is ignored. The operation of this embodiment is not affected at all. In other words, instructions and points to be noted to the installation setter can be written freely and in terms of layout, so it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes in installation settings and initial settings. , Can work efficiently.

  Returning again to the flow of FIG. In ST6 of FIG. 8, after the OCR unit 2 converts each area in the command sheet 15 into text data, the command sheet data analyzing unit 4 of the control unit 20 performs data (setting data / instruction data) based on the text data. Is extracted, and the extracted data is associated with the setting / operation item of the stencil printing apparatus 100 (ST7 in FIG. 8). At this time, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 7 to display the result of the analysis performed, that is, the result of extracting the data and the result of associating the extracted data with the setting / operation item of the stencil printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 8). ST8). FIG. 9 shows an example of this display. As shown in FIG. 9, the setting and instruction contents in each area of the command sheet 15 are displayed on the display means 7. The user sees this display and confirms whether it matches the contents of the setting / instruction written in the command sheet 15.

  As a result of the confirmation, if the user does not agree with the display content shown in FIG. 9 and does not want to execute the displayed setting / instruction, an operation of touching “Cancel” at the lower right of the display shown in FIG. Perform (ST9, ST10 / Cancel in FIG. 8). Thereby, the process returns to ST2 of FIG. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation, if the user agrees with the display content shown in FIG. 9 and wants to execute the displayed setting / instruction, the user performs an operation of touching “OK” in the lower right of the display shown in FIG. (ST9, ST10 / OK in FIG. 8).

  When the user performs an operation of touching “OK” shown in FIG. 9, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 reflects the setting data shown in FIG. 9 in the setting items of the stencil printing apparatus 100 (FIG. 8). Also, the instruction data shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the stencil printing apparatus 100 (ST12 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, the instruction data is only “reboot”, but “reboot” is executed at the end of the instruction data together with “shutdown” (main power OFF) and the like. If there is instruction data that can be executed before the instruction data even if it is described at the beginning of the instruction data, for example, “shading correction” or “white balance correction” (of the scanner), the instruction data is executed first. Is scheduled as follows.

  Further, in this embodiment, when all items of the analysis result as shown in FIG. 9 are correct, the process proceeds to the setting process and operation process of the next process. However, only individual items that are correctly analyzed are selected. Thus, the process may proceed to the next process, or may be a process that reloads only individual items that are not correctly analyzed.

  When the stencil printing apparatus 100 is restarted after completion of the setting / instruction execution by the command sheet 15 in ST12 of FIG. 8, thereafter, the communication function (network function) and the electric discharge table can be used. In addition, since the setting / instruction mode by the command sheet is also released, it is possible to perform plate making / printing of documents as usual.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a method is used in which a single command sheet is prepared for a plurality of setting / instruction target stencil printing apparatuses, and only the IP address portion is replaced with a sticky note and read. However, a method may be used in which command sheets for the target stencil printing apparatus are individually prepared and read.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same or similar parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and unless otherwise specified, the structural and functional descriptions already described are omitted, and only the main parts are described (the following other parts). The same in the embodiments).

  The stencil printing system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 10, synonyms for specifying the setting / instruction items of the command sheet 15. A word dictionary 10 (implemented by the flash ROM 217) is added. That is, in the present embodiment, the command sheet data analysis unit 4 refers to the synonym dictionary 10 prepared in advance as necessary to determine the setting / instruction items, and sets the setting items of the stencil printing apparatus 100 and the like. It is different from the first embodiment in that it is related to the operation.

  In the first embodiment, the setting / instruction items described in the command sheet must be strictly determined and registered in advance, and if the lexical word is slightly different and does not match, the corresponding setting item or Cannot associate with action.

  For this reason, the correct description of the setting / instruction items can be described in the user manual or the maintenance manual to ensure thorough description. Because it is required to write while looking at the manual without having to make a mistake in a single phrase, it greatly impedes convenience.

  In the present embodiment, the synonym dictionary 10 is used in order to allow a specification description as wide as possible and converge the specification description to a normalized specification description as long as no mistake occurs.

  FIG. 11 shows an implementation example (part) of the synonym dictionary 10. In the present embodiment, the synonym dictionary 10 is described in a text file in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format. Furthermore, in the dictionary shown in FIG. 11, the item indicated by the <item> tag corresponds to the item / action item, and the item indicated by the <regular> tag is a normalized designation description. What is indicated by a <synonym> tag is a synonym, and what is entered here indicates what is allowed as a variation in expression.

  Here, a setting / instruction item determination method using the synonym dictionary 10 performed by the command sheet data analysis unit 4 will be described.

  For example, when the user wants to set both the energy saving setting and the electric discharge tray to “valid”, it is assumed that the command sheet 15 describes “energy saving setting: ON” and “electric discharge tray: yes”. In this case, the command sheet data analysis unit 4 searches for an <item> tag in the <synonym> tag including “ON” or “presence” in the synonym dictionary 10 of FIG. As a result of the search, the command sheet data analysis means 4 both "ON" and "Yes" belong to the same <item> tag, and their normalized specification description is "valid" from the <regular> tag. I know that there is. Therefore, the command sheet data analyzing means 4 specifies “energy saving setting: valid” and “electric paper ejection tray: valid” in the description of “energy saving setting: ON” and “motorized paper ejection tray: yes” in the command sheet 15. It is interpreted as having been made.

  Further, for example, when “instruction: Reboot” is described in the command sheet 15, there is no <synonym> tag including “Reboot” directly in the synonym dictionary 10 of FIG. In the case of description, the search target is also subjected to uppercase / lowercase conversion. Therefore, the command sheet data analysis unit 4 specifies “reboot” as the search result of “Reboot” in the synonym dictionary 10 of FIG. As a result, the command sheet data analyzing means 4 interprets the description of “instruction: Reboot” in the command sheet 15 as “instruction: reboot” specified in the same manner as in the above example.

  Further, in the synonym dictionary 10, uppercase / lowercase conversion is similarly applied to katakana and the like. For example, even if “gateway” is described in the command sheet 15, it is normalized and identified as “gateway”.

  In this embodiment, kana and katakana are distinguished. For example, “present” and “ant”, “none” and “pear” are regarded as different designations, but they are the same without distinction. Processing may be added.

  In the synonym dictionary implementation method as in this embodiment, the format is defined, but the basic is a text file, so it can be easily viewed and edited, and stored in a portable memory such as a USB memory or an SD card. Therefore, it is excellent in portability such that it can be used even when other stencil printing apparatuses are used.

  In addition, even if the setting / instruction items of the stencil printing device are changed or new items are added due to new model development, these synonym dictionaries are appropriately revised to follow those changes. be able to.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The stencil printing system of this embodiment is the same as that shown in the first or second embodiment described above, but differs in a plurality of areas for the same item setting / instruction in one command sheet. When the setting / instruction is designated, the command sheet data analyzing unit 4 performs control so that setting / designation of the area existing below among the plurality of areas is treated as valid.

  For example, when setting IP addresses (an example of setting items) for four stencil printing apparatuses, it is necessary to specify (describe) different IP addresses in the command sheet. In that case, for example, by replacing a sticky note describing each IP address in one command sheet, it is possible to support four devices. However, such a method takes time and effort for the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, by adding an area for designating an IP address in one command sheet, it is possible to deal with a plurality of devices.

  An example of a command sheet applied to this embodiment is shown in FIG. The command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 12 is used in common for four stencil printing apparatuses 100, for example. What is read by the first stencil printing apparatus 100 is one in which the area B (IP address: 192.168.0.8) is not described in the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. That is, the IP address of the area A: 192.168.0.7 is an IP address set in the first stencil printing apparatus 100. The user first causes the first stencil printing apparatus 100 to read the command sheet 15 (there is no area B), and execute settings / instructions based thereon. Thereafter, when the user tries to set / instruct the second stencil printing apparatus 100 using the same command sheet 15, the command sheet 15 (area B) read by the first stencil printing apparatus 100 is used. No area), an area B portion shown in FIG. 12 is added. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the user adds and writes the IP address 192.168.0.8 desired to be set to the second stencil printing apparatus 100 in the command sheet 15, and designates the area with a marker. To do. As a result, in one command sheet 15, there are two different designated areas (A part and B part) for the IP address (the same item). Then, the user causes the stencil printing apparatus 100 to read the command sheet 15 (with area B) shown in FIG. 12, and instructs execution of setting / instruction based on the command sheet.

  As described above, when there are different designations in a plurality of areas for the same item in one command sheet 15, the command sheet data analysis unit 4 validates the designation in the lower area among the plurality of areas. It is considered. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 12, since the B portion is below the A portion, the designation of the area of the B portion is regarded as effective. In this way, in the second stencil printing apparatus 100, the IP address designated in the B part of the command sheet 15 is set. A display example of the analysis result of the command sheet data analyzing means 4 in the second stencil printing apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 7 displays the IP address 192.168.0.8 designated in the area B.

  As for the third and subsequent units, as in the case of the second unit, an appropriate value can be specified by adding an area for specifying an IP address below the command sheet 15.

  The setting example by adding an area in the present embodiment described above is not limited to only an IP address, but is effective even when items to be set change from moment to moment, such as date and time setting. In the above description, the same setting item is taken as an example, but the same applies to the same instruction item. Further, in the above description, a plurality of different designations are made in two areas. However, even when different designations are made in two or more areas, the lowermost area among those areas is designated. Valid.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The stencil printing system of this embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the above-described embodiment, but has the following features. That is, as the command sheet 15, a so-called color command sheet in which an area is specified with at least one kind of color marker is used. The OCR unit 2 optically reads the color command sheet, converts the area specified by the color command sheet in the read image data into text data, and also specifies area specification information (color tone) specified by the color command sheet. Information). Then, the command sheet data analyzing means 4 analyzes the text data and groups (merges) the setting / instruction items designated by the same color marker on the color command sheet as the same setting / instruction item category. The grouped setting / instruction items are associated with the setting items of the stencil printing apparatus 100 or with the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 100.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a color command sheet in this embodiment. In the color command sheet 15 of FIG. 14, for example, settings (description) for security settings, access code settings, and power saving modes are specified. In addition, areas are divided by different color markers for each setting category. As an example, the security setting is red, the access code setting is black, and the power saving mode setting is green.

  First, each setting item in FIG. 14 will be briefly described. The security setting relates to the confidentiality of the document, and there are a normal mode and a security mode. When the latter is designated, measures are taken to protect confidentiality such that additional printing cannot be performed, the printing drum loaded with the platemaking master cannot be pulled out, and the platen box with the platemaking master discarded cannot be pulled out. However, if a code for canceling the security mode is input, it can be temporarily canceled and the normal mode is entered. However, when the transition time elapses, the security mode is returned again.

  The access code setting is to apply access control to enter the setting screen when setting a specific item on the operation panel (touch panel), especially an item related to security and user use called administrator setting. If it is specified to be valid, an input of an access code is requested. As described above, this is to prevent the general user from changing the security settings such as document secrecy and user usage and the settings related to the billing process.

  The power saving mode relates to energy saving and includes an energy saving mode and an auto-off mode. When the former is specified, if the time for which no plate making / printing or panel operation is performed continues for the transition time, the power supply unit (PSU: Power Supply Unit) and ECU enter standby mode (energy saving mode), and the sub power supply Is dropped. On the other hand, when the latter is designated, the main power is turned off (auto-off) when the transition time elapses or the auto-off set time is reached.

  In the color command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 14, in the security setting, “security setting”, “transition time”, and “code” are specified in different areas but in the same color (red). In the original setting designation, the “transition time” must be designated as “security transition time”, and the “code” should be designated as “security code”. However, the designation is simplified. Note that the same applies to the access code setting and the energy saving mode.

  The command sheet data analysis means 4 extracts the setting / instruction items specified on the color command sheet 15 from the area designated by the color marker and groups them for each color. Thereby, “security setting”, “transition time”, and “code” designated by the red marker are classified into the same category. Further, the command sheet data analysis means 4 searches the setting / instruction correspondence table shown in FIG. By analogy, “code” corresponds to “security code” item in “security transition time” item. The setting / instruction correspondence table in FIG. 15 is a text file that can be viewed / edited by a general text editor, and is described in XML, as in the synonym dictionary 10.

  In the same manner as described above, the command sheet data analysis unit 4 searches the setting / instruction correspondence table shown in FIG. 15, and the “code” designated by the black marker is the “access code” category in the “access code setting” category. In addition, it can be inferred that the “transition time” specified by the green marker corresponds to the “power saving transition time” item in the “power saving mode setting” category.

  By adopting such a mechanism, even if simplified designations such as "code" and "transition time" are used, and they are not described in the same designated area, they are correctly interpreted and the stencil printing device is set. / Matched to motion.

  FIG. 16 shows an example in which the analysis result of the setting / instruction data by the command sheet data analysis unit 4 is displayed on the electronic paper 400 mounted on the exterior of the stencil printing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 16, setting / instruction data analysis results are displayed in the left area 400 </ b> A of the electronic paper 400. Although a predetermined message is displayed in the right area 400B, it does not relate to the configuration / operation of this embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as the command sheet 15, a non-powered image display device that does not require power for image display, so-called electronic paper is used. This electronic paper has a function capable of editing and adding an image displayed on the electronic paper, and is used as an alternative to designation of setting / instruction by a command sheet.

  Electronic paper consumes power when erasing or rewriting an image, even though it does not require power to display an image. For this reason, the electronic paper used in this embodiment is preferably one that can receive power supply from the stencil printing apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 16, but portable electronic paper can also be used. In that case, a type combining a battery (secondary battery) and a photovoltaic power generation method, a type combining a battery (secondary battery) and a wireless power feeding method, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 17 shows a display example of a command sheet using electronic paper instead of a command sheet made of paper or the like.

  In the present embodiment, electronic paper is used as an alternative to a simple command sheet. However, after the command sheet (electronic paper) is read by the stencil printing apparatus 100, the analysis result of the setting / instruction data is displayed. It may be used concurrently. In such a case, if there is an error in the display of the analysis result, it may be used in a cyclic (circular) manner such as correcting it and reading it again.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is used as an alternative to a command sheet using a single color (black) marker. However, if the electronic paper has a color display and color image editing function, it is shown in FIG. It may be used as an alternative to such a color command sheet.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The stencil printing system of this embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the above-described embodiment, but has the following characteristics. That is, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 adjusts the sheet passing set in the sheet feeding tray (sheet feeding tray) of the stencil printing apparatus 100 when the instruction for adjusting the sheet passing is instructed in the command sheet 15. The printing paper for printing is executed according to the paper passing conditions described accompanying the instruction item. As a result, when the paper is normally passed, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 causes the display unit 7 to display a result indicating that the paper has been normally passed. On the other hand, if the paper is not passed normally, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 tries the paper passing several times by changing the device setting parameters related to the paper conveyance of the stencil printing apparatus 100. As a result, if the sheet passing is successful, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 displays a result indicating that the sheet has been normally passed on the display unit 7 and sets the device when the sheet passing is successful. Rewrite parameters with self-correction. On the other hand, finally, when normal paper feeding cannot be performed within the adjustable range, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 causes the display unit 7 to display a result indicating that the paper feeding could not be performed.

  FIG. 18 shows an example (part) of a command sheet on which an instruction for adjusting sheet feeding is described. In the present embodiment, in the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 18, in addition to the instruction item “instruction: paper feeding adjustment”, paper feeding with an image (plate making) is performed at the time of paper feeding adjustment, or only printing paper is used. (“Image: none”), printing speed / passing speed (“printing speed: 3rd speed”), number of sheets passed (“number of sheets passed: 10”), the sheet passing A paper passing condition such as an item for registering an adjustment value for adjustment (“paper type: user 1”) is specified.

  The operation when the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 18 is read by the stencil printing apparatus 100 is basically processed in accordance with FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. ) Is executed in step ST12. A more detailed description of the processing portion will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 sets the sheet passing conditions for performing the sheet passing adjustment extracted from the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 18 in the stencil printing apparatus 100 itself (ST1 in FIG. 19). ).

  After that, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 displays a display on the display unit 7 to prompt the user to set the printing paper used for paper passing adjustment (printing paper for paper passing adjustment) on the paper feed tray. This is performed (ST2 in FIG. 19).

  When the user sets paper for adjusting the sheet passing and accepts an operation for starting the sheet passing by the user (ST3, ST4 / OK in FIG. 19), the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 reads the image of the sheet passing condition. The designated item is referred to (ST5 in FIG. 19).

  As a result of the above reference, when there is an image designation (ST6 in FIG. 19 / with image designation), the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 generates a designated test pattern (a paper passing adjustment test image) (FIG. 19). ST7), plate making is performed (ST8 in FIG. 19), and printing / paper feeding is performed (ST9 in FIG. 19).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, it is designated that an image is not to be generated (“image: none”). As a result of the above reference, there is no image designation (ST6 / ST6 in FIG. 19). No image designation). Therefore, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 performs only simple sheet passing adjustment printing paper set on the sheet feeding table (ST9 in FIG. 19).

  As a result of the paper passing in ST9 of FIG. 19, if the paper is passed without any problem (ST10 / paper OK in FIG. 19), the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 passes the paper of the stencil printing apparatus 100. The setting parameter (device setting parameter) is registered in the designated registration item (ST11 in FIG. 19). For example, in the present embodiment, if “User 1” is registered in “User 1” of the “Paper Type” item, and “User 1” is selected when using the printing paper thereafter, the printing paper can be passed without any problem. .

  However, when a jam or the like occurs in the paper passing in ST9 in FIG. 19 (ST10 / paper passing NG in FIG. 19), the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 waits for a user instruction (ST12 in FIG. 19). If re-passage (retry of paper feed) is instructed (ST13 / re-passage in FIG. 19), paper re-passage is attempted (ST9 in FIG. 19). When the user instructs to change the paper passing setting parameter (ST13 in FIG. 19 / paper passing parameter change), the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 follows the predetermined algorithm and supplies the paper feeding pressure and separation pressure. Then, the paper passing parameters such as the separation pad type and the paper feed timing are changed (ST14 in FIG. 19), and the paper is tried again (ST9 in FIG. 19).

  In the present embodiment, an example of the sheet passing condition is shown in FIG. 18, but the present invention is not limited to this, and depending on the case, skip sheet feeding (intermittent sheet feeding) or the like may be added.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a user environment in which the stencil printing apparatus 100 is used, when a user-specific printing paper (such as a special shape or processed paper or a paper bag / envelope) is used, In addition, by performing paper registration adjustment and registering in advance at the time of initial setting, the user can smoothly and efficiently proceed with the printing job.

  In some cases, the stencil printing apparatus 100 can also be used to check whether the user can handle the printing paper requested by the user in the previous negotiation / bidding phase.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The stencil printing system of this embodiment is basically the same as that shown in the above-described embodiment, but has the following characteristics. That is, when the instruction item on the command sheet 15 is instructed for device diagnosis (diagnosis of the stencil printing apparatus 100), the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 self-diagnosis the diagnosis item described accompanying the instruction item. Diagnosis is performed, and the diagnosis result is notified to the user (for example, displayed on the display means 7).

  FIG. 20 shows an example (part) of a command sheet in which an instruction for device diagnosis is described. In the present embodiment, in the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 20, in addition to the instruction item “instruction: device diagnosis”, diagnosis items such as “drum rotation”, “scanner movement”, “ink pump”, and “master conveyance” are included. Some are specified.

  In this embodiment, an example of diagnostic items for device diagnosis is shown in FIG. 20, but is not limited to these, and various other self-diagnostic items such as “master cutter” and “paper conveyance” are also available. Or self-check items.

  The operation when the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 20 is read by the stencil printing apparatus 100 is basically processed in accordance with FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. ) Is executed in step ST12. A more detailed description of the processing portion will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 sorts out the diagnosis items when performing the device diagnosis extracted from the command sheet 15 shown in FIG. 20, and generates a list of diagnosis items (ST1 in FIG. 21). .

  Next, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 performs scheduling of how and in what order the entered diagnostic items (listed in the generated list) are executed (sequence execution, parallel execution). (ST2 in FIG. 21).

  Next, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 tests (executes) the diagnostic items listed in the generated list according to the scheduling (ST4, ST7, ST10, ST13 in FIG. 21). Then, the designated data setting / instruction execution means 5 records the test results as diagnosis results (ST5, ST8, ST11, ST14 in FIG. 21).

  In FIG. 21, only the branching process for the diagnostic items shown in FIG. 20 is shown in the flowchart, but originally, the branching process is described for the number of items that can be self-diagnosed by the stencil printing apparatus 100. It is.

  When all the diagnostic processes are completed, the designated data setting / instruction execution unit 5 displays the recorded diagnosis result on the display unit 7 and notifies the user (ST15 in FIG. 21). An example of the diagnosis result displayed on the display means 7 at this time is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 22, all the diagnosis results are OK (◯ mark), which indicates that there is no problem in using the stencil printing apparatus 100. However, if there is an NG (x mark) in the display of the diagnosis result, there may be some abnormality somewhere in the diagnosis item, so appropriate rechecking, adjustment, replacement, repair, etc. It is necessary to take corrective action.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the occurrence of a failure or malfunction associated with the transportation or carry-in of the stencil printing apparatus is checked before the actual use / operation of the stencil printing apparatus at the time of installation setting or initial setting. be able to.

  In addition, the apparatus diagnosis instruction of the present embodiment can be applied not only at the time of installation setting and initial setting as described above, but also at the time of shipment inspection at the time of factory shipment of the stencil printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, “diagnosis: ***” is designated one by one for designation of diagnosis items. However, for example, by specifying “diagnosis: ALL”, all diagnosis items or predetermined items are determined. It is good also as a process which implements a series of diagnostic items.

  A part or all of the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention described above can be described as configurations 1 to 9 described below, but is not limited to the following descriptions.

<Configuration 1>
A latent image is formed on a master made of a thermoplastic film using a thermal perforation process, the master on which the latent image is formed is loaded into a printing drum filled with ink, and the printing drum loaded with the master is loaded In a so-called stencil printing apparatus that forms a visible image on the paper by rotating and press-contacting with the fed paper,
An area for designating a specific area (area) by writing at least one encircling line or diagonal line on a sheet-like medium such as a leaf sheet called an area designating sheet with a marker that can be recognized by the stencil printing apparatus. Designation means;
OCR means for optically reading the command sheet and converting the area designated by the area designation means to text data from the read image data;
Analyzing the text data and associating with the setting item of the stencil printing apparatus, or associating with the operation to the stencil printing apparatus, command sheet data analysis means,
Designated data setting / instruction execution means for setting as the setting data of the stencil printing apparatus when the analyzed data is setting data, or for executing the instruction when the analyzed data is instruction data; ,
Various settings such as installation setting, initial setting, device setting and function setting of the stencil printing apparatus using the command sheet, or execution of instructions such as restart (reboot) of the stencil printing apparatus and self-diagnosis Command sheet setting / instruction specifying means for specifying whether or not to perform;
Prior to reading the command sheet, a display indicating that the command sheet setting / instruction operation is performed is performed, or a display in which the analyzed data and the stencil printing apparatus in which the analysis data is set is compared with setting items. Or when the analyzed data is set and executed as the setting data of the stencil printing apparatus, or when the analyzed data is instruction data, the operation has been executed or the operation to be executed from now on Display means for displaying
An operator prepares a command sheet in which setting data to be set in the stencil printing apparatus and instruction data to be operated in the stencil printing apparatus are written in an area designated by a box or the like by a marker.
In the stencil printing apparatus, if the command sheet setting / instruction designating unit is set to indicate that the setting is valid, the stencil printing apparatus performs setting / instruction operation by command sheet reading instead of normal document reading. The command sheet prepared by the operator, in which the setting data and instruction data are written, is read by the OCR unit, the read image data is converted into text data, and the command sheet data analyzing unit converts the text Analyzing the data, associating it with the setting item of the stencil printing device or associating with the operation to the stencil printing device, displaying the result of the association, and when the operator's consent is given, the analyzed data is the setting data In this case, it is set as setting data of the stencil printing apparatus or the analyzed data is set. If the data is instruction data, the instruction is executed and the analyzed data is set and executed as setting data for the stencil printing apparatus, or if the analyzed data is instruction data, the operation has been executed. The control means for controlling to display the result of the above or the operation to be performed from now on,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the above-described configuration 1, the make-up function that has been used exclusively for manuscript processing so far is used for introduction setting and the like, thereby reducing the load of the introduction setting work and performing the work efficiently. be able to.

<Configuration 2>
In the above configuration 1,
A command sheet used for setting / instructing the stencil printing apparatus is:
An area designation means called a color command sheet, in which an area is designated with at least one kind of shade marker,
The OCR means is
The color command sheet is optically read, and the area designated by the area designating means is converted into text data in the read image data, and area designation information (including color information) designated by the color command sheet is used. OCR means to hold,
The command sheet data analyzing means is
While analyzing the text data, the setting / instruction items specified by the same color marker in the color command sheet are merged (grouped) as the same setting / instruction item category, and further, the grouped setting / instruction items are grouped. It is a command sheet data analysis unit that associates an instruction item with a setting item of the stencil printing apparatus or with an operation to the stencil printing apparatus.

  According to the above configuration 2, by giving meaning to the color of the color marker, which could not be achieved with a monochrome marker, it is possible to perform setting / instruction using the make-up function that is more flexible, more complex, and more robust. be able to.

<Configuration 3>
In the above configuration 1 or 2,
The control means is
In the setting / instruction by the command sheet, when different settings are specified for the same setting item, control is performed so that the designation that appears later is treated as valid in the scanning of the command sheet.

  According to the configuration 3, the setting / instruction item can be corrected or changed, and the setting / instruction in the repetitive work can be efficiently performed.

<Configuration 4>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 3,
The command sheet analysis means
The setting / instruction item is confirmed with reference to a synonym dictionary prepared in advance as necessary, and associated with the setting item of the stencil printing apparatus, or associated with the operation to the stencil printing apparatus. To do.

  According to the above configuration 4, since setting / instruction items are not limited to a strict description but can be omitted or simplified to some extent, setting / instruction that is easy to use is possible.

<Configuration 5>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 4,
The command sheet analysis means
When the setting / instruction item is described in a simplified format, the discrimination information of both the category determination determined from the information of the setting / instruction item by OCR and the category determination determined from the information of the color marker Is used as a judgment material, and is appropriately associated with the setting / operation of the stencil printing apparatus.

  According to the configuration 5, it is possible to perform setting / instruction that is more flexible, more complicated, and more robust.

<Configuration 6>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 5,
The display means is
It is a non-powered image display device that does not require power for image display, so-called electronic paper, and can edit and add images displayed on the electronic paper, so-called editable, The setting / instruction designation can be substituted by the command sheet.

  According to the above configuration 6, unlike the normally used paper command sheet, it can be reused any number of times, so paper resources are not consumed when using the make-up function, which contributes to resource saving. it can. Also, depending on how the stencil printing machine and electronic paper system are constructed, the setting / instruction items can be extracted from the command sheet and the analysis results can be displayed. ) You can also use it.

<Configuration 7>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 6,
The control means is
In the setting / instruction item, when an instruction for adjusting the sheet passing is given to the instruction item, the sheet passing adjustment printing paper set on the paper feed tray of the stencil printing apparatus is described with the instruction item. The paper is passed according to the conditions, and as a result,
If the paper is passed normally, the result is displayed.
If the paper is not passed normally, the device setting parameters related to the paper transport of the stencil printing device are changed and several paper passes are attempted.
If the paper is passed successfully, the result is displayed and the device setting parameters when the paper is passed are self-corrected and rewritten.
Finally, when normal paper feeding cannot be performed within the adjustable range, control is performed so as to display a result to that effect.

  According to the configuration 7, it is possible to introduce and set a stencil printing apparatus that matches the printing paper used by the user, and by performing this in advance, the subsequent user's printing work can be performed smoothly and efficiently. Can proceed. Further, in some cases, in the negotiation / bidding phase of the previous stencil printing apparatus, the stencil printing system can also be used for confirming the sheet passing performance whether or not the printing paper requested by the user can be handled.

<Configuration 8>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 7,
The control means is
In the setting / instruction item, when an instruction for device diagnosis is given to the instruction item, the diagnosis item described accompanying the instruction item is self-diagnosed, and the diagnosis result is displayed or communicated to the operator via communication means. It is characterized by controlling.

  According to the above-described configuration 8, it is possible to check the occurrence of a failure or trouble associated with the transportation or carry-in of the stencil printing apparatus before the actual use / operation of the stencil printing apparatus at the time of installation setting or initial setting. In addition, the device diagnosis instruction of the present embodiment can be applied not only at the time of installation setting and initial setting as described above, but also at the time of shipment inspection at the time of factory shipment of the stencil printing apparatus.

<Configuration 9>
In any one of the configurations 1 to 8,
A synonym dictionary and a setting / instruction correspondence table referred to by the command sheet data analysis means are:
It is a text file that can be viewed / edited by a general text editor, and its description format is described in XML.

  According to the above-described configuration 9, it can be easily viewed and edited with a text editor, and can be used when using other stencil printing apparatuses by being stored in a portable memory such as a USB memory or an SD card. Also excellent. Even if the setting / instruction items of the stencil printing device are changed due to the development of a new model or items are added, they can be changed by appropriately revising the synonym dictionary and setting / instruction correspondence table. Can follow the changes in

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, it is not limited to said each embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, the operations in the above-described embodiments can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  When executing processing by software, a program in which a processing sequence is recorded may be installed and executed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Or you may install and run a program in the general purpose computer which can perform various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is stored on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a magnetic disc, and a semiconductor memory. It is possible to store (record) temporarily or permanently. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  The program may be wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer in addition to being installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. Or you may wire-transfer to a computer via networks, such as LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. The computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  Further, not only is the processing performed in time series according to the processing operations described in the above embodiments, but also the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or a configuration that is executed in parallel or individually as necessary. It is also possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stencil printing system 2 Area designation means 3 OCR means 4 Command sheet data analysis means 5 Designated data setting / instruction execution means 6 Command sheet setting / instruction designation means 7 Display means 8 Control means 15 Command sheet (or color command sheet)
16 Synonym Dictionary 20 Control Unit of Stencil Printing Device 100 Stencil Printing Device 101 Printing Drum 103 Plate Making Unit (Plotter)
110 Image reader (scanner)
111 Operation unit (operation panel)
115 Touch Panel 119 Master Roll 120 Ink Pack 200 ACU
300 ECU
400 electronic paper

JP-A-11-191136 JP 05-254237 A

Claims (11)

A user preliminarily writes a desired setting / instruction for the image processing apparatus, and optically reads a command sheet that is a sheet-like medium in which an area in which the setting / instruction is written is designated by a marker that can be recognized by the image processing apparatus, OCR means for converting the setting / instruction written in the area into text data;
Analyzing the text data and associating the analysis result with the setting of the image processing apparatus, or command sheet data analysis means for associating with the operation of the image processing apparatus,
When the analysis result is setting data, the setting data is set in the image processing apparatus. When the analysis result is instruction data, designated data setting for executing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the instruction data / Instruction execution means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: Having display means for performing various displays to the user;
The display means includes
A display indicating that setting / instruction by the command sheet is started before the command sheet is read by the OCR means;
Display showing the analysis result by the command sheet data analysis means,
Display related to the setting of the setting data to be executed to the image processing apparatus;
A display showing a result of setting the setting data in the image processing apparatus;
Display relating to the operation of the image processing device in accordance with the instruction data to be executed from now on,
A display showing a result of executing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the instruction data;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one display is performed.   The user selects an operation to select whether or not to execute the setting / instruction by the command sheet before at least one of reading the command sheet by the OCR unit and after analysis by the command sheet data analyzing unit. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising command sheet setting / instruction designation means. The command sheet is
A color command sheet in which a plurality of areas are designated by a plurality of color markers,
The OCR means includes
The color command sheet is read, and the setting / instruction written in the plurality of areas is converted into text data,
The command sheet data analysis means includes
Analyzing the plurality of text data and grouping the setting / instruction of the area designated by the same color marker as the same category as a result of the analysis,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the grouped setting / instruction is associated with a setting of the image processing apparatus or an operation of the image processing apparatus. The command sheet data analysis means includes
As a result of the analysis of the text data, when different settings / instructions are specified in a plurality of areas for the same item setting / instructions, the settings / instructions specified in the lower area of the plurality of areas The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation is treated as valid. The command sheet data analysis means includes
When analyzing the text data, the setting / instruction is determined with reference to a synonym dictionary prepared in advance, and the determination result is associated with the setting of the image processing apparatus, or the image processing apparatus The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is associated with an operation. The command sheet data analysis means includes
As a result of the analysis of the text data, when the setting / instruction is a simplified style description,
The discrimination information of both the category discrimination determined from the setting / instruction item information by the OCR means and the category discrimination determined from the color marker information is used as a determination material and associated with the setting / operation of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. The display means includes
Electronic paper that does not require power to display images,
You can edit or add images displayed on the electronic paper,
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein designation of setting / instruction by the command sheet can be substituted. The designated data setting / instruction execution means includes:
When an instruction to adjust sheet feeding is given in the instruction data,
Passing the paper for adjusting paper passing set on the paper feed tray of the image processing device according to the paper passing conditions described along with the instruction data,
As a result of the paper passing, if the paper is passed normally, control is performed to display that effect. On the other hand, if the paper is not passed normally, the image processing apparatus transports the paper. I tried to pass the paper several times by changing the related setting parameters.
As a result of the paper passing attempt, if the paper passing is successful, control is performed to display that effect, and the setting parameters when the paper passing is successful are self-corrected and rewritten, but finally 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when normal paper feeding cannot be performed within the adjustable range, control is performed so that a message to that effect is displayed. 10. The designated data setting / instruction execution means includes:
When an instruction for diagnosis of the image processing apparatus is given in the instruction data,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein control is performed so as to self-diagnose a diagnostic item described in association with the instruction data and to notify the user of the diagnostic result. .   11. The synonym dictionary referred to by the command sheet data analysis means is a text file that can be browsed / edited by a general text editor, and is described in XML. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.

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