JP2012142712A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of restraining a displacement image from being printed on a medium on an occurrence of a displacement of a manuscript between a preliminary scanning and an actual scanning.SOLUTION: A printing device 1 comprises: a manuscript placing plate; a reading section 6 to acquire preliminary image data as well as actual image data by scanning a manuscript at a time of preliminary scanning or the like; a display section 7 to display a preview image based on the preliminary image data by superimposing the same on a frame image; a first generation section 26 to generate printing target range data corresponding to the preview image to be displayed on an inner side than the frame image; a second generation section 27 to generate printing actual image data corresponding to the printing target range data; a detection section 22 to detect preliminary manuscript information based on the preliminary image data as well as actual manuscript information based on the actual image data; a determination section 25 to determine a displacement of the manuscript by a result after comparing the preliminary manuscript information with the actual manuscript information; and a printing section 5 to print an image based on the printing actual image data corresponding to the determination result on a printable surface of a medium.

Description

  The present invention sets a print target range of a document using image data of a document acquired at the time of pre-scanning, and prints the document image on a medium using the image data at the time of the main scan under the setting. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus for printing a document image obtained from a document on a label surface of a disc-shaped medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). For example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, this type of apparatus acquires image data by scanning the surface of a CD (original), and converts an original image based on the image data to another Print on the label side of a CD (medium).

  In this type of apparatus, before acquiring high-resolution image data from a document for printing (so-called main scan), low-resolution image data is acquired in advance (so-called pre-scan). As disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a range for performing a main scan of a document is set based on image data at the time of pre-scanning. In general, an image based on image data at the time of pre-scanning is displayed on a liquid crystal display or the like, and a print target range of an original is set while a user refers to the displayed image. That is, based on information (image position information) obtained from image data at the time of pre-scanning, the print target range in the image data at the time of main scanning is set.

JP 2005-119261 A JP 2009-117901 A

  In this type of apparatus, the document is usually placed on the table surface of the document table and positioned on the table surface. A pre-scan and a main scan are performed on the positioned document. However, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the like, the position of the document is set between the pre-scan and the main scan while the user sets the print target range of the document while referring to the display image. May become a problem.

  If the position of the document at the time of the main scan is deviated from the position of the document at the time of the pre-scan, for example, a print target range (image position information) of the document determined in advance based on the image data at the time of the pre-scan is When the original image is applied as it is to the image data at the time of the main scan, if the original image is printed on a medium such as a CD based on the image data, the print result will also deviate from the original image in the predetermined range.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that suppresses printing of a misaligned image on a medium when a document misalignment occurs between pre-scanning and main-scanning. .

  The printing apparatus disclosed in this specification scans the document during a main scan performed after the pre-scan by acquiring a pre-image data by scanning the document during the pre-scan. A display unit that acquires the main image data, a display unit that displays a preview image based on the pre-image data, and a frame image corresponding to the outline of the printable surface of the medium to be printed, A first generation unit that generates print target range data including pre-image data corresponding to the preview image displayed on the inner side of the frame image, and the main image data corresponding to the print target range data. A second generation unit that generates main image data for printing, and a document placed on the document placement plate at the time of the pre-scan based on the pre-image data Pre-document information including at least one of a position and a document size is detected, and a position and a document size of a document placed on the document placing plate at the time of the main scan based on the main image data A detection unit that detects at least one of the original document information, the pre-document information and the original document information are compared, and based on the comparison result, the document misalignment between the pre-scan and the main scan When the determination unit determines whether or not the document is misaligned, the image based on the print main image data is displayed on the printable surface of the medium. A printing unit that prints, and when the determination unit determines that a document misalignment has occurred, the printing unit stops printing.

  In the printing apparatus, the detection unit detects the pre-original information from edge information of the original in the pre-image data, and detects the main original information from edge information of the original in the main image data. Also good.

  In the printing apparatus, when the outline of the document is circular, the detection unit detects center coordinates of the document as position data in the pre-document information and position data in the main document information, The determination unit compares the center coordinates of the document in the pre-document information with the center coordinates of the document in the main document information, and based on the comparison result, the document is between the pre-scan and the main scan. It may be determined whether or not a position shift has occurred.

  In the printing apparatus, when the outline of the document is a rectangle, the detection unit detects vertex coordinates at the four corners of the document as position data in the pre-document information and position data in the document information, respectively. The determination unit compares each vertex coordinate of the document in the pre-document information with each vertex coordinate of the document in the main document information, and based on the comparison result, the pre-scan and the main scan It may also be determined whether or not a document misalignment has occurred.

  The printing apparatus may further include a notifying unit for notifying the positional deviation of the document when the writing determining unit determines that the positional deviation of the document has occurred.

  In the printing apparatus, when the determination unit determines that a document misalignment has occurred, the reading unit scans the document to obtain new pre-image data to be replaced with the pre-image data. You may provide the selection input part which selects whether or not.

  A printing method disclosed in the present specification includes a pre-scan process of acquiring a pre-image data by scanning a document placed on a document placement plate with a reading unit, a preview image based on the pre-image data, From the pre-image data corresponding to the preview image displayed on the inner side of the frame image, the frame image corresponding to the outline of the printable surface of the medium to be printed is superimposed on the display unit. A first generation step of generating print target range data, and at least one of a position and a document size of a document placed on the document placement plate at the time of pre-scanning based on the pre-image data A first detection step of detecting pre-original information, a main scanning step of acquiring the main image data by scanning the original again with the reading unit, and the print target range data. A second generation step of generating main image data for printing consisting of a portion of the main image data, and a position of a document placed on the document placement plate at the time of a main scan based on the main image data; The second detection step of detecting main document information including at least one of the document size, the pre-document information and the main document information are compared, and the document is detected between the pre-scan and the main scan based on the comparison result. A determination step of determining whether or not the position has shifted, and a printing step of printing an image based on the main image data for printing on the printable surface of the medium according to the determination result, or stopping printing, It is characterized by providing.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a printing apparatus, a printing method, a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or apparatuses, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when the position shift of a document arises between the time of a pre scan and the time of a main scan, the technique which suppresses that the image from which the position shifted has been printed on a medium can be provided.

External view of the MFP of the first embodiment 1 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a hardware configuration in a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. The figure which shows the relationship between the document placing plate and the scanning direction Functional block diagram of MFP Flow chart showing label printing processing in a multifunction machine The figure which shows the outer diameter and inner diameter setting image displayed on the display The figure which shows the preview image and frame image which were displayed on the display part Diagram showing the center coordinates of a circular document The figure which shows the alerting | reporting image displayed on the display part. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of label printing processing in the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. A diagram schematically showing the position coordinates of the four corners of a rectangular document

<Embodiment 1>
(Appearance configuration)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the present embodiment, a case where the printing apparatus of the present invention is applied to the multifunction machine 1 will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is an external view of the MFP 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi function device 1 mainly includes a printing unit 5 provided at the lower part, a reading unit 6 provided at the upper part, and an operation panel unit 9 provided at the upper part of the front surface. The multifunction machine 1 is a so-called multi-function peripheral device having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. In particular, the multifunction device 1 has a label printing function for printing an image read from a document on a label surface of a disc-shaped medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark).

(Main hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 mainly includes a CPU 2, a RAM 3, a flash memory 4, a printing unit 5, a reading unit 6, an operation panel unit 9 including a display unit 7 and an input unit 8. These are connected to each other via a bus line. The multifunction machine 1 also includes a document placement plate 10.

  The flash memory 4 stores digital information such as a control program for operation control in the multi function device 1. When the CPU (central processing unit) 2 executes the control program in the flash memory 4, control in each part of the multifunction device 1 is realized.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 is a storage means for temporarily storing various data, and is also used as a work memory when executing the control program.

  The document placing plate 10 is formed of a rectangular transparent glass plate. The document is placed on the document placement plate 10 such that the document surface faces the surface of the document placement plate 10. Examples of the original include, for example, a label surface in a disk-shaped medium, an image recorded on a rectangular paper medium, and the like.

  The reading unit 6 is a unit that optically reads a document to generate electronic image data. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 6 is particularly configured to acquire image data having different resolutions based on a user instruction. Yes.

  Specifically, the reading unit 6 scans the original P placed on the original placement plate 10 and reads an image according to an instruction from the CPU 2 and a reading unit 61 (see FIG. 3) that reads the image. A reading control unit (not shown) for controlling the unit 61. The reading unit 61 is configured to read the document surface from the back side of the document placing plate 10 through the document placing plate 10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the document placing plate 10 and the scanning direction. The reading unit 61 includes light receiving elements (line sensors) such as CCDs arranged one-dimensionally, and the arrangement direction (that is, the main scanning direction) is the short side direction of the document placing plate 10 (X in FIG. 3). Axial direction) is set. The reading unit 61 can move at a predetermined speed in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction (that is, the sub-scanning direction) using a driving force of a motor (not shown) or the like under the control of the reading control unit. It is configured as follows. Note that the sub-scanning direction of the reading unit 61 is set along the long side direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) of the document placing plate 10.

  The reading unit 61 reads an original image line by line under the control of the reading control unit, and outputs the read image as a line image signal. The output line image signal is converted into image data composed of digital data by an A / D converter (not shown). The image data obtained after the conversion is subjected to image processing such as shading processing by the reading control unit, and then stored in the RAM 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, the upper left corner of the document placing plate 10 is the origin 0, the main scanning direction (short side direction) is the X axis, and the sub scanning direction (long side). An XY coordinate system with the (direction) as the Y axis is introduced. The CPU 2 executes processing of each data using this XY coordinate system.

  When the reading unit 61 scans a document, the document placing plate 10 is covered with an openable / closable lid 31 (see FIG. 1). The lid 31 is for covering the surface of the document placing plate 10 and is attached to the document table 32 by a hinge or the like so that the user can freely open and close it manually.

  The printing unit 5 is configured by an ink jet printer, and prints an image based on the print main image data described later on the label surface (printable surface) of the disk-shaped medium under the control of the CPU 2. The disc-shaped medium is placed on a predetermined tray 71 (see FIG. 1) provided in the printing unit 5. A circular recess 72 is formed in the tray 71, and printing is performed with the disc-shaped medium D fitted in the recess 72.

  The operation panel unit 9 includes a display unit 7 that displays information to the user, and an input unit 8 that receives various instructions from the user. Specifically, the display unit 7 includes a liquid crystal panel, and the input unit 8 includes a touch panel using the liquid crystal panel, a mechanical input button 80 (see FIG. 1), and the like. The display unit 7 displays a guide image for instructing each process to the user, a preview image, a frame image, a notification image, and the like, which will be described later. The touch panel used as the input unit 8 is made of a publicly known one such as a projection capacitive method or a resistive film method, detects the touch position of the user, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 2. The CPU 2 executes processing associated with the output result.

(Function block)
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 1 includes, as functional blocks, a frame data generation unit 21, a document information detection unit 22, a document position deviation determination unit 25, a print range target data generation unit 26, and a print data generation unit 27. Etc. Each functional block will be described later. Each functional block may be realized as a software configuration by a program executed by the CPU 2 or may be realized as a hardware configuration. Alternatively, it may be realized by a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

  The multi-function apparatus 1 configured as described above uses a reading unit 6 to read an image from a document, and uses the printing unit 5 to print the read image on a label surface of a disk-shaped medium. Execute. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the label printing process in the multifunction machine 1. Here, the label printing process in the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The user manually sets the disc-shaped medium (CD) D to be printed on the tray 71 provided in advance in the printing unit 5 before the label printing process of the multifunction device 1 shown below is started. Processing is in progress.

(Label printing process)
As shown in FIG. 5, when the label printing process is started, the CPU 2 displays the outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 on the display unit 7 (S101). The outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 is an image for guiding the user to set the outer diameter value and inner diameter value of the label surface. Specifically, the CPU 2 reads out prestored image data (hereinafter, set image data) corresponding to the outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 from the flash memory 4, and based on the set image data, the display unit 7 shows an outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 displayed on the display unit 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 is mainly composed of a contour image 201 simulating the contour shape of an annular label surface (printable surface) on the disc-shaped medium on the side to be printed, Diameter diameter input button images 202 and 203 and inner diameter numerical value input button images 204 and 205 are included.

  The CPU 2 displays an outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200 on the display unit 7 and accepts designation of an outer diameter value and an inner diameter value on the label surface from the user. The display unit 7 has a touch panel function (input unit 8), and a portion for displaying the outer diameter numerical value input button images 202 and 203 functions as an outer diameter numerical value input button, and displays the inner diameter numerical value input button images 204 and 205. The part functions as an inner diameter numerical value input button. When the user appropriately touches the outer diameter input button images 202 and 203 and the inner diameter input button images 204 and 205 with a finger or the like, the outer diameter value and inner diameter value of the label surface are input. The input label surface outer diameter numerical information and inner diameter numerical information (hereinafter referred to as outer diameter / inner diameter information) are stored in the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 2. If the user wants to print an image on the entire label surface, the user may specify the outer diameter value and inner diameter value of the label surface itself. If an image is to be printed only in a narrower area than the entire label surface, a numerical value smaller than the actual outer diameter of the label surface or a numerical value smaller than the actual inner diameter may be specified.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an OK button image 206 and a cancel button image 207 are displayed on the display unit 7 together with the outer diameter / inner diameter setting image 200. When the CPU 2 receives an instruction from the user via the OK button image 206, the CPU 2 proceeds to the next process (S102).

  CPU2 will perform the process which produces | generates frame data based on the said outer diameter and inner diameter information stored in RAM3, if it transfers to S102. This processing corresponds to the processing in the frame data generation unit 21 shown in FIG. The frame data is data for displaying a frame image on the display unit 7 as will be described later. The CPU 2 generates frame data using the outer diameter / inner diameter information by executing a predetermined processing program stored in advance in the flash memory 4. The generated frame data is stored in the RAM 3.

  After the frame data is generated, the CPU 2 displays a pre-scanning guide image (not shown) on the display unit 7 and waits for receiving a pre-scan execution instruction from the user. The user confirms that the document (CD) is placed on the document placing plate 10 and then instructs the execution of pre-scanning using the touch panel (input unit 8). When the CPU 2 receives the pre-scan execution instruction, it instructs the reading unit 6 to read (scan) the document at a low resolution (for example, 300 dpi) (S103). In response to the instruction from the CPU 2, the reading unit 6 scans the document on the document placing plate 10 and acquires image data (hereinafter, pre-image data) (S104). The acquired pre-image data is stored in the RAM 3.

  After acquiring the pre-image data, the CPU 2 executes two processes using the pre-image data in parallel. In FIG. 5, one process is indicated by S105 to S107, and the other process is indicated by S108 and S109.

  In S <b> 105, the CPU 2 displays an image (hereinafter, a preview image) on the display unit 7 based on the pre-image data stored in the RAM 3. Then, the CPU 2 displays a frame image based on the frame data on the display unit 7 so as to overlap the preview image (S106). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a preview image 208 and a frame image 209 displayed on the display unit 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the position adjustment button image 210 (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d), the OK button image 206, and the like are displayed on the display unit 7 along with the preview image 208 and the like. Note that the preview image 208 and the frame image 209 may be displayed on the display unit 7 at the same timing.

  The preview image 208 is an image displayed on the display unit 7 based on the preview image data, and is configured so that the user can change the display portion (position) while referring to the display unit 7. As described above, the display unit 7 has a touch panel function, and moves the display portion (position) of the preview image 208 in each direction (up / down / left / right direction) to a portion where each position adjustment button image 210 is displayed. The movement direction input button function is assigned.

  For example, when the user performs a touch operation on the position adjustment button 210a image, the display portion of the preview image 208 is changed so that the symbol A moves upward in FIG. Note that the preview image 208 is configured so that it can be enlarged or reduced as appropriate. Display control of the preview image 208 is realized by the CPU 2 executing a predetermined processing program stored in the flash memory 4 in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the frame image 209 is displayed on the display unit 7 in a state of being superimposed on the preview image 208. The frame image 209 corresponds to the outer frame image 209a corresponding to the outer contour shape (outer peripheral shape) on the annular label surface (printable surface), and the inner contour shape (inner peripheral shape) on the label surface. It consists of an inner frame image 209b. The frame image 209 of the present embodiment is displayed in a fixed state on the display unit 7. Display control of the frame image 209 is realized by the CPU 2 executing a predetermined processing program stored in the flash memory 4 in advance.

  The user appropriately changes the display portion (display position) of the preview image 208 using the touch panel function while referring to the display unit 7. In this way, the portion (range) of the preview image 208 displayed in the frame image 209 is adjusted. In other embodiments, display control may be performed so that the frame image 209 moves relative to the preview image.

  After the adjustment as described above, when the user touches the OK button image 206 portion (input unit 8) on the display unit 7 and the CPU 2 accepts the instruction, the CPU 2 displays the frame in the preview image 208. A portion of the image 209 surrounded by the outer frame image 209a and the inner frame image 209b (including the frame image in this embodiment) is printed as a portion to be printed on the label surface of the disk-shaped medium (hereinafter, a print target range). The determination process is executed (S107).

  By this processing, the preview image 208 displayed on the inner portion (the portion sandwiched between the outer frame image 209a and the inner frame image 209b) of the pre-image data on the display unit 7 from the frame image 209 is displayed. Image (pixel) position information of the corresponding part is specified. Information obtained by this processing is stored in the RAM 3 as print target range data. The process in S107 is a process executed in the print target range data generation unit 26 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in S108, the document edge detection process is executed using the pre-image data acquired in S104. Before performing the edge detection process, the edge enhancement process may be performed on the pre-image data in advance, and the binarization process may be performed on the pre-image data after the enhancement process.

  The edge detection process in S108 is executed by the edge detection unit 23 including one module included in the document information detection unit 22 shown in FIG. When the edge detection unit 23 detects the edge of the document image in the pre-image data, the document information detection unit 22 determines the shape (contour) of the document based on the detection result. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the center coordinates of a circular document (edge) P. FIG. In the present embodiment, the shape (contour) of the document (disc-shaped medium) is determined to be circular in a shape determination unit (not shown) included in the document information detection unit 22 shown in FIG. A known method can be applied as a method for determining the shape of a reading target in the shape determination unit using the edge detection result.

  In the position coordinate detection unit 24 included in the document information detection unit 22, the diameter of the document is calculated using the edge detection result, and the center coordinates of the document (position information of the center pixel of the document image in the pre-image data) M1 Is detected (see FIG. 8). The result obtained by the position coordinate detector 24 is stored in the RAM 3 as pre-document information. In other embodiments, document size information in the pre-image data (for example, the number of pixels in the portion surrounded by the edges of the document) may be acquired as the pre-document information.

  After the completion of S107 and S109, in S110, the document placed on the document placing plate 10 is scanned again (main scan) in order to acquire image data for printing. In S110, first, the CPU 2 displays a main scan guide image (not shown) on the display unit 7 and waits for receiving a main scan execution instruction from the user.

  It should be noted that when the main scan is executed immediately after the pre-scan is performed, it is usually not necessary to open the lid placed on the document placement plate 10 and check the state of the document. However, there may be a case where the main scan is executed after a while after the pre-scan is executed. Therefore, the user can place the document on the document placement plate 10 before executing the main scan as necessary. The state of the document being read may be confirmed by opening the lid.

  When the CPU 2 receives an instruction for executing the main scan from the user, the CPU 2 instructs the reading unit 6 to read (scan) the document at a high resolution (for example, 600 dpi). In response to the instruction from the CPU 2, the reading unit 6 scans the document on the document placing plate 10 and acquires image data (hereinafter, main image data) (S111). The acquired main image data has higher resolution and higher pixel density than the pre-image data obtained by the pre-scan. This main image data is stored in the RAM 3.

  After acquiring the main image data, the CPU 2 executes two processes using the main image data in parallel. In FIG. 5, one process is indicated by S112, and the other process is indicated by S113 and S114.

  S112 is executed by the print data generation unit 27 shown in FIG. The print data generation unit 27 uses the main image data stored in the RAM 3 and the print target range data also stored in the RAM 3 to print on the label surface of the disk-shaped medium. Generate image data.

  In S112, a portion (pixel range) corresponding to the print target range data is cut out from the main image data as the print target range. That is, the image (pixel) position information of the print target range in the main image data is determined based on the image (pixel) position information corresponding to the print target range data of the pre-image data. In the print data generation unit 27, image (pixel) position information in image data having different resolutions is associated with each other by a known method.

  In this way, in this embodiment, since the print target range in the main image data is determined, the position of the document at the main scan (the position on the document placement plate 10) is the position of the document at the prescan. If the position is shifted with respect to (position on the document placing plate 10), the document image corresponding to the print target range in the pre-image data and the document image corresponding to the portion cut out from the main image data (print target range) Does not match.

  In S112, the main image data of the portion cut out as a printing target is used as the main image data for printing. The printing main image data is subjected to predetermined processing so that the printing unit 5 can output (print) an image on the label surface (printable surface) of the disk-shaped medium. The print main image data generated in S112 is stored in the RAM 3.

  In contrast to S112, in S113, document edge detection processing is executed using the main image data acquired in S111. The contents of this edge detection processing are basically the same as those in S108 described above, and are executed by the edge detection unit 23 shown in FIG. When the edge detection unit 23 detects the edge of the original image in the main image data, based on the detection result, the position coordinate detection unit 24 detects the center coordinates of the original (disk medium) (the original image in the main image data). (Center pixel position information) M11 is detected (see FIG. 8). The detection result is stored in the RAM 3 as main document information. Note that the document shape determination in the determination unit may be omitted during the main scan.

  In another embodiment, the size information of the document in the main image data (for example, the number of pixels in the portion surrounded by the edge of the document) may be acquired as the main document information.

  After the end of S112 and S114, the document misregistration determination unit 25 shown in FIG. 4 performs a process of determining whether or not a document misalignment has occurred between the pre-scan and the main scan. (S115). The document misregistration determination unit 25 determines the document misregistration based on the pre-document information stored in the RAM 3 and the main document information stored in the RAM 3.

  Specifically, the distance d between the center coordinate M1 of the document included in the pre-document information and the center coordinate M11 of the document included in the main document information is calculated, and the distance d (≧ 0) and the threshold value α (≧ 0). For example, if d ≦ α, the document position deviation determination unit 25 determines that no document position error has occurred, and if d> α, determines that a document position error has occurred. The threshold value α is set in advance based on an empirical rule or the like, and is stored in the flash memory 4. Note that the document position deviation determination unit 25 appropriately performs conversion processing of the center coordinates and the like by a known method so that center coordinates (position information) acquired based on image data having different resolutions can be compared with each other. Executed. The determination result of the original position deviation determination unit 25 is output to the printing unit 5.

  If the determination result of the document misregistration determination unit 25 indicates that there is no document misregistration (that is, d ≦ α), the printing unit 5 stores it in the RAM 3 based on the determination result in S116. The printed main image data is acquired, and the printing unit 5 prints an image based on the data on the label surface (printable surface) of the disk-shaped recording medium. In this way, the label printing process ends.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the document position deviation determination unit 25 indicates that the document position deviation has occurred (that is, d> α), the printing unit 5 determines in step S117 based on the determination result. Cancel printing.

  Disk-shaped media such as CDs and DVDs are higher in cost than general paper media, and the damage to the user when printing fails is large. Therefore, as in the case of the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the document misalignment occurs between the pre-scan and the main scan, the printing is surely stopped so that the printing due to the document misalignment can be prevented. Failure can be prevented.

  Note that the label printing process in the case where the document misalignment has occurred may be terminated when the printing is stopped in S117, but the user is informed that the document misregistration has occurred and the printing is canceled. It is preferable to ensure that this has been done. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the multifunction device 1 includes the notification unit (notification function) 11, the document position deviation determination unit 25 is configured to output the determination result to the notification unit 11. May be.

  The notification unit 11 has a function of displaying a notification image on the display unit 7 under the control of the CPU 2. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the notification image 211 displayed on the display unit 7. As shown in FIG. 9, the notification image 211 includes an image 211 a that is displayed to notify the user of “document misalignment” and “printing stop”. When the notification unit 11 acquires a determination result indicating that the document has been misaligned (that is, d> α), the notification unit 11 causes the display unit 7 to display the notification image 211 in S118. From the notification image 211 (image 211a), the user can easily grasp that the document has been misaligned. Image data corresponding to the notification image 211 is stored in the flash memory 4 in advance.

  If no document misalignment has occurred, the document misregistration determination unit 25 may not output a determination result to the notification unit 11.

  As described above, according to the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, printing can be reliably stopped when a document misalignment occurs between pre-scanning and main-scanning. Therefore, it is possible to suppress printing of the misaligned image on the medium. Further, if the multifunction device 1 includes the notification unit 11, it is possible to reliably notify the user that printing has been stopped due to the document misalignment.

  For example, when the multifunction device 1 receives vibration after pre-scanning, or when the user (or another user) opens the cover that covers the document placement plate 10 after pre-scanning, the pre-scanning time and the main scanning time The position of the document may be shifted between In such a case, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment is particularly useful because it can reliably grasp the positional deviation of the document.

  Even when the vibration is received as described above or the lid is opened, the document may not be displaced between the pre-scan and the main scan. In such a case, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment can execute the label printing process without unnecessarily stopping printing.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the label printing process in the MFP according to the second embodiment. The basic configuration of the MFP in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same applies to the flowchart of the label printing process up to S117 in FIG.

  However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the multifunction peripheral of the second embodiment causes the rescan confirmation image to be displayed on the display unit 7 in S119 after stopping printing in the printing unit 5 in S117. This rescan confirmation image is for confirming whether or not to perform label processing printing again from the prescan to the user.

  For example, the rescan confirmation image may be displayed on the display unit 7 together with the notification image 211 shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment (see reference numeral 212 in FIG. 9). That is, the processing in S119 of the second embodiment may be executed simultaneously with S118 of the first embodiment.

  The input unit corresponding to the OK button image 213 shown in FIG. 9 and the input unit corresponding to the cancel button image 214 correspond to the selection input unit of the present invention. Using these input units, the user instructs whether to perform rescanning. When the CPU 2 accepts an instruction from the user via the input unit corresponding to the OK button image 213, the CPU 2 executes a process of returning to S103 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and pre-scans the document again. . Note that by performing the label printing process again from the pre-scan of the document, the pre-image data, the main image data, etc. before the redo is replaced with the newly acquired pre-image data, the main image data, etc.

  In contrast, when the CPU 2 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit corresponding to the cancel button image 214, the CPU 2 ends the label printing process.

  As described above, according to the multifunction peripheral of this embodiment, even when printing is stopped due to the misalignment of the document, the user performs further processing according to the guidance of the rescan confirmation image 212 displayed on the display unit 7. You can select smoothly.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and the drawings, and for example, the following various aspects are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Although the above embodiment has been described using the multifunction machine 1, the present invention is not limited to this.

(2) In the above embodiment, the document position deviation is determined using the center coordinates (position coordinates). However, in other embodiments, for example, the document size information is compared to compare the document position deviation. May be judged.

(3) In the above embodiment, the document to be read is a disk-shaped medium (circular). However, in other embodiments, for example, an image may be acquired from a rectangular (square) document. Good. In this case, the position coordinate detection unit 24 acquires position coordinates corresponding to the four corners of the document from the edge detection result of the document in each image data (pre-image data, main image data).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the position coordinates of the four corners of a rectangular document (edge) Q. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the position coordinates of the four corners acquired from the edge detection result of the document Q in the pre-image data are schematically shown by reference numerals N1, N2, N3, and N4, respectively. Further, the position coordinates of the four corners acquired from the edge detection result of the original Q in the main image data are schematically shown by reference numerals N11, N22, N33, and N44, respectively. The document position deviation determination unit 25 determines whether the position of the document Q is shifted by comparing these position coordinates.

(4) In the above embodiment, when printing is stopped, a notification image is displayed on the display unit 7 to notify the user of the positional deviation of the document. In other embodiments, for example, In addition, a warning sound by a buzzer or the like may be used to notify the document position shift or the like, or may be notified using a dedicated indicator lamp or the like.

1: MFP, 2: CPU, 3: RAM, 4: Flash memory, 5: Printing unit, 6: Reading unit, 7: Display unit, 8: Input unit, 9: Operation panel unit, 10: Document placement plate 11: Notification unit, 21: Frame data generation unit, 22: Document information detection unit, 23: Edge detection unit 23, 24: Position coordinate detection unit, 25: Document position deviation determination unit, 26: Print target range data generation unit 27: Print data generation unit

Claims (7)

An original platen on which an original is placed;
A scanning unit that scans the document during pre-scan to acquire pre-image data, and scans the document during main scan after the pre-scan to acquire main image data;
A display unit that superimposes and displays a preview image based on the pre-image data and a frame image corresponding to the outline of the printable surface of the medium to be printed;
A first generation unit that generates print target range data including pre-image data corresponding to the preview image displayed in an inner portion of the frame image;
A second generation unit that generates printing main image data including the main image data of a portion corresponding to the print target range data;
Based on the pre-image data, pre-document information including at least one of a position and a document size of the document placed on the document placing plate at the time of the pre-scan is detected, and based on the main image data Detecting a main document information including at least one of a position and a document size of a document placed on the document placement plate during the main scan;
A determination unit that compares the pre-document information with the main document information, and determines whether or not a document misalignment has occurred between the pre-scan and the main scan from the comparison result;
If the determination unit determines that there is no document misregistration, the image based on the print main image data is printed on the printable surface of the medium, and the determination unit detects the document misregistration. A printing unit that suspends printing when it is determined that an error has occurred. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects the pre-document information from edge information of the document in the pre-image data, and detects the main document information from edge information of the document in the main image data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
When the outline of the document is circular, the detection unit detects the center coordinates of the document as position data in the pre-document information and position data in the main document information,
The determination unit compares the center coordinates of the document in the pre-document information with the center coordinates of the document in the main document information, and based on the comparison result, the document is between the pre-scan and the main scan. A printing apparatus that determines whether or not a positional deviation has occurred. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The detection unit detects vertex coordinates at the four corners of the original as position data in the pre-original information and position data in the original information, respectively, when the outline of the original is a rectangle;
The determination unit compares each vertex coordinate of the document in the pre-document information with each vertex coordinate of the document in the main document information, and from the comparison result, the pre-scan time and the main scan time are compared. A printing apparatus that determines whether or not a document misalignment has occurred between them. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
A printing apparatus comprising: a notifying unit that notifies the positional deviation of the original when the determination unit determines that the positional deviation of the original has occurred. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A selection input for selecting whether or not to acquire new pre-image data to be replaced with the pre-image data by scanning the original with the reading unit when the determination unit determines that a document misalignment has occurred. Printing apparatus comprising a unit. A pre-scanning step of acquiring pre-image data by scanning a document placed on a document placing plate with a reading unit;
A preview image based on the pre-image data and a frame image corresponding to the outline of the printable surface of the medium to be printed are superimposed on the display unit and displayed on the inner side of the frame image. A first generation step of generating print target range data including pre-image data corresponding to the preview image;
A first detection step of detecting pre-document information including at least one of a position and a document size of a document placed on the document placement plate during pre-scanning based on the pre-image data;
A main scanning step of scanning the original again with the reading unit to obtain main image data;
A second generation step of generating main image data for printing composed of the main image data of a portion corresponding to the print target range data;
A second detection step of detecting main document information including at least one of a position and a document size of a document placed on the document placement plate at the time of a main scan based on the main image data;
A step of comparing the pre-original information with the original information, and determining from the comparison result whether or not the original is displaced between the pre-scan and the main scan;
A printing method comprising: a printing step of printing an image based on the printing main image data on a printable surface of the medium or stopping printing according to the determination result.

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