JP2012187725A - Image forming apparatus, image forming system and processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which enables paper to be identified and a postscript position to be specified without providing the paper with any identifier or the like.SOLUTION: There is included a control means that controls the image forming apparatus to perform printing on paper on the basis of the print information being printed next time when a determination is made by a determination means that both pieces of Jacquard card information match each other, on the basis of the information about print information stored in a storage means, and otherwise to stop printing for execution of printing on the basis of the print information acquired by an acquisition means and being printed next time.

Description

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

  Paper documents shared by multiple people, such as medical records, nursing records, and experimental records (hereinafter simply referred to as medical records, etc.), for example, on a single sheet, various comments, test results, It has a feature that the experimental results and the like are additionally printed sequentially.

  Due to the above characteristics, in such a chart, it is necessary to instruct an image forming apparatus such as a printer as to which additional recording is to be performed on the sheet such as the chart when the next printing is executed. .

  As a technique for realizing an operation for performing postscript printing on a medical chart or the like, it is specified in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-230258, Japanese Patent No. 3127091, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-239716, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-160743, etc. Using marking paper (punch holes, barcodes, etc.), updating marking information at the time of printing, and clarifying the position of the next recording, using paper with a specific marking (barcode) For example, a technique for specifying the next additional recording position by associating the marking information with the print margin area is disclosed.

JP-A-8-230258 Japanese Patent No. 3127091 JP 2001-239716 A JP 2004-160743 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a processing program capable of specifying a sheet and specifying a postscript position without providing an identifier or the like on the sheet.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires print information, and an execution unit that executes printing on a sheet based on the print information acquired by the acquisition unit. And reading means for reading the paper pattern information from at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the paper used for printing when the execution means executes printing, and associating with the information relating to the print information after the execution by the execution means Storage means for storing the paper pattern information, the paper pattern information stored in the storage means, and other paper pattern information read by the reading means for the paper to be used in the next printing When the printing is executed based on the print information acquired by the acquisition unit and printed next time, the determination unit determines that the two pieces of paper pattern information match. In the case where printing is performed, based on the information related to the printing information stored in the storage unit, printing is performed based on the printing information to be printed next on the paper, and the both-print pattern information is inconsistent. And control means for controlling to stop printing when it is determined.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the information relating to the print information is at least one of information relating to a print end position or information relating to a next print start position based on the print information. It is characterized by including these.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including at least one image forming apparatus according to either the first or second aspect and at least one piece of information connected to the image processing apparatus via a communication unit. And a processing device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing program for acquiring print information, an execution process for executing printing on a sheet based on the print information acquired in the acquisition process, and a sheet for use in printing. A reading process of reading the paper pattern information from at least one of the front surface and the back surface, a storage process of storing the paper pattern information in association with information related to the print information after execution of printing in the execution process, and the stored paper A determination process for determining whether or not the pattern information matches the other paper pattern information read in the reading process for the paper to be used in the next printing, and the next printing acquired in the acquisition process. When performing printing based on print information, if it is determined in the determination process that the two pieces of paper pattern information match, based on the stored information related to the print information Printing is performed on the paper based on the next print information to be printed, and a control process is executed by the arithmetic means to control to stop printing when it is determined that the two paper pattern information does not match. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is determined whether the paper pattern information matches or does not match, and the paper is specified without providing an identifier or the like. Further, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that designates the additional recording position.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that designates the additional recording position without providing an identifier or the like on the sheet as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is determined whether the paper pattern information matches or does not match, and the paper is specified and added without providing an identifier or the like. An image forming system for designating a position can be provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is determined whether or not the paper pattern information matches, and the paper is specified and added without providing an identifier or the like on the paper. A processing program for designating a position can be provided.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a medical chart. It is a table | surface which shows the structural example of a document database. It is a table | surface which shows the structural example of a paper print database. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of information processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a paper print scan process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the next paper process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a paperprint presence confirmation process.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  The image forming systems S1 and S2 and the image forming apparatuses PR1 and PR2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of image forming systems S1 and S2 according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming systems S1 and S2 have the same configuration. The image forming systems S1 and S2 are connected by a network N such as a LAN.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming system includes two systems S1 and S2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when there are a plurality of medical subjects such as a general hospital, You may make it the network N prepare the number of systems according to the subject etc.

  The image forming system S1 (S2) includes an image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) provided with a paper pattern reading device (scanner device: an example of a reading unit) and a personal computer connected via a cable or the like. And an information processing device PC1 (PC2).

  The image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) has a document ID (an example of information relating to print information) and a function of scanning a paper pattern on a sheet when feeding the sheet to a storage device configured by a non-volatile memory or a hard disk device. A function for performing print processing based on print information input from the information processing apparatus PC1, a function for storing a position to start printing next time, a document ID (an example of information related to print information), and paper pattern information are associated with each other. And a function for confirming the identity by comparing paper pattern information.

  The image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) includes a storage device including a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk device, and stores the document ID, paper pattern information, next printing start position information, and the like.

  It should be noted that the function of reading the paper pattern on the paper may be a case where the scanner device is built in the image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2), or the scanner device SC1 is replaced with the information processing device PC1 (PC2) as shown in FIG. You may make it attach externally.

  The information processing apparatus PC1 (PC2) stores a document ID (an example of information related to print information) assigned to each piece of print information. When the print information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2), a response is made. The document ID to be transmitted is added and transmitted.

  Here, the paper pattern is information such as unevenness that differs for each sheet of paper, and is sometimes called a paper fingerprint. The paper pattern is used as a technique for identifying the paper itself by utilizing the property that the paper pattern is different for each paper like a human fingerprint.

  The technique related to paper pattern collation is detailed in Japanese Patent No. 4265180 related to the applicant's application.

  Next, a configuration example of the image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) includes a transmission interface 10 that transmits and receives data to and from the network N, a transmission control apparatus 11 that controls transmission and reception of data to and from the network N, and the network N and USB. An input control device 12 that controls data input from a local interface, an operation panel 22 that includes a key input means and a display means, displays a user operation reception and displays a message, a key input from the operation panel 22 and an operation panel 22 includes an operation control device 20 that controls message display on the CPU 22, a CPU and the like, a system control device 21 that controls the entire device, a spool control device 30 that stores print data together with job attributes, a hard disk product device, and the like. A storage device (paper pattern information storage unit) 302 for storing and managing stored data, and printing The print control device 32 that takes out the data and prints it using the transfer device, the transfer device (image forming unit) 301 that prints the rasterized print data on the paper, and the page description language (such as PDL). A rasterizer 34 that converts data into a bitmap image, a scan control device 35 that controls a scanner device (paper pattern reading device) SC1 (SC2) included in the image forming apparatus itself, and a flat bed that is externally attached via a cable or the like Type scanner device (paper pattern reading device) SC1 (SC2) and a scan control device 40 for controlling the scanner device SC1 (SC2).

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the paper pattern reading device includes both the scanner device SC <b> 1 (SC <b> 2) included in the device itself and a flat-bed scanner device provided externally, but is not limited thereto. It may be a case where at least one scanner device is provided.

  Next, a configuration example of the information processing apparatus PC1 (PC2) will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus PC1 (PC2) includes a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse, an input device 51 for inputting characters and coordinate positions, a display device, and the like, and displays for displaying characters and figures. A device 52, a CPU, and the like, a processing device 53 that performs various arithmetic processes, a spooler, a port monitor, and the like, a print control device 54 that stores and retrieves print jobs, and a pair of document data such as a medical record and document ID And a transmission database 56 for controlling transmission / reception of data to / from the network.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus PR1 (PR2) receives a print information acquisition unit 300 (an example of an acquisition unit) that acquires print information from the information processing apparatus PC1 (PC2), and a sheet (such as a medical record) based on the acquired print information. The image forming unit 301 (an example of an execution unit) that executes printing and the above-described reading of paper pattern information from at least one of the front and back surfaces of the paper used for printing when the image forming unit 301 executes printing. A paper pattern reading device SC1 (SC2) (an example of a reading unit) including a scanner device is provided.

  In addition, after printing is performed by the image forming unit 301, a paper pattern information storage unit 302 (storage) configured by a nonvolatile memory or the like that stores paper pattern information in association with information (document ID: for example, a medical record number) related to print information. An example of the means), the stored paper pattern information, and other paper pattern information read by the paper pattern reading device SC1 for paper (such as a medical record) to be used in the next printing, A paper pattern information determination unit 303 (an example of a determination unit) for determination is provided.

  Further, when printing is performed based on the print information acquired by the paper pattern reading device SC1 (SC2) and printed next time, when the paper pattern information determination unit 303 determines that the both paper pattern information matches. When printing is executed based on the print information to be printed next on the paper based on the information related to the print information stored in the paper print information storage unit 302, and it is determined that the paper print information does not match. Includes a print control unit 304 (an example of a control unit) configured by a microcomputer or the like that controls to stop printing.

  Note that the document ID as the information related to the print information may include at least one of information related to the print end position based on the print information and information related to the start position of the next print.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an example in the case where additional recording is performed as a medical chart 100 will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which an image forming system S1 is provided at a hospital reception, and an image forming system S2 is provided at an examination department, for example.

  In this example, for example, when a patient is receiving and presenting a health insurance card, etc. to the hospital staff, the hospital staff operates the information processing device PC1, and the address, name, age, consultation Enter information such as clinical subjects to be performed.

  Next, the paper pattern of the chart paper 100a is acquired by the paper pattern reading device SC1. As a result, in the information processing apparatus PC1, the paper pattern information of the chart sheet 100a is stored in the information processing apparatus PC1 in association with the information (document ID) related to the print information.

  Subsequently, the chart sheet 100a is set in the image forming apparatus PR1, and an operation for instructing printing is performed from the information processing apparatus PC1. As a result, the above-mentioned input content is printed as the print content a on the chart sheet 100a.

  In addition, information (document ID: for example, a medical record number) related to print information associated with the paper pattern information of the medical record sheet 100a is transmitted to the examination department image forming system S2 via the network N.

  Then, the patient goes to the examination department with the printed chart 100a and receives an examination corresponding to the medical purpose.

  When the examination is completed, the examination result, the diagnosis result by the doctor, the medication instruction, and the like are input to the information processing apparatus PC2 by the hospital staff. Then, before the additional printing is performed on the medical chart 100a brought by the patient, the paper pattern of the medical chart paper 100a is acquired by the paper pattern reading device SC2.

  Next, the information processing apparatus PC2 receives the paper pattern information associated with the information (document ID) related to the print information sent from the information processing apparatus PC1 via the network N, and the paper pattern acquired by the paper pattern reading apparatus SC2. When the information is compared and it is determined that the information matches, the printing relating to the above-described inspection result or the like is performed.

  At this time, the position SP at which the current printing (next time as viewed from the system S1) is designated by the document ID, the information processing apparatus PC2 starts printing from the printing start position SP.

  As a result, in addition to the previously printed print content A, the print content B relating to the inspection result and the like is printed at the correct position on the chart 100b that has been additionally recorded.

  If it is determined that the paper pattern information does not match, the printing process is stopped because there is a possibility that the medical records are wrong or the patient is another person.

  In the medical charts 100a and 100b, the position where the paper pattern is acquired is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the bottom positions 200a and 200b of the paper sheets of the medical charts 100a and 100b may be used.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is only necessary to provide the portions 200a and 200b for acquiring the paper pattern, and it is possible to save the trouble of printing special marking information (barcode, perforation, etc.) as in the prior art. In addition, since it is not necessary to print special marking information (barcode, perforation, etc.) or to provide a portion for opening a hole, the printing area of the charts 100a and 100b is effectively utilized.

  Next, configuration examples of the document database and the paper print database will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  The example of the document database shown in FIG. 7 includes a pair of a document ID (for example, a character string such as D101 and D207) and document data (for example, medical record data: for example, KAR05.DOC, KAR07.DOC).

  Each record in the example of the paper pattern database shown in FIG. 8 includes a document ID (for example, D101) that uniquely identifies the paper, paper pattern data (for example, image information such as P01.jpg) and data collected from the paper. Is composed of information on the position of the field on the paper, the width and height of the field, and the start line of additional printing.

  Next, a processing procedure of processing executed in the image forming system S1 (S2) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, based on the flowchart of FIG. 9, the processing procedure of the reception process in the image forming apparatus PR1 (see FIG. 5 and the like) of the image forming system S1 will be described.

  In step S10, the chart is newly registered for the chart number, address, name, etc., and then the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, a chart paper scan is executed by the paper pattern reading device SC1, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, paper pattern data is extracted (collected) based on the scan data, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the collected paper pattern data is registered in the paper pattern database, and the process ends.

  Next, a processing procedure of information processing in the information processing apparatus PC1 (see FIG. 5 and the like) of the image forming system S1 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S20, the document ID is input and the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, document data having the document ID input from the document database is retrieved and acquired, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not there is corresponding data. If “No”, an error is displayed in step S23 and the process returns to step S20.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” in the step S22, the process proceeds to a step S24 to display the acquired or newly created document, and the process proceeds to the step S25.

  In step S25, data is input to the displayed document, and the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, a print instruction is issued, the process proceeds to step S27, the document ID and additional data are transmitted to the print data, the document database is updated, and the process ends.

  Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 11, a processing procedure of the printing process in the image forming apparatus PR2 (see FIG. 5 and the like) of the image forming system S2 will be described.

  In step S30, the document ID and print data are received from the image forming system S1, and the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the paper pattern database is searched for and acquired the paper pattern record information having the corresponding document ID, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not there is corresponding data. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S43 to cancel printing and end the process.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S32, the process proceeds to a subroutine of step S33, and the paper pattern scanning process is executed.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the processing procedure of the paper pattern scanning process will be described.

  When the paper pattern scanning process is started, in step S50, the paper pattern reading device SC2 of the image forming apparatus PR2 feeds the paper from the paper tray and proceeds to step S51.

  In step S51, the paper is scanned to collect a paper pattern, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

  Next, in step S35, the paper pattern scanned by the paper pattern scanning process is compared with the paper pattern acquired in step S31, and it is determined whether or not they match in step S36.

  If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S37, a request message for a correct sheet (chart) is output, and the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, a paper set is detected and the process returns to step S33.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S36, the process proceeds to step S39, and printing is performed from the additional print position of the sheet based on the print data, and the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, it is determined whether or not the number of lines has been exceeded. If “No”, the next additional print position is stored and registered in the paper pattern database, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S40, the process proceeds to a subroutine for the next sheet process in step S41.

  Here, the processing procedure of the next sheet processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S70, a new paper request message is output and the process proceeds to step S71.

  In step S71, a paper set is detected and the process proceeds to step S72, the paper is scanned to obtain a paper pattern, and the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, printing is executed from the top of the print field, and the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S74, the document ID and paper pattern data pair is stored in the paper pattern database, and the process returns to the main routine.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S42, the next additional printing start position is stored in the paper pattern database, and the process is terminated.

  In addition to the processing shown in FIG. 11, the paper pattern presence confirmation processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 may be executed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the paper pattern presence confirmation process searches for a paper pattern acquired from the paper in step S60 in the paper pattern database, scans the paper in step S61, and acquires paper pattern information. It is.

  As described above, according to the image forming systems S1 and S2 according to the present embodiment, a human error such as an erroneous sheet (such as a medical chart), a sheet direction, and an additional recording mistakenly printed on the sheet surface is prevented. .

  Also, by collecting at least one side of the paper pattern, it is detected that the paper setting (front / back, orientation) is wrong, and the printing order is set according to the notification or the contents of the paper setting to correctly set the paper. Is changed (front-to-back, back-to-front, 180 degree rotation, etc.) so that the correct printing surface and direction are obtained.

  In addition, since special marking information (punch hole, barcode printing, etc.) is not necessary for realizing additional recording, only data that should be printed is printed, and additional recording is performed while maintaining print quality.

  Further, by arranging the storage information of the paper print database on a server separately provided, it is shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses PR1 and PR2, and the image forming apparatuses PR1 and PR2 main body stores data storage such as a hard disk device. No area is required, and the cost of the image forming apparatus is reduced.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications that fall within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  When using a program, it can be provided via a network or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  That is, the predetermined program including the image processing program is not limited to being recorded in a storage device such as a hard disk as a recording medium, and the predetermined program can be provided as follows.

  For example, a predetermined program may be stored in the ROM, and the CPU may load the predetermined program from the ROM to the main storage device and execute it.

  The predetermined program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, an MO (magneto-optical disk), a flexible disk, and distributed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus or the like is connected to a server apparatus or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and after the predetermined program is downloaded from the server apparatus or the host computer, the predetermined program is executed. You may do it. In this case, examples of the download destination of the predetermined program include a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk.

  The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the processing program according to the present invention can be applied to a printer, a multifunction machine, or the like having a scanner function.

S1, S2 Image forming system PC1, PC2 Information processing device PR1, PR2 Image forming device 10 Transmission interface 11 Transmission control device 12 Input control device 20 Operation control device 21 System control device 22 Operation panel 30 Spool control device 32 Print control device 34 Rasterizer 35 Scan control device 40 Scan control device 51 Input device 52 Display device 53 Processing device 54 Print control device 55 Document database 56 Transmission interface 100 Medical chart 200a Lower end portion 300 Print information acquisition unit 301 Image formation unit 302 Paper pattern information storage unit 303 Paper pattern information determination unit 304 Print control unit N Network

Claims (4)

Acquisition means for acquiring print information;
Execution means for executing printing on paper based on the print information acquired by the acquisition means;
Reading means for reading the paper pattern information from at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the paper used for printing when the execution means executes printing;
Storage means for storing the paper pattern information in association with the information related to the print information after the execution by the execution means;
A determination unit that determines whether the paper pattern information stored in the storage unit matches or does not match other paper pattern information that is read by the reading unit with respect to a sheet to be used for next printing;
When printing is performed based on the print information acquired by the acquisition unit and printed next time, if the determination unit determines that the two pieces of paper pattern information match, the storage unit stores the storage unit. Control that performs printing based on the next printing information to be printed on the paper based on information related to printing information, and controls to stop printing when it is determined that the two pieces of paper pattern information do not match Means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: Information about the print information is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one of information on a printing end position or information on a next printing start position based on the print information. At least one image forming apparatus according to claim 1;
At least one information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a communication means;
An image forming system comprising: An acquisition process for acquiring print information;
An execution process for executing printing on paper based on the print information acquired in the acquisition process;
A reading process of reading paper pattern information from at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the paper used for printing;
A storage step of storing the paper pattern information in association with the information about the print information after execution of printing by the execution step;
A determination process for determining whether the stored paper pattern information matches or does not match with other paper pattern information read in the reading process for the paper to be used in the next printing,
When printing is performed based on print information acquired in the acquisition process and printed next time, if it is determined in the determination process that the two pieces of paper pattern information match, the stored information on the print information A control process for performing printing based on print information to be printed next time on the paper, and controlling to stop printing when it is determined that the two pieces of paper pattern information do not match,
Is executed by a calculation means.

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