JP2013092870A - Printing system, information processing device, image processing device, printing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the workload of a user to save resources to be consumed, in printing corrected image data.SOLUTION: When a storage device 10 stores first image data 15 and a printing system 1 acquires corrected second image data 16 corresponding to the first image data 15, the printing system 1 compares the first image data 15 with the second image data 16 to identify a correction area where a difference is detected. The printing system 1 detects an image component 18 based on the correction area in the second image data 16. The printing system 1 prepares a printing layout 20 with the image component 18 arranged therein, to print the image component 18, on the basis of the printing layout 20, on a printed sheet 17 which has been already output on the basis of the first image data 15.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a printing method, and a program.

  In general, it is widely performed to print out image data that is a modified version of image data that has been printed out in the past. For example, after a user issues a print instruction for image data in the past and finds that the image data needs correction, the user performs a correction operation on the image data and then issues a print instruction again. . In this case, if all the corrected image data is printed out, a page having the same content as before the correction is wasted.

  In the case of reprinting the corrected image data as described above, Patent Literature 1 compares the first print job printed in the past with the second print job after correction, A printing system is disclosed that detects a page having document content different from that of the first print job from the second print job, and prints only the detected page. According to such a configuration, since only the page including the corrected portion is printed out, it is possible to save printing paper as compared with the case where all the pages are reprinted. On the other hand, in the configuration as described above, new print paper is consumed to print out a page including the corrected portion. Therefore, the print paper consumed as the number of pages including the corrected portion increases. Become more.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a user performs handwriting correction on image data before correction through an operation panel, and overwrites and prints the corrected portion on printed paper that has been printed and output in the past. Yes. That is, the multifunction device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is fed when a user issues an instruction to correct image data on the operation panel after a printed sheet printed based on the image data before correction is set. This is a configuration in which a portion to be corrected is overwritten and erased with toner of the same color as that of the printed paper, and then the corrected information is reprinted on the erased portion. According to such a configuration, the corrected portion is overwritten and printed on the printed paper, so that it is not necessary to consume new printing paper.

JP 2008-134817 A JP 2010-93528 A

  However, the multifunction device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has the following problems. That is, the MFP disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which a user manually performs a correction operation on image data displayed on an operation panel or the like. In such a configuration, the user himself / herself has to search for a page that needs to be corrected, or to perform a correction operation on each of the correction portions, which is troublesome. If there are many correction parts, the work burden on the user increases accordingly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in the case of printing corrected image data, a printing system capable of reducing resources consumed while reducing the work burden on the user, An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a printing method, and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a printing system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires image data; a storage unit that stores image data acquired by the acquisition unit; and the acquisition unit. When the acquired image data is the corrected second image data corresponding to the first image data stored in the storage means, the first image data is compared with the second image data. Detecting means for detecting an area where the difference is detected as a correction area, and print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data and arranged. A paper feeding unit that feeds a printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data, and the printed paper fed by the paper feeding unit. A construction which is characterized in that it comprises a printing unit for printing the image component based on the print layout generated, the the layout creation means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, the printing system automatically detects the correction area by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. Further, the printing system prints the image component based on the correction area in the second image data, that is, the corrected image component on the printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data. You do not have to consume printing paper.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print layout creating means further arranges a predetermined drawing pattern at a position corresponding to the correction area when creating the print layout, The printing unit is configured to print the drawing pattern on the printed paper based on the print layout created by the print layout creation unit.

  According to such a configuration, the drawing pattern is arranged at the position corresponding to the correction area and the print layout is created, so the drawing pattern is overwritten on the portion to be corrected of the printed paper that is fed. be able to. As a result, the portion to be corrected is overwritten and printed with the drawing pattern, so that, for example, the user can perceive the portion to be corrected relatively easily.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the second aspect, the drawing pattern is a strikethrough.

  According to such a configuration, the portion to be corrected in the printed sheet is overwritten with a strikethrough, so that the user can appropriately understand the correction portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the second aspect, the drawing pattern is filled.

  According to such a configuration, since the portion to be corrected in the printed paper is filled, the portion to be corrected can be made inconspicuous.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the fourth aspect, the print layout creating means creates a print layout in which the image components are arranged in a region to be filled. .

  According to such a configuration, since the image component is arranged in the area to be filled, it is possible to provide the printed matter with the corrected content without conspicuous the portion to be corrected.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the detection unit further includes a blank area located in the vicinity of the correction area included in the first or second image data. The print layout creating means creates a print layout in which the image components are arranged in the margin area.

  According to such a configuration, since the image component is arranged in the margin area, when the image component is printed on the printed paper, it is possible to prevent the printed paper and the image component from overlapping. it can.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the sixth aspect, the print layout creating means arranges the image component in an enlarged or reduced manner so that the image component fits in the margin area. The configuration is as follows.

  According to such a configuration, the image component can be appropriately stored in the blank area.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the print layout creating means is configured to print the printed component when the area of the image component or the correction area is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The image component is arranged on the back surface of the paper.

  According to such a configuration, for example, when there is no space for attaching the correction area on the front surface, the correction area can be attached to the back surface, so that the usability is improved.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the printing unit prints the image component by designating a printing color.

  According to such a configuration, for example, the image component can be printed out in different colors with respect to the paper color, so that it is possible for the user to distinguish the correction portion relatively easily.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job, and stores an acquisition unit that acquires image data to be generated by the print job, and stores the image data acquired by the acquisition unit Storing means, a print job output means for generating and transmitting a print job based on the image data stored in the storage means, and a print generated based on the first image data stored in the storage means When the second image data after the correction corresponding to the first image data is acquired by the acquisition unit after the job is transmitted by the print job output unit, the first image data and the second image data A detection unit that detects a region where a difference is detected by comparing with the image data of the image data as a correction region, and the detection unit detects the correction region, Print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted and arranged from the second image data, and the print job output means adds the print image to the first image data. A print job for correcting a printed sheet output based on the print layout is generated based on the print layout created by the print layout creating means, and the print job is transmitted.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. In other words, the information processing apparatus automatically detects the correction area by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. The information processing apparatus generates a print job for correcting the printed paper output based on the first image data based on the print layout created by the print layout creation unit, and transmits the print job. It is the structure to do. As a result, when printing processing is performed based on the print job, an image component is added to printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data, so that no new printing paper is consumed. Just do it.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that receives a print job and outputs a print job, the acquisition unit acquiring image data included in the received print job, and the acquisition unit. Storage means for storing image data, and when the image data acquired by the acquisition means is corrected second image data corresponding to the first image data stored in the storage means, the first Detecting means for detecting a region in which a difference is detected by comparing the image data of the second image data and the second image data as a correction region, and extracting an image component included in the correction region from the second image data A print layout creating means for creating a print layout arranged in a manner; a paper feed means for feeding printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data; and Against the printed sheets to be fed me, a configuration, characterized in that it comprises a printing unit for printing the image component based on the print layout generated, the by the print layout creation means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, the image processing apparatus automatically detects the correction area by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. Further, the image processing apparatus prints the image component based on the correction area in the second image data, that is, the corrected image component on the printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data. You don't have to use up a lot of printing paper. As a result, printing paper can be saved.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a printing method, comprising: (a) acquiring the first image data; (b) storing the first image data acquired in step (a); (C) performing a print output based on the first image data; and (d) storing the first image data after the print output based on the first image data is performed. In the state, when the corrected second image data corresponding to the first image data is acquired, the first image data and the second image data are compared to detect a difference Detecting as a correction area, (e) extracting an image component included in the correction area from the second image data, and (f) extracting the image component extracted in the step (e). Steps to create the arranged print layout and ( g) feeding a printed sheet based on the first image data printed and output in the step (c), and (h) printing the printed sheet fed in the step (g) And a step of performing print output based on the print layout created in step (f).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, the printing method automatically detects the correction area by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. The printing method prints the image component based on the correction area in the second image data, that is, the corrected image component, on the printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data. As a result, it is not necessary to consume new printing paper, and printing paper can be saved.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for generating and transmitting a print job, which is executed by a computer to cause the computer to acquire image data to be generated by the print job and An acquisition unit to be stored in the storage unit, a print job output unit that generates and transmits a print job based on the image data stored in the storage unit, and a first image data stored in the storage unit When the corrected second image data corresponding to the first image data is acquired by the acquisition unit after the print job is transmitted by the print job output unit, the first image data and the Detection means for detecting a region in which a difference is detected by comparing with the second image data as a correction region; and Along with the detection of the normal area, the print job output means functions as a print layout creation means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data and arranged. The means generates a print job for correcting the printed paper output based on the first image data based on the print layout created by the print layout creation means, and the print job It is the structure characterized by making it transmit.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, according to the above configuration, the correction area is automatically detected by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. Further, according to the above configuration, the print job for correcting the printed paper output based on the first image data is generated based on the print layout created by the print layout creating means, and the print job is generated. It is the structure which transmits. As a result, when printing processing is performed based on the print job, an image component is added to printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data, so that no new printing paper is consumed. Just do it.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed in an image processing apparatus that receives a print job and prints out the image processing apparatus, and acquires the image data included in the received print job. , Acquisition means to be stored in a predetermined storage means, and second image data after correction corresponding to the first image data that has already been printed and the image data acquired by the acquisition means is stored in the storage means A detection means for comparing the first image data with the second image data to detect a region where a difference is detected as a correction region; included in the correction region of the second image data Print layout creation means for creating a print layout in which extracted image components are extracted and arranged, and printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data Is paper, based on the print layout generated by the print layout producing means is a structure which is characterized in that to function the image component printing control means for printing on the printed sheet as a.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, according to the above configuration, the correction area is automatically detected by comparing the first image data and the second image data. This saves the user from having to manually detect the correction area. Further, according to the above configuration, the image component based on the correction area in the second image data, that is, the corrected image component is printed on the printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data. There is no need to consume new printing paper. As a result, printing paper can be saved.

  According to the present invention, since the correction area is automatically detected by comparing the first image data and the second image data, it is not necessary for the user to find the correction area by himself. This reduces the work burden on the user. Further, according to the present invention, the image component based on the correction area is printed on the printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data, so that it is not necessary to consume new printing paper. This saves printing paper.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system. It is a figure which shows typically the outline of the process performed in a printing system. It is a figure which shows typically the outline of the process performed in a printing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the control part in information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows typically the process performed in information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing layout. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed paper in which the printing process was performed. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing layout. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed paper in which the printing process was performed. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing layout. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed paper in which the printing process was performed. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the whole process performed by the control part in information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the extraction process performed by the control part in information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the arrangement | positioning process performed by the control part in information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the control part in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows typically the process performed by a printing system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the whole process performed by the control part in an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the output process performed by the control part in an image processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 2 configured by, for example, a personal computer, and an image processing apparatus 5 connected to the information processing apparatus 2 and a network 3 so as to be capable of data communication with each other. The network 3 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a general office. However, the network 3 is not limited to this, and may be a composite network including a wide area communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network).

  The information processing apparatus 2 includes a display unit 2a that displays various types of information, and an operation input unit 2b that inputs operation instructions from the user. The information processing apparatus 2 is preinstalled with application software that creates image data based on a user's instruction operation. The information processing device 2 is configured to acquire image data to be printed, such as a document created by the application software, and store the image data in a storage device built in the information processing device 2, for example. Is done.

  The printing system 1 is preferably configured not only to acquire image data created by the information processing apparatus 2 but also to acquire image data from another data communication apparatus. For example, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 configured as described above may be configured to be able to perform data communication with the network 3. The information processing apparatus 2 may be configured to be able to acquire image data created by another information processing apparatus 2 via the network 3. The information processing apparatus 2 may be configured to be capable of data communication with an external storage device such as a management server that manages image data or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In this case, the information processing apparatus 2 is configured to be able to acquire image data from the external storage device.

  The information processing apparatus 2 is configured to generate a print job based on the image data acquired as described above and transmit the print job to the image processing apparatus 5 via the network 3. The image data includes objects such as documents, graphics, and photographs.

  The image processing apparatus 5 is configured to receive a print job from the information processing apparatus 2 and perform print output based on the print job. That is, the image processing apparatus 5 stocks operation panels 6 that allow a user to perform various instruction operations, a print processing unit 7 that executes print processing based on a received print job, and print sheets that serve as print media. A plurality of paper feed cassettes 8 and a feeder unit 9 for placing manually fed printing paper. The image processing apparatus 5 includes a control unit (printing control unit of the present invention) that controls various processes executed in the image processing apparatus 5. The image processing apparatus 5 may be configured by an apparatus called an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having not only the printing function but also a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function.

  The print processing unit 7 has the following configuration necessary for performing print processing. For example, the print processing unit 7 forms an image on the basis of image data on a sheet feeding unit that feeds printing sheets from the sheet feeding cassette 8 or the feeder unit 9 one by one, and printing sheets fed from the sheet feeding unit. An image forming unit that performs transfer, a transfer unit that transfers a toner image (image) formed by the image forming unit to printing paper, a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the printing paper, and an output unit that outputs printed matter And a toner bottle for replenishing the image forming unit with toner. The print processing unit 7 corresponds to the printing unit of the present invention.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 5 may include a plurality of toner bottles having different colors. In the present embodiment, for example, when the paper color is white, the image processing apparatus 5 may include a toner bottle supplemented with white toner for erasing image components already printed on the paper. good. When the print processing unit 7 includes a plurality of toner bottles having different colors, the print processing unit 7 may be configured to perform color printing by adjusting the distribution of toner contained in the toner bottles.

  The paper feed unit is configured to be able to switch the paper feed source of the print paper to either the paper feed cassette 8 or the feeder unit 9 when feeding the print paper. The switching is performed based on designation by the user. For example, when the paper feed cassette 8 is designated as the paper feed source in the received print job, the paper feed unit feeds the printing paper from the paper feed cassette 8, and the feeder unit 9 serves as the paper feed source. If specified, the printing paper is fed from the feeder unit 9. Further, switching of the printing paper feed source may be performed based on an operation instruction to the operation panel 6 by the user. The paper feeding unit corresponds to the paper feeding means of the present invention.

  The print processing unit 7 is configured to be able to perform printing on both the front and back sides of the fed printing paper. For example, the print processing unit 7 includes a conveyance mechanism that reverses the front and back sides of the printing paper. When performing backside printing, the print processing unit 7 reverses the front and back sides of the printing paper and feeds the paper. The print processing unit 7 performs print processing on the back surface. In addition, the print processing unit 7 is configured to be able to perform printing again on the printing surface on which printing has been performed by inverting the fed printing paper twice. For example, when the printing processing unit 7 completes the printing process on the front surface of the printing paper to be fed, the printing paper is reversed to the back surface by the transport mechanism, and then the print paper is returned to the front surface via the transport mechanism. Paper is fed in the reversed state. Accordingly, the print processing unit 7 can perform reprinting on the surface.

  2 and 3 are diagrams schematically showing an outline of processing executed by the printing system 1 as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a storage device 10 that stores image data. For example, when the information processing apparatus 2 acquires the first image data 15, the information processing apparatus 2 stores the first image data 15 in the storage device 10. When a print instruction is issued for the image data 15, the information processing apparatus 2 generates a print job based on the first image data 15 and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5. The image processing apparatus 5 is made to execute. The printed paper 17 printed out based on the first image data 15 in this way is printed out by the image processing device 5. Further, in this case, the storage device 10 is in a state where the first image data 15 already printed out is stored.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 2 adds, for example, a page number to the first image data 15 in a state where the first image data 15 that has already been printed out is stored in the storage device 10. Assume that the acquired second image data 16 is acquired. That is, the second image data 16 is a modified version of the first image data 15. In this case, the information processing apparatus 2 compares the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 and extracts an image component 18 from which a difference is detected from the second image data 16. In the illustrated example, the page number is extracted as the image component 18 from the second image data 16. Then, the information processing apparatus 2 creates a print layout 20 in which the image component 18 is arranged. When the information processing apparatus 2 generates the print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are arranged as described above, the information processing apparatus 2 generates a print job based on the print layout 20 and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5. .

  In the image processing apparatus 5, the user manually sets the printed paper 17 in the feeder unit 9 in advance. In this state, when receiving a print job from the information processing apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 5 executes the print job. When executing the print job, the image processing apparatus 5 feeds the printed paper 17 from the feeder unit 9 and prints the image component 18 on the printed paper 17. In this case, as shown in the figure, the corrected image component 18 is overwritten on the printed paper 17 and output.

  By performing the update printing as described above, the printing system 1 automatically extracts the image component 18 from the second image data 16 after the correction, so that it is not necessary for the user to find the correction portion. Such a configuration is also convenient when the user who creates the corrected image data and the user in charge who reflects the corrected portion on the printed paper 17 are different. For example, it is assumed that the second image data 16 that is a modified version is created by the creation user, and a user in charge who does not know the correction location receives the second image data 16 from the creation user. In this case, since the user in charge does not know the correction location, conventionally, the user must compare the printed paper 17 and the second image data 16 to find the correction location. On the other hand, the user in charge can save such trouble by printing out all the pages of the corrected image data. In this case, however, the printed user has been printed out based on the image data before correction. All the paper is wasted.

  According to the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the image component 18 is automatically extracted from the second image data 16 serving as a corrected version, so that the user in charge does not have to search for the correction portion by himself / herself and the work load is reduced. The Furthermore, since the printing system 1 prints the image component 18 on the printed paper 17 that has already been printed out based on the first image data 15, it is not necessary to consume any extra paper resources. As a result, printing paper can be saved.

  Hereinafter, the printing system 1 configured as described above will be described in detail. In the following description, the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 are simply referred to as “image data” when it is not necessary to distinguish them.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 2. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 2 includes a control unit 25 that controls the operation of the information processing device 2, a network interface 26 for connecting to an external device such as the image processing device 5 and the external storage device, and the like. The display unit 2a, the operation input unit 2b, and the storage device 10 described above are provided and are connected to each other via a bus 27 so that data communication is possible.

  The control unit 25 includes a CPU 25a and a memory 25b, and controls the operation of each unit. The CPU 25a reads and executes the program 28 stored in the storage device 10. Here, the program 28 is a program for causing the control unit 25 to function as various processing units to be described later. The memory 25b stores temporary data associated with the execution of the program 28 by the CPU 25a.

  The network interface 26 is for connecting the information processing apparatus 2 to the network 3 (FIG. 1). The network interface 26 may be wired with respect to the network 3 or may be wirelessly connected.

  The storage device 10 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores the program 28 described above and an image data storage unit 29 that is a storage area for storing image data. However, the image data storage unit 29 is not necessarily limited to that provided in the storage device 10, and may be provided in the memory 25b, for example, or may be provided in the above-described external storage device. Absent.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 25 in the information processing apparatus 2. The control unit 25 functions as an image data creation unit 41, a management unit 42, a detection unit 43, a print layout creation unit 44, and a print job output unit 45 when the above-described CPU 25 a executes the program 28. Each of these processing units functions to perform a coordinated operation by inputting various types of information. Hereinafter, specific processing contents of each processing unit will be described.

  The image data creation unit 41 functions as a processing unit that creates image data when the above-described application software for creating image data is executed by the CPU 25a. That is, the program 18 stored in the storage device 10 includes application software that functions as the image data creation unit 41, and functions as the management unit 42, detection unit 43, print layout creation unit 44, and print job output unit 45. Includes printer drivers. And the control part 25 is a structure which functions as each process part 41-45 in this embodiment, when CPU25a runs those application software and a printer driver in cooperation with each other. However, the program 18 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it can function as the processing units 41 to 45 by being executed by the CPU 25a. The image data creation unit 41 creates image data including an object such as a document, an image, and / or a photo based on an instruction operation performed on the operation input unit 2b by the user. The image data creation unit 41 can also read out the image data stored in the image data storage unit 29 and make corrections on the image data based on a user's instruction operation.

  The management unit 42 is a processing unit that acquires and manages the image data 15. The management unit 42 acquires the image data created by the image data creation unit 41 based on the user's instruction operation on the operation input unit 2 b and stores it in the image data storage unit 29. At this time, the management unit 42 functions as an acquisition unit. When the information processing apparatus 2 is configured to be able to perform data communication with another information processing apparatus 2 or an external storage device via the network interface 26, the management unit 42 may select the other information processing apparatus 2 or the external storage apparatus. The image data is obtained from the image data and stored in the image data storage unit 29.

  The management unit 42 acquires the second image data 16 that is the corrected data corresponding to the first image data 15 in a state where the first image data 15 is stored in the image data storage unit 29. In this case, the first and second image data 15 and 16 are managed in association with each other. That is, since the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 are acquired at different timings, the management unit 42 acquires the first image data before correction at the timing when the second image data 16 is acquired. The image data 15 and the corrected second image data 16 are associated with each other. Such association can be automatically performed in the management unit 42. For example, when the management unit 42 newly acquires image data in a state where the first image data 15 is stored in the image data storage unit 29, the acquired image data is compared with the first image data 15. It is determined whether or not the second image data 16 is a corrected version. For example, when the newly acquired image data has the same file name as that of the first image data 15, the management unit 42 determines that the newly acquired image data is a modified version of the first image data 15. The second image data 16 is determined. When the management unit 42 specifies the first and second image data 15 and 16 as described above, the management unit 42 instructs the detection unit 43 to start extraction processing (described later).

  However, the control unit 25 does not necessarily need to start the extraction process when the second image data 15 is specified. For example, the management unit 42 instructs the detection unit 43 to start extraction processing when receiving an update print start instruction (hereinafter referred to as “update print instruction”) from the user for the acquired image data. You may do it.

  Further, as described above, the management unit 42 does not necessarily need to automatically determine the first image data 15 and the second image data 16. For example, when the management unit 42 receives an update print instruction from the user simultaneously with the acquisition of the image data, the management unit 42 specifies the acquired image data as the second image data 16 and stores it in the image data storage unit 29. Then, the management unit 42 may be configured to allow the user to specify image data identification information for specifying the first image data 15 to be corrected with respect to the second image data 16. When the image data identification information is specified by the user, the management unit 42 searches the image data storage unit 29 based on the image data identification information and identifies the first image data 15.

  Further, when the management unit 42 receives an update print instruction for the image data being corrected while the correction work is being performed by the image data creation unit 41, the management unit 42 acquires the image data for which the correction work is being performed. The second image data 16 may be specified. The management unit 42 is configured to store the specified second image data 16 in the image data storage unit 29 and specify the first image data 15 by allowing the user to specify image data identification information. May be. That is, if the management unit 42 can identify the first image data 15 before correction acquired at different timings and the second image data 16 after correction with respect to the first image data 15, Any method may be used as a method for specifying the first and second image data 15 and 16.

  The detection unit 43 is a processing unit that functions based on an instruction from the management unit 42 and executes an extraction process. That is, the detection unit 43 reads out the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 stored in association with each other in the image data storage unit 29, and the first image data 15 and the second image data. 16 is compared. The detection unit 43 detects a region where a difference is detected in each of the image data 15 and 16 as a correction region, and extracts the image component 18 included in the correction region from the second image data 16.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the extraction process executed by the detection unit 43 as described above. The second image data 16 shown in FIG. 6 is a modified version of the first image data 15. The detection unit 43 compares the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 to detect a correction area 50a different from the second image data 16 from the first image data 15, and the second image data 15. The correction area 50b different from the first image data 15 is detected from the image data 16 of the first image data 16. Further, the detection unit 43 extracts the character string “BBBB” included in the correction area 50 b of the second image data 16 as the image component 18.

  However, when the image component 18 extracted by comparing the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 is a part of a graphic such as a graph, the detection unit 43 displays the entire graphic as an image. Extracting as component 18 is preferred. This is because if only a part of a figure is extracted, it may be difficult to understand the whole figure when a part of the figure is printed on the printed paper 17. Therefore, the detection unit 43 compares the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 and, when a difference is detected, determines which object the difference belongs to. When the difference is detected from the graphic object or the photo object, the detection unit 43 extracts the entire graphic or the entire photo as the correction areas 50a and 50b. Further, when a difference is detected from the document object as shown in the figure, the detection unit 43 detects the areas where the difference is detected in the document object as the correction areas 50a and 50b. After the detection unit 43 detects the correction areas 50a and 50b as described above and then extracts the image component 18 based on the correction area 50b in the second image data 16, the image component 18 is printed as shown in FIG. The data is output to the layout creation unit 44.

  The print layout creation unit 44 functions by receiving the image component 18 from the detection unit 43 and is a processing unit that creates the print layout 20 by arranging the image component 18. That is, when the print layout creation unit 44 receives the image component 18 from the detection unit 43, the print layout creation unit 44 creates the print layout 20 in which the image component 18 is arranged as follows. Since the arrangement position of the image component 18 varies depending on the setting contents registered in advance, the following description will be given separately.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print layout 20 in which the image component 18 is arranged corresponding to the blank area of the first image data 15. Since the printed paper 17 is printed out based on the first image data 15, if the image component 18 is arranged at a position corresponding to the blank area of the first image data 15, the image component 18 is It is printed in the margin area of the printed paper 17. Therefore, when the print layout creation unit 44 receives the image component 18 from the detection unit 43, the print layout creation unit 44 first refers to the first image data 15 and specifies a blank area included in the first image data 15. At this time, the print layout creating unit 44 specifies a blank area located in the vicinity of the correction area 50 a in the first image data 15. When the print layout creation unit 44 detects that the correction area 50a exists in the document object as shown in the figure, the print layout creation unit 44 is between lines existing immediately before or after the correction area 50a and in the vicinity of the correction area 50. Is specified as a margin area.

  When specifying the margin area, the print layout creating unit 44 may determine whether or not the image component 18 can be accommodated. That is, when the print layout creation unit 44 detects a blank area that is closest to the correction area 50a in the first image data 15, it determines whether or not the image component 18 fits in the blank area, and the blank area. When the image component 18 falls within the range, the margin area is specified as the position where the image component 18 is to be arranged. On the other hand, when the image component 18 does not fit in the detected margin area, the print layout creation unit 44 next determines whether the image component 18 fits in the margin area close to the correction area 50a. In this way, the print layout creating unit 44 determines whether there is a blank area in which the image component 18 can be accommodated in the page to which the correction area 50a belongs, in order from the correction area 50a, and the margin in which the image component 18 can be accommodated. When an area is first found, the blank area is specified as a position where the image component 18 is to be arranged.

  Further, for example, since the area of the image component 18 is relatively large, there may be a case where a blank area in which the image component 18 fits in the page to which the correction area 50a belongs cannot be detected. In this case, the print layout creation unit 44 may perform processing as follows. In other words, the print layout creation unit 44 attempts to reduce the image component 18 within the range of the reduction ratio set in advance, so that the image component 18 fits in the blank area. This determination is also made in order from the blank area closest to the correction area 50a as described above. Then, when a margin area in which the image component 18 is accommodated by the reduction is specified, the print layout creating unit 44 reduces and arranges the image component 18 so as to fit in the margin area. On the other hand, for example, when the margin area is larger than the image component 18, the print layout creation unit 44 may enlarge the image component 18 and arrange it.

  As described above, when specifying the margin area, the print layout creation unit 44 creates the print layout 20 by arranging the image component 18 at a position corresponding to the margin area. At this time, the print layout creating unit 44 creates the print layout 20 by designating the page to which the correction area 50a belongs. As a result, the image component 18 is added to the corrected page of the printed paper 17.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the print layout creating unit 44 may additionally arrange a predetermined drawing pattern 49 corresponding to the position of the correction area 50a. For example, the drawing pattern 49 is a strikethrough as shown in the figure. Since the correction area 50a is an area including “AAAA” of the first image data 15, “AAAAA” attached to the printed paper 17 is arranged by placing a strike-through line at a position reflecting the correction area 50a. The strikethrough line is overwritten with respect to the description before correction. As a result, the user can relatively easily distinguish which of the printed sheets 17 has been modified.

  However, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the strikethrough is not necessary when a page number is additionally given to the printed paper 17. Therefore, when creating the print layout 20, the print layout creation unit 44 detects whether or not an image is included in the correction area 50 a of the first image data 15. A drawing pattern 49 is arranged corresponding to the position of the region 50a. As a result, when the image component 18 is printed on the printed paper 17 and there is a description before correction corresponding to the image component 18, a strikethrough is overwritten on the description before correction, while the image component 18 If there is no description before correction corresponding to, a strikethrough will not be given.

  Further, in the above, the case where the print layout 20 is created by arranging the drawing pattern 49 at the position corresponding to the correction area 50a in the first image data 15 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drawing pattern 49 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the correction area 50 b in the second image data 16. This is because the second image data 16 is the same image as the first image data 15 except for the corrected portion, and therefore, when the blank area of the second image data 16 is specified, This is because the specified result is not different from the case where the blank area is specified.

  Further, the print layout creating unit 44 may arrange the print color of the image component 18 so as to be different from the print color of the printed paper 17 based on preset print settings. The print layout creation unit 44 may perform color arrangement by automatically changing print settings so that the image component 18 and the drawing pattern 49 are printed in different colors.

  When the print layout creating unit 44 creates the print layout 20 as described above, it instructs the print job output unit 45 shown in FIG. 5 to generate a print job based on the print layout 20.

  The print job output unit 45 is a processing unit that generates a print job and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5. In other words, the print job output unit 45 functions by receiving an instruction from the print layout creation unit 44, and generates a print job based on the print layout 20 created by the print layout creation unit 44. The print job output unit 45 preferably designates the feeder unit 9 as the paper supply source of the image processing apparatus 5 when performing update printing. When the print job output unit 45 generates a print job, the print job output unit 45 transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5. In addition, the print job output unit 45 generates a guide screen for guiding the user to set the printed paper 17 in the feeder unit 9 before transmitting the print job output unit 45, and causes the display unit 2a to display the guide screen. A print job may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5 based on a confirmation operation on the screen.

  Next, processing executed in the image processing apparatus 5 will be described. When the image processing apparatus 5 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 as described above, the image processing apparatus 5 executes printing on the printed sheet 17 fed from the feeder unit 9 by executing the print job. Process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printed paper 17 on which the image component 18 and the drawing pattern 49 are printed in the image processing apparatus 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the image component 18 is arranged corresponding to the line immediately after the correction area 50a in the print layout 20, so that the printed paper 17 is also before correction as shown in FIG. A character string “BBBB” that is the image component 18 is added between lines immediately after the character string “AAAA” that is described. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the print layout 20, the strike-through drawing pattern 49 is arranged at a position corresponding to the correction area 50a of the first image data 15. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The strikethrough drawing pattern 49 is overwritten on the description “AAAA” before correction.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing processing when the drawing pattern 49 is filled. That is, the control unit 25 of the information processing apparatus 2 is configured to allow the user to set any one of the plurality of drawing patterns 49 in advance. Then, the control unit 25 determines the drawing pattern 49 based on the setting. Accordingly, when a strike-through line is set as the drawing pattern 49, the image component 18 for the blank area and the strike-through line for the correction area 50a are printed as described above, while the fill is set as the drawing pattern 49. In this case, as described below, a filled area for the correction area 50a and an image component 18 for the filled area are printed. However, it is not always necessary to attach the drawing pattern 49. For example, the image component 18 may be attached without the drawing pattern 49 being attached. The drawing pattern 49 is not limited to strike-through and filling.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a case where two print layouts 20a and 20b are created, that is, a print layout 20a in which only the filled area is arranged and a print layout 20b in which only the image component 18 is arranged. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are arranged so as to overlap the filled area.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the print layout creation unit 44 first creates a print layout 20 a in which a filled area is arranged corresponding to the position of the correction area 50 a of the first image data 15. At this time, the print layout creating unit 44 may automatically set the color scheme of the filled area. For example, when the image processing apparatus 5 has white toner, the print layout creation unit 44 sets the color scheme of the filled area to white. If no white toner is provided, the print layout creation unit 44 performs color arrangement based on a preset color setting.

  Subsequently, the print layout creation unit 44 creates a print layout 20b in which the image components 18 are arranged corresponding to the position of the correction area 50a of the first image data 15. The print layout creating unit 44 designates a page to which the correction area 50a belongs for each of the print layouts 20a and 20b. As a result, in the print layout 20b, the image component 18 is arranged corresponding to the filled area of the previously created print layout 20a. When the color arrangement of the image component 18 is performed, the print layout creation unit 44 selects a color different from the color used for the filled area.

  Next, the print layout creation unit 44 designates the print order of the print layouts 20a and 20b. In other words, the print layout creating unit 44 sets the print layout 20a in which the filled area is arranged first, the print layout 20b in which the image component 18 is arranged later, and designates that these are sequentially printed on the same page. As a result, a filled area is first attached to the printed paper 17, and then the image component 18 is overwritten and printed on the filled area. After creating the print layouts 20a and 20b as described above, the print layout creation unit 44 instructs the print job output unit 45 to create a print job.

  The print job output unit 45 shown in FIG. 5 generates a print job based on the print layouts 20 a and 20 b created by the print layout creation unit 44. Then, the print job output unit 45 transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printed paper 17 when the image component 18 is added to the filled area. That is, when the image processing apparatus 5 receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 5 executes the print job on condition that the printed paper 17 is set in the feeder unit 9. The image processing apparatus 5 executes the print job according to the print order included in the print job. That is, the image processing apparatus 5 first prints a filled area on the printed paper 17. In the print layout 20a, since the filled area is arranged corresponding to the position of the correction area 50a, the filled area is overwritten and printed on the portion to be corrected in the printed paper 17.

  Next, the image processing apparatus 5 inverts the printed paper 17 with the filled area twice to make the print surface of the printed paper 17 printable again, and then prints the image component 18. At this time, in the print layout 20b, since the image component 18 is arranged corresponding to the filled area, the image component 18 is also added to the printed paper 17 corresponding to the filled area. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the corrected character string “BBBB” is overwritten on the portion to be corrected of the printed paper 17.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the print layout creation unit 44 generates a composite image 48 in which the filled region and the image component 18 are overlapped, and the composite image 48 is corrected in the first image data 15 correction region. The print layout 20 may be created by arranging it at a position corresponding to 50a. Even with such a configuration, since the composite image 48 is arranged corresponding to the position of the correction area 50a in the first image data 15, printing is performed once on the printed paper 17 as shown in FIG. Thus, the portion to be corrected is filled and the image component 18 is overwritten.

  By the way, when the print layout creation unit 44 specifies a blank area, even if the image component 18 is reduced within a preset reduction rate range, the blank area cannot be detected in the page to which the correction area 50a belongs. There is. For example, when the image component 18 is formed of a rectangle, the area of the image component 18 that has been reduced to a preset reduction rate range is larger than the largest rectangular area among the detected blank areas. is there. That is, the print layout creation unit 44 detects the area of the image component 18 that has been reduced to the minimum state, and detects the area of the blank area similar to the image component 18. Then, when the area value of the image component 18 is larger than the area value of the blank area, the print layout creating unit 44 attaches the image component 18 to the back surface on the condition that the back surface of the printed paper 17 is a blank page. Alternatively, the print layout 20 may be created. Further, the print layout creating unit 44 may display a selection screen for selecting whether printing on the back side is possible or not on the display unit 2a. In this case, the print layout 20 creates the print layout 20 for the back side when it is selected that printing on the back side is possible based on the selection result for the selection screen of the user.

  However, for example, when the image component 18 is a figure or a photograph, and the explanatory text regarding the image component 18 is described on the same page as the image component 18, if only the image component 18 is attached to the back side, the user It is inconvenient to refer to the front and back of the printed matter alternately. Therefore, the print layout creating unit 44 is unable to detect a blank area to which the image component 18 should be added in the page to which the correction area 50a belongs, and when the image component 18 is composed of a figure or a photograph. The print layout 20 may be created so that the image component 18 is attached to the back side, and the document included in the same page as the image component 18 is also attached to the back side.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a print layout 20 in which image components 18 composed of figures are arranged as an example when the back side printing is performed as described above. The print layout creation unit 44 designates the back surface of the page to which the correction area 50a belongs, as shown in the figure, when the blank area where the image component 18 composed of graphics cannot be detected within the page to which the correction area 50a belongs. Thus, a print layout 20d in which the image component 18 is arranged is created. At this time, the print layout creating unit 44 duplicates the document included in the page to which the correction area 50a belongs, and additionally places the document to create the print layout 20d. The print layout creation unit 44 adjusts the positional relationship of each object so that the image component 18 composed of graphics and the document can be contained in one page in the print layout 20d, and enlarges or reduces each object. You may do it. Further, the print layout creation unit 44 may designate the front surface of the page to which the correction area 50a belongs, and create the print layout 20c in which a message regarding the correction content is arranged as shown in FIG.

  After creating the print layouts 20c and 20d as described above, the print layout creation unit 44 instructs the print job output unit 45 to create a print job. The print job output unit 45 generates a print job based on the print layouts 20 c and 20 d and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printed paper 17 when the back side printing is performed. That is, when the image processing apparatus 5 receives a print job from the information processing apparatus 2, the image processing apparatus 5 executes the print job on condition that the printed paper 17 is set in the feeder unit 9. At this time, according to the print layouts 20c and 20d, the image processing apparatus 5 prints a message regarding the correction contents on the front surface of the printed paper 17, and the image component 18 composed of figures on the back surface and the image component 18 And a document included in the same page. As a result, the image component 18 and the document describing the image component 18 are attached to the same page, so the printing system 1 does not require the user to alternately refer to the front surface and the back surface of the printed paper 17. . Further, since the image component 18 to be described after correction is attached to the printed paper 17, the printing paper can be saved.

  However, the condition for performing the back surface printing is not necessarily limited to the case where the image component 18 does not fit in the margin area. For example, when the area of the correction area 50a is larger than a predetermined value, that is, when the portion to be corrected of the printed paper 17 is a predetermined ratio or more with respect to the area of one page, the drawing pattern 49 is applied to that portion. If attached, the toner consumption will increase, and on the contrary, it may be difficult to view the page. Similarly, even when the number of correction areas 50a is detected to be larger than a predetermined value, if the drawing pattern 49 is arranged corresponding to each correction area 50a, the amount of toner consumption increases and the page becomes difficult to see. There is. In such a case, it is conceivable that the drawing pattern 49 is not attached. However, if the description before correction and the description after correction are mixed on the same page, it becomes difficult to determine which description is after correction. there is a possibility. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to perform backside printing. The print layout creation unit 44 performs the following processing to perform back side printing.

  That is, the print layout creation unit 44 detects the total area of all the correction areas 50a detected in one page, and when the total area is equal to or larger than a predetermined value set in advance, the back surface of the page to which the correction area 50a belongs. Is specified, and a print layout 20d in which the image components 18 are arranged is created. Similarly to the above, the print layout 20 may determine whether printing on the back surface is finally possible based on the selection result of the user on the selection screen described above. As a result, since the image component 18 is added to the back surface of the printed paper 17, it is not necessary to add the drawing pattern 49 to the portion to be corrected, so that toner can be saved. However, the above description is not intended to exclude printing of the drawing pattern 49.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an overall processing procedure executed by the control unit 25 in the information processing apparatus 2. Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the overall processing executed in the control unit 25 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The following description exemplifies a case where the extraction process is started when an update print instruction is received from the user. The process shown in FIG. 13 is a process that is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

  When acquiring the image data 15 (YES in step S1), the control unit 25 stores the image data in the image data storage unit 29 (step S2). When an update print instruction is received in this state (YES in step S3), the control unit 25 detects whether or not the first image data 15 designated by the update print instruction is stored in the image data storage unit 29. . That is, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the first and second image data 15 and 16 can be specified (step S4).

  When the first and second image data 15 and 16 can be specified (YES in step S4), the control unit 25 executes an extraction process (step S5). When the extraction process ends, the control unit 25 performs an arrangement process (step S6). When the arrangement process ends, the control unit 25 generates a print job, and transmits the print job to the image processing apparatus 5 (step S7). Moreover, the control part 25 skips step S2, when image data is not acquired (NO of step S1). Then, the control unit 25 ends the process when the update print instruction is not accepted (NO in step S3) and when the first and second image data 15 and 16 cannot be specified (NO in step S4). . Thus, the entire process is completed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the extraction process (step S5) executed in the control unit 25. Hereinafter, the procedure of the extraction process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 25 reads the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 from the image data storage unit 29 (step S21). Next, the control unit 25 compares the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 (step S22). When the control unit 25 detects a difference between the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 (YES in step S23), the control unit 25 uses the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 to determine the above-described difference. The corrected areas 50a and 50b are detected (step S24). Next, the control unit 25 extracts the image component 18 based on the correction area 50b from the second image data 16 (step S25). On the other hand, the control part 25 complete | finishes a process, when a difference cannot be detected with the 1st image data 15 and the 2nd image data 16 (NO of step S23). All the extraction processes are thus completed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the arrangement processing (step S6) executed in the control unit 25. Hereinafter, the procedure of the arrangement process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 25 specifies a blank area located in the vicinity of the correction area 50a in the first image data 15 (step S31). Next, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the image component 18 is contained in the blank area (step S32). If the control unit 25 determines that the image component 18 is contained in the blank area (YES in step S32), the control unit 25 arranges the image component 18 in the blank area and creates a print layout (step S33).

  On the other hand, if the control unit 25 determines in step S32 that the image component 18 does not fit in the blank area (NO in step S32), the control unit 25 further reduces whether the image component 18 fits in the blank area. Judgment is made (step S34). If the control unit 25 determines that the image component 18 falls within the blank area by reducing the image component 18 (YES in step S34), the control unit 25 reduces the image component 18 until it falls within the blank area (step S35). The image component 18 is arranged to create a print layout (step S33).

  If the control unit 25 determines in step S33 that the image component 18 cannot be arranged in the blank area even if the image component 18 is reduced (NO in step S34), the control unit 25 may attach the image component 18 to the back surface. It is determined whether or not it is possible (step S36). That is, the control part 25 produces | generates the selection screen mentioned above, and displays it on the display part 2a. When the confirmation result indicating that the image component 18 can be attached to the back side is input (YES in step S36), the control unit 25 designates the back side of the page to which the correction area 50a belongs ( In step S37), a print layout in which the image component 18 is arranged on the back surface is created (step S33). On the other hand, when a confirmation result indicating that the image component 18 cannot be attached to the back side is input (NO in step S36), the control unit 25 cancels the creation of the print layout (step S38). In this case, the control unit 25 ends the process. All the arrangement processes are thus completed.

  By the way, in the above description, the case where the comparison processing is performed in the information processing apparatus 2 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described comparison process may be performed in the image processing apparatus 5. In that case, the information processing apparatus 2 does not need to perform the comparison process described above.

  Next, details of the image processing apparatus 5 will be described. In the following, a case where comparison processing is performed in the image processing apparatus 5 will be exemplified. That is, according to such a configuration, it is not necessary to perform comparison processing in the information processing apparatus 2, so that there is an advantage that the processing load on the information processing apparatus 2 can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 5. The image processing device 5 includes a control unit 35 that controls the operation of the image processing device 5, a network interface 36 for connecting to an external device such as the information processing device 2, a storage device 37 that stores various types of information, and the above-described information. The operation panel 6 and the print processing unit 7 are connected to each other via a bus 33 so that data communication is possible.

  The control unit 35 includes a CPU 35a and a memory 35b, and controls the operation of each unit. The CPU 35a reads and executes the program 38 stored in the storage device 37. Here, the program 38 is a program for causing the control unit 35 to function as each processing unit described later. For example, the program 38 is application software or the like, and is installed in advance by the user. The memory 35b stores temporary data associated with the execution of the program 38 by the CPU 35a.

  The network interface 36 is the same as the information processing apparatus 2 described above, and is for connecting the image processing apparatus 5 to the network 3. The storage device 10 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and includes the above-described program 38 and a print job storage unit 39 that is a storage area for storing a print job from the information processing device 2. The print job storage unit 39 may be configured to be provided in an external storage device, for example, in addition to the image processing device 5.

  When receiving a print job from the information processing apparatus 2, the control unit 35 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 39. When a plurality of print jobs are stored in the print job storage unit 39, the control unit 35 sequentially reads and executes the print jobs from the print job storage unit 39, for example, in accordance with an acceptance order. At this time, when the feeder unit 9 or the paper cassette 8 is designated as the paper feed source in the print job, the control unit 35 switches the paper feed source according to the designation and feeds the printing paper. In addition, when a print surface is designated in the received print job, the control unit 35 performs print processing on the front surface or the back surface of the print paper according to the designation.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control unit 35 in the image processing apparatus 5. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating processing executed in each processing unit of the control unit 35. Hereinafter, specific processing contents of each processing unit in the image processing apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Here, the control unit 35 functions as a management unit 61, a detection unit 62, and a print control unit 63 when the CPU 35 a described above executes the program 38. Further, the print job storage unit 39 of the image processing apparatus 5 is further provided with an image data storage unit 39a for storing image data.

  The management unit 61 is a processing unit that acquires and manages print jobs from the information processing apparatus 2. That is, when the management unit 61 obtains a print job from the information processing apparatus 2, the management unit 61 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 39, analyzes the print job, obtains image data, and obtains the image data as an image. The data is stored in the data storage unit 39a. At this time, the management unit 61 functions as an acquisition unit. The management unit 61 may acquire image data from an external storage device or the like via the network interface 36. Even when the print job stored in the print job storage unit 39 is executed, the management unit 61 is configured to hold the state in which the print job is stored until a predetermined period thereafter.

  The management unit 61 determines whether the acquired image data is a modified version of the image data stored in the image data storage unit 39a. This determination may be made based on the identity of the file name as described above. That is, when image data having the same file name as the image data to be acquired is stored in the image data storage unit 39a, the management unit 61 specifies the image data to be acquired as the second image data 16, and the second image Image data having the same file name as the data 16 is specified as the first image data 15.

  However, as long as the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 that is a modified version of the first image data 15 can be specified, the determination method is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, when the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a print job to the image processing apparatus 5, an update print job that specifies image data identification information of the first image data 16 that is not corrected for the print job is specified. You may comprise so that it may transmit. In the image processing apparatus 5, when the management unit 61 receives the updated print job, the management unit 61 specifies the acquired image data as the second image data 16, and further corrects the second image data 16 based on the image data identification information. The previous first image data 15 is specified. More specifically, the management unit 61 specifies the image data acquired by analyzing the received update print job as the second image data 16. Then, the management unit 61 specifies the first image data 15 by searching the image data storage unit 39a based on the image data identification information specified in the updated print job.

  When the first and second image data 15 and 16 are specified as described above, the management unit 61 instructs the detection unit 62 to perform extraction processing. In addition, when the second image data 16 that is a modified version is specified for the first image data 15, the management unit 61 determines not to execute a print job based on the second image data 16. As a result, it is possible to suppress print output by the update print job. On the other hand, when it cannot be determined that the acquired image data is a modified version of the image data stored in the image data storage unit 39a, that is, it is possible to specify one of the first and second image data 15 and 16. If not, the management unit 61 instructs the print control unit 63 to execute a print job based on the acquired image data.

  The print control unit 63 is a processing unit that controls print processing. That is, the print control unit 63 functions by receiving an instruction from the management unit 61, reads a print job from the print job storage unit 39, and causes the print processing unit 7 to execute the print job. As a result, a printed matter is output.

  FIG. 18 shows the second image data 16 that has been corrected with respect to the first image data 15 in a state where the first image data 15 has already been stored in the image data storage unit 39a as described above. A case where an updated print job including “” is received is illustrated. In this case, as described above, the management unit 61 analyzes the received print job and acquires the second image data. Then, the first image data 15 before correction is specified for the second image data 16 by searching the image data storage unit 39a. When the first and second image data 15 and 16 are specified, the management unit 61 instructs the detection unit 62 to perform extraction processing.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the detection unit 62 is a processing unit that functions by receiving an instruction from the management unit 61 and executes an extraction process. Upon receiving an instruction from the management unit 61, the detection unit 62, like the above, for example, the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 stored in the image data storage unit 39a as shown in FIG. And the first image data 15 and the second image data 16 are compared. Then, the detection unit 62 detects the areas where the differences are detected in the image data 15 and 16 as the correction areas 50a and 50b, and extracts the image component 18 included in the correction area 50b from the second image data 16. To do.

  When the print control unit 63 illustrated in FIG. 17 receives the image component 18 from the detection unit 62, the print control unit 63 functions as a processing unit that arranges the image component 18 and creates the print layout 20. That is, in this case, the print control unit 63 functions as a print layout creation unit. When the print control unit 63 receives the image component 18 from the detection unit 62, the print control unit 63 creates the print layout 20 in which the image component 18 is arranged based on the setting contents registered at that time. Since the specific arrangement position of the image component 18 is the same as the content already illustrated, description thereof will be omitted.

  When the print control unit 63 creates the print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are arranged, the print control unit 63 causes the print processing unit 7 to execute print processing based on the print layout 20. At this time, on the condition that the printed paper 17 is set in the feeder unit 9, the print control unit 63 feeds the printed paper 17 from the feeder unit 9 and performs a printing process. As shown in FIG. 18, when the printed paper 17 is manually fed to the feeder unit 9, the print control unit 63 overwrites and prints the image component 18 on the printed paper 17. Then, the printed paper 17 with the image component 18 attached is output.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of overall processing executed by the control unit 35 in the image processing apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the overall process executed by the control unit 35 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 19 is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

  When receiving the print job (YES in step S41), the control unit 35 stores the print job in the print job storage unit 39, acquires the image data, and stores the image data in the image data storage unit 39a ( Step S42). Next, the control unit 35 acquires the second image data 16 that is a modified version of the first image data 15 in a state where the first image data 15 is stored in the image data storage unit 39a. In this case, that is, when the first and second image data 15 and 16 can be specified (YES in step S43), an extraction process is executed (step S44). When the extraction process ends, the control unit 35 next executes an arrangement process (step S45). The extraction process is the same as in FIG. 14, and the arrangement process is the same as in FIG.

  Subsequently, the control unit 35 executes an output process on condition that the printed paper 17 is fed to the feeder unit 9 (step S46), and the output process is completed for all pages of the printed paper 17 (step S46). The control unit 35 ends the process. In step 43, if the first image data 15 or the second image data 16 cannot be specified (NO in step S43), the acquired print job is a print job unrelated to the first image data 15, so that the control is performed. The unit 35 executes the print job as usual (step S48). Thus, the overall process executed in the control unit 35 is completed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of output processing executed by the control unit 35. Hereinafter, the output process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 35 feeds the printed paper 17 from the feeder unit 9 (step S51). Next, when the page to be fed is the corresponding page specified in the print layout 20 (YES in step S52), the control unit 35 specifies filling and overwriting printing of the image component 18 in the print layout 20. If YES (YES in step S53), the printed paper 17 is filled and printed (step S54). Next, the control unit 35 overwrites and prints the image component 18 on the filled area (step S55). On the other hand, when the filling and the overwriting printing of the image component 18 are not designated in the print layout 20 (NO in step S53), the control unit 35, when the reverse side printing is designated in the print layout 20 (YES in step S56). Then, the image component 18 is printed on the back surface of the printed paper 17 (step S57). On the other hand, when the reverse side printing is not designated in the print layout 20 (NO in step S56), the control unit 35 is designated to print the image component 18 on the blank area of the printed paper 17. The image component 18 is printed in the margin area (step S58). As described above, all output processes are completed.

  As described above, when the printing system 1 acquires a plurality of image data at different timings, that is, in a state where the first image data 15 is stored in the image data storage unit 29 (39), the first image is stored. When the second image data 16 that has been corrected with respect to the data 15 is acquired, the image component 18 is based on a correction area in which a difference is detected with respect to the first image data 15 in the second image data 16. Is detected. Then, the printing system 1 creates a print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are arranged. For the printed paper 17 that has already been printed out based on the first image data 15, the image components 18 are generated based on the print layout 20. Is printed.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to save printing paper while reducing the work burden on the user. That is, the printing system 1 automatically detects the image component 18 by comparing the first image data 15 and the second image data 16. This saves the user from having to search for a correction location. Further, since the printing system 1 prints the image component 18 on the printed paper 17 that has already been printed out based on the first image data 15, it is not necessary to consume any new printing paper. In addition, since the printing system 1 prints only the image component 18, it can save the toner consumption as compared with the case where the entire second image data 16 is printed.

  Such a configuration of the printing system 1 is convenient when the user who creates the image data to be a modified version is different from the user in charge who reflects the corrected portion on the printed paper 17 as described above. Further, for example, it is convenient when the user accidentally prints out the uncorrected image data and cannot prepare print paper for printing out the corrected image data.

  In the above embodiment, when creating the print layout 20, the printing system 1 creates the print layout 20 in which the drawing pattern 49 is additionally arranged at a position reflecting the correction area 50 a in the first image data 15, and the print layout 20 is printed. In this configuration, printing is performed on the printed paper 17 based on the layout 20. According to such a configuration, since the drawing pattern 49 is arranged at a position reflecting the correction area 50a, the drawing pattern 49 is overwritten on the portion to be corrected of the printed paper 17 to be fed. be able to. As a result, the portion to be corrected is overwritten with the drawing pattern 49, so that, for example, the portion to be corrected can be perceived relatively easily by the user.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drawing pattern 49 is a strikethrough. According to such a configuration, the portion to be corrected is overwritten with a strikethrough, so that the user can properly understand the correction location.

  In the above embodiment, the drawing pattern 49 is filled. According to such a configuration, since the portion to be corrected is filled, the portion to be corrected can be made inconspicuous.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing system 1 is configured to create the print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are arranged in the filled area. According to such a configuration, the image component 18 is overwritten on the filled area. Therefore, particularly when the filling is performed using toner of the same color as the paper color, a high-quality printed material that is not inferior to that before correction. Can be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the printing system 1 detects a blank area located in the vicinity of the correction area included in the first or second image data 15 and 16, and arranges the image component 18 in the blank area. In this configuration, the print layout 20 is created. According to such a configuration, since the image component 18 is arranged in the blank area, when the image component 18 is printed on the printed paper 17, the printed paper 17 and the image component 18 are overlapped. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing system 1 is configured to create the print layout 20 in which the image components 18 are enlarged or reduced so as to fit in the blank area. According to such a configuration, the image component 18 can be appropriately stored in the blank area.

  In the above embodiment, the printing system 1 is configured to print the image component 18 on the back surface of the printed paper 17 when the area of the image component 18 or the correction region 50a is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. According to such a configuration, as described above, when there is no space for attaching a correction area on the front surface of the printed paper 17, the image component 18 can be attached to the back surface.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing system 1 is configured to print the image component 18 by specifying a printing color. According to such a configuration, the image component 18 is printed out in a different color from the other descriptions, so that it is possible for the user to distinguish the corrected portion relatively easily.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where image data is stored in the information processing device 2 and the case where image data is stored in the image processing device 5 are exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, as described above, the printing system 1 includes a management server connected to a network and connected to the information processing apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 5 so as to be able to perform data communication with each other, and the management server is configured to store image data. May be. Further, when the printing system 1 is provided with a management server, the management server may include the processing units included in the control units 25 and 35. According to such a configuration, the present invention can be realized without requiring a special configuration for the information processing apparatus 2 and the image processing apparatus 5.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printed paper 17 is output by the image processing apparatus 5, but is not limited thereto. For example, the printed paper 17 may be printed by another printing machine. Then, the printing system 1 acquires and stores the first image data 15 based on the printed paper 17 from, for example, a data communication device that stores the first image data 15. In this state, when the printing system 1 acquires the second image data 16 that is a modified version of the first image data 15, the printing system 1 performs printing on the condition that the printed paper 17 is fed. The image component 18 is overwritten on the finished paper 17.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image data is stored in the storage device 10. However, the print job generated based on the image data may be stored in the storage device 10. When a print job based on the second image data is generated in a state where the print job based on the first image data 15 is stored in the storage device 10, the first and the second jobs are analyzed by analyzing each print job. The second image data 15 and 16 may be acquired and the comparison process described above may be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 2 Information processing apparatus 5 Image processing apparatus 7 Print processing part (paper feeding means, printing means)
10 Storage device (storage means)
42 Management Department (Acquisition means)
43 Detection unit (detection means)
44 Print layout creation section (print layout creation means)
45 Print Job Output Unit (Print Job Output Unit)
37 Storage device (storage means)
61 Management Department (Acquisition means)
62 Detection part (detection means)
63 Print control unit (print layout creation means, print control means)

Claims (14)

Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the acquisition means;
When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is the second image data after correction corresponding to the first image data stored in the storage unit, the first image data and the second image data Detecting means for comparing the data and detecting a region where a difference is detected as a correction region;
Print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data and arranged;
Paper feeding means for feeding printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data;
Printing means for printing the image components based on the print layout created by the print layout creation means on the printed paper fed by the paper feed means;
A printing system comprising: The print layout creation means further arranges a predetermined drawing pattern at a position corresponding to the correction area when creating the print layout,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the drawing pattern on the printed paper based on a print layout created by the print layout creation unit.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the drawing pattern is a strike-through line.   The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the drawing pattern is filled.   The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the print layout creating unit creates a print layout in which the image components are arranged in a region to be filled. The detection means further detects a blank area located in the vicinity of the correction area included in the first or second image data,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print layout creating unit creates a print layout in which the image components are arranged in the margin area.   The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the print layout creating unit arranges the image component in an enlarged or reduced manner so that the image component fits in the margin area.   5. The print layout creation unit arranges the image component with respect to the back surface of the printed paper when the area of the image component or the correction area is a predetermined value or more. The printing system according to any one of the above.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the image component by designating a printing color. An information processing apparatus that generates and transmits a print job,
Acquisition means for acquiring image data to be generated for a print job;
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the acquisition means;
Print job output means for generating and transmitting a print job based on the image data stored in the storage means;
After the print job generated based on the first image data stored in the storage unit is transmitted by the print job output unit, the second modified image corresponding to the first image data is acquired by the acquisition unit. Detection means for comparing the first image data and the second image data to detect an area in which a difference is detected as a correction area,
Print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which the image component included in the correction area is extracted from the second image data in accordance with detection of the correction area by the detection means;
With
The print job output means generates a print job for correcting printed paper output based on the first image data based on the print layout created by the print layout creation means, and An information processing apparatus that transmits a job. An image processing apparatus that receives a print job and performs print output,
Obtaining means for obtaining image data included in the received print job;
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the acquisition means;
When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is the second image data after correction corresponding to the first image data stored in the storage unit, the first image data and the second image data Detecting means for comparing the data and detecting a region where a difference is detected as a correction region;
Print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data and arranged;
Paper feeding means for feeding printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data;
Printing means for printing the image components based on the print layout created by the print layout creation means on the printed paper fed by the paper feed means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: (a) obtaining first image data;
(b) storing the first image data acquired in step (a);
(c) performing print output based on the first image data;
(d) Second print data after correction corresponding to the first image data in a state where the first image data is stored after the print output based on the first image data is performed. Is acquired, comparing the first image data and the second image data to detect an area where a difference is detected as a correction area;
(e) extracting an image component included in the correction area from the second image data;
(f) creating a print layout in which the image components extracted in step (e) are arranged;
(g) feeding printed paper based on the first image data printed and output in the step (c);
(h) performing a print output on the printed paper fed in step (g) based on the print layout created in step (f);
A printing method characterized by comprising: A program for generating and transmitting a print job, which is executed in a computer,
Acquisition means for acquiring image data to be generated for a print job and storing the image data in a predetermined storage means;
Print job output means for generating and transmitting a print job based on the image data stored in the storage means;
After the print job generated based on the first image data stored in the storage unit is transmitted by the print job output unit, the second modified image corresponding to the first image data is acquired by the acquisition unit. Detection means for comparing the first image data with the second image data and detecting a region in which a difference is detected as a correction region, and
Print layout creation means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data in association with detection of the correction area by the detection means,
Function as
The print job output means generates a print job for correcting the printed paper output based on the first image data based on the print layout created by the print layout creation means, A program for transmitting the print job. A program executed in an image processing apparatus that receives a print job and performs print output, the image processing apparatus comprising:
An acquisition unit that acquires image data included in a print job to be received and stores the image data in a predetermined storage unit;
When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is the second image data after correction corresponding to the first image data already printed out and stored in the storage unit, the first image data and Detecting means for detecting a region where a difference is detected by comparing with the second image data as a correction region;
A print layout creating means for creating a print layout in which image components included in the correction area are extracted from the second image data and arranged; and
Print control means for feeding printed paper that has already been printed out based on the first image data, and printing the image component on the printed paper based on the print layout created by the print layout creating means ,
A program characterized by functioning as

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