JP2013176158A - Image reader and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform at least partial image adjustment processing even if a parameter cannot appropriately be read from an adjustment original.SOLUTION: A parameter image showing a parameter used when image adjustment processing is performed on a plurality of places in a margin area is attached to an adjustment original. A sub-parameter image showing a sub-parameter for performing at least a partial processing of the image adjustment processing using the parameter is attached in an area to which the parameter image of the margin area is below attachment. When the parameter is not stored in a parameter storage section if both data from which the parameter image is read are not totally matched, at least the partial image adjustment processing is performed by using the sub-parameter. When the parameter is stored, the sub-parameter is determined whether it is matched with at least a part of an element that the stored parameter shows. When they are determined to be not matched, a warning is displayed and the image adjustment processing is terminated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for reading an adjustment document used for image adjustment by an image reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that processes image data of a document generated by an image reading device such as a scanner reading the document is used. For example, the scanner itself or image data of a document read by the scanner is processed. Copiers, facsimiles, and complex machines of these are used.

  Here, the image data of the document does not necessarily indicate the original image itself that has appeared on the document due to the reading characteristics of the image reading apparatus. If the output image data is significantly abnormal, the input γ adjustment for adjusting the image density to reproduce the predetermined image density, or the density of each color of YMCK to reproduce the predetermined color Image adjustment such as MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) / matrix adjustment is performed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a reference white reference plate with a bar code representing a chromaticity value measured in advance is pasted on a platen glass, and an output signal obtained by reading the white reference plate is A technique for adjusting the light amount of a light source and the level of an output signal at the time of reading a document so as to be substantially equal to the chromaticity value represented by the barcode is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 below reads a reference chart that includes a plurality of gradation patches and a bar code that records a density reference value corresponding to each patch, and reads the read density value and bar code of the read gradation patch. Disclosed is a technique for calculating a correction ratio for each of a plurality of gradation patches from the density reference value indicated by, and correcting the reading characteristics using a gradation table created using the calculated correction ratio. ing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-273554 JP 2010-200284 A

  However, conventionally, when the white reference plate described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 or the reference chart described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 is read, it is caused by the contamination of the document table or the contamination of the white reference plate and the reference chart itself. Barcode reading may fail, and parameters used in image adjustment processing such as chromaticity values and density reference values indicated by the barcode cannot be acquired and image adjustment processing cannot be performed properly. There was a fear.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the parameters used in the image adjustment processing attached to the image adjustment document cannot be properly read, the image adjustment is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an adjustment original that can execute at least a part of the image adjustment process using the original for adjustment.

The invention according to claim 1 is a document table on which a document is placed;
An image reading unit that performs an image reading process of reading the document while moving in the sub-scanning direction relative to the document placed on the document table;
An image adjustment unit that performs an image adjustment process using data obtained by reading an adjustment document that is an image adjustment document by the image reading process;
An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to execute the image adjustment processing;
When an instruction to execute the image adjustment process is received by the instruction receiving unit, the image reading unit that reads the adjustment document is executed by the image reading unit, and the image is generated using data generated by the image reading process. An execution control unit that causes the image adjustment unit to execute adjustment processing;
With
A line-shaped image showing the same color in the main scanning direction is attached to the adjustment document in parallel in the sub-scanning direction. Further, in the blank area where the line-shaped image is not attached, Parameter images indicating parameters used when the image adjustment processing is performed using the data obtained by reading the line-shaped image by the image reading processing are attached to a plurality of predetermined positions spaced apart from each other. , At least a part of the image adjustment processing using the parameter at a predetermined position in a region not enough to attach the parameter image in a blank region in the margin region to which the parameter image is not attached. A sub-parameter image indicating a sub-parameter for executing the process is attached,
A parameter storage unit for storing the parameters;
When the execution control unit causes the image reading unit to execute the image reading process for reading the adjustment document and determines that the data read from the parameter images do not match each other, the parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit. It is determined whether or not it is stored, and if it is determined that it is not stored, at least one of the image adjustment processes using the parameter using the secondary parameter indicated by the data read from the secondary parameter image Causing the image adjustment unit to execute some processing;
On the other hand, if it is determined that the data is stored, whether or not the secondary parameter indicated by the data read from the secondary parameter image matches at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit. If the image reading apparatus determines that the two do not coincide with each other, the image reading apparatus displays a warning for prompting execution of the image adjustment process using another adjustment document on the display unit, and causes the image adjustment unit to end the image adjustment process. is there.

  In the present invention, it is not possible to properly read all the parameter images attached to a plurality of predetermined positions separated from each other in the main scanning direction in the blank area where the line image of the adjustment document is not attached. Even when there is no area to which a parameter image different from the parameter image already added exists in the blank area to which the line image of the adjustment document is not attached, Since the sub-parameter image indicating the sub-parameter is attached to a predetermined portion in the blank area where the parameter image is not attached, the parameter image is displayed using the sub-parameter indicated by the data read from the sub-parameter image. At least a part of the image adjustment processing using the indicated parameters can be executed.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the execution control unit determines that the data is stored, the sub-parameter image is indicated by the read data. It is determined whether or not the sub parameter matches at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit. When it is determined that the sub parameter matches, the sub parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit. The image adjustment processing is executed by the image adjustment unit using the parameters.

  In the present invention, even when all of the parameter images cannot be properly read, the sub parameter indicated by the data read from the sub parameter image is at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit. Can be executed using the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit without restricting at least a part of the image adjustment processing.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication unit for communicating various data with an external device,
If the execution control unit determines that it is not stored, the execution control unit receives the parameter from the external device via the communication unit, and the sub-parameter indicated by the data read from the sub-parameter image is It is determined whether or not it matches at least a part of the elements indicated by the parameter, and when it is determined that they match, the image adjustment unit is caused to execute the image adjustment processing using the received parameter .

  In the present invention, even when all of the parameter images cannot be properly read, the sub parameter indicated by the data read from the sub parameter image is at least the element indicated by the parameter received from the external device via the communication unit. When it matches a part, the image adjustment process can be executed using the received parameter without being limited to at least a part of the process.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading device according to any one of the first to third aspects;
A recording unit for forming an image indicated by the data on a recording medium using data obtained by reading an image forming target document by the image reading unit;
An image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to form, on a recording medium, an image appropriately subjected to image adjustment processing indicated by data obtained by reading an image forming target document by the image reading unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein adjustment data for forming the line-shaped image, the parameter image, and the sub-parameter image on a recording medium. A storage unit for storing
The recording unit generates the adjustment original by forming the line-shaped image, the parameter image, and the sub-parameter image on a recording medium using the adjustment data read from the storage unit.

  According to the present invention, the effect of the invention according to claim 4 can be obtained, and a line-like image and a parameter image appropriately subjected to image adjustment processing are formed on a recording medium to generate an adjustment document. be able to.

  According to the present invention, even when the parameters used in the image adjustment process attached to the image adjustment document cannot be properly read, at least one of the image adjustment processes using the image adjustment document. It is possible to provide an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an adjustment document that can execute the processing of the copy unit.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment document. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when image adjustment processing is executed. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an operation when image adjustment processing is executed.

  Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an example of an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking as an example a form in which the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus are integrated into a multifunction machine having functions such as a color copy, a scanner, a facsimile, and a printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes an image reading device 20 and a device main body 30. The image reading apparatus 20 includes a document conveying unit 21, an image reading unit 22, and an image processing unit 23 (not shown).

  The document transport unit 21 realizes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document placing table 241, a paper feed roller 232, a transport drum 233, a paper discharge roller 234, and a paper discharge tray 235. Yes.

  The document placement table 241 is a place on which the document is placed. The documents placed on the document placement table 241 are taken one by one by the paper feed roller 232 and conveyed to the conveyance drum 233. The document that has passed through the transport drum 233 is discharged to a discharge tray 235 by a discharge roller 234.

  The image reading unit 22 optically reads an image of a document to generate image data, and outputs the image data to an image processing unit 23 (not shown). The image reading unit 22 is provided in the apparatus main body 3. The image reading unit 22 includes a contact glass 221, a light source 222, a first mirror 223, a second mirror 224, a third mirror 225, a first carriage 226, a second carriage 227, and an image forming unit as an example of a document table according to the present invention. A lens 228 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 229 are provided. The light source 222 and the first mirror 223 are supported by the first carriage 226, and the second mirror 224 and the third mirror 225 are supported by the second carriage 227.

  In the image reading unit 22, a white fluorescent lamp such as a white LED is used as the light source 222, and the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, the third mirror 225, the first carriage 226, the second carriage 227, and the imaging lens are used. 228 guides the reflected light reflected from the document to the CCD 229 when light is emitted from the light source 222 toward the document.

  The CIS 231 is provided downstream of the image reading unit 22 in the document conveyance direction. The CIS 231 is provided at a position where the surface opposite to the document surface read by the image reading unit 22 can be read in the document conveyance path.

  As an original reading method of the image reading apparatus 20, a flat bed reading mode in which the image reading unit 22 reads an original placed on the contact glass 221 and an ADF reading mode in which the original is taken in by ADF and read in the middle of the conveyance. There is.

  In the flat bed reading mode, the light source 222 irradiates a document placed on the contact glass 221, and reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225. Then, the light enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229.

  The CCD 229 is a one-dimensional image sensor. When the reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction of the document is received, the received reflected light is photoelectrically converted to obtain image data for one line in the main scanning direction of the document. Output.

  When the reading of one line of the document in the main scanning direction is thus completed, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are moved in a direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow Y direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The line is read.

  In the ADF reading mode, the originals placed on the original placing table 241 are taken one by one by the paper feed roller 232, and the originals are read on the reading position 230 provided in the conveyance path from the conveyance drum 233 to the paper discharge tray 235. When passing, the light source 222 irradiates the original, and the reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction is reflected by the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225 in this order and enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229. Subsequently, the document is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the document transport unit 21 and the next line is read.

  As described above, the image reading unit 22 performs image reading processing for reading the original while moving in the sub-scanning direction relative to the original placed on the contact glass 221 in the flatbed reading mode or the ADF reading mode. Do. In the following description, those not particularly described will be described on the assumption that the original is read in the flatbed reading mode.

  An image processing unit 23 (not shown) performs correction processing such as shading correction, level correction, and gamma correction on image data (read data) generated by reading an original by the image reading unit 22, an image Image correction processing such as data compression or expansion processing, enlargement or reduction processing is performed. The processed image data is used when an image is formed by the recording unit 40 described later.

  The apparatus main body 30 has been transported from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds sheets (recording media) from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one to the recording unit 40, and a paper feed cassette 461. A recording unit 40 for forming an image on a sheet and a stack tray 60 disposed on the left side are provided.

  The apparatus main body 30 further includes a manual feed tray 471, a size of paper that is not stored in any paper feed cassette from the manual feed tray 471, or a paper that has already been subjected to image formation on one side (back paper). ), An arbitrary recording medium such as an OHP sheet can be placed, and is fed into the apparatus main body 30 one by one by a paper feed roller 472.

  The recording unit 40 is acquired by the static eliminator 421 that neutralizes residual charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, the charging device 422 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 after static elimination, and the image reading unit 22, and is acquired by the image processing unit. An exposure device 423 that outputs a laser beam to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 based on the image data corrected in 23 and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43; Development devices 44C, 44M, 44Y, and 44K that form toner images of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) on the photosensitive drum 43, and a photosensitive member. A transfer drum 49 on which the toner images of the respective colors formed on the drum 43 are transferred and overlaid, a transfer device 41 for transferring the toner image on the transfer drum 49 to the paper, and the paper on which the toner image is transferred Heated and a fixing device 45 for fixing the toner image to the sheet.

  Note that toner is supplied to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors from a toner supply container (toner cartridge) (not shown). Further, conveyance rollers 463 and 464 that convey the sheet that has passed through the recording unit 40 to the stack tray 60 or the discharge tray 48 are provided.

  An operation unit 50 is provided in front of the apparatus main body 30. The operation unit 50 includes a display unit 51 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the like, and an operation key unit 52 for inputting an operation instruction from the operator.

  The operation key unit 52 includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a function switching key unit, and the like. The start key is a key for receiving an instruction to start each operation such as a copy operation and a scan operation from the operator. The numeric keypad is a key for receiving an instruction for designating the number of copies from the operator. The function switching key unit is a key for receiving from the operator a function switching instruction for switching between a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, an image adjustment function described later, and the like.

  The display unit 51 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and includes a touch panel unit combined with a touch panel function. The display unit 51 displays various operation screens and allows an operator to input execution commands for various functions by touching a display surface (displayed operation keys).

  Next, an example of the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function device 1 includes the document conveying unit 21, the image reading unit 22, the recording unit 40, the operation unit 50, the image processing unit 23, the communication unit 30, and the control unit 10. ing.

  The communication unit 30 communicates various data with a predetermined external device (not shown) such as a personal computer.

  The control unit 10 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) having a function of temporarily storing data and a function as a work area, a flash memory that stores a program in advance, and a CPU that reads and executes the program from the flash memory The CPU, the RAM, and the flash memory are configured to exchange data via a data bus. The CPU executes a process corresponding to the contents of the program by appropriately executing the program stored in the flash memory.

  The control unit 10 functions as an image adjustment unit 12, an instruction reception unit 14, an execution control unit 16, and a parameter storage unit 18.

  The image adjustment unit 12 performs image adjustment processing using data obtained by reading an adjustment document that is an image adjustment document by image reading processing. The image adjustment unit 12 does not always indicate the original image itself that appeared on the document due to the reading characteristics of the image reading unit 22 because the data read by the image reading unit 22 is read. The input γ adjustment that adjusts the image density to reproduce the predetermined image density or the predetermined color periodically, such as after the elapse of a predetermined time, or when there is a significant abnormality in the output data Image adjustment processing such as MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) / matrix adjustment for adjusting the density and the like of each color of YMCK for reproduction is performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a line-shaped image showing the same color in the main scanning direction is attached in parallel to the sub-scanning direction on the adjustment document for image adjustment. Two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 as parameter images according to the present invention are attached to a plurality of predetermined positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction in a blank area that is not attached.

  Here, the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 are, for example, main scanning directions to which each two-dimensional barcode is attached among data obtained by reading a line-shaped image for all lines in advance by a density measuring device or the like. The data corresponding to the positions R1 to R4 are shown.

  As an example of the image adjustment process using the adjustment document illustrated in FIG. 3, the image adjustment unit 12 includes a position in the main scanning direction in the data in which the line-shaped image of the adjustment document is read by the image reading unit 22. The data corresponding to R1 to R4 and the data corresponding to the positions R1 to R4 in the main scanning direction indicated by the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 by the image reading unit 22 are compared, and the amount of deviation is compared. Thus, a process of calculating a correction value when the data read by the image reading unit 22 is corrected by the image processing unit 23 is performed.

  That is, the data corresponding to the positions R1 to R4 in the main scanning direction indicated by the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 is used as a target value (parameter) when performing image adjustment processing using the adjustment document.

  Here, the parameter image according to the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above two-dimensional barcode, but for example, is attached to an adjustment document as a one-dimensional barcode, or each data is used for adjustment as a character string as it is. The expression form attached to the adjustment document may be changed as appropriate, such as being attached to the document. Needless to say, a mechanism according to the expression form of the parameter image is provided for acquiring the parameter, which is the data indicated by the parameter image, from the image data of the parameter image read by the image reading unit 22.

  Further, the adjustment document further includes an area in the main scanning direction different from the already-applied two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 in the blank area where the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 are not added in the margin area. A two-dimensional barcode as a sub-parameter image according to the present invention is provided at a predetermined location in a region where a two-dimensional barcode similar to the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4, which indicates parameters corresponding to B1 and B2 are attached.

  Here, the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are for at least a part of predetermined lines (for example, the total number of lines) of all the line-shaped images attached to the adjustment document by the density measuring device or the like. Data corresponding to 80% of the lines) and corresponding to the positions R5 and R6 in the main scanning direction to which the respective two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are attached. Yes.

  The configuration of the adjustment document is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3. For example, the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 and the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are attached to different positions in the sub-scanning direction. The line-shaped image may not be formed at the position in the sub-scanning direction to which the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 and the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are attached.

  As an example of the image adjustment processing using the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2, the image adjustment unit 12 is arranged at positions R5 and R6 in the main scanning direction in the data obtained by reading the adjustment document by the image reading unit 22. Corresponding data for a predetermined line and the data corresponding to the predetermined line corresponding to the positions R5 and R6 in the main scanning direction indicated by the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 by the image reading unit 22. The image processing unit 23 compares only the color indicated by the predetermined line out of the data read by the image reading unit 22 from the data shift amount for the predetermined line. The process of calculating the correction value when performing the correction process is performed.

  That is, the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 is used to execute at least a part of the image adjustment processing using the parameters indicated by the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4. , At least some target values (sub-parameters) of the element indicated by the parameter.

  The sub-parameter image according to the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above-described two-dimensional barcode, as with the parameter image according to the present invention. For example, the sub-parameter image is attached to the adjustment document as a one-dimensional barcode, or The expression form attached to the adjustment document may be changed as appropriate, for example, each data is directly attached to the adjustment document as a character string. It should be noted that a mechanism corresponding to the sub-parameter image representation form for obtaining the sub-parameters that are data indicated by the sub-parameter image from the image data of the sub-parameter image read by the image reading unit 22 is provided. Needless to say.

  As described above, in the adjustment document, a line-shaped image and a blank area where the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 are not attached are further subjected to main scanning different from the already attached two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4. Even in the case where there is no area to which a two-dimensional barcode similar to the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 indicating the parameter corresponding to the direction area is present, the blank area further includes the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4. The two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are attached in a size sufficient to indicate the sub-parameters in the same expression form.

  Information indicating a plurality of places to which the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 and the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are attached is stored in advance in the flash memory. Similarly, the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 indicates at least a part of all the lines targeted by the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4. Information indicating the selected line is also stored in the flash memory in advance.

  The instruction receiving unit 14 receives an instruction to perform image adjustment processing by the image adjusting unit 12. For example, the instruction receiving unit 14 inputs an execution condition of the image adjustment process such as the document identification information ID of the adjustment document used for the image adjustment process when the user presses the function switching key provided in the operation key unit 52 or the like. Accept.

  When the instruction receiving unit 14 receives an instruction to execute the image adjustment process, the execution control unit 16 sends an instruction to execute the image reading process for reading the adjustment document to the image reading unit 22 and then reads the image by the image reading process. An instruction to perform image adjustment processing using the received data is sent to the image adjustment unit 12.

  As described above, an example of the image reading apparatus 20 according to the present invention is configured by including the contact glass 221 as the document table, the image reading unit 22, and the control unit 10. The parameter storage unit 18 will be described later.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the image adjustment process is executed will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, when the instruction receiving unit 14 receives an instruction to execute the image adjustment process (S1), the execution control unit 16 instructs the image reading unit 22 to execute the image reading process for reading the adjustment document. Send out (S2).

  The image reading unit 22 sequentially reads the adjustment document placed on the contact glass 221 one line at a time in the main scanning direction according to an instruction from the execution control unit 16, and stores the read data in the RAM (S3). This is repeated until the reading of the line-shaped image for all the lines attached to the adjustment document by the image reading unit 22 is completed (S4).

  Next, when the execution control unit 16 completes the reading of the line-shaped image for all lines attached to the adjustment document (S4; YES), the execution control unit 16 attaches it to a plurality of predetermined locations read from the flash memory. An instruction to read the parameter image is sent to the image reading unit 22 (S5).

  Then, when the execution control unit 16 determines that all the data does not match among the data from which the parameter images are read, because there is no data that matches each other (S6; YES), the execution control unit 16 reads in advance from the flash memory. An instruction to read the sub-parameter images attached to a plurality of predetermined positions is sent to the image reading unit 22 (S7), and the parameter image is read using the sub-parameters indicated by the data read from the sub-parameter image. An instruction to execute at least a part of the image adjustment process using the parameter indicated by the data is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 (S8). Then, the image adjustment unit 12 executes the image adjustment process according to the instruction from the execution control unit 16 (S9).

  Note that, in step S8 and S9, which subparameter is used among the subparameters indicated by the data obtained by reading the subparameter images attached to a plurality of locations is not limited, for example, all subparameters are used. A parameter may be used, or only one of sub-parameters that match each other may be used.

  For example, when the image adjustment process is performed using the adjustment document illustrated in FIG. 3, when the execution control unit 16 determines that all of the data read from the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 do not match ( (S6; YES), an instruction to read the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 is sent to the image reading unit 22 (S7), and is determined in advance using the subparameters indicated by the data from which the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are read. At least a process of calculating a correction value when the image processing unit 23 corrects only the color indicated by the line, that is, an image adjustment process using a parameter indicated by data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 An instruction to execute some processing is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 (S8).

  Then, the image adjustment unit 12 reads a predetermined line from the flash memory according to the instruction from the execution control unit 16, and then, among the data stored in the RAM in step S3, the position R5 in the main scanning direction. The data for the predetermined line corresponding to R6 and the data for the predetermined line corresponding to the positions R5 and R6 in the main scanning direction indicated by the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 And the image processing unit 23 corrects only the color indicated by the predetermined line out of the data read by the image reading unit 22 from the data shift amount in the predetermined line. Processing for calculating a correction value for processing is performed (S9).

  On the other hand, in step S6, the execution control unit 16 determines that there is matching data by matching at least two or more of the data read from the parameter images (S6; NO). ), An instruction to execute an image adjustment process is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 using a parameter indicated by any of the data determined to match (S10). Then, the image adjustment unit 12 executes the image adjustment process according to the instruction from the execution control unit 16 (S9).

  For example, when the image adjustment process is performed using the adjustment document illustrated in FIG. 3, the execution control unit 16 determines that there is matching data among the data obtained by reading the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4. (S6: NO), for example, out of the data read from the two-dimensional barcodes D1 and D3 that are determined to match, the image adjustment processing is performed using the parameter indicated by the data from which the two-dimensional barcode D1 is read. Is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 (S10).

  Then, in accordance with the instruction from the execution control unit 16, the image adjustment unit 12 performs data for all lines corresponding to the position R1 in the main scanning direction among the data stored in the RAM in step S3, and the two-dimensional barcode. Data for all lines corresponding to the position R1 in the main scanning direction indicated by the data read from D1 is compared, and the data read by the image reading unit 22 is read by the image processing unit 23 from the amount of deviation. Processing for calculating a correction value at the time of correction processing is performed (S9).

  As described above, according to this configuration, all the parameter images attached to a plurality of predetermined positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction within the blank area where the line image of the adjustment document is not attached are all appropriate. Even when there is no area to which a parameter image different from the already applied parameter image exists in the blank area where the line image of the adjustment document is not attached. The sub-parameter image indicating the sub-parameter is attached to a predetermined portion in the blank area where the parameter image is not added in the margin area with a size sufficient to indicate the sub-parameter in the same expression form as the parameter image. Therefore, the parameter indicated by the parameter image is determined using the secondary parameter indicated by the data read from the secondary parameter image. At least part of the processing of the image adjustment process had may be performed.

  Further, the recording unit 40 can form an image appropriately subjected to image adjustment processing, which is indicated by data obtained by reading an image forming target document by the image reading unit 22 on a sheet.

  Moreover, the control part 10 may function as the parameter memory | storage part 18 (dotted line part of FIG. 2) which memorize | stores a parameter. In the parameter storage unit 18, for example, the parameter storage unit stores a parameter indicated by any of the data that the execution control unit 16 determines in the above-described step S6 (FIG. 4) that matching data exists. The parameter is stored by a method such as storing the parameter in the parameter storage unit 18 or storing the parameter received from the external device via the communication unit 30 in the parameter storage unit 18.

  In accordance with this, when the execution control unit 16 determines that all the data read from the parameter images do not match, the data read from the sub parameter image is the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 18. It is determined whether or not it matches at least a part, and when it is determined that they match, an instruction to execute image adjustment processing using the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 18 is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 You may comprise.

  The operation when image adjustment processing is executed in this configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, steps denoted by the same symbols as those shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the steps shown in FIG.

  After step S5, the execution control unit 16 determines that there is matching data in step S6 because at least two of the data read from the parameter images in step S5 match each other. If it is determined (S6; NO), the parameter storage unit 18 stores the parameter indicated by any of the data read from the parameter image determined to be coincident (S11).

  For example, when the image adjustment process is performed using the adjustment document illustrated in FIG. 3, the execution control unit 16 matches in the data read from the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 in step S5 in step S11. The parameter indicated by any of the data read from the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 determined to be stored is stored in the parameter storage unit 18.

  On the other hand, after the execution control unit 16 determines in step S6 that all the data do not match among the data in which the parameter images are read in step S5, because there is no data matching each other (S6; YES) When an instruction to read the sub-parameter image is sent to the image reading unit 22 (S7), it is determined whether or not the parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit 18 (S12).

  When the execution control unit 16 determines that the parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit 18 (S12; YES), the execution control unit 16 reads and acquires the parameter from the parameter storage unit 18 (S13).

  Next, when the execution control unit 16 determines that the data from which the sub-parameter image is read in step S7 matches at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter acquired in step S13 (S14; YES), step S13 An instruction to execute the image adjustment process using the parameters acquired in step S10 is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 (S10).

  Specifically, based on the example used in the description of step S11 above, the execution control unit 16 reads a predetermined line from the flash memory, and in step S7, the two-dimensional barcodes B1 and B2 are read. Any of the two-dimensional barcodes D1 to D4 that are determined to be coincident with the parameters acquired in step S13, that is, the data for the predetermined line that has been read are read in step S6. If it is determined that the data matches the predetermined line of the data for all lines (S14; YES), the image adjustment unit 12 is instructed to execute the image adjustment process using the parameters acquired in step S13. Send out (S10).

  Note that, in step S14, which subparameter is used among the subparameters indicated by the data obtained by reading the subparameter images attached to a plurality of locations is not limited. For example, all subparameters are included. Step S10 may be executed only when the parameter acquired in step S13 matches at least part of the elements indicated, or any of the sub-parameters that match each other is acquired in step S13. Step S10 may be executed only when it matches at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter.

On the other hand, when the execution control unit 16 determines that the data from which the sub-parameter image is read in step S7 does not match at least a part of the elements indicated by the parameter acquired in step S13 (S14; NO), the execution control unit 16 Assuming that the parameter image and the sub-parameter image of the document image could not be properly read, for example, a warning or the like prompting execution of image adjustment processing using another adjustment document is displayed on the display unit 51 (S15). An instruction to end the adjustment process is sent to the image adjustment unit 12.

  If the execution control unit 16 determines in step S12 that the parameter is not stored in the parameter storage unit 18 (S12; NO), the sub-parameter image is read in step S7 as described above. An instruction to execute a part of the image adjustment process using the sub-parameter indicated by the data is sent to the image adjustment unit 12 (S8).

  As described above, according to this configuration, even when all the parameter images cannot be properly read, the sub parameters indicated by the data read from the sub parameter images are stored in the parameter storage unit 18. When it matches at least a part of the elements indicated by, the image adjustment process can be executed using the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 18 without being limited to at least a part of the processes.

  Alternatively, instead of step S12 and step S13 in this configuration, or when it is determined in step S12 that the parameter is not stored in the parameter storage unit 18, the execution control unit 16 is externally connected via the communication unit 30. You may comprise so that a parameter may be received from an apparatus.

  In this case, even when all the parameter images cannot be properly read, the sub parameter indicated by the data read from the sub parameter image is at least the element indicated by the parameter received from the external device via the communication unit 30. When it matches a part, the image adjustment process can be executed using the received parameter without being limited to at least a part of the process.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction apparatus is described as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. A printer, a copier, a scanner, or an image forming apparatus such as a fax machine.

  In addition, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is provided, and data (adjustment data) for forming a line-shaped image, a parameter image, and a sub-parameter image is stored in a storage area such as an HDD (hard disk drive). Using the stored adjustment data, it is possible to form a line image, a parameter image, and a sub-parameter image with an expensive toner that can maintain image quality for a long period of time and output an adjustment document. An image forming apparatus including a recording unit corresponding to the above-described recording unit 40 may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The configurations and processes shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are merely examples of the embodiment according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiment.

1 MFP (image forming device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 12 Image adjustment part 14 Instruction reception part 16 Execution control part 18 Parameter storage part 20 Image reading device 22 Image reading part 23 Image processing part 30 Communication part 40 Recording part 221 Contact glass (original platen)
B1, B2 Two-dimensional barcode (sub-parameter image)
D1-D4 Two-dimensional barcode (parameter image)

Claims (5)

A document table on which the document is placed;
An image reading unit that performs an image reading process of reading the document while moving in the sub-scanning direction relative to the document placed on the document table;
An image adjustment unit that performs an image adjustment process using data obtained by reading an adjustment document that is an image adjustment document by the image reading process;
An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to execute the image adjustment processing;
When an instruction to execute the image adjustment process is received by the instruction receiving unit, the image reading unit that reads the adjustment document is executed by the image reading unit, and the image is generated using data generated by the image reading process. An execution control unit that causes the image adjustment unit to execute adjustment processing;
With
A line-shaped image showing the same color in the main scanning direction is attached to the adjustment document in parallel in the sub-scanning direction. Further, in the blank area where the line-shaped image is not attached, Parameter images indicating parameters used when the image adjustment processing is performed using the data obtained by reading the line-shaped image by the image reading processing are attached to a plurality of predetermined positions spaced apart from each other. , At least a part of the image adjustment processing using the parameter at a predetermined position in a region not enough to attach the parameter image in a blank region in the margin region to which the parameter image is not attached. A sub-parameter image indicating a sub-parameter for executing the process is attached,
A parameter storage unit for storing the parameters;
When the execution control unit causes the image reading unit to execute the image reading process for reading the adjustment document and determines that the data read from the parameter images do not match each other, the parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit. It is determined whether or not it is stored, and if it is determined that it is not stored, at least one of the image adjustment processes using the parameter using the secondary parameter indicated by the data read from the secondary parameter image Causing the image adjustment unit to execute some processing;
On the other hand, if it is determined that the data is stored, whether or not the secondary parameter indicated by the data read from the secondary parameter image matches at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit. An image reading apparatus that displays a warning that prompts execution of image adjustment processing using another adjustment document on the display unit, and causes the image adjustment unit to end the image adjustment processing when it is determined that they do not match.   When the execution control unit determines that it is stored, the sub parameter indicated by the data read from the sub parameter image is included in at least a part of the element indicated by the parameter stored in the parameter storage unit. 2. The image adjustment unit according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not they match, and when it is determined that they match, the image adjustment unit is caused to execute the image adjustment processing using the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit. Image reading apparatus. A communication unit for communicating various data with an external device;
If the execution control unit determines that it is not stored, the execution control unit receives the parameter from the external device via the communication unit, and the sub-parameter indicated by the data read from the sub-parameter image is It is determined whether or not it matches at least a part of the elements indicated by the parameter, and when it is determined that they match, the image adjustment unit is caused to execute the image adjustment processing using the received parameter The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A recording unit for forming an image indicated by the data on a recording medium using data obtained by reading an image forming target document by the image reading unit;
An image forming apparatus. A storage unit that stores adjustment data for forming the line-shaped image, the parameter image, and the sub-parameter image on a recording medium;
The recording unit generates the adjustment original by forming the line-shaped image, the parameter image, and the sub-parameter image on a recording medium using the adjustment data read from the storage unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 4.

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