JP2014212387A - Image forming apparatus and image formation control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent overlapping of a print image on a recording medium and an additional image in a simple and reliable way.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes: a read image creation unit 22 that creates read image data P1 on the basis of the original image data read from at least one recording medium; a margin detection unit 31 that detects a margin range of the read image represented by the read image data P1; an arrangement determination unit 33 that determines an insertion position of an additional image showing specified additional information on the basis of the arrangement of the margin range; an insertion image creation unit 40 that creates insertion image data P3 including the additional image arranged at the insertion position; and a print execution unit 50 that forms a print image represented by the insertion image data P3 on the recording medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for forming an image on a recording medium, and more particularly to a technique for forming an image representing additional information in a margin range of a recording medium.

  In recent years, computer software and electronic devices that process electronic files (document files, image files, etc.) composed of one or a plurality of pages have become widespread. A user can electronically add additional information such as a page number and date to an electronic file using such computer software or electronic equipment. On the other hand, in order to add additional information such as a page number or date to a print image formed on a recording medium such as a paper medium, it is necessary to add the additional information physically, for example, by handwriting or using a printing device. .

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-17113 (Patent Document 1) discloses a document processing apparatus having a function of automatically printing page numbers on a handwritten drawing or an already printed (image-formed) document. When the user specifies a pagination start number and a pagination position, the document processing apparatus can automatically print a page number starting from the pagination start number at the pagination position on the recording medium. it can.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-17113 (FIG. 3, paragraphs 0017 to 0019, etc.)

  In the document processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a print image has already been formed at a user-specified pagination position, there is a problem in that the page number is printed over the existing print image. . In order to avoid this problem, the user carefully checks the position of the existing print image on the recording medium in advance and carefully designates the pagination position, or specifies the pagination position and the page number. It is necessary to repeat trial printing with trial and error to find an appropriate pagination position.

  However, the task of visually confirming the exact position of the printed image on the recording medium is a burden on the user and is not convenient. Further, repeating the designation of the page position and the trial printing of the page number by trial and error is not convenient, and there is a problem that the resources of the recording medium used for the trial printing are wasted.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming control method capable of preventing an overlap between a print image and an additional image on a recording medium very simply and reliably.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an operation input unit that receives print setting information input by a user, a printed image formation region on at least one recording medium, and blanks other than the formation region. A read image generation unit that generates read image data based on original image data read from the image, a margin detection unit that detects a margin range of a read image represented by the read image data, and an arrangement of the margin ranges. Based on this, an arrangement determining unit that determines an insertion position of an additional image that represents additional information specified by the print setting information, and an insertion image generation unit that generates insertion image data including the additional image arranged at the insertion position And a print execution unit for forming a print image represented by the inserted image data on the recording medium.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an operation input unit that receives print setting information input by a user;
A read image generation unit configured to generate read image data based on original image data read from a formation area of a printed image on at least one read medium and a margin other than the formation area; and the read image data A margin detection unit that detects a margin range of the read image that is represented; an arrangement determination unit that determines an insertion position of an additional image representing additional information specified by the print setting information based on the arrangement of the margin range; An image composition unit that composes data representing the additional image having the insertion position and the original image data to generate composite image data, and forms a print image represented by the composite image data on a recording medium And a print execution unit.

  An image formation control method according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image formation control method using print setting information input by a user, and includes a printed image formation area on at least one recording medium, Generating read image data based on original image data read from a margin other than the formation region; detecting a margin range of a read image represented by the read image data; and arranging the margin range A step of determining an insertion position of the additional image representing the additional information designated by the print setting information, a step of generating insertion image data including the additional image arranged at the insertion position, and the insertion Forming a print image represented by image data on the recording medium.

  An image formation control method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image formation control method using print setting information input by a user, and is a formation area of a printed image on at least one read medium. Generating read image data based on original image data read from a blank area other than the formation area, detecting a blank area of a read image represented by the read image data, and the blank area And determining the insertion position of the additional image representing the additional information specified by the print setting information, and combining the data representing the additional image having the insertion position with the original image data. Generating composite image data, and forming a print image represented by the composite image data on a recording medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the print image and the additional image on the recording medium from being overlapped with each other very easily and reliably.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an imaging unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the multifunction machine of the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the operation panel according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of insertion printing processing according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the initial setting screen displayed on the operation panel. It is a figure which shows the other example of the detailed setting screen displayed on the operation panel. It is a figure which shows an example of the set margin object range. It is a figure which shows the other example of the detailed setting screen displayed on the operation panel. It is a figure which shows the other example of the detailed setting screen displayed on the operation panel. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of image reading processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of margin detection processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of blank area information used in the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure showing the margin range defined by the margin area information of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the production | generation method of a blank area | region. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of printing processing according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of margin detection processing according to the second embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of blank area information used in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of insertion printing processing according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of print processing according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 1 which is an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the multi function device 1 includes an operation panel 11, a data storage unit 14, an image reading unit 20, an image area determination unit 30, an insertion image generation unit 40, and a print execution unit 50, and further performs these processes. A main control unit 10 capable of individually controlling the operations of the blocks 11, 14, 20, 30, 40, and 50 is provided.

  The data storage unit 14 has a function of temporarily storing data transferred by the main control unit 10, and may be configured using, for example, a memory such as an SDRAM having a high data reading speed and writing speed. The data storage unit 14 stores a storage area for storing the image data generated by the image reading unit 20 and a storage area for storing the data generated or processed by the image area determination unit 30 or the insertion image generation unit 40. And have.

  The operation panel 11 includes a display unit 13 and an operation input unit 12 that imparts a touch panel function to the display unit 13. The display unit 13 includes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. In addition to the touch panel function, the operation input unit 12 includes an input button (not shown) and an input key (not shown) for inputting a code such as alphanumeric characters. The user of the multi-function device 1 can input information to the main control unit 10 by bringing a fingertip or an indicator into contact with the display area of the display unit 13. The main control unit 10 can cause the display unit 13 to display a screen for various settings and instructions related to the multifunction device 1, and can display a screen indicating the operation state of the multifunction device 1 on the display unit 13. .

  The image reading unit 20 includes an imaging unit 21 that is a scanner device and a read image generation unit 22. The imaging unit 21 has a function of imaging and scanning the surface of a sheet-like recording medium and reading a printed image on the recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include sheet-like materials such as paper, plastic film, synthetic paper, and cloth.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the imaging unit 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 21 performs image processing on the surface of the sheet-like recording medium St and performs signal processing on the analog image signal S0 output from the image sensor 211 to perform multi-step processing. And an image processing unit 212 that generates tone digital image data (original image data) P0. The image sensor 211 can scan an arbitrary range on the recording medium St under the control of the main control unit 10. The imaging unit 21 can also sequentially scan and scan a plurality of continuously supplied recording media St to generate and output digital image data P0 for a plurality of pages. The digital image data P <b> 0 is supplied to either the main control unit 10 or the read image generation unit 22 according to the operation mode of the multifunction machine 1.

  In the present embodiment, the digital image data P0 is directly output from the imaging unit 21 to the read image generation unit 22, but instead, the main control unit 10 temporarily stores the digital image data P0 in the data storage unit 14. After the data is stored, the digital image data P0 may be read from the data storage unit 14 and supplied to the read image generation unit 22 at an appropriate timing.

  The read image generation unit 22 binarizes the digital image data P0 to generate binary image data having an information amount of 1 bit for each pixel, and generates read image data P1 from the binarized image data. Here, each pixel constituting the binarized image data corresponds to one dot at the time of printing. The pixels constituting the binarized image data have either a value “1” having information or a value “0” having no information.

  The read image generation unit 22 may binarize the digital image data P0 after removing the noise component after applying a spatial filter to the digital image data P0 to remove a noise component having a high spatial frequency. Thereby, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the margin range.

  The main control unit 10 transfers the read image data P1 to the image area determination unit 30. Here, the main control unit 10 temporarily stores the read image data P1 in the data storage unit 14, and then reads the read image data P1 from the data storage unit 14 at an appropriate timing and supplies the read image data P1 to the image region determination unit 30. May be.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image region determination unit 30 includes a margin detection unit 31, an image size setting unit 32, and an arrangement determination unit 33. The margin detection unit 31 detects a margin range in which a pixel group having no information exists from the read image represented by the read image data P1. All the pixels within the margin range have a value of “0”.

  The image size setting unit 32 sets the image size of the additional image representing the additional information (page number, date, etc.) designated by the print setting information based on the size of the margin range detected by the margin detection unit 31. . The arrangement determination unit 33 has a function of determining the insertion position of the additional image by calculation based on the size of the margin range detected by the margin detection unit 31 and the image size set by the image size setting unit 32. The main control unit 10 transfers data Bp indicating the insertion position determined by the arrangement determination unit 33 and the image size set by the image size setting unit 32 to the insertion image generation unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion image generation unit 40 includes an additional image generation unit 41 and an image arrangement unit 42. The additional image generation unit 41 images additional information such as a page number and date, and generates an additional image having the image size set by the image size setting unit 32. Then, the image arrangement unit 42 generates the insertion image data P3 including the additional image arranged at the insertion position determined by the arrangement determination unit 33.

  The main control unit 10 transfers the insertion image data P3 to the print execution unit 50. Under the control of the main control unit 10, the print execution unit 50 forms a print image represented by the inserted image data P3 on the sheet-like recording medium St supplied from the paper feed tray 52, and then the recording medium St is discharged to the discharge tray 51. As the print execution unit 50, for example, a printing device that operates in an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system may be used. Note that the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method or the inkjet method.

  The main control unit 10 can be configured by a circuit including a microprocessor such as a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output interface, for example. The functions of the read image generation unit 22, the image region determination unit 30, and the insertion image generation unit 40 may be realized by hardware or may be realized by a computer program executed by a microprocessor.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

  When the user wants to additionally print an additional image such as a page number on the recording medium St having the printed image PT as shown in FIG. 2, the user sets the recording medium St in the imaging unit 21. As will be described below, the multifunction device 1 automatically detects a blank area where the printed image PT is not formed from the surface of the recording medium St, and additionally prints (inserts) an additional image specified by the user in the blank area. be able to.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the initial screen 130 </ b> A displayed on the display unit 13 of the operation panel 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the initial screen 130A is provided with a “copy” selection button, a “print” selection button, and an “inserted character print” selection button. The main control unit 10 stands by until the user selects any one of the “copy” selection button, the “print” selection button, and the “inserted character printing” selection button (NO in steps S10, S12, and S14). When the user touches one of the “copy” selection button, the “print” selection button, and the “inserted character printing” selection button with his / her fingertip or pointing tool, the operation input unit 12 detects the region touched by the user. The position information is supplied to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 can detect which button is selected based on the position information.

  When the user selects the “copy” selection button, the main control unit 10 determines that there is a copy instruction (YES in step S10), and executes a copy process (copy process) (step S11). Specifically, the imaging unit 21 captures and scans the surface of the recording medium St that is a document, generates digital image data P0, and outputs the digital image data P0 to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 converts the digital image data P0 into print data and transfers it to the print execution unit 50. Then, under the control of the main control unit 10, the print execution unit 50 forms a print image represented by the print data on another recording medium taken out from an internal tray (not shown).

  On the other hand, when the user selects the “print” selection button, the main control unit 10 determines that there is an instruction for normal printing (YES in step S12), and prints the user-specified print image on the recording medium to the print execution unit 50. (Step S13).

  On the other hand, when the user selects the “inserted character printing” selection button, the main control unit 10 determines that there is an insertion printing instruction (YES in step S14), and executes the insertion printing process (step S15).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the insertion printing process in step S15 of FIG. In response to the selection of the “inserted character printing” selection button by the user, the main control unit 10 displays an initial setting screen for insertion printing on the display unit 13 (step S21), and executes print setting processing (step S22). . FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the initial setting screen 130B for insertion printing. As shown in FIG. 6, the initial setting screen 130B is provided with items related to “character string” to be inserted (additional printing) and “color”, “position”, and “size” of the “character string”. It has been. In the print setting process in step S22, the user can perform various settings described below by operating the operation panel 11.

  First, regarding the print color of the character string to be inserted, the user touches the initial setting screen 130B and selects any one of the “black” selection button, the “blue” selection button, the “red” selection button, and the “white” selection button. A printing color (black, blue, red, or white) can be specified by selecting the selected state.

  Next, regarding the print position (insertion position) of the character string to be inserted, the user touches the initial setting screen 130B to select the “auto” selection button to automatically adjust the print position of the character string. You can choose. On the other hand, when the “automatic” selection button is not selected, the print position is not automatically adjusted, and the main control unit 10 controls the print execution unit 50 so that the character string is printed at the default print position. To do. The user can release the selected state by touching the area of the “automatic” selection button.

  Further, the user can select the “detailed setting” selection button for “position” on the initial setting screen 130B and specify the allowable range (margin target range) of the print position. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed setting screen 130 </ b> C displayed on the display unit 13 when the user selects the “detailed setting” selection button. As shown in FIG. 7, the detailed setting screen 130 </ b> C is provided with input boxes for inputting “upper limit value” and “lower limit value” that define the margin target range. After the user touches the display area of the input box to select the input box, the user can input a desired numerical value by pressing the input key of the operation input unit 12. After the input setting is completed, the user can return the screen of the display unit 13 to the initial setting screen 130B of FIG. 6 by selecting the “setting complete” selection button on the detailed setting screen 130C.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the margin target range Stb set for the recording medium St. The recording medium St shown in FIG. 8 has a width Lx in the X direction (horizontal direction) and a length Ly in the Y direction (vertical direction). As shown in FIG. 8, the margin target range Stb is a range corresponding to a numerical value between the upper limit UL and the lower limit LL of the Y-direction distance from the lower end (sheet lower end) of the recording medium St. As shown in FIG. 7, an upper limit value 20 mm and a lower limit value 5 mm, which are considered to be general, may be set in advance as default values.

  For example, the print execution unit 50 has a printing capability of 600 dpi (dot-per-inch), and the recording medium St has a width (Lx) of 210 mm corresponding to about 4960 dots, and a longitudinal length (Ly). Let us consider a case where is 297 mm. When the upper limit value UL is set to 20 mm and the lower limit value LL is set to 5 mm, the length DU between the upper limit position of the margin target range Stb and the upper end of the recording medium St is 277 mm corresponding to about 6543 dots. The length DL between the lower limit position of the margin target range Stb and the upper end of the recording medium St is 292 mm corresponding to about 6897 dots.

  In the present embodiment, the margin target range Stb is limited in the Y direction by the upper limit UL and the lower limit LL, but a numerical value that limits the margin target range Stb in the X direction (for example, the right end of the recording medium St The detailed setting screen 130C in FIG. 7 may be changed so that a set of the distance from the left and the distance from the left end can be set.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, regarding the size of the character string to be inserted, the user touches the initial setting screen 130 </ b> B to select the “auto” selection button for size setting, and automatically adjusts the image size. Can be selected. When the “auto” selection button for size setting (FIG. 6) is selected, the image size of the character string is variable. At this time, the image size is automatically adjusted to a size corresponding to the margin range and the length of the inserted character string, as will be described later. The user can release the selected state by touching the area of the “automatic” selection button in the selected state.

  Further, the user can select the “detail setting” selection button for size setting and set the image size. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen 130D displayed on the display unit 13 when the user selects the “detailed setting” selection button. As shown in FIG. 9, the detailed setting screen 130D is provided with an input box for inputting the number of points for determining the size (character size) of each character constituting the character string. The user can input a numerical value by operating the operation input unit 12 after touching the display area of the input box on the detail setting screen 130D to select the input box. After the input setting is completed, the user can return the screen of the display unit 13 to the initial setting screen 130B of FIG. 6 by selecting the “setting completed” selection button on the detailed setting screen 130D. As shown in FIG. 9, 10 points may be set in advance as a default value of a character size considered to be general.

  When the “automatic” selection button for size setting (FIG. 6) is in a non-selected state, the main control unit 10 prints a character string composed of characters having the number of points designated on the detailed setting screen 130D of FIG. In this manner, the print execution unit 50 is controlled.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, regarding the contents of the character string to be inserted, the user specifies the character string of the page number by touching the initial setting screen 130B and selecting the “page” selection button. The date character string can be specified by selecting the “date” selection button. The user can cancel the selected state by touching the area of the “page” selection button or the “date” selection button.

  The user can set the contents of the inserted character string by selecting the “detailed setting” selection button for character string setting on the initial setting screen 130B. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed setting screen 130E displayed on the display unit 13 when the user selects the “detailed setting” selection button. As shown in FIG. 10, the detailed setting screen 130E includes an input box for inputting a start page number, an input box for inputting a date, and an arbitrary character string other than the page number and date (for example, And an input box for inputting a file name or an owner name. As the default value of the start page number, “1” can be set in advance. Further, the date of the day when the user operates the multifunction device 1 may be automatically input. After the input setting is completed, the user can return the screen of the display unit 13 to the initial setting screen 130B of FIG. 6 by selecting the “setting complete” selection button on the detailed setting screen 130E.

  Note that it is desirable not to set and register a character string in advance for an input box for inputting an arbitrary character string on the detailed setting screen 130E. Thereby, even if the character string designation is validated by a user's erroneous operation, since there is no registered character string, unintended character string printing can be avoided.

  After the print setting is completed, the user can select the “execution start” selection button shown in FIG. 6 to complete the print setting process (step S22) and shift the process to the next procedure. The main control unit 10 stores the print setting information in a predetermined storage area of the data storage unit 14. For example, when the user desires to insert a page number (additional printing), the print color is set to black, the range of the insertion position is within a range of 20 mm to 51 mm from the bottom of the paper, the character size is set to 10 points, and the start page number is set. Each can be set to “1”.

  The main control unit 10 starts the image reading process (step S40 in FIG. 5) in response to the selection of the “execution start” selection button by the user. FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the image reading process in step S40.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the main control unit 10 initializes local image data corresponding to the margin target range Stb set in the print setting process (step S22) (step S41). The local image data is data representing a binarized image having an information amount of 1 bit for each pixel. Each pixel corresponds to one dot at the time of printing. The initialization of the local image data is performed by setting all the pixel values of the local image data to “0”.

  Next, the main control unit 10 activates the imaging unit 21 and instructs the image reading for one page of the document from the recording medium St (step S42). In response to this instruction, the imaging unit 21 captures and scans the recording medium St to generate digital image data (original image data) P0.

  The read image generation unit 22 acquires the digital image data P0 (step S43), and further binarizes the digital image data P0 to generate binary image data (step S44). Here, when the digital image data P0 is color image data having information of three colors of each pixel (for example, R (red), G (green), and B (blue)), the binarized data for each of the three colors. And binarized image data may be generated by performing an OR operation on the binarized data for each pixel.

  Then, the read image generation unit 22 extracts area image data corresponding to the margin target range Stb from the page image represented by the binarized image data (step S45).

Next, the read image generation unit 22 performs a logical OR operation on the region image data and the local image data extracted in step S45 to generate logical sum image data (step S46). Specifically, the pixel value at the coordinates (x, y) of the local image data is P ₁ (x, y), and the pixel value at the same coordinates (x, y) of the region image data is P ₂ (x, y). y), and pixel value P ₁ (x, y) and pixel value P ₂ (x, y) when the pixel value at the same coordinate (x, y) of the logical sum image data is P ₃ (x, y). ) To calculate the pixel value P ₃ (x, y) of the logical sum image data. When at least one of the pixel values P ₁ (x, y) and P ₂ (x, y) is a value “1”, the pixel value P ₃ (x, y) is a value “1”, and the pixel value P _{When both 1} (x, y) and P ₂ (x, y) have a value of “0”, the pixel value P ₃ (x, y) has a value of “0”.

  Next, the read image generation unit 22 updates the local image data by using the logical sum image data as the local image data (step S47). Then, when the image reading from all the originals is not completed (NO in step S48), the read image generating unit 22 shifts the process to step S42. On the other hand, when the image reading from all the originals is completed (YES in step S48), the read image generating unit 22 outputs the local image data as the read image data P1 (step S49). Here, when the number of documents to be read is only one, the read image generation unit 22 substantially outputs the area image data as the read image data P1 (YES in step S48 and step S49).

  By the image reading process, local image data reflecting the binarization information of the image data regarding all the originals is output as the read image data P1. Therefore, a pixel having information in the read image data P1 has a value of “1”, and a pixel having no information has a value of “0”.

  The main control unit 10 has a page counter (not shown), and this page counter updates the counter value every time the imaging unit 21 reads an image from one document. The total number of documents (total number of pages) can be ascertained from the counter value when the read image reading from all the documents has been completed (YES in step S48).

  Referring to FIG. 5, after the image reading process is completed, the margin detection unit 31 initializes data related to the insertion data (step S50), and then executes a margin detection process to perform a margin range of the read image data P1. Is detected (step S51). FIG. 12 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the margin detection process in step S51.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, the margin detection unit 31 initializes margin area information (step S52). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of parameters constituting the margin area information, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a rectangular margin area BA defined by the margin area information of FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the four corners of the margin range BA in the sheet range Sa are four sets of x coordinate values and y coordinate values (x0, y0), (x1, y0), (x0, y1), (x1). , Y1), respectively. The margin area information in FIG. 13 includes the y coordinate start position y0, the number of lines in the margin range BA (number of margin lines) Nb, the x coordinate start position x0, and the x coordinate end position x1.

  Next, the margin detection unit 31 sets the line number n to 1 (step S53). Next, the margin detection unit 31 reads the first line image L (1) in the read image data P1 (step S54), and sets the first line image L (1) as a target line (step S55). For example, when the paper width Lx is 210 mm corresponding to 4960 dots at 600 dpi, the number of pixels of each line image L (n) is 4960 pixels.

  Subsequently, the margin detection unit 31 reads the second line image L (2) in the read image data P1 (step S56), and performs a logical OR operation for each pixel on the second line image L (2) and the target line. To generate a logical sum line image AL (step S57). Next, when the second line image L (2) is not the final line (NO in step S58), the margin detection unit 31 sets the logical line image AL generated in step S57 as the target line (step S59). The line number n is incremented by 1 (step S60). Thereafter, the margin detection unit 31 executes steps S56 and S57.

  Steps S58 and S57 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S58 that the (n + 1) th line image L (n + 1) is the last line. When it is finally determined that the (n + 1) -th line image L (n + 1) is the last line (YES in step S58), the margin detection unit 31 searches for the logical sum line image, and this logical sum line image. A pixel area having a continuous value of “0” in FIG. If there is no margin area (NO in step S62), the margin detection process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that a margin area exists (YES in step S62), the margin detection unit 31 creates margin area information that defines a margin range based on the margin area (step S63). The margin detection process is terminated. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the margin areas B1, B2, and B3. As shown in FIG. 15, the margin detection unit 31 can generate a logical sum line image AL by performing a logical sum operation on the first to Nb-th line images L (1) to L (Nb). In this logical sum line image AL, there are blank areas B1, B2, B3 in which the value of “0” continues. The blank space detection unit 31 extracts a blank space region B2 having a lot of “0” values among these blank space regions B1, B2, and B3, and extracts the x coordinate start position x0 and the x coordinate end position of the extracted blank space region B2. x1 can be set as a parameter of the margin area information (step S63). In the example of FIG. 15, the margin area information of the margin area B2 is created.

  Referring to FIG. 5, after the margin detection process is completed, the main control unit 10 ends the insertion printing process when there is no margin range suitable for the character string to be inserted (NO in step S69). At this time, the main control unit 10 may cause the display unit 13 to display a message indicating that insertion printing cannot be performed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a blank range suitable for the character string to be inserted (YES in step S69), the image size setting unit 32 sets the image size of the character string to be inserted (step S70). Specifically, the image size setting unit 32 can insert the entire character string to be inserted (a combination of a page number, a date, and a character string selected from any user-specified character string) within the margin range. The character size can be selected so that When the “automatic” selection button for size setting (FIG. 6) is in the selected state, the image size setting unit 32 calculates, for example, a character size Sd (unit: dot) representing the number of dots according to the following equation (1). Can be calculated.
Sd = Lb / Nc (1)

  Here, Lb is the horizontal size (unit: dot) of the margin range BA (FIG. 14), and Nc is the number of characters constituting the character string to be inserted.

Furthermore, the image size setting unit 32 can also calculate a character size Sp (unit: point) representing the number of points of the pixel by calculation according to the following equation (2).
Sp = (Sd / Pr) × α × 72 (2)

  Here, Pr is a printing resolution (unit: dpi), and α is a conversion coefficient. The coefficient value of “72” is a fixed value, but may be changed as appropriate according to the printing resolution Pr.

  On the other hand, when the “auto” selection button for size setting (FIG. 6) is in a non-selected state, the image size setting unit 32 selects the number of points designated by the user through the detailed setting screen 130D of FIG. 9 as the character size. (Step S70).

  Next, the arrangement determination unit 33 determines the optimum character string image to be inserted based on the arrangement of the margin range detected by the margin detection unit 31 and the image size (character size) set by the image size setting unit 32. An appropriate insertion position is determined (step S71). For example, the arrangement determining unit 33 can determine the optimum insertion position of an image representing the first character in the character string. If the character string is a page number, the maximum number of digits of the page number (for example, 3 digits) and the number of digits of the page number to be inserted in the nth page (n is a positive integer) are compared with each other. When they match, the arrangement of the image representing the first digit of the page number to be inserted on the nth page is the left end, and when the number of digits of the page number is less than the maximum number of digits, the page number is represented. The arrangement of the images can be set to an optimum arrangement (for example, an arrangement on the right side) according to the number of digits. The maximum number of digits of the page number can be calculated from the counter value held by the page counter at the end of the image reading process (FIG. 11).

  Thereafter, the main control unit 10 causes the display unit 13 to display a message for prompting the user to supply the recording medium St on which the image has been read by the imaging unit 21 to the printing execution unit 50 (step S72), and then recording by the user. Wait until the medium St is supplied (NO in step S73). When the recording medium St is supplied to the paper feed tray 52 of the print execution unit 50, the main control unit 10 detects this supply (YES in step S73) and executes print processing in cooperation with the insertion image generation unit 40. (Step S80).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the printing process in step S80. First, the additional image generating unit 41 generates data of a character string to be inserted (inserted data) (step S81). Specifically, the additional image generation unit 41 selects an appropriate character from a plurality of character data sets stored in advance in a built-in memory (not shown) according to the character size set by the image size setting unit 32. A data set can be selected and insertion data can be constructed using the selected character data set. For example, when page number insertion data is generated, the additional image generation unit 41 generates insertion data of a start page number (for example, “1”).

  Note that when the appropriate character data set cannot be acquired from the internal memory, the image size setting unit 32 may process the existing character data in the internal memory to create appropriate character data.

  Next, the additional image generation unit 41 converts the insertion data generated in step S81 into an image and generates a character string image (additional image) (step S82). Thereafter, the image placement unit 42 generates insertion image data P3 including a character string image placed at the insertion position determined by the placement determination unit 33 (step S83). Then, the main control unit 10 controls the print execution unit 50 to form a print image represented by the insertion image data P3 on the document (step S85).

  Thereafter, when the printing process for all pages of the document has not been completed (NO in step S86), the additional image generation unit 41 updates the insertion data to execute the printing process for the document of the next page (step S86). S87). For example, when page number insertion data is generated, the additional image generation unit 41 generates insertion data for the page number (for example, “2”) of the next page. Thereafter, steps S82, S83, and S85 are executed. If it is determined that the printing process for all pages of the document has been completed (YES in step S86), the printing process ends.

  Thus, the insertion printing process (step S15) in FIGS. 3 and 5 is completed.

  As described above, in the multi function device 1 according to the first embodiment, the margin detection unit 31 detects the margin range of the read image represented by the read image data P1 (step S51 in FIG. 5), and the arrangement determination unit. 33 can determine the insertion position of the additional image representing the additional information such as the page number specified by the print setting information based on the detected margin range arrangement (step S71 in FIG. 5). Therefore, it is possible to easily print an additional image that does not overlap the printed image on a recording medium having the printed image.

  In particular, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment can automatically detect a common margin range in all of the recording media of a plurality of pages even when additional printing is performed on the recording media of a plurality of pages (step of FIG. 12). S52 to S63), the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  Further, the image size setting unit 32 can calculate the optimum image size of the additional image based on the size of the detected margin range (step S70 in FIG. 5). The arrangement determining unit 33 can determine the optimum insertion position of the additional image based on the detected size of the margin range and the optimum image size (step S71 in FIG. 5). Thereby, the visibility of the printed additional image can be made favorable.

  Further, the user simply sets a recording medium having a printed image on the imaging unit 21 and inputs an operation according to the display screen of the operation panel 11 (FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10). It is possible to additionally print an additional image in the margin area of the recording medium. In addition, additional images can be easily additionally printed even without a host device (for example, a personal computer) such as a host device that controls the operation of the multifunction device 1.

  In particular, since the user can set the margin target range Stb (FIG. 8) by specifying the upper limit value UL and the lower limit value LL in advance through the detailed setting screen 130C of FIG. The read image data P1 of the local area corresponding to the target range Stb can be supplied to the margin detection unit 31 (steps S41 to S49 in FIG. 11). For this reason, the margin detection unit 31 can calculate the margin area information that defines the margin range in a short time.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of margin detection processing according to the second embodiment. The configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment except that the margin detection unit 31 executes the margin detection process shown in FIG. 17 instead of the margin detection process shown in FIG. The configuration and operation of this image forming apparatus are the same.

  In the first embodiment, based on the logical sum line image AL generated by performing the logical sum operation on the line images L (1) to L (Nb), as shown in FIG. A margin range can be detected. However, if almost all pixels of the first line image L (1) have a value of “1”, almost all pixels of the logical sum line image AL have a value of “1”. There is a problem that even if a margin range exists in the second and subsequent line images L (2) to L (Nb), this margin range cannot be detected. As described below, the margin detection process according to the present embodiment can solve such a problem.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the margin detection unit 31 first initializes margin area information (step S91). FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters constituting the margin area information. As shown in FIG. 18, the blank area information includes the y coordinate start position y0, the number of blank lines Nb, the x coordinate start position x0, and the x coordinate end position x1, similar to the blank area information shown in FIG. The margin area information in FIG. 18 further includes a “next margin information pointer”. The “next margin information pointer” is information for logically connecting the plurality of margin area information when a plurality of margin area information respectively defining a plurality of margin ranges is generated.

  Next, the margin detection unit 31 sets the line number n to 1 (step S92). Next, the margin detection unit 31 reads the first line image L (1) in the read image data P1 (step S93), and sets the first line image L (1) as a target line (step S94). Then, the margin detection unit 31 searches for the target line and searches for a pixel region having a continuous value of “0” in this target line, that is, a margin region (step S95).

  When the margin area is not detected (NO in step S96), the margin detection unit 31 increments the line number n by 1 (step S103), and reads the second line image L (2) in the read image data P1 ( Steps S93) and S94, S95 are repeatedly executed.

  Thereafter, when a margin area is detected in the target line L (n) (YES in step S96), the margin detection unit 31 creates margin area information (FIG. 18) corresponding to the detected margin area. For example, when a blank area is detected for the first time in the second line image L (2), the y coordinate start position y0 is set to the y coordinate value of the line image L (2), and the number of blank lines Nb is “ The x-coordinate start position x0 and the x-coordinate end position x1 are set to the x-coordinate values of the start position and end position of the blank area, respectively.

  Next, when the n-th line image is not the final line (NO in step S98), the margin detection unit 31 increments the line number n by 1 (step S99), and the n-th line image L (in the read image data P1) ( n) is read (step S100). Then, the margin detection unit 31 performs a logical sum operation for each pixel on the nth line image L (n) and the target line L (n−1) to generate a logical sum line image ALi (step S101). The logical line image ALi is set as a target line (step S102).

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S96, and the margin detection unit 31 searches the target line ALi for a margin area (step S95). When a margin area is detected in the target line ALi (YES in step S96), the margin detection unit 31 updates the margin area information (FIG. 18) corresponding to the detected margin area (step S97). The margin area in the target line ALi means that the margin is continuous in the vertical direction (y direction) in two continuous line images L (n) and L (n−1). Specifically, the margin detection unit 31 updates the number Nb of margin lines in the margin area information already created for the line image L (n), and sets the x coordinate start position x0 and the x coordinate end position x1. The x-coordinate values of the start position and end position of the margin area are updated (step S97).

  For example, a blank area is not detected in the first line image L (1), and a blank area is detected for the first time in the second line image L (2), and the line images L (2) and L (3) are detected. Consider a case where a blank area is detected in the logical sum line ALi generated based on the above. In this case, when a blank area is detected in the second line image L (2), blank area information is created as described above (step S97). Thereafter, when a blank area is detected in the logical sum line ALi, the number Nb of blank lines in the blank area information is updated from “1” to “2”, and the x coordinate start position x0 and the x coordinate end position are updated. x1 is updated to the x-coordinate values of the start position and end position of the blank area in the logical sum line ALi (step S97).

  On the other hand, when a blank area is not detected in the target line that is the logical sum line ALi (NO in step S96), the vertical direction in the line images L (n) and L (n−1) that are the basis of the logical sum line ALi. It means that the margin is not continuous in (y direction). In this case, the margin detection unit 31 increments the line number n by 1 (step S103) and repeatedly executes steps SS93, S94, and S95.

  When it is determined in step S98 that the nth line image is the final line (YES in step S98), the blank space detection process ends. Thereby, margin area information (FIG. 18) can be obtained by the number of margin ranges.

  As described above, in the margin detection process according to the second embodiment, even if a line image having no margin area exists in the line image group constituting the read image data P1, it exists in another line image. The margin range to be detected can be reliably detected.

  When a plurality of margin area information is created, a plurality of rectangular margin ranges distributed in the horizontal direction (x direction) and the vertical direction (y direction) are detected. Since the margin area information is logically chained by the “next margin information pointer”, it is possible to trace all the margin area information. Therefore, an optimum margin range can be selected from the plurality of margin ranges.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 2 that is the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the multifunction device 2 includes an operation panel 11, a data storage unit 14, an image reading unit 20 </ b> B, an image area determination unit 30, a composite image generation unit 40 </ b> B, and a print execution unit 50. A main control unit 10B capable of individually controlling the operations of the processing blocks 11, 14, 20B, 30, 40B, and 50 is provided. The main control unit 10B has the same function as the main control unit 10 of the first embodiment, and further has the functions described below.

  The configuration and operation of operation panel 11, data storage unit 14, and image region determination unit 30 are the same as the configuration and operation of operation panel 11, data storage unit 14, and image region determination unit 30 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the image reading unit 20 </ b> B includes an imaging unit 21, a read image generation unit 22, and a data storage unit 23. The configurations and operations of the imaging unit 21 and the read image generation unit 22 illustrated in FIG. 19 are the same as the configurations and operations of the imaging unit 21 and the read image generation unit 22 illustrated in FIG. The data storage unit 23 has a function of temporarily storing the digital image data P0 generated by the imaging unit 21.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the composite image generation unit 40B includes an additional image generation unit 41 and an image composition unit 43. The function of the additional image generation unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 19 is the same as the function of the additional image generation unit 41 illustrated in FIG. The main control unit 10 </ b> B can read the digital image data P <b> 0 from the data storage unit 23 and transfer it to the image composition unit 43.

  The image composition unit 43 has a function of synthesizing the digital image data P0 transferred from the data storage unit 23 and the additional image data generated by the additional image generation unit 41 to generate composite image data P4 for printing. . Here, the additional image is arranged at the insertion position determined by the arrangement determining unit 33 in the entire image represented by the composite image data P4.

  Under the control of the main control unit 10B, the print execution unit 50 forms a print image represented by the composite image data P4 on a recording medium different from the recording medium to be read by the imaging unit 21. .

  Next, the operation of the multifunction device 2 having the above configuration will be described below.

  The user places a composite image of the printed image PT on the sheet-like recording medium (read medium) St as shown in FIG. 2 and an additional image such as a page number on a recording medium different from the recording medium St. When the recording medium St is desired to be formed, the recording medium St is set in the imaging unit 21.

  The main control unit 10B executes control according to the flowchart of FIG. 3 except for the insertion printing process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the insertion printing process according to the present embodiment. The contents of steps S21, S22, S40, S50, S51, S69, S70, S71 in the flowchart of FIG. 20 are the contents of steps S21, S22, S40, S50, S51, S69, S70, S71 in the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After execution of step S71, the main control unit 10B executes print processing in cooperation with the composite image generation unit 40B (step S80B).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart schematically showing the procedure of the printing process (step S80B). Here, the content of the flowchart of FIG. 21 is the same as the content of the flowchart of FIG. 16 except for steps S84 and S85B.

  In the present embodiment, after the additional information is imaged in step S82, the image composition unit 43 transmits the digital image data P0 transferred from the data storage unit 23 and the additional image data generated by the additional image generation unit 41. Are combined with each other to generate combined image data P4 for printing (step S84). Then, the main control unit 10B controls the print execution unit 50 to form a print image represented by the composite image data P4 on the document (step S85B).

  Thereafter, when the printing process for all pages of the document has not been completed (NO in step S86), the additional image generation unit 41 updates the insertion data to execute the printing process for the document of the next page (step S86). S87). Thereafter, steps S82, S84, and S85B are executed. If it is determined that the printing process for all pages of the document has been completed (YES in step S86), the printing process ends.

  As described above, in the MFP 2 according to the third embodiment, the margin detection unit 31 detects the margin range of the read image represented by the read image data P1, as in the first embodiment. (Step S51 in FIG. 20), the arrangement determining unit 33 determines the insertion position of the additional image representing additional information such as the page number specified by the print setting information, based on the detected arrangement of the margin range. (Step S71 in FIG. 20). In the present embodiment, the image composition unit 43 generates composite image data (step S84 in FIG. 21), and the print execution unit 50 forms a print image represented by the composite image data on the recording medium (FIG. 21). Step S85B). Therefore, the non-blank area of the read image and the additional image can be easily printed on a recording medium different from the read medium St having the printed image without overlapping each other.

  As a result, the read medium St that is the original document can be stored as it is, so that even if an error occurs in the print setting process, the original document is not damaged, and the user can print again correctly. A setting process can be executed. There is also an advantage that printing of a plurality of copies can be executed with a single instruction.

  Although various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are examples of the present invention, and various forms other than the above can be adopted. For example, each of the first to third embodiments is the multi-function device 1 or 2, but is not limited to this, and any device other than the multi-function device having a function of reading an image from a document and a printing function. The present invention can be applied to.

  In the first to third embodiments, a character string image is assumed as the additional image. However, the character string image is not limited to the character string image, and the image representing additional information other than the character string is inserted. You may change the structure of Embodiment 1-3.

  Further, the configuration of the MFPs 1 and 2 may be changed so that the additional image data is read from an external storage medium (nonvolatile memory or the like) and used. For example, the configuration of the detail setting screen 130E in FIG. 10 can be changed so that the user can select or obtain additional image data stored in an external storage medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Multi-function device (image forming apparatus) 10, 10B Main control part, 11 Operation panel, 12 Operation input part, 13 Display part, 14 Data storage part, 20, 20B Image reading part, 21 Imaging part, 211 Image sensor , 212 image processing unit, 22 read image generation unit, 23 data storage unit, 30 image area determination unit, 31 margin detection unit, 32 image size setting unit, 33 arrangement determination unit, 40 insertion image generation unit, 40B composite image generation unit 41 additional image generation unit, 42 image arrangement unit, 43 image composition unit, 50 print execution unit.

Claims (13)

An operation input unit for receiving print setting information input by a user;
A read image generation unit that generates read image data based on original image data read from a formation area of a printed image on at least one recording medium and a margin other than the formation area;
A margin detection unit for detecting a margin range of the read image represented by the read image data;
An arrangement determining unit that determines an insertion position of an additional image representing additional information specified by the print setting information based on the arrangement of the margin range;
An insertion image generation unit for generating insertion image data including the additional image arranged at the insertion position;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print execution unit that forms a print image represented by the inserted image data on the recording medium. An operation input unit for receiving print setting information input by a user;
A read image generation unit that generates read image data based on original image data read from a formation region of a printed image on at least one read medium and a blank space other than the formation region;
A margin detection unit for detecting a margin range of the read image represented by the read image data;
An arrangement determining unit that determines an insertion position of an additional image representing additional information specified by the print setting information based on the arrangement of the margin range;
An image composition unit that composes data representing the additional image having the insertion position and the original image data to generate composite image data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print execution unit that forms a print image represented by the composite image data on a recording medium.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the read image generation unit converts the original image data into binarized image data, and generates the read image data from the binarized image data. An image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the read image generation unit extracts a local image including a blank image region from the binarized image data, and sets image data representing the local image as the read image data. Output as an image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the binarized image data is data representing a plurality of page images, the read image generation unit generates a blank image from each of the plurality of page images. A local image including a region is extracted, a logical sum operation is performed on the plurality of local images extracted from the plurality of page images, and a logical sum image is generated. Image data representing the logical sum image is read. An image forming apparatus that outputs the image data.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the margin detection unit detects a common range that forms a margin in all of the plurality of page images as the margin range, and the insertion position is determined within the margin range. An image forming apparatus characterized by determining.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the margin detection unit performs a logical sum operation on a plurality of line images constituting the logical sum image to generate a logical sum line, and the logical sum line. And detecting the common range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image size setting unit that sets an image size of the additional image based on a size of the margin range.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the arrangement determining unit determines the insertion position based on the set image size in addition to the arrangement of the margin range. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The print setting information includes information for specifying a margin target range,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the arrangement determining unit limits the insertion position to the margin target range.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the print setting information includes a set of an upper limit value and a lower limit value that define the margin target range.   11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit configured to image-scan the surface of the recording medium and output an image signal representing the original image data. An image forming apparatus. An image formation control method using print setting information input by a user.
Generating read image data based on original image data read from a formation region of a printed image on at least one recording medium and a margin other than the formation region;
Detecting a margin range of a read image represented by the read image data;
Determining an insertion position of an additional image representing additional information specified by the print setting information based on the arrangement of the margin range;
Generating insertion image data including the additional image arranged at the insertion position;
And a step of forming a print image represented by the insertion image data on the recording medium. An image formation control method using print setting information input by a user.
Generating read image data based on original image data read from a formation area of a printed image on at least one read medium and a blank area other than the formation area;
Detecting a margin range of a read image represented by the read image data;
Determining an insertion position of an additional image representing additional information specified by the print setting information based on the arrangement of the margin range;
Combining the data representing the additional image having the insertion position and the original image data with each other to generate composite image data;
Forming a print image represented by the composite image data on a recording medium.

Images