JP2015213236A - Image processing device, image forming apparatus, image processing method and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of printing an image that is instructed to be printed, with high reproducibility on a paper sheet together with document data when printing the document data on the paper sheet while changing the magnification factor thereof.SOLUTION: When document data are acquired (#31), the image processing device encodes the document data and when a code is acquired as one example of an image to be printed with the document data on a paper sheet (#32), the image processing device sets a printing magnification factor of the image data at a first magnification factor in accordance with an instruction (#33). In the case where any other magnification factor than 1 is set as the first magnification factor, the image processing device sets the printing magnification factor of the code at a second magnification factor that is a magnification factor closer to 1 than the first magnification factor, in accordance with the first magnification factor (#33). The image processing device generates a print job by arranging the document data as the first magnification factor and the code as the second magnification factor at specified positions on the paper sheet (#35).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program for performing processing for printing scan data on a sheet. .

  When printing scan data on a sheet using an image forming apparatus having a printing function such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral), a predetermined image may be printed together with the sheet.

  As a first example, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-54594 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), in order to detect falsification of the print content on the printed paper, the original document is used together with the original data. There is a technique for printing an image uniquely corresponding to data contents on the paper. Examples of the image include an image (for example, a two-dimensional bar code) obtained by coding original data using a specific conversion formula.

  As a second example, there is a technique for printing on the paper an image representing the address of a memory in which the original data is stored together with the original data.

JP 2004-54594 A JP 2007-323632 A JP 2010-191944 A

  One of the printing methods is a method of printing by changing the magnification of the document data. In other words, there are methods of reducing the size of document data and printing on a paper smaller than the original document size, or increasing the size of document data and printing on a paper larger than the original document size. In order to print on paper at a set magnification, when the original data and the image data are arranged and then changed to the set magnification, the image size is also changed according to the set magnification. For this reason, the image on the printing paper is too small to reproduce the details (crushed), or too large to lose the border edges (blurred). Sometimes). In other words, depending on the set magnification, there is a problem in that an image may not be properly reproduced on printed paper.

  One example of how the printed paper is used is to scan the printed paper with a scanner. In the case of the first example described above, an image created from the printed content obtained by scanning the printed paper is compared with the image obtained by scanning the paper. It is possible to confirm whether the print content has been tampered with. In the case of the second example, it is possible to specify the position of the memory in which the document data is stored from the image obtained by scanning the sheet and acquire the document data.

  In particular, when printed paper is used in this way, if the image is also printed with the magnification changed according to the change in the magnification of the document data, the image is not scanned properly and the subsequent processing is not performed. There arises a problem that accuracy decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and when printing on a sheet by changing the magnification of the document data, the image instructed to be printed together with the document data is printed on the sheet with high reproducibility. An image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus is capable of image processing for printing original data on paper, and for acquiring an image to be printed on the paper together with original data. When the acquisition unit, the first setting unit for setting the print magnification of the document data to the first magnification, and a magnification other than 1 are set as the first magnification, the print magnification of the image is set to the first The second setting means for setting the second magnification according to the magnification of the document, the document data as the first magnification, the image as the second magnification, and the document data and the image are defined on the paper, respectively. An image processing unit arranged at a position for generating a print job, and the second setting unit sets a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification as the second magnification.

  Preferably, the second setting means includes determination means for determining whether or not the first magnification is a value within a range defined from 1, and the first magnification is within a range defined from 1. If the value is not within the range, a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set as the second magnification.

  Preferably, the image represents an image representing the content of the document data acquired by applying a relational expression stored in advance to the document data in the obtaining means, or a storage destination of the image representing the content of the document data. It is an image.

More preferably, the image further includes information representing the first magnification.
Preferably, the image processing apparatus applies the relational expression to the input unit for receiving the input of the scan data, and the document data read from the scan data when the image is included in the specified position of the scan data. And detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of falsification in the document data based on the image obtained in this way and the image included in the scan data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the above-described image processing apparatus.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image processing method is a method of printing document data on a sheet, the step of obtaining an image to be printed together with the document data on the sheet, and a print magnification of the document data as a first magnification. A step of setting the image print magnification to a second magnification in accordance with the first magnification when the magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification; Generating a print job by placing the original data and the image at prescribed positions on the paper, and setting the second magnification, the step of setting the second magnification, As the magnification of 2, a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image processing program is a program for causing a computer to execute image processing for printing original data on paper, and the program is an image to be printed on a paper together with original data on a paper. , A step of setting the print magnification of the document data to the first magnification, and when a magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification, the print magnification of the image is set according to the first magnification. And setting the second magnification, the original data as the first magnification, the image as the second magnification, and the original data and the image are arranged at specified positions on the paper to generate a print job. In the step of executing the step and setting the second magnification, a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set as the second magnification.

  According to the present invention, when the document data and the image are printed on the printing paper, the image can be printed on the paper with high reproducibility even when the magnification of the document data is changed.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the image processing system (henceforth a system) concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example (A) of the apparatus structure of MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) included in a system, and the specific example (B) of the apparatus structure of PC (personal computer) included in a system. It is a figure showing the flow of operation | movement until a manuscript is printed and printed matter is obtained. It is a figure showing the specific example of the code | cord | chord. It is a figure showing an example of printed matter. It is a figure showing the flow of operation | movement until it detects falsification from printed matter. It is a figure showing the example of presentation of falsification. It is a figure showing the operation | movement outline | summary in a system. It is a figure showing an example of printed matter. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a printing operation in the MFP. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an alteration detection operation by the MFP.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of an image processing system (hereinafter, system) according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, this system includes an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 100 as an example of an image forming apparatus, a PC (Personal Computer) 200 connected to MFP 100 via a network, a server 300, and a scanner 400. including.

  The MFP 100 scans document data to be printed by scanning with the scanner 14 (FIG. 2A) mounted on the MFP 100 or by receiving input of document data from the PC 200 or the scanner 400 via the network. get. Then, MFP 100 arranges and prints the original data on the printing paper in accordance with an instruction from operation panel 16 (FIG. 2A) or PC 200.

<Device configuration>
Each device included in the system may be a general device. As an example, FIG. 2A illustrates a specific example of a general MFP apparatus configuration as the apparatus configuration of the MFP 100, and FIG. 2B illustrates a specific example of a general PC apparatus configuration as the apparatus configuration of the PC 200.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 that is a memory for storing a program executed by CPU 10. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 which is a memory for storing a calculation value when the CPU 10 executes a program and serving as a work area, and a large-capacity storage device for storing image data and the like. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13 that is an example, a scanner 14, a printer 15, an operation panel 16, and a network controller 17 are included.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, the PC 200 is a memory for storing a CPU 20 for controlling the entire apparatus and for storing a calculation value when the CPU 20 executes a program and serving as a work area. The RAM 22 includes an HDD 23 which is an example of a large-capacity storage device for storing various information, an input device 24 such as a keyboard, a display 25, and a network controller 26.

<Explanation of issues>
In some cases, a document and an image related to the document are printed on a printing sheet. As an example, there is a case where an original and an image (hereinafter, also referred to as a code) obtained by encoding the content of the original are printed. The printed material is scanned to read both the original and the image. The difference between the original document and the document read from the printed material is compared by comparing the code obtained by applying the same method as described above to the read document and the code read from the printed material. Can be obtained. This difference can be said to be an alteration to the original document. For this reason, this technique is used to detect falsification of a document. A case where the above-described document alteration is detected using this system will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of operations from printing a document to obtaining a printed matter. Referring to FIG. 3, first, MFP 100 accepts input of document data to be printed (step # 11). The document data may be input by scanning a document set on a document table (not shown) according to a user operation on the operation panel 16 with the scanner 14. The document data may be input from the PC 200 via a network.

  MFP 100 encodes the document data to obtain a code (step # 12). There are various encoding methods. MFP 100 stores in advance a calculation formula according to a coding method employed by itself, and obtains a code by applying the calculation formula to the document data. Here, the code refers to an image representing the content of the document, and examples thereof include a two-dimensional barcode and a QR code (registered trademark).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the code. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the code is a two-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional color barcode. A method for creating such a code in MFP 100 is not limited to a specific method, and a well-known method can be employed.

  MFP 100 prints the document data and code on the printing paper (step # 13). MFP 100 places the code at a specified position on the printing paper. As an example, the MFP 100 arranges a code on the back surface of the printing paper. In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the FMP 100 has the first page of the document as the first sheet, the code of the first page of the document as the second sheet, the second page of the document as the third sheet, A print job including image data in which the code of the second page of the document is arranged in order of the fourth sheet,... Is generated, and duplex printing is executed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed material. The example of FIG. 5 shows a specific example when printing is performed according to the above example. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, a page with a document is printed on the front surface of the printing paper (FIG. 5A), and the code obtained from the page is printed on the back surface of the printing paper (FIG. 5B). Is printed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of operations from the printed matter until tampering is detected. Referring to FIG. 6, first, MFP 100 scans a target document (step # 21) to obtain scan data. MFP 100 stores in advance in memory the position where the content of the original in the scan data is represented and the position where the code is represented. In the case of the above example, the document data is printed on the front side of the document, and the code is printed on the back side. Therefore, when the original is scanned, the scan data on the front side includes the contents of the original and the back side includes a code. That is, MFP 100 can acquire the content of the original from the scan data on the front side, and can obtain the code from the scan data on the back side.

  Next, the MFP 100 encodes the content of the document obtained from the front-side scan data by the same method as in Step # 12 in FIG. 3 to obtain a code (Step # 22). Then, MFP 100 compares the code obtained from the scan data on the front side with the code obtained from the scan data on the back side (step # 23), and detects falsification (step # 24). In other words, if there is a portion of the code obtained from the scan data on the front side that is different from the code obtained from the scan data on the back side, the MFP 100 scans the code of the original represented by the scan data on the front side. It is possible to specify that the portion represented by the difference is a portion that has been falsified from the previous document.

  When MFP 100 detects a falsified portion of the scan data, it presents the falsification (step # 25). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of falsification presentation. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the above-described detection operation is performed by scanning the printed matter of FIG. That is, referring to FIG. 7, as an example, MFP 100 displays a falsified portion from the previous document in a display mode different from other portions. For example, a display mode in which the frame is surrounded by a frame or the display color or display density is different from other portions can be used.

  As described above, in the present system, when document data is printed, an image (a code in the above example) related to the document data is printed together with the document data at a predetermined position on the printing paper. As an example, the printed material on which the document data and the image are printed is scanned by the scanner 14 as described above, and is used for detection of falsification. For this reason, the image related to the document data described in the code as an example needs to be printed appropriately. In the above example, it is assumed that the image is used for detection of falsification. For example, it is conceivable to print an address of a memory in which document data is stored together with the document data as an image. Even in such a case, that is, when the document is not scanned and used, it is printed appropriately so that the user who wants to obtain the document data can acquire the document data by reading the address from the printed matter. It is hoped that

  However, the magnification of the document data may be changed during printing. For example, in accordance with a user operation, MFP 100 prints the document data at a reduced size or at an enlarged size. In this case, when MFP 100 performs printing in the operation of FIG. 3, the code magnification is also changed at the magnification specified for the document data.

  When the magnification of the image exemplified by the code is changed, the reproducibility may be lowered, for example, the thin line is not properly reproduced. For example, when the image to be printed together with the document data is a two-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional color barcode obtained from the document data as shown in FIG. 4, when the magnification is reduced (that is, reduced). ) In some cases, the boundary lines of cells that are small areas are not reproduced in the toner image. Conversely, when the image is enlarged, the cell may be distorted. That is, depending on the printing performance of the MFP 100, the code (image) may not be properly reproduced on the printed matter.

  Therefore, it may be difficult to read the code on the printed matter. In particular, in the case of this example, the code in the printed material is used for detecting the alteration of the document included in the printed material, and therefore, there is a problem that the detection accuracy of the alteration is impaired when the code is not properly scanned. is there. In order to deal with this problem, when an instruction to change the magnification of document data is given, a method of generating and placing a code after placing the document at the designated magnification first is also conceivable. . In this way, the code size can be printed without being changed in accordance with the change in the document data size. However, when printing is performed by this method, a printing instruction is given, and a code is created after the original data is arranged at the designated magnification. Therefore, it takes a long time to complete printing.

<Overview of operation>
The system according to the present embodiment performs an operation for solving the above problems. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of operation in the system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the flow of operations in this system from printing an original to obtaining a printed matter.

  Referring to FIG. 8, first, MFP 100 accepts input of document data to be printed (step # 31). The acquisition of document data is the same as the operation in step # 11 of FIG. 3, which is represented as a conventional operation. MFP 100 encodes the document data to obtain a code (step # 32). The encoding operation is also the same as the operation in step # 12 of FIG.

  Here, MFP 100 accepts the magnification of the document data by a user operation or the like on operation panel 16, and sets the magnification of the document data according to the user operation (step # 33). This magnification may be calculated by MFP 100 by accepting designation of the size of the paper to be output, for example. In the following description, the magnification set for the document data in step # 33 is also referred to as a first magnification.

  When a magnification other than 1 is set as the document data magnification, MFP 100 sets the code magnification in accordance with the document data magnification (step # 34). In the following description, the magnification set for the code in step # 34 is also referred to as a second magnification. The second magnification is a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification, that is, a magnification close to the same magnification. In other words, even when the magnification that is different from 1 as the first magnification, that is, when the magnification of the document data is changed, the MFP 100 has a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification as the second magnification, that is, the code. Is the same magnification or a magnification close to the same magnification.

  The MFP 100 prints the document data and the code on the printing paper at the set magnifications (first magnification and second magnification) (step # 35). In other words, in the above example, the FMP 100 sets the first page of the document to the first page at the first magnification, the first page code of the document to the second page at the second magnification, and the second page of the document to the first page. A print job including image data arranged in order of the third sheet at the magnification of, the code of the second page of the document at the second sheet at the second magnification, and so on is generated, and duplex printing is executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed material. The example of FIG. 9 corresponds to the example of FIG. 5 and represents an example of a printed matter in the MFP 100 that has performed the above operation when the magnification of the document data in the example of FIG. 5 is reduced. . Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, a page with a document on the surface (FIG. 9A) of a printing paper having a size smaller than that of FIG. 5 has a magnification (first magnification) corresponding to the size of the printing paper. The code obtained from the page on the back side of the printing paper (FIG. 9B) is the same magnification, or at least a magnification that is closer to the same magnification as the first magnification (second magnification). ) Is printed.

  Preferably, MFP 100 uses the first magnification as the second magnification when the first magnification is not a value within the range defined from 1, that is, when the magnification of the document data is changed to a predetermined value or more. Also set a magnification close to 1. As described above, the FMP 100 sets the second magnification for the image because the reproducibility of the image decreases when the first magnification is applied to the image (code). Therefore, as long as the first magnification is a magnification that does not reduce the reproducibility of the image, the same magnification (first magnification) as that of the document data may be applied to the image (code). . Therefore, the MFP 100 preliminarily defines a range of magnification that does not reduce image reproducibility, and if the first magnification set according to the user operation is within the above range, the second magnification is set according to the first magnification. The first magnification is applied to the code without setting. In this case, MFP 100 changes the magnification (first magnification) for the image obtained by arranging the original document data and code (step # 13) shown in FIG. Will be printed. Thereby, the process which sets a 2nd magnification can be skipped, and the whole process can be made easy.

  In addition, said range may be prescribed | regulated for every user. Further, it may be defined by the type of image printed together with the document data. In this case, MFP 100 specifies a range to be applied according to the type of image printed together with the logged-in user and the document data.

  On the other hand, if the set first magnification is not within the above range, the reproducibility of the code is reduced when the magnification is applied, so MFP 100 sets a second magnification separately.

  Preferably, the above range is defined according to the printing performance of MFP 100. That is, the above range may be wide when the printing performance of the MFP 100 is high and the reproducibility of thin lines is high, and may be narrow when the printing performance is low. Thereby, when the printing performance of MFP 100 is high, the possibility that the first magnification can be applied to the image (code) can be increased, and the entire processing can be facilitated.

  More preferably, when the MFP 100 generates a code and prints it at a specified position on the printing paper, if there is no margin for printing the code at that position, the MFP 100 stores the code in the memory. Then, MFP 100 prints an image (for example, an address) representing the storage location at the position on the printing paper.

  In the above description and the example of FIG. 9, the case where the document data is reduced as a change in the magnification is described. However, the same applies to the case of enlargement.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of MFP 100 for MFP 100 to perform the above-described operation. Each function of FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 reading a program stored in the ROM 11 onto the RAM 12 and executing it. Note that at least a part of the functions may be realized by another device configuration shown in FIG. 2A or another hardware configuration such as an electric circuit (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 10, HDD 13, which is an example of a memory, is a storage area for storing a threshold value used to determine whether or not to set the second magnification according to the first magnification. A threshold storage unit 131 is included. This threshold is a value that defines the above range.

  Further, referring to FIG. 10, CPU 10 has a document input unit 101 for receiving input of document data to be printed on printing paper, and a code for obtaining a code as an example of an image to be printed on printing paper together with document data. An acquisition unit 102; a first setting unit 103 for setting the print magnification of the document data to the first magnification; a second setting unit 104 for setting the print magnification of the code to the second magnification; Is a first magnification, a code is a second magnification, and an image processing unit 105 for generating a print job by arranging document data and a code at specified positions (for example, the front and back sides) of a sheet, respectively. including.

  The document data may be obtained as scan data from the scanner 14 or may be obtained from another device via the network controller 17.

  For example, the code acquisition unit 102 applies a relational expression stored in advance to the document data, thereby generating a code that is an example of an image representing the content of the document data. The image is not limited to a code. Furthermore, the image is not limited to an image created from document data. For example, it may be an image (including a character string) indicating an address of a memory storing manuscript data, or an image (including a character string) indicating an address of a memory storing a code. Good. In addition, an image (such as a “confidential” mark) added to the document data separately from the document by the creator of the document may be used. In this case, the code acquisition unit 102 acquires an image by reading the image from a designated memory according to information input together with the document data, an attribute of the document data, and a user operation. Preferably, the code acquisition unit 102 further encodes the first magnification set by the first setting unit 103.

  The first setting unit 103 sets the magnification of the document data to the first magnification in accordance with a user operation on the operation panel 16 or a print instruction input from another device via the network controller 17. As described above, when the size of the printing paper is designated, the first setting unit 103 calculates the first magnification based on the ratio with the size of the document data.

  The second setting unit 104 sets the code printing magnification to the second magnification according to the first magnification when a magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification. Preferably, the second setting unit 104 sets 1 as the second magnification, that is, equal magnification. Specifically, the second setting unit 104 sets a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification as the second magnification. Preferably, the second setting unit 104 reads the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 131, and determines whether or not the first magnification is a value within the range defined by the threshold value from 1. A determination unit 106 for determining whether or not. Then, the second setting unit 104 sets the second magnification when the first magnification is not within the specified range from 1, that is, when the difference from 1 of the first magnification exceeds the threshold. Is set to a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification.

  The printed matter including the document data and the image by the MFP 100 can be used to detect falsification of the document as described above. Therefore, MFP 100 may further include a function for detecting tampering. That is, referring to FIG. 10, CPU 10 of MFP 100 includes a detection unit 107 for detecting the presence / absence of tampering and a presenting unit 108 for presenting the detected location of tampering.

  When a code (image) is included in a predetermined position such as the back side of the scan data received by the document input unit 101 from the scanner 14, the code acquisition unit 102 performs the above process on the document data read from the scan data. Apply the relational expression to get the code that is an image. Then, the detection unit 107 detects the presence or absence of falsification in the document data by comparing the code acquired by the code acquisition unit 102 with the code included in the scan data.

  The above is an example of a function for detecting tampering. Therefore, the function for detecting tampering is not limited to the above function. As another example, for example, when a code (image) is included at a predetermined position, the detection unit 107 uses a relational expression that has an inverse matrix relationship with the above relational expression with respect to the code included in the scan data. Application may generate document data, and detect the presence or absence of tampering by comparing with document included in scan data.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the printing operation in MFP 100. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 reading out and executing the program stored in the ROM 11 on the RAM 12 to exhibit the functions of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 10 receives input of document data (step S101), encodes the document data, and obtains a code as an example of an image to be printed on printing paper together with the document data (step S103). .

  If there is no user instruction to change the printing magnification for the document data (other than 1) (NO in step S105), the CPU 10 defines the printing paper as the same magnification (magnification = 1) for both the document and the code. A print job including the image data arranged at the position (for example, the front surface or the back surface) is generated (step S109), and printing is executed (step S115).

  When a user instruction to change the printing magnification for the document data (other than 1) is received (YES in step S105), the CPU 10 sets the magnification of the document data to the designated first magnification (step S110). , Equal magnification (magnification = 1), or a second magnification (magnification≈1) closer to 1 than the first magnification is set for the code (step S111).

  Preferably, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the first magnification designated by the user instruction is within a predetermined range from 1, that is, whether or not the change in the magnification of the document data is larger than the threshold value. If the change in the magnification of the document data is larger than the threshold value, that is, if the first magnification exceeds the above range (NO in step S107), the first magnification that is instructed for the magnification of the document data. (Step S110), the same magnification (1), or a second magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set for the code (step S111).

  Then, the CPU 10 generates a print job including image data arranged at specified positions (for example, the front surface and the back surface) of the printing paper with the original as the first magnification and the code as the second magnification (step S113). Printing is executed (step S115).

  As an example, the MFP 100 detects the current tampering using the printed matter printed in the operation of FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an alteration detection operation by MFP 100. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is also realized by the CPU 10 of the MFP 100 reading out and executing the program stored in the ROM 11 on the RAM 12 to exhibit the functions shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12, CPU 10 accepts input of document scan data (step S201). The CPU 10 analyzes the scan data, and for example, if a defined image such as a code exists at a defined position such as the back side of the document (YES in step S203), the document read from the scan data is encoded. (Step S211), a code which is an example of an image is obtained. Then, the CPU 10 compares the code, which is an image obtained from the scanned image of the document, with the calculated code (step S213), performs a display as shown in FIG. 7, for example, and falsification shown in the comparison result Is output (step S215).

  Preferably, the code which is an example of the image included in the scan data includes a magnification set in the document data. Therefore, the CPU 10 reads the magnification (first magnification) of the document data from the code (step S205). This magnification may be the size of the original document data. In this case, the CPU 10 can specify the magnification from the size of the original paper that is the scan target obtained from the scan data and the size of the original original data read from the code.

  If the first magnification is a value within the specified range from 1 (YES in step S207), the CPU 10 encodes the original data obtained from the scan data as it is. On the other hand, when the first magnification is a value exceeding 1 from 1 above, that is, when the magnification has been changed more than specified (NO in step S207), the CPU 10 reads the document obtained from the scan data. After the data size is changed according to the first magnification (step S209), the data is encoded.

<Effect of Embodiment>
When MFP 100 according to the present embodiment performs the above-described printing operation, MFP 100 changes when the magnification of the document data is changed or more than specified, as shown by the comparison between FIG. 5 and FIG. In this case, the magnification of the image (in this example, the code) to be printed on the printing paper together with the document data is set to the same magnification or a magnification close to the same magnification without changing together with the document data. Are respectively printed at specified positions on the printing paper. Therefore, an image such as a code does not become too large or too small in accordance with the change in the size of the document data, and the reproducibility does not deteriorate. Therefore, even when the magnification of the document data is changed, it is possible to ensure the visibility of an image such as a code printed on the printed material together with the document data. In particular, as described above, when scan data obtained by scanning the printed matter is used for processing such as tampering detection, the processing accuracy can be improved. When the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment further performs the falsification detection process described above as an example, a code can be generated with high accuracy, and the falsification detection accuracy can be improved.

  Further, in MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, in order to set the magnification between the document data and the code, respectively, the encoding process (step # 32) is executed when the input of the document data to be printed is received. I can leave. When an instruction for magnification is received, the respective magnifications are set and arranged, and printing can be started by a printing instruction. Therefore, in MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required to complete printing, as compared with the above-described processing for placing an original and generating a code after the magnification is set. That is, MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can provide a printed matter quickly.

<Other example 1>
In the above example, MFP 100 accepts input of document data, generates a print job, and prints it. However, in the present system having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, any apparatus may perform any process until the print job is generated. For example, the PC 200 may create document data with installed software and perform the operations from steps S101 to S113 in FIG. Then, the PC 200 may output the generated print job to the MFP 100 so that the MFP 100 executes printing. In other words, any of the apparatuses included in the present system shown in FIG. 1 can be said to be an image processing apparatus that can perform image processing until a print job is generated.

  Similarly, the above-described processing for detecting falsification as an example of processing using printed matter may be performed by an apparatus other than MFP 100. For example, the PC 200 may acquire scan data from the MFP 100 or the scanner 400 and perform the operation of FIG.

  Of course, the other apparatus is not limited to the PC 200 but may be the server 300 or the scanner 400.

  In this case, each function shown in FIG. 10 is realized by a CPU of a device that executes processing. For example, when executed in the PC 200 as described above, the CPU 20 of the PC 200 reads out the program stored in the ROM 21 onto the RAM 22 and executes it, thereby realizing each function of FIG.

<Other example 2>
The system may include a plurality of MFPs. In this case, preferably, a threshold value for determining whether or not the first magnification is a value within a range defined from 1 is defined for each MFP and stored in the memory. Thus, the apparatus that performs the operation of FIG. 11 can read and set the threshold value corresponding to the MFP to be printed from the memory.

<Other example 3>
Further, it is possible to provide a program for causing an image processing apparatus such as CPU 20 of MFP 100 or CPU 20 of PC 200 to execute the above-described operation. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. You can also. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  A program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that executes necessary processes by calling necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10,20 CPU, 11,21 ROM, 12,22 RAM, 13,23 HDD, 14,400 scanner, 15 printer, 16 operation panel, 17, 26 network controller, 24 input device, 25 display, 100 MFP, 101 manuscript Input unit, 102 code acquisition unit, 103 first setting unit, 104 second setting unit, 105 image processing unit, 106 determination unit, 107 detection unit, 108 presentation unit, 131 threshold storage unit, 200 PC, 300 server.

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus capable of image processing for printing original data on paper,
An acquisition means for acquiring an image to be printed together with the original data on the paper;
First setting means for setting a print magnification of the document data to a first magnification;
A second setting means for setting a print magnification of the image to a second magnification according to the first magnification when a magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification;
Image processing for generating a print job by arranging the document data and the image at specified positions on the sheet, with the document data as the first magnification and the image as the second magnification. Means and
The image processing apparatus, wherein the second setting unit sets a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification as the second magnification.   The second setting means includes determination means for determining whether or not the first magnification is a value within a range defined from 1, wherein the first magnification is from 1 to the specified The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the value is not within a range, a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set as the second magnification.   The image is an image representing the content of the document data acquired by applying a relational expression stored in advance to the document data in the obtaining unit, or a storage destination of an image representing the content of the document data The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image representing   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image further includes information representing the first magnification. Input means for receiving scan data input;
Based on the image obtained by applying the relational expression to document data read from the scan data and the image included in the scan data when the scan data includes an image at a specified position. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising detection means for detecting presence or absence of falsification in the document data.   An image forming apparatus equipped with the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing method for printing manuscript data on paper,
Obtaining an image to be printed together with the original data on the paper;
Setting a print magnification of the document data to a first magnification;
When a magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification, a printing magnification of the image is set to a second magnification according to the first magnification;
A step of generating a print job by arranging the document data and the image at specified positions on the paper, with the document data as the first magnification and the image as the second magnification, respectively. ,
The step of setting to the second magnification is an image processing method in which a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification is set as the second magnification. A program for causing a computer to execute image processing for printing original data on paper,
The program is stored in the computer.
Obtaining an image to be printed together with the original data on the paper;
Setting a print magnification of the document data to a first magnification;
When a magnification other than 1 is set as the first magnification, a printing magnification of the image is set to a second magnification according to the first magnification;
Executing the step of generating a print job by placing the document data and the image at specified positions on the paper, with the document data as the first magnification and the image as the second magnification, respectively. Let
The image processing program for setting the second magnification to set a magnification closer to 1 than the first magnification as the second magnification.

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