JP2016032233A - Image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can improve convenience of a user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: an acquisition part that acquires print data including image data and additional information; an image forming part that forms images on a print medium having a first surface and a second surface on the basis of the print data acquired from the acquisition part; and a control part that controls the image forming part. The control part controls the image forming part so that a first image that is an image based on the image data is formed on the first surface of the print medium, and a second image that is an image based on the additional information is formed on the second surface of the print medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on print data including image data and accompanying information, and an information processing apparatus applied to such an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on print data including image data and accompanying information has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of such an image forming apparatus that uses medical image data (DICOM data) defined by DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standards.

JP 2002-190937 A

  Incidentally, in such an image forming apparatus, it is generally desired to improve user convenience.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving user convenience and an information processing apparatus applied to such an image forming apparatus. There is.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires print data including image data and incidental information, and a print medium having a first surface and a second surface based on the print data acquired by the acquisition unit. And an image forming unit for forming an image and a control unit for controlling the image forming unit. The control unit forms a first image, which is an image based on the image data, on the first surface of the printing medium, and forms a second image, which is an image based on the supplementary information, on the second surface of the printing medium. The image forming unit is controlled as described above.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit that controls an image forming unit that forms an image on a print medium having a first surface and a second surface based on print data including image data and accompanying information. It is. The control unit forms a first image, which is an image based on the image data, on the first surface of the printing medium, and forms a second image, which is an image based on the supplementary information, on the second surface of the printing medium. The image forming unit is controlled as described above.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration example of a print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram showing the data structure example of the image data prescribed | regulated by the DICOM standard. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a detailed configuration example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an extraction TAG information setting screen. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an output medium setting screen. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image formation on a printing medium according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image formation on a printing medium according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a DICOM data print job generation unit according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example following FIG. 7A. It is a schematic diagram showing the example of image formation to the to-be-printed medium which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the other example of image formation to the to-be-printed medium which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first modification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration example of a print processing system according to modification example 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Embodiment (Example of Print Processing System Including Image Storage Communication System)
2. Modified Example Modified Example 1 (Example in which a DICOM data print job is output to another external image forming apparatus)
Modification 2 (an example of a print processing system not including an image storage communication system)
3. Other variations

<1. Embodiment>
[Schematic configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration example of a print processing system (print processing system 5) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The print processing system 5 of the present embodiment is a system to which the DICOM standard is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the modality device 1 (medical image equipment), the image storage communication system 2, the information processing device 3, and the image A forming apparatus 4 is provided. Also, the modality device 1, the image storage communication system 2, the information processing device 3, and the image forming device 4 are connected to each other via a network 50 using various existing communication technologies as shown in FIG. It is possible to send and receive various data. The network 50 may be a wired network or a wireless network.

(Modality device 1)
The modality device 1 is a device that generates and outputs DICOM data Dd, which is medical image data (digital image) defined by the DICOM standard, as imaging data, for example, by photographing a predetermined part of a patient. Examples of such a modality apparatus 1 include a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Here, the DICOM data Dd obtained in this way is, as shown in FIG. 1, image data Dda as an actual image (imaging data) and information accompanying (added) to the image data Dd. Additional information Ddb (for example, patient identification information, imaging part information, imaging date information, etc.) is included. The DICOM data Dd corresponds to a specific example of “print data” and “medical image data” in the present invention. A detailed data structure example of the DICOM data Dd will be described later (FIG. 2).

(Image storage communication system 2)
The image storage communication system 2 is a system called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one server 21 and a plurality (three in this example) of terminal devices 22 are provided. It is configured to include. The server 21 and each terminal device 22 are connected to each other via a network 20 as shown in FIG. The network 20 may also be a wired network or a wireless network.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the server 21 is a device for acquiring the DICOM data Dd output from the modality device 1, storing it in a database, and storing and managing it. Each terminal device 22 is a device for making various requests to the server 21. Thereby, in the image storage communication system 2, for example, in response to a request from the terminal device 22, the desired DICOM data Dd is called from the server 21 and displayed on the display unit in the terminal device 22, or as shown in FIG. The DICOM data Dd can be supplied to the image forming apparatus 4 as necessary.

  The information processing apparatus 3 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) used for normal OA (Office Automation) applications. Such an information processing apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 4 is supplied with a normal print job Js corresponding to output results from various OA software, an output screen of a predetermined website, and the like. ing. The normal print job Js is generated by a printer driver in the information processing apparatus 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 3 includes a display unit 30 configured using, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or the like. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 4 has a storage device 41 for storing (holding) predetermined information, which will be described later, and an image for forming an image on a printing medium 9 (recording medium), which will be described later. The image forming unit 46 includes a forming unit 46 and a DICOM data print job generating unit 45 having a function of controlling the operation of the image forming unit 46. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 4 is supplied with DICOM data Dd directly from the modality apparatus 1 or indirectly via the image storage communication system 2 as described above. It has become. The image forming apparatus 4 corresponds to a specific example of “image forming apparatus” in the present invention. The detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 4 will be described later (FIG. 3).

[Data structure of DICOM data Dd]
Next, an example of the data structure of the above-described DICOM data Dd will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the data structure of the DICOM data Dd. As shown in FIG. 2, the DICOM data Dd includes a plurality of continuous Data Elements 6. In other words, the DICOM data Dd consists of an aggregate of a plurality of Data Elements 6. Each Data Element 6 is configured such that TAG 61, VR (Value Representations) 62, Value Length 63, and Value 64 are arranged in this order as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the TAG 61 includes Group No 611 and Element No 612. Group No 611 indicates what (what kind of information) the data element 6 including itself relates to. Element No. 612 is used for identification within a group. Based on the combination of the values of Group No. 611 and Element No. 612, what kind of information the relevant Data Element 6 relates to is determined in the entire information of the TAG 61.

  Specifically, for example, when Group No 611 = “0010” and Element No 612 = “0010”, the corresponding Data Element 6 relates to information on the patient name (Patient Name) in the entire TAG 61 information. Is shown. Further, for example, when Group No 611 = “7fe0” and Element No 612 = “0010”, this indicates that the corresponding Data Element 6 is information related to the pixel data of the image in the entire TAG 61 information.

  The VR 62 indicates the data type in the Data Element 6 including itself. Examples of the data type include various types such as date, time, binary, number, and character. The VR 62 can be omitted in the DICOM standard, and the presence or absence is determined when the DICOM data Dd is received.

  Value Length 63 indicates the data length (data length) in the Data Element 6 including itself.

  Value 64 indicates the data itself (value) in the Data Element 6 including itself.

[Detailed Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 4]
Next, a detailed configuration example of the above-described image forming apparatus 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows a detailed configuration example of the image forming apparatus 4 in a block diagram. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 4 includes an operation panel 40, a storage device 41, an extracted TAG information setting unit 42a, an output medium setting unit 42b, a normal print job receiving unit 43a, a DICOM data receiving unit 43b, and a detecting unit. 44, a DICOM data print job generation unit 45 and an image forming unit 46.

  The operation panel 40 has a function (operation input function) that generates an operation signal in response to an operation by the user of the image forming apparatus 4 and supplies the operation signal to the display control unit. The operation panel 40 has a function (image display function) for displaying various setting screens in accordance with display control by the display control unit. Such an operation panel 40 is configured using, for example, touch panels of various methods. Examples of such a touch panel include a touch panel using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

  The storage device 41 is a device for storing information such as the extracted TAG information 41a and the medium setting information 41b as shown in FIG. The storage device 41 is configured using various storage devices such as a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a semiconductor storage device. The contents of the extracted TAG information 41a and the medium setting information 41b will be described in detail below.

(Extraction TAG information setting unit 42a)
The extracted TAG information setting unit 42a presets information related to the TAG 61 to be automatically extracted from the DICOM data Dd received by the DICOM data receiving unit 43b described later as the extracted TAG information 41a. It has a function to hold in. Such pre-setting of the extracted TAG information 41a is, for example, a setting screen (hereinafter described) displayed on the above-described operation panel 40 in the image forming apparatus 4 or the above-described display unit 30 in the information processing apparatus 3. The extracted TAG information setting screen 71) is used. When the setting screen on the display unit 30 is used, the image forming apparatus 4 is equipped with a Web server function, and the setting screen is displayed on the display unit 30 using the Web browser in the information processing apparatus 3. It has come to be.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the extraction TAG information setting screen 71 described above. The extracted TAG information setting screen 71 includes an extracted TAG information input unit 711, an extracted TAG information list 712, an ADD button 713, a Delete button 714, a Font Size setting unit 715, and a Font Color setting unit 716, as shown in FIG. And a Set button 717 are respectively displayed.

  In this example, the extracted TAG information input unit 711 is arranged in the upper left area in the extracted TAG information setting screen 71 as shown in FIG. The extracted TAG information input unit 711 is provided with a Group No input unit 711a and an Element No input unit 711b, which are parts for individually inputting the values of Group No 611 and Element No 612 constituting the TAG 61 described above. .

  The extracted TAG information list 712 is a part in which the extracted TAG information 41a input from the extracted TAG information input unit 711 is listed and displayed. In this example, as shown in FIG. Located in the right area. This extracted TAG information list 712 is defined by a combination of values of Group No display unit 712a and Element No display unit 712b, and values of Group No 611 and Element No 612, which are parts for individually displaying the values of Group No 611 and Element No 612. Description 712c indicating the contents of the TAG 61 (attribute name conforming to the DICOM standard) is displayed.

  Specifically, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, when Group No 611 = “0008” and Element No 612 = “0020”, the attribute name of the TAG 61 is the examination date (Study Date). , Group No 611 = “0008” and Element No 612 = “0030”, the attribute name of the TAG 61 is an examination time. When Group No 611 = “0010” and Element No 612 = “0010”, the attribute name of the TAG 61 is the patient name (Patient Name), and Group No 611 = “0010” and Element No 612 = “0020”. In this case, the attribute name of the TAG 61 is a patient ID. When Group No 611 = “0010” and Element No 612 = “0030”, the attribute name of the TAG 61 is the patient's birth date, and the Group No 611 = “0010” and Element No 612 = “0040”. ”, The attribute name of TAG61 is the patient's sex (Patient Sex), and when Group No611 =“ 0010 ”and Element No612 =“ 1010 ”, the attribute name of TAG61 is the patient's gender. Age (Patient Age).

  In this way, the attribute name of the input TAG 61 is automatically displayed in the extracted TAG information list 712, so that the attribute name of the TAG 61 can be obtained even when the DICOM standard is not at hand. Can be grasped at a glance. As a result, an input error of the TAG 61 (extracted TAG information 41a) is easily prevented, and maintenance after setting the extracted TAG information 41a is facilitated.

  The ADD button 713 is an operation button for adding (reflecting) the extracted TAG information 41 a (each value of Group No 611 and Element No 612) input in the extracted TAG information input unit 711 to the extracted TAG information list 712. In this example, the ADD button 713 is arranged in an area between the extracted TAG information input unit 711 and the extracted TAG information list 712 (near the central area in the extracted TAG information setting screen 71) as shown in FIG. ing.

  The Delete button 714 is an operation button for deleting the extracted TAG information 41a selected in the extracted TAG information list 712 from the extracted TAG information list 712. In this example, the Delete button 714 is also arranged in an area between the extracted TAG information input unit 711 and the extracted TAG information list 712, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the Delete button 714 is disposed in the area below the ADD button 713.

  Although the details will be described later, the Font Size setting unit 715 supplies character information corresponding to the extracted TAG information 41a (character information included in the Data Element 6 including the TAG 61 corresponding to the extracted TAG information 41a) to the print medium 9 described later. This is the part for setting the font size when printing. In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the Font Size setting unit 715 is arranged in the lower left area in the extraction TAG information setting screen 71, and Font Size = “11” pt ( Point). This Font Size corresponds to a specific example of “character size” in the present invention.

  As described above, the Font Color setting unit 716 is a part for setting a character color (Font Color) when printing character information corresponding to the extracted TAG information 41a on the printing medium 9 described later. In this example, the Font Color setting unit 716 is also arranged in the lower left area (lower area of the Font Size setting unit 715) in the extraction TAG information setting screen 71 as shown in FIG. Font Color = “Black” (black) is set by the selection at. This Font Color corresponds to a specific example of “character color” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the font size and the font color when the character information (ancillary information image 90b described later) corresponding to the extracted TAG information 41a is printed on the printing medium 9 described later are respectively extracted TAG information. In the setting screen 71, it can be arbitrarily set by the user. However, only one of these Font Size and Font Color may be set arbitrarily.

  The Set button 717 displays the extracted TAG information 41a posted in the extracted TAG information list 712, the Font Size set by the Font Size setting unit 715, and the Font Color set by the Font Color setting unit 716, respectively. This is an operation button for final determination. Each information finally determined by the Set button 717 in this manner is recorded (saved) as extracted TAG information 41 a in the storage device 41. In this example, such a Set button 717 is arranged in the lower area in the extraction TAG information setting screen 71 as shown in FIG.

(Output medium setting unit 42b)
The output medium setting unit 42b shown in FIG. 3 presets information relating to an output medium (a printing medium 9 described later) of an image formed by an image forming unit 46 described later as medium setting information 41b, and a storage device 41. It has a function to keep it inside. For example, the advance setting of the medium setting information 41b is performed on the operation panel 40 in the image forming apparatus 4 or the display unit 30 in the information processing apparatus 3 as in the case of the extraction TAG information setting screen 71 described above. This is performed using a setting screen displayed above (an output medium setting screen 72 described below).

  FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the output medium setting screen 72. In the output medium setting screen 72, as shown in FIG. 5, a tray paper setting unit 721, a print tray setting unit 722, and a Set button 723 are respectively displayed from the upper side to the lower side in the output medium setting screen 72. They are displayed in order.

  In the tray paper setting unit 721, for each tray 721a provided in the image forming apparatus 4, a paper size 721b and a paper type 721c of the printing medium 9 to be described later can be individually selected in a pull-down format. . In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the tray 721a = “tray 1”, the paper size 721b = “A4” of the printing medium 9 and the paper type 721c = “plain paper” of the printing medium 9 are set. Yes. In the tray 721b = “tray 2”, the paper size 721b of the printing medium 9 is set to “A4”, and the paper type 721c of the printing medium 9 is set to “special paper”. In the tray 721a = “manual feed tray”, the paper size 721b of the printing medium 9 is set to “A4”, and the paper type 721c of the printing medium 9 is set to “OHP (OverHead Projector) paper”.

  In the print tray setting unit 722, the print tray 722b, which is the print tray 721a, can be selected in a pull-down format for each type of received data 722a in the image forming apparatus 4. In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the received data 722a = “normal print job” (the above-described normal print job Js), the print tray 722b = “tray 1” is set. In addition, the paper size 721b of the printing medium 9 is set to “A4”, and the paper type 721c of the printing medium 9 is set to “plain paper”. Further, when the received data 722a = “DICOM data” (DICOM data Dd described above), since the print tray 722b = “tray 2” is set, as described above, the paper size 721b of the print medium 9 = “A4” and the paper type 721c of the printing medium 9 = “special paper” are set.

  In this example, the case where the print tray 722b is individually set for each type of the reception data 722a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, the print tray 722b may be set uniformly regardless of the type of the received data 722a (without distinguishing between the normal print job Js and the DICOM data Dd).

  The Set button 723 is an operation button for finally determining the information set by the tray paper setting unit 721 and the information set by the print tray setting unit 722, respectively. Each information finally determined by the Set button 723 in this way is recorded (saved) as medium setting information 41b in the storage device 41.

  The normal print job receiving unit 43a illustrated in FIG. 3 is a part that receives (acquires) the above-described normal print job Js from the information processing apparatus 3. Specifically, the normal print job receiving unit 43a receives the normal print job Js in a stream format, for example.

  The DICOM data receiving unit 43b is a part that receives (acquires) the DICOM data Dd supplied from the modality device 1 or the image storage communication system 2 as described above. Here, in order to receive the DICOM data Dd, it is necessary to perform communication conforming to the DICOM standard. For this reason, the DICOM data receiving unit 43b receives the DICOM data Dd by a method compliant with the protocol of the DICOM standard, and is provided separately from the normal print job receiving unit 43a. Specifically, the port number waiting on TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) is set to be different from the port number of the normal print job receiving unit 43a.

  Here, the DICOM data receiving unit 43b stores the received DICOM data Dd in, for example, a memory within the DICOM data receiving unit 43b, and then takes over (supplies) to the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 described later. However, when the capacity of the memory in the memory itself is small, or when the data size of the DICOM data Dd is large (including high-resolution image data Dda), it is provided separately outside the image forming apparatus 4. You may make it utilize mass storage (HDD etc.). That is, the received DICOM data Dd may be temporarily stored in the large-capacity storage and then supplied to the DICOM data print job generation unit 45. The DICOM data receiving unit 43b corresponds to a specific example of “acquiring unit” in the present invention.

(Detector 44)
The detection unit 44 is a part that detects a predetermined parameter p as shown in FIG. 3, and is configured using, for example, various sensor elements according to the content of the parameter p. Such parameters p include, for example, attributes of the printing medium 9 to be described later, information on whether or not a double-sided printing unit to be described later is mounted in the image forming unit 46, and the like. The attributes of the printing medium 9 include, for example, at least one of the type of printing medium 9 (regular paper, special paper, etc.), material (transparent medium, opaque medium, etc.), size, and thickness. .

(DICOM data print job generation unit 45)
As described above, the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 has a function of controlling the operation (image forming operation and printing operation) of the image forming unit 46, and as shown in FIG. 3, the DICOM data print job Jd. Is generated and output to the image forming unit 46. Specifically, the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 includes DICOM data Dd supplied from the DICOM data receiving unit 43b, extracted TAG information 41a and medium setting information 41b recorded in the storage device 41, and necessary. Accordingly, the DICOM data print job Jd is generated using the parameter p detected by the detection unit 44. At this time, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 generates a DICOM data print job Jd using, for example, PDL (Page Description Language). Here, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 corresponds to a specific example of “control unit” and “information processing apparatus” in the present invention.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 performs DICOM so that the following image formation is performed on the printing medium 9 having the front surface 9a and the back surface 9b. The image forming unit 46 is controlled using the data print job Jd. That is, in the first print mode (double-sided print mode), the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 first displays an image (DICOM data image 90a described later) based on the above-described image data Dda in the DICOM data Dd. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed on the surface 9 a of the printing medium 9. At the same time, in the first print mode, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 prints an image (an additional information image 90b described later) based on the aforementioned additional information Ddb in the DICOM data Dd. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed on the back surface 9 b of the medium 9. The front surface 9a and the back surface 9b of the printing medium 9 correspond to specific examples of “first surface” and “second surface” in the present invention, respectively.

  The DICOM data print job generation unit 45 also executes one of the first print mode (double-sided print mode) and the following second print mode (single-sided print mode). The image forming unit 46 is controlled. At this time, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 sets the first or second print mode in accordance with, for example, the content of the parameter p detected by the detection unit 44 (such as the attribute of the printing medium 9). The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be selectively executed. Here, in this example, only the image based on the image data Dda is formed on the surface 9 a of the printing medium 9 in the second printing mode. In other words, the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 controls the image forming unit 46 so that only the image based on the image data Dda is formed on the surface 9a of the printing medium 9 in the second print mode. It has become.

  Details of the operation example of the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 (detailed generation operation example of the DICOM data print job Jd) will be described later (see FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, and 9).

(Image forming unit 46)
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 46 performs DICOM generated based on the normal print job Js supplied from the normal print job receiving unit 43a or the DICOM data Dd received by the DICOM data receiving unit 43b. This is a unit (printing unit) that forms an image on the above-described printing medium 9 based on the data print job Jd. In other words, the image forming unit 46 forms an image on the printing medium 9 in response to a job output request by the normal print job Js or the DICOM data print job Jd. At this time, the image forming unit 46 prints an image on the printing medium 9 using various known printing techniques. The image forming unit 46 includes, for example, a double-sided printing unit configured to be detachable and can perform double-sided printing as described above (has a double-sided printing mode). ).

[Action / Effect]
(A. Basic operation)
In the print processing system 5, first, a predetermined part of a patient is imaged by the modality device 1, thereby generating DICOM data Dd as the imaging data. The DICOM data Dd generated in this way is supplied to the image forming apparatus 4 directly from the modality apparatus 1 or indirectly via the image storage communication system 2 as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, the normal print job Js is supplied from the information processing apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 4 as needed.

  In the image forming apparatus 4, as shown in FIG. 3, the normal print job Js is received by the normal print job receiving unit 43a, and the DICOM data Dd is received by the DICOM data receiving unit 43b. The received normal print job Js is supplied from the normal print job receiving unit 43 a to the image forming unit 46. On the other hand, the received DICOM data Dd is first supplied to the DICOM data print job generation unit 45. The DICOM data print job generation unit 45 generates a DICOM data print job Jd for causing the image forming unit 46 to generate an image based on the supplied DICOM data Dd as follows. That is, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 includes the DICOM data Dd, the extracted TAG information 41a and the medium setting information 41b that are preset by the extraction TAG information setting unit 42a and the output medium setting unit 42b and recorded in the storage device 41. Then, the DICOM data print job Jd is generated using the parameter p detected by the detection unit 44 as necessary. The image forming unit 46 forms an image (printing operation) using various known printing techniques on the printing medium 9 in response to a job output request by the supplied normal print job Js or DICOM data print job Jd. I do.

  In this way, in the print processing system 5, image formation on the printing medium 9 is performed based on the DICOM data Dd obtained in the modality device 1 or the normal print job Js output from the information processing device 3.

(B. Printing operation of image data Dda and incidental information Ddb)
By the way, in the conventional medical diagnostic image (X-ray photograph etc.), the analog image using a film etc. was used. On the other hand, recently, for example, as in the print processing system 5 of the present embodiment, DICOM standard digital image data (DICOM data) configured to include image data as an actual image and the accompanying information described above is used. The method to use is becoming mainstream. In this method, for example, DICOM data is displayed on a high-resolution monitor, and then medical diagnosis is performed.

  In addition, with the expansion of the application of this method, for example, the opportunity to print out explanatory materials for informed consent, reference materials distributed at the time of case free filing in medical institutions, etc. based on DICOM data Is increasing. At this time, there is an increasing demand for using low-cost plain paper (opaque medium) instead of the high-cost film paper (transparent medium) that has been conventionally used as a medium for printing output.

  Here, in order to prevent the output image obtained in this way from being mistaken, incidental information (patient identification information, imaging part information, imaging date information, etc.) included in the DICOM data is used as character information together with the actual image to be printed. A method of printing on top has been proposed. This prevents the output image (output medium) from being mistaken and avoids the possibility of a medical accident. However, when both the actual image (image data) and the character information (accompanying information) included in the DICOM data are printed on the printing medium in this way, for example, the following problems may occur.

(B-1. Comparative Example)
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B respectively show examples of image formation (printing of medical images based on DICOM data Dd) on printing media (printing media 901 and 902) in comparative examples (Comparative Examples 1 and 2) for the present embodiment. (Example) is schematically represented.

  First, in Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 6A, an image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda of the DICOM data Dd is formed on one surface (front surface) of the printing medium 901. At the same time, an image based on the auxiliary information Ddb (the auxiliary information image 90b) of the DICOM data Dd is overlaid on the surface of the printing medium 901 (overlay). Formed). That is, in the first comparative example, as shown in FIG. 6A, both the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b are formed on the same surface of the printing medium 901.

  However, the overlap processing between the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b causes interference between these images, so that the essential quality of the DICOM data image 90a (actual image) is deteriorated. It will be. Such deterioration in image quality leads to a decrease in convenience such that it becomes difficult to see an actual image (it becomes difficult to distinguish an image).

  In Comparative Example 2 shown in FIG. 6B as well, as in Comparative Example 1, both the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b are formed on the same surface of the printing medium 902. However, unlike Comparative Example 1, in Comparative Example 2, the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b are not superimposed, and thus no interference occurs between these images. Specifically, in Comparative Example 2, as shown in FIG. 6B, the DICOM data image 90a is subjected to size adjustment (size conversion) processing to be reduced, and the resulting print medium 902 The supplementary information image 90b is formed in the blank area.

  However, when such a size conversion (reduction) process is performed on the DICOM data image 90a, the image quality of the DICOM data image 90a is deteriorated, making it difficult to see the image (it becomes difficult to distinguish the image), and the like. This leads to a decrease in convenience.

  As described above, in both Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the image quality of the DICOM data image 90a is deteriorated, and the convenience for the user is lowered.

(B-2. Outline of Operation of DICOM Data Print Job Generation Unit 45)
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 controls the image forming operation in the image forming unit 46 as described in detail below (generates and outputs a DICOM data print job Jd). Thus, the above-described problems in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are solved.

  Specifically, in the first print mode (double-sided print mode), the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 prints an image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda among the DICOM data Dd. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed on the surface 9 a of the medium 9. At the same time, in this first print mode, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 displays an image based on the supplementary information Ddb in the DICOM data Dd (supplemental information image 90b) on the back side of the printing medium 9. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed in 9b. The DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b correspond to specific examples of “first image” and “second image” in the present invention, respectively.

  By controlling the image forming operation as described above, in the present embodiment, unlike Comparative Examples 1 and 2, both the image data Dda (DICOM data image 90a) and the accompanying information Ddb (attached information image 90b) are stored. When printing on the printing medium 9, the following occurs. That is, since the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b are separately printed on the front surface 9a and the back surface 9b of the printing medium 9, details will be described later with reference to FIGS. Any degradation of image quality such as 1 and 2 is avoided. That is, image quality degradation due to interference between images (DICOM data image 90a and incidental information image 90b) as in Comparative Example 1, and image quality degradation due to reduction processing with respect to DICOM data image 90a as in Comparative Example 2, Both are avoided. Further, since the control operation is automatically performed only by the user performing the printing operation, the user can enjoy such advantages without being particularly aware of it.

(B-3. Specific Example of Operation of DICOM Data Print Job Generation Unit 45)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, a specific operation example of the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 (example of generation operation of DICOM data print job Jd) will be described in detail. To do.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the DICOM data print job generation unit 45. FIG.

(Determination of printing mode: S11 to S16)
In this operation example, first, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 uses various condition determinations to determine either the first print mode (double-sided print mode) or the second print mode (single-sided print mode). Is determined (steps S11 to S16 in FIG. 7A).

  Specifically, first, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45, for example, based on the information regarding whether or not the double-sided printing unit is installed in the image forming unit 46 as the parameter p detected by the detection unit 44. It is determined whether or not the printing unit has been installed (step S11). Here, when it is determined that the duplex printing unit has not arrived (step S11: N), the duplex printing mode cannot be executed, so the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 performs the second printing mode (single-sided printing). The printing mode is set to be executed (step S16). In addition, after this step S16, it will progress to step S17 mentioned later, and so on.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the duplex printing unit has arrived (step S11: Y), the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 performs the following determination. That is, for example, based on the medium setting information 41b, the printing medium 9 designated in the printing tray of the DICOM data Dd (the paper type 721c set in “tray 2” in the example of FIG. 5) is a transparent medium ( In this example, it is determined whether it is OHP paper or the like (step S12). Note that when the determination is made based on the medium setting information 41b as described above, it is impossible to determine what the printing medium 9 is actually placed on the target print tray. In step S12, the determination in step S12 may be performed based on the actually detected parameter p (the type, material, etc. of the printing medium 9).

  Here, when it is determined that the printing medium 9 is a transparent medium (step S12: Y), when the duplex printing mode is applied, image interference occurs between the front surface 9a side and the back surface 9b side of the printing medium 9. Therefore, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 sets the second print mode (single-sided print mode) to be executed (step S16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing medium 9 is not a transparent medium (an opaque medium) (step S12: N), then the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 performs the following determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the extraction target TAG 61 (extraction TAG information list 712 shown in FIG. 4) is set in the extraction TAG information 41a (step S13). If it is determined that the TAG 61 to be extracted is not set (step S13: N), there is no character information to be printed on the back surface 9b side of the printing medium 9 (the accompanying information image 90b). Therefore, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 sets the second print mode (single-sided print mode) to be executed (step S16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the TAG 61 to be extracted is set (step S13: Y), since there is character information to be printed on the back surface 9b side of the printing medium 9, a DICOM data print job is generated. The unit 45 performs setting so that the first print mode (double-sided print mode) is executed (step S14). Then, the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 initializes data of character information (additional information image 90b) to be printed on the back surface 9b side of the printing medium 9 (step S15). After step S15, the process proceeds to step S17 and subsequent steps described below.

(Acquisition of information from Data Element 6: S17 to S23)
Subsequently, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 acquires various types of information (image information that becomes the DICOM data image 90a and character information that becomes the accompanying information image 90b) from each Data Element 6 in the supplied DICOM data Dd ( Step S17 in FIG. 7A to Step S23 in FIG. 7B). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, since the DICOM data Dd is an aggregate of a plurality of Data Elements 6, here, the Data Element 6 is extracted in order from the DICOM data Dd and information is acquired from the Data Element 6. This process is repeated.

  Here, first, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 acquires the corresponding Data Element 6 from the DICOM data Dd (step S17). Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, TAG 61, VR 62 and Value Length 63 that are fixed-length data are acquired first, and then Value 64 is acquired by reading data according to the value of Value Length 63 (data length). As a result, the Data Element 6 is acquired.

  Next, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines whether or not the print mode set (determined) in step S14 or step S16 is the first print mode (double-sided print mode) (FIG. 7B). Step S18). If it is determined that the print mode is not the first print mode (the second print mode is the single-sided print mode) (step S18: N), character information is acquired (read) in the subsequent step S20. ) Since it is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S21 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the print mode is the first print mode (step S18: Y), then the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 includes the extracted TAG information 41a in which the current Data Element 6 is set. It is determined whether or not (step S19). In other words, it is determined whether or not the TAG 61 in the current Data Element 6 exists in the set extracted TAG information 41a. Here, when it is determined that the extracted TAG information 41a in which the current Data Element 6 is set is not included (step S19: N), since there is no character information to be acquired, the process proceeds to step S21 to be described later. Will proceed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the current Data Element 6 includes the extracted TAG information 41a set (step S19: Y), the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 next performs data in the current Data Element 6. (Value 64) is added as character information to be the incidental information image 90b (step S20).

  Next, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines whether or not the TAG 61 in the current Data Element 6 indicates image-related information (step S21). The image-related information mentioned here means all data necessary for image formation, and examples thereof include image pixel data and image size information.

  Here, if it is determined that the TAG 61 does not indicate image-related information (step S21: N), there is no image information to be acquired that becomes the DICOM data image 90a, and therefore the process proceeds to step S23 described later. Will proceed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the TAG 61 indicates image-related information (step S21: Y), then the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 converts the data (Value 64) in the current Data Element 6 to DICOM. It is saved (added) as image information to be the data image 90a (step S22).

  Subsequently, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines whether or not the next (unextracted) Data Element 6 exists in the supplied DICOM data Dd (step S23). Here, when it is determined that the next Data Element 6 exists (Step S23: Y), the processing of Steps S17 to S22 is repeated again for the Data Element 6. On the other hand, when it is determined that the next Data Element 6 does not exist (step S23: N), acquisition of various information from the Data Element 6 is completed, and the process proceeds to step S24 and subsequent steps.

(Generation / output of DICOM data print job Jd: S24 to S27)
Subsequently, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 generates a DICOM data print job Jd using the image information and character information obtained in this way, and outputs (transfers) them to the image forming unit 46 (step). S24-S27).

  Specifically, first, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines again whether or not the print mode set (determined) in step S14 or step S16 is the first print mode (double-sided print mode). (Step S24). If it is determined that the print mode is the first print mode (step S24: Y), then the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 generates a DICOM data print job Jd for the duplex printing mode (step S24). S25). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27 described later.

  At this time, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines the surface of the printing medium 9 based on the image information stored in step S22 and the information on the paper size 721b set (designated) in the medium setting information 41b. The DICOM data print job Jd is generated so that the DICOM data image 90a is formed in 9a. Further, based on the character information stored in step S20 and the Font Size (character size) and Font Color (character color) information set (designated) in the extracted TAG information 41a, the back surface of the printing medium 9 is printed. The DICOM data print job Jd is generated so that the incidental information image 90b is formed in 9b.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the print mode is not the first print mode (the second print mode is the single-sided print mode) (step S24: N), then the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 Generates a DICOM data print job Jd for the single-sided printing mode (step S26). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27 described later.

  At this time, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 determines the surface of the printing medium 9 based on the image information stored in step S22 and the information on the paper size 721b set (designated) in the medium setting information 41b. The DICOM data print job Jd is generated so that the DICOM data image 90a is formed in 9a. In this example, the DICOM data print job Jd is generated so that an image is not formed (not printed) on the back surface 9b of the printing medium 9.

  Next, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 transfers the DICOM data print job Jd generated in step S25 or S26 in this way to the image forming unit 46 (step S27). This completes the series of processing (DICOM data print job Jd generation operation) shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

  After that, the image forming unit 46 performs image formation on the printing medium 9 in response to a job output request by the transferred DICOM data print job Jd.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the printing medium 9 is the opaque medium 91, for example, as in the image forming examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first The image forming unit 46 is controlled so that the printing mode (double-sided printing mode) is executed.

As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, in this first print mode, an image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda of the DICOM data Dd is displayed on the print medium 9 (opaque). It is formed on the surface 91a of the medium 91). Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, an image (additional information image 90b) based on the supplementary information Ddb in the DICOM data Dd is formed on the back surface 91b of the opaque medium 91. In this example, the following character information is formed as the incidental information image 90b. Further, the front surface 91a and the back surface 91b of the opaque medium 91 correspond to specific examples of “first surface” and “second surface” in the present invention, respectively.
Study Date: 30-01-2014
Study Time: 13:05:40
Patient ID: Taro Oki
Patient Birth Date: 1980-01-30
Patient Sex: Male
Patient Age: 34

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the first print mode, in addition to the character size and character color described above, the position of the formation region of the incidental information image 90b on the printing medium 9 It is desirable that at least one of (see arrow P11) and size (see arrow P12) can be arbitrarily set.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, when the printing medium 9 is a transparent medium 92 as in the image forming examples shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second printing is performed. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so that the mode (single-sided printing mode) is executed.

  As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the second print mode, an image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda among the DICOM data Dd is displayed on the print medium 9 (transparent Formed on the surface 92a of the medium 92). For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, no image is formed on the back surface 92b of the transparent medium 92. The front surface 92a and the back surface 92b of the transparent medium 92 correspond to specific examples of “first surface” and “second surface” in the present invention, respectively.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the DICOM data print job generation unit 45, in the first print mode (double-sided print mode), an image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda among the DICOM data Dd is displayed. Then, the image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed on the surface 9 a of the printing medium 9. At the same time, in this first print mode, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 displays an image based on the supplementary information Ddb in the DICOM data Dd (supplemental information image 90b) on the back side of the printing medium 9. The image forming unit 46 is controlled so as to be formed in 9b. Thus, for example, when the printing medium 9 is an opaque medium 91, when both the image data Dda and the auxiliary information Ddb are printed on the printing medium 9, the auxiliary information image 90b is superimposed on the DICOM data image 90a. Both image quality deterioration due to the alignment process (interference between images) and image quality deterioration due to the size adjustment (reduction) process for the DICOM data image 90a are avoided. Accordingly, the output information can be prevented from being mistaken using the incidental information Ddb without degrading the image quality, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Further, either one of the first printing mode (double-sided printing mode) and the second printing mode (single-sided printing mode) is determined according to the content of the predetermined parameter p (attribute of the printing medium 9). Since the image forming unit 46 is controlled to be executed, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, since the print mode can be adjusted flexibly according to the content of the predetermined parameter p, it is possible to further improve user convenience.

  Specifically, when the printing medium 9 is an opaque medium 91, the first printing mode is executed. On the other hand, when the printing medium 9 is a transparent medium 92, the second printing mode is executed. Since the image forming unit 46 is controlled to execute the following, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the case of the opaque medium 91, the double-sided printing mode is applied so that the output image can be prevented from being mixed without causing deterioration of the image quality as described above. Advantages can be enjoyed, and appropriate image formation can be realized according to the type and material of the printing medium 9. Here, in the case of the transparent medium 92, for example, if the incidental information image 90b is formed on the back surface 92b, there is a possibility that image quality deterioration may occur due to interference with the DICOM data image 90a on the front surface 92a side. In the embodiment, since the single-sided printing mode is automatically applied, there is an advantage that, for example, useless medium loss due to misprinting can be prevented.

  Further, in the first printing mode (double-sided printing mode), the position and size of the formation area of the incidental information image 90b on the printing medium 9, and the character size (Font Size) and character color in the incidental information image 90b. Since at least one of (Font Color) can be arbitrarily set, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, for example, these parameters can be flexibly adjusted according to the purpose and application, so that it is possible to further improve user convenience.

<2. Modification>
Subsequently, modified examples (modified examples 1 and 2) of the above embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a block configuration example of an image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus 4A) according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 4A of the present modification basically has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 4 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 4A corresponds to a specific example of “image forming apparatus” in the invention.

  The image forming apparatus 4A differs from the image forming apparatus 4 in that the DICOM data print job Jd generated by the DICOM data print job generating unit 45 is transferred to an external device as shown in FIG. This is that it is also output to other image forming apparatuses 8. That is, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 outputs the generated DICOM data print job Jd to the other image forming apparatus 8 in addition to the image forming unit 46 in the image forming apparatus 4A. Yes.

  Therefore, in this modification, in addition to the operational effects described in the embodiment, for example, the following operational effects can be obtained. That is, instead of using the DICOM data print job Jd generated by the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 in the image forming apparatus 4 by the image forming apparatus 4 itself, other external image forming apparatuses are used. 8 and image formation can be performed. Therefore, for example, according to the purpose and application, the final output device can be set flexibly each time, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration example of a print processing system (print processing system 5B) according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the print processing system 5B according to the present modification is configured such that the image storage communication system 2 is not provided (omitted) in the print processing system 5 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Correspondingly, other configurations are basically the same. In this print processing system 5B, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 4A described in the first modification may be provided instead of the image forming apparatus 4 described in the embodiment.

  Also in this modified example, basically the same effect can be obtained by the same operation as in the embodiment or the modified example 1.

  In particular, in the present modification, the image storage communication system 2 is omitted, so that it is possible to simplify and reduce the size of the entire print processing system 5B and to reduce costs.

<3. Other variations>
While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, the configuration examples of the print processing systems 5 and 5B and the image forming apparatuses 4 and 4A have been specifically described. However, these configuration examples are those described in the above-described embodiments and the like. It is not limited to. Similarly, for example, the data structure example of the DICOM data Dd and the configuration examples of the setting screens (extraction TAG information setting screen 71 and output medium setting screen 72) are limited to those described in the above embodiment. Absent.

  Specifically, for example, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the case where the detection unit 44 that detects the predetermined parameter p is provided in the image forming apparatuses 4 and 4A has been described as an example. Not limited. That is, for example, the detection unit 44 may not be provided in the image forming apparatuses 4 and 4A, and the predetermined parameter p may be supplied from the outside of the image forming apparatuses 4 and 4A. In some cases, the normal print job receiving unit 43a may not be provided in the image forming apparatuses 4 and 4A (the image forming apparatus 4 and 4A do not perform image formation based on the normal print job Js). It may be)

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, image data (DICOM data Dd) defined by the DICOM standard has been described as an example of medical image data applied to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other medical image data may be used. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to medical image data, and can be applied to print data including image data and incidental information.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation example of the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 (example of generation operation of the DICOM data print job Jd) has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods can be used. It may be used.

  Specifically, for example, in the above-described embodiment, only the image (DICOM data image 90a) based on the image data Dda is printed when the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 is in the second print mode (single-sided print mode). Although the case where control is performed so as to be formed on the surface 9a of the medium 9 has been described as an example, it is not limited thereto. That is, for example, in the second print mode, the DICOM data print job generation unit 45 forms both the DICOM data image 90 a and the image based on the auxiliary information Ddb (the auxiliary information image 90 b) on the surface 9 a of the printing medium 9. As described above, the image forming unit 46 may be controlled. Summarizing these two methods, in the second printing mode, control is performed so that at least the DICOM data image 90a of the DICOM data image 90a and the incidental information image 90b is formed on the surface 9a of the printing medium 9. I can say that.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image forming unit 46 is controlled according to a predetermined parameter p (such as the attribute of the printing medium 9 or information regarding whether or not the duplex printing unit is installed in the image forming unit 46). Although explained, it is not restricted to this, You may make it control using another method. In addition, the attribute of the printing medium 9 that is an example of the predetermined parameter p is also set to at least one of the type, material, size, and thickness of the printing medium 9 as described in the above embodiment. Is not limited, and other attributes may be used.

  As an example of the control operation when the size of the printing medium 9 is used as the parameter p, for example, when the size of the printing medium 9 is larger (relatively larger) than the threshold, the single-sided printing mode is executed. On the other hand, if it is smaller (relatively smaller) than this threshold value, it is difficult to see with single-sided printing, so a method of controlling to execute the double-sided printing mode can be mentioned. As an example of the control operation when the thickness of the printing medium 9 is used as the parameter p, for example, when the thickness of the printing medium 9 is larger than a threshold (relatively thick), the duplex printing mode is executed. On the other hand, when it is smaller than this threshold (relatively thin), there is a possibility that the double-sided printing may show through the back side, and therefore, a method of controlling so that the single-sided printing mode is executed can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and the like, two types of the first and second print modes have been described as examples of the print mode executed by the image forming unit 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other print modes other than the two types may be used in combination for image formation.

  The series of processes described in the above embodiments may be performed by hardware (circuit), or may be performed by software (program). When performed by software, the software is composed of a group of programs for causing each function to be executed by a computer. Each program may be used by being incorporated in advance in the computer, for example, or may be used by being installed in the computer from a network or a recording medium.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, an image forming apparatus having a printing function has been described as a specific example of the “image forming apparatus” in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in addition to such a printing function, for example, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that functions as a multifunction peripheral having a scanning function and a fax function.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Modality apparatus, 2 ... Image preservation | save communication system, 20 ... Network, 21 ... Server, 22 ... Terminal device, 3 ... Information processing apparatus, 30 ... Display part, 4, 4A ... Image forming apparatus, 40 ... Operation panel, 41 ... Storage device 41a ... Extracted TAG information 41b ... Media setting information 42a ... Extracted TAG information setting part 42b ... Output medium setting part 43a ... Normal print job receiving part 43b ... DICOM data receiving part 44 ... Detecting part 45 ... DICOM data print job generation unit, 46 ... image forming unit, 5, 5B ... print processing system, 50 ... network, 6 ... Data Element, 61 ... TAG, 611 ... Group No, 612 ... Element No, 62 ... VR 63 ... Value Length, 64 ... Value, 71 ... Extraction TAG information setting screen, 72 ... Output medium setting screen, 8 ... Image forming apparatus, 9 ... Print medium, 9a ... Front surface 9b ... Back side, 90a ... DICOM data image, 90b ... Additional information image, 91 ... Opaque medium, 91a ... Front side, 91b ... Back side, 92 ... Transparent medium, 92a ... Front side, 92b ... Back side, Dd ... DICOM data, Js ... Normal Print job, Jd ... DICOM data print job.

Claims (13)

An acquisition unit for acquiring print data including image data and incidental information;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a print medium having a first surface and a second surface based on the print data acquired by the acquisition unit;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
The controller is
A first image that is an image based on the image data is formed on the first surface of the printing medium, and a second image that is an image based on the supplementary information is the second surface of the printing medium. An image forming apparatus for controlling the image forming unit so as to be formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is medical image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the medical image data is image data defined by the DICOM standard. A detection unit for detecting an attribute of the print medium;
The controller is
According to the attribute of the printing medium detected by the detection unit,
A first printing mode in which the first image is formed on the first surface of the printing medium and the second image is formed on the second surface of the printing medium;
A second printing mode in which at least the first image of the first and second images is formed on one of the first surface and the second surface of the printing medium; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming unit is controlled so that either one is executed. The controller is
When the detection unit detects that the print medium is an opaque medium, the first print mode is executed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming unit is controlled so that the second print mode is executed when the detection unit detects that the printing medium is a transparent medium. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the attribute of the printing medium is at least one of a type, a material, a size, and a thickness of the printing medium. The controller is
Depending on the content of the given parameter,
A first printing mode in which the first image is formed on the first surface of the printing medium and the second image is formed on the second surface of the printing medium;
A second printing mode in which at least the first image of the first and second images is formed on one of the first surface and the second surface of the printing medium; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming unit is controlled so that either one is executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect the predetermined parameter. The position and size of the formation area of the second image on the printing medium, and at least one of the character size and character color in the second image can be arbitrarily set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A control unit that controls an image forming unit that forms an image on a print medium having a first surface and a second surface based on print data including image data and accompanying information;
The controller is
A first image that is an image based on the image data is formed on the first surface of the printing medium, and a second image that is an image based on the supplementary information is the second surface of the printing medium. An information processing apparatus for controlling the image forming unit so as to be formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the print data is medical image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the medical image data is image data defined by the DICOM standard. The controller is
According to the attribute of the printing medium,
A first printing mode in which the first image is formed on the first surface of the printing medium and the second image is formed on the second surface of the printing medium;
A second printing mode in which at least the first image of the first and second images is formed on one of the first surface and the second surface of the printing medium; The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the image forming unit is controlled so that either one is executed.

Images