JP2016175263A - Device, program and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device which adjusts a hue in accordance with the characteristics of users.SOLUTION: An acquisition part 113 acquires the characteristics of a user via a data input part 111 to estimate the age of the user in response to a processing request from the user. A correction part 114 performs correction so as to reduce the use amount of yellow toner of the image data stored in an image storage region 112 by 30%, and transmits the corrected image data to an execution part 115 when the estimated age of the user is 40 or older.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus, a program, and a method.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an apparatus that obtains user characteristics and outputs an image requested to be processed by the user after adjusting the image according to the user characteristics.

  For example, the age is estimated from an image of the user's face (hereinafter referred to as “face image”), and the character portion of the print data requested for processing is determined according to the visual acuity corresponding to the estimated age. An apparatus that prints in an enlarged manner is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the conventional technique, the color of the image requested to be processed is not adjusted according to the characteristics of the user.

  In view of this, an object of the present embodiment is to adjust the color and the like according to the characteristics of the user.

  In one proposal, an apparatus for forming an image in response to a processing request from a user, the acquisition means for acquiring the user's characteristics, and correcting the formed image according to the acquired characteristics of the user And a correction means.

  According to one aspect, it is possible to adjust the color and the like according to the characteristics of the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the external appearance of an operation part. It is a figure which shows the 1st structural example of a control part. It is a figure which shows the example of a user's face image. It is a figure which shows the example of a Sobel filter. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the relationship between age and a toner usage-amount. It is a figure which shows the relationship between age and writing light intensity. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the input signal value before correction | amendment, and an output signal value. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the input signal value after correction | amendment, and an output signal value. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first processing flow of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the relationship between age and a toner usage-amount. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second processing flow of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 2nd structural example of a control part. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure of feature DB. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third processing flow of the image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has substantially the same function structure, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100. An image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 corrects the image data related to the processing request according to the user's characteristics, and outputs the corrected image data. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) 101, a control unit 110, an image reading unit 120, a printing unit 130, and an operation unit 140.

  The NIC 101 is a communication interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 100 to an external terminal via a LAN (Local Area Network) 5 and transmitting / receiving data and commands. For example, the control unit 110 may receive image data from the external terminal connected to the LAN 5 via the NIC 101. In addition, the control unit 110 may receive a processing request such as copying, scanning, or printing from an external terminal via the NIC 101.

  The image reading unit 120 reads an image of the set printed material and outputs the read image data to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 controls input / output of image data and processing requests for image data. For example, the control unit 110 receives input of image data from an external terminal via the NIC 101. Further, the control unit 110 receives input of image data from the image reading unit 120.

  In addition, the control unit 110 receives a processing request input from the operation unit 140. The control unit 110 corrects the image data related to the processing request and outputs the corrected image data to the printing unit 130. The control unit 110 may correct the image data related to the processing request and output the corrected image data to an external terminal via the NIC 101. The correction of the image data will be described later.

  The printing unit 130 outputs the image data corrected by the control unit 110 to a copy sheet. When the copy or the number of copies is designated, the printing unit 130 outputs the image data on the designated number of copy sheets.

  The operation unit 140 includes an operation input unit 141 and an image sensor 142. The operation input unit 141 receives an operation input from the user. For example, the operation input unit 141 is an operation panel that receives processing requests such as copying, printing, and scanning from the user. That is, the operation unit 140 receives an operation from the user via the operation panel displayed by the operation input unit 141. Further, the image sensor 142 captures a face image of the user who is performing an operation input.

(Position and configuration of operation unit)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 has an image reading unit 120 at the top, an operation unit 140 at the front, and a copy paper discharge port 131 at the side. For example, the operation unit 140 is positioned around the user's waist when performing operation input while the user is standing.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the operation unit 140. The operation unit 140 includes an operation input unit 141 (1), an operation input unit 141 (2), and an image sensor 142. The operation input unit 141 (1) is a touch panel for accepting processing requests such as copying, scanning, and printing. Further, the operation input unit 141 (1) may display a status relating to the processing request being executed. Further, the operation input unit 141 (1) may accept designation of a storage folder for scanned image data. Note that the operation input unit 141 (1) may accept a processing request other than the above.

  The operation input unit 141 (2) includes a numeric keypad and a process start button. For example, the operation input unit 141 (2) receives an input of the number of copies to be copied or printed from a numeric keypad. The operation input unit 141 (2) starts a processing request designated by the operation input unit 141 (1) when the process start button is pressed.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges a printed matter from the copy sheet discharge port 131 when a print processing request is specified by the operation input unit 141 (1) and a processing start button of the operation input unit 141 (2) is pressed. To do. In addition, the structure of said operation input part 141 (1) and 141 (2) is an example, and is not limited above.

  The image sensor 142 captures the user's face when the user operates the operation input unit 141 (1). When the user operates the operation input unit 141 (1), the user turns his face toward the image sensor 142, so the image sensor 142 captures the user's face from the front. For this reason, the image sensor 142 can capture an image that captures the features of the user's face, such as the wrinkles of the corners of the eyes and the fringe lines.

(First configuration example of the control unit)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the control unit. The control unit 110 receives an image processing request from the user and corrects the image related to the processing request according to the user's age. The control unit 110 includes a data input unit 111, an image storage area 112, an acquisition unit 113, a correction unit 114, and an execution unit 115.

  The data input unit 111 accepts image data read by the image reading unit 120 or image data received from an external terminal via the NIC 101 and stores it in the image storage area 112.

  The acquisition unit 113 acquires an image processing request such as copying, scanning, and printing and designation of the number of copies to be printed or printed via the data input unit 111. Then, the acquisition unit 113 transmits the acquired processing request and the specification of the number of copies to the execution unit 115.

  Further, the acquisition unit 113 acquires a user's face image via the data input unit 111. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 113 estimates the user's age based on the acquired user's face image. Then, the acquisition unit 113 transmits the estimated user age to the correction unit 114. Hereinafter, a method for estimating the age of the user will be described.

(User age estimation method)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user's face image. The acquisition unit 113 estimates the age of the user from the face image of the user based on the depth and number of the corners of the eyes and the frying lines. For example, the acquisition unit 113 specifies the positions α (1) and α (2) of the outer corners of the eyes by specifying the position of the eyes from the user's face image. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the number and depth of wrinkles from the positions of the corners α (1) and α (2).

  In addition, the acquisition unit 113 specifies the positions β (1) and β (2) of the fringe lines around the mouth by specifying the position of the mouth from the face image of the user. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the depth of the constriction line from the positions of the convolution lines β (1) and β (2).

  The acquisition unit 113 may calculate the wrinkles of the corners of the eyes and the depth of the fringe line, for example, by detecting edges using a Sobel filter.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Sobel filter. The Sobel filter (1) is used when detecting an edge in the x direction. The Sobel filter (2) is used when detecting an edge in the y direction. The x direction corresponds to the horizontal direction of the face image, and the y direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the face image.

  For example, the acquisition unit 113 identifies the positions where the edges are detected in the positions β (1) and β (2) as the left and right fringe lines, respectively. The acquisition unit 113 obtains the depth of the enamel line by calculating the difference value of the luminance of adjacent pixels using a Sobel filter on the enamel line of the face image.

  Further, the acquisition unit 113 obtains the wrinkle depth of the corners of the eyes by the same method as that of the conical line. Note that the acquisition unit 113 may calculate the depth of the fringe line and the corners of the eyes using other methods.

(Image correction)
Returning to FIG. The correction unit 114 corrects the image data stored in the image storage area 112 based on the user's age estimated by the acquisition unit 113. Specifically, the correction unit 114 acquires image data related to the processing request stored in the image storage area 112. Subsequently, when the age of the user estimated by the acquisition unit 113 is 40 years or older, the correction unit 114 corrects the image data so that the amount of yellow toner used is reduced by 30%. For example, the correction unit 114 may correct the image data by adjusting the gradation characteristic γ related to yellow. Further, when printing the image data on a copy sheet, the correction unit 114 may transmit a command to the execution unit 115 to reduce the writing light intensity related to yellow by 30%. The correction unit 114 transmits the corrected image data to the execution unit 115. The writing light intensity is an example of the exposure intensity.

  Note that the correction unit 114 may reduce the writing light intensity related to yellow by 30%, create an image simulating a printed material when image data is actually printed, and use the image as corrected image data.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the relationship between age and toner usage. The vertical axis of the graph according to FIG. 7 indicates the amount of yellow toner used, and the horizontal axis indicates the age. The correction unit 114 sets the usage amount of yellow toner to 100% in response to a processing request of a user who is 0 to 40 years old. On the other hand, the correction unit 114 corrects the usage amount of yellow toner to 70% in response to a processing request of a user over 40 years old.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between age and writing light intensity. The vertical axis of the graph according to FIG. 8 indicates the yellow writing light intensity, and the horizontal axis indicates the age. The correction unit 114 sets the yellow writing light intensity to 100% in response to a processing request of a user who is 0 to 40 years old. On the other hand, the correction unit 114 corrects the yellow writing light intensity to 70% in response to a processing request of a user 40 years or older. Thus, the correction unit 114 can adjust the amount of yellow toner used by adjusting the yellow writing light intensity.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the input signal value and the output signal value before correction. The correction of image data when adjusting the gradation characteristic γ will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The vertical axis of the graph according to FIG. 9 indicates the yellow output signal value, and the horizontal axis indicates the yellow input signal value. The correction unit 114 outputs an output signal value of 100% with respect to the input signal value when the age of the user is less than 40 years old. For example, when the input signal value is “20”, the correction unit 114 sets the output signal value to “20”. Further, when the input signal value is “40”, the correction unit 114 sets the output signal value to “40”.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the corrected input signal value and the output signal value. The vertical axis of the graph according to FIG. 10 indicates the yellow output signal value, and the horizontal axis indicates the yellow input signal value. The correction unit 114 outputs an output signal value of 70% with respect to the input signal value when the user's age is 40 years or older. For example, when the input signal value is “20”, the correction unit 114 sets the output signal value to “14”. The correction unit 114 sets the output signal value to “28” when the input signal value is “40”.

  Returning to FIG. The execution unit 115 executes processing related to the processing request on the corrected image data received from the correction unit 114. For example, when the execution unit 115 receives a print processing request, the execution unit 115 causes the printing unit 130 to execute a process of printing the corrected image data on paper. Further, when the execution unit 115 receives a scan processing request, the execution unit 115 outputs the corrected image data to a designated folder.

  Further, when the execution unit 115 receives an instruction to decrease the yellow writing light intensity from the correction unit 114, the execution unit 115 causes the printing unit 130 to execute processing such as copying or printing after decreasing the yellow writing light intensity. .

(Processing flow according to the first embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100. The image sensor 142 captures the face of the user who is operating the operation input unit 141 (step S11). Subsequently, the acquisition unit 113 estimates the user's age from the user's face image (step S12).

  The correcting unit 114 determines whether or not color correction is necessary for the image data related to the processing request (step S13). For example, the correction unit 114 determines that color correction is necessary when the user's age is 40 or older. On the other hand, when the user's age is less than 40, the correction unit 114 determines that color correction is not necessary.

  If it is determined that color correction is necessary (YES in step S13), the correction unit 114 corrects the image data so as to reduce the amount of yellow toner used (step S14). For example, the correction unit 114 reduces the amount of yellow toner used during printing by 30% by adjusting the gradation characteristics relating to yellow in the image data. On the other hand, when determining that the color correction is not necessary (NO in step S13), the correcting unit 114 proceeds to the process in step S15.

  The execution unit 115 executes processing for printing the corrected image data based on a processing request from the user (step S15). The execution unit 115 may execute processing such as copying or scanning in addition to printing based on the processing request.

(effect)
Since the crystalline lens of the eyeball becomes clouded with aging, the image data may appear to be entirely yellowish for an older user. According to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, when the user requests an image data processing request, the image data is corrected by reducing the density of yellow according to the user's age. The color of the image data can be adjusted according to the age of the image.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the control unit 110 performs correction to reduce the yellow density in a stepwise manner according to the user's age on the image data. Note that the control unit 110 according to the second embodiment has the configuration of FIG.

  The data input unit 111 outputs image data related to the processing request to the image storage area 112. The image storage area 112 stores image data related to the processing request.

  The acquisition unit 113 acquires an image processing request and designation of the number of copies to be printed or printed via the data input unit 111. Then, the acquisition unit 113 transmits the acquired processing request and the specification of the number of copies to the execution unit 115.

  The acquisition unit 113 also estimates the user's age based on the user's face image acquired via the data input unit 111. Then, the acquisition unit 113 transmits the estimated user age to the correction unit 114.

  The correction unit 114 corrects the image data stored in the image storage area 112 based on the estimated age of the user. Specifically, the correction unit 114 acquires image data related to the processing request stored in the image storage area 112. Subsequently, the correction unit 114 corrects the image data so that the usage amount of the yellow toner gradually decreases according to the age of the user estimated by the acquisition unit 113. Then, the correction unit 114 transmits the corrected image data to the execution unit 115. Hereinafter, an example in which the usage amount of yellow toner is reduced stepwise according to the user's age will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the relationship between age and toner usage. The vertical axis of the graph according to FIG. 10 indicates the amount of yellow toner used, and the horizontal axis indicates the age. The correction unit 114 reduces the amount of yellow toner used in stages from 0 years old to 100 years old. For example, the correction unit 114 sets the usage amount of yellow toner to “90%” for a 20-year-old user, and sets the usage amount of yellow toner to “80%” for a 40-year-old user. In contrast, the amount of yellow toner used is “70%”.

(Processing flow according to the second embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100. The image sensor 142 captures the face of the user who is operating the operation input unit 141 (step S21). Subsequently, the acquisition unit 113 estimates the user's age from the user's face image (step S22).

  The correction unit 114 corrects the image data so as to gradually reduce the amount of yellow toner used according to the estimated age of the user (step S23). For example, the correction unit 114 sets the usage amount of yellow toner to “80%” when the user's age is 40 years old, and sets the usage amount of yellow toner to “70%” when the user's age is 60 years old. When the age of the toner is 80 years old, the usage amount of yellow toner is set to “60%”.

  The execution unit 115 executes a process of printing the corrected image data based on a processing request from the user (step S24).

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 corrects image data according to setting information or age of a user who has been authenticated. The configuration of the processing units other than the control unit 210 according to the image forming apparatus 200 is the same as that in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit 210 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the control unit. The control unit 210 includes a data input unit 211, an image storage area 212, an acquisition unit 213, a correction unit 214, an execution unit 215, and a feature DB (Database) 216.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the feature DB 216. The feature DB 216 is a database that holds user features for each user. The feature DB 216 associates a user ID, setting information, age, and face image data. The user ID is a number that identifies the user. The setting information is information set in advance by the user. For example, information related to the amount of toner used for each color can be stored in the setting information. For example, information relating to the use of gray scale can be stored in the setting information. For example, information related to print quality at the time of printing can be stored in the setting information. The face image data is user face image data. For example, the face image data is used when user authentication is performed. The face image data may be in, for example, a GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) format or a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

  For example, the feature DB 216 associates a user ID “0101”, setting information “setting 0101.ini”, age “22”, and face image data “face image 0101.gif”. The feature DB 216 associates the user ID “0102”, the setting information “setting 0102.ini”, the age “44”, and the face image data “face image 0102.gif”. The feature DB 216 associates the user ID “0103”, the setting information “−”, the age “32”, and the face image data “face image 0103.gif”. The setting information “-” indicates that the user setting information is not stored in the feature DB 216. Note that the data structure of the feature DB 216 shown in FIG. 15 is an example, and is not limited to the above storage format as long as each item is similarly associated.

  Returning to FIG. The data input unit 211 stores image data related to the processing request in the image storage area 212.

  The acquisition unit 213 acquires an image processing request and designation of the number of copies to be printed or printed via the data input unit 211. Then, the acquisition unit 213 transmits the acquired processing request and the specification of the number of copies to the execution unit 215.

  In addition, the acquisition unit 213 acquires the user's face image via the data input unit 211. The acquisition unit 213 searches the feature DB 216 for face image data that matches the user's face image. For example, the acquisition unit 213 may use a face authentication algorithm such as a unique face when searching for face image data in the feature DB 216. The acquisition unit 213 identifies a user ID corresponding to face image data that matches the user's face image.

  When the acquisition unit 213 can identify the user ID, the acquisition unit 213 determines whether the setting information of the user is stored. The acquisition unit 213 acquires the user setting information when the user setting information is stored. On the other hand, the acquisition part 213 acquires a user's age, when the setting information of a user is not stored. Moreover, the acquisition part 213 estimates a user's age based on a user's face image, when neither a user's setting information and age are stored. Then, the acquisition unit 213 transmits user setting information or age to the correction unit 214.

  The correction unit 214 corrects the image data stored in the image storage area 212 based on the user setting information or age. Specifically, the correction unit 214 acquires image data relating to the processing request stored in the image storage area 212. Subsequently, when the user setting information is received, the correction unit 214 corrects the image data based on the user setting information. For example, when use of grayscale is specified in the setting information, the correction unit 214 corrects the image data to grayscale, and transmits the corrected image data to the execution unit 215. Further, when the print quality is specified in the setting information, the correction unit 214 transmits the specified print quality to the execution unit 215.

  On the other hand, when receiving the user's age, the correction unit 214 corrects the image data so that the amount of yellow toner used decreases according to the user's age. The correction unit 214 may correct the image data so that the amount of yellow toner used is reduced by a predetermined amount when the user's age is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Further, the correction unit 214 may correct the image data so as to reduce the amount of yellow toner used in a stepwise manner according to the age of the user. Then, the correction unit 214 transmits the corrected image data to the execution unit 215.

  The execution unit 215 executes processing corresponding to the processing request on the corrected image data received from the correction unit 214.

(Processing flow according to the third embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third processing flow of the image forming apparatus. The image sensor 142 (FIG. 1) images the face of the user who is operating the operation input unit (step S31). Subsequently, the acquiring unit 213 determines whether user authentication can be performed using the photographed user's face image based on the feature DB 216 (step S32). When the user authentication cannot be performed (NO in step S32), the acquisition unit 213 estimates the user's age from the user's face image (step S37), and proceeds to the process of step S39. The user indicates an operator who is not registered as a user in the image forming apparatus 200.

  On the other hand, the acquisition part 213 transfers to the process of step S33, when user authentication can be performed (step S32 YES). Subsequently, the acquisition unit 213 determines whether user setting information is stored in the feature DB 216 (step S33). When the user setting information is stored (step S33 YES), the acquisition unit 213 acquires the user setting information (step S35). Subsequently, the correction unit 214 reflects the acquired user setting information in the image data (step S35). For example, the correction unit 214 converts the image data to gray scale when the user setting information includes designation of gray scale.

  In step S33, if the user setting information is not stored (NO in step S33), the acquisition unit 213 proceeds to the process of step S34. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 213 determines whether or not the user's age is registered in the feature DB 216 (step S34). If the user's age is registered in the feature DB 216 (step S34 YES), the acquisition unit 213 acquires the user's age (step S36), and proceeds to the process of step S39. On the other hand, when the user's age is not registered in the feature DB 216 (NO in step S34), the acquisition unit 213 estimates the user's age from the user's face image (step S37), and proceeds to the process of step S39.

  In step S39, the correction unit 214 determines whether or not color correction is necessary based on the age of the user. If it is determined that color correction is necessary (YES in step S39), the correction unit 214 reduces the amount of yellow toner used (step S40), and the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if the correction unit 214 determines that there is no need for color correction (NO in step S39), the correction unit 214 proceeds to the process of step S41 without performing color correction. Subsequently, the execution unit 215 executes a process for printing the corrected image data based on a processing request from the user (step S41).

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 corrects the output image data by adjusting the amount of yellow toner output to the copy paper. It is not limited to. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 may output the corrected image data in, for example, the GIF format or the JPEG format by adjusting the gradation characteristic γ of the image data.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 may adjust the usage amount of toner other than yellow according to the age of the user.

  In the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 performs user authentication using a photographed face image of the user, but is not limited thereto. For example, user authentication may be performed using a fingerprint or vein of the user's hand.

  In the first embodiment to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 estimates the user's age by applying the Sobel filter to the user's face image to detect the edge. A method may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 acquires the user's age as the user's characteristic, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 200 may acquire the gender of the user as the user characteristic.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 10 that can realize various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function, and an operation unit 20 that receives a user operation. Note that accepting a user operation is a concept including accepting information (including a signal indicating a coordinate value of a screen) input according to the user operation. The main body 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected via a dedicated communication path 30 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication path 30 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be of any standard regardless of wired or wireless.

  The main body 10 can perform an operation corresponding to the operation received by the operation unit 20. The main body 10 can also communicate with an external device such as a client PC (personal computer), and can also perform an operation according to an instruction received from the external device.

  First, the hardware configuration of the main body 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the main body 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 14, a communication I / F (Interface) 15, and the like. , A connection I / F 16 and an engine unit 17, which are connected to each other via a system bus 18.

  The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body 10. The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the main body 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or the HDD 14 or the like using the RAM 13 as a work area (work area), and the above-described copy function, scanner function, fax function, printer function, etc. Implement various functions. The CPU 11 performs processing of the data input unit 111, the acquisition unit 113, the correction unit 114, and the execution unit 115 according to FIG. Further, the image storage area 112 and the feature DB 216 according to FIG. 4 are included in the HDD 14.

  The communication I / F 15 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 5. The communication I / F 15 is an example of the NIC 101 according to FIG. The connection I / F 16 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 20 via the communication path 30. The engine unit 17 is hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. For example, a scanner (image reading unit) that scans and reads an image of a document, a plotter (image forming unit) that performs printing on a sheet material such as paper, and a fax unit that performs fax communication are provided. Furthermore, a specific option such as a finisher for sorting printed sheet materials and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) for automatically feeding a document can be provided.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the operation unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a communication I / F 25, a connection I / F 26, an operation panel 27, and an external connection I / F 28. These are connected to each other via a system bus 29.

  The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 20. The CPU 21 uses the RAM 23 as a work area (work area) and executes a program stored in the ROM 22 or the flash memory 24 to control the operation of the entire operation unit 20 and information (image) according to the input received from the user. Various functions described later such as display of) are realized. The CPU 21 implements various processes of the operation unit 140.

  The communication I / F 25 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 5. The connection I / F 26 is an interface for communicating with the main body 10 via the communication path 31.

  The operation panel 27 accepts various inputs in accordance with user operations and displays various types of information (for example, execution status related to processing requests). In this example, the operation panel 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display device (LCD) having a touch panel function, but is not limited thereto. For example, an organic EL display device equipped with a touch panel function may be used. Further, in addition to or instead of this, an operation unit such as a hardware key or a display unit such as a lamp may be provided. The operation panel 27 is an example of the operation input unit 141 according to FIG. Further, in the vicinity of the operation panel 27, an image sensor 142 according to FIG. 1 is installed.

  The external connection I / F 28 is an interface for connecting to an external device.

5 LAN
100 Image forming apparatus 101 NIC
110 Control Unit 111 Data Input Unit 112 Image Storage Area 113 Acquisition Unit 114 Correction Unit 115 Execution Unit 120 Image Reading Unit 130 Printing Unit 140 Operation Unit 141 Operation Input Unit 142 Image Sensor

JP 2014-011612 A

Claims (13)

An apparatus for forming an image in response to a processing request from a user,
Obtaining means for obtaining the user's characteristics;
Correction means for correcting an image to be formed according to the acquired user characteristics.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an age estimated from a captured user image. The acquisition means acquires a feature associated with the user identification information,
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the associated feature is stored in advance in association with user identification information.   The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an age associated with user identification information.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by adjusting a density of a predetermined color.   The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by adjusting a density of a predetermined color when the age of the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.   The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by adjusting a density of a predetermined color stepwise according to the age of the user.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by adjusting an exposure intensity of a predetermined color.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by adjusting a gradation characteristic of a predetermined color.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit corrects the formed image by reducing a yellow density.   The acquisition unit is installed in the vicinity of an operation unit that receives an input of a processing request from the user, and includes an imaging unit that captures the face of the user when the input of the processing request is received. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1-10 which acquires a user's characteristic from a face image. A program for causing a computer to form an image in response to a processing request from a user,
Obtaining the user's characteristics;
Correcting the formed image according to the acquired user characteristics. A method of causing a computer to form an image in response to a processing request from a user,
Obtaining the user's characteristics;
Correcting the formed image according to the acquired user characteristics.

Images