JP2020142436A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent degradation in reading accuracy according to the density of a code image formed by using transparent toner.SOLUTION: An image formation includes: an acquisition part for acquiring a feature amount according to the density of a code image in which added information is encoded; and an image formation part for forming a code image 20 on a medium using transparent toner so as to change an amount of the transparent toner for forming the code image 20 according to the feature amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Techniques for forming code images such as one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for forming a transparent two-dimensional code using transparent toner.

JP-A-2018-89840

The transparent code image formed by using the transparent toner is read by a reading device using infrared rays. However, when the amount of transparent toner forming a transparent code image is a fixed amount, the reading accuracy of the code image may decrease depending on the density of the code image, and a reading error may occur.
An object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in reading accuracy according to the density of a code image formed by using a transparent toner.

The invention according to claim 1 is described in that the acquisition unit acquires a feature amount according to the density of a code image in which additional information is encoded, and the amount of transparent toner forming the code image changes depending on the feature amount. It is an image forming apparatus including an image forming portion which forms the code image on a medium using a transparent toner.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature amount is the size of the code image, and the size and the amount of the transparent toner are said to be transparent when the size becomes smaller. It has a relationship that the amount of toner increases.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the amount of the transparent toner is a reference amount when the size is larger than the threshold value, and is a reference amount when the size is equal to or less than the threshold value. The amount is larger than the reference amount.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 encodes the additional information according to the smallest type of the plurality of code image types corresponding to the amount of information of the additional information in the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The image forming unit further comprises a generation unit for forming the code image, the size of which is determined according to the type, and the image forming unit forms the generated code image.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is a screen processing unit that screens the code image so that the number of lines changes depending on the feature amount in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image forming unit further forms the code image subjected to the screen processing.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 further includes a conversion unit for converting the color value of the code image into another color value previously associated with the feature amount in the image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The screen processing unit performs the screen processing using a screen having a number of lines previously associated with the other color values.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the code image is formed by superimposing the code image on the background image, and the image forming portion is the same. When the region where the code images overlap in the background image contains black, the black portion is formed by using yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner instead of the black toner.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the code image is a plurality of code images in which the additional information is encoded, and the image forming. The unit is such that the amount of the transparent toner forming the code image arranged at the end of the medium among the plurality of code images is larger than the amount of the transparent toner forming the other code image. Is used to form the plurality of code images on the medium.

According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to prevent a decrease in reading accuracy according to the density of a code image formed by using transparent toner.
According to the invention of claim 2, the reading accuracy of a small code image can be improved.
According to the invention of claim 3, the reading accuracy of a small code image can be improved.
According to the invention of claim 4, the area occupied by the code image on the medium can be reduced as compared with the case where the code image is generated according to a type other than the minimum type among the plurality of types of the code image.
According to the invention of claim 5, the amount of transparent toner in the code image can be changed by a simple method.
According to the invention of claim 6, the amount of transparent toner can be changed by using an existing mechanism for forming a colored image.
According to the invention of claim 7, even when black is included in the region where the code images overlap in the background image, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the reading accuracy of the code image.
According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the code image arranged at the end of the medium.

It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus 10 which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the code image 20. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus 10. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination table 31. It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion table 32. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen table 33. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. It is a figure which shows an example of the background image 40 and the code image 20. It is a figure which shows an example of the code image 20 which concerns on the modification.

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 has a printing function and forms a transparent image in addition to a colored image. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a terminal apparatus (not shown) via a communication line.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, an image reading unit 16, an image processing unit 17, and an image forming unit 18. .. These configurations are connected via the bus 19. The control unit 11 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 12 is a computer-readable storage medium that stores various data and programs. The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The communication unit 13 is connected to a communication line and performs data communication via the communication line. The communication unit 13 includes, for example, a communication interface. The operation unit 14 receives the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 from the user. The operation unit 14 includes, for example, an operation button and a touch panel. The display unit 15 displays various types of information. The display unit 15 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The image reading unit 16 reads the image of the original and converts it into image data. The image reading unit 16 includes, for example, an image scanner. The image processing unit 17 performs various image processing on the image data input to the image forming apparatus 10. The image processing unit 17 includes, for example, a processor and a memory as in the control unit 11 described above. The image forming unit 18 forms an image corresponding to the image data subjected to the image processing on a medium such as paper. The image forming unit 18 includes, for example, a printer.

The image forming unit 18 forms an image by using a method using toner such as an electrophotographic method. The toner used by the image forming unit 18 includes transparent toner in addition to color toner such as cyan toner, magenta toner, yellow toner, and black toner. The transparent toner is a transparent toner that does not contain a coloring material used for coloring. The term "transparent" as used herein means a color that absorbs infrared light but hardly absorbs visible light, and does not have to be completely transparent. The transparent toner is used to form the code image 20.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the code image 20. The code image 20 is an image in which additional information is encoded. As the code image 20, for example, a one-dimensional bar code or a two-dimensional code is used. Here, it is assumed that the code image 20 is a QR code (registered trademark). The code image 20 includes a plurality of cells. This cell is a unit element constituting the code image 20. Further, the code image 20 may include a cutout symbol. This cutout symbol is a pattern used for detecting the position of the code image 20.

When the code image 20 is formed using the transparent toner, the code image 20 is transparent and therefore difficult for the human eye to see. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the code image 20 is formed so as to be superimposed on the background image. However, since the code image 20 is not completely transparent, the color and texture of the portion of the background image where the code image 20 overlaps may change, especially when the amount of transparent toner increases. In order to suppress such deterioration of the background image, it is preferable that the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 is small. On the other hand, the code image 20 formed on the medium is read by an infrared scanner (not shown). Here, when the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 is reduced, especially when the density of the code image 20 is increased, the reading accuracy of the code image 20 is lowered or the reading of the code image 20 fails. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 is changed according to the density of the code image 20.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a receiving unit 21, a setting unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a determination unit 24, a notification unit 25, a generation unit 26, a conversion unit 27, a screen processing unit 28, and a print control unit. Functions as 29. These functions are realized by the processor performing an operation or controlling the communication by the communication unit 13 in cooperation with the program stored in the memory and the processor that executes the program.

The receiving unit 21 receives the image data indicating the background image and the additional information. These data are transmitted, for example, from a terminal device (not shown). The image data and the additional information may be transmitted together or separately. The additional information means information embedded in the code image 20 and added to the background image. Here, it is assumed that the additional information is voice information indicating voice.

The setting unit 22 sets the formation conditions of the background image according to the image data received by the receiving unit 21 and the code image 20 according to the additional information received by the receiving unit 21 according to the operation of the user. The formation conditions include the size and image quality of the medium on which the background image and the code image 20 are formed.

The acquisition unit 23 determines the generation conditions of the code image 20, and acquires the feature amount according to the density of the code image 20. The generation conditions include the model number of the code image 20, the number of divisions, and the cell size. The overall size of the code image 20 (hereinafter referred to as "code size") is determined according to the model number and the cell size. The smaller the code size, the higher the density of the code image 20. Here, the code size is used as a feature amount according to the density of the code image 20. The generation conditions are determined with reference to, for example, the determination table 31 stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the determination table 31. The determination table 31 includes the model number of the code image 20, the number of divisions, and the cell size in association with each amount of information. The model number indicates the type of code image 20. Here, model numbers from 1 to 40 are predetermined. The larger the model number, the larger the size of the code image 20. Further, the code image 20 can be expressed by dividing the additional information. The number of divisions indicates the number of divisions of the additional information. Here, in the code image 20, it is assumed that the additional information can be divided into a maximum of 16. For example, when the number of divisions is 2, the additional information is encoded to generate two code images 20. The cell size indicates the size of the cell included in the code image 20. Here, it is assumed that the cell size can be selected from 1, 3, and 6 times.

The combination of the model number, the number of divisions, and the cell size is determined by, for example, the following method. First, priority is given to a plurality of combinations of model numbers, number of divisions, and cell sizes that can store each amount of information. This priority is higher as the number of divisions is smaller. For combinations with the same number of divisions, the smaller the model number, the higher the priority. That is, the smallest type among the plurality of types of the code image 20 has the highest priority. For combinations with the same model number, the larger the cell size, the higher the priority. Then, among the plurality of combinations, the combination having the highest priority is stored in the determination table 31.

When the code image 20 is generated according to the generation conditions determined by the acquisition unit 23, the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the code image 20 can be arranged on the medium of the size set by the setting unit 22. .. This determination may be made, for example, by whether or not the code area including the code size of the code image 20 and the necessary margins fits in the medium.

When the determination unit 24 determines that the code image 20 cannot be arranged, the notification unit 25 notifies the user that the code image 20 cannot be arranged. As a method for realizing this notification, for example, display of an image, transmission of information, or output of sound may be used.

The generation unit 26 encodes the additional information received by the reception unit 21 according to the generation conditions determined by the acquisition unit 23 to generate the code image 20. At this time, the color values of the code image 20 are, for example, all values indicating black. The color value indicates the color of each pixel constituting the code image 20. Here, as the color value, a pixel value indicating the density of each component of red (Red), green (Green), and blue (Blue) (hereinafter, referred to as “RGB”) is used. The pixel values corresponding to RGB take values from 0 to 255, respectively.

The conversion unit 27 converts the color value of the code image 20 generated by the generation unit 26 into another color value previously associated with the feature amount acquired by the acquisition unit 23. The converted pixel value is determined by referring to, for example, the conversion table 32 stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion table 32. The conversion table 32 includes a pixel value and a halftone dot area ratio in association with each code size. The code size indicates the overall size of the code image 20 as described above. The pixel value is a specific value predetermined so as to be different from each other for each code size. The halftone dot area ratio indicates the ratio of the halftone dot area to the unit area. The higher the halftone dot area ratio, the greater the amount of toner that forms the image.

The screen processing unit 28 performs screen processing on the code image 20 so that the number of lines changes depending on the feature amount acquired by the acquisition unit 23. The screen processing means expressing the shading or gradation of the code image 20 with halftone dots. For example, the screen processing unit 28 performs screen processing using a screen different depending on the code size of the code image 20. For example, the smaller the code size, the larger the number of lines used on the screen. The screen used for the screen processing is determined by referring to, for example, the screen table 33 stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen table 33. The screen table 33 includes the number of screen lines and the shape of halftone dots in association with each screen. The screen is a pattern image in which halftone dots are arranged, and gradation is expressed by the halftone dots. As the screen, for example, an FM (Frequency Modulation) screen may be used. The number of lines indicates the number of halftone dots per inch. As the number of lines increases, the amount of toner that forms the image increases. The shape indicates the shape of the halftone dots forming the screen. The difference in shape affects the image quality. For example, when the shape is "dot type", the outline becomes clearly visible. The number of lines on the screen may be limited by the shape of the halftone dots. For example, a line-type screen has a screen with a line number of 100 to 400 lpi, but a dot-type screen may have only a screen with a line number of 200 to 400 lpi.

The print control unit 29 controls the image forming unit 18 to form a background image and a code image 20 according to the image data received by the receiving unit 21. Specifically, first, a background image is formed on a medium using color toner. Subsequently, the code image 20 screen-processed using the transparent toner is superimposed on the background image to form the code image 20. At this time, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 changes depending on the feature amount acquired by the acquisition unit 23. For example, the smaller the code size of the code image 20, the larger the amount of transparent toner.

2. 2. Operation FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when image data and additional information are transmitted from the terminal device (not shown) in response to the user's operation, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the receiving unit 21 receives the image data and the additional information. For example, the image data is image data showing a background image 40 desired by the user. The additional information is, for example, voice information indicating a user's voice. In this case, the user's voice may be acquired by a microphone (not shown) connected to the terminal device (not shown).

In step S12, the setting unit 22 sets the paper size and the image quality according to the operation of the user. This operation may be performed using, for example, a terminal device (not shown). For example, when the background image 40 is formed on the medium of "postcard size", "postcard size" is set as the paper size. Further, when forming an image with a "normal" image quality, the image quality is set to "normal".

In step S13, the acquisition unit 23 determines the generation condition of the code image 20 with reference to the determination table 31 based on the amount of additional information received in step S11. The generation conditions include the model number of the code image 20, the number of divisions, and the cell size. For example, when the information amount of the additional information is 10 kB, the model number "30", the number of divisions "2", and the cell size "6 times" associated with the information amount "10 or more and less than 11" are displayed in the determination table 31 shown in FIG. It is determined.

In step S14, when the determination unit 24 generates the code image 20 based on the generation conditions determined in step S13, whether or not the code image 20 can be arranged on the medium of the paper size set in step S12. Is determined. For example, when the code image 20 is generated according to the generation conditions of the model number "30", the number of divisions "2", and the cell size "6 times", the code size is calculated using the number of cells corresponding to this model number and this cell size. Will be done. Subsequently, a code area including two code sizes and a required margin is calculated. Then, when the code area does not fit in the "postcard size" medium, it is determined that the code image 20 cannot be arranged. In this case, the determination in step S14 becomes NO, and the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the cell size determined in step S13 is the minimum. For example, when the cell size is "6 times", the cell size is not the minimum. In this case, the determination in step S15 becomes NO, and the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the acquisition unit 23 changes the cell size so as to be one step smaller. For example, when the cell size is "6 times", the cell size is changed to "3 times" which is one step smaller. When step S16 is completed, the process returns to step S14 described above.

On the other hand, in step S15 described above, for example, when the cell size is "1 times", the cell size becomes the minimum. In this case, the determination in step S15 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, the notification unit 25 notifies the user that the code image 20 cannot be arranged. This notification may be performed, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 15 indicating that the code image 20 cannot be arranged. When step S17 is completed, this process ends.

On the other hand, in step S14 described above, when the code image 20 is generated according to the generation conditions and the code area fits in the medium, it is determined that the code image 20 can be arranged. In this case, the determination in step S14 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the generation unit 26 encodes the additional information according to the finally determined generation condition to generate the code image 20. For example, when the finally determined generation conditions are the model number "30", the number of divisions "2", and the cell size "3 times", the model number is 30 and the cell size is tripled by encoding the additional information. Two code images 20 are generated. The pixel value of these code images 20 is, for example, RGB = (0,0,0).

In step S19, the conversion unit 27 converts the pixel value of the code image 20 based on the code size of the code image 20 generated in step S18. The code size of the code image 20 is calculated using, for example, the number of cells corresponding to the model number and the cell size as described above. For example, when the code size is S2, the pixel value of the code image 20 is converted to RGB = (192, 0, 192), which is the pixel value associated with the code size “S2” in the conversion table 32 shown in FIG. ..

In step S20, the screen processing unit 28 determines the screen to be used for screen processing based on the pixel value of the code image 20 converted in step S19 and the image quality set in step S12. For example, when the converted pixel value of the code image 20 is RGB = (192, 0, 192), the halftone dot area ratio of the code image 20 is 40 associated with this pixel value in the conversion table 32 shown in FIG. %become. Here, the halftone dot area ratio and the corresponding number of screen lines are associated in advance. That is, the converted pixel value of the code image 20 is associated with the number of lines on the screen in advance via the halftone dot area ratio. Here, it is assumed that the number of lines of the screen corresponding to the halftone dot area ratio "40%" is 200 lpi. Further, the shape of the halftone dots corresponding to the "normal" image quality is the "line type". In this case, in the screen table 33 shown in FIG. 6, the screen P2 associated with the number of lines "200" and the shape "line type" is determined.

In step S21, the screen processing unit 28 performs screen processing on the code image 20 using the screen determined in step S20. For example, the code image 20 is screen-processed using the screen P2.

In step S22, the print control unit 29 first controls the image forming unit 18 and uses color toner on the medium of the paper size set in step S12 according to the image data received in step S11 to obtain a background image. 40 is formed. Although various image processings are actually applied to the image data, the description thereof is omitted here because it is a known technique. Subsequently, the print control unit 29 controls the image forming unit 18 to superimpose the screen-processed code image 20 on the background image 40 using transparent toner. At this time, the image forming unit 18 operates in a special mode different from the normal operation mode under the control of the print control unit 29 to form the background image 40 and the code image 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the background image 40 and the code image 20. For example, when the paper size is "postcard size", the background image 40 is first formed on the "postcard size" medium using color toner. At this time, in the special mode, the black portion included in the background image 40 is formed by superimposing three colors of toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, instead of black toner. The black color formed in this way is also called process black. Like transparent toner, black toner contains a component that absorbs infrared rays. If the black portion included in the background image 40 is formed by using black toner, when the medium is read by an infrared scanner (not shown), the background image 40 is similar to the transparent code image 20. The black part also absorbs infrared rays. In this case, the reading accuracy of the code image 20 may decrease or the reading may fail. As described above, by forming the black portion included in the background image 40 by superimposing three color toners of yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, such deterioration of reading accuracy is prevented.

Subsequently, the code image 20 is formed by superimposing the background image 40 on the background image 40 using transparent toner. In the special mode, the pixels having a specific pixel value included in the conversion table 32 shown in FIG. 5 are formed by using transparent toner. Since the background image 40 is colored, it is visible to the human eye. On the other hand, since the transparent code image 20 is transparent, it is difficult for the human eye to see it. Therefore, additional information is added on the background image 40 without hindering the visual recognition of the background image 40. For example, suppose that the background image 40 is an image of a New Year's card, and the additional information is voice information indicating a voice of "Happy New Year". In this case, when the person who receives the New Year's card reads the code image 20 with an infrared scanner (not shown), the additional information is decoded. Then, the voice "Happy New Year" is output from the speaker connected to the infrared scanner (not shown) according to the additional information. As a result, added value is added to the medium on which the background image 40 is formed.

According to the embodiment described above, the smaller the code size of the code image 20, that is, the higher the density of the code image 20, the more the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 increases, so that the amount of the transparent toner increases according to the density of the code image 20. The deterioration of reading accuracy is prevented. On the other hand, since the code image 20 is not completely transparent as described above, as the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 increases, the code image 20 becomes visible and the color and texture of the background image 40 change. It may end up. However, according to the above-described embodiment, the larger the code size of the code image 20, that is, the lower the density of the code image 20, the smaller the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20. Therefore, such a background image 40 Deterioration is suppressed.

Further, since the smallest type of code image 20 among the plurality of types of code images 20 is generated, the code image 20 is generated on the medium as compared with the case where the code images 20 of types other than the minimum types are generated. It occupies less area. Further, since the amount of the transparent toner forming the code image 20 is changed by using a simple method of changing the screen used in the screen processing, a complicated process is not required to change the amount of the transparent toner. Further, since the amount of transparent toner is changed by using the existing mechanism of forming a colored image in which the screen is determined according to the pixel value, it is not necessary to newly create the color value for the transparent toner. Further, when black is contained in the region where the code image 20 overlaps in the background image 40, a black portion is formed by superimposing three color toners of yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner instead of black toner. Toner. This prevents a decrease in the reading accuracy of the code image 20.

3. 3. Modified Example The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. Further, the following two or more modified examples may be combined and carried out.

In the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of code images 20 are formed, as shown in FIG. 9, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20a arranged at the end of the medium is the amount of the code arranged at the center. It may be increased more than the amount of transparent toner forming the image 20b. For example, when the halftone dot area ratio of the code image 20 is 40% by using the same method as the above-described embodiment, the halftone dot area ratio of the code image 20b arranged in the central portion of the medium is 40%. Screen processing is applied as follows. On the other hand, the code image 20a arranged at the end of the medium may be screened so that the halftone dot area ratio is 50%. When reading the code image 20 using a handy infrared scanner, it may be difficult to read the edge of the medium due to the influence of light spots. According to this modification, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20a arranged at the end of the medium is increased, so that the reading accuracy of the code image 20a is prevented from being lowered.

In the above-described embodiment, when the code image 20 has an error correction function, a part of the code image 20 may be deleted in order to suppress deterioration of the image quality of the background image 40. This error correction function is a function that can restore the code image 20 without losing data even if the code image 20 is damaged. For example, the code image 20 having an error correction function includes an error correction code generated by using the Reed-Solomon method. For example, when the error correction level of the code image 20 is 30%, a part of the code image 20 may be deleted up to 30% of the area of the code image 20. The missing portion of the code image 20 may be, for example, a portion that overlaps with a specific region of the background image 40. This specific area may be an important area in the background image 40, such as a person's face area and a company logo area.

In the above-described embodiment, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 has changed in three stages, but it may change in multiple stages such as changing linearly. On the other hand, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 may be increased on condition that the code size of the code image 20 is equal to or less than the threshold value. That is, when the code size is larger than the threshold value, the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 becomes the reference amount, and when the code size is equal to or less than the threshold value, the amount of the transparent toner forming the code image 20 is the reference amount. The amount may be larger than the amount. This threshold value may be, for example, an amount such that the reading accuracy of the code image 20 decreases when the amount of transparent toner becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. That is, the size of the code image 20 and the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20 may have a relationship that the amount of transparent toner increases as the size decreases, at least in a part of the range.

In the above-described embodiment, an additional image showing a reading resolution suitable for reading the code image 20 may be formed on the background image 40. The additional image may be, for example, a colored image in which the reading resolution is described, or another coded image in which the reading resolution is encoded and colored or colorless. In this case, the user can read the code image 20 with a reading resolution suitable for reading the code image 20.

In the above-described embodiment, an AR (Augmented Reality) marker indicating the region where the code image 20 is formed may be formed on the background image 40. When the AR marker is read by using a terminal device having an AR function (not shown) and a medium is photographed, a virtual area showing a region on which the code image 20 is formed on the medium is displayed on the screen of the terminal device (not shown). The object may be displayed. The marker indicating the position where the code image 20 is formed is not limited to the AR marker, and any marker may be used as long as it is a visible marker that shows the region or position where the code image 20 is formed.

In the above-described embodiment, only the black portion included in the region where the code image 20 overlaps in the background image 40 is formed by superimposing three colors of toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, instead of black toner. May be good. In another example, in the background image 40, only the black portion included in the area where the specific portion of the code image 20 overlaps is covered with three color toners of yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner instead of the rack toner. It may be formed. This specific portion may be, for example, a cutout symbol included in the code image 20.

In the above-described embodiment, the generation conditions of the code image 20 may be determined each time without using the determination table 31. In this case, as described in the embodiment, the combination having the highest priority among the plurality of combinations of the model number, the number of divisions, and the cell size corresponding to the amount of additional information may be determined.

In the above-described embodiment, the feature amount according to the density of the code image 20 is not limited to the code size. The density of the code image 20 increases as the cell size decreases. Therefore, for example, the cell size may be used as the feature amount. In this case, the smaller the cell size, the larger the amount of transparent toner that forms the code image 20. In another example, the density of the code image 20 itself may be used as the feature amount. This density is obtained, for example, by calculating the ratio of the number of cells constituting the code image 20 distributed per unit area. In this case, the higher the density of the code image 20, the larger the amount of transparent toner forming the code image 20.

In the above-described embodiment, the additional information is not limited to voice information. For example, the additional information may be any information that can be output, such as information indicating characters and images.

In the above-described embodiment, the code image 20 is not limited to the QR code (registered trademark). The code image 20 may be another two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. That is, the code image 20 may be any image as long as it is an image in which additional information is encoded.

The processing steps performed in the image forming apparatus 10 are not limited to the examples described in the above-described embodiment. The steps of this process may be swapped as long as there is no contradiction. Further, the present invention may be provided as a method including a step of processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10.

The present invention may be provided as a program executed in the image forming apparatus 10. This program may be downloaded via a communication line such as the Internet, or a computer such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), an optical magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. May be provided as recorded on a readable recording medium.

10: Image forming device, 11: Control unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation unit, 15: Display unit, 16: Image reading unit, 17: Image processing unit, 18: Image forming unit, 21 : Reception unit, 22: Setting unit, 23: Acquisition unit, 24: Judgment unit, 25: Notification unit, 26: Generation unit, 27: Conversion unit, 28: Screen processing unit, 29: Print control unit

Claims (8)

An acquisition unit that acquires the feature amount according to the density of the code image in which the additional information is encoded, and
An image forming apparatus including an image forming portion for forming the code image on a medium using the transparent toner so that the amount of the transparent toner forming the code image changes depending on the feature amount. The feature amount is the size of the code image.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size and the amount of the transparent toner have a relationship that the amount of the transparent toner increases as the size decreases. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the amount of the transparent toner is a reference amount when the size is larger than the threshold value, and is larger than the reference amount when the size is equal to or less than the threshold value. A generation unit that encodes the additional information and generates the code image according to the minimum type corresponding to the amount of information of the additional information among the plurality of types of code images is further provided.
The size is determined according to the type,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the image forming unit forms the generated code image. Further provided with a screen processing unit that screens the code image so that the number of lines changes depending on the feature amount.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image forming unit forms the code image subjected to the screen processing. A conversion unit that converts the color value of the code image into another color value previously associated with the feature amount is further provided.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the screen processing unit performs the screen processing using a screen having a number of lines associated with the other color values in advance. The code image is formed by superimposing it on the background image.
When the region where the code images overlap in the background image contains black, the image forming portion forms the black portion by using yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner instead of black toner. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The code image is a plurality of code images in which the additional information is encoded.
In the image forming unit, the amount of the transparent toner forming the code image arranged at the end of the medium among the plurality of code images is larger than the amount of the transparent toner forming the other code images. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of code images are formed on the medium using the transparent toner.

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