JP2020184728A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can improve image quality before outputting an image without the need of a complicated operation.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: image quality analysis means that analyzes the image quality of acquired image data; holding means that holds one or more image quality adjustment settings; image quality adjustment setting extraction means that, based on a result of analysis performed by the image quality analysis means, extracts an image quality adjustment setting for improving image quality when the image data is output, from the holding means that holds the one or more image quality adjustment settings; and image quality adjustment means that, in outputting the image data, performs image quality adjustment based on the image quality adjustment setting extracted by the image quality adjustment setting extraction means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

Conventionally, in a digital multifunction device, in order to improve the copy quality by changing the setting value of image processing, a complicated operation has been required. Therefore, very few users change the settings in order to improve the quality, and even if they are dissatisfied with the quality, they often print with the default settings.

In the prior art, if the copy result is not the desired image quality, it is difficult to know where and what should be adjusted or changed to obtain the desired image quality. In addition, there is a problem that adjustment, printing, and adjustment are repeated until the desired print output is obtained.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, the processing conditions associated with the items selected by the user are set at the time of copying or scanning, and the selection items for changing the processing conditions are displayed on the user interface. The operability when setting is improved. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a sample image is created and set from a wide range of parameters for the purpose of making it easy to adjust the image processing.

However, in Patent Document 1, since the selection item must be operated in order to adjust the image quality, it is required to further reduce the operation by the user, and the operability is required to be improved. In Patent Document 2, it is unclear about the characteristics of the adjustment result and the adjusted items only by selecting from the pattern-printed list, and the problem of where and what should be adjusted to obtain the desired image quality cannot be solved. ..

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving image quality and outputting an image without requiring complicated operations.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image quality analysis means for analyzing the image quality of acquired image data, a holding means for holding one or more image quality adjustment settings, and an analysis result of the image quality analysis means. Based on the above, the image quality adjustment setting extracting means for extracting the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image data is output from the holding means for holding one or more image quality adjustment settings, and the image data are output. The feature is that the image quality adjusting means for performing the image quality adjustment based on the image quality adjusting setting extracted by the image quality adjusting setting extracting means is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving image quality and outputting an image without requiring complicated operations.

It is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart of the image formation method which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure (A) and (B) which shows an example of the image quality adjustment setting. It is a figure (A) and (B) which shows another example of the image quality adjustment setting. It is a figure which shows an example of an option for setting an image quality. It is a figure which shows another example of an option for setting an image quality. It is a figure which shows another example of an option for setting an image quality. It is a figure which shows another example of an option for setting an image quality. It is a figure which shows another example of an option for setting an image quality. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display for creating a sample image and selecting an output. It is a figure (A) which shows an example of a sample image, and the figure (B) which shows an example of a screen display for selecting a sample image.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus, the image forming method, and the program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified within the range conceivable by those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, and deletions. However, as long as the action and effect of the present invention are exhibited, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is based on the image quality analysis means for analyzing the image quality of the acquired image data, the holding means for holding one or more image quality adjustment settings, and the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. The image quality adjustment setting for extracting the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image is output is extracted from the holding means that holds one or more image quality adjustment settings, and the image quality adjustment setting when the image data is output. It is characterized by including an image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality based on the image quality adjusting setting extracted by the extracting means.

In the prior art, in a digital multifunction device, complicated operations have to be performed in order to improve the copy quality by changing the setting value of image processing. Therefore, very few users change the settings in order to improve the quality, and even if they are dissatisfied with the quality, they often print with the default settings. It is believed that less than 20% of users actually change their settings in the market.

Therefore, if the quality can be improved by automatically reflecting the optimum image processing with a simple task such as scanning the original, not only the user who changed the settings by complicated operations but also the adjustment method is unknown. It is possible to improve copy quality and satisfaction even for users who are still dissatisfied. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the image quality and output an image without requiring a complicated operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.
The functional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes image quality analysis means 2, holding means 3, image quality adjustment setting extraction means 4, image quality adjustment means 5, display means 6, communication means 7, and image data creation means 8. If necessary, other means may be provided.

The image quality analysis means analyzes the image quality of the acquired image data. The items to be analyzed are not particularly limited, but for example, colors other than tint, brightness, contrast, edges, amount of change in brightness, number of colors used, and colors of the recording medium are used. The ratio of the area that is used can be mentioned.

Further, the image quality analysis means specifies, for example, the use of image data. The use of the image data is not particularly limited, but is also referred to as an image quality mode, for example, for photographs, for sentences, and for those in which photographs and sentences are mixed.

The method for specifying the use of the image data is not particularly limited, but can be performed based on, for example, the number of colors used in the image data. For example, in the case of text, the colors used are often white and black, and even when the text is displayed in color, the colors used are not as many as those used in photographs. Therefore, for example, if a threshold value is set and the threshold value is equal to or less than the threshold value, it may be determined to be for sentences, and if the threshold value is exceeded, it may be determined to be for photographs. In addition to this, if there are many white (color of the recording medium) part, it may be judged that it is for sentences, and if the white part is more than the threshold value, it is judged that it is for a mixture of photographs and sentences. You may.

The image quality adjustment setting extraction means extracts the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image data is output from the holding means that holds one or more image quality adjustment settings based on the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. The extraction conditions are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. If the analysis result of the image quality analysis means determines that the manuscript is for photographs, the image quality adjustment settings with vivid colors may be extracted, and if the manuscript is determined to be for sentences, the characters will be displayed. You may extract the image quality adjustment settings that give a clear impression.

In addition to the above, for example, extraction may be performed based on the frequency of use of the image quality adjustment setting. By considering the frequency of use in addition to the analysis result of the image quality analysis means, it becomes easier to satisfy the user's request. The frequency of use can be obtained, for example, by obtaining the number of times the image quality adjustment setting is used, which is set when the user outputs an image.

The holding means holds one or more image quality adjustment settings. The holding means is not particularly limited, but for example, a memory, an HDD (hard disk drive), or the like can be used.
The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the holding means, and the holding means may be provided outside the image forming apparatus. In this case, data is exchanged with an external holding means by means of communication means. The image quality adjustment setting held by the holding means can be appropriately changed. An example of image quality adjustment setting will be described later.

The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes an image data creating means for reading a recording medium on which an image is formed and creating image data. Examples of the image data creating means include scanning means for scanning a recording medium (also referred to as a document) on which an image is formed. As the scanning means, for example, a scanning device or the like can be used. Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF) or the like can be used.

In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and the image data creating means may be provided outside the image forming apparatus. It may be configured to receive image data created by an image data creating means provided outside the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes a display means. Examples of the display means include a display and the like. In addition to this, a touch panel or the like that can be operated by the user with a finger may be used. The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes a display means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a display means may be provided outside the image forming apparatus.

The communication means is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed. The communication means is used, for example, as an external I / F (interface). The communication means communicates with the outside, and receives, for example, image data and operations from the user. Further, when the holding means is provided externally, data is exchanged with the holding means.

The communication means may function as a reception means for receiving an operation from the user. In addition to this, the communication means may include a reception means, or the communication means and the reception means may have different configurations.

Next, the processing flow of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment and the image forming method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flow for explaining an example of the processing in the present embodiment.

<S101>
In the present embodiment, first, the document is scanned by the scanning means to create image data. In this step, for example, the user sets the document in the scanning means and presses the start button to scan the document and create image data. In the present embodiment, the "manuscript" means a state in which an image is formed on a recording medium.

<S102>
Next, the image quality of the acquired image data is analyzed. In this step, the image quality of the image data is analyzed by the image quality analysis means, and an appropriate image quality mode is selected from the analysis result. In the present embodiment, the image quality mode means the intended use of the manuscript, and examples thereof include those for photographs, those for sentences, and those for a mixture of photographs and sentences.

<S103>
Next, the image quality adjustment setting is extracted and displayed based on the scan result.
Here, an example of displaying the image quality adjustment setting is shown in FIG. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes display means, and FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen when the image is displayed by the display means.

FIG. 3A is an example of the image quality adjustment setting, and is an example of a screen when the image quality mode is determined to be for a photograph. In FIG. 3A, a setting name 21, an item and an item value 22, a setting reflection button 23, and a page feed area 24 are shown. The image quality adjustment settings shown are set so that the finish looks soft, with the "Sharp / Soft" item set to "-1" and the "Contrast" item set to "+2". is there. The type and number of items can be changed as appropriate.

The setting name 21 is "for photographs, colors, and softness", but the setting name is not limited to this. Further, there may be a plurality of items having the same name, but in this case, it is preferable to distinguish them by a serial number or the like.

FIG. 3B is an example of a screen when page turning is performed for the image quality adjustment setting shown in FIG. 3A. That is, the contents of the page feed area 24 are different. As shown in the figure, the image quality adjustment setting of this example indicates that the setting is suitable for photographs and presentation materials, and is not suitable for texts and bulletins. In addition, the display is such that the user can grasp that the finished image gives a "soft" impression. These contents can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 4 shows another example of the image quality adjustment setting.
FIG. 4A is another example in the case where the image quality analysis means determines that the image is for a photograph, and the setting name 21 is “for a photograph / vivid”. In this example, as the item and item value 22, the item of "sharp / soft" is set to "+2" and the item of "contrast" is set to "+2". That is, it is different from the example shown in FIG. 3 (A).

FIG. 4B is an example of a screen when the analysis result of the image quality analysis means is displayed. In this example, it is determined that the scanned document is a photograph, and the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image data is output is displayed based on the scan result.

<S104>
Next, the user's selection is accepted as to whether or not to accept the displayed image quality adjustment setting. For example, in the image quality adjustment settings shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B) and FIG. 4 (B), when the user selects "Yes" in response to the question "Do you want to reflect the settings?", It is displayed. Performs the process of accepting the image quality adjustment settings. That is, the Yes process of S104 is performed. On the other hand, when "No" is selected, No processing in S104 is performed.

<S105>
First, a process that does not accept the displayed image quality adjustment setting, that is, a process of No in S104 will be described. In the present embodiment, options for setting the image quality are displayed, and the user accepts the selection of the image quality setting. By performing such processing, it is possible to obtain an image quality closer to the user's request.

That is, in the present embodiment, the image quality adjustment setting extracted by the image quality adjustment setting extraction means is displayed to the user, the selection of the image quality setting from the user is accepted, and the user's selection is reflected in the image quality adjustment setting.

5A to 5C show an example of a screen displaying options for setting the image quality.
FIG. 5A is an example in the case of imagining selection in parallel, prepares options according to the user's use case, and displays setting information according to each selection. Unlike other selection images such as FIGS. 5B and 5C, the types of options displayed on the next screen differ depending on the options, and the range of options is wide and rich in variety.

On the screen (A) of FIG. 5A, question items for roughly grasping the user's request are displayed. For example, when the "Usage" selection button 25 is selected on the screen (A), the next screen (B) is displayed. Next, an example of the intended use is displayed on the screen (B), and the image quality adjustment setting is extracted according to the intended use selected from the examples.

Further, when "favorite appearance" is selected in (A) of FIG. 5A, the screen (C) is displayed. On the screen (C), options for setting the appearance are displayed. For example, when "soft" is selected, the screen (D) is displayed, and the image quality adjustment setting according to the result selected by the user is displayed. Similarly, for (E) to (G), screens corresponding to the options are displayed. In (F), the screen (G) is displayed regardless of which one is selected.
As described above, in FIG. 5A, screens corresponding to the options are displayed.

FIG. 5B is an example in the case of imagining selection in series, and the options displayed next are the same regardless of which option is selected. Since the result according to the user's selection is displayed at the end, it is easy to reselect when you want to change the setting displayed at the end.

In (A) of FIG. 5B, a question item for grasping the intended use is displayed. For example, when the "photo" selection button 25 is selected, the next screen (B) is displayed. For illustration purposes, FIG. 5B fills in the selected ones. In FIG. 5B, the screen displayed next is the same regardless of which option is selected.

On the screen (B), question items for grasping what kind of parts are of concern and wanting to make adjustments are displayed. As an example, when "photograph part" is selected, the next screen (C) is displayed. Similar selections are made for (C) and (D), and the next screen is displayed. Next, on the screen (E), the image quality adjustment setting according to the user's request is displayed, and a question is asked whether this setting is acceptable. If this setting is acceptable, the image quality adjustment setting is reflected.
As described above, in FIG. 5B, the same screen is displayed regardless of which option is selected.

FIG. 5C is an example of a pull-down type selection, in which, for example, a word is pulled-down selected and changed so that the setting display as desired by the user is obtained. According to FIG. 5C, the setting can be selected more intuitively than other option images.

The screen (A) of FIG. 5C is an example when the image quality adjustment setting at the present time is displayed, and is underlined at a place where the setting can be changed. In (A), for example, when "post" is selected, the selection area 31 and the pull-down button 32 are displayed as shown in the screen (B). When the pull-down button 32 is selected, the selectable item 33 is displayed. When "photograph" is selected in the selectable item 33 on the screen (B), "photograph" is displayed as the change reflection item 34 as in the screen (C).

When "Vivid" is selected on the screen (C), the selection area 31, the pull-down button 32, and the selectable item 33 are displayed as in the screen (B). When "soft" is selected in the selectable item 33 on the screen (C), "soft" is displayed as the change reflection item 34 as in the screen (D). On the screen (D), the image quality adjustment setting according to the user's selection is displayed, and a question is asked whether this setting is acceptable. If this setting is acceptable, the image quality adjustment setting is reflected.

The selection of the setting items in the present invention is not limited to the above, and for example, these may be appropriately combined, or other examples as described below may be used. Other examples are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 6A and 6B are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 5B (A) to (D).

FIG. 6A is an example in which it is determined that the original is a monochrome document as a result of analyzing the image quality, and the selected selection button 25 is filled and displayed. In the case of a monochrome original, it is often unnecessary to set the color, so the screen (C) displaying the options for the tint is skipped, and the screen transitions from (B) to (D) in FIG. 6A. By doing so, the user's operation can be further reduced. Note that the screen (D) hides the options for color (“colorful” and “soft”), which can prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.

FIG. 6B is an example of a case where it is determined that the photograph is a photograph as a result of analyzing the image quality, and the selection button 25 similarly selected is filled and displayed. In the case of a photograph, since it is not necessary to select the photograph portion and the character portion, the screen (B) is skipped and the screen transitions from (A) to (C) in FIG. 6B. By doing so, the user's operation can be further reduced. In addition, on the screen (D), the selection button of "character clear", which is an option related to characters, is displayed small to make it difficult to select. This makes it possible to prevent the user from making an erroneous selection.

In the present embodiment, in the example shown above, the options may be limited and displayed according to the scan result and the user's selection. In other words, by performing processing such as hiding the options (selection button) or making it difficult to select according to the selected result, confusion due to many options and inconsistency in the selection contents selected by the user occur. Can be prevented.
Further, in the present embodiment, although not shown, a "back" button may be provided on the selection screen. By enabling "return" on the selection screen, if you are not satisfied with the result, you can return to the previous selection screen and change the selection.

<S106>
Next, in S105, the image quality adjustment setting is displayed according to the selected result. The display method can be changed as appropriate, and can be displayed as, for example, (D) and (E) in FIG. 5A, (E) in FIG. 5B, and (D) in FIG. 5C.

The order of processing can be changed as appropriate, but even if the type of recording medium that improves the image quality when the image data is output is displayed based on the image quality adjustment setting and the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. Good. By appropriately selecting the type of recording medium that leads to improvement in image quality, the image quality of the obtained image can be further improved.

<S107>
Next, it is determined whether or not to output the image when the image quality adjustment setting is reflected in the image data as a sample image. For the determination of whether to output the sample image, for example, the screen as shown in FIG. 7 may be output to accept the user's selection.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image quality adjustment setting with the above settings is displayed, and a message prompting the user to determine whether the setting is acceptable is displayed, and the image quality adjustment setting is reflected. In the case, the reflection button 41 is selected. That is, it may be used as a screen when making a determination in S104. By selecting the reflection button 41 in FIG. 7, the Yes process of S104 may be performed.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, a sample output button 42 for creating and outputting a sample image to which such an image quality adjustment setting is applied and selecting from the sample images is provided. When performing sample output, the sample output button 42 is selected, and Yes processing is performed in the determination of S107.

<S108>
When performing a sample image (Yes in S107), a sample image of several patterns reflecting the image quality adjustment setting is created and displayed.
An example of a sample image is shown in FIG. 8 (A). The horizontal axis shows the sample images when the brightness is changed side by side, and the vertical axis shows the sample images when the contrast is changed side by side. One of the sample images of these several patterns may be used as the default sample image.

The creation and display of sample images can be changed as appropriate. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, two types of setting items, "brightness" and "contrast", are selected, but other setting items can be appropriately selected. Further, the number of setting items is considered to be easy for the user to see if there are two types, but the number is not limited to this, and may be one type or more than two types. Further, as the numerical value of the setting item, for example, an example of swinging such as -2 to +2 is assumed, but the numerical value is not limited to this. Further, a number may be assigned to each sample image and the number may be selected.

The created sample image may be only displayed on a display means, for example, or the sample image may be formed on a recording medium and output. In this case, one of the sample images of the number patterns shown in FIG. 8 (A) may be output on one sheet (recording medium), or the sample images of the number patterns shown in FIG. 8 (A) may be output. May be output on one sheet.

<S109>
Next, the selection of the sample image is accepted. The method of accepting the selection is not particularly limited, but for example, the sample image displayed in FIG. 8A may be directly selected. In addition to this, a screen as shown in FIG. 8B may be displayed and the number of the sample image may be input to the number input area 51.

<S110>
Next, the determined image quality adjustment setting is saved, and the selected image quality adjustment setting is reflected in the image data. To reflect the image data, the image quality is adjusted by the image quality adjusting means. The image quality adjustment setting may be saved after copying is performed in S111.

The image quality adjustment setting may be stored in the holding means inside the image forming apparatus, or may be saved in the holding means provided outside the image forming apparatus. Further, the form may be saved as data such as a file, or may be in the form of a QR code (registered trademark) or the like. In the case of a form such as a QR code (registered trademark), the setting can be reflected in another image forming apparatus by reading the data.
The saved image quality adjustment settings can be recalled after being saved. By calling, the user can check the setting contents and can change the setting contents as appropriate.

<S111>
Next, copying is performed. The image quality adjustment setting determined as described above is reflected in the image data, the image quality is adjusted, and the image is formed on the recording medium.

In the present embodiment, the image quality of the image data can be analyzed, the image quality can be adjusted without the user performing complicated operations, and the image quality of the output image can be improved.

Further, according to the preferred configuration of the present embodiment, the document to be copied is scanned, and the image quality adjustment setting according to the characteristics of the document is assigned. By outputting a sample image according to the assigned setting, the user can select the setting from a plurality of output results, and the setting close to the user's request can be reflected.

Further, depending on the user's selection, the image quality adjustment can be completed with a few operations. For example, the document is scanned, the displayed image quality adjustment setting is approved, and the output is performed. If necessary, the above-mentioned sample image may be output.

It is also possible to make many steps and adjust the image quality closer to the demand by selecting some simple options for judgment.

<Image formation method and program>
The image forming method of the present embodiment is an image quality analysis step for analyzing the image quality of the acquired image data, and an image quality adjustment for improving the image quality when the image data is output based on the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. Based on the image quality adjustment setting extraction step of extracting the settings from the holding means for holding one or more image quality adjustment settings, and the image quality adjustment settings extracted by the image quality adjustment setting extraction step when outputting the image data. It has an image quality adjustment step for adjusting the image quality.
In addition, the program of the present embodiment causes a computer to execute the image forming method of the present embodiment.

1 Image forming device 2 Image quality analysis means 3 Holding means 4 Image quality adjustment setting Extraction means 5 Image quality adjustment means 6 Display means 7 Communication means 8 Image data creation means 21 Setting name 22 Items and item values 23 Setting reflection button 24 Page feed area 25 Selection Button 31 Selection area 32 Pull-down button 33 Selectable item 34 Change reflection item 41 Reflection button 42 Sample output button 51 Number input area

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-185052 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-281663

Claims (10)

Image quality analysis means for analyzing the image quality of the acquired image data,
Based on the analysis result of the image quality analysis means, the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image data is output is extracted from the holding means that holds one or more image quality adjustment settings. ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image quality adjusting means for adjusting an image quality based on the image quality adjusting setting extracted by the image quality adjusting setting extracting means when outputting the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image data creating means for reading a recording medium on which an image is formed and creating the image data. A display means for displaying the image quality adjustment setting extracted by the image quality adjustment setting extraction means to the user, and
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a selection receiving means for receiving a selection from the user and reflecting the user's selection in the image quality adjustment setting. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display means for displaying the image quality adjustment setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. The display means 4 or 5 is characterized in that the display means displays the type of recording medium whose image quality is improved when the image data is output, based on the image quality adjustment setting and the analysis result of the image quality analysis means. The image forming apparatus according to. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sample image creating means for creating an image when the image quality adjustment setting is reflected in the image data as a sample image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image quality adjustment setting extraction means extracts based on the frequency of use of the image quality adjustment setting. An image quality analysis process that analyzes the image quality of the acquired image data,
Based on the analysis result of the image quality analysis means, the image quality adjustment setting for improving the image quality when the image data is output is extracted from the holding means that holds one or more image quality adjustment settings. ,
An image forming method comprising: an image quality adjustment step of performing image quality adjustment based on the image quality adjustment setting extracted by the image quality adjustment setting extraction step when outputting the image data. A program comprising causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 9.