JP2021196859A - Image processing system, image processing apparatus, image processing program, and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing program, and an image processing method that can easily distinguish between different types of page numbers.SOLUTION: In an image processing system, when there is a missing page in printing pages set by a setting unit in a document composed of a plurality of pages and having continuous page numbers attached to the pages, a CPU of an information processing apparatus generates print data corresponding to a print image to which actual page numbers being page numbers of a print result are added distinguishably from original page numbers being page numbers originally added to the document, and transmits the print data to an image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control program and a control method, and more particularly to, for example, an image processing device, a control program and a control method for adding a predetermined image to an output image.

An example of this kind of background technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the numbering process of the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the composite document that is compositely output based on a plurality of document bundles, page numbers are assigned when the documents are aligned as one document. As an example, it is disclosed that the numbering information is printed in the upper left area of the page by the user's selection, and the page number of the original image data also exists in the center of the lower end.

JP-A-2004-135207

However, in the background technique, only the page number when the composite document is arranged as one document is given, and no consideration is given to the case where a part of the pages of one document is printed. Further, in the background technology, the added numbering information and the page number of the original image data are printed, that is, two types of page numbers are shown, so that it is difficult to determine the type of the page number, for example, it is printed. It is troublesome to find a predetermined page from the output paper.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image processing system, image processing apparatus, image processing program and image processing method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing program, and an image processing method capable of easily identifying different types of page numbers.

The first invention is based on the page number of the print result when there is a missing page in the setting unit for setting the print page and the print page set by the setting unit from the manuscript composed of a plurality of pages. A generation unit that generates print data corresponding to a printed image in which a certain actual page number is identifiable with the original page number that is a page number originally added to a plurality of pages, and print data generated by the generation unit. Is an image processing system including a transmission unit that transmits the image to an image forming apparatus.

The second invention is subordinate to the first invention and further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not to add the actual page number, and the generation unit is determined to add the actual page number by the determination unit. To generate print data.

The third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, and the printed image is an image to which a page image with a type that makes it possible to distinguish between the actual page number and the original page number is added.

The fourth invention is subordinate to the third invention, and the classified page image includes the actual page number and the first identification code indicating that the actual page number is the actual page number.

The fifth invention is subordinate to the third or fourth invention, and the classified page image includes the original page number and the second identification code indicating that the original page number is the original page number.

The sixth invention is a reading unit that reads a plurality of pages, and when a printing page is set according to the reading of a plurality of pages by the reading unit, an actual page number which is a page number of a printing result is added. When the judgment unit and the judgment unit determine whether or not to add the actual page number, the actual page number can be distinguished from the original page number which is the page number originally added to a plurality of pages. It is an image processing apparatus including a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the added print image, and an image forming unit that prints a print image on paper according to the print data generated by the generation unit.

A seventh invention is an image processing program executed by an image processing system, wherein the image processing program sets a print page from a manuscript composed of a plurality of pages in a processor of the image processing system. When there is a missing page in the print page set by the setting step, the actual page number which is the page number of the print result is identified from the original page number which is the page number originally added to a plurality of pages. It is an image processing program that executes a generation step of generating print data corresponding to a print image added as possible, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data generated in the generation step to an image forming apparatus.

The eighth invention is an image processing method, in which (a) a step of setting a print page from a manuscript composed of a plurality of pages and (b) a print page set by the step (a) are omitted. When there is a existing page, the print data corresponding to the printed image in which the actual page number, which is the page number of the print result, is identifiable with the original page number, which is the page number originally added to the plurality of pages, is displayed. It is an image processing method including a step of generating and (c) a step of transmitting the print data generated by step (b) to an image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, different types of page numbers can be easily identified.

The above-mentioned object, other object, feature and advantage of the present invention will be further clarified from the detailed description of the following examples made with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example of an image processing system. FIG. 2A is an example of paper on which a normal printed image is printed. FIG. 2B shows an example of a paper on which a printed image to which a page image with a type is added is printed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a position setting screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of transmission processing of the CPU of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 7A shows another example of the paper on which the printed image to which the page image with the classification is added is printed. FIG. 7B shows still another example of the paper on which the printed image to which the page image with the classification is added is printed. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a copy screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed on the display of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the RAM of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a part of an example of the output processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing another part of the output processing of the CPU of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an input process of the CPU of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

[First Example]
FIG. 1 is an example of the image processing system 1 of the first embodiment. The image processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and an image forming device 100, and the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 100 are communicably connected via a network 102.

Although detailed description is omitted, the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment is a printer or at least a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a printer function. However, the MFP has a copying function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to the printer function. Further, the network 102 is a LAN.

Further, the information processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment is, for example, a general-purpose computer (terminal) used by a user, and specifically, a desktop PC, a notebook (laptop) PC, a tablet PC, or the like. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 20. The CPU 20 is connected to the RAM 24, the storage unit 26, the display control circuit 28, the operation unit control circuit 30, and the communication unit 36 via the bus 22.

Further, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a display 32 and an operation unit 34, the display control circuit 28 is connected to the display 32, and the operation unit control circuit 30 is connected to the operation unit 34.

The CPU 20 controls the overall control of the information processing apparatus 10. The RAM 24 is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 20.

The storage unit 26 is the main storage device of the information processing device 10, and a non-volatile memory such as an HDD and an EPPROM is used. Further, the storage unit 26 may be configured to include the RAM 24. In the storage unit 26, data for a control program for the CPU 20 to control the operation of each part of the information processing device 10, data for generating image (display image) data for various screens, and control program. The data required for execution, the printer driver, etc. are stored as appropriate.

The display control circuit 28 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 20, the GPU displays various screens on the display 32 using the image generation data 404b (see FIG. 5) stored in the RAM 24. The data of the display image for the purpose is generated in the VRAM, and the data of the generated display image is output to the display 32.

Further, the display 32 is a general-purpose display. As a general-purpose display, for example, an LCD or an EL display can be used.

The operation unit control circuit 30 outputs a signal or operation data corresponding to an input operation (user operation) to the operation unit 34 to the CPU 20.

Further, as the operation unit 34, for example, a computer mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like is used. When a touch panel is used as the operation unit 34, the touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display 32.

Further, in this case, a touch panel display in which the display 32 and the touch panel are integrated may be used.

The communication unit 36 includes a communication circuit for connecting to the communication module or the network 102 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 102 according to the instruction of the CPU 20.

As an example, the communication unit 36 transmits / receives data according to a wired communication method compliant with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and a wireless communication method compliant with a communication standard such as 802.11.

The electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

In such an information processing apparatus 10, when a print process is executed by an arbitrary application, print data generated based on a manuscript (manuscript in a data format) created by this application is generated, and the print data is information. It is transmitted (output) to the image forming apparatus 100 communicably connected to the processing apparatus 10.

For example, if a manuscript is composed of multiple pages and each page has a continuous page number (hereinafter referred to as "original page number"), and only some of the pages are printed on paper, printing is performed. In the multi-page paper (hereinafter referred to as "printed paper"), the original page number may be omitted and the paper may not be continuous.

In this case, the person who receives the printed paper cannot know whether or not only a part of the pages are intentionally printed. Therefore, there is a risk of recognizing that the missing page has been lost.

In order to prevent such inconvenience, when only some pages are printed on paper, page numbers (hereinafter referred to as "actual page numbers") are added according to the number of pages at the time of printing, in addition to the original page numbers. It is conceivable to add it. The actual page number can also be said to be the page number for the print result.

However, if the actual page number is simply added, it is difficult to determine the difference from the original page number on the printed paper, and it is troublesome to search for a predetermined page (or desired page). It takes.

Therefore, in this embodiment, print data that can identify the original page number and the actual page number is generated on the printed paper. That is, in this first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 also functions as an image processing apparatus.

Specifically, an image indicating at least the actual page number (hereinafter referred to as "page image with type") 38 is added to each image of a plurality of pages to be printed in the manuscript (see FIG. 2B). ). Further, the page image 38 with a type includes an identification image for identifying the type of the page number. Further, in this specification, an image composed of an original page number or an original page number and an identification image for identifying the original page number is referred to as an "original page image", and the actual page number or the actual page number is identified. An image composed of identification images for this purpose is called a "real page image". Further, the image of the original page number added or displayed in advance on the manuscript is called a "manuscript page image".

The actual page numbers are continuously assigned from 1 to a plurality of pages to be printed in the original in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is the order in which one or more pages are printed. Further, the predetermined order may be the order in which one or a plurality of pages are selected.

FIG. 2A shows an example of paper on which a normal printed image is printed. FIG. 2B shows an example of a paper on which a printed image to which a page image 38 with a type is added is printed. In the printed image shown in FIG. 2B, "4org (5)" is displayed as the page image 38 with the type. The number "4" at the left end is the actual page image, and "org (5)" is the original page image. "Org" is a character string extracted from some characters of the English word "original" meaning "original (or manuscript)", and is used to identify the original page image or original page number. Information. The numbers in parentheses are the original page numbers.

For example, the classified page image 38 shown in FIG. 2B is added in place of the original page image at a place or position where the original page image is added. However, the place or position where the classified page image 38 shown in FIG. 2B is added can be set (or changed) by the user. Also in this case, the original page image is deleted, and the classified page image 38 is added in place of the original page image.

In addition, "ren" is a character string of a part of the English word "renumber" which means "renumber", and is information for identifying that the number in parentheses is the actual page number. ..

In this embodiment, a part of the English word "renumber" is used as a character string indicating that it is a real page number, but among other English words such as "arrange". Some strings "arr" may be used. Further, instead of the English word, some characters or character strings of "renumbering" or "arrangement" in Japanese, or characters or character strings whose meanings match or are similar to them may be used. The same applies hereinafter.

Hereinafter, the method of adding the page image 38 with a type will be specifically described. FIG. 3 shows an example of a condition setting screen 200 for setting print conditions. For example, in the condition setting screen 200, the execution of printing is selected in the application being executed by the information processing apparatus 10, the printer (for example, the image forming apparatus 100) to be the destination of the print data is selected, and further detailed settings are made. Is selected and is displayed on the display 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, the condition setting screen 200 is provided with a condition setting key 202 (202a to 202c), an input area 204, a check box 206, a position setting key 208, and a start key 210.

The condition setting key 202 is provided for setting printing conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the print conditions set by the condition setting key 202 are the color mode, the paper size, and the page selection.

Since the setting of the color mode and the paper size is already well known and is not the essential content of the present invention, the description thereof will be omitted.

The condition setting key 202 can display a pull-down menu and select a setting item.

The condition setting key 202c is provided to set the page selection item, and the page selection item is an item for setting the page range of the original to be printed. The page selection item can be set to "all" or "designated".

When the page selection item is set to "All", all pages of the manuscript are printed. When the page selection item is set to "designated", the page with the page number input (or displayed) in the input area 204 is printed.

The input area 204 is an area for inputting a page number (here, the original page number) of the page to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print page”) in the manuscript. If a page number is input after the input area 204 is instructed, the input page number is displayed in the input area 204.

Further, although detailed description is omitted, in the input area 204, "," means a page break and "-" means a page range. In the example shown in FIG. 3, 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are input as page numbers.

When the page selection item is set to "all" and the page number is input to the input area 204 as described above, the page selection item is set (or changed) to "designation". To.

If the page selection item is set to "Specify" and changed to "All", the page number entered in the input area 204 is invalidated, and the page number of the print result (that is, the actual page) is invalidated. The setting for adding the number) is canceled.

The check box 206 is provided to set (or select) the addition of the actual page number to the printed page.

When the check box 206 is operated, a check mark is displayed at a position overlapping the check box 206.

If the page selection item is set to "All", the operation to the check box 206 is invalidated.

If the check mark 206 is operated while the check mark is displayed at a position overlapping the check box 206, the check mark is hidden and the setting for adding the actual page number is canceled.

The position setting key 208 is provided to set the position to be added to the page image 38 with the type. When the position setting key 208 is operated, the position setting screen 220 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display 32.

If the addition of the actual page number is not set, the operation to the position setting key 208 is invalidated.

The start key 210 is provided to execute the printing process. When the start key 210 is operated, the print page is set according to the page selection setting or the like.

When the print page is set, the printer driver generates a print image for the print page according to the print conditions, and the print data corresponding to the print image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 is an example of the position setting screen 220. As described above, the position setting screen 220 is a screen for setting the position to be added to the page image 38 with the type.

On the position setting screen 220, a preview image 222 corresponding to the image of the first page of the printed pages and an instruction image 224 for designating a position to add the classified page image 38 are displayed. The preview image 222 includes a description area (222a and 222b) and a margin 222c in which characters and / and figures and the like are described. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the description areas 222a and 222b are shown surrounded by a dotted frame. Further, in the preview image 222, the area not surrounded by the dotted line frame is the margin 222c.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the manuscript page image is displayed at the lower center of the page. If the position to which the classified page image 38 is added is not set or changed, the classified page image 38 is added to the position where the original page image is displayed. At this time, the original page image is deleted.

Further, even when the position where the classified page image 38 is added is set to a position different from the position where the original page image is added, the original page image is deleted.

The position setting screen 220 is provided with a decision key 230 and a cancel key 232.

The determination key 230 is provided to determine the position to be added to the page image 38 with the type. When the enter key 230 is operated, the position to which the page image 38 with the type is added is set, and the condition setting screen 200 is displayed on the display 32.

The cancel key 232 is provided to return to the condition setting screen 200 without setting the position to add the page image 38 with the type. Therefore, even if the position to be added to the page image 38 with the type is set before the cancel key 232 is operated, the setting is invalidated.

In this embodiment, the page image 38 with the type can be displayed at any position of the margin 222c as long as it does not overlap the description area 222a. Therefore, the user can move the instruction image 224 so as to display the classified page image 38 at a position that does not overlap with the description area 222a.

Although detailed description will be omitted, in this embodiment, the detection of the description areas 222a and 222b and the margin 222c is performed by performing histogram analysis, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) analysis, etc. on the image of the printed page, respectively. Is detected by. Further, as will be described later, OCR analysis or the like is also performed when the original page number is detected from the printed image. Since this detection method is a well-known technique, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, as described above, when the start key 110 is operated while the addition of the actual page number is set and the page selection item is set to "designation", the printed image is displayed. After being generated, a page image 38 with a type is added to the printed image in place of the original page image. That is, the print data corresponding to the print image to which the page image 38 with the type is added is generated.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, among the manuscripts, the page numbers of the printed pages are 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Here, it is assumed that page numbers are added to the manuscript in order from the first page to the last page.

Further, a printed image corresponding to a page to which a page number of 1 is added, a printed image corresponding to a page to which a page number of 3 is added, and a printed image corresponding to a page to which a page number of 5 is added. It is assumed that the print image corresponding to the page to which the page number 6 is added and the print image corresponding to the page to which the page number 7 is added are printed on the paper in this order.

For example, 1 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image of the first page, and 1 of the original page number is detected as a result of OCR analysis for the printed image of the first page. Therefore, 1org (1) is added to the printed image of the first page as the page image 38 with the type.

Next, 2 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image on the second page, and 3 of the original page number is detected as a result of OCR analysis on the printed image on the second page. Therefore, 2org (3) is added to the printed image of the second page as the page image 38 with the type.

Subsequently, 3 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image on the third page, and 5 of the original page number is detected as a result of OCR analysis on the printed image on the third page. Therefore, 3org (5) is added to the printed image on the third page as the page image 38 with the type.

Although the description is omitted, the page image 38 with the type is similarly added to the printed images on the 5th and 6th pages.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map 400 of the RAM 24 of the information processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 24 includes a program storage area 402 and a data storage area 404. Further, the control program of the information processing apparatus 10 is stored in the program storage area 402 of the RAM 24 as an example of the information processing program.

The control program of the information processing apparatus 10 includes an operation detection program 402a, a display image generation program 402b, a page-related image generation program 402c, a display program 402d, a communication program 402e, a page setting program 402f, an additional determination program 402g, and a page omission determination program 402h. , Print image generation program 402i and transmission program 402m.

Further, the print image generation program 402i includes an allocation program 402j, a detection program 402k, and an addition program 402l.

The operation detection program 402a is a program for detecting operation detection data corresponding to an operation on each operation unit of the information processing apparatus 10. For example, when the operation unit 34 is operated, the CPU 20 acquires the operation data 404a by the operation of the operation unit 34 according to the operation detection program 402a and stores it in the buffer.

The display image generation program 402b controls the GPU and generates display image data corresponding to various screens by using the image generation data 404b described later and the preview image 222 generated by the page-related image generation program 402c. It is a program for.

The page-related image generation program 402c includes a preview image generation program and a page image generation program.

The preview image generation program is a program for generating a preview image 222 according to the print page set by the page setting program 402f.

The page image generation program is a program for generating a page image 38 with a type when an actual page number is assigned to a printed image according to the allocation program 402j and the original page number is detected from the printed image according to the detection program 402k.

The display program 402d is a program for outputting the data of the display image generated according to the display image generation program 402b to the display 32.

The communication program 402e is a program for controlling the communication unit 36 to communicate with an external device.

The page setting program 402f is a program for setting print pages according to page selection settings and the like.

The addition determination program 402g is a program for determining whether or not to add a real page number.

The missing page determination program 402h is a program for determining whether or not there is a missing page in the printed page set by the page setting program 402f.

The print image generation program 402i is a program for generating a print image or a print image to which a typed page image 38 is added according to print conditions, print pages, and the like.

When the allocation program 402j determines that the actual page number is to be added by the addition determination program 402g, and further, when the missing page determination program 402h determines that there is a missing page in the printed page, it is predetermined to the printed image. This is a program for assigning actual page numbers in order.

When the detection program 402k determines that the actual page number is added by the addition determination program 402g, and further, when the missing page determination program 402h determines that there is a missing page in the printed page, the original page from the printed image is determined. This is a program for detecting numbers.

The addition program 402l is a program for adding the typed page image 38 to the printed image in place of the original page image when the typed page image 38 is generated by the page-related image generation program 402c.

The transmission program 402m is a program for transmitting print data, which is data corresponding to the print image, to the external image forming apparatus 100 when the print image is generated by the print image generation program 402i.

Although not shown, the program storage area 402 also stores other programs necessary for controlling the information processing apparatus 10.

Operation data 404a, image generation data 404b, original data 404c, and print data 404d are stored in the data storage area 404.

The operation data 404a is operation data detected according to the operation detection program 402a, and is stored in time series. The operation data 404a is deleted after being used for the processing of the CPU 20.

The image generation data 404b is data including polygon data, texture data, and the like for generating display image data.

The manuscript data 404c is a manuscript in a data format generated by an arbitrary application. In this first embodiment, the manuscript data 404c is composed of a plurality of pages. The print data 404d is data corresponding to the printed image.

Although not shown, the data storage area 404 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program, and is also provided with flags and counters (timers) necessary for executing the information processing program.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of transmission processing of the CPU 20 of the information processing apparatus 10. The CPU 20 starts the transmission process when the print image is generated in response to the operation of the start key 210. However, the setting of the print range (that is, the print page) and the setting of whether or not to add the page image 38 with the type are performed before the execution of printing is instructed.

When the transmission process is started, the CPU 20 determines in step S1 whether or not to add the actual page number. Here, it is determined whether or not a check mark is displayed at a position overlapping the check box 206.

If it is "NO" in step S1, that is, if the actual page number is not added, the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S1, that is, if the actual page number is to be added, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not there is a missing page. If it is "NO" in step S3, that is, if there is no missing page, the process proceeds to step 21. If "YES" in step S3, that is, if there is a missing page, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the variables m and n are initialized (m = 1 and n = 1), and in step S7, the printed image on the mth page is read.

In step S9, the actual page number n is assigned, and in step S11, the original page number is detected from the printed image.

In step S13, the typed page image 38 is generated, and in step S15, the typed page image 38 is added to the printed image in place of the original page image.

In step S17, it is determined whether or not the variable m matches the number of printed pages. If "NO" in step S17, that is, if the variable m is different from the number of printed pages, the variable m and the variable n are counted up in step S19, and the process returns to step S7.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S17, that is, if the variable m matches the number of printed pages, the print data corresponding to the printed image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 in step S21, and the transmission process is completed. do.

According to the first embodiment, since the page image 38 with a type is added to the printed image instead of the page image of the manuscript, different types of page numbers can be easily identified.

In this embodiment, when it is set to add the page image 38 with the type, the page image 38 with the type is added to all the print images, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. No. If the original page number and the actual page number match in the printed image, the page image 38 with the type may not be added. In this case, the original page image is not erased.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, a classified page image 38 to which an identification image capable of identifying the original page number is added is added, but the classified page image 38 has another aspect. May be.

FIG. 7A shows another example of the paper on which the printed image to which the page image 38 with the type is added is printed. This typed page image 38a is displayed as "ren (4) org (5)". “Ren (4)” is the actual page image, and “org (5)” is the original page image. Since the actual page image and the original page image are as described above, duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In the page image 38a with the type shown in FIG. 7A, the identification image for identifying them is included in both the original page number and the actual page number, but only the actual page number is the identification image for identifying them. May include. That is, in the page image 38 with a type, at least one of the original page number and the actual page number may include an identification image for identifying the type of the page number.

FIG. 7B is another example of the paper on which the printed image to which the page image 38 with the type is added is printed. As yet another example of the classified page image 38b, "ren (4)" is shown. Since the page image 38b with the type does not include the original page image, the original page image is not erased even if it is added at a position different from the original page image. However, the place (or position) to which the page image 38 with the type is added can be set by the user.

Further, in the first embodiment, instead of detecting the original page number from the printed image, the original page number of the printed image may be specified from the page number input to the input area 104.

In the first embodiment, the page number input to the input area 104 is the original page number. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it can be said that the page image 38 with the type is added to the printed image corresponding to the original page number.

For example, the page numbers 1 and 3 are input to the input area 104, and the printed image corresponding to the page to which the page number of 1 is added is the printed image corresponding to the page to which the page number of 3 is added. Suppose it is printed on paper.

1 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image of the first page, and the original page number in the printed image is specified as 1. 2 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image on the second page, and the original page number in the printed image is specified as 3.
[Second Example]
The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the image forming apparatus 100 functions as an image processing apparatus for adding the classified page image 38 to the printed image.

The image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment is, for example, a copying machine. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 in the second embodiment may be a multifunction device having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 50. The CPU 50 is connected to the RAM 54, the storage unit 56, the display control circuit 58, the touch panel control circuit 60, the image reading unit 66, the image forming unit 68, and the communication unit 70 via the bus 52.

Further, the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment includes a display 62 and a touch panel 64, the display control circuit 58 is connected to the display 62, and the touch panel control circuit 60 is connected to the touch panel 64.

The CPU 50 controls the overall control of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 54 is the main storage device of the image forming apparatus 100, and is used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 50.

The storage unit 56 is an auxiliary storage device of the image forming apparatus 100, and a non-volatile memory such as an HDD and an EPPROM is used. Further, the storage unit 56 may be configured to include the RAM 54. In the storage unit 56, data for a control program for the CPU 50 to control the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 100, data for generating image (display image) data for various screens, and control program. Data required for execution is stored as appropriate.

The display control circuit 58 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like, and under the instruction of the CPU 50, the GPU displays various screens on the display 62 using the image generation data 504b (see FIG. 12) stored in the RAM 54. The data of the display image for the purpose is generated in the VRAM, and the data of the generated display image is output to the display 62. Further, the display 62 is a general-purpose display.

The touch panel control circuit 60 applies a voltage or the like required for the touch panel 64, detects a touch operation (user operation) within the touch effective range of the touch panel 64, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 50. Output to.

The touch panel 64 is a general-purpose touch panel, and any method such as a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, a resistance film method, and an infrared method can be used. In this embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 64, and the touch panel 64 is provided on the display surface of the display 62. However, a touch panel display in which the display 62 and the touch panel 64 are integrally formed may be used.

The image reading unit 66 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 66 guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates a scanned image based on the image on the surface of the document. By doing so, the image data is input. Further, CMOS, CCD or the like is used for the line sensor.

The image forming unit 68 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like, and forms an image on a recording medium by a dry electrophotographic method. Further, the print data in the second embodiment is generated by using the scanned image data read (or acquired) by the image reading unit 66, the data acquired from an external computer, or the like. The information processing device 10 and the cloud computer of the first embodiment correspond to the external computer. Further, not only the external computer but also the data acquired from the external storage medium such as the USB (registered trademark) memory detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100 can be used to generate the print data. Further, the recording medium is not limited to a recording paper made of paper, and a sheet other than paper such as an OHP film is also used.

The process of generating black-and-white or color print data reflecting various settings from the scanned image data and the like, and the process of forming a black-and-white or color image according to the print data are already well known, and are essential contents of the present invention. Since these are different from each other, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

The communication unit 70 includes a communication circuit for connecting to the communication module or the network 102 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates via the network 102 according to the instruction of the CPU 20.

As an example, the communication unit 70 transmits / receives data according to a wired communication method compliant with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and a wireless communication method compliant with a communication standard such as 802.11.

The electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

In such an image forming apparatus 100, when print data is generated from data acquired by scanning a document containing a plurality of pages, the original page number and the actual page number can be identified on the printed paper and the display screen. Print data can be generated. Hereinafter, the method of adding the page image 38 with a type in the second embodiment will be specifically described.

In the second embodiment, for example, when the main power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the home screen, which is the screen of the main menu of the image forming apparatus 100, is displayed on the display 62. A copy icon, a scan icon, and the like are provided on the home screen.

When the copy icon is operated, the copy screen 240 (see FIG. 9), which is an operation screen for executing the copy process, is displayed on the display 62.

FIG. 9 is an example of the copy screen 240. The copy screen 240 is provided with a condition setting key 242 (242a to 242d), a check box 246, and a start key 250.

The condition setting key 242 is a key for setting printing conditions, similarly to the condition setting key 202. Further, the check box 246 is provided to set the addition of the actual page number, similarly to the check box 206.

The start key 250 is provided to execute the copy process. When the copy process is executed, the image forming apparatus 100 generates a printed image of the page read by the image reading unit 66 according to the printing conditions, and the printed image is printed on the paper. That is, in the manuscript, the page read by the image reading unit 66 corresponds to a printed page.

In the second embodiment, when the start key 250 is operated, a predetermined page is first read by the image reading unit 66, and the presentation screen 260 is displayed on the display 62.

FIG. 10 is an example of the presentation screen 260. The presentation screen 260 is a screen for presenting options to the user.

The presentation screen 260 is provided with an end key 262 to end the reading of the page and a next key 264 to read the next page (continue reading the page).

When the end key 262 is operated, the reading of the page is finished. Next When the key 264 is operated, the image reading unit 66 reads the next page.

In addition, the presentation screen 260 displays a message. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the presentation screen 260 displays an operation for continuing the reading of the page and an operation for ending the reading of the page as a message.

When the reading of the page is completed, a printed image is generated according to the printed page and the printing conditions, and the printed image is printed on the paper. Further, when the addition of the actual page number is set, the page image 38 with a type is added to the printed image before the printed image is printed. Hereinafter, a specific series of processes will be described.

When a print image is generated with the addition of the actual page number set, a screen similar to the position setting screen 220 is displayed on the display 62.

An image similar to the preview image 222 and an image similar to the instruction image 224 are displayed on the screen similar to the position setting screen 220. Further, the same screen as the position setting screen 220 is provided with the same key as the enter key 230 and the same key as the cancel key 232.

Further, the image similar to the preview image 222 corresponds to the print image to be printed on the paper first among the print images.

Further, when the same key as the enter key 230 is operated and the position to which the page image 38 with the type is added is set, the input screen 280 (see FIG. 11) is displayed on the display 62.

The input screen 280 is a screen for inputting a page number (here, the original page number) corresponding to the printed page. FIG. 11 is an example of the input screen 280.

A preview image 282 corresponding to the printed image is displayed on the input screen 280. Further, the input screen 280 is provided with an input area 284 and a determination key 286.

The input area 284 is provided for inputting a page number. When the input area 284 is indicated, for example, the numeric keypad of the software is displayed on the display 62. Further, the page number is input to the input area 284 by operating the numeric keypad.

Since the page number input to the input area 284 is the original page number, the page number can be input to the input area 284 according to the result of OCR analysis of the printed image corresponding to the preview image 282. good.

The enter key 286 is provided to end the input of the page number. When the end key 234 is operated, the original page number of the printed image corresponding to the preview image 282 is specified according to the page number input to the input area 284.

Further, when the page number is not input to the input area 284, the operation to the enter key 286 is invalidated.

Further, even if the enter key 286 is operated until the original page number in each printed image is specified, the next input screen 280 is displayed on the display 32.

That is, the plurality of input screens 280 are switched to and displayed on the display 62 until the original page number in each printed image is specified.

Further, in the plurality of input screens 280 displayed by switching to the display 62, the preview images 282 correspond to different print images.

Further, in the plurality of input screens 280 displayed by switching to the display 62, the page number matching the already specified original page number is restricted from being input to the input area 284.

For example, if a page number that matches the already specified original page number is input in the input area 284, the operation to the enter key 286 is invalidated.

When the original page number in each printed image is specified, the page image 38 with a type is added to the printed image.

For example, among the manuscripts, the page to which the original page number of 2 is added, the page to which the original page number of 5 is added, and the page to which the original page number of 7 is added are in this order in the image reading unit 66. Suppose it was read.

1 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image of the first page, and 2 is specified as the original page number in the printed image of the first page. 1org (2) is added to the printed image of the first page as the page image 38 with the type.

Next, 2 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image on the second page, and 5 is specified as the original page number in the printed image on the second page. 2org (5) is added to the printed image of the second page as the page image 38 with the type.

Next, 3 is assigned as the actual page number to the printed image on the third page, and 7 is specified as the original page number in the printed image on the third page. 3org (7) is added to the printed image of the third page as the page image 38 with the type.

When the classified page image 38 is added to the printed image as in the first embodiment, the printed image is printed on the paper.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map 500 of the RAM 54 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the RAM 54 includes a program storage area 502 and a data storage area 504. Further, the control program of the image forming apparatus 100 is stored in the program storage area 502 of the RAM 54 as an example of the information processing program.

The control programs of the image forming apparatus 100 include an operation detection program 502a, a display image generation program 502b, a page-related image generation program 502c, a display program 502d, a communication program 502e, an additional determination program 502f, a print image generation program 502g, a print program 502k, and the like. Includes a reading program 502l.

Further, the print image generation program 502g includes an allocation program 502h, a specific program 502i, and an addition program 502j.

The operation detection program 502a is a program for detecting operation detection data corresponding to an operation on the touch panel 64 of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the touch panel 64 is operated, the CPU 50 acquires the operation data 504a by the operation of the touch panel 64 according to the operation detection program 502a and stores it in the buffer.

The display image generation program 502b controls the GPU and generates display image data corresponding to various screens by using the preview image 282 and the like generated by the page-related image generation program 502c and the image generation data 504b described later. It is a program to do.

The page-related image generation program 502c includes a preview image generation program and a page image generation program.

The preview image generation program is a program for generating various preview images.

The page image generation program is a program for generating a page image 38 with a type when an actual page number is assigned to a printed image according to the allocation program 502h and the original page number in the printed image is specified according to the specific program 502i.

The display program 502d is a program for outputting the data of the display image generated according to the display image generation program 502b to the display 62.

The communication program 502e is a program for controlling the communication unit 70 to communicate with an external device.

The addition determination program 502f is a program for determining whether or not to add a real page number.

The print image generation program 502g is a program for generating a print image or a print image to which a typed page image 38 is added according to print conditions, print pages, and the like.

The allocation program 502h is a program for allocating the actual page numbers to the printed images in a predetermined order when it is determined by the addition determination program 502f that the actual page numbers are to be added.

The specific program 502i is a program for specifying the original page number in the printed image from the page number input to the input area 284 when it is determined by the addition determination program 502f that the actual page number is to be added.

The addition program 502j is a program for adding the typed page image 38 to the printed image in place of the original page image when the typed page image 38 is generated by the page image generation program.

The print program 502k is a program for printing a print image generated by the print image generation program 502g on paper.

The reading program 502l is a program for controlling the image reading unit 66 to read each page in the document.

Although not shown, the program storage area 402 also stores other programs necessary for controlling the information processing apparatus 10.

Operation data 504a, image generation data 504b, read data 504c, and print data 504d are stored in the data storage area 504.

The operation data 504a is operation data detected according to the operation detection program 502a, and is stored in time series. The operation data 504a is deleted after being used for the processing of the CPU 50.

The image generation data 504b is data including polygon data, texture data, and the like for generating display image data.

The read data 504c is data corresponding to the image on the printed page. The print data 504d is data corresponding to the printed image. However, in this second embodiment, the original page image or the classified page image 38 is added to the printed image.

Although not shown, the data storage area 504 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program, and is also provided with flags and counters (timers) necessary for executing the information processing program.

13 and 14 are flow charts showing an example of output processing of the CPU 50 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. The CPU 50 starts the output process, for example, when the start key 250 is operated and a print image is generated.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not to add the actual page number. Here, it is determined whether or not a check mark is displayed at a position overlapping the check box 246.

If it is "NO" in step S31, that is, if the actual page number is not added, the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S31, that is, if the actual page number is to be added, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the position setting screen 220 is displayed on the display 62, and the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, it is determined whether or not the user operation is detected. If "NO" in step S35, that is, if no user operation is detected, the process returns to step S33. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S35, that is, if a user operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, it is determined whether or not the enter key 230 has been operated. If it is "NO" in step S37, that is, if the enter key 230 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S41. If "YES" in step S37, that is, if the enter key 230 is operated, the position to be added to the classified page image 38 is set in step S39, and the process proceeds to step S45.

In step S41, it is determined whether or not the cancel key 232 has been operated. If it is "NO" in step S41, that is, if the cancel key 232 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S43. If "YES" in step S41, that is, if the cancel key 232 is operated, the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S43, other processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step S33. The other processing here is, for example, processing for operating the instruction image 224.

In step S45, the variables m and n are initialized (m = 1 and n = 1), and in step S47, the printed image on the mth page is read.

In step S49, the actual page number n is assigned to the printed image, the input process is executed according to the subroutine shown in FIG. 15 in step S51, and the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, the typed page image 38 is generated, and in step S55, the typed page image 38 is replaced with the original page image, and the typed page image 38 is added to the printed image.

In step S57, it is determined whether or not the variable m matches the number of printed pages. If "NO" in step S17, that is, if the variable m is different from the number of printed pages, the variable m and the variable n are counted up in step S61, and the process returns to step S47. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S57, that is, if the variable m matches the number of printed pages, printing of the printed image is started in step S59.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the input processing of the CPU 50 shown in step S51 of the output processing. When the CPU 50 starts the input process, the input screen 280 is displayed on the display 62 in step S71, and the process proceeds to step S73.

In step S73, it is determined whether or not the user operation is detected. If it is "NO" in step S73, that is, if the user operation is not detected, the process returns to step S71. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S73, that is, if a user operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S75.

In step S75, it is determined whether or not the enter key 286 has been operated. If it is "NO" in step S75, that is, if the enter key 286 is not operated, other processing is executed in step S79, and the process returns to step S71. The other processing here is the processing corresponding to the operation of the input area 284.

On the other hand, if "YES" in step S75, that is, if the enter key 286 is operated, the original page number is specified in step S77, and the process returns to the output process shown in FIG.

According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, different types of page numbers can be easily identified.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the scan icon provided on the home screen is operated, the operation screen for executing the scan process is displayed on the display 62.

When the scanning process is executed in the image forming apparatus 100, the addition of the actual page number can be set as necessary as described above. Therefore, when the scanning process is executed, it is possible to generate print data capable of distinguishing the original page number and the actual page number, if necessary.

However, the print data generated in response to the execution of the scanning process is stored in the image forming apparatus 100, the external storage medium mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

The operation screen for executing the scan process is provided with various keys as in the copy screen 240.

Further, if the image forming apparatus 100 includes an ADF (Auto Document Reader) and the ADF is used when reading the pages, the pages set in the ADF are sequentially read by the image reading unit 66. That is, if the ADF is used when reading the page, the display of the presentation screen 260 on the display 62 can be omitted.

Furthermore, in each printed image, the position to which the page image 38 with the type is added may be different. For example, in the first embodiment, the next position setting screen 220 is displayed on the display 32 even if the enter key 230 is operated until the positions to be added to all the classified page images 38 are set.

However, in each position setting screen 220, the preview image 222 corresponds to a different print page.

Further, when the original page number is detected by the OCR analysis or when the original page number is specified by the OCR analysis, the type of the character font may be specified. Further, if the type of the font of the character of the original page number is specified by the OCR analysis, the page image 38 with the type according to the font is generated.

The manuscript in the first embodiment is a manuscript in a data format because an arbitrary application has been created in advance. Further, the manuscript in the data format includes, for example, character font information, character size information, and the like.

In the first embodiment, the type of the character font may be specified according to the character font information included in the manuscript in the data format.

Further, in the page image 38 with the type, the page number corresponding to the identification image may be displayed in a mode other than parentheses. For example, symbols such as "-" and "/" may be provided on the left and right of the page number.

Furthermore, the size of the page image 38 with the type is not particularly limited as long as it fits in the margin 222c. For example, the size of the page image 38 with the type may be set to the same size as the description area 222b.

It should be noted that each embodiment is an example and can be appropriately changed in an actual product. Furthermore, the flow charts shown in each embodiment and modification are examples, and the order of each step can be arbitrarily changed if the same effect can be obtained.

20 ... CPU
24 ... RAM
26 ... Storage unit 32 ... Display 34 ... Operation unit 36 ... Communication unit 50 ... CPU
54 ... RAM
56 ... Storage unit 62 ... Display 64 ... Touch panel 66 ... Image reading unit 70 ... Communication unit

Claims (8)

Setting unit for setting print pages from a manuscript composed of multiple pages,
If there is a missing page in the print page set by the setting unit, the actual page number which is the page number of the print result is added to the original page number which is the page number originally added to the plurality of pages. An image processing system comprising a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to a printed image identifiable as, and a transmission unit that transmits the print data generated by the generation unit to an image forming apparatus. Further provided with a judgment unit for determining whether to add the actual page number,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the print data when the determination unit determines that the actual page number is to be added. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printed image is an image to which a page image with a type that makes it possible to identify the actual page number and the original page number is added. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the classified page image includes the actual page number and a first identification code indicating that the actual page number is the actual page number. The image processing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the classified page image includes the original page number and a second identification code indicating that the original page number is the original page number. Reader that reads multiple pages,
A determination unit for determining whether to add an actual page number, which is a page number of a print result, when a print page is set according to the fact that a plurality of pages have been read by the reading unit.
When the determination unit determines that the actual page number is to be added, the printed image is added so that the actual page number can be distinguished from the original page number which is the page number originally added to the plurality of pages. An image processing apparatus comprising a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the above, and an image forming unit that prints a printed image on paper according to the print data generated by the generation unit. An image processing program executed by an image processing system.
The image processing program is applied to the processor of the image processing system.
Setting steps to set print pages from a manuscript consisting of multiple pages,
If there is a missing page in the print page set by the setting step, the actual page number which is the page number of the print result is added to the original page number which is the page number originally added to the plurality of pages. An image processing program that executes a generation step of generating print data corresponding to a printed image identifiable as, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data generated in the generation step to an image forming apparatus. It ’s an image processing method.
(A) A step of setting a print page from a manuscript composed of a plurality of pages,
(B) In the print page set in the step (a), if there is a missing page, the actual page number which is the page number of the print result is originally added to the plurality of pages. It includes a step of generating print data corresponding to a print image identifiable with the original page number, and (c) transmitting the print data generated in the step (b) to an image forming apparatus. Image processing method.

Images