JP2022080194A - Image formation apparatus, image formation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a first pattern from being overlapped on a second pattern on a recording medium when even the first pattern formed on a recording medium or the second pattern included in printing data deviates from a prescribed position.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for forming an image including a second pattern on the basis of printing data including the second pattern on a recording medium formed with the first pattern comprises: a reading unit which reads the first pattern on the recording medium; and a correction unit which corrects the position in the printing data of an overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in reading data by the reading unit of the second pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

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

Conventionally, an image including the second pattern is printed on a recording medium such as a transfer slip sheet in which the first pattern such as a frame, characters, a logo, or a pattern is formed in advance, based on print data including the second pattern such as characters. An image forming apparatus for forming is known.

Further, a configuration is disclosed in which the position is corrected based on the detection result of a reference mark preformed on the recording medium and an image is formed on the recording medium in which the first pattern is preformed (for example, a patent). See Document 1).

However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, if the first pattern formed on the recording medium or the second pattern included in the print data is deviated from a predetermined position, it cannot be corrected accurately and the first pattern on the recording medium cannot be corrected. And the second pattern may overlap.

The present invention prevents the first pattern and the second pattern from overlapping on the recording medium even if the first pattern formed on the recording medium or the second pattern included in the print data deviates from a predetermined position. Is the subject.

The image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image including the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed, based on print data including the second pattern. The position in the print data of the reading unit that reads the first pattern on the recording medium and the overlapping pattern of the second pattern that overlaps with the first pattern included in the data read by the reading unit is corrected. It has a correction unit and.

According to the present invention, even if the first pattern formed on the recording medium or the second pattern included in the print data deviates from a predetermined position, the first pattern and the second pattern do not overlap on the recording medium. can do.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of DFE which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional structure example of the control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the paper in which the 1st pattern was formed. It is a figure which shows the example of the print data which includes the 2nd pattern. It is a figure of the composition of the pattern data and the print data, (a) is the figure of the extraction example of the pattern data included in the read data, (b) is the figure of the composition example of pattern data and print data. It is a figure which shows the overlap pattern, (a) is a figure of 1st example, (b) is a figure of 2nd example. It is a figure explaining the correction example based on the overlap amount, (a) is the figure which shows the overlap amount, (b) is the figure which shows the correction amount. It is a figure which shows the position correction example of the date character pattern, (a) is the figure of the first example before correction, (b) is the figure after correction of (a), (c) is the second example before correction. The figure of (d) is the figure after the correction of (c). It is a figure which shows the position correction example of a monetary character pattern, (a) is a figure before correction, (b) is a figure after correction of (a). It is a flowchart of the processing example by the control unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional structure example of the control part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.

The embodiments shown below exemplify an image forming apparatus for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. Unless otherwise specified, the shapes of the components, their relative arrangements, the values of the parameters, etc. described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to that alone, but are intended to be exemplified. Is. In addition, the size and positional relationship of the members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to clarify the explanation.

The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is an image forming apparatus that forms an image including the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed, based on print data including the second pattern. The recording medium is a paper on which a fixed format for entering predetermined information, such as a transfer slip paper, is preprinted (preprinted). Further, the first pattern includes characters and frame figures, and is a standard format or the like printed on paper such as a transfer slip. In addition, the second pattern is to form and print an image for a frame figure in a fixed format such as a transfer slip so that it can be entered in it, characters such as date and amount, name and address, check marks, etc. It is print data such as symbols.

The date, amount, check mark, etc. formed on the transfer slip form are, for example, for the person who submitted the form to automate the processing by converting the contents of the written date, amount, check mark, etc. into electronic data. It may be automatically recognized using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or the like. However, if characters overlap the frame figure in the amount entry field or the check mark overlaps the frame figure in the check field, it may not be recognized correctly.

In the embodiment, the first pattern on the recording medium is read, and among the second patterns included in the print data, the position of the overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in the read data is corrected in the print data. This eliminates the overlap between the first pattern and the second pattern, and prevents recognition errors due to OCR or the like.

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described by taking as an example an image forming system including the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. In this image forming system, characters such as dates and amounts, and images such as check marks are formed by the image forming system on a form such as an invoice sheet or a transfer slip sheet as an example of a recording medium. However, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and any medium capable of forming (recording) an image may be coated paper, thick paper, OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet, plastic film, prepreg, copper foil, or the like. You may.

Further, in the following, a standard format including characters and frame figures will be referred to as a first pattern, and characters such as dates and amounts to be printed so as to be written in the standard format, and patterns such as check marks will be referred to as a second pattern. In addition, printing, image formation, and printing in the terms of the embodiment have the same meaning.

<Overall configuration example of image forming system 100>
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100 including the image forming apparatus 103 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a client PC (Personal Computer) 101, a DFE (Digital Front End) 102, an image forming device 103, and a management server 104. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet or the like.

The client PC 101 creates a print job that the user wants to print, and sends the print job to the DFE 102 or the management server 104. It is equipped with a display unit that is a liquid crystal display and input devices such as a mouse and keyboard.

The DFE 102 receives a print job from the client PC 101 or the management server 104, creates drawing data by the RIP (Raster Image Processor) engine based on the received print job, and transmits the drawing data to the image forming apparatus 103.

The image forming apparatus 103 forms an image on a recording medium based on the drawing data received from the DFE 102.

The management server 104 manages the print job received from the client PC 101. Further, at the request of DFE102, the print job is transmitted to DFE102.

The image forming system 100 may connect a plurality of image forming devices and a plurality of client PCs in a communicable manner.

<Hardware configuration example of DFE102>
Next, the hardware configuration of DFE102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of DFE102.

As shown in FIG. 2, the DFE 102 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and an HDD (Hard Disk) / SSD (Solid State Drive) 204. And an I / F (Interface) 205.

Of these, the CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a work area and controls the operation of the entire DFE 102 by executing a program stored in the ROM 202.

The HDD / SSD 204 is used as a storage unit and stores preset values. The information stored in the HDD / SSD 204 may be used by the CPU 201 when the read program is executed.

The I / F 205 is an interface that enables communication between the DFE 102, the client PC 101, the image forming apparatus 103, and the management server 104.

<Hardware configuration example of image forming apparatus 103>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 103 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an HDD / SSD 304, an I / F 305, an image forming unit 306, and a reading unit 307.

Of these, the CPU 301 uses the RAM 303 as a work area and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 103 by executing a program stored in the ROM 302.

The HDD / SSD 304 is used as a storage unit and stores preset values. The information stored in the HDD / SSD 304 may be used by the CPU 301 when the read program is executed.

The I / F 305 is an interface that enables communication between the image forming apparatus 103, the DEF 102, the client PC 101, and the management server 104.

The image forming unit 306 is a printing engine that forms an image on paper. The reading unit 307 is a reading device that reads an image formed on paper.

<Configuration example of image forming apparatus 103>
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 103. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 103 includes a tandem electrophotographic photosensitive member drums 403K, 403C, 403M, 403Y, an intermediate transfer belt 402, a secondary transfer roller 404, and a paper feed unit 400. It has a transport roller pair 401, a fixing roller 405, an in-line sensor 406, an inversion path 407, and a transport path 408. Further, the image forming apparatus 103 has a control unit 200.

The image forming unit 306 of FIG. 3 includes a photoconductor drum 403K, 403C, 403M, 403Y, an intermediate transfer belt 402, a secondary transfer roller 404, and a fixing roller 405. Further, the reading unit 307 of FIG. 3 includes an in-line sensor 406.

The image forming apparatus 103 includes a configuration in which the photoconductor drums 403Y, 403M, 403C, and 403K (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the photoconductor drum 403) of each color are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 402 which is an endless moving means. It is a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus. From the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 402 in the transport direction along the intermediate transfer belt 402 in which an intermediate transfer image is formed to be fed from the paper feed unit 400 and transferred to the paper conveyed by the transfer roller pair 401. Photoreceptor drums 403Y, 403M, 403C, and 403K are arranged in this order.

The image forming apparatus 103 forms a full-color image by superimposing and transferring an image of each color developed by toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 403 of each color on an intermediate transfer belt 402.

The image forming apparatus 103 is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 402 on the paper surface of the paper transported on the transport path 408 at the secondary transfer position 409 closest to the paper transport path 408 shown by the broken line in the drawing. The resulting full-color image is transferred by the function of the secondary transfer roller 404.

The image forming apparatus 103 further conveys the paper on which the image is formed on the paper surface, and fixes (image forming) the image by the fixing roller 405. The fixing roller 405 fixes the full-color toner image on the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper on which the full-color toner image is transferred. The fixing roller 405 can heat the paper by generating heat by a heater such as a built-in halogen heater.

When performing double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 103 transfers the paper to the inversion path 407 in the conveying path 408 after forming an image on the front surface, inverts the front and back, and then positions the secondary transfer roller 404 again. Transport to.

The paper feed unit 400 is an example of a supply unit that supplies a recording medium, and accommodates a plurality of sheets in an stacked manner. The paper feed unit 400 picks up the loaded and accommodated paper in order from the top with a pickup roller, and supplies the paper to the transport roller pair 401 using the paper feed roller which is a pair of rollers.

Further, the image forming apparatus 103 is provided with an in-line sensor 406 between the paper feeding unit 400 and the secondary transfer position 409. The secondary transfer position 409 is an example of an image forming position that forms an image on a recording medium.

The in-line sensor 406 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor in which pixels that output electric signals according to the received light intensity are arranged in a one-dimensional array. The pixel arrangement directions intersect the paper transport direction. Further, the in-line sensor 406 includes a pixel array that receives red light (R), a pixel array that receives green light (G), and a pixel array that receives blue light (B).

The in-line sensor 406 outputs an electric signal according to the light intensity of the reflected light by the image formed on the paper by the pixel array of each color. More specifically, the in-line sensor 406 reads the image of the first pattern contained in the paper before the toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer position 409, and outputs the read data to the control unit 200.

The in-line sensor 406 may be provided with a light source for irradiating the paper with light. By irradiating the paper with light from the light source, the brightness of reading by the inline sensor 406 can be ensured. Further, the in-line sensor 406 may be configured by a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor), PD (Photo Diode) array or the like instead of the CCD.

<Example of functional configuration of control unit 200>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the functional configuration of the control unit 200 included in the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 200 includes a print data input unit 211, a read data input unit 212, an extraction unit 213, a synthesis unit 214, a specific unit 215, a correction unit 216, and an output unit 217. Has.

Each of these functions is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 3 executing a predetermined program or the like. Although only the main components are shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 200 may include components other than these.

The control unit 200 inputs print data from the DFE 102 via the print data input unit 211, and inputs read data from the reading unit 307 via the reading data input unit 212. The extraction unit 213 extracts the pattern data of the first pattern from the read data. The compositing unit 214 synthesizes the print data and the pattern data.

The specifying unit 215 specifies the position of the overlapping pattern that overlaps with the first pattern included in the read data among the second patterns included in the print data from the synthesis result by the synthesis unit 214. When the first pattern and the second pattern overlap at a plurality of places and a plurality of overlapping patterns exist, the specific unit 215 specifies the positions of all the overlapping patterns.

The correction unit 216 detects the amount of overlap in which the overlapping pattern overlaps the first pattern. The correction unit 216 moves the overlapping pattern according to the detected overlap amount, and corrects the position of the overlapping pattern so as not to overlap the first pattern. When there are a plurality of overlapping patterns, the correction unit 216 detects the overlapping amount of all the overlapping patterns and corrects the positions of all the overlapping patterns. Various image processes can be applied to the processes performed by the specific unit 215 and the correction unit 216.

The control unit 200 outputs the print data after correcting the positions of the overlapping patterns to the outside of the control unit 200 via the output unit 217. The image forming apparatus 103 can form an image of the second pattern on the paper based on the corrected print data.

<Example of paper on which the first pattern is formed>
Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of paper on which the first pattern is formed. As shown in FIG. 6, the paper P includes the first pattern 500, which is a standard format of the “invoice / invoice”. Further, the first pattern 500 includes a date entry field 501 and an amount entry field 502.

The image forming apparatus 103 forms an image of characters indicating the date at the position of the date entry field 501 of the paper P, and an image of the characters indicating the amount to be charged in the invoice at the position of the amount entry field 502 of the paper P. Can be formed.

<Example of print data including the second pattern>
Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of print data including the second pattern. As shown in FIG. 7, the print data D includes the second pattern 600, which is a number of date and amount. The second pattern 600 is for filling in the first pattern 500, which is a standard format of the “invoice / invoice” shown in FIG. Further, the second pattern 600 includes a dated character pattern 601 to be entered in the dated entry field 501 and a monetary character pattern 602 to be entered in the amount entry field 502.

Assuming that an image is formed on the paper P in the second pattern 600, the positions of numbers and the like are adjusted according to the positions of the entry fields in the first pattern 500. The user of the image forming system 100 can operate a computer or the like to create such print data D, and can adjust the positions of numbers and the like in the second pattern 600. However, a person other than the user of the image forming system 100 may create and adjust, or a computer or the like may automatically create and adjust.

The image forming apparatus 103 forms an image of the date character at the position of the date entry field 501 of the paper P based on the print data D, and indicates the amount to be charged by the invoice at the position of the amount entry field 502 of the paper P. Images of monetary characters can be formed.

<Example of combining pattern data and print data>
Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the composition of the pattern data and the print data. (A) is a diagram showing an example of extracting pattern data included in the read data, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of synthesizing pattern data and print data.

In FIG. 8A, the extraction unit 213 extracts only the data corresponding to the first pattern 500, which is a standard format, from the reading data (read image) of the paper P read by the reading unit 307 (see FIG. 3). The pattern data Pd is shown. The extraction unit 213 can extract the pattern data Pd, for example, by binarizing the read data. The pattern data Pd is for detecting the overlap between the first pattern 500 and the second pattern 600, and the object can be achieved even if the characters included in the first pattern 500 are simplified. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the characters in the pattern data Pd are displayed in a square pattern having the same size as the characters.

FIG. 8B shows the result of superimposing and synthesizing the pattern data Pd and the print data D of FIG. 7 by the synthesizing unit 214. If the second pattern 600 is arranged at a predetermined correct position in the print data D and is formed at a predetermined correct position of the first pattern 500 on the paper P, the pattern data is as shown in FIG. 8 (b). The pattern of each character of the second pattern 600 is arranged in each entry field of the first pattern 500 included in Pd, and the first pattern 500 and the second pattern 600 do not overlap.

However, if there is a mistake in creating the print data D, the second pattern 600 may be displaced from a predetermined position in the print data D. Further, if the formation position shifts when the image of the first pattern 500 is formed on the paper P, the first pattern 500 may not be formed at a predetermined position on the paper P.

Further, when a plurality of sheets of the same print data D are formed on the same type of paper P due to the positional deviation of the image formation by the image forming apparatus 103, the variation in the arrangement position of the paper P on the paper feed unit 400, and the like, each paper is formed. The image forming position with respect to P may fluctuate within a range of about 0 to ± 2 mm, and the first pattern 500 on the paper P may deviate from a predetermined position. Further, the first pattern 500 on the paper P may be displaced from the predetermined position due to the deviation of the cutting position of the paper P or the like.

If the first pattern 500 or the second pattern 600 deviates from a predetermined position, an overlapping pattern may occur in the second pattern 600 that overlaps with the first pattern 500 included in the pattern data Pd.

<Example of overlapping pattern>
Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping pattern, (a) is a diagram of the first example, and (b) is a diagram of the second example. FIG. 9 is an enlarged display of the portion of the date entry field 501 on the form P.

The square pattern 510 in FIG. 9 is a portion where the characters “year” are arranged on the paper P, the square pattern 511 is a portion where the characters “month” are arranged on the paper P, and the square pattern 512 is a portion where the characters “month” are arranged. On the paper P, it is a part where the characters "day" are arranged. In FIG. 9, the characters "year", "month", and "day" are all replaced with square patterns and displayed.

Further, the dated character pattern 610 indicating "2011" corresponds to the square pattern 510 indicating "year", and the dated character pattern 611 indicating "5" corresponds to the square pattern 511 indicating "month". Corresponding. The dated character pattern 612 indicating "8" corresponds to the square pattern 512 indicating "day".

In the example of FIG. 9A, the dated character pattern 611 overlaps with the square pattern 511, and the dated character pattern 611 corresponds to the overlapping pattern. When an image is formed on the paper P based on the print data D in this state, the "5" corresponding to the dated character pattern 611 and the "month" corresponding to the square pattern 511 overlap, and the "5" cannot be recognized by OCR or the like. There is.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9B, the dated character pattern 610 overlaps with the square pattern 510, and the dated character pattern 610 corresponds to the overlapping pattern. When an image is formed on the paper P based on the print data D in this state, the "2011" corresponding to the dated character pattern 610 and the "year" corresponding to the square pattern 511 overlap, and the "2011" cannot be recognized by OCR or the like. There is.

<Example of overlap amount and correction amount>
Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction based on the overlap amount, (a) is a diagram showing the overlap amount, and (b) is a diagram showing the correction amount. 10 (a) and 10 (B) are enlarged views of the portion of FIG. 9 (a) where the dated character pattern 611 overlaps with the square pattern 511.

The correction unit 216 calculates which direction the overlapping direction of the dated character pattern 611 and the square pattern 511 is from the center 700 of the dated character pattern 611 (FIG. 10A). By rotating the calculated direction by 180 degrees, the correction unit 216 can acquire the correction direction v, which is the direction in which the dated character pattern 611 is moved in the print data D for correction (FIG. 10 (b)).

Further, the correction unit 216 detects the overlap amount s between the dated character pattern 611 and the square pattern 511 by calculating the distance between the end portion 701 of the dated character pattern 611 and the end portion 702 of the square pattern 511. FIG. 10 (a)). By adding the margin amount to the overlap amount s, the correction unit 216 can acquire the correction amount c, which is the amount of moving the dated character pattern 611 in the print data D for correction (FIG. 10 (b)). .. The margin amount means a distance that is not determined to overlap when recognized by OCR or the like. This margin amount can be appropriately set according to the recognition performance such as OCR.

<Example of position correction of overlapping patterns>
Next, the position correction of the overlapping pattern by the correction unit 216 will be described. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of position correction of a dated character pattern, FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a first example before correction, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing correction after correction in (a). 11 (c) is a diagram showing a second example before correction, and FIG. 11 (d) is a diagram showing after correction of FIG. 11 (c). 11 (a) and 11 (c) are shown so as to be easily compared with those after correction, FIG. 11 (a) is the same as FIG. 9 (a), and FIG. 11 (c) is FIG. It is the same figure as (b).

By correcting the position of the dated character pattern 611, in FIG. 11B, the dated character pattern 621 does not overlap with the square pattern 511. Further, by correcting the position of the dated character pattern 610 composed of not only the duplicated characters of the dated character pattern 610 but also the duplicated characters, the dated character pattern 620 is represented by the square pattern 510 in FIG. 11 (d). It is designed so that it does not overlap with each other.

In this way, the correction unit 216 corrects the position in the unit of only the overlapping pattern, as in the dated character pattern 611 in FIG. 11A, and corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data D. can. Further, the correction unit 216 corrects the position in units of a plurality of patterns including the overlapping pattern as in the dated character pattern 610 in FIG. 11C, and corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data D. Can be done.

The correction unit 216 may perform correction in units of a pattern column composed of a plurality of patterns including overlapping patterns, in addition to the unit of only overlapping patterns and the unit of a plurality of patterns including overlapping patterns and the unit of pattern rows. It can also be corrected in units of the entire print data.

Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of position correction of the monetary character pattern. 12 (a) is a diagram showing before correction, and FIG. 12 (b) is a diagram showing after correction of FIG. 12 (a).

In the example of FIG. 12, the form P1 includes the first pattern 800, which is a standard format of the transfer slip. The first pattern 800 includes a monetary character entry field 810 to 814 and a check field 815. The amount character entry fields 810 to 814 and the check field 815 are examples of frame figures, respectively.

The amount character entry field 810 is a rectangular frame figure in which a "10,000" digit number is entered, and the amount character entry field 811 is a rectangular frame figure in which a "thousand" digit number is entered. The character entry field 812 is a rectangular frame figure in which a number having a digit of "hundred" is entered. Further, the amount character entry field 813 is a rectangular frame figure in which a digit of the digit "10" is entered, and the amount character entry field 814 is a rectangular frame figure in which the number of the digit "1" is entered.

In FIG. 12A, the frame figure of the amount character entry field 810 and the amount character pattern 910 overlap, and the frame figure of the amount character entry field 814 and the amount character pattern 914 overlap. Further, the frame figure of the check column 815 and the check mark 915 overlap each other. Each of these corresponds to an overlapping pattern. Each of the monetary character patterns 911, 912 and 913 does not overlap with the monetary character entry fields 811, 812 and 813. Therefore, there are three overlapping patterns in this example.

In FIG. 12B, the positions of the monetary character patterns 910 and 914 are corrected so that they do not overlap with the frame figures of the monetary character entry fields 810 and 814. Further, the position of the check mark 915 is corrected so that it does not overlap with the frame figure of the check column 815. The positions of the amount character entry columns 810 and 814 and the positions of the check columns 815 have not changed.

<Processing example by control unit 200>
Next, processing by the control unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 200. Note that FIG. 13 shows a process starting from the timing at which the control unit 200 inputs print data from the DFE 102. Hereinafter, the functional configuration and the like of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to them as appropriate.

First, in step S131, the control unit 200 inputs the read data from the reading unit 307 via the reading data input unit 212.

Subsequently, in step S132, the control unit 200 determines whether or not there is a first pattern in the read data.

If it is determined in step S132 that there is no first pattern (step S132, No), the control unit 200 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that there is a first pattern (step S132, Yes), in step S133, the extraction unit 213 extracts the pattern data of the first pattern from the read data.

Subsequently, in step S134, the compositing unit 214 synthesizes the print data and the pattern data.

Subsequently, in step S135, the specifying unit 215 specifies the position of the overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in the read data among the second patterns included in the print data from the synthesis result by the combining unit 214. When the first pattern and the second pattern overlap at a plurality of places and a plurality of overlapping patterns exist, the specific unit 215 specifies the positions of all the overlapping patterns.

Subsequently, in step S136, the correction unit 216 selects the overlap pattern to be corrected from the specified overlap patterns.

Subsequently, in step S137, the correction unit 216 determines whether or not the selected overlapping pattern can be corrected.

If it is determined in step S137 that the correction is not possible (step S137, No), the control unit 200 ends the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that correction is possible (step S137, Yes), in step S138, the correction unit 216 detects the amount of overlap in which the overlapping pattern overlaps with the first pattern.

Subsequently, in step S139, the correction unit 216 moves the overlapping pattern according to the detected overlap amount, and corrects the position of the overlapping pattern so as not to overlap the first pattern.

Subsequently, in step S140, the control unit 200 determines whether or not all the overlapping patterns have been corrected. This determination may be performed by the correction unit 216 or by the specific unit 215.

If it is determined in step S140 that all the overlapping patterns have been corrected (steps S140, Yes), the control unit 200 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the overlapping patterns have not been corrected (step S140, No), the process returns to step S136, and the correction unit 216 among the specified overlapping patterns has not yet corrected the overlapping patterns. Select. After that, the control unit 200 performs the processing after step S137 again.

In this way, the control unit 200 can identify the overlapping pattern and correct its position so as not to overlap the first pattern. The control unit 200 outputs the print data after correcting the position of the overlapping pattern to the outside of the control unit 200 via the output unit 217, and the image forming apparatus 103 uses the corrected print data as a second sheet on paper. An image of the pattern can be formed.

<Action and effect of image forming apparatus 103>
Next, the operation and effect of the image forming apparatus 103 will be described.

Conventionally, an image containing a second pattern based on print data including a second pattern such as characters on a recording medium such as a transfer slip sheet in which a first pattern such as a frame, characters, a logo, or a pattern is formed in advance. An image forming apparatus is known.

Further, there is disclosed a configuration in which a position is corrected based on a detection result of a reference mark formed in advance on a recording medium, and an image is formed on a recording medium in which a first pattern is formed in advance.

However, in the conventional configuration, since the correction is performed based on the position of the reference mark, it is accurate if the first pattern formed on the recording medium or the second pattern included in the print data deviates from the position of the reference mark. The first pattern and the second pattern may overlap on the recording medium. If there is such an overlap, a recognition error may occur when the image on the recording medium is recognized by OCR or the like.

In the present embodiment, the first pattern on the paper P (recording medium) on which the first pattern is formed is read, and among the second patterns, the overlapping pattern overlapping with the first pattern included in the data read by the reading unit 307 is printed. Correct the position in the data D.

In order to correct the correction based on the first pattern included in the read data without using the reference mark formed on the paper P, the first pattern formed on the paper P or the second pattern included in the print data is moved from a predetermined position. Even if they are misaligned, the first pattern and the second pattern can be prevented from overlapping. Further, since the first pattern and the second pattern do not overlap with each other, it is possible to prevent a recognition error when the image formed on the paper P is recognized by OCR or the like.

The position shift of reading by the reading unit 307 is smaller than the position shift of image formation by the image forming apparatus 103. Therefore, it is possible to correct the position of the overlapping pattern with reference to the first pattern included in the data read by the reading unit 307.

Further, in the present embodiment, the in-line sensor 406 included in the reading unit 307 includes a paper feeding unit 400 (supply unit) for supplying the paper P and a secondary transfer position 409 (image forming position) for forming an image on the paper P. The first pattern formed on the paper P provided between the two and is conveyed is read. As a result, before forming an image on the paper P based on the print data D, an overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern previously formed on the paper P is specified among the second patterns, and the overlapping pattern in the print data D is specified. The position of can be corrected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the correction unit 216 corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data only when the first pattern is formed on the paper P. As a result, unnecessary processing can be omitted when the first pattern is not formed on the paper P.

Further, in the present embodiment, the correction unit 216 corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data according to the amount of overlap between the first pattern and the second pattern included in the read data. This makes it possible to prevent the first pattern and the second pattern from overlapping with the minimum correction process.

Further, in the present embodiment, the correction unit 216 overlaps only the overlapping pattern, a plurality of patterns including the overlapping pattern, a pattern row or a pattern column composed of a plurality of patterns including the overlapping pattern, or at least one unit of the entire print data. Correct the position of the pattern in the print data. As a result, the variation of the correction process can be increased, and the position of the overlapping pattern can be reliably corrected so as not to overlap with the first pattern.

Further, in the present embodiment, the position in the print data of the overlapping pattern overlapping the frame figure of the form paper included in the read data is corrected. This makes it possible to prevent an error in recognizing the form paper due to OCR or the like.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus 103a according to the second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the composite data obtained by synthesizing the first pattern included in the read data and the print data is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 103a, the display of the client PC 101, or the like. This makes it possible to correct the composite data according to the judgment of the user who visually recognizes it.

<Example of functional configuration of control unit 200a>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 200a included in the image forming apparatus 103a. As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 200a has a display control unit 218 and an operation reception unit 219.

The display control unit 218 displays the composite data obtained by synthesizing the first pattern included in the read data and the print data on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 103a or the display of the client PC 101. This composite data is, for example, composite data of pattern data and print data shown in FIG. 8B. The user of the image forming system 100 can determine whether or not to correct the overlapping pattern by visually recognizing the composite data.

The operation reception unit 219 accepts an operation performed by the user according to a determination result of whether or not to correct the overlapping pattern. The control unit 200a can correct the overlapping pattern according to the operation received by the operation reception unit 219.

<Action and effect of image forming apparatus 103a>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the composite data obtained by synthesizing the first pattern included in the read data and the print data is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 103a, the display of the client PC 101, or the like. This makes it possible to correct the composite data according to the judgment of the user who visually recognizes it, and it is possible to correct the overlapping pattern more according to the user's request. The other effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the paper P on which the first pattern is printed is read in advance by a reading unit, and an image forming region or an image forming region in the recording medium is determined based on a frame line or the like included in the first pattern. Create master data in which the image forming area or the area where the image should not be formed in the recording medium is determined from the master data obtained or the image data which is the source of the first pattern, and the master data is stored in the HDD / SSD 204 (see FIG. 2) of the DFE102. Remember.

At the time of image formation, the position and arrangement of characters or images are determined from the image data of the second pattern based on the master data acquired with reference to HDD / SSD204 or the like so that the characters or images enter the image formation area. Or, after adjusting the position so as not to overlap the frame line or the like, the image of the second pattern is formed on the recording medium.

For example, the first pattern included in the read data read in advance by the reading unit 307 or the first pattern generated from the image data which is the source of the first pattern is stored in the HDD / SSD 204 of the DFE 102 or the like.

With the second pattern included in the image data and the first pattern selected from the file name of the image data, the position of the overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern in the image data is corrected.

By doing so, even if the first pattern formed on the paper P or the second pattern included in the print data deviates from a predetermined position, the first pattern and the second pattern can be prevented from overlapping. can. Further, since the first pattern and the second pattern do not overlap with each other, it is possible to prevent a recognition error when the image formed on the paper P is recognized by OCR or the like.

The reading unit that reads the paper P on which the first pattern is printed in advance may be the reading unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 103, or may be the reading unit of another apparatus.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the image forming apparatus 103 includes the control unit 200 and the image forming apparatus 103a includes the control unit 200a is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to configure the DFE 102 to include a part or all of the functions provided by the control unit 200 or the 200a. Alternatively, the external device may have a part or all of the functions provided by the control unit 200 or the 200a. The external device is, for example, a cloud server.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming system including the electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus of another type such as an inkjet method.

In addition, the numbers such as the ordinal number and the quantity used in the description of the embodiment are all exemplified for concretely explaining the technique of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Further, the connection relationship between the constituent elements is exemplified for concretely explaining the technique of the present invention, and the connection relationship for realizing the function of the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, the division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and even if a plurality of blocks are realized as one block, one block is divided into a plurality of blocks, and / or some functions are transferred to another block. good. Further, the functions of a plurality of blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single hardware or software in parallel or in a time division manner.

The embodiment also includes an image forming method. For example, the image forming method is an image forming method for forming an image including the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed based on print data including the second pattern, and the first image forming method in the recording medium. A step of reading one pattern and a step of correcting the position of the overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in the read data in the reading step of the second pattern in the print data are performed. By such an image forming method, the same effect as the above-mentioned image forming apparatus can be obtained.

The embodiment also includes a program. For example, the program is a program that operates on an image forming apparatus that forms an image including the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed based on print data including the second pattern, and is a program in the recording medium. The first pattern is read, and the computer is made to execute a process of correcting the position of the overlapping pattern of the second pattern, which overlaps with the first pattern included in the read data, in the print data. With such a program, the same effect as that of the image forming apparatus described above can be obtained.

Further, each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" as used herein is a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

100 Image formation system 101 Client PC
102 DFE
103 Image forming device 104 Management server 200 Control unit 211 Print data input unit 212 Read data input unit 213 Extraction unit 214 Synthesis unit 215 Specific unit 216 Correction unit 217 Output unit 218 Display control unit 219 Operation reception unit 307 Reading unit 406 In-line sensor 500 1st pattern 501 Date entry field 502 Amount entry field 600 2nd pattern 601 Dated character pattern 602 Amount character pattern 610 Dated character pattern (example of overlapping pattern)
611 Dated character pattern (an example of overlapping pattern)
810-814 Amount character entry field (example of frame figure)
815 Check column (example of frame figure)
910 Amount character pattern (an example of overlapping pattern)
914 Amount character pattern (an example of overlapping pattern)
915 check mark (an example of overlapping patterns)
P paper (an example of recording medium)
P1 Form paper D Print data Pd Pattern data s Overlap amount c Correction amount

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-051647

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image containing the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed, based on print data including the second pattern.
A reading unit that reads the first pattern on the recording medium,
An image forming apparatus having a correction unit for correcting the position of an overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in the data read by the reading unit in the print data among the second patterns. The reading unit is provided between a supply unit that supplies the recording medium and an image forming position that forms the image on the recording medium, and the first pattern formed on the recording medium that is conveyed is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction unit corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data only when the first pattern is formed on the recording medium. Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the correction unit corrects the position of the overlapping pattern in the print data according to the amount of overlap between the first pattern included in the read data and the second pattern. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The correction unit is a unit of at least one of the overlap pattern only, a plurality of patterns including the overlap pattern, a pattern row or a pattern column composed of a plurality of patterns including the overlap pattern, or the entire print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position of the pattern in the print data is corrected. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display control unit for displaying synthetic data obtained by combining the first pattern included in the read data and the print data. The first pattern is a frame figure formed on a form sheet.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the correction unit corrects the position of the overlapping pattern overlapping the frame figure included in the read data in the print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second pattern is print data including characters or symbols to be printed on the frame figure formed on the form paper which is the first pattern. An image forming method for forming an image containing the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed, based on print data including the second pattern.
The step of reading the first pattern on the recording medium and
An image forming method for performing a step of correcting the position in the print data of an overlapping pattern overlapping the first pattern included in the read data in the reading step among the second patterns. A program that operates in an image forming apparatus that forms an image containing the second pattern on a recording medium on which the first pattern is formed, based on print data including the second pattern.
The first pattern on the recording medium is read and
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of correcting the position of an overlapping pattern included in the read data that overlaps the first pattern in the print data.

Images