JP3336132B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for converting a document image such as a character into a visible coded image such as a bar code and recording the same on a recording sheet in order to enhance the confidentiality and preservation of the document image. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus suitable for a digital copying machine, a word processor, a personal computer, and a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional apparatus of this type, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-12288, an image is converted into a barcode and recorded on a recording paper to reduce the confidentiality and storability of the original image. A method of increasing the bar code has been proposed, and when the bar code is recorded on a recording sheet, the bar code is recorded at a predetermined position on the recording sheet, for example, a top position.

[0003]

However, in the above method, the barcode is recorded at a predetermined position on the recording paper, so that the barcode does not overlap with the original image depending on the position and size of the original image on the recording paper. However, there is a problem that it may not be possible to record the information on the media.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of recording a visible encoded image on recording paper without being affected by the position and size of a document image. And

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a first means is a converting means for converting an original image into a visible coded image, a detecting means for detecting an empty area of the original,
Control means for controlling the encoded image converted by the conversion means to be recorded in a free area detected by the detection means , wherein the conversion means
Reads an encoded image and restores it to the original document image
Security with multiple levels of security
And the control means detects by the detection means.
Security of the coded image according to the size of the
The security level is determined, and the conversion means determines the security level.
It is characterized in that control is performed so as to convert to a coded image at a high level .

[0006]

A second means for displaying the free area and the security level determined by the control means in the first means; and a coded image recorded in the free area and the security level displayed by the display means. The apparatus is further characterized by further comprising a selection means for an operator to select whether to record on the front side of the paper or to record the encoded image on the back side of the recording paper at a standard security level.

The third means is to convert the original image into a visible encoded image.
Conversion means for converting the image into an image, and a detection means for detecting an empty area of the document.
Output means and the encoded image converted by the conversion means
It is recorded in the empty area detected by the detection means.
Control means for controlling the conversion means,
Can be converted at a security level of
Is converted at a predetermined security level by the conversion means.
The converted coded image is an empty image detected by the detecting means.
If the encoded image cannot be recorded in the
Characterized by being controlled to be recorded in

The fourth means is to convert the original image into a visible encoded image.
Conversion means for converting the image into an image, and a detection means for detecting an empty area of the document.
Output means and the encoded image converted by the conversion means
It is recorded in the empty area detected by the detection means.
Control means for performing control such that the control means
The encoded image converted by the conversion unit is sent to the detection unit.
If the image cannot be recorded in the empty area detected
It is characterized in that the whole is reduced .

In a fifth aspect, in the first to fourth means, when the control means can record an encoded image in an empty area generated by converting a document image into an encoded image, Is recorded preferentially.

In a sixth aspect , in the first to fifth means, the control means displays, when there are a plurality of empty areas of the document, a display means for indicating that there are a plurality of empty areas, and an area in which the encoded image is recorded. It is characterized by further comprising a selection means selected by an operator.

[0012]

[Action] In the first means, the free space of the original is detected by the detection means, while being recorded in the free area by the transformed coding image control means by the conversion means, the control hand
Encoding image according to the free space of the original by the step and the conversion means
Since the size of the image is changed, a visible encoded image can be recorded on the recording paper without being affected by the position or size of the original image .

[0013]

In the second means, the encoded image is recorded on the front side of the recording paper at the security level determined by the control means by the selecting means, or the encoded image is recorded on the back surface of the recording paper at the standard security level. The operator can select whether to do so.

According to the third means, if the encoded image converted at the predetermined security level cannot be recorded in the empty area, the encoded image is recorded on the back side of the recording paper by the control means. A visible encoded image can be recorded on recording paper without being affected by the size or size.

In the fourth means, when the coded image cannot be recorded in the empty area, the control means reduces the entire original image, so that the visible encoded image is not affected by the position and size of the original image. Images can be recorded on recording paper.

In the fifth means, the control means preferentially records the coded image in an empty area generated by converting the original image into the coded image. Can be determined to some extent.

In the sixth means, when there are a plurality of empty areas of the document, the operator can select the recording area of the encoded image by the selecting means.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an empty area of a document, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recording a two-dimensional barcode, and FIG. Explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the level and aspect ratio,
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the aspect ratio of a document image, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recording a two-dimensional barcode in a free area generated by converting a document image into a two-dimensional barcode, 7 to 10 are flowcharts for explaining an operation of converting a document image read by a scanner into a two-dimensional barcode, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show operations of converting an external document image into a two-dimensional barcode. It is a flowchart for explaining.

In FIG. 1, a word processor (W
P), the code information of the document created by the document creating apparatus 100 such as a personal computer (PC)
Such as a communication network 101 and a storage medium 10 such as a floppy disk.
2 is stored in the storage unit 109 of the image processing apparatus 111. Further, in order to convert the original image into a two-dimensional barcode or restore the original based on the two-dimensional barcode on the recording paper, the original image is read by the input unit 110 which is a scanner and is taken into the storage unit 109.

The information taken into the storage unit 109 is
Based on an instruction input through the document creation apparatus 100 or the operation unit 103, the conversion unit 106 converts the designated area into image information only, selectively converts the image into image information or a two-dimensional barcode, It is converted to barcode encoded data only. The data thus converted is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 107 into image data.
The data is output to a medium such as paper by an output unit (plotter) 108.

For example, when an instruction to output image information of a document and a two-dimensional barcode on the same sheet is made through the document creation device 100 or the operation unit 103, first, the input code information is converted into the conversion unit 106. The image processing unit 107 and the control unit 104 recognize the blank area of the image information within the printable area as indicated by the hatched area in FIG. Next, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular area in which a two-dimensional barcode can be printed is recognized in this blank area, and a two-dimensional barcode 120 is printed in one of the rectangular areas, for example, as shown in FIG.

In this case, the image processing unit 107 and the control unit 104 perform the following processing so that the area where the two-dimensional barcode is printed does not disturb the printing area of the image information.

(1) Specify a rectangular area and area near the upper and lower ends on the recording paper. In this case, the information recognized as a rectangle is fed back to the control unit 104 and the display unit 105
And the operator makes a selection via the operation unit 103.

(2) If the recognized rectangular area is smaller than the area where a two-dimensional barcode can be written,
As shown in FIG. 4, the aspect ratio of the two-dimensional barcode is changed. If the two-dimensional barcode cannot be written even after changing the aspect ratio, the security level for restoring the original document image is changed to a level lower than the default setting value.

(3) If a write area cannot be secured even after conversion into a two-dimensional barcode at a security level set in advance via the document creation device 100 or the operation unit 103, the back surface of the recording paper is Record. When recording on the same side as the original image, as shown in FIG. 5, the original image is reduced without changing the aspect ratio to secure a two-dimensional barcode writing area. As shown in FIG. 6, when a two-dimensional barcode can be recorded in a free area generated by converting a document image into a two-dimensional barcode, the two-dimensional barcode is preferentially recorded in the free area.

Next, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG.
The process of converting a document image read by the scanner 10 into a two-dimensional barcode will be described in detail. First, when various settings are made in FIG. 7 (step S1), it is first determined whether or not a range of an image to be two-dimensionally specified is specified (step S2). If the image range has been specified, the process waits for the security level to be specified (step S3), and if specified, the process proceeds to step S11 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the image range has not been designated in step S2, the process waits for designation of a security level (step S4).
If specified, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, it is determined whether the output designation position of the two-dimensional information is the front side or not. If the front side is the front side, the process proceeds to step S6.
Proceed to 8. In step S6, the output position and range of the two-dimensional information are designated, and if designated, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S31 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the output position and range are not specified, it is determined whether or not reduction of image information is specified (step S8). If specified, the process proceeds to step S51 shown in FIG. This processing ends.

In step S11 shown in FIG. 8, the image information of the document to be made two-dimensional is read by the scanner 110, and then a range to be made two-dimensional is specified (step S1).
2) The specified range is made two-dimensional with the security level specified in step S3 (step S1).
3). Next, the size of the two-dimensional information (step S14)
Then, the designated output range (step S15) is calculated, the image information of the area to be two-dimensionalized is deleted, and it is checked whether or not the two-dimensional information is included in the area (step S16).

If the two-dimensional information falls within the designated range, the process proceeds from step S17 to step S18, where the two-dimensional information and the image information are imaged and displayed on the display unit 105 for the operator to confirm. And when the confirmation is done, 2
The dimensional barcode information and the image information are recorded on a recording paper (step S19).

On the other hand, if the two-dimensional information does not fall within the designated range, the process proceeds from step S17 to step S20, and waits for designation of whether or not to lower the security level. The process returns from step S20 to step S13. If the instruction to lower the security level is not made, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21, and waits for designation of whether or not to print the back side.

If the back side printing is not specified, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the back side printing is specified, the process is terminated.
A screen in which the dimensioned portion is outlined or shaded is displayed on the display unit 105 to allow the operator to confirm (step S22). When the confirmation is performed, the image information is recorded on the front side of the recording paper and the two-dimensional information is recorded on the rear side (step S19).

In the processing shown in FIG. 9, the image information of the original to be two-dimensionally read (step S31), and this information is
It is converted into dimension information (step S32). Next, the size of the two-dimensional information (step S33) and the designated margin of the image data (step S34) are calculated, and it is checked whether the two-dimensional information is included in the designated margin (step S3).
5).

When the two-dimensional information is included in the designated margin, the process proceeds from step S36 to step S37, where the two-dimensional information and the image information are imaged and displayed on the display unit 105, and the arrangement is confirmed by the operator. When the confirmation is performed (step S38), both the two-dimensional barcode information and the image information are recorded on the surface of the recording paper (step S3).
9) On the other hand, if no confirmation is made, step S42
If the back side printing is not designated, the process is terminated, while if the back side printing is designated, the image information is recorded on the front side of the recording paper and the two-dimensional information is recorded on the back side (step S39).

If the two-dimensional information does not fall within the designated margin in step S36, the process proceeds to step S40, and the operator is caused to select whether or not to reduce the document image data. If the size is reduced, the process returns to step S35. If the size is not reduced, the process proceeds to step S41. The process waits for designation of whether or not to decrease the security level. If the designation is made, the process returns from step S41 to step S32. . If the security level is not specified, the process proceeds from step S41 to step S42,
Wait for the designation of whether to print the back side.

In the process shown in FIG. 10, information to be two-dimensionally read is read (step S51), and this information is converted into two-dimensional information (step S52). Next, the size of the two-dimensional information (step S53) and the margin of the entire document image (step S54) are calculated, and the two-dimensional information is automatically arranged in the margin (step S55). Then, the two-dimensional information and the image information are imaged and displayed on the display unit 105, and the arrangement is confirmed by the operator (step S56). When the confirmation is performed, both the two-dimensional barcode information and the image information are recorded on the recording paper. Recording is performed on the front surface (step S57).

In step S58, information to be two-dimensionally read is read (step S58), and this information is converted into two-dimensional information (step S59). Then, the image information is recorded on the front side and the two-dimensional information is recorded on the back side (step S5).
7).

Next, a process for converting a document from a document creation device 100 such as a word processor into a two-dimensional barcode will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 11, first,
A document is created by the document creating apparatus 100 (step S
61) Then, if this document is not specified to be converted to a two-dimensional barcode, normal output is performed without converting the document to a two-dimensional barcode (step S63). Step S62 to step S64
Proceed to the following.

In the processing after step S64, first, 2
Wait for designation of a dimensioned area, and then wait for security level setting. When the two-dimensional area and the security level are set (steps S64 to S66),
Next, when the setting for outputting the two-dimensional barcode to the front side is performed, the process proceeds from step S67 to step S68 and the following steps.
The process proceeds to step S80 shown in FIG.

In step S68, it is determined whether automatic placement or manual placement has been selected. If automatic placement has been selected, automatic placement processing is executed (step S6).
9) On the other hand, when the manual placement is selected, the manual placement is executed (step S70). Next, in a case where the setting for reducing the entire image has been made, step S7 is performed.
The process proceeds from step 1 to step S72, and if this setting has not been made, the process proceeds from step S71 to step S76.

In step S72, two-dimensional barcode processing is executed, then the image is reduced according to the size and position of the two-dimensional information (step S73), and then the two-dimensional information and the image information are imaged and displayed. The information is displayed on the display 105 and the arrangement is confirmed by the operator (step S74). When the arrangement is confirmed, the two-dimensional barcode information and the image information are recorded on the recording paper (step S75).

In step S76, a two-dimensional bar code process is executed, and it is checked whether or not the two-dimensional information enters a designated area (step S77). If yes, the process proceeds to step S74 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if the two-dimensional information does not fall within the designated area, the process proceeds from step S77 to step S77.
The process advances to step S79 if the back side printing is designated. If backside printing is not specified and security lowering is specified, step S79 is performed.
Then, the process returns to step S64, and if the security lowering is not specified, this process ends. In step S80, a two-dimensional barcode process is executed, and then the image information is recorded on the front side and the two-dimensional information is recorded on the back side (step S81).

[0043]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the empty area of the original is detected, the encoded image is recorded in the empty area, and the encoding is performed in accordance with the empty area of the original.
Since the size of the image is changed , the position and size of the original image
A visible coded image can be recorded on a recording sheet without being affected by the effect.

[0044]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the encoded image is recorded on the front surface of the recording paper at the security level determined by the control means, or the encoded image is recorded on the rear surface of the recording paper at the standard security level. Can be selected by the operator.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when an encoded image converted at a predetermined security level cannot be recorded in an empty area, the encoded image is recorded on the back surface of the recording paper. A visible coded image can be recorded on a recording sheet without being affected by the effect.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the encoded image cannot be recorded in the empty area, the entire original image is reduced, so that the visible encoded image is recorded without being affected by the position and size of the original image. Can be recorded on paper.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the encoded image is preferentially recorded in an empty area generated by converting the original image into the encoded image. Can be determined to some extent.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of empty areas of the document, the operator can select the recording area of the encoded image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an empty area of a document.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording example of a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing a security level and an aspect ratio.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the aspect ratio of a document image is changed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a two-dimensional barcode is recorded in a free area generated by conversion into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting a document image read by a scanner into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of converting a document image read by a scanner into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting a document image read by a scanner into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting a document image read by a scanner into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting an external document image into a two-dimensional barcode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting an external document image into a two-dimensional barcode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 103 operation unit 104 control unit 105 display unit 106 conversion unit 107 image processing unit 108 output unit (plotter) 109 storage unit 110 input unit (scanner) 120 two-dimensional barcode

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/41 H04N 1/387 H04N 1/44

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A conversion unit configured to convert a document image into a visible coded image; a detection unit configured to detect a vacant area of the document; and a vacancy detected by the detection unit when the coded image converted by the conversion unit is detected. Control means for controlling the image to be recorded in the area , wherein the conversion means reads the encoded image recorded on the recording paper.
To restore the original document image.
It can be converted at a security level of
The control means controls the size of the empty area detected by the detection means.
Judgment of security level of encoded image according to size
The conversion means performs coding at this security level.
An image forming apparatus, which controls so as to convert the image into an image. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
Display means for displaying a security level, and an empty area and security displayed by the display means.
Record the encoded image on the surface of the recording paper at the level
Records encoded images on a standard security level
Selector means for the operator to select whether to record on the surface
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising. 3. An original image is converted into a visible encoded image.
Conversion means, detection means for detecting an empty area of the document, and a coded image converted by the conversion means,
Control to record in the empty area detected by the step.
And a control unit that, the said conversion means can convert a given security level
And the control means controls the predetermined means by the conversion means.
The encoded image converted at the security level is
Code when recording cannot be performed on the empty area detected by the step
Control so that the converted image is recorded on the back side of the recording paper
An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. An original image is converted into a visible encoded image.
Conversion means, detection means for detecting an empty area of the document, and a coded image converted by the conversion means,
It is controlled so as to be recorded in the detected free space was the stage
And a control unit that, the said control means, the transformed coding by said converting means
The image is recorded in the empty area detected by the detection means.
An image forming apparatus for reducing the size of an entire document image when it cannot be detected. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means converts the original image into an encoded image.
Coded image in the free space generated by converting to
When recording is possible, preferentially record in the free space
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. When there are a plurality of empty areas of a document,
Means for displaying a message indicating that the coded image is to be recorded.
Selecting means for selecting an area by an operator.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: