JP4145316B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a function of collecting and printing image data of a plurality of originals on a single recording sheet.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers are known. In this image forming apparatus, the image data of two documents is read as a function of collecting the image data of a plurality of documents of the same size and then printing the image data on a single recording sheet. A 2-in-1 function for collecting and printing on a single recording sheet, a 4-in-1 function for collecting image data of four originals on a single recording sheet, and the like are installed.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the portrait and landscape images shown in FIG. 11A and the landscape and landscape images shown in FIG. 11B are formed on one sheet of recording paper using the 2 in 1 function. As shown in FIG. 12, when the collected data is printed, there is a problem in that it is difficult to read the characters on the printed recording paper because the character directions of the two collected originals are different from each other by 90 °. Further, if the originals to be aggregated include the horizontal and horizontal writing images aggregated in 2in1 shown in FIG. 11C, if all the originals are aggregated using the 2in1 function, the aggregated images are further displayed. There is a problem that the characters on the printed recording paper are very difficult to read. On the other hand, various techniques have been proposed to solve this problem.

  For example, by extracting the character part from the read image data, determining the direction of the character string included in the character part, determining the character direction, and reducing or rotating the image based on the determined character direction An image processing apparatus has been proposed that can automatically change the direction of a character string even when image data of two types of originals of vertical writing and horizontal writing are collected and printed on a single sheet of recording paper ( Patent Document 1).

In addition, the user determines the layout of a plurality of document images to be printed on a single recording sheet according to the number of documents and the document size, and the coordinate address for storing the document images in the image memory and the reduction ratio of the document image. In addition, by inputting the rotation direction for each image by the user, a plurality of document images having different document sizes can be combined and printed on a single recording sheet, and the layout of the document images can be freely changed. An apparatus has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-102444 JP-A-6-319036

  However, in the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, this image data is divided into a plurality of areas by scanning the read image data in order to determine the direction of the character, and a character portion is selected from these areas. It is necessary to extract characters and perform character recognition, and this processing becomes complicated. In addition, there is a problem that an image that does not include characters cannot be processed by the image processing apparatus because the character portion cannot be extracted.

  Further, in the image copying apparatus of Patent Document 2, it is necessary for the user to repeatedly input the coordinate address for storing the document image in the image memory, the reduction magnification and the rotation direction of the document image by the number of documents. The input work becomes very complicated. Further, if the user inputs the information by mistake or there is an input error, there is a problem that an image intended by the user cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to add an identification code to a recording sheet to be printed, thereby converting image data of a plurality of documents based on the identification code. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can be easily integrated.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention receives image data sent from a terminal device via a communication network and data relating to a print condition of the image data, and performs image processing based on the print condition. In an image forming apparatus having a printer function for printing data on recording paper, the image forming apparatus has a code generation unit that generates an identification code for recording various data. When the printer function is used, the code generation unit The identification code in which data relating to the format of a document to be printed included in the image data is generated is generated, and the identification code generated by the code generation unit is printed on a recording sheet together with the image data, so that an image of a document It has a copy function that reads the data and prints the scanned image data on the recording paper. When the function is used, it is determined whether or not the identification code is included in the read image data of the original, and it is confirmed by the determination result that the identification code is not included in the original image data. The code generation unit generates the identification code in which the copy condition of the document image data is recorded, and the identification code generated by the code generation unit is printed on the recording paper together with the document image data. It is characterized by that.

  The format of the document to be printed is information such as whether the page of the document is written vertically or horizontally when the user creates the document using an application program stored in the terminal device. It is. Further, it is desirable that the identification code is printed on a portion set as a margin on the recording paper.

  At this time, the print conditions are the orientation of the recording paper on which the image is printed, the size of the recording paper to be output, and the aggregation condition of the image data.

  Note that the orientation of the recording paper on which the image is printed is either portrait orientation or landscape orientation, and the output recording paper size is A4, A3, B5, or the like. Further, the image data aggregation condition is 2 in 1 for consolidating image data for two pages of a document on one recording paper, 4 in 1 for consolidating image data for four pages of a document on one recording paper, or the like. The print conditions for these image data are set by the user using a printer driver stored in the terminal device when printing the image data.

  The copy condition is a condition for aggregating the size of the output recording paper and the original image data.

  Note that the size of the output recording paper is A4, A3, B5, etc., and the image data aggregation condition is that 2in1 or 4 original images that consolidate the image data of two originals on one recording paper. For example, 4in1 is used to collect data on one sheet of recording paper. The copy condition of the original image data is set by the user through a display screen showing the image forming conditions and the operation state of the image forming apparatus when the original image data is printed.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses described above includes a code analysis unit that reads the identification code printed together with image data on a recording sheet by using a printer function, and a plurality of documents on which the identification code is printed When collecting the image data using the copy function, the print condition obtained from the identification code printed on each of a plurality of originals read by the code analysis unit, the format of the document to be printed, and the document Based on the copy conditions, the image data of a plurality of documents may be aggregated and printed on a recording sheet.

  As described above, based on the print conditions obtained from the identification codes printed on each of the plurality of originals read by the code analysis unit and the format and copy conditions of the document to be printed, The combination is determined, and the reduction rate and rotation angle of these image data are determined. Then, while reducing the image data at the determined reduction rate and rotating the reduced image data by a predetermined angle, image data to be printed on the recording paper is created.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses described above includes a code analysis unit that reads the identification code printed on the recording paper together with the image data by using a printer function, and image data of the document on which the identification code is printed Is printed on recording paper using a copy function, the print condition recorded in the identification code read by the mark analysis unit is compared with the copy condition, and the code is based on the comparison result. The identification code generated by the generation unit may be printed on recording paper together with the image data of the document.

  In this way, when printing the image data of the document on which the identification code is printed without using the copy function, the print conditions obtained from the identification code read by the code analysis unit are compared with the copy conditions. Is done. If the size of the output recording paper included in the print conditions differs from the size of the output recording paper included in the copy conditions based on this comparison result, the code generator copies the size of the output recording paper. A new identification code is generated by rewriting the size of the output recording paper included in the conditions. Then, the newly generated identification code is printed on the recording paper together with the original image data.

  According to the present invention, when the printer function is used, an identification code in which data relating to the print condition of the image data and the format of the document to be printed included in the image data is recorded is printed on the recording paper together with the image data. When collecting the image data of a plurality of originals printed with the identification code on a single recording sheet using the copy function, it is simple to read this identification code and simply based on the information recorded in the identification code. Aggregation processing can be performed. In addition, according to the present invention, data relating to the format of the document to be printed is recorded on the identification code printed on the recording paper, so that an aggregation process can be performed even for images that do not include characters.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< Embodiment of the Invention >>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present embodiment includes a terminal device 10 such as a personal computer and an image forming device 20, and the terminal device 10 and the image forming device 20 are connected to a LAN (Local Area). Network) 40.

  In this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 1, one terminal device 10 is installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of terminal devices 10 may be installed. In this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 1, one image forming apparatus 20 is installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 20 may be installed.

  In the image forming system having such a configuration, the terminal device 10 stores a printer driver (not shown) for printing image data using the printer function of the image forming device 20. In the terminal device 10, when the user performs an operation for printing the image data of the document created using the application program, the printer driver is activated, and the output paper size and print orientation (portrait or landscape) are set as print conditions. ), A screen (hereinafter referred to as “print setting screen”) for setting image data aggregation conditions (such as 2 in 1 and 4 in 1) is displayed on the display screen. When the user sets print conditions through this print setting screen and gives an instruction to start printing, the print condition and data relating to the format of the document to be printed (vertical writing or horizontal writing) are displayed on the LAN 40 together with the image data. To the image forming apparatus 20.

  On the other hand, in the image forming system having such a configuration, the image forming apparatus 20 prints and outputs a copy function for copying a document and image data sent from the terminal apparatus 10 via the LAN 40 on a recording sheet. And a printer function to be installed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 21 that conveys a document for reading the image data of the document, and a recording for printing the image data of the read document. A plurality of paper feed cassettes 22 in which paper is accommodated for each size (A4, A3, etc.), and recording paper fed from each of these paper feed cassettes 22 and discharged from the inside of the apparatus after printing image data are stored. A discharge tray 23 for storing the image data, a start button 24a for starting a printing operation, and an operation panel 24 for setting image forming conditions such as the number of prints.

  In this image forming apparatus 20, a charging step for charging the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) installed inside the apparatus, the charged photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. An exposure step for forming the toner, a development step for developing the toner by attaching the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, a transfer step for transferring the toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum to the recording paper, and the recording paper The fixing process for fixing the toner transferred onto the recording paper is sequentially performed, so that the image data is printed on the recording paper fed from each of the plurality of paper feeding cassettes 22.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a scanner unit 25 for reading image data of a document conveyed from the automatic document feeder 21 shown in FIG. 2, setting of image forming conditions, and an image forming apparatus. A display unit 26 having a display screen 26a for displaying the operation state 20, an image memory 27 in which image data to be printed on the recording paper is stored, and image data extracted from the image memory 27 are recorded on the recording paper The engine unit 28 for printing, the code generation unit 29 for generating the two-dimensional code 50 to be added to the image data to be printed on the recording paper, and the two-dimensional code 50 added to the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25. When connected to the LAN 40, a code analysis unit 30 that analyzes information, a storage medium 31 that stores a control program for operating the image forming apparatus 20, and the LAN 40 are shared. A transmission / reception unit 32 that transmits / receives data to / from the terminal device 10 via the LAN 40, performs image data processing, and includes a display unit 26, an engine unit 28, a code analysis unit 30, a code generation unit 29, and a transmission / reception unit And a control unit 33 for controlling each of the 32 operations.

  In the image forming apparatus 20 configured as described above, the code generation unit 29 relates to the print conditions of the image data sent from the terminal device 10 via the LAN 40 and the format of the document to be printed when the printer function is used. Based on the data, a two-dimensional code 50 to be added to the image data printed on the recording paper is generated. In addition, the code generation unit 29 uses the data relating to the copy conditions such as the image data aggregation condition and the output paper size input by the user through the display screen 26a of the display unit 26 when the copy function is used. A two-dimensional code 50 added to the image data to be printed is generated.

  Further, the code analyzing unit 30 analyzes the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 when using the copy function, and determines whether or not the two-dimensional code 50 is included in the image data. The two-dimensional code 50 is added to a predetermined position in one of the four corners of the document. Therefore, the code analysis unit 30 specifies predetermined positions at the four corners in the read document image, and determines whether or not the two-dimensional code 50 is included in these areas. When the code analysis unit 30 confirms that the two-dimensional code 50 is included in the read image data of the original based on the determination result, the information recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 is read. Information recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 is temporarily stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data.

  On the other hand, if the code analysis unit 30 confirms that the two-dimensional code 50 is not included in the read image data of the original based on the determination result, the code analysis unit 30 notifies the control unit 33 of the fact. As a result, the control unit 33 treats the read image data of the original as if the format of the document to be printed, the printing orientation, and the aggregation condition were set initially. Then, the data regarding the format of the document to be printed, the printing direction, and the aggregation condition set in the initial setting are temporarily stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data. The storage medium 31 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores, for example, information on “horizontal writing, portrait orientation, no aggregation” as data relating to the format of the document to be printed, the printing direction, and the aggregation condition that are set initially. Has been. This initial setting can be freely changed according to the user's preference.

  Further, the storage medium 31 displays the information of the two-dimensional code 50 included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 and the user when the image data of a plurality of documents is collected using the copy function. A control program for determining the rotation angle and reduction ratio of the image based on the copy condition input through the screen 26a is stored. Alternatively, when the image data of a plurality of originals are aggregated using the copy function, the storage medium 31 allows the user to set the initial format of the image, the printing direction, the aggregation condition, and the user through the display screen 26a. A control program for determining the rotation angle and reduction ratio of the image based on the input copy conditions is stored.

  The storage medium 31 includes a control program for the code generation unit 29 to generate the two-dimensional code 50 from the data relating to the print condition of the image data and the format of the document to be printed, and the copy function when the printer function is used. Is stored, the control program for obtaining the printing conditions and the format of the document to be printed from the information of the two-dimensional code 50 read by the code analysis unit 30 is stored.

  Refer to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 and examples of printing image data on recording paper shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 for the operation of the image forming system configured as described above. While explaining. Note that a detailed description of portions overlapping the above-described operation of the image forming system is omitted.

  First, a method of adding a two-dimensional code 50 to image data printed on recording paper using the printer function of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The operation of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the user performs an operation for printing image data through the display screen of the terminal device 10, the printer driver stored in the terminal device 10 is activated (step S11), and the print setting screen is displayed. Displayed on the display screen. Then, after the user sets print conditions such as the output paper size, print direction, and aggregation condition through the print setting screen (step S12), and instructs the start of printing (Yes in step S13), the printer driver is instructed. Thus, the print conditions are confirmed, and the format of the document to be printed for each page is confirmed (step S14).

  Subsequently, the image data to be printed on the recording paper is transmitted from the terminal device 10 to the image forming apparatus 20 via the LAN 40, and the data relating to the printing conditions and the format of the document to be printed generates the two-dimensional code 50. This information is transmitted together with the image data from the terminal apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus 20 via the LAN 40 (step S15).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the transmission / reception unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives data including image data sent from the terminal device 10 via the LAN 40 and the control unit 33 confirms this (step S21). Yes), the image data is stored in the image memory 27, and data relating to the printing conditions and the format of the document to be printed is sent to the code generation unit 29. Subsequently, in the code generation unit 29, a two-dimensional code 50 is created for each page based on the printing conditions and data relating to the format of the document to be printed (step S22).

  Then, according to an instruction from the control unit 33, the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is added to the image data stored in the image memory 27 (step S23). At this time, the area to which the two-dimensional code 50 is added is a portion set as a margin at the lower right or lower left of the recording paper. Thereafter, the image data to which the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is added is taken out from the image memory 27 and sent to the engine unit 28, where the image data to which the two-dimensional code 50 is added is printed on a recording sheet. (Step S24).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the format of a document to be printed is horizontal writing, the print orientation is set to portrait orientation, and the output paper size is set to A4, the two-dimensional printed on the recording paper. In the code 50, information such as horizontal writing, vertical orientation, and A4 is recorded. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the document format to be printed is horizontally written, the print orientation is set to landscape and the output paper size is set to A4, the two-dimensional code printed on the recording paper In 50, information such as horizontal writing, horizontal orientation, and A4 is recorded. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the format of the document to be printed is horizontal writing, the printing direction is set to horizontal, the output paper size is set to A4, and the aggregation condition is set to 2 in 1, printing is performed on the recording paper. In the two-dimensional code 50, information such as sideways, sideways, A4, 2in1, etc. is recorded.

  Next, a method for copying a document according to copy conditions set by the user using the copy function of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, the case where the user sets the aggregation condition to other than “no aggregation” will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user sets copy conditions such as output paper size and aggregation conditions through the display screen 26a of the image forming apparatus 20 (step S31). At this time, the user sets the aggregation condition to other than “no aggregation” (that is, 2 in 1 or 4 in 1). When the user presses the start button 24a on the operation panel 24 (Yes in step S32), the document set on the automatic document feeder 21 is conveyed toward the scanner unit 25, and the scanner unit 25 stores the image data of the document. Reading is performed (step S33).

  Subsequently, the code analysis unit 30 analyzes the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25, and determines whether or not the two-dimensional code 50 is included in the image data (step S34). At this time, when the code analyzing unit 30 confirms that the two-dimensional code 50 is included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 (Yes in step S34), the code analyzing unit 30 determines the two-dimensional code. The information recorded in 50 is read (step S35). The information recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 is temporarily stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data (step S36).

  On the other hand, when the code analysis unit 30 confirms that the two-dimensional code 50 is not included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 (No in step S34), the code analysis unit 30 controls the control unit 33. To that effect. As a result, the control unit 33 treats the image data as if the format of the document to be printed, the printing direction, and the aggregation condition were set initially. Then, the data relating to the format of the document to be printed, the printing direction, and the aggregation condition that are set initially are temporarily stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data (step S37).

  Thereafter, the control unit 33 determines whether or not there is a document to be read next by the scanner unit 25 (step S38). At this time, when the control unit 33 confirms that there is a document to be read next by the scanner unit 25 (Yes in step S38), the process returns to step S33, and the scanner unit 25 reads the image data of the document. The operations from step S34 to step S38 are repeated. Thus, for each document, the image data of the document is stored in the image memory 27 together with the information recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 or the data regarding the format of the document to be printed initially, the printing direction, and the aggregation condition. Temporarily stored.

  On the other hand, in step S38, when the control unit 33 confirms that there is no document to be read next by the scanner unit 25 (No in step S38), the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 is printed on the recording paper. Is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 33 confirms the aggregation condition set by the user, and the control unit 33 determines that the aggregation condition set by the user is other than “no aggregation” (such as 2 in 1 or 4 in 1). It is confirmed that there is (step S39).

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the aggregated image data is included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 based on the information of the two-dimensional code 50 stored in the image memory 27. Is performed (step S40). At this time, the control unit 33 confirms based on the information of the two-dimensional code 50 stored in the image memory 27 that the aggregated image data is not included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25. Then (No in step S40), the control unit 33 determines a combination of image data to be aggregated (step S41). That is, in step S41, the control unit 33 consolidates the image data of how many originals out of a plurality of original image data stored in the image memory 27 based on the aggregation condition set by the user. Or a combination of these image data is determined.

  On the other hand, at this time, based on the information of the two-dimensional code 50 stored in the image memory 27, the control unit 33 includes the aggregated image data in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25. (Yes in step S40), further aggregation of the image data stored in the image memory 27 in association with the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is prohibited (step S42). For example, when the aggregation condition set by the user is 2 in 1 and image data collected in 2 in 1 as shown in FIG. 6C exists in the read image data of the original, this image data is further consolidated. When printing on recording paper, it becomes very difficult to read. For this reason, when there is already aggregated image data in the read image data of the original, further aggregation of the image data is prohibited.

  In step S41, the control unit 33 relates to the remaining image data excluding the image data prohibited from being aggregated among the image data of a plurality of documents stored in the image memory 27, and how many image data of the documents are stored. Are combined into one sheet, and the combination of these image data is determined.

  After that, regarding the image data of a plurality of originals to be printed on one recording sheet, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the orientations of all the images coincide when the image data are collected. This is performed based on the format of the document to be printed and the printing direction in the information of the two-dimensional code 50 stored together with the image data in step 27 (step S43). At this time, when the control unit 33 confirms that the orientations of the images printed on one recording sheet coincide with each other when the image data is collected (Yes in step S43), the control unit 33 prints on the recording sheet. Image data is created (step S44).

  Specifically, in step S44, the control unit 33 sets the output paper size and aggregation condition set by the user and the output paper size in the information of the two-dimensional code 50 stored together with the image data in the image memory 27. Based on this, the reduction rate and rotation angle of these image data to be aggregated are determined. Then, the control unit 33 reduces the image data at the determined reduction ratio and rotates the reduced image data by a predetermined angle to create image data to be printed on the recording paper. .

  For example, there are two originals of horizontal writing, vertical orientation, and A4 size as shown in FIG. 6A. When the image data of these originals are aggregated into 2 in 1 and printed on A4 size recording paper, FIG. Each of the two original images shown in (A) is reduced to a size of 70%, and each of the reduced images is rotated by 90 °. In this way, image data for two sheets of original image data shown in FIG. 6A is collected into 2 in 1 and printed on A4 size recording paper.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 33 confirms that the orientations of all the images do not match when these image data are collected in step S43 (No in step S43), the control unit 33 determines that the orientations do not match. Is determined (step S45).

  For example, there is a horizontal writing, vertical orientation, A4 size original as shown in FIG. 6A and a horizontal writing, horizontal orientation, A4 size original as shown in FIG. 6B. When the image data is gathered into 2 in 1 and printed on A4 size recording paper, if each of these images is rotated by 90 °, the directions of the images are shifted by 90 ° as shown in FIG. Therefore, in step S45, the rotation angle of the document image shown in FIG. 6B is determined to be 0 ° in order to match the orientations of a plurality of images printed on one recording sheet.

  In step S44, the original image shown in FIG. 6A is reduced to a size of 70% and then rotated by 90 °, and the original image shown in FIG. 6B is set to a size of 50%. Do not add rotation after shrinking. In this way, image data for printing on A4 size recording paper is created by collecting the image data of the original shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B into 2 in 1.

  Subsequently, the image data created in step S44 is printed on the recording paper (step S46). Accordingly, the image data of the originals shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are collected into 2 in 1 so that the orientations of the images coincide with each other, and are printed on one recording sheet as shown in FIG. .

  As described above, by performing the operations from step S43 to step S46, the image data of a plurality of originals to be printed on one sheet of recording paper is processed, and the direction of the image of these processed image data is determined. It is printed on one sheet of recording paper so as to be the same.

  Thereafter, the control unit 33 determines whether there is remaining image data to be printed on the recording paper (step S47). At this time, when the control unit 33 confirms that there is remaining image data to be printed on the recording paper (Yes in step S47), the process returns to step S43, and the control unit 33 determines the next recording paper to be fed. With respect to the image data of a plurality of originals to be printed, it is determined whether or not the orientations of all the images coincide when these image data are collected. On the other hand, when the control unit 33 confirms that there is no remaining image data to be printed on the recording paper (No in step S47), the series of processing ends.

  Further, a method for copying a document according to copy conditions set by the user using the copy function of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a case where the user sets the aggregation condition to “no aggregation” will be described. Further, steps that perform the same operations as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are denoted by the same step numbers as those in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in step S <b> 31, the user sets copy conditions such as output paper size and aggregation conditions through the display screen 26 a of the image forming apparatus 20. When the display screen 26a is in the default state, the aggregation condition is set to “no aggregation” unless the user changes the aggregation condition. Alternatively, if the display screen 26a is not in the default state and the aggregation condition is set to other than “no aggregation” (that is, 2in1, 4in1, etc.), the user sets the aggregation condition to “no aggregation”. .

  In addition, after the scanner unit 25 reads the document image data (step S33), the code analysis unit 30 includes the two-dimensional code 50 in the document image data read by the scanner unit 25 in step S34. If it is confirmed that it is not present (No in step S34), the code analysis unit 30 notifies the control unit 33 accordingly. Then, only the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 27 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 33 (step S51).

  In step S38, when the control unit 33 confirms that there is no document to be read next by the scanner unit 25 (No in step S38), the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 is printed on the recording paper. Is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 33 confirms the aggregation condition set by the user, and the control unit 33 confirms that the aggregation condition set by the user is “no aggregation” (step) S39).

  Subsequently, the code generation unit 29 creates a two-dimensional code 50 to be added to the image data printed on the recording paper (step S52). First, when the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data (see step S36), the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is extracted from the image memory 27 and set by the user in the code generation unit 29. A new two-dimensional code 50 is created based on the copy conditions.

  Specifically, the image memory 27 stores a format of a document to be printed, a printing direction, an output paper size, and an aggregation condition as information recorded in the two-dimensional code 50. Further, the user sets an output paper size and an aggregation condition (here, no aggregation) as copy conditions through the display screen 26a. Therefore, in step S52, when the output paper size set by the user is different from the output paper size recorded in the two-dimensional code 50, the code generation unit 29 sets the output paper size recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 to the user. Is rewritten to the set output paper size, and a new two-dimensional code 50 is generated for each page. Thereby, the format of the document to be printed, the printing direction, the output paper size set by the user, and the aggregation condition are recorded in the new two-dimensional code 50.

  When only image data is stored in the image memory 27 (see step S51), in step S52, the code generation unit 29 generates a two-dimensional code 50 in which data relating to copy conditions set by the user is recorded.

  Then, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 33, the information of the two-dimensional code 50 generated by the code generation unit 29 is added to the image data stored in the image memory 27 (step S53). If the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is stored in the image memory 27 together with the image data, the original two-dimensional code 50 is added to add the newly generated information of the two-dimensional code 50 to the image data. Is deleted. Thereafter, the image data to which the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is added is taken out from the image memory 27 and sent to the engine unit 28, where the image data to which the two-dimensional code 50 is added is printed on a recording sheet. (Step S54).

  According to the present embodiment, when the printer function is used, the two-dimensional code 50 in which data relating to the print condition of the image data and the format of the document to be printed included in the image data is recorded is printed on the recording paper together with the image data. Thus, when the image data of a plurality of originals on which the two-dimensional code 50 is printed are collected on one recording sheet using the copy function, the two-dimensional code 50 is simply read. The aggregation processing can be easily performed based on the information recorded in In addition, according to the present embodiment, data relating to the format of the document to be printed is recorded in the two-dimensional code 50 printed on the recording paper, so that the aggregation process can be performed even on an image that does not include characters. .

  In the image forming system, the code generation unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 generates the two-dimensional code 50 based on the printing conditions and data relating to the format of the document to be printed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the code generation unit 29 may generate an identification code such as a barcode or an identification mark instead of the two-dimensional code 50. Further, an IC chip on which data relating to the printing conditions and the format of the document to be printed is recorded may be added to the recording paper. Then, the user adds to the image data to be printed on the recording paper through the display screen 26a of the image forming apparatus 20 an identification code such as a two-dimensional code 50, a barcode or an identification mark, or an IC chip. You may make it selectable from.

  In the image forming system, when the image data is printed using the printer function of the image forming apparatus 20, the information of the two-dimensional code 50 is added to the image data printed on the recording paper. However, it is not limited to this. That is, the printer driver stored in the terminal device 10 is equipped with a function that allows the user to select whether or not to add the two-dimensional code 50 to the image data, and whether the user adds the two-dimensional code 50 to the image data through the print setting screen. You may make it perform the setting of no. When the two-dimensional code 50 is added to the image data, the minimum margin of the recording paper is equal to the area to which the two-dimensional code 50 is added, compared to the case where the two-dimensional code 50 is not added to the image data. It is set large.

  In the image forming system, when the control unit 33 confirms that the image data of the original read by the scanner unit 25 includes the aggregated image data in step S40 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Although further aggregation of the aggregated image data is prohibited (see step S42), the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the control unit 33 confirms that the aggregated image data is included in the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25, the user is notified of this fact and the aggregated image data is updated. It may be left to the user's decision whether to allow or prohibit the aggregation.

  For example, the aggregation condition set by the user is 2in1, and the control unit 33 confirms that the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 25 includes the image data aggregated in 2in1 shown in FIG. Then, a message such as “Are you sure you want to reduce the image data to 4 in 1 size to unify the orientation of the image?” May be displayed on the display screen 26 a of the display unit 26.

  In the image forming system, when the user sets the aggregation condition to “no aggregation” and copies the original using the copy function of the image forming apparatus 20, as in step S 40 shown in FIG. The control unit 33 may determine whether the image data of the document read in 25 includes the aggregated image data. When the control unit 33 confirms that the aggregated image data is included in the document image data read by the scanner unit 25, the aggregated image data is divided and the divided image data is divided. The image data may be enlarged and the image data that has not been collected may be printed on a recording sheet.

  In the image forming system described above, when image data of a plurality of documents is collected on a single recording sheet, processing is performed with priority on the orientation of the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, unless the user makes a specific setting, the orientation of the image is given priority. In addition, the reduction rate of the image data may be given priority according to the user's preference.

  In the image forming system, the terminal apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 are connected via the LAN 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the terminal device 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 may be connected via the Internet instead of the LAN 30. Alternatively, the terminal apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 20 may be locally connected such as a Centro connection using a Centro cable, or may be USB connected using a USB cable.

  As described above, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and is particularly useful for an apparatus having a function of collecting and printing image data of a plurality of originals on a single recording sheet. .

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus in an image forming system according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a terminal device when using a printer function of an image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when the printer function of the image forming apparatus is used. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating image data and a two-dimensional code printed on recording paper by using a printer function of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when an aggregation condition is set to other than no aggregation when using the copy function of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when an aggregation condition is set to other than no aggregation when using the copy function of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating image data printed on recording paper by using a copy function of the image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when the aggregation condition is set to no aggregation when using the copy function of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating image data printed on a document when using a copy function of a conventional image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the image data printed on the recording paper by using the copy function of the conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Terminal apparatus 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Automatic document feeder 22 Paper feed cassette 23 Paper discharge tray 24 Operation panel 24a Start button 25 Scanner part 26 Display part 26a Display screen 27 Image memory 28 Engine part 29 Code generation part 30 Code analysis part 31 Storage medium 32 Transmission / reception unit 33 Control unit 40 LAN

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus having a printer function for receiving image data sent from a terminal device via a communication network and data relating to print conditions of the image data and printing the image data on a recording paper based on the print conditions,
Having a code generator for generating an identification code in which various data is recorded;
When the printer function is used, the code generation unit generates the identification code in which data relating to the printing conditions and the format of the document to be printed included in the image data is recorded, and the code generation unit generates The identification code is printed on recording paper together with image data ,
A copy function for reading the image data of the original and printing the read image data of the original on the recording paper;
When the copy function is used, a determination is made as to whether or not the identification code is included in the read image data of the original, and the determination result confirms that the identification code is not included in the original image data. in case of,
The code generation unit generates the identification code in which a copy condition of image data of a document is recorded, and the identification code generated by the code generation unit is printed on a recording sheet together with the image data of the document. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print conditions are a print direction, a size of an output recording sheet, and an aggregation condition of image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the copy condition is a condition for aggregating output paper size and original image data. A code analysis unit that reads the identification code printed together with image data on recording paper by using a printer function;
When collecting image data of a plurality of documents on which the identification code is printed using a copy function, the code obtained from the identification code printed on each of the plurality of documents read by the code analysis unit 4. The image according to claim 1 , wherein image data of a plurality of originals are aggregated and printed on a recording sheet based on a print condition, a format of a document to be printed, and the copy condition. Forming equipment. A code analysis unit that reads the identification code printed together with image data on recording paper by using a printer function;
When printing image data of a document on which the identification code is printed without using a copy function, the print condition obtained from the identification code read by the code analysis unit, the copy condition, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification code generated by the code generation unit based on the comparison result is printed on a recording sheet together with image data of a document. .

Images