JP5375334B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing program, image processing method, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor, an image processing program, an image processing method, and an image forming device, for easily keeping a character size as required by a user even after reorganization. <P>SOLUTION: The user selects a reorganization printing parameter so that required content (character) included in a print result is legible, while confirming the result of printing using each reorganization printing parameter by a dialogue 350. Concretely, the user selects any of radio buttons 351-356 associated with each of preview display areas 361-366. The selected reorganization printing parameter is set when the user selects the OK button 358, after selecting any of the radio buttons 351-356. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing program, an image processing method, and an image forming apparatus capable of consolidating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page. The present invention relates to a technique for maintaining a later character size within an appropriate range.

  With recent advances in information technology, various documents can be printed more easily. On the other hand, there is an increasing need to avoid wasteful consumption of resources such as paper and toner (or ink). Therefore, a mode that can reduce the consumption of various resources such as paper and toner (or ink) is selected for recent image forming devices (printers, copiers, etc.) according to the printed contents and their applications. It can be done. As one of such functions, there is known an “aggregate printing” function that aggregates a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page and outputs (prints) it. Such aggregate printing is also referred to as “Nin1”. For example, when printing two pages of input images (originals) as one page, it may be referred to as “2in1”.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-182529 (Patent Document 1) discloses a first mode in which normal image formation is set and resource saving as compared with the first mode. An image forming apparatus that can be set and operated by switching to a second mode in which image formation is set in is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-086914 (Patent Document 2) discloses that when a user tries to perform print output exceeding a predetermined number of sheets, the print output is not prohibited at all but fits within the predetermined number. There has been disclosed an information providing apparatus that can suppress waste of consumables by performing print output without impairing user convenience.

JP 2002-182529 A JP 2007-086914 A

  However, when performing the above-described collective printing, it is often difficult to determine in advance how many pages of input images are appropriate to be included in one printed page. That is, it is difficult to imagine in advance how large the characters contained in the input images will be by aggregating the input images. Further, the size of the character after the aggregation should be different depending on the user and / or the content included in the input image.

  The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-182529 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration for notifying how much paper resources can be reduced by aggregate printing, but how many characters are contained after aggregation. It is impossible to know in advance whether it has a size. In addition, in the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-086914 (Patent Document 2), the amount of information is limited so as to be within a predetermined number, but when the number is within the predetermined number, the contents can be actually read. I can't know in advance.

  As a result, general users tentatively set parameters that they have used in the past, then actually execute print processing on a test basis, look at the print results, and check the current settings. It is considered that there are many cases where an operation such as determining whether or not is appropriate is performed. For this reason, if it is determined that the tentatively set parameters are not valid, another printing process is required, and there may be a problem that resources are wasted despite the function of the aggregate printing.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to easily maintain the character size after aggregation at a size required by the user, and an image processing program. An image processing method and an image forming apparatus are provided.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page. The image forming apparatus includes a setting receiving unit that accepts a user setting for a character size in the output image in a state where the character size in the output image can be confirmed, and a character size when the input image is aggregated in the output image Determining means for determining parameters related to aggregation so as to satisfy

  Preferably, the setting receiving means displays the images of the plurality of output images that can be generated by aggregating the input images according to the plurality of parameters, respectively, in a substantially actual size, and each of the images displayed in the actual size. Means for accepting a selection for any of the images, and the determining means includes means for determining the parameters such that the size of the characters in the output image is not smaller than the size of the characters included in the selected image.

  More preferably, the setting reception means further includes means for extracting a region where a reduction in sharpness is expected due to aggregation into the output image, and the extracted region is displayed as an image.

  More preferably, the input image is defined as a structured document, and the extracting unit extracts a region based on a preset condition, and the condition is a character size for a character included in the input image. , At least one of font type and number of strokes.

  Alternatively, more preferably, the input image is defined as image data, and the extracting means extracts an area based on a preset condition, and the condition expands the outline of the character included in the input image. Sometimes includes the degree of interference with adjacent contours.

  Preferably, the setting receiving means stores means for storing user settings for each user, means for specifying a user instructing generation of an output image from an input image, and the stored user in response to the specification of the user Means for reading out a corresponding user setting among the settings, and the determining means determines the parameter based on the read-out user setting.

  More preferably, the determining means includes notifying means for notifying the user of the determined parameters before generating the output image, and generation of the output image is started only when there is an approval from the user.

  More preferably, the setting accepting means obtains a parameter history used for the generated output image for each user, and a corresponding stored user setting based on the obtained parameter history. Means for modifying.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing program capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page. In the image processing program, a step of accepting a user setting for the character size in the output image in a state where the size of the character in the output image can be confirmed on the computer, and the character size when the input image is aggregated in the output image A step of determining a parameter related to aggregation so as to satisfy the setting.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page. In this image processing method, in a state where the size of characters in the output image can be confirmed, the step of accepting user settings for the character size in the output image and the character size when the input images are aggregated into the output image satisfy the user settings. Thus, the step of determining parameters related to aggregation is included.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a setting receiving unit that accepts a user setting for a character size in the output image in a state where the character size in the output image can be confirmed, and a character size when the input image is aggregated in the output image And determining means for determining parameters relating to aggregation, and print processing means for executing print processing based on output images aggregated according to the determined parameters relating to aggregation.

  According to the present invention, the character size after aggregation can be easily maintained at a size required by the user.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit included in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of personal computer PC which is a typical example of the image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the integrated printing according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing parameter setting screen displayed on the personal computer according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the aggregate print parameter setting screen displayed on the personal computer according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the extraction process of the obfuscated character area | region according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the personal computer according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the personal computer according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an aggregate print parameter determination subroutine shown in FIG. 11. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing parameter setting screen displayed on the personal computer according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the minimum character size registration screen displayed on the personal computer according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which notifies the aggregate print parameter displayed on the personal computer according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the personal computer according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the personal computer according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the minimum character size registration subroutine shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus MFP, and a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus MFP via a network NW so as to allow data communication.

  Image forming apparatus MFP may be of any type as long as it is equipped with at least a print engine and is capable of print processing. Typically, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer, a copier, a facsimile, a multi-function peripheral (MFP), and the like. In the following description, a configuration using a multifunction peripheral will be exemplified as a typical example of image forming apparatus MFP.

  As a typical example of the image processing apparatus, FIG. 1 illustrates personal computers PC1 to PC3 (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “personal computer PC”). It should be noted that image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment generates any type of print job that can be processed by image forming apparatus MFP, and any type of apparatus that can transmit the generated print job to image forming apparatus MFP. It may be. Therefore, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may include a workstation, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a network scanner, a network facsimile, and the like in addition to the personal computer PC illustrated in FIG. In order to simplify the description, a case where a personal computer PC is employed as a typical example of the image processing apparatus will be exemplified below.

<Processing overview of image forming system>
In image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment, a document creation application and a spreadsheet application can be executed on personal computer PC. When the user gives a print instruction, a printer driver installed in the personal computer PC generates a print job for performing print processing in the image forming apparatus MFP from data output by these applications. At this time, various print parameters are assigned to the print job.

  Alternatively, image forming apparatus MFP reads image information (image data) from a document using a scanner or the like, and executes print processing according to print settings in which the user inputs the read image information in advance.

  The image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment has a configuration suitable for so-called “aggregated printing” or “Nin1 printing” in which a plurality of pages divided into page units are aggregated into a single page and printed. More specifically, on personal computer PC or image forming apparatus MFP, the user inputs a setting for the character size in the print output in a state in which the character size in the print output can be confirmed. Then, according to the processing described later, the parameters related to the aggregate printing, typically the aggregation rate such as how many pages of information are included in the print output of one page, and the character reduction so as to satisfy the input setting. A parameter such as a rate (hereinafter also referred to as “aggregate printing parameter”) is determined to be an optimal value.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example is described in which aggregate print parameters are determined in personal computer PC, and print parameters including the determined aggregate print parameters are transmitted from personal computer PC to image forming apparatus MFP. However, as will be described later as another form, even if image forming apparatus MFP is used alone or in cooperation with personal computer PC and image forming apparatus MFP, processing for determining such aggregate print parameters may be performed. Good.

  As will be described later, in addition to the above-described aggregate print parameters, the print parameters and print settings shown in FIG. 1 specify the paper size used for print processing, single-sided / double-sided print settings, monochrome / color printing. Settings, watermark settings, etc.

<Terminology>
In this specification, “input image” means image information divided into pages, which is a target of aggregate printing described later. Typically, there are data output as an object of print processing by an application executed on personal computer PC, data read by image forming apparatus MFP and subjected to print processing, and the like. The “input image” in this specification may be a structured document (typically XML (eXtensible Markup Language)) including character information (text) and structured information (decoration, etc.) The entire document including the image data may be image data.

  In this specification, “output image” means image information indicating a result of aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image. Typically, a print job transmitted from personal computer PC to image forming apparatus MFP, a group of commands to a print engine generated inside image forming apparatus MFP, a result of print processing by image forming apparatus MFP, and the like is there. The print job transmitted from the personal computer PC may be defined as a page description language (PDL) similar to a structured document, or is raster data including color information of each pixel. In some cases.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of image forming apparatus MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of control unit 10 included in image forming apparatus MFP shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus MFP includes a scanner 2 for reading image information from a document and generating image data, and a print engine 3 capable of print processing.

  The scanner 2 irradiates light from a light source toward a document placed on the platen glass and receives light reflected from the document by an image sensor or the like, thereby reading image information of the document. Alternatively, the scanner 2 may include a document feeding table, a delivery roller, a registration roller, a transport drum, and a sheet discharging table so as to enable continuous document reading.

  The print engine 3 performs print processing on a paper medium such as a recording sheet S based on a print job received from the personal computer PC and / or image data such as image data read by the scanner 2. FIG. 2 typically shows the configuration of a tandem color electrophotographic system, but an arbitrary print configuration such as a monochrome electrophotographic system configuration, a 4-cycle color electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, or a thermal system. Can be adopted.

  More specifically, the print engine 3 includes four imaging units (imaging units) 20Y, 20M, and 20M that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images, respectively. 20C, 20K (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “imaging unit 20”). The imaging units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are arranged in the moving direction of the transfer belt 4 in that order. Each imaging unit 20 sequentially forms toner images of each color on the transfer belt 4 in synchronization with the timing. The transfer belt 4 is an image carrier that holds a toner image on the surface thereof, and when the transfer belt 4 goes around each imaging unit 20, a full-color (four colors) toner image is formed on the surface.

  Thereafter, the full-color toner image formed on the transfer belt 4 is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer roller 5. The transfer roller 5 is biased to a predetermined potential. Due to this bias potential, the charged toner image is attracted by an electrostatic field. That is, the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 4 to the recording sheet S using the suction force generated in the toner image. The recording sheet S on which the color toner image is transferred is fixed by the fixing device 6 and then output to the discharge tray.

  Image forming apparatus MFP further includes a control unit 10 that performs overall control. The imaging units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “photosensitive drums 21”) for forming toner images of respective colors according to output images. Includes each. The frequently used black photosensitive drum 21K is slightly larger than the other photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, and 21C so as to have a relatively long life. In each imaging unit 20, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a charge removal device, and the like are arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 21. The photosensitive drum 21 is exposed by an exposure device in accordance with a command from the control unit 10 with its surface charged in advance by a charging device. The exposure device scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light according to the output image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the output image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by attaching toner supplied by a developing device. Then, the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred from each photosensitive drum 21 to the transfer belt 4 by contact between each photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer belt 4.

  A bias voltage for charging the photosensitive drum 21 is applied by the charging grid high-voltage power supply 31, and a bias voltage for charging the toner is applied by the developing bias high-voltage power supply 32.

  Image forming apparatus MFP further includes an operation panel 7. The operation panel 7 is an input unit that accepts various user operations, and is also a display unit that notifies the user of various types of information. More specifically, the operation panel 7 includes various input key groups including a numeric keypad as a function of the input unit, a touch sensor, and the like, and a liquid crystal display unit integrated with the touch sensor as a function of the display unit, and Includes various indicators such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

  Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, and an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 107. , An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 109, an external communication I / F (Interface) 111, and an internal communication I / F 113. These parts are connected to each other via the internal bus 115.

  In control unit 10, CPU 101 controls image forming apparatus MFP by developing a program for executing various processes stored in advance in ROM 105 or the like in RAM 103 and executing the program.

  The RAM 103 is a volatile memory and is used as a work memory. More specifically, the RAM 103 temporarily stores image data to be processed and various variable data in addition to the program itself to be executed. EEPROM 107 is typically a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores various setting values such as the IP address and network domain of image forming apparatus MFP. The HDD 109 is typically a non-volatile magnetic memory, and stores print jobs received from the image processing apparatus, image data read by the scanner 2, and the like.

  The external communication I / F 111 typically supports a general-purpose communication protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and provides data communication with the personal computer PC and other image forming apparatuses via the network NW.

  The internal communication I / F 113 is connected to the operation panel 7, receives a signal corresponding to a user operation on the operation panel 7, transmits the signal to the CPU 101, and displays a message or the like on the operation panel 7 according to a command from the CPU 101. Transmit necessary signals.

<Configuration of image processing apparatus>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of a personal computer PC which is a typical example of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, personal computer PC, which is a typical example of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, executes CPU 201 for executing various programs including an operating system (OS), and executes the program on CPU 201. A memory 213 as a storage unit that temporarily stores necessary data and a hard disk (HDD) 211 that stores a program executed by the CPU 201 in a nonvolatile manner are included. Such a program is read from a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM 215a or a flexible disk 217a by a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive 215 or a flexible disk (FD: Flexible Disk) drive 217, respectively.

  The CPU 101 receives an operation request from the user via the input device 209 including a keyboard, mouse, tablet, and the like, and outputs a screen output generated by executing the program to the output device 205. The output device 205 is a device for displaying a user interface screen or dialog of an application or a printer driver to the user, and typically includes a monitor or a projector.

  In addition, CPU 201 performs data communication with image forming apparatus MFP or the like via communication I / F 207 including a LAN card or the like. These parts are connected to each other via the internal bus 203.

<Integrated printing>
FIG. 5 shows an example of aggregate printing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 5 (a), for example, a process in a case where an input image including four pages is printed as a two-page output image (so-called 2-in-1 output) will be described. FIG. 5B shows a process in a case where an input image including the same four pages is printed out as a one-page output image (so-called 4-in-1 output).

  Note that it is possible to further make settings such as which position of each page of the input image is allocated to the output image.

<Printing procedure>
Next, an example of a user printing procedure in the image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a print parameter setting screen displayed on personal computer PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an example of an aggregate print parameter setting screen displayed on personal computer PC according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As a typical operation procedure, a user operating a personal computer PC designates a print target (typically a file name) on an arbitrary application executed on the personal computer PC, and then issues a print instruction. Is displayed, a dialog 300 for setting print parameters as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed. Note that such a dialog 300 is typically provided by an OS executed on the personal computer PC and / or a printer driver called by the OS.

  In this dialog 300, setting items 301 to 308 are displayed in a selectable manner. A setting item 301 is for designating which of the paper feed cassettes mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 is to use the recording sheet stored in the print processing. A setting item 302 is used to select the type of recording sheet to be printed. In the setting item 302, it is possible to select “OHP sheet” in addition to “plain paper”. A setting item 303 is used to set the paper size of the recording sheet used for the printing process. A setting item 304 is used to set the orientation (vertical direction or horizontal direction) of a recording sheet used for print processing. A setting item 305 is used to set an aggregate print parameter. Details of the setting item 305 will be described later. A setting item 306 is for setting single-sided printing or double-sided printing. The setting item 306 may be validated only when double-sided printing can be set in the image forming apparatus 100. The setting item 307 sets whether or not to print a watermark (watermark) such as “Confidential” on the recording sheet and the type of the watermark to be printed in addition to the contents to be printed at the time of print processing. Is for. The setting item 308 is for setting other options.

  When the user inputs desired values in the setting items 301 to 308 and then selects an OK button 309, a print job is generated in the personal computer PC and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 together with corresponding print parameters. When the cancel button 310 is selected, the printing process is interrupted.

  When the user selects the pull-down button of the setting item 305 with the cursor CRS or the like, a combo box as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. In this combo box, in addition to the item “none” that does not execute aggregate printing, a list of selectable aggregate printing setting values “2 in 1”, “4 in 1”, “6 in 1”, “9 in 1”, and “12 in 1” is displayed. Is displayed. Further, in this combo box, an item “designated from preview” can be selected. When this “designated from preview” is selected, the size of characters in the print result can be confirmed as will be described later. In the state, a dialog for setting user settings for the character size in the print result is displayed.

  When “Specify from preview” is selected in the setting item 305 included in the dialog 300 in FIG. 6B, a dialog 350 for setting the aggregate print parameters as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Note that such a dialog 350 is also typically provided by an OS executed on the personal computer PC and / or a printer driver called by the OS.

  In the dialog 350, an image of a print result generated when the aggregate printing is performed according to the aggregate print parameters that can be set is displayed (preview display) substantially in actual size. That is, the dialog 350 includes preview display areas 361 to 366. In each preview display area, an image obtained as a result of aggregating input images according to the corresponding aggregated print parameters is displayed in actual size.

  While confirming the print result with each aggregate print parameter using this dialog 350, the user selects the aggregate print parameter determined to be able to sufficiently read the necessary contents (characters) included therein. Specifically, one of radio buttons 351 to 356 associated with the preview display areas 361 to 366 is selected. When the user selects one of the radio buttons 351 to 356 and then selects an OK button 358, the selected aggregate print parameter is set, and the process returns to the dialog 300 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the cancel button 359 is selected, the currently set contents are discarded and the process returns to the dialog 300 shown in FIG.

  As described above, on the personal computer PC according to the present embodiment, the print result images respectively generated in the respective aggregate print parameters are substantially displayed in actual size and are displayed side by side. The most appropriate aggregate printing parameter can be determined at a glance.

  In the preview display areas 361 to 366, a predetermined sample image may be displayed for each aggregate print parameter instead of a part or all of the input image.

  Further, instead of the configuration in which the aggregate print parameters corresponding to the radio buttons 351 to 356 selected by the user are automatically selected, the character size in the print result is included in the image displayed in the selected preview display area. The aggregate print parameter may be determined so that it is not smaller than the size of the printed character. For example, even if the user selects the radio button 354 corresponding to “6 in 1”, if the input image is only 4 pages, “4 in 1” may be determined as the aggregate print parameter. That is, the aggregate print parameters corresponding to the radio buttons 351 to 356 selected by the user are handled as minimum values when actually performing the print processing.

  The range displayed in the preview display areas 361 to 366 of the dialog 350 can be arbitrarily set by the user. However, as will be described later, it is difficult to interpret the area in the input image, that is, by aggregation into the output image. It is preferable to automatically extract a region where a reduction in sharpness is expected and display the extracted region. In other words, the user is allowed to set the aggregate print parameters in the preview display areas 361 to 366 of the dialog 350 under the condition that the input image is most difficult to read. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that a part of the contents cannot be read even though printing is performed according to the aggregate print parameter considered to be most appropriate for a specific area.

<Extracting process of obfuscated character area>
Next, a process for extracting areas to be displayed in the preview display areas 361 to 366 of the dialog 350 shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter also referred to as “obfuscated character areas”) will be described. As an input image, typically, (1) a structured document including character information (text) and structured information (decoration, etc.), and (2) the content is imaged as a bitmap or the like. It is assumed that the image data is converted into image data. Hereinafter, a procedure for extracting an obfuscated character area will be described for each case.

(1. Structured document)
Since the structured document includes structured information in addition to the character information, an area including characters that match this information and a predefined condition is extracted as an obfuscated character area. In general, an obfuscated character region has characteristics such as a small character size, a font with a large line width, and a Chinese character with a large number of strokes. Therefore, in the personal computer PC according to the present embodiment, the characteristics of such an obfuscated character region are defined in advance as a condition table, and the obfuscated character and Extract the obfuscated character area containing it.

Examples of conditions included in such a condition table include the following.
(A) The character size is smaller than a predetermined value (b) The designated font is a pre-designated font type (c) For Kanji, the number of strokes is larger than the predetermined value Characters that satisfy the conditions included in the above condition table Are extracted in a discrete manner on the same page, it is preferable to extract an area including characters with a higher degree of matching as an obfuscated character area. In this case, an evaluation score given when each condition is satisfied is assigned in advance, and a total value of the evaluation scores is calculated for each character. Then, an area including a character having the highest total score is extracted as an obfuscated character area.

  If none of the areas satisfies the condition, a predetermined portion (for example, the upper left area of the first page) may be extracted as an obfuscated character area.

  In the condition table, information other than the essential contents of the input image may be excluded from the evaluation target. For example, an exclusion condition may be set so as to exclude chart titles, footnotes, logos described in headers and footers included in the input image from the range to be extracted as an obfuscated character area. By setting such an exclusion condition, it is possible to avoid a problem in which an aggregate print parameter with a high degree of aggregation is not set due to the description of an attached range that is not the essential content of the input image. .

  After extracting the obfuscated character area, it is determined whether or not there are a title area, footnote area, margin area around the extracted obfuscated character area, etc. around the chart. The area may be excluded from the print target, the extracted area may be enlarged, and the obfuscated character area may be used.

(2. Image data)
In the image data, since the entire document is imaged, it is impossible to extract an obfuscated character area using character information (text). Therefore, it is preferable to extract an obfuscated character region by using known image processing.

  As a more specific procedure, first, elements included in an input image are separated into a character area and an image area by a layout recognition technique. This region separation can be performed based on the spatial frequency of the input image. That is, when viewed in the scanning direction of the input image, the character area and the background color appear alternately in a relatively short cycle, whereas the image area only changes relatively slowly. is there. Therefore, it is possible to separate the character area and the image area based on such a spatial change in shading. In addition, it is not restricted to this method, Arbitrary well-known methods can also be employ | adopted.

  Subsequently, in the extracted character region, it is determined whether or not the lines constituting the character overlap each other by virtually “thickening” each character. That is, when the outline of a character included in the extracted character area is enlarged and the degree of interference with an adjacent outline exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the character area is a character obfuscated area. .

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the process of extracting an obfuscated character area according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, it is assumed that a region including characters as shown in FIG. 8A is extracted by the above-described character region extraction processing. A “black” dot having a predetermined width is added around the character (ie, “black” dot) included in the extracted area. For example, the result when a relatively narrow dot is added to the character image “borrow” shown in FIG. 8A is shown in FIG. 8B, and a relatively wide dot is added. The result of the case is shown in FIG. And as shown in FIG.8 (c), when the lines which comprise the character "borrow" overlap, it is judged that it is an obfuscated character. The above-described processing is executed for each character included in the character area extracted from the input image, and an obfuscated character area is searched for in character units or character area units.

  As a matter of course, the width of the dot to be added in each character can be arbitrarily set. In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily set how much the adjacent lines overlap each other as an obfuscated character area.

<Control structure>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control structure of personal computer PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control structure of image forming apparatus MFP according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, each personal computer PC has, as its control structure, an application 252, a file storage unit 254, an operation reception unit 256, a job generation unit 258, a display control unit 260, and a dialog generation unit. 262, a preview image generation unit 264, an area extraction unit 266, an aggregate print parameter determination unit 268, and a job transmission unit 270.

  The operation reception unit 256 is provided by the CPU 201 executing the input device 209 (FIG. 4) and related driver software. The display control unit 260 is provided by the CPU 201 executing the output device 205 (FIG. 4) and related driver software. The file storage unit 254 is provided as a predetermined area included in the HDD 211 and / or the memory 213 (FIG. 4). The job transmission unit 270 is provided by the CPU 201 executing the communication I / F 207 and related driver software. The other units are typically provided by the CPU 201 (FIG. 4) developing a program in the memory 213 (FIG. 4) and executing each command.

  The application 252 is typically a document creation application or a spreadsheet application, and outputs data to be printed in response to a user operation. Note that the file handled by the application 252 is temporarily or permanently stored in the file storage unit 254 or the like, and is read as necessary in accordance with a print instruction from the user.

  The operation accepting unit 256 accepts user settings in response to user operations on various dialogs as described above. The operation reception unit 256 outputs the received user settings to the job generation unit 258 and / or the aggregate print parameter determination unit 268.

  In response to a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 258 receives an input image to be printed from the application 252 and generates a print job according to various set print parameters. Specifically, job generation unit 258 generates PDL information or raster information for instructing print processing in image forming apparatus MFP. The job generation unit 258 also outputs print parameters to the job transmission unit 270 together with the generated print job.

  The display control unit 260 is associated with the output device 205 and displays a dialog as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 based on information from a dialog generation unit 262 and / or a preview image generation unit 264 described later. Is displayed to the output device 205.

  The dialog generation unit 262 generates information for displaying a dialog 300 (FIG. 6A) for the user to set various print parameters. Then, the dialog generation unit 262 outputs the generated information to the display control unit 260.

  The preview image generation unit 264 generates information for displaying a dialog 350 (FIG. 7) for the user to set the aggregate print parameters. More specifically, the preview image generation unit 264 generates a plurality of preview images obtained by scaling (size adjustment) the image information received from the region extraction unit 266 described later according to a plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance. In the preview display areas 361 to 366 of the dialog 350, the image of the print result is displayed in actual size, but the resolution of the output device 205 (typically, display) connected to the personal computer PC. Even if the same information is given depending on the screen size or the like, it is expected to be displayed in different sizes.

  Therefore, the preview image generation unit 264 according to the present embodiment uses device information such as the screen size and resolution (dot size) of the connected output device 205 via the OS display driver executed on the personal computer PC. To get. Such acquisition of device information is provided by a known method called so-called plug and play. Then, based on the acquired device information, the preview image generation unit 264 typically acquires in advance how long a pixel (vertical dot pitch × horizontal dot pitch) on the output device 205 corresponds to. To do. Then, the size at which the image information received from the region extraction unit 266 is to be displayed is determined according to the relationship between the acquired one pixel and the actual size.

  The area extracting unit 266 extracts the above-described obfuscated character area from the input image to be printed. More specifically, the area extraction unit 266 holds a condition table 266a describing features to be extracted as obfuscated characters, and specifies an obfuscated character area by referring to the contents of the condition table 266a.

  The aggregate print parameter determination unit 268 determines the aggregate print parameter so as not to be smaller than the size of characters included in the image displayed in the preview display area selected by the user on the dialog 350 (FIG. 7). Typically, the aggregate print parameter determination unit 268 determines the aggregate print parameter corresponding to the radio buttons 351 to 356 selected by the user on the dialog 350 (FIG. 7) as the aggregate print parameter for the target print job.

  Job transmission unit 270 transmits the print job received from job generation unit 258 and the corresponding print parameters to target image forming apparatus MFP.

  Referring to FIG. 10, image forming apparatus MFP has, as its control structure, job reception unit 152, job storage unit 154, job execution unit 156, job execution control unit 158, operation reception unit 160, display And a control unit 162. The job storage unit 154 is provided as a predetermined area included in the RAM 103, the EEPROM 107, and the HDD 109 (FIG. 3). The job receiving unit 152 is provided by the CPU 101 executing the external communication I / F 111 and related driver software. The other units are typically provided by the CPU 101 (FIG. 3) developing a program in the RAM 103 (FIG. 3) and executing each command.

  The job receiving unit 152 receives a print job transmitted from an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer PC. The job receiving unit 152 passes the received print job to the job storage unit 154. Note that the job receiving unit 152 may have a function of performing raster conversion.

  The job storage unit 154 stores the print job (or raster data obtained by raster conversion of the print job) from the job receiving unit 152. The job storage unit 154 holds a print job storage list 154a, and updates the contents sequentially as the print jobs are stored. Note that when print processing for a print job accumulated by the job execution unit 156 described below is executed, the job accumulation unit 154 deletes the print job and updates the registered content of the print job accumulation list 154a.

  The job execution unit 156 reads a specified print job from among the print jobs stored in the job storage unit 154 in accordance with a control command from the job execution control unit 158, and sends a control command based on the read print job to the printer engine. Output to. The control command output to the printer engine includes information for forming a toner image of each color and information such as the size of paper used for printing.

The job execution control unit 158 controls print processing for print jobs stored in the job storage unit 154. More specifically, when a new print job is stored in the job storage unit 154, the job execution control unit 158 determines a print parameter given to the print job,
The operation receiving unit 160 receives an operation by the user and gives the operation content to the job execution control unit 158. The display control unit 162 displays information to be notified to the user. Typically, the display control unit 162 displays a message or the like corresponding to the situation on the operation panel 7.

<Processing procedure>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the personal computer PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the aggregate print parameter determination subroutine shown in FIG.

  Each step shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is typically realized by the CPU 201 of the personal computer PC executing a program.

(Main routine)
Referring to FIG. 11, first, CPU 201 determines whether or not a print instruction has been received from a user (step S100). If no print instruction has been received from the user (NO in step S100), the process of step S100 is repeated.

  When a print instruction is received from the user (YES in step S100), the CPU 201 specifies an input image to be printed (step S102). Note that when a print instruction is received on an application that is being executed, the CPU 201 determines data or a file handled by the application as a print target. On the other hand, when a print instruction is received by a file manager on the OS, the CPU 201 accepts selection of a file to be printed from the user.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 displays a dialog 300 for accepting print parameter settings on the output device 205 (step S104), and accepts user settings input to the dialog 300 (step S106). Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the item “designated from preview” is selected in the setting item 305 (aggregation) of the dialog 300 (step S108).

  When the item “designated from preview” is selected (YES in step S108), the CPU 201 executes an aggregate print parameter determination subroutine shown in FIG. 12 (step S110). The aggregate print parameter determination subroutine determines the aggregate print parameter. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

  On the other hand, if the item “designated from preview” is not selected (NO in step S108), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button 309 of the dialog 300 is selected (step S112). ). When the OK button 309 of the dialog 300 is selected (YES in step S112), the CPU 201 performs the aggregate printing for the target print job using the value of the aggregate print parameter set in the setting item 305 (aggregation). It determines as a parameter (step S114). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

  On the other hand, when the OK button 309 of the dialog 300 is not selected (NO in step S112), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button 310 of the dialog 300 is selected (step S116). . When the cancel button 310 of the dialog 300 is selected (YES in step S116), the CPU 201 stops the printing process. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, when cancel button 310 in dialog 300 has not been selected (NO in step S116), the processes in and after step S106 are repeated.

  In step S120, the CPU 201 generates a print job from the input image to be printed according to the print parameters including the aggregate print parameter determined in step S110 or S114. Subsequently, CPU 201 transmits the generated print job and the print parameters used to generate the print job to target image forming apparatus MFP (step S122). Then, the process ends.

(Aggregate print parameter determination subroutine)
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the CPU 201 extracts characters included in the input image to be printed (step S200). More specifically, if the input image is a structured document, the CPU 201 acquires attributes such as a text value and a designated font size for each character of the text included in the input image. When the input image is image data, the CPU 201 separates the character area and the image area by the layout recognition technique. Further, the CPU 201 extracts an image for each character included in the separated character area.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 evaluates the degree of obfuscated characters with reference to the condition table describing the characteristics of the obfuscated character area for each character extracted in step S200 (step S202). Further, the CPU 201 extracts a predetermined area including a character having the highest degree of obfuscated characters as an obfuscated character area (step S204).

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 selects an initial value from a plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance (step S206), and scales and previews the image of the obfuscated character area extracted in step S204 according to the selected aggregate print parameter. An image is generated (step S208). Subsequently, it is determined whether preview images have been generated for all of the plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance (step S210).

  If the preview images for all of the plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance have not been generated (NO in step S210), the CPU 201 selects the next aggregate among the plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance. A print parameter is selected (step S212), and the processing from step S208 is executed again.

  On the other hand, if preview images for all of the plurality of aggregate print parameters prepared in advance have been generated (YES in step S210), the CPU 201 performs a dialog based on the generated preview images. 350 is displayed on the output device 205 (step S214). Further, the CPU 201 accepts user settings input to the dialog 350 (step S216).

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button 358 of the dialog 350 has been selected (step S218). When the OK button 358 of the dialog 350 is selected (YES in step S218), the CPU 201 selects the aggregate print parameter value corresponding to the selected radio button among the radio buttons 351 to 356 as the target. It is determined as an aggregate print parameter for the print job (step S220). Then, the process returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the OK button 358 of the dialog 350 has not been selected (NO in step S218), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button 359 of the dialog 350 has been selected (step S222). . If cancel button 359 of dialog 350 is selected (YES in step S222), the process returns to the main routine as it is.

  On the other hand, when cancel button 359 of dialog 350 is not selected (NO in step S222), the processes in and after step S216 are repeated.

<Action and effect>
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the user can select the image of the print result that is generated when the aggregate print is performed according to the aggregate print parameters that can be set from the list that is substantially displayed in actual size. By selecting what is considered appropriate, the corresponding aggregate printing parameters are determined and aggregate printing is performed. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, the character size after aggregation can be easily maintained at the size required by the user by a very simple operation. At the same time, wasteful consumption of resources such as paper and toner (or ink) can be avoided.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the image of the print result is displayed substantially in actual size, it is possible to obtain a print output that substantially matches the image on the screen. In addition, it is difficult to determine the appearance of the preview display on the screen and the print result on the paper medium even if they are the same size due to the difference in resolution and the range of expression colors. Since the preview images according to the above are displayed in a list so as to be comparable, the user can more easily predict the print result.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the obfuscated character area is previewed in the dialog for determining the aggregate print parameter, the most severe condition is assumed without requiring excessive operation from the user. Thus, the aggregate print parameters can be determined.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment described above, the configuration in which the user determines the most appropriate character size by displaying the image of the print result in substantially the actual size has been exemplified. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2 shown below, a character size (hereinafter also referred to as “minimum character size”) required by the user in the print result is registered in advance, and does not become smaller than the registered minimum character size. As described above, the configuration for determining the aggregate print parameters will be exemplified.

  Since the schematic configuration of image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, the configuration of image forming apparatus MFP according to the present embodiment is the same as in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the configuration of image processing apparatus (personal computer PC) according to the present embodiment is the same as in FIG. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

<Printing procedure>
Next, an example of a user printing procedure in the image forming system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a print parameter setting screen displayed on personal computer PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows an example of a minimum character size registration screen displayed on personal computer PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying the aggregate print parameter displayed on the personal computer PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As a typical operation procedure, a user operating a personal computer PC designates a print target (typically a file name) on an arbitrary application executed on the personal computer PC, and then issues a print instruction. Is given, a dialog 300A for setting print parameters as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. In this dialog 300A, “normal mode” and “eco mode” can be selected. That is, when the tab 322 is selected, it is possible to set the print parameter related to the “normal mode” (not shown). On the other hand, when the tab 324 is selected, the print parameter related to the “eco mode” is set. Is possible. In the “eco mode”, the same items as those in the dialog 300 shown in FIG. 6A can be set. However, in the dialog 300A, the “automatic” item is selected in the setting item 305 (aggregation). The point that can be different.

  When “automatic” is selected in the setting item 305, aggregate printing is executed as much as possible. Specifically, in the personal computer PC, the aggregate print parameter is automatically determined so as not to be smaller than the minimum character size registered in advance in the print result. Note that the automatically determined aggregate print parameter may be notified to the user before the aggregate print is executed. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the user may arbitrarily change the aggregate print parameter, or a dialog 350 for setting the aggregate print parameter shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed.

  When the button for instructing the registration of the minimum character size is selected, or when “automatic” is selected in the setting item 305 of the dialog 300A and the minimum character size is not registered, FIG. A dialog 350A shown in FIG.

  The dialogs 300A and 350A as described above are typically provided by an OS executed on the personal computer PC and / or a printer driver called by the OS.

  In the dialog 350A, a character image selection item 371, a target font selection item 372, and a stroke number selection item 373 are displayed so as to be selectable. In the character image selection item 371, characters appearing in the print result are displayed in actual size, and radio buttons for selecting each size are displayed in association with each character size. While confirming the character image displayed in the character image selection item 371, the user determines the minimum character size necessary for the print result and selects the corresponding radio button.

  The character image displayed in the character image selection item 371 may be a predetermined character (“A” in the example shown in FIG. 14), but may display an obfuscated character included in the input image. preferable. This is because hard-to-read characters are the most difficult to read in the print result. In this case, obfuscated characters are extracted from the input image by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  The target font selection item 372 and the stroke number selection item 373 are used when setting details of registration of the minimum character size by the user in more detail.

  Specifically, the target font selection item 372 is a combo box, and when the user selects a pull-down button with a cursor CRS or the like, a plurality of font types that can be included in the input image are displayed in a list. When one of the fonts is selected, the character image displayed in the character image selection item 371 corresponds to the selected font. In general, when the font (particularly the width of the line constituting the character) is different, the limit of the legible character size changes, so it is preferable to register the minimum character size for each font in this way.

  The stroke number selection item 373 is also a combo box. When the user selects a pull-down button with the cursor CRS or the like, a plurality of kanji characters with different stroke numbers (typically, kanji characters representing each stroke number) are displayed in a list. Is done. When any Chinese character is selected, the character image displayed in the character image selection item 371 corresponds to the selected Chinese character. In general, the larger the number of strokes, the larger the limit of legible character size. Therefore, it is preferable to register the minimum character size for each number of strokes. Typically, the kanji having the largest number of strokes is extracted from the kanji included in the input image, and the aggregate print parameters are determined by focusing on the character size of the extracted kanji.

  In addition to the registration contents as described above, for example, a minimum character size or an aggregate print parameter may be registered separately for a fixed sentence (format sentence) such as a company.

  The character image selection item 371 displays a plurality of character images having different character sizes discretely. However, the character image selection item 371 performs dynamic display in which the character size is sequentially changed over time and allows the user to limit the reading limit. The minimum character size may be registered by inputting the felt timing. When such means is employed, the minimum character size can be determined in more detail.

  In addition, a plurality of kanji characters having different font types and / or number of strokes may be displayed in a list so that character images with different character sizes can be compared. By such a list display, the user can easily register a more appropriate character size.

  In addition, since the size of the character image visually recognized by the user is different depending on the position of the user with respect to the output device 205, the distance from the output device 205 to the user is input and the size displayed according to the input distance. May be adjusted.

  The minimum character size as described above is preferably registered for each user. This is because the character size required in the print result differs depending on the user's preference. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to acquire a user ID for logging in to the personal computer PC and register the minimum character size in association with the user ID. Alternatively, the dialog 300A may be displayed on condition that the user ID is input after the user gives a print instruction.

  Referring again to FIG. 13, when the user inputs a desired value in the setting items 301 to 308 and then selects the OK button 309, the aggregate print parameter is determined in the personal computer PC. Subsequently, a dialog 380 (FIG. 15) for notifying the user of the determined aggregate print parameter is displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, when “4 in 1” is determined as the aggregate print parameter, a message such as “Print in 4 in 1? Are you sure?” Is displayed. When an OK button 381 is selected in this dialog 380, a print job is generated in the personal computer PC and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 together with the corresponding print parameters. In other words, before the output image is generated, the determined aggregate print parameter is notified to the user, and only when there is an approval from the user, a print job (or a print output obtained thereby) is generated. Is started. When the cancel button 382 is selected, the dialog 300A shown in FIG. 13 is displayed again, and the user is prompted to set desired aggregate print parameters.

  Note that in the dialog 380, in addition to the determined aggregate print parameter, an image of a print result generated when the aggregate print is performed according to the determined aggregate print parameter may be displayed substantially in actual size. .

  As described above, on the personal computer PC according to the present embodiment, when the user registers the minimum character size in advance, an appropriate aggregate print parameter is automatically determined and aggregate print is executed.

<Control structure>
Control structure of image forming apparatus MFP according to the present embodiment is similar to that of image forming apparatus MFP according to the first embodiment (FIG. 10), and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a control structure of personal computer PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, each personal computer PC has an application 252, a file storage unit 254, an operation reception unit 256, a job generation unit 258, a display control unit 260, and a dialog generation unit as its control structure. 262, preview image generation unit 264, region extraction unit 266, job transmission unit 270, character extraction unit 282, aggregated print parameter determination unit 284, notification message generation unit 286, log storage unit 288, user A setting storage unit 290 and an authentication unit 292 are included.

  Application 252, file storage unit 254, operation reception unit 256, job generation unit 258, display control unit 260, and job transmission unit 270 have the same reference numerals in the control structure of personal computer PC according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The detailed description will not be repeated because it is similar to the block marked with.

  The character extraction unit 282 extracts a character having the smallest character size from among characters included in the input image. More specifically, the character extraction unit 282 separates character regions included in the input image into character units and determines the character size by a known method. If the input image is a structured document, determination is made for each character of the text based on the font size specified for the text. Then, the character extraction unit 282 outputs the extracted character size to the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284.

  The aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 acquires a minimum character size for the corresponding user registered in the user setting storage unit 290 in response to a print instruction from the user. Then, the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 determines the aggregate print parameter based on the character size extracted by the character extraction unit 282 and the acquired minimum character size. That is, the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 determines the aggregate print parameter so that the character size extracted by the character extraction unit 282 in the print result does not become smaller than the registered minimum character size. Typically, the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 divides the character size value extracted by the character extraction unit 282 by the registered minimum character size value, thereby reducing the scaling rate (reduction / enlargement rate). calculate.

  As described above, when not only the minimum character size but also conditions such as the font type and the number of strokes of kanji are registered, the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 reflects these conditions to collect the aggregate print parameters. To decide. In addition to the information registered by the user, the characteristics of legibility obtained experimentally in advance may be stored in advance as a mathematical expression or a table, and the aggregate print parameters may be determined based on such information. .

  The aggregate print parameter determination unit 284 outputs the determined aggregate print parameter to the notification message generation unit 286 and the like.

  The notification message generation unit 286 generates information for displaying a dialog 380 (FIG. 15) for notifying the user of the aggregate print parameters determined by the aggregate print parameter determination unit 284. Then, the notification message generation unit 286 outputs the generated information to the display control unit 260.

  The log storage unit 288 stores the character size extracted by the character extraction unit 282 and the aggregate print parameters used for generating the print job as a log (history information) 288a in association with the user. The log 288a may also record the distribution of character sizes included in the target input image.

  The user setting storage unit 290 stores the minimum character size set by the user on the dialog 350A shown in FIG. 14 as the user setting 290a. In the user setting 290a, the setting contents are registered for each user specified by the authentication unit 292. Further, the user setting storage unit 290 acquires from the log storage unit 288 the history of the aggregate print parameters used for generating the print job corresponding to the target user. Then, the user setting storage unit 290 modifies the contents of the user setting storage unit 290 based on the acquired aggregate print parameter history. For example, it is registered when the degree of coincidence between the aggregate print parameter determined based on the minimum character size registered by the user and the aggregate print parameter actually used for generating the print job is low. The minimum character size itself is changed.

  The authentication unit 292 identifies the user who issued the print instruction. More specifically, the authentication unit 292 acquires the user ID input when the user logs in to the personal computer PC, or requests the input of the user ID after the user gives a print instruction.

  The area extraction unit 266 extracts obfuscated characters from the input image. More specifically, the region extraction unit 266 holds a condition table 266a describing features to be extracted as obfuscated characters, and identifies the obfuscated characters by referring to the contents of the condition table 266a. Then, the region extraction unit 266 outputs the extracted obfuscated characters to the preview image generation unit 264.

  The preview image generation unit 264 scales the obfuscated characters extracted by the region extraction unit 266 to each of a plurality of character sizes prepared in advance, thereby generating image images of a plurality of sizes for the obfuscated characters. Then, the preview image generating unit 264 outputs the generated image image to the dialog generating unit 262.

  In addition to the function in dialog generation unit 262 according to the first embodiment described above, dialog generation unit 262 displays information for displaying dialog 350A shown in FIG. 14 based on the image received from preview image generation unit 264. Generate. Then, the dialog generation unit 262 outputs the generated information to the display control unit 260.

<Processing procedure>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the personal computer PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the minimum character size registration subroutine shown in FIG.

  Each step shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is typically realized by the CPU 201 of the personal computer PC executing a program.

(Main routine)
Referring to FIG. 17, first, CPU 201 determines whether a print instruction has been received from a user (step S300). If no print instruction has been received from the user (NO in step S300), the process of step S300 is repeated.

  When receiving a print instruction from the user (YES in step S300), the CPU 201 specifies an input image to be printed (step S302). Note that when a print instruction is received on an application that is being executed, the CPU 201 determines data or a file handled by the application as a print target. On the other hand, when a print instruction is received by a file manager on the OS, the CPU 201 accepts selection of a file to be printed from the user.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 displays a dialog 300A for accepting print parameter settings on the output device 205 (step S304), and accepts user settings input to the dialog 300A (step S306). Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the “automatic” item is selected in the setting item 305 (aggregation) of the dialog 300 (step S308).

  When the “automatic” item is selected (YES in step S308), CPU 201 identifies the user who issued the print instruction (step S310). Subsequently, the CPU 201 searches for the minimum character size registered in association with the user specified in step S310, and determines whether or not the minimum character size is registered (step S312). If the minimum character size is registered (YES in step S312), the process proceeds to step S316.

  On the other hand, when the minimum character size is not registered (NO in step S312), the CPU 201 executes a minimum character size registration subroutine shown in FIG. 18 (step S314). By this minimum character size registration subroutine, the minimum character size associated with the target user is registered. Then, the process proceeds to step S316.

  In step S316, the CPU 201 acquires a minimum character size registered in association with the user specified in step S310. Subsequently, the CPU 201 extracts a character having the smallest character size from among characters included in the input image (step S318). More specifically, if the input image is a structured document, the CPU 201 acquires attributes such as a text value and a designated font size for each character of the text included in the input image. When the input image is image data, the CPU 201 separates the character area and the image area by the layout recognition technique. Further, the CPU 201 extracts an image for each character included in the separated character area.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 determines aggregate print parameters so that the character size of the characters included in the input image extracted in step S318 is not smaller than the minimum character size acquired in step S316 in the print result (step S320). ). Further, the CPU 201 displays a dialog 380 for notifying the user of the aggregate print parameters determined in step S320 on the output device 205 (step S322). Subsequently, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button 381 of the dialog 380 has been selected (step S324).

  When the OK button 381 in the dialog 380 is selected (YES in step S324), the CPU 201 determines the value of the aggregate print parameter determined in step S320 as the aggregate print parameter for the target print job (step S320). S326). Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

  On the other hand, if the OK button 381 of the dialog 380 is not selected (NO in step S324), the aggregate print parameters determined in step S320 are discarded, and the processes in and after step S306 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if the “automatic” item has not been selected (NO in step S308), the CPU 201 determines whether any of the aggregate printing parameters has been selected in the setting item 305 (aggregation) of the dialog 300. Is determined (step S330). If any of the aggregate print parameters is selected (YES in step S330), the selected aggregate print parameter value is determined as the aggregate print parameter for the target print job (step S332). Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

  On the other hand, if no aggregate print parameter has been selected (NO in step S330), the processes in and after step S306 are repeated.

  In step S340, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button 309 of the dialog 300A has been selected. When the OK button 309 of the dialog 300A is selected (YES in step S340), the CPU 201 prints a print job from the input image to be printed according to the print parameters including the aggregate print parameters determined in step S326 or S332. Is generated (step S342). Subsequently, CPU 201 transmits the generated print job and the print parameters used to generate the print job to target image forming apparatus MFP (step S344). Further, the CPU 201 stores the character size extracted from the input image and the determined aggregate print parameter in the hard disk (HDD) 211 as a log (history information) associated with the user (step S346). Then, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the OK button 309 of the dialog 300A is not selected (NO in step S340), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button 310 of the dialog 300A is selected (step S348). . When the cancel button 310 of the dialog 300A is selected (YES in step S348), the CPU 201 stops the printing process. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if cancel button 310 in dialog 300A has not been selected (NO in step S348), the processes in and after step S306 are repeated.

(Minimum character size registration subroutine)
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the CPU 201 extracts characters included in the input image to be printed (step S400). Details of this character extraction processing are the same as in step S200 (FIG. 11) of the aggregate printing parameter determination subroutine according to Embodiment 1 described above, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 identifies an obfuscated character with reference to the condition table describing the characteristics of the obfuscated character area for each character extracted in step S400 (step S402).

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 generates image images of a plurality of sizes for the obfuscated characters by scaling the obfuscated characters identified in step S402 to each of a plurality of character sizes prepared in advance (step S404). Further, the CPU 201 displays a dialog 350A on the output device 205 based on the generated plurality of images (step S406). Furthermore, the CPU 201 accepts user settings input to the dialog 350A (step S408).

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the OK button 374 of the dialog 350A has been selected (step S408). When the OK button 374 of the dialog 350A is selected (YES in step S408), the CPU 201 corresponds to the image corresponding to the selected radio button among the radio buttons of the character image selection item 371. The character size is determined as the minimum character size (step S410). Subsequently, the CPU 201 registers the minimum character size determined in step S410 in association with the target user (step S412). Then, the process returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, when the OK button 374 of the dialog 350A is not selected (NO in step S408), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button 375 of the dialog 350A is selected (step S414). . If cancel button 375 of dialog 350A is selected (YES in step S414), the subsequent processing is interrupted.

  On the other hand, when cancel button 375 of dialog 350A is not selected (NO in step S414), the processes in and after step S408 are repeated.

<Action and effect>
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the user registers the minimum character size required in the print result in a state where a plurality of character sizes appearing in the print result are substantially displayed in actual size. In a print job (print output) generated by a subsequent print instruction, aggregate printing is automatically executed according to an appropriate aggregate print parameter. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, once the minimum character size is registered, a print result maintained at a legible character size can be obtained at any time. At the same time, wasteful consumption of resources such as paper and toner (or ink) can be avoided.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, depending on the layout of the document, such as when the character spacing is narrow, it may be necessary to set the minimum character size based on a different standard. Even in such a case, the automatically determined aggregate printing parameter is notified before the start of the printing process. Since the printing process is started only when the user consents to this notification, the automatically set aggregate print parameters may be changed according to the situation (print contents, distribution destination, etc.). it can.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a log (history information) reflecting past consolidated printing is sequentially stored, and the minimum character size can be corrected based on this log. Even when the registered minimum character size is inappropriate or not registered at all, appropriate aggregate printing can be executed.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the dialog for determining the minimum character size, the obfuscated character is displayed in a preview with a different character size, so that the most severe conditions are not required without requiring excessive operation from the user. As a result, the minimum character size can be determined.

[Modifications of Embodiments 1 and 2]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration in which the personal computer PC performs collective printing on the user is illustrated, but all or part of this function may be provided by the image forming apparatus MFP. For example, a print job received by image forming apparatus MFP from personal computer PC (without setting of aggregate printing) is temporarily stored, and the above-described operation is performed on operation panel 7 before actual print processing is executed. A user interface may be provided and optimal aggregate print parameters may be determined.

  Alternatively, a print server for managing print jobs may be provided between the personal computer PC and the image forming apparatus MFP, and all or part of the functions described above may be provided by this print server.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus MFP is used as shown in FIG. 1 and a paper medium original is read by a scanner to perform print processing, the above-described functions may be incorporated into the image forming apparatus MFP. In this case, it is not necessary to be connected to a personal computer PC or the like, and when the user sets a paper document on the scanner using the operation panel 7 of the image forming apparatus MFP, the minimum character size registered in advance is set. The aggregated print output is obtained by the aggregated print parameter corresponding to.

[Other embodiments]
Part or all of the functions realized by the program according to the present embodiment may be configured by dedicated hardware.

  In addition, the program executed by the CPU according to the present embodiment is a program module that executes a process by calling a required module at a predetermined timing in a predetermined arrangement among program modules provided as a part of the OS of the computer. There may be. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. Therefore, a program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 scanner, 3 print engine, 4 transfer belt, 5 transfer roller, 6 fixing device, 7 operation panel, 10 control unit, 20, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K imaging unit, 21, 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K photoconductor Drum, 31 Charging grid high voltage power supply, 32 Development bias high voltage power supply, 100 Image forming apparatus, 101 CPU (Central Processing Unit), 103 RAM (Random Access Memory), 105 ROM (Read Only Memory), 107 EEPROM (Electrical Erasable and Programmable) Read Only Memory), 109 HDD (Hard Disk Drive), 111 External communication I / F, 113 Internal communication I / F, 115 Internal bus, 152 Job receiver, 154 Job storage, 154a Print job storage list, 156 Job execution Part, 158 job execution control part, 60 operation reception unit, 162 display control unit, 203 internal bus, 205 output device, 209 input device, 213 memory, 215 CD-ROM drive, 215a CD-ROM, 217 FD drive, 217a flexible disk, 252 application, 254 file storage , 256 operation reception unit, 258 job generation unit, 260 display control unit, 262 dialog generation unit, 264 preview image generation unit, 266 region extraction unit, 266a condition table, 268 aggregated print parameter determination unit, 270 job transmission unit, 282 Character extraction unit, 284 Aggregated print parameter determination unit, 286 Notification message generation unit, 288 log storage unit, 288a log, 290 user setting storage unit, 290a user setting, 292 authentication unit, 207 communication / F, MFP image forming apparatus, NW network, PC, PC1-PC3 personal computer, S a recording sheet, SYS imaging system.

Claims (11)

An image processing apparatus capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page,
A setting accepting unit that accepts a user setting for the character size in the output image in a state where the size of the character in the output image generated separately for the parameters related to aggregation can be confirmed and compared ;
An image processing apparatus comprising : a determining unit that determines the parameter so that a character size when the input image is aggregated into the output image satisfies the user setting. The setting receiving means
Means for displaying substantially the actual size of the plurality of output images, each of which can be generated by aggregating the input images according to a plurality of parameters;
Means for accepting a selection for any of the respective images displayed at the actual size,
The determining means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for determining the parameter so that a character size in the output image is not smaller than a character size included in the selected image.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting reception unit further includes a unit that extracts a region where a reduction in sharpness is expected due to aggregation into an output image, and the extracted region is displayed as an image. The input image is defined as a structured document,
The extraction unit extracts the region based on a preset condition, and the condition includes at least one of a character size, a font type, and a stroke number for a character included in the input image. An image processing apparatus according to 1. The input image is defined as image data,
The extracting means extracts the region based on a preset condition, and the condition includes a degree of interference with an adjacent contour when a contour of a character included in an input image is enlarged. The image processing apparatus according to 3. The setting receiving means
Means for storing said user settings by user;
Means for specifying a user instructing generation of the output image from the input image;
In response to the identification of the user, means for reading the corresponding user setting of the stored user settings,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the parameter based on the read user setting.   The determination unit includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the determined parameter before generating the output image, and generation of the output image is started only when there is an approval from the user. Item 7. The image processing apparatus according to Item 6. The setting receiving means
Means for obtaining a history of the parameters used in the generated output image for each user;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a unit that corrects the corresponding stored user setting based on the acquired parameter history. An image processing program capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page, wherein the image processing program is stored in a computer,
Accepting user settings for the character size in the output image in a state where the size of the character in the output image generated separately for the parameters related to aggregation can be confirmed and compared ;
The input image as the character size when aggregated to the output image meets the user setting, and a step of determining said parameter, the image processing program. There is an image processing method for generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page,
Accepting user settings for the character size in the output image in a state where the size of the character in the output image generated separately for the parameters related to aggregation can be confirmed and compared ;
The input image as the character size when aggregated to the output image meets the user setting, and determining the parameters, the image processing method. An image forming apparatus capable of generating an output image by aggregating a plurality of pages included in an input image divided into page units into a single page,
A setting accepting unit that accepts a user setting for the character size in the output image in a state where the size of the character in the output image generated separately for the parameters related to aggregation can be confirmed and compared ;
As the character size when an aggregation of the input image to the output image meets the user setting, and determining means for determining the parameters,
An image forming apparatus comprising : a print processing unit that executes print processing based on an output image aggregated according to the determined parameter.

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