JP5477568B2 - Perforation detection method, image forming method, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for detecting a perforation for partial separation, that is, a cut-out of paper (including sheet, recording paper, and transfer paper) on which an image is formed, an image forming method using the same, and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, printing on demand (POD) printing opportunities have increased. In the POD field, there are cases of printing on transfer paper with perforations such as tickets and coupons. There is also an electrophotographic image forming device capable of print-on-demand (POD). By scanning both sides of the perforated transfer paper and comparing the front and back perforation positions, the perforation position can be accurately determined. There is a technique for grasping and adjusting the image forming position with respect to the transfer paper so that characters and patterns do not overlap with the perforation at the time of printing.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a printer that starts printing from the next to a valley fold perforation by detecting a fold perforation and a valley fold perforation in a continuous sheet of paper that is folded at the perforation at a page break. Is described.

  In Patent Document 2, for the purpose of detecting perforations, both sides of a sheet with perforations are read, perforations are detected on the front and back surfaces, respectively, and the positions where the front surface detection position and the back surface detection position coincide with each other are detected. An image forming apparatus that detects perforations is described.

  As described in Patent Document 2, an apparatus that detects perforations by reading both sides of a sheet has a problem that the reading part is increased in size and cost by reading both sides simultaneously. Furthermore, it is a precondition that the same processing is performed on the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper, and there is a problem that the broken line is erroneously detected as a perforation when the broken line is on both sides. FIG. 12 is an example in which broken lines are drawn at substantially the same positions on both sides of the transfer paper. In the prior art, a perforation is determined when there are perforations at substantially the same position on the front and back sides of the document. However, even if a broken line is drawn at the same position on the front and back surfaces, the perforation is determined. As described above, the conventional technique has a problem in that perforations cannot be detected depending on the paper.

  An object of the present invention is to detect a perforation on a sheet even by single-sided reading.

  In the perforation detection of the present invention, the original image data is obtained by optically reading one side of the front and back sides of the paper, and smoothing filter processing, color correction processing, high threshold binarization, image reduction, dpi are performed on the original image data. Obtain processed image data that has undergone image processing such as reduction to eliminate perforated images, perform first and second perforated image candidate detection on the original image data and processed image data, and perform original image processing The second perforation candidate detected from the processed image data is excluded from the first perforation candidate detected from the data, and the remaining perforation candidate is detected as a perforation. That is, in the present invention, perforations are detected as follows.

(1) the front surface or back surface of the image forming target paper by optically reading generates original image data,
Applying image processing for removing the perforated image to the original image data to generate processed image data,
Perform perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing to detect perforation candidates on the original image,
Performing perforation detection on the processed image data to detect perforation candidates on the processed image;
The perforation candidate on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidate on the processed image from the perforation candidate on the original image is determined as the perforation,
Perforation detection method.

  The perforations on the paper are very fine thin lines (dotted lines), and the original image data immediately after reading the paper surface can detect perforations on the white background, color background, and pattern, but the smoothing filter processing When image processing such as color correction processing, high threshold binarization, image reduction, and dpi reduction is performed, the perforation disappears due to the influence of surrounding pixels. Therefore, by comparing the image data after image processing, The perforation can be separated and the perforation can be accurately detected. Perforations can be detected without being constrained by the background or pattern of the paper. Since the perforation can be detected by one-time image reading on one side of the paper, the effect of reducing the size and reducing the cost of the paper reading device by single-sided reading can be expected. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus having a simple structure that includes only a single-sided reader.

  The original scanner can be used for perforation detection of the transfer paper in such a manner that the transfer paper used for image formation is mounted on the original scanner before image formation and one side of the transfer paper is read. In the image forming apparatus, when the perforation of the transfer paper to be fed in the image forming process is detected, the position of the perforation can be detected for each transfer paper to be used.

(2) equipped in the image forming apparatus by an optical reading the front surface or back surface of the sheet fed to the image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus to generate the original image data, the sewing machine according to the above (1) Eye detection method.

  (3) The perforation detection method according to (2), wherein the optical reading of the paper is sheet-through reading of one side of the paper that is moving toward the image forming device.

(4) sheet image is formed by the image forming apparatus equipped with the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, or optical read the paper the same specifications sheet, a front surface or back surface of the document image reading apparatus The perforation detection method according to (1), wherein the original image data is generated.

(5) the document image reading device includes a sheet-through reading apparatus for reading an image on a document in the transport, the sheet via the through reader, the front surface or the back surface by optically reading the original image data of the paper The perforation detection method according to (4) above, wherein:

(6) The document image reading device includes a flat bed reading device that reads the image of the one surface of the document that is closely contacted on the translucent flat plate by sub-scanning driving a carriage that carries a mirror. the generating the original image data by optically reading the front surface or back surface of the sheet, perforations detection method described in (4).

  (7) The perforation detection method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the image processing in which the perforation image disappears includes a smoothing filter processing for erasing a linear image having a perforation line width.

  (8) The perforation detection method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein a paper image represented by the original image data is displayed on a display.

(9) above (2) or to any the result sheet detecting the perforations (4) and imaging the image (paste image) by the image forming apparatus, an image forming method.

  (10) An image forming method of combining an image with the paper image of the display according to (8).

  (11) The image forming method according to (10), wherein the position or posture of the image to be synthesized is adjusted with respect to the perforation of the paper image of the display.

(12) equipped on a sheet perforation is detected to be fed to the image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, for imaging an image in which the said synthesized by the image forming apparatus, the above-mentioned (10) Or the image forming method as described in (11).

(13) Position adjusting means for adjusting the image position relative to the paper, an image forming device (10) for forming an image at the image position on the paper, and paper conveyance for feeding the paper to the image forming device (10) An image forming apparatus comprising:
The front surface or back surface of the paper the paper conveying means for conveying, to produce an optical reading to the original image data in the pre-conveyance or transport, the paper reader (18);
Perforated line detection image processing means (19a) for performing image processing for removing the perforated image on the original image data and generating processed image data:
First perforation candidate detection means (19b) for detecting perforations on the original image by performing perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing:
Second perforation candidate detection means (19c) for detecting perforations on the processed image by performing perforation detection on the processed image data; and
A confirmation means (19d) for detecting a perforation candidate on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidate on the processed image from the perforation candidate on the original image;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  According to this, the image forming position with respect to the perforation position is visually confirmed from the imaged paper in which the image (the pasted image) is formed on the perforated paper, and whether the image forming position is correct is determined. If there is an inadequate arrangement, the position adjusting means can adjust the image position (image forming position) with respect to the paper to make the arrangement appropriate.

  In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the code | symbol of the corresponding element of the Example shown in drawing and mentioned later is added to the parenthesis by reference for reference. The same applies to the following.

(14) A document image reading device that reads an image on a document and generates image data, a position adjusting unit that adjusts an image position with respect to a sheet, an image forming device (10) that forms an image at the image position on the sheet, and In the image forming apparatus comprising a sheet conveying means for feeding the sheet to the image forming device (10),
Process is subjected to image processing perforation image disappears the front surface or back surface with respect to the original image data read by the original image reading apparatus of a sheet of paper or the same specification and its said sheet transport means is perforations to convey Perforation detection image processing means (19a) for generating post-image data:
First perforation candidate detection means (19b) for detecting perforations on the original image by performing perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing:
Second perforation candidate detection means (19c) for detecting perforations on the processed image by performing perforation detection on the processed image data; and
A confirmation means (19d) for detecting a perforation candidate on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidate on the processed image from the perforation candidate on the original image;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  Even in this way, the image forming position with respect to the perforation position is visually confirmed from the image forming paper in which the image (the pasted image) is formed on the perforation paper, and whether the image forming position is correct or not is determined. If there is a defect, the position adjusting means can adjust the image position (image forming position) with respect to the paper to make the arrangement appropriate.

  (15) The image forming apparatus according to (14), wherein the document image reading device includes a sheet-through reading device that reads an image on a document being transferred.

  (16) The document image reading device includes the flat bed reading device that reads the image of the one surface of the document that is in close contact with the translucent flat plate by driving the carriage carrying the mirror by sub-scanning. The image forming apparatus according to 15).

  (17) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (13) to (16), further including display means (11) for displaying a paper image represented by the original image data.

  (18) The image forming apparatus according to (17), wherein the display unit superimposes and displays a pre-imaged image (attached image) on a paper image; According to this, the image position (image forming position) with respect to the paper image can be appropriately adjusted before the image forming (printing).

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image processing system of a multifunction printer MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of the perforation detection 19 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of the perforation detection 19 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the image processing system of multifunction printer MFP which is 2nd Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of the perforation detection 19 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process outline | summary of the perforation detection 19 shown in FIG. (A) is a plan view showing a read image of perforated paper, and (b) is a density difference with peripheral pixels in the perforated image extending in the sub-scanning y direction on the image shown in (a) and extending in the main scanning x direction. A graph showing the integrated density value of the perforated image, (c) is a density difference with peripheral pixels in the perforated image extending in the main scanning x direction on the image shown in (a) and a perforated image extending in the sub-scanning y direction. It is a graph which shows a density | concentration integrated value. (A1) is a plan view showing a read image of perforated paper, and (b1) is a graph showing a density difference with peripheral pixels in a perforated image extending in the sub-scanning y direction on the image shown in (a1). (A2) is a plan view showing a read image of a broken line image, and (b2) is a graph showing a density difference with peripheral pixels in a perforated image extending in the sub-scanning y direction on the image shown in (a2). (A) is a plan view of a sheet with a perforated lattice and a ground image (background image), (b) is an enlarged plan view of a sheet (admission ticket) separated from the sheet by breakage along the perforation, c) is a plan view of an image (applied image) to be printed (imaged) on the sheet, and (d) is an enlarged plan view of one sheet (admission ticket) separated from the paper that has been printed (imaged). is there. (A) is a plan view showing one sheet of display or printout before or after printing, where there is a pasting deviation, and (b) is a display or printout after correcting the pasting deviation by image position adjustment. FIG. (A) is a plan view showing one sheet of display or printout before or after printing, where there is a pasting posture deviation, or (b) is a display or display after correcting the pasting posture deviation by image position adjustment. It is a top view which shows printout. It is a top view which shows the front surface and back surface of a paper with a perforation.

  Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a multi-function printer MFP (Multi Function Printer) which is a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The document reading device 1 generates and outputs 600 dpi digital image data of 8 bits for each RGB from the density information of the document obtained by scanning the document. The original reading apparatus 1 reads an original whose surface is in close contact with an original table glass, and reads the original image by projecting the original image onto a CCD by sub-scanning a carriage carrying an illumination lamp and a mirror from below the glass. The apparatus is equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF) equipped with a back side scanning device. In image reading using this automatic document feeder (ADF), the carriage is placed directly below the document viewing window (home position) of the ADF. After positioning, the document on the document tray of the ADF is fed to the document discharge tray through the document viewing window, and at this time, the image on the document surface is read by the CCD of the flat bed reader (sheet through reading). In the double-sided reading mode, at the same time, an image on the back side of the document is read by the back side reading device in the ADF.

  The first image data processing device 2 performs RGB image data obtained by reading a document image such as the document reading device 1 using image processing that makes binary images such as characters clear and gradation images such as photographs smooth. Although conversion to image data of a standard having high generality or general versatility is mainly performed, a function of “perforation detection” 19 is added to implement the present invention. The contents of the “perforation detection” 19 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The second image data processing device 4 converts the image data processed by the first image data processing device 2 and the image data given from the outside via the system controller SCD into image data that is optimal for the image forming characteristics of the plotter device 10. Convert. The second image data processing device 4 further includes image cutting, enlargement / reduction, two-dimensional movement, rotation, inversion, composition (overlay, pasting, etc.), density adjustment, sharp soft adjustment, aggregation, specified color conversion, etc. There is an image editing function. As will be described later, in the perforated paper printing mode, the image read by the document reading device 1 or the image registered in the HDD 6 (the pasted image) is superimposed on the perforated paper image, and the display of the operation display device 11 is displayed. The second image data processing device 4 performs image editing in response to the user's input from the operation display device 11. Accordingly, the user can adjust the size, position, posture, and the like of the pasted image with respect to the perforation.

  In this embodiment, main image data processing performed by the first and second image data processing devices 2 and 4 is as follows.

First image data processing device 2
Scanner γ conversion: γ conversion is performed on RGB 8-bit read image data to adjust the gray balance and tonality characteristics;
Filter processing; smoothing to smooth the image part of the image and edge enhancement to make the character part clear;
Color conversion: Converts to RGB data in a color space having a predetermined characteristic and outputs the data. This color space is, for example, the Adobe-RGB space defined by Adobe;
Scaling processing: Enlarging / reducing processing to convert image data into output resolution and image size;
Perforation detection 19: Based on the image data read by the transfer paper reader 18 in the plotter device 10, the perforation (position) of the paper (transfer paper) is detected.

Second image data processing device 4
Filter processing; smoothing to smooth the image part of the image and edge enhancement to make the character part clear;
Color conversion: Converts to RGB data in a color space having a predetermined characteristic and outputs the data. This color space is, for example, an Adobe-RGB space defined by Adobe. Further, the RGB 8-bit data is converted into CMYK 8-bit data which is the color space of the plotter device (only K signal for monochrome output);
Image editing processing: Image cropping, scaling processing, two-dimensional movement, rotation, inversion, composition (overlapping, pasting, etc.), density adjustment, sharp soft adjustment, aggregation, specified color conversion, etc. In the scaling process, an enlargement / reduction process is performed for converting the image data into an output resolution and an image size; editing is performed according to a key switch input from the operation display device 11 from the user.

Adaptive γ processing: Performs processing to ensure the linearity of plotter characteristics (with halftone) and to optimize the contrast characteristics of the image;
Gradation processing: In order to convert CMYK 8-bit data into the number of gradations of the plotter device (for example, CMYK 2 bits each), pseudo halftone processing such as dither processing and error diffusion processing is performed.

  The bus control device 3 exchanges various data such as image data and control commands necessary in the MFP. The HDD 6 serving as an image storage device is a storage device for storing digital image data and its accompanying information. The first memory 20 is a volatile image memory that temporarily stores and stores image data.

  The CPU 7 is a microprocessor that controls the entire control of the MFP. The second memory 8 is a volatile memory used for temporarily storing programs and intermediate processing data when the CPU 7 controls the MFP. The plotter I / F device 9 receives the CMYK digital image data sent from the second image data processing device 4 and outputs it to the dedicated I / F of the plotter device 10. Upon receiving the CMYK digital image data, the plotter device 10 outputs an image on a transfer sheet by an electrophotographic process using a laser beam.

  The operation display device 11 is a part that performs an interface between the MFP and a user, and includes an LCD (liquid crystal touch panel), a key switch, a status display LED, a speaker, and the like, and displays various statuses and operation methods of the MFP on the LCD. Detects touch input and key switch input from.

  S. B. Reference numeral 14 denotes a bus bridge function called a South Bridge, which is a general-purpose circuit. The ROM 15 is a memory that stores a program used when the CPU 7 controls the MFP. In addition, image data is exchanged via the FAX 16 outside the MFP and the telephone line / line I / F device 12. Further, various controls and input / output of image data are performed via an external terminal 17 such as a PC outside the MFP apparatus, a network (Ethernet (registered trademark)), and the external I / F apparatus 13.

  In the plotter device 10, electrophotographic YMCK color image forming units are arranged in tandem along an endless loop transfer belt, and each color image generating unit generates each color toner image and transfers it to the same position on the transfer belt. Equipped with an image forming device that transfers the superimposed image on the transfer belt to the transfer paper (paper) sent out from the paper tray in the plotter device that stores the transfer paper, and each transfer paper (paper) on the transfer paper tray The leading edge of the transfer paper is temporarily stopped by the stopped registration roller before the transfer belt, and the transfer paper is fed to the transfer belt by driving the registration roller at the timing when the transfer paper is aligned with the transfer image on the transfer belt. .

  The transfer paper reading device 18 provided in the plotter device 10 has 8 bits for each of RGB based on the density of the transfer paper obtained by sheet-through reading of the transfer paper fed from the paper tray to the registration rollers. Generate and output 600 dpi digital image data. Note that the transfer sheet reading device 18 reads the transfer sheet only when the perforated sheet printing mode is designated. In this case, even if the leading edge of the transfer sheet hits the stopped registration roller, the tail end of the transfer sheet is read. The transfer paper is continuously fed from the paper tray to the registration rollers until the side exits the transfer paper reader 18.

  The “perforation detection” 19 of the first image data processing device 2 extracts the perforation image on the transfer paper from the digital image data from the transfer paper reading device 18 and generates position information thereof, thereby performing the second image data processing. To the device 4. The second image data processing device 4 displays on the LCD of the operation display device 11 a sheet image in which a perforation (a dotted line, a chain line, or a solid line) is added to the position represented by the given perforation position information.

  FIG. 2 shows an outline of the function of “perforation detection” 19. In this MFP, the transfer paper reading device 18 is a sheet-through reading device having a configuration similar to that of the back surface reading device provided in the ADF of the original reading device 1, and is adjacent to a paper tray for storing transfer paper (printing paper). At the time of printing in the perforated paper printing mode, the transfer paper is an image forming device in the plotter device 10 (in this MFP, an electrophotographic full color image forming mechanism in which YMCK color recording units are arranged in tandem along the photoconductor. ), The transfer paper is read to generate RGB image data. In this image data, that is, read image data, a broken line image A1 and a perforation image A2 that are not perforations are clearly present on the transfer paper, and the presence of these can be detected. When image processing for perforation detection such as filter processing (smoothing) is applied to the read image data, the broken line image A1 exists and can be detected as B1, unlike the image data immediately after reading. The perforated image A2 is erased B2. The broken line image A1 has a high density and is thicker than the perforation image A2, and thus is less susceptible to image processing. However, the perforation image A2 is thin and is affected by the surrounding pixels during document reading and is close to the surrounding pixels. This is because it has a value, and in image processing such as smoothing, it has the same density as the surrounding pixels. In the perforation detection in the present invention, the same position after image processing is searched for the line images A1 and A2 that are perforation candidates, and a position where no line exists (A2 position) like B2 is a perforation (A2 ) And the position (A1) where the line exists as in B1 is determined as a broken line image (A1) that is not a perforation, so that the perforation A2 is distinguished from the broken line A1 and accurately detected.

  In the perforated paper printing mode, the “perforation detection” 19 temporarily stores the image data read by the transfer paper reader 18 in the first memory 20 (20p2), and the “first perforation candidate detection” 19b Based on the image data stored in the first memory 20, the perforation candidates A1 and A2 are detected, and the detection positions (start point, end point) are given to the “perforation extraction” 19d and stored therein as the first candidates. At the same time as or after this “first perforation candidate detection” 19b, image data processing for erasing the perforation image is performed on the image data stored in the first memory 20 by the “perforation detection image processing” 19a. The processed image data is stored in the first memory 20 (20p3). Next, in “second perforation candidate detection” 19c, a perforation candidate B1 is detected based on the processed image data stored in the first memory 20, and the detection position (start point, end point) is “extracted perforation”. 19d to be the second candidate. The “perforation extraction” 19d generates position information obtained by deleting the line image defined by the detection position of the second candidate from the line image defined by the detection position of the first candidate, that is, position information of the perforation, This is given to the second image data processing device 4. The second image data processing device 4 generates a line image represented by the given position information, and displays a paper image to which the line image is added on the LCD of the operation display device 11.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of print control executed mainly by the control of the CPU 7 when the user uses the operation display device 11 to instruct execution of the perforated paper print mode. When the user designates "perforated paper printing mode" using the operation display device 11, designates the perforated paper printing execution condition, and instructs "execute", the CPU 7 designates the paper for which perforated paper printing is designated. The transfer paper conveyance for feeding one sheet of transfer paper from the tray to the registration roller is started (s1), and the transfer paper reading device 18 is instructed to read the sheet through (s2). The transfer paper reading device 18 performs sheet-through reading of the transfer paper, and the CPU 7 accumulates (stores; memory) the read data generated by the transfer paper reading device 18 in the first memory 20 via the bus control device 3. . When the trailing edge of the transfer paper passes through the transfer paper reading device 18, the CPU 7 instructs the transfer paper reading device 18 to end reading (task end), stops the transfer paper conveyance, and displays the first on the touch panel of the operation display device 11. The paper image represented by the image data in the memory 20 is displayed (s3, s4). Then, the CPU 7 causes the first image data processing device 2 to perform the first perforation candidate detection 19b (s5), and then to perform the perforation detection image processing 19a (s6). The processed image data subjected to the perforation detection image processing is stored in the first memory 20. Next, the CPU 7 causes the first image data processing device 2 to perform the second perforation candidate detection 19c (s7), and then to perform the perforation extraction 19d, and the CPU 7 displays it on the touch panel of the operation display device 11. A color line (solid line, dotted line, or chain line) indicating the perforation line is added to the position indicated by the perforation position information obtained by perforation extraction 19d on the sheet image being displayed (s8). A text notifying the input of the pasted image (image to be synthesized) is additionally displayed.

  There are two types of pasted image input modes: reading a document (word, document, image, or a combination of these) stored in the HDD 6 and reading a scanner. When the user reads out the document, the CPU 7 accumulates the read document (the contents of the designated document file) in the first memory 20 and, on the touch panel of the operation display device 11 as a pasted image, forms a paper image. (S9, s10).

  When the user designates reading of the scanner, the operation display device 11 further prompts the user to input a document reading instruction by displaying that the document should be placed on the document reading device and press START. When the user places the document on the ADF document tray or document reading glass of the document reading device 1 and presses the start key, the CPU 7 instructs the document reading device 1 to read the document. In response to this, the document reading device 1 reads the image of the document by sheet-through reading when there is a document on the document tray, and by reading the flat bed when there is no document on the document tray. The CPU 7 reads the read image data generated by the document reading device 1 in the “first image data processing” 2p of the first image data processing device 2 and performs general image data processing (scanner γ conversion, filter processing, color conversion). , Scaling processing) and then storing in the first memory 20 (20p1), and displaying it as a pasted image on the LCD of the operation display device 11 so as to overlap the paper image (s9, s10).

  In this state, the CPU 7 displays on the LCD of the operation display device 11 that the image can be edited and a title bar indicating the image processing item. If necessary, the user performs image editing input, and cuts, scales, moves, rotates, inverts, pastes, adjusts density, sharpens / soft adjusts, aggregates, and specifies color conversion of the pasted image on the paper image. You can edit the image. The CPU 7 stores only the pasted image in the edited image (the composite image with the paper image) in the first memory 20 as a print image. That is, an image obtained by removing the paper image and the color line indicating the detected perforation line from the composite image of the paper image, the color line indicating the detected perforation line and the pasted image displayed on the LCD of the operation display device 11. Are stored in the first memory 20 as print images.

  When the user presses the print start key, the CPU 7 starts printing (s11, s12). In this printing, the print image accumulated in the first memory 20, that is, the pasted image is converted into image data suitable for the printing characteristics of the plotter device 10 by the second image data processing device 4 and is output to the plotter device 10. The The plotter device 10 forms a toner image on the transfer belt of the image forming device in the device, and drives the first transfer paper, which is stopped by the registration roller, to the transfer belt by driving the registration roller. The toner image on the transfer belt is transferred to paper. Printing on the transfer sheets from the second sheet up to the set number is the same as the normal print mode in which the print image in the first memory 20 is printed.

  In the first perforation candidate detection s5, a perforation candidate is detected in the image data immediately after the transfer paper reading device 1 generates. When there is a perforation or a broken line on the transfer paper as shown in FIG. 7A, the perforation image or the broken line image on the image data has a pixel value different from the surrounding pixels. On the other hand, portions other than the perforations or broken lines have pixel values equivalent to the surrounding pixels. In the present invention, the pixel of interest is compared with surrounding pixels, the difference in pixel value is calculated, and a portion where the pixel value difference is large and a portion where the pixel value difference is large have a certain length and are alternately present on a straight line. In other words, continuous image groups having a large density difference from surrounding pixels in the main scanning direction x (sub-scanning direction y) are substantially at the same x (y) position and regularly in the y (x) direction. If distributed, the position (x (y) position and y (x) direction start point and end point) is stored as a perforation candidate.

  FIG. 8 shows the features of perforations and broken lines. Although the perforation candidates can be detected by the first perforation candidate detection s5, the characteristics of FIG. 7 are common to the perforation and the broken line. However, since there is a difference between the perforation and the broken line in the image data, the present invention determines only the perforation using the difference between the perforation and the broken line described below.

  FIG. 8A1 shows a case where a perforation extending in the y direction exists on the transfer paper. The pixels on the perforation have different pixel values from the peripheral pixels distributed in the x direction. However, since the perforation itself is not colored, the pixel values thereof are close to those of the peripheral pixels, and the difference between the pixel values of the peripheral pixels is small as in the graph (b1) of FIG. If the difference between the pixel values of the surrounding pixels is small, the image data value addressed to the pixel on the perforation is affected by the surrounding pixels by performing image processing such as a smoothing filter, and is close to the image data values of the surrounding pixels. When the value is reached, the perforations are almost eliminated.

  FIG. 8A2 shows a case where a broken line extending in the y direction exists on the transfer paper. Pixels on the broken line also have different pixel values from surrounding pixels distributed in the x direction. The difference between the perforation line and the broken line is that the broken line is colored with a color different from the background, and the pixel values of the surrounding pixels are greatly different from those of the surrounding pixels. As shown in FIG. The difference is big. When the difference in pixel value from the surrounding pixels is large, the broken line is not erased even when image processing such as a smoothing filter is applied. In the present invention, the perforations that are erased by the image processing and the features of the broken lines that are not erased are used, and the read image data is subjected to image processing such as a smoothing filter in “image processing for perforation detection” s6. In the perforation candidate detection s7, only the broken line image is detected without detecting the actual perforation, and the second perforation candidate detection s7 is detected from the first candidate information group detected by the first perforation candidate detection s5. By removing the second candidate information group detected by, the perforation and the broken line are distinguished, and the perforation is accurately separated.

  FIG. 9A shows an example of perforated paper (transfer paper). In this case, nine ticket areas are divided by perforations, and images of a bat, a glove, and a ball are printed in advance as a ground image (background image). In FIG. 9B, only one ticket portion of the perforated paper is enlarged and displayed. The perforated paper may be pre-printed in this way, or it may be plain. FIG. 9C shows an image to be printed on a sheet, that is, a pasted image. For example, an image printed on a ticket or the like mainly includes character information such as a date and a seat number. Here, characters are listed as images to be printed, but there is no problem even if a pattern is actually included. This pasted image is created and input by a plurality of means, such as being acquired from the image reading apparatus 1 at the time of copying, or by creating data with a PC or the like and inputting it with a LAN cable, USB memory or the like. (D) of FIG. 9 prints the image shown in (c) on the paper shown in (a), and cuts out one ticket from the printing paper by breaking it at the perforation. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the pasted image is shifted with respect to the perforation on the display image or the printed paper, the editing function of the second image data processing device 4 is used. As shown in FIG. 10B, the position of the pasted image is shifted so that the perforation and the image data do not overlap. By moving the image data in this way, it is possible to output a picture in which the perforation and the image do not overlap. As shown in (a) of FIG. 11, when the pasted image is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the paper, the editing function of the second image data processing device 4 is used, as shown in (b) of FIG. 11. The pasted image may be rotated 180 degrees.

-Example 2-
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a multifunction printer MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the transfer paper reading device 18 of the first embodiment is omitted, and instead, the image reading device 1 is also used for reading transfer paper (paper).

  Therefore, when performing printing in the perforated paper printing mode, the user takes out one perforated paper from the perforated paper tray or the same as the perforated paper stored in the perforated paper tray outside the MFT. The perforated paper having the specifications is picked up and placed in the original reading device 1 as a reading original.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of the function of the perforation detection 19 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, in the perforated paper printing mode, the image data read by the document reading device 1 is given to the first perforation candidate detection 19 and the perforation detection image processing 19a. Each process in the perforation detection 19 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an outline of the print control executed by the CPU 7 in the perforated paper print mode mainly in the second embodiment. The user takes out one sheet of perforated paper from the perforated paper tray, or picks up the perforated paper of the same specification as the perforated paper stored in the perforated paper tray outside the MFT, and reads the original 1 When the operation display device 11 is used to designate “perforated paper printing mode”, the perforated paper printing execution condition is designated, and “execute” is instructed, the CPU 7 causes the original reading device 1 to read. Is instructed to read the document. In response to this, the document reading device 1 reads the image of the document by sheet-through reading when there is a document on the document tray, and by reading the flat bed when there is no document on the document tray. The CPU 7 stores the read image data generated by the document reading device 1 in the first memory 20 (20p4), and instructs the first image data processing device 2 to execute “perforation detection” 19 (s2a, s3). . Subsequent processing and control are the same as those in the first embodiment (s5 to s12). Other configurations and functions of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-137375 JP 2008-124615 A

Claims (18)

The front surface or back surface of the image forming target paper by optically reading generates original image data,
Applying image processing for removing the perforated image to the original image data to generate processed image data,
Perform perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing to detect perforation candidates on the original image,
Performing perforation detection on the processed image data to detect perforation candidates on the processed image;
The perforation candidates on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidates on the processed image from the perforation candidates on the original image are detected as perforations,
Perforation detection method. The front surface or back surface of the sheet fed to the image forming apparatus equipped with the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus by an optical reading to generate the original image data, perforation detection method according to claim 1.   The perforation detection method according to claim 2, wherein the optical reading of the paper is a sheet-through reading of one surface of the paper that is moving toward the image forming device. Sheet image is formed by the image forming apparatus equipped with the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, or, the source and optical reading the paper the same specifications sheet, a front surface or back surface of the document image reading apparatus The perforation detection method according to claim 1, wherein image data is generated. The original image reading device includes a sheet-through reading apparatus for reading an image on a document in the transport, by the sheet-through reading device, the generating the original image data by optically reading the front surface or back surface of the sheet, The perforation detection method according to claim 4 . The original image reading device includes a flat bed reading device that reads the image of the one surface of the original document in close contact on the translucent flat plate by driving the carriage carrying the mirror by sub-scanning. the front surface or the rear surface by optically reading to generate the original image data, perforation detection method of claim 4.   The perforation detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image processing in which the perforation image disappears includes a smoothing filter processing for erasing a linear image having a perforation line width.   The perforation detection method according to claim 1, wherein a paper image represented by the original image data is displayed on a display. To claim 2 or 4 depending on the paper detecting the perforations, and imaging an image by the image forming apparatus, an image forming method.   An image forming method for synthesizing an image with the paper image of the display according to claim 8.   The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein a position or posture of the image to be synthesized is adjusted with respect to a perforation of a paper image of the display. Equipped on the sheet perforation is detected to be fed to the image forming apparatus of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, for imaging an image in which the said synthesized by the imaging device, according to claim 10 or 11 Image forming method. An image forming apparatus comprising: a position adjusting unit that adjusts an image position with respect to a sheet; an image forming apparatus that forms an image at the image position on the sheet; and a sheet conveying unit that feeds the sheet to the image forming apparatus.
Wherein the front surface or back surface of the paper sheet conveying means for conveying, by optically reading to generate the original image data in the pre-conveyance or transport, the sheet reading device;
Image processing means for perforation detection that performs image processing for removing the perforated image on the original image data and generates post-processing image data:
First perforation candidate detection means for detecting perforation candidates on the original image by performing perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing:
Second perforation candidate detection means for detecting perforation candidates on the processed image by performing perforation detection on the processed image data; and
A confirmation means for detecting a perforation candidate on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidate on the processed image from the perforation candidate on the original image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A document image reading apparatus that reads an image on a document and generates image data, a position adjusting unit that adjusts an image position with respect to a sheet, an image forming apparatus that forms an image at the image position on the sheet, and the image forming apparatus In an image forming apparatus comprising a sheet conveying unit for feeding sheets,
After treatment by performing image processing perforation image disappears the front surface or back surface of the sheet with respect to the original image data read by the original image reading device of the paper or the same specifications and it is perforated in which the sheet conveying means for conveying Image processing means for perforation detection for generating image data:
First perforation candidate detection means for detecting perforation candidates on the original image by performing perforation detection on the original image data before or after the image processing:
Second perforation candidate detection means for detecting perforation candidates on the processed image by performing perforation detection on the processed image data; and
A confirmation means for detecting a perforation candidate on the original image remaining after removing the perforation candidate on the processed image from the perforation candidate on the original image;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the document image reading device includes a sheet-through reading device that reads an image on a document being transferred.   16. The image according to claim 14, wherein the document image reading device includes a flat bed reading device that reads an image of one surface of a document whose surface is in close contact with a translucent flat plate by driving a carriage carrying a mirror in a sub-scanning manner. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a; display means to display the sheet image in which the original image data represents.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the display unit superimposes an image before image formation on a paper image.

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