JP5644721B2 - Image editing apparatus, image editing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing a two-dimensional barcode.

  In recent years, two-dimensional barcodes such as QR (Quick Response) codes have become widespread. QR codes are printed on various printed materials such as flyers, brochures, and books.

  There is a case where an image printed on a printed material is reduced by a copying machine and copied. The image may include a QR code. When the image is reduced and copied, the QR code is naturally reduced. Then, even if the copied QR code is read and analyzed by a scanner or a digital camera, it may not be analyzed.

  The following technology has been proposed as a technology for reducing the QR code for printing. When reducing the size of the QR code, instead of reducing the size of the cell and reducing the entire QR code, the size of the QR code is reduced by lowering the QR code version without changing the size of the cell. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-321175 A

  By the way, the lower the version, the smaller the number of characters that can be represented by the QR code.

  Therefore, according to the technique described in the cited document 1, since a new QR code is generated and printed with the version lowered, it may not be possible to represent all the character strings shown in the original QR code. Or, the level of error correction capability may have to be lowered.

  In view of such a problem, the present invention provides a two-dimensional bar code without reducing the level of error correction capability even when an image containing a two-dimensional bar code such as a QR code is reduced and printed. It is an object to provide a new two-dimensional bar code representing a character string shown in a code more reliably than in the past.

An image editing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image for output from a first image including a first two-dimensional barcode, an object other than the first two-dimensional barcode, and a margin. An image editing apparatus for generating an image of the character string determining means for determining the character string indicated in the first two-dimensional barcode, and for each of the divided character strings obtained by dividing the character string into a plurality of character strings. Two-dimensional barcode generation means for generating a second two-dimensional barcode composed of cells that are lower in version than one two-dimensional barcode and larger than a predetermined size; and the first image from the first image By removing the two-dimensional barcode and arranging the second two-dimensional barcode in order from the position of the first two-dimensional barcode and the predetermined priority position of the margin . said Generating a second image, and an output image generating unit. Preferably, the printer further includes a printing unit that prints the second image on a sheet.

  Alternatively, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit generates a two-dimensional barcode having a size equal to or smaller than the size of the first two-dimensional barcode reduced to a predetermined magnification as the second two-dimensional barcode. The image generating means generates the second image by arranging the second two-dimensional barcode on the first image reduced to the predetermined magnification.

  Alternatively, the first two-dimensional barcode is a monochrome two-dimensional barcode, and the two-dimensional barcode generation means generates a color two-dimensional barcode as the second two-dimensional barcode.

Alternatively, the output image generation means preferentially arranges the second two-dimensional barcode from a margin near the position where the first two-dimensional barcode is located in the margin. Generate a second image.

Alternatively, the output image generation means preferentially arranges the second two-dimensional barcode from a margin that can arrange more of the second two-dimensional barcode of the margin. The second image is generated.

  According to the present invention, even when an image including a two-dimensional barcode is reduced and printed, a new two-character string representing the character string indicated by the two-dimensional barcode is displayed without reducing the level of error correction capability. A dimensional barcode can be provided more reliably than before.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a network system including an image forming apparatus. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a scan unit and a printing unit of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus realized by editing software. It is a figure which shows the example of a manuscript image. It is a figure which shows the example of the size of the cut-out symbol of the two-dimensional barcode before and behind reduction. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a version down barcode production | generation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the division | segmentation of a character string, and the production | generation of a two-dimensional barcode. It is a figure which shows the example of a manuscript image and a reduction image. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the procedure of the production | generation of a barcode synthetic | combination image. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a two-dimensional barcode. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a two-dimensional barcode. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a two-dimensional barcode. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow when executing a copy job of a document image. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the production | generation procedure of a barcode synthetic | combination image. It is a figure which shows the modification of arrangement | positioning of a two-dimensional barcode.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a network system including an image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the scan unit 10e and the print unit 10f of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus generally called an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) or a multifunction peripheral, and is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, PC printing, a fax, a scanner, and a document server.

  The PC print function is a function for receiving image data from a terminal device such as a personal computer and printing an image on paper. It may also be called “network printer function” or “network printing function”.

  The document server function is a function for providing and managing a storage area called a “personal box” or “box” corresponding to a folder or directory in a personal computer for each user. Sometimes called “box function”. The user can store image data or the like in the user box in units of files.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can communicate with a device such as the terminal device 2 via the communication line NW.

  2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10c, a mass storage device 10d, a scan unit 10e, A printing unit 10f, a network interface 10g, an operation panel 10h, a facsimile unit 10i, an image processing circuit 10j, an automatic document feeder 10k, and the like are included.

  The CPU 10 a is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. Software such as an operating system and middleware for realizing the above-described functions is installed in the ROM 10c or the mass storage device 10d. Also, software for performing various data processing such as shading correction on the image data obtained by the scan unit 10e, software for reading the image data for each main scanning line in synchronization with the paper supply, and driving the laser diode, etc. Installed. Further, editing software 1SW for editing a two-dimensional bar code included in a document to be copied is installed. The editing software 1SW will be described in detail later. Hereinafter, a case where a monochrome QR (Quick Response) code is used as the two-dimensional barcode will be described as an example. QR code is a registered trademark.

  Software modules constituting these software are loaded into the RAM 10b as necessary and executed by the CPU 10a. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used as the mass storage device 10d.

  Part or all of the processing by these software may be performed by the image processing circuit 10j. The image processing circuit 10j can be configured by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

  The network interface 10g communicates with a device such as the terminal device 2 via a communication line NW using a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). For example, a network interface card (NIC) is used as the network interface 10g.

  The operation panel 10h includes a key input unit 10h1, a touch panel display 10h2, a sub power switch 10h3, and the like.

  The key input unit 10h1 is a so-called hardware key, and includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The touch panel display 10h2 includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for inputting a processing type and processing conditions desired by the user, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, etc. Is displayed. The user can input information and commands to the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the key input unit 10h1 or the touch panel display 10h2 while viewing these screens.

  The sub power switch 10h3 is a switch for the user to instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to shift to a power saving mode such as a sleep mode.

  The automatic document feeder 10k is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and conveys documents set on the document feed tray one by one to a predetermined position on the platen glass of the scan unit 10e, and the document by the scan unit 10e. Is read out to the document discharge tray.

  The automatic document feeder 10k includes a document set sensor 10k1. The document set sensor 10k1 detects that a document has been set by a known tact switch and notifies the CPU 10a.

  The scan unit 10e reads an image composed of a photograph, a character, a picture, a chart, and the like written on a document (paper) set on a platen glass and generates image data.

  Further, the scan unit 10e includes an apparatus lifting sensor 10e1. The apparatus lifting sensor 10e1 detects that the automatic document feeder 10k has been lifted by a known magnetic sensor and notifies the CPU 10a.

  The facsimile unit 10i is a device for exchanging image data with a fax terminal using a protocol such as G3 via a public telephone line.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10e, the printing unit 10f prints an image indicated by image data received from the terminal device 2 or a fax terminal on a sheet. In addition, an image that has been subjected to the processing of the two-dimensional barcode by the editing software 1SW is printed on paper.

  The printing unit 10f includes an image forming unit 11, an automatic duplex unit 12, a paper feeding unit 13, a paper feeding cabinet 14, and the like.

  The image forming unit 11 is a tandem and electrophotographic color printing engine, and includes photosensitive drums 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, exposure scanning units 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, a transfer belt 33, and It is comprised by the front door sensor 34 grade | etc.,.

  The photosensitive drums 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are photosensitive drums corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Similarly, the exposure scanning units 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d are exposure scanning units corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

  The exposure scanning units 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d respectively expose the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d by performing exposure according to the image to be printed based on the signal from the CPU 10a. Create an image. Then, toner of each color adheres.

  On the transfer belt 33, toner images of respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are overlaid. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the transfer belt 33.

  The front door sensor 34 detects that the front door cover has been opened by a known tact switch, and notifies the CPU 10a.

  The paper supply unit 13 is a unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 as a standard and supplies paper to the image forming unit 11. The paper feed unit 13 includes one or a plurality of paper feed cassettes 13a and pickup rollers 13b. Sheets are stored in the sheet cassette 13a. The pickup roller 13 b picks up the sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette 13 a and carries them out to the image forming unit 11.

  The paper feed cabinet 14 is a unit that supplies paper to the image forming unit 11 in the same manner as the paper feed unit 13, but is provided as an option in the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette 14 a of the sheet feeding cabinet 14 by the pickup roller 14 b is supplied to the image forming unit 11 via the sheet feeding unit 13.

  Then, the toner image formed on the transfer belt 33 is transferred onto the paper carried out from the paper supply unit 13 or the paper supply cabinet 14.

  The automatic duplex unit 12 reverses the front and back sides of the sheet on which the image is printed on one side, temporarily switches back on the sheet passing path, and feeds the image to the image forming unit 11 again. Thereby, double-sided printing becomes possible.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the terminal device 2 is a client for receiving services such as printing by the image forming apparatus 1. A driver or the like for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in the terminal device 2. As the terminal device 2, a personal computer, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like is used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 realized by the editing software 1SW. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the document image 50. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the size of the cut-out symbol 50Ak of the two-dimensional barcode 50A before and after reduction. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of version down barcode generation processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of dividing the character string 5CR and generating the two-dimensional barcode 52A. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the document image 50 and the reduced image 51. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the procedure for generating the barcode composite image 53. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing examples of the arrangement of the two-dimensional barcode 52A.

  Next, processing contents of the image forming apparatus 1 by the editing software 1SW will be described with reference to FIG.

  The editing software 1SW includes a two-dimensional barcode detection unit 101, an input cut-out symbol size detection unit 102, a reduced cut-out symbol size calculation unit 103, a first readability determination unit 104, and a two-dimensional bar code analysis unit illustrated in FIG. 105, to realize functions such as a two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106, a new cut symbol size calculation unit 107, a second readability determination unit 108, a resolution conversion unit 121, an image separation unit 122, and an image composition unit 123. Software.

  The editing software 1SW is used to adjust the two-dimensional barcode so as not to become too small when a so-called reduced copy job is executed.

  The user sets a sheet on which an image to be copied (copied) is written in the automatic document feeder 10k, and operates the operation panel 10h to describe a reduction magnification (hereinafter referred to as “reduction ratio Rs”). ) And input a start command. For example, when the user wants to reduce the height and width to 70%, the user inputs “0.7” or “70%” as the reduction ratio Rs. The smaller the reduction ratio Rs, the smaller the original image is printed.

  Then, the automatic document feeder 10k conveys the paper to a predetermined position on the platen glass of the scan unit 10e. The scan unit 10e reads an image written on a sheet and converts it into image data. Hereinafter, the read image is referred to as “original image 50”.

  The two-dimensional barcode detection unit 101 detects a two-dimensional barcode from the document image 50. In general, a QR code has three cut-out symbols at predetermined positions. Therefore, the two-dimensional barcode detection unit 101 detects the two-dimensional barcode by detecting these cut out symbols. The cut symbol may be called a “position detection pattern” or a “finder pattern”. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the two-dimensional barcode in the document image 50 is referred to as “two-dimensional barcode 50A”. The cut symbol of the two-dimensional barcode 50A is referred to as “cut symbol 50Ak”. Further, an object other than the two-dimensional barcode 50A in the document image 50 is referred to as “object 50B”. In the example of FIG. 5, the document image 50 includes three objects 50B.

  The input cutout symbol size detection unit 102 detects the size of the cutout symbol 50Ak when the two-dimensional barcode detection unit 101 detects the two-dimensional barcode 50A from the document image 50. By the way, in general, the shape of the cut symbol is a square. That is, the length of the vertical side is equal to the length of the horizontal side. Therefore, the input cut symbol size detector 102 detects the length Lk of one side of the cut symbol 50Ak as shown in FIG. 6A as the size of the cut symbol 50Ak.

  The reduced cut-out symbol size calculation unit 103 multiplies the detected length Lk by the input reduction rate Rs as the size of the cut-out symbol after reduction of the two-dimensional barcode 50A, thereby reducing one side of the reduced side. The length Ls is calculated (see FIG. 6B).

  The first readability determination unit 104 compares the length Ls calculated by the reduced cutout symbol size calculation unit 103 with the threshold α to determine whether or not the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A can be read. To determine. If the length Ls exceeds the threshold value α, it is determined that reading is possible. On the other hand, if the length Ls is equal to or less than the threshold value α, it is determined that reading is impossible. Note that “reading is possible” means that the two-dimensional bar code can be read with a scanner or a digital camera as clearly as possible to distinguish the character string shown therein.

For example, the length Lk of the cutout symbol 50Ak of a certain document image 50 is “2.0 mm (millimeters)”, “70%” is input as the reduction ratio Rs, and the threshold value α is “1.6 mm”. If the length Ls is
Ls = 2.0 × 70% = 1.4
It is. Therefore, since the length Ls is equal to or less than the threshold value α, the first reading possibility determination unit 104 determines that reading is impossible.

  The two-dimensional barcode analysis unit 105 analyzes the two-dimensional barcode 50A when the first readability determination unit 104 determines that the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A cannot be read. The character string 5CR indicated in the two-dimensional barcode 50A is determined.

  After the character string 5CR is determined by the two-dimensional barcode analysis unit 105, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 newly generates one or more two-dimensional barcodes according to the procedure shown in FIG. The version of the two-dimensional barcode 50A is detected (# 701 in FIG. 7), and a version one lower than this is calculated (# 702).

  By the way, when the version is lowered, the length of the character string that can be expressed by one two-dimensional barcode is shortened. Therefore, there is a possibility that the character string 5CR cannot be represented by only one calculated two-dimensional barcode. Therefore, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 calculates the number of two-dimensional barcodes necessary to represent the character string 5CR with the calculated version of the two-dimensional barcode (# 703). When a plurality of character strings are necessary, the character string 5CR is divided into a plurality of divided character strings 5CS, and a two-dimensional barcode for each divided character string 5CS is generated as will be described later.

  This number can be calculated by dividing the length of the longest character string that can be represented by the lowered version of the two-dimensional barcode by the length of the character string 5CR. However, in order to connect the divided character string 5CS and restore it to the character string 5CR, it is necessary to attach a sequence number to the divided character string 5CS. Therefore, in consideration of attaching a sequence number, the divisor may be slightly larger than the length value of the character string 5CR. Note that the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 stores in advance the length of the longest character string for each version.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 divides the character string 5CR into the calculated number to generate a divided character string 5CS, and lowers each divided character string 5CS in step # 702. The converted version is converted into a two-dimensional barcode (# 704). However, the level of error correction capability does not have to be reduced. Hereinafter, the converted two-dimensional barcode is referred to as “two-dimensional barcode 52A”. However, if the number is “1”, the character string 5CR is converted into a lowered version of the two-dimensional barcode without being divided. Therefore, in this case, only one two-dimensional barcode 52A is generated.

  Further, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 determines the size of the two-dimensional barcode 52A as the size of the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A, that is, the size calculated by the reduced cutout symbol size calculation unit 103 (the length of one side is The size is adjusted to be the same as the length Ls). Generally, when the version is lowered, the number of cells constituting the two-dimensional barcode is reduced. Therefore, the cell size of the two-dimensional barcode 52A becomes larger by the adjustment than the cell size of the two-dimensional barcode 50A after the reduction.

Returning to FIG. 4, the new cut symbol size calculation unit 107 calculates the length Ln of one side of the cut symbol of the two-dimensional barcode 52 </ b> A generated by the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 using the following equation (1). Calculate based on
Ln = Lk · Rs / Rv (1)
However, “Rv” is the rate of decrease in the number of cells per side due to the lowered version. Therefore,
Rv = Nb / Na
It is. “Na” is the number of cells per side of the two-dimensional barcode 50A, and “Nb” is the number of cells per side of the two-dimensional barcode 52A.

For example, the length Lk of the cutout symbol 50Ak of a certain original image 50 is “2.0 mm (millimeters)”, “70%” is input as the reduction ratio Rs, the threshold α is “1.6 mm”, When the number Na of cells per side of the original two-dimensional barcode is “25” and the number Nb of cells per side of the lowered version of the two-dimensional barcode is “21”, The length Ln is
Ln = 2.0 × 70% / (21/25) ≈1.67
It is. Accordingly, since the length Ln exceeds the threshold value α, the second readability determination unit 108 determines that reading is possible.

  The second readability determination unit 108 compares the length Ln calculated by the new cut symbol size calculation unit 107 with the threshold value α to determine whether the two-dimensional barcode 52A can be read. Determine. If the length Ln exceeds the threshold value α, it is determined that reading is possible. On the other hand, if the length Ln is less than or equal to the threshold value α, it is determined that reading is impossible.

  If the second readability determination unit 108 determines that reading is impossible, the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 further reduces the version by one and regenerates the two-dimensional barcode 52A. The new cut symbol size calculation unit 107 recalculates the length Ln of one side of the cut symbol of the regenerated two-dimensional barcode 52A. Then, the second readability determination unit 108 compares the recalculated length Ln with the threshold α to determine whether the regenerated two-dimensional barcode 52A can be read.

  The two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106, the new cut-out symbol size calculation unit 107, and the second readability determination unit 108 decrease the version one by one until a readable two-dimensional barcode 52A is obtained. The above-described processing is executed.

  The resolution conversion unit 121 reduces the document image 50 to a reduction rate Rs as shown in FIG. 9 by reducing the resolution. Hereinafter, the reduced document image 50 is referred to as a “reduced image 51”. Further, the two-dimensional barcode in the reduced image 51 is described as a two-dimensional barcode 51A, and an object other than the two-dimensional barcode 51A is described as an “object 51B”.

  When the first readability determination unit 104 determines that the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A (that is, the two-dimensional barcode 51A) can be read, the processing of the image separation unit 122 and the image composition unit 123 is performed. The reduced image 51 is printed on the paper by the printing unit 10f without being applied.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A cannot be read, the image separation unit 122 and the image composition unit 123 perform processing as shown in FIG.

  The image separation unit 122 separates the two-dimensional barcode 51A and the object 51B of the reduced image 51, thereby generating an image that removes the two-dimensional barcode 51A and leaves the object 51B. Hereinafter, this image is referred to as a “barcode removal image 52”.

  Then, the image composition unit 123 generates the barcode composite image 53 by arranging and synthesizing the latest two-dimensional barcode 52A generated by the two-dimensional barcode generation unit 106 on the barcode removal image 52. To do.

  The position where the two-dimensional barcode 52A is arranged is the position where the removed two-dimensional barcode 51A is arranged. However, when a plurality of two-dimensional barcodes 52A are generated, as shown in FIG. 10, one arbitrary two-dimensional barcode 52A is arranged at the position where the removed two-dimensional barcode 51A is arranged. Then, the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A is arranged side by side above, below, right, or left of this two-dimensional barcode 52A.

  However, depending on the arrangement, a part of the two-dimensional barcode 52A may overlap with the object 51B.

  Therefore, the image composition unit 123 detects an area where the object 51B is not arranged from the barcode removal image 52. Hereinafter, this area is referred to as “margin area RY”. Then, the two-dimensional barcode 52A is arranged on the barcode removal image 52 as follows. Hereinafter, an example of the arrangement method will be described by taking as an example the case where four two-dimensional barcodes 52A are generated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, there is a blank area RY in which three two-dimensional barcodes having the same size can be arranged in the main scanning direction at the position where the two-dimensional barcode 51A is arranged. In some cases, the image composition unit 123 arranges the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A in the blank area RY as shown in FIG.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12A, when there is a blank area RY in which three two-dimensional barcodes having the same size are arranged in the sub-scanning direction at the position where the two-dimensional barcode 51A is arranged. Similarly, the image composition unit 123 arranges the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A in this blank area RY as shown in FIG.

  Alternatively, a blank area RY in which all the two-dimensional barcodes 52A are arranged in one row does not exist in one lump, but as shown in FIG. 13A, a blank area in which only one two-dimensional barcode 52A can be arranged. When a plurality of RYs are discrete, the image composition unit 123 arranges the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A in any blank area RY as shown in FIG. 13B. When there are many such blank areas RY, the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A may be arranged preferentially from the blank area RY near the position where the two-dimensional barcode 51A is arranged. Alternatively, the remaining two-dimensional barcode 52A may be preferentially arranged from the blank area RY in which a large number can be arranged.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow when executing a copy job of the document image 50.

  Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1 when copying the original image 50 written on the paper to another paper will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The user sets a sheet on which the document image 50 is written, inputs the reduction ratio Rs, and presses the start button.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 receives the reduction ratio Rs (# 11), scans the paper, and acquires the image data of the original image 50 (# 12).

  When a value less than 100% is accepted as the reduction ratio Rs (Yes in # 13), the image forming apparatus 1 tries to detect the two-dimensional barcode 50A from the document image 50 (# 14). If the two-dimensional barcode 50A can be detected (Yes in # 15), the length Lk of one side of the cut-out symbol 50Ak of the two-dimensional barcode 50A is detected (# 16). Further, by multiplying the length Lk by the reduction ratio Rs, the length Ls of one side of the cut-out symbol 50Ak after reduction is detected (# 17).

  The image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the reduced two-dimensional barcode 50A can be read by comparing the length Ls with the threshold value α (# 18).

If it is determined that reading is possible (Yes in # 19), the image forming apparatus 1 generates the reduced image 51 by reducing the original image 50 to the reduction ratio Rs (# 20) and prints it on a blank sheet. (# 29)
On the other hand, if it is determined that reading is impossible (No in # 19), the image forming apparatus 1 determines the character string 5CR indicated by the two-dimensional barcode 50A (# 21), and the two-dimensional barcode 50A. Instead, a process for generating a two-dimensional barcode 52A to be printed is performed (# 22). The procedure of this process is as described above with reference to FIG. That is, the two-dimensional barcode 52A is generated by lowering the version.

  The image forming apparatus 1 detects the length Ln of one side of the cut out symbol of the generated two-dimensional barcode 52A (# 23), and compares the length Ln with the threshold value α to thereby determine the two-dimensional barcode 52A. It is determined whether reading is possible (# 24).

  When it is determined that reading is impossible (No in # 25), the image forming apparatus 1 further reduces the version and regenerates the two-dimensional barcode 52A. Then, the version is gradually lowered and the two-dimensional barcode 52A is regenerated until it can be determined that the reading is possible (# 22 to # 24).

  If the readable two-dimensional barcode 52A can be generated (Yes in # 25), the image forming apparatus 1 generates the reduced image 51 by reducing the document image 50 to the reduction ratio Rs (# 26). Then, the barcode removal image 52 is generated by separating and removing the two-dimensional barcode 51A from the reduced image 51 (# 27). Then, a readable two-dimensional barcode 52A is placed on the barcode-removed image 52 and synthesized to generate a barcode synthesized image 53 (# 28) and printed on white paper (# 29).

  When the reduction ratio Rs is 100% or more, that is, when the same magnification or enlargement is designated (No in # 13), the image forming apparatus 1 keeps the original image 50 at the same magnification or enlargement as usual. And printing on white paper (# 20, 29). If the two-dimensional barcode 50A is not detected even if the reduction rate Rs is less than 100% (No in # 15), the image forming apparatus 1 reduces the original image 50 as usual and blanks it. (# 20, 29).

  According to the present embodiment, even when the original image 50 is reduced and printed, a new character string representing the character string indicated by the two-dimensional barcode 50A in the original image 50 is obtained without reducing the level of error correction capability. QR code 52A can be provided more reliably than before.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the procedure for generating the barcode composite image 53. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modification of the arrangement of the two-dimensional barcode 52A.

  In this embodiment, the case where a monochrome QR code is used as the two-dimensional barcode has been described as an example. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may perform the following process.

  When the two-dimensional barcode 50A is a color QR code, the image forming apparatus 1 generates one or a plurality of color QR codes as the two-dimensional barcode 52A and arranges them instead of the two-dimensional barcode 50A. You may print. The processing procedure at this time is the same as when the two-dimensional barcode 50A and the two-dimensional barcode 52A are monochrome QR codes.

  Note that the color QR code may be generally called “three-dimensional barcode” or “three-dimensional QR code”. Further, colors such as red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white are used as the colors of the respective cells.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 generates a monochrome QR code as the two-dimensional barcode 52A in order to enable reading with a so-called monochrome scanner even if the two-dimensional barcode 50A is a color QR code. It may be arranged and printed instead of the two-dimensional barcode 50A.

  In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the processes of steps # 21 to # 29 described with reference to FIG. 14 regardless of whether or not the reduction ratio Rs is less than 100%. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the character string 5CR shown in the color two-dimensional barcode 50A is discriminated, and the character string 5CR is divided as necessary to obtain one or more monochrome two-dimensional barcodes. 52A is generated. When the readable two-dimensional barcode 52A can be generated, the barcode composite image 53 is generated and printed by arranging the two-dimensional barcode 52A instead of the two-dimensional barcode 50A.

  In FIG. 15, a hatched cell in the same direction as the slash (that is, a hatched hatch from the upper right to the lower left), and a hatch in the same direction as the backslash (that is, the hatched from the upper left to the lower right). The cells and the hatched cells of the mesh line are cells of different colors that are neither black nor white. For example, the color of a hatch cell in the same direction as the slash is cyan, the color of the hatch cell in the same direction as the backslash is magenta, and the color of the hatched cell in yellow is yellow. Further, the color of the cells filled with black is black, and the color of the other cells is white.

  Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may generate and print the barcode composite image 53 using a color QR code instead of the monochrome QR code as the two-dimensional barcode 52A. A color QR code has more characters to show than a monochrome QR code with the same number of cells. Therefore, by using the color QR code, even if the number of cells is reduced, the character string 5CR can be represented by one two-dimensional barcode 52A without being divided.

  When the margin area RY is narrow, even though a readable two-dimensional barcode 52A can be generated, all the two-dimensional barcodes 52A are arranged in a line in the margin area RY as shown in FIG. It may not be possible to place it. In such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 may generate only a two-dimensional barcode 52A having a lower version by reducing only the reduction ratio of the two-dimensional barcode 50A below the reduction ratio Rs. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16B, the two-dimensional barcode 52A can be made smaller, and the arrangement in the blank area RY can be facilitated.

  In this embodiment, the case where the document image 50 read by the scan unit 10e is reduced has been described as an example. However, the image is reduced based on the image data transmitted from the terminal device 2 or the image data stored in the box. The present invention can also be used for printing.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not reading is possible every time the two-dimensional barcode 52A is generated. However, if the version is known, the size (length of one side) of the cut symbol can be known without generating the two-dimensional barcode 52A. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured as follows.

  The image forming apparatus 1 stores in advance the size of the cut symbol for each version. Each time the version is lowered, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not reading is possible before generating the two-dimensional barcode 52A with the version. If possible, the two-dimensional barcode 52A is generated with that version.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 reduces the original image 50 and generates the reduced image 51 and then removes the two-dimensional barcode. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may reduce the original image 50 after removing the two-dimensional barcode. .

  The threshold value α may be the same value as the length of one side of the cut-out symbol 50Ak of the two-dimensional barcode 50A before reduction, or may be a value larger than that. It may be determined according to the reading resolution of the scanner. The user may be able to arbitrarily set the operation panel 10h.

  In this embodiment, a QR code is used as a two-dimensional barcode, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where a two-dimensional barcode of another standard is used.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 1 or each unit, the processing content, the processing order, the data configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image forming device (image editing device, printing device)
104 1st readability determination part (analysis possibility determination means)
105 Two-dimensional barcode analysis unit (character string discrimination means)
106 Two-dimensional barcode generation unit (two-dimensional barcode generation means)
123 Image composition unit (output image generation means)
10f printing unit (printing means, first printing means, second printing means)
50 Original image (first image)
50A 2D barcode (first 2D barcode)
5CR character string 5CS split character string 52A 2D barcode (second 2D barcode)
53 Barcode composite image (second image)
RY margin area

Claims (9)

An image editing apparatus for generating a second image, which is an output image, from a first image including a first two-dimensional barcode, an object other than the first two-dimensional barcode, and a margin,
A character string discrimination means for discriminating a character string indicated in the first two-dimensional bar code,
For each divided character string obtained by dividing the character string into a plurality, a second two-dimensional barcode composed of cells that are lower in version than the first two-dimensional barcode and larger than a predetermined size is generated. Dimensional barcode generation means;
The first two-dimensional barcode is removed from the first image, and the second two-dimensional barcode is sequentially arranged from a position where the first two-dimensional barcode is present and a predetermined priority position among the margins . generating the second image by placing a two-dimensional bar code, and an output image generating unit,
An image editing apparatus comprising: Printing means for printing the second image on paper;
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1. The two-dimensional barcode generation means generates a two-dimensional barcode having a size equal to or smaller than the first two-dimensional barcode reduced to a predetermined magnification as the second two-dimensional barcode,
The output image generation means generates the second image by arranging the second two-dimensional barcode on the first image reduced to the predetermined magnification.
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1. The first two-dimensional barcode is a monochrome two-dimensional barcode,
The two-dimensional barcode generation means generates a color two-dimensional barcode as the second two-dimensional barcode.
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1. The output image generation means preferentially arranges the second two-dimensional barcode from a margin close to a position where the first two-dimensional barcode is located in the margin. Generate images,
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1. The output image generating means arranges the second two-dimensional barcode preferentially from the margin that can arrange more of the second two-dimensional barcode among the margins. Generate a second image,
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1. A printing apparatus that prints a first image that includes a first two-dimensional barcode, an object other than the first two-dimensional barcode, and a margin, at a predetermined magnification.
An analysis availability determination means for determining whether the first two-dimensional barcode reduced to the predetermined magnification can be read and analyzed;
A first printing unit that prints the first image after reducing it to the predetermined magnification when it is determined by the analysis availability determination unit;
A character string discriminating unit for discriminating a character string indicated in the first two-dimensional barcode when it is determined that the analysis is impossible by the analyzing possibility determining unit;
For each divided character string obtained by dividing the character string into a plurality, a second two-dimensional barcode composed of cells that are lower in version than the first two-dimensional barcode and larger than a predetermined size is generated. Dimensional barcode generation means;
Predetermined priority order of the position where the first two-dimensional barcode is located and the margin of the first image from which the first two-dimensional barcode is removed and reduced to the predetermined magnification from position in order, by placing the second two-dimensional bar code, to generate the second image is an image for output, and an output image generating unit,
Second printing means for printing the second image on paper;
A printing apparatus comprising: An image processing apparatus that generates a second image that is an output image from a first image including a first two-dimensional barcode, an object other than the first two-dimensional barcode, and a margin ,
A process of determining the character string indicated in the first two-dimensional bar code,
A process of generating a second two-dimensional barcode composed of cells that are lower than the first two-dimensional barcode and larger than a predetermined size for each divided character string obtained by dividing the character string into a plurality of character strings. ,
The first two-dimensional barcode is removed from the first image, and the second two-dimensional barcode is sequentially arranged from a position where the first two-dimensional barcode is present and a predetermined priority position among the margins . by arranging the two-dimensional bar code, and generating said second image,
An image editing method characterized by causing the image to be executed. An image processing apparatus that generates a second image that is an output image from a first image including a first two-dimensional barcode, an object other than the first two-dimensional barcode, and a margin ,
A process of determining a character string shown in the first two-dimensional barcode included in the first image;
A process of generating a second two-dimensional barcode composed of cells that are lower than the first two-dimensional barcode and larger than a predetermined size for each divided character string obtained by dividing the character string into a plurality of character strings. ,
The first two-dimensional barcode is removed from the first image, and the second two-dimensional barcode is sequentially arranged from a position where the first two-dimensional barcode is present and a predetermined priority position among the margins . by arranging the two-dimensional bar code, and generating said second image,
A computer program characterized by executing the program.

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