JP6922972B2 - Reader - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a technique for reading and printing an ID card.

Conventionally, a reading device having a special mode for reading an image of a document including a face photograph such as an ID card or a business card has been put into practical use. For example, as a technique related to a reading device having the special mode, there is known a technique of performing face recognition processing and correcting an image in a region of a facial photograph when reading in the special mode.

For example, Patent Document 1 is a document that discloses a technique for outputting an image including a facial photograph. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a system for adjusting photographic image data, in which a face photograph area is estimated from an image of the photographic image data, and the brightness of the image of the photographic image data is obtained from the brightness information of the face photograph area. The configuration for adjusting the image is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-240829

However, the above-mentioned conventional technique has the following problems. That is, the density is automatically adjusted to one pattern. Therefore, it is not always possible to output an image with a density preferred by the user who instructed to read the image. There is room for improvement because the concentrations preferred by users vary.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques. That is, the problem is to provide a printing device that reads and prints an ID card, and is expected to output an image having a density preferred by the user.

A printing device made for the purpose of solving this problem includes a reading means for reading a document, a receiving means for receiving user input, a printing means for printing based on printing data, and a control means. The means is to instruct the ID copy mode to read both sides of the document having the image data including the face photo on one side of the document and the image data not including the face photograph on the other side and print them on one sheet. When it is determined that the reception process for receiving through the reception means, the reading process for causing the reading means to read both sides of the document, and the reception process for receiving the instruction of the ID copy mode, the data is read by the reading process. For printing, which includes a plurality of image data having at least different densities based on the first image data which is the image data of the one side, and one image data based on the second image data which is the image data of the other side. It is characterized in that it executes a creation process for creating data and a printing process for causing a printing means to print on one side of one sheet based on the printing data created by the creation process.

That is, in the scanning device disclosed in the present specification, the user can create and output a plurality of images having different densities from the images of the original document read in the mode in which the photograph reads the ID card, so that the user can use the plurality of images. You can select an image with your favorite density from the list. Therefore, there is a high possibility that an image having a density preferred by the user who has instructed to read the image will be output.

According to the present invention, there is realized a technique for reading an image of a document including a facial photograph, which can be expected to output an image having a density preferred by the user.

It is the schematic perspective view of the MFP which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the MFP. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the photograph copy mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the ID copy mode. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a copy process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ID copy processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the print data creation process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a photograph copy processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the screen display. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the print data selection process.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment embodying the reading device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is an application of the present invention to a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having a reading function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 of the first embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 is an example of the output means. The image reading unit 20 is an example of reading means. The operation panel 40 is an example of a reception means and an output means.

The image forming unit 10 has a configuration for printing an image on a sheet. The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The MFP 100 of the first embodiment may be a device capable of forming a color image or a device dedicated to a monochrome image. Further, the MFP 100 may be a device capable of double-sided printing or a device capable of single-sided printing only.

The MFP 100 includes a paper feed tray 11, a paper output tray 12, and a manual feed tray 13. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates a sheet for printing. The output tray 12 accommodates a printed sheet. The manual feed tray 13 accepts manual insertion of a printing sheet. The MFP 100 prints on the sheet housed in the paper feed tray 11 or the sheet inserted from the manual feed tray 13 using the image forming unit 10, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper output tray 12.

The image reading unit 20 is configured to read an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. The MFP 100 of the first embodiment may be a device capable of color reading or a device capable of reading monochrome only. Further, the MFP 100 may be a device capable of double-sided reading or a device capable of single-sided reading only.

The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (automatic document conveying device) 22 having a function of conveying a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the upper part of the housing of the MFP 100, and includes a document tray 24 and a document output tray 25. The image reading unit 20 conveys one of the originals placed on the original tray 24 to the ADF 22, reads the image of the original during the conveyance, and ejects the read original to the original paper ejection tray 25.

The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 can be rotated around one side on the left back side in FIG. 1, and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the MFP 100. A reading glass is provided on the lower side of the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read a document placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet in the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group 42. The MFP 100 displays various information such as an operating status and a message to the user on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40. The MFP 100 may display an image of the result read by the image reading unit 20, an image of the received image data, or the like on the liquid crystal display 41. Further, the liquid crystal display 41 of the MFP 100 may be a touch panel capable of input operation. In that case, the MFP 100 displays various buttons on the liquid crystal display 41 and receives various instructions based on the pressed positions.

The button group 42 is provided with a power button, an execute button, a cancel button, a numeric keypad, and the like. When the MFP 100 receives an operation on the button group 42, the MFP 100 receives various instruction inputs by receiving a signal transmitted by the button group 42.

Subsequently, the electrical configuration of the MFP 100 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. Further, the MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, and an operation panel 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 30.

The ROM 32 stores various control programs, various settings, initial values, and the like for controlling the MFP 100. The RAM 33 is used as a work area for reading various control programs or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data, various settings, user information, and the like.

The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34 according to the control program read from the ROM 32. The CPU 31 is an example of control means. The controller 30 may be the control means. Further, the controller 30 in FIG. 2 is a general term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 100, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

The network IF37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The USBIF 38 is hardware for connecting a flash memory such as a USB memory and communicating with the connected flash memory.

Subsequently, the control of copying a manuscript containing a photograph by the MFP 100 of the first embodiment will be described. The MFP 100 includes, for example, a photo copy mode and an ID copy mode as modes for executing copying of a document containing a photo. In the photo copy mode, the MFP 100 reads the original containing the photo at a higher resolution than in the other modes and prints it on the sheet. On the other hand, in the ID copy mode, the MFP 100 reads both sides of the original and prints an image based on the image data on both sides on one sheet. The ID copy mode is a mode for copying an ID card or the like containing a face photo on one side, and reads the side presumed to contain the face photo with a higher resolution than in the other mode. In the photo copy mode and the ID copy mode, for example, reading is performed at a resolution higher than the set resolution such as the maximum resolution.

The MFP 100 of the first embodiment creates a plurality of images having different densities based on one image data when the read image data is presumed to be the image data of a manuscript including a photograph. The difference in density may be based on brightness (average degree of light and darkness) or contrast (width of difference in light and darkness). The MFP 100 creates an image having different densities, for example, an image in which the density is increased or decreased by about 10 to 20% with respect to the original density. By creating multiple images with different densities, the user can select an image with the desired densities.

In the photocopy mode, the MFP 100 creates three types of images 52, 53, and 54 based on the image data 51 obtained by reading the original, for example, as shown in FIG. The image 52 is printed based on the image data 51 without changing the density. The image 53 is printed with increased brightness based on the image data 51. The image 54 is printed with reduced brightness based on the image data 51. In this example, three types of images 52, 53, 54 are printed on one sheet 50. If the sheets are small, they may be printed on separate sheets.

Further, in the ID copy mode, the MFP 100 reads both sides of the original in order, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, and prints the images on both sides on one sheet 50. The first image data 61 is image data acquired in the first reading. When the ID copy mode is selected, the MFP 100 displays a message on the liquid crystal display 41 recommending that the side of the ID card or the like with the face photograph be read first. That is, it is presumed that the first image data 61 acquired by the first reading is the image data of the first surface including the image of the face photograph.

Therefore, the MFP 100 creates a plurality of images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data 61 and prints them on one sheet 50 as shown in FIG. The image 62 is printed based on the first image data 61 without changing the density. The image 63 is printed with increased brightness based on the first image data 61. The image 64 is printed with reduced brightness based on the first image data 61.

The second image data 65 is the image data acquired in the second reading. In the second reading, it is presumed that the surface opposite to the first surface, which does not include the photograph, is set. That is, it is presumed that the second image data 65 acquired in the second reading is the image data of the second surface that does not include the image of the facial photograph. The MFP 100 creates only one image 66 based on the second image data 65. For images that do not include facial photographs, there is little need for selection according to user preference. Therefore, there is little need to print images with different densities.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 100 arranges each of the plurality of images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data 61 adjacent to one image 66 based on the second image data 65. , Print on one sheet 50. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, the image 62 is arranged above the image 66, the image 63 is arranged to the left of the image 66, and the image 64 is arranged below the image 66, respectively, adjacent to the image 66. ..

Subsequently, the procedure of the copy process for realizing the operation of executing the copy on the MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The copy process is executed by the CPU 31 when the copy execution instruction is received via the operation panel 40 or the like.

In the copy process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the ID copy mode is selected (S101). If it is determined that the ID copy mode is not selected (S101: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the photo copy mode is selected (S102).

Then, when it is determined that the photo copy mode is not selected (S102: NO), the CPU 31 causes the image reading unit 20 to read the set document at the set resolution (S105). The CPU 31 creates one print data based on one image data acquired by reading (S106). Further, the CPU 31 prints an image on a designated sheet using the created print data (S107). S105 is an example of a reading process, and S106 is an example of a single creation process.

Further, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is the next manuscript (S109). When it is determined that the next document exists (S109: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S105 and executes reading and printing of the next document. If it is determined that there is no next document (S109: NO), the CPU 31 ends the copy process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ID copy mode is selected (S101: YES), the CPU 31 executes the ID copy process (S111). The ID copy process is a process for realizing the operation of the ID copy mode described above.

Next, the procedure of the ID copy process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the ID copy process, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a message for explaining the ID copy procedure (S201). Specifically, the message includes a wording that prompts the user to set the face of the ID card with the face photo and press the execute button. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the press of the execution button has been accepted (S202).

When it is determined that the press of the execute button is not accepted (S202: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the predetermined timeout time has elapsed (S203). If it is determined that the predetermined time-out time has not elapsed (S203: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S202 and accepts the press of the execute button or waits until the time-out occurs. If the press of another button is accepted before the press of the execute button is accepted, the ID copy mode is canceled and the processing of the other button for which the press is accepted is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the press of the execute button is accepted before the time-out occurs (S202: YES), the CPU 31 causes the image reading unit 20 to perform reading at the highest resolution (S205). S205 is an example of the reading process and is an example of the first reading. If the MFP 100 is a color-readable device, the S205 executes color reading. Then, the CPU 31 stores the first image data 61 (see FIG. 4) acquired by reading S205 in the RAM 33 (S206).

Next, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a message for explaining the continuation of the ID copy procedure (S208). Specifically, the message includes a wording that prompts the user to set the back side of the ID card and press the execute button. The message of S208 may be displayed at the same time in S201. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the press of the execution button has been accepted (S209).

When it is determined that the press of the execute button is not accepted (S209: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the predetermined timeout time has elapsed (S210). The time-out time may be the same time or different in S203 and S210. If it is determined that the predetermined time-out time has not elapsed (S210: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S209 and accepts the press of the execute button or waits until the time-out occurs.

If it is determined that the press of the execute button is accepted before the time-out occurs (S209: YES), the CPU 31 executes reading at a resolution lower than the maximum resolution, which is the reading resolution set in the image reading unit 20. (S212). Since the back side does not contain a photo, there is little need to read it at the highest resolution. S212 is an example of the reading process and is an example of the second reading.

Then, the CPU 31 stores the second image data 65 (see FIG. 4) acquired by reading S212 in the RAM 33 (S213). Further, the CPU 31 executes a print data creation process (S215). The print data creation process is a process of creating print data based on the read image data.

Next, the procedure of the print data creation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. In the print data creation process, the CPU 31 first reads out the first image data 61 saved in S206 of the ID copy process (S301).

The CPU 31 lowers the gradation of the read first image data 61 to create low-gradation image data (S302). Further, the CPU 31 executes a face recognition process for performing face recognition based on the created low-gradation image data (S303). The face recognition process is a process of estimating the area of the face image included in the image data. S303 is an example of face recognition processing. The face recognition algorithm is a known technique, and its description is omitted.

The MFP 100 may execute the face recognition process by hardware or software. That is, the MFP 100 may be provided with a dedicated substrate (hardware) for face recognition processing and perform face recognition processing by hardware. Further, the MFP 100 may store a face recognition processing program (software) in the ROM 32 or NVRAM 34 and perform the face recognition processing by the software.

In the face recognition process, the permission level recognized as a face may be lower than, for example, the permission level for face recognition visually by the user. That is, even an image that is difficult for the user to recognize as a face image may be judged as a face image by the face recognition process. In the MFP 100, since the face recognition process is executed using the image data whose gradation is lowered, the accuracy of the face recognition process is lowered. As a result, the result of the face recognition process tends to match the permission level of the face recognition visually by the user.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the face recognition by the face recognition process of S303 is successful (S305). Successful face recognition means that the area of the face image has been identified. In other words, if the face recognition is successful, the target image data includes an image area that can be judged as a face image, and it can be estimated that the face photograph was relatively clear. On the other hand, if the face recognition is not successful, it means that it could not be distinguished from the face image, and even if the face photograph is included, for example, the image is dark as a whole and the part of the face photograph is unclear. There is a high possibility that it has become.

When it is determined that the face recognition is successful (S305: YES), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 read in S301 into image data for printing (S307). For example, when monochrome printing is specified and color reading is executed, the CPU 31 converts the color image data into monochrome image data. Further, the CPU 31 reads out the second image data 65 saved in S213 of the ID copy process (S308).

Then, the CPU 31 creates print data including an image in which the image based on the first image data 61 and the image based on the second image data 65 are adjacent to each other (S309), and returns to the ID copy process. The image based on the first image data 61 is an image of the image data converted in S307, and the image based on the second image data 65 is an image of the image data read out in S308. That is, when the face recognition is successful, the CPU 31 prints one image based on the first image data 61 and one image based on the second image data 65 on one sheet. If face recognition is successful, it is highly likely that the print result will not be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, if face recognition is successful, it is less wasteful to not create multiple images.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the face recognition is not successful (S305: NO), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 read in S301 into image data for printing (S311). S311 is the same process as S307.

Then, the CPU 31 creates image data having a density different from that of the original first image data 61 based on the image data converted in S311 (S312). In S312, the CPU 31 creates one or more image data. As a result, a plurality of image data are created together with the first image data 61. S312 is an example of a plurality of creation processes. In S312, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 31 lowers the overall brightness of the image 63 of the image 63, which is higher than the image of the first image data 61, and lowers the overall brightness than the image of the first image data 61. Two types of image data, the image data of the image 64 and the image data of the image 64, are created.

Further, the CPU 31 reads out the second image data 65 saved in S213 of the ID copy process (S313). Then, the CPU 31 creates print data including an image in which each of the plurality of images based on the first image data 61 is adjacent to one image based on the second image data 65 (S315), and returns to the ID copy process. .. The plurality of images based on the first image data 61 are an image of the image data converted in S311 and an image of one or more image data created in S312. One image based on the second image data 65 is an image of the image data read out in S313.

That is, when face recognition fails, the CPU 31 creates a plurality of images based on the first image data 61, and for example, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of images is based on the second image data 65. Print on one sheet adjacent to the image. If face recognition fails, the print result may be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, when face recognition fails, the user can select a favorite image by creating a plurality of images.

In the ID copy process, the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to execute printing based on the created print data after the print data creation process of S215 (S217). S217 is an example of output processing. In the print data creation process, the CPU 31 creates print data in which an image based on the first image data and an image based on the second image data are included in one sheet. When printing is executed based on the print data created in S309 of the print data creation process, the front and back images of the ID card are printed one by one on one sheet. Further, when printing is executed based on the print data created in S315 of the print data creation process, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of images on the front side with a photo are arranged around the image on the back side. The sheet 50 printed in is output.

In the example of FIG. 4, each of the images 62, 63, and 64 based on the first image data is arranged adjacent to the image 66 based on the second image data. Therefore, as shown by the broken lines L1, L2, and L3 in FIG. 4, the user can cut out any of the images 62, 63, and 64 as one image connected to the image 66. As the layout of the output image, a plurality of images 62, 63, and 64 having different densities based on the first image data are adjacent to the image 66 based on the second image data, and printed on one sheet 50. There is little waste of sheets and the printed matter is easy to use.

After S217, or when it is determined that the time-out has occurred (S203: YES or S210: YES), the CPU 31 ends the ID copy process and returns to the copy process of FIG. Then, the CPU 31 ends the copy process. If the execute button is pressed again without changing the mode after the ID copy process is completed, the ID copy process may be executed again.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S102 of the copy process that the photo copy mode is selected (S102: YES), the CPU 31 executes the photo copy process (S112). The photo copy process is a process for realizing the operation of the photo copy mode described above.

Next, the procedure of the photo copy processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The photo copy process is a process in which only the process related to the first surface of the ID copy process is left and the process on the second surface is deleted. The same procedure as the ID copy process is designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the photo copy process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the press of the execute button has been accepted (S202). When it is determined that the press of the execute button is not accepted (S202: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the predetermined timeout time has elapsed (S203). When it is determined that the predetermined time-out time has not elapsed (S203: NO), the CPU 31 waits for the execution button to be pressed or the time-out.

When it is determined that the press of the execute button has been accepted (S202: YES), the CPU 31 executes reading at the highest resolution (S205). Then, the CPU 31 saves the acquired image data in the RAM 33 (S206). Further, the CPU 31 executes a print data creation process (S215).

The print data creation process is the same process as the process shown in FIG. If the print data creation process is executed during the photocopy process, the step of reading the second image data (S308 and S313) is skipped. That is, the CPU 31 executes the face recognition process on the image data of the read photograph, and creates one image data when the face recognition process succeeds and a plurality of image data when the face recognition process fails. Further, when a plurality of image data are created, the CPU 31 creates print data for printing them on one sheet.

Then, returning to the photocopy process of FIG. 8, after the print data creation process of S215, the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to execute printing based on the created print data (S217). After S217, or when it is determined that the time-out has occurred (S203: YES), the CPU 31 ends the photo copy process, returns to the copy process of FIG. 5, and ends the copy process.

As described in detail above, according to the first form of the MFP 100, when the original is read while the mode for copying the image including the photograph is set, one image acquired by the scanning is performed. Create multiple images with different densities based on the data. Further, the created plurality of images are printed on one sheet. By creating and outputting a plurality of images having different densities from the scanned original image, the user can select an image having a desired densities from the plurality of images. Therefore, there is a high possibility that an image having a density preferred by the user who has instructed to read the image will be output.

Subsequently, a second embodiment of the reading device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the second mode, in the same device as the MFP 100 of the first mode, the processing after creating a plurality of image data is different. The same configurations and procedures as those of the first form of the MFP 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The MFP 100 of the second form displays the created plurality of image data on the liquid crystal display 41 instead of printing the created image data on one sheet, and accepts the user's selection. Then, the MFP 100 prints the selected image. In the ID copy mode, the MFP 100 prints the selected image and the image on the back surface on one sheet. In the photocopy mode, the MFP 100 prints only the selected image on one sheet. Even in this way, the user can obtain a printed matter of an image having a desired density.

In the MFP 100 of the second form, the print data selection process is executed instead of the print data creation process (FIG. 7) executed in the copy process of the first form. The procedure of the print data selection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The print data selection process is obtained by adding some steps to the print data creation process of FIG. 7, and the same procedure as the print data creation process is designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the print data selection process of the second form, the CPU 31 first reads out the first image data 61 (S301). Then, the CPU 31 lowers the gradation of the read first image data 61 (S302) and executes the face recognition process (S303). Further, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the face recognition is successful (S305).

Then, when it is determined that the face recognition is successful in the face recognition process (S305: YES), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 into image data for printing (S307). Further, the second image data 65 is read out (S308), and print data including an image in which the image based on the first image data 61 and the image based on the second image data 65 are adjacent to each other is created (S309), and ID copy is performed. Return to processing or photo copy processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the face recognition is not successful in the face recognition process (S305: NO), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 into image data for printing (S311). Then, the CPU 31 creates image data having a density different from that of the original first image data 61 based on the converted image data (S312).

Then, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display an image based on the original first image data 61 and an image based on the image data created in S312 (S501). The CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display, for example, a plurality of image data and a screen for accepting selection input for selecting one of them, as shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, S501 is an example of output processing, and the liquid crystal display 41 is an example of output means.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the user has accepted the selection input (S502). When it is determined that the selection input by the user is not accepted (S502: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the predetermined timeout time has elapsed (S503). If it is determined that the predetermined time-out time has not elapsed (S503: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S502 and accepts the selection input or waits until the time-out occurs.

If it is determined that the selection input is accepted before the time-out occurs (S502: YES), the CPU 31 determines the selected image data as printing data based on the first image data 61 (S505). S505 is an example of the selection process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timeout has occurred without accepting the selection input (S503: YES), the CPU 31 determines the original image data whose density has not been changed as the data for printing based on the first image data 61. (S506).

Further, the CPU 31 reads out the second image data 65 (S313). Then, the CPU 31 prints including an image of data for printing based on the first image data 61 determined in S505 or S506 and an image based on the second image data 65 read in S313 adjacent to each other. Data is created (S315), and the process returns to ID copy processing or photo copy processing.

In the second form, it is not always necessary to print. That is, instead of S217 of the ID copy process or the photo copy process, the image data may be transmitted to an external device. For example, image data including the first image data determined in S505 or S506 and the second image data read in S313 may be created and transmitted to the destination device specified by the user.

As described in detail above, even with the MFP 100 of the second form, when the original is read with the mode for copying the image including the photograph set, one image data acquired by the reading is obtained. Create multiple images with different densities based on. Further, the created plurality of images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 41, and the user can select the images. By creating and displaying a plurality of images having different densities for the scanned original image, the user can select an image having a desired densities from the plurality of images. Therefore, even with the second form of the MFP 100, there is a high possibility that an image having a density preferred by the user who has instructed the reading is output. Further, in the second mode, since the user is made to select the image to be printed by the preview display, unnecessary images are not printed and the waste of the colorant is small.

It should be noted that each embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, as a matter of course, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the reading device is not limited to the MFP 100, and any device having an image reading function, such as a copier, a scanner, and a fax machine, can be applied.

Further, for example, a plurality of image data may be created based on the scanning result of a manuscript containing a photograph, and the number of images to be created is not limited to three. It may be 2 or 4 or more. Furthermore, the density to be changed is not limited to either brightness or contrast, but may be both. In the case of color copy, the color tone may be further changed.

Further, the arrangement of each image in the case of printing a plurality of images on one sheet is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, it may be arranged vertically or horizontally. Further, for example, in the ID copy, a plurality of images based on the second image data 65 may be printed. For example, a plurality of images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data 61 may be arranged vertically, and an image based on the second image data 65 may be arranged adjacent to each of the images 62, 63, 64 vertically. In that case, image data having different densities may be created for the image based on the second image data 65. Further, instead of printing each image on one sheet, a plurality of images may be printed on different sheets.

Further, when creating a plurality of images, the density is not limited to the method of changing the overall density, and the density may be partially changed. For example, the density of the part excluding the character area may be changed. For example, based on the first image data 61 shown in FIG. 4, the density of only the left half surface in the figure may be changed. In this way, the characters are not difficult to read as compared with the case where the density of the character area is also changed. However, if the density of the entire image is changed, the control is simpler than when the density is partially changed, and a natural image without boundaries of density difference can be created.

Further, for example, when face recognition is successful, the density of only the area recognized as a face may be changed when creating a plurality of images. In this way, compared to the case where the overall density is changed, there are many places where the original original image is output as it is, and more original natural images (images without density change) can be left.

Further, in each embodiment, when face recognition is successful, a plurality of images are not created, but regardless of the result of face recognition, a plurality of images are always created in the ID copy mode. good. In that case, it is not necessary to execute the face recognition process. Specifically, S302 to S309 of the print data creation process or the print data selection process may be deleted, and after S301, the process may proceed to S311. However, if face recognition is successful, there is a high possibility that the print result will not be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, it is less wasteful to execute face recognition processing and create multiple images only when face recognition fails.

Further, in each embodiment, in S305 of the print data creation process or the print data selection process, the failure of face recognition is set as a condition for creating a plurality of images, but the condition applied to S305 is face recognition. Not limited to failure. For example, a plurality of images may be created on condition that the overall density of the scanned images is greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the image density (average density) is high, the image will be dark as a whole, and the print result may be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, it is less wasteful to create multiple images when the image density is high.

Further, for example, when face recognition is successful, the average density of the area recognized as a face may be acquired, and the condition that the acquired average density is larger than a predetermined threshold value may be a condition for creating a plurality of images. .. If the density of the face area is large, the face area becomes a dark image, which may result in a print result that the user is dissatisfied with. Therefore, it is less wasteful to create multiple images when the density of the face area is large.

Further, the conditions for creating a plurality of images may include any one condition for each device, or each device may have a plurality of conditions. When a plurality of conditions are provided, the conditions to be used in each device may be selected in advance, or one or more of the conditions may be satisfied.

Further, for example, the reading order of double-sided reading in the ID copy mode may be the reverse order. That is, the back surface, which is the surface that does not include the photograph, may be read first. For example, the execution order of the ID copy processes S201 to S206 and S208 to S213 may be exchanged. The reading order may be specified by the user instead of being determined in advance, or may be determined based on the result of face recognition. In the user specification, the reading order may be specified before reading, or the side containing the photo may be specified after reading one or both sides. In face recognition, face recognition may be performed on the read image, and the surface determined to include the face photograph may be determined to be the surface containing the photograph.

In addition, although it was stated that the gradation of the image data was lowered before the face recognition processing, it is not necessary to lower the gradation. Further, for example, the degree of reducing the gradation may be determined according to the characteristics of the face recognition process to be used.

In addition, the reading resolution when scanning a document containing a photograph is not limited to the maximum resolution. Any predetermined resolution suitable for reading a photograph may be used. Further, even if the device can read in color, if monochrome printing is specified, it is not necessary to read in color. If the set resolution is the highest resolution, the back side should be read at the highest resolution.

Further, the output method of the created plurality of images is not limited to printing by the image forming unit 10 (first form) and display by the liquid crystal display 41 (second form), and may be transmitted to an external device. For example, the MFP 100 may transmit a plurality of created images to a PC or the like, receive a selection instruction from the PC or the like, and print the selected images.

Further, the processing disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. In addition, the processing disclosed in each embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method in which a program for executing the processing is recorded.

10 Image forming unit 20 Image reading unit 31 CPU
40 Operation panel 41 Liquid crystal display 100 MFP

Claims (9)

Reading means to read the document and
A reception means that accepts user input and
A printing means that prints based on print data,
Control means and
With
The control means
The receptionist receives the instruction of the ID copy mode in which both sides of a document having image data including a face photograph on one side of the document and image data not including a face photograph on the other side are read and printed on one sheet. Reception processing accepted through means and
A scanning process that causes the scanning means to scan both sides of the document,
When it is determined that the ID copy mode instruction has been received in the reception process, a plurality of image data having at least different densities and a plurality of image data having at least different densities based on the first image data which is the image data of the one side read by the reading process. A creation process for creating print data including one image data based on the second image data which is the image data of the other surface, and
A printing process in which a printing means prints on one side of one sheet based on the printing data created by the creation process, and a printing process.
A printing device that runs. The control means creates image data having the same density as the first image data and image data having a density different from that of the first image data based on the first image in the creation process. The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means creates image data with increased brightness and image data with decreased brightness based on the first image data in the creation process. Wherein, in the creation process, an image of the plurality of image data based on the first image data is arranged adjacent to the image of the one of the image data based on the second image data, wherein The printing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3. When the control means determines that the ID copy mode instruction has been received in the reception process, the control means executes a face recognition process for performing face recognition based on the reading result in the reading process.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the creation process, when face recognition fails in the face recognition process, the plurality of images are created. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein in the face recognition process, the control means performs face recognition based on an image whose gradation is lowered from the image of the reading result in the reading process. When the density of the first image data is larger than the threshold value, the control means creates a plurality of image data having different densities based on the first image data in the creation process.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means reads the other side with a higher resolution than when the other side is read in the reading process. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means creates a plurality of images having different densities of the entire first image data in the creation process.

Images