Image forming system, identification information printing method, storage medium and computer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming system, an identification information printing method, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer device. The image forming system includes: a print image generation unit that generates print image data for printing a first image on a conveyed medium; and a print control unit that controls printing on the conveyed medium based on the generated print image data. The print image generation unit determines the position of printing a second image in a first area serving as a cropping area within the print area of ​​the first image based on the position of a cropping mark, and generates print image data containing the second image, the second image including identification information that can identify each page of the conveyed medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an identification information printing method, a storage medium and a computer device. Background Art

[0002] A technique for detecting image defects by reading an image printed by an image forming apparatus has been developed. In addition, a known technique is to assign identification information to each page of a printed product and print the original image of each page with the identification information attached thereto in order to easily identify the location of the defective page.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for printing identification information such as characters in an area of ​​a printed material that is not used as a product.

[0004] In previous technologies, since the position of the additional identification information could not be changed, the identification information was added to the printed material at a position where it should not be added, or the identification information disappeared. In addition, if the identification information was added close to the end of the paper in order to add it to the cut area, the printing position of the identification information overlapped with the blank area of ​​the paper, resulting in the loss of identification information. Therefore, there was a problem of not being able to print the identification information properly.

[0005] An object of the technology disclosed herein is to more reliably print identification information on a conveyance medium.

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-133741 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technology disclosed herein is an image forming system, comprising: a print image generation unit that generates print image data for printing a first image on a conveying medium, and a print control unit that controls printing on the conveying medium based on the generated print image data. The print image generation unit determines the position of printing a second image in a first area serving as a cutting area within the printing area of ​​the first image based on the position of a cutting mark, and generates print image data containing the second image, wherein the second image contains identification information that can identify each page of the conveying medium.

[0009] Identification information can be printed more reliably on the transport medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image forming system.

[0011] Figure 2 The figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a printer.

[0012] Figure 3 The figure shows an example of the functional structure of a printer.

[0013] Figure 4 Shown is a diagram for explaining a blank area.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a first diagram for explaining a method for determining a printing position of an identification number image.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining a method for determining a printing position of an identification number image.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of calculating the printing position of an identification number image.

[0017] Figure 8 The figure is a flowchart example of the flow of the identification number image print position determination process.

[0018] Figure 9 The following is an example of the setting screen.

[0019] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of searching for a cutting mark.

[0020] Figure 11 The figure shows an example of a flow chart of the flow of the identification number display determination process.

[0021] Figure 12 The following is an example of an error screen.

[0022] The symbols in the figure are explained as follows:

[0023] 1: Image forming system

[0024] 10: Printer

[0025] 20: Inspection device

[0026] 30:DFE

[0027] 40: Stacker

[0028] 1001: System Control Unit

[0029] 1002: Display control unit

[0030] 1003: Network I / F control unit

[0031] 1004: External I / F control unit

[0032] 1005: Storage

[0033] 1006: Organization Control Department

[0034] 1007: Print job receiving unit

[0035] 1008: Image processing control unit

[0036] 1009: Printing Control Unit

[0037] 1011: Operation Information Processing Department

[0038] 1012: RIP processing unit

[0039] 1013: Operation information generation unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image forming system.

[0042] The image forming system 1 includes a printer 10, an inspection device 20, a DFE 30, and a stacker 40. These devices are connected to each other in a communicable manner via a communication line, a communication network, or the like.

[0043] The printer 10 receives print job data including a user image from an external device such as the DFE 30. The printer 10 then executes printing in response to an execution instruction based on the received print job data or a user operation on the operation panel 117 of the printer 10.

[0044] The printer 10 has a configuration in which photosensitive drums 112Y, 112M, 112C, and 112K of respective colors are arranged along a conveyor belt 111 as an endless moving mechanism.

[0045] Specifically, the printer 10 includes photosensitive drums 112Y, 112M, 112C, and 112K arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of a conveyor belt 111. The conveyor belt 111 is an intermediate transfer belt that forms an intermediate transfer image to be transferred to paper fed from a paper feed tray 113 along the conveyor belt 111.

[0046] The printer 10 transfers the toner images of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) developed by toner on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums onto a conveyor belt 111, overlapping each other to form a full-color image. Then, at a position closest to the paper's conveyance path, indicated by the dotted line in the figure, the printer 10 uses the transfer roller 114 to transfer the full-color image formed on the conveyor belt 111 onto the surface of a sheet of paper being conveyed along the conveyance path.

[0047] The printer 10 further conveys the paper with the image formed on its surface, and after the image is fixed by the fixing roller 115, the paper is conveyed to the reading device 131. The reading device 131 reads the paper conveyed by the fixing roller 115 and generates read image data. The reading device 131 can capture both the image after the toner is fixed by the fixing roller 115 and the image after being transferred by the transfer roller 114 but before entering the fixing roller 115.

[0048] In the case of single-sided printing, the printer 10 directly discharges the paper read by the reader 131 to the stacker 40. In the case of double-sided printing, the printer 10 reverses the paper read by the reader 131 through the reversing path 116 and then conveys it to the transfer position of the transfer roller 114 again.

[0049] Next, the printer 10 transfers the toner image to the opposite side of the single-sided printed paper and fixes it. Then, the reader 131 reads the printed side. Then, the printer 10 ejects the double-sided printed paper to the stacker 40.

[0050] The stacker 40 stacks and stores the sheets discharged from the printer 10 in the tray 141 .

[0051] The inspection device 20 inspects printed paper output by the printer 10. Specifically, the inspection device 20 generates a master image based on the RIP image received from the printer 10 and compares the master image with the image read by the reader 131 to detect defects. The operation panel 117 receives and displays information indicating the inspection results from the inspection device 20. Raster image processor (RIP) images are, for example, CMYK images with 8 bits per color and 600 dpi. Read images are, for example, RGB images with 8 bits per color and 200 dpi.

[0052] The DFE 30 receives and manages print job data from a user's terminal or the like. Print job data includes print job information indicating attributes such as the number of copies, number of pages, whether it is double-sided or single-sided, and paper type, as well as image data. The DFE 30 adds the received print job data to a storage unit as a waiting queue. The DFE 30 then extracts the print job data from the waiting queue in the order in which it was added or in accordance with an appropriately set priority, and transmits it to the printer 10.

[0053] Figure 2 The figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a printer.

[0054] The printer 10 includes a controller 1110 , a near field communication circuit 1120 , an engine control section 1130 , an operation panel 117 , and a network I / F 1150 .

[0055] Among them, the controller 1110 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1101 as the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 1102, a north bridge (NB) 1103, a south bridge (SB) 1104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 1106, a local memory (MEM-C) 1107 as a storage unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 1108, and HD1109 as a storage unit.

[0056] In addition, the NB 1103 and the ASIC 1106 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 1121 .

[0057] The CPU 1101 is a control unit that performs overall control of the printer 10. The NB 1103 is a bridge that connects the CPU 1101 with the MEM-P 1102, SB 1104, and AGP bus 1121. It includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 1102, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) host, and an AGP target.

[0058] MEM-P 1102 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) 1102a, which serves as storage for programs and data that implement the various functions of controller 1110, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1102b, which is used for, for example, developing programs and data and drawing data during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM 1111b may be provided as files in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, FD, CD-R, or DVD.

[0059] The SB 1104 is a bridge connecting the NB 1103 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 1106 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing that includes hardware elements for image processing. It acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 1121, PCI bus 1122, HDD controller 1108, and MEM-C 1107.

[0060] ASIC 1106 includes a PCI target and AGP host, an arbiter (ARB) serving as the core of ASIC 206, a memory controller that controls MEM-C 1107, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation and other functions through hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 1131 and the printer unit 1132 via the PCI bus 1122. ASIC 1106 can also be connected via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) interface.

[0061] The MEM-C 1107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD 1109 is a memory used to store image data, font data used for printing, and formats. The CPU 1101 controls the reading and writing of data to and from the HD 1109.

[0062] The AGP bus 1121 is a bus interface used by a graphics accelerator card, which is proposed to increase the speed of graphics processing. The AGP bus 1121 can directly access the MEM-P 1102 at a high throughput, thereby enabling the graphics accelerator card to operate at a high speed.

[0063] The near field communication circuit 1120 also includes a near field communication antenna 1120a. The near field communication circuit 1120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0064] Furthermore, the engine control unit 1130 is composed of a scanner unit 1131 and a printer unit 1132. Furthermore, the operation panel 117 includes a panel display unit 117a such as a touch panel that displays current settings and selection screens and receives input from the user, and a hard key 117b such as a numeric keypad that receives settings for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that receives a command to start copying.

[0065] The controller 1110 controls the overall printer 10, for example, controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 117. The scanner unit 1131 reads an image formed on a conveying medium such as paper and generates image data. The printer unit 1132 also includes a transfer mechanism for transferring an image using color materials such as a toner image onto a conveying medium such as paper, a fixing mechanism for fixing the image, and a heating mechanism or drying mechanism, and forms an image on the paper. Furthermore, the scanner unit 1131 and the printer unit 1132 perform image processing such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0066] The paper is an example of a transport medium, and the transport medium may be a sheet material such as a film or plastic, as long as it is placed in the paper feed tray provided in the printer 10 and transported and output according to the output instruction of the backing paper.

[0067] The network I / F 1150 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The near field communication circuit 1120 and the network I / F 1150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 1106 via the PCI bus 1122 .

[0068] In addition, Figure 2 , an example is shown in which the printer 10 includes an electrophotographic image forming mechanism, but the printer 10 may include another image forming mechanism such as an inkjet image forming mechanism.

[0069] Figure 3 The figure shows an example of the functional structure of a printer.

[0070] The printer 10 includes a system control unit 1001, a display control unit 1002, a network I / F control unit 1003, an external I / F control unit 1004, a storage unit 1005, a mechanism control unit 1006, a print job receiving unit 1007, an image processing control unit 1008, and a print control unit 1009. These functions are implemented by the CPU 1101 or the ASIC 1106 executing processing specified by a program stored in the MEM-P 1102 or the MEM-C 1107.

[0071] The system control unit 1001 controls the entire printer 10. The system control unit 1001 includes a job information processing unit 1011, a RIP processing unit 1012, and a job information generating unit 1013.

[0072] The job information processing unit 1011 processes the job information contained in the print job data sent from the DFE 30. The unit adds an identification number to the job information, identifying the transport medium, such as paper. The identification number can be, for example, a sequential number incremented by 1 each time paper is fed, or a number that includes the job ID, copy number, and page number. Alternatively, the identification number can be made identical to the page number of each print job, as long as the user can be informed of the print job to which it is associated.

[0073] The identification number is an example of identification information used to identify the conveyed medium. The identification information can be in any format, such as a numerical value, text, a barcode, a QR code, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in the case of duplex printing, the identification information can also include information indicating the front or back side, or a different number can be assigned to each page to distinguish between the front and back sides.

[0074] The RIP processing unit 1012 performs predetermined color conversion processing on CMYK values ​​or RGB values ​​of image data included in the print job data using a RIP engine or the like, thereby generating print image data in a CMYK format suitable for printing.

[0075] The RIP processing unit 1012 generates print image data for printing the user image (hereinafter also referred to as the first image) included in the print job data on paper. Furthermore, the RIP processing unit 1012 acquires a setting value for adding an identification number image, and performs processing for adding an identification number if the setting value is ON for a print job that assumes cutting.

[0076] That is, the RIP processing unit 1012 obtains the identification number from the job information processing unit 1011, generates an image representing the identification number (hereinafter referred to as the identification number image, also referred to as the second image), and generates print image data including the generated identification number image and the user image.

[0077] Here, when a print job is executed with cutting as a prerequisite, the RIP processing unit 1012 generates print image data, which includes the identification number image in the area to be cut (hereinafter referred to as the cutting area, also referred to as the first area) and the user image in the area outside the cutting area (hereinafter referred to as the non-cutting area, also referred to as the second area). The specific processing performed by the RIP processing unit 1012 will be described in detail later. The RIP processing unit 1012 is an example of a print image generation unit that generates a print image.

[0078] Furthermore, particularly in electrophotographic printing, when transferring a printed image to a conveying medium such as paper near the front end in the conveying direction, there is a high probability of peeling failure when the paper is peeled off from the fixing device that fixes the colorant to the conveying medium after transfer. Therefore, there is a known technique for providing a blank area of ​​appropriate size at the front end of the paper. The blank area is a pre-defined area designated as a non-printable area, depending on the type of paper.

[0079] The job information generating unit 1013 generates special job information based on information acquired from the inspection device 20. For example, when a defect occurs, the job information generating unit 1013 may receive information printed on inserting paper from the inspection device 20 and generate job information for printing on the inserting paper.

[0080] The display control unit 1002 controls the display of various information, including job information, on the operation panel 117. The network I / F control unit 1003 controls the network I / F 1150 and controls the connection to the communication network. The external I / F control unit 1004 controls the connection with other devices when connected. The storage unit 1005 stores various information, including job information.

[0081] The mechanism control unit 1006 controls the operation of the printer 10's mechanisms, including the printer unit 1132, such as paper transport and transfer processing. The print job receiving unit 1007 receives print job data from the DFE 30 and other devices. The image processing control unit 1008 processes the print image transferred by the mechanism control unit 1006. The print control unit 1009 controls image formation on the conveyed medium. The mechanism control unit 1006, image processing control unit 1008, and print control unit 1009 work together to function as a print control unit that forms an image on the conveyed medium.

[0082] Figure 4 Shown are diagrams for explaining blank areas and cropped areas.

[0083] A blank area 401 along an edge 403 of paper 400 is pre-set as a non-printing area for each paper type. Furthermore, the area outside blank area 401 on paper 400 is a user image area 402. The user image specified in the print job data is printed in user image area 402 on paper 400.

[0084] In addition, blank area 401 is an area that converges to a certain length from the end of the paper. The following description assumes that the identification number image is printed in blank areas 401 at the top, bottom, right, and left ends of paper 400. Alternatively, the identification number image may be printed on any one, two, or three of the top, bottom, right, or left ends of paper 400. For example, blank area 401 at the top of paper 400 is an area that converges to a certain length from the top of the paper.

[0085] When cropping is performed, the user image may include a cropping mark 404. If the user image includes a cropping mark 404, the position of a cropping line 406 is determined based on its shape, and the area outside of the cropping line 406 is the cropping area. The uncropped area within the user image region 402 is the non-cropping area. The cropping line 406 indicates the boundary between the cropping area and the non-cropping area.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a first diagram for explaining a method for determining a printing position of an identification number image.

[0087] The RIP processing unit 1012 determines the printing position of the identification number image as the cropping area near the cropping mark 404. Specifically, the RIP processing unit 1012 determines the position of the cropping area in the user image area 402 that is closest to the non-cropping area as the printing position of the identification number image. Figure 5 In the example, the position closest to the non-cropping area is the position in the cropping area that is in contact with the cropping line 406. Furthermore, the RIP processing unit 1012 may set the printing position of the identification number image to a position where the distance between the printing position and the cropping line 406 is a predetermined offset value, or may set the printing position to a position where the distance is smaller than the offset value.

[0088] Alternatively, the user may specify the print position of the identification number image. In this case, the RIP processing unit 1012 may determine the user-specified position as the print position of the identification number image regardless of the presence or position of the crop mark.

[0089] Furthermore, the RIP processing unit 1012 generates an identification number image for each page and appends it to the printed image. The identification number image consists of an identification number portion and a blank portion, with the blank portion being white. Alternatively, the blank portion may be transparent (the user image remains unchanged) rather than white. Furthermore, the identification number image does not contain any black or other borders.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a second diagram for explaining a method for determining the printing position of the identification number image.

[0091] like Figure 6As shown, if the cropping area is narrow, the identification number image may not fit within the cropping area. In this case, the identification number image is printed at the location closest to the non-cropping area between the cropping area and the blank area 401. This prevents the identification number image from being completely lost.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining an example of calculating the printing position of the identification number image.

[0093] The coordinates of the two L-shaped corner points of the upper left cropping mark 404 are set to (ax0, ay0) and (ax1, ay1), respectively. Similarly, the coordinates of the upper right cropping mark 404 are set to (bx0, by0) and (bx1, by1), the coordinates of the lower left cropping mark 404 are set to (cx0, cy0) and (cx1, cy1), and the coordinates of the lower right cropping mark 404 are set to (dx0, dy0) and (dx1, dy1).

[0094] Furthermore, the horizontal and vertical lengths of the identification number image are L1 and L2, respectively. L1 and L2 can be common to each identification number or set individually. Next, the coordinates of the four corners of identification number image 405a are (px0, py0), (px1, py1), (px2, py2), and (px3, py3). Similarly, the coordinates of the four corners of identification number images 405b, 405c, and 405d are (qx0, qy0), (qx1, qy1), (qx2, qy2), (qx3, qy3), (rx0, ry0), (rx1, ry1), (rx2, ry2), (rx3, ry3), (sx0, sy0), (sx1, sy1), (sx2, sy2), and (sx3, sy3), respectively.

[0095] The RIP processing unit 1012 calculates the coordinates (px0, py0) when the identification number image 405a is arranged at the center between the upper left and upper right cropping marks 404, as shown in Equations 1 and 2, for example.

[0096] px0=(ax0+bx0+L1)÷2+αpx (αpx is a real number)…Equation 1

[0097] py0=ay0+αpy (αpy is a real number less than 0) ... Formula 2

[0098] Similarly, the RIP processing unit 1012 calculates the coordinates (qx0, qy0), (rx0, ry0), and (sx0, sy0) of the identification number images 405b, 405c, and 405d as shown in Expressions 3 to 8.

[0099] qx0=bx1+αqx (αqx is a real number less than 0) ... Formula 3

[0100] qy0=(by1+dy1+L1)÷2+αqy (αqy is a real number)…Equation 4

[0101] rx0=(cx0+dx0+L1)÷2+αrx (αrx is a real number) ... Equation 5

[0102] ry0=cy0+αry (αry is a real number less than 0) ... Formula 6

[0103] sx0=ax1+αsx (αsx is a real number less than 0) ... Formula 7

[0104] sy0=(ay1+cy1+L1)÷2+αsy (αsy is a real number)…Equation 8

[0105] Furthermore, each of Equations 1 to 8 is an example. For example, Equation 1 may be within the range of ax0 to (bx0 - L1), and may be fixed or derived as needed. The same applies to each of Equations 3 to 8. Furthermore, Equation 1 and Equation 5, or Equation 4 and Equation 8, may also be used in common.

[0106] Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. When the printer 10 acquires print job data from the DFE 30 and starts executing the print job, an identification number image print position determination process is executed.

[0107] Figure 8 The figure is a flowchart example of the flow of the identification number image print position determination process.

[0108] The following processing is performed for each page included in the print job data. The inspection device 20 generates primary image data based on the RIP image data (step S101). Next, the RIP processing unit 1012 obtains the identification number image addition setting (step S102) and determines whether the setting is to print the identification number image (step S103). If the setting is to print the identification number image (step S103: Yes), it is determined whether the print job is based on cutting (step S104).

[0109] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the setting is not to print the identification number image (step S103: No) or determines that the job is not a print job premised on cutting (step S104: No), it ends the identification number image print position determination process.

[0110] If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the print job is based on cutting (step S104: Yes), it determines whether the user has set the print position of the identification number image (step S105). If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the user has set the print position of the identification number image (step S105: Yes), it stores the print coordinates of the identification number image set by the user (step S112).

[0111] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the user has not set the printing position of the identification number image (step S105: No), it determines whether the printing position of the identification number image is determined from the added crop mark (step S106).

[0112] Here, the printer 10 predetermines whether it is assumed that the cutting mark is previously added to the user's image or that the printer 10 adds the cutting mark.

[0113] Therefore, in the process of step S106, if a crop mark is previously added to the user image, the RIP processing unit 1012 determines not to determine the print position of the identification number image based on the added crop mark (step S106: No).

[0114] In the process of step S106, if the printer 10 adds a crop mark, the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the print position of the identification number image is determined based on the added crop mark (step S106: Yes).

[0115] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the print position of the identification number image is not determined from the added crop mark (step S106: No), it stores the print coordinates of the identification number image obtained from the added crop mark (step S111).

[0116] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the print position of the identification number image is determined by the attached crop mark (step S106: Yes), it searches for the crop mark in the user image area (step S107). The method of searching for the crop mark will be described later.

[0117] The RIP processing unit 1012 determines whether there is a crop mark in the user image of each page (step S108). If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that there is no crop mark in the user image of each page (step S108: No), the identification number image print position determination process ends.

[0118] If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that a crop mark exists in the user image for each page (step S108: Yes), it calculates the coordinates of each mark and the printing coordinates of the identification number image (step S109). Then, the RIP processing unit 1012 stores the coordinates of each mark and the printing coordinates of the identification number image for each page (step S110).

[0119] The RIP processing unit 1012 generates a print image including the identification number image at the position of the stored print coordinates.

[0120] Next, the setting of the function of adding an identification number image (hereinafter referred to as the identification number image adding function) by the RIP processing unit 1012 will be described.

[0121] Figure 9 The following is an example of the setting screen.

[0122] The setting screen 301 is a screen displayed by the operation panel 117 under the control of the display control unit 1002. The setting screen 301 includes a check box 302.

[0123] The check box 302 is a graphical user interface (GUI) for accepting a selection of whether to utilize the identification number image adding function.

[0124] The printer 10 stores the contents selected on the setting screen 301 as setting values ​​in the storage unit 1005 or the like. For example, the storage unit 1005 stores information indicating that the setting value for adding an identification number image is set to ON (valid) when the checkbox 302 is checked, and that the setting value for adding an identification number image is set to OFF (invalid) when the checkbox 302 is unchecked.

[0125] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of searching for a cropping mark.

[0126] In the above Figure 8 In step S107 of the identification number image print position determination process shown in FIG, the RIP processing unit 1012 searches for a crop mark from the user image area. Here, the RIP processing unit 1012 searches for a crop mark from the main image data generated in the process of step S101. The crop mark is, for example, Figure 10 Trim marks 412 are shown.

[0127] Specifically, the RIP processing unit 1012 detects feature points (feature points Pf) by performing corner point detection in an area (a certain area At) of a certain length from the upper left end of the paper. A corner point is an area where a large change in pixel value is observed in all directions. As a method for corner point detection, the RIP processing unit 1012 uses, for example, the Harris operator. In addition, since cutting marks are generally printed at the ends of the paper, the feature points closest to the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right ends of the paper are selected from the feature points detected by the corner point detection. Then, when the RIP processing unit 1012 detects the feature points Pf at the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right ends of the paper, it determines in step S108 that a cutting mark exists.

[0128] Next, the process of determining whether or not to display an identification number when the printer 10 displays information about a defect detected by the inspection device 20 will be described.

[0129] Figure 11 The figure shows an example of a flow chart of the process of identification number display determination processing.

[0130] The job information processing unit 1011 acquires information indicating the status of the addition of the identification number image (step S201). The information indicating the status of the addition of the identification number image is obtained from the above Figure 8 The information stored in the storage unit 1005 or the like in step S110, step S111, or step S112 of the identification number image print position determination process shown.

[0131] The job information processing unit 1011 determines whether an identification number image has been attached to the user image based on information indicating the attachment status of the identification number image (step S202). If the job information processing unit 1011 determines that an identification number image has been attached (step S202: Yes), it displays the identification number (step S203).

[0132] In addition, the printer 10 may also send information indicating the addition status of the identification number image to the inspection device 20. In this case, the inspection device 20 may also perform a Figure 11 The identification number shown shows the determination process.

[0133] Figure 12 The following is an example of an error screen.

[0134] The inspection device 20 may also instruct the printer 10 to stop printing when a defect is detected. In this case, when the display control unit 1002 of the printer 10 receives the instruction to stop printing based on the defect detection from the inspection device 20, it temporarily stops the print job and displays the error message on the operation panel 117. Figure 12The error screen 920 shown in FIG. The error screen 920 displays buttons such as the continue and stop buttons for printing, the job ID, number of copies, and number of pages where the error was detected, and also includes a display 921 of an identification number for identifying the page. In the display 921, when executing the above Figure 8 In the case of the processing of step S110, step S111 or step S112 of the identification number image print position determination processing shown, a value is displayed. If none of step S110, step S111 or step S112 is executed, "-" or the like indicating no identification number is displayed.

[0135] The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment determines the position of printing the second image containing identification information that identifies each page of the conveyed medium based on the position of the crop mark, and generates print image data containing the second image. This allows identification information to be printed more reliably on the conveyed medium.

[0136] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may determine, within the first area, a location whose distance from a cutoff line, representing the boundary between the printed area of ​​the first image and the uncut second area, as the location for printing the second image. This prevents loss of the identification number image and allows identification information to be printed at a more reliable location within the cutoff area of ​​the conveyed medium.

[0137] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may determine the position in the first area that contacts the cutting line as the position for printing the second image. This allows the identification information to be printed at the most reliable position in the cutting area of ​​the transported medium.

[0138] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may search for a crop mark in the first image and determine the printing position of the second image based on the position of the crop mark found. This eliminates the user's burden of setting the printing position of the identification number image.

[0139] Furthermore, the image forming system 1 can determine the position for printing the second image based on the predetermined position of the crop mark. This eliminates the user's burden of setting the print position of the identification number image even when the user image does not include a crop mark image.

[0140] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may determine the printing position set by the user as the position for printing the second image. This allows the user to specify the printing position of the identification number image.

[0141] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may determine any one or more positions of the first area of ​​the four sides of the conveying medium of the second image as the position for printing the second image, thereby facilitating recognition of the identification number image by the user.

[0142] Alternatively, the image forming system 1 may determine whether to include the second image in the generated print image data based on a setting indicating whether to print the second image. This allows the identification number image to be assigned only to print jobs specified by the user, thereby preventing the problem of always including the identification number image in the printed product.

[0143] Furthermore, the image forming system 1 can determine whether to include the second image in the generated print image data based on whether the job for printing the first image is a print job that is predicated on cutting. This allows the identification number image to be assigned only to print jobs that have been cut, thus preventing the problem of the identification number image being constantly attached to printed output, even if the user does not set it every time.

[0144] Furthermore, the image forming system 1 determines whether a mark exists based on the horizontal or vertical positions of each feature point detected at the four corners, thereby being able to more accurately capture and detect the features of the cut mark or trim mark.

[0145] While the general format of the mark that the user sets on the printed image is fixed, the mark position may vary depending on the size of the printed paper. Therefore, by allowing the user to specify an area corresponding to the mark position in the read image, more accurate mark detection can be achieved.

[0146] In the above embodiments, the DFE 30 , inspection device 20 , and printer 10 are configured to share the disclosed processing steps in various combinations. Furthermore, the components of the DFE 30 , inspection device 20 , and printer 10 may be integrated into a single device or divided into multiple devices.

[0147] In one embodiment, DFE 30 or inspection device 20 may be configured as an information processing system comprising multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. These multiple computing devices communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network and shared memory, to implement the processes disclosed herein.

[0148] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor assembled from electronic circuits, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or conventional circuit modules designed to execute the above-mentioned functions.

[0149] Although the present invention has been described above based on the various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These can be changed within the scope of not destroying the gist of the present invention and are appropriately determined according to the application mode.

Claims

1. An image forming system, characterized in that include: a print image generating unit for generating print image data for printing a first image on a conveying medium, and A print control unit controls printing on the conveyed medium based on the generated print image data. The print image generating unit determines a position for printing a second image in a first area serving as a cropping area within the print area of ​​the first image based on the position of the cropping mark, and generates print image data including the second image, wherein the second image includes identification information capable of identifying each page of the conveyed medium. In the first area, a position where the distance from the cutting line is less than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image, and the cutting line represents the boundary between the uncut area in the printing area of ​​the first image, namely the second area. In the case where the second image spans the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, a position in the first area and the blank area that is connected to the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein : The print image generating unit searches for the crop mark in the first image and determines a position for printing the second image based on the searched position of the crop mark.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein : The print image generating unit determines a position for printing the second image based on a predetermined position of the cutting mark.

4. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that : The print image generating unit determines any one or more positions of the first area on four sides of the conveying medium of the second image as positions for printing the second image.

5. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that : The print image generation unit determines whether the second image is included in the generated print image data based on a setting value indicating whether the second image is to be printed.

6. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that : The print image generation unit determines whether the second image is included in the generated print image data based on whether the job for printing the first image is a print job premised on cutting.

7. A computer-implemented method for printing identification information, characterized in that include: generating print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium, and a step of controlling printing on the conveying medium based on the generated print image data; In the step of generating the print image data, a position for printing the second image in a first area serving as a cropping area within the print area of ​​the first image is determined based on the position of the cropping mark, and print image data including the second image is generated, wherein the second image includes identification information capable of identifying each page of the conveyed medium. In the first area, a position where the distance from the cutting line is less than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image, and the cutting line represents the boundary between the uncut area in the printing area of ​​the first image, namely the second area. In the case where the second image spans the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, a position in the first area and the blank area that is connected to the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image.

8. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a program for causing the computer to perform the following steps: generating print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium, and a step of controlling printing on the conveying medium based on the generated print image data; In the step of generating the print image data, a position for printing the second image in a first area serving as a cropping area within the print area of ​​the first image is determined based on the position of the cropping mark, and print image data including the second image is generated, wherein the second image includes identification information capable of identifying each page of the conveyed medium. In the first area, a position where the distance from the cutting line is less than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image, and the cutting line represents the boundary between the uncut area in the printing area of ​​the first image, namely the second area. In the case where the second image spans the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, a position in the first area and the blank area that is connected to the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image.

9. A computer device comprising a processor and a storage device for storing a program, wherein: By executing the program through the processor, the computer device has the following functions: a print image generating unit for generating print image data for printing a first image on a conveying medium, and A print control unit controls printing on the conveyed medium based on the generated print image data. The print image generating unit determines a position for printing a second image in a first area serving as a cropping area within the print area of ​​the first image based on the position of the cropping mark, and generates print image data including the second image, wherein the second image includes identification information capable of identifying each page of the conveyed medium. In the first area, a position where the distance from the cutting line is less than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image, and the cutting line represents the boundary between the uncut area in the printing area of ​​the first image, namely the second area. In the case where the second image spans the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, a position in the first area and the blank area that is connected to the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image.

Images