Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a storage medium. According to the present invention, the usability in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images of a specific original is improved. The image forming apparatus includes: a setting means for setting a layout method applied in a case where a combined image is generated, the combined image being obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning a specific original; a detection means for detecting the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass for scanning; and a notification means for notifying a warning message in a case where the position of the specific original detected by the detection means is different from the position of the specific original according to the layout method set by the setting means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus has an ID card copy function that generates a combined image obtained by integrating scanned images of two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back of a specific original (such as an ID card including a license plate). Regarding this ID card copy function, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-100102 (PTL 1) discloses a technique in which predetermined image processing is performed on a scanned image of an original surface obtained by scanning the original surface of the specific original, depending on the type and surface of the original.

[0003] However, with the technology disclosed in PTL 1, when executing the above-mentioned ID card copy function, if the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass for scanning is different from the preset position, there is a possibility that the desired output result cannot be obtained.

[0004] For example, suppose that in the ID card copy function described above, an area corresponding to the size of a license plate (with the origin located at the upper left of the platen glass) is set as the reading area for a specific original. With this setting, if the position of the license plate placed on the platen glass is outside the reading area, an image containing a scanned image excluding the license plate may be formed on only one surface of the single sheet.

[0005] Furthermore, if the license plate placed on the platen glass is positioned so as to straddle both the inside and outside of the reading area, only a scanned image of a portion of the entire surface of the license plate within the reading area can be formed. Furthermore, since it is impossible to determine the quality of the output result without viewing the output result, if the license plate cannot be properly read, the operation must be restarted from the beginning, and the user's operation is cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an image forming device includes: a setting unit configured to set a layout method applied when generating a combined image, the combined image being obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning a specific original; a detection unit configured to detect a position of a specific original placed on a platen glass for scanning; and a notification unit configured to notify a warning message when the position of the specific original detected by the detection unit is different from the position of the specific original according to the layout method set by the setting unit.

[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus;

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an image forming apparatus;

[0010] Figure 3 It shows Figure 3A and Figure 3B A diagram of the relationship between

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function;

[0012] Figures 4A to 4G is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen;

[0013] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process of setting an inspection range;

[0014] Figure 6 It shows Figure 6A and Figure 6B A diagram of the relationship between

[0015] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function;

[0016] Figure 7 It shows Figure 7A and Figure 7B A diagram of the relationship between

[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function; and

[0018] Figures 8A to 8D A diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following describes embodiments of the technology disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the constituent elements described in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed herein. Note that each step in the flowchart is described with an "S" provided at the beginning.

[0020] <<Example 1>>

[0021] In the present embodiment, an aspect is described in which one surface of an ID card is scanned twice in total, which are a pre-scan for detecting the position of the card placed on the platen glass and a scan for obtaining print data.

[0022] (Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, an operating unit 107, a communication unit 109, a scanner 111, and a printer 112. The controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111, printer 112, the operating unit 107, and the communication unit 109. When a user uses the copy function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to read an original placed on the platen glass, and acquires a scanned image corresponding to the surface of the original as image data of the original. The controller unit 101 then controls the printer 112 to print and output an image on a sheet based on the acquired image data.

[0024] Furthermore, when a user uses the scanning function, the controller unit 101 obtains image data of an original by controlling the scanner 111, converts the image data into code data, and transmits the code data to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. An instruction to execute a process in each of the above-mentioned functions is called a job, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes predetermined processing according to the job corresponding to each function.

[0025] The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, an HDD 105, an operation unit I / F 106, a network I / F 108, and a device I / F 110. These devices are connected to a system bus 120 so as to be able to transmit and receive data with each other.

[0026] A central processing unit (CPU) 102 comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. A random access memory (RAM) 103 serves as system working memory for CPU 102 operations and is image memory for temporary storage of image data. RAM 103 also stores programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software. Furthermore, RAM 103 stores data corresponding to the surface of an original document, obtained by scanning an original placed on the platen glass using a scanner 111, and stores print data received from the controller unit 101 via a network. A read-only memory (ROM) 104 stores the system's boot program. An HDD (hard disk drive) 105 stores the operating system, system software, application software, print data, settings data, and the like.

[0027] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit for the operation unit 107, and outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 107 to the operation unit 107. In addition, the operation unit I / F 106 receives information input from the operation unit 107 by the user.

[0028] The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and controls various communications established with external devices. The device I / F 110 connects a scanner 111 that performs original reading to the controller unit 101, and also connects a printer 112 that performs printing based on image data to the controller unit 101 to input and output image data.

[0029] The scanner 111 includes a platen glass to perform pre-scanning to detect the paper size and position of an original placed on the platen glass and to perform scanning for print data acquisition, in which the original placed on the platen glass is read to generate image data.

[0030] (Software Configuration of Image Forming Device)

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 Each block in FIG is software stored in ROM 104 or HDD 105, and is read out to RAM 103 by CPU 102 for execution to implement the processing described later. Image forming apparatus 100 includes screen control unit 211, scanner control unit 212, printer control unit 213, and ID card copy processing unit 214.

[0032] The screen control unit 211 controls the operation unit 107 via the operation unit I / F 106. The screen control unit 211 receives information input to the operation unit 107 by a user operation, and generates a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0033] The scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 via the device I / F 110 , and generates image data by reading an original placed on the platen glass.

[0034] The printer control unit 213 controls the printer 112 via the device I / F 110 , and prints and outputs an image based on the image data on a sheet.

[0035] The ID card copy processing unit 214 performs processing to implement the ID card copy function. Based on the ID card copy settings, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data that combines the front and back image data of an ID card on one surface of a single sheet and checks the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image by combining two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces of the ID card (specific original) obtained by scanning the front and back surfaces according to a specified layout method, which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the position of the ID card (specific original) by checking a predetermined range on the platen glass.

[0036] (Execute the ID card copy function)

[0037] Figure 3A and Figure 3B : is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowchart in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out a program for realizing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 to the RAM 103 for execution.

[0038] In this embodiment, the ID card copy function is configured as an independent application; however, it is not limited to this. The ID card copy function can be prepared as a function of the copy application. Note that the ID card is placed in a predetermined position on the platen glass with the back of the ID card facing up.

[0039] In S301 , when the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction to execute the ID card copy function through a user operation on the operation unit 107 , the screen control unit 211 activates the ID card copy application and displays the ID card copy screen on the operation unit 107 .

[0040] (ID card copy screen)

[0041] Figure 4A4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID card copy screen. The ID card copy screen 410 includes a copy quantity setting 411, a sheet size setting 412, a layout setting 413, a guide display area 414, and an "Execute" button 415. The copy quantity setting 411 is a portion that displays the setting for the number of print copies and sets the number of print copies. The user changes the setting for the number of print copies by using the "+" button to increase the number of print copies and using the "-" button to decrease the number of print copies. The sheet size setting 412 is a portion that displays the setting for the print sheet size and sets the print sheet size. The sheet size setting 412 is a button that, when pressed, displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the print sheet size.

[0042] The layout setting 413 is a part that displays the setting of the layout method of how to lay out the image of the front and back of the ID card on the print sheet and sets the layout method. The layout setting 413 is a button and by pressing it, a screen for selecting the setting of the layout method (for example, Figure 4B The guide display area 414 is an area where a guide image is displayed, which describes where the ID card should be placed on the platen glass. The guide image indicates the correct position of the ID card placed on the platen glass. The guide display area 414 updates the position of the ID card to the appropriate position (the position of the ID card corresponding to each setting) according to each setting. Figure 4B The relationship between each setting and the position of the ID card on the platen glass is described. The "EXECUTE" button 415 is a button for instructing to start execution of the ID card copy function.

[0043] (Layout settings screen)

[0044] Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout setting screen. Figure 4A Layout setting 413 on the ID card copy screen 410 shown in FIG. Layout setting screen 420 is displayed on operation unit 107. In this embodiment, four types of layout methods are permitted for layout setting: "Full Page," "Left and Right Half Page," "Top and Bottom Half Page," and "A5 Left and Right Page." Furthermore, the position where the ID card should be placed on the platen glass differs depending on the layout method setting. That is, the appropriate position of the ID card placed on the platen glass differs depending on the set layout method.

[0045] If the layout method is set to "Full Page," the ID card must be placed at the horizontal and vertical center of the left half of the platen glass (hereinafter referred to as the left center). Furthermore, if a layout method other than "Full Page" ("Left and Right Half Page," "Top and Bottom Half Page," and "A5 Left and Right Page") is set as the layout method, the ID card must be placed a few millimeters to the upper left of the platen glass (hereinafter referred to as the upper left). The layout methods and the corresponding placement positions for the ID card are examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, when the front and back sides of the ID card are subsequently scanned and laid out on one surface (image) of a single sheet, the placement position of the ID card is uniquely determined by the processing method; however, it is not limited to the set layout method. For example, the placement position of the ID card may vary depending on the sheet configuration.

[0046] The layout setting screen 420 includes buttons 421 to 424 corresponding to settable layout methods, a "Cancel" button 425, and an "OK" button 426. The buttons 421 to 424 are buttons for changing the layout method to be set, and a button pressed by a user operation is in a selected state.

[0047] Button 421 is a button for setting the "full page" layout method. That is, button 421 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is vertical and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card are laid out side by side in the vertical direction over the entire area on one surface of the sheet.

[0048] Button 422 is a button for setting the "left and right half" layout method. In other words, button 422 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is vertical and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card are laid out side by side in the horizontal direction in the upper half area on one surface of the sheet.

[0049] Button 423 is a button for setting the "Upper and Lower Half" layout method. That is, button 423 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is vertical and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card are laid out side by side in the vertical direction in the upper half area on one surface of the sheet.

[0050] Button 424 is a button for setting the "A5 left and right" layout method. That is, button 424 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is horizontal and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card are laid out side by side in the horizontal direction over the entire area on one surface of an A5-sized sheet.

[0051] The “Cancel” button 425 is a button for returning to the previous screen without changing the setting of the layout method. The “OK” button 426 is a button for returning to the previous screen by confirming the setting of the layout method currently selected from the buttons 421 to 424 .

[0052] Back to Figure 3A . The flowchart in [ ] is described. In S302, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation to be input on the ID card copy screen. In S303, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. Processing is divided based on the result of this determination. Specifically, if the type of user operation detected is "Set," processing proceeds to S330, whereas if the type of user operation detected is "Execute" or "Continue," processing proceeds to S304.

[0053] The type of user operation "settings" is an operation for performing settings for the ID card copy function, such as increasing or decreasing the number of copies in the copy number setting area 411 and setting the layout method on the layout setting screen 420. In S330, the ID card copy processing unit 214 reflects the setting value set by the user operation on the ID card copy screen 410. Then, once the reflection of the setting value on the ID card copy screen 410 is completed, the process returns to S302.

[0054] The user operation type "execute" or "continue" is the same as pressing the "execute" button 415 or pressing the Figure 4C The "Continue" button in 433, Figure 4D The "Continue" button in 443 and Figure 4E 4. The ID card copy processing unit 214 performs a pre-scan by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212 in step S304. This pre-scan is different from the scan that generates image data for printing (the scan for obtaining print data) and is used to check the position of the original placed on the platen glass. In the pre-scan, in order to shorten the scanning time compared to the scanning in steps S310 and S320 described later, the scan is performed at a lower resolution than in steps S310 and S320, and the scan is performed midway on the platen glass.

[0055] In S305, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the card position from the image data obtained by the pre-scan in S304. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs image recognition on the image data obtained by scanning the entire platen glass at the lowest resolution, and recognizes the position of the ID card in the image data to recognize the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass.

[0056] In S306, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card position can be detected in S305. Processing branches depending on the determination result. If the determination result indicates that the card position can be detected ("Yes" in S306), processing proceeds to S307. If the determination result indicates that the card position cannot be detected ("No" in S306), processing proceeds to S340. In S340, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card-free warning screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211, indicating that no ID card is placed on the platen glass. Note that once processing in S340 ends, processing returns to S302.

[0057] (No card warning screen)

[0058] Figure 4C 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card-free warning screen. The card-free warning screen 430 includes a warning message 431, a guide display area 432, and a "Continue" button 433. The card-free warning screen 430 is also used in S360 (warning for the second scan) described later. The warning message 431 is a message indicating that an ID card is not placed on the platen glass and instructing the operation process to continue. The guide display area 432 is an area where a guide image is displayed that describes the position where the ID card should be placed on the platen glass. Figure 4A Like the guidance display area 414 shown in FIG, guidance display area 432 displays an image depicting the ID card in the appropriate position according to each setting. Furthermore, the ID card design displayed in guidance display area 432 switches depending on whether the warning is for the first scan or the second scan. For example, in the first scan, the back side of the ID card is displayed because the front side is scanned. In the second scan, the front side of the ID card is displayed because the back side is scanned.

[0059] Figure 4C The guide display area 432 in the figure shows an example of a case where the "full page" layout method (the correct card position is the left center) is set, and it is a warning corresponding to the first scan (the card is designed to be the back). The "Continue" button 433 is a button that instructs to continue processing.

[0060] Back to Figure 3ADescription of the flowchart in . In S307, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the "full page" layout method is set as the layout setting. If a determination result indicating that the "full page" layout method is set is obtained ("Yes" in S307), the processing proceeds to S308. If a determination result indicating that the "full page" layout method is not set is obtained ("No" in S307), the processing proceeds to S309. In S308, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the detected card position is placed in the correct position. That is, it is determined whether the detected card position is placed in the left center, which is the position of the center in the left half area of ​​the platen glass. Specifically, it is determined based on whether the card position detected by the pre-scan is within the inspection range. The inspection range is a range for determining that the card position is in the correct position, and for example, refer to the later described Figure 5 Make settings. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is the correct position (left center) is obtained ("Yes" in S308), the process proceeds to S310. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is not the correct position (left center) is obtained ("No" in S308), the process proceeds to S350. On the other hand, in S309, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the detected card position is placed in the correct position. That is, it is determined whether the detected card position is located in the upper left, which is the upper left position on the platen glass. Note that the inspection range used in S309 is also referred to, for example, in the inspection range described later. Figure 5 Make settings. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is the correct position (upper left) is obtained ("Yes" in S309), the process proceeds to S310. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is not the correct position is obtained ("No" in S309), the process proceeds to S350. Note that it is desirable that the determination regarding the card position in S308 and S309 has a certain range in the vertical and horizontal directions for the correct position. This is because, if the card position is strictly determined, even in the case where the position of the card placed on the platen glass is only slightly deviated from the correct position or tilted relative to the correct position, it is determined that the card position is not the correct position, thereby degrading usability. Later in Figure 5 The setting of the check range for the card position is described in the flowchart in.

[0061] In S350, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card position warning screen indicating that the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass is not correct on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Note that once the processing in S350 ends, the processing returns to S302.

[0062] (Card position warning screen)

[0063] Figure 4D 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card position warning screen. The card position warning screen 440 includes a message 441, a guidance display area 442, and a "Continue" button 443. The card position warning screen 440 is also used in S370 (warning for the second scan) described later.

[0064] Message 441 indicates that the card placed on the platen glass is incorrectly positioned and provides instructions for continuing processing. Guide display area 442 displays a guide image depicting the proper placement of the ID card on the platen glass. Like other guide display areas, guide display area 442 displays an image depicting the ID card in the correct position, depending on the settings. Furthermore, the card design displayed in guide display area 442 changes depending on the situation. Figure 4D The guide display area 442 in the figure shows an example of a case where a layout method other than "full page" is set (the correct card position is the upper left), and it is a warning corresponding to the second scan (the card design is the front). The "Continue" button 443 is a button for instructing to continue processing.

[0065] Furthermore, the card position warning screen may display both the current position of the card placed on the platen glass and the correct position of the card placed on the platen glass.

[0066] (Card position warning screen)

[0067] Figure 4E 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card position warning screen that displays both the current card placement position and the correct card placement position. Card position warning screen 450 includes a message 451, a current position guidance display area 452, a correct position guidance display area 453, and a "Continue" button 454. Message 451 indicates that the card placed on the platen glass is incorrectly positioned and provides a procedure for continuing processing. Current position guidance display area 452 displays an image indicating the current position of the ID card placed on the platen glass. Correct position guidance display area 453 displays a guidance image describing the position on the platen glass where the ID card should be placed. By presenting both the current and correct positions of the ID card, it is possible to more clearly display how to place the card again. "Continue" button 454 is a button that instructs the user to continue processing.

[0068] Back to Figure 3AThe flowchart in FIG. In S310 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212 to perform a first scan and generate image data. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains a single scanned image corresponding to the front side of the ID card (a single original surface) obtained by scanning the front side of the ID card. In S311 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a flip instruction screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211, indicating an instruction to flip the ID card placed on the platen glass.

[0069] (Card flip instruction screen)

[0070] Figure 4F Figure 460 illustrates an example of a card flip instruction screen. Card flip instruction screen 460 includes a message 461, a guide display area 462, a "Stop" button 463, and a "Continue" button 464. Message 461 indicates that the ID card placed on the platen glass needs to be flipped over and the procedure for continuing processing. Guide display area 462 displays a guide image depicting the position of the ID card on the platen glass. Like other guide display areas, guide display area 462 displays an image depicting the ID card in the proper position according to the layout settings. Furthermore, the card design displayed in guide display area 462 changes depending on the situation. Figure 4F The guide display area 462 in the figure shows an example of a case where a layout method other than "full page" is set (the correct card position is the upper left). The "Stop" button 463 is a button for instructing to stop the process. The "Continue" button 464 is a button for instructing to continue the process.

[0071] Note that after the processing in S311 , the ID card placed on the platen glass is turned over by a user operation and placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass with the front side of the ID card facing upward.

[0072] In S312, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for the user's operation via the screen control unit 211. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for the input of the user's operation on the card flip instruction screen 460. In S313, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of button pressed by the user. The processing is divided according to the determination result. That is, if the button pressed by the user is detected to be the "Stop" button, then Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowchart shown in ends, and if the button detected to be pressed by the user is the “Continue” button, the process proceeds to S314.

[0073] In S314, as in S304, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs a pre-scan by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S315, as in S305, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the card position from the image data obtained by the pre-scan in S314. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 recognizes the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass.

[0074] In S316, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card position can be detected in S315. Processing branches depending on the determination result. If the determination result indicates that the card position can be detected ("Yes" in S316), processing proceeds to S317. If the determination result indicates that the card position cannot be detected ("No" in S316), processing proceeds to S360. In S360, as in S340, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card-free warning screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211, indicating that no ID card is placed on the platen glass. Note that once processing in S360 ends, processing returns to S312.

[0075] In S317, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the "full page" layout method is set as the layout setting. If a determination result indicating that the "full page" layout method is set is obtained ("Yes" in S317), the processing proceeds to S318. If a determination result indicating that the "full page" layout method is not set is obtained ("No" in S317), the processing proceeds to S319. In S318, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the detected card position is placed in the correct position. That is, it is determined whether the detected card position is placed in the left center, which is the central position in the left half area of ​​the platen glass. Note that the inspection range used in S319 is also referred to, for example, in the inspection range described later. Figure 5 to set it up.

[0076] If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is the correct position (left center) is obtained ("Yes" in S318), the process proceeds to S320. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is not the correct position (left center) is obtained ("No" in S318), the process proceeds to S370. On the other hand, in S319, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the detected card position is placed in the correct position. That is, it is determined whether the detected card position is placed in the upper left, which is the upper left position on the platen glass. Note that, for example, the inspection range used in S319 is also referred to in the later-described Figure 5Set. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is the correct position (upper left) is obtained ("YES" in S319), the process proceeds to S320. If a determination result indicating that the detected card position is not the correct position (upper left) is obtained ("NO" in S319), the process proceeds to S370. Note that, as with S308 and S309, it is desirable that the determination regarding the card position in S318 and S319 have a certain range in the vertical and horizontal directions for the correct position.

[0077] In S370, as in S350, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card position warning screen indicating that the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass is not correct on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Note that once the processing in S370 ends, the processing returns to S312.

[0078] In S320, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs a second scan and generates image data by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains a single scanned image corresponding to the back side of the ID card (single original surface) obtained by scanning the back side of the ID card.

[0079] In S321, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data based on the image data generated in the first scan (S310) and the image data generated in the second scan (S320). In this process, the positions of the two image data on the sheet are determined according to the set layout method. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image based on the set layout method. This combined image is obtained by combining two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back of the specific original. In S322, the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and prints the image based on the print data generated in S321 on the sheet.

[0080] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowchart shown in ends with the above-described processing. This embodiment describes a case where a combined image obtained by integrating two image data corresponding to the front and back sides of a single ID card is printed on one surface of a single sheet; however, this is not limited to this. For example, this embodiment can be applied to a case where a combined image obtained by integrating a total of two image data corresponding to one surface of each of two ID cards is printed on one surface of a single sheet.

[0081] (Setting the inspection range)

[0082] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for setting an inspection range used in the ID card copy function. Figure 5 The flowchart in FIG. 1 is a flowchart for realizing the image forming apparatus by the CPU 102 storing the image forming apparatus in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105. Figure 2 This is achieved by reading the program of each block in the program into the RAM 103 for execution.

[0083] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B In S308, S309, S318 and S319 in the flowchart of FIG, it is determined whether the card position (the position of the specific original) is in the correct position. In this determination, a predetermined inspection range having a certain range in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction for the correct position is used. Figure 5 In the flowchart in [ ], the size of the check range for determining the card position is set. Note that while this embodiment describes the card position check range as being set as a separate setting screen, not on ID card copy screen 410, this is not limiting. For example, the size of the card position check range can be set on ID card copy screen 410.

[0084] In S501 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card position check range setting screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211 .

[0085] (Card position check range setting screen)

[0086] Figure 4G This figure illustrates an example of a card position inspection range setting screen. Card position inspection range setting screen 470 includes a slider 471, a range preview 472, and an "OK" button 473. Slider 471 sets the width of the range (inspection range) required to confirm the card is correctly positioned, and the range can be increased or decreased by sliding it horizontally. Range preview 472 indicates the inspection range for the card position, and the dotted rectangle indicating the inspection range is updated in conjunction with the operation of slider 471. The inspection range typically refers to a size range that is approximately 1.3 times larger horizontally and vertically than the size range required to correctly position a specific original.

[0087] Narrow refers to a size range that is approximately 1.1 times larger in both the horizontal and vertical directions than the size range of a specific original in the correct position. Furthermore, Wide refers to a size range that is approximately 1.5 times larger in both the horizontal and vertical directions than the size range of a specific original in the correct position. Note that the correct position is the placement position of a specific original on the platen glass, which is predetermined based on the layout method.

[0088] The "OK" button 473 confirms the settings and returns to the previous screen. Note that while the inspection range has a common width (size) across all regions in this embodiment, the width can be set for each region. That is, all margin regions in the right, left, top, and bottom directions relative to the correct position can have the same width, or each of the four margin regions can have a different width.

[0089] Return to the flowchart ( Figure 5 ), in S502, the ID card copy processing unit 214 reads the value of the current check range from the HDD 105.

[0090] In S503, the ID card copy processing unit 214 updates the range preview 472 based on the value of the current inspection range. For example, if the value of the current inspection range obtained by reading the range preview 472 in S502 is "Standard", the ID card copy processing unit 214 updates the range preview 472 based on the value corresponding to "Standard" of the current inspection range.

[0091] In S504, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In S505, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the detected user operation. The processing is divided according to the determination result. That is, if the detected user operation is the operation of the slider 471, then the processing proceeds to S510, and if the detected user operation is pressing the "OK" button 473, then the processing proceeds to S506. In S510, the ID card copy processing unit 214 updates the value of the current inspection range according to the value of the slider specified by the user. For example, if the user specifies the "width" of the inspection range by operating the slider, the value of the current inspection range is updated to the value corresponding to the "width" of the inspection range. Note that once the processing in S510 is completed, the processing returns to S503.

[0092] In S506, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores the value of the current check range in the HDD 105. Once the processing in S506 ends, Figure 5 The process shown in is finished.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to confirm and set a check range before executing the ID card copy function to check whether the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of copies (mis-copies) in the case where the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass is not the correct position, thereby improving usability.

[0094] <<Example 2>>

[0095] In this embodiment, an aspect is described in which, instead of performing both pre-scanning and normal scanning of one surface of a specific original, one normal scan is performed. This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 1; therefore, differences from Embodiment 1 are mainly described.

[0096] (Execute the ID card copy function)

[0097] Figure 6A and Figure 6B : is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As Figure 3A and Figure 3B A modified flowchart of the flowchart shown in . Figure 3A and Figure 3B The difference.

[0098] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The flowchart in is implemented by the image forming apparatus CPU 102 reading out the program for implementing each software module stored in ROM 104 or HDD 105 to RAM 103 for execution. If the type of user operation detected in S303 is "execute" or "continue", the process proceeds to S610.

[0099] In S610, as in S310, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs scanning and generates image data by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains a single scanned image corresponding to the front side (single original surface) of the ID card obtained by scanning the front side of the ID card.

[0100] In S611, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the card position from the image data obtained by scanning in S610. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 recognizes the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass by performing image recognition on the image data generated by scanning the entire platen glass and identifying the position of the ID card in the image data. Note that once the processing in S611 is completed, the process proceeds to S306.

[0101] If a determination result indicating that the button pressed by the user in S313 was "Continue" is obtained ("YES" in S313), the process proceeds to S620. In S620, as in S610, the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212 to perform scanning and generate image data. Specifically, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains a single scanned image corresponding to the front side of the ID card (a single original surface) obtained by scanning the front side of the ID card.

[0102] In S621, as in S611, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the card position from the image data obtained by the scanning in S620. Note that once the processing in S621 ends, the processing proceeds to S316.

[0103] If a determination result indicating that the card position detected in S318 is the correct position (center left) is obtained ("YES" in S318), the process proceeds to S630. Alternatively, if a determination result indicating that the card position detected in S319 is the correct position (upper left) is obtained ("YES" in S319), the process proceeds to S630.

[0104] In S630, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data based on the image data generated in the first scan (S610) and the image data generated in the second scan (S620). In this process, the positions of the two image data on the sheet are determined according to the set layout method. In other words, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image according to the set layout method, which is obtained by integrating the two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back of the specific original. Note that in S322, the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and prints the image based on the print data generated in S630 on the sheet.

[0105] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by performing one scan on each surface of a specific original, it is possible to check whether the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass is the correct position.

[0106] <<Example 3>>

[0107] In this embodiment, an aspect is described in which the original size detection function of the scanner 111 is used for position detection of a specific original without performing pre-scanning and scanning. This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 1; therefore, differences from Embodiment 1 are mainly described.

[0108] (Execute the ID card copy function)

[0109] Figure 7A and Figure 7B : is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As Figure 3A and Figure 3B A modified flowchart of the flowchart shown in . Figure 3A and Figure 3B The difference.

[0110] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The flowchart in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out a program for realizing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 to the RAM 103 for execution.

[0111] In S701 , when the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction to execute the ID card copy function through a user operation on the operation unit 107 , the screen control unit 211 activates the ID card copy application and displays the ID card copy screen on the operation unit 107 .

[0112] (ID card copy screen)

[0113] Figure 8A and 8B : is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID card copy screen according to the present embodiment. Figure 8A The diagram shows the state before determining that the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position, and Figure 8B The diagram illustrates a state after determining that the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position.

[0114] Like the ID card copy screen 410, the ID card copy screen 810 includes a copy quantity setting 411, a sheet size setting 412, a layout setting 413, and a guide display area 414. Furthermore, the ID card copy screen 810 includes an “EXECUTE” button 811 corresponding to the “EXECUTE” button 415 on the ID card copy screen 410.

[0115] Note that, for example, before it is determined that the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position as in S701, the "Execute" button 811 is displayed in an invalid state in which a user operation cannot be performed and pressing is not permitted. Figure 8A On the other hand, for example, after determining that the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position in S721 described later, the "Execute" button 811 is displayed in an effective state, in which user operations can be performed and pressing is allowed, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown in .

[0116] Once the processing in S302 ends, the processing proceeds to S711. Note that, when the processing returns to S302 from S721, the ID card copy screen 810 including the "Execute" button 811 in the valid state is displayed, in which the user operation can be performed and pressing is allowed.

[0117] In S711, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. Processing is branched based on the result of this determination. Specifically, if the detected user operation is pressing the "Set" button, processing proceeds to S330. If the detected user operation is pressing the "Execute" button, processing proceeds to S310. If the detected user operation is "Card Installation," processing proceeds to S712. "Card Installation" refers to placing an ID card on the platen glass and closing the platen glass cover.

[0118] In S712, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the sheet size of the original placed on the platen glass (hereinafter referred to as the original size) by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. The detection method and detection capability of the original size vary depending on the scanner 111; however, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect the card size, each of A5, B5, and A4 sizes based on the position of the edge detected at the lower right of the original.

[0119] In S713, the ID card copy processing unit 214 converts the original size detected in S712 into a card position. For example, the size of a specific original and the card position are associated with each other, such as "upper left for card size" and "left center for B5", and the detected original size is converted into a card position based on this association.

[0120] If a determination result indicating that the card position is the correct position is obtained in S308 ("Yes" in S308), or if a determination result indicating that the card position is the correct position is obtained in S309 ("Yes" in S309), the process proceeds to S721. In S721, the ID card copy processing unit 214 enables the "Execute" button on the ID card copy screen and updates the state to a state that allows pressing. That is, as Figure 8B As shown in , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the “EXECUTE” button 811 as a valid state in which a user operation can be performed and pressing is permitted.

[0121] Once the processing in S310 is completed, the process proceeds to S731. In S731, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the card flip instruction screen 460 on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Note that in S731, the "Continue" button 861 is displayed on the card flip instruction screen in an invalid state in which user operations cannot be performed and pressing is not permitted.

[0122] (Card flip instruction screen)

[0123] Figure 8C and Figure 8D 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card flip instruction screen according to the present embodiment. Figure 8C The figure shows the state before determining that the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position, and Figure 8D The diagram illustrates a state after it is determined that the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position.

[0124] Like card flip instruction screen 460, card flip instruction screen 860 includes message 461, guidance display area 462, and "Stop" button 463. In addition, card flip instruction screen 860 includes a "Continue" button 861 corresponding to "Continue" button 464 of card flip instruction screen 460.

[0125] Note that, for example, before it is determined that the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position as in S731, the "Continue" button 861 is displayed in an invalid state in which user operations cannot be performed and pressing is not permitted. Figure 8C On the other hand, for example, after determining that the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position in S751 described later, the "Continue" button 861 is displayed in an effective state in which user operations can be performed and pressing is allowed, as shown in FIG. Figure 8D As shown in .

[0126] Once the processing of S312 ends, the processing proceeds to S741. Note that when the processing returns from S751 to S312, a card flip instruction screen 860 including a "Continue" button 861 in a valid state in which user operations can be performed and pressing is permitted is displayed.

[0127] In S741, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. The processing is divided according to the determination result. That is, if the type of user operation detected is pressing the "Stop" button 463, then Figure 7A and Figure 7B If the detected user operation is pressing the "Continue" button 861, the process proceeds to S320, and if the detected user operation is "Card Installation", the process proceeds to S742.

[0128] In S742, as in S712, the ID card copy processing unit 214 detects the original size by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212. In S743, as in S713, the ID card copy processing unit 214 converts the original size detected in S742 into a card position.

[0129] If a determination result indicating that the card position is the correct position is obtained in S318 ("Yes" in S318), or if a determination result indicating that the card position is the correct position is obtained in S319 ("Yes" in S319), the process proceeds to S751. In S751, the ID card copy processing unit 214 enables the "Continue" button on the card flip instruction screen and updates the state to a state that allows pressing. That is, as Figure 8D As shown in , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the “Continue” button 861 in a valid state in which a user operation can be performed and pressing is permitted.

[0130] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the detection result obtained by using the original size detection function that the image forming apparatus has, it is possible to check whether the position of a specific original placed on the platen glass is the correct position.

[0131] (Other embodiments)

[0132] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the aforementioned embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, and by a method executed by a computer of the system or device, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the aforementioned embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the aforementioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs) or microprocessing units (MPUs)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)). TM ), one or more of flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0133] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0134] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve usability in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images of a specific original.

[0135] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: a setting means for setting a layout method applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning a specific original; A detection component, used for detecting the position of the specific original placed on the platen glass for the scanning; as well as A notifying means for notifying a warning message if the position of the specific original detected by the detecting means is different from the position of the specific original according to the layout method set by the setting means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The detection section detects the position of the specific original based on image data obtained by pre-scanning the specific original placed on the platen glass.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The detection section detects the position of the specific original based on image data obtained by scanning the specific original placed on the platen glass.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The original size detection component is used to detect the original size of the original placed on the platen glass, wherein The detecting section detects the position of the specific original based on the detection result detected by the original size detecting section.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The detecting section detects the position of the specific original by checking a predetermined range on the platen glass.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The notification component notifies warning messages and action procedures for continuing processing.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The notification section presents to the user the correct position of the specific original placed on the platen glass for scanning.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The notification section presents to the user both a current position of the specific original placed on the platen glass and a correct position of the specific original placed on the platen glass for the scanning.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The notifying part notifies a warning for a first scan of the specific original and a warning for a second scan of the specific original using different designs.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The display control component is used to display a UI screen for setting a layout method from the multiple layout methods when there are multiple layout methods. The setting section sets the one layout method based on a user operation of the UI screen displayed via the display control section.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of layout methods are each associated with a position of the specific original placed on a platen glass for the scanning.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The layout method is applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back sides of the specific original.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The layout method is applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front side of each of two specific originals.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The specific original is an ID card.

15. An image forming method comprising: Setting a layout method to be applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning a specific original; detecting a position of the specific original placed on a platen glass for the scanning; as well as A warning message is notified in the case where the position of the specific original detected by the detecting is different from the position of the specific original according to the layout method set by the setting.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program causing a computer to execute an image forming method, the image forming method comprising: Setting a layout method to be applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces obtained by scanning a specific original; detecting a position of the specific original placed on a platen glass for the scanning; as well as A warning message is notified in the case where the position of the specific original detected by the detecting is different from the position of the specific original according to the layout method set by the setting.

Images