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. The purpose of the present invention is to improve usability in generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images of a specific original. The image forming apparatus includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain two cropped images by performing a cropping process on two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces, the two scanned images being obtained by scanning a specific original; and a generation unit configured to generate a combined image obtained by integrating the two cut images obtained by the obtaining unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[0003] However, with the technology disclosed in PTL 1, in the case of 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 pre-set position, there is a possibility that the desired output result cannot be obtained. For example, it is assumed that in the above-mentioned ID card copy function, an area corresponding to the size of the license (where the origin is at the upper left of the platen glass) is set as the reading area of ​​the specific original. In the case of such a setting, if the position of the license placed on the platen glass is outside the above-mentioned reading area, only an image of a scanned image in which an image that does not include the license is laid out on one surface of a single sheet can be formed. In addition, in the case where the license placed on the platen glass is in a position spanning the inside and outside of the above-mentioned reading area, only an image of a scanned image in which an image of a portion of the entire one surface of the above-mentioned license in the above-mentioned reading area is laid out can be formed. Moreover, since it is impossible to determine the quality of the output result without checking the output result, in the case where the license cannot be properly read, it is necessary to re-operate from reading the license, and the user operation is cumbersome. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming device includes: an obtaining unit, which is configured to obtain two cropped images by performing a cropping process on two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces, and the two scanned images are obtained by scanning a specific original; and a generating unit, which is configured to generate a combined image, and the combined image is obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained by the obtaining unit.

[0005] 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

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus;

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an image forming apparatus;

[0008] Figure 3 is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function;

[0009] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4G Each is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen;

[0010] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E Each is a diagram describing the processing of the ID card copy function;

[0011] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen; and

[0012] Figure 7 is a flowchart describing the processing of the ID card copy function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following describes an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure 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 of the present disclosure. Note that each step in the flowchart is described with an "S" provided at the beginning.

[0014] <<Example 1>>

[0015] In the present embodiment, an aspect of determining positions on a sheet where two card images are to be laid out according to a set layout method and generating print data is described.

[0016] (Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0017] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, an operation unit 107, a communication unit 109, a scanner 111, and a printer 112. The controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111, the printer 112, the operation unit 107, and the communication unit 109. In the case where the user uses the copy function, the controller unit 101 obtains a scanned image corresponding to the surface of the original as image data of the original by controlling the scanner 111, the scanned image being obtained by reading the original placed on the platen glass. The controller unit 101 then controls the printer 112 and prints and outputs an image on a sheet based on the obtained image data.

[0018] Furthermore, in the case where the 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 perform a process in each of the above-mentioned functions is called a job, and the image forming apparatus 100 performs a predetermined process according to a job corresponding to each function.

[0019] 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.

[0020] A central processing unit (CPU) 102 comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. A random access memory (RAM) 103 is a system working memory for the operation of the CPU 102, and is an image memory that temporarily stores image data. In addition, the RAM 103 also stores programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software. Moreover, the RAM 103 stores data of a scanned image corresponding to the surface of an original obtained by reading an original placed on a 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 a boot program for the system. An HDD (hard disk drive) 105 stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, and the like.

[0021] 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. Furthermore, the operation unit I / F 106 receives information input from the operation unit 107 by a user.

[0022] 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 reading of an original 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.

[0023] The scanner 111 includes a platen glass to perform pre-scanning for detecting the sheet 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.

[0024] (Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0025] Figure 21 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 is software stored in ROM 104 or HDD 105, and is read out to RAM 103 by CPU 102 for execution to implement 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.

[0026] 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 user operation, and generates a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 107. That is, it can be said that the screen control unit 211 displays a UI screen described in detail later.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The ID card copy processing unit 214 performs processing to realize the ID card copy function. The ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data that integrates the front image data and the back image data of the ID card on one surface of a single sheet based on the setting of the ID card copy, and checks the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back of the ID card (specific original) according to the layout method of the setting described in detail later. In addition, 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.

[0030] The image cropping processing unit 215 performs cropping processing on the image data obtained by reading with the scanner 111. In the present embodiment, processing in which only a cropped image as a necessary area is cut out from the image data while concurrently performing tilt correction and rotation to correct the image expressed by the image data to face the front is defined as cropping processing. The cut image data is not limited to a single card. When a plurality of cards are placed on the platen glass, a plurality of card images can be extracted from the image data obtained by performing one reading with the scanner 111. This processing is called multi-cropping processing.

[0031] (Execute the ID card copy function)

[0032] Figure 3 : 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 3 The flowchart in is implemented by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out a program implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 to the RAM 103 for execution.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the ID card copy function is configured as an independent application; however, it is not limited thereto. The ID card copy function may be prepared as a function of the copy application. Note that the ID card is placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass with the back of the ID card facing upward.

[0034] In S301 , when the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction to execute the ID card copy function by 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 .

[0035] (ID card copy screen)

[0036] Figure 4A 41 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, and an "Execute" button 414. The copy quantity setting 411 is a portion for displaying the setting of the number of print copies and setting the number of print copies. The user changes the setting of the number of print copies by using the "+" button to perform an operation of increasing the number of print copies and using the "-" button to perform an operation of decreasing the number of print copies. The sheet size setting 412 is a portion for displaying the setting of the print sheet size and setting the print sheet size. The sheet size setting 412 is a button and, by pressing it, a screen for selecting the print sheet size is displayed (not shown). The layout setting 413 is a portion for displaying the setting of the layout method of how to lay out the image on the front and the image on the back of the ID card on the print sheet and setting the layout method. The layout setting 413 is a button and, by pressing it, a screen for selecting the setting of the layout method is displayed (for example, Figure 4B ). The “EXECUTE” button 414 is a button for instructing to start execution of the ID card copy function.

[0037] (Layout settings screen)

[0038] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout setting screen. Figure 4A, a layout setting screen 420 is displayed on the operation unit 107. In the present embodiment, as a layout method allowing layout setting, there are four types of layout methods, which are "full page", "half page left and right", "half page top and bottom", and "A5 left and right".

[0039] The layout setting screen 420 includes buttons 421 to 424 corresponding to the layout methods that can be set, 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 the button pressed by the user operation is in a selected state. That is, it can be said that the layout setting screen 420 is a UI screen for setting one of a plurality of layout methods.

[0040] Button 421 is a button for setting the layout method of "full page." That is, button 421 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is the vertical direction and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card, respectively, are laid out next to each other in the vertical direction in the entire area on one surface of the sheet.

[0041] Button 422 is a button for setting the layout method of "half page left and right". That is, button 422 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is the vertical direction and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card, respectively, are laid out next to each other in the horizontal direction in the upper half area on one surface of the sheet.

[0042] Button 423 is a button for setting the layout method of "half page top and bottom". That is, button 423 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is the vertical direction and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card, respectively, are laid out next to each other in the vertical direction in the upper half area on one surface of the sheet.

[0043] Button 424 is a button for setting the layout method of "A5 left and right". That is, button 424 is a button for selecting a setting in which the printing direction is the horizontal direction and two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card, respectively, are laid out next to each other in the horizontal direction in the entire area on one surface of an A5-sized sheet.

[0044] 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 determining the setting of the layout method currently selected from the buttons 421 to 424 .

[0045] Back to Figure 3. In S302, 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 ID card copy screen by the user operation. In S303, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. The processing is branched depending on the determination result. That is, if the type of user operation detected is "setting", the processing proceeds to S330, and if the type of user operation detected is "execute" or "continue", the processing proceeds to S304.

[0046] The type of user operation of "settings" is an operation to perform settings for the ID card copy function, such as, for example, increase or decrease of the number of copies in the area of ​​the copy quantity setting 411, and setting of 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.

[0047] The type of user operation of "execute" or "continue" is the same as pressing the "execute" button 414 or pressing the "continue" button described later. Figure 4C The "Continue" button in 433 and Figure 4D The operation corresponding to the “Continue” button 443 in FIG. 4A . In S304 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs the first scan by controlling the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212 and generates (obtains) the scanned image data.

[0048] In S305, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs a multi-cropping process on the scanned image data obtained in S304 via the image cropping processing unit 215 and extracts the card image data. Specifically, the image cropping processing unit 215 extracts the card image data obtained by cutting out only a necessary area from the scanned image data obtained in S304 while concurrently performing tilt correction and rotation to correct the image expressed by the image data to face the front. The rotation process is a process in which a text recognition process is performed on the scanned image from four directions to determine the direction in which the ratio recognized as text is the highest and the vertical direction is set based on the direction obtained by the above determination, and the process is performed as needed.

[0049] In S306, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the number of card image data extracted by the multi-cropping process in S305. The process branches depending on the determination result. That is, if the number of extracted card image data is zero, the process proceeds to S340, if the number of extracted card image data is one, the process proceeds to S307, and if the number of extracted card image data is two or more, the process proceeds to S350.

[0050] In S340 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card-not-available warning screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211 .

[0051] (No card warning screen)

[0052] Figure 4C 430 is a diagram illustrating an example of a no card warning screen. The no card warning screen 430 includes a warning message 431, a guide display area 432, and a "Continue" button 433. The no card warning screen 430 is also used in S360 (for the warning of the second scan) described later. The warning message 431 is a message indicating that no ID card is placed on the platen glass and indicating the operation process of continuing the processing. The guide display area 432 is an area that visually displays the placement of the ID card on the platen glass. The pattern (design) of the ID card displayed in the guide display area 432 also switches depending on whether it is a warning for the first scan (S340) or a warning for the second scan (S360). For example, in the first scan, because the front of the ID card is scanned, the pattern on the back side of the card is displayed. In the second scan, because the back of the ID card is scanned, the pattern on the front side of the card is displayed. The "Continue" button 433 is a button that indicates that the processing continues. That is, it can be said that the card-not-present warning screen 430 is a UI screen displayed when a predetermined condition is not satisfied and is a UI screen that notifies a warning message.

[0053] Back to Figure 3 In S350 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a multiple card warning screen indicating that a plurality of ID cards are placed on the platen glass on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211 .

[0054] (Multiple card warning screen)

[0055] Figure 4D 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multiple card warning screen. The multiple card warning screen 440 includes a warning message 441, a guide display area 442, and a "Continue" button 443. The multiple card warning screen 440 is also used in S370 (warning for the second scan) described later. The warning message 441 is a message indicating the operation process of placing multiple ID cards on the platen glass and continuing the processing. The guide display area 442 is an area that visually displays the placement of a single ID card on the platen glass. The pattern of the ID card displayed in the guide display area 442 also switches depending on whether it is a warning for the first scan (S350) or a warning for the second scan (S370). For example, in the first scan, because the front of the ID card is scanned, the pattern of the back side of the card is displayed.

[0056] In the second scan, because the back of the ID card is scanned, the pattern on the front side of the card is displayed. The "Continue" button 443 is a button that instructs the process to continue. That is, it can be said that the multi-card warning screen 440 is a UI screen displayed when the predetermined condition is not satisfied and is a UI screen that notifies a warning message.

[0057] Back to Figure 3 In S307 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card reversal instruction screen on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211 , which instructs to reverse the ID card placed on the platen glass.

[0058] (Card flip instruction screen)

[0059] Figure 4E 450 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card flip instruction screen. The card flip instruction screen 450 includes a message 451, a guide display area 452, a "stop" button 453, and a "continue" button 454. The message 451 is a message indicating that the ID card placed on the platen glass needs to be flipped and the operation process of continuing the process needs to be continued. The guide display area 452 is an area that visually displays the placement of a single ID card on the platen glass. The "stop" button 453 is a button that instructs the process to stop. The "continue" button 454 is a button that instructs the process to continue.

[0060] In addition, the scanned card image can be displayed on the card flip instruction screen.

[0061] (Card flip instruction screen)

[0062] Figure 4F 460 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card flip instruction screen that also displays a scanned card image. The card flip instruction screen 460 includes a message 461 , a scanned card image 462 , a guide display area 463 , a “Stop” button 464 , and a “Continue” button 465 .

[0063] Message 461 is a message indicating that the ID card needs to be turned over and the operation process of continuing the process. Scanned card image 462 is an image extracted by performing the first scan in S304 and performing the multi-cropping process in S305. Guide display area 463 is an area that visually displays the placement of a single ID card on the platen glass. The image of the ID card displayed in guide display area 463 is the same image as the scanned card image 462. The state that the ID card is turned over is visually displayed by displaying the same image as the scanned card image 462. "Stop" button 464 is a button that instructs the process to stop. "Continue" button 465 is a button that instructs the process to continue.

[0064] Back to Figure 3After the processing in S307, the ID card placed on the platen glass is turned over by the user operation, and the ID card is placed in a predetermined position on the platen glass with the front side of the ID card facing upward.

[0065] In S308, 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 card flip instruction screen 450 or the card flip instruction screen 460 by the user's operation.

[0066] In S309, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the type of button pressed by the user. The processing is branched depending on the determination result. That is, if the button pressed by the user is detected to be the "Stop" button, then Figure 3 The flowchart shown in ends, and if the button detected to be pressed by the user is the “Continue” button, the process proceeds to S310.

[0067] In S310, 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 (single original surface) of the ID card obtained by scanning the back side of the ID card.

[0068] In S311, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs a multi-cropping process on the scanned image data obtained in S310 and extracts the card image data via the image cropping processing unit 215. Specifically, the image cropping processing unit 215 extracts the card image data obtained by cutting out only a necessary area from the scanned image data obtained in S310 while concurrently performing tilt correction and rotation to correct the image expressed by the image data to face the front side.

[0069] In S312, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the number of card image data extracted by the multi-cropping process in S311. The process branches depending on the determination result. That is, if the number of extracted card image data is zero, the process proceeds to S360, if the number of extracted card image data is one, the process proceeds to S313, and if the number of extracted card image data is two or more, the process proceeds to S370.

[0070] In S360, as in S340, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card-free warning screen indicating that no ID card is set on the platen glass on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211. Note that once the processing in S360 ends, the processing returns to S308.

[0071] In S370 , as in S350 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the multiple card warning screen indicating that a plurality of ID cards are placed on the platen glass on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211 .

[0072] In S313, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the pattern is different between the card image obtained in the first scan (the image extracted in S305) and the card image obtained in the second scan (the image extracted in S311). If a determination result indicating that the first card image and the second card image have different patterns is obtained, the process proceeds to S314, and if a determination result indicating that the first card image and the second card image have the same pattern is obtained, the process proceeds to S380. The result that the first and second card images have the same pattern means that the card has not been turned over. Therefore, in S380, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a card turn-over warning screen indicating that the ID card placed on the platen glass has not been turned over on the operation unit 107 via the screen control unit 211.

[0073] (Card flip warning screen)

[0074] Figure 4G 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card flip warning screen. The card flip warning screen 470 includes a warning message 471, a scanned card image 472, a guide display area 473, a "stop" button 474, and a "continue" button 475. The warning message 471 is a message indicating that the ID card is not flipped and the operation process of continuing the process is continued. The scanned card image 472 is an image extracted by performing the second scan in S310 and performing the multi-cropping process in S311. The guide display area 473 is an area that visually displays the placement of a single ID card on the platen glass. The image of the ID card displayed in the guide display area 473 is the same image as the scanned card image 472. The state that the ID card is flipped is visually displayed by displaying the same image as the scanned card image 472. The "stop" button 474 is a button that indicates that the process is stopped. The "continue" button 475 is a button that indicates that the process is continued. That is, it can be said that the card flip warning screen 470 is a UI screen that is displayed when a predetermined condition is not satisfied and is a UI screen that notifies a warning message.

[0075] Back to Figure 3. In S314, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data based on the card image obtained in the first scan (the image extracted in S305) and the card image obtained in the second scan (the image extracted in S311). In this process, the positions on the sheet where the two card images are to be laid out are determined according to the setting of the layout method. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image according to the set layout method, which is obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back sides of a specific original. In S315, the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and prints an image based on the print data generated in S314 on the sheet.

[0076] Figure 3 The flowchart shown in ends with the above-mentioned processing. In the present embodiment, 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 is described; however, it is not limited thereto. For example, the present embodiment may 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.

[0077] Here, a specific example of a case where the present embodiment is applied is described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E Each is a diagram describing the processing of the ID card copy function. Figure 5A The diagram shows where the ID card is placed during the first scan, and Figure 5B The image of the scan obtained in the first scan is shown. Figure 5C The diagram shows where the ID card is placed during the second scan, and Figure 5D The diagram shows a scanned image obtained in the second scan. Figure 5E The figure shows the output paper.

[0078] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in , even if the ID card is placed on the platen glass at a position different from the predetermined position (the rectangle indicated by the double-dashed line) in the first scan, a scanned image including a card image corresponding to the front side of the ID card can be obtained. Therefore, by performing multi-cropping processing on the first scanned image, an area corresponding to the ID card image (front side) can be extracted as a cropped area.

[0079] In addition, if Figure 5C and Figure 5DAs shown in , even if the ID card is placed on the platen glass at a position different from the predetermined position (the rectangle indicated by the double-dashed line) in the second scan, a scanned image including a card image corresponding to the back side of the ID card can be obtained. Therefore, by performing multi-cropping processing on the second scanned image, an area corresponding to the ID card image (back side) can be extracted as a cropped area.

[0080] Therefore, a sheet on which an image based on the combined image is printed can be output, the combined image being obtained by integrating Figure 5B The first card image shown in Figure 5D obtained by the second card image shown in .

[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, ID card copying can be performed without limiting the position of the ID card placed on the platen glass, and usability is improved. That is, usability can be improved when generating a combined image obtained by integrating two scanned images of a specific original.

[0082] <<Example 2>>

[0083] In this embodiment, an aspect of generating print data in which two recognized card images are arranged according to the setting of the layout method is described. This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 1; for this reason, differences from Embodiment 1 are mainly described.

[0084] (Layout settings screen)

[0085] Figure 6 610 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout setting screen in which a setting for reversing the order of layout card images is added. Figure 4B The layout setting screen 420 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen in which a check box for reversing the layout order of card images is added. The layout setting screen 610 includes a check box 611, buttons 612 to 615 respectively corresponding to the set values ​​of the layout method, a "Cancel" button 616, and an "OK" button 617.

[0086] Check box 611 is a check box that determines the order of layout card images, and the order of layout card images can be reversed by checking or unchecking the check box. In conjunction with checking or unchecking the check box 611, the order of the card images shown in buttons 612 to 615 is also switched. Figure 6 , check box 611 is checked; for this reason, the order of the card images shown in buttons 612 to 615 is Figure 4BThe "Cancel" button 616 is a button for returning to the previous screen by indicating cancellation of the setting of the layout method. The "OK" button 617 is a button for returning to the previous screen by confirming the setting of the layout method. That is, it can be said that the layout setting screen 610 is a UI screen for setting one of a plurality of layout methods, and is a UI screen that displays a setting for reversing the layout order of two cropped images so that the setting is selectable.

[0087] (Execute the ID card copy function)

[0088] Figure 7 : 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 7 As Figure 3 A modified flowchart of the flowchart shown in . Figure 3 are different.

[0089] Figure 7 The flowchart in is implemented by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out the program implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 to the RAM 103 for execution. In S313, if it is determined that the card image obtained in the first scan and the card image obtained in the second scan have different patterns ("YES" in S313), the process proceeds to S701.

[0090] In S701 , the ID card copy processing unit 214 recognizes the pattern of the first card image (the image extracted in S305 ) and the second card image (the image extracted in S311 ).

[0091] As a method of recognizing a pattern, for example, image recognition processing may be performed on a card image to recognize the front and back of the card image based on whether or not there is a facial photograph obtained as a result of the image recognition. Furthermore, text recognition processing may be performed on a card image to recognize the front and back of the card image based on the text size of the text obtained as a result of the text recognition. Moreover, in the card image, similarity with the card image (front) or the card image (back) displayed in buttons 612 to 615 on the layout setting screen may be obtained to recognize the front and back of the card image based on the obtained similarity.

[0092] In S702, the ID card copy processing unit 214 rearranges the card images in the same order as the setting order of the layout method.

[0093] In S703, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates print data based on the card image obtained in the first scan (the image extracted in S305) and the card image obtained in the second scan (the image extracted in S311). In this process, the positions on the sheet where the two card images are to be laid out are determined according to the setting of the layout method. That is, the ID card copy processing unit 214 generates a combined image according to the set layout method, which is obtained by integrating two scanned images corresponding to the two original surfaces obtained by scanning the front and back sides of a specific original. In S704, the ID card copy processing unit 214 controls the printer 112 via the printer control unit 213 and prints an image based on the print data generated in S703 on the sheet. Using the above processing, Figure 7 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 ends.

[0094] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a combined image obtained by integrating two card images in the order indicated by the set layout method can be printed on a sheet. Since there is no need to perform an operation of rearranging the two card images, user operation is simple and usability can be improved when executing the ID card copy function.

[0095] (Other embodiments)

[0096] Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and by a computer of the system or device, for example, reading and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer executable instructions. Computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a 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.

[0097] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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: an obtaining component for obtaining two cropped images by performing a cropping process on two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces, the two scanned images being obtained by scanning a specific original; as well as A generating component is used to generate a combined image, wherein the combined image is obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained by the obtaining component.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The notifying component is used to notify a warning message if the scanned image or the cropped image does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The notifying section notifies a warning message indicating that a specific original is not set on the platen glass in a case where the obtaining section does not obtain the cropped image from the single scanned image.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein In a case where the obtaining section obtains two or more cropped images from a single scanned image, the notifying section notifies a warning message indicating that two or more specific originals are placed on the platen glass.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The notification section notifies a warning message indicating that the specific original placed on the platen glass is not turned over, in a case where the pattern of one of the two cropped images is the same pattern as the pattern of the other of the two cropped images.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The generating section recognizes the two cropped images, and generates a combined image obtained by integrating and arranging the recognized two cropped images according to a layout method applied in the case of generating the combined image obtained by integrating the two cropped images.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A setting means for setting a layout method to be applied in the case of generating a combined image obtained by integrating the two cropped images, wherein The generating section generates a combined image obtained by integrating the two cropped images based on the layout method set by the setting section.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: A display control component, when there are multiple layout methods, is used to display a UI screen for setting one of the multiple layout methods, wherein The setting section sets the setting of the one layout method based on a user operation via the UI screen displayed by the display control section.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The UI screen displays a setting for reversing the layout order of the two cropped images so that the setting is selectable.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The generating section generates a combined image obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained from the two scanned images corresponding to the front and back sides of a specific original.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The generating section generates a combined image obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained from the two scanned images corresponding to the front side of each of the two specific originals.

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

13. An image forming method comprising: obtaining two cropped images by performing a cropping process on two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces, the two scanned images being obtained by scanning a specific original; and A combined image is generated, the combined image being obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained by the obtaining.

14. 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: obtaining two cropped images by performing a cropping process on two scanned images corresponding to two original surfaces, the two scanned images being obtained by scanning a specific original; and A combined image is generated, the combined image being obtained by integrating the two cropped images obtained by the obtaining.

Images