Image forming apparatus and image forming method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and the like that can perform flexible output management of image information as a print by controlling provision of additional information to the image information.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a control unit that controls provision of additional information to image information; and an image forming unit that, when the additional information is provided on the basis of the control performed by the control unit, forms images of the image information and a code related to the additional information to be provided. The control unit provides different additional information to the image information according to the type of the image information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Printing devices are known that can individually manage media on which electronic documents are printed, and can later track various information related to the electronic documents and various information obtained at the time of printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-25784 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and the like that is capable of flexibly managing the output of image information as a printed matter by controlling the addition of additional information to image information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a control unit that controls the addition of additional information to image information, and an image forming unit that, when the additional information is added based on the control of the control unit, forms an image of a code related to the additional information to be added together with the image information, and is characterized in that the control unit adds the additional information to the image information, which differs depending on the type of the image information.

[0006] In addition, the image forming method according to the present disclosure is an image forming method that controls the addition of additional information to image information, and when the additional information is added, forms an image of a code related to the additional information to be added together with the image information, and is characterized in that the additional information that differs depending on the type of the image information is added to the image information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and the like that is capable of flexibly managing the output of image information as a printed matter by controlling the addition of additional information to image information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration between an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating additional information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical content of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0010] Image forming devices are known that output various types of information as a printed matter together with a printed image, by encoding the information in one or more of a two-dimensional code (quick response code: QR code (registered trademark)), a one-dimensional code (barcode), a symbol, and alphanumeric characters.

[0011] For example, Patent Document 1 mentioned above describes a printing device that generates a code image as a printing code from code information that uniquely identifies the medium on which an electronic document is printed, and prints the generated code image and a document image on the medium.

[0012] The printing device of Patent Document 1 enables individual management of the media on which an electronic document is printed by using a code image printed together with the document image, and subsequently tracks various information related to the electronic document and various information obtained at the time of printing.

[0013] However, conventional technologies such as those described in Patent Document 1 were not able to manage the output of printed materials in a way that satisfied the security level required by users, such as by changing the content of various information represented by codes depending on the electronic document (document image) or by assigning codes only under specific conditions.

[0014] In the present disclosure, the following embodiments realize an image forming apparatus and the like that are capable of flexibly managing the output of image information as printed matter by controlling the addition of additional information to image information.

[0015] [1 First embodiment] [1.1 Overall structure] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration between a multifunction peripheral 10 as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a terminal device 30 as an information processing apparatus.

[0016] The multifunction device 10 is an example of an image forming device capable of performing various types of jobs such as printing, copying, faxing, and image transmission in one housing. The image forming device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the multifunction device 10, and may be, for example, an image forming device specialized for a specific function such as a printer or fax. The multifunction device 10 is not limited in type, configuration, or performance as long as it is configured to be able to execute a job based on a job received from the terminal device 30. The multifunction device 10 is connected to a network NW so as to be able to communicate with the terminal device 30 and other devices (not shown). The multifunction device 10 may be connected to another network NW (not shown) connected to the network NW, and a plurality of multifunction devices 10 may be connected to the network NW.

[0017] The terminal device 30 can be configured as a computer that operates under the control of a specific OS (Operating System). The terminal device 30 is not limited in type, configuration, performance, etc. of the device as long as it is configured to generate a job based on print settings and fax settings accepted via a job execution screen described later and transmit the job to the multifunction device 10. The terminal device 30 may be connected to another network NW (not shown) connected to the network NW, and a plurality of terminal devices 30 may be connected to the network NW.

[0018] [1.2 Functional configuration] [1.2.1 About the multifunction device 10] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 19, an image forming unit 21, and an image input unit 23.

[0019] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic devices (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), etc.). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 19.

[0020] The display unit 13 is a display device that displays various information to a user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0021] The operation input unit 15 is an input device that accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with various input devices such as operation keys such as hard keys and software keys, and buttons. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be a general method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0022] The communication unit 17 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (terminal device 30) via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, a fax line, etc. The communication unit 17 may also include an interface related to (short-distance) wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near field communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), and wireless USB.

[0023] The image forming unit 21 feeds paper from a paper feed tray (not shown), forms an image of a code related to additional information to be added together with image information, and then discharges the paper to a paper discharge unit (not shown). The image forming unit 21 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 21 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) corresponding to a toner color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.).

[0024] The image input unit 23 generates image information by scanning an original. The image input unit 23 can be configured as a scanner device having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) and an automatic document feeder (ADF) or a flatbed for placing and reading an original. There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the image input unit 23 as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor. The image input unit 23 can also be configured as an interface capable of acquiring document data stored in an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a print job transmitted from the terminal device 30.

[0025] The storage unit 19 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 19 can be configured with storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0026] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores a control program 191, a job control program 192, an authentication program 193, and an additional information related program 194, and reserves an authentication information storage area 195, a history log storage area 196, and a device information storage area 197.

[0027] The control program 191 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when performing overall control of the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that has read the control program 191 controls the driving of hardware such as the display unit 13, the operation input unit 15, the communication unit 17, the image forming unit 21, and the image input unit 23.

[0028] The job control program 192 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when executing jobs such as print (including print hold), copy, fax, and image transmission. After reading the job control program 192, the control unit 11 transitions to a job mode (print (copy) mode, fax mode, image transmission mode, etc.) for executing each job and executes the job. When executing a job, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen on a touch panel configured as the operation input unit 15 (display unit 13) as necessary, which accepts setting values ​​and function selections required for job execution from the user. The control unit 11 executes each job based on the setting values ​​and functions accepted via the job execution screen.

[0029] In this disclosure, when there is no distinction between a print job and a copy job, they are collectively referred to as a print job, and image formation (operation) based on the print job is referred to as printing.

[0030] Print hold is a print function that temporarily holds image information acquired as a print job at the time of printing in the storage unit 19 and prints the image based on an operation instruction from the user. In this case, a preview image (including a code related to the additional information when the additional information described later is added) generated based on the held image information is displayed on the touch panel, and it is also possible to check the print image before printing.

[0031] The authentication program 193 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when authenticating a user who attempts to log in to the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that reads out the authentication program 193 functions as an authentication unit that operates based on a user authentication function, and when the user authentication function is enabled, displays a login screen (not shown) on the touch panel and accepts input of authentication information related to the user authentication. For example, when the authentication condition is a combination of a login user name and a login password, the control unit 11 can perform user authentication by previously storing the login user name and the login password related to the user authentication in association with each other, and comparing the login user name and the login password input via the login screen. Note that the user authentication can be performed by, in addition to knowledge authentication that combines the login user name and the login password, for example, possession authentication using a token, a key, an IC (Integrated circuit) card, a smartphone, or biometric authentication such as face authentication or fingerprint authentication. Incidentally, the control unit 11 can accept a setting of enable / disable of the user authentication function via a system setting screen, which will be described later, or the like.

[0032] The additional information related program 194 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when a job to be executed is accepted and the job is a print job. When the control unit 11 reads out the additional information related program 194, the control unit 11 executes processing related to the addition of additional information when an instruction to add additional information is included in image information related to a print job. Here, the additional information according to the present disclosure refers to information that is added to image information related to a print job, includes specific information or job specific information described later, and is converted into a coded image by coding.

[0033] The additional information related program 194 includes an image information determination program 1941, a code generation program 1942, and an output image information generation program 1943. When the job to be executed is a print job, the control unit 11 that reads out the image information determination program 1941 determines whether the type of image information related to the print is image information of a document that certifies the authenticity of the description. Here, the document that certifies the authenticity of the description is a type of document used within or outside the organization to which the user who executes the print job belongs, and is an official document (hereinafter, referred to as an official document in this disclosure) that has been approved by multiple supervisors as necessary for a document created by a user. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the type of image information related to the print is not a document that certifies the authenticity of the description, it determines the image information as another document (hereinafter, referred to as an unofficial document (general job) in this disclosure) different from the document that certifies the authenticity of the description. In addition, the control unit 11 that reads out the image information determination program 1941 can determine the type of image information related to the received print job by referring to an identifier indicating the type of image information (for example, numbers or letters such as "1" or "Yes" for an official document, and "0" or "No" for an unofficial document) and the contents of the additional information related to the attachment instruction.

[0034] The code generating program 1942 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when generating a code related to the additional information. When the type of image information related to the print is image information related to an official document, the control unit 11 reads out the code generating program 1942 generates image information (encoded information) of a code related to the additional information, using specific information including organization information related to an organization to which a user who executes a print job belongs as additional information. On the other hand, when the type of image information related to the print is image information related to an unofficial document, the control unit 11 generates encoded information of a code related to the additional information, using job specific information including job information related to a print job and device information of the multifunction device 10 as additional information. The encoded information may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode (for example, EAN code, JAN code, Codbar, CODE128, etc.) or a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may be a stack type two-dimensional code (for example, PDF417, CODE49, etc.) or a matrix type two-dimensional code (for example, Quick Response Code (QR Code (registered trademark)), DataMatrix, VeriCode, Aztec, etc.). In the following description, a quick response code (QR code (registered trademark)) will be used as an example of encoded information.

[0035] Here, using Figure 3, we will explain the specific information that is added as additional information when the type of image information related to the print is image information related to an official document, and the job specific information that is added as additional information when the type of image information related to the print is image information related to an unofficial document.

[0036] 3, when the type of image information is an official document, an example of specific information added as additional information to the image information to be printed can be organizational information such as a company code / department code, which is related to the organization to which the user who executes the print job belongs, and the specific information can further include login information such as the login name of the user who logged in to the multifunction device 10, and date and time information such as the print date and time. Note that the organizational information is not limited to the company code / department code, and is not particularly limited as long as it can identify the company (name) such as the company (company) name, company group name, branch (branch) name, store name, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), domain name, contact information such as telephone number, or the affiliation of the user who executed the print job.

[0037] Also, when the type of image information is an informal document, examples of job identification information that is added as additional information to the image information to be printed include job information related to the print job, such as a job mode and a job ID, and device information of the multifunction peripheral / printer (MFP) serial number, and the job identification information can further include information related to login information, such as the login name of a user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10, and date and time information, such as the print date and time. Note that the job information is not limited to the job mode and job ID, and is not particularly limited as long as it is information related to the job to be executed, such as specific setting values ​​related to the execution of the print job, such as the number of prints and color mode / monochrome mode, when the job is a print job, or a setting history ID for identifying the setting history, when the print job to be executed is a print job that uses the setting history of an executed print job. Also, the device information of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 is not limited to the MFP serial number, and is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10, such as the device name of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 10 (for example, an account name or account ID for a specific server), a network address, and an installation location.

[0038] FIG. 3 also shows an example of specific information or job specific information that is decoded by reading an image obtained by encoding the specific information or job specific information with a reading device such as a code reader.

[0039] An example of decryption for an official document (specific information) is a string consisting of "aabbcc" as the company code / department code, "tanaka" as the login name, and "230705091458" (2023 / 07 / 05 09:14:58) as the date and time. Regarding the decryption of codes related to specific information, in consideration of security against third parties, it is preferable to express the strings representing the company code / department code, login name, and date and time by concatenating them without delimiters (for example, underscores) so that the decryption results are difficult to read at a glance.

[0040] On the other hand, a decoded example of an unofficial document (job specific information) is a character string consisting of a job mode of "P" (print job), an MFP serial number of "85091729", a job ID of "4348", a login name of "tanaka", and a date and time of "230705091458" (2023 / 07 / 05 09:14:58). Regarding the decoding of the code related to the job specific information, it is preferable to express the character strings representing the job mode, MFP serial number, job ID, login name, and date and time by concatenating them with delimiters so that the decoded result can be easily read at a glance, taking into consideration the convenience of the (logged-in) user.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 2 again, the output image information generating program 1943 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when generating output image information to be printed on a medium by synthesizing image information related to a print job with coded information generated by reading out the code generating program 1942. The control unit 11 that reads out the output image information generating program 1943 generates output image information in consideration of the print layout on the medium. For example, the code related to the additional information can be added together with other images (for example, watermarks, stamps, date printing, etc.), and when the print position related to the code image overlaps with the print position related to the other images, the print of the code related to the additional information can be prioritized. In this case, the control unit 11 can adjust the print position of the code related to the additional information so that it does not overlap with the print position of the other images by restricting the printing of the other images or changing the print position of the other images. Note that the print position of the code related to the additional information is preferably set to the upper right corner of the image forming surface of the medium so as not to affect the printing of the image information related to the print job, but the print position of the code related to the additional information can be changed or set by the user as appropriate. Incidentally, if an image has already been printed at the print position of the code related to the additional information, the control unit 11 can overwrite the image with the image of the code related to the additional information. If the specific information or the coded information related to the job specific information as the additional information has not been generated, that is, if an instruction to add the additional information has not been given to the image information related to the print job, the control unit 11 that reads out the output image information generating program 1943 generates output image information for printing only the image information related to the print job. Then, the control unit 11 that generated the output image information reads out the job control program 192 to transition to a job mode for executing a print job and executes the print job.

[0042] The authentication information storage area 195 is a storage area that stores authentication information (for example, a combination of a login user name and a login password related to user authentication) of a user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 that reads out the authentication program 193 performs user authentication processing by comparing the login user name and login password input by the user with the authentication information read out from the authentication information storage area 195.

[0043] The history log storage area 196 is a storage area for storing history logs relating to executed jobs. The history logs will be described later.

[0044] The device information storage area 197 is a storage area for storing device information such as the serial number of the multifunction device 10, the device name of the multifunction device 10, the network address, the installation location, etc. The device information stored in the device information storage area 197 is used as job specification information that is assigned to image information to be printed.

[0045] [1.2.2 Terminal device 30] The following describes the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 33, an operation input unit 35, a communication unit 37, and a storage unit 39.

[0046] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is configured with, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0047] The display unit 33 is a display device that displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 33 can be configured, for example, by an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0048] The operation input unit 35 is an input device that accepts information input by a user, etc. The operation input unit 35 may use, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0049] The communication unit 37 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices (such as the multifunction device 10) via, for example, a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, etc. The communication unit 37 may include an interface related to (short-distance) wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), IrDA, or wireless USB.

[0050] The storage unit 39 is one or more storage devices that store various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 39 can be configured with a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 stores a control program 391, a driver program 392, and an application program 393, and reserves a screen information storage area 394.

[0052] The control program 391 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when performing overall control of the terminal device 30. The control unit 31 that has read the control program 391 functions as an OS, and controls the operation of hardware such as the display unit 33, the operation input unit 35, and the communication unit 37, starts and ends applications that run on the OS, manages files, and so on.

[0053] The driver program 392 is a printer driver that runs on the OS. The driver program 392 is a program that the control unit 31 reads out when exchanging a print job with the multifunction device 10 via an application. When the control unit 31 reads out the driver program 392 and receives a print instruction for an official document or an unofficial document via the application, the control unit 31 displays a print job execution screen for printing the document on the display unit 33. The control unit 31 generates a print job based on print settings received from the user via the print job execution screen, and transmits the generated print job to the multifunction device 10.

[0054] Application program 393 is a program that is read by control unit 31 upon receiving a start instruction from the user. After reading application program 393, control unit 31 functions as an application and provides specific functions according to the user's purpose, such as document creation such as official documents and unofficial documents, graphic drawing, and Internet browsing. Application program 393 can be acquired by installation using a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or by downloading from a service providing server (not shown).

[0055] The screen information storage area 394 is a storage area for storing a setting screen for receiving the selection of the MFP 10 that will execute a print job, and screen information (images / screen contents) for configuring a print execution screen according to a printer driver.

[0056] [1.3 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing from accepting a print job, executing the print job, to generating a history log. The control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 executes the processing described in Fig. 5 by reading, among other things, a job control program 192, an additional information related program 194, and the like.

[0057] The control unit 11 receives a print job to be executed (step S100). When the print job is received, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an instruction to add additional information is included in the image information related to the print job (step S110).

[0058] If it is determined that the image information related to the print job includes an instruction to add additional information, the control unit 11 determines the type of the image information (step S110; Yes → step S120). On the other hand, if it is determined that the image information related to the print job does not include an instruction to add additional information, the control unit 11 generates output image information using only the image information related to the print job (step S110; No → step S160). Then, the control unit 11 executes printing based on the generated output image information (step S170). The control unit 11 generates a history log related to the executed print job and stores it in the history log storage area 196 of the storage unit 19, thereby ending the process (step S180).

[0059] Incidentally, when the control unit 11 determines in the process of determining the type of image information that the image information is image information of an official document (document that certifies authenticity), it decides to add specific information as additional information (step S130; Yes→step S140).On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the image information is image information of an unofficial document (document that is not a document that certifies authenticity), it decides to add job specific information as additional information (step S130; No→step S190).

[0060] Then, the control unit 11 generates coded information related to the additional information of either the specific information determined to be added in step S140 or the job specific information determined to be added in step S190 (step S150).

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 generates output image information by combining the encoded information generated in step S150 with image information related to the print job (step S160).Then, the control unit 11 executes printing based on the generated output image information (step S170).The control unit 11 generates a history log related to the executed print job, stores it in the history log storage area 196 of the storage unit 19, and ends the process (step S180).

[0062] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 shows an example of a QR code print setting screen W10 that accepts a setting of whether or not to add a code (QR code) as additional information to an image related to image information of a print job to be executed. The QR code print setting screen W10 can be displayed via a system setting screen of the multifunction device 10, etc.

[0063] The QR code print setting screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a pull-down menu P10 and a pull-down menu P12 that accept the selection of whether or not to add a QR code to an image related to image information (unofficial document) related to a copy job or print job when printing the image information.

[0064] The pull-down menu P10 is a pull-down menu that accepts the selection of whether or not to add a QR code to an image related to the image information of a copy job when the job to be executed is a copy job. The pull-down menu P12 is a pull-down menu that accepts the selection of whether or not to add a QR code to an image related to the image information of a print job when the job to be executed is a print job. In the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment, a mode for adding a QR code can be selected according to the type of job.

[0065] For example, the "Always Print" menu shown in pull-down menu P10 is a mode in which a QR code is always added regardless of the user's selection, whereas the "User Selectable" menu shown in pull-down menu P12 is a mode in which the user can select whether or not to add a QR code via the job execution screen described in the next figure.

[0066] Fig. 7 shows an example of a configuration of a copy execution screen W20 related to a copy job. The copy execution screen W20 can be displayed, for example, via a home screen (not shown). In the case of a copy job, the subject to which a QR code is to be added as additional information is image information related to an image to be copied that is generated by an image sensor scanning an original placed on a flatbed or an automatic document feeder. Fig. 7 describes an aspect of adding a QR code to the image information via the copy execution screen W20.

[0067] The copy execution screen W20 is configured to enable all settings related to the execution of a copy job. The copy execution screen W20 includes a setting value button B10, an operation control button B12, a number of copies button B14, and a start button B16.

[0068] The setting value button B10 is a button that accepts the selection and input of setting values ​​that can be set by the user among the setting values ​​related to the copy job. For example, the user can set the setting value related to the color mode by selecting the color mode button and selecting a desired setting value from items related to the color mode selection, such as "full color", "black and white", "single color", and "automatic (color / black and white)" (not shown). Fig. 7 shows an example in which seven setting value items, "color mode", "original", "paper selection", "double-sided copy", "magnification", "copy density", and "sort / group", are provided as configurable setting value items.

[0069] In addition to the above-mentioned setting value items, the setting value button B10 also has an "Other Functions" button. By selecting the "Other Functions" button, the user can call up setting value items other than the displayed setting value items and select / input setting values.

[0070] The operation control buttons B12 include a preview button, a reset button, and, for example, extended function buttons such as a "print and send at the same time" button, a "program call" button, a "filing" button, etc. For example, by selecting the "print and send at the same time" button, the user can simultaneously print the scanned image and send it to a specified destination (for example, send it by e-mail or fax) in conjunction with the execution of a copy job.

[0071] The operation control buttons B12 also include a “Print QR code” button B121. The “Print QR code” button B121 is a button that accepts a selection of whether or not to add a QR code to an image related to image information of a copy job. When the “Print QR code” button B121 is selected by the user, the control unit 11 prints an image to which a QR code is added to a copy target image on a medium. When the “Print QR code” button B121 is selected, the control unit 11 may display an additional information setting screen (not shown) as a sub-screen that accepts input of additional information (specific information or job specific information) to be printed as a QR code and selection of the type of image information (official document or unofficial document). When the “Always print” menu is selected on the QR code print setting screen W10 described in FIG. 6, the display of the “Print QR code” button 121 may be restricted (the “Print QR code button” 121 is made unselectable by performing display control such as non-display or graying out).

[0072] The number of copies button B14 is a button for receiving an input relating to the setting of the number of copies.

[0073] The start button B16 includes a black and white start button and a color start button. If a black and white copy is desired, the user selects the black and white start button. On the other hand, if a color copy is desired, the user selects the color start button. When the user selects either the black and white start button or the color start button, the control unit 11 executes processing related to the copy job.

[0074] Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of a print execution screen W30 related to a print job. The print execution screen W30 is displayed when a print instruction is accepted on the terminal device 30 via a predetermined application. In the case of a print job, the subject to which a QR code is to be added as additional information is image information related to an image to be printed that is generated via the predetermined application. Fig. 8 describes a mode in which a QR code is added to the image information via the print execution screen W30.

[0075] The print execution screen W30 includes a print setting area R10. The print execution screen W30 illustrated in Fig. 8 is an example in which the print setting area R10 includes print inserts, stamps, image quality, and detailed settings as print settings that can be selected by the user. In the print setting area R10, the user can make print settings according to the displayed setting contents for any of the print inserts, stamps, image quality, and detailed settings.

[0076] Fig. 8 shows an example in which the setting for adding a QR code is provided in the print setting for the stamp. Note that, although the setting for adding a QR code is provided in the print setting for the stamp in Fig. 8, the setting for adding a QR code can be provided in other print settings such as detailed settings.

[0077] Here, the QR code assignment target selection pull-down menu P20 is a pull-down menu that accepts the selection of the document type to which the QR code is to be assigned as additional information. FIG. 8 shows an example in which "Official Documents" is selected as the document to which the QR code is to be assigned. The QR code assignment target selection pull-down menu P20 can expand the display area downward in the figure by clicking on the downward arrow, etc. The expanded screen P20A displays "None" (not selected), "Official Documents", and "Non-Official Documents (General Job)" as items that can be selected by the user. By selecting the desired item, the user can set the QR code assignment target to either "Not assigned", "Official Documents", or "Non-Official Documents (General Job)". In addition, when a user selects an official document as the document to which a QR code is to be assigned, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 assigns a QR code to the official document to be printed, regardless of the QR code print settings received via the QR code print setting screen W10 illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0078] The specific information input box B20 is a box that accepts input of organizational information, which is an example of specific information. The specific information input box B20 is an input box that is displayed when "official document" is selected as the document type to which a QR code is to be assigned in the QR code assignment target selection pull-down menu P20. FIG. 8 is an example of an input box that accepts input of "Company Code / Department Code" as organizational information. By inputting a company code / department code such as "aabbcc", for example, the user can include the input organizational information in the additional information (see FIG. 3).

[0079] 9 shows an example of the configuration of the print execution screen W30 when the user selects an informal document (general job) as the document type to which a QR code is to be added via the QR code addition target selection pull-down menu P20. When the user selects an informal document as the document type to which a QR code is to be added, the specific information input box B20 shown in FIG. 8 is not displayed on the print execution screen W30.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a print result of an official document to which a QR code is added as additional information. In FIG. 10, in addition to the official document body as image information related to a copy job or print job, a QR code Q10 is printed in the upper right corner of a medium S10. The print position of the QR code Q10 is preferably the upper right corner of the medium so as not to affect the readability of the official document body, but is not limited thereto. In addition to the four corners of the medium, namely the upper left upper corner, the lower right lower corner, and the lower left lower corner, the QR code Q10 can be printed on the back side of the printed side of the official document body if the device configuration allows double-sided printing. The print position of the QR code Q10 can be set or changed as desired by the user. In addition, the print size of the QR code Q10 can be set as desired, but it is preferable to make it fixed regardless of the medium size, taking into consideration the reading performance of a reading device such as a code reader.

[0081] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a history log generated by the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 after execution of a print job in step S180 in Fig. 5. Also, Fig. 11(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of a log file generated as the history log.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the history log includes a job ID, an account job ID, a job mode, and a QR code print. The job ID is an identifier that is assigned to uniquely identify an executed job. For example, when the multifunction device 10 and the terminal device 30 are linked by a specific linked application, the account job ID is a job ID that is used by the linked application. The job mode is the mode of the executed job (print, copy). The QR code print indicates whether or not a QR code has been printed for an image printed in the executed job. Note that information regarding whether or not a QR code has been printed for an image printed in the executed job is stored in the log file illustrated in FIG. 11(b). <qrcode>< / qrcode> The QR code is also recorded in the tag (the area enclosed by the dashed line in the figure). When reprinting an image related to a job that has been executed using the history log exemplified in Figure 11(a) or 11(b), the control unit 11 can determine whether or not to add a QR code based on the settings related to the history log.

[0083] As described above, in the first embodiment, depending on whether the type of image information to be printed is an official document or an unofficial document, it is possible to control the addition of additional information to be printed as a code or the content of the additional information. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to flexibly manage the output of image information related to official documents or unofficial documents as printed matter.

[0084] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is an embodiment in which, in the first embodiment, it is determined that the image information related to the job to be executed is image information of an official document, and only when the job is a print job and not a copy job, it is determined that specific information is to be added as additional information. Note that in the second embodiment, a print job and a copy job will be distinguished from each other for explanation.

[0085] The process flow according to the second embodiment can be obtained by replacing the flowchart of Fig. 5 according to the first embodiment with the flowchart of Fig. 12. Note that the same processes as those explained in Fig. 5 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted.

[0086] When the control unit 11 determines in the process of determining the type of image information that the image information is image information of an official document, it determines whether the job to be executed is a print job (step S130; Yes→step S200).

[0087] When the control unit 11 determines that the job to be executed is a print job, it decides to add specific information as additional information (step S200; Yes→step S140). On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the job to be executed is not a print job, it ends the process (step S200; No→End).

[0088] Meanwhile, when the control unit 11 determines in the process of determining the type of image information that the image information is image information of an unofficial document, it determines whether the job to be executed is a print job or a copy job (step S130; No→step S210).

[0089] When the control unit 11 determines that the job to be executed is a print job or a copy job, it decides to add job identification information as additional information (step S210; Yes→step S190). On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the job to be executed is not a print job or a copy job, it ends the process (step S210; No→End). Note that in determining the job type in step 210, a scan job may be included as the job type to be executed.

[0090] As described above, in the second embodiment, specific information is added as additional information only when the image information of the job related to execution is an official document and the job type is a print job. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, for example, it is possible to prevent a guest user from illegally copying and duplicating an official document by directly operating the multifunction device 10.

[0091] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which, when the user authentication function is enabled and the user has successfully logged in, the login information of the logged-in user is included in the identification information or the job identification information.

[0092] Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process for including login information of a login user in the identification information or job identification information in the third embodiment. Note that the process explained in Fig. 13 can be included in the internal process of step S150 in Fig. 5.

[0093] The control unit 11 judges whether or not the user authentication function is enabled (step S300). If it is judged that the user authentication function is enabled, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the user has successfully logged in to the multifunction device 10 (step S300; Yes→step S310). If it is judged that the user has successfully logged in, the control unit 11 assigns the login information of the logged-in user to the specific information or job specific information, and ends the process (step S310; Yes→step S320).

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user authentication function is invalid (step S300; No), or if the user login has failed (step S310; No), the control unit 11 ends the process. In this case, if the document to be printed is an official document, the control unit 11 preferably restricts printing of the official document in order to guarantee the authenticity of the official document.

[0095] 14 is an example of a system setting screen W40 having a user authentication pull-down menu P40 that accepts a user's setting of whether to enable or disable the user authentication function. (Administrator) A user can switch between enabling and disabling the user authentication function via the user authentication pull-down menu P40 on the system setting screen W40.

[0096] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to control whether or not to include the login information of a logged-in user in the identification information or job identification information depending on whether the user authentication function is enabled or disabled and whether user authentication has succeeded.

[0097] [4 Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the addition of additional information to image information is controlled in accordance with an additional information (QR code) addition mode set by a user on a QR code print setting screen W10 serving as the setting section exemplified in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment, when the additional information attachment mode set by the user is the first attachment mode "user selectable", the control unit 11 forcibly attaches additional information to image information related to an official document. On the other hand, for image information related to an unofficial document, the control unit 11 controls whether or not to attach additional information to the image information based on the user's selection via the job execution screen.

[0099] Incidentally, when the additional information attachment mode set by the user is the second attachment mode of "always print", the control unit 11 attaches additional information to image information for which the attachment of additional information is not instructed, in addition to official documents and unofficial documents. At this time, the control unit 11 does not accept the user's selection of whether or not to attach additional information to image information, and restricts the display of setting items related to the attachment of additional information on the job execution screens exemplified in, for example, Figs. 7 to 9.

[0100] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the addition of additional information to image information is controlled according to the additional information (QR code) addition mode set by the user. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user only needs to determine the additional information addition mode, thereby reducing the effort involved in managing the output of image information as printed matter.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0102] Although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined and executed within a technically feasible range.

[0103] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0104] Here, the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded in the information processing device may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the functions of the present disclosure are realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc. based on instructions from the program.

[0105] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present disclosure.

[0106] Also, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented and executed by an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits. The electric circuit designed to realize the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or trongistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electric circuit described above may be composed of a digital circuit or an analog circuit. Also, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces the current integrated circuit appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can use a new integrated circuit according to the technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 191 Control Program 192 Job Control Program 193 Certification Program 194 Additional Information Related Programs 1941 Image information judgment program 1942 Code Generator 1943 Output image information generation program 195 Authentication information storage area 196 History log storage area 197 Device information storage area 30 Terminal Equipment 31 Control Unit 33 Display section 35 Operation input section 37 Communications Department 39 Memory section 391 Control Program 392 Driver Program 393 Application Program 394 Screen information storage area

Claims

1. A control unit for controlling addition of additional information to image information; an image forming unit that forms an image of a code related to the additional information to be added together with the image information when the additional information is added based on the control by the control unit; The control unit is An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that adds, to the image information, the additional information that differs depending on the type of the image information.

2. The control unit is When the type of the image information is image information of a document certifying authenticity of written matters, specific information including organizational information regarding an organization to which a user who executes a job related to image formation of the document belongs is added to the image information as the additional information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the type of image information is image information of a document other than a document that certifies the authenticity of the described information, job-specific information including job information regarding image formation and device information of the image forming apparatus is added to the image information as the additional information.

3. The specific information or the job specific information is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: login information of a user for the image forming apparatus and date and time information of image formation.

4. The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when a job relating to image formation of a document that certifies the authenticity of the described information is a print job, image information relating to the document is determined as the target for adding the additional information, and the additional information is added.

5. The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when a job relating to image formation of a document other than the document that certifies the authenticity of the described information is a print job or a copy job, the image information relating to the other document is determined as the target for adding the additional information, and the additional information is added.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a history of a job in which the additional information is added and an image is formed.

7. The control unit is 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when a user authentication function is enabled, the specific information or the job specific information includes login information of a user for the image forming apparatus.

8. The control unit is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the user authentication function is invalid, the image formation of the document certifying the authenticity of the written items is restricted.

9. The control unit is 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an image forming position of the code overlaps with an image forming position of another image different from the code, the code is given priority in image formation.

10. The other images are 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image is related to a watermark, a stamp, or a date printing.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the code is constant regardless of the size of a medium on which an image is formed.

12. The character string represented by the decoded code included in the image of the document verifying the authenticity of the description is concatenated without delimiters; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a character string represented by decoding the code contained in an image of a document other than the document certifying the authenticity of the described items is concatenated with a delimiter.

13. a setting unit that receives a setting of an addition mode regarding addition of the additional information from a user; The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a setting unit configured to set the additional information based on the additional information setting mode received via the setting unit.

14. The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, when the first addition mode is selected by the user, the additional information is forcibly added to image information of a document that certifies the authenticity of the written information, and for image information of other documents other than the document that certifies the authenticity of the written information, it is determined whether or not to add the additional information based on a selection made by the user.

15. The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, when the second adding mode is selected by the user, the additional information is added to image information of a document that certifies the authenticity of the described information and to image information of another document other than the document that certifies the authenticity of the described information.

16. The control unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when image information of a document that certifies the authenticity of the described information and another document other than the document that certifies the authenticity of the described information are re-imaged, whether or not to add the additional information is determined based on the settings at the time of the previous image formation.

17. Controlling the addition of additional information to image information; An image forming method for forming an image of a code related to additional information to be added together with image information, when additional information is added, comprising the steps of: An image forming method comprising the steps of: adding, to the image information, the additional information which differs depending on the type of the image information.

Images