Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain legibility of a code image.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a control unit, an image forming unit, and a storage unit that stores a code image position where the image forming unit forms a code image on a medium. The control unit executes predetermined processing on a designated processing position on the medium, acquires the code image position from the storage unit, determines whether the processing position and the code image formed at the code image position overlap each other, and according to a result of the determination, changes the position for forming the code image from the code image position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some image forming devices, such as MFPs (Multi-Function Printers / Peripherals), have a function of adding a code image, such as a QR Code (registered trademark), when forming an image on a medium for copying or printing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes adding a code image, which indicates the printing time information and the printer information of a document image, to the document image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-025784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some image forming devices of this type print a code image overlapping the printed content of a document image. Other image forming devices of this type print a code image without considering the print settings configured for the document image. As a result, these image forming devices can make the printed document image and code image difficult to read.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain the readability of a code image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides an image forming device that includes a control unit, an image forming unit, and a memory unit that stores a code image position at which the image forming unit forms a code image on a medium, wherein the control unit executes a predetermined process on a designated processing position on the medium, acquires the code image position from the memory unit, determines whether the processing position and the code image to be formed at the code image position overlap, and changes the position at which the code image is formed from the code image position depending on the result of the determination.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an image forming device that includes a control unit and an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, wherein the control unit uses the image forming unit to perform a determination regarding an original image to be formed on the medium, and performs processing regarding a code image to be formed on the medium according to the result of the determination, and forms the processed code image on the medium using the image forming unit.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a control method for an image forming device, which executes a predetermined process on a specified processing position on a medium, obtains a code image position, which is the position on the medium where a code image is to be formed, determines whether the processing position and the code image to be formed at the code image position overlap, and changes the position where the code image is to be formed from the code image position depending on the result of the determination.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a control method for an image forming device, which performs a determination regarding an original image to be formed on a medium, performs processing regarding a code image to be formed on the medium depending on the result of the determination, and forms the processed code image on the medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain the readability of a code image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram for explaining an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 4 is a table showing code information used in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction printer and the multifunction printer of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 5A shows an original image, FIG. 5B shows an output medium by the conventional multifunction printer based on the original image of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C shows an output medium by the multifunction printer of the first embodiment based on the original image of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction printer and a multifunction printer of the second embodiment, in which FIG. 7A shows an original image, FIG. 7B shows an output medium by the conventional multifunction printer based on the original image of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C shows an output medium by the multifunction printer of the second embodiment based on the original image of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 10 is a table showing code information used in a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B show an original image, FIGS. 10C and 10D show an output medium by the conventional multifunction printer based on the original image of FIG. 10A, and FIGS. 10E and 10F show an output medium by the multifunction printer of the third embodiment based on the original image of FIG. 10A and 10B. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B show the output of a conventional multifunction printer and the output of a multifunction printer according to the fourth embodiment, where FIGS. 13A and 13B show the original image, FIGS. 13C and 13D show the output medium of the conventional multifunction printer based on the original images of FIGS. 13A and 13B, and FIGS. 13E and 13F show the output medium of the multifunction printer according to the fourth embodiment based on the original images of FIGS. 13A and 13B. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a multifunction peripheral according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 16A and 16B show an original image, FIG. 16C shows an output medium by the conventional multifunction printer based on the original images of FIGS. 13A and 13B, and FIG. 16D shows an output medium by the multifunction printer of the fifth embodiment based on the original images of FIGS. 16A and 16B. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a multifunction peripheral according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 13 is a table showing code information used in a multifunction peripheral according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 20A and 20B are diagrams for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction printer and a multifunction printer of the seventh embodiment, where FIG. 20A shows an original image, FIG. 20B shows the output medium by the conventional multifunction printer based on the original image of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 20C shows the output medium by the multifunction printer of the seventh embodiment based on the original image of FIG. 20A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [1. First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram for explaining an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming system 1 includes a multifunction peripheral 2, a terminal device 3, and a network NW. The multifunction peripheral 2 is also called an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral) and is a type of image forming device. The terminal device 3 is an information processing device, such as a personal computer, a workstation, a tablet, or a smartphone. The network NW is a data communication network. The network NW is a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The network NW may include, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), a mobile communication network, or the Internet.

[0013] 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The multifunction peripheral 2 typically has a copy function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The multifunction peripheral 2 may further have other functions, such as an email sending / receiving function, a file server function, etc. The multifunction peripheral 2 has a control unit 11, a storage unit 13, a display unit 15, an operation unit 17, an image input unit 19, an image forming unit 21, a communication unit 23, a connection unit 25, and a post-processing unit 27.

[0014] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 2. The control unit 11 is made up of one or more control devices and control circuits, and is made up of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing, an SoC (System on a Chip), etc. The control unit 11 can also realize each function by reading out programs stored in the storage unit 13 and executing the processing.

[0015] The control unit 11 includes a code generation unit 11a. The code generation unit 11a encodes given information to generate a two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code image is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), but may be other types of two-dimensional code. The information (code information) encoded by the code generation unit 11a is arbitrary, and may be, for example, printing time information of the document indicated by the original image, or printer information indicating the person who printed the document. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the same information is converted into a two-dimensional code. The medium is a print medium, such as plain paper or an overhead projector (OHP) sheet.

[0016] The storage unit 13 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus. The storage unit 13 includes one or more recording devices capable of temporary storage, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and non-temporary recording devices, such as a solid state drive (SSD) configured with semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD) configured with a magnetic disk. For convenience of explanation, the storage unit 13 is shown as a single unit, but it may also be configured as separate devices for each purpose, such as an area used for executing programs (main storage area), an area for saving programs and data (auxiliary storage area), an area used for caching, etc.

[0017] The memory unit 13 has a code information storage area 13a and a staple information storage area 13b. The code information storage area 13a is an area for storing code information related to two-dimensional codes. The staple information storage area 13b is an area for storing information related to staples to be applied to a medium by the post-processing unit 27 (described later), and particularly includes information related to the position on the medium to be stapled (staple position information). For example, the staple position information may be specified as the upper right, lower right, upper left, or lower left of the medium. The staple position information may also be a coordinate value based on coordinate axes defined on the surface of the medium. The staple position information may also be defined as a distance from a predetermined position on the medium (for example, the distance from the upper right corner of the medium). In this case, the length of the distance may be expressed in units such as meters or inches, or may be expressed in number of dots. The staple position information may also be expressed as a ratio to the total length of one side of the medium. In this case, for example, in a rectangular medium, the staple position information is specified as the right edge of the short side of the rectangle, 5% of the total length of the short side, and the top edge of the long side of the rectangle, 5% of the total length of the long side.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a code information table showing code information used in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The code information table includes the code image, size, position 1, and position 2. The code image is the file name of the two-dimensional code image generated by the code generation unit 11a. Here, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image file 001.JPG is stored. The size is the size of the code image formed on the medium, and 100 × 100 indicates that the two-dimensional code image 001.JPG is formed on the medium with a width of 100 pixels and a height of 100 pixels. Position 1 and position 2 are the positions on the medium to which the two-dimensional code image is formed. Position 1 is the default value, and position 2 is the new position when position 1 is changed. Here, for simplicity, position 1 and position 2 are defined as "top right" and "bottom right," respectively. However, in practice, position 1 and position 2 are determined as coordinate values that take into account the size of the medium, the size of the code image, etc.

[0019] Display unit 15 displays images and characters. For example, it is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, etc. Display unit 15 may be a standalone display device, or may further include an externally connected display device.

[0020] The operation unit 17 receives operation inputs from a user. For example, the operation unit 17 is configured with hardware keys and / or software keys. The operation unit 17 also includes operation keys such as task keys for issuing instructions to execute tasks such as sending a fax or scanning an image, and a stop key for issuing an instruction to cancel an operation.

[0021] Image input unit 19 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. Image input unit 19 is configured with a general scanner (image input device). Image input unit 19 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive an image via a network.

[0022] Image forming unit 21 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method of image forming unit 21 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, etc. Image forming unit 21 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer. Image forming unit 21 may include a paper feed mechanism that supplies media, a transport mechanism that transports media, a sorter mechanism that sorts media after images have been formed, etc.

[0023] The communication unit 23 connects to a network. For example, it is configured with an interface that can connect to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. When the communication unit 23 is connected to a network, it is connected to other devices and external networks. In addition, the communication unit 23 may be an interface that performs short-range wireless communication, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The connection unit 25 connects the image forming apparatus to other devices. For example, the connection unit 25 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. Furthermore, the connection unit 25 may be an interface other than a USB interface, such as HDMI (registered trademark).

[0025] The post-processing unit 27 performs post-processing on the media on which images have been formed by the image forming unit 21. In this embodiment, the post-processing includes a stapler. The post-processing unit 27 stacks multiple media on which images have been formed by the image forming unit 21 and staples them at the staple positions stored in the staple information storage area 13b.

[0026] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This operation is performed when the multifunction device 2 receives an instruction to form an original image on a medium. This instruction may be input via the operation unit 17, and the control unit 11 may operate in accordance with this instruction. Alternatively, this instruction may be input via the terminal device 3 and transmitted to the multifunction device 2 via the network NW, and the control unit 11 may receive this instruction using the communication unit 23.

[0027] The control unit 11 acquires the position of a staple to be applied to the medium on which the document image is formed from the staple information storage area 13b (step S1). Next, the control unit 11 acquires the position of a two-dimensional code image on the medium on which the document image is formed from the code information storage area 13a (step S3). The position of the two-dimensional code image is determined by the size and position 1 (upper right) in the code information table of FIG. 3. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the staple position acquired in step S1 overlaps with the two-dimensional code image placed at the position acquired in step S3 (step S5). If the staple position overlaps with the two-dimensional code image (step S5, Yes), the control unit 11 adjusts the position of the two-dimensional code image (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires position 2 (lower right) from the code information table of FIG. 3 and changes the position of the two-dimensional code image from position 1 to position 2. Next, the control unit 11 generates an image by adding the two-dimensional code image to the document image (step S9). Next, the control unit 11 uses the image forming unit 21 to form the image generated in step S9 on the medium (step S11). If the staple position and the two-dimensional code image do not overlap (step S5, No), the control unit 11 skips step S7 and proceeds directly to step S9. Next, the control unit 11 uses the post-processing unit 27 to staple at the staple position stored in the staple information storage area 13b (step S13).

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram comparing the output of a conventional multifunction peripheral and the multifunction peripheral of the first embodiment. FIG. 5(A) shows an original image. Original image 41 does not include a two-dimensional code image. FIG. 5(B) shows an output medium by a conventional multifunction peripheral based on the original image of FIG. 5(A). Conventional multifunction peripherals do not take into consideration overlapping of two-dimensional code images and staples, so on output medium 43, two-dimensional code image 45 and staple 47 may overlap. In this case, the staple punches a hole in the two-dimensional code image, damaging the two-dimensional code image. Furthermore, multiple media (sheets of paper) are bound together at the staple position, and in this case, the two-dimensional code images formed on sheets other than the top sheet of the bound sheets are underneath the other sheets. As a result, it is difficult or impossible to read the two-dimensional code images formed on the second and subsequent sheets of paper after the bound sheets using a barcode reader.

[0029] Fig. 5(C) shows an output medium by the multifunction peripheral of the first embodiment based on the original image of Fig. 5(A). In the output medium 49 according to the first embodiment, the position of the two-dimensional code image 53 is changed so that it is formed at a position away from the staples 51. Therefore, the two-dimensional code image is not damaged by the staples. Furthermore, even when the documents are fastened together with the staples 51, the two-dimensional code image 53 can be easily read by a barcode reader.

[0030] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the position of the two-dimensional code image is changed so that the staple and the two-dimensional code image do not overlap, but in the second embodiment, the position of the two-dimensional code image is changed so that the document image and the two-dimensional code image do not overlap. Note that only the parts of the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 11 acquires the position of the two-dimensional code image on the medium on which the document image is formed from the code information storage area 13a (step S21). Next, the control unit 11 acquires a portion of the document image corresponding to the position of the two-dimensional code image (step S23). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the two-dimensional code image and the document image overlap based on the position of the two-dimensional code image acquired in step S21 and the portion of the document image acquired in step S23 (step S25).

[0032] If all pixel values of the part of the original image acquired in step S23 are 0, it means that nothing is drawn in this part of the original image, so it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the original image do not overlap. On the other hand, if the part of the original image acquired in step S23 includes pixels with pixel values other than 0, it means that something is drawn in this part of the original image, so it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the original image overlap.

[0033] If it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the original image overlap (step S25, Yes), the control unit 11 adjusts the position of the two-dimensional code image. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires position 2 (bottom right) from the code information table in FIG. 3 and changes the position of the two-dimensional code image from position 1 to position 2. Next, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the two-dimensional code image is added to the original image (step S29). Next, the control unit 11 uses the image forming unit 21 to form the image generated in step S29 on the medium (step S31). If it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the original image do not overlap (step S25, No), the control unit 11 skips step S27 and proceeds directly to step S29.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagram for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction peripheral with that of the multifunction peripheral of the second embodiment. FIG. 7(A) shows an original image. Original image 61 does not include a two-dimensional code image. FIG. 7(B) shows an output medium of the conventional multifunction peripheral based on original image 61 of FIG. 7(A). In the conventional multifunction peripheral, overlap between the two-dimensional code image and the original image is not taken into consideration, so on output medium 63, two-dimensional code image 65 overlaps an area of original image 61 that is not a blank area. As a result, part of the object drawn in original image 61 (the circular object drawn in the upper right corner of the figure) is damaged.

[0035] 7(C) shows an output medium by a multifunction peripheral of the second embodiment based on the original image of FIG. 7(A). In the output medium 67 according to the second embodiment, the position of the two-dimensional code image 65 is changed so that the two-dimensional code image 69 is formed at a position away from the circular object. Therefore, the circular object is not affected by the two-dimensional code image 69.

[0036] In step S25, if all pixel values in the portion of the document image corresponding to the two-dimensional code image are 0, it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the document image do not overlap. However, if the portion contains pixels with non-zero pixel values, it is determined that the two-dimensional code image and the document image overlap. However, it may also be determined that the two-dimensional code image and the document image do not overlap if the portion of the document image corresponding to the two-dimensional code image contains only a small number of non-zero pixels. In this case, a threshold value related to the pixels contained in the portion of the document image corresponding to the two-dimensional code image is set, and whether the two-dimensional code image and the document image overlap is determined based on the results of comparison with this threshold value. An example of a threshold value is an upper limit of pixel values. Another example of a threshold value is the number of pixels exceeding the upper limit of pixel values.

[0037] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, the multifunction device 2 formed an image on only one side of the medium (hereinafter also referred to as single-sided printing). In contrast, in the third embodiment, the multifunction device 2 forms an image on both sides of the medium (hereinafter also referred to as double-sided printing). In addition, in the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the two-dimensional code image and the original image overlap on both sides of the medium, and depending on the determination result, the two-dimensional code image is added to either or both of the front and back surfaces of the medium. The following description will focus on only the differences in configuration and processing from the first embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a table showing code information used in the multifunction device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The code information storage area 13a stores the code information table of FIG. 8. The code information table includes a code image, a front position, a back position, and a size. The code image and size are similar to those in the code information table of FIG. 3, so a description thereof will be omitted. The front position is the position where a two-dimensional code image is formed on the front surface of the medium. The back position is the position where a two-dimensional code image is formed on the back surface of the medium. The front position and back position are each set to "upper right," but in reality, they are determined as coordinate values that take into account the size of the medium, the size of the code image, etc.

[0039] 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 11 acquires the front and back positions of the two-dimensional code image from the code information storage area 13a (step S41). Next, the control unit 11 acquires the portion of the document image corresponding to the position of the two-dimensional code image on the front side of the medium and the portion of the document image corresponding to the position of the two-dimensional code image on the back side of the medium (step S43). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the two-dimensional code image and the document image overlap on each of the front and back sides of the medium based on the position of the two-dimensional code image acquired in step S41 and the portion of the document image acquired in step S43 (step S45). This determination is the same as the determination in step S25 of the second embodiment, but is performed on both the front and back sides of the medium.

[0040] If the two-dimensional code image and the original image overlap on both the front and back of the medium (step S45, "overlaps on both the front and back"), the control unit 11 adds the two-dimensional code image only to the original image on the front side, and does not add the two-dimensional code image to the original image on the back side (step S47).

[0041] If the two-dimensional code image and the original image do not overlap on the front side of the medium, but overlap only on the back side of the medium (step S45, "overlap only on back side"), the control unit 11 adds the two-dimensional code image only to the original image on the front side of the medium (step S49).At this time, the control unit 11 does not add the two-dimensional code image to the original image on the back side of the medium.

[0042] If the two-dimensional code image and the original image overlap only on the front side of the medium, and do not overlap on the back side of the medium (step S45, "Only front side overlaps"), the control unit 11 adds the two-dimensional code image only to the original image on the back side of the medium (step S51). At this time, the control unit 11 does not add the two-dimensional code image to the original image on the front side of the medium.

[0043] If the two-dimensional code image and the original image do not overlap on either the front or back of the medium (step S45, "No overlap on either the front or back"), the control unit 11 adds the two-dimensional code image to the original image on both the front and back (step S53).

[0044] After adding the two-dimensional code image to the original image on either or both of the front and back sides of the medium as in steps S47-S53, the control unit 11 uses the image forming unit 21 to form the original image on both the front and back sides of the medium (step S55). Note that the addition form of the two-dimensional code image as in steps S47-S53 may be decided after confirmation with the user.

[0045] Figure 10 is a diagram for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction device and the multifunction device of the third embodiment. Figure 10(A) shows an original image on the front side of a medium, and Figure 10(B) shows an original image on the back side of the medium. Neither the front side of the original image 81 nor the back side of the original image 83 includes a two-dimensional code image.

[0046] Figure 10(C) shows an output medium of a conventional multifunction device based on the front side 81 of the original image in Figure 10(A). Figure 10(D) shows an output medium of a conventional multifunction device based on the back side 83 of the original image in Figure 10(B). Conventional multifunction devices do not take into consideration the overlap between the two-dimensional code image and the original image, so on output medium 85, two-dimensional code image 87 overlaps areas that are not blank on the front side 81 of the original image. As a result, the characters at the end of the first line of the front side 81 of the original image are difficult to read on output medium surface 85 because they are overlapped by two-dimensional code image 87.

[0047] 10(E) shows an output medium by the multifunction peripheral of the third embodiment based on the front side 81 of the original image in FIG. 10(A). FIG. 10(F) shows an output medium by the multifunction peripheral of the third embodiment based on the back side 83 of the original image in FIG. 10(B). As shown in FIGS. 10(C) and 10(D), the two-dimensional code image 87 overlaps with the original image 81 on the front side of the medium, while the two-dimensional code image 91 does not overlap with the original image 83 on the back side of the medium. Therefore, in the multifunction peripheral 2 of the third embodiment, the control unit 11 determines in step S45 that "only the front side overlaps," and adds a two-dimensional code image only to the back side without adding a two-dimensional code image to the front side, thereby outputting an output medium having an output medium front side 93 and an output medium back side 95.

[0048] [4. Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a two-dimensional code image is added without considering the orientation of the document image. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the orientation of the two-dimensional code image and the position at which the two-dimensional code image is added are changed depending on the orientation of the document image. The following description will focus on only the differences in configuration and processing from the first embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral 101 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The multifunction peripheral 101 is used in place of the multifunction peripheral 2. Compared to the multifunction peripheral 2, the multifunction peripheral 101 differs in that the control unit 11 includes a document orientation acquisition unit 11b. The document orientation acquisition unit 11b determines the document orientation based on a document image. Alternatively, the document orientation acquisition unit 11b determines the document orientation according to settings related to the document orientation input via the operation unit 17. The code information storage area 13a stores the code information table of FIG. 3, as in the first embodiment.

[0050] 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 11 acquires the orientation of the document using the document acquisition unit 11b (step S61). If the orientation of the document is landscape (horizontal orientation) (step S63, "Landscape"), the control unit 11 adjusts the orientation of the two-dimensional code image to the landscape orientation (step S65) and adds the two-dimensional code image to a specified position on the document image based on the landscape orientation (step S67). Next, the control unit 11 uses the image formation unit 21 to form the document image with the two-dimensional code image added on the medium (step S69).

[0051] On the other hand, if the orientation of the document is portrait (vertical orientation) (step S63, "Portrait"), the control unit 11 adjusts the orientation of the two-dimensional code image to the portrait orientation (step S71), and adds the two-dimensional code image to a specified position on the document image based on the portrait orientation (step S73). Next, the control unit 11 uses the image forming unit 21 to form the document image with the two-dimensional code image added on the medium (step S69).

[0052] Fig. 13 is a diagram for comparing the outputs of a conventional multifunction peripheral and the multifunction peripheral of the fourth embodiment. An original image 111 in Fig. 13(A) shows a portrait original image, and an original image 113 in Fig. 10(B) shows a landscape original image. Neither original image 111 nor original image 113 includes a two-dimensional code image.

[0053] Output medium 115 in FIG. 13(C) shows an output medium of a conventional multifunction device based on original image 111 in FIG. 13(A). Output medium 117 in FIG. 13(D) shows an output medium of a conventional multifunction device based on original image 113 in FIG. 13(B). In conventional multifunction devices, a two-dimensional code image is added at a position determined according to the orientation of the medium, regardless of the orientation of the original image. Therefore, as shown in two-dimensional code image 117 in FIG. 13(C), if the original image is portrait, the two-dimensional code image is added to the upper right corner of the original image. On the other hand, as shown in two-dimensional code image 121 in FIG. 13(D), even if the original image is landscape, the two-dimensional code image is added to a position determined according to the orientation of the medium. Therefore, based on the orientation of the original, the two-dimensional code image is added to the upper left corner of the original image on output medium 119.

[0054] In addition, in conventional multifunction devices, a two-dimensional code image is added to the original image in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the medium, regardless of the orientation of the original image. Therefore, the up-down directions of the two-dimensional code images 117 and 121 both match the vertical direction of the medium.

[0055] The two-dimensional code image 117 is positioned so that the arrow 117a points upward. This orientation matches the top and bottom of the original image 111, so the two-dimensional code image 117 can be machine-read when the output medium 115 is held in the same orientation as when a person reads it. Similarly, the two-dimensional code image 121 is positioned so that the arrow 121a points upward, but this orientation does not match the orientation when the output medium 119 is read. Therefore, in order to machine-read the two-dimensional code image 121, it is necessary to either re-hold the output medium 119 or to rotate the machine-read two-dimensional code image 121.

[0056] Output medium 123 in Fig. 13(E) shows the output medium onto which the multifunction peripheral 101 of the fourth embodiment outputs based on the original image 111 in Fig. 13(A). Output medium 127 in Fig. 13(F) shows the output medium onto which the multifunction peripheral 101 of the fourth embodiment outputs based on the original image 113 in Fig. 13(B). As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the orientation of the two-dimensional code image and the position to add it are determined based on the orientation of the original image.

[0057] 13(C) and 13(E) for the case where the original image is a portrait. The two-dimensional code image 125 added to the output medium 123 in FIG. 13(E) is added in the same orientation and in the same position as the two-dimensional code image 117 added to the output medium 115 in FIG. 13(C). The orientation and position of the two-dimensional code image match because the orientation of the medium used as a reference by the conventional multifunction peripheral in FIG. 13(C) matches the orientation of the original image used as a reference by the multifunction peripheral 101 of the fourth embodiment in FIG. 13(E).

[0058] Next, compare Figures 13(D) and 13(F) for the case where the original image is landscape. In the multifunction peripheral 101 of the fourth embodiment, the orientation and position of the two-dimensional code image are determined based on the orientation of the medium (steps S63-S67, S71, S73). Therefore, on the output medium 127, the two-dimensional code image 129 is added at a position that is the upper right (position 1 in Figure 3) based on the orientation of the landscape original image. At this time, the orientation of the two-dimensional code image 129 is also determined based on the orientation of the landscape original image, and the two-dimensional code image 129 is added so that the arrow 129a points upward.

[0059] Generally, the first line of a page of a horizontally written document often contains the title of a chapter or the like. Furthermore, generally, pages written in horizontally written Japanese or English are written from left to right, i.e., left-to-right writing, with lines continuing from the top to the bottom of the page. Therefore, relatively short but important information, such as a chapter title, is likely to be written in the upper left corner of the page. Since a chapter title is usually shorter than one line, blank space is likely to be left in the upper right corner of the page. Therefore, when a two-dimensional code image is added to the upper right corner of a document image, it is likely to overlap with blank areas in the document image, which is unlikely to cause adverse effects. However, when a two-dimensional code image is added to the upper left corner of the document image, it is likely to overlap with the title of the document image, which is likely to cause adverse effects. The fourth embodiment can avoid such adverse effects.

[0060] [5. Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, an original image equivalent to one page was formed on one sheet of medium. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, original images equivalent to N pages (N is a natural number) are aggregated and formed on one sheet of medium. This type of function is called an aggregate printing function, an N-up function, etc. In this embodiment, the case where N=2, i.e., two pages of original images are formed on one sheet of medium, will be described, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other values such as N=4, 8, etc. may also be used. Below, only the differences in configuration and processing from the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] 14 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction device 131 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fifth embodiment, the multifunction device 131 is used instead of the multifunction device 2. The multifunction device 131 has an image recognition unit 11c in the control unit 11. The image recognition unit 11c performs image recognition processing on an original image and determines whether or not the original image includes a two-dimensional code image.

[0062] 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 11 acquires document image data (step S81). The document image data may be generated by the control unit 11 based on a document image input via the image input unit 19, or may be received from the terminal device 3 via the network NW using the communication unit 23.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 uses the image recognition unit 11c to perform image recognition processing on the document image data (step S83), and determines whether or not the document image includes a two-dimensional code image (step S85).

[0064] If the document image includes a two-dimensional code image (step S85, Yes), the control unit 11 calculates the size of the two-dimensional code image to be formed on the medium (step S87). As described above, in this embodiment, two pages of document images are aggregated onto one sheet of medium, so the calculated size is half that when one page of document image is formed on one sheet of medium.

[0065] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 is machine-readable (step S89). For example, in the case of a QR code, the minimum size of the QR code is determined by the cell size and version. The cell size is the smallest unit square area that constitutes a QR code. The smallest cell size that can be printed by a general laser printer is 0.17 mm. The smallest version 1 QR code consists of 21 × 21 cells. Therefore, the smallest QR code that can be printed by a general laser printer is a square with one side measuring 0.17 mm × 21 cells = 3.57 mm. Taking this into consideration, the determination in step S89 may be made based on whether the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 is larger than a square with two sides of 3.57 mm. If the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 is machine-readable (step S89, Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S95.

[0066] If the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 cannot be machine-readable (step S89, No), the control unit 11 enlarges the two-dimensional code image to a machine-readable size (step S91). For example, if the determination in step S89 is made based on whether the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 is larger than a 3.57 mm square, the control unit 11 enlarges the two-dimensional code image to be larger than a 3.57 mm square.

[0067] Next, the control unit 11 adds the enlarged two-dimensional code image to the position of the two-dimensional code image on the document image (step S93). When adding the enlarged two-dimensional code image to the document image, for example, the area of the document image containing the original two-dimensional code image is replaced with the enlarged two-dimensional code image. When enlarging, it is preferable to enlarge the two-dimensional code image so that it is equal to or larger than the size determined to be machine-readable in step S91. For example, it is preferable to enlarge the two-dimensional code image so that it is the same size as or larger than a square area measuring 3.57 mm on each side.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 forms an original image with the enlarged two-dimensional code image added on the medium using the image forming unit 21 (step S95). On the other hand, if the two-dimensional code image of the size calculated in step S87 is machine-readable (step S89, Yes), the original original image is formed on the medium as is (step S95).

[0069] Figure 16 is a diagram for comparing the outputs of a conventional multifunction peripheral and the multifunction peripheral of the fifth embodiment. Figures 16(A) and 16(B) show original images. Original images 141 and 145 are each one page of original image, and have two-dimensional code images 143 and 147, respectively, in the lower right corner of the page.

[0070] Figure 16(C) shows an output medium produced by a conventional multifunction peripheral based on the original images of Figures 13(A) and (B). Output medium 149 is produced by reducing two pages of original images 141 and 145 to half their original size and then consolidating them onto one page and forming the images on a single medium. Left page 151 and the two-dimensional code image 155 in the lower right corner of that page correspond to original image 141 and two-dimensional code image 143, respectively. Right page 153 and the two-dimensional code image 157 in the lower right corner of that page correspond to original image 145 and two-dimensional code image 147, respectively. Because original images 141 and 145 have been reduced and consolidated onto one page, two-dimensional code images 155 and 157 on output medium 149 are half the size of two-dimensional code images 143 and 147 of original images 141 and 145.

[0071] 16(D) shows an output medium by the multifunction peripheral of the fifth embodiment based on the original images of FIGS. 16(A) and (B). The output medium 159 is formed by reducing two pages of original images 141 and 145 to half their original size, enlarging the two-dimensional code image, and then consolidating them onto one page and forming the images on a single medium. The left page 161 and the two-dimensional code image 165 in the lower right corner of the left page correspond to the original image 141 and the two-dimensional code image 143, respectively. The right page 163 and the two-dimensional code image 167 in the lower right corner of the right page correspond to the original image 145 and the two-dimensional code image 147, respectively.

[0072] The enlarged two-dimensional code image is added to the original image (FIG. 15, steps S89 to S93) on the output medium 159. Therefore, the two-dimensional code images 165 and 167 are larger than the two-dimensional code images 155 and 157 on the output medium 149.

[0073] In Figure 16, the two-dimensional code images 165 and 167 on the output medium 159 are larger than the two-dimensional code images 143 and 147 on the original images 141 and 145, but this is an example, and the two-dimensional code images 165 and 167 may be the same size as the two-dimensional code images 143 and 147 as long as they are machine-readable.

[0074] According to the fifth embodiment, when a two-dimensional code image included in an original image is too small to be machine-readable, an output medium can be generated in which the image is enlarged to a machine-readable size. In particular, the fifth embodiment is suitable when forming an image on a medium using a so-called N-up function that aggregates multiple pages of an original image including a two-dimensional code image onto a single page.

[0075] [6. Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, when a two-dimensional code image included in an original image is small, the two-dimensional code image is enlarged and added to the original image. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, when a two-dimensional code image included in an original image is small, the two-dimensional code image is decoded to generate code information indicated by the two-dimensional code image, and the code information is encoded to generate a two-dimensional code image large enough to be machine-readable, which is then added to the original image. The following description will focus on only the differences in configuration and processing from the fifth embodiment.

[0076] 17 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral 181 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. The multifunction peripheral 181 according to the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which a decoding unit 11d is added to the multifunction peripheral 131 according to the fifth embodiment. The decoding unit 11d decodes a two-dimensional code image and generates code information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image.

[0077] 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Steps S81 to S89 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment. If the two-dimensional code image calculated in step S87 is machine-readable in size (step S89, Yes), the control unit 11 forms the document image directly on the medium (step S117).

[0078] If the two-dimensional code image calculated in step S87 is too large to be machine-readable (step S89, No), the control unit 11 uses the decoding unit 11d to decode the two-dimensional code image recognized by the image recognition unit 11c and generate code information (step S111). Next, the control unit 11 uses the code generation unit 11a to generate a two-dimensional code image of a predetermined size corresponding to the code information (step S113). At this time, the size of the generated two-dimensional code image is predetermined as a size determined to be readable in step S89. Next, the control unit 11 adds the two-dimensional code image generated by the code generation unit 11a to the document image (step S115). The addition position is the position recognized by the image recognition unit 11c as the presence of the two-dimensional code image in step S85. Next, the control unit 11 uses the image formation unit 21 to form, on the medium, a document image to which the two-dimensional code image generated by the code generation unit 11a has been added (step S117).

[0079] In the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, an output medium 159 is obtained to which an enlarged two-dimensional code image is added, as shown in Fig. 16(D). However, in the sixth embodiment, the two-dimensional code image included in the original image is decoded and restored to code information, and based on that code information, a two-dimensional code image having a size suitable for machine reading is newly generated and restored to the original image. Therefore, compared to the fifth embodiment in which the two-dimensional code image in the original image is simply enlarged, the two-dimensional code images 165 and 167 on the output medium 159 can be made clearer.

[0080] In the sixth embodiment, the decoding unit 11d decodes the two-dimensional code image in the document image to generate code information. However, the two-dimensional code image may be deleted from the document image based on the code information. For example, if the multifunction peripheral 181 requests user authentication before accepting an operation via the operation unit 17, the control unit 11 may determine whether to form a two-dimensional code image on the output medium based on the identification information of the authenticated user and the code information of the two-dimensional code image in the document image. If it is determined that a two-dimensional code image should not be formed on the output medium, the control unit 11 may, for example, not form any image in the area of the two-dimensional code image, fill it with a single color such as black, or form a pre-prepared image instead of the two-dimensional code image. This allows the user performing the operation to control whether or not to output a medium on which a two-dimensional code image is formed.

[0081] In addition, if the two-dimensional code has an error correction function and a correctable error is detected when the decoding unit 11d decodes the two-dimensional code image, the control unit 11 may correct the error and then generate a two-dimensional code image in the code generation unit 11a.

[0082] [7. Seventh Embodiment] The seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, when a staple and a two-dimensional code image overlap, the two-dimensional code image is changed from the default position (position 1 in FIG. 3) to the next candidate position (position 2 in FIG. 3). In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, when a staple and a two-dimensional code image overlap, the two-dimensional code image is moved by a predetermined distance. Note that only the parts of the configuration and processing that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0083] The seventh embodiment uses a multifunction machine 2. In the multifunction machine 2, the code information table of Fig. 19 is stored in the code information storage area 13a of the storage unit 13 instead of the code information table of Fig. 3 .

[0084] 19 is a table showing code information used in a multifunction peripheral according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Compared to the table in FIG. 3, it differs in that the direction and distance of movement are stored instead of position 2.

[0085] The operation will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the seventh embodiment, the operation of step S7 differs from that of the first embodiment. In step S7 of the first embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires position 2 (bottom right) from the code information table of FIG. 3 and changes the position of the two-dimensional code image from position 1 to position 2. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the control unit 11 moves the two-dimensional code image in accordance with the direction and distance of movement acquired from the code information table of FIG. 19. In the code information table of FIG. 19, "-100 in the X-axis direction" is stored as the direction and distance of movement.

[0086] Fig. 20 is a diagram for comparing the output of a conventional multifunction peripheral and the multifunction peripheral of the seventh embodiment. Fig. 20(A) shows an original image, and Fig. 20(B) shows an output medium by the conventional multifunction peripheral based on the original image of Fig. 5(A). Figs. 20(A) and (B) are the same as Figs. 5(A) and (B). Fig. 20(C) shows an output medium by the multifunction peripheral of the seventh embodiment based on the original image of Fig. 20(A).

[0087] In the seventh embodiment, when the position of the staple and the position of the two-dimensional code image overlap (step S5, Yes), the control unit 11 moves the position of the two-dimensional code image in the direction and by the distance specified in the "movement direction and distance" in the code information table of Fig. 19. Therefore, on the output medium 191, the two-dimensional code image 195 is formed at a position moved by a distance of 100 to the left in the drawing along the X axis from the position of the staple 193.

[0088] According to the seventh embodiment, the two-dimensional code image 195 is formed at a position away from the staples 193, so the two-dimensional code image is not damaged by the staples. Furthermore, even when the documents are bound together with the staples 193, the two-dimensional code image 195 can be easily read by a barcode reader.

[0089] [8. Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining appropriately modified technical means within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the above embodiment, a two-dimensional code is used for explanation, but a one-dimensional code (barcode) may be used instead of the two-dimensional code. The same two-dimensional code may be repeatedly added to multiple media, or a different two-dimensional code may be added to each medium.

[0091] The programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0092] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, 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. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0093] Furthermore, 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 also included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Image forming system 2, 101, 131, 181 multifunction device 3 Terminal Devices 11 Control section 11a Code generation section 11b Document orientation acquisition section 11c Image recognition section 11e Decoding section 13 Storage section 13a Code information storage area 13b Staple information storage area 15 Display section 17 Control section 19 Image input unit 21 Image forming unit 23 Communications Department 25 Connection 27 Post-processing section 41, 61, 111, 113, 141, 145 Original images 43, 49, 63, 67, 115, 119, 123, 127, 149, 159, 191 Output medium 45, 53, 65, 69, 87, 91, 97, 117, 121, 125, 129, 143, 147, 155, 157, 165, 167, 195, 2D code 47, 51, 193 Staples 81 Original image surface 83 Back of original image 85, 93 Output medium surface 89, 95 Back of output media 117a, 121a, 125a, 129a 2D code orientation 151, 161 left page 153, 163 right page NW Network

Claims

1. a control unit; an image forming unit; and a storage unit that stores a code image position where the image forming unit forms a code image on a medium; The control unit performing a predetermined process on a designated processing position on the medium; acquiring the code image position from the storage unit; determining whether the processing position and the code image to be formed at the code image position overlap; changing a position where the code image is to be formed from the code image position according to the result of the determination; Image forming device.

2. The sheet feeder further includes a stapler that staples the medium at predetermined staple positions, the control unit determines whether the code image to be formed at the code image position overlaps with the staple position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit determines whether or not the document image formed on the medium by the image forming unit overlaps with the code image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the image forming unit is capable of forming images on both sides of one medium, the control unit determines whether the document image and the code image overlap on each of the two surfaces. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit uses the image forming unit to form the code image on at least one of the two surfaces, depending on the result of the determination.

6. a control unit and an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, The control unit performing a determination regarding an original image formed on the medium using the image forming unit; Executes a process related to the code image to be formed on the medium according to the result of the determination; forming the processed code image on the medium using the image forming unit; Image forming device.

7. The control unit determining an orientation of an original image formed on the medium using the image forming unit; forming a code image having an orientation corresponding to the determined orientation on the medium at a code image position corresponding to the orientation determined by the determination using the image forming unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 .

8. The control unit determining whether a first code image is included in an original image formed on the medium using the image forming unit; If the document image includes the first code image, a size of the document image on the medium formed by the image forming unit is calculated, and the size on the medium is compared with a threshold value; generating a second code image corresponding to the first code image and having a size determined in relation to the threshold value according to the result of the comparison; forming the second code image on the medium using the image forming unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 .

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit generates the second code image by enlarging the first code image.

10. The control unit generating a code by decoding the first code image when the first code image is included in an original image formed on the medium using the image forming unit; generating the second code image by encoding the code; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 .

11. Execute a predetermined process on a designated processing position on the medium; Acquire a code image position, which is a position on the medium where the code image is formed; determining whether the processing position and the code image to be formed at the code image position overlap; changing a position where the code image is to be formed from the code image position according to the result of the determination; A control method for an image forming apparatus.

12. Performing a determination regarding an original image formed on a medium; Executes a process related to the code image to be formed on the medium according to the result of the determination; forming the processed code image on the medium; A control method for an image forming apparatus.

Images