Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates checking of an image.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 300 comprises a reading unit 10, an extraction unit 31, a measurement unit 32, a generation unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, and an arrangement unit 35. The reading unit 10 reads a document M to generate read data SC. The extraction unit 31 extracts an image from the read data SC. The measurement unit 32 measures the size of the extracted image. The generation unit 33 generates print data indicating a blank recording medium. The acquisition unit 34 acquires margin information indicating a margin of the print data. The arrangement unit 35 arranges the image in an inside area of the margin on the basis of the margin information and the size of the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The image processing system described in Patent Document 1 has a function of combining two pages of bitmap image data into one page of bitmap image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-174239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image processing system described in Patent Document 1, when two pages of bitmap image data are combined into one page of bitmap image data, each bitmap image data is reduced in size, which makes it difficult to check the image.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that does not reduce the size of an image and makes it easy to check the image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a reading unit, an extraction unit, a measurement unit, a generation unit, an acquisition unit, and an arrangement unit. The reading unit reads an original document to generate read data. The extraction unit extracts an image from the read data. The measurement unit measures the size of the extracted image. The generation unit generates print data representing a blank recording medium. The acquisition unit acquires margin information representing margins of the print data. The arrangement unit arranges the image within the area inside the margins based on the margin information and the size of the image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that allows easy confirmation of an image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating read data generated by a reading unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first screen for setting margins of print data. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing print data in which a plurality of images are arranged. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a placement process executed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a placement process executed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] An image forming apparatus 300 including an image reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 300 is, for example, a copier, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 300 is a monochrome multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a copier function, and a facsimile function.

[0011] 1, image forming apparatus 300 includes image reading device 100 and image forming unit 200. Image reading device 100 includes reading section 10, control section 30, storage section 40, communication section 50, document table 12, document transport section 110, and operation display section 120. Image forming unit 200 includes image forming section 220, paper feed cassette 230, paper transport section 240, and paper discharge section 270.

[0012] The reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the original document M to generate read data SC. Specifically, the reading unit 10 reads an image formed on the original document M transported by the original document transport unit 110 or an image formed on the original document M placed on the document table 12 to generate read data SC.

[0013] The image forming unit 220 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read data SC read by the reading unit 10.

[0014] The control unit 30 is a hardware circuit configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 300 by the processor reading and executing a control program stored in the storage unit 40.

[0015] The storage unit 40 is, for example, an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 40 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 40 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 300. The control program may be an image reading program for controlling the reading of an image. The control program is executed by the control unit 30. Furthermore, the read data SC read by the reading unit 10 is written to a predetermined data area in the storage unit 40.

[0016] The communication unit 50 is capable of communicating with electronic devices equipped with communication devices that use the same communication method (protocol). In this embodiment, the communication unit 50 communicates with external devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 50 is, for example, a communication module (communication device) such as a LAN board.

[0017] The operation display unit 120 is used to allow a user to operate the image forming apparatus 300. The operation display unit 120 includes a display unit 121 and an operation unit 122. The display unit 121 is configured with a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or ELD (Electro Luminescence Display) having a touch panel function. User operations are input through the operation unit 122. In an embodiment in which a touch panel functions as the operation display unit 120, the display unit 121 and a part of the operation unit 122 may be integrated. The operation unit 122 of the operation display unit 120 may also be physical buttons. The operation unit 122 of the operation display unit 120 may have a touch panel and physical buttons.

[0018] A recording medium P for printing is stored in paper feed cassette 230. When printing, recording medium P in paper feed cassette 230 is transported by paper transport unit 240 so as to pass through image forming unit 220 and be discharged from paper discharge unit 270.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 300 will be further described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the image forming apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing read data SC generated by the reading unit 10. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a first screen G1 for setting margins for print data. Figure 5 is a diagram showing print data in which multiple images are arranged.

[0020] 2, the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 300 has an extraction unit 31, a measurement unit 32, a generation unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, and an arrangement unit 35. Specifically, the control unit 30 functions as the extraction unit 31, the measurement unit 32, the generation unit 33, the acquisition unit 34, and the arrangement unit 35 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 40.

[0021] The extraction unit 31 extracts images from the read data SC. Specifically, the extraction unit 31 extracts images from the read data SC stored in the storage unit 40. The images included in the read data SC are, for example, photographs, text, and figures. The images extracted by the extraction unit 31 are stored in the storage unit 40.

[0022] The extraction unit 31 is, for example, a trained model of a convolutional neural network (CNN). A convolutional neural network includes an input layer, multiple convolutional layers, multiple pooling layers, a fully connected layer, and an output layer. In a convolutional neural network, convolutional layers and pooling layers are alternately repeated between the input layer and the fully connected layer. The trained model extracts images included in the read data SC. Specifically, the trained model classifies text and images included in the read data SC and extracts only the images. Images include those showing the shape of an object and images of text.

[0023] The extraction unit 31 extracts a plurality of images from the read data SC. Specifically, when the read data SC includes a plurality of images, the extraction unit 31 extracts the plurality of images from the read data SC. The plurality of images extracted by the extraction unit 31 are stored in the storage unit 40.

[0024] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, read data SC is input to the extraction unit 31. The read data SC input to the extraction unit 31 is read data SC1 and read data SC2. The extraction unit 31 extracts image E1 from the read data SC1. Image E1 is, for example, a photo of a mountain. The extraction unit 31 also extracts images E2 to E4 from the read data SC2. Image E2 is, for example, an abstract image of a building. Image E3 is, for example, an abstract image of the sun. Image E4 is, for example, an abstract image of multiple buildings. The extraction unit 31 then outputs images E1 to E4. That is, when read data SC1 and read data SC2 are input to the extraction unit 31, the extraction unit 31 outputs images E1 to E4 extracted by the extraction unit 31. Note that the dashed lines in FIG. 3 are added to emphasize the extracted images.

[0025] The measurement unit 32 measures the size of the extracted image. Specifically, the measurement unit 32 measures the size of the extracted image. The size of the image is represented by the width and height of the image. In other words, the measurement unit 32 measures the width and height of the extracted image. The size of the extracted image is stored in the storage unit 40.

[0026] Furthermore, the measurement unit 32 measures the size of each of the multiple images. Specifically, when the extraction unit 31 extracts multiple images from the read data SC, the measurement unit 32 measures the size of each of the multiple images. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement unit 32 measures the sizes of images E1 to E4. The sizes of the multiple images measured by the measurement unit 32 are stored in the storage unit 40.

[0027] The measuring unit 32 may also calculate the area of ​​the extracted image. The area of ​​the image calculated by the measuring unit 32 is stored in the storage unit 40.

[0028] The generating unit 33 generates print data. The print data is data that indicates a blank recording medium P.

[0029] The acquisition unit 34 acquires margin information indicating the margins of the print data. The margin information indicates the margins of the print data. The margin information is stored in the storage unit 40. The margins are areas where no image is formed.

[0030] For example, margin information is set in advance by the user on a first screen G1 as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the first screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 121. The first screen G1 includes a first area G101 in which an icon for setting automatic joining is displayed, and a second area G102 in which an icon for setting margins is displayed.

[0031] Furthermore, the first screen G1 includes a first icon A1, a second icon A2, a third icon A3, a fourth icon A4, and a fifth icon A5. The operation unit 122 accepts touch operations on the first icon A1 to the fifth icon A5. The first icon A1 is an icon indicating a button for permitting automatic combining. The second icon A2 is an icon indicating a button for rejecting automatic combining. The third icon A3 is an icon indicating that a screen for operating image formation is displayed. The fourth icon A4 is an icon indicating that a screen for transmitting images is displayed. The fifth icon A5 is an icon for setting the margins of the print data. As shown in FIG. 4, the size of the margins of the print data is set to "0.5 inches."

[0032] The placement unit 35 places the image in the area inside the margin based on the margin information and the size of the image. In other words, print data is generated in which the image is placed in the area inside the margin. Therefore, images that can be placed in the area inside the margin are placed without changing the scale. As a result, it is easy to check the image.

[0033] Furthermore, the placement unit 35 places multiple images in the area inside the margins based on the margin information and the sizes of the multiple images. That is, print data is generated in which images E1 to E4 are placed in the area inside the margins. This reduces the effort required for the user to select and place images. As a result, user convenience is improved when creating print data containing only images.

[0034] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, print data D1 after layout processing by layout unit 35 is displayed on display unit 121. The layout processing refers to processing in which layout unit 35 lays out multiple images in an inner area of ​​print data D1 to generate print data D1 including the multiple images. As shown in Fig. 5, display unit 121 displays a second screen G2 showing print data D1 after layout processing.

[0035] The second screen G2 includes a third area G103, a fourth area G104, a fifth area G105, and a sixth area G106. The third area G103 is an area where the scanned data SC and the print data D1 after layout processing are displayed. The third area G103 includes a fifth area G105 and a sixth area G106. The fourth area G104 is an area where an icon for enlarging or reducing the scanned data SC displayed in the third area G103, an icon for enlarging or reducing the print data D1 displayed in the third area G103, and an icon for setting the margins of the print data D1 are displayed. The fifth area G105 is an area where the scanned data SC is displayed. The sixth area G106 is an area where the print data D1 is displayed.

[0036] The print data D1 includes a margin area D2 and an inner area D3. As shown in FIG. 5, the margin area D2 is a rectangular ring-shaped area surrounded by dashed lines in the print data D1. The inner area D3 is the area inside the margin area D2. The inner area D3 is an area surrounded by the margin area D2. The inner area D3 includes images E1 to E4.

[0037] If the margin is set to "0.5 inches," the margin area D2 is the range "0.5 inches" from the edge of the recording medium P toward the inside of the recording medium P. The larger the area of ​​the margin area D2, the smaller the area of ​​the inside area D3.

[0038] The second screen G2 also includes a third icon A3 to a seventh icon A7. The sixth icon A6 is an icon for setting the margins of the print data D1. In FIG. 5, the margin size of the print data D1 is set to "0.5 inches." As shown in FIG. 5, when the sixth icon A6 is touched, a pull-down menu of margin sizes from "0 inches to 1.5 inches" is displayed.

[0039] When the sixth icon A6 is operated and the size of the margin is changed, the placement unit 35 places the image in the inner margin area D3 based on the margin information and the size of the image. In other words, every time the size of the margin is changed, the placement unit 35 places the image in the inner margin area D3 based on the margin information and the size of the image.

[0040] The seventh icon A7 is an icon for displaying read data SC different from the currently displayed read data SC when there are multiple read data SC. For example, by touching the seventh icon A7, the read data SC displayed in the fifth area G105 is changed from read data SC1 to read data SC2.

[0041] 2 to 5, the control of the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 300 will be described in more detail. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 300 further includes a first determination unit 36, a second determination unit 37, and a third determination unit 38. The control unit 30 functions as the first determination unit 36, the second determination unit 37, and the third determination unit 38 by executing a computer program stored in a storage unit 40.

[0042] The first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the image overlaps the margin. When the placement unit 35 places the image at a predetermined position in the inner region D3, the first determination unit 36 ​​acquires the position of the placed image. Furthermore, the first determination unit 36 ​​acquires information indicating the size of the image measured by the measurement unit 32. Then, the first determination unit 36 ​​acquires the margin information. Then, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the distance between the edge of the image closest to the edge of the recording medium P and the edge of the recording medium P is smaller than the set margin. For example, if the margin setting is "0.5 inches," the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the distance between the edge of the image closest to the edge of the recording medium P and the edge of the recording medium P is smaller than "0.5 inches." In other words, if the distance between the edge of the image closest to the edge of the recording medium P and the edge of the recording medium P is smaller than the set margin, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines that the image overlaps the margin.

[0043] If the first determination unit 36 ​​determines that an image will overlap the margin, the placement unit 35 places an image of a different size than the placed image in the inner area D3. Specifically, if the first determination unit 36 ​​determines that an image will overlap the margin, the placement unit 35 places an image smaller than the placed image in the inner area D3. Therefore, the image can be placed so that it fits within the inner area D3 of the margin. In other words, it is possible to prevent the image from protruding from the printable area. As a result, it becomes easier to print the placed image.

[0044] Furthermore, in the case of a consolidation method such as "2in1," two pages are consolidated onto one page, so the images on each page are reduced in size. This results in a smaller image. However, according to this embodiment, the extracted image can be placed in the inner margin area D3 without changing its size. This prevents the image from being reduced in size, making it easier to check the image. Furthermore, even if four pages each contain an image, the images can be consolidated onto one recording medium without reducing their size, thereby saving recording media.

[0045] 5, the arrangement unit 35 arranges the images so that the images are adjacent to each other, which makes it easy to collect the images onto one recording medium.

[0046] When a plurality of images are arranged adjacently in the arrangement section 35, the second determination section 37 determines whether or not a second image adjacent to the arranged first image overlaps the first image.

[0047] If the second determination unit 37 determines that the second image overlaps the first image, the placement unit 35 places a third image, which is smaller than the second image, in the inner area D3. In other words, the images can be placed so that they do not overlap. Therefore, multiple images can be easily combined on a single recording medium P.

[0048] Furthermore, when the second determination unit 37 determines that the first image and the second image do not overlap, the first determination unit 36 ​​may determine whether the second image overlaps the margin. This makes it possible to prevent the image from extending from the inner region D3 into the margin region D2.

[0049] The third determination unit 38 determines whether an image can be placed in an area where no image is placed, based on the size of the area in the inner area D3 where no image is placed and the size of the image. For example, the third determination unit 38 calculates the area of ​​the area in the inner area D3 where no image is placed. Then, the third determination unit 38 compares the area of ​​the area where no image is placed with the area of ​​the image stored in the storage unit 40. If the area of ​​the image stored in the storage unit 40 is smaller than the area of ​​the area where no image is placed, the third determination unit 38 determines that an image can be placed in the area where no image is placed. On the other hand, if the area of ​​the image stored in the storage unit 40 is larger than the area of ​​the area where no image is placed, the third determination unit 38 determines that an image cannot be placed in the area where no image is placed.

[0050] If the third determination unit 38 determines that an image cannot be placed in an area where no image is placed, the generation unit 33 generates further print data. Therefore, if all images cannot be collected onto one recording medium P, the images can be placed on the next page. As a result, the user's effort in collecting and printing images can be reduced.

[0051] Next, the process of changing the image arranged in the print data D1 in the arrangement process will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The process of changing the arranged image is performed by performing a touch operation on the image in the displayed read data SC to select the image. That is, the operation unit 122 accepts touch operations on images E1 to E4. Hereinafter, the touch operations on images E1 to E4 may be referred to as change operations.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third screen G3 displayed on the display unit 121. The third screen G3 includes an eighth icon A8. The eighth icon A8 indicates a cursor. The eighth icon A8 indicates that an operation has been performed on the image E1. For example, when a touch operation is performed on the image E1, the eighth icon A8 is displayed near the image E1. Furthermore, a rectangular shape surrounding the image E1 may be displayed on the display unit 121 simultaneously with the eighth icon A8.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth screen G4 displayed on the display unit 121. In the fourth screen G4, the read data SC2 is displayed on the display unit 121. When the read data SC2 is to be displayed on the display unit 121, the seventh icon A7 shown in Fig. 6 is operated, whereby the read data SC2 is displayed on the display unit 121. Fig. 7 shows a state in which a touch operation has been performed on the image E2 and the image E4.

[0054] 8 is a diagram showing a fifth screen G5 displayed on the display unit 121. In the fourth screen G4, the display unit 121 displays print data D1 including an image E1, an image E2, and an image E4.

[0055] For example, if image E1, image E2, and image E4 are selected, the placement unit 35 places image E1, image E2, and image E4 in the inner region D3 of the print data D1. Furthermore, image E2, which was not selected, is not placed in the inner region D3 of the print data D1. Therefore, only the images desired by the user are placed in the print data D1.

[0056] Next, the process executed by the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 300 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 300. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 includes steps S1 to S13.

[0057] 9, in step S1, the control unit 30 controls the reading unit 10 so that the reading unit 10 reads the document M and generates read data SC. The process then proceeds to step S2.

[0058] In step S2, the extraction unit 31 extracts an image from the read data SC, and the process proceeds to step S3.

[0059] In step S3, the measurement unit 32 measures the size of the image extracted by the extraction unit 31. The process proceeds to step S4.

[0060] In step S4, the generation unit 33 generates print data D1 that indicates a blank recording medium. The process proceeds to step S5.

[0061] In step S5, the acquisition unit 34 acquires margin information indicating the margins of the print data D1.

[0062] In step S6, the control unit 30 executes a placement process, the specifics of which will be described later with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The process then proceeds to step S7.

[0063] In step S7, the control unit 30 controls the display unit 121 so that the display unit 121 displays the print data D1 including an image. The process proceeds to step S8.

[0064] In step S8, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a change operation has been accepted. If a change operation has been accepted (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If a change operation has not been accepted (No in step S8), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0065] If the answer is Yes in step S8, in step S9, the control unit 30 controls the display unit 121 to display the changed print data D1 based on the change operation. The process proceeds to step S10.

[0066] If the result of step S8 is No, or after step S9, in step S10, the control unit 30 determines whether or not to print based on an instruction from the user. If the result of step S10 is No, the process proceeds to step S12. If the result of step S10 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0067] If the answer is Yes in step S10, in step S11, the control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 220 to form an image representing the print data D1 on a recording medium, and the process ends.

[0068] If the answer is No in step S10, then in step S12, it is determined whether or not to send the print data D1 to the user's terminal device based on instructions from the user. If not (No in step S12), the process returns to step S10. If sent to the user's terminal device (Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0069] If the answer is Yes in step S12, in step S13, the control unit 30 controls the communication unit 50 so that the communication unit 50 transmits the print data D1 to the user's terminal device, and the process ends.

[0070] Next, the placement process will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the placement process executed by the control unit 30. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the placement process executed by the control unit 30. The flowchart of the placement process includes steps S601 to S614.

[0071] In step S601, the placement unit 35 places the image in the area inside the margin based on the margin information and the size of the image. The process proceeds to step S602.

[0072] In step S602, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the image overlaps the margin. If the image overlaps the margin (Yes in step S602), the process proceeds to step S603. If the image does not overlap the margin (No in step S602), the process proceeds to step S605.

[0073] If the answer is Yes in step S602, in step S603, the arrangement unit 35 arranges images of different sizes in the inner region D3. Specifically, the arrangement unit 35 arranges an image that is smaller than the image overlapping the margin in the inner region D3. The process proceeds to step S604.

[0074] In step S604, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the image overlaps the margin. If the image overlaps the margin (Yes in step S604), the process returns to step S603. If the image does not overlap the margin (No in step S604), the process proceeds to step S605.

[0075] If the answer is No in step S602, then in step S605, the control unit 30 determines whether all the images extracted by the extraction unit 31 from the read data SC have been arranged. If all the images have been arranged (Yes in step S605), the process returns to step S7 in Fig. 9. If not all the images have been arranged (No in step S605), the process proceeds to step S606.

[0076] If the result in step S605 is No, then in step S606, the third determination unit 38 determines whether an image can be placed in an area where no image is placed, based on the size of the area of ​​the inner area D3 where no image is placed and the size of the image. If an image can be placed in an area of ​​the inner area D3 where no image is placed (Yes in step S606), the process proceeds to step S608 shown in Fig. 11. If an image cannot be placed in an area of ​​the inner area D3 where no image is placed (No in step S606), the process proceeds to step S607.

[0077] If the result of step S606 is No, the generation unit 33 generates further print data in step S607, and the process returns to step S601.

[0078] If the answer is Yes in step S606, in step S608, the arrangement unit 35 arranges the images so that they are adjacent to each other, as shown in Fig. 11. The process proceeds to step S609.

[0079] In step S609, the second determination unit 37 determines whether the second image arranged adjacent to the arranged first image overlaps. If the second image overlaps the first image (Yes in step S609), the process proceeds to step S610. If the second image does not overlap the first image (No in step S609), the process proceeds to step S612.

[0080] If the answer is Yes in step S609, in step S610, the placement unit 35 places a third image having a different size from the second image. Specifically, the placement unit 35 places the third image, which is smaller than the size of the second image, in the inner region D3. The process proceeds to step S611.

[0081] In step S611, the second determination unit 37 determines whether the third image, which is arranged adjacent to the arranged second image, overlaps with the arranged second image. If the third image overlaps with the second image (Yes in step S611), the process proceeds to step S610. If the third image does not overlap with the second image (No in step S611), the process proceeds to step S612.

[0082] If the result of step S609 is No, or if the result of step S611 is No, then in step S612, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the image overlaps the margin. If the image overlaps the margin (Yes in step S612), the process proceeds to step S613. If the image does not overlap the margin (No in step S612), the process proceeds to step S605.

[0083] If the answer is Yes in step S612, in step S613, the arrangement unit 35 arranges images of different sizes in the inner region D3. Specifically, the arrangement unit 35 arranges an image that is smaller than the image overlapping the margin in the inner region D3. The process proceeds to step S614.

[0084] In step S614, the first determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the image overlaps the margin. If the image overlaps the margin (Yes in step S614), the process returns to step S603. If the image does not overlap the margin (No in step S614), the process proceeds to step S605.

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0086] (1) In this embodiment, the selected image is placed in the inner region D3 of the print data D1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the selected image may not be placed in the inner region D3 of the print data D1. In other words, the unselected image is placed in the inner region D3 of the print data D1.

[0087] (2) In the present embodiment, the extraction unit 31 uses a trained CNN model, but this is not limiting. The extraction unit 31 may extract an image based on the luminance of each pixel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10: Reading unit 31:Extraction part 32: Measurement section 33: Generation part 34: Acquisition part 35: Placement part 36: 1st judgment part 37:Second judgment part 38: Third judgment part 300: Image forming device

Claims

1. a reading unit that reads an original and generates read data; an extraction unit that extracts an image from the read data; a measuring unit that measures the size of the extracted image; a generating unit that generates print data indicating a blank recording medium; an acquisition unit that acquires margin information indicating a margin of the print data; a placement unit that places the image in an area inside the margin based on the margin information and the size of the image; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the extraction unit extracts a plurality of images from the read data; the measurement unit measures the size of each of the plurality of images; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the arrangement section arranges the plurality of images in an area inside the margin based on the margin information and the sizes of the plurality of images.

3. a first determination unit that determines whether the image overlaps the margin, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein when the first determination unit determines that the image overlaps the margin, the placement unit places an image having a size different from that of the image in the inner region.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the arrangement section arranges the plurality of images so that the plurality of images are adjacent to each other.

5. a second determination unit that determines whether a second image arranged adjacent to the arranged first image overlaps with the arranged first image; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the second determination unit determines that the second image overlaps the first image, the placement unit places a third image smaller than the second image in the inner area.

6. a third determination unit that determines whether the image can be placed in the area where no image is placed, based on a size of the area where no image is placed in the inner area and a size of the image; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when the third determination unit determines that the image cannot be placed in the area where no image is placed, the generation unit further generates print data.

Images