Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program that can appropriately position one or more read sheets on a document table when reading them multiple times to form a single image, and align the images of the multiple read sheets formed into the single image according to the user's desired vertical / horizontal or top / bottom orientation.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes display means that displays whether the orientation of a read sheet is acceptable or unacceptable relative to a predetermined standard, on the basis of the orientation of a character string obtained from an image read from a first surface and the orientation of a character string obtained from an image read from a second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, when reading a reading sheet, the reading sheet is placed in a predetermined location (for example, a platen) of the image forming apparatus, and a reading operation is performed (scanned). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-100102 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, when one or more reading sheets are read multiple times to form a single image, if the reading sheets are not properly positioned on the document table, the images of the multiple reading sheets formed into a single image may not be aligned in the top-bottom, left-right, or length-to-width relationship desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In the image forming apparatus, a reading means having a document table for reading one or more reading sheets having a first side and a second side; an image forming means for forming an image based on images read from the first and second sides; the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the first surface; and Based on the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the second surface, A display means for displaying whether the orientation of the sheet to be read is good or bad with respect to a predetermined standard is provided. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention has a display means for displaying whether the orientation of the reading sheet is good or bad relative to a predetermined standard, such as the document table of the image forming device, so that the images of multiple reading sheets formed into one image are aligned in the top-bottom, left-right, or length-to-width relationship desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ID card copy screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image obtained by scanning an ID card placed on a platen using a scanner in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a warning screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy warning setting update process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen relating to updating an ID card copy warning setting in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an ID card misplacement warning screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an ID card reading failure screen in embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an ID card copy screen according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by scanning an ID card in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by scanning an ID card in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image obtained by scanning an ID card in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an ID card copy process according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the components described in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) In the following embodiments, for example, the reading sheet is one ID card, the front side is the first side, the back side is the second side, the front side is the first reading sheet, and the back side is the second reading sheet.

[0010] Note that the number of sheets to be read may be multiple. Unless otherwise specified, the predetermined standard is the platen of the image forming device, and the correct pattern information (correct pattern) below is used to display, for example, whether the orientation of the read sheet relative to the platen is good or bad.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 has a controller unit 101, which controls a scanner 111, a printer 112, an operation unit 107, and a communication unit 109. When a user uses the copy function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of an original document, and controls the printer 112 to print and output the image on paper. When a user uses the scan function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of an original document, converts it into code data, and transmits it to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109.

[0013] An instruction to execute a process for each of these functions is called a job, and image forming apparatus 100 executes a predetermined process in accordance with the job corresponding to each function.

[0014] The controller unit 101 is composed of a CPU 102 , a RAM 103 , a ROM 104 , a HDD 105 , an operation unit I / F 106 , a network I / F 108 , and a device I / F 110 , which are connected by a system bus 120 .

[0015] The CPU 102 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 103 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The RAM 103 also stores programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software.

[0016] It also stores scanned image data read by the scanner 120 and print data received via the network 103. The ROM 104 stores the system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 stores the operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, etc.

[0017] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the operation unit 107, and outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 107 to the operation unit 107. It also accepts information input by the user from the operation unit 107. The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109, and controls various communications with external devices.

[0018] The device I / F 110 connects the controller unit 101 to a scanner 111 and a printer 112 that read and print image data, and inputs and outputs image data. The scanner 111 has a platen, detects the paper size of a document placed on the platen, and reads the document placed on the platen to form image data.

[0019] 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Each block in FIG. 2 represents software stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105, and the CPU 102 reads it into the RAM 103 and executes it to realize the processing of the flowcharts described below.

[0020] The screen control unit 211 controls the operation unit 107 via the operation unit I / F 106. The screen control unit 211 accepts information input by the user via the operation unit 107 and forms a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 107. The scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 via the device I / F 110 to read a document placed on a platen and form image data. The printer control unit 213 controls the printer 112 via the device I / F 110 to print and output the image data on paper.

[0021] The ID card copy processing unit 214 performs processing to realize the ID card copy function. Based on the ID card copy settings, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs OCR analysis on the image data on the front and back of the ID card to determine the orientation of the character strings, and aggregates the image data to form print data. The ID card copy processing unit 214 also stores correct pattern information on the front and back of the ID card as internal information. The correct pattern information in this embodiment is shown in Table 1.

[0022] [Table 1]

[0023] "ID" is an attribute that indicates a value for uniquely identifying correct pattern information. "Front character string direction" is an attribute that indicates the correct direction of the character string on the front of the ID card. For example, "right-facing" means that the character string on the front of the ID card is written from left to right. "Back character string direction" is an attribute that indicates the correct direction of the character string on the back of the ID card. For example, correct pattern information with "ID" of "Pattern002" indicates that the correct pattern is one in which the character string on the front of the ID card is written from left to right and the character string on the back of the ID card is written from bottom to top.

[0024] In this embodiment, the correct pattern (information) (pattern table) is held as internal information of the ID card copy processing unit, but the configuration is not particularly limited. For example, the correct pattern information may be stored in HDD 105, and the ID card copy processing unit may refer to the information in HDD 105.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out into the RAM 103 and executing the programs for realizing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ID card copy function is configured as an independent application, but this is merely an example and is not limiting. For example, the ID card copy function may be provided as one function of a copy application.

[0027] In step S301, the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction from the user to perform an ID card copy process, starts up an ID card copy application, and displays an ID card copy screen.

[0028] Here, the ID card copy screen will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows an example of an ID card copy screen displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0030] The ID card copy screen 400 has a number of copies setting 401, paper size setting 402, layout setting 403, guide display 404, and execute button 405. The number of copies setting 401 is a component for displaying and setting the number of copies to be printed. The user changes the number of copies setting using the "+" button and "-" button. The paper size setting 402 is a component for displaying and setting the print paper size. The paper size setting 402 is a button, and pressing it displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the print paper size.

[0031] The layout setting 403 is a component for displaying and setting how the front and back of the ID card are laid out on the printing paper. The layout setting 403 is a button, and pressing it displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the layout setting. The guide display 404 is a display that explains where the ID card should be placed on the platen. The execute button 405 is a button for instructing the start of execution of the ID card copy function.

[0032] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0033] In step S302, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S303, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the execute button 405 in FIG. 4 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the execute button has been pressed, S304 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execute button has not been pressed, the process returns to S302.

[0034] In step S304, the ID card copy processing unit 214 scans the surface of the ID card using the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212, forms a scanned image, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 103. At this time, the scan is performed on the ID card that the user has placed on the platen of the image forming device 100. Here, an example of a scanned image formed by reading the ID card that the user has placed on the platen with the scanner 111 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0035] The employee ID front image 500 is an example of a scanned image formed by reading the front of an employee ID card placed on a platen by a user with the scanner 111. The employee ID front image 500 has a character string written vertically and facing upward.

[0036] Employee ID back image 501 is an image of the back side of employee ID front image 500. Employee ID back image 501 has the same vertical writing as employee ID front image 500, but because the text is written downwards, it is clear that the user placed the document on the platen upside down.

[0037] Admission pass front image 510 is an example of a scanned image formed by reading the front of an admission pass that the user has placed on the platen with the scanner 111. The admission pass front image 510 has characters written horizontally and facing left, so it can be seen that the user has placed the pass upside down on the platen.

[0038] The admission card back image 511 is an image of the back side of the admission card front image 510. The admission card back image 511 has the same horizontal writing as the admission card front image 510, but because the text is written facing right, the user can see that the admission card back image 511 has been placed on the platen in the correct orientation. The identification card front image 520 is an example of a scanned image formed by using the scanner 111 to read the front of the identification card that the user has placed on the platen.

[0039] The identification card front image 520 has text written horizontally and facing left, so it is clear that the user placed the identification card upside down on the platen. The identification card back image 521 is an image of the back side of the identification card front image 520. The identification card back image 521 has text written horizontally like the identification card front image 520, and text written left, so it is clear that the user also placed the identification card back image 521 upside down on the platen.

[0040] In this embodiment, it is assumed that three users, User A who holds an employee ID card, User B who holds an admission pass, and User C who holds an identification card, each execute the ID card copy function.

[0041] User A scanned an employee ID front image 500 and an employee ID back image 501, and placed the back side upside down on the document. User B scanned an admission pass front image 510 and an admission pass back image 511, and placed the front side upside down on the document table. User C scanned an identification card front image 520 and an identification card back image 521, and placed both the front and back sides upside down on the document table.

[0042] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0043] In step S305, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs OCR analysis on the scanned image of the ID card surface formed in step S304 from two horizontal directions and two vertical directions. Then, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines the direction with the highest character recognition rate in the language setting preset in the image forming device 100, and determines that direction as the orientation of the characters on the ID card surface.

[0044] For example, the character recognition rate for employee ID card front image 500 is high when OCR analysis is performed from the horizontal right direction, but the character recognition rate for OCR analysis from other directions is extremely low. Therefore, it is determined that the characters are written facing up in employee ID card front image 500. Using this method, it is determined that the characters are written facing right in both admission pass front image 510 and identification card front image 520. Note that in this embodiment, the above method is used to determine the orientation of character strings written on an ID card, but this is merely an example, and the method for determining the orientation of character strings written in a scanned image is not particularly limited.

[0045] In step S306, similar to step S304, the ID card copy processing unit 214 scans the back side of the ID card using the scanner 111 via the scanner control unit 212, forms a scanned image, and temporarily stores it in RAM 103. In step S307, similar to step S305, the ID card copy processing unit 214 performs OCR analysis on the scanned image of the back side of the ID card formed in step S306, and determines the orientation of the text on the back side of the ID card. It is determined that the text is written face down in employee ID card back side image 501, face right in admission pass back side image 511, and face right in identification card back side image 521.

[0046] In step S308, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the orientation of the character string on the front side of the ID card determined in step S305 is included in the correct pattern for the front side. Specifically, it determines whether correct answer information exists that matches the value of the "front side character string direction" attribute of the correct answer pattern information in Table 1. If it is determined that correct answer information exists, step S309 is executed. If it is determined that correct answer information does not exist, step S312 is executed. In this embodiment, the front side image 500 of user A's employee ID card is facing upward, and "Pattern004" and "Pattern005" apply.

[0047] Therefore, user A proceeds to step S309. User B's admission pass front image 510 faces left, and there is no corresponding correct pattern information. Therefore, user B proceeds to step S312. User C's identification card front image 520 faces left, and there is no corresponding correct pattern information. Therefore, user C proceeds to step S312.

[0048] In step S309, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines all values ​​of the "Back side character string direction" of the correct pattern information determined to match in step S308 as the correct patterns for the back side. In this embodiment, the "Back side character string direction" of "Pattern004" and "Pattern005" that match the front image 500 of User A's employee ID card, "upward" and "rightward," are the correct patterns for the back side.

[0049] In step S310, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the character string on the back side of the ID card determined in step S307 is included in the correct pattern for the back side determined in step S309. If it is determined that the character string is included in the correct pattern, it is determined that the user scanned the ID card in the correct orientation, and step S320 is executed.

[0050] If it is determined that the image is not included in the correct pattern, step S311 is executed. In this embodiment, the back side image 501 of user A's employee ID card is facing downward, and is not included in the correct back side pattern determined in step S309. Therefore, user A proceeds to step S311.

[0051] In step S311, the ID card copy processing unit 214 forms a corrected image by rotating the scanned image of the back side of the ID card temporarily stored in step S306 so that the orientation of the text matches the orientation of the text on the front side of the ID card, and temporarily stores the image in RAM 103. For example, in this embodiment, the text on the front side image 500 of user A's employee ID card is facing upward, and the text on the back side image 501 of the employee ID card is facing downward, so a corrected image of the back side rotated 180 degrees is formed. In step S312, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the orientation of the text on the back side of the ID card determined in step S307 is included in any of the correct back side patterns.

[0052] Specifically, it is determined whether correct answer information exists that matches the value of the "reverse side character string direction" attribute of the correct answer pattern information in Table 1. If it is determined that correct answer information exists, step S313 is executed. If it is determined that correct answer information does not exist, step S314 is executed.

[0053] In this embodiment, the back side image 511 of User B's admission pass faces right, and so "Pattern001," "Pattern005," and "Pattern007" apply. Therefore, User B proceeds to step S313. The back side image 521 of User C's identification card faces left, and so there is no corresponding correct pattern information. Therefore, User C proceeds to step S314.

[0054] In step S313, the ID card copy processing unit 214 forms a corrected image by rotating the scanned image of the front side of the ID card temporarily stored in step S304 so that the orientation of the character string on the back side of the ID card is aligned with the orientation of the character string on the back side of the ID card, and temporarily stores the corrected image in RAM 103.

[0055] For example, in this embodiment, the text on the back side image 511 of user B's admission pass faces right, and the text on the front side image 510 of the admission pass faces left, so a corrected image of the back side rotated 180° is formed. In step S314, the ID card copy processing unit 214 forms a corrected image by inverting the ID card front and back sides temporarily stored in steps S304 and S306, and temporarily stores this in the RAM 103.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment, the character strings on the front image 510 of user C's identification card and the back image 511 of user C's identification card are oriented leftward, so corrected images of the front and back sides rotated 180 degrees are formed.

[0057] In step S315, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a warning screen (indicating that the ID card reading result is good or bad) through the screen control unit 211. The warning screen is displayed only when it is determined that the user scanned either the front or back side of the ID card, or both, in the wrong orientation. Therefore, if it is determined in steps S308 and S310 that the orientation of the character string on the ID card is included in the correct pattern for the front or back side, the warning screen is not displayed (indicating that the ID card reading result is good or bad).

[0058] Here, the warning screen will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an example of a warning screen displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0060] The warning screen 600 has a warning display 601, a front side scanned image display 602, a back side scanned image display 603, a front side orientation corrected image display 604, a back side orientation corrected image display 605, a continue printing button 606, and an orientation corrected printing button 607. In this embodiment, the warning screen 600 is a warning screen that appears when user A scans his or her employee ID card.

[0061] The warning display 601 is an area that displays a message informing the user that the front and back sides of the ID card may be facing the wrong direction, and suggesting that orientation correction printing be performed if necessary. If the corrected images formed in steps S311, S313, and S314 exist in RAM 103, a warning corresponding to the side of the corrected image that exists is displayed. In this embodiment, because a corrected image of the back side image 501 of user A's employee ID card exists, a warning is displayed that the back side may be facing the wrong direction.

[0062] The front scan image display 602 is an area that displays a scanned image of the front of the ID card stored in the RAM 103. In this embodiment, the front image 500 of user A's employee ID card is displayed.

[0063] The back side scanned image display 603 is an area that displays the scanned image of the back side of the ID card stored in RAM 103. In this embodiment, the back side image 501 of User A's employee ID card is displayed. The front side orientation corrected image display 604 is an area that displays the corrected image of the front side of the ID card stored in RAM 103.

[0064] If no correction image exists, a scanned image of the ID card front side is displayed. In this embodiment, a correction image of user A's employee ID card front side image 500 has not been formed, so employee ID card front side image 500 is displayed. Note that the user can also rotate the front side orientation correction image by operating the rotation icon at the top, and update the ID card front side correction image stored in RAM 103.

[0065] The back side orientation correction image display 605 is an area that displays the corrected image of the back side of the ID card stored in RAM 103. If a corrected image does not exist, a scanned image of the back side of the ID card is displayed. In this embodiment, a corrected image of the back side image 501 of user A's employee ID card has been formed, so the corrected image of the back side image 501 of the employee ID card is displayed. The user can also rotate the back side orientation correction image by operating the rotation icon at the top, and update the ID card back side correction image stored in RAM 103.

[0066] The continue printing button 606 is a button for instructing to execute ID card copy printing without orientation correction, and ID card copying is executed using the images in the front side scan image display 602 and the back side scan image display 603. The orientation correction printing button 607 is a button for instructing to execute ID card copy printing with orientation correction, and ID card copying is executed using the images in the front side orientation correction image display 604 and the back side orientation correction image display 605.

[0067] A warning screen 610 is a warning screen that appears when user B scans his / her admission pass.

[0068] The warning message 611 notifies the user that the front side of the admission pass image 510 of user B may be facing the wrong direction because a corrected image of the front side of the admission pass exists.

[0069] The front scan image display 612 displays the front image 510 of user B's admission pass. The back scan image display 613 displays the back image 511 of user B's admission pass. The back orientation corrected image display 614 displays the corrected image of the front image 510 of the admission pass because a corrected image of the front image 510 of the admission pass exists. The back orientation corrected image display 615 displays the back image 511 of the admission pass because a corrected image of the back image 511 of the admission pass does not exist.

[0070] 616 to 617 are the same as 606 to 607, so we will omit the explanation.

[0071] A warning screen 620 is a warning screen that appears when user C scans his / her identification card.

[0072] The warning display 621 notifies the user that the orientation of the front and back sides of the ID card may be incorrect because there are corrected images of the front side image 520 of the ID card and the back side image 521 of the ID card.

[0073] The front scan image display 622 displays the front image 520 of user C's identification card.

[0074] The back side scanned image display 623 displays the back side image 521 of the identification card of user C. The back side orientation corrected image display 624 displays the corrected image of the identification card front side image 520 because a corrected image of the identification card front side image 520 exists. The back side orientation corrected image display 625 displays the corrected image of the identification card back side image 521 because a corrected image of the identification card back side image 521 exists.

[0075] 626 to 627 are the same as 606 to 607, so we will omit the explanation.

[0076] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0077] In step S316, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S317, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the orientation correction print button 607, 617, or 627 in Fig. 6 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the orientation correction print button has been pressed, S318 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the orientation correction print button has not been pressed, S319 is executed.

[0078] In step S318, the ID card copy processing unit 214 overwrites the ID card front image and ID card back image stored in RAM 103 with the respective corrected images also stored in RAM 103. In step S319, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the continue printing button 606, 616, or 626 in FIG. 6 has been pressed. If it is determined that the continue printing button has been pressed, S320 is executed. If it is determined that the continue printing button has not been pressed, the process returns to S316.

[0079] In step S320, the ID card copy processing unit 214 prints out the ID card front image and ID card back image stored in the RAM 103 through the printer 112. When printing out, the ID card copy processing unit 214 transmits the setting values ​​of the number of copies setting 401, paper size setting 402, and layout setting 403 to the printer 112, performs printing according to the settings, and then the flowchart ends.

[0080] As described above, according to the flowchart in Figure 3, user A, who scanned the back image 501 of his employee ID card upside down, can notice the misalignment on the warning screen 600. User B, who scanned the front image 510 of his admission pass upside down, can also notice the misalignment on the warning screen 610. User C, who scanned the front image 520 of his identification card and the back image 521 of his identification card upside down, can also notice the misalignment on the warning screen 620. Furthermore, by performing orientation correction printing, both users can print in the correct orientation without having to redo the ID card copy.

[0081] As described above, with this embodiment, the ID card copy function of the image forming device can accurately notify the user of the misalignment even if the user places the front and back sides of the card in the wrong orientation. This prevents the user from having to redo the ID card copy and prevents unnecessary printing.

[0082] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a configuration is provided in which predetermined correct pattern information for ID cards is stored and placement errors are detected by determining whether the front and back of the scanned ID card match the correct pattern information.

[0083] However, in user environments where checking the character string on the back is not necessary, or where special ID cards with character strings printed facing left are used, there is a possibility that unnecessary warnings may be presented to the user. As in these examples, the first embodiment has a problem in that it cannot flexibly update the correct ID card pattern according to the user's ID card pattern, resulting in the presentation of unnecessary warnings.

[0084] In view of these problems, the second embodiment provides a configuration in which the warning display on the ID card can be enabled or disabled and the correct pattern information can be updated according to the user's request.

[0085] In this embodiment, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores, as internal information, warning display disabling information indicating whether the warning displays on the front and back of the ID card are disabled, in addition to the correct pattern information in Table 1. The warning display disabling information in this embodiment is shown in Table 2.

[0086] [Table 2]

[0087] The "target surface" is an attribute that indicates the surface of the object for which the warning display is enabled or disabled. In this embodiment, either "front surface" or "back surface" is set.

[0088] "Disabled status" is an attribute that indicates the disabled status of the warning display of the target surface. When it is "enabled", it indicates that the warning display of the target surface is enabled, and when it is "disabled", it indicates that the warning display of the target surface is disabled.

[0089] For example, the warning display disable information in Table 2 indicates that the warning display is enabled on both the front and back of the ID card.

[0090] 7 is a flowchart for explaining the ID card warning setting update process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 7 is implemented by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reading out into the RAM 103 and executing the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105.

[0091] In step S701, the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction to update the ID card copy warning settings from the user, starts the ID card copy application, and displays the ID card copy warning setting screen.

[0092] Here, a screen relating to updating the ID card copy warning setting in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen relating to updating the ID card copy warning setting displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0094] The ID card copy warning setting screen 800 has a warning display disable setting button 801 and a correct pattern update button 802. The warning display disable setting button 801 is a button for instructing screen transition to the warning display disable setting screen. The correct pattern update button 802 is a button for instructing screen transition to the correct pattern update screen. The warning display disable setting screen 810 has an ID card front side warning setting menu 811, an ID card back side warning setting menu 812, and an update button 813.

[0095] The ID card front side warning setting menu 811 is a pull-down menu for setting a value for whether or not to issue a warning for incorrect placement of the ID card front side during ID card copying. The initially displayed value is the value for "Invalidation status" for "Front side" in the warning display invalidation information in Table 2, and the user can change the setting value by selecting the value.

[0096] The ID card back side warning setting menu 812 is a pull-down menu for setting a value for whether or not to warn of incorrect placement of the ID card front side during ID card copying. The initially displayed value is the value for "Invalidation status" where "Target side" in the warning display invalidation information in Table 2 is "Back side," and the user can change the setting value by selecting.

[0097] The update button 813 is a button for instructing updating of the warning display invalidation information in Table 2 with the values ​​set by the user in the ID card front warning setting menu 811 and the ID card back warning setting menu 812 .

[0098] The correct pattern update screen 820 has a correct pattern setting menu 821, an add row button 822, and an update button 823. The correct pattern setting menu 821 initially displays the information in Table 1, which is the correct pattern information for the orientation of text during ID card copying. The front and back side text orientations are in a pull-down format, and the user can change the setting values ​​by selecting them. It is also possible to request cancellation of the settings by pressing the delete button corresponding to each pattern information.

[0099] The add line button 822 is a button for instructing the addition of new correct pattern information to the correct pattern setting menu 821, and when pressed, only one line is added to the correct pattern setting menu 821.

[0100] The update button 823 is a button for instructing updating of the correct pattern information in Table 1 with the values ​​set by the user in the correct pattern setting menu 821 .

[0101] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0102] In step S702, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211.

[0103] In step S703, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the warning display disable setting button 801 in Fig. 8 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the warning display disable setting button has been pressed, S704 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning display disable setting button has not been pressed, S708 is executed.

[0104] In step S704, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the warning display disable setting screen 810 of Fig. 8 via the screen control unit 211. In step S705, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S706, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the update button 813 of Fig. 8 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the update button has been pressed, S707 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the update button has not been pressed, the process returns to S705.

[0105] In step S707, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the values ​​set by the user in the ID card front warning setting menu 811 and the ID card back warning setting menu 812 via the screen control unit 211. The ID card copy processing unit 214 uses the acquired values ​​to update and save the warning display disable information in Table 2, and the flowchart then ends. As an example of an update, if the user sets the ID card front warning setting menu 811 to "enabled" and the ID card back warning setting menu 812 to "disabled," the warning display disable information is updated as shown in Table 3 below.

[0106] [Table 3]

[0107] In step S708, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the correct pattern update button 802 in Fig. 8 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the correct pattern update button has been pressed, S709 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the correct pattern update button has not been pressed, the process returns to S702.

[0108] In step S709, the ID card copy processing unit 214 causes the screen control unit 211 to display the correct pattern update screen 820 shown in FIG.

[0109] In step S710, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S711, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the update button 823 in FIG. 8 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the update button has been pressed, S712 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the update button has not been pressed, the process returns to S710.

[0110] In step S712, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the value set by the user in the correct pattern setting menu 821 via the screen control unit 211. The ID card copy processing unit 214 uses the acquired value to update and save the correct pattern information in Table 1, and the flowchart ends. As an example of an update, if the user sets the "Back side text direction" of the correct pattern setting menu 821 where "ID" is "Pattern007" to "Leftward," the correct pattern information is updated as shown in Table 4 below.

[0111] [Table 4]

[0112] As described above, the flowchart in FIG. 7 allows the warning display on the ID card to be enabled or disabled and the correct pattern information to be updated according to the user's request.

[0113] Next, the ID card copy process in which the warning settings changed by the user are applied will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0115] Steps S901 to S910 are similar to steps S301 to S310, and therefore will not be described here. The correct pattern information referenced in steps S908 and S910 always refers to the latest correct pattern information updated by the user. In step S911, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains the warning display disable information on page 1 or 3 and determines whether the warning display on the back side has been disabled.

[0116] At this time, if it is determined that the warning display on the back side has been disabled, step S924 is executed and the warning screen is not displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning display on the back side has not been disabled, step S912 is executed and a warning screen indicating that the back side of the ID card has been misplaced is displayed in step S919.

[0117] Steps S912 to S913 are similar to steps S311 to S312, and therefore will not be described further. Note that the correct pattern information referenced in S913 always references the latest correct pattern information updated by the user. In step S914, the ID card copy processing unit 214 obtains the warning display disabling information in Table 1 or Table 3 and determines whether the warning display on the front side has been disabled.

[0118] At this time, if it is determined that the warning display on the front side has been disabled, step S924 is executed and the warning screen is not displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning display on the front side has not been disabled, step S915 is executed and a warning screen indicating incorrect placement of the ID card front side is displayed in step S919.

[0119] Step S915 is the same as step S313, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In step S916, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the warning display disabling information for table 1 or table 3, and determines whether the warning display on the back side has been disabled. At this time, if it is determined that the warning display on the back side has been disabled, step S914 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning display on the front side has not been disabled, step S917 is executed.

[0120] In step S917, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the warning display invalidation information of Table 1 or Table 3 and determines whether the warning display on the front side has been invalidated. If it is determined that the warning display on the front side has been invalidated, step S924 is executed and the warning screen is not displayed. If it is determined that the warning display on the front side has not been invalidated, step S918 is executed and a warning screen indicating incorrect placement of the front and back sides of the ID card is displayed in step S919.

[0121] Steps S918 to S924 are similar to steps S314 to S320, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] As described above, the flowchart in FIG. 9 allows the user to execute the ID card copy process applying the warning settings changed by the user using the flowchart in FIG.

[0123] As described above, this embodiment allows the user to flexibly update the correct pattern on the ID card, thereby preventing unnecessary warnings from being displayed and improving usability.

[0124] (Embodiment 3) In the first embodiment, an ID card placed in a predetermined position on the platen is scanned, and character strings in the scanned image are read using OCR analysis. However, if the user places the ID card in a position other than the designated position and scans it, the character strings in the scanned image cannot be read using OCR analysis, and the placement error cannot be properly detected. Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the user places the ID card in a position other than the designated position, there is a problem that the ID card copy must be remade or unnecessary printing occurs.

[0125] In view of these issues, the third embodiment provides a form that warns the user of incorrect ID card placement if the OCR analysis results cannot be obtained correctly from a scanned image of an ID card.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0127] Steps S1001 to S1005 are similar to steps S301 to S305, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] In step S1006, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether or not the character string on the front of the ID card was acquired in step S1005. If it is determined that the character string on the front of the ID card was acquired, step S1011 is executed. If it is determined that the character string on the front of the ID card was not acquired, step S1007 is executed.

[0129] In step S1007, the ID card copy processing unit 214 causes the screen control unit 211 to display a front side placement error warning screen.

[0130] Here, a screen related to an ID card misplacement warning in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 107 to warn about an incorrect ID card placement.

[0132] The front side placement error warning screen 1100 has a front side placement error display 1101 , a front side image display 1102 , a continue printing button 1103 , and a rescan button 1104 .

[0133] The front side placement error display 1101 is an area that displays a message informing the user that the front side of the ID card may not be placed in the specified position and suggesting that a rescan be performed if necessary. The front side scan image display 1102 is an area that displays a scanned image of the front side of the ID card stored in the RAM 103. In this embodiment, a scanned image of the ID card when only the corner of the front side is in the position specified by the user is displayed.

[0134] The Continue Print button 1103 is a button for instructing to execute ID card copy printing without rescanning, and the ID card copy is executed using the ID card front side stored in RAM 103. The Rescan button 1104 is a button for instructing to rescan the ID card front side image. The back side placement error warning screen 1110 has a back side placement error display 1111, a back side image display 1112, a Continue Print button 1103, and a Rescan button 1104.

[0135] The back side placement error display 1111 is an area that displays a message informing the user that the back side of the ID card may not have been placed in the specified position and suggesting that a rescan be performed if necessary. The back side scan image display 1112 is an area that displays a scanned image of the back side of the ID card stored in the RAM 103. In this embodiment, a scanned image of the case where the back side of the ID card is not placed at all in the position specified by the user is displayed.

[0136] 1113 to 1114 are the same as 1103 to 1104, so we will omit the explanation.

[0137] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0138] In step S1008, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211.

[0139] In step S1009, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the rescan button 1104 in Fig. 10 has been pressed. If it is determined that the rescan button has been pressed, the process returns to S1004, and the front side of the ID card is rescanned. If it is determined that the rescan button has not been pressed, S1010 is executed.

[0140] In step S1010, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the Continue Printing button 1103 in Fig. 10 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Continue Printing button has been pressed, S1011 is executed. If it is determined that the Rescan button has not been pressed, the process returns to S1008.

[0141] Steps S1011 to S1012 are similar to steps S306 to S307, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] In step S1013, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether or not the character string on the back of the ID card was acquired in step S1012. If it is determined that the character string on the back of the ID card was acquired, step S1018 is executed. If it is determined that the character string on the back of the ID card was not acquired, step S1014 is executed.

[0143] In step S1014, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays the back side placement error warning screen 1110 through the screen control unit 211. In step S1015, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation through the screen control unit 211.

[0144] In step S1016, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the rescan button 1114 in Fig. 10 has been pressed. If it is determined that the rescan button has been pressed, the process returns to S1011, and the back side of the ID card is scanned again. If it is determined that the rescan button has not been pressed, S1017 is executed.

[0145] In step S1017, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the Continue Printing button 1113 in Fig. 10 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Continue Printing button has been pressed, step S1018 is executed. If it is determined that the Rescan button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S1015.

[0146] Steps S1018 to S1030 are similar to steps S308 to S320, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0147] As described above, according to the flowchart in Figure 9, if a character string cannot be obtained through OCR analysis, the user can be warned that the ID card has been placed incorrectly and be suggested to rescan.

[0148] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the user places the ID card in a position different from the specified position, it is possible to prevent the ID card from being copied again or unnecessary printing.

[0149] (Embodiment 4) In the present embodiment, the preset language will be referred to as a first language, and another language will be referred to as a second language.

[0150] In the first embodiment, an embodiment is provided in which OCR analysis is performed using a language that is preset in the image forming apparatus, character strings on an ID card are read, and the orientation of the character strings is determined.

[0151] However, users often use ID cards that are written in a language other than the one they normally use. For example, even if a user lives in Japan, there are many cases where the ID card is written only in English. In the first embodiment, when copying an ID card that is written in a language other than the language set in the image forming device, the orientation of the text cannot be determined correctly.

[0152] In view of these problems, the fourth embodiment provides a form in which, if a character string cannot be read by OCR analysis, the user is suggested to perform OCR analysis using a different language.

[0153] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0154] Steps S1201 to S1204 are similar to steps S301 to S304, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] In step S1205, similar to step S305, OCR analysis is performed on the scanned image of the ID card surface to determine the orientation of the character string, but in this embodiment, OCR analysis can also be performed in a specified language. Also, if no language is specified, the language set in image forming apparatus 100 is used for OCR analysis, similar to step S305.

[0156] In step S1206, the ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the character string on the front of the ID card was correctly read in step S1205. If it is determined that the character string on the front of the ID card was correctly read, step S1211 is executed. If it is determined that the character string on the front of the ID card was not correctly read, step S1207 is executed. In step S1207, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a front reading failure warning screen via the screen control unit 211.

[0157] Here, a screen relating to an ID card reading failure in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0158] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 107 regarding a failure to read an ID card.

[0159] The front side reading failure screen 1300 has a front side reading error display 1301 , a front side image display 1302 , a set language display 1303 , a reanalysis language setting menu 1304 , a continue printing button 1305 , and a reanalysis button 1306 .

[0160] The front placement error display 1301 is an area that displays a message informing the user that the front image of the ID card scanned by the user could not be read in the set language, and suggesting that if necessary, the user perform OCR analysis again specifying another language.

[0161] The front side scan image display 1302 is an area that displays a scanned image of the front side of an ID card stored in the RAM 103. In this embodiment, a scanned image of the front side of an ID card with English characters written on it is displayed to the user.

[0162] A set language display 1303 displays the language used in the OCR analysis.

[0163] The reanalysis language setting menu 1304 is a pull-down menu for setting the language to be used when performing OCR analysis again. The continue printing button 1305 is a button for instructing to execute ID card copy printing without performing OCR analysis again, and the ID card copy is executed using the ID card surface stored in RAM 103.

[0164] The reanalysis button 1306 is a button for instructing to perform OCR analysis again on the ID card surface image using the language of the reanalysis language 1304 .

[0165] The back side reading failure screen 1310 has a back side reading error display 1311, a back side image display 1312, a set language display 1313, a reanalysis language setting menu 1314, a continue printing button 1315, and a reanalysis button 1316. The back side placement error display 1311 is an area that displays a message notifying the user that the back side image of the ID card scanned by the user could not be read in the set language, and suggesting that the user perform OCR analysis again if necessary specifying another language.

[0166] The back side scan image display 1312 is an area that displays a scan image of the back side of an ID card stored in the RAM 103. In this embodiment, a scan image of the back side of an ID card with English characters written on it is displayed to the user.

[0167] The explanation for 1313 to 1316 is omitted as it is the same as 1303 to 1316.

[0168] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0169] In step S1208, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S1209, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the reanalysis button 1306 in FIG. 13 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the reanalysis button has been pressed, the language specified by the user in the reanalysis language menu 1304 is obtained via the screen control unit 211, and in S1205, OCR analysis is performed again in that language. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reanalysis button has not been pressed, S1210 is executed.

[0170] In step S1210, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the continue printing button 1305 in Fig. 13 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the continue printing button has been pressed, S1211 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continue printing button has not been pressed, the process returns to S1208. Step S1211 is similar to step S306, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] In step S1212, as in step S307, OCR analysis is performed on the scanned image of the back of the ID card to determine the orientation of the character string, but in this embodiment, OCR analysis can also be performed in a specified language. Also, if no language is specified, the language set in image forming apparatus 100 is used for OCR analysis, as in step S307. In step S1213, ID card copy processing unit 214 determines whether the character string on the back of the ID card was correctly read in step S1212.

[0172] At this time, if it is determined that the character string on the back side of the ID card has been correctly read, step S1218 is executed, whereas if it is determined that the character string on the front side of the ID card has not been correctly read, step S1214 is executed.

[0173] In step S1214, the ID card copy processing unit 214 displays a back side reading failure warning screen 1310 via the screen control unit 211.

[0174] In step S1215, the ID card copy processing unit 214 waits for a user operation via the screen control unit 211. In step S1216, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user operation via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the reanalysis button 1316 in FIG. 13 has been pressed. At this time, if it is determined that the reanalysis button has been pressed, the language specified by the user in the reanalysis language menu 1314 is obtained via the screen control unit 211, and in S1212, OCR analysis is performed again in that language. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reanalysis button has not been pressed, S1217 is executed.

[0175] In step S1217, the ID card copy processing unit 214 analyzes the user's operation through the screen control unit 211 and determines whether the Continue Printing button 1315 in Fig. 13 has been pressed. If it is determined that the Continue Printing button has been pressed, S1218 is executed. If it is determined that the Continue Printing button has not been pressed, the process returns to S1215.

[0176] Steps S1218 to S1230 are similar to steps S308 to S320, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] As described above, the flowchart in Figure 12 provides a way to suggest to the user that they perform OCR analysis using a different language if a character string cannot be read using OCR analysis, and the character string can be read correctly using OCR analysis using the different language.

[0178] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to prevent the ID card from having to be copied again or unnecessary printing, even when an ID card that has a language other than the language set in the image forming device is used to copy the ID card.

[0179] (Embodiment 5) In the first embodiment, a configuration is provided in which predetermined correct ID card pattern information is stored and misplacement is detected by determining whether the front and back of a scanned ID card match the correct pattern information. However, the orientation of text on ID cards varies greatly depending on the country and its language aptitude, and there are text patterns that are rarely seen in one country and text patterns that are commonly seen in another. For example, in Asia, including Japan, it is common for text on ID cards to be written horizontally.

[0180] However, in countries like the United States, where most ID card designs are written vertically, having right-to-left character strings as the correct answer pattern is potentially redundant and may result in missed warnings.As such, there is an issue that using only predetermined correct answer patterns can easily result in unnecessary warnings or missed warnings, depending on the language.

[0181] In view of these problems, the fifth embodiment provides a configuration in which the correct pattern on the ID card can be changed by changing the language setting of the image forming apparatus.

[0182] The ID card copy processing unit 214 in this embodiment holds correct pattern information for each language setting as internal information. Table 5 shows the correct pattern information in this embodiment.

[0183] [Table 5]

[0184] In the correct pattern information in Table 5, the correct pattern information for "ID" of "Pattern001" to "Pattern007" is held as the default correct pattern information. In addition, the correct pattern information for "ID" of "Pattern101" to "Pattern107" is held as the correct pattern information for Japanese language settings. In addition, the correct pattern information for "ID" of "Pattern201" to "Pattern202" is held as the correct pattern information for English language settings.

[0185] In this embodiment, the correct answer pattern information is limited to default, Japanese, and English, but is not limited to a specific language. For example, correct answer pattern information may be present in languages ​​such as Chinese and German.

[0186] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0187] Steps S1401 to S1407 are similar to steps S301 to S307, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0188] In step S1408, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the language setting configured in the image forming apparatus 100 and determines whether correct pattern information for the corresponding language exists in the correct pattern information in Table 5. At this time, if it is determined that correct pattern information for the corresponding language exists, S1409 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that correct pattern information for the corresponding language does not exist, S1410 is executed. In step S1409, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores the correct pattern information determined to exist in step S1405 in RAM 103 as adopted correct pattern information.

[0189] In step S1410, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores the default correct pattern information as adopted correct pattern information in RAM 103. In step S1411, similar to step S308, it is determined whether the orientation of the character string on the front side of the ID card is included in the correct pattern, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103. In step S1412, similar to step S309, the correct pattern information on the back side of the ID card is determined, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103.

[0190] Steps S1413 to S1414 are similar to steps S310 to S311, and therefore will not be described here. In step S1415, similar to step S312, it is determined whether the orientation of the character string on the back of the ID card is included in the correct pattern information, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103.

[0191] Steps S1416 to S1423 are similar to steps S313 to S320, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] As described above, according to the flowchart of FIG. 14, the correct pattern of the ID card can be changed by changing the language setting of the image forming apparatus.

[0193] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unnecessary warnings and omissions of warnings regarding ID card copying, even when various language settings are made on the image forming apparatus.

[0194] (Embodiment 6) In the first embodiment, an ID card placed in a predetermined position on a platen is scanned, and placement errors are detected by determining whether the scanned image matches predetermined ID card correct pattern information. Therefore, in the first embodiment, scanned images can be obtained in the same orientation, and placement errors can be detected accurately using only the predetermined correct pattern information.

[0195] However, if an ID card copy function is provided that allows the user to freely change the orientation of the ID card scanning position on the platen, the orientation of the captured text will be reversed. As a result, there is a problem in that it is not possible to accurately detect incorrect ID card placement using only predetermined correct ID card pattern information.

[0196] For example, if the correct pattern information only allows cards written vertically, it is assumed that the correct patterns for vertically scanned documents must be either upright or downright on both the front and back sides. However, if the document can be scanned horizontally, accurate misalignment detection cannot be achieved unless the correct patterns are right-handed.

[0197] In view of these problems, the sixth embodiment provides a configuration in which the correct pattern information of an ID card can be changed depending on the orientation of the specified ID card.

[0198] The ID card copy processing unit 214 in this embodiment holds correct pattern information for each orientation of the ID card as internal information. Table 6 shows the correct pattern information in this embodiment.

[0199] [Table 6]

[0200] The correct pattern information in Table 6 stores the correct pattern information for "ID" from "Pattern001" to "Pattern002" as vertical correct pattern information. Also, the correct pattern information for "ID" of "Pattern101" is stored as horizontal correct pattern information.

[0201] In this embodiment, the correct pattern information is only for portrait and landscape orientations, but is not limited to a specific orientation. For example, the correct pattern may be in the center position.

[0202] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the ID card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0203] In step S1501, the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction from the user to perform an ID card copy process, starts up an ID card copy application, and displays an ID card copy screen.

[0204] Here, the ID card copy screen will be described with reference to FIG.

[0205] FIG. 16 shows an example of an ID card copy screen displayed on the operation unit 107.

[0206] The ID card copy screen 1600 has a number of copies setting 1601 , a paper size setting 1602 , a layout setting 1603 , a guide display 1604 , an execute button 1605 , and a document orientation setting menu 1606 .

[0207] 1601 to 1603 are the same as 701 to 703, so explanations will be omitted.

[0208] The guide display 1604 is a display that explains where on the platen the ID card should be placed, and the display is updated depending on the value set in the document orientation setting menu 1606. Note that the guide display 1604 in this embodiment is a guide display that is displayed when "landscape" is set in the document orientation setting menu 1606, and is a guide display that informs the user that the document should be placed in landscape orientation.

[0209] The document orientation setting menu 1606 is a pull-down menu for setting the orientation of the ID card when it is placed on the document platen. The setting value can be changed by the user's selection operation, and in this embodiment, "portrait" and "landscape" can be selected.

[0210] Now, let us return to the explanation of FIG.

[0211] Steps S1502 to S1507 are similar to steps S302 to S307, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0212] In step S1508, the ID card copy processing unit 214 acquires the value set in the document orientation setting menu of Fig. 15 via the screen control unit 211 and determines whether it is "portrait." At this time, if it is determined that the document orientation setting is "portrait," S1509 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the document orientation setting is not "portrait," S1510 is executed.

[0213] In step S1509, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores the correct pattern information for portrait orientation of Table 6 as adopted correct pattern information in the RAM 103. In step S1510, the ID card copy processing unit 214 stores the correct pattern information for landscape orientation of Table 6 as adopted correct pattern information in the RAM 103.

[0214] In step S1511, similar to step S308, it is determined whether the orientation of the character string on the front side of the ID card is included in the correct pattern, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103. In step S1512, similar to step S309, the correct pattern information on the back side of the ID card is determined, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103.

[0215] Steps S1513 to S1514 are similar to steps S310 to S311, and therefore will not be described here. In step S1515, as in step S312, it is determined whether the orientation of the character string on the back of the ID card is included in the correct pattern information, but the correct pattern information is limited to the adopted correct pattern information stored in RAM 103. Steps S1516 to S1523 are similar to steps S313 to S320, and therefore will not be described here.

[0216] As described above, according to the flowchart in FIG. 15, the correct pattern information of the ID card can be changed depending on the orientation of the specified ID card.

[0217] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when an ID card copying function is provided that allows the user to arbitrarily change the orientation of the ID card scanning position on the document platen, it is possible to accurately detect misplacement of the ID card.

[0218] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiments, cases have been described where the orientations of the front and back sides of the ID card are the same (0 degree deviation) or where there is a deviation in units of 90 degrees.

[0219] However, when the user places the ID card on the document table by himself, this case is extremely rare, with the ID card being scanned from one side to the other.

[0220] Therefore, the case of misalignment that does not reach a misalignment in units of 90 degrees will be explained below.

[0221] 17 to 19 are diagrams illustrating images obtained by scanning the front and back of an ID card.

[0222] 17 to 19 may be images obtained by reading the front and back sides of the ID card, or may be a single image formed based on the images obtained by reading the front and back sides.

[0223] Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the difference in orientation between ID cards, with the outer edges of the front and back of each ID card used as a predetermined reference. In this example, the tangents to the outer edges of the front of the ID card are defined as L1 (front) and L2 (back), respectively, and the difference between these is θ.

[0224] In addition, in Figure 18, a portion of a character string contained in the images read from the front and back of each ID card is defined as a predetermined reference, defined as L1 (front) and L2 (back), respectively. When a portion of a character is used as a predetermined reference, for example, a portion of the character to be corrected that is composed of straight lines may be extracted, as in part A of Figure 18, or alphanumeric characters or symbols such as a hyphen may be used, as in part B of Figure 18. Furthermore, if the outer edge of the ID card is mainly composed of straight lines, a portion of a character that is roughly oriented in the same direction as this outer edge may be extracted. Furthermore, a straight line connecting the centers of gravity of each character may also be used.

[0225] Furthermore, Figure 19 shows an example in which the difference in angle between the front and back surfaces is θ, with the outer edge LY of an image read and formed by a scanner as a predetermined reference. (The angle between L1 and LY and the angle between L2 and LY are calculated, and the difference between each angle is taken.) In the above, for L1, L2, and LY, a predetermined standard is set for the vertical direction on each drawing, and the difference in orientation between the front and back of an ID card is explained. However, the horizontal direction on each drawing (the horizontal direction of the outer edge of the card, the horizontal direction of part of the characters, or the horizontal direction LX of the outer edge of an image read and formed by a scanner) can be used as the predetermined standard to calculate the difference in orientation between the front and back, or a combination of vertical and horizontal can be used for the calculation. Also, the outer edge of the reading frame of the scanner's document table, or a reading guide that serves as a reading guide, can be used as the predetermined standard.

[0226] In addition, the document tray may be replaced with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and as long as there is no problem with reading the reading sheet, the paper feeding method and mechanism for reading the reading sheet, such as top feeding, rear feeding, or feeding from a cassette, are not particularly important.

[0227] Next, the processing of the present invention when the front and back sides of an ID card are scanned and the orientation of each side is slightly different (the angle is θ) will be described below.

[0228] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the present invention when the front and back of an ID card are scanned.

[0229] Note that the same processes (same step numbers) as those in the flowchart of FIG. 3 will not be described.

[0230] In step S2001, the outer edge L1 (FIG. 17) of the front side of the ID card is detected. In step S2002, the outer edge L2 (FIG. 17) of the back side of the ID card is detected. In step S2003, the angle θ formed by L2 and L1 is calculated. In step S2004, if the absolute value of θ exceeds a predetermined range (predetermined value) (deviates from the predetermined range) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2005. In addition, if the absolute value of θ is equal to or less than the predetermined range (predetermined value) (No), the process proceeds to step S308 via steps S305 and S307 in FIG. 3.

[0231] Here, the predetermined value may be set within a range that does not affect the OCR analysis in steps S305 and S306, or within a range that does not affect the comparison with the correct pattern information in step S308. For example, it may be set to approximately 10 degrees or less, taking into consideration the accuracy with which the user places the ID card on the scanner platen.

[0232] Furthermore, this example shows how to match the vertical and horizontal orientations of ID cards. However, the method can also be applied to cases where the correct pattern information is obtained when the back side is significantly rotated (for example, rotated 90, 180, or 270 degrees) relative to the front side. In such cases, the correct pattern information may be used as a predetermined standard, and the difference from this correct pattern information may be calculated as θ.

[0233] (Further Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims

1. In the image forming apparatus, a reading means having a document table for reading one or more reading sheets having a first surface and a second surface; an image forming means for forming an image based on images read from the first and second sides; the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the first surface; and Based on the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the second surface, A display means for displaying whether the orientation of the sheet to be read is good or bad with respect to a predetermined standard is provided. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. In the image forming apparatus, When the deviation of the orientation of the sheet to be read from the predetermined standard exceeds a predetermined range, The display means displays whether the orientation of the sheet to be read is correct or not with respect to the predetermined standard.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. In the image forming apparatus, The predetermined standard is the document table.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. In the image forming apparatus, The first and second surfaces of the reading sheet are the front and back surfaces of one reading sheet.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. In the image forming apparatus, The first side and the second side of the reading sheet are a first reading sheet and a second reading sheet different from the first reading sheet.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. In the image forming apparatus, The printing means further includes a printing unit that prints the results of reading the first and second sides.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. In the image forming apparatus, Further, a correction means for correcting the image is provided, When the second surface is read by the reading means, If the orientation of the sheet to be read is incorrect with respect to the predetermined criterion, Correcting the image obtained by reading the second surface 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. In the image forming apparatus, When the second surface is read by the reading means, an invalidation means for invalidating a result of whether the orientation of the sheet to be read is good or bad with respect to the predetermined standard; If the invalidation means determines that the request is not accepted, The result of reading the second surface is updated.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. In the image forming apparatus, If the character string on the first or second side cannot be read based on the first language, based on a second language different from the first language; Displaying a suggestion to read the first or second side 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. In the image forming apparatus, Based on the result of OCR analysis of the image obtained by reading the first surface or the second surface, Displaying the result of reading the second surface as good or bad 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. In the image forming apparatus, a reading means having a document table for reading one or more reading sheets having a first surface and a second surface; an image forming means for forming an image based on images read from the first and second sides; the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the first surface; and Based on the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the second surface, a correction means for correcting an image obtained by reading the second surface; a printing means for printing the reading results of the first side and the corrected second side; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

12. In the image forming apparatus, a reading means having a document table for reading one or more reading sheets having a first surface and a second surface; an image forming means for forming an image based on images read from the first and second sides; the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read by the reading means on the first surface; and a pattern table having a set of orientations of character strings obtained from an image obtained by reading the second surface by the reading means; a display means for displaying the orientation of the character string obtained from the image obtained by reading the first surface, the orientation of the character string obtained from the image obtained by reading the second surface, and whether the orientation of the reading sheet is good or bad with respect to a predetermined standard based on the pattern table; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

13. 1. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: reading one or more reading sheets having a first side and a second side; forming an image based on images read from the first and second sides; the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read from the first surface; Based on the orientation of the character string obtained from the image read from the second surface, correcting the image obtained by reading the second surface; printing the read results of the first side and the corrected second side.

2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

Images