Image processing apparatus and program

Abstract

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an image processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program capable of reducing a usage amount of a memory that stores first data or second data waiting for inspection, as compared with a case where specific patterns that may be included on either of both sides of a recording sheet are sequentially inspected as the first data and the second data.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a processor, and the processor reads a front surface FS of recording paper to create front surface band data FB, reads a rear surface RS of the recording paper to create rear surface band data RB, combines the created front surface band data FB and the created rear surface band data RB, and inspects the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP that may be included in combined band data CB obtained by the combination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image processing device that reduces the data of the front surface and back surface of a document read by a CCD and the CCD in the sub-scanning direction using a reduction means, stores the data in a storage means after reduction, and determines whether at least one of the front surface or back surface of the read document is a specific document by making a determination on the stored data using a determination means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-125029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an image processing device and program that can reduce the amount of memory used to store first data or second data awaiting inspection, compared to when specific patterns that may be contained on either side of a recording sheet are inspected sequentially as first data and second data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image processing device of the first aspect includes a processor that reads a first side of a recording sheet to create first data, reads a second side of the recording sheet to create second data, combines the created first data with the created second data, and checks for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be contained in the combined data.

[0006] In the image processing device of the second aspect, in the image processing device described in the first aspect, the processor, while inspecting the combined data, begins creating first data and second data to be used for other combined data that will be inspected after the combined data.

[0007] In the image processing device of the third aspect, in the image processing device according to the first aspect, the processor starts to inspect the combined data while reading the first and second sides of the recording paper.

[0008] An image processing device of a fourth aspect is an image processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the processor, while inspecting the combined data, creates the next combined data to be inspected after the combined data.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the image processing device, in the image processing device described in the fourth aspect, when the inspection of the combined data is completed, the processor starts inspecting the next combined data, and then creates the next combined data to be inspected.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the image processing device, in an image processing device described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the processor detects that the specific pattern is included in the combined data, it determines whether the specific pattern is included in the first data or the second data included in the combined data.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the image processing device, in the image processing device according to the sixth aspect, the processor identifies the position of the specific pattern based on the elapsed time since inspection of the combined data in which it was determined that the specific pattern was present.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the image processing device is an image processing device described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the processor reduces the first data and the second data and creates combined data based on the reduced first data and the second data.

[0013] The program of the ninth aspect causes a processor to read a first side of a recording sheet to create first data, read a second side of the recording sheet to create second data, combine the created first data with the created second data, and check for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be contained in the combined data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the image processing device of the first aspect, it is possible to reduce memory usage compared to when specific patterns that may be contained on either side of a recording sheet are inspected sequentially as first data and second data.

[0015] According to the image processing device of the second aspect, the time required to inspect the presence or absence of a specific pattern on the entire recording sheet is shorter than when waiting to inspect the combined data until the creation of the first data or the creation of the second data for the entire recording sheet is completed.

[0016] According to the image processing device of the third aspect, the time required to inspect the presence or absence of a specific pattern on the entire recording sheet is shorter than when waiting to inspect the combined data until reading has been completed on the entire recording sheet.

[0017] According to the image processing device of the fourth aspect, the time required to inspect the entire recording paper for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is reduced compared to waiting until the inspection of the combined data is completed before creating the next combined data.

[0018] According to the image processing device of the fifth aspect, the time required to inspect the entire recording paper for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is further reduced compared to when the creation of the next next combined data is started before the inspection of the next combined data is started.

[0019] According to the image processing device of the sixth aspect, it is possible to detect which side of the recording paper contains the specific pattern.

[0020] According to the image processing device of the seventh aspect, processing corresponding to a specific pattern can be performed for the position of the specific pattern placed on the recording paper, compared to when only identifying whether it is included in the first data or the second data.

[0021] According to the image processing device of the eighth aspect, the time required to check for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is shorter than when checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern using combined data created without performing a reduction process on the first data and second data.

[0022] According to the program of the ninth aspect, memory usage can be reduced compared to when specific patterns that may be contained on either side of a recording sheet are inspected sequentially as first data and second data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an image reading unit. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a main configuration of an image forming apparatus; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure reads and processes image data, and shows the flow of processing image data after images on the front and back sides of a recording sheet have been read. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of images on the front and back sides of a recording sheet in this embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing front and back band data created by the front and back image reading units reading the front and back sides of a recording sheet, respectively; [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing combined band data created by combining front surface band data and back surface band data by a combining processing unit. FIG. [Figure 8]10 is a timing chart showing the time relationship from when an image on the front side and an image on the back side of a recording sheet are read until when the image is inspected in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing in a time-enlarged manner the processing performed by the first image reading unit, the second image reading unit, the combining processing unit, and the image inspection unit in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating how, when an image inspection unit detects a specific pattern, the position of the specific pattern is identified in this embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an image that is copied onto a recording sheet when it is detected that the recording sheet contains a specific pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] (Image forming device) First, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. The width direction of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 is the X direction, the height direction is the Z direction, and the depth direction is the Y direction, which are indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0025] (Schematic configuration of image forming apparatus) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an image forming apparatus 10, which is an example of an image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, includes an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 14, a paper supply unit 16, and an operation panel 18. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 90 inside the housing.

[0026] The image reading unit 12 is configured to include a document table 22 on which recording paper is placed, a document discharge unit 24 to which the recording paper after the image has been read is discharged, etc. The image reading unit 12 is also configured to include a transport mechanism that transports the recording paper placed on the document table 22, etc. The image reading unit 12 is also configured to include an image reading sensor that optically reads an image on the recording paper, etc., and a scanning mechanism that scans the recording paper, etc.

[0027] The image reading unit 12 of this embodiment is configured as a "double-sided reading device" that reads both the front and back images of the recording paper in a single conveyance. Note that the external configuration will be described here, and the specific configuration of the image reading unit 12, such as the conveyance mechanism, image reading sensor, and scanning mechanism, will be described later. The front side of the recording paper is an example of the "first side" in this embodiment. The back side of the recording paper is an example of the "second side" in this embodiment.

[0028] A pair of guides 26A, 26B are provided on the upper surface of the platen 22 to guide the recording paper when the recording paper placed on the platen 22 is transported. At least one of the pair of guides 26A, 26B is configured to move in the Y direction, which is the width direction of the recording paper placed on the platen 22. The pair of guides 26A, 26B moves in accordance with the width of the recording paper placed on the platen 22.

[0029] Image forming section 14 is configured to include an image forming mechanism that forms an image on paper supplied from paper supply section 16, and a discharge mechanism that discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to paper discharge section 32. The image forming mechanism is configured to include an image forming unit that forms an image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, and a fixing device. The image forming unit is configured to include a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, etc. With the above configuration, image forming section 14 forms an image on paper supplied from paper supply section 16 and discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to paper discharge section 32.

[0030] The paper supply unit 16 is configured to include a paper storage unit that stores paper, a supply mechanism that supplies paper from the paper storage unit to the image forming unit 14, etc. The supply mechanism is configured with a take-out roller that removes paper from the paper storage unit, a transport roller, etc. Multiple paper storage units may be provided depending on the type and size of paper. With the above configuration, the paper supply unit 16 supplies paper to the image forming unit 14.

[0031] The operation panel 18 includes a touch panel 34 for displaying various screens such as a setting screen, and various buttons 36 such as a start button and a numeric keypad. With the above configuration, the operation panel 18 functions as a UI (user interface) that accepts user operations and displays various information to the user.

[0032] (Image reading unit configuration) Next, the configuration of the image reading unit 12 will be described.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the image reading unit 12 shown in Fig. 1. As described above, the image reading unit 12 is configured as a "double-sided reading device."

[0034] The image reading unit 12 includes an original transport unit 40 that transports an original placed on the original table 22, a front image reading unit 42 that reads an image on the front side of the recording paper, and a back image reading unit 66 that reads an image on the back side of the recording paper. The back image reading unit 66 is provided within the original transport unit 40. The back image reading unit 66 is provided downstream of the front image reading unit 42 in the transport direction of the recording paper.

[0035] The document transport unit 40 includes an elevation mechanism 44 that raises and lowers the document table 22, and a take-in roller 46 that contacts the uppermost surface of a stack of recording sheets placed on the document table 22 that has been raised by the elevation mechanism 44 and takes in the recording sheets one by one. The document transport unit 40 also includes a supply roller 50 that supplies the recording sheets taken in by the take-in roller 46 to a transport path 48, and various transport rollers 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, etc. that transport the recording sheets further downstream in the transport direction along the transport path 48. The rotation axis of each roller extends in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording sheets.

[0036] The surface image reading unit 42, which is an example of a reading unit, includes a transparent first platen glass 70A, a transparent second platen glass 70B, a first light source 72 that irradiates illumination light toward the recording paper, etc. The surface image reading unit 42 also includes reflecting mirrors 74, 76, 78 that bend the optical path of the light reflected by the recording paper, a lens 80 that forms an image of the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 78, and a first image reading sensor 82 that is disposed at the imaging position of the lens 80. Note that "transparent" means that the illumination light and reflected light can pass through.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first image reading sensor 82, which is an example of a light receiving unit, uses a CCD line sensor in which multiple CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) are arranged along the Y direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. In other words, the first image reading sensor 82 is a reduced optical type light receiving unit.

[0038] A first white reference plate 150 is provided on the left side in the X direction of the "surface image reading position" in Fig. 2. The first white reference plate 150 is a plate with uniform reflectance in the Y direction, which is the main scanning direction. The first white reference plate 150 is optically read by the first image reading sensor 82 to acquire image information for performing image processing such as shading correction and edge enhancement processing using a spatial filter.

[0039] The back-side image reading unit 66, which is an example of a reading unit, is disposed between the transport roller 58 and the transport roller 60 of the document transport unit 40. In this embodiment, the second image reading sensor (not shown) of the back-side image reading unit 66 uses a contact image sensor (CIS) that reads an image by being brought into close contact with the recording paper. Therefore, the back-side image reading unit 66 is disposed so as to face the back side of the recording paper transported along the transport path 48. In other words, the image on the back side of the recording paper is read at the position where the back-side image reading unit 66 is disposed. Hereinafter, this position will be referred to as the "back-side image reading position."

[0040] The back-side image reading unit 66 is equipped with a second light source (not shown) that irradiates illumination light toward the back side of the recording paper conveyed by the document conveying unit 40 or the second white reference plate 68. The back-side image reading unit 66 also is equipped with a lens (not shown) that forms an image of the light reflected by the back side of the recording paper or the second white reference plate 68, and a second image reading sensor (not shown) that is arranged at the imaging position of the lens. The second light source, lens, and second image reading sensor are each fixed to a predetermined position within the housing of the image reading unit 12 and housed within the housing.

[0041] A second white reference plate 68 is provided at a position facing the back surface image reading unit 66 across the conveying path 48. The second white reference plate 68 is a plate with uniform reflectance in the Y direction, which is the main scanning direction SD. The second white reference plate 68 is optically read by the second image reading sensor to acquire image information for performing image processing such as shading correction and edge enhancement processing using a spatial filter.

[0042] (Hardware configuration) Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has an electrical configuration in which each component is connected to a control unit 90. More specifically, the image reading unit 12, the image forming unit 14, the touch panel 34, and the document transport unit 40 are connected to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 is further connected to a front image processing unit 102, a back image processing unit 104, a front resolution conversion unit 106, a back resolution conversion unit 108, a combination processing unit 110, and an image inspection unit 112. The control unit 90 is also connected to the front image reading unit 42 and the back image reading unit 66 via the image reading unit 12.

[0043] 1, the control unit 90 has a CPU 91, a RAM 92, a ROM 93, and an input / output interface (I / O) 95. These components are connected to one another via a control bus 94.

[0044] The CPU 91 is a central processing unit that executes various programs including the program 96 and controls the other components. The CPU 91 is also an example of a "processor" in this embodiment. The RAM 92 temporarily stores the program 96 or data as a working area for the processors including the CPU 91. The RAM 92 is a component commonly referred to as a "memory." The ROM 93 stores various data including the program 96, which is an example of a "program" according to the present disclosure.

[0045] 3 based on the program 96. As a result, each component executes the following operations.

[0046] (Image reading unit operation) Next, we will explain the operation of the image reading unit 12. The image reading unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 90 to perform the following double-sided reading operation. Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls each of the first light source 72 and the reflecting mirrors 74, 76, and 78 so that the carriage 83A of the first light source 72 and the reflecting mirror 74 is positioned directly below the "front FS image reading position."

[0047] 2, when a recording sheet is placed on platen 22 with its front side FS facing up, platen 22 is raised by lifting mechanism 44. When platen 22 rises to a predetermined position and stops, take-in roller 46 comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the stack of recording sheets placed on platen 22, and the recording sheets are taken in one by one by take-in roller 46. When the recording sheet reaches supply roller 50, it is supplied to conveyance path 48 by supply roller 50, and conveyance of the recording sheet begins. When the recording sheet reaches conveyance roller 52, it is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction by conveyance roller 52.

[0048] The recording paper that has reached the transport rollers 54 is transported downstream in the transport direction by the transport rollers 54. The leading edge of the transported recording paper hits the stopped transport rollers 56, causing the recording paper to curve and loop along the transport path 48. Once the recording paper is in a looped state, the guide mechanism 62 rotates around the fulcrum so as to open outward, guiding the recording paper while maintaining the looped state of the recording paper. The stopped transport rollers 56 begin to rotate in time with the start of image reading.

[0049] The recording paper that reaches the transport rollers 56 is aligned by the transport rollers 56 and transported downstream in the transport direction. The transport rollers 56 also supply the recording paper to a front image reading position where the transport rollers 58 are positioned. At the front FS image reading position, the front surface FS of the recording paper faces the second platen glass 70B. The recording paper that reaches the transport rollers 58 is transported downstream in the transport direction while being pressed against the second platen glass 70B by the transport rollers 58. The front image reading unit 42 reads the front FS image of the recording paper as it is being transported through the second platen glass 70B. More specifically, illuminating light emitted from the first light source 72 is irradiated onto the front surface FS of the recording paper as it is being transported. Then, light reflected from the front surface FS of the recording paper is imaged on the first image reading sensor 82. As a result, the image of the front surface FS of the recording paper is read as image data.

[0050] The first image reading sensor 82 reads the image of the front surface FS of the recording paper in the main scanning direction SD. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, the image of the front surface FS is read in the main scanning direction SD (the direction of the arrow Y in FIG. 2), which is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Therefore, the image data read by the front surface image reading unit 42 is acquired as an image extending in the main scanning direction SD. Furthermore, the image data read by the front surface image reading unit 42 is temporarily stored in the RAM 92 as front surface band data FB, as will be described later.

[0051] The recording paper from which the front side FS image has been read is transported downstream in the transport direction and supplied to a back side image reading position where the back side image reading unit 66 is located. At the back side RS image reading position, the back side RS of the recording paper faces the back side image reading unit 66. The back side image reading unit 66 reads the back side RS image of the recording paper as it is being transported. The recording paper from which the back side RS image has been read is transported downstream in the transport direction by the transport rollers 60. The recording paper that has reached the discharge rollers 64 is discharged to the document discharge unit 24 by the discharge rollers 64. More specifically, illuminating light emitted from the second light source is irradiated onto the front side FS of the recording paper as it is being transported. Then, the light reflected from the front side FS of the recording paper is imaged on the back side image reading unit 66. As a result, the image on the front side FS of the recording paper is read as image data.

[0052] The back side image reading unit 66 reads the image of the front side FS of the recording paper in the main scanning direction SD. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, the image of the front side FS is read in the main scanning direction SD (the direction of the arrow Y in FIG. 2), which is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Therefore, the image data read by the back side image reading unit 66 is acquired as an image extending in the main scanning direction SD. Furthermore, the image data read by the back side image reading unit 66 is temporarily stored in RAM 92 as back side band data RB, as will be described later.

[0053] When a recording sheet is placed on the upper surface of the first platen glass 70A, the image on one side of the recording sheet is read by the front image reading unit 42 in the following manner.

[0054] While the first light source 72 and the reflecting mirrors 74, 76, and 78 are moved to the right in the Y direction, the illumination light emitted from the first light source 72 is directed toward the recording paper. In other words, one side of the recording paper is scanned with the illumination light. The illumination light passes through the first platen glass 70A, is irradiated onto the recording paper, and is reflected by the recording paper. The reflected light passes through the first platen glass 70A, has its optical path bent by the reflecting mirrors 74, 76, and 78, and enters the lens 80. The light that enters the lens 80 is focused by the lens 80 on the first image reading sensor 82. In this way, the image on one side of the recording paper is read.

[0055] Next, a process for printing duplicate images on both sides of a recording sheet using the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. In other words, a process for reading an image on a recording sheet will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a flow for processing image data after images on the front side FS and back side RS of a recording sheet have been read in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of images on the front side FS and back side RS of a document in this embodiment.

[0056] (Data Flow) 4, the image data read by the front image reading unit 42 is temporarily stored in the RAM 92. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the image data read by the back image reading unit 66 is temporarily stored in the RAM 92.

[0057] The image of the front surface FS of the recording paper shown in FIG. 5 is stored in RAM 92 as surface band data FB1, FB2, FB3, ... extending in the main scanning direction SD, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the front image reading unit 42 sequentially reads the front surface band data FB1, FB2, FB3, ... as the recording paper is transported, and the data are stored in RAM 92 as multiple pieces of surface band data FB. Note that the end of the reference numerals for the front surface band data FB1, FB2, FB3, ... indicates data corresponding to the image of the respective positions on the front surface FS of the recording paper. Hereinafter, when simply referring to "surface band data FB," this refers to each or any one of these surface band data FB without specifying. Furthermore, the surface band data FB is an example of "first data" in this embodiment.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the image of the back side RS of the recording paper is read as multiple back side band data RB1, RB2, RB3, ..., just like the front side FS. Furthermore, when simply written as "back side band data RB," it refers to each or any one of these back side band data RB without specifying. Furthermore, the back side band data RB is an example of "second data" in this embodiment.

[0059] 4, the surface band data FB recorded in the RAM 92 is read by the surface image processing unit 102 and subjected to filtering processes such as noise removal. The surface band data FB processed by the surface image processing unit 102 is then sent to the surface resolution conversion unit 106 and stored in the RAM 92.

[0060] The surface resolution conversion unit 106 converts the resolution of the surface band data FB received from the surface image processing unit 102. More specifically, the surface resolution conversion unit 106 lowers the resolution of the surface band data FB and reduces the number of data included in the surface band data FB. Any method may be used to lower the resolution. As an example, the resolution may be reduced by thinning out the data recorded in each pixel in the surface band data FB at predetermined intervals.

[0061] The surface band data FB, whose resolution has been reduced by the surface resolution conversion unit 106, is then sent to the combining unit 110.

[0062] The back surface image processing unit 104 has the same configuration as the front surface image processing unit 102. The back surface resolution conversion unit 108 has the same configuration as the front surface resolution conversion unit 106. That is, in this embodiment, the back surface band data RB is also processed in the same manner as the front surface band data FB. The back surface band data RB processed by the back surface image processing unit 104 is then transmitted to the back surface resolution conversion unit 108 and stored in the RAM 92. The back surface band data RB, whose resolution has been reduced by the back surface resolution conversion unit 108, is then transmitted to the combining processing unit 110.

[0063] In this embodiment, the front image processing unit 102 and the back image processing unit 104 have the same configuration but are separate components. That is, the front image processing unit 102 and the back image processing unit 104 are capable of processing the front band data FB and the back band data RB at the same time. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment is equipped with two image processing units. Furthermore, the front resolution conversion unit 106 and the back resolution conversion unit 108 are capable of processing the front band data FB and the back band data RB at the same time.

[0064] In the combining processing unit 110, the front surface band data FB and the back surface band data RB are combined as shown in Fig. 7. Any method may be used for the combining processing. As an example, as shown in Fig. 7, the front surface band data FB and the back surface band data RB are combined so as to be connected in the main scanning direction SD.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, multiple pieces of front surface band data FB are each combined with back surface band data RB. This sequentially creates multiple pieces of combined band data CB1, CB2, CB3, .... Note that simply referring to "combined band data CB" refers to each or any one of these combined band data CB without specifying. Furthermore, the combined band data CB is an example of "combined data" in this embodiment.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the front and back band data FB and RB to be combined are data that have the same position in the main scanning direction SD. In other words, the combined band data CB is created by combining the front and back band data FB and RB that have the same position in the sub-scanning direction on the recording paper (the distance from the edge of the short side in Figure 5). More specifically, the combined band data CB1 is created by combining the front and back band data FB1 and RB1. The combined band data CB2 is created by combining the front and back band data FB2 and RB2. The same applies to the subsequent combined band data CB.

[0067] Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the combined band data CB created by the combining processing unit 110 is transmitted to the image inspection unit 112.

[0068] The image inspection unit 112 is a component that inspects the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP contained in input image data. For example, as shown on the back surface RS of FIG. 5, if a duplication prohibition pattern RPP is present, the image inspection unit 112 is a component that detects the specific pattern SP contained in the duplication prohibition pattern RPP. The specific pattern SP detected by the image inspection unit 112 may be any type. One example of the specific pattern SP is a pattern called a euro mark, which prohibits duplication of banknotes.

[0069] In this embodiment, the image inspection unit 112 sequentially inspects the combined band data CB received from the combination processing unit 110 to check for the presence or absence of the specific pattern SP. More specifically, the image inspection unit 112 inspects the combined band data CB in the main scanning direction SD as shown in FIG.

[0070] 8 and 9 are timing diagrams showing the time relationship from when the front surface FS image and back surface RS image of the recording sheet are read to when they are inspected according to the above-mentioned data flow. Fig. 8 shows how multiple recording sheets are read in sequentially. Fig. 9 shows, in a time-expanded manner, how the front surface resolution conversion unit 106, back surface resolution conversion unit 108, merging processing unit 110, and image inspection unit 112 in Fig. 8 are processing.

[0071] 8 and 9, the time when each component is processing data is shown as the length of the rectangle in the horizontal direction of the drawing. In other words, in Fig. 8 and 9, the length of the rectangle in the horizontal direction of the drawing indicates the time required to process the front band data FB, the back band data RB, and the combined band data CB, respectively.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 8, the front image reading unit 42 reads one page of image data as front page data FP. More specifically, the front page data FP for one page includes multiple pieces of front band data FB, as described above. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, the front page data FP is processed in order by the front image processing unit 102 and the front resolution conversion unit 106, as described above. Note that, as shown in Fig. 8, if there are multiple recording sheets, the front page data FP is read as multiple pieces of front page data FP1, FP2, FP3, .... Furthermore, simply referring to "front page data FP" refers to each or any one of these pieces of front page data FP without specifying.

[0073] Similarly, the back side image reading unit 66 reads image data for one page as back side page data RP. More specifically, the back side page data RP for one page includes multiple back side band data RB as described above. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the back side page data RP is processed in order by the back side image processing unit 104 and the back side resolution conversion unit 108 as described above. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, if there are multiple recording sheets, the data is read as multiple back side page data RP1, RP2, RP3, .... Furthermore, simply writing "back side page data RP" refers to each or any one of these back side page data RP without specifying.

[0074] Then, the front page data FP and the back page data RP are combined by the combining processing unit 110 as described above. As a result, combined page data CP1, CP2, CP3, ... are created, as shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, simply writing "combined page data CP" refers to each or any one of these combined page data CP without specifying them.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, while the combined band data CB is being created in the combining processing unit 110, the front image reading unit 42 and the back image reading unit 66 create the next band data. For example, in Fig. 9, while the combining processing unit 110 is creating combined band data CB1 based on the front band data FB1 and the back band data RB1, the front image reading unit 42 creates front band data FB2 and the back image reading unit 66 creates back band data RB2. The created combined band data CB1 is inspected in the image inspection unit 112. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the image forming apparatus in this embodiment creates and inspects these data in order, thereby sequentially inspecting the images on the front surface FS and back surface RS of the recording paper.

[0076] That is, in this embodiment, while inspecting the combined band data CB, the image inspection unit 112 starts creating the front band data FB and back band data RB to be used for the combined band data CB that will be inspected after the combined band data CB. In other words, in this embodiment, the image inspection unit 112 starts inspecting the combined band data CB while reading the front side FS and back side RS of the recording paper.

[0077] While the combined band data CB1 is being inspected by the image inspection unit 112, the combined processing unit 110 creates combined band data CB2, which is the combined band data CB to be inspected next. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, the combined processing unit 110 starts creating combined band data CB2, which is the combined band data CB to be inspected next, after the image inspection unit 112 starts inspecting the combined band data CB.

[0078] Generally, the time required for inspection by image inspection unit 112 is longer than the time required for merger processing unit 110 to create combined band data CB. Therefore, merger processing unit 110 completes creation of combined band data CB2 before completing inspection of combined band data CB1. In other words, in this embodiment, while image inspection unit 112 is inspecting combined band data CB, merger processing unit 110 creates the next combined band data CB to be inspected after the combined band data CB. In other words, combined band data CB2 is an example of the "next combined data" in this embodiment.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, after image inspection unit 112 completes inspection of combined band data CB1, it starts inspecting combined band data CB2, and then combined processing unit 110 starts creating combined band data CB3, which will be inspected next. Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, combined band data CB is transmitted from combined processing unit 110 to image inspection unit 112 without going through RAM 92 (without being stored in RAM 92). In other words, in this embodiment, combined band data CB is inspected without being pooled in RAM 92. In other words, combined band data CB3 is an example of the "next combined data" in this embodiment.

[0080] (Operation of image inspection unit 112) In this embodiment, the image inspection unit 112 inspects each piece of combined band data CB in sequence in the main scanning direction SD. In other words, the image inspection unit 112 inspects the combined band data CB shown in Fig. 7 in sequence from the end. The image inspection unit 112 also inspects the combined band data CB from the end including the front band data FB (upper side in Fig. 7) to the end including the back band data RB (lower side in Fig. 7).

[0081] Furthermore, a clock counter (not shown) measures the elapsed time from when the image inspection unit 112 starts inspecting one piece of combined band data CB until the inspection is completed. Here, as shown in Fig. 10, if the image inspection unit 112 detects the presence of a specific pattern SP while the clock counter is running, it outputs a pulse signal PS indicating the detection. The CPU 91 then obtains from the clock counter the value of the clock count at the time the pulse signal PS is output, i.e., the elapsed time T since the image inspection unit 112 started inspecting the combined band data CB.

[0082] Here, the image inspection unit 112 inspects the combined band data CB sequentially from one end in the main scanning direction SD, as described above. Therefore, the CPU 91 determines whether the specific pattern SP is included in the front band data FB or the back band data RB in the combined band data CB, based on the time from when the inspection started to when the pulse signal is output, which is obtained from the clock counter. In other words, the CPU 91 identifies the position of the copy-prohibiting pattern RPP included in the front side FS or the back side RS of the recording sheet, based on the elapsed time T, which is the time elapsed until the image inspection unit 112 detects the specific pattern SP included in the combined band data CB.

[0083] (Prohibition of duplication) Note that the CPU 91 may execute any process when it detects that a duplication prohibition pattern RPP is included on the recording sheet as shown in Fig. 10. When a user has performed a duplication operation on a document that includes a duplication prohibition pattern RPP, the image forming apparatus in this embodiment displays a warning pattern WM indicating that duplication is prohibited in the location of the duplication prohibition pattern RPP as shown in Fig. 11. In other words, in this embodiment, the CPU 91 rewrites data in the image data obtained by scanning the document that corresponds to the location of the duplication prohibition pattern RPP with data indicating the warning pattern WM.

[0084] The image processing device in this disclosure corresponds to the configuration in this embodiment that reads recording paper and edits, stores, and inspects the read image data. More specifically, the control unit 90, the front image processing unit 102, the back image processing unit 104, the front resolution conversion unit 106, the back resolution conversion unit 108, the merging processing unit 110, and the image inspection unit 112 are examples of the "image processing device" in this embodiment.

[0085] 3, the front image processing unit 102, the back image processing unit 104, the front resolution conversion unit 106, the back resolution conversion unit 108, the merging unit 110, and the image inspection unit 112 may be configured using any hardware. More specifically, these configurations may be configured such that the above-described operations are performed by independent processors. Alternatively, the CPU 91 may execute the program 96 to perform the above-described operations. In other words, the front image processing unit 102, the back image processing unit 104, the front resolution conversion unit 106, the back resolution conversion unit 108, the merging unit 110, the image inspection unit 112, and the CPU 91 are all examples of the "processor" in this embodiment.

[0086] Next, the functions and effects of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

[0087] (Action and effect) In the image processing device according to this embodiment, the combining unit 110 combines the already-created front band data FB and the already-created back band data RB to create combined band data CB. The image inspection unit 112 then inspects the created combined band data CB for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP that may be included in the created combined band data CB. The image inspection unit 112 then inspects the combined band data CB to inspect the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP that may be included in the front band data FB and the back band data RB. Therefore, according to the image processing device according to this embodiment, the amount of RAM 92 used to store the front band data FB or the back band data RB waiting to be inspected can be reduced compared to when the specific pattern SP that may be included on either side of the recording paper is inspected sequentially as the front band data FB and the back band data RB, respectively.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the image inspection unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB, the front image reading unit 42 begins creating front band data FB to be used for other combined band data CB to be inspected after the combined band data CB. Similarly, while the image inspection unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB, the back image reading unit 66 begins creating back band data RB to be used for other combined band data CB to be inspected after the combined band data CB. More specifically, the front image reading unit 42 and the back image reading unit 66 create front band data FB and back band data RB while inspecting the combined band data CB. Therefore, the time required to inspect the entire recording sheet for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP is shorter than when inspection of the combined band data CB is delayed until the creation of the front band data FB for the entire recording sheet is completed. Furthermore, the time required to inspect the entire recording sheet for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP is shorter than when inspection of the combined band data CB is delayed until the creation of the back band data RB for the entire recording sheet is completed.

[0089] Furthermore, the image inspection unit 112 according to this embodiment starts inspecting the combined band data CB while the front image reading unit 42 is reading the front side FS and back side RS of the recording sheet. Furthermore, the image inspection unit 112 according to this embodiment starts inspecting the combined band data CB while the back side image reading unit 66 is reading the front side FS and back side RS of the recording sheet. Therefore, according to the image processing device according to this embodiment, the time required to inspect the entire recording sheet for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP is shorter than when waiting to inspect the combined band data CB until reading of the entire recording sheet is completed.

[0090] Furthermore, combination processing unit 110 according to this embodiment creates the next combined band data CB to be inspected while image inspection unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB. Therefore, according to the image processing device according to this embodiment, the input wait time of combination processing unit 110 is reduced compared to when the creation of the next combined band data CB is waited for until inspection of the combined band data CB is completed. As a result, according to the image processing device according to this embodiment, the time required to inspect the entire recording paper for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP is shortened.

[0091] Furthermore, after image inspection unit 112 completes inspection of combined band data CB, it begins inspecting the next combined band data CB before merge processing unit 110 creates the next combined band data CB to be inspected. Therefore, with the image processing device according to this aspect, the input wait time for image inspection unit 112 is reduced compared to when merge processing unit 110 starts creating the next combined band data CB before starting inspection of the next combined band data CB. As a result, with the image processing device according to this aspect, the time required to inspect the entire recording sheet for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP is further reduced. Additionally, because combined band data CB is not pooled in RAM 92, the amount of RAM 92 used can be reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, when image inspection unit 112 detects that the specific pattern SP is included in the combined band data CB, CPU 91 determines the position of the specific pattern SP. More specifically, CPU 91 determines whether the specific pattern SP is included in the front band data FB or the back band data RB included in the combined band data CB. Therefore, the image processing device according to this embodiment can detect on which side of the recording paper the specific pattern SP is included.

[0093] Furthermore, when the image inspection unit 112 detects a specific pattern SP, the CPU 91 identifies the position of the specific pattern SP based on the elapsed time T since the inspection of the combined band data CB. Therefore, according to the image processing device of this aspect, it is possible to execute processing corresponding to the specific pattern SP for the position of the specific pattern SP arranged on the recording paper, compared to the case where it is only determined whether the specific pattern SP is included in the front band data FB or the back band data RB.

[0094] The image processing device according to this embodiment also creates combined band data CB based on the reduced front band data FB and the reduced back band data RB. Therefore, the image processing device according to this embodiment takes less time to inspect for the presence or absence of the specific pattern SP than when inspecting for the presence or absence of the specific pattern SP using combined band data CB created without reducing the front band data FB and the back band data RB.

[0095] In the above description, the combined band data CB is transmitted to the image inspection unit 112 without being stored in RAM 92. According to the image processing device of this embodiment, the capacity of RAM 92 required to store the combined band data CB is smaller than when the combined band data CB created without reduction processing is used to inspect for the presence or absence of a specific pattern SP. This also applies to an embodiment in which the combined band data CB is stored in RAM 92.

[0096] The program 96 according to this embodiment also causes the CPU 91 to create combined band data CB by combining the created front band data FB and the created back band data RB. The program 96 then causes the CPU 91 to check whether or not a specific pattern SP that may be included in the created combined band data CB exists. The CPU 91 then checks the combined band data CB to check whether or not a specific pattern SP that may be included in the front band data FB and the back band data RB exists. Therefore, the program 96 according to this embodiment can reduce the amount of RAM 92 used to store the front band data FB or the back band data RB that are waiting to be checked, compared to when specific patterns SP that may be included on either side of a recording sheet are checked in order as front band data FB and back band data RB, respectively.

[0097] <Variations> In the above description, while the image inspection unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB, the front image reading unit 42 begins creating the front band data FB and the back band data RB to be used for the combined band data CB to be inspected later. Also, while the image inspection unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB, the back image reading unit 66 begins creating the front band data FB and the back band data RB to be used for the combined band data CB to be inspected later. However, the front image reading unit 42 and the back image reading unit 66 according to this embodiment are not limited to this, and may begin creating the front band data FB and the back band data RB after completing the inspection of the combined band data CB. In this case, the CPU 91 confirms that the image inspection unit 112 has completed the inspection of the combined band data CB before starting the creation of the next front band data FB and the back band data RB.

[0098] In the above description, the merging processor 110 creates the next combined band data CB to be inspected while the image inspecting unit 112 is inspecting the combined band data CB. However, the merging processor 110 in this embodiment is not limited to this, and may wait to create the next combined band data CB until the inspection of the combined band data CB is completed.

[0099] In the above description, the combining processing unit 110 starts creating the next combined band data CB to be inspected after the image inspection unit 112 starts inspecting the combined band data CB. However, the image inspection unit 112 in this embodiment is not limited to this, and may start creating the next combined band data CB to be inspected before the image inspection unit 112 starts inspecting the combined band data CB.

[0100] In the above description, the CPU 91 identifies the position of the specific pattern SP when the image inspection unit 112 detects that the specific pattern SP is included in the combined band data CB. Here, for example, if the specific pattern SP is included in the combined band data CB, and copying of the side that includes the pattern (the back side RS in FIG. 5) is prohibited, the CPU 91 does not need to identify the position of the specific pattern SP.

[0101] In the above description, when the image inspection unit 112 detects that the combined band data CB contains a specific pattern SP, the CPU 91 determines whether the specific pattern SP is contained in the front band data FB or the back band data RB. Here, for example, in a mode in which copying of the recording paper is always prohibited when the combined band data CB contains a specific pattern SP, the CPU 91 does not need to determine whether the specific pattern SP is contained in the front band data FB or the back band data RB.

[0102] In the above description, the combining unit 110 creates the combined band data CB from the reduced front band data FB or back band data RB. However, the operation of the image processing device in this embodiment is not limited to this, and the combined band data CB may be created without performing the reduction process.

[0103] In the above description, the combined band data CB is created based on the front band data FB and the back band data RB. The number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction in the front band data FB and the back band data RB is not particularly limited, but as an example, any value between 8 and 64 pixels may be used.

[0104] In the above description, the merging processor 110 creates combined band data CB by combining the front band data FB and the back band data RB in the main scanning direction SD. In this embodiment, as long as the image inspection unit 112 is capable of performing inspections at the same time, the manner of combining the combined band data CB is not limited to this. For example, the merging processor 110 may create the combined band data CB so that the front band data FB and the back band data RB are aligned in the sub-scanning direction.

[0105] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0106] In the above embodiments, memory refers to memory in a broad sense, and includes not only the RAM mentioned above but also registers, cache memories, disk caches, and the like.

[0107] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Alternatively, the operations performed by specific multiple processors in each of the above embodiments may be partially or completely integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0108] Furthermore, the program that operates the image forming apparatus may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage device. Furthermore, the program may be provided as, for example, standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each image forming apparatus as a function of that apparatus.

[0109] In these embodiments and modifications, the same functions and effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0110] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] Further preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0112] (((1))) a processor; The processor: reading the first side of the recording paper to create first data; The second side of the recording paper is read to create second data; Combining the created first data with the created second data; Checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be included in the combined data; Image processing device.

[0113] (((2))) the processor, during the examination of the combined data, starts creating first data and second data to be used in other combined data to be examined after the combined data; (((1)))'s image processing device.

[0114] (((3))) the processor begins performing an inspection of the combined data while performing readings on the first and second sides of the recording sheet; (((1)))'s image processing device.

[0115] (((4))) the processor, while examining the combined data, creates next combined data to be examined next to the current combined data; An image processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0116] (((5))) when the processor has completed checking the combined data, it starts checking the next combined data, and then creates the next combined data to be checked next. (((4)))'s image processing device.

[0117] (((6))) When the processor detects that the specific pattern is included in the combined data, the processor determines whether the specific pattern is included in the first data or the second data included in the combined data. An image processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0118] (((7))) the processor identifies the position of the specific pattern based on the elapsed time since the inspection of the combined data in which it was determined that the specific pattern is present; (((6)))'s image processing device.

[0119] (((8))) the processor performs a reduction process on the first data and the second data; creating combined data based on the reduced first data and second data; An image processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0120] (((9))) reading the first side of the recording paper to create first data; The second side of the recording paper is read to create second data; Combining the created first data with the created second data; Checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be included in the combined data; A program that causes a processor to do something.

[0121] According to the image processing device of aspect (((1))), it is possible to reduce memory usage compared to the case where specific patterns that may be contained on either side of a recording sheet are inspected sequentially as first data and second data. According to the image processing device of (((2))), the time required to inspect the presence or absence of a specific pattern on the entire recording sheet is shorter than when waiting to inspect the combined data until the creation of the first data or the creation of the second data for the entire recording sheet is completed. According to the image processing device of (((3))), the time required to inspect the entire recording sheet for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is reduced compared to waiting until the reading of the entire recording sheet is completed before inspecting the combined data. According to the image processing device of (((4))), the time required to inspect the entire recording paper for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is reduced compared to when waiting to create the next combined data until the inspection of the combined data is completed. According to the image processing device of (((5))), the time required to inspect the entire recording paper for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is further reduced compared to when the creation of the next next combined data is started before the inspection of the next combined data is started. According to the image processing device of (((6))), it is possible to detect which side of the recording paper contains the specific pattern. According to the image processing device of (((7))), processing corresponding to a specific pattern can be performed for the position of the specific pattern placed on the recording paper, compared to when only identifying whether it is included in the first data or the second data. According to the image processing device of (((8))), the time required to check for the presence or absence of a specific pattern is shorter than when checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern using combined data created without performing a reduction process on the first data and second data. According to the program related to (((9))), it is possible to reduce memory usage compared to the case where specific patterns that may be contained on either side of a recording sheet are inspected sequentially as first data and second data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10 Image forming device 12 Image reading unit 14 Image forming unit 16 Paper supply unit 18 Operation Panel 22 manuscript table 24 Original output section 32 Paper output section 34 Touch Panel 36 Various buttons 40 Document transport section 42 Surface image reading unit 44 Lifting mechanism 46 Intake roller 48 Transport Path 50 Supply roller 62 Guide mechanism 64 Discharge roller 66 Back side image reading unit 68 Second white reference plate 72 First light source 80 lenses 82 First image reading sensor 90 Control Unit 91 CPU 92 RAM 93 ROM 94 control bus 95 I / O 96 Programs 102 Surface image processing unit 104 Backside image processing unit 106 Surface resolution conversion unit 108 Back resolution conversion unit 110 Connection processing section 112 Imaging Examination Department 150 Daiichi White Reference Plate CB bond band data FB surface band data FS surface RB backside band data RS back side SD Main scanning direction SP Specific Pattern WM warning pattern

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: reading the first side of the recording paper to create first data; The second side of the recording paper is read to create second data; Combining the created first data with the created second data; Checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be included in the combined data; Image processing device.

2. the processor, during the examination of the combined data, starts creating first data and second data to be used in other combined data to be examined after the combined data; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the processor begins performing an inspection of the combined data while performing readings on the first and second sides of the recording sheet; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the processor, while examining the combined data, creates next combined data to be examined next to the current combined data; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

5. when the processor has completed checking the combined data, it starts checking the next combined data, and then creates the next combined data to be checked next. The image processing device according to claim 4 .

6. When the processor detects that the specific pattern is included in the combined data, the processor determines whether the specific pattern is included in the first data or the second data included in the combined data. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the processor identifies the position of the specific pattern based on the elapsed time since the inspection of the combined data in which it was determined that the specific pattern is present; The image processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the processor performs a reduction process on the first data and the second data; creating combined data based on the reduced first data and second data; The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. reading the first side of the recording paper to create first data; The second side of the recording paper is read to create second data; Combining the created first data with the created second data; Checking for the presence or absence of a specific pattern that may be included in the combined data; A program that causes a processor to do something.

Images