Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of confirming an image converted so that a user having a color vision type can recognize an acquired image after document reading, and then outputting the acquired image after document reading.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 11, an image conversion unit 32, a display unit 21, and an image forming unit 220. The image reading unit 11 reads the color document M and acquires a first image G1. The image conversion unit 32 converts the first image G1 into a second image G2 that can be color-distinguished by the user according to the color vision type of the user. The display unit 21 displays the second image G2. The image forming unit 220 forms the first image G1 on the recording medium P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image conversion method that includes the steps of defining a main color value that represents the central color of a design in a digital color image, determining the color vision type of the user, and converting the main color value of the digital color image into a main color value that the user can distinguish between colors, and then printing the converted image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-266821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image conversion method of Patent Document 1, only images that have been converted so as to be recognizable by users with color vision types are printed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image forming device that allows a user with color vision type to check an image that has been converted so that the image obtained after reading a document can be recognized, and then output the image obtained after reading a document. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit, an image conversion unit, a display unit, and an image forming unit. The image reading unit reads a color original to obtain a first image. The image conversion unit converts the first image into a second image whose colors can be distinguished by the user according to the user's color vision type. The display unit displays the second image. The image forming unit forms the first image on a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a user with color vision type can check an image obtained by converting the image obtained after reading a document into a recognizable image, and then output the image obtained after reading a document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of an image conversion process executed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview image displaying a first image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a color setting image. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview image displaying a second image. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a printing condition setting image. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a storage condition setting image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] An image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a digital full-color multifunction peripheral. In the following, an example will be described in which the image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral having a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a network communication function.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading section 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation display section 23, a storage section 28, and a control section 31.

[0013] The image reading unit 11 reads an image from the original M. Specifically, the image reading unit 11 reads the original M to obtain a first image G1 (see FIG. 4). The image reading unit 11 has a document table 120 and a document transport unit 110. The image reading unit 11 reads an image formed on the original M to generate read data. Specifically, the image reading unit 11 reads an image formed on the original M transported by the document transport unit 110, or an image formed on the original M placed on the document table 120. Specifically, the image reading unit 11 is composed of an automatic document feeder, a document image scanning device (scanner), and the like. The original M is, for example, a color original using multiple colors.

[0014] The image forming unit 12 includes an image forming section 220 , a paper feed cassette 230 , a conveying section 240 , and a discharge section 270 .

[0015] The image forming unit 220 forms an image on the recording medium P. For example, the image forming unit 220 forms an image on the recording medium P based on the read data. The image forming unit 220 includes a plurality of toner containers.

[0016] The plurality of toner containers are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 10. Each of the plurality of toner containers contains toner of a different color. The toner in the toner container is supplied to the image forming unit 220.

[0017] The image forming unit 220 includes an exposure unit, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning unit, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and a fixing unit.

[0018] A recording medium P for printing is accommodated in paper feed cassette 230. The recording medium P is transported by transport unit 240. When printing is performed, the recording medium P in paper feed cassette 230 passes through image forming unit 220 and is discharged from discharge unit 270.

[0019] The conveying section 240 conveys the fed recording medium P to the image forming section 220. After the image forming section 220 forms an image on the recording medium P, the conveying section 240 further conveys the recording medium P from the image forming section 220 and discharges the recording medium P to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0020] A FAX communication unit (not shown) transmits or receives FAX images. Specifically, the FAX communication unit transmits and receives image data and the like to and from other image forming devices and facsimile devices (neither of which are shown) via a network. The received FAX images are printed on a recording medium P by the image forming unit 12. The FAX images are also written as read data into a storage area of ​​the storage unit 28.

[0021] The NW communication unit (not shown) can communicate with electronic devices equipped with communication devices that use the same communication method (protocol). Specifically, the NW communication unit communicates with other electronic devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The NW communication unit is, for example, a communication interface equipped with a communication module such as a LAN board.

[0022] The operation display unit 23 is used to allow a user to operate the image forming apparatus 10. The operation display unit 23 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22.

[0023] The display unit 21 displays images. The display unit 21 is configured with a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or ELD (Electro Luminescence Display) with a touch panel function. As will be described later, the display unit 21 displays an operation image, an operation reception section, and operation buttons. The operation buttons can select the user's color vision type.

[0024] User operations are input from the operation unit 22. A touch panel functions as the operation display unit 23. In this embodiment, a part of the display unit 21 and a part of the operation unit 22 may be integrated. Furthermore, the operation reception unit and the operation buttons are not limited to touch panel type buttons. The operation reception unit and the operation buttons may be push type buttons. Furthermore, the operation unit 22 of the operation display unit 23 may have both touch panel type buttons and push type buttons.

[0025] The storage unit 28 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 28 may include a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The storage unit 28 stores various data and a control program for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The control program is executed by the control unit 31. In addition, the image read by the image reading unit 11 is written as read data in a predetermined data area of ​​the storage unit 28. The storage unit 28 stores conversion data 29.

[0026] The control unit 31 is a hardware circuit configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 31 controls the operation of each operating unit of the image forming apparatus 10 by the processor reading and executing a control program stored in the storage unit 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 31 has an image conversion unit 32.

[0027] The image conversion unit 32 converts the image read by the image reading unit 11. Specifically, the image conversion unit 32 converts the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) read by the image reading unit 11 into a second image G2 (see FIG. 6) whose colors can be distinguished by the user according to the user's color vision type. The converted second image G2 is displayed on the display unit 21. Finally, the image forming unit 220 forms the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) on the recording medium P. This allows the user to output the image acquired after reading the original M after confirming the user's color vision type. Specifically, because the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is converted into a second image G2 (see FIG. 6) whose colors can be distinguished by the user according to the user's color vision type, the user can recognize the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) regardless of their color vision type. Because the display unit 21 displays the second image G2 (see FIG. 6), the user can confirm the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) immediately after reading the original M. Finally, the user can output the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) after checking the second image G2 (see FIG. 6).

[0028] The image conversion unit 32 converts the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) into the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) according to the user's color vision type. The color vision types include at least one of protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, protanopia, and deuteranopia. This allows the user, if they have one of the five color vision types, to narrow down the conversion from the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) to the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) whose colors the user can distinguish, by focusing on the specific color vision type. Therefore, the user can recognize the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) through the second image G2 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the image forming device 10 processes six types of color vision, including protanopia.

[0029] Explain color vision types. Monochromatism is a color vision type in which a person cannot distinguish between colors and can only perceive changes in brightness. Deuteranopia is a color vision type in which a person cannot distinguish between red and green, red and black, or red and brown. Deuteranopia is a color vision type in which a person cannot distinguish between green and red, or green and brown. Tritanopia is a color vision type in which a person cannot distinguish between blue and green colors. Deuteranopia is a color vision type in which the discrimination ability is between normal color vision and protanopia. Deuteranopia is a color vision type in which the discrimination ability is between normal color vision and protanopia.

[0030] The image conversion unit 32 converts the colors of the first image G1 (see FIG. 4 ) using conversion data 29. The conversion data 29 indicates color combinations to be converted for each type of color vision type. Specifically, the conversion data 29 defines, for each type of color vision type, a correspondence between indistinguishable or difficult-to-distinguish color combinations and color combinations that the user can distinguish. For example, for a user with protanopia or protanopia, yellow and blue or white and blue are defined as color combinations that the user can distinguish. Similarly, for a user with deuteranopia or deuteranopia, yellow and blue or white and blue are defined as color combinations that the user can distinguish. For a user with tritanopia, yellow and black or yellow-green and dark green are defined as color combinations that the user can distinguish.

[0031] The image conversion unit 32 converts the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) into the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) by referring to the conversion data 29. As a result, the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) is generated using a color combination that the user can distinguish. In other words, the image conversion unit 32 converts the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) that includes a color combination that the user cannot distinguish or that is difficult to distinguish into the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) by using the conversion data 29. Note that if the user has monochromatic vision, the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is converted to increase the luminance difference, thereby generating the second image G2.

[0032] Continuing with the above, the image forming process executed by the control unit 31 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 8. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the image conversion process executed by the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a preview image 42 displaying the first image G1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a color setting image 43. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a preview image 42 displaying the second image G2. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a printing condition setting image 41. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a saving condition setting image 44.

[0033] 3, the processing of the control unit 31 includes steps S1 to S9. Steps S1 to S9 are performed by the processor of the control unit 31 executing a program stored in the storage unit 28. In step S1, the control unit 31 reads various pieces of information. The processing proceeds to step S2.

[0034] In step S2, the control unit 31 determines whether or not to scan the document M (see FIG. 1) using the image reading unit 11. If the control unit 31 determines not to scan (No in step S2), the process ends. If the control unit 31 determines to scan (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0035] In step S3, the image reading unit 11 scans a color original M (see FIG. 1) to generate a first image G1 (see FIG. 4) having the same colors (color values) as the original M (see FIG. 1). The process proceeds to step S4.

[0036] In step S4, the first color image G1 (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the display unit 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 21 displays a preview image 42, a first operation acceptance section 41a, a second operation acceptance section 42a, a third operation acceptance section 43a, and a fourth operation acceptance section 44a.

[0037] The preview image 42 displays a first image G1. The first image G1 has, for example, a first region G1a, a second region G1b, and a third region G1c. The first region G1a, the second region G1b, and the third region G1c have different primary colors. The first region G1a, the second region G1b, and the third region G1c are each divided based on, for example, extracted regions with the same or similar color tendencies. In this embodiment, the primary color is defined as the color that occupies the largest proportion of each divided region. The primary color is not limited to the color that occupies the largest proportion of each divided region. The primary color may also be a color that occupies a relatively large proportion of each divided region.

[0038] The first operation acceptance unit 41a, the second operation acceptance unit 42a, the third operation acceptance unit 43a, and the fourth operation acceptance unit 44a accept instructions from the user to select an image to be displayed on the display unit 21. In other words, the display unit 21 selectively displays one image from among the printing condition setting image 41 (see FIG. 7), the preview image 42, the color setting image 43 (see FIG. 5), and the saving condition setting image 44 (see FIG. 8). This allows the user to easily select a color vision type. Specifically, the printing condition setting image 41 is displayed by operating the first operation acceptance unit 41a. The preview image 42 is displayed by operating the second operation acceptance unit 42a. The color setting image 43 is displayed by operating the third operation acceptance unit 43a. The saving condition setting image 44 is displayed by operating the fourth operation acceptance unit 44a. When the user operates (touches) any of the operation acceptance units, an image corresponding to the operated operation acceptance unit is displayed on the display unit 21. The printing condition setting image 41 corresponds to, for example, the "first display image," the preview image 42 corresponds to, for example, the "second display image," the color setting image 43 corresponds to, for example, the "third display image," and the saving condition setting image 44 corresponds to, for example, the "fourth display image."

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, after the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is previewed in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0040] In step S5, the control unit 31 determines whether the user has operated the operation reception unit to display the color setting image 43 (see FIG. 5). If the control unit 31 determines that the color setting image 43 is not displayed (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S9. If the control unit 31 determines that the color setting image 43 is displayed (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0041] The color setting image 43 is an image that accepts an instruction to select the type of color vision type of the user. A plurality of icons are displayed on the color setting image 43. As shown in FIG. 5 , the color setting image 43 displays various buttons, including a monochromatic button 51, a protanopia button 52, a deuteranopia button 53, a tritanopia button 54, a protanopia button 55, a deuteranopia button 56, and an apply button 57. The user selects from the various buttons the button for the color vision type that the user is compatible with (or that the user wants to display). For example, if the user's color vision type is deuteranopia, the user operates the deuteranopia button 56 and then the apply button 57. Operating the apply button 57 confirms the selection of the deuteranopia button 56.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3, in step S6, the control unit 31 sets a color combination according to the selected color vision type based on the conversion data 29 (see Fig. 2). Specifically, the control unit 31 compares the combination of primary colors in each region of the first image G1 with color combinations indistinguishable by the selected color vision type. If the combination of primary colors in each region of the first image G1 includes a color combination indistinguishable by the selected color vision type, the control unit 31 sets a distinguishable color combination for the selected color vision type based on the conversion data 29, corresponding to the indistinguishable color combination for the selected color vision type. The processing proceeds to step S7.

[0043] An example will be described in which the user's color vision type is deuteranopia. In the first image G1 (see FIG. 4), for example, if the primary color of the first region G1a is black, the primary color of the second region G1b is green, and the primary color of the third region G1c is red, the combination of the primary color of the first region G1a with the primary color of the third region G1c and the combination of the primary color of the second region G1b with the primary color of the third region G1c are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, using the conversion data 29 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 31 sets the combination of the primary color of the first region G1a with the primary color of the third region G1c to a combination of yellow and blue, and sets the combination of the primary color of the second region G1b with the primary color of the third region G1c to a combination of white and blue. Even if the user's color vision type is other than deuteranopia, the color combinations are set in a similar manner.

[0044] When the display unit 21 receives an instruction to select the type of color vision type while displaying the color setting image 43 (see FIG. 5), it displays a preview image 42 (see FIG. 6) instead of the color setting image 43. This allows the user to check the second image G2 early. In other words, the user can check the second image G2 (see FIG. 6) immediately after the instruction operation to select the color vision type.

[0045] In step S7, the control unit 31 performs color correction on the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) based on the color combination corresponding to the set color vision type. The control unit 31 performs color correction on the first image G1 to generate a second image G2 (see FIG. 6). The process proceeds to step S8.

[0046] In step S8, the control unit 31 displays a preview image 42 (see FIG. 6) on the display unit 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the preview image 42 displays a second image G2. The preview image 42 is an image that selectively displays one of the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) and the second image G2. The second image G2 has, for example, a first region G2a, a second region G2b, and a third region G2c. The first region G2a corresponds to the first region G1a (see FIG. 4). The second region G2b corresponds to the second region G1b (see FIG. 4). The third region G2c corresponds to the third region G1c (see FIG. 4). In an example where the user has deuteranopia, for example, if the primary color of the first region G1a is black, the primary color of the second region G1b is green, and the primary color of the third region G1c is red, the primary color of the first region G2a is set to yellow, the primary color of the second region G2b is set to white, and the primary color of the third region G2c is set to blue. As shown in Figure 3, after step S8 is completed, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0047] In step S9, the user operates the first operation acceptance section 41a (see FIG. 6) or the fourth operation acceptance section 44a (see FIG. 6) to set the output conditions.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, when the first operation acceptance unit 41a is operated in step S8 (see FIG. 3), a printing condition setting image 41 is displayed on the display unit 21. The printing condition setting image 41 is an image that accepts instructions related to the printing conditions. A print execution button 58 is displayed on the printing condition setting image 41. The user sets printing conditions such as the number of copies, print range, and size in the printing condition setting image 41 and operates the print execution button 58. The image forming device 10 forms and outputs a first image G1 (see FIG. 4) on the recording medium P. The processing ends. As a result, even a user with a color vision type can confirm the shape of the first image G1 after image reading by using the second image G2 displayed in the preview image 42. In other words, even if the first image G1 contains a color combination that the user cannot distinguish, the user can confirm the shape and then output the first image G1.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, when the fourth operation accepting unit 44a is operated in step S8 (see FIG. 3), a save condition setting image 44 is displayed on the display unit 21. The save condition setting image 44 is an image for accepting instructions regarding the output format of the first image G1 (see FIG. 4). The save condition setting image 44 displays a first save button 61, a second save button 62, and a third save button 63. When the first save button 61 is operated, the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is saved to a flash drive (not shown). When the second save button 62 is operated, the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is uploaded to the cloud (not shown). When the third save button 63 is operated, the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is saved to a user box (not shown). After the first image G1 (see FIG. 4) is output, the process ends.

[0050] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0051] (1) As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the color setting image 43 has an operation button for selecting a specific color vision type from various color vision types, namely, monochromatic, protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, protanopia, and deuteranopia, but the present invention is not limited to this. A specific color vision type may be selected from at least two or more color vision types.

[0052] (2) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, image forming device 10 is capable of scanning, copying, faxing, sending, and saving, but the present invention is not limited to this. Image forming device 10 is sufficient if it allows the user to at least check the image after scanning, and may output the image in any one of copying, faxing, sending, and saving. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10: Image forming device 11: Image reading unit 21:Display section 29: Conversion data 32: Image conversion unit 41: Printing condition setting image (first displayed image) 42: Preview image (second display image) 43: Color setting image (third display image) 44: Save condition setting image (4th display image) 220: Image forming unit G1: First image G2: Second image M:Manuscript P: Recording medium

Claims

1. an image reading unit that reads a color document to obtain a first image; an image conversion unit that converts the first image into a second image that can be distinguished by the user in color according to the user's color vision type; a display unit that displays the second image; an image forming unit that forms the first image on a recording medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the display unit further displays an operation receiving unit that receives an operation to selectively display one of a first display image, a second display image, a third display image, and a fourth display image on the display unit; the first display image shows an image for receiving instructions regarding printing conditions, the second display image indicates an image that selectively displays one of the first image and the second image, the third display image shows an image for receiving an instruction to select the type of color vision type, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth display image displays an image for accepting an instruction regarding an output form of the first image.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the types of color vision include at least one of protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, protanopia, and deuteranopia.

4. 4. The image forming device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the second display image instead of the third display image when an instruction to select the type of color vision type is received while the third display image is being displayed.

5. further comprising conversion data indicating a combination of colors to be converted for each type of color vision type; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image conversion section converts the first image into the second image by referring to the conversion data.

Images