Image forming system, identification information printing method, and program

Abstract

To more surely print identification information on a conveyance medium.SOLUTION: An image formation system comprises: a print image generation unit which generates print image data for printing a first image on a conveyance medium; and a print control unit which performs control of performing printing on the conveyance medium on the basis of the generated print image data. The print image generation unit determines, on the basis of the position of a cutting mark, a position for printing a second image including identification information that can identify each page of the conveyance medium in a first region being a region to be cut in a region on which the first image is printed, and generates print image data including the second image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an identification information printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques have been developed for detecting defects in an image from the result of reading an image printed by an image forming apparatus. Further, in order to make the position of a defective page easy to understand, a technique is known in which identification information is assigned to each page of a printed matter, and the identification information is added to and printed on the original image of each page.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for printing identification information such as characters in an area not used as a product in a printed matter.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technique, since the position where the identification information is added cannot be changed, the identification information may be added to a position where it should not be added in a printed matter, the identification information may disappear, or when the identification information is added close to the edge of the paper in order to add it to a cutting area, the printing position of the identification information overlaps with the margin area of the paper, and the identification information may be missing. Therefore, there is a problem that the identification information may not be printed appropriately.

[0005] The disclosed technique aims to more reliably print identification information on a transport medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The disclosed technology includes a print image generation unit that generates print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium, and a print control unit that performs control for printing on the transport medium based on the generated print image data. The print image generation unit determines a position for printing a second image including identification information capable of identifying each page of the transport medium in a first area that is an area to be cut out among the areas where the first image is to be printed, based on the position of a cutting mark, and generates print image data including the second image. In the first area, a position where the distance from a cutting line indicating a boundary with a second area, which is an area not to be cut among the areas where the first image is to be printed, is smaller than a predetermined value is determined as the position where the second image is to be printed. When the second image straddles the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, in the first area, a position in contact with the cutting line is determined as the position where the second image is to be printed. It is an image forming system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] Identification information can be printed on the transport medium more reliably.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the image forming system.

[0011] The image forming system 1 includes a printer 10, an inspection device 20, a DFE 30, and a stacker 40. These devices are communicably connected via a communication line or a communication network or the like.

[0012] The printer 10 receives print job data including user images from external devices such as the DFE 30. Then, the printer 10 executes printing in response to an execution instruction based on the received print job data or a user operation on an operation panel 117 or the like provided in the printer 10.

[0013] The printer 10 has a configuration in which photosensitive drums 112Y, 112M, 112C, and 112K of respective colors are arranged along a conveyance belt 111 which is an endless moving means.

[0014] Specifically, the printer 10 includes photosensitive drums 112Y, 112M, 112C, and 112K arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance belt 111. The conveyance belt 111 is an intermediate transfer belt on which an intermediate transfer image for transferring onto a sheet fed along the conveyance belt 111 from a paper feed tray 113 is formed.

[0015] Printer 10 forms a full-color image by superimposing and transferring toner images of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) developed with toner on the surfaces of photoreceptor drums of respective colors onto the transport belt 111. Then, printer 10 transfers the full-color image formed on the transport belt 111 onto the paper surface of the paper conveyed along the path by the function of the transfer roller 114 at the position closest to the paper transport path indicated by the dashed line in the figure.

[0016] Printer 10 further conveys the paper with the image formed on the paper surface, fixes the image with the fixing roller 115, and then conveys it to the reading device 131. The reading device 131 reads the paper conveyed via the fixing roller 115 and generates read image data. Note that the reading device 131 may acquire the image after the toner is fixed by the fixing roller 115, or may acquire the image after being transferred by the transfer roller 114 and before entering the fixing roller 115.

[0017] In the case of single-sided printing, printer 10 discharges the paper read by the reading device 131 as it is to the stacker 40. Also, in the case of double-sided printing, printer 10 conveys the paper read by the reading device 131 to the transfer position of the transfer roller 114 again after inverting it by the inversion path 116.

[0018] Subsequently, printer 10 transfers and fixes the toner image on the opposite surface of the paper printed on one side. Then, the reading device 131 reads the printed surface. Printer 10 then discharges the paper printed on both sides to the stacker 40.

[0019] Stacker 40 stacks and stores the paper discharged from printer 10 in tray 141.

[0020] The inspection device 20 is a device that inspects the printed paper output by the printer 10. Specifically, the inspection device 20 generates a master image based on the RIP image acquired from the printer 10, and detects defects by comparing the read image read by the reading device 131 with the master image. The operation panel 117 acquires and displays information indicating the inspection result from the inspection device 20. The RIP (Raster Image Processor) image is, for example, an 8-bit image for each color in the CMYK format and 600 dpi. The read image is, for example, an 8-bit image for each color in the RGB format and 200 dpi.

[0021] The DFE 30 receives and manages print job data from a terminal or the like operated by the user. The print job data includes print job information indicating attributes such as the number of copies to be printed, the number of pages, double-sided or single-sided, and the type of paper, and image data. The DFE 30 adds the received print job data to a storage unit that stores it as a queue. Then, the DFE 30 extracts the print job data from the queue in the order in which it was added to the queue or according to the priority set as appropriate, and transmits it to the printer 10.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer.

[0023] The printer 10 includes a controller 1110, a short-range communication circuit 1120, an engine control unit 1130, an operation panel 117, and a network I / F 1150.

[0024] Among these, the controller 1110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1101, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 1102, a north bridge (NB) 1103, a south bridge (SB) 1104, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 1106, a local memory (MEM-C) 1107, which is a storage unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 1108, and an HD 1109, which is a storage unit.

[0025] Also, between NB1103 and ASIC1106, they are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 1121.

[0026] Among these, CPU1101 is a control unit that performs overall control of the printer 10. NB1103 is a bridge for connecting CPU1101 with MEM-P1102, SB1104, and AGP bus 1121, and has a memory controller that controls read / write operations on MEM-P1102, and a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0027] MEM-P1102 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1111a that is a memory for storing programs and data for realizing each function of the controller 1110, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1111b that is used as a memory for program and data expansion, and drawing during memory printing, etc. Note that the program stored in RAM1111b may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD in an installable or executable file format.

[0028] SB1104 is a bridge for connecting NB1103 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC1106 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing, and has the role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 1121, PCI bus 1122, HDD controller 1108, and MEM-C1107 respectively.

[0029] ASIC 1106 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of ASIC 1106, a memory controller that controls MEM-C 1107, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform operations such as rotation of image data by means of hardware logic, etc., and a PCI unit that transfers data via the PCI bus 1122 between the scanner unit 1131 and the printer unit 1132. Note that ASIC 1106 may be connected by interfaces such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface and an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394).

[0030] MEM-C 1107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. HD 1109 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used at the time of printing, accumulating forms, etc. HD 1109 controls the reading or writing of data to HD 1109 according to the control of the CPU 1101.

[0031] The AGP bus 1121 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to accelerate graphic processing. The AGP bus 1121 can speed up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing MEM-P 1102 with high throughput.

[0032] Also, the short-range communication circuit 1120 includes a short-range communication antenna 1120a. The short-range communication circuit 1120 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0033] Furthermore, the engine control unit 1130 is composed of a scanner unit 1131 and a printer unit 1132. Also, the operation panel 117 includes a panel display unit 117a such as a touch panel that displays current setting values, selection screens, etc. and accepts inputs from the operator, and operation keys 117b including numeric keys that accept setting values for conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions and a start key that accepts a copy start instruction.

[0034] The controller 1110 controls the entire printer 10, for example, controls drawing, communication, inputs from the operation panel 117, etc. The scanner unit 1131 reads an image formed on a transport medium such as paper and generates image data. Also, the printer unit 1132 includes transfer means for transferring an image using a coloring material such as a toner image onto a transport medium such as paper, fixing means for fixing the image, heating means or drying means, etc., and forms an image on the paper. Furthermore, the scanner unit 1131 or the printer unit 1132 executes image processing such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0035] Note that paper is an example of a transport medium. The transport medium may be other than paper as long as it is placed in the paper feed tray provided in the printer 10 and is transported and output in response to an instruction for collating paper output, and may be a sheet such as a film or plastic.

[0036] Also, the network I / F 1150 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The short-distance communication circuit 1120 and the network I / F 1150 are electrically connected to the ASIC 1106 via the PCI bus 1122.

[0037] Note that in FIG. 2, an example where the printer 10 has an electrophotographic image forming mechanism is shown, but the printer 10 may have another image forming mechanism such as an inkjet method.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printer.

[0039] Printer 10 includes a system control unit 1001, a display control unit 1002, a network I / F control unit 1003, an external I / F control unit 1004, a memory unit 1005, a mechanism control unit 1006, a print job receiving unit 1007, an image processing control unit 1008, and a printing control unit 1009. Each of these units is realized by the CPU 1101 or the ASIC 1106 executing the processing defined by the program stored in the MEM-P 1102 or the MEM-C 1107, etc.

[0040] The system control unit 1001 controls the entire printer 10. The system control unit 1001 includes a job information processing unit 1011, a RIP processing unit 1012, and a job information generation unit 1013.

[0041] The job information processing unit 1011 processes the job information included in the print job data transmitted from the DFE 30. The job information processing unit 1011 adds an identification number for identifying a transport medium such as paper to the job information. The identification number may be, for example, a serial number that is incremented by 1 each time paper is fed, or a number that includes all of the job ID, part number, and page number. Also, if it is possible to present to the user which print job it is associated with, the identification number may be made to match the page number of each print job.

[0042] The identification number is an example of identification information for identifying a transport medium. The identification information may be in any format, and may be, for example, a numerical value, character, barcode, two-dimensional code, or a combination thereof, etc. Note that the identification information may include information indicating whether it is the front or back side when double-sided printing is performed, or may be made such that the front or back side can be identified by having different numbers for each page.

[0043] The RIP processing unit 1012 performs predetermined color conversion processing on the CMYK values or RGB values of the image data included in the print job data by a RIP engine or the like to generate print image data in a CMYK format or the like suitable for printing.

[0044] The RIP processing unit 1012 generates print image data for printing a user image (hereinafter also referred to as the first image) included in print job data on a sheet. Further, the RIP processing unit 1012 acquires the set value of the additional setting of the identification number image, and performs a process of adding an identification number when it is a print job assuming cutting and the set value is ON.

[0045] That is, the RIP processing unit 1012 acquires an identification number from the job information processing unit 1011, generates an image indicating the identification number (hereinafter referred to as an identification number image, also referred to as the second image), and generates print image data including the generated identification number image and the user image.

[0046] Here, when it is a print job assuming cutting, the RIP processing unit 1012 generates print image data including the identification number image in the area to be cut (hereinafter referred to as the cut area, also referred to as the first area) and including the user image in the area excluding the cut area (hereinafter referred to as the non-cut area, also referred to as the second area). Details of the specific processing of the RIP processing unit 1012 will be described later. Note that the RIP processing unit 1012 is an example of a print image generation unit that generates a print image.

[0047] In particular, in the case of an electrophotographic printing process or the like, when transferring a print image to a position close to the leading end in the transport direction of a transport medium such as a sheet, when peeling the sheet from a fixing device that fixes a coloring material to the transport medium after transfer, the possibility of peeling failure is high. For this reason, a technique of providing a margin area of an appropriate size at the leading end of the sheet is known. The margin area is an area set in advance for each type of sheet as an area where printing is not performed.

[0048] The job information generation unit 1013 generates special job information based on the information acquired from the inspection device 20. For example, when a defect occurs, the job information generation unit 1013 may receive information for printing on a combined sheet from the inspection device 20 and generate job information for printing on the combined sheet.

[0049] The display control unit 1002 controls the display of various information including job information on the operation panel 117. The network I / F control unit 1003 controls the network I / F 1150 and performs connection control with the communication network. The external I / F control unit 1004 performs connection control with other connected devices when other devices are connected. The storage unit 1005 stores various information including job information.

[0050] The mechanism control unit 1006 controls the operations of the mechanisms of the printer 10, such as the paper conveyance and transfer processes of the printer unit 1132 and the like. The print job receiving unit 1007 receives print job data from the DFE 30 and the like. The image processing control unit 1008 processes the print image transferred by the mechanism control unit 1006. The printing control unit 1009 controls the formation of an image on the conveyance medium. The mechanism control unit 1006, the image processing control unit 1008, and the printing control unit 1009 cooperate to function as a print control unit that forms an image on the conveyance medium.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the margin area and the cutting area.

[0052] A margin area 401 along the end 403 of the paper 400 is set in advance for each paper type as an area where printing is not performed. Also, among the paper 400, the area excluding the margin area 401 is the user image area 402. The user image specified in the print job data is printed in the user image area 402 of the paper 400.

[0053] Also, the margin area 401 is an area that fits within a certain length from the paper edge. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the premise that the identification number image is printed in the margin areas 401 at the upper, lower, right, and left ends of the paper 400. Note that the identification number image may be printed on any one, two, or three of the top, bottom, right, and left of the paper 400. The margin area 401 at the upper end of the paper 400 is, for example, an area that fits within a certain length from the upper part of the paper.

[0054] When performing cutting, the user image may include a cutting mark 404. When the user image includes the cutting mark 404, the position of the cutting line 406 is specified from its shape, and the area outside the cutting line 406 is the cutting area. Among the user image areas 402, the area that is not cut is the non-cutting area. The cutting line 406 is a line indicating the boundary between the cutting area and the non-cutting area.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a first diagram for explaining a method of determining the printing position of an identification number image.

[0056] The RIP processing unit 1012 determines the printing position of the identification number image in the cutting area near the cutting mark 404. Specifically, the RIP processing unit 1012 sets the position closest to the non-cutting area among the cutting areas in the user image area 402 as the printing position of the identification number image. In the example of FIG. 5, the position closest to the non-cutting area is the position where it contacts the cutting line 406 in the cutting area. Also, the RIP processing unit 1012 may set the position where the distance between the printing position of the identification number image and the cutting line 406 is an offset value determined in advance, or may set the position where the distance is smaller than the offset value.

[0057] Note that the user may specify the printing position of the identification number image. In that case, the RIP processing unit 1012 may determine the position specified by the user as the printing position of the identification number image regardless of the presence or position of the cutting mark.

[0058] Also, the RIP processing unit 1012 generates an identification number image for each page each time and adds it to the printed image. The identification number image includes an identification number part and a margin part, and the margin part is white. Note that the margin part may be transparent (with the user image unchanged) instead of white. Also, the identification number image does not include a frame line such as black.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a second diagram for explaining a method of determining the printing position of an identification number image.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, when the cutting area is narrow, the identification number image may not fit within the cutting area. In this case, among the cutting area and the margin area 401, the position closest to the non-cutting area is set as the printing position of the identification number image. This can avoid the complete omission of the identification number image.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of calculating the printing position of the identification number image.

[0062] Let the coordinates of the two L-shaped corner parts of the upper left cutting mark 404 be (ax0, ay0) and (ax1, ay1) respectively. Similarly, let the coordinates of the upper right cutting mark 404 be (bx0, by0), (bx1, by1), the coordinates of the lower left cutting mark 404 be (cx0, cy0), (cx1, cy1), and the coordinates of the lower right cutting mark 404 be (dx0, dy0), (dx1, dy1) respectively.

[0063] Also, let the horizontal and vertical lengths of the identification number image be L1 and L2 respectively. Note that L1 and L2 may be common to each identification number or may be set individually. Next, let the coordinates of the four corners of the identification number image 405a be (px0, py0), (px1, py1), (px2, py2), (px3, py3). Similarly, let the coordinates of the four corners of the identification number images 405b, 405c, and 405d be (qx0, qy0), (qx1, qy1), (qx2, qy2), (qx3, qy3), (rx0, ry0), (rx1, ry1), (rx2, ry2), (rx3, ry3), and (sx0, sy0), (sx1, sy1), (sx2, sy2), (sx3, sy3) respectively.

[0064] The RIP processing unit 1012 calculates the coordinates (px0, py0) when arranging the identification number image 405a at the center between the upper left and upper right cutting marks 404, for example, as shown in Equation 1 and Equation 2.

[0065] px0 = (ax0 + bx0 + L1) ÷ 2 + αpx (αpx is a real number) ··· Equation 1

[0066] py0 = ay0 + αpy (αpy is a real number less than or equal to 0) ··· Equation 2

[0067] Similarly, the RIP processing unit 1012 calculates the coordinates (qx0, qy0), (rx0, ry0), and (sx0, sy0) of the identification number images 405b, 405c, and 405d as shown in Equations 3 to 8.

[0068] qx0 = bx1 + αqx (αqx is a real number less than or equal to 0) ··· Equation 3

[0069] qy0 = (by1 + dy1 + L1) ÷ 2 + αqy (αqy is a real number) ··· Equation 4

[0070] rx0 = (cx0 + dx0 + L1) ÷ 2 + αrx (αrx is a real number) ··· Equation 5

[0071] ry0 = cy0 + αry (αry is a real number less than or equal to 0) ··· Equation 6

[0072] sx0 = ax1 + αsx (αsx is a real number less than or equal to 0) ··· Equation 7

[0073] sy0 = (ay1 + cy1 + L1) ÷ 2 + αsy (αsy is a real number) ··· Equation 8

[0074] Note that each of the equations from Equation 1 to Equation 8 is an example. For example, Equation 1 may be in the range from ax0 to (bx0 - L1), or it may be a fixed value or the derived formula may be changed as needed, and the same applies to each of the equations from Equation 3 to Equation 8. Also, Equation 1 and Equation 5 or Equation 4 and Equation 8 may be made common.

[0075] Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. When the printer 10 acquires print job data from the DFE 30 and starts executing the print job, it executes identification number image print position determination processing.

[0076] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the identification number image print position determination processing.

[0077] The following processes are executed for each page included in the print job data. The inspection device 20 generates master image data based on the RIP image data (step S101). Next, the RIP processing unit 1012 acquires the identification number image addition setting (step S102), and determines whether it is a setting to print the identification number image (step S103). If it is determined that it is a setting to print the identification number image (step S103: Yes), it is determined whether it is a print job assuming cutting (step S104).

[0078] If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that it is not a setting to print the identification number image (step S103: No), or if it determines that it is not a print job assuming cutting (step S104: No), the identification number image printing position determination process ends.

[0079] If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that it is a print job assuming cutting (step S104: Yes), it determines whether the user has set the printing position of the identification number image (step S105). If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the user has set the printing position of the identification number image (step S105: Yes), it holds the printing coordinates of the identification number image set by the user (step S112).

[0080] If the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the user has not set the printing position of the identification number image (step S105: No), it determines whether to determine the printing position of the identification number image from the cutting marks to be added (step S106).

[0081] Here, it is previously set whether the printer 10 assumes that the cutting marks are previously added to the user image, or the printer 10 adds the cutting marks.

[0082] Therefore, in the process of step S106, if it is a premise that the cutting mark has been added to the user image in advance, the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the printing position of the identification number image is not determined from the added cutting mark (step S106: No).

[0083] Also, in the process of step S106, if it is a premise that the printer 10 adds the cutting mark, the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the printing position of the identification number image is determined from the added cutting mark (step S106: Yes).

[0084] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the printing position of the identification number image is not determined from the added cutting mark (step S106: No), it holds the printing coordinates of the identification number image obtained from the added cutting mark (step S111).

[0085] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that the printing position of the identification number image is determined from the added cutting mark (step S106: Yes), it searches for the cutting mark in the user image area (step S107). The method for searching for the cutting mark will be described later.

[0086] The RIP processing unit 1012 determines whether there is a cutting mark in the user image for each page (step S108). When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that there is no cutting mark in the user image for each page (step S108: No), it ends the identification number image printing position determination process.

[0087] When the RIP processing unit 1012 determines that there is a cutting mark in the user image for each page (step S108: Yes), it calculates the coordinates of each mark and the printing coordinates of the identification number image (step S109). Then, the RIP processing unit 1012 holds the coordinates of each mark and the printing coordinates of the identification number image for each page (step S110).

[0088] The RIP processing unit 1012 generates a printed image including the identification number image at the position of the held printing coordinates.

[0089] Next, the setting of the function to add an identification number image by the above-described RIP processing unit 1012 (hereinafter referred to as the identification number image addition function) will be described.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen.

[0091] The setting screen 301 is a screen displayed on the operation panel 117 under the control of the display control unit 1002. The setting screen 301 includes a check box 302.

[0092] The check box 302 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting a selection as to whether or not to use the identification number image addition function.

[0093] The printer 10 stores the content selected on the setting screen 301 as a set value in the storage unit 1005 or the like. For example, when the check box 302 is checked, the storage unit 1005 stores information indicating that the set value for adding an identification number image is ON (valid), and when it is not checked, the set value for adding an identification number image is OFF (invalid).

[0094] FIG. 10 is for explaining a method of searching for a cutting mark.

[0095] In step S107 of the identification number image printing position determination process shown in FIG. 8 described above, the RIP processing unit 1012 searches for a cutting mark from the user image area. Here, the RIP processing unit 1012 searches for a cutting mark from the master image data generated in the process of step S101. The cutting mark is, for example, the trim mark 412 shown in FIG. 10.

[0096] Specifically, the RIP processing unit 1012 performs corner detection and detects characteristic points (feature points Pf) within a region of a certain length (constant region At) starting from the upper left corner of the paper. A corner is a region where a large change in pixel values is observed in all directions. The RIP processing unit 1012 uses, for example, the Harris operator as a corner detection method. Also, since cutting marks are generally printed at the edges of the paper, among the feature points detected by corner detection, those closest to the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right edges of the paper are selected respectively. And when the RIP processing unit 1012 can detect feature points Pf at the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right of the paper respectively, it determines that there are cutting marks in step S108.

[0097] Next, when the printer 10 displays information about the defects detected by the inspection device 20, the process of determining whether to display the identification number will be described.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the identification number display determination process.

[0099] The job information processing unit 1011 acquires information indicating the addition status of the identification number image (step S201). The information indicating the addition status of the identification number image is the information stored in the storage unit 1005 or the like in steps S110, S111, or S112 of the identification number image printing position determination process shown in FIG. 8 described above.

[0100] The job information processing unit 1011 determines whether the identification number image has been added to the user image based on the information indicating the addition status of the identification number image (step S202). And when the job information processing unit 1011 determines that the identification number image has been added (step S202: Yes), it displays the identification number (step S203).

[0101] Note that the printer 10 may also transmit information indicating the addition status of the identification number image to the inspection device 20. In that case, when the inspection device 20 displays information about the detected defect, it may execute the identification number display determination process shown in FIG. 11.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen.

[0103] When the inspection device 20 detects a defect, it may instruct the printer 10 to stop printing. In that case, when the display control unit 1002 of the printer 10 receives an instruction to stop printing due to defect detection from the inspection device 20, it temporarily stops the print job and displays an error screen 920 shown in FIG. 12 on the operation panel 117. The error screen 920 includes buttons for continuing and canceling printing, etc., a display of the job ID, number of copies, page numbers, etc. where the defect was detected, and a display 921 of an identification number for identifying the page. A value is displayed in the display 921 when the process of step S110, step S111, or step S112 of the identification number image printing position determination process shown in FIG. 8 described above is executed, and when none of step S110, step S111, or step S112 is executed, a "-" or the like indicating that there is no identification number is displayed.

[0104] According to the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the position where the second image including the identification information capable of identifying each page of the conveyance medium is printed is determined based on the position of the cutting mark, and the print image data including the second image is generated. Thereby, the identification information can be printed on the conveyance medium more reliably.

[0105] Further, in the first region, the image forming system 1 may determine the position where the second image is printed to be a position where the distance from the cutting line indicating the boundary with the second region, which is the region not to be cut among the regions where the first image is printed, is smaller than a predetermined value. Thereby, omission of the identification number image can be prevented, and the identification information can be printed at a more reliable position in the cutting region of the conveyance medium.

[0106] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine, in the first region, the position in contact with the cutting line as the position for printing the second image. By doing so, the identification information can be printed at the most reliable position in the cutting region of the transport medium.

[0107] Further, the image forming system 1 may search for a cutting mark from the first image and determine the position for printing the second image based on the position of the searched cutting mark. By doing so, the burden of the operation for the user to set the printing position of the identification number image can be eliminated.

[0108] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine the position for printing the second image based on the position of a predetermined cutting mark. By doing so, even when the user image does not include a cutting mark image, the burden of the operation for the user to set the printing position of the identification number image can be eliminated.

[0109] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine the printing position set by the user as the position for printing the second image. By doing so, the user can specify the printing position of the identification number image.

[0110] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine any one or more positions in the first region of the four sides of the transport medium as the position for printing the second image. By doing so, it is possible to facilitate the recognition of the identification number image by the user.

[0111] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine whether to include the second image in the generated print image data based on a setting value indicating whether to print the second image. By doing so, the identification number image can be added only to the print job specified by the user, and the demerit that the identification number image always accompanies the print product can be prevented.

[0112] Further, the image forming system 1 may determine whether to include a second image in the generated print image data based on whether a job for printing a first image is a print job assuming cutting. As a result, it is possible to assign an identification number image only to a print job to be cut, and it is possible to prevent the demerit that the identification number image always accompanies the printed product without the user having to set it each time.

[0113] Further, the image forming system 1 determines whether a mark exists based on the left - right or up - down positions of each feature point detected at the four corners. Therefore, it is possible to capture and detect the features of the arrow mark or the trim mark more accurately.

[0114] Although the general form of the mark set by the user on the print image is determined, there may be differences in the mark position depending on the size of the paper to be printed. Therefore, by the user designating an area corresponding to the position of the mark in the read image, more accurate detection of the mark becomes possible.

[0115] In each of the above - described embodiments, the DFE 30, the inspection device 20, and the printer 10 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps in various combinations. Also, each element of the DFE 30, the inspection device 20, and the printer 10 may be integrated into one device or divided into a plurality of devices.

[0116] In an embodiment, the DFE 30 or the inspection device 20 may be configured as an information processing system including a plurality of computing devices such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via an arbitrary type of communication link including a network or a shared memory, and may perform the processing disclosed in this specification.

[0117] Each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0118] As described above, the present invention has been described based on each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. Regarding these points, it can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1 Image forming system 10 Printer 20 Inspection device 30 DFE 40 Stacker 1001 System control unit 1002 Display control unit 1003 Network I / F control unit 1004 External I / F control unit 1005 Storage unit 1006 Mechanism control unit 1007 Print job reception unit 1008 Image processing control unit 1009 Printing control unit 1011 Job information processing unit 1012 RIP processing unit 1013 Job information generation unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0120] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-133741

Claims

1. A print image generation unit that generates print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium; A print control unit that performs control to print on the transport medium based on the generated print image data, comprising: The print image generation unit determines a position for printing a second image including identification information capable of identifying each page of the transport medium in a first area that is an area to be cut out among the areas where the first image is printed, based on the position of a cutting mark, and generates print image data including the second image; In the first area, a position where the distance from a cutting line indicating a boundary with a second area that is an area not to be cut out among the areas where the first image is printed is smaller than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image. When the second image straddles the first area and a margin area where printing is not performed, in the first area, a position in contact with the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image; An image forming system.

2. The print image generation unit searches for the cutting mark from the first image, and determines the position for printing the second image based on the position of the searched cutting mark; The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The print image generation unit determines the position for printing the second image based on the predetermined position of the cutting mark; The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. The print image generation unit determines the position for printing the second image as the print position set by the user; The image forming system according to claim 1.

5. The print image generation unit determines one or more positions in the first area on any of the four sides of the transport medium for the second image as the position for printing the second image; The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The print image generation unit determines whether to include the second image in the generated print image data based on a set value indicating whether to print the second image; The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The print image generation unit determines whether to include the second image in the generated print image data based on whether the job for printing the first image is a print job assuming cutting; The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method executed by a computer, comprising: generating print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium; performing control for printing on the transport medium based on the generated print image data; In the step of generating the print image data, in a first area which is an area to be cut out among the areas where the first image is to be printed, the position for printing a second image including identification information capable of identifying each page of the transport medium is determined based on the position of a cutting mark, and print image data including the second image is generated; In the first area, a position where the distance from a cutting line indicating the boundary with a second area which is an area not to be cut out among the areas where the first image is to be printed is smaller than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image. When the second image straddles the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, in the first area, the position in contact with the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image; Identification information printing method.

9. A program for causing a computer to generate print image data for printing a first image on a transport medium; perform control for printing on the transport medium based on the generated print image data, the program comprising: In the step of generating the print image data, in a first area which is an area to be cut out among the areas where the first image is to be printed, the position for printing a second image including identification information capable of identifying each page of the transport medium is determined based on the position of a cutting mark, and print image data including the second image is generated; In the first area, a position where the distance from a cutting line indicating the boundary with a second area which is an area not to be cut out among the areas where the first image is to be printed is smaller than a predetermined value is determined as the position for printing the second image. When the second image straddles the first area and a blank area where no printing is performed, in the first area, the position in contact with the cutting line is determined as the position for printing the second image; Program.

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