Image forming apparatus and image forming program

Abstract

To provide information different for each copy to sheets on which images are formed.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment has a control unit and an image forming unit. The control unit acquires image information indicating an input image formed on a sheet, and provision information associated with each of the copies when image formation is performed, and creates a composite image in which the input image is provided with a provision image based on the provision information for each of the copies. The image forming unit forms, for each of the copies, the composite image created for each of the copies on the sheets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are image forming apparatuses that can apply user-specified information to sheets such as paper when copying and printing. For example, there are image forming apparatuses that can apply stamps to sheets using a stamp function. Image forming apparatuses include, for example, copiers, printers, and multifunction peripherals (MFPs). However, conventional image forming apparatuses have a problem in that when forming multiple copies of a document, they can only apply the same information to all copies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-71832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program that can impart different information to each copy of a sheet on which an image is formed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a control unit and an image forming unit. The control unit acquires image information indicating an input image to be formed on a sheet and additional information associated with each set when the image is formed, and generates a composite image by adding an additional image based on the additional information for each set to the input image. The image forming unit forms the composite image generated for each set on the sheet for each set. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an auxiliary storage device 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an additional information file stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on a display 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on a display 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on a display 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An image forming apparatus and an image forming program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is an MFP. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a display 110, a control panel 120, a printer unit 130, a sheet storage unit 140, and an image reading unit 200. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be, for example, a copier or a printer instead of an MFP.

[0009] The display 110 (display unit) is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display 110 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 100 under the control of the control unit 101, which will be described later. The display 110 may be an input / output device, such as a touch panel, that is integrated with the control panel 120, which will be described later.

[0010] Control panel 120 is an input device that accepts input operations from the user. Control panel 120 has, for example, a plurality of input buttons. Note that, if control panel 120 is, for example, a touch panel integrated with display 110, the input buttons may be images displayed on display 110. Control panel 120 outputs an operation signal to control unit 101 in response to the user's input operation.

[0011] The printer unit 130 forms an image on a sheet based on an input image data file including image data generated by the image reading unit 200. The printer unit 130 is an example of an image forming unit. The printer unit 130 may be a device that forms an image by fixing a visible image such as a toner image on a sheet, or may be a device that forms an image using an inkjet method. The sheet is, for example, paper or label paper. However, the sheet may be any material on whose surface the image forming apparatus 100 can form an image. The sheet may be a sheet stored in the sheet storage unit 140 or a sheet manually inserted into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0012] The sheet storage section 140 stores sheets to be used for image formation by the printer section 130 .

[0013] The image reading unit 200 reads an image formed on a document placed on a document table based on the brightness of light, and generates digital image data. The image reading unit 200 outputs the generated image data to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 stores an input image data file containing the input image data in an auxiliary storage device 103, which will be described later. The control unit 101 may output the input image data file to an external storage device or storage medium, for example, via a network. The control unit 101 may output the input image data file directly to the printer unit 130 without storing it in a storage device or the like.

[0014] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a network interface 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a memory 104, a display 110, a control panel 120, a printer unit 130, a sheet storage unit 140, and an image reading unit 200. These components of the image forming apparatus 100 are connected via an internal bus, allowing data to be exchanged between them. The functional units described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The control unit 101 controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 101 executes a program to cause each component to perform various processes. The program is stored in advance in, for example, the memory 104 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The functional configuration of the control unit 101 will be described in detail later.

[0017] The network interface 102 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The network interface 102 operates as an input interface, receiving data sent from external devices. The network interface 102 also operates as an output interface, sending data to external devices.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 103 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The auxiliary storage device 103 stores various types of data. The various types of data include image data, image data files, and various setting data. The configuration of information recorded in the auxiliary storage device 103 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The memory 104 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 104 temporarily stores data and programs used by each component of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the image data and other digital data generated by the image reading unit 200 may be recorded in the memory 104 instead of the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0020] The following describes the configuration of the control unit 101 and the auxiliary storage device 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 101. The control unit 101 includes an attachment information acquisition unit 1011, an attachment information selection unit 1012, an input image acquisition unit 1013, an attachment image generation unit 1014, an image synthesis unit 1015, and an authentication unit 1016. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the auxiliary storage device 103. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores an attachment information file group 1031, an input image data group 1032, an attachment image data group 1033, a synthesis image data group 1034, and authentication information 1035.

[0021] The attribute information acquisition unit 1011 acquires an attribute information file from an external device. The attribute information file is a file that indicates a list of information (hereinafter referred to as "attachment information") that is assigned to each copy of a sheet when copying or printing. The attribute information file is, for example, text data in a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format or a TSV (Tab-Separated Values) format. The attribute information acquisition unit 1011 stores the acquired attribute information file in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an attribute information file. As shown in FIG. 5, the attribute information file fa is text data in CSV format. In the attribute information file fa, numbers from "1" to "6" are associated with people's last names. Each of the numbers from "1" to "6" in the attribute information file fa corresponds to a copy or print set. Each of the six last names in the attribute information file fa is attribute information. In other words, when the attribute information file fa is specified during copying or printing, for example, an image representing the characters "Tanaka" is added to the image formed on the first sheet. Similarly, for example, an image representing the characters "Suzuki" is added to the image formed on the second sheet. Hereinafter, an image representing attribute information will be referred to as an "attached image."

[0023] The attached information file is created, for example, on a user's PC. The user creates the attached information file and transmits the created attached information file from the PC to the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication network. The attached information acquisition unit 1011 acquires the attached information file transmitted from the user's PC via the network interface 102. Note that the configuration in which the attached information acquisition unit 1011 acquires the attached information file is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the attached information acquisition unit 1011 may be configured to acquire an attached information file created by the user inputting information using the control panel 120.

[0024] The attachment information selection unit 1012 acquires information indicating a selection result as to whether or not to attach an attachment image to an input image when copying or printing. The attachment information selection unit 1012 also acquires information indicating a selection result as to the type of attachment image to be attached to the input image. The attachment information selection unit 1012 also acquires information indicating a selection result as to whether to attach the same attachment image to all pages or to attach different attachment images to each copy. The attachment information selection unit 1012 also acquires information indicating an attachment information file selected from the attachment information file group 1031 when different attachment images are to be attached to each copy.

[0025] For example, the attachment information selection unit 1012 generates an image (hereinafter referred to as a "selection screen") for allowing the user to make the above selection, and displays it on the display 110. The user refers to the selection screen displayed on the display 110 and performs an input operation to make the above selection using the control panel 120. The attachment information selection unit 1012 acquires information indicating the content of the input operation performed by the user from the control panel 120. This allows the attachment information selection unit 1012 to acquire information indicating various selection results based on the input operation from the user.

[0026] 6 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of selection screens. The selection screen sa (second selection screen) shown in FIG. 6 is a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to add an additional image to the input image. The selection screen sa is also a selection screen for allowing the user to select the type of additional image to be added to the input image. On the selection screen sa, the user can select three types of additional images: an additional image indicating the page number, an additional image indicating the date, and an additional image specified by the user. On the selection screen sa, the user can select one or more of these three types of additional images, or can select none. For example, if all three types of additional images are selected, all three types of additional images are added to the image formed on each sheet when copying or printing.

[0027] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the attachment information selection unit 1012 controls the selection screen sa so that a button image indicating the type of selected attachment image is surrounded by a thick frame. This allows the user to check on the selection screen sa which type of attachment image has been selected. For example, Fig. 6 shows the selection screen sa in a state where only the attachment image designated by the user has been selected. When copying or printing, if the user wants to attach a different attachment image to each set of sheets, the user can select the attachment image designated by the user.

[0028] The selection screen sb shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a selection screen to which the user transitions when a user-specified attachment image is selected on the selection screen sa shown in Fig. 6. The selection screen sb (third selection screen) is a selection screen that allows the user to select whether to attach the same attachment image to all pages or to attach a different attachment image to each copy. For example, Fig. 7 shows the selection screen sb in a state where it has been selected to attach a different attachment image to each copy.

[0029] The selection screen sc shown in Fig. 8 is an example of a screen to which the user transitions when selecting to assign a different attachment image to each copy on the selection screen sb shown in Fig. 7. The selection screen sc (first selection screen) is a selection screen that allows the user to select an attachment information file to be used when copying or printing. For example, in Fig. 8, "Name.csv," "Name2.csv," and "Distribution_CompanyName.csv" are each examples of attachment information files included in the attachment information file group 1031. Fig. 8 shows the selection screen sc from which the user can select one attachment information file from at least these three attachment information files.

[0030] In addition, when it is selected to assign the same attachment image to all pages on the selection screen sb shown in FIG. 7, for example, the screen transitions to a selection screen that allows the user to specify one attachment image.

[0031] When copying, the input image acquisition unit 1013 acquires image data (image information) indicating an image read by the image reading unit 200 from the image reading unit 200. When printing, the input image acquisition unit 1013 acquires image data (image information) transmitted from, for example, a user's PC via the network interface 102. The input image acquisition unit 1013 stores an input image data file including the acquired image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0032] The attached image generation unit 1014 converts the attached information selected by the attached information selection unit 1012 into image data. The attached image generation unit 1014 references the attached information file selected by the attached information selection unit 1012 and generates attached image data indicating the attached image to be attached to each copy. For example, the attached image generation unit 1014 converts the attached information, which is text data included in the attached information file, into PostScript format data. Furthermore, the attached image generation unit 1014 converts the PostScript format data into raster data by RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing used in the printing process. The attached image generation unit 1014 stores the generated attached image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0033] The image synthesis unit 1015 performs image synthesis when the addition information selection unit 1012 selects to add an addition image to an input image when copying or printing. The image synthesis unit 1015 performs image synthesis to combine an input image based on the input image data with an addition image based on the addition image data, thereby generating composite image data. When the addition information selection unit 1012 selects to add a different addition image to each copy, the image synthesis unit 1015 generates composite image data based on the addition information file. As a result, different composite image data is generated for each copy. The image synthesis unit 1015 stores the generated composite image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0034] When the addition information selection unit 1012 selects that an addition image is to be added to the input image, the control unit 101 outputs the composite image data group 1034 stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 to the printer unit 130. As a result, the printer unit 130 forms a composite image on a sheet in which the addition image is combined with the input image based on the acquired composite image data group 1034. Furthermore, when the addition information selection unit 1012 selects that an addition image is not to be added to the input image, the control unit 101 outputs the input image data group 1032 stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 to the printer unit 130. As a result, the printer unit 130 forms an input image on a sheet in which no addition image is combined with the input image data based on the acquired input image data group 1032.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image-formed sheet. Each sheet shown in Fig. 9 shows a sheet for each copy on which an image is formed when the additional information file fa shown in Fig. 5 is selected. As shown in Fig. 9, in accordance with the additional information file fa, for example, a composite image is formed on the first copy of the sheet, on which an additional image showing the character string "Sato" is combined. In addition, in accordance with the additional information file fa, for example, a composite image is formed on the second copy of the sheet, on which an additional image showing the character string "Suzuki" is combined.

[0036] The authentication unit 1016 authenticates users who use the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the authentication unit 1016 performs user authentication using authentication information 1035 stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 103. The authentication unit 1016 may also perform user authentication using an external authentication server. For example, the authentication unit 1016 may control authority based on the result of user authentication so as to limit users who can refer to, newly register, edit, and delete attached information files.

[0037] The following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when a new appended information file is registered. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment when a new appended information file is registered.

[0038] The attached information acquisition unit 1011 acquires an attached information file. For example, the attached information acquisition unit 1011 acquires an attached information file transmitted from an external device such as a user's PC via the network interface 102 (ACT001). The attached information acquisition unit 1011 stores the acquired attached information file in the auxiliary storage device 103 (ACT002). This completes the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0039] The following describes the operation of image forming apparatus 100 when copying. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of image forming apparatus 100 when copying according to an embodiment. The operation of image forming apparatus 100 shown in this flowchart starts when a document is set in image reading unit 200 and the user inputs a command to execute copying via control panel 120.

[0040] When the imparting information selection unit 1012 acquires information indicating an instruction to execute copying from the control panel 120, it displays various selection screens on the display 110. The imparting information selection unit 1012 acquires information indicating the contents of the operation input performed by the user from the control panel 120. The imparting information selection unit 1012 determines whether or not to impart information to the sheet on which an image is to be formed, based on the user's selection result indicated by the acquired information (ACT102).

[0041] When it is determined that information is to be added (ACT102: YES), the added information selection unit 1012 determines whether or not an added information file is specified based on the acquired information (ACT103).

[0042] If it is determined that the additional information selection unit 1012 has specified an additional information file (ACT103 YES), the image reading unit 200 starts reading the set document (ACT104). The image reading unit 200 reads the document and generates image data representing the image formed on the document (ACT105). The input image acquisition unit 1013 acquires the image data from the image reading unit 200. The input image acquisition unit 1013 stores an input image data file including the acquired image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0043] The attached image generating unit 1014 references the attached information file selected by the attached information selecting unit 1012 and generates attached image data indicating the attached image to be attached to each copy (ACT 106). The attached image generating unit 1014 stores the generated attached image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0044] The printer unit 130 starts the image forming operation (ACT107). The image composition unit 1015 performs image composition to combine an input image based on the input image data file with an additional image based on the additional image data, and generates composite image data (ACT108). The image composition unit 1015 generates different composite image data for each copy based on the additional information file. The control unit 101 outputs the generated composite image data for each copy to the printer unit 130. As a result, the printer unit 130 forms a composite image on a sheet for each copy, in which the input image is combined with a different additional image for each copy.

[0045] When the image forming operation by the printer unit 130 is completed (ACT109), the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is completed.

[0046] On the other hand, if the attachment information selection unit 1012 does not determine that an attachment information file has been specified (ACT103·NO), the image reading unit 200 starts reading the set document (ACT110). Here, it is assumed that the case where it has not been determined that an attachment information file has been specified means that the same attachment image is specified for all pages. The image reading unit 200 reads the document and generates image data representing the image formed on the document (ACT111). The input image acquisition unit 1013 acquires image data from the image reading unit 200. The input image acquisition unit 1013 stores an input image data file including the acquired image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0047] The added image generating unit 1014 generates added image data indicating a specific added image to be added commonly to all pages, selected by the added information selecting unit 1012 (ACT112). The added image generating unit 1014 stores the generated added image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0048] The printer unit 130 starts the image forming operation (ACT113). The image composition unit 1015 performs image composition to combine a common additional image based on the additional image data with all input images based on the input image data file, and generates composite image data (ACT114). The control unit 101 outputs the generated composite image data to the printer unit 130. As a result, the printer unit 130 forms a composite image on each sheet, in which the common additional image is combined with all input images.

[0049] When the image forming operation of the printer unit 130 is completed (ACT115), the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is completed.

[0050] On the other hand, if the information to be added is not determined by the addition information selection unit 1012 (ACT102·NO), the image reading unit 200 starts reading the set document (ACT116). The image reading unit 200 reads the document and generates image data representing the image formed on the document (ACT117). The input image acquisition unit 1013 acquires the image data from the image reading unit 200. The input image acquisition unit 1013 stores an input image data file including the acquired image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0051] The printer unit 130 starts the image forming operation (ACT118). The image composition unit 1015 forms all input images based on the input image data file on the sheets of each unit. When the image forming operation of the printer unit 130 is completed (ACT119), the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is completed.

[0052] 11 shows, as an example, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when copying. In contrast, when printing, the image forming apparatus 100 does not perform a document reading process, but instead acquires image data representing an input image from, for example, a user's PC. In this case, the configuration may be such that the user can select an additional information file using a printer driver on their own PC. Other operations are the same when copying and when printing.

[0053] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment acquires an attached information file. The attached information file is a list in which copies are associated with attached information. The image forming apparatus 100 generates composite images by combining an attached image that differs for each copy with an input image based on the attached information file. The image forming apparatus 100 forms the composite image that differs for each copy on a sheet.

[0054] With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can assign different information to each copy of a sheet on which an image is formed. For example, when it is necessary to clarify to whom a printed material is distributed for security reasons, it is possible to use an assigned information file in which copies are associated with the names of the distributors. For example, an assigned information file such as the assigned information file fa shown in FIG. 5 may be used, in which the assigned information is a person's last name. In this case, because a different member's name is assigned to each copy of a printed material, it becomes easy to link the printed material to the distributor when distributing the printed material.

[0055] The additional information file may be stored in an external device that can be accessed by the image forming apparatus 100 as needed. The external device may be, for example, a file server on a cloud or a user's PC.

[0056] In this embodiment, one additional information file is created for each set of additional information patterns, but this is not a limitation. For example, multiple sets of additional information patterns may be combined into one file. In this case, for example, a selection screen is displayed on the display 110, allowing the user to select one pattern from the multiple sets of additional information patterns.

[0057] Note that the attached information file fa illustrated in Fig. 5 contains information associating the copy number with the attached information, but the information contained in the attached information file is not limited to this configuration. For example, the attached information file may contain only attached information (person's last name in Fig. 5), separated by commas or separated by line breaks. In this case, for example, the attached image generating unit 1014 generates attached image data indicating the attached image to be attached to each copy, starting from the first attached information.

[0058] It is possible that the number of copies or prints designated by the user is not equal to, but is greater than, the number of pieces of appended information included in the appended information file. In this case, for example, the control unit 101 may form an input image without an appended image composited onto sheets exceeding the number of pieces of appended information. Conversely, it is also possible that the number of copies or prints designated by the user is less than the number of pieces of appended information included in the appended information file. In this case, for example, the appended image generation unit 1014 may generate an appended image only for the appended information up to the specified number of copies.

[0059] The attached information selection unit 1012 may display on the display 110 a selection screen that allows the user to select any attached information from among a plurality of pieces of attached information included in one attached information file. In this case, the attached image generation unit 1014 generates an attached image only for the selected attached information. For example, when the attached information file fa shown in FIG. 5 is specified, the user selects only "Sato" and "Tanaka." In this case, the attached image generation unit 1014 converts only the text data of "Sato" and "Tanaka" into image data.

[0060] In this embodiment, the attached information file is stored in the auxiliary storage device 103, and the attached information is converted into image data as needed when copying or printing, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the attached information acquisition unit 1011 acquires the attached information file, the attached image generation unit 1014 may convert the attached information into image data and store the attached image data in the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0061] In this embodiment, the attached information acquisition unit 1011 is configured to acquire an attached information file that is text data, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 101 may be configured to acquire the attached image data itself. In this case, for example, a user may assemble a set of attached image data for each copy and transmit the collected data from a PC to the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the attached information is not limited to text data.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to combine the input image and the added image, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an external device such as a user's PC may be configured to perform processing such as combining images.

[0063] 9, all the additional images are formed at the upper right position of the sheet, but the positions on the sheet where the additional images are formed may be any positions. For example, the configuration may be such that the user can specify the positions on the sheet where the additional images are formed on the selection screen.

[0064] The functions of the image forming apparatus in each of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be a program that implements only a portion of the above-described functions, or may be a program that can be implemented in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0065] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100...image forming apparatus, 101...control unit, 102...network interface, 103...auxiliary storage device, 104...memory, 110...display, 120...control panel, 130...printer unit, 140...sheet storage unit, 200...image reading unit, 1011...attachment information acquisition unit, 1012...attachment information selection unit, 1013...input image acquisition unit, 1014...attachment image generation unit, 1015...image synthesis unit, 1016...authentication unit, 1031...attachment information file group, 1032...input image data group, 1033...attachment image data group, 1034...synthesized image data group, 1035...authentication information

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet for each copy; a display unit that displays a first selection screen for selecting whether or not to add an additional image to the input image formed on the sheet, and a second selection screen that displays a list of additional information indicating the additional images respectively associated with the unit, and that allows the user to select an arbitrary list from a plurality of the lists; When it is selected on the first selection screen to add the additional image to the input image and the list is selected on the second selection screen, a composite image is generated in which the additional image specified for each copy is added to the input image based on image information indicating the input image and the additional information included in the selected list, and the composite image generated for each copy is formed on the sheet for each copy. When it is selected on the first selection screen to add the added image to the input image and the list is not selected on the second selection screen, the composite image is generated by adding a predetermined added image to the input image, and the generated composite image is formed on the sheets of all the sets; a control unit that forms the input image on the sheets of all the units when it is selected on the first selection screen that the input image is not to be assigned the additional image; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the display unit displays a third selection screen for allowing the user to select whether to assign a different assignment image to each copy of the input image or to assign the same assignment image to all copies of the input image; When it is selected on the third selection screen that the same addition image is to be added to all the parts, the control unit generates an image in which a specific addition image is added to the input image, The image forming unit forms the image to which the specific image is added on the sheets of all the copies. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. Authentication section that authenticates users Furthermore, The display unit controls authority to at least one of referencing the list and updating the list based on a result of the authentication by the authentication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. On the computer, a display unit that displays a first selection screen for selecting whether or not to add an additional image to an input image formed on a sheet, and a second selection screen that displays a list of additional information indicating the additional images associated with each unit, and that allows the user to select an arbitrary list from a plurality of the lists; When it is selected on the first selection screen to add the additional image to the input image and the list is selected on the second selection screen, a composite image is generated in which the additional image specified for each copy is added to the input image based on image information indicating the input image and the additional information included in the selected list, and the composite image generated for each copy is formed on the sheet for each copy. When it is selected on the first selection screen to add the added image to the input image and the list is not selected on the second selection screen, the composite image is generated by adding a predetermined added image to the input image, and the generated composite image is formed on the sheets of all the sets; When it is selected on the first selection screen that the additional image is not to be added to the input image, the input image is formed on the sheets of all the copies. Image formation program for.

Images