U.S. patent application number 15/435339 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for image forming apparatus and image forming method for both side copying.
The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Satoshi OBATA.
Application Number | 20170163838 15/435339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57731591 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170163838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OBATA; Satoshi |
June 8, 2017 |
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD FOR BOTH SIDE
COPYING
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a scanner that reads an
original document. A cover is moveable between a closed position
covering the scanner and an open position not covering the scanner.
A processor determines whether the cover is in the open position.
The processor determines, from a first image data, a region other
than a first document region corresponding to the first surface of
the original document. The region other than the first document
region is eliminated from first image data. The processor
determines, from a second image data, a region other than a second
document region corresponding to the second surface of the original
document is determined. The region other than the second document
region from the second image data is eliminated. A printing image
is generated. A printer prints the generated printing image on a
single surface of a recording medium.
Inventors: |
OBATA; Satoshi; (Numazu
Shizuoka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
57731591 |
Appl. No.: |
15/435339 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14796982 |
Jul 10, 2015 |
|
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15435339 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/0432 20130101;
G06F 3/1252 20130101; G06F 3/1284 20130101; H04N 1/00748 20130101;
H04N 1/393 20130101; H04N 1/2338 20130101; H04N 1/0044 20130101;
H04N 2201/0094 20130101; G06F 3/1267 20130101; H04N 1/00816
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/23 20060101
H04N001/23; H04N 1/393 20060101 H04N001/393; H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a scanner configured to
generate image data by reading a region including a surface of an
original document; a cover moveable between a closed position
covering the scanner and an open position not covering the scanner;
a processor configured to: determine whether the cover is in the
open position, and when the cover is determined to be in the open
position, perform image processing including: determining, from a
first image data which was generated by the scanner reading a first
surface of the original document, a region other than a first
document region corresponding to the first surface of the original
document, eliminating the region other than the first document
region from the first image data, determining, from a second image
data which was generated by the scanner reading a second surface of
the original document, a region other than a second document region
corresponding to the second surface of the original document,
eliminating the region other than the second document region from
the second image data, and generating, for printing on a single
surface of a recording medium, a printing image including: the
first image data with the region other than the first document
region eliminated, and the second image data with the region other
than the second document region eliminated; and a printer
configured to print the printing image on a single surface of a
recording medium.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
display device, wherein when the cover is determined to not be in
the open position, the processor controls the display device to
display a guide screen instructing a user to open the cover.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an
opening-closing sensor configured to output a signal to the
processor indicating whether the cover is in the open position.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor
generates the printing image in which the first image data with the
region other than the first document region eliminated and the
second image data with the region other than the second document
region eliminated are disposed according to respective designated
disposition positions.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor is
further configured to: receive, in advance, an input from a user
designating the respective disposition positions.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor
generates the printing image in which the first image data with the
region other than the first document region eliminated and the
second image data with the region other than the second document
region eliminated are respectively disposed at designated
magnifications.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor is
further configured to: receive, in advance, an input from a user
designating the respective magnifications.
8. An image forming method comprising the steps of: determining
whether a cover of a scanner is in an open position; and when the
cover is determined to be in the open position, performing an image
processing including: generating, with the scanner, a first image
data by reading a region including a first surface of an original
document, determining, from the first image data, a region other
than a first document region corresponding to the first surface of
the original document, eliminating, from the first image data the
region other than the first document region corresponding to the
first surface of the original document, generating, with the
scanner, a second image data by reading a region including a second
surface of the original document, determining, from the second
image data, a region other than a second document region
corresponding to the second surface of the original document,
eliminating, from the second image data a region other than a
second document region corresponding to the second surface of the
original document; generating, for printing on a single surface of
a recording medium, a printing image including: the first image
data with the region other than the first document region
eliminated, and the second image data with the region other than
the second document region eliminated, and printing the printing
image on a single surface of a recording medium.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: when the
cover is determined to not be in the open position, displaying, on
a display device, a guide screen instructing a user to open the
cover.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein whether the cover is
in the open position is determined based on a signal output from an
opening-closing sensor.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the printing image is
generated so that the first image data with the region other than
the first document region eliminated and the second image data with
the region other than the second document region eliminated are
disposed according to respective designated disposition
positions.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the respective
disposition positions are designated by a user.
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the printing image is
generated so that the first image data with the region other than
the first document region eliminated and the second image data with
the region other than the second document region eliminated are
respectively disposed at designated magnifications.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the respective
magnifications are designated by a user.
15. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing a program
causing an image forming apparatus to perform an image forming
method comprising the steps of: determining whether a cover of a
scanner is in an open position; and when the cover is determined to
be in the open position, performing an image processing including:
generating, with the scanner, a first image data by reading a
region including a first surface of an original document,
determining, from the first image data, a region other than a first
document region corresponding to the first surface of the original
document, eliminating, from the first image data the region other
than the first document region corresponding to the first surface
of the original document, generating, with the scanner, a second
image data by reading a region including a second surface of the
original document, determining, from the second image data, a
region other than a second document region corresponding to the
second surface of the original document, eliminating, from the
second image data a region other than a second document region
corresponding to the second surface of the original document;
generating, for printing on a single surface of a recording medium,
a printing image including: the first image data with the region
other than the first document region eliminated, and the second
image data with the region other than the second document region
eliminated, and printing the printing image on a single surface of
a recording medium.
16. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 15, the
method further comprising: when the cover is determined to not be
in the open position, displaying, on a display device, a guide
screen instructing a user to open the cover.
17. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 15,
wherein whether the cover is in the open position is determined
based on a signal output from an opening-closing sensor.
18. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 15,
wherein the printing image is generated so that the first image
data with the region other than the first document region
eliminated and the second image data with the region other than the
second document region eliminated are disposed according to
respective designated disposition positions.
19. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 18,
wherein the respective disposition positions are designated by a
user.
20. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 15,
wherein the printing image is generated so that the first image
data with the region other than the first document region
eliminated and the second image data with the region other than the
second document region eliminated are respectively disposed at
predetermined magnifications.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/796,982, filed on Jul. 10, 2015, the entire
contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image
forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a recording
medium.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the related art, an image forming apparatus such as a
digital multi-functional peripheral performs printing by putting
both sides of the original document together on a single side of
one sheet (both side disposition copying). As an example of the
both side disposition copying, there is a function referred to as
card copying. In card copying, both sides of the original document
in a card shape such as an ID card are copied on a single side of
one sheet. In card copying in the related art, there are two
methods as described below. In the first method, an image including
the front surface of the original document is copied on the upper
half portion of a sheet, and an image including the rear surface of
the original document is copied on the lower half portion of the
sheet. In the second method, an image on the front surface of the
original document which is read in a size designated by a user is
disposed at a center of the upper half portion of a sheet, an image
on the rear surface of the original document is disposed at the
center of the lower half portion of the sheet, and the images are
printed on the sheet. However, in the first method, a user should
set the front surface and the rear surface of the original
document, respectively, by assuming a half region of the sheet. In
addition, in the second method, there is a problem in that a user
needs to designate a size of the original document accurately.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram which illustrates an example
configuration of a digital multi-functional peripheral according to
one embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates a configuration
of a control system of the digital multi-functional peripheral.
[0006] FIG. 3 is an example of a read image which is obtained using
a scanner of the digital multi-functional peripheral.
[0007] FIG. 4 is an example of an image in which an image in a
region other than the original document is eliminated from the read
image illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a diagram which illustrates an example of a
printing image of the front surface image and the rear surface
image which are illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart which illustrates an example sequence
of operations for both side disposition copying in the digital
multi-functional peripheral.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart which illustrates another example
sequence of operations for both side disposition copying in the
digital multi-functional peripheral.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Embodiments provide an image forming apparatus, an image
forming method, and a recording medium which may perform printing
by putting images on both sides of the original document together
on one side of a recording medium in a simple operation.
[0012] An image forming apparatus includes an image reading that
reads an original document. An image processing unit determines a
region other than a first document region corresponding to the
first surface of the original document. The region other than the
first document region is eliminated from first image data. A region
other than a second document region corresponding to the second
surface of the original document is determined. The region other
than the second document region from the second image data is
eliminated. A printing image is generated. An image forming unit
prints the printing image generated by the image processing unit on
a single surface of a recording medium.
[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to
drawings.
[0014] First, a configuration of a digital multi-functional
peripheral (MFP) as an image forming apparatus will be
described.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view which illustrates an
example configuration of the digital multi-functional peripheral.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the digital multi-functional peripheral
includes a scanner 1, a printer 2, an operation panel 4, and a
system control unit 5.
[0016] The scanner 1 reads an image of the original document, and
converts the image into image data. The scanner 1 includes an image
reading unit 10, original document table glass 11, an
opening-closing sensor 12, an auto document feeder (ADF) 13, and
the like. For example, the scanner 1 is provided on the upper part
of a main body of the digital multi-functional peripheral. The
scanner 1 is connected to the system control unit 5. The scanner 1
outputs image data, which is generated by reading an image of the
original document, to the system control unit 5.
[0017] The image reading unit 10 converts the read image of the
original document into the image data. The image reading unit 10
includes a photoelectric conversion unit including a CCD line
sensor which converts, line by line in the main scanning direction,
an image of the original document into image data. The image
reading unit 10 reads an image of the whole original document using
the CCD line sensor and scanning the original document in the
sub-scanning direction.
[0018] The original document is placed on the original document
table glass 11 for scanning using the image reading unit 10 is
placed. A surface of the original document placed on the original
document table glass 11 is the surface to be read. The image
reading unit 10 scans the original document on the original
document table glass 11 through glass.
[0019] The opening-closing sensor 12 detects opening-closing of the
ADF 13 which is a platen cover on the original document table glass
11. The opening-closing sensor 12 outputs a signal indicating an
opening-closing state of the ADF 13.
[0020] The ADF 13 is disposed on the upper part of the original
document table glass 11 in a state in which the ADF may be open or
closed. A surface of the ADF 13 which comes into contact with the
original document table glass 11 becomes a cover (platen cover)
with respect to the original document which is placed on the
original document table glass 11. For this reason, the surface of
the ADF 13 which comes into contact with the original document
table glass 11 has uniform luminance (density). In addition, the
ADF 13 transports the original document on a sheet feed tray one by
one in a closed state. The image reading unit 10 also reads an
image of the original document which is transported using the ADF
13.
[0021] The image reading unit 10 may read the original document on
the original document table glass 11 when the ADF 13 as the platen
cover is closed or opened. For example, when reading the original
document in a state in which the ADF 13 is open, the image reading
unit 10 reads a region other than the original document as a
uniform black image with low luminance (high density). In addition,
when reading the original document in a state in which the ADF 13
is closed, the image reading unit 10 reads the region other than
the original document as a pixel value with uniform luminance
(density).
[0022] The printer 2 forms an image on a recording medium. The
printer 2 is operated according to a control command from the
system control unit 5. The printer 2 prints image data which is
supplied from the system control unit 5 on a sheet (recording
medium).
[0023] The printer 2 includes sheet feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and
21C. These sheet feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C accommodate
sheets on which images are printed. For example, each of the sheet
feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C is detachably provided on the
lower part of a main body of the digital multi-functional
peripheral. Each of the sheet feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C
includes sheet feed rollers 22A, 22B, and 22C, respectively. Each
of the sheet feed rollers 22A, 22B, and 22C takes out a sheet one
by one from each of the sheet feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C.
[0024] The transport unit 23 transports sheets in the printer 2.
The transport unit 23 includes a plurality of transport rollers
23a-23f, and a resist roller 24. The transport unit 23 transports
the sheet which is taken out using each of the sheet feed rollers
22A, 22B, and 22C to the resist roller 24. The resist roller 24
transports the sheet to a transfer position at an image transfer
timing.
[0025] A plurality of image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, and
25K) respectively form an image of each color (yellow, magenta,
cyan, and black). An exposure unit 26 radiates laser light to
photosensitive drum D (Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk) of each image forming
unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K), and forms an electrostatic latent
image. The exposure unit 26 radiates laser light which is
controlled according to image data to the photosensitive drum D
through an optical system such as a polygon mirror. An
electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the
photosensitive drum D which is irradiated with laser light. The
exposure unit 26 controls the laser light according to a control
signal from the system control unit 5. For example, the exposure
unit 26 controls an intensity of the laser light according to the
control signal from the system control unit 5. In addition, the
exposure unit 26 also controls a modulation amount, or the like, of
a pulse width for controlling light emission of laser light
according to the control signal from the system control unit 5.
[0026] Each of the image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K)
forma toner image by developing the respective electrostatic latent
images formed on the photosensitive drums D (Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk)
using toner of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). An
intermediate transfer belt 27 is an intermediate transfer body.
Each of the image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K)
transfers (primary transfer) the toner image of each color which is
formed on the photosensitive drums D (Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk),
respectively, onto the intermediate transfer belt 27.
[0027] In addition, each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, and
25K) includes a sensor such as a potential sensor Sv, and a density
sensor Sd. The potential sensor Sv detects a surface potential of
the photosensitive drum. In each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M,
25C, and 25K), a surface of each photosensitive drum D is charged
using a charging charger before being exposed using the exposure
unit 26. Charging conditions of the charging charger may be changed
due to a control signal from the system control unit 5. The
potential sensor Sv detects a surface potential in the
photosensitive drum after the surface is charged using the charging
charger. The density sensor Sd detects density of a toner image
which is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. In
addition, the density sensor Sd may be a sensor which detects a
toner image which is formed on the photosensitive drums Dy, Dm, Dc,
and Dk.
[0028] Each of image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K transfers
(primary transfer) a toner image which is developed using each
color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) onto the intermediate
transfer belt 27 in an overlapping manner. The intermediate
transfer belt 27 maintains a color image in which the toner images
of each color are overlapped with each other. The transfer unit 28
transfers the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 27
which is formed using the plurality of colors to a sheet at a
secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer position is a
position at which the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt
27 is transferred to the sheet. The secondary transfer position is
a position at which the support roller 28a and the secondary
transfer roller 28b face each other.
[0029] The resist roller 24 transports the sheet to the secondary
transfer position at transfer timing of the toner image on the
intermediate transfer belt 27. After the toner image is transferred
to the sheet at the secondary transfer position, the transfer unit
28 supplies the sheet to the fixing unit 29. The fixing unit 29
fixes the toner image onto the sheet by heating the sheet onto
which the toner image is transferred using the transfer unit 28 in
a pressurizing state. The fixing unit 29 transports (discharges)
the sheet which is subjected to the fixing process to either the
sheet discharging unit 30 or a double side printing mechanism
40.
[0030] The double side printing mechanism 40 reverses the sheet
which is subjected to the fixing process using the fixing unit 29,
and supplies the sheet to the resist roller 24 again. In addition,
the double side printing mechanism 40 maintains the reversed sheet
until desired printing timing (rear surface printing timing). The
double side printing mechanism 40 includes a reverse transport path
41 which guides the sheet which is subjected to the fixing process
to the resist roller 24. The reverse transport path 41 supplies the
sheet which is reversed to the resist roller 24 at the desired
printing timing.
[0031] The operation panel 4 is a user interface. The operation
panel 4 includes a display unit 4a and an operation unit 4b. A user
inputs information such as setting information using the operation
unit 4b of the operation panel 4. The display unit 4a and the
operation unit 4b of the operation panel 4 are connected to the
system control unit 5. The system control unit 5 controls the
display unit 4a and the operation unit 4b of the operation panel
4.
[0032] In addition, the printer 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an
electrophotographic printer. However, the printer 2 according to
the embodiment is not limited to the electrophotographic type. For
example, the printer 2 which is mounted on the digital
multi-functional peripheral according to the embodiment may be a
printer other than the electrophotographic type such as an ink jet
type or a thermal transfer type.
[0033] Subsequently, a configuration of a control system of the
digital multi-functional peripheral will be described.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates a configuration
of the control system in the digital multi-functional
peripheral.
[0035] The digital multi-functional peripheral includes the system
control unit 5 which controls the entire apparatus. The system
control unit 5 is connected to the scanner 1, the printer 2, and
the operation panel 4 through a system bus, or the like.
[0036] The system control unit 5 includes a CPU (processor) 51, a
main memory 52, a ROM 53, a non-volatile memory 54, an HDD 55, a
page memory 56, a printer controller 57, a fax controller 58,
interfaces (I/F) 57a and 58a, and an image processing unit 60.
[0037] The CPU 51 controls the entire digital multi-functional
peripheral. The CPU 51 is a processor which executes processes by
executing a program. The CPU 51 is connected to each unit in the
apparatus through the system bus. The CPU 51 is also connected to
the scanner 1, the printer 2, the operation panel 4, and the like,
through the system bus. The CPU 51 outputs an operation instruction
to each unit, or obtains various information from each unit through
a bidirectional communication with the scanner 1, the printer 2,
and the operation panel 4. In addition, the CPU 51 receives
information denoting a detection signal, an operation state, and
the like, from each sensor which is provided in each unit in the
apparatus.
[0038] The main memory 52 is a RAM, or the like. The main memory 52
functions as a working memory, or a buffer memory. The ROM 53 is a
non-rewritable and non-volatile memory which stores a program,
control data, and the like. The CPU 51 executes various processes
when executing a program which is stored in the ROM 53 (or
non-volatile memory 54 or HDD 55) while using the main memory
52.
[0039] The non-volatile memory 54 is a rewritable non-volatile
memory. The non-volatile memory 54 stores a control program and
control data which are executed by the CPU 51. In addition, the
non-volatile memory 54 stores setting information, a processing
condition, and the like. The hard disk drive (HDD) 55 is a large
capacity storage device. The HDD 55 stores image data, various
history information, and the like. In addition, the HDD 55 may
store a control program, control data, and the like. In addition,
the HDD 55 may store setting information, processing conditions,
and the like. The page memory 56 is a memory which develops image
data as a processing target. For example, the page memory 56 stores
image data which is generated using the scanner 1 after performing
image processing.
[0040] The network controller 57 controls communication with an
external device. The network controller 57 is connected to a
network through the interface 57a. The network controller 57
communicates with the external device through a network. For
example, the network controller 57 may receive a printing request
from the external device or output a scanned image to the external
device.
[0041] The fax controller 58 controls a fax communication
(transceiving of facsimile data). The fax controller 58 performs
transceiving of facsimile data through the interface 58a and a
public line.
[0042] In addition, the system control unit 5 may include an
interface to which the external device is locally connected, or an
interface to which a storage medium is connected.
[0043] The image processing unit 60 includes an input image
processing unit 61, a compression unit 62, an extension unit 63,
and an output image processing unit 64.
[0044] The input image processing unit 61 functions as a scanner
system image processing unit which processes the image data
generated using the scanner 1. The input image processing unit 61
executes a shading correction process, a grayscale conversion
process, an inter-line correction process, or the like, with
respect to image data which is generated using the scanner 1.
[0045] The shading correction process is a process in which image
data is corrected according to an uneven sensitivity of each
photoelectric conversion element (such as a CCD), or according to a
light distribution property of a lamp that illuminates the original
document. The grayscale conversion process is a process in which a
value of each pixel (for example, each signal value of R, G, and B)
which configures image data is converted according to a lookup
table. The inter-line correction process is a process in which a
physical position shift of each sensor of RGB in the CCD line
sensor of the scanner 1 is corrected. In addition, the input image
processing unit 61 may perform a resolution conversion, a
magnification process, adjusting of brightness, adjusting of
contrast, adjusting of color, adjusting of sharpness, or the like,
on the image data obtained by the scanner 1.
[0046] The compression unit 62 compresses image data. For example,
the compression unit 62 compresses image data which is processed by
the input image processing unit 61. The compression unit 62 stores
the compressed image data in the page memory 56. In addition, the
compression unit 62 may output the compressed image data to the HDD
55, or the like. The extension unit 63 extends the compressed image
data. For example, the extension unit 63 reads the compressed image
data from the page memory 56, and extends the compressed image
data. The extension unit 63 outputs the extended image data to the
output image processing unit 64. In addition, the extension unit 63
may output the extended image data to the HDD 55, or the like.
[0047] The output image processing unit 64 processes image data for
printing. The output image processing unit 64 includes a color
conversion unit 64a, a sharpening unit 64b, an original document
detection unit 64c, an outside region eliminating unit 64d, a
magnification unit 64e, an image editing unit 64f, and the like. In
addition, the image memory 65 stores image data which is processed
by the output image processing unit 64.
[0048] The color conversion unit 64a performs a color conversion
process with respect to image data. For example, the color
conversion unit 64a converts color image data which is formed of
signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) into color image data
for printing which is formed of signals of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y
(yellow), and K (black). The sharpening unit 64b sharpens image
data. The sharpening unit 64b sharpens image data by performing
image processing such as a filtering process, an inking process, a
gamma correction process, or the like.
[0049] The original document detection unit 64c detects an image of
the original document. The image reading unit 10 scans a set size
of the original document as a region for reading. When performing
copying, the system control unit 5 normally sets the size of the
original document by automatically detecting the size of the
original document using a sensor which is disposed in the image
reading unit 10. Alternatively, the system control unit 5 sets a
size of the original document which is manually designated using
the operation unit 4b of the operation panel 4 by a user. On the
other hand, when performing special copying such as both side
disposition copying (card copying), a size which is fixed in
advance is used in the region for reading of the image reading unit
10. For example, the image reading unit 10 scans an A4 size as a
region for reading, uniformly.
[0050] The original document detection unit 64c detects a region of
the original document (hereinafter, referred to as original
document region) by detecting a region other than the original
document, or an edge of the original document in an image in the
region for reading which is read using the image reading unit 10.
For example, when the original document on the original document
table glass 11 is read in a state in which the ADF 13 as the
original document presser is open, the image reading unit 10 reads
the region other than the original document as a black image. In
this case, the original document detection unit 64c detects the
region of the black image as the region other than the original
document. In addition, when the original document on the original
document table glass 11 is read in the state in which the ADF 13 is
closed, the image reading unit 10 reads the edge of the original
document as a specific pixel value due to a difference in density
between the original document and an original document pressing
surface of the ADF 13. In this case, the original document
detection unit 64c detects the original document region by
detecting the edge portion of the original document.
[0051] The outside region eliminating unit 64d eliminates the
region other than the original document from the image data. The
outside region eliminating unit 64d extracts an image in the
original document region. The magnification unit 64e magnifies the
image. The magnification unit 64e reduces or enlarges the image
using a set magnification rate. The image editing unit 64f edits an
image for printing using one or a plurality of images. For example,
the image editing unit 64f arranges two images in line as an image
for printing on one page. The image editing unit 64f may be a unit
which may set a position at which an image is disposed.
[0052] Subsequently, a copying function in the digital
multi-functional peripheral according to the embodiment will be
described.
[0053] The digital multi-functional peripheral according to the
embodiment has a copying function in which images from both sides
of the original document are printed by being disposed on a single
side of one recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as both side
disposition copying). For example, the digital multi-functional
peripheral prints both sides of the original document, such as an
ID card, on a single side of a sheet, using both side disposition
copying.
[0054] In both side disposition copying, the digital
multi-functional peripheral according to the embodiment may read
the original document which is positioned at an arbitrary position
of the original document table glass 11 (arbitrary position in
readable region). The image reading unit 10 reads both sides of the
original document which is placed at an arbitrary position of the
original document table glass 11, respectively. The image
processing unit 64 determines a region of the original document and
a region other than the original document in the image which is
read using the image reading unit 10, using the original document
detection unit 64C. The image processing unit 64 eliminates the
region other than the original document from the read image using
the outside region eliminating unit 64d. In addition, the image
processing unit 64 generates an image for printing in which an
image from the first surface of the original document in which the
region other than the original document is eliminated, and an image
from the second surface of the original document in which the
region other than the original document is eliminated are disposed
at a predetermined position (or position which is designated by a
user) of a printing sheet using the image editing unit 64f.
[0055] FIG. 3 is an example of a read image 70 which is obtained by
reading the front surface (first face) of the original document
using the scanner 1. Specifically, image data of the original
document is generated by the scanner 1, and is output. FIG. 4 is an
example of an image in which an image 72 in the region other than
the original document is eliminated from the read image 70 which is
illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram which illustrates an
example of a printing image in which the image 71 of front surface
of the original document region which is illustrated in FIG. 4, and
an image 73 of the rear surface of the original document region are
disposed.
[0056] The image illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example in which the
image is read in a state in which the ADF 13 as the platen cover is
open. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the region other than the original
document becomes image data with low luminance (high density) in
the read image, in a state in which the ADF 13 as the platen cover
is open. Accordingly, the image 70 which is read in the state in
which the ADF 13 as the platen cover is open has a difference in
luminance (density) between the image 71 in the original document
region. Accordingly, the image 72 in the region other than the
original document is easily determined.
[0057] That is, when the read image 70 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is
obtained, the original document detection unit 64c detects the
image 71 in the original document region and the image 72 in the
region other than the original document using a difference in
luminance. When the read image 70 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is
obtained, the outside region eliminating unit 64d eliminates the
image 72 in the region other than the original document as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, an image which is formed only of an
image R1 from the original document region is generated.
[0058] The image processing unit 64 obtains an image 73 from the
original document region on the rear surface by performing the same
process with respect to a read image on the rear surface (second
face) of the original document. After obtaining the image 73 from
the original document region on the rear surface, the image editing
unit 64f generates a printing image in which the image 71 from the
original document region on the front surface and the image 73 from
the original document region on the rear surface are disposed, as
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0059] In addition, the digital multi-functional peripheral may
perform the both side disposition copying by assuming that the
original document is read in a state in which the platen cover (ADF
13) is open. In this case, the digital multi-functional peripheral
may perform the both side disposition copying in a state in which
it is confirmed that the ADF 13 is in an open state using an
opening-closing sensor.
[0060] However, even when it is the state in which the platen cover
(ADF 13) is open, it is possible to detect the original document
region by detecting an edge portion of the original document. For
this reason, the original document detection unit 64c may detect
the original document by performing an original document detection
process corresponding to a detection state using the
opening-closing sensor 12.
[0061] In addition, the images from the front surface and the rear
surface in the original document region may be magnified in the
printing image. For example, the images from the front surface and
the rear surface in the original document region may be arranged in
the printing image after being magnified using a magnification
which is designated by a user. In addition, a printing image may be
generated by magnifying the images from the front surface and the
rear surface to each fit in an entire region of a half of the
sheet, respectively.
[0062] In addition, positions at which the images from the front
surface and the rear surface in the original document region are
disposed are not limited to the positions (center in upper half and
center in lower half) illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the
images from the front surface and the rear surface may be disposed
at positions which are designated by a user.
[0063] Subsequently, an operation example of both side disposition
copying will be illustrated.
[0064] FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts which illustrate example
sequences of operations for both side disposition copying in the
digital multi-functional peripheral.
[0065] When executing the both side disposition copying, a user
selects the function of the both side disposition copying (may be
referred to as card copying) using the operation unit 4b of the
operation panel 4. The CPU 51 of the system control unit 5 sets the
both side disposition copying according to an input to the
operation unit 4b. In addition, the CPU 51 may receive various
copying settings corresponding to inputs to the operation unit 4b
(ACT 11).
[0066] For example, the CPU 51 may receive setting of an image
quality, setting of a sheet size or type, setting of disposition of
an original document image, setting of a magnification, and the
like, according to an operation with respect to the operation unit
4b. As the setting of disposition of the original document image, a
disposition in which an image from the front surface and an image
from the rear surface of the original document are horizontally
arranged in line may be set. In addition, as the setting of
disposition of the original document, a disposition in which the
image from the front surface and the image from the rear surface of
the original document are vertically or horizontally arranged
continuously may be set.
[0067] In addition, as the setting of magnification, respective
magnifications may be set with respect to the image from the front
surface and the image from the rear surface. In addition, as the
setting of magnification, a disposition may be set in which the
image from the front surface and the image from the rear surface
are each fitted to one half of the entire region of a sheet,
respectively. For example, when the size of the original document
is smaller than a half size of a sheet, the magnification unit 64e
may enlarge the image from the front surface and the image from the
rear surface of the original document so as to be the half size of
the sheet, respectively. In addition, when the size of the original
document is larger than the half size of the sheet, the
magnification unit 64e may contract the image from the front
surface and the image from the rear surface of the original
document so as to be half of the size of the sheet,
respectively.
[0068] After receiving the instruction for the both side
disposition copying, the CPU 51 receives an instruction for a start
of scanning using the operation unit 4b (ACT 12). When the start of
scanning is instructed (Yes in ACT 12), the CPU 51 determines
whether the ADF 13 (platen cover) is in an open state using a
detection signal of the opening-closing sensor 12 (ACT 13). When it
is determined that the platen cover is not in the open state (No in
ACT 13), the CPU 51 displays a guiding screen which guides a user
so as to open the ADF 13 (platen cover) on the display unit 4a (ACT
14).
[0069] In addition, when it is possible to detect the original
document even in a state in which the platen cover is closed,
processes in ACTS 13 and 14 may be omitted.
[0070] When it is determined that the ADF 13 as the platen cover is
in the open state (Yes in ACT 13), the CPU 51 starts a reading
process of an image using the image reading unit 10 (ACT 15). A
user places the original document at an arbitrary position on the
original document table glass 11 (arbitrary position in range for
reading) so that the front surface of the original document becomes
a surface for reading. When the front surface of the original
document is present on the original document table glass 11 so as
to be the surface for reading, the image reading unit 10 generates
a read image which includes the image on the front surface of the
original document. In addition, when the ADF 13 is in the open
state, the image reading unit 10 reads a region other than the
original document as an image with low luminance.
[0071] When the image reading unit 10 obtains the read image, the
original document detection unit 64c detects the original document
region in the image which is read using the image reading unit 10
(ACT 16). When the original document region is detected, the
outside region eliminating unit 64d extracts an image only in the
original document region by eliminating the region other than the
original document (ACT 17). In ACT 17, since it is assumed that an
image from the front surface of the original document is to be
read, the outside region eliminating unit 64d extracts the image of
the front surface of the original document. The image memory 65
stores only the image from the front surface of the original
document region which is obtained by eliminating the region other
than the original document (ACT 18).
[0072] After scanning the image of the front surface of the
original document, the CPU 51 enters a state of waiting for an
instruction on scanning of an image including the rear surface of
the original document (ACT 19). That is, when starting of scanning
is instructed again, after scanning the image of the front surface
of the original document (Yes in ACT 19), the CPU 51 determines
whether the ADF 13 (platen cover) is in the open state again due to
a detection signal of the opening-closing sensor 12 (ACT 20). When
it is determined that the platen cover is not in the open state (No
in ACT 20), the CPU 51 displays a guiding screen which guides a
user to open the ADF 13 (platen cover) on the display unit 4a (ACT
21).
[0073] When it is determined that the platen cover of the ADF 13 as
is in the open state (Yes in ACT 20), the CPU 51 starts the reading
process of an image using the image reading unit 10 (ACT 22). At
this time, the original document is placed so that the rear surface
of the original document becomes a surface for reading at an
arbitrary position of the original document table glass 11
(arbitrary position in range for reading). When the rear surface of
the original document is present on the original document table
glass 11 so as to be the surface for reading, the image reading
unit 10 generates a read image including the image on the front
surface of the original document. In addition, when the ADF 13 is
in the open state, the image reading unit 10 reads the region other
than the original document as an image with low luminance.
[0074] When the image reading unit 10 obtains the read image, the
original document detection unit 64c detects the original document
region in the image which is read using the image reading unit 10
(ACT 23). When the original document region is detected, the
outside region eliminating unit 64d extracts an image only in the
original document region by eliminating the region other than the
original document (ACT 24). In ACT 24, since it is assumed that an
image including the image on the rear surface of the original
document is obtained, the outside region eliminating unit 64d
extracts the image on the rear surface of the original document.
The image memory 65 stores the image of the rear surface in the
original document region from which the region other than the
original document is eliminated (ACT 18).
[0075] In addition, when magnifications are set with respect to the
images from the front surface and the rear surface of the original
document (Yes in ACT 26), the CPU 51 instructs the magnification
unit 64e to set magnification rates with respect to the images from
the front surface and the rear surface of the original document
(ACT 27). The magnification unit 64e magnifies the images from the
front surface and the rear surface of the original document using
the magnification rates which are designated by the CPU 51 (ACT
27). In addition, when the magnification rate is not set (No in ACT
26), the process in ACT 27 is omitted.
[0076] For example, when causing the image from the front surface
of the original document to be fit in the half of the entire region
of the sheet, the CPU 51 calculates a magnification rate with
respect to the front surface image using a size of the extracted
image on the front surface, and a half size of the sheet. In
addition, when causing the image from the rear surface of the
original document to be fit in the half of the entire region of the
sheet, the CPU 51 calculates a magnification rate with respect to
the rear surface image using a size of the extracted image from the
rear surface, and a half size of the sheet. The magnification unit
64e magnifies the images from the front surface and the rear
surface of the original document using the magnification rate which
is designated by the CPU 51.
[0077] When processes up to ACT 27 are finished, the image editing
unit 64f generates a printing image in which the images from the
front surface and the rear surface of the original document are
disposed (ACT 28). For example, the image editing unit 64f arranges
the image from the front surface of the original document at a
center in the upper half region of the printing image, and disposes
the image from the rear surface at a center in the lower half
region of the printing image. The output image processing unit 64
outputs the printing image which is generated by the image editing
unit 64f to the printer 2. After receiving the printing image, the
printer 2 prints the printing image on a sheet (ACT 29).
[0078] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to
the embodiment includes the image reading unit, the image
processing unit, and the image forming unit. The image reading unit
reads an image including the front surface of the original
document. The image processing unit extracts an image region of the
front surface of the original document by performing a process of
detecting the original document, and a process of eliminating a
region other than the original document. In addition, the image
reading unit reads an image including the rear surface of the
original document. The image processing unit extracts an image
region of the rear surface of the original document by performing
the process of detecting the original document, and the process of
eliminating a region other than the original document. The image
processing unit generates a printing image in which images from the
front surface and the rear surface of the original document are
disposed so as to be fit in a single side of one sheet. The image
forming unit prints the printing image on the sheet.
[0079] In this manner, the image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment may execute a process of printing both sides of the
original document by putting both sides together on a single side
of one sheet. For example, in both side disposition copying of the
image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, it is not
necessary for a user to input a size of the original document, or
to consider a position of the original document on the original
document table.
[0080] In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment may designate disposition positions of the front surface
and the rear surface of the original document. In this manner, the
image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may also
execute both side disposition copying corresponding to an intention
of a user, in addition to disposing an image at a predetermined
position. In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the
embodiment may designate magnifications with respect to the front
surface and the rear surface of the original document. In this
manner, it is also possible to execute both side disposition
copying corresponding to an intention of a user, in addition to
disposing an image in a predetermined size.
[0081] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *