JP2009224973A - Image processing device, image processing system and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device which can easily confirm a determination result on a recording medium concerning whether or not a setting instruction information satisfies settable conditions, and to provide an image processing system and an image processing program. <P>SOLUTION: The control section 20 of an image processing device 2A functions as: an image analysis means 200 for analyzing image data read out from a setting sheet 11 and acquiring a setting instruction information recorded in the setting sheet 11; an operation condition determining means 201 for determining whether or not the setting instruction information acquired by the image analysis means 200 is settable on the basis of an operation condition information 211; a synthetic image generating means 202 for generating a synthetic image as an information indicating the determination result by the operation condition determining means 201; and a setting means 203 for setting the operation condition information 211 on the basis of the setting instruction information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed an image processing apparatus that reads the contents entered in a setting sheet for changing the setting mode of the image processing apparatus and sets the mode according to the entered contents (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

The image processing apparatus includes a unit that reads an image of a setting sheet on which items relating to the setting mode are printed by a scanner that reads the image, and automatically sets the mode according to the contents written on the setting sheet. Thereby, when performing mode setting, input operation by panel operation can be made unnecessary.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-112064

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of easily confirming on a recording medium a determination result as to whether or not the setting instruction information satisfies a settable condition as compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided. An object is to provide an image processing system and an image processing program.

  In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides the following image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing program.

[1] Storage means for storing settable conditions relating to image processing; acquisition means for acquiring setting instruction information recorded on the recording medium from an image read from the recording medium; and the acquisition means acquired by the acquisition means An image processing apparatus comprising: output means for determining whether or not the setting instruction information can be set based on the settable condition stored in the storage unit, and printing out information indicating the determination result on a recording medium .

[2] The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the output unit prints out information indicating the determination result on a recording medium on which the setting instruction information is recorded.

[3] The image processing device according to [1], wherein the output unit prints out information indicating the determination result by adding frequency information indicating the number of times the recording medium has been read.

[4] The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the output unit changes an output mode when the information indicating the determination result is printed out according to the number of times of reading the recording medium.

[5] The storage means stores simultaneous setting conditions indicating candidates that can be set simultaneously among a plurality of setting items, and the output means cannot set the setting instruction information based on the simultaneous setting conditions. The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein information indicating a combination of candidates that can be set simultaneously among the plurality of setting items is printed out when it is determined.

[6] Storage means for storing settable conditions relating to image processing, reading means for reading a recording medium on which setting instruction information is recorded, and setting instruction information from an image obtained by reading the recording medium by the reading means An acquisition unit to acquire, and whether the setting instruction information acquired by the acquisition unit can be set based on the settable condition stored in the storage unit, and records information indicating the determination result An image processing system comprising output means for printing out on a medium.

[7] An acquisition step of acquiring setting instruction information recorded on the recording medium from an image read from the recording medium, and an image process in which the setting instruction information acquired by the acquisition step is stored in a storage unit An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a generation step of determining whether or not setting is possible based on a settable condition related to and generating recording medium output information including information indicating the determination result.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, the determination result as to whether or not the setting instruction information satisfies the settable condition is easily confirmed on the recording medium as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Can do.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the second aspect, the recording medium can be reused by correcting the setting instruction information on the recording medium.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect, the number of times of reading the recording medium can be recognized.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to identify information indicating the determination result based on a difference in output mode.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily instruct a combination of candidates that can be set simultaneously among a plurality of setting items, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the image processing system of the sixth aspect, the determination result as to whether or not the setting instruction information satisfies the settable condition is easily confirmed on the recording medium as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Can do.

  According to the image processing program of the seventh aspect, the determination result as to whether or not the setting instruction information satisfies the settable condition is easily confirmed on the recording medium as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Can do.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 1A includes an image processing apparatus 2A having a plurality of functions such as scanning and copying.

  The image processing apparatus 2 </ b> A is a main body 25 that constitutes a housing, and a reading unit that is provided in the main body 25 and optically reads the setting sheet 11 supplied from the outside to generate image data as digital data. Each section of the image processing apparatus 2A provided in the main body 25, the printing section 24 provided in the main body 25, and a printing section 24 that performs printing with a visible image based on the print data on a sheet such as the setting sheet 11. And a controller 100 for controlling the above.

  The main body 25 includes, for example, a paper feeding unit 250 that supplies paper set for each size such as A4 and B4, a manual paper feeding unit 251 that supplies paper from the outside of the main body 25, and a manual paper feeding unit 251. A detector 252 for detecting the supplied paper and a paper discharge unit 253 for discharging the paper printed by the printing unit 24 are provided.

  The reading unit 23 optically reads a predetermined surface of the setting sheet 11 supplied from the manual sheet feeding unit 251, for example, a photoelectric conversion element such as an image sensor and an analog signal output from the photoelectric conversion element as a digital signal And an A / D converter that generates setting sheet image data.

  The printing unit 24 includes an exposure unit 240 that generates an optical signal based on print data to be printed, a mirror 241 that reflects light from the exposure unit 240 in a predetermined direction, and a latent surface on the surface based on the light from the mirror 241. A photosensitive drum 242 on which a latent image is formed on the latent image and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 242 is transferred to a predetermined sheet of paper from the paper feeding unit 250 or the manual paper feeding unit 251. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit 243 that transfers onto the surface, and a fixing unit 244 that fixes the transferred toner image on the sheet with heat and pressure.

  The printing unit 24 may use a printing method such as an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, or a plotter method instead of the electrophotographic method, but is not limited thereto. The print data is data converted into a format (for example, PDL) that can be processed by the image processing apparatus 2A in order to print the setting sheet 11.

(Configuration of control system of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a control system of the image processing apparatus 2A. In addition to the above-described reading unit 23 and printing unit 24, the control system controls each unit of the image processing apparatus 2A according to the operating condition information 211. For example, the control unit 20 realized by a CPU, a program, and data A storage unit 21 realized by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc., which stores data, a touch panel display formed by superimposing a touch panel on the surface of the display, and an operation display unit 22 having hard keys such as a start key. Prepare. The controller 100 includes a control unit 20 and a storage unit 21.

  The storage unit 21 stores an image processing program 210A and operation condition information 211 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The control unit 20 operates according to the image processing program 210 </ b> A to perform analysis processing on the image data read from the setting sheet 11 and acquire setting instruction information recorded on the setting sheet 11. The setting instruction information acquired by the image analysis unit 200 is an operation condition determination unit 201 that determines whether or not the setting instruction information can be set based on the operation condition information 211, and a composite image as information indicating the determination result by the operation condition determination unit 201. It functions as a composite image generation unit 202 to be generated, a setting unit 203 that sets the operation condition information 211 based on the setting instruction information, and the like.

  The analysis processing by the image analysis unit 200 is performed by, for example, cutting out an image of a predetermined area in the setting sheet image data, and comparing patterns, characters, marks, and the like included in the image with a recognition dictionary, for example, by a pattern matching method. Thus, the analysis result is the one with the highest similarity.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation condition information. The operation condition information 211 includes a set value that is currently set, a plurality of candidates that can be set values, and a plurality of candidates among the plurality of candidates for each setting item that defines details of functions and operations when executing image processing. The setting condition (setting condition) when selecting a candidate from is stored.

  A candidate selected by the user is referred to as a selection candidate. When the selection candidate satisfies a setting condition, the selection candidate is stored as a setting value. Further, the set value may be selected from a plurality of candidates as described above, or an upper limit or lower limit value or range may be designated by a numerical value or the like.

  For example, when the setting condition is “one can be selected”, it indicates that one candidate can be selected from a plurality of candidates, and two candidates cannot be selected at the same time. Further, when the setting condition is “multiple selectable”, it indicates that at least one candidate can be selected from the plurality of candidates, and a plurality of candidates can be selected at the same time.

  In addition to the in-item setting conditions relating to the candidates in one setting item as described above, the setting conditions may include simultaneous setting conditions indicating candidates that can be set simultaneously among a plurality of setting items. Good. As an example of the simultaneous setting condition, for example, between the setting item “paper size” and the setting item “paper type”, the combination of “A5” and “thick paper” cannot be set at the same time, and the other combinations are simultaneously set There is a condition that it can be set.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting sheet printed by the image processing apparatus 2A. The setting sheet 11 is printed based on the operation condition information 211 illustrated in FIG. 3, and is selected from a plurality of setting items 110, a plurality of candidates 111 corresponding to the setting items 110, and the plurality of candidates 111. A check box 112 for designating the selected candidate by a check mark is printed.

  In the present embodiment, the setting sheet 11 is printed on paper as a recording medium. However, information including the contents of the setting sheet 11 is displayed on a display screen via communication means such as e-mail. The information may be output as information that can be displayed on the recording medium, or may be output as information that can be stored in an external recording medium such as a flash memory or an optical disk.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a completed setting sheet in which a check mark is written on the setting sheet 11 illustrated in FIG. In the completed setting sheet 11A, a check mark 113 is entered in a check box 112 corresponding to a selection candidate selected by the user for each setting item 110 with an erasable writing instrument such as a pencil. Here, it is assumed that the check mark 113 a for the candidate “thick paper” is entered at a position off the check box 112.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, the operation of the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the user sets the completed setting sheet 11A illustrated in FIG. 4B in the manual sheet feeding unit 251 of the image processing apparatus 2A, and operates the operation display unit 22 to give a reading instruction. When the control unit 20 of the image processing apparatus 2 </ b> A receives the reading instruction, the completed setting sheet 11 </ b> A set in the manual sheet feeding unit 251 is conveyed into the main body 25.

  Next, the reading unit 23 reads the completed completed setting sheet 11A and generates image data (S1).

  Next, the image analysis unit 200 performs analysis processing on the generated image data, and recognizes the position where the check mark 113 is entered, thereby obtaining setting designation information for recording selection candidates for each setting item. Obtain (S2).

  For example, in the setting designation information for the completed setting sheet 11A in FIG. 4B, the selection candidate for the setting item “paper size” is recorded as one candidate “A4”, and the selection candidate for the setting item “paper size”. Is marked with “no selection candidate” because the check mark 113a is entered but the position is off the check box 112 and it is recognized that no candidate is selected. The selection candidates for the setting item “magnification” are recorded as two candidates “100%” and “122%”, and the selection candidates for the setting item “paper tray” are two candidates “tray 1” and “tray 2”. Is recorded.

  Next, the operation condition determination unit 201 determines whether or not the setting designation information acquired by the image analysis unit 200 can be set based on the setting condition of the operation condition information 211 (S3). This determination is performed for each setting item. A setting item determined to be settable is referred to as a settable item, and a setting item determined to be unsettable is referred to as an unsettable item.

  For example, in the setting instruction information for the completed setting sheet 11A in FIG. 4B, the selection candidate for the setting item “paper size” is one candidate, and the selection candidate for the setting item “paper tray” is two candidates. Yes, since the setting conditions of these setting items are satisfied, each is determined as a settable item. Since there is no selection candidate for the setting item “paper type”, the setting condition “selectable one” is not satisfied, and there are two selection candidates for the setting item “magnification”. Since the setting condition of “one can be selected” is not satisfied, each item is determined as an unsettable item.

  If there is a settable item in the above determination, the setting unit 203 reflects the selection candidate corresponding to the settable item as a set value in the operation condition information 211 (S10). That is, the selection item “A4” of the setting item “paper size” and the selection candidates “tray 1” and “tray 2” of the setting item “paper tray” are stored in the operation condition information 211 as setting values.

  On the other hand, the composite image generation unit 202 combines the determination result of whether or not each setting item can be set and the determination reason when it is determined that the setting cannot be set so as to be overlaid on the filled setting sheet 11A. Generate an image.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of the generated composite image. In this composite image 12, settable marks 120 for settable items, non-settable marks 121A and 121B for non-settable items, and determination reason display for non-settable items are displayed at corresponding positions on the completed setting sheet 11A. 122A and 122B are arranged. In the example of FIG. 5A, the composite image includes information indicating both settable items and non-settable items, but may be generated so as to indicate only one of them.

  The settable mark 120 is, for example, a circle surrounding the check mark 113 as a selection candidate, and the non-settable marks 121A and 121B are, for example, a rectangle surrounding the check mark 113 as a selection candidate. The settable mark 120 and the non-settable marks 121A and 121B need only be able to be specified as settable items and non-settable items, and the shape, size, etc. are not particularly limited.

  In addition, when the completed setting sheet 11 </ b> A is read a plurality of times, the composite image 12 is added with frequency information for identifying the composite image 12 printed in units of the number of times. Furthermore, the composite image 12 is generated in a different output mode for each number of times.

  For example, when changing the color as the output mode, it is generated as “pink” in the case of the first composite image for the completed setting sheet 11A, and “green” in the case of the second composite image. Is done. The output mode is not limited to the color, and the line thickness, font size, type, and the like may be changed or may be combined. Information relating to such an output mode may be stored in the storage unit 21 and edited by the user via the operation display unit 22.

  Then, the composite image generation unit 202 sends the generated composite image to the exposure unit 240 of the printing unit 24, and the composite image is filled in via the mirror 241, the photosensitive drum 242, the transfer unit 243, and the like. The first overprinted setting sheet printed on the top is discharged to the paper discharge unit 253 (S21).

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a first overprinted setting sheet. The first overprinted setting sheet 11B is printed in a state where the composite image 12 is overlaid on the completed setting sheet 11A. Accordingly, the settable mark 120, the non-settable marks 121A and 121B, and the determination reason displays 122A and 122B are arranged for the corresponding setting item 110 candidates 111, respectively.

  In this embodiment, the composite image 12 is printed on the completed setting sheet 11A to be read. However, the composite image 12 is supplied from, for example, the sheet feeding unit 250, which is different from the completed setting sheet 11A. A composite image equivalent to the first overprinted setting sheet 11B may be printed on the paper. In such a case, the settable items are printed with the check mark 113 pre-filled, and the non-settable items are printed without the check mark 113 filled. Also good.

  Next, the user confirms the first overprinted setting sheet 11B discharged to the paper discharge unit 253 (S30), and whether there is a problem with the first overprinted setting sheet 11B, that is, the setting is not set. It is determined whether the possible marks 121A and 121B are printed (S31).

  If the user determines that there is no problem (S31: Yes), the setting operation ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a problem (S31: No), the entry of the check mark 113 on the first overprinted setting sheet 11B is corrected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a corrected setting sheet. The corrected setting sheet 11C is obtained by correcting the first overprinted setting sheet 11B by the user. Compared with the first overprinted setting sheet 11B, the setting item “paper type” candidate “thick paper” is used. On the other hand, the check mark 113a is deleted and the check mark 113 is entered in the check box 112, the check mark 113 for the setting item “magnification” candidate “100%” is deleted, and the setting item “paper tray” candidate “ The check mark 113 for the “tray 2” is erased and the check mark 113 is entered for the candidate “manual feed”.

  When the user gives a reading instruction using the corrected setting sheet 11C (S32), the control unit 20 accepts the reading instruction and returns to step S1. Then, a reading process is performed on the corrected setting sheet (S1), and the second process after step S1 is similarly performed on the corrected setting sheet 11C. As a result, the second overlap printing setting sheet on which the second combined image generated in the output mode different from the first combined image is printed on the corrected setting sheet 11C is discharged.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the second overlapping print setting sheet 11D. On the second overlap print setting sheet 11D, a settable mark 123 having a thicker line than that of the first composite image is printed as an output mode of the second composite image. Note that since there are no non-settable items in the corrected setting sheet 11C, the non-settable mark and the determination reason are not included in the second composite image.

  FIG. 7B is an enlarged view in which a part of the second overprinted setting sheet is enlarged, and FIG. 7C is an enlarged view in which the settable mark part is further enlarged. In order to identify the settable mark 120 printed by the first combined image and the settable mark 123 printed by the second combined image by analysis processing, the settable mark is, for example, a minimum indicating the number of times. A plurality of characters 120A, 123B and the like are arranged and printed. Then, the image analysis means 200 recognizes the content entered by the user or the number of times the composite image has been printed by recognizing the extremely small letters 120A and 123B in the analysis process. A specific pattern may be used instead of the extreme small letters 120A and 123B.

  As described above, the check mark 113 of the setting sheet is corrected according to the determination result for the setting instruction information, and selection candidates that satisfy the setting condition are set in the operation condition information 211.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the image processing apparatus 2A according to the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 2B included in the image processing system 1B conveys a predetermined sheet through the main body 25, and the reading unit 23 and the printing unit 24 The operation of printing the setting sheet realized by the image processing program 210B stored in the controller 100 is not provided, and the operation of printing the setting sheet is different.

  The image processing apparatus 2B includes an operation display unit 22, a reading unit 23, a printing unit 24, a main body 25, a controller 100, and the like.

  The main body 25 includes, for example, paper supply units 250A to 250C that supply sheets set for each size such as A4 and B4, a manual paper supply unit 251 that supplies paper from the outside of the main body 25 to the printing unit 24, A paper discharge unit 253 that discharges the paper processed by the reading unit 23 and the printing unit 24, an automatic document feeder 254 that sequentially supplies the original 101 from the outside of the main body 25 to the reading unit 23, and the original 101 to be read are provided. A platen 255 to be set.

  The reading unit 23 includes a photoelectric conversion element and an A / D converter similar to those in the first embodiment in the main body 25, and a document supplied from the automatic document feeder 254 or a document set on the platen 255. 101 is read to generate image data.

  The printing unit 24 includes an exposure unit, a mirror, a photosensitive drum, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit similar to those in the first embodiment in the main body 25, and is supplied from the paper feeding units 250A to 250C or the manual paper feeding unit 251. Print processing.

(Operation of Second Embodiment)
Next, the operation of the image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, when the user sets the completed setting sheet 11A on the automatic document feeder 254 or the platen 255 of the image processing apparatus 2B and gives a reading instruction, the reading unit 23 reads the set completed setting sheet 11A. Read to generate image data.

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the image analysis unit 200 acquires setting designation information by analysis processing on the generated image data, and the operation condition determination unit 201 uses the setting designation information as the setting designation information. On the other hand, based on the setting condition of the operation condition information 211, it is determined whether or not setting is possible. Then, the composite image generation unit 202 generates a composite image according to the determination result.

  Next, the control unit 20 sets the completed setting sheet 11 </ b> A in the manual sheet feeding unit 251, and displays a setting sheet request message for requesting the user to instruct to print a composite image on the operation display unit 22. The print instruction is waited.

  Then, according to the displayed setting sheet request message, the user sets the completed setting sheet 11 </ b> A in the manual sheet feeding unit 251 and issues a print instruction via the operation display unit 22.

Next, when the control unit 20 receives the print instruction from the print instruction waiting state,

The control unit 20 conveys the completed setting sheet 11A set in the manual sheet feeding unit 251 into the main body 25, and the reading unit 23 generates the composite generated by the composite image generation unit 202 on the completed setting sheet 11A. The image is printed and discharged to the paper discharge unit 253.

  As described above, the composite image is printed on the completed setting sheet 11A in the image processing apparatus 2B. Thereafter, when the completed setting sheet 11A is corrected and a reading instruction is given again, a composite image similar to that of the first embodiment is generated, and the composite image is printed on the completed setting sheet 11A. The

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 1C optically reads the setting sheet 13, the original 101, and the like, and prints the correction setting sheet 14 as necessary, and an e-mail transmitted from the image processing apparatus 2C. And the like, and a network 10 that connects the image processing device 2C and the terminal device 3 to each other.

(Image processing device)
The image processing apparatus 2C is designated by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like in addition to the control unit 20, the storage unit 21, the operation display unit 22, the reading unit 23, and the printing unit 24 similar to those in the first embodiment. A web server unit 26 that transmits web page information in response to a web page request, a mail transmission / reception unit 27 that controls transmission / reception of electronic mail, and a communication unit that is connected to the network 10 and is realized by, for example, a network interface card 28.

  The storage unit 21 stores an image processing program 210C as shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 17 and 18 to be described later, operating condition information 211 similar to that in the first embodiment, and mail address information 212. .

The control unit 20 operates according to the image processing program 210C, so that in addition to the image analysis unit 200, the operation condition determination unit 201, and the setting unit 203 similar to those in the first embodiment,
It functions as a correction sheet creating unit 204 that creates print data for printing the correction setting sheet 14 including information indicating the determination result by the operation condition determining unit 201.

  The e-mail address information 212 stores the e-mail address of each user using a user ID for identifying the user as a key, and is configured to be editable via the operation display unit 22.

(Terminal device)
The terminal device 3 controls each unit of the terminal device 3, for example, stores a control unit 30 realized by a CPU or the like, a program or data such as a web browser 310 and a mail transmission / reception program 311, for example, a ROM, A storage unit 31 realized by a RAM, a hard disk, etc., a communication unit 32 connected to the network 10, for example, realized by a network interface card, etc., and accepts data input operations, for example, realized by a keyboard, a mouse, etc. For example, a liquid crystal display or the like, which displays various screens and the like by the web browser 310 and the mail transmission / reception program 311.

  Such a terminal device 3 can be composed of, for example, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, or the like.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting sheet printed by the image processing apparatus 2C. As in the first embodiment, the setting sheet 13 includes a plurality of setting items 130, a plurality of candidates 131 corresponding to the setting items 130, and candidates selected from the plurality of candidates 131 as check marks. A check box 133 for specifying the user ID and a user ID entry box 132 for entering the user ID are printed.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a completed setting sheet in which a check mark is written on the setting sheet 13 in FIG. In the completed setting sheet 13A, a check mark 134 is entered in a check box 133 corresponding to a selection candidate selected by the user for each setting item 130. A check mark 134 is also entered in the user ID entry box 132.

(Operation of the third embodiment)
Next, the operation of the image processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case where a copy process is performed on the document 101 as a job executed by the image processing apparatus 2C will be described.

  First, the user arranges the completed setting sheet 13A illustrated in FIG. 11B at the top of the original 101 to be copied as necessary, sets it in the automatic paper feeder of the image processing apparatus 2C, and operates the operation. The display unit 22 is operated to give a copy instruction. A plurality of originals 101 may be bundled, and another completed setting sheet 13A may be inserted between the originals 101.

  When receiving the copy instruction, the control unit 20 of the image processing apparatus 2C sequentially conveys the completed setting sheet 13A and the original 101 set in the automatic paper feeder to the reading unit 23 (S101).

  Next, the reading unit 23 reads the first completed setting sheet 11A that has been conveyed and generates image data. Then, the image analysis unit 200 performs an analysis process on the generated image data, and determines whether or not it is the completed setting sheet 11A (S102).

  If the image analysis unit 200 determines that the setting sheet 11A has been completed (S102: Yes), the image analysis unit 200 recognizes the position where the check mark 134 has been written on the completed setting sheet 11A, thereby setting the setting sheet 11A. The designation information is acquired (S103).

  Next, the operation condition determination unit 201 determines whether or not the setting designation information acquired by the image analysis unit 200 can be set based on the setting condition of the operation condition information 211 (S110).

  When the operation condition determination unit 201 determines that there are no non-settable items (S110: No), the setting unit 203 reflects the setting designation information in the operation condition information 211 to reflect the setting of the document 101. Copy processing is performed (S150). Note that the setting designation information may be reflected only in the copy process of the document 101 that is currently processed, or may be stored in the operation condition information 211 and reflected in the subsequent copy process.

  On the other hand, when the operation condition determination unit 201 determines that there are items that cannot be set (S110: Yes) in step S110, the control unit 20 interrupts the copy process that is the job being processed (S130). ).

  Next, when the user ID is specified in the setting instruction information, that is, when there is no notification ID (S131: No), the correction sheet creation unit 204 indicates the setting item determined as an unsettable item. Print data of the correction setting sheet 14 is created (S132), the correction setting sheet 14 is printed by the printing unit 24, and is discharged from the paper discharge unit (S133).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction setting sheet. This correction setting sheet 14A is a simultaneous setting condition in which the candidate “automatic” for the setting item “magnification” and the candidate “automatic” for the setting item “paper size” cannot be set simultaneously in the setting conditions of the operation condition information 211. Is printed when is stored.

  A plurality of setting items 130, a plurality of candidates 131, a check box 133, and a user ID entry box 132 similar to the setting sheet 13 of FIG. 11A are printed on the correction setting sheet 14 </ b> A and the setting item “ A setting impossible display 140 indicating that it is determined that setting is not possible between the “magnification” and the setting item “paper size” is printed. Further, other setting items determined to be settable items are printed with a check mark 134 preliminarily entered. The correction setting sheet 14A may be printed by superimposing the setting impossible display 140 on the setting sheet 11 to be read.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the correction setting sheet on which only items that cannot be set are printed. This correction setting sheet 14B is printed in the same manner as the correction setting sheet 14A of FIG. The correction setting sheet 14B is provided with four selection regions 141A to 141D corresponding to combinations of candidates that can be set simultaneously between the setting item “magnification” and the setting item “paper size”, and the upper right of the selection regions 141A to 141D. A specific mark 144 for specifying the correction setting sheet 14B is printed.

  The selection areas 141A to 141D are provided with setting items 130, candidates 134 corresponding to the setting items 130, and selection boxes 142A to 142D for selecting one of the four selection areas 141A to 141D, respectively. . In the check boxes 133 in the selection areas 141A to 141D, a check mark 134 is printed in a state in which a check mark 134 is entered in advance for a combination of candidate 131 satisfying the setting condition or any setting item candidate 131. Auxiliary messages 143A and 143B for filling in are printed. Therefore, in the correction setting sheet 14B, a check mark is entered in any of the selection boxes 142A to 142D by the user, and the check box 133 in the selected selection area is checked as necessary. A mark 134 is entered.

  The identification mark 144 stores information for identifying the correction setting sheet 14B. For example, a machine for a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a glyph code (registered trademark) or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. The readable code is readable by the image processing apparatus 2C.

  Note that the correction setting sheets 14A and 14B in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be printed according to a user's selection instruction or the like.

  On the other hand, if there is a notification ID in step S131 (S131: Yes), the mail transmission / reception unit 27 acquires a mail address corresponding to the user ID from the mail address information 212, and uses the mail address as a destination for the job. An interruption mail is transmitted (S140). When the user operates the terminal device 3 and starts the mail transmission / reception program 311, the control unit 30 operates according to the mail transmission / reception program 311 and displays the transmitted job interruption mail on a mail display screen described later. To do.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail display screen on which a job interruption mail is displayed. This mail display screen 15 is a screen displaying the contents of the job interruption mail, and is provided with a header display area 150A, a mail text display area 150B, and an attached file display area 150C in order from the top.

  In the header display area 150A, the subject, destination, sender, and the like are displayed. For example, the subject includes a sheet ID 151 for specifying the correction setting sheet 14.

  In the mail body display area 150B, a URL 152 for opening a correction screen described later, a setting impossible display 153 indicating that it is determined that setting cannot be performed between the setting item “magnification” and the setting item “paper size”, The first option 154 corresponding to the selection boxes 142A to 142D in the correction setting sheet 14B and the second options 155A and 155B corresponding to the check box 133 in the correction setting sheet 14B are printed.

  In the attached file display area 150C, for example, image data generated by reading the completed setting sheet 11A is displayed as an attached file 156.

(Correction process using the setting sheet for correction)
Next, a correction process for correcting the setting instruction information using the correction setting sheet 14 illustrated in FIG. 12 or 13 will be described. First, when the user enters a check mark 134 on the correction setting sheet 14 and gives a reading instruction, the control unit 20 conveys the correction setting sheet 14 to the reading unit 23 (S101).

  Next, the reading unit 23 reads the conveyed setting sheet for correction 14 to generate image data, and the image analysis unit 200 determines whether or not the generated image data is a completed setting sheet. (S102). Here, since the image data is generated by reading the correction setting sheet 14, the image analysis means 200 determines that the setting sheet is not a completed setting sheet (S102: No).

  Next, in step S130, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the job is pending depending on the presence or absence of the interrupted job (S120). If it is determined that there is no interrupted job, that is, the generated image data is a document to be copied (S120: No), copy processing is executed (S150), and the interrupted job is If there is (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the image analysis unit 200 determines whether or not the generated image data is the correction setting sheet 14 based on the specific mark 144 (S201). If the image analysis unit 200 determines that the document is not the correction setting sheet 14, that is, the document to be copied (S201: No), the image analysis unit 200 executes the copy process (S202).

  On the other hand, if the image analysis unit 200 determines that the correction setting sheet 14 is set (S201: Yes), the image analysis unit 200 sets the correction setting sheet 14 by recognizing the position where the check mark 134 is written. The designation information is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S110. Then, the operation condition determination unit 201 determines whether or not setting is possible (S110) similar to the above based on the setting designation information acquired from the correction setting sheet 14, and if there is no unsettable item (S110: No), the setting instruction information on the correction setting sheet 14 is reflected, and the copy process is performed (S150). On the other hand, when there are items that cannot be set (S110: Yes), the correction setting sheet 14 is printed again (S132, S133), or a job interruption mail is transmitted (S140).

(Correction process by mail display screen)
Next, the correction process by the mail display screen 15 illustrated in FIG. 14 will be described. First, the user confirms the contents of the job interruption mail on the mail display screen 15 displayed on the terminal device 3, and creates a job interruption cancellation mail as a reply on the mail creation screen.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail creation screen. This mail creation screen 16 is a screen for creating a job suspension cancellation mail, and is provided with a header display area 160A and a mail text display area 160B. For example, the sheet ID 161 is input as the subject in the header display area 160A, and the number “1” corresponding to the first option 154 is input as the reply content 162 in the mail body display area 160B, for example.

  When the user gives an instruction to send the job suspension release mail created on the mail creation screen 16, the control unit 30 sends the job suspension release email to the image processing apparatus 2C designated as the destination.

  Further, when the user selects the URL 152 by clicking or the like on the mail display screen 15, the web browser 310 transmits a web page request including the URL 152 to the image processing apparatus 2C.

  When the web server unit 26 receives the web page request, it returns web page information corresponding to the URL 152. Then, the web browser 310 displays a correction screen on the display unit 34 based on the web page information.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction screen. The correction screen 17 includes a URL 170, a setting impossible display 171, a paper selection area 172A for the setting item “paper”, a magnification selection area 172B for the setting item “magnification”, a paper selection area 172A, and a magnification selection area 172B. A determination button 175 for determining the candidate selected in is displayed.

  In the paper selection area 172A and the magnification selection area 172B, a plurality of candidates 173A and 173B and selection buttons 174 corresponding to the candidates 173A and 173B are provided. Then, when the user selects a candidate for each setting item with the selection button 174 and presses the enter button 175, the control unit 30 creates a job suspension cancellation mail based on the candidate selected with the selection button 174, The job interruption release mail is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2C.

  Next, the operation during the job suspension of the image processing apparatus 2C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the mail transmission / reception unit 27 of the image processing apparatus 2C receives a mail (S211), it is determined whether the received mail is a job interruption release mail (S212). For example, the determination may be made according to whether the subject of the mail includes a sheet ID.

  Next, when the mail transmission / reception unit 27 determines that the received mail is a job suspension cancellation mail (S212: Yes), the first and second reply contents 162 described in the text of the job suspension cancellation mail are displayed. The setting instruction information is acquired based on the numbers indicating the options 154, 155A, and 155B (S213). If the received mail is not a job suspension cancellation mail (S212: No), the process ends as it is.

  Next, the operation condition determination unit 201 determines whether or not the acquired setting instruction information can be set (S214). If there is no unsettable item (S214: No), the setting is made by the job suspension release mail. The instruction information is reflected and a copy process is performed (FIG. 17: S150). On the other hand, when there are items that cannot be set (S214: Yes), the job interruption mail is transmitted again (S215).

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the setting sheet setting target is the operation condition information stored in the image processing apparatus. However, the setting sheet may be applied to other image processing apparatuses such as a scanner apparatus and a printer apparatus.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, various means included in the control unit of the image processing apparatus are realized by the control unit and the image processing program. However, part or all of them are integrated into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC: Application). It may be realized by hardware such as Specific IC).

  The image processing program used in each of the above embodiments may be read from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM into a storage unit in the apparatus, or stored in the apparatus from a server connected to a network such as the Internet. You may download to the department.

  In addition, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the image processing system according to each of the above embodiments only needs to include the functions and data of the image processing apparatus as a whole, and a plurality of apparatuses having a single function such as a scanner apparatus and a printer apparatus. May be configured systematically, or may be configured by adding a management device such as a server.

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a control system of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation condition information. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting sheet, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a completed setting sheet in which a check mark is entered in the setting sheet of FIG. 4A. . FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a composite image, and FIG. 5B is a first overprinted setting in which the composite image of FIG. 5A is printed over the completed setting sheet. It is a figure which shows an example of a sheet | seat. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a corrected setting sheet. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the second overlap printing setting sheet 11D, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a part of the second overlap printing completed setting sheet. FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of the settable mark portion. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an overall view showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting sheet, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of a completed setting sheet in which a check mark is entered in the setting sheet of FIG. 11A. . FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction setting sheet. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the correction setting sheet on which only items that cannot be set are printed. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail display screen on which a job interruption mail is displayed. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mail creation screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction screen. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18A is a flowchart connected to the flowchart of FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a flowchart connected to the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A-1C ... Image processing system, 2A-2C ... Image processing apparatus, 3 ... Terminal device, 10 ... Network, 11 ... Setting sheet, 11A ... Completed setting sheet, 11B ... First overprinted setting sheet, 11C ... Corrected setting sheet, 11D ... second overprint setting sheet, 12 ... composite image, 13 ... setting sheet, 13A ... completed setting sheet, 14, 14A, 14B ... correcting setting sheet, 15 ... mail display screen, 16 ... Mail creation screen, 17 ... Modification screen, 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Storage part, 22 ... Operation display part, 23 ... Reading part, 24 ... Printing part, 25 ... Main body, 26 ... Web server part, 27 ... Mail transmission / reception , 28 ... Communication unit, 30 ... Control unit, 31 ... Storage unit, 32 ... Communication unit, 33 ... Input unit, 34 ... Display unit, 100 ... Controller, 101 ... Document, 110 ... Setting item, 11 ... Candidate, 112 ... Check box, 113, 113a ... Check mark, 120 ... Settable mark, 120A ... Extremely small letter, 121A, 121B ... Unsettable mark, 122A, 122B ... Determination reason display, 123 ... Settable mark, 123B ... Extremely small letters, 130 ... Setting items, 131 ... Candidates, 132 ... User ID entry box, 133 ... Check box, 134 ... Check mark, 134 ... Candidate, 140 ... Unsettable display, 141A-141D ... Selection area, 142A ~ 142D ... selection box, 143A, 143B ... auxiliary message, 144 ... specific mark, 150A ... header display area, 150B ... mail text display area, 150C ... attached file display area, 151 ... sheet ID, 152 ... URL, 153 ... setting Impossible display, 154 ... 1st Options 155A, 155B ... Second option, 156 ... Attached file, 160A ... Header display area, 160B ... Mail text display area, 161 ... Sheet ID, 162 ... Reply contents, 170 ... URL, 171 ... Unsettable display, 172A ... paper selection area, 172B ... magnification selection area, 173A, 173B ... candidate, 174 ... select button, 175 ... decision button, 200 ... image analysis means, 201 ... operating condition determination means, 202 ... composite image generation means, 203 ... Setting means, 214 ... correction sheet creating means, 210A to 210C ... image processing program, 211 ... operating condition information, 212 ... mail address information, 240 ... exposure part, 241 ... mirror, 242 ... photosensitive drum, 243 ... transfer part 244: Fixing unit, 250, 250A to 250C: Paper feeding unit, 251: Manual paper feeding unit 252 ... Detector, 253 ... Paper discharge unit, 254 ... Automatic document feeder, 255 ... Platen, 310 ... Web browser, 311 ... Mail transmission / reception program

Claims (7)

Storage means for storing settable conditions relating to image processing;
Obtaining means for obtaining setting instruction information recorded on the recording medium from an image read from the recording medium;
An output for determining whether or not the setting instruction information acquired by the acquiring unit can be set based on the settable condition stored in the storage unit, and printing out information indicating the determination result on a recording medium And an image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit prints out information indicating the determination result on a recording medium on which the setting instruction information is recorded.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit prints out information indicating the determination result by adding frequency information indicating the number of times of reading the recording medium.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit changes an output mode when printing out information indicating the determination result according to the number of times the recording medium is read. The storage means stores simultaneous setting conditions indicating candidates that can be set simultaneously among a plurality of setting items,
The output means prints out information indicating a combination of candidates that can be set simultaneously among the plurality of setting items when the setting instruction information determines that setting is impossible based on the simultaneous setting condition. The image processing apparatus according to 1. Storage means for storing settable conditions relating to image processing;
Reading means for reading a recording medium on which setting instruction information is recorded;
Obtaining means for obtaining the setting instruction information from an image obtained by reading the recording medium by the reading means;
An output for determining whether or not the setting instruction information acquired by the acquiring unit can be set based on the settable condition stored in the storage unit, and printing out information indicating the determination result on a recording medium And an image processing system. An acquisition step of acquiring setting instruction information recorded on the recording medium from an image read from the recording medium;
It is determined whether or not the setting instruction information acquired in the acquisition step can be set based on a setting condition regarding image processing stored in the storage unit, and recording medium output information including information indicating the determination result is determined. An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a generation step to be generated.

Images