JP5697792B2 - Image processing program, electronic device, image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that performs image processing on image data, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing program used for these.

Image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines execute image forming processing for forming an image on paper based on input image data. For example, the image data includes a document described by letters, numbers, symbols, and various objects such as diagrams, tables, photographs, and graphs. In particular, the document includes reference characters such as “see FIG. A” and “see table a” indicating the object to be referred to. A viewer of such a document refers to the object as appropriate according to the description of the reference character while reading the document.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating print data by storing them in one page when the object and related information related to the object extend over a plurality of pages.

JP 2011-68060 A

An image forming apparatus having a double-sided printing function for forming images on both sides of a sheet is generally known. When image data is printed using such a double-sided printing function, reference characters and objects may be printed separately on the front and back sides of a sheet of paper. In this case, since the document viewer refers to the object while turning over the paper when reading the document, there is a problem that the burden of browsing is large.
The above-mentioned patent document 1 discloses a technique for printing an object and related information in one page. However, when image data is printed on both sides, reference characters and objects are placed on the front and back sides of the paper. It does not consider the case where it is located.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing program, an electronic apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the burden when browsing a double-side printed document. Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image processing program for causing a computer to execute an extraction process, a specific process, and a data generation process. The extraction step extracts the position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and the position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to. In the identifying step, when the image data is printed on both sides of the object, the identifying object that the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object is extracted by the extracting step. Identify based on results. The data generation step is based on the image data, edited image data obtained by copying the specific object at a position to be printed on a sheet different from the reference character corresponding to the specific object when duplex printing is performed. To generate. The object is a figure, a table, a photograph, a graph, or the like.
According to the present invention, a viewer who browses a document in which the edited image data is printed on both sides refers to the specific object printed on another sheet without turning over the sheet and referring to the specific object. Can reduce the burden on the viewer.
By the way, this invention can be grasped | ascertained as an electronic device provided with an extraction means, an identification means, and a data generation means. The extraction means extracts a position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and a position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to. The specifying unit extracts the specific object by which the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the image data is printed on both sides of the object. Identify based on results. The data generation means, based on the image data, edits image data obtained by copying the specific object at a position to be printed on a sheet different from the reference character corresponding to the specific object when duplex printing is performed. To generate.
Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as an image forming apparatus including an extracting unit, a specifying unit, an image data generating unit, and a duplex printing processing unit. The extraction means extracts a position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and a position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to. The specifying unit extracts the specific object by which the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the image data is printed on both sides of the object. Identify based on results. The data generation means, based on the image data, edits image data obtained by copying the specific object at a position to be printed on a sheet different from the reference character corresponding to the specific object when duplex printing is performed. To generate. The double-sided printing processing unit forms images on both sides of the paper based on the edited image data generated by the data generating unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce a burden at the time of browsing a document printed on both sides.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the procedure of the double-sided printing process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating an example of input image data. The figure for demonstrating an example of the execution result of the double-sided printing process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating an example of input image data. The figure for demonstrating an example of the execution result of the double-sided printing process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not.

<Schematic configuration of MFP X>
First, a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine X, and FIG. 1B is a view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1A.
The multifunction machine X is an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit 1, an ADF 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, a control unit 5, an operation display unit 6, and the like. The operation display unit 6 is a touch panel that displays various types of information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 5 and inputs various types of information to the control unit 5. The multifunction machine X is merely an example of an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. For example, a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, and the like correspond to the electronic apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

The image reading unit 1 is an image reading unit including a contact glass 11, a reading unit 12, mirrors 13 and 14, an optical lens 15, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 16, and the like. The contact glass 11 is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 1 and is a transparent document table on which a document P to be read by the multifunction machine X is placed. The image reading unit 1 reads image data from the document P placed on the contact glass 11 under the control of the control unit 5.
The reading unit 12 includes an LED light source 121 and a mirror 122, and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction (sub-scanning direction) in FIG. 1A by a moving mechanism (not shown) using a driving motor such as a stepping motor. Has been. When the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the drive motor, the light irradiated on the contact glass 11 from the LED light source 121 is scanned in the sub-scanning direction.
The LED light source 121 includes a number of white LEDs arranged along the depth direction (main scanning direction) in FIG. 1A, and faces the document P at the reading position 12A on the contact glass 11. Irradiate one line of white light. Note that the reading position 12A moves in the sub-scanning direction as the reading unit 12 moves in the sub-scanning direction.
The mirror 122 reflects reflected light toward the mirror 13 when light is emitted from the LED light source 121 to the document P at the reading position 12A. The light reflected by the mirror 122 is guided to the optical lens 15 by the mirrors 13 and 14. The optical lens 15 collects incident light and makes it incident on the CCD 16.
The CCD 16 is a photoelectric conversion element that converts received light into an electrical signal (voltage) corresponding to the amount of light and outputs it as image data. Specifically, the CCD 16 reads the image data of the document P based on the light reflected from the document P when light is emitted from the LED light source 121. Image data read by the CCD 16 is input to the control unit 5.

The ADF 2 is an automatic document feeder including a document setting unit 21, a plurality of conveyance rollers 22, a document pressing unit 23, a paper discharge unit 24, and the like. The ADF 2 is supported by the housing of the multifunction machine X so as to be openable and closable with respect to the contact glass 11, and also serves as a cover for the contact glass 11.
The ADF 2 drives each of the transport rollers 22 by a motor (not shown), thereby allowing the document P set on the document setting unit 21 to pass through the reading position 12A on the contact glass 11 and the sheet discharge unit 24. Transport to. At this time, the image reading unit 1 reads image data from the document P passing through the reading position 12A.
The document presser 23 is provided at a position above the reading position 12A on the contact glass 11 at an interval through which the document P can pass. The document retainer 23 is long in the main scanning direction, and a white sheet is attached to the lower surface (the surface on the contact glass 11 side). In the multifunction machine X, the image data of the white sheet is read as white reference data. The white reference data is used for known shading correction and the like.

The image forming unit 3 performs an image forming process (printing process) based on image data read by the image reading unit 1 or image data input from an information processing apparatus such as an external personal computer. This is an image forming unit of the type.
Specifically, the image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging device 32, an LSU (laser scanner unit) 33, a developing device 34, a transfer roller 35, a static eliminating device 36, a fixing roller 37, a pressure roller 38, and the like. It has. The image forming unit 3 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 4 according to the following procedure.
First, the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 32. Next, the LSU 33 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 with light based on image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31 is developed (visualized) as a toner image by the developing device 34. The developing device 34 is supplied with toner (developer) from a removable toner container 34A. Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred onto a sheet by the transfer roller 35. Thereafter, the toner image transferred to the sheet is heated and fixed by the fixing roller 37 when the sheet passes between the fixing roller 37 and the pressure roller 38. The potential of the photosensitive drum 31 is neutralized by the neutralization device 36.

The paper feed unit 4 includes a paper transport path 40, paper feed cassettes 41 and 42, a manual feed tray 43, a plurality of transport rollers 44, a paper discharge tray 45, a transport switching unit 46, a paper reversing mechanism 47, and a plurality of transport rollers 48. Etc. The paper feed unit 4 is controlled by the control unit 5 so that the paper stored in the paper feed cassettes 41 and 42 or the paper placed on the manual feed tray 43 is transferred to the image forming unit 3. The paper is passed through and conveyed to the paper discharge tray 45.
The paper transport path 40 continues from the paper feed cassettes 41 and 42 or the manual feed tray 43 to the paper discharge tray 45 through the image forming unit 3, and the paper is transported by the transport rollers 44. This is a paper conveyance path.
Each of the paper feed cassettes 41 and 42 is provided with pickup rollers 41A and 42A that are driven by a drive motor (not shown) and take out paper from the paper feed cassettes 41 and 42. The manual feed tray 43 is provided with a pickup roller 43 </ b> A that is driven by a drive motor (not shown) to take out paper from the manual feed tray 43.
The plurality of transport rollers 44 are connected to a drive motor (not shown) whose drive is controlled by the control unit 5 via a drive transmission unit such as a gear. The plurality of transport rollers 44 transport the paper on the paper transport path 40 by being rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) while the paper is sandwiched.
The transport switching unit 46 switches the paper transport destination on the paper transport path 40 to either the paper discharge tray 45 or the double-sided transport path 40 A following the paper reversing mechanism 47. The double-sided conveyance path 40A is a sheet conveyance path for causing the plurality of conveyance rollers 48 to convey the sheet from the conveyance switching unit 46 to the image forming unit 3 again. The transport switching unit 46 is operated by the driving unit such as a solenoid whose driving is controlled by the control unit 5 and the driving unit, and the transport destination of the paper on the paper transport path 40 is set to the discharge tray. 45 or a switching claw for switching to the paper reversing mechanism 47.
The paper reversing mechanism 47 is for reversing the front and back surfaces of the paper conveyed by the double-sided conveyance path 40A. As a result, in the image forming unit 3, an image forming process is performed on the back surface of the sheet conveyed through the sheet reversing mechanism 47. Therefore, in the multifunction machine X, the duplex printing function for executing duplex printing for forming images on both sides of the paper is realized by using the duplex transport path 40A, the paper reversing mechanism 47, and the like.

The control unit 5 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. Then, the control unit 5 performs overall control of the multifunction machine X by executing a predetermined control program stored in the ROM by the CPU. The RAM is a volatile storage unit, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile storage unit, and is used as a temporary storage unit for various processes executed by the CPU, for example. The control unit 5 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC, DSP).
The ROM stores in advance an image processing program for causing a computer such as the CPU to execute double-sided printing processing (see the flowchart in FIG. 2) described later. The image processing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a semiconductor memory (flash memory), and a hard disk (not shown) provided in the EEPROM or the multifunction device X from the recording medium. It may be installed in a storage means such as. The present invention may be understood as a computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program is recorded.

<Double-sided printing process>
Hereinafter, an example of a double-sided printing process executed by the control unit 5 in the multifunction machine X will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process performed by the said control part 5 is called step S1, S2, ....
The double-sided printing process is performed when, for example, a double-sided printing function is enabled by a user operation of the operation display unit 6 or a user operation of an external information processing apparatus and a print request for image data over a plurality of pages is made. It is executed by the control unit 5. The image data is image data read by the image reading unit 1 or image data input from an information processing apparatus such as an external personal computer.

(Step S1)
First, in step S1, the control unit 5 analyzes image data (hereinafter referred to as “input image data”) over a plurality of pages input as a printing target for double-sided printing, and is included in the input image data. Extracted objects and characters. Note that the analysis processing in step S1 may be performed using, for example, conventionally known OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing, image recognition processing, and the like, and thus description thereof is omitted here.
More specifically, the control unit 5 extracts the positions of one or more objects included in the input image data and the positions of reference characters indicating that each of the objects is referred to. At this time, the control unit 5 extracts an identification character given to each object in order to identify each object as a position of each object. Here, such processing corresponds to an extraction step, and the control unit 5 when executing such processing corresponds to extraction means. Note that the position of the object and the position of the reference character are information on at least a page number in the input image data.
The object is a figure, table, photograph, graph, or the like included in the input image data. Further, the identification character is a character such as “Figure a”, “Table a”, “Photo a”, “Graph a”, etc., which is described in the input image data in the top, bottom, left and right of the object or inside the object. is there. Further, the reference character is included in a character string described in a different place from the identification character in the input image data, for example, “see FIG. A”, “see table a”, “see photo a”, “graph a” Characters such as “reference”. That is, the control unit 5 determines that the reference character is based on the description “reference”. It is also conceivable that the control unit 5 extracts a character in which the identification character is written in parentheses as shown in (a) and (a) in FIG.
If the input image data is data that does not have the concept of a page, the position of the object changes depending on the paper size used for double-sided printing. Therefore, the control unit 5 is designated when the double-sided printing is requested. The image data of the simulation result when printing is performed with the selected paper size is created, and each process of the duplex printing process is executed based on the image data.

(Step S2)
Next, in step S2, the control unit 5 corresponds to the object on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the input image data of the object is printed on both sides based on the extraction result in step S1. One or more specific objects on which the reference characters to be printed are specified. That is, the control unit 5 predicts a result when double-sided printing is performed based on the input image data, and the position of the identification character and the position of the reference character including the identification character are the same on the surface of the sheet. And an object corresponding to the identification character is specified as the specific object. This process corresponds to a specific process, and the control unit 5 when executing the process corresponds to a specifying unit.
Specifically, the control unit 5 specifies that the object is a specific object when the reference character including the identification character exists on the back side of the printing surface of the identification character corresponding to the object among the objects. To do. For example, when the input image data is directly printed on both sides, the identification character “Fig. A” is printed on the front side of the paper, and the reference character “see FIG. A” is printed on the back side of the paper. The object of FIG. A corresponding to “FIG. A” is specified as the specific object.

(Step S3)
In step S3, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the specific object exists. That is, in step S3, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the object and the reference character that are printed separately on the front and back sides of one sheet exist when the input image data is printed on both sides. Judging.
Here, when it is determined that the specific object exists (Yes side of S3), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S4. On the other hand, when the control unit 5 determines that the specific object does not exist (No side of S3), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S11 to be described later, and executes a double-sided printing operation based on the input image data.

(Step S4)
In the following steps S4 to S10, the control unit 5 executes a process for copying each of the specific objects specified in step S2 to a page different from the reference character corresponding to the specific object. The This processing corresponds to a data generation step, and the control unit 5 when executing such processing corresponds to a data generation means.
First, in step S4, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the specific object has a size that can be reduced. Specifically, the control unit 5 determines that the character can be reduced when the size of characters included in the specific object is equal to or larger than a preset minimum size. The minimum size is a size that is set in advance as a size that ensures the visibility set in advance for the size of characters included in the specific object when the specific object is reduced at a predetermined reduction rate set in advance. It is. The control unit 5 can specify the size of characters included in the specific object by executing an OCR process on the input image data. The determination as to whether or not the specific object can be reduced by the control unit 5 may be made according to whether or not the size of the specific object is equal to or larger than a predetermined size set in advance, for example. Further, after the specific object is reduced at the predetermined reduction rate, the control unit 5 reads the character size from the reduced specific object, and can reduce the character object when the character size is equal to or larger than the minimum size. It can be considered that there is. In addition, it is conceivable as another embodiment that the specific object is reduced at a predetermined reduction rate set in advance regardless of the size of characters included in the specific object.
Here, if the said control part 5 judges that the said specific object can be reduced (Yes side of S4), it will transfer a process to step S5. On the other hand, if the said control part 5 judges that the said specific object cannot be reduced (No side of S4), it will transfer a process to step S6.

(Step S5)
In step S5, the control unit 5 generates a reduced object obtained by reducing the specific object at a predetermined reduction rate set in advance. The size of the character included in the reduced object generated here is equal to or larger than the minimum size, and visibility assumed in advance for the reduced object is ensured. As a result, the size of the specific object in the copy destination page of the specific object is reduced, and a plurality of specific objects can be arranged on the same page, and toner consumption during printing can be reduced.
At this time, the control unit 5 may calculate a reduction ratio at which the minimum character size included in the specific object becomes the minimum size, and reduce the specific object by the reduction ratio. Thereby, since the size of the character in the specific object becomes the minimum size, the size after copying of the specific object can be made as small as possible while ensuring the visibility assumed in advance for the character in the specific object. .

(Step S6)
Next, in step S6, the control unit 5 outputs the edited image data obtained by copying the specific object to a position where it is printed on a sheet different from the reference character corresponding to the specific object when duplex printing is performed. Generated based on image data. Specifically, the control unit 5 generates edited image data in which an additional page on which the specific object or the reduced object is copied is added to the end of the image data. As a result, in the edited image data, each of the specific objects is also copied to a page of a sheet different from the reference character corresponding to the object.
In addition, when there is a margin on the last sheet when the input image data is printed on both sides, and the sheet is different from the sheet on which the specific object is arranged, the specific object is included in the margin. Copied is also conceivable as another embodiment. In addition, the additional page may be added not only to the end of the input image data but also to the beginning of the input image data.

(Step S7)
Subsequently, in step S7, the control unit 5 adds preset copy target information indicating that it is a copy target to the reference character corresponding to the specific object. Specifically, the copy target information is an asterisk set in advance as a symbol indicating that the specific object has been copied to the additional page. The copy target information may be a page number of an additional page to which the specific object is copied.
Thus, when printing is executed based on the edited image data to which the copy target information is added, the viewer copies the specific object corresponding to the reference character to the additional page by the copy target information. Can be easily grasped. The copy target information only needs to be added to one or more of the specific object, the identification character, and the reference character.

(Step S8)
Thereafter, in step S8, the control unit 5 determines whether or not copying of all the specific objects specified in step S2 is completed.
Here, when all the specific objects have been copied (Yes side of S8), the control unit 5 moves the process to step S9, and when not finished (No side of S8), The process returns to step S4.

(Step S9)
Next, in step S <b> 9, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the reference character indicating that the plurality of specific objects are referred to simultaneously exists. Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether there is a description such as “see FIG. A and FIG. E”, “see FIG. A and FIG. E”, “see FIG.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that there is the reference character indicating that the plurality of specific objects are referred to (Yes side of S9), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when the control unit 5 determines that the reference character indicating that a plurality of the specific objects are referred to does not exist (No side of S9), the process proceeds to step S11. For example, when a plurality of reference characters are included in one or a plurality of preset lines, or when a plurality of reference characters are included in a predetermined range (block), Execution of step S10 described later is also conceivable as another embodiment.

(Step S10)
In step S <b> 10, the control unit 5 sets the plurality of specific objects corresponding to the reference characters indicating that the plurality of specific objects are referred to on the same page in the edited image data. The layout of the specific object is changed.
When the plurality of reference characters corresponding to the plurality of specific objects are described in a plurality of locations in different combinations in the input image data, the control unit 5 changes the layout of the specific object on the additional page. It is also possible not to. In addition, the control unit 5 may place each of the specific objects on the same page with priority given to a combination having a high appearance rate among the plurality of combinations.

(Step S11)
In step S11, the control unit 5 controls the image forming unit 3 to execute a double-sided printing operation for forming images on both sides of the paper based on the input image data or the edited image data. Here, the control unit 5 when executing such processing corresponds to double-sided printing processing means.
Here, when a double-sided printing operation is performed based on the edited image data, the additional page is newly added to the end of the input image data in the document obtained as a result of the printing, and the additional page A copy of the specific object is printed. Therefore, a viewer who browses a document on which the edited image data is printed on both sides can refer to the specific object printed on another paper without turning over the paper and referring to the specific object. The burden on the viewer is reduced. Further, since the new additional page is added at the end of the input image data, the layout of the document in the original input image data is also maintained.

Hereinafter, an example of the execution result of the double-sided printing process will be described with reference to FIGS.
3 and 5 are examples of the input image data, and FIGS. 4 and 6 are examples of the edited image data. The input image data shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is different in that the reference characters written on the back side of the third sheet are “see FIG. E” and “see FIGS. A and e”.

First, when the input image data shown in FIG. 3 is input, in the double-sided printing process, the control unit 5 causes the objects P1 to P5, the identification characters “FIG. A” to “FIG. E”, and the reference character “FIG. “refer to a” to “refer to FIG. e” are extracted (step S1).
Assuming that the input image data is printed on both sides, the reference character “see FIG. A” corresponding to the object P1 is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object P1. Similarly, the reference character “see FIG. C” corresponding to the object P3 is printed on the back surface of the printing surface of the object P3, and the reference character corresponding to the object P5 is printed on the back surface of the printing surface of the object P5. “See FIG. E” is printed. Accordingly, the control unit 5 identifies the objects P1, P3, and P5 as the specific objects (step S2).
For this reason, the control unit 5 determines that the specific characters P1, P3, and P5 correspond to the reference characters “see FIG. A”, “see FIG. C”, and “see FIG. Edited image data obtained by copying the objects P1, P3, and P5 is generated (steps S4 to S8). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the edited image data. As shown in FIG. 4, in the edited image data, an additional page of the fourth front surface and the fourth rear surface to which the specific objects P1, P3, and P5 are copied is added at the end of the input image data. . In the edited image data, the reference characters “see FIG. A”, “see FIG. C”, and “see FIG. E” corresponding to the specific objects P1, P3, and P5 are marked with an asterisk as the copy target information. ing. Further, the object P1 is reduced at the predetermined reduction rate and copied to the additional page.
Therefore, when the two-sided printing of the edited image data shown in FIG. 4 is performed, the viewer of the document places the reference characters “see FIG. A”, “see FIG. C”, and “see FIG. E”. Can be referred to, the specific objects P1, P3, and P5 printed on another sheet can be referred to. In addition, the viewer can identify the specific objects P1, P3, and P5 corresponding to the reference characters “see FIG. A”, “see FIG. C”, and “see FIG. It can be easily grasped that it has been copied to the additional page.

On the other hand, when the input image data shown in FIG. 5 is input, in the double-sided printing process, the control unit 5 causes the objects P1 to P5, the identification characters “FIG. A” to “FIG. E”, and the reference character “FIG. “refer to a” to “refer to FIG. a and FIG. e” are extracted (step S1). Only the differences from the case where the input image data shown in FIG. 3 is input will be described here.
Specifically, in the input image data shown in FIG. 5, the identification characters “see FIG. A and FIG. E” indicating that the two specific objects P <b> 1 and P <b> 5 are referred to are described on the back side of the third sheet. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the layout of the specific objects P1, P3, and P5 on the additional page of the edited image data so that the specific objects P1 and P5 are printed on the same page (step S10). . FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a result of changing the layout of the edited image data. In the edited image data shown in FIG. 6, the objects P1 and P5 are disposed on the front surface of the fourth sheet, and the object P3 is disposed on the back surface of the fourth sheet.
Therefore, when the two-sided printing of the edited image data shown in FIG. 6 is performed, the viewer of the document reads a different sheet of paper when reading the portion where the reference characters “see FIG. A and FIG. E” are written. The specific objects P1 and P5 printed on the same page can be referred to simultaneously.

By the way, in the double-sided printing process described in the embodiment, an image processing step (steps S1 to S10) for generating the edited image data and a double-sided printing step (step S11) based on the edited image data are executed. An example of the case has been described.
On the other hand, in the present invention, an electronic apparatus that executes the image processing process including steps S1 to S10, an image processing program for causing a computer to execute each processing procedure of the image processing process, and the image processing program are recorded. It may be considered as a computer-readable recording medium.
For example, the electronic device is a personal computer, a portable terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a scanner device, a facsimile device, or the like. The electronic device can generate the edited image data that can reduce the burden when viewing a double-side printed document by executing the image processing steps (steps S1 to S10). .
Further, in the embodiment, the case where the image processing process (steps S1 to S10) is executed by the control unit 5 when a print request for image data over a plurality of pages is made will be described as an example. did. On the other hand, the control unit 5 may execute only the image processing step before a print request for the image data is made and generate the edited image data in advance based on the image data as another embodiment. It is done. That is, the execution timing of the image processing step is not limited to when a print request is made. For example, the image processing step is executed when a print setting of the image data is performed by a user in the multifunction device X or the electronic device. May be. It is also conceivable that the multifunction device X or the electronic device executes the image processing step as an image editing process different from the print setting in response to a predetermined operation input by the user. When the edited image data is generated in advance as described above, the edited image data is stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk provided in the multifunction device X or the electronic device.

1: Image reading unit 2: ADF
3: Image forming unit 4: Paper feed unit 40: Paper transport path 40A: Double-sided printing path 41: Paper feed cassette 42: Paper feed cassette 43: Manual feed tray 44: Transport roller 45: Paper discharge tray 46: Transport switching unit 47: Paper reversing mechanism 48: transport roller 5: control unit 6: operation display units S1, S2,...: Processing procedure (step) number X: multifunction device (an example of an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus)

Claims (3)

An extraction step of extracting a position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and a position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to;
Based on the extraction result of the extraction step, the specific object that the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the image data is printed on both sides of the object. Specific process to
A data generation step for generating, based on the image data, edited image data in which the specific object is copied to a position where the reference character corresponding to the specific object is printed on a sheet different from the reference character when double-sided printing is performed. When,
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute
In the case where the image data is data without a concept of a page, the image data of a simulation result when printing with the paper size specified at the time of requesting the double-sided printing is created, and the extraction step based on the image data, An image processing program for executing the specifying step and the data generation step. Extracting means for extracting the position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and the position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to;
Based on the extraction result of the extraction means, the specific object that the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the image data is printed on both sides of the object is printed. Specific means to
Data generation means for generating, based on the image data, edited image data in which the specific object is copied to a position where the reference character corresponding to the specific object is printed on a sheet different from the reference character when double-sided printing is performed. When,
An electronic device comprising:
When the image data is data without a page concept, image data of a simulation result when printing with a paper size specified at the time of requesting the double-sided printing is created, and the extraction means based on the image data, An electronic device in which processing by the specifying unit and the data generating unit is executed. Extracting means for extracting the position of one or a plurality of objects included in the image data and the position of a reference character indicating that each of the objects is referred to;
Based on the extraction result of the extraction means, the specific object that the reference character corresponding to the object is printed on the back side of the printing surface of the object when the image data is printed on both sides of the object is printed. Specific means to
Data generation means for generating, based on the image data, edited image data in which the specific object is copied to a position where the reference character corresponding to the specific object is printed on a sheet different from the reference character when double-sided printing is performed. When,
Duplex printing processing means for forming images on both sides of a sheet based on the edited image data generated by the data generating means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
When the image data is data without a page concept, image data of a simulation result when printing with a paper size specified at the time of requesting the double-sided printing is created, and the extraction means based on the image data, An image forming apparatus in which processing by the specifying unit and the data generating unit is executed.

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