JP4645512B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that forms a code image including code information on a recording material.

  Recently, with the enforcement of the Personal Information Protection Law, there has been a rapid increase in the need to add security functions to paper documents. Therefore, for example, a method has been proposed in which a code image in which various security information is embedded in addition to a document image is formed on a medium such as a sheet constituting a paper document. There is already a technique for forming such a code image as a transparent image that is difficult to be confirmed by, for example, the human eye (see Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, a technique has been proposed in which a code image in which coordinate information is embedded is printed in advance on a medium such as paper that forms a paper document (see Patent Document 2). In this technique, small dots are printed on a sheet at intervals of, for example, about 0.3 mm. Here, for example, each dot is configured to draw a different pattern for each grid having a predetermined size. This is read using, for example, a dedicated electronic pen with a built-in digital camera or the like. Then, the locus of this electronic pen, that is, the position (coordinates) of characters drawn on this paper can be specified, and the characters drawn in this way can be used as electronic information It becomes.

JP 2004-12880 A (6th page, FIG. 4) Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2004-528644 (page 16-17, fig. 1-3)

By the way, for example, a paper document on which a code image in which security information is embedded is read by a reading device such as a scanner. Then, based on the result of reading the code image, for example, a determination is made as to whether or not there is a copy authority for the paper document.
For example, a paper document on which a code image in which coordinate information is embedded is formed is read by a digital camera provided on the electronic pen. Based on the result of reading the code image, drawn characters and the like are acquired as electronic information.

  However, when a code image is formed by a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, an area where the code image does not exist may occur at the outer edge of the paper. As a result, for example, when scanning with a scanner, if the area where the code image is formed is not scanned, it is not possible to determine whether or not there is a copying authority, which may increase the waiting time of the user. there were. For example, when a character or the like is additionally written on a paper document using an electronic pen, writing of the character or the like to the outer edge portion of the paper document in which no code image exists cannot be recognized, and the added information is electronically recorded. There was also a problem that information could not be obtained.

  The present invention has been made to solve such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable reading of a code image regardless of the position on the recording material.

  For this purpose, an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied has a document image forming unit that forms a document image on a recording material in a first printing range, and a recording material that is larger than the first printing range. A code image forming unit that forms a code image including code information in the second printing range.

  In such an image forming apparatus, the first printing range is set to be less than the same as the area of the recording material, and the second printing range is set to be equal to or more than the area of the recording material. . The document image forming unit further includes a setting unit that sets a margin amount of the document image formed by the document image forming unit, and the document image forming unit includes a first print range according to the margin amount set by the setting unit. , And the code image forming unit can set the second print range regardless of the border erase amount. Furthermore, the document image forming unit can form a document image with a visible image, and the code image forming unit can form a code image with an invisible image. Furthermore, the image density of the code image can be set lower than the image density of the document image.

  From another point of view, the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied is set to be equal to or larger than the area of the recording material for the conveyance unit that conveys the recording material and the recording material that is conveyed by the conveyance unit. A code image forming unit for forming a code image including code information in the printed range.

  In such an image forming apparatus, the code information can include identification information for identifying the recording material and / or position information for specifying a position on the recording material. Further, the image density of the code image may be 10% or less. Further, the image forming apparatus may further include a document image forming unit that forms a document image on the recording material, and the document image forming unit forms the document image in a print range set to be less than the same area as the recording material. .

Further, from another point of view, the printed matter to which the present invention is applied includes a recording material, a document image formed in the first printing range on the recording material, and code information. And a code image formed in a second print range wider than the print range.
In such a printed matter, the first print range may be set to be less than the same as the area of the recording material, and the second print range may be set to be equal to or greater than the area of the recording material.

  According to the present invention, the code image can be read regardless of the position on the recording material.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied, and shows a so-called tandem type digital color multifunction peripheral. This image forming apparatus includes a printer unit 1 and a scanner unit 45. The printer unit 1 also includes an image forming process system 10, a paper transport system 30, a control unit 41, a processing unit 42, and an IPS (Image Processing System) 43. Among these, the image forming process system 10 performs image formation based on the image data of each color generated by the processing unit 42 and the IPS 43. The paper transport system 30 transports paper as a recording material corresponding to the operation of the image forming process system 10. The control unit 41 controls the operations of the printer unit 1 and the scanner unit 45. The processing unit 42 is connected to a scanner unit 45, a PC (Personal Computer) (not shown), and the like, and performs processing on received print instructions and data such as an electronic document. The IPS 43 converts the data processed by the processing unit 42 into image data of each color used in the image forming process system 10 and outputs the image data.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the front side. On the front side of the scanner unit 45, a UI (User Interface) 46 for receiving an operation instruction by a user is provided.

  The image forming process system 10 includes five image forming units, that is, a yellow image forming unit (Y unit) 11Y, a magenta image forming unit (M unit) 11M, a cyan image forming unit (C unit) 11C, and an invisible image forming unit (I unit). ) 11I, a black image forming unit (K unit) 11K, and a transfer unit 20. Here, the Y unit 11Y, the M unit 11M, the C unit 11C, the I unit 11I, and the K unit 11K are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the horizontal direction.

Each image forming unit 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11I, 11K) includes a photosensitive drum 12 that rotates in the direction of arrow A. Further, around the photosensitive drum 12, a charger 13, an exposure unit 14, a developing unit 15, a primary transfer roll 16, a drum cleaner 17 and the like are sequentially arranged. Among these, the charger 13 charges the photosensitive drum 12 to a predetermined potential. The exposure device 14 selectively irradiates the photosensitive drum 12 charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 13 with a light beam to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 15 stores corresponding color component toner (for example, yellow toner in the Y unit 11Y), and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 with this toner. The primary transfer roll 16 primarily transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 to the intermediate transfer belt 21 by the applied primary transfer bias. The drum cleaner 17 removes residues (toner and the like) on the photosensitive drum 12 after the primary transfer.
Here, in the present embodiment, the exposure unit 14 is configured by, for example, an LPH (LED Print Head) in which a large number of LEDs (Light Emission Diodes) are arranged in the main scanning direction. As the exposure unit 14, for example, a ROS (Raster Output Scanner) using an LD (Laser Diode) can be used.
Further, toner of a color corresponding to the developing device 15 of each image forming unit 11 is supplied to the upper side of each image forming unit 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11I, 11K) sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 21. Toner cartridges 19Y, 19M, 19C, 19I, and 19K are provided.

  The transfer unit 20 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21, a drive roll 22, a tension roll 23, a backup roll 24, and a belt cleaner 25. Among these, the intermediate transfer belt 21 is stretched and supported by a drive roll 22, a tension roll 23, and a backup roll 24, and rotates in the direction of arrow B. The drive roll 22 stretches the intermediate transfer belt 21 and drives the intermediate transfer belt 21 to rotate. The tension roll 23 stretches the intermediate transfer belt 21 to apply a predetermined tension to the intermediate transfer belt 21 and rotates following the intermediate transfer belt 21 driven by the drive roll 22. The backup roll 24 stretches the intermediate transfer belt 21 and functions as a constituent member of a secondary transfer device described later. The belt cleaner 25 is attached to a portion facing the drive roll 22 with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween, and removes residues (toner and the like) on the intermediate transfer belt 21 after the secondary transfer.

  In this embodiment, the Y unit 10Y, the M unit 10M, the C unit 10C, the K unit 10K, and the transfer unit 20 function as a document image forming unit. Further, the I unit 10I and the transfer unit 20 function as a code image forming unit.

  The paper transport system 30 that functions as a transport unit includes a paper feed tray 31, a nudger roll 32, a feed roll 33, a transport path 34, a registration roll 35, a secondary transfer roll 36, a discharge roll 37, and a discharge tray 38. In addition, a fixing device 29 is provided between the secondary transfer roll 36 and the discharge roll 37 to heat and pressure-fix the image secondarily transferred onto the paper. Among these, the paper feed tray 31 stacks sheets on which image formation is performed. The nudger roll 32 takes out and supplies the paper loaded on the paper feed tray 31. The feed roll 33 separates the sheets taken out by the nudger roll 32 one by one and conveys them to the conveyance path 34. The registration roll 35 temporarily stops the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path 34 and conveys the sheet toward the secondary transfer position in time. The secondary transfer roll 36 constitutes a secondary transfer section together with the backup roll 24, and secondarily transfers the image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto the conveyed paper. The discharge roll 37 discharges the paper on which the image has been fixed by the fixing device 29 to the outside of the apparatus. The discharge tray 38 is provided on the upper side of the printer unit 1 and stacks the recorded sheets discharged by the discharge roll 37.

  On the other hand, the scanner unit 45 reads an image of a document placed on the platen glass or an image of a document conveyed on the platen glass with a CCD image sensor or the like (not shown). In this image forming apparatus, the scanner unit 45 is disposed above the printer unit 1, and the paper discharge tray 38 of the printer unit 1 is disposed below the scanner unit 45, thereby saving space.

Here, the toner used in the printer unit 1 will be described.
First, yellow toner (Y toner) used in Y unit 11Y, magenta toner (M toner) used in M unit 11M, cyan toner (C toner) used in C unit 11C, and K unit 11K The black toner (K toner) used is a conventionally used toner, that is, a toner containing a visible light absorbing material that absorbs light in a wavelength region corresponding to the binder resin. Thereby, in the Y unit 11Y, the M unit 11M, the C unit 11C, and the K unit 11K, a visible image of yellow, magenta, cyan, or black can be formed.
Further, as the I toner used in the I unit 11I, for example, materials described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-186238 can be used. That is, a binder resin in which a near-infrared light absorbing material made of inorganic material particles is used is used. Thereby, in the I unit 11I, an invisible image can be formed by using such toner.
However, “visible” and “invisible” here are not related to whether they can be recognized visually. In other words, it distinguishes between “visible” and “invisible” depending on whether an image printed (formed) on a medium (paper) can be recognized by the presence or absence of color development due to absorption of a specific wavelength in the visible light region. .

Next, an image forming operation by the printer unit 1 will be described.
With the start of the image forming operation, exposure data for yellow, magenta, cyan, invisible, and black is generated by the processing unit 42 and IPS 43 and output to each exposure unit 14. Further, the control unit 41 drives each image forming unit 10, the transfer unit 20, the paper transport system 30, and the fixing device 29.

  In each image forming unit 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11I, 11K), the photosensitive drum 12 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 13. Further, the exposure device 14 causes the corresponding LED to emit light according to the exposure data input from the IPS 43, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, on the photosensitive drum 12, the charged surface is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), invisible (I), and black (K) by the developing device 15.

  The toner image formed on each photoconductive drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 is multiplex-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. At this time, the black image forming unit 11 </ b> K that forms a black toner image is provided on the most downstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the black toner image is finally transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21. Is done. The transferred photosensitive drum 12 is cleaned by a drum cleaner 17.

  On the other hand, in the paper transport system 30, the nudger roll 32 rotates in synchronization with the image formation timing, and a predetermined size of paper is supplied from the paper feed tray 31. The sheets separated one by one by the feed roll 33 reach the registration roll 35 via the conveyance path 34 and are temporarily stopped. Thereafter, the registration roll 35 rotates in accordance with the movement timing of the intermediate transfer belt 21 on which the toner image is formed, and the recording paper is conveyed to the secondary transfer position formed by the backup roll 24 and the secondary transfer roll 36. . On the recording sheet conveyed from the lower side to the upper side at the secondary transfer position, the toner images on which the five colors are superimposed are sequentially transferred in the sub-scanning direction by using a pressing force and a predetermined electric field. The recording paper on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred is subjected to a fixing process by heat and pressure by the fixing device 29 and then discharged to a discharge tray 38 provided at the upper part of the main body by a discharge roll 37. On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 21 after the secondary transfer is cleaned by the belt cleaner 25 to prepare for the next process.

Next, an image processing system of this image forming apparatus will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing unit 42 provided in the printer unit 1 shown in FIG.
The processing unit 42 includes a reception unit 101, a document image generation unit 102, and a document image buffer 103. The processing unit 42 further includes an identification code generation unit 104, a position code generation unit 105, a code arrangement unit 106, a pattern image generation unit 107, a pattern storage unit 108, and a code image buffer 109. The processing unit 42 further includes a correspondence information management unit 110, a correspondence information storage unit 111, an image composition unit 112, and an image output unit 113.

The accepting unit 101 accepts an instruction from a PC (Personal Computer) or UI 46 (not shown) and image data input from the PC or the scanner unit 45, and controls an image generation operation according to the accepted instruction.
When receiving an instruction from the reception unit 101, the document image generation unit 102 generates a document image based on the input image data.
The document image buffer 103 temporarily stores the document image output from the document image generation unit 102.

The identification code generation unit 104 generates an identification code (medium ID) for uniquely identifying a medium (paper) on which a document image is to be printed in accordance with an instruction from the reception unit 101. This identification code is generated by combining, for example, a device ID for uniquely identifying the printer unit 1 and a serial number assigned to each sheet of media printed by the printer unit 1.
The position code generation unit 105 generates a position code corresponding to a medium (paper) on which a document image is to be printed in response to an instruction from the reception unit 101. This position code is used to obtain the coordinates of the medium to be printed, and is appropriately set according to the print attributes such as the size, orientation, reduction / enlargement, and N-up of the medium.
The code arrangement unit 106 combines the identification code generated by the identification code generation unit 104 and the position code generated by the position code generation unit 105, and generates a two-dimensional code array corresponding to the output image size. At this time, the identification code is the same regardless of the arrangement position, and the position code differs depending on the arrangement position.
The pattern image generation unit 107 extracts a bit pattern image corresponding to the two-dimensional code array from the pattern storage unit 108, and outputs it as a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code array.
The code image buffer 109 temporarily stores the code image output from the pattern image generation unit 107.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, an identification code and a position code as code information are included in the code image.

The image composition unit 112 generates a composite image obtained by combining the document image stored in the document image buffer and the code image associated with the document image stored in the code image buffer.
The image output unit 113 outputs the composite image synthesized by the image synthesis unit 112 to the IPS 43.

On the other hand, the correspondence information management unit 110 generates unique information (for example, the IP address of the PC or the scanner unit 45) included in the image data passed from the reception unit 101, the document image generated by the document image generation unit 102, and the identification code generation. The correspondence information in which the identification code generated by the unit 104 is associated is managed.
The correspondence information storage unit 111 is a memory that stores the correspondence information, and includes an external storage device such as a magnetic disk.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the IPS 43 provided in the printer unit 1 shown in FIG.
The IPS 43 includes a drawing processing unit 201, a Y image memory 202Y, an M image memory 202M, a C image memory 202C, an I image memory 202I, a K image memory 202K, a Y video signal transmission unit 203Y, an M video signal transmission unit 203M, and a C video signal. A transmission unit 203C, an I video signal transmission unit 203I, and a K video signal transmission unit 203K are provided.
When the composite image data is input from the processing unit 42, the rendering processing unit 201 interprets the data and develops it into bitmap data of yellow, magenta, cyan, invisible, and black for each page. Execute. Then, the drawing processing unit 201 converts the yellow data Ydata thus obtained into the Y image memory 202Y, the magenta data Mdata into the M image memory 202M, the cyan data Cdata into the C image memory 202C, and the invisible data Idata into I. The image memory 202I and the black data Kdata are stored in the K image memory 202K, respectively.

  The Y video signal transmission unit 203Y reads the yellow data Ydata stored in the Y image memory 202Y one line at a time in the main scanning direction, and sequentially outputs it to the Y unit 11Y. The M video signal transmission unit 203M reads magenta data Mdata stored in the M image memory 202M for each line in the main scanning direction, and sequentially outputs it to the M unit 11M. The C video signal transmission unit 203C reads cyan data Cdata stored in the C image memory 202C for each line in the main scanning direction, and sequentially outputs it to the C unit 11C. The I video signal transmission unit 203I reads the invisible data Idata stored in the I image memory 202I one line at a time in the main scanning direction, and sequentially outputs it to the I unit 11I. Then, the K video signal transmission unit 203K reads the black data Kdata stored in the K image memory 202K for each line in the main scanning direction, and sequentially outputs it to the K unit 11K. The operations of the Y video signal transmission unit 203Y, the M video signal transmission unit 203M, the C video signal transmission unit 203C, the I video signal transmission unit 203I, and the K video signal transmission unit 203K are, for example, the control unit 41 (see FIG. 1). ) Is started as a start signal is input.

The Y unit 11Y includes a Y driver 18Y that controls lighting of a large number of LEDs constituting a yellow exposure device (Y exposure device) 14Y. The yellow data Ydata for one line in the main scanning direction input from the Y video signal transmission unit 203Y is converted into an LED drive signal by the Y driver 18Y and output to the Y exposure unit 14.
The other M unit 11M, C unit 11C, I unit 11I, and K unit 11K also include an M driver 18M, a C driver 18C, an I driver 18I, and a K driver 18K, respectively. Then, magenta data for one line in the main scanning direction input from the Y video signal transmission unit 203Y, the M video signal transmission unit 203M, the C video signal transmission unit 203C, the I video signal transmission unit 203I, and the K video signal transmission unit 203K. Mdata, cyan data Cdata, invisible data Idata, and black data Kdata are converted into LED drive signals by the M driver 18M, C driver 18C, I driver 18I, and K driver 18K, and the M exposure unit 14M, C exposure unit 14C, I It is output to the exposure device 14I and the K exposure device 14K, respectively.

  4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining the two-dimensional code image generated by the pattern image generation unit 107. FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram expressed in a lattice shape to schematically show units of a two-dimensional code image formed and arranged by an invisible image. FIG. 4B shows a unit of the two-dimensional code image. Further, FIG. 4C is a diagram for explaining a diagonal line pattern of backslash “\” and slash “/”.

  The two-dimensional code images shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c) are formed as invisible images that can be stably read over a long period of time by machine reading and decoding processing by infrared irradiation and can record information at high density. Is done. Moreover, it is preferable that it is an invisible image which can be provided in arbitrary areas irrespective of the area | region in which the visible image of the medium surface which outputs an image was formed. In particular, in this embodiment, an invisible image is formed on the entire surface of the medium (paper surface) in accordance with the size of the medium to be printed. Further, it is more preferable that the image is an invisible image that can be recognized by a gloss difference when visually observed.

  The two-dimensional code pattern shown in FIG. 4B includes an area in which a position code indicating a coordinate position on a medium is stored and an area in which an identification code for uniquely specifying an electronic document or a print medium is stored. Contains. It also includes an area for storing the synchronization code. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns are arranged, and two-dimensional information in which different position information is stored on the entire surface of the medium (paper surface) according to the size of the medium to be printed. Cords are arranged in a grid. That is, a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns as shown in FIG. 4B are arranged on one surface of the medium, each of which includes a position code, an identification code, and a synchronization code. In the plurality of position code areas, different position information is stored depending on the place where each area is arranged. On the other hand, the same identification information is stored in the areas of the plurality of identification codes regardless of the place where they are arranged.

  In FIG. 4B, the position code is arranged in a 6 bit × 6 bit rectangular area. Each bit value is formed by a plurality of minute line bitmaps having different rotation angles, and the bit value 0 and the bit value 1 are expressed by the hatched pattern (pattern 0 and pattern 1) shown in FIG. . More specifically, the bit value 0 and the bit value 1 are expressed using backslash “\” and slash “/” having different slopes. The diagonal line pattern is composed of 8 pixels x 8 pixels at 600 dpi (dot per inch). The diagonal line pattern (pattern 0) that rises to the left has a bit value of 0, and the diagonal line pattern (pattern 1) that rises to the right has bits. The value 1 is expressed. Accordingly, one bit (0 or 1) can be expressed by one oblique line pattern. By using such a minute line bitmap consisting of two types of inclination, the noise given to the visible image is extremely small, and a two-dimensional code pattern that can embed a large amount of information in high density is provided. It becomes possible to do.

That is, a total of 36-bit position information is stored in the position code area shown in FIG. Of these 36 bits, 18 bits can be used for encoding the X coordinate, and the other 18 bits can be used for encoding the Y coordinate. If all 18 bits are used for position encoding, 2 ¹⁸ (about 260,000) positions can be encoded. When each hatched pattern is composed of 8 pixels × 8 pixels (600 dpi) as shown in FIG. 4C, one dot of 600 dpi is 0.0423 mm. The size of the dimension code (including the synchronization code) is about 3 mm (8 pixels × 9 bits × 0.0423 mm) both vertically and horizontally. When 260,000 positions are encoded at intervals of 3 mm, a length of about 786 m can be encoded. In this way, all 18 bits may be used for position encoding, or redundant bits for error detection and error correction may be included when a detection error of a hatched pattern occurs.

The identification code is arranged in a rectangular area of 2 bits × 8 bits and 6 bits × 2 bits, and can store identification information of a total of 28 bits. When using the 28-bit all the identification information can be represented the identity of two ways ²⁸ (about 270 million). Similarly to the position code, the identification code can include redundant bits for error detection and error correction in 28 bits.

In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the two hatched patterns differ in angle from each other by 90 °. For example, if the angle difference is 45 °, four types of hatched patterns can be configured. When configured in this way, 2-bit information (0 to 3) can be expressed by one oblique line pattern. That is, the number of bits that can be expressed can be increased by increasing the angle types of the hatched pattern.
In the example shown in FIG. 4C, encoding of bit values is described using a hatched pattern, but a selectable pattern is not limited to the hatched pattern. For example, it is also possible to employ a method of encoding according to the ON / OFF of the dot or the direction in which the dot position is shifted from the reference position.

Next, the relationship between the print ranges of images formed by the image forming units 11 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the I unit is compared to the visible image print range (first print range: hereinafter referred to as the document print range) created by the Y unit 11Y, the M unit 11M, the C unit 11C, and the K unit 11K. The printing range of the invisible image created by 11I (second printing range: hereinafter referred to as a code printing range) is widened. Further, the code printing range is set to be equal to or larger than the area of the medium to be printed, that is, the sheet (area of the recording material). On the other hand, the document printing range is set to be less than the sheet area.

In the present embodiment, the size of the document print range is determined when, for example, the document image generation unit 102 of the processing unit 42 generates a document image. Next, the drawing processing unit 201 of the IPS 43 performs drawing processing for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black based on a predetermined virtual coordinate area according to the size. The Y exposure unit 14Y of the Y unit 11Y, the M exposure unit 14M of the M unit 11M, the C exposure unit 14C of the C unit 11C, and the K exposure unit 14K of the K unit 11K are based on the drawing processing result by the drawing processing unit 201. Execute the exposure operation.
The size of the code printing range is determined when a code image is generated by the pattern image generation unit 107 of the processing unit 42, for example. Next, the drawing processing unit 201 of the IPS 43 performs invisible drawing processing based on the predetermined virtual coordinate area according to the size. The I exposure unit 14I of the I unit 11I controls the exposure operation based on the drawing processing result by the drawing processing unit 201.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a drawing process executed by the drawing processing unit 201. FIG. 5 also shows the relationship among the virtual coordinates used in the drawing processing unit 201, the paper range PA, the document print range VA, and the code print range IA.
In the drawing processing unit 201, virtual coordinates corresponding to the size of the paper are set. More specifically, the upper left end point α of the paper area PA is set to a position shifted from the origin (0, 0) of the virtual coordinates by Xm (10 mm in this example) in the X direction and Ym (10 mm in this example) in the Y direction. Is done. On the other hand, the upper left end point β of the document printing range VA, which is the document image printing range, is Xm + Xn (15 mm (Xn = 5 mm) in this example) from the virtual coordinate origin (0, 0) in the Y direction. The position is set to Ym + Yn (in this example, 15 mm (Yn = 5 mm)). Accordingly, the document print range VA is set smaller than the paper range PA by 2 × Xn in the X direction and 2 × Yn in the Y direction. On the other hand, the upper left end point γ of the code printing range IA that is the code image printing range is Xm-Xc (5 mm (Xc = 5 mm)), Ym-Yc (5 mm ( Yc = 5 mm)) is set at a shifted position. Accordingly, the code print range IA is set to be larger by 2 × Xc in the X direction and 2 × Yc in the Y direction than the paper range PA.

In this way, by setting the code print range IA for the paper range PA (paper range PA <code print range IA), as shown in FIG. 6, a code image is formed without a border over the entire surface of the paper. It becomes possible to do. Here, by setting Xc and Yc to a value larger than the variation in the paper conveyance position that occurs during paper conveyance, it is possible to reliably print the code image on the entire surface of the paper even if there is a variation in the paper conveyance. Become.
On the other hand, by setting the document print range VA for the paper range PA in this way (paper range PA> document print range VA), a document image is formed with a border on the entire surface of the paper as shown in FIG. can do.

  The output image density of the document image, that is, the visible image is the sum of the four colors of YMCK, for example, set to 240% at the maximum, but the output image density of the code image is not so high as shown in FIG. % Or less. As a result, when the code printing range IA is larger than the paper size, that is, the paper range PA, toner images are present at the leading and trailing edges of the paper, or the untransferred toner is outside the both ends in the direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. Even if an image exists, there is no concern that the fixing device 29 is peeled when the paper is passed through, or that the belt cleaner 25 is overloaded with untransferred toner at the end.

Further, in a general copying machine, it is possible to set a border area during a copying operation, that is, when reading a document image by the scanner unit 45 and printing out a read image by the printer unit 1. . The edge erase region is set by inputting the edge erase amounts Xn and Yn in the X direction and the Y direction as absolute amounts (for example, in mm) via the UI 46 functioning as a setting unit.
Here, in the present embodiment, when the border area is set, only the document print range VA is changed according to the set amount. On the other hand, the code print range IA is always set to a constant value, that is, equal to or greater than the entire surface of the paper, regardless of the set amount of the border area. This makes it possible to reliably form a code image on the entire surface of the paper without generating a blank area where no code image is printed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the printer unit 1 forms an image, a document image formable area formed by the Y unit 10Y, the M unit 10M, the C unit 10C, and the K unit 10K. The code print range IA, which is the area where the code image formed by the I unit 10I can be formed, is set larger than the document print range VA. At that time, the document print range VA is set smaller than the paper range PA corresponding to the paper size, and the code print range IA is set to be equal to or larger than the paper range PA.
In this embodiment, the code image is formed on the entire surface of the paper conveyed by the paper conveyance system 30 using the I unit 10I, the transfer unit 20, and the like.
As the code image, for example, an identification code including an identification ID unique to a sheet and a position code indicating a coordinate position in the sheet are included.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, an image is formed within a predetermined print range (corresponding to the document print range VA in the present embodiment) excluding the outer edge of the paper. In other words, a border area is present at the outer edge of the paper on which image formation has been performed. This is to prevent a part of the image from being lost on the paper when the image forming position on the paper is deviated, for example. For example, in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic method, if an image (toner image) exists on the outer edge of the paper, the toner at the edge of the paper is thermally fused to the fixing member when the paper passes through the fixing device 29. In addition, the sheet peelability cannot be ensured, and this is also to prevent this. Furthermore, if the toner existing on the edge side of the paper remains without being transferred to the paper, an excessive burden may be applied to the belt cleaner 25 to cause a cleaning failure. This is also to prevent this.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, by forming a code image (identification code) on the entire surface of the paper, for example, when reading a scanner, it is possible to read the code image immediately on the edge side of the paper, It is possible to quickly determine whether or not there is copying authority, and to reduce the waiting time of the user. On the other hand, by forming a code image (position code) on the entire surface of the paper in this way, information written by the user on the edge side of the paper is also acquired as electronic information, for example, at the time of additional writing using an electronic pen. It becomes possible to do.

In this embodiment, since the code printing range IA is set to be equal to or larger than the paper range PA, the outer edge side of the code image is not transferred to the paper.
In the present embodiment, the position code and the identification code are included in the two-dimensional code pattern constituting the code image. Here, the identification code is uniquely associated with the paper, but since all the two-dimensional codes contain the same identification code, there is a particular problem even if a part of the edge of the paper is missing. Does not occur. In addition, the position code indicates the coordinates on the paper, and even if a part of the edge of the paper is missing, the necessary position code is formed on the entire surface of the paper. Does not occur. Therefore, even if a part of the code image is not transferred to the paper, it does not matter.

  In the present embodiment, the image density of the code image formed on the printed material is set lower than the image density of the document image formed on the same printed material. More specifically, the image density of the code image is set to 10% or less. As a result, it is possible to ensure the sheet releasability in the fixing device 29 and to suppress an increase in load on the belt cleaner 25.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the border removal amount is set by the UI 46 or the like, only the document print range VA is adjusted, and the code print range IA is not changed. As a result, the document image can be trimmed as desired by the user, and a code image can be formed on the entire sheet regardless of the setting value of the trimming amount.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the document image is formed as a visible image (yellow, magenta, cyan, black), and the code image is formed as an invisible image (invisible). Thereby, the code image can be made inconspicuous, and the appearance of the printed matter can be improved.

In the present embodiment, a code image including an invisible image is formed using the I unit 10I. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a code using yellow, magenta, cyan, or black is used. It is also possible to form an image. In this case, the number of image forming units provided in the printer unit 1 may be four, and a conventional printer device can be used.
In the present embodiment, the processing unit 42 is built in the printer unit 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an external configuration may be used.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a process part. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of IPS (Image Processing System). (a)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the two-dimensional code image which comprises an invisible image. It is a figure for demonstrating the drawing process performed in a drawing process part. It is a figure which shows an example of the printed matter output in a printer part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer part, 11Y ... Yellow image forming unit (Y unit), 11M ... Magenta image forming unit (M unit), 11C ... Cyan image forming unit (C unit), 11I ... Invisible image forming unit (I unit), 11K ... black image forming unit (K unit), 41 ... control unit, 42 ... processing unit, 43 ... IPS (Image Processing System), 46 ... UI (User Interface), 101 ... accepting unit, 102 ... document image generating unit, 104 ... Identification code generation unit, 105 ... Position code generation unit, 106 ... Code arrangement unit, 107 ... Pattern image generation unit, 110 ... Corresponding information management unit, 111 ... Corresponding information storage unit, 112 ... Image composition unit, 113 ... Image output , 201 ... Drawing processing unit, VA ... Document printing range, IA ... Code printing range, PA ... Paper range

Claims (9)

A document image forming unit that forms a document image in a first printing range narrower than the area of the recording material with respect to the recording material ;
The recording medium viewed contains a code image forming unit that forms a code image including code information in a broad second print range than the area of the recording material with respect to,
The document image forming unit sets the first print range so that the document image is formed inside all the end portions of the recording material,
The code image forming unit sets the second print range so that the code image is formed to the outside of all the end portions of the recording material.
An image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code information includes identification information for identifying the recording material and position information for specifying a position on the recording material. A setting unit that sets a margin amount of the document image formed by the document image forming unit;
The document image forming unit sets the first print range in accordance with the border erase amount set by the setting unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code image forming unit sets the second print range regardless of the border erase amount. The document image forming unit forms the document image with a visible image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code image forming unit forms the code image with an invisible image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image density of the code image is set lower than an image density of the document image. A transport unit for transporting the recording material;
Wherein to said recording material transported by the transport unit, viewed contains a code image forming unit for forming a code image including code information broadly set print range than the area of the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the code image forming unit sets the print range so that the code image is formed to the outside of all end portions of the recording material . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the code information includes identification information for identifying the recording material and position information for specifying a position on the recording material. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an image density of the code image is 10% or less. A document image forming unit that forms a document image on the recording material;
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the document image forming unit forms the document image in a printing range set narrower than an area of the recording material.

Images