Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program for forming an image based on merged image data

An image processing apparatus is provided which includes an image obtaining member which obtains an original image and outputs data of the original image. In the image processing apparatus, unique additional image data is merged to the original image data. A memory stores the original image data and the merged image data, and an image is formed based on the formed merged image data. In a first image processing mode, the merged image data is formed before the original data is stored to the memory, and the merged image data is then stored to the memory and an image is formed based on the stored merged image data. In a second image processing mode, the original image data is stored to the memory before forming the merged image data. Then the merged image data is formed, and an image is formed based on the formed merged image data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present U.S. patent application claims a priority under the Paris Convention of Japanese patent application No. 2006-62924 filed on Mar. 8, 2006, and shall be a basis of correction of an incorrect translation.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and a program, especially to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and a program which overlap an unique additional image to each image.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, it has been sometimes required to ensure uniqueness of an image, that is, continuity of image data is ensured from forming, receiving or transmitting of the image data and the image data has not been subject to falsification or the like afterward such as insertion of other image data.

In this regard, an image forming apparatus is disclosed, in which page numbers are added in each cycle of successive image forming, so as to be capable of forming images with continuous page numbers (for example, see JP 2003-274151A).

However, in the case an additional image such as page number is added to image data, when the additional image is outputted to be overlapped with a document in the image data, there occurs an inconvenience of difficulty to read the document.

In this regard, an image processing apparatus is disclosed in which a proof mode is available other than a normal print mode, and when the proof mode is selected, simplified image information is output (for example, see JP Hei07-85024A). Also, an image processing apparatus is disclosed, in which cutting-line data is merged to image data for printing and the merged image data for printing is output so as to form a proof (for example, see JP 2003-32475A). According to these images processing apparatus, an outputted image can be checked efficiently whether or not the outputted image is appropriate, such as a layout check.

However, when image data is overlapped with an additional image at the stage of outputting the image, there is a problem of difficulty to ensure that the additional image is unique with respect to the image. On the other hand, as described above, when image data is overlapped with an additional image at the stage of reading the image, there is a problem of difficulty to adjust overlapping position of the additional image.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. It is one of objects of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus, image processing method and program which can ensure uniqueness of image data while position of a stamp is adjustable according to need.

In order to attain the above-described object, according to a first aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus comprises:

an image obtaining member which obtains an original image and outputs original image data of the original image,

a first merging member which merges unique additional image data to the original image data so as to form merged image data in a page basis, the unique additional image data being added page by page,

a memory for storage which stores the original image data and/or the merged image data,

a second merging member which merges the unique additional image data to the original image data which is stored in the memory for storage so as to form the merged image data in a page basis,

a controller which operates the first merging member or the second merging member selectively, and

a image forming member which forms an image based on the merged image data formed in the first merging member or the second merging member.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus comprises:

an image obtaining member which obtains an original image and outputs original image data of the original image,

a merging member which merges unique additional image data to the original image data so as to form merged image data in a page basis, the unique additional image data being added page by page,

a memory which stores the original image data and the merged image data,

an image forming member which forms an image based on the merged image data formed in the merging member, and

a controller which executes a first mode or a second mode selectively, in which the first mode is to form the merged image data in the merging member before the original image data is stored to the memory, to store the merged image data to the memory, to read the merged image data stored in the memory, and to form an image by the image forming member, and in which the second mode is to read the original image data from the memory after the original image data is once stored to the memory, to form the merged image data in the merging member, and to form an image by the image forming member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 13. It is noted that the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

First, constitution of an image processing apparatus1of the present embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 1. The image processing apparatus1of the present embodiment is, for example, a MFP (multi function peripheral). The image processing apparatus1comprises an operation member2, display3, image reading member4, image forming member5/and status management member10to control these members wholly.

The operation member2functions as a setting member to accept user's various directions so as to perform various setting of selections. The operation member2, for example, comprises various operation buttons (not illustrated) such as a numeral button, function button to switch various setting, operation mode and the like and start button to direct a start of operation. For example, in the present embodiment, a user can select a normal image forming mode or proof mode (a mode to print a test sheet) as an output mode from the image forming member5, by operating the operation member2. The operation member2outputs an operation signal inputted by a user to the after-mentioned CPU11.

The display3includes, for example, a LCD (liquid crystal display), CRT (cathode ray tube), display or the like. The display3displays on its screen various operation screen such as a setting screen to set conditions, status of an image, operation status of various functions and various processing results or the like, according to a direction of a display signal inputted from the after-mentioned CPU11. In the present embodiment, the display3can display, for example, a stamp selection screen31(FIG. 2) to designate a format of a stamp as an additional image (hereinafter referred to as “stamp format”), stamp position setting screen32(FIG. 3) to designate an area to which the stamp is to be overlapped (hereinafter referred to as “stamp position”), fine adjustment setting screen33(FIG. 5) to adjust stamp position finely, and the like.

The display3may be a touch screen in which a pressure-sensitive type (resistive membrane type) touch panel (not illustrated) where translucent terminals are arranged in a reticular pattern is formed on a screen of the display3so that the display3and operation member2are constituted integrally. The touch panel is to detect X-Y coordinate of a power point caused by pushing with a finger, touch pen or the like as voltage level and to output the detected position signal to the CPU11as an operation signal. In this case, the display3also functions as a setting member together with the operation member2. In the following description of the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus1is exemplified, which comprises a touch screen where the display3and operation member2are constituted integrally.

For example, stamps such as a standard stamp, page number, numbering, date/time are selectable as the additional image in the present embodiment. When the stamp selection screen31is displayed on the display3by user's operation, setting buttons34to select a stamp format of standard stamp, page number, numbering, date/time or the like is displayed on the display3as shown inFIG. 2, and a user can select a desired stamp format by pushing down the setting button34thereof.

Here, the “standard stamp” is a function to set a previously prepared fixed letter as the stamp, the “page number” is a function to set page number as the stamp, the “numbering” is a function to set numbers as the stamp in the order of original images, and the “date/time” is a function to set date or time when an original is read as the stamp. Among these stamps, the numbering is available as a serial number of a evidence rendered in discovery procedure in the U.S. court. Therefore, especially regarding the numbering, it is highly necessary to add the stamp in a procedure from reading an image to storing the read image data to an after-mentioned compressed memory area17awhich is a memory for storage storing the data as image data accessible from outward or reusable, in order to ensure genuiness of the read image. Also regarding the date/time, it is highly necessary to add the stamp in the procedure similarly before storing the image to the compressed memory area17aas image data, in order to prove that the image was present at the time of reading.

Next, in the stamp position setting screen32, for example, a stamp position designating button35are displayed on the display3as shown inFIG. 3. When a user selects a desired stamp position and pushes down one of the stamp position designating buttons35, a stamp position is designated from 9 positions of “upper left”, “middle left”, “lower left”, “upper center”, “center”, “lower center”, “upper right”, “middle right” and “lower right”. For example, when a user designates “upper right” as the stamp position, the stamp is overlapped at upper right area of an original image as shown inFIG. 4.

In the stamp position setting screen32, when a user pushes down a fine adjustment button36to adjust the stamp position finely, a fine adjustment setting screen33is displayed on the display3as shown inFIG. 5. A user can shift the position of the stamp in longitudinal direction and lateral direction in a unit of 0.1 mm by pushing down numeral keys37on the screen, so that the fine adjustment can be performed.

Next, the image reading member4is to read an image recorded in an original, and to form a black and white (binary or multilevel including an intermediate value between black and white) image data (original image data). The image reading member4comprises a light source to irradiate light to an original, image sensor using CCD (charge coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) or the like to perform photoelectric conversion on reflected light from the original, scanning section to move the light irradiating the original, and image processing section to perform various conversion/processing to an electric signal read by the image sensor so as to output image data (original image data), all of which are not illustrated. The image reading member4reads an image according to a designation signal from the CPU11.

The image forming section5is a printer of, for example, inkjet type, laser type, thermal transfer type, dot impact type or the like, and forms and records an image on a recording medium such as a recording paper based on the image data acquired by the image reading member4or the like according to a designation signal from the CPU11.

Next, the status management member10is a computer comprising the CPU11, a program memory12, a RAM (random access memory)13, a memory control IC15, a compression/decompression IC16, an image memory17and the like.

The program memory12is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores a system program of the image processing apparatus1, various processing programs such as various application programs executable on the system program, data relating to the processing of these programs, and the like. The program is stored in the form of program code readable by a computer. The CPU11executes an operation according to the program code. In the present embodiment, the program memory12stores the merged image data forming program which merges a stamp to the image data (original image data) obtained by the image reading member4, the stamp being as a unique additional image data to be added to each page of the image data, so as to form merged image data in a page basis.

The RAM13works as a temporal storage area of the program read from the program memory12, input or output data, parameter, and the like in the various processings executed and controlled by the CPU11.

The CPU11controls each of the members in the image processing apparatus1wholly. The CPU11reads a designated program from the system program and various application programs stored in the program memory12, expands it to the RAM13, and performs various processings in cooperation with the program expanded to the RAM13.

The memory control IC15controls the compression/decompression IC16to compress the image data (original image data) inputted from the image reading member4and the merged image data, and writes down the compressed image data (original image data) and merged image data to the compressed memory area17aof the image memory17to store the data therein. Further, in response to a designation to output image data from the CPU11, the memory control IC15controls the compression/decompression IC16to decompress the image data (original image data) and merged image data designated to be outputted, which are stored in the compressed memory area17a, writes down it to the page memory area17bto temporary store it, and sequentially outputs the image data (original image data) and merged image data to the image forming member5in a page basis.

Further, the memory control IC15functions as a memory control member to transfer the merged image data formed on a first merging section and second merging section to the compressed memory area17awhich is an optional memory for storage. The merged image data formed on the first merging section and second merging section is one where the original image data and additional image data are corresponded each other with respect to each page of the image.

As described above, the original image data and additional image data formed in an additional data forming section (the additional data forming section is composed of the CPU11and stamp information memory17cas after-mentioned) is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage with the correspondence thereof in each page of the image. Thus, after the original image data and additional image data are merged together, it is possible to ensure uniqueness of the image even in outputting the image from the image forming member5or transferring the data outward.

Further, also in the case where the additional image data is overlapped to the original image data by a user adjusting the position so as to form the merged image data having a desired layout after the original image data is once stored to the compressed memory area17a, the original image data and additional image data are stored to the compressed memory area17awith the correspondence thereof in each page of the image data. Thus, after the original image data and additional image data are merged together, it is possible to ensure uniqueness of the image even in outputting the image from the image forming member5or transferring the data outward.

The compression/decompression IC16is an IC to compress and decompress the image data (original image data) and merged image data according to a control of the memory control IC15.

The image memory17is composed of, for example, a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), and comprises a compressed memory area17a, page memory area17band stamp information memory17c.

The compressed memory area17ais to store image data compressed in the compression/decompression IC16according to a control of the memory control IC15. In the present embodiment, the compressed memory area17afunctions as a memory for storage to store the original image data and merged image data in which the additional image data has been merged to the original image data. The merged image data is stored in the compressed memory area17ain the condition that the original image data corresponds to the additional image data in a page basis of the image. The page memory area17bis to store image data decompressed by the compression/decompression IC16in a page basis.

The stamp information memory17cis a memory to store information of various stamps which is to be added to the original image data as the additional image data in the present embodiment. As for the format of the stamp, standard stamp, page number, numbering, date/time and the like can be given as described above. However, the stamp format is not limited to these examples. For example, a company name, URL or the like designated by a user may be selectable as the stamp.

The stamp information memory17cstores information such as standard stamp to be added in the case that a predetermined image is added as character data. When the standard stamp or the like is added to the original image data, the CPU11reads this character data from the stamp information memory17ctogether with the font data thereof, forms stamp image data as the additional image data, and adds it to the original image data. On the other hand, when a character image varies such in the case of the date/time, page number and numbering, basic character data to be added is stored to the stamp information memory17c. The CPU11calculates this character data, forms the stamp image data as the additional image data from the font data based on the calculation result, and adds this stamp image data to the original image data. In particular, in the case of the page number and numbering, the number to be added changes in each page. Thus, the stamp information memory17cis preferably provided with a counter to count the number to be added to each original image data. When the number to be added to each original image data is determined by providing a counter, the number of the counter may be reset in a predetermined interval such as every image forming job, or may count the number continuously over jobs.

In the present embodiment, the CPU11controls the memory control IC15and image memory17in cooperation with the merged image data forming program expanded to the RAM13, so that the CPU11, memory control IC15and image memory17constitute the first merging section and second merging section to merge the additional image data into the original image data. The first merging member and second merging member are simply referred to as a merging section as a whole.

That is, in the present embodiment, the CPU11reads data of a stamp image from the stamp information memory17c, and forms the stamp image data as the additional image data. The CPU11and stamp information-memory17cconstitute the additional data forming section. Before the memory control IC15stores the original image data obtained from the image reading member4to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage, the CPU11adds the stamp image data of the additional image data to the original image data so as to form the merged image data. The CPU11and memory control IC15constitute the first merging section.

The CPU11merges the stamp image data of the unique additional image data to the original image data which has once stored in the compressed memory area17aby the memory control IC15, so as to form the merged image data in a page basis. The CPU11and memory control IC15constitute the second merging section. Specifically, in the case where it is selected on the operation member2that an image is formed in a proof mode (a mode to print a test sheet), the second merging section forms the merged image data when the stamp image data is merged to the original image data while the image forming member5forms an image in the proof mode.

The CPU11functions as a controller to select whether the first merging section or second merging section merges the original image data and additional image data. According to the control of the CPU11, the first merging section or second merging section works selectively. In other words, the CPU11functions as a controller, and selectively makes the merging section work as the first merging section or second merging section.

When the first merging section merges the original image data and additional image data (a first mode), the additional image data is overlapped to the original image data before the original image data is stored in the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage. Thus, since the read image is sure to be overlapped with the unique additional image data, it is possible to ensure uniqueness of an image.

When the second merging section merges the original image data and additional image data (a second mode), the unique additional image data is overlapped to the original image data after the original image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17a. Accordingly, when an image is formed in a mode to print a test sheet after the original image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17a(proof mode) for example, a user can overlap the additional image data while adjusting the position thereof. Thus, it is possible to form the merged image data having a desired layout in which the additional image data is overlapped at a position desired by the user, and to output the merged image data from the image forming member5, while uniqueness of the image is ensured.

The CPU11can select to perform the merge whether in the first mode or in the second mode. Thus, the present embodiment can be adapted to various purposes.

The merging process of the original image data and additional image data of the present embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 6. It is noted thatFIG. 6is a view which conceptually represents a section to perform the merging process, and thus does not represent an actual apparatus or operation.

As shown inFIG. 6, the image processing apparatus1of the present embodiment comprises two merging sections8aand8bto merge original image data with additional image data. When the original image data outputted from the image reading member4is merged with the additional image data formed from information stored in the stamp information memory17c, the original image data is merged with the stamp image data at the merging section8aso that the merged image data is formed, and the merged image data is sent and stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage through a selector9a.

Accordingly, the merging section8aof the first merging section overlaps the additional image data to the original image data before the original image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage. Thus, since the read image is sure to be overlapped with the unique additional image data, uniqueness of the image is ensured.

When the additional image is overlapped to the original image data which has once stored in the compressed memory area17a, the CPU11outputs a control signal so as to switch a path to send the stamp image data formed from information stored in the stamp information memory17c. The stamp image data is merged with the original image data stored in the compressed memory area17aat the merging section8bwhich locates at latter stage than the compressed memory area17a, so that the merged image data is formed.

Accordingly, the merging section8bof the second merging section merges the original image data with the unique additional image data, after the original image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage. Thus, since a user can overlap the additional image data while adjusting the position thereof after the original image data is once stored in the compressed image memory17a, it is possible to form the merged image data having a desired layout and to output it from the image forming member5.

When the image is outputted to a recording paper or the like, this merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5and the image is recorded. When the merged image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage, the CPU11outputs a control signal so as to switch a path to send the merged image data. Accordingly, the merged image data is sent and stored to the compressed memory area17athrough the selector9aIn this case, the merged image data which has been previously stored in the merging section8ais discarded.

The number of the merging section8to merge the original image data and additional image data is not limited to two. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, an embodiment comprises one merging section8c, in which a CPU11switches a path to send the original image data and additional image data by a control signal so that it makes possible to perform a merging process at both of stages former and latter than the compressed memory area17a. That is, when the original image data is merged to the stamp image data of the additional image data before the original image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage, the original image data outputted from the image reading member4is sent to the merging section8cthrough the selector9band is merged to the stamp image data, so that the merged image data is formed. The merged image data is sent and stored to the compressed memory area17athrough the selector9c.

When the original image data is merged to the additional image data after the original image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17a, the original image data stored in the compressed memory area17ais sent to the merging section8cthrough the selector9band the merging section8cmerges this original image data to the stamp image data, so that the merged image data is formed.

When the image is output to a recording paper or the like, this merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5through the selector9d, so that the image is recorded. When the merged image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage, the CPU11switches a path to send the merged image data by a control signal. Accordingly, the merged image data is sent and stored to the compressed memory area17athrough the selector9c. In this case, the merged image data which has been previously merged at merging section8cand stored in the compressed memory area17ais discarded.

Next, an image processing method in the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is described specifically with reference toFIGS. 8 to 13. A cooperation of a computer composed of the CPU11or the like and the above-described merged image data forming program makes the following merged image data forming process.

The merged image data forming process starts when a user selects the merged image data forming process on a touch panel and the like of the operation member2. When the merged image data forming process is performed, a user selects a format and position to overlap of the stamp to be merged to the original image data, for example as described above, on the stamp selection screen31(seeFIG. 2), stamp position setting screen32(seeFIG. 3) or the like of the display3which also works as the operation member2.

As shown inFIG. 8, the original image data obtained by the image reading member4is stored to the page memory area17bof the image memory17through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 8). The CPU11, memory control IC15or the like, which function as the first-merging section, read a stamp of the type selected on the control member2from the stamp information memory17c, and form the stamp image data of the additional image data. Subsequently, a merging process to overlap the stamp image data to the original image-data stored in the page memory area17bat the position selected on the operation member2is performed, so that the merged image data is formed (arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 8).

As shown inFIG. 9, the merged image data in which the stamp image data is merged to the original image data is sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and a compression process is performed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 9). The compressed merged image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 9).

In the case where a normal image forming is selected on the operation member2and an image is outputted, as shown inFIG. 10, the stamp image data is overlapped (merged) before the original image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage. The merged image data stored in the compressed memory area17ais sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and a decompression process is performed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 10). The decompressed merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5page by page through the memory control IC15, and the image is formed sequentially. In this case, the image may be formed in a manner that the merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5page by page after the merged image data is once stored to the page memory area17bthrough the memory control IC15.

On the other hand, in the case where the image forming member5forms an image of the original image data already stored in the compressed memory area17ain a proof mode while the stamp image data is merged to the original image data, the process is executed as follows. That is, as shown inFIG. 11, the original image data obtained by the image reading member4is sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and the original image data is compressed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 11). The compressed original image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 11). Thereafter, when it is selected on the operation member2that the image is formed in a proof mode, the original image data stored in the compressed memory area17ais sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and the original image data is decompressed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (3) inFIG. 11). The decompressed original image data is stored to the page memory area17bthrough the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (4) inFIG. 11).

Subsequently, the CPU11, memory control IC and the like, which function as the second merging section, perform a merging process to merge the stamp image data of the selected type at the selected position to the original image data which was once stored in the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage and sent to the page memory area17b, so that the merged image data to which the stamp data has been merged is formed (arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 12). That is, a user checks the image on a recording paper outputted and recorded by the image forming member5, and when a user wishes to adjust the stamp position, a user selects a position to overlap the stamp, for example, on the stamp position setting screen32(seeFIG. 3), fine adjustment setting screen33(seeFIG. 5) or the like of the display3which also works as the operation member2. When the stamp position is selected, the CPU11overlaps the stamp image data to the original image data in the selected condition, so that the merged image data is formed. When the formed merged image data is outputted from the image forming member5, the formed merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 12), so that the image is formed (arrowed dash line (3) inFIG. 12). By repeating the process shown inFIG. 12, a user can adjust the stamp position to be a desirable position for the user. When it is desired to adjust the stamp position after the stamp is once overlapped, the original image data is read again and the stamp image data is overlapped thereto. When a new merged image data is formed by doing so, the previously formed merged image data is discarded.

When the stamp position is adjusted and the merged image data where the stamp is overlapped at a position desired by a user is formed, the merged image data stored in the page memory area17bis sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and the merged image data is compressed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 13). The compressed merged image data is stored to the compressed memory area17aof a memory for storage through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 13).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the stamp image data of the additional image data is merged (overlapped) to the original image data obtained in the image reading member4, before the original image data is stored to the compressed memory area17a. Thus, since the read image is sure to be overlapped with the unique additional image data, uniqueness of the image is ensured.

Further, even after the original image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17a, it is possible to overlap in the image forming of proof mode. Thus, it is possible to obtain an image desirable for a user by regulating the stamp position while uniqueness of the image is ensured.

In the present embodiment, the image reading member4is exemplified as the image obtaining member. However, the image obtaining member is not limited to the image reading member4. For example, an embodiment may be provided with a communication means which can communicate with an external device as the image obtaining member, in which an additional image is added to an image data transmitted from the external device.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified optionally.

Next, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the invention is described with reference toFIGS. 14 and 15. An image processing apparatus20of the present embodiment is same as that of the first embodiment, except a HDD (hard disk drive)21is provided as a memory for storage. Thus, the difference from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

The image processing apparatus20of the present embodiment comprises an operation member2, a display3, an image reading member4and an image forming member5which are similar with those of the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14. Further, the image processing apparatus20comprises a status management member10to control each member of the apparatus wholly. The status management member10comprises an HDD21as a memory for storage as well as an image memory17, and comprises the same constitution as that of the first embodiment except that.

Regarding the other constitution, the same reference numerals are given to the same member as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, an image forming method of the image processing apparatus20of the present embodiment is described specifically. Similar with the first embodiment, a cooperation of a computer composed of a CPU11or the like and the above-described merged image data forming program makes the following merged image data forming program.

When the merged image data forming process is performed, firstly, an original image data obtained by the image reading member4is stored to a page memory area17bof an image memory17through a memory control IC15. The CPU11, memory control IC15and the like, which function as a first merging section, read a stamp of the type selected in the operation member2from stamp information memory17c, forms stamp image data as the additional image data, and performs a merging process to merge (overlap) the stamp image data to the original image data stored in the page memory area17bat the position selected on the operation member2, so that the merged image data is formed.

As shown inFIG. 15, the merged image data in which the original image data is overlapped with the stamp image data is sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and is compressed according to a control of the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (1) inFIG. 15). The compressed merged image data is once stored in the compressed memory area17aof a buffer through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (2) inFIG. 15). Subsequently, the merged image data is further sent and stored to the HDD21of a memory for storage through the memory control IC15(arrowed dash line (3) inFIG. 15).

In the case where normal image forming is selected on the operation member2and an image is outputted, the merged image data stored in the HDD21, to which the stamp image data was overlapped before the original image data is stored to the HDD21of a memory for storage is sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and the merged image data is decompressed according to a control of the memory control IC15. The decompressed merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5page by page through the memory control IC15, and the image is formed sequentially. In this case, the image may be formed in a manner that the merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5page by page after the merged image data is once stored to the page memory area17b.

On the other hand, in the case where an image forming in a proof mode is selected on the operation member2and a stamp is overlapped to the original image data while the image forming member forms an image in the proof mode, the original image data already stored in the HDD21is sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15, and the original image data is decompressed according to a control of the memory control IC15. The decompressed original image data is stored in the page memory area17bthrough the memory control IC15.

Subsequently, the CPU11, memory control IC15and the like, which function as a second merging section, merge the stamp image data of the selected type is overlapped at the selected position to the original image data which was once stored in the HDD21of a memory for storage and sent to the page memory area17b, so that the merged image data to which the stamp image data has been overlapped is formed. That is, a user checks the image on a recording paper outputted and recorded by the image forming member5, and when a user wishes to adjust the stamp position, a user selects a position to overlap the stamp, for example, on the stamp position setting screen32(seeFIG. 3), fine adjustment setting screen33(seeFIG. 5) or the like of the display3which also works as the operation member2. When the stamp position is selected, the CPU11overlaps the stamp image data to the original image data in the selected condition, so that the merged image data is formed. When the formed merged image data is outputted from the image forming member5, the formed merged image data is outputted to the image forming member5through the memory control IC15, and the image is formed. By repeating this process, a user can adjust the stamp position to be a desirable position for the user. When it is desired to adjust the stamp position after the stamp is once overlapped, the original image data is read again and the stamp image data is overlapped thereto. When a new merged image data is formed by doing so, the previously formed merged image data is discarded.

When the stamp position is adjusted so that the merged image data in which the stamp image data is overlapped at the position desired by a user is formed, the merged image data stored in the page memory area17bis sent to the compression/decompression IC16through the memory control IC15and the merged image data is compressed according to a control of the memory control IC15. The compressed merged image data is stored to the HDD21of a memory for storage after the compressed merged image data is once stored to the compressed memory area17athrough the memory control IC15. In this case, the merged image data previously stored in the HDD21, which is the merged image data before adjusting the stamp position, is discarded.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the compressed memory area17ais used as a buffer. The merged image data in which the original image data and stamp image data are overlapped and compressed is once stored to the compressed memory area17aof the memory17, and thereafter, the merged image data is sent to the HDD21, and is stored and saved in the HDD21. Thus, a lot of original image data and merged image data can be stored compared to the case where the compressed memory area17ais a memory for storage.

In the present embodiment, the HDD21is installed in the image forming apparatus. However, the HDD may be installed outside the apparatus.

Similar with the case of the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.