JP2001157033A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the Nin1 printing of a mixed original and to easily read a printed matter, while preventing image defects. SOLUTION: When a mixed original is recognized at setting of Nin1, the original for N pages, which is arranged in the same page, is reduced uniformly with the same reduction ratio within a range where the picture is not damaged, while the direction of the original is being maintained and a Nin1 processing is being performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or
1 relates to an image processing technique for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming system using an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a printer, N pages of originals are arranged on one surface (one page) of one sheet of printing paper (hereinafter simply referred to as "paper"). Some have a Nin1 function. When printing is performed using the Nin1 function (Nin1 printing), N pages of originals can be viewed at a time and paper can be saved. Some of the image forming systems have a function of printing a plurality of originals (mixed originals) having different sizes or directions at once while automatically selecting a paper or a magnification.

[0003]

However, there is no conventional image forming system having a function of printing a mixed original in Nin1 while preventing image loss.

[0004] In providing an image processing technique for Nin1 printing of mixed originals, it is desirable to make printed matter as readable as possible for the convenience of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image processing apparatus and method capable of printing mixed originals in Nin1 format so that printed matter is as easy to read as possible while preventing image defects, and a computer readable recording of an image processing program. It is intended to provide a simple recording medium.

[0006]

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for synthesizing a plurality of document images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths to create one page of output image data. Arranging means for arranging at least one original image in the horizontal direction and at least one original image in the vertical direction on one page; Calculating means for calculating the ratio between the length in the direction and the length in the horizontal direction of the printing paper, and the length in the vertical direction and the length in the vertical direction of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of arranged document images A second calculating means for calculating a ratio between the first and second calculating means, based on the calculation results of the first calculating means and the second calculating means, so that a plurality of arranged document images fit on one surface of the printing paper,
Setting means for setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images to be arranged.

(2) An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for creating a one-page output image data by combining a plurality of original images having different sizes. Arranging means for arranging on one page;
First calculating means for calculating a ratio between a horizontal length of a rectangular area having a minimum size including a plurality of arranged original images and a horizontal length of a printing sheet; and a minimum size including a plurality of arranged original images. A second calculating means for calculating the ratio of the length of the rectangular area in the vertical direction to the length of the printing paper in the vertical direction, and a plurality of the rectangular areas arranged based on the calculation results of the first calculating means and the second calculating means. Setting means for setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of arranged document images such that the original image fits on one side of the printing paper.

(3) There is a magnification changing means for reducing a minimum size rectangular image composed of a plurality of arranged original images at a set reduction ratio.

(4) There are magnification changing means for reducing each of the arranged plurality of original images at a set reduction ratio, and relocation means for rearranging the plurality of reduced original images on one page. .

(5) The setting means sets a common reduction ratio such that a plurality of document images to be arranged can fit on one surface of the printing paper at the maximum size.

(6) The above image processing apparatus is provided in an image forming apparatus.

(7) The above-mentioned image processing apparatus is provided in a control device of the image forming apparatus.

(8) The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method in which a plurality of original images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths are combined to create one page of output image data. Arranging at least one document image in the horizontal direction and at least one document image in the vertical direction on one page, and arranging the minimum size rectangular area including the plurality of arranged document images in the horizontal direction; And the ratio between the length in the vertical direction and the length in the vertical direction of the rectangular area of the minimum size including a plurality of placed document images and the length in the vertical direction of the printing paper are calculated. And a step of setting a common reduction ratio for the plurality of arranged document images based on the calculation result in the above process so that the plurality of arranged document images fit on one surface of the printing paper. Characterized in that it.

(9) An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for creating a one-page output image data by combining a plurality of original images having different sizes. A process of arranging the original images on one page, calculating a ratio of a horizontal length of a rectangular area of a minimum size including a plurality of original images to be arranged to a horizontal length of the printing paper, and arranging a plurality of original images. Calculating the ratio of the vertical length of the rectangular area of the minimum size including the vertical length to the vertical length of the printing paper, and, based on the calculation result in the above process, a plurality of document images to be arranged are printed on the printing paper. Setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of arranged document images so as to fit on one surface.

(10) The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is for synthesizing a plurality of document images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths to create one page of output image data. The image processing program according to claim 1, wherein at least one document image is horizontally arranged on one page, and
Arranging at least one document image in the vertical direction;
Calculate the ratio of the horizontal length of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of original images to be arranged to the horizontal length of the printing paper, and calculate the ratio of the minimum-size rectangular area including the multiple original images to be arranged. Calculating the ratio between the length in the vertical direction and the length in the vertical direction of the printing paper; and, based on the calculation result in the above process, arranging the plurality of original images to be arranged so as to fit on one surface of the printing paper. And setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images.

(11) A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is an image processing program for synthesizing a plurality of document images having different sizes to create one page of output image data, and having different sizes. Arranging a plurality of original images on one page, calculating a ratio of a horizontal length of a minimum-size rectangular area including the arranged plural original images to a horizontal length of the printing paper, and Calculating the ratio of the vertical length of the rectangular area of the minimum size including the plurality of original images to the vertical length of the printing paper, and the plurality of originals arranged based on the calculation result in the above process. Setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images to be arranged so that the images fit on one side of a print sheet. One in which was recorded.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network image forming system to which the present invention is applied.

In the system, the digital copier 10,
Print server computer (hereinafter "print server")
20) and a plurality of client computers (hereinafter abbreviated as “clients”) 30a, 30
b, 30c, and 30d are communicably connected to each other via a network 40. The print server 20 and the plurality of clients 30a to 30d
Are connected to each other via
Data communication such as image data and various commands can be performed between the print servers 20a to 30d and between the clients 30a to 30d. Also,
Since the digital copying machine 10 is connected to the print server 20, the digital copying machine 10 prints image data received from each of the clients 30 a to 30 d via the print server 20 in addition to a normal function as a copying machine such as copying a document. And a function as a printer. Accordingly, the print server 20 functions to provide a service for sharing the digital copier 10 as a printer on the network 40.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the digital copying machine 10.

The digital copying machine 10 includes an image reading unit 11 for reading a document, an ADF 12 for automatically feeding a plurality of sheet-shaped documents one by one, a document state detection sensor 13 for detecting the size and orientation of the document to be read, and Digital copier 1
0, an external interface unit 14 for connecting a print server 20, an operation panel 15 for inputting various settings, and a memory 1 for storing programs and data.
6. an image processing unit 17 for performing various processes on the image data; a printer engine 18 for outputting the image data on paper in accordance with a print job (copy job or print job);
And a CPU 19. The components 11 to 18 are comprehensively controlled by the CPU 19. Here, the “copy job” is a print job when functioning as a copier, and the “print job” is
A print job received from outside when functioning as a printer.

When functioning as a copier, the CPU 19 controls each section based on an instruction from the operation panel 15, whereby an original is read by the image reading section 11, and image data obtained by reading is read. Printing conditions (paper size, magnification, number of sheets, density, duplex /
The print is performed by the printer engine 18 according to one side, Nin1, sort / non-sort, and the like. Here, Nin1 is processing for arranging N pages of images on one page.

When functioning as a printer, image data transmitted from each of the clients 30a to 30d is received via the print server 20 via the external interface unit 14, and printed by the printer engine 18.

Although not shown, the memory 16 has a ROM and R
The control program is stored in the ROM. As shown in FIG. 3, the RAM has an image storage unit 16a for storing image data and a management data storage unit 16b for storing management data. The management data is configured as a management table that records and manages the settings of the printing conditions and the current processing status. The management table includes a job management table for managing a print job, a paper feed port management table for managing information on a paper feed cassette, and the like. The job management table includes information such as set printing conditions and storage locations of image data.

Although not shown, the operation panel 15 is provided with a touch panel type display capable of displaying a message, in addition to various operation keys such as a start key and numeric keys. The contents of the management table displayed on the display include the mode of the print job currently being processed (current job) and the list of jobs being stored, and both can be switched by the user's selection. The job list is a screen showing the settings and the progress of each job. In the display example of FIG. 4, for each print job, the name of the print job (copy job / print job) and the status (printing / waiting) ), The total number of pages, the number of copies, and the presence or absence of Nin1 setting (（/ ×) are displayed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the print server 20.

The print server 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22 for storing programs and data, a hard disk 23, a network interface 24 for connecting the print server 20 to a network 40, an image processing unit 25, a display unit (display) 26, Operation unit 27 such as keyboard and mouse, floppy disk and CD
A medium reading unit 28 for reading a recording medium such as a ROM; and an interface 29 for connecting the print server 20 to the digital copying machine 10.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of each of the clients 30a to 30d. Here, for convenience,
Any one client is indicated by reference numeral "30".

The client 30 is connected to the print server 20
It has a CPU 31, a memory 32 for storing programs and data, a hard disk 33, a network interface 34 for connecting the client 30 to a network 40, an image processing unit 35, and a display unit ( Display) 36, an operation unit 37 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a medium reading unit 3 that reads a recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM.
8 As shown in FIG. 7, a document creation application 33a such as word processing software and a printer driver 33b which is a program for controlling the digital copying machine 10 as a printer are stored in the hard disk 33. When printing a document created and edited using the document creation application, the user sets desired printing conditions from among printing functions mounted on the digital copying machine 10 using a printer driver. The printer driver creates a print job (print job) based on the set printing conditions. The created print job is
The data is transmitted from the client 30 to the digital copying machine 10 via the network 40 and the print server 20.

According to the present invention, in the above-described image forming system, a mixed original (a plurality of originals having different sizes or directions) is provided.
However, Nin1 printing can be performed while preventing image loss. More specifically, if it is recognized that the document is a mixed document at the time of setting Nin1, the original image is maintained at least and the document image of at least N pages arranged on the same page is not lost. In the same manner, the image is reduced at the same magnification (reduction ratio), and the Nin1 process is performed. More specifically, after registering a print job and rasterizing document image data, when performing Nin1 image layout processing, when it is recognized that the document is a mixed document at any point described later, the document is deleted. When setting the reduction ratio for performing the Nin1 process without rotating the original and without setting the reduction ratio for each page of the document, at least N For a document image for a page, a common reduction ratio that does not cause image loss is set, the image is uniformly reduced at the set reduction ratio, and the Nin1 process is performed.

Here, the common reduction ratio for a plurality of original images arranged on one page is determined by assuming a rectangular area of the minimum size including a plurality of original images arranged on one page.
The ratio between the length of the rectangular area in the horizontal direction and the length of the paper in the horizontal direction, and the ratio of the length of the rectangular area in the vertical direction to the length of the paper in the vertical direction are calculated, based on the calculation result. The magnification is set by obtaining the magnification at which the plurality of document images can be accommodated on one side of the sheet.

At this time, there are roughly the following two ways of arranging the original image when assuming a rectangular area. First, when a square area is assumed, the actual layout is already performed according to the final layout.
In this case, the reduction ratio is obtained after the real layout according to the final layout is performed, and the square image of the layout result is reduced at the obtained reduction ratio, but no rearrangement is performed. The second method is to perform a preliminary arrangement for calculating a reduction ratio when assuming a rectangular area. In this case, the reduction ratio is calculated based on the preliminary arrangement, and each original image is reduced by the obtained reduction ratio, and then the reduced original images are rearranged according to the final layout (real arrangement). Hereinafter, the latter case will be described first as the first embodiment, and then the former case will be described as the second embodiment.

The setting of the common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images arranged on one page may be performed in units of one page of the output destination sheet as described above. Specifically, for example, it may be performed for each page of the paper, that is, for each document of N pages, or may be performed for all pages of the paper, that is, all pages of the document to be printed in Nin1. Good. In the former case, since the reduction ratio is the same for each page, the size of the document image arranged on each page is prevented from becoming unnecessarily small in relation to other pages, and in the latter case, Since the reduction ratio is the same for all pages of the document, the size of characters and the like is the same between the pages of the printed matter.

In the following, an example will be described in which the above-mentioned common reduction ratio is set for each page of a sheet and is set to a magnification at which a plurality of original images arranged on one page can fit in the sheet at the maximum size. I do.

(First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, a preliminary arrangement for calculating a common reduction ratio is performed when a rectangular area is assumed. This preliminary arrangement is preferably such that, in the final layout, when a document image adjacent to another document image in the horizontal or vertical direction exists in a plurality of document images, the document image is placed in the horizontal or vertical direction. In the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction between adjacent document images, and if no such document image exists, the final layout remains. In the present embodiment, in particular, N
Ordinary so-called standard Nin1 in which document images for pages are arranged properly in the horizontal and vertical directions on one page of paper
This is suitable for the case of processing (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

A specific example of a basic method for calculating a common reduction ratio based on such a preliminary arrangement is as follows.

Here, the length of one document in the horizontal direction is xn, and the length in the vertical direction is yn (where n is
Is the number of pages of the document, n = 1, 2, 3,...). Also, N
X is the horizontal length of the paper specified in in1 printing.
m, the length in the vertical direction is Ym, the number of arranged documents in the horizontal direction is i, and the number of arranged documents in the vertical direction is j (where m is the number of pages of the paper and m = 1, 2, 3, and
…).

As a procedure for calculating the reduction ratio, first, simply, the sum Lxm of the length in the horizontal direction and the sum Lym of the length in the vertical direction of the document arranged on one page of the paper are expressed by the following equation (1). Each is calculated by Equation 2.

[0040]

(Equation 1)

[0041]

(Equation 2)

However, when i = 1, the maximum value of xn is L
xm, and when j = 1, the maximum value of yn is Lym.

Next, based on Lxm, Lym, Xm, and Ym, the reduction ratio txm in the horizontal direction and the reduction ratio tym in the vertical direction of each page of the sheet are calculated by the following equations (3) and (4).
Respectively.

[0044]

(Equation 3)

[0045]

(Equation 4)

Then, txm and tym are compared for each page of the sheet, and the smaller value is set as the common reduction ratio tm for the document placed on that page.

The above calculation is performed for each page of the sheet.

Next, a specific calculation example will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, a case is considered in which Nin1 printing is performed on a 6-page mixed original (A4 pages are portraits and even pages are landscapes) of 6 pages of different sizes in A4 size. Here, “portrait” means that the image is formed vertically on the original document / paper, that is, the case where the vertical direction of the original document / paper matches the vertical direction of the image. In other words, "landscape" refers to a case where an image is formed horizontally on a document / paper oriented vertically, that is, a case where the vertical direction of the document / paper is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the image.

<Calculation Example 1> FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in a case where landscape is performed in 2-in-1 on 4-size paper.

The sum of the lengths in the horizontal direction of the document arranged on each page of the paper (the assumed length of the rectangular area in the horizontal direction) is as follows: Lx1 = x1 + x2 Lx2 = x3 + x4 Lx3 = x5 + x6 expressed.

The sum of the lengths of the originals arranged on each page of the sheet in the vertical direction (the length of the assumed rectangular area in the vertical direction) is j = 1, so that Ly1 = y1∵y1. > Y2 Ly2 = y3 ∵y3> y4 Ly3 = y5 ∵y5> y6

Therefore, the reduction ratio in the horizontal direction and the reduction ratio in the vertical direction of each page of the sheet are respectively tx1 = X1 / Lx1 = 0.585579 ... {0.59 ty1 = Y1 / Ly1 = 0.70707 ...} 0.71 tx2 = X2 / Lx2 = 0.55859 ... ≒ 0.59 ty2 = Y2 / Ly2 = 0.77077 ... ７０0.71 tx3 = X3 / Lx3 = 0.55859 .... 0.59 ty3 = Y3 / Ly3 = 0.7077 ... ≒ 0.71.

Therefore, the common reduction ratio for each page of the paper is t1 = tx1 ≒ 0.59∵tx1 <ty1 t2 = tx2 ≒ 0.59∵tx2 <ty2 t3 = tx3 ≒ 0.59∵tx3 <Ty3. That is, in this example, the common reduction ratio for the document image included in each page of the paper is about 0.
59.

<Calculation Example 2> FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in the case of performing 4-in-1 portrait on 4-size paper.

When there are a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in each page of a sheet as in 4in1, the longest of the lengths of each row and each column is determined by the length of the page in the horizontal and vertical directions. And

Therefore, the sum of the lengths of the originals arranged on each page of the sheet in the horizontal direction (the assumed length of the rectangular area in the horizontal direction) is the sum of the lengths of the adjacent rows in the horizontal direction. Will be the longest one. Therefore, FIG.
In the example of, for the first page of the paper, x1 + x2
(= 210mm + 297mm = 507mm) and x3 + x4 (=
The longer one (210 mm + 297 mm = 507 mm) (507 mm in this example) is Lx1.

On the second page, since there is only one line, the above-mentioned basics are applied as it is, and Lx2 = x5 + x6 (= 210 mm + 297 mm = 507 m)
m).

The sum of the lengths of the originals arranged on each page of the sheet in the vertical direction (the length of the assumed rectangular area in the vertical direction) is the sum of the lengths of the adjacent columns in the vertical direction. It will be the longest of them. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 9, for the first page of the paper, y1 + y3 (= 29
7mm + 297mm = 594mm) and y2 + y4 (= 210mm)
+210 mm = 420 mm) whichever is longer (5 in this example)
94 mm) becomes Ly1, and for the second page, Ly2 = y5 (= 297 mm) ∵y5> y6.

Therefore, the reduction ratio in the horizontal direction and the reduction ratio in the vertical direction of each page of the sheet are respectively tx1 = X1 / Lx1 = 210/507 = 0.4142.
0... 0.41 ty1 = Y1 / Ly1 = 297/594 = 0.5 tx2 = X2 / Lx2 = 210/507 = 0.4142
0 ... ≒ 0.41 ty2 = Y2 / Ly2 = 297/297 = 1

Therefore, the common reduction ratio for each page of the paper is as follows: t1 = tx1∵0.41∵tx1 <ty1 t2 = tx2 ≒ 0.41∵tx2 <ty2 That is, in this example, the common reduction ratio for the document image included in each page of the paper is about 0.
It becomes 41.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the entire image layout process including the process of Nin1 processing of a mixed document according to the first embodiment.

First, referring to the contents of the set printing conditions included in the print job (S1), it is determined whether Nin1 is set (S2). If Nin1 is not set (S2: NO), the process immediately returns to the main flowchart described later.

When Nin1 is set (S2:
YES), referring to a table that manages the reduction ratio set in advance according to the printing conditions in order to realize Nin1, the printing conditions (such as paper size) and the like for the document arranged on one page A reduction ratio according to the document size is selected (S3).

Then, it is determined whether the original to be printed in Nin1 is a mixed original having a different size or orientation (S4).
For example, in the case of a print job,
The information can be recognized from the information of the set printing conditions and, in the case of a copy job, from the detection result by the document state detection sensor 13.

If it is determined that the original is a mixed original (S4: YE
S), a common reduction ratio for N pages of originals arranged on one page is calculated by the calculation method specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 (S5). Then, the document images of N pages are uniformly reduced at the common reduction ratio calculated in step S5 (S6), and the reduced document images of N pages are arranged on one page according to the final layout (S6).
7). As a result, one page of Ni for the mixed original
The n1 process is completed, and one page of output image data is obtained.

If it is determined that the document is not a mixed original (S
4: NO), the process immediately proceeds to step S6, and step S3
The document image for N pages is reduced at the reduction ratio selected in (S6), and the reduced document image for N pages is arranged on one page (S7). Thus, the Nin1 processing for one page for the non-mixed original is completed, and one page of output image data is obtained.

In either case of the mixed original and the non-mixed original, when the Nin1 processing for one page is completed and one page of output image data is obtained, it is determined whether or not the page of the sheet is the last page ( S8). For the last page (S
8: YES), it is determined that the Nin1 process has been completed for all pages of the document, and the process returns to the main flowchart. If it is not the last page (S8: NO),
Returning to step S3, the same processing is repeated for the next page.

In the above example, the mixed original is Nin1
Although the common reduction ratio set at the time of processing is set to the upper limit value at which the size of the image becomes the maximum size, the present invention is not limited to this, and a value smaller than the upper limit value (reduction ratio) It may be. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to present the upper limit value to the user and allow the user to select a common reduction ratio within a range not exceeding the upper limit value.

Further, in the above example, the calculation of the common reduction ratio is performed at the time of the image layout processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the calculation is not performed at the time of the image layout processing, a common reduction ratio corresponding to each case is calculated in advance, and the table is stored in an appropriate predetermined storage unit, and the common reduction ratio is searched as needed. It is also possible to uniformly reduce a plurality of document images at the searched common reduction ratio.

In the above example, when it is determined that the document is a mixed original, a common reduction ratio is calculated for each page of the sheet. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to calculate a common reduction ratio for all pages of a sheet, that is, for all pages of an original to be printed in Nin1.

In the case of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 using the digital copying machine 10, the place where the original image is subjected to Nin1 processing differs depending on the type of print job such as a copy job or a print job. Therefore, the calculation of the common reduction ratio when the document to be printed in Nin1 is recognized as the mixed document is performed at a place corresponding to the type of the print job of the document.

First, in the case of a print job, Nin1
Each of the clients 30a to 30d
There are three places on the printer driver: the print server 20 and the digital copier 10. Hereinafter, each case will be described.

<Case where Nin1 Processing is Performed by Printer Driver> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of each of the clients 30a to 30d when performing Nin1 processing with the printer driver.

When Nin1 processing is performed on the printer driver installed in each of the clients 30a to 30d, a mixed document is created using a document creation application, and then the printer driver is activated (S1).
1: YES), status information is acquired from the print server 20 (S12), and Nin1 is set in accordance with setting of printing conditions such as a paper size, a paper feed port, and duplex printing (S13). Then, when printing is instructed (S1
4: YES), a print job including the created original image data and information on the set print conditions (print condition information) is created, and this is printed on the job management table on the memory 32 (RAM) or the hard disk 33. It is registered as a job (S15). At this time, the document image data is stored in the image storage unit 16a, as in the configuration of FIG.
The printing condition information is stored in a management table in the management data storage unit 16b. Note that image data output from the printer driver is usually expressed in a page description language, not a bitmap.

Then, the original image data is rasterized according to the set printing conditions (S16). Rasterization is processing for developing image data into bitmap data that can be printed by the digital copying machine 10. Then, when the rasterization is completed, the above-described image layout processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S17). Thereafter, the original image data that has been rasterized and subjected to the image layout processing (that is, output image data) and the information regarding the printing conditions that have not been processed by the printer driver are stored (spooled) again in the memory 22 or the hard disk 23 (S).
18).

Then, the print server 20 requests the print server 20 to register the print job (S19). When the print server 20 permits the registration of the print job (S20: YE)
S), the print job (document image data and print condition information) is transmitted to the print server 20 (S21).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 20 when the print server 20 performs the Nin1 process.

When the print server 20 performs the Nin1 processing, it receives print condition information from a client 30a to 30d (S31), and if it is determined that the print job can be received, the print server 20 receives the print job from the client 30a to 30d. Is notified (S3
2) The document image data is received from the clients 30a to 30d (S33). If the original to be printed in Nin1 is a mixed original, upon receipt of the original image data, it is recognized that the original is a mixed original.

Then, the original image data is rasterized in accordance with the set printing conditions (S34). And
When the rasterization is completed, the above-described image layout processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S35). Thereafter, the original image data (that is, the output image data) that has been rasterized and subjected to the image layout processing and the print condition information are stored (spooled) again in the memory 22 or the hard disk 23 (S36).

Then, registration of a print job is requested to the digital copying machine 10 (S37). When registration of the print job is issued from the digital copying machine 10 (S38: YE).
S), and transfer the stored print job (original image data and printing condition information) to the digital copying machine 10 (S3).
9).

<Case where Nin1 Processing is Performed by Digital Copier> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital copying machine 10 when the digital copying machine 10 performs Nin1 processing.

When the digital copier 10 performs the Nin1 process, it receives print condition information from the print server 20 (S41), and if it is determined that the print job can be accepted, the print server 20 is permitted to accept the print job. The print server 2 is notified (S42).
Document image data is received from 0 (S43). Nin1
If the original to be printed is a mixed original, upon receiving the original image data, it is recognized that the original is a mixed original.

Then, the original image data is rasterized according to the set printing conditions (S44). And
When the rasterization is completed, the above-described image layout processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S45). Thereafter, the rasterized and image-layout-processed original image data (that is, output image data) and the printing condition information are stored (spooled) again in the memory 16 (S46).

Then, the start of printing is requested internally or to the user (S47), and when permission to start printing is given (S48: YES), printing is started (S49).

Next, in the case of a copy job, the digital copying machine 10 performs Nin1 processing. A
When the document set on the tray of the DF 12 is a mixed document, the size and orientation of the document are read by the document state detection sensor 13 to recognize that the document is a mixed document. Thereafter, for the copy job registered in the job management table in the management data storage unit 16b of the memory 16, FIG.
3 (in the case of a print job, Ni
The same processing as in step S44 and subsequent steps in the case of performing the n1 processing) is performed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, Ni
If it is recognized that the document is a mixed document at the time of setting n1, the document is maintained at the same orientation and at least N pages of the document arranged on the same page are uniformly reduced to the same size as long as the image is not lost. Nin
Since one process is performed, Nin1 printing can be performed while preventing image loss even for a mixed document. Moreover, at this time, at least the originals arranged on the same page have the same reduction ratio, so that the size of the characters and the like becomes the same, and the printed matter becomes easier to read. In addition, since the Nin1 process is performed while maintaining the orientation of the original, the printed matter can be read without rotating the printed matter, which also makes the printed matter easier to read.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is a case where a real arrangement is already performed according to the final layout when a rectangular area is assumed. The present embodiment is particularly applicable when the method corresponding to the first embodiment is difficult to apply, that is, in a case where N pages of original images are not properly arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction on one page of a sheet, so to speak, an irregular type. This is useful in the case of typical Nin1 processing (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

FIG. 14 shows a 4-page mixed original document in which the orientation is different in A4 size (the odd pages are portrait,
(Even pages are landscape) 4
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram in the case of in1 printing. FIG. 15 shows a mixed original of three pages having different sizes and orientations (one page is landscape in A4 size, two pages is portrait in A5 size, and three pages are landscape in A3 size). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in the case of performing 3in1 printing with the illustrated layout.

The calculation method of the common reduction ratio corresponding to the present embodiment is as follows.

In advance, N pages of original images (see FIGS. 14A and 15A) to be arranged on one page are arranged on one page according to the final layout.
It is assumed that rectangular areas 50 and 60 having the minimum size and including N pages of original images arranged on the page. Then, the length Lx in the horizontal direction of the rectangular areas 50 and 60 is obtained, and the ratio tx (= X / Lx) of the obtained length Lx and the length X in the horizontal direction of the paper designated by Nin1 printing is calculated. At the same time, the length Ly of the rectangular areas 50 and 60 in the vertical direction is obtained, and the ratio ty (= Y / Ly) between the obtained length Ly and the length Y of the paper in the vertical direction is calculated. Then, tx and ty are compared, and the smaller value is determined as 1
A common reduction ratio t is set for the document image arranged on the page (see FIGS. 14B and 15B).

The above calculation is performed for each page of the sheet.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the entire image layout process including the process of Nin1 processing of a mixed original according to the second embodiment.

Steps S51 to S54 are the same as those in FIG.
Steps S1 to S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
The description is omitted here.

If it is determined that the original is a mixed original, the process proceeds to (S
54: YES) The document images of N pages to be arranged on one page are actually arranged on one page according to the final layout (S55), and the document images of N pages arranged on one page by the above calculation method. (S56) (FIG. 14 (B) and FIG. 15)
(B)). Then, the document image for N pages is uniformly reduced at the common reduction ratio calculated in step S56 (S57). At this time, the original image is reduced while maintaining the layout set in step S55, in other words, the rectangular area is treated as one image (FIG. 14).
(C) and FIG. 15 (C)). Thus, the Nin1 processing for one page for the mixed original is completed, and one page of output image data is obtained. Then, step S60
Proceed to.

If it is determined that the document is not a mixed original (S5
4: NO), the document image of N pages is reduced at the reduction rate selected in step S53 (S58), and the reduced document image of N pages is arranged on one page (S59). Thus, the Nin1 processing for one page for the non-mixed original is completed, and one page of output image data is obtained. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

Step S60 is the same as step S8 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The other contents are described in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

When a computer is used as described above, the CPU 19, 21, 31 executes a predetermined program describing the above-described processing procedure (see FIGS. 10 to 13, 16 and the like) in the Nin1 processing for the mixed original. The program is executed by executing the program, and the predetermined program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a floppy disk or a CD-ROM). In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored on a hard disk. Further, the predetermined program may be provided, for example, as application software for executing the above-described processes independently, or as one function of the digital copying machine 10 or the print server 20. May be incorporated in other software. In addition, each client 30a-
It may be incorporated in a printer driver installed in 30d.

In the above embodiment, the network image forming system including the digital copier 10 as a multifunction machine functioning as a copier and a printer and the print server 20 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Do not mean. The present invention is also applicable to, for example, a digital copier, a printer, a digital facsimile machine, a print server, or a system in which these functions are combined.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When arranging a plurality of pages of a mixed original on one side (one page) of printing paper, the horizontal length and the horizontal length of the minimum-size rectangular area including a plurality of original images arranged on one page are included. And the ratio between the length of the rectangular area in the vertical direction and the length of the printing paper in the vertical direction are calculated. Based on the calculation result, the plurality of document images are fit on one surface of the printing paper. In addition, since a common reduction ratio is set for the plurality of originals, at least for a plurality of pages of originals arranged on the same page, the same reduction ratio is maintained uniformly within a range where no image is lost while maintaining the original orientation. , And are arranged on one page, and Nin1 printing can be performed while preventing image loss even for a mixed original. In addition, at this time, at least the originals arranged on the same page have the same reduction ratio, so that the size of characters and the like is the same, and the printed matter can be easily read. Also,
Since the originals are arranged on one page while maintaining the orientation of the originals, the printed matter can be read without rotating the printed matter, and in this respect, the printed matter can be easily read.

When a common reduction ratio is set so that a plurality of original images can fit on one side of the printing paper at the maximum size, the size of characters and the like on the printing paper is maximized, so that printed matter is easy to read. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network image forming system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partial configuration diagram of a memory of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a job list.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the print server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of each client in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial configuration diagram of the hard disk of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a mixed-page original of six pages having different orientations in A4 size is landscaped in A4 size paper by 2in1 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a mixed original similar to that shown in FIG. 8 on an A4 size sheet in a 4i format according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
It is explanatory drawing in the case of n1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an entire image layout process including a process of performing a Nin1 process on a mixed original according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client in FIG. 1 when the printer driver performs the Nin1 process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print server when performing Nin1 processing in the print server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital copying machine when performing Nin1 processing in the digital copying machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a case in which four-page mixed originals of different sizes in A4 size are printed in 4in1 in the illustrated layout in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram in a case where three-page mixed originals having different sizes and directions are printed in 3in1 according to the illustrated layout in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an entire image layout process including a process of performing a Nin1 process on a mixed document according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital copying machine, 20 ... Print server, 30a-30d ... Client, 40 ... Network, 19, 21, 31 ... CPU.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for creating one page of output image data by synthesizing a plurality of document images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths, wherein one page includes at least one Arranging means for arranging the manuscript images in the horizontal direction and at least one manuscript image in the vertical direction; First calculating means for calculating a ratio to the length, and second calculating means for calculating a ratio between the length in the vertical direction of the rectangular area of the minimum size including a plurality of arranged document images and the length in the vertical direction of the printing paper. Based on the calculation results of the first calculation means and the second calculation means, so that the common reduction ratio for the plurality of placed document images is adjusted so that the plurality of placed document images fit on one surface of the printing paper. The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising setting means for constant for, a. 2. An image processing apparatus for composing a plurality of original images having different sizes to create one page of output image data, comprising: an arranging means for arranging a plurality of original images having different sizes on one page; First calculating means for calculating a ratio of a horizontal length of a rectangular area of a minimum size including a plurality of original images to be printed to a horizontal length of the printing paper; A second calculating means for calculating a ratio between the length of the rectangular area in the vertical direction and the length of the printing paper in the vertical direction; and a plurality of arrangements based on the calculation results of the first calculating means and the second calculating means. An image processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of arranged document images so that the document image fits on one surface of a print sheet. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scaling unit configured to reduce a minimum-sized rectangular image composed of a plurality of arranged original images at a set reduction ratio. . 4. A variable magnification means for reducing each of a plurality of arranged document images at a set reduction ratio, and a relocation means for rearranging the plurality of reduced document images on one page. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a common reduction ratio such that a plurality of document images to be arranged fit on one surface of a print sheet at a maximum size.
An image processing apparatus as described in the above. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
It is provided in the image forming apparatus. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
It is provided in a control device of the image forming apparatus. 8. An image processing method for creating one page of output image data by combining a plurality of document images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths, wherein at least one Arranging the original image in the horizontal direction and arranging at least one original image in the vertical direction; and determining the horizontal length and the horizontal length of the printing area of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of original images to be arranged. Calculating the ratio between the vertical length of the rectangular area of the minimum size including the plurality of placed document images and the vertical length of the printing paper, and calculating the ratio in the above process. Setting a common reduction ratio for the plurality of arranged document images based on the image processing so that the plurality of arranged document images fit on one surface of the printing paper. Method. 9. An image processing method for creating one page of output image data by combining a plurality of original images having different sizes, comprising: arranging a plurality of original images having different sizes on one page; Calculating the ratio of the horizontal length of the minimum-size rectangular area including a plurality of original images to the horizontal length of the printing paper, and the vertical direction of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of original images to be arranged. Calculating the ratio between the length of the printing paper and the length of the printing paper in the vertical direction. Based on the calculation result in the above-described process, the plurality of original images arranged are arranged so as to fit on one surface of the printing paper. Setting a common reduction ratio for the original image of the image processing method. 10. An image processing program for creating a page of output image data by combining a plurality of document images having different horizontal side lengths or vertical side lengths, wherein at least one page includes at least one page. Arranging one original image in the horizontal direction and arranging at least one original image in the vertical direction; the horizontal length of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of original images to be arranged; And calculating the ratio between the length in the vertical direction of the rectangular area of the minimum size including the plurality of placed document images and the length in the vertical direction of the printing paper; and Based on the calculation result, setting a common reduction ratio for the plurality of arranged document images so that the plurality of arranged document images fit on one side of the printing paper; and Recorded computer-readable recording medium a program for causing the row. 11. An image processing program for synthesizing a plurality of document images having different sizes to create one page of output image data, comprising: arranging a plurality of document images having different sizes on one page; Calculate the ratio of the horizontal length of the minimum-size rectangular area including the plurality of original images to be arranged to the horizontal length of the printing paper, and calculate the ratio of the minimum-size rectangular area including the multiple original images to be arranged. Calculating a ratio between the length in the vertical direction and the length in the vertical direction of the printing paper; and, based on the calculation result in the above process, arranging the plurality of original images to be arranged so as to fit on one surface of the printing paper. Setting a common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute the process.