JP2001197286A - Image processor and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent image defects and to obtain easy-to-read printed matters even when plural original images of different sizes are printed. SOLUTION: The size of a recognized original image is compared with the size of a print area equivalent to a single page of print form or the areas obtained by dividing evenly the said single page. Then the original image is reduced and set in the print area only when the original image size is larger than the print area. Meanwhile, the original image is set in its unmagnified size when the original image size is equal to or smaller than the print area 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a digital copying machine,
The present invention relates to an image forming technique in a printer or the like.

[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.

[0003]

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

In providing an image processing technique for Nin1 printing of mixed originals, it is desired to make printed matter as easy to read 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 while preventing image defects and making printed matter as readable as possible, 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 for generating output image data based on a plurality of original images having different sizes or directions, and recognizing the size of one original image selected from the plurality of original images. Image size recognizing means, area size recognizing means for recognizing the size of a print area corresponding to one page of printing paper, and the size of a document image recognized by the image size recognizing means and the area size recognizing means. Comparing means for comparing the size of the print area with the size of the print area, and based on the comparison result, only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area, fits the document image in the print area. Arrangement means for arranging the original image in a reduced size and, when the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area, arranging the original image at the same magnification. It is characterized in.

(2) Image direction recognizing means for recognizing the direction of one document image selected from the plurality of document images, and area direction recognizing means for recognizing the direction of a print area.
Direction comparison means for comparing the direction of the selected document image with the direction of the print area, and printing the direction of the selected document image when the direction of the selected document image and the direction of the print area are different. Rotating means for rotating relatively to the direction of the region.

(3) The image forming apparatus has the image processing apparatus described above.

(4) An image processing method for creating one page of output image data by combining a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein one document image selected from the plurality of document images is selected. Recognizing the size of the original image, recognizing the size of a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the printing paper, and recognizing the size of the original image and the area size recognized by the image size recognizing means. Comparing the size of the print area recognized by the means, and, based on the result of the comparison, only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area, the document image is stored in the print area. A step of arranging the document image to be reduced so as to fit, and arranging the original image at the same size when the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area; , Characterized by having a.

(5) A computer-readable recording medium recording a procedure for creating output image data based on a plurality of original images having different sizes or directions, wherein the computer-readable recording medium is selected from the plurality of original images. Recognizing the size of one document image; recognizing the size of a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of printing paper; and recognizing the size of the document image recognized by the image size recognition means. Comparing the size of the print area recognized by the area size recognition means and, based on the result of the comparison, only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area,
Arranging the original image in a reduced size so that it fits in the print area, and arranging the original image at the same size if the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area. Is recorded.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail 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 the network 40.
And the print server 20, and each client 3
Data communication such as image data and various commands can be performed between 0a to 30d. Further, since the digital copying machine 10 is connected to the print server 20, in addition to the normal function of a copying machine such as copying an original, each client 3 is connected via the print server 20.
It can have a function as a printer that prints image data received from 0a to 30d. 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, 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 that performs various processes on image data, a printer engine 1 that outputs image data on paper in accordance with a print job (copy job or print job)
8 and a CPU 19. Each of the above parts 11 to 18
Is 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 unit based on an instruction from the operation panel 15, whereby a document is read by the image reading unit 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, the image data transmitted from each of the clients 30a to 30d is received via the external interface unit 14 via the print server 20, and is printed by the printer engine 18.

Although not shown, the memory 16 includes a ROM and an 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 printing (copying) conditions and a stored job list for the print job currently being processed (current job), and these are 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) ), Total number of pages, number of copies, presence or absence of Nin1 setting (○
/ ×) is 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, and a hard disk 23.
Interface 24, an image processing unit 25, a display unit (display) 26, an operation unit 27 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a floppy disk and a C
A medium reading unit 28 that reads a recording medium such as a D-ROM,
And an interface 29 for connecting the print server 20 to the digital copier 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 almost the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes a CPU 31, a memory 32 for storing programs and data, a hard disk 33, and
, An image processing unit 35, a display unit (display) 36, an operation unit 37 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a medium reading unit that reads a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD-ROM 38. 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 provided on the hard disk 3
3 is stored. When printing a document created and edited using the document creation application 33a, the user sets desired printing conditions from among printing functions installed in the digital copying machine 10 using the printer driver 33b. The printer driver creates a print job (print job) based on the set printing conditions.
The created print job 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 system, Nin1 printing can be performed even for a mixed original (a plurality of originals having different sizes and directions) while preventing image loss. More specifically, when it is recognized that the document is a mixed original at the time of setting Nin1, an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the printing paper into N is set as a printing area, and one selected from a plurality of original images is selected. The size of the original image,
The size of the printing area is compared, and only when the size of the printing area is larger than the size of the printing area, the original image is reduced and arranged so as to fit in the printing area, and whether the size of the original image is the same as the size of the printing area. If they are small, they should be placed at the same magnification. More specifically, when a print job is registered and a document image is rasterized and Nin1 image layout processing is performed, only a document image that does not fit within the print area with the same size is reduced, while the same size is used. For a document image that fits within the print area, the image is formed so as not to change the size of the characters and figures of the original document as much as possible by not intentionally scaling the size of the original document to make the printed matter easier to read.

Digital copier 1 configured as described above
The system 0 performs processing as follows. The processing contents will be described separately for a case where it functions as a copier and a case where it functions as a printer.

[Processing when Functioning as Copier] FIG. 8
5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine when performing a copying process by a digital copying machine functioning as a copying machine.

The CPU 19 of the digital copying machine 10 receives the copying conditions specified by the operation panel 15 (S
1). Copying conditions include paper size, magnification, density,
Instructions such as single-sided, Nin1, and sort / non-sort are included. The received copy condition is stored in the management data storage unit 16b. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the copy job can be executed by the digital copying machine 10 based on the copy condition. If the copy job can be executed, the operation panel unit 15 is notified that the acceptance of the copy job is permitted, and the received operation panel 15 changes the display (S2). As a result, the user can know that the acceptance of the copy job has been permitted.

When the start key on the operation panel 15 is pressed, the ADF 12 sequentially conveys the document to the image reading section 11. The image reading unit 11 sequentially reads the conveyed originals and creates original image data (S3). Each document image data obtained by reading is stored in the image storage unit 16a. The document state detection sensor 14 detects the size and orientation of the document (S4). The detected document size and orientation are stored in the management data storage unit 16b.

The image processing unit 17 includes a management data storage unit 16
The original image data is edited to match the copy conditions with reference to the copy conditions stored in b, and new output image data is created. That is, the image processing unit 17 performs an image layout process based on a plurality of document images (S5). As a result, as described above, image loss is prevented, the size of output paper is unified, and printed matter becomes easier to read. The newly created output image data is stored in the image storage unit 1
It is stored (spooled) again in the memory 6a (S6). The management data storage unit 16b stores data indicating the progress of each job as a management table.

Subsequently, a request to start printing is made (S7).
It is determined whether to permit the start of printing (S8). Specifically, referring to the management table, the progress of the processing of the preceding print job in the digital copying machine 10 and the like are determined. If the print job accepted this time can be immediately executed, the start of printing is permitted (S8: YES), and the printer engine 18 starts printing (S9). On the other hand, if the printing start cannot be immediately permitted due to the reason that the preceding print job is being processed (S8: N
O), the printing is started after waiting for the start of printing (S9). After printing is performed by the printer engine 18, a finisher (not shown) can perform finishing processes such as paper folding, stapling, and punching.

FIGS. 9, 11 and 13 are flowcharts showing the contents of the image layout processing described in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 in more detail. The image layout processing is performed in the memory 1
6 can be performed. That is, a data area corresponding to one page of the output paper is set in the memory 16, and a document image is laid out on this data area.
Output image data is created.

<First Processing Example> The first processing is performed by Nin1
It is a processing example of the image layout processing when the setting is performed. Therefore, in the first process, N (N pages) document images are arranged on one page of printing paper. An area obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper into N is set as a print area. Therefore, the size of one document image selected from a plurality of document images is compared with the size obtained by dividing one page of paper into N equal parts, and the magnification for the document image is determined.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the first processing.

The CPU 19 refers to the copy conditions stored in the management data storage section 16b (S101). As a result of the reference, when it is determined that the Nin1 setting is performed (S102: YES), the following processing is performed.

First, from the management data storage section 16b,
The data relating to the paper size, which is one of the copying conditions, is referred to and the size and direction of the paper are recognized. If the copy condition does not include a paper size instruction, for example, the size of the original image obtained by first reading can be used as the paper size. As a result, a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper into N is set (S1).
03), the size and direction of the print area are set (S104). Next, a document image is selected from a plurality of document images, and the selected document image size is detected by referring to the management data storage unit 16b (S10).
5) The recognized direction of the print area is compared with the direction of the print area (S106). Usually, the shape of the document image and the print area are rectangular, and it is determined whether or not the directions of the rectangles of the document image and the print area match. Here, if the direction of the original image and the direction of the print area are both vertical or horizontal, the direction of the original image matches the direction of the print area. As a result of the comparison, if the direction of the document image does not match the direction of the print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the sheet (S106: NO),
The document image is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the print area (S107). On the other hand, if the direction of the document image matches the direction of the print area (S106: YES),
The original image is not rotated.

After the above rotation processing, the size of the selected document image is compared with the size of the print area (S10).
8). As a result of the comparison, only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area (S108: YE
S), the original image is reduced and arranged so that it fits in the print area (S109, S110), and if the size of the selected original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area (S109).
108: NO), the original image is arranged at the same size while maintaining the original size (S110). It is determined whether or not all the original images have been arranged. If there is an original image that has not been arranged yet (S111: NO), the next original image is selected from the plurality of original images, and step S
Steps 104 to S110 are performed. The document images are arranged one by one in a print area, which is an area obtained by dividing one page of a sheet. When the arrangement of all original images is completed (S11
1: YES), other image processing such as setting of margins is performed,
The image layout processing ends (S112).

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the direction of the selected original image is compared with the direction of the print area, and after rotating the original image according to the comparison result, the size of the original image and the print area are compared. Although the case where the size of the original image is compared with the size of the original image has been described, conversely, a processing order in which the size of the original image is compared with the size of the print area to reduce the size of the original image, and then the direction is compared is adopted. Can also.

FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a process of arranging a document image on an A3-size paper in a landscape orientation. Note that the actual processing is performed on the memory. That is, a data area corresponding to an A4-size sheet of landscape paper is set in the memory, and the document image data is laid out in the data area. The plurality of document images shown in FIG. 10 are a first document of A4 size, a second document of A5 size,
It is composed of a third document of three sizes and a fourth document of A4 size. Further, all the original images shown in FIG. 10 are vertically oriented. Here, the first document image is
This is the first document image, that is, the first selected document image, and usually corresponds to the image of the first page of the document. The same applies to the second and subsequent original images.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an image layout in the case of performing 2in1 processing. Therefore, an area obtained by bisecting one page of a sheet is set as a print area. The size of each original image is compared with the size of a print area obtained by bisecting one page of paper, and only when the size of the original image is larger than the size of a print area obtained by equally dividing one page of paper, While the original image is arranged so as to fit in the print area, if the size of the original image is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, the original image is arranged at the same size.

Since the paper size is A3 size and the paper direction is horizontal, the direction of the print area corresponding to the area obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper is vertical, and the size of the print area is A4 size. .

Since the size of the first original image is A4 size, which is the same as the size of the print area, the first original image is arranged in the print area on the left side of the first page while keeping the same size. Since the size of the second document image is A5 size, which is smaller than the size of the print area, the second document image is arranged in the print area on the right side of the first page while keeping the same size. The size of the third document image is A3
Since the size is larger than the size of the print area, the third document image is reduced to fit in the print area,
It is arranged in the print area on the left side of the page. Since the size of the fourth document image is A4 size, which is the same as the size of the print area, the fourth document image is arranged in the print area on the right side of the second page while keeping the same size.

<Second Example of Processing> The second example of processing is an example of image layout processing when double-sided setting is performed. In the second processing example, one document image is arranged on each side of the sheet. In this processing example, the size of one page of the paper is set as the size of the print area. Therefore, the size of one document image selected from a plurality of document images is compared with the size of one page of paper, and the magnification for the document image is determined.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the second processing.

The CPU 19 refers to the copy condition stored in the management data storage section 16b (S201). When it is determined that both sides are set as a result of the reference (S202: YES), the following processing is performed.

First, from the management data storage section 16b,
The paper size is recognized by referring to the data relating to the paper size, which is one of the copy conditions (S203). As a result, the size of the print area corresponding to one page of the paper is recognized. If the copy condition does not include a paper size instruction, for example, the size of the original image obtained by first reading can be used as the paper size. Next, a document image is selected from a plurality of document images, and the selected document image size is detected by referring to the management data storage unit 16b (S204).

The recognized document image size and paper size are compared (S205). As a result of the comparison, only when the document image size is larger than the paper size (S205:
(YES), the original image is reduced to fit on the paper, and is arranged in the print area on the front surface of the first page (S20)
6). On the other hand, if the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area (S205: NO), the original image is arranged at the same size in the print area (S20).
7).

It is determined whether or not all the original images have been arranged (S208). If there is an original image which has not been arranged (S208: NO), the original image is arranged from among the original images. One document image is selected, the size of the selected document image is detected (S204), and compared with the paper size (S205). Only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the paper size as a result of the comparison (S20
5: YES), the original image is reduced to fit on the paper, and placed in the print area on the back surface of the first page (S20).
6) If the size of the selected document image is the same as or smaller than the paper size (S205: NO), the document image is arranged at the same size in the print area. The image processing unit 17
By repeating the above processing, all the original images are arranged. When all original images are arranged (S208: YE
S), other image processing such as setting of margins is performed, and the image layout processing ends (S209).

As described above, in the present image layout processing, the original image is reduced and arranged only when the size of the original image is larger than the size of the print area corresponding to one page of the printing paper. If each original image is the same as or smaller than the print area, the original image is arranged at the same size. Therefore, as a result of arranging all the original images so as to fit in the print area, image defects can be prevented. In addition, unlike the case where the size of the original image is simply scaled to fit the print area size, if the original image fits in the print area at the original size, the original character size is used without scaling. In addition, an image in which the image size is maintained as much as possible can be formed, so that the printed matter becomes easy to read. Since the double-sided setting is performed, the reduced or equal-magnified original images are arranged separately on the front side and the back side of the sheet.

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 12 illustrates a process of arranging a document image on A4 size portrait paper. The plurality of document images shown in FIG. 12 include a first document image of A4 size, a second document image of A5 size, a third document image of A3 size, and a fourth document image of A4 size. All the original images shown in FIG. 12 are vertically oriented.

The size of the first document image is A4 size. As a result of comparing the size of the first document image with the paper size, it is determined that the size of the first document image is the same as the paper size, so that the first document image is kept as it is. It is arranged on the surface of the first sheet. The size of the second document image is A5 size. Second
As a result of comparing the size of the original image with the paper size, it is determined that the size of the second original image is smaller than the paper size. It is arranged on the back of the sheet. The size of the third document image is A3 size. Third
As a result of comparing the size of the original image with the paper size, it is determined that the size of the third original image is larger than the paper size. Therefore, the third original image is reduced to fit in the paper size. Is arranged on the front surface of the second sheet, which is the print area of. The size of the fourth document image is A4
Size. As a result of comparing the size of the fourth document image with the paper size, it is determined that the first document image corresponds to the size of the paper, so that the fourth document image remains at the same size as the second document image. It is arranged on the back of the sheet.

<Third Example of Processing> The third example of processing is an example of image layout processing when both sides are set, similarly to the second example of processing. Therefore, a print area corresponding to one page of the sheet is set corresponding to the front side and the back side of each sheet. Therefore, the size of one document image selected from a plurality of document images is compared with the size of one page of paper, and the magnification for the document image is determined. However, in the third processing example, the image is rotated in addition to the second processing example. Therefore, in the present processing example, when the direction of the original image does not match the direction of the print area in which the image is arranged, the direction of the image is changed with respect to the print area so that the direction of the image matches the direction of the print area. To rotate relatively.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the third processing.

The CPU 19 refers to the copy condition stored in the management data storage section 16b (S301). If it is determined that both sides are set as a result of the reference (S302: YES), the following processing is performed.

First, from the management data storage section 16b,
The data relating to the paper size, which is one of the copying conditions, is referred to and the size and direction of the paper are recognized (S30).
3). As a result, the size and direction of the print area corresponding to one page of the paper are recognized. Next, one document image is selected from the plurality of document images and the management data storage unit 1 is selected.
By referring to 6b, the size and direction of the selected document image are recognized (S304).

The direction of the recognized document image is compared with the direction of the sheet (S305). Normally, the original image and the paper are rectangular in shape, and it is determined whether or not the longitudinal directions of the rectangles of the original image and the printing paper match. Here, if the document image direction and the paper direction are both vertical or horizontal, the document image direction and the paper direction match. As a result of the comparison, when the direction of the document image does not match the direction of the sheet (S305: N
O), the document image is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the sheet (that is, the print area) (S306). On the other hand, when the direction of the document image matches the direction of the sheet (S305: YES), the rotation is not performed.

Thereafter, as in the case of the second processing example, the processing from step S307 is performed. That is, the size of the original image is compared with the size of the paper, and based on the comparison result, only when the size of the original image is larger than the size of the paper, the original image is reduced and arranged so as to fit on the paper. If the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area, processing for arranging the original image at the same size is performed. Step S3 until all the original images are arranged.
04 to step S309 are repeated. When the arrangement of all original images is completed (S310: YE
S), other image processing such as setting of margins is performed, and the image layout processing ends (S311).

FIG. 14 shows a specific example of the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 14 shows a process of arranging a document image on an A4 size sheet in a landscape orientation. A plurality of document images shown in FIG. 14 are a first document of A4 size in the horizontal direction, a second document of A5 size in the vertical direction,
The document is composed of a third document of three sizes in a horizontal direction and a fourth document of A4 size in a vertical direction.

The direction of the first document image is landscape and coincides with the direction of the paper, that is, the direction of the print area. Therefore, the first document image is not rotated. Further, since the size of the first document image is the same as the size of the sheet, the first document image is arranged on the surface of the first sheet without changing the magnification without changing the size. The direction of the second document image is vertical and does not match the direction of the print area. Therefore, the second document image is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the print area. Further, since the size of the second document image is smaller than the paper size, the second original image is arranged on the back surface of the first paper sheet without changing the magnification without changing the size. Since the direction of the third document image matches the direction of the print area, the third document image is not rotated. Since the size of the third document image is larger than the sheet size, the third document image is reduced to fit in the sheet size and is arranged on the surface of the second sheet.
The direction of the fourth document image does not match the direction of the print area.
Therefore, the fourth document image is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the print area. Since the size of the fourth document image is the same as the paper size, the fourth document image is placed on the back surface of the second sheet while maintaining the same size without being scaled.

[Processing when Functioning as a Printer] When the digital copying machine 10 is used as a printer, any one of the print server 30, the digital copying machine 10, the print server 30, and the image layout is installed on the printer driver of each of the clients 30a to 30d. Processing can be performed. Hereinafter, each case will be described.

<Case of Performing Image Layout Processing by Printer Driver> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of each of the clients 30a to 30d in the case of performing copy processing by the printer driver. FIG. 15 shows an example of a display screen of the printer driver.

When performing image layout processing on a 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 (S11: YES). Then, status information is acquired from the print server 20 (S12), and Nin1 and double-sided printing are set in accordance with setting of printing conditions such as a paper size and a paper feed port (S13). When printing is instructed (S14: YES), a print job including the created document image data and information on the set printing conditions is created,
This is stored in memory 32 (RAM) or hard disk 33
It is registered as a print job in the upper job management table (S15). At this time, similarly to the configuration of FIG. 3, the document image data is stored in the image storage unit 16a, and the printing conditions are stored in the 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 FIGS.
Alternatively, the image layout processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed (S1
7). Then, the rasterized and image-layout-processed original image data (that is, output image data) and the printing conditions not processed by the printer driver are
It is stored (spooled) again in the memory 22 or the hard disk 23 (S18).

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 (original image data and printing conditions) is transmitted to the print server 20 (S21).

<Case where Image Layout Processing is Performed by Print Server> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 20 when the print server 20 performs image layout processing.

When performing image layout processing in the print server 20, print conditions are received from one of the clients 30a to 30d (S31), and if it is determined that the print job can be accepted, the print job is accepted by the clients 30a to 30d. Is notified to permit (S
32), and receives document image data from the clients 30a to 30d (S33).

Then, the original image data is rasterized according to the set printing conditions (S34). And
At the time when the rasterization is completed, the above-described FIGS.
1 or the image layout processing shown in FIG.
35). Thereafter, the document image data (that is, output image data) that has been rasterized and subjected to image layout processing,
And printing conditions in the memory 22 or the hard disk 2
3 is again stored (spooled) (S36).

Then, registration of a print job is requested to the digital copying machine 10 (S37), and when registration of the printing job is issued from the digital copying machine 10 (S38: YE).
S), the print job (original image data and printing conditions) stored again (spooled) is transferred to the digital copying machine 10 (S39).

<Case of Performing Image Layout Processing by Digital Copier> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital copier 10 when performing image layout processing by the digital copier 10.

When image layout processing is performed by the digital copying machine 10, printing conditions are received 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. A notification to the effect is made (S42), and the document image data is received from the print server 20 (S43). Ni
When the original to be subjected to n1 printing or double-sided printing 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 according to the set printing conditions (S44). And
At the time when the rasterization is completed, the above-described FIGS.
1 or the image layout processing shown in FIG.
45). Thereafter, the document image data (that is, output image data) that has been rasterized and subjected to image layout processing,
And print conditions are stored again in the memory 16 (spool).
(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).

After the output image data for all pages is created, the actual printing on the printing paper may be started. However, the original image to be arranged is determined and the creation for the completed page is completed. It is also possible to create output image data for a subsequent page while printing on printing paper based on the output image data.

When the computer is used as described above, the processing according to the present invention is executed by the CPUs 19, 21 and 31 executing predetermined programs describing the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 13. This predetermined program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a floppy disk or
D-ROM, etc.). The predetermined program may be provided as application software for executing each of the above-described processes, or may be provided as one function of the digital copier 10 or the print server 20.
Software may be incorporated. Further, it may be incorporated in a printer driver installed in each of the clients 30a to 30d.

In the above description, a network image forming system having a digital copying machine 10 as a multifunction machine functioning as a copying machine and a printer and a 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 copying machine, a printer, a digital facsimile machine, or a print server that functions only as a copying machine.

[0077]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when arranging a so-called mixed original on printing paper, the size of the selected original image and the area obtained by equally dividing one page of the printing paper. Is compared with the size of the print area, and only when the size of the selected original image is larger than the size of the print area, the original image is reduced and arranged to fit in the print area, When the size of the image is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, the images are arranged at the same size. Therefore, only the original image which does not fit in the print area without reduction is reduced, and the original image which fits in the print area without reduction is arranged without changing the magnification and maintaining the original size. Therefore, even in the case of the Nin1 processing in which the mixed original is arranged for a plurality of pages on one surface of the printing paper, image loss can be prevented, and the original image is arranged while maintaining the original size as much as possible. The printed matter becomes easier to read.

[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 a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine when performing a copying process by a digital copying machine functioning as a copying machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a first processing example of image layout processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a first processing example of an image layout process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a second processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a second processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a third processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a third processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen of a printer driver.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client shown in FIG. 1 when an image layout process is performed by a printer driver.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print server when the print server of FIG. 1 performs image layout processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine when performing image layout processing in the digital copying machine of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

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

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06T 1/00 G06F 15/66 355A H04N 1/393 450 F-term (Reference) 2C087 AA03 AB06 BB10 BC02 BC05 BD06 BD07 BD24 CA03 CB03 CB13 2H027 DB09 FB12 FD00 FD01 5B057 AA11 BA02 CA12 CA16 CB12 CB16 CC01 CD02 CD04 CD05 CE08 5C076 AA17 AA19 AA22 AA24 CB02

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for composing a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions to create one page of output image data, comprising: Image size recognizing means for recognizing a size; area size recognizing means for recognizing a size of a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of printing paper; and a size of the original image recognized by the image size recognizing means. Comparing means for comparing the size of the print area recognized by the area size recognition means with the size of the print area, based on the comparison result, only when the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area, When the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area, the original image is arranged at a reduced size so as to fit in the print area. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an arranging means for arranging. 2. An image direction recognizing means for recognizing a direction of one document image selected from the plurality of document images; an area direction recognizing means for recognizing a direction of a print area; A direction comparing means for comparing the direction with the direction of the print area; and, when the direction of the selected document image is different from the direction of the print area, the direction of the selected document image is compared with the direction of the print area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a rotation unit configured to relatively rotate the image. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 4. An image processing method for synthesizing a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions to create one page of output image data, the method comprising: selecting one document image selected from the plurality of document images; A step of recognizing a size; a step of recognizing a size of a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of print paper; a size of the document image recognized by the image size recognition means and the area size recognition means Comparing the size of the print area recognized by the printer with the size of the print area, and if the size of the selected document image is larger than the size of the print area based on the comparison result, fits the original image into the print area If the size of the original image is the same as or smaller than the size of the print area, the original image is arranged at the same size. The image processing apparatus characterized by having a. 5. A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing procedure for creating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein one of the plurality of document images is selected from the plurality of document images. Recognizing the size of one document image; recognizing the size of a print area corresponding to an area obtained by equally dividing one page of print paper; and recognizing the size of the document image recognized by the image size recognition means. Comparing the size of the print area recognized by the area size recognition means with the size of the selected document image based on the result of the comparison. If the size of the original image is equal to or smaller than the size of the print area, Computer-readable recording medium characterized by recording a program for executing the steps of placing at the same magnification, to the computer.