JP2022166660A - image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming device capable of extracting desired kind of cut patterns from a plurality of cut patterns and forming the cut pattern on desired recording paper without requiring labor for newly creating image data.SOLUTION: In an image forming device, when a control unit receives a first instruction for designating raster images and a second instruction for designating a first paper feed cassette for the raster image, the control unit extracts cut patterns that are raster images from among a plurality of cut patterns, classifies them into the same group, arranges them side by side on a page, generates a cut line indicating the outline of the cut pattern, causes a paper feed portion to feed the recording paper contained in the first paper feed cassette according to the second instruction, and causes an image forming portion or the like to form the cut line and the cut patterns on the fed recording paper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to technology for forming a cut pattern.

Techniques for forming a cut pattern on a recording paper for cutting out from the recording paper are known. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-100000 discloses a technique for sequentially arranging a plurality of cut patterns by repeating a process of detecting a blank area of an image and arranging a cut pattern of the maximum size that can be arranged in the detected blank area. is disclosed.

U.S. Patent No. 10324673

When extracting a desired type of cut pattern from a plurality of cut patterns and forming it on a desired recording paper, the user uses, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or the like to extract the desired type of cut pattern based on image data representing the plurality of cut patterns. Since it is necessary to newly create image data showing only the type of cut pattern, it is troublesome. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique for determining the arrangement order of cut patterns, and cannot solve the above-described problem.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and extracts the same type of cut pattern from a plurality of cut patterns and prints it on a desired recording paper without the need to create new image data. The purpose is to be able to form

An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an image input unit for inputting image data representing a plurality of cut patterns, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, and a plurality of cassettes. A supply unit that supplies the recording medium contained in the cassette to the image forming unit, and a control unit. The control unit provides a first instruction for specifying at least one type of cut pattern and a second instruction for specifying one of the plurality of cassettes for each of the types of cut pattern specified by the first instruction. When the instruction is received, a cut pattern of the type specified by the first instruction is extracted from among the plurality of cut patterns, and the extracted cut patterns are classified by making cut patterns of the same type belong to the same group. Then, the classified cut patterns are arranged on different pages for each group according to a predetermined rule, cut lines indicating the contours of the arranged cut patterns are generated, and a specified cassette is produced according to a second instruction. The recording medium accommodated in the storage unit is supplied page by page to the supply unit, and the image forming unit is caused to form the generated cutting line and the arranged cut pattern on the supplied recording medium page by page.

According to the present invention, the type of cut pattern specified by the first instruction and the cutout lines of the cut pattern are arranged and formed on the recording medium supplied from the cassette specified for each type of cut pattern by the second instruction. be done. Therefore, the user can extract a desired type of cut pattern from a plurality of cut patterns and form it on a desired recording medium without the need to create new image data.

1 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a keyword table. It is a figure which shows another example of a keyword table. It is a figure which shows another example of a keyword table. 4 is a flowchart showing cut pattern forming processing; 6 is a flowchart showing PDL (Printer Job Language) analysis processing; It is a flow chart which shows sorting processing. It is a figure which shows an example of image data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of cut pattern classification and arrangement results; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of intermediate format data; It is a figure which shows an example of an order list. It is a figure which shows another example of image data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the classification and placement results of cut patterns; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the classification and placement results of cut patterns; It is a figure which shows another example of image data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the classification and placement results of cut patterns;

An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a transmission function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. A housing of the image forming apparatus 1 accommodates a plurality of devices for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 . For example, the housing accommodates an image reading section 11, an image forming section 12, a fixing section 13, a paper feeding section 14, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 100 . The control unit 100 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The control unit 100 functions as the control section 10 by the control program stored in the ROM or HDD 18 being executed by the processor. It should be noted that the control unit 10 may be configured by a logic circuit without depending on the operation based on the control program. The control unit 10 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 . More specifically, the control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 and communication with a PC (Personal Computer) 23 or the like connected via a network.

The control unit 10 also operates according to a formation program to be described later to extract cut patterns of a type specified by the user from among a plurality of cut patterns, classify them into groups, and classify the cut patterns into groups. are arranged side by side on different pages, cut lines indicating the outline of the cut pattern are generated, and the recording paper P accommodated in the paper feed cassette specified by the user is fed page by page to the paper feed unit 14 to form an image. A cut pattern forming process for forming a cut line and a cut pattern on the supplied recording paper P is executed in the unit 12 or the like.

The control unit 100 includes a document conveying portion 6, an image reading portion 11, an image forming portion 12, a fixing portion 13, a paper feeding portion 14, a first detecting portion 30A to a third detecting portion 30C, a display portion 15, an operating portion 16, a conveying portion It is electrically connected to the unit 17, the HDD 18, the image processing unit 19, the image memory 20, the facsimile communication unit 21, the communication unit 22, and the like.

The image reading unit 11 optically reads a document conveying unit 6 that conveys a document placed on a document table, and a document conveyed by the document conveying unit 6 or a document placed on a platen glass 7 . ADF (Auto Document Feeder) including a scanner. The image reading unit 11 irradiates an original with a light irradiation unit and receives the reflected light with a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor to read an image of the original and generate image data.

The image forming section 12 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 12 forms a recording sheet conveyed along the conveying path T by the conveying unit 17 based on image data generated by the image reading unit 11 or image data input via the communication unit 22 . An image composed of a toner image is formed on the paper P. As shown in FIG.

The fixing unit 13 heats and presses the recording paper P on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming unit 12 to fix the toner image onto the recording paper P. As shown in FIG. The recording paper P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing section 13 is discharged to the discharge tray 8 .

The paper feed unit 14 includes a manual feed tray, a first paper feed cassette 14A, a second paper feed cassette 14B, and a third paper feed cassette 14C. The paper feed unit 14 pulls out and conveys the recording paper P stored in the first paper feed cassette 14A to the third paper feed cassette 14C or the recording paper P placed in the manual feed tray one by one by a pickup roller. The recording paper P is supplied to the image forming section 12 by feeding it to the path T. As shown in FIG. The paper feeding unit 14 is an example of the supplying unit in the scope of claims.

The paper feed unit 14 includes a first detection unit 30A for detecting the type of recording paper P contained in the first paper feed cassette 14A, and the type of recording paper P contained in the second paper feed cassette 14B. and a third detection unit 30C for detecting the type of recording paper P accommodated in the third paper feed cassette 14C. The first detection unit 30A to the third detection unit 30C are not particularly limited as long as they can detect the type of the recording paper P. For example, a photoelectric sensor can be used.

The display unit 15 is a display device configured by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display, or the like. The display unit 15 displays various screens for each function executable by the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the control unit 10 .

The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of hard keys such as a start key 16A for instructing start of execution of each process. The operation unit 16 also includes a touch panel 16</b>B that overlaps the display unit 15 . A user inputs various information such as instructions for each function executable by the image forming apparatus 1 via the operation unit 16 .

The transport unit 17 includes a transport roller pair 17A, a discharge roller pair 17B, and the like, and a transport motor connected to the transport roller pair 17A, the discharge roller pair 17B, and the like. The control unit 10 rotates the transport roller pair 17A and the discharge roller pair 17B by driving the transport motor to rotate the recording paper fed by the paper feed unit 14 toward the image forming unit 12 and the output tray 8. P is transported along the transport path T.

The HDD 18 is a large-capacity storage device for storing various data such as image data generated by the image reading section 11 . The HDD 18 stores various control programs for realizing general operations of the image forming apparatus 1 . The HDD 18 stores, as one of various control programs, a forming program for executing cut pattern forming processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The HDD 18 stores an analysis program for analyzing PDL (Printer Description Language) describing job data. By operating according to the analysis program, the control unit 10 analyzes content data indicating text, images, figures, etc., commands, etc. defined by the PDL describing the job data, and outputs analysis results. In addition to generating the intermediate format data shown in FIG.

The HDD 18 has a keyword table showing, for each PDL format, a first keyword for extracting a predetermined type of cut pattern from the PDL analysis result and a second keyword for specifying the size of the cut pattern. Remember. The size of the cut pattern is defined by a CTM (Current Transformation Matrix) in this case, but is not limited to this, and may be defined by an XY coordinate system, for example. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the keyword table 31A corresponding to raster images. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the keyword table 31B corresponding to text. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of a keyword table 31C corresponding to vector images.

The image processing unit 19 performs image processing on the image data generated by the image reading unit 11 as necessary. The image memory 20 includes an area for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading section 11 . The facsimile communication unit 21 connects to a public line and transmits/receives image data via the public line.

The communication unit 22 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board. Image forming apparatus 1 performs data communication via communication unit 22 with PC 23 or the like connected via a network. The communication unit 22 is an example of an image input unit in the claims.

A power supply is connected to each part of the image forming apparatus 1, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 operates by being supplied with power from the power supply.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing cut pattern forming processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing PDL analysis processing. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing sorting processing. 7 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of image data. 8, 12A, and 12B are diagrams showing an example of cut pattern classification and arrangement results. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of intermediate format data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an order list.

The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during execution of the cut pattern forming process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12B and the like. In the following description, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on.

(1) When only "raster image" is specified as the cut pattern type Referring to FIG. . Image data 70 indicates a plurality of cut patterns 71A to 71I. After creating the image data 70, the user uses the operation unit of the PC 23 to input a cut pattern formation instruction.

When the control unit of the PC 23 receives the cut pattern formation instruction, it uses the printer driver stored in the storage unit of the PC 23 to generate job data in which the image data 70 and the cut pattern formation instruction are described in PDL. , the job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit of the PC 23 .

Upon receiving the job data input via the communication unit 22, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the cut pattern forming process shown in FIG. In the cut pattern forming process, the control unit 10 first executes the PDL analysis process in step S11. Referring to FIG. 5, in the PDL analysis process, control unit 10 first causes display unit 15 to display a first screen for allowing the user to specify the type of cut pattern (step S21).

After the process of step S21, the control unit 10 determines that the first instruction has not been received until the touch panel 16B detects the input of the first instruction for designating at least one type of cut pattern (step S22). NO) is repeated. In such a situation, it is assumed that the user uses touch panel 16B to input a first instruction to specify "raster image" as the type of cut pattern.

Upon receiving the first instruction via touch panel 16B (YES in step S22), control unit 10 sets the type of cut pattern specified by the first instruction as a cut pattern extraction target (step S23). In this case, the control unit 10 sets a “raster image” as a cut pattern extraction target. After the process of step S23, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a second screen for allowing the user to specify the type of paper feed cassette or recording paper P (step S24).

After the process of step S24, the control unit 10 selects one of the first paper cassette 14A to the third paper cassette 14C for each of the cut pattern types specified by the first instruction. The process of determining that the second instruction has not been received (NO in step S25) is repeated until touch panel 16B detects the input of the second instruction.

In such a situation, it is assumed that the user uses the touch panel 16B to input a second instruction for specifying the "first paper feed cassette 14A" for the "raster image". When control unit 10 receives the input of the second instruction via touch panel 16B (YES in step S25), the second instruction selects at least one of the cut pattern types specified by the first instruction. Regarding the type, it is determined whether or not the type of recording paper P has been specified (step S26).

In this case, since only the "first paper feed cassette 14A" is designated by the second instruction, the control unit 10 determines that the type of recording paper P is not designated by the second instruction (in step S26). NO), according to the second instruction, one of the first paper cassette 14A to the third paper cassette 14C is set for each of the cut pattern types specified by the first instruction (step S27). In this case, the control unit 10 sets the "first paper feed cassette 14A" for the "raster image".

After the process of step S27, the control unit 10 uses the analysis program stored in the HDD 18 to analyze the content data and commands defined by the PDL describing the job data (step S28). After the processing of step S28, the control unit 10 uses the keyword tables 31A to 31C stored in the HDD 18 to designate one of the plurality of cut patterns indicated by the image data by the first instruction based on the analysis result of the PDL. The selected type of cut pattern is extracted, and the size of the extracted cut pattern is specified (step S29).

In this case, the control unit 10 uses the first keyword and the second keyword corresponding to the PDF format in the keyword table 31A to select cut patterns, which are raster images, from among the plurality of cut patterns 71A to 71I indicated by the image data 70. 71C, 71D and 71H are extracted. The control unit 10 also specifies the size of each of the extracted cut patterns 71C, 71D, 71H. The control unit 10 temporarily stores the extracted cut pattern in the RAM of the control unit 100 or the like.

After the process of step S29, the control unit 10 ends the PDL analysis process and executes the sorting process of step S12. Referring to FIG. 6, in the sorting process, control unit 10 first identifies the type of cut pattern extracted in step S29 (step S41). In this case, the control unit 10 identifies each type of the extracted cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H as "raster image".

After the process of step S41, the control unit 10 classifies the extracted cut patterns by making cut patterns of the same type belong to the same group (step S42). In this case, since the extracted cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H are all of the same type, the control section 10 classifies all of the cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H into the first group.

After the process of step S42, the control unit 10 arranges the classified cut patterns according to a predetermined rule on different pages for each group (step S43). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 10 arranges the cut patterns 71C and 71D of the first group in descending order based on the size of the cut pattern specified in step S29. , 71H on the same page 81. FIG.

When arranging the cut patterns, the control unit 10 detects a blank area for each page, and arranges the cut patterns so that the blank area between adjacent cut patterns is the smallest. Although the method of detecting the blank area is not particularly limited, the control unit 10 detects, for example, an area where no color is specified or an area whose transparency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, an area where transparency is 100%). , is detected as a blank region.

After the process of step S43, the control unit 10 generates a drawing command for drawing a dashed cut line indicating the outline of the arranged cut pattern (step S44). In this case, the control unit 10 generates drawing commands indicating cut lines 82C, 82D and 82H for the cut patterns 71C, 71D and 71H, respectively.

The drawing position of the cutting line is not particularly limited, but the control unit 10 sets the drawing position of the cutting line to, for example, the boundary between the cut pattern and the blank area or a position separated from the boundary by a predetermined distance. At this time, the control unit 10 sets the drawing color of the drawing command to, for example, "black".

After the process of step S44, the control unit 10 generates, for each page, intermediate format data indicating the set paper feed cassette, the generated drawing command, and the layout position of the cut pattern (step S45). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 10 indicates the drawing command indicating the "first paper feed cassette 14A", the perforation lines 82C, 82D and 82H, and the layout positions of the cut patterns 71C, 71D and 71H. Intermediate format data 90 is generated for page 81 . After the process of step S45, the control unit 10 ends the sorting process.

After the sorting process, the control unit 10 uses the generated intermediate format data to create a lower order list for each page (step S13). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 10 generates an order list 110 for page 81, which includes tag values and the like indicating paper feed cassettes, drawing commands, and cut pattern layout positions.

After the process of step S13, the control unit 10 causes the paper feeding unit 14 to print the recording paper stored in any one of the designated first paper feeding cassette 14A to third paper feeding cassette 14C according to the order list. P is fed page by page, and the image forming unit 12 or the like is caused to form an output image including the generated cutoff line and the arranged cut pattern on the fed recording paper P for each page (step S14).

In this case, the control unit 10 causes the paper feed unit 14 to feed the recording paper P from the first paper feed cassette 14A according to the order list 110, and the image forming unit 12, etc., with the perforation lines 82C, 82D, 82H and the cut lines. An output image including patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H is formed on the fed recording paper P.

(2) When "Text" and "Vector Image" are Designated as Types of Cut Pattern Referring to FIG. Image data 120 indicates a plurality of cut patterns 121A to 121I. After creating the image data 120, the user uses the operation unit of the PC 23 to input a cut pattern formation instruction.

When receiving the cut pattern formation instruction, the control section of the PC 23 generates job data in which the image data 120 and the cut pattern formation instruction are described in PDL in the same manner as described above, and via the communication section of the PC 23, The job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 .

When receiving the job data input to the communication unit 22, the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts executing the PDL analysis process (step S11) in the cut pattern forming process, and performs the process of step S21 and , a process of determining that the first instruction has not been received (NO in step S22). In such a situation, it is assumed that the user uses touch panel 16B to input a first instruction to specify "text" and "vector image" as the types of cut patterns.

When receiving the first instruction via touch panel 16B (YES in step S22), control unit 10 executes the process of step S23 described above, and selects "text" and "vector image" as cut pattern extraction targets. set. After the process of step S23, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S24 and the process of determining that the second instruction has not been received (NO in step S25).

In such a situation, the user uses the touch panel 16B to specify "photo paper" for "text" and the second instruction to specify "second paper feed cassette 14B" for "vector image". assumed to have been entered. Upon receiving the input of the second instruction through touch panel 16B (YES in step S25), control unit 10 executes the process of step S26 described above.

In this case, since "photo paper" is specified by the second instruction, control unit 10 determines that the type of recording paper P is specified by the second instruction (YES in step S26), and the first The detecting section 30A to the third detecting section 30C are caused to detect the type of the recording paper P accommodated in the first paper feeding cassette 14A to the third paper feeding cassette 14C (step S30).

After the process of step S30, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the type of recording paper P specified by the second instruction has been detected by at least one of the first detection unit 30A to the third detection unit 30C (step S31). Here, it is assumed that the first detection section 30A and the second detection section 30B have detected "plain paper" and the third detection section 30C has detected "photo paper".

In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the specified type of recording paper P has been detected (YES in step S31), and selects the paper feed cassette in which the specified type of recording paper P has been detected. The specified paper feed cassette is identified for the type of cut pattern in which the type of P is specified (step S32). In this case, the control unit 10 identifies the third paper feed cassette 14C in which "photo paper" is detected as the paper feed cassette designated for "text".

After the process of step S32, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S27 described above, sets the "third paper feed cassette 14C" for "text", and sets the "second paper feed cassette 14B" for "vector image". set. After the processing of step S27, the control unit 10 executes the processing of steps S28 and S29 described above.

In this case, in step S29, the control unit 10 uses the first keyword and the second keyword corresponding to the PDF format in the keyword tables 31B and 31C to select, from among the plurality of cut patterns 121A to 121I indicated by the image data 120, Cut patterns 121A to 121F, which are text data, and cut patterns 121G to 121I, which are vector images, are extracted. The control unit 10 also specifies the size of each of the extracted cut patterns 121A to 121I.

On the other hand, for example, when all of the first detection section 30A to the third detection section 30C detect "plain paper", the control section 10 determines that the specified type of recording paper P is not detected (step S31 and NO), the display unit 15 displays a message prompting the user to put the specified type of recording paper P into any one of the first paper cassette 14A to the third paper cassette 14C. is displayed (step S33).

After the process of step S33, the control unit 10 causes the touch panel 16B to indicate that the specified type of recording paper P has been accommodated in any one of the first paper feed cassette 14A to the third paper feed cassette 14C. The process of determining that the third instruction has not been received (NO in step S34) is repeated until the input of the third instruction is detected. In such a situation, it is assumed that the user puts photo paper in the third paper feed cassette 14C and inputs a third instruction using the touch panel 16B. Upon receiving the input of the third instruction via touch panel 16B (YES in step S34), control unit 10 executes the processes from step S30 onward in the same manner as described above.

After the process of step S29, the control unit 10 ends the PDL analysis process and starts executing the sorting process (step S12). In the sorting process, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S41 described above to specify the type of each of the extracted cut patterns 121A to 121F as "text", and to identify the types of the extracted cut patterns 121G to 121I Identify each type as a "vector image".

After the process of step S41, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S42 described above to classify the cut patterns 121A to 121F into the first group and classify the cut patterns 121G to 121I into the second group. After the processing of step S42, the control unit 10 executes the processing of step S43 described above, and arranges the cut patterns of the first group in descending order from the largest size as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. 121A, 121B, 121D, 121C, 121E, and 121F are arranged on the first page 131, and the cut patterns 121G, 121I, and 121H of the second group are arranged on the second page 133.

After the process of step S43, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S44 described above, and the cut lines 132A, 132B, 132D, 132C, 132E, 132A, 132B, 132D, 132C, 132E, 132E, 132E, 132A, 132B, 132D, 132C, 132E, 132D, 132D, 132C, 132E, 132A, 132B, 132E, 132E, 132E, 132F, 132A, 132F, 132F, 132F, 132H, 132F, 132F A first drawing command indicating 132F and a second drawing command indicating cutting lines 134G, 134I and 134H for cut patterns 121G, 121I and 121H are generated.

After the process of step S44, the control unit 10 executes the process of step S45 described above to generate the "third paper feed cassette 14C", the first drawing command, and the cut patterns 121A, 121B, 121D, 121C, 121E, Intermediate format data indicating the arrangement position of page 121F is generated for page 131. FIG. The control unit 10 also generates, for the page 133, intermediate format data indicating the layout positions of the “second paper feed cassette 14B”, the second drawing command, and the cut patterns 121G, 121I, and 121H. After the process of step S45, the control unit 10 ends the sorting process.

After the sorting process, the control unit 10 executes the processes of steps S13 and S14 described above. In this case, in step S14, the control section 10 causes the paper feeding section 14 to feed the recording paper P from the third paper feeding cassette 14C, and the image forming section 12 and the like with the perforation lines 132A, 132B, 132D, 132C, and 132E. , 132F and cut patterns 121A, 121B, 121D, 121C, 121E, and 121F are formed on the fed recording paper P.

In step S14, the control unit 10 also causes the paper feed unit 14 to feed the recording paper P from the second paper feed cassette 14B, and the image forming unit 12, etc., the perforation lines 134G, 134I, 134H and the cut patterns 121G, 121I. , 121H is formed on the recording paper P fed.

According to the above embodiment, the control unit 10 receives the first instruction for specifying the "raster image" and the second instruction for specifying the "first paper feed cassette 14A" for the "raster image". Then, cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H, which are raster images, are extracted from among the plurality of cut patterns 71A to 71I, classified into the same group, and arranged side by side on the page 81 to generate cutting lines 82C, 82D, and 82H. , according to the second instruction, the recording paper P accommodated in the "first paper feed cassette 14A" is fed to the paper feed unit 14, and the image forming unit 12 and the like are provided with perforation lines 82C, 82D, 82H and a cut pattern. An output image including 71C, 71D, and 71H is formed on the fed recording paper P.

As a result, the user can select desired types of cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H from the plurality of cut patterns 71A to 71I without the need to create new image data representing only raster images from the image data 70. can be extracted and formed on a desired recording paper P.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the control unit 10 specifies the size of each of the extracted cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H, and arranges the cut patterns in descending order based on the specified sizes. , cut patterns 71C, 71D, and 71H are arranged side by side.

In this way, the extracted cut patterns are arranged in descending order from the cut pattern with the largest size. can be easily performed.

Further, according to the above embodiment, when the second instruction specifies "photo paper" for "text", the control unit 10 instructs the first detection unit 30A to the third detection unit 30C to The type of recording paper P accommodated in the cassettes 14A to 14C is detected. When "photo paper" is detected by the third detection unit 30C, the control unit 10 specifies the third paper feed cassette 14C in which the "photo paper" is detected as the paper feed cassette designated for "text". .

If the "photo paper" is not detected by any of the first detection unit 30A to the third detection unit 30C, the control unit 10 also allows the "photo paper" to be placed in the first paper feed cassette 14A to the third paper feed cassette 14C. A message is displayed on the display unit 15 for prompting accommodation in one of them. In this manner, the user can specify the desired type of recording paper P by the second instruction. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the control unit 10 issues the first instruction to specify at least one of "raster image", "vector image", and "text" as the cut pattern type. Accept. As a result, the user can easily extract at least one cut pattern of "raster image", "vector image", and "text" from a plurality of cut patterns and form it on desired recording paper P.

(First modification)
In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 classifies the extracted cut patterns by making cut patterns of the same type belong to the same group, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. If there are a plurality of cut pattern types for which the same paper feed cassette is specified by the second instruction, after performing the above classification, a plurality of groups corresponding to the plurality of cut pattern types are grouped together. It may be one group.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of image data. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the classification and placement results of cut patterns. For example, when the control unit 10 receives a first instruction for designating a “raster image” and a “vector image” for the image data 140 shown in FIG. A cut pattern 141A that is an image and cut patterns 141G and 141L that are "vector images" are extracted, and the cut pattern 141A is classified into the first group and the cut patterns 141G and 141L are classified into the second group.

In such a case, if the control unit 10 receives a second instruction for designating the same "first paper feed cassette 14A" for each of the "raster image" and the "vector image", the first group and the second group are combined into one group, and as shown in FIG. 14, the cut patterns 141A, 141G, and 141L of the one group are arranged on the same page 151 so as to be arranged in descending order from the cut pattern with the largest size. Then, a drawing command indicating cutoff lines 142A, 142G, and 142L is generated.

In this way, when the same paper feed cassette is designated for a plurality of types of cut patterns, the plurality of types of cut patterns and perforation lines are formed on the same recording paper P. Consumption of the recording paper P can be saved as compared with the case where the cut pattern and the perforation line are formed on the paper P.

(Other modifications)
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 12 and the like to form the broken line, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control section 10 may cause the image forming section 12 or the like to form a dotted line. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a cutting mechanism for cutting the recording paper P, such as a laser cutter or a pen-shaped cutter knife. Alternatively, the recording paper P may be cut along the cut line.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 arranges the extracted cut patterns in descending order from the largest cut pattern, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 may arrange the extracted cut patterns so that they are arranged in ascending order from the cut pattern with the smallest size.

Further, in the above embodiment, PDF format image data is used, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The format of the image data is not particularly limited as long as it is compatible with the printer driver installed in the PC 23 . For example, image data in a format compatible with a PRESCRIBE (registered trademark) printer driver or image data in a format compatible with a PCL (Printer Control Language) printer driver may be used.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the control unit 10 receives the first instruction and the second instruction via the touch panel 16B, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The control unit 10 may acquire the first instruction and the second instruction, for example, by analyzing job data. In this case, the user inputs the first instruction and the second instruction using the operation unit of the PC 23 when creating the image data. The control unit of the PC 23 describes, in PDL, a first command indicating the first instruction and a second command indicating the second instruction when generating job data.

Although the first command is not particularly limited, for example, when "raster image" is specified by the first instruction, the control unit 10 generates the first command "@PJL CUTOUT GROUP IMAGE" and "text" is specified. If "@PJL CUTOUT GROUP TEXT" is specified, a first command "@PJL CUTOUT GROUP VECTOR" is created if "vector image" is specified.

Although the second command is not particularly limited, for example, the control unit 10 issues a second command "@PJL GIMAGE INTRAY 1" when the "first paper cassette 14A" is specified for the "raster image" by the second instruction. and when "photo paper" is specified for "raster image", a second command "@PJL GIMAGE PHOTOPAPER" is generated.

Further, in the above embodiment, "photo paper" is designated as the type of recording paper P by the second instruction, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as the type of recording paper P, "high-quality paper" or "special paper" may be specified.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 causes the paper feed unit 14, the image forming unit 12, and the like to form an output image including the generated cut lines and the arranged cut patterns on the recording paper P. is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the control unit 10 may store the order list in the HDD 18 without forming the output image on the recording paper P according to the user's instruction input via the operation unit 16 .

Further, in the above embodiments, toner is used as the coloring material, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, when an inkjet printer is used as the image forming apparatus 1, ink is used as the coloring material.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image forming section 12 and the like form an image on the recording paper P, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming unit 12 and the like may form images on other recording media, not limited to recording paper. Another recording medium is, for example, an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a color multifunction machine is used as the image forming apparatus 1, but this is only an example, and other image forming apparatuses such as a monochrome multifunction machine, a copier, or a facsimile machine may be used. good.

Moreover, the configuration and processing of the above embodiment shown using FIGS. 1 to 14 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the configuration and processing.

Reference Signs List 1 image forming apparatus 10 control unit 12 image forming unit 14 paper feeding unit 15 display unit 22 communication unit 30A first detection unit 30B second detection unit 30C third detection unit

Claims (5)

an image input unit to which image data representing a plurality of cut patterns is input;
an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
a supply unit including a plurality of cassettes and supplying the recording medium accommodated in the plurality of cassettes to the image forming unit;
a control unit;
The control unit
a first instruction for designating at least one type of the cut pattern; and a second instruction for designating one of the plurality of cassettes for each of the types of the cut pattern designated by the first instruction. upon receiving an instruction, extracting a cut pattern of the type specified by the first instruction from among the plurality of cut patterns;
classifying the extracted cut patterns by making cut patterns of the same type belong to the same group;
arranging the classified cut patterns on different pages for each group according to a predetermined rule;
generating a cut line indicating the outline of the arranged cut pattern;
supplying the recording medium accommodated in the designated cassette page by page to the supply unit according to the second instruction;
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit forms the generated cut line and the arranged cut pattern on the supplied recording medium for each page. The control unit specifies the size of the cut patterns, and based on the specified size, sorts the cut patterns so that they are arranged in descending order from the largest size, or arranged in ascending order from the smallest size cut pattern. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cut patterns are arranged for each of said groups. a display unit;
a detection unit that detects the types of the recording media accommodated in the plurality of cassettes,
The control unit
When the type of the recording medium is designated by the second instruction for at least one of the types of the cut pattern designated by the first instruction, the type of the recording medium is instructed to the detection unit. is detected,
When the type of the recording medium specified by the second instruction is detected by the detection unit, the cassette in which the type of recording medium is detected is specified as the cassette specified for any of the types. ,
When the type of the recording medium specified by the second instruction is not detected by the detection unit, the display unit displays the type of recording medium specified by the second instruction in one of the plurality of cassettes. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus displays a message for urging the user to store the image in the image forming apparatus. 4. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit receives the first instruction for designating at least one of a raster image, a vector image, and text as the type of the cut pattern. The image forming apparatus according to . When there are a plurality of types of cut patterns for which the same cassette is designated by the second instruction, the control unit combines the plurality of groups corresponding to the plurality of types of cut patterns into one. as one group,
causing the supply unit to supply the recording media accommodated in the cassette designated by the second instruction by the group;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms the generated cut lines and the arranged cut patterns on the recording medium for each group.

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