JP6465050B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus typified by a multifunction peripheral or the like, after an image of a document is read by an image reading unit, light is irradiated on the photoconductor provided in the image forming unit based on the read image, An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Thereafter, a developer such as charged toner is supplied onto the formed electrostatic latent image to form a visible image, and then transferred to a sheet, fixed, and discharged outside the apparatus.

  Here, some image forming apparatuses have a collective printing function of collecting and printing a plurality of read pages of images on one page. Techniques relating to aggregate printing are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-272049 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-201919 (Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-272049 A JP 2010-201919 A

  In general, a user performs collective printing for the purpose of reducing the number of printed sheets and the amount of consumed toner. How the user performs collective printing is set by the user himself in consideration of readability after printing and the like. Here, if the user sets the aggregate printing without considering the character size after the aggregate printing, the final printed character may be too small and difficult to read.

  According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867, collective printing is performed so as not to be less than the character size set by the user. However, for example, when even a single character has a character size that is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, there is a possibility that the aggregate print desired by the user may not be obtained. In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary for the user to check the contents of the original document before reading, in particular, the character size in advance, which increases the burden on the user and is not preferable. In Patent Document 2, the character size for each aggregation parameter is presented to the user for selection. However, even in such a configuration, there is a case where collective printing in accordance with the user's needs cannot be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing collective printing in accordance with user needs.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image, and includes an image reading unit, a receiving unit, an image data generating unit, a detecting unit, a display control unit, and a print control unit. The image reading unit reads an image of a document. The accepting unit accepts a request for aggregate printing. The image data generation unit generates aggregate print data in response to the aggregate print request received by the reception unit. The detection unit detects whether there is a character having a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the image data generation unit. The display control unit controls to display information related to the aggregate printing when the detection unit detects that there is a character of a predetermined size or less. The print control unit controls to perform aggregate printing with the aggregate print setting input based on the displayed information related to aggregate printing. The information related to aggregate printing includes information related to printing of images of a size before aggregation.

  According to such an image forming apparatus, if it is detected that there is a character of a predetermined size or less in the image data generated in response to the request for aggregate printing received by the accepting unit, information regarding the aggregate printing is displayed. . Then, printing is performed based on the input aggregate print setting. Therefore, it is possible to reliably perform collective printing in accordance with user needs.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an appearance of a multifunction peripheral when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 1. It is an external view which shows the schematic structure of an operation part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control part. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing when performing collective printing using a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displays an inquiry screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for aggregate printing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for aggregate printing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for aggregate printing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for aggregate printing.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of a multifunction peripheral when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the multifunction machine 11 includes a control unit 12, an operation unit 13, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a paper setting unit 19, a discharge tray 30, and image data. , A hard disk 16 for storing processing programs and various setting values, a facsimile communication unit 17, and a network interface unit 18 for connecting to a network 25.

  The control unit 12 controls the entire multifunction machine 11. The operation unit 13 includes a display screen 21 that displays information transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 11 side and user input contents. The operation unit 13 inputs image forming conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and gradation, and power on / off. The image reading unit 14 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22 as a document transport device that transports a document set at the set position to the read position. The image reading unit 14 reads an image of a document set on the ADF 22 or a mounting table (not shown). The paper setting unit 19 includes a manual feed tray 28 for manually setting paper and a paper feed cassette group 29 that can store a plurality of different sizes of paper. The paper setting unit 19 sets paper to be supplied to the image forming unit 15. The image forming unit 15 includes a developing device 20 that forms a visible image with toner. The image forming unit 15 forms an image on the conveyed paper based on the image read by the image reading unit 14 and the image data transmitted via the network 25. The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 15 is discharged to the discharge tray 30. The hard disk 16 stores transmitted image data, input image forming conditions, and the like. The facsimile communication unit 17 is connected to the public line 24 and performs facsimile transmission and facsimile reception.

  The multi-function device 11 includes a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for writing and reading image data, and the illustration and description thereof are omitted. In addition, arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of data regarding control signals, control, and images. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the sheet cassette group 29 includes three sheet cassettes 23a, 23b, and 23c.

  The multifunction device 11 operates as a copying machine by forming an image in the image forming unit 15 using the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 14. Further, the multifunction machine 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 and prints it on a sheet using the image data transmitted from the computers 26a, 26b, and 26c connected to the network 25 through the network interface unit 18. It operates as a printer. That is, the image forming unit 15 operates as a printing unit that prints the requested image. The multifunction machine 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 using the image data transmitted from the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17, and the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 14. The image data is transmitted to the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17 to operate as a facsimile apparatus. The multifunction machine 11 has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function regarding image processing. Further, each function has functions that can be set in detail.

  The image forming system 27 including the multifunction peripheral 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the multifunction peripheral 11 having the above-described configuration and a plurality of computers 26a, 26b, and 26c connected to the multifunction peripheral 11 via the network 25. Prepare. In this embodiment, three computers 26a to 26c are shown. Each of the computers 26 a to 26 c can make a print request to the multi-function peripheral 11 via the network 25 and perform printing.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 13 described above will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the operation unit 13. Referring to FIG. 3, the operation unit 13 includes a numeric keypad 31 for inputting numbers from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, and symbols of “*” and “#”, and start of printing and facsimile transmission. A start key 32 for instructing the start of the printer, a power key 33 for inputting power on / off of the multifunction device 11, a menu key 34 for instructing selection of a printer function, a copy function, etc. of the multifunction device 11, and various image formations The registration key 35 for instructing the registration of the user condition and the user to be used, the reset key 36 for canceling the contents of the instruction input by the user using the numeric keypad 31 and the like, and the display screen 21 described above. The display screen 21 has a liquid crystal touch panel function, and allows the user to input image forming conditions and the like from the display screen 21 and select a function by pressing with a user's finger.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 12 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 12. With reference to FIG. 4, the control unit 12 includes a reception unit 51, an image data generation unit 52, a detection unit 53, a display control unit 54, and a print control unit 55. The accepting unit 51 accepts a print request such as aggregate printing via the operation unit 13 or the like. The image data generation unit 52 generates aggregate print image data in response to the aggregate print request received by the reception unit 51. The detecting unit 53 detects whether or not there is a character having a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the image data generating unit 52. If the detection unit 53 detects that there are characters of a predetermined size or less, the display control unit 54 controls to display information related to aggregate printing. The print control unit 55 controls to perform aggregate printing based on the aggregate print setting input based on the displayed information related to aggregate printing.

  Next, a case where collective printing is performed by the multifunction machine 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing when performing aggregate printing using the multifunction machine 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, first, the user sets a plurality of originals to be subjected to aggregate printing on ADF 22. Then, aggregate printing is set via the operation unit 13 and an aggregate printing request is made. In this case, it is assumed that the user first sets 4-in-1 consolidated printing for consolidating images for four pages into one page.

  Then, the accepting unit 51 accepts the aggregate print setting and the aggregate print request via the display screen 21 of the operation unit 13 (in FIG. 5, step S11, hereinafter, “step” is omitted).

  When the control unit 12 detects that the user presses the start key 32, the image reading unit 14 reads an image of the document set on the ADF 22 (S12).

  After the reading of the document image, the image data generation unit 52 generates aggregated print image data according to the aggregated print setting based on the scanned image data (S13). In this case, image data when 4in1 consolidated printing is performed is generated.

  Next, the detection unit 53 detects whether or not there is a character having a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the image data generation unit 52 (S14). The size of the predetermined character can be arbitrarily set by the user, the administrator who manages the multifunction machine 11 or the like through the display screen 21 of the operation unit 13 or the like. The character size is generally determined in consideration of readability.

  If it is detected that there is a character of a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the detection unit 53 (YES in S15), the display control unit 54 controls to display information related to aggregate printing. In this case, the display control unit 54 is information indicating that optimization of aggregate printing can be performed as information regarding aggregate printing. Then, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to optimize aggregate printing. In this case, an inquiry screen is displayed on the display screen 21 of the operation unit 13 (S16).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen 21 that displays an inquiry screen. Referring to FIG. 6, the display screen 21 displays an inquiry message 41 “Aggregation printing can be optimized. Do you want to change the aggregation printing settings?” And “Yes” A selection key 42a that is displayed and pressed to move to a setting screen for integrated printing and change the setting is displayed, and “No” is displayed, and integrated printing is performed with the setting of the integrated printing accepted by the receiving unit 51 when pressed. A selection key 42b is displayed. In FIG. 6, the state where the selection key 42a is pressed is indicated by hatching.

  When the selection key 42a is pressed by the user and it is selected to change the setting (YES in S17), the display control unit 54 uses information related to the number of pages before and after consolidated printing, aggregated printing as information related to consolidated printing. Control is performed so as to display layout information before and after, information related to printing of images of a size before aggregation, and information related to an image obtained by enlarging at least a part of the aggregated images. The display control unit 54 controls the layout information to be displayed as an image (S18).

  7, 8, 9, and 10 are diagrams illustrating examples of a setting screen for aggregate printing. First, referring to FIG. 7, in the area on the left side of the display screen 21, a display 45 a of “4 in 1 (setting value)”, a check box 46 a, An image 47a aggregated into 4in1 and a display 48a of “total number of pages: 20” are shown. Further, in the right area of the display screen 21, as an example of the optimized aggregate printing, a display 45b of "Configuration 1 2in1 (whole)", a check box 46b, an image 47b aggregated in 2in1, and a page As information regarding the number, a display 48b of “total number of pages: 40” and a message 49b of “* the number of pages doubles” are displayed. In this case, to make all the pages the same size and improve the readability, and to align the whole orientation and make the whole direction uniform when the printed matter is aligned, to improve the readability. Also, the page whose characters are not smaller than the predetermined size is also changed from 4in1 to 2in1. An example of the optimized consolidated printing is an example in which a page in which characters are smaller than a predetermined size in 4in1 consolidated printing can be printed without being smaller than a predetermined size in 2in1 consolidated printing.

  Next, referring to FIG. 8, in the area on the left side of the display screen 21, as in the case shown in FIG. 7, “4 in 1 (set value)” is set as the setting of the aggregate print accepted by the accepting unit 51. Display 45a, a check box 46a, an image 47a aggregated into 4in1, and a display 48a indicating "total number of pages: 20". Further, in the right area of the display screen 21, as an example of the optimized consolidated printing, a display 45c of "Configuration 2 2in1 (part)", a check box 46c, an image 47c aggregated in 2in1, and a page As information relating to the number, a display 48c indicating “total number of pages: 30” and a message 49c “* The number of pages increases. * Finished print orientation is mixed vertically and horizontally.” Are displayed. In this case, if there is a page in which the character size is not smaller than the predetermined size even if it is 4 in 1, printing is performed in 4 in 1, and if there is a page in which the character size is smaller than the predetermined size in 4 in 1, it is set to 2 in 1. In other words, the vertical and horizontal directions of the 4in1 page and the 2in1 page change, and the vertical and horizontal arrangements are mixed. An example of the optimized consolidated printing is an example in which a page in which characters are smaller than a predetermined size in 4in1 consolidated printing can be printed without being smaller than a predetermined size in 2in1 consolidated printing.

  Next, referring to FIG. 9, in the area on the left side of the display screen 21, as in the case shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, “4 in 1 (set value) is set as the aggregate print setting received by the receiving unit 51. ) ”, A check box 46a, an image 47a aggregated into 4in1, and a display 48a“ total number of pages: 20 ”. In addition, in the area on the right side of the display screen 21, as an example of optimized consolidated printing, a display 45d “Configuration 3 additional printing without aggregation mode”, a check box 46d, and some images are not aggregated. The image 47d printed in step 1, the display 48d that displays “total number of pages: 30” as information about the number of pages, and “* The number of pages will increase. * Additional printing will be performed without consolidating detected pages.” Message 49d is shown. In this case, the information related to additional printing is information related to printing of an image having a size before aggregation. In other words, when 4in1 consolidated printing is performed, if there is a page whose character size is less than or equal to a predetermined size, in addition to all 4in1 consolidated printing, the character size is smaller than or equal to the predetermined size. This is done by adding non-consolidated printing. In this case, in 4in1 and non-aggregation printing, the vertical and horizontal directions of the page are the same, and the overall orientation can be unified. As additional printing, the vertical and horizontal orientations will change, but for pages where the character size is less than or equal to the predetermined size in 4in1, if the page is not less than the predetermined size in 2in1, 2in1 consolidated printing It is good also as performing.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in the area on the left side of display screen 21, “4 in 1 (set value)” is set as the consolidated print setting received by receiving unit 51, as in the case shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. Display 45a, a check box 46a, an image 47a aggregated into 4in1, and a display 48a indicating "total number of pages: 20". In addition, in the area on the right side of the display screen 21, as an example of optimized consolidated printing, a display 45 e of “Configuration 4 additional printing of partially expanded consolidated page”, a check box 46 e, and a partially expanded consolidated page are printed. The image 47e, a display 48e indicating "total number of pages: 26" as information on the number of pages, and a message 49e saying "* The increase in the number of pages will be reduced. * The detection part will be partially enlarged and consolidated." Is shown. In this case, the information related to partial enlarged aggregate printing is information related to an image obtained by enlarging at least a part of the aggregated image. That is, instead of enlarging the entire page in the aggregated image, the portion where the character size is less than or equal to the predetermined size in 4 in 1 is enlarged and printed so that the character size does not become less than the predetermined size. Is to do.

  The user compares these display screens 21 shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 by scrolling or the like. Depending on the user's needs, such as whether to improve readability, to reduce toner consumption as much as possible, or to print in consideration of additional printing, the aggregate print settings are among the settings shown in FIGS. Select from. In other words, it selects and inputs the optimized aggregate printing settings that meet the user's needs. This input is performed by checking the check boxes 46a to 46e.

  The print control unit 55 performs aggregate printing based on the aggregate print setting input based on the displayed information related to aggregate printing (S19). In S15, when it is detected that there is no character of a predetermined size or less in the generated image data (NO in S15), in S17, pressing of the selection key 42b is detected, and the setting is changed. If not selected (NO in S17), consolidated printing is executed in accordance with the consolidated printing settings received by the receiving unit 51 (S20).

  According to the MFP 11 having such a configuration, if it is detected that there is a character of a predetermined size or less in the image data generated in response to the request for the aggregate printing received by the receiving unit 51, the information about the aggregate printing. Is displayed. Then, printing is performed based on the input aggregate print setting. In this case, it is possible to check the merits and demerits of changing the setting of the aggregate printing, the image image, etc. without having to print on the paper, so that the aggregate printing can be optimized. Therefore, it is possible to reliably perform collective printing in accordance with user needs.

  In the above embodiment, the information related to aggregate printing includes both information related to the number of pages and layout information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information related to the number of pages, layout information, and the like. And at least one of the information on the consumed toner amount may be included.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the information related to aggregate printing includes information related to printing an image of a size before aggregation, but is not limited to this, and information related to printing of an image of a size before aggregation. It is good also as a structure which does not contain.

  Note that the information on aggregate printing includes information on an image obtained by enlarging at least a part of the aggregated image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration does not include information on an image obtained by enlarging at least a part of the aggregated image. It is good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the display control unit controls to display the information related to the layout as an image among the information related to the aggregate printing. However, the display control unit is not limited to this and may not be displayed as the image. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction machine 11 includes a storage unit that stores a history of setting of aggregate printing for each user, and the display control unit relates to aggregate printing in the order of history stored by the storage unit for each user. It is good also as controlling to display information. By doing so, it is possible to easily grasp the setting of aggregate printing that meets the user's needs, and to improve convenience.

  Further, the display control unit may perform control so as to display information related to the history of setting of aggregate printing. In this way, it is possible to set up the aggregate printing that further meets the user's needs.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 12 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the same aggregate print request has been received in the past, and the display control unit 54 uses the determination unit to request the same aggregate print in the past. If it is determined that the print job is received, control may be performed so as to display the aggregate print settings input in the past. In this way, convenience when there is a request for the same aggregate printing can be improved.

  It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is particularly effectively used when aggregate printing in accordance with certain user needs is required.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 MFP, 12 Control part, 13 Operation part, 14 Image reading part, 15 Image formation part, 16 Hard disk, 17 Facsimile communication part, 18 Network interface part, 19 Paper setting part, 20 Developing apparatus, 21 Display screen, 22 ADF 23a, 23b, 23c Paper cassette, 24 Public line, 25 Network, 26a, 26b, 26c Computer, 27 Image forming system, 28 Manual feed tray, 29 Paper feed cassette group, 30 Eject tray, 31 Numeric keypad, 32 Start key, 33 power key, 34 menu key, 35 registration key, 36 reset key, 41, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e message, 42a, 42b selection key, 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, 45e, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48 , 48e display, 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e check box, 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, 47e image, 51 reception unit, 52 image data generation unit, 53 detection unit, 54 display control unit, 55 print control unit .

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image,
An image reading unit for reading an image of the document;
A receiving unit that receives a request for aggregate printing;
In response to the request for aggregate printing received by the accepting unit, an image data generation unit that generates aggregate print data;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not there is a character of a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the image data generation unit;
A display control unit that controls to display information about the aggregate printing if the detection unit detects that there is a character of the predetermined size or less;
A print control unit that controls to perform the aggregated printing in the aggregated printing setting that is input based on the displayed information related to the aggregated printing ,
The information relating to the aggregate printing is an image forming apparatus including information relating to printing of an image of a size before aggregation . An image forming apparatus for forming an image,
An image reading unit for reading an image of the document;
A receiving unit that receives a request for aggregate printing;
In response to the request for aggregate printing received by the accepting unit, an image data generation unit that generates aggregate print data;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not there is a character of a predetermined size or less in the image data generated by the image data generation unit;
A display control unit that controls to display information about the aggregate printing if the detection unit detects that there is a character of the predetermined size or less;
A print control unit that controls to perform the aggregated printing in the aggregated printing setting that is input based on the displayed information related to the aggregated printing,
The information related to the aggregate printing is an image forming apparatus including information related to an image obtained by enlarging at least a part of the aggregated image. Information on the aggregate printing, information on the number of pages, including at least one of information about the amount of toner layout information, and consumption, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. If it is detected that there is no following character the predetermined size by the detection unit in response to a request of the aggregate printing accepted by the reception unit, performs the aggregate printing, any of claims 1-3 1 The image forming apparatus described in the item. A storage unit for storing a history of the aggregate print setting for each user;
Wherein the display controller controls to display information about the aggregate printing history order stored by the storage unit for each of the users, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the display control unit controls to display information related to the history of setting of the aggregate printing. A determination unit that determines whether or not the same aggregate print request has been received in the past;
The display controller, if it is determined that receives a request for the same aggregate printing in the past by the determining unit, controls to display the setting of the aggregated printing, which is inputted in the past, it claims 1-6 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit performs control so that information relating to a layout is displayed as an image among information relating to the aggregate printing.

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