JP2001109607A - System and method for forming image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To respectively reduce the processing burden of an image forming device and the work burden of a user when performing plural kinds of printing processing in different paper sizes to papers in the same size. SOLUTION: A host computer 1 respectively adds paper sizes concerning image data in the print data of respective printing jobs to these print data and manages the paper size for each printing job. When the print data of plural designated printing jobs are retrieved out of print data, the paper size is reset to these respective retrieved print data, the respective image data of the respective print data are outputted after being reduced or enlarged into the reset paper size on the basis of the managed paper sizes, and a laser printer 2 respectively prints images based on the respective image data reduced or enlarged by the host computer 1 on the papers in the reset paper size.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a host device such as a host computer which manages print data of a plurality of print jobs, and a copy for forming an image on paper based on the print data of the print job managed by the host device. The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus such as an image forming apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus, and an image forming method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an image forming apparatus such as a multitasking copier having a printer function for managing a plurality of print processes (print jobs). (For example, refer to JP-A-09-204518).

[0003]

However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when a plurality of print jobs are collectively processed, it is necessary to manage the print data with bitmap data. There is a problem that a large load is imposed on image processing when printing is performed by matching the paper size and the printing direction, and the output time is greatly increased.

Further, when a host computer is connected to the image forming apparatus and print data created by the host computer is printed, an operator directly goes to the front of the image forming apparatus and prints on a limited area panel. Since it is necessary to perform an operation for matching the printing directions based on the information, there is a problem that the printing operation becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and when a plurality of printing processes each having a different paper size are printed collectively on paper of the same size, the processing load of the image forming apparatus is reduced. A first object is to reduce the work load on the user.

Further, the present invention reduces the processing load on the image forming apparatus and the work load on the user when a plurality of printing processes, each having a different paper size, are aligned at the same length and printed collectively. This is a second object.

Further, the present invention reduces the processing load on the image forming apparatus and the user's work load when printing a plurality of print processes of different paper sizes on a specified sheet of the same size at a time. This is the third object.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a host apparatus having print job management means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs, and a print job managed by the host apparatus. And an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image based on the print data on a sheet of paper. An image forming system comprising: Paper size adding means for adding a paper size for each of the print jobs, a paper size managing means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the means, and designation from among print data managed by the print job managing means. Print data retrieval means for retrieving print data of a plurality of selected print jobs, and each print data retrieved by the means. Paper size resetting means for resetting the paper size for the data, and each image data of each print data retrieved by the print data retrieval means based on the paper size managed by the paper size management means. Image reduction / enlargement means for reducing or enlarging the paper size to the paper size reset by the paper size resetting means is provided, and the image forming apparatus is configured to re-create an image based on the image data reduced or enlarged by the image forming means. An image forming control unit is provided for forming images on sheets of a set sheet size.

In the above-described image forming system, the image forming apparatus may be configured such that an image is formed by the image forming control unit based on the sheet size reset by the sheet size resetting unit. It is preferable to provide sheet binding means for binding sheets together.

Further, in the above-described image forming system, each of the image forming apparatuses in which an image is formed by the image forming control unit based on the sheet size reset by the sheet size resetting unit. It is preferable to provide a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole in the sheet.

[0011] Further, an upper apparatus provided with print job management means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming means for forming an image on paper based on print data of the print job managed by the upper apparatus. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus comprising: a paper size adding unit configured to add a paper size related to image data in the print data to the print data of each print job; Paper size management means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the above, and print data search for searching for print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means Means and a side for setting a side length to be aligned at the time of image formation for each print data retrieved by the means Setting means; and a side length set by the side length setting means based on a sheet size managed by the sheet size management means, with respect to a paper direction at the time of image formation of each print data searched by the print data search means. Paper orientation changing means for changing the orientation of the paper in the portrait or landscape orientation so as to align the images with each other, wherein the image forming apparatus is adapted to change an image based on each image data of the print data searched by the image forming means. It is preferable to provide an image forming control unit for forming on a sheet of a sheet size.

Further, in the above-described image forming system, the image forming apparatus may include a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming control unit based on the side length set by the side length setting unit. It is preferable to provide paper binding means for binding together.

Still further, in the above-described image forming system, each sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming control means on the image forming apparatus based on the side length set by the side length setting means. It is preferable to provide a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole.

[0014] Also, an upper apparatus provided with print job management means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming means for forming an image on paper based on print data of the print job managed by the upper apparatus. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus comprising: a paper size adding unit configured to add a paper size related to image data in the print data to the print data of each print job; Paper size management means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the above, and print data search for searching for print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means Means for specifying the paper size at the time of image formation for each print data retrieved by the means A size designation unit and a reduction or enlargement for making the paper size managed by the paper size management unit of each print data retrieved by the print data retrieval unit equal to the paper size designated by the paper size designation unit. A scaling factor calculating means for calculating a scaling factor of the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus calculates an image based on the image data of each print data searched by the image forming device on a sheet of the designated sheet size. It is preferable to provide image forming control means for forming the image at each magnification.

Further, in the above-described image forming system, the image forming apparatus may store each sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming control unit based on the sheet size specified by the sheet size specifying unit. It is preferable to provide paper binding means for binding together.

Still further, in the above-described image forming system, each sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming control means based on the sheet size designated by the sheet size designating means is provided in the image forming apparatus. It is preferable to provide a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole.

An image forming method in which a higher-level device manages print data of a plurality of print jobs and forms an image on a sheet based on the print data of the managed print job in the image forming apparatus, Adds the paper size of the image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages the paper size of each added print job, and designates the paper size from the managed print data. The print data of the plurality of print jobs searched is searched, the paper size is reset for each of the searched print data, and the image data of each of the searched print data is set to the managed paper size. The image forming apparatus reduces or enlarges the image based on the image data based on the reduced or enlarged image data. To provide an image forming method for forming each sheet of the re-set paper size.

Further, in the above-described image forming method, the image forming apparatus may bind together the sheets on which the image is formed based on the reset sheet size.

Still further, in the above-described image forming method, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the reset sheet size.

An image forming method in which an upper apparatus manages print data of a plurality of print jobs and an image forming apparatus forms an image on paper based on the print data of the managed print job, Adds the paper size of the image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages the paper size of each added print job, and designates the paper size from the managed print data. Search for print data of a plurality of print jobs searched for, set a side length to be aligned at the time of image formation for each of the searched print data, and manage the paper direction at the time of image formation for each of the searched print data. Based on the paper size is changed to the vertical or horizontal respectively to align with the set side length, the image forming apparatus,
It is preferable that an image based on the image data of the print data retrieved is formed on the paper of the changed paper size.

Further, in the above-described image forming method, the image forming apparatus may bind together the sheets on which the images are formed based on the set side lengths.

Still further, in the above image forming method, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the set side length.

Also, an image forming method in which an upper apparatus manages print data of a plurality of print jobs and an image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet based on print data of the managed print job, Adds the paper size of the image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages the paper size of each added print job, and designates the paper size from the managed print data. Search the print data of the plurality of print jobs searched, specify the paper size at the time of image formation for each of the searched print data, and change the managed paper size of each of the searched print data to the above. The image forming apparatus calculates a scaling factor of reduction or enlargement for equalizing to the designated paper size, and the image forming apparatus converts the image data of each of the searched print data into An image brute may be formed in each of the magnification which is the calculated sheet of the designated paper size.

Further, in the above-described image forming method, the image forming apparatus may bind together the sheets on which the image is formed based on the specified sheet size.

Further, in the above-described image forming method, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the specified sheet size.

According to the image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the tenth aspect, the operation on the image forming apparatus side is unnecessary, and a large number of operations are performed only on the host apparatus. Without having to stick to each print paper size, multiple print processes from existing applications
It is possible to collectively print into one job of the same paper size and perform batch printing.

According to the image forming system according to the second aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the eleventh aspect, each sheet can be bound at an appropriate position during the batch printing.

Further, according to the image forming system according to the third aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to provide a binding hole at an appropriate position on each sheet during the batch printing. it can.

According to the image forming system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the thirteenth aspect, the operation on the image forming apparatus is unnecessary, and a large number of operations are performed only on the host apparatus. Even if each job of multiple printing processes from an existing application has a different paper size, it is combined into one job without depending on the print paper size, and either the short side or the long side of the paper is aligned and collectively Can be printed.

According to the image forming system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the fourteenth aspect, each sheet can be bound at an appropriate position during the batch printing.

Further, according to the image forming system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a binding hole at an appropriate position on each sheet during the batch printing. it can.

According to the image forming system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the sixteenth aspect, the operation on the image forming apparatus side is unnecessary, and a large number of operations are performed only on the host apparatus. Even if each job of each of the plurality of printing processes from an existing application has a different paper size, it is possible to collectively print one job and perform batch printing with a specified paper size without being particular about each print paper size.

According to the image forming system of the present invention and the image forming method of the present invention, each sheet can be bound at an appropriate position during the batch printing.

Further, according to the image forming system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention and the image forming method according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a binding hole at an appropriate position on each sheet during the batch printing. it can.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. (1) An embodiment of the image forming system according to claims 1 to 3 and the image forming method according to claims 10 to 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system which is an embodiment of the image forming system according to the first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing during normal printing in the printing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a print data generation process at the time of print job management in the printing system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a format example of a print information header added at the time of the print data generation process in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print job management screen at the time of ordinary batch printing on the host computer shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a print job selection operation on the print job management screen shown in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result of normal batch printing in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of batch printing of paper size alignment according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the sheet size alignment processing at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. FIG.
10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result by the sheet size alignment processing at the time of batch printing illustrated in FIG. 9 of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, this printing system includes:
A host computer (upper device) 1 having a print job management function for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs;
An image forming system includes a laser printer (image forming apparatus) having an image forming function of forming an image based on print data of a print job managed by the host computer 1 on paper.

The laser printer 2 comprises a controller 3, an operation panel 4, and a printer engine 5. The controller 3 is a control mechanism that converts print data from the host computer 1 into video data and outputs the video data to the printer engine 5 in accordance with the control mode set at that time and the control code from the host computer 1. It consists of various modules.

The host interface (I / F) 10
An interface for exchanging control signals and data from the host computer 1 to the laser printer 2 and status signals from the laser printer 2 to the host computer 1.

The CPU 14 reads data (print data, data, etc.) from the host computer 1 in accordance with the program ROM 11.
Control data). The RAM 15 is a work memory for processing by the CPU 14, a buffer for managing data from the host computer 1 on a page basis and temporarily storing the data, converting data stored in the buffer into an actual print pattern, and storing video data. Used for bitmap memory, etc.

The NV-RAM 16 is a nonvolatile RAM for storing data to be retained even when the power is turned off. The program ROM 11 stores programs for managing data in the controller 3 and controlling peripheral modules. The font ROM 12 has various types of fonts used for printing.

Engine interface (I / F) 17
Is an interface for exchanging control signals from the controller 3 to the printer engine 5 and status signals from the printer engine 5 to the controller 3. The option RAM 18 is an additional RAM.

The printer engine 5 forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor (not shown) by a video signal and a control signal from the controller 3, develops the electrostatic latent image, and transfers a transfer paper (not shown) from a paper feeding unit (not shown). Paper), and transfer and fixation on the paper to form an image.

The panel interface (I / F) 13
This is a signal interface for switching the state, mode, font, etc. of the laser printer 2. An operation panel (operation panel) 4 is a display unit that shows the state of the laser printer 2 and a switch unit that switches the mode, font, and the like of the laser printer 2.

The controller 3 of the laser printer 2
The CPU 14 converts the data sent from the host computer 1 through the host I / F 10 into print data and print control data (SP, CR, LF, HT, V
T, and symbols) and others, and the print data and print control data are converted into control codes,
In the buffer.

The controller 3 receives a print command from the host computer 1 or the host computer 1
When the data received from exceeds 1 page,
The intermediate code is converted into video data. When the conversion is completed, a print start command is issued to the printer engine 5 through the engine I / F 17. In this manner, the print data from the host computer 1 is printed by the printer engine 5 in a series of flows as described above.

On the other hand, the host computer 1 has a control unit realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown) and a display unit such as an LCD. It is responsible for control processing such as print job management and batch print processing according to the present invention. The display unit displays a work screen such as a print job management screen according to the present invention.

That is, the control unit of the host computer 1 controls the print job management means for managing the print data of a plurality of print jobs, and the print data of each print job includes the paper size of the image data in the print data. It functions as a paper size adding unit to be added and a paper size managing unit that manages a paper size for each print job added by the unit.

Further, a print data search means for searching print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means, and for each print data searched by the means. Paper size resetting means for resetting the paper size, and resetting the image size of each image data of each print data searched by the print data searching means based on the paper size managed by the paper size managing means. The function of the image reduction / enlargement unit for reducing or enlarging the paper size to the paper size reset by the unit is achieved.

The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 and the like form image forming means for forming an image on paper based on print data of a print job managed by the host computer 1, and the image forming means reduces or enlarges the image. Image forming control means for forming an image based on each set of image data on a sheet having the reset sheet size.

Further, based on the sheet size reset by the sheet size resetting means, the sheet forming means for binding together the sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming control means, and the sheet size resetting means Functions as a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole in each sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming control means based on the sheet size reset by the above.

Next, a description will be given of print data generation processing during normal printing in this printing system. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit of the host computer 1 executes a print data generation process during normal printing in step (indicated by “S” in FIG. 2) 1 such as an operating system (OS) such as Windows (registered trademark). Create drawing data with the application software above.

When the process proceeds to step 2 and print is instructed by the application software, a printer driver setting screen is displayed on the display unit in step 3. Step 4
When the print button in the printer driver setting screen is depressed, the process proceeds to step 5 to generate internal (GDI) data in the OS, and proceeds to step 6 to convert the GDI data into each printer command by the printer driver.

Proceed to step 7 to generate print data in the order of the job head instruction command, various setting commands, drawing data, and job end command, and proceed to step 8 to transmit the print data to the laser printer. Thus, printing is performed according to the above-described laser printer outline.

Next, a description will be given of a print data generation process for managing a print job in the printing system. In the print data generation process at the time of print job management, the control unit of the host computer 1 executes Windows (Windows) at step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 11 as shown in FIG.
ws: registered trademark) and other operating systems (O
S) Create drawing data with the above application software.

When the process proceeds to step 12 and print is instructed by the application software, a printer driver setting screen is displayed on the display unit in step 13. In step S14, a setting button for "drop print data to filing software" on the printer driver setting screen is checked, and the print data is stored in the filing software.

When the print button is pressed in step 15, the process proceeds to step 16 to generate internal (GDI) data in the OS, and proceeds to step 17 where the printer driver converts the GDI data into each printer command. The process proceeds to step S18, where print data is generated in the order of a job head instruction command, various setting commands, drawing data, and a job end command.

In step 19, a print information header is added (added), and in step 20, the print data is stored in a specific folder for print job management. Then, by transmitting the print data of the selected print job to the laser printer, printing is performed in accordance with the above-described outline of the laser printer.

Next, the print information header will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the print information header stores information such as “file name”, “number of pages”, “print direction (of paper)”, “paper size”, and “print date / time” of the print job. The printer 2 prints the specified paper size in the specified print direction based on the print information header.

Next, normal batch printing processing in this printing system will be described. When the filing software is started, the control unit of the host computer 1 displays a print job management screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit, and prints print information from a print information header of each print job stored in the specific folder. The acquired print information is displayed in the file list field 20 of the print job management screen as shown in FIG.

The file list field 20 is set by the operator.
When a plurality of print jobs to be collectively printed are selected from among the print jobs, the selected print job is displayed in the print list field 21 of the print job management screen as shown in FIG.

When the batch print button 22 is pressed on the work screen, the filing software displays the print list
Only the actual data portion of the print data of each print job, excluding the print information header, is connected in order, and a job head instruction command and a job end command are added before and after the connected data, so that the Output.

The laser printer 2 collectively prints a plurality of print jobs based on the print data received from the host computer 1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, A4 size portrait images for three pages of the first print job are shown in FIGS.
(C) An A3-size portrait image for two pages of the second print job is placed on A4 portrait paper, and a B5 portrait image for two pages of the third print job is placed on A3 portrait paper (d) and (e). By printing the orientation images on B5 portrait paper of (f) and (g), three print jobs having different paper sizes are printed out in one action.

Next, the batch printing process according to the present invention in the printing system will be described. When the filing software is started, the control unit of the host computer 1 displays a print job management screen as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit, and prints print information from a print information header of each print job stored in the specific folder. The print information is acquired and displayed in the file list field 20 of the print job management screen.

The file list field 20 by the operator
When a plurality of print jobs to be collectively printed are selected from among the print jobs, the selected print job is displayed in the print list field 21 of the print job management screen.

When the paper designation print button 23 is pressed on the work screen, the mode shifts to the paper designation print mode, and the filing software adds a job print size designation command after the job start command and is displayed in the print list field 21. The print data of each print job is subjected to the sheet size alignment process during batch printing shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the batch printing paper size alignment process, the control unit of the host computer 1 searches for print data of each print job selected for batch printing, Referring to the print information header, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 31 it is determined whether or not the size is equal to the specified size (paper size) of the paper specified by the paper specification printing. Transition.

If they are not equal in step 31, the process proceeds to step 32 to determine whether or not the size is larger than the designated size. If the size is larger, the process proceeds to step 34 to reduce the drawing data to the designated size and to proceed to the next print job. Transition.

If it is not large in step 32, the process proceeds to step 33 to determine whether it is smaller than the designated size. If it is smaller, the process proceeds to step 35 to enlarge the drawing data to the designated size and to proceed to the next print job. Transition. If the size is not smaller than the designated size in step 33, the process proceeds to the next print job.

In this way, before outputting the print data of the print job of each different paper size to the laser printer 2, the paper size is reset to a preset paper size, and each print job is made to be able to print at that paper size. An image reduction / enlargement process is performed on each print data.

Then, only the actual data portion is connected in order, a job head instruction command and a job end command are added before and after the connected data, and output to the laser printer 2.

For example, when three print jobs of different paper sizes shown in FIG. 7 are printed, as shown in FIG. 10, an A4-size portrait image of three pages of the first print job is printed in the print information header. Based on the paper size and printing direction, printing is performed on A4 portrait paper (a) to (c),
The A3 size portrait image for two pages of the print job is reduced to A4 size in the same direction and printed on A4 size portrait paper of (d) and (e), and B5 for two pages of the third print job is printed. A4 size portrait image as it is
The image is enlarged to the size and printed on A4 size portrait paper of (f) and (g).

As described above, when a plurality of print jobs of different print sizes are batch-printed with the same paper size, all the complicated image processing is processed on the host computer side, thereby reducing the processing load on the laser printer side. can do. In addition, since all operations during the batch printing can be performed on the host computer side, the workload of the operator can be reduced.

Next, the paper binding (stapling) processing at the time of the batch printing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the staple processing possible determination process. As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a stapling process in step 41, and if not, ends the printing process without executing the stapling process.

If the staple processing is found in step 41, the flow advances to step 42 to determine whether or not there is a mixture of paper sizes. In this determination, if there is a mixture of paper sizes, the stapling process is stopped and the printing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is no mixture of paper sizes, the staple-enabling conditions that the paper sizes are made uniform by the above-described batch printing process are met. To bind a predetermined location on the paper. The stapling position designation in the same direction is possible by filing software.

In this way, in the above-described batch printing, the sheets can be stapled in the same staple direction according to the sheet size.

Next, a description will be given of a binding hole punching process at the time of the batch printing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the punching process determination process. As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a punching process in step 51, and if not, ends the printing process without executing the punching process.

If it is determined in step 51 that the punching process has been performed, the flow advances to step 52 to determine whether or not there is a mixture of paper sizes. If there is a mixture of paper sizes, the punching process is stopped and the printing process ends.

On the other hand, if there is no mixture of paper sizes, the punching condition that the paper sizes can be made uniform by the above-described batch printing process is prepared as it is. Therefore, each paper on which an image is formed based on the specified size by the punch function is used. Punch holes (binding holes) at predetermined locations on the paper
Is provided. The designation of the punch position in the same direction can be performed by filing software.

In this way, in the above-described batch printing, a binding hole can be formed in each sheet by aligning the punch direction according to the sheet size.

(2) An embodiment of the image forming system according to claims 4 to 6 and the image forming method according to claims 13 to 15 of the present invention. The configuration of the printing system of this embodiment is the same as that of the printing system shown in FIG. 1, and the description of the common parts is omitted.

In the printing system according to this embodiment, the control unit of the host computer 1 includes a print job managing unit that manages print data of a plurality of print jobs, and a print data of each of the print jobs. It functions as a paper size adding unit that adds a paper size for data, and a paper size managing unit that manages the paper size for each print job added by the unit.

Further, a print data search means for searching print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means, and a print data search means for searching each print data searched by the means. A side length setting unit that sets a side length to be aligned at the time of image formation, and a sheet direction at the time of image formation of each print data searched by the print data search unit based on a sheet size managed by the sheet size management unit. It functions as a paper direction changing unit for changing the length in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction so as to align with the side length set by the side length setting unit.

The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 and the like form image forming means for forming an image based on the print data of the print job managed by the host computer 1 on paper, and each of the image forming means searched by the image forming means. It functions as an image forming control unit that forms an image based on each image data of the print data on the paper of the changed paper size.

The laser printer 2 of this printing system is
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, as shown in FIG.
The size portrait image is printed on A4 portrait paper of (a) to (c), and the A3 size portrait image of two pages of the second print job is printed on A3 portrait paper of (d) and (e), respectively. Thus, two print jobs having different paper sizes are printed out in one action.

Next, a description will be given of the batch printing process of the paper side length alignment according to the present invention in the printing system. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of batch printing of paper side length alignment according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process for aligning the sheet side lengths at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result by the sheet side length alignment processing during batch printing illustrated in FIG. 15 of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1.

When the filing software is started, the control unit of the host computer 1 displays a print job management screen as shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit, and displays the print job header of each print job stored in the specific folder. The print information is acquired, and the print information is displayed in the file list field 20 of the print job management screen.

The file list field 20 is set by the operator.
When a plurality of print jobs to be collectively printed are selected from among the print jobs, the selected print job is displayed in the print list field 21 of the print job management screen.

When the paper length search print button 24 is pressed,
The mode is shifted to the paper length search print mode. The filing software adds a job print paper length search print command after the job start command, and the print data of each print job displayed in the print list field 21 is shown in FIG. Performs paper edge length alignment processing during batch printing.

In the batch printing side edge alignment process, for example, when printing two print jobs having different paper sizes collectively, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit of the host computer 1 executes step (FIG. 15). (Indicated by "S" in the drawing) 61, the print paper change flag is reset, the print data of each print job selected for batch printing is searched, and the print information header of the searched print data is referred to. 2
It is determined whether the length of the side of the paper size of the job and the first job in the main scanning direction is equal.

If the determinations in step 62 are equal, the flow advances to step 67 to output the print data as it is to the laser printer, execute the printing process, and end this process. If they are not equal in step 62, the flow advances to step 63 to determine whether or not the print paper change flag has been set. If the print paper change flag has been set, the flow advances to step 66 to display a warning and terminate this processing.

If the printing paper change flag is not set in step 63, the flow advances to step 64 to change the printing paper direction of the second job or the first job from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction or from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. Then step 65
Go to step 62 to set the print paper change flag
Return to the processing of.

In this way, before outputting the print data of the print jobs of different paper sizes to the laser printer 2, the side lengths to be set at the time of image formation are set, and the image of each print data is set to be aligned at the side lengths. A paper direction changing process is performed to change the paper direction at the time of formation to portrait or landscape.

The print data is output to the laser printer 2 in order, and the laser printer 2 prints out the print data of each print job as it is or in the changed direction.

For example, when two print jobs of different paper sizes shown in FIG. 13 are printed, as shown in FIG. 16, the A4-size portrait image for three pages of the first print job is changed to landscape. (A) to (c) to print on A4 size landscape paper, and print the A3 size portrait image for two pages of the second print job on A3 size portrait paper as it is. Accordingly, it is possible to output the print result of the first print job with the long side of A4 and the short side of A3 of the print result of the second print job aligned.

As described above, when a plurality of print jobs of different print sizes are batch-printed while being aligned with any side length of the paper size, all the complicated image processing is processed on the host computer side. Can be reduced. In addition, since all operations during the batch printing can be performed on the host computer side, the workload of the operator can be reduced.

Next, a description will be given of a sheet stapling process when batch printing is performed with the sheet side lengths aligned. The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a stapling process, and if not, ends the printing process without executing the stapling process.

If there is a stapling process, it is determined whether or not there is a mixture of paper sizes. If there is a stapling process, the stapling process is stopped and the printing process is terminated. Since the stapling condition that the sizes are aligned is the same, the sheets on which the images are formed based on the specified size are grouped together by the stapling function and a predetermined position on the sheets is bound. The stapling position designation in the same direction is possible by filing software.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by the stapling process when batch printing is performed with the paper side lengths aligned. As shown in FIG. 16, when the upper side of the A3 sheet of the first print job and the right side of the A4 sheet of the second print job are aligned, as shown in FIG. The same locations 30 corresponding to the upper side and the corresponding right sides of the A3 paper of (d) and (e) are bound.

In this way, when batch printing is performed by aligning the sheet side lengths as described above, the sheets can be stapled in the same staple direction according to the sheet size.

Next, a description will be given of the binding hole punching process when batch printing is performed with the paper side lengths aligned. The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a punching process. If there is no punching, the printing process is terminated without executing the punching process.

If punching has been performed in the above determination, it is determined whether or not there is a mixture of paper sizes. If there is, punching is stopped and printing is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no mixture of paper sizes, since the punching conditions that the paper sizes are aligned by the batch printing process as described above are prepared, the papers on which an image is formed based on the specified size by the punch function are grouped together. Punch holes (binding holes) are provided at predetermined locations on the paper. The designation of the punch position in the same direction can be performed by filing software.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by punching processing when batch printing is performed with the paper side lengths aligned. As shown in FIG. 16, when the upper side of the A3 sheet of the first print job and the right side of the A4 sheet of the second print job are aligned and printed, as shown in FIG.
Punch holes (binding holes) are formed in the same locations 31 corresponding to the upper side of the sheet and the right side of the A3 sheet in (d) and (e), respectively.

In this way, in the above-described batch printing, a binding hole can be formed in each sheet by aligning the punch direction according to the sheet size.

(3) An embodiment of the image forming system according to claims 7 to 9 and the image forming method according to claims 16 to 18 of the present invention. The configuration of the printing system of this embodiment is the same as that of the printing system shown in FIG. 1, and the description of the common parts is omitted.

In the printing system of this embodiment, the control unit of the host computer 1 includes: a print job management unit that manages print data of a plurality of print jobs; It functions as a paper size adding unit that adds a paper size for data, and a paper size managing unit that manages the paper size for each print job added by the unit.

Further, a print data search means for searching print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from the print data managed by the print job management means, and a print data search means for searching each print data searched by the means. A paper size designation unit for designating a paper size at the time of image formation, and a paper size managed by the paper size management unit for each print data retrieved by the print data retrieval unit are designated by the paper size designation unit. It functions as a scaling factor calculating means for calculating a scaling factor of reduction or enlargement for equalizing the paper size.

The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 forms an image on a sheet based on the print data of the print job managed by the host computer 1, and the image forming means retrieves the image. It functions as an image forming control unit that forms an image based on the image data of each print data on a sheet of the designated sheet size at the calculated respective scaling factors.

Next, the designated sheet size batch printing process according to the present invention in the printing system will be described.
FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of batch printing of the designated paper size according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the sheet orientation adjustment processing at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result by the sheet direction adjustment processing during batch printing illustrated in FIG. 20 of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1.

When the filing software is started, the control unit of the host computer 1 displays a print job management screen as shown in FIG. 19 on the display unit, and displays a print information header of each print job stored in the specific folder. The print information is acquired, and the print information is displayed in the file list field 20 of the print job management screen.

The file list field 20 is set by the operator.
When a plurality of print jobs to be collectively printed are selected from among the print jobs, the selected print job is displayed in the print list field 21 of the print job management screen.

When the paper designation print button 25 is pressed, the mode shifts to the paper size designation print mode, and the filing software adds a variable-size print command after the job start command, and outputs The print data is subjected to the paper direction adjustment process at the time of batch printing shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the paper direction adjusting process at the time of batch printing, the control unit of the host computer 1 sets the job count to 0 in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 71 and counts the number of jobs. Then, the process goes to step 72 to determine whether or not the designation of the print paper size is set.

If it is determined in step 72 that the print paper size designation is not set, the flow advances to step 80 to determine whether or not the job count = 0, and if "0", the flow advances to step 82 to jump to the job count = The process is terminated with 0, and if not "0", the flow advances to step 81 to cause the laser printer to perform sort printing in a form in which different sizes are mixed. Then, to step 82, the job count is set to 0, and the process is terminated. finish.

If the print paper size is specified in step 72, the flow advances to step 73 to select the print data of the print job to be printed, and the flow advances to step 74 to determine whether a print job remains. A determination is made as to whether or not it is.

Naturally, since a job to be printed is selected for the first time, it is determined that there is a job to be printed, and the flow advances to step 75 to decrease the job count by one.
Increment. Therefore, 1 is set to the job count for the first time.

The flow advances to step 76 to determine whether or not the job is equal to the designated paper size. If the job is equal, no processing is performed.
The process proceeds to step 7 to calculate the scaling ratio from the actual data size to the designated print size, and proceeds to step 78 to set the scaling ratio in the scaling command. The scaling command is added next to the start command of the print job. I do. In response to the scaling command, scaling is performed during printing.

Further, the processing proceeds to step 79, where the paper size specification command is also changed to the specified size, and the processing returns to step 74. In this way, a slight change is made to one print job, and the file is temporarily stored in a folder as a file separate from the original print job.

Then, in step 74, it is searched again whether or not there is a new print job. If there is, the same processing as described above is repeated. If there is no new print job, the flow advances to step 80 to check whether or not the job count is "0". If the job count is "0", it is determined that there is no job to be printed, and "0" is set in the job count in step 82, and the process is terminated without performing printing.

If the job count is not "0" in the determination at step 80, it is determined that there is a print job to be printed, and the process proceeds to step 81 to perform printing. Is set and the process ends.

At this time, the modified data obtained by adding the scaling command to the original print job or changing the paper size designation is automatically deleted from the temporarily stored folder after printing. .

In this way, when printing a plurality of print jobs of different paper sizes, the scaling factor for converting the print data of each print job to the designated paper size is calculated, and the scaling factor is calculated for each printing job. The data is output to the laser printer 2 in addition to the data, and the laser printer 2 prints out each print data by reducing or enlarging it based on the magnification.

For example, when two print jobs of different paper sizes shown in FIG. 13 are designated to be A4 paper landscape and batch printing is instructed, as shown in FIG.
Changing the A4 size portrait image for three pages of the print job to landscape based on the paper size designation command (a)
(C) print on A4 size landscape paper, reduce the A3 size portrait image for two pages of the second print job to A4 size and change to landscape based on the scaling command and paper size designation command. A4 of (d) and (e)
By printing on the size landscape paper, the print results of the first print job and the second print job can be output in a state where the print results are aligned on the A4 paper landscape.

As described above, when a plurality of print jobs of different print sizes are batch-printed in accordance with the designated paper size, the host computer performs all the complicated scaling calculation processes. Only the process of changing the print data based on the scaling command and the paper size designation command is required, and the processing load during batch printing can be reduced. In addition, since all operations during the batch printing can be performed on the host computer side, the workload of the operator can be reduced.

Next, a description will be given of a sheet binding (stapling) process when batch printing is performed in accordance with the specified sheet size. The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a stapling process, and if not, ends the printing process without executing the stapling process.

If there is a stapling process, it is determined whether there is a mixture of paper sizes. If there is a stapling process, the stapling process is stopped and the printing process is terminated. Since the stapling condition that the sizes are aligned is the same, the sheets on which the images are formed based on the specified size are grouped together by the stapling function and a predetermined position on the sheets is bound. The stapling position designation in the same direction is possible by filing software.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by the stapling process when batch printing is performed in accordance with the designated paper size. As shown in FIG. 21, when the print results of the first print job and the second print job are aligned in the A4 paper landscape direction, as shown in FIG.
The same location 30 corresponding to each of the upper sides of the paper is bound.

In this way, when batch printing is performed with the specified paper size as described above, the sheets can be stapled in the same staple direction according to the paper size.

Next, a description will be given of a binding hole punching process when batch printing is performed in accordance with the designated paper size. The controller 3 of the laser printer 2 determines whether or not there is a punching process. If there is no punching, the printing process is terminated without executing the punching process.

If there is a punching process, it is determined whether or not there is a mixture of paper sizes. If there is a punching process, the punching process is stopped and the printing process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no mixture of paper sizes, since the punching conditions that the paper sizes are aligned by the batch printing process as described above are prepared, the papers on which an image is formed based on the specified size by the punch function are grouped together. Punch holes (binding holes) are provided at predetermined locations on the paper. The designation of the punch position in the same direction can be performed by filing software.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by punch processing when batch printing is performed in accordance with a designated paper size. As shown in FIG. 21, when the print results of the first print job and the second print job are aligned in the A4 paper landscape orientation, as shown in FIG. 23, each of the upper sides of the A4 paper of (a) to (e) is Punch holes (binding holes) are made at corresponding corresponding locations 31.

In this way, in the above-described batch printing, a binding hole can be formed in each sheet by aligning the punch direction according to the designated sheet size.

[0140]

As described above, the image forming systems of claims 1 to 3 and the claims 10 to 12 of the present invention.
According to the image forming method, when a plurality of printing processes each having a different paper size are collectively printed on paper of the same size, the processing load on the image forming apparatus and the work load on the user can be reduced. .

Further, according to the image forming systems of claims 4 to 6 and the image forming methods of claims 13 to 15 of the present invention, a plurality of printing processes, each having a different paper size, are aligned on the same length side and collectively. When performing printing, the processing load on the image forming apparatus and the work load on the user can be reduced.

Further, according to the image forming systems of claims 7 to 9 and the image forming methods of claims 16 to 18 of the present invention, a plurality of printing processes, each having a different sheet size, are collectively specified on the same size sheet. When performing printing, the processing load on the image forming apparatus and the work load on the user can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system which is an embodiment of an image forming system according to claims 1 to 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating print data generation processing during normal printing in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating print data generation processing when managing a print job in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a format example of a print information header added at the time of print data generation processing in FIG. 3;

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job management screen at the time of normal batch printing on the host computer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a print job selection operation on the print job management screen shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result of normal batch printing in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

8 is a diagram showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 during batch printing of paper size alignment according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sheet size alignment process at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by the sheet size alignment processing at the time of batch printing shown in FIG. 9 of the printing system shown in FIG. 1;

11 is a flowchart showing a stapling process feasibility determination process at the time of printing by the collective printing paper size alignment process shown in FIG. 9;

12 is a flowchart showing a punching process possible determination process at the time of printing by the batch size paper size alignment process shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of an output result of normal batch printing in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of batch printing of paper side lengths according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for aligning paper side lengths at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. 1;

16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by the sheet side length alignment processing at the time of batch printing shown in FIG. 15 of the printing system shown in FIG. 1;

17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result by a stapling process when batch printing is performed with the paper side lengths aligned in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by a punching process when the printing system shown in FIG. 1 performs batch printing with the paper side lengths aligned.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a print job management screen on the host computer shown in FIG. 1 at the time of batch printing of a designated paper size according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a sheet direction adjusting process at the time of batch printing according to the present invention on the host computer shown in FIG. 1;

21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output result by the sheet orientation adjustment processing during batch printing illustrated in FIG. 20 of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by a stapling process when batch printing is performed in accordance with a designated paper size in the printing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output result by a punching process when batch printing is performed in accordance with a designated paper size in the printing system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Host computer 2: Laser printer 3: Controller 4: Operation panel 5: Printer engine 10: Host I / F 11: Program ROM 12: Font ROM 13: Panel I / F 14: CPU 15: RAM 16: NV-RAM 17: Engine I / F 18: Option RAM 20: File list field 21: Print list field 22: Batch print button 23, 25: Paper designation print button 24: Paper length search print button

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a host device having print job management means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs; and an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on print data of the print job managed by the host device. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet size adding unit that adds a sheet size related to image data in the print data to the print data of each print job; Paper size management means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the above, and print data search for searching for print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means Means, paper size resetting means for resetting the paper size for each print data searched by the means, Each image data of each print data retrieved by the print data retrieval unit is reduced or enlarged to the paper size reset by the paper size resetting unit based on the paper size managed by the paper size management unit. Image forming control means for forming an image based on each of the image data reduced or enlarged by the image forming means on a sheet of the reset sheet size. An image forming system, comprising: 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed in said image forming apparatus by said image forming control unit based on a sheet size reset by said sheet size resetting unit. An image forming system comprising a sheet binding means for binding and binding each sheet. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed in said image forming apparatus by said image forming control means based on a sheet size reset by said sheet size resetting means. An image forming system comprising a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole in each sheet. 4. An upper apparatus provided with a print job managing means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on print data of the print job managed by the upper apparatus. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet size adding unit that adds a sheet size related to image data in the print data to the print data of each print job; Paper size management means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the printer, and print data search for searching print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means Means, and a side length setting means for setting a side length to be aligned at the time of image formation for each print data searched by the means; The paper direction at the time of image formation of each print data searched by the print data search means is aligned with the side length set by the side length setting means based on the paper size managed by the paper size management means. A sheet orientation changing unit for changing the orientation of the sheet to a portrait or landscape orientation, wherein the image forming apparatus forms an image based on the image data of each piece of the print data retrieved by the image forming unit on the sheet of the changed sheet size. An image forming system, comprising: an image forming control unit for forming an image. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein each of the sheets on which the image is formed by the image forming control unit in the image forming apparatus based on the side length set by the side length setting unit. An image forming system provided with a paper binding means for binding together. 6. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein each sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming control unit in the image forming apparatus based on the side length set by the side length setting unit. An image forming system, wherein a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole is provided in the image forming system. 7. An upper-level device having print job management means for managing print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming means for forming an image on paper based on print data of the print job managed by the upper-level device. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet size adding unit that adds a sheet size related to image data in the print data to the print data of each print job; Paper size management means for managing the paper size of each print job added by the printer, and print data search for searching print data of a plurality of designated print jobs from print data managed by the print job management means Means, and paper size designation for designating a paper size at the time of image formation for each print data retrieved by the means And a change of reduction or enlargement for making the paper size managed by the paper size management means of each print data retrieved by the print data retrieval means equal to the paper size designated by the paper size designation means. A scaling factor calculating unit for calculating a scaling factor, wherein the image forming apparatus calculates the image based on the image data of each print data retrieved by the image forming unit on a sheet of the designated sheet size. An image forming system comprising image forming control means for forming images at respective magnifications. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein each sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming control unit on the image forming apparatus based on a sheet size designated by the sheet size designating unit. An image forming system provided with a paper binding means for binding together. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein each of the sheets on which an image is formed by the image forming control unit on the image forming apparatus based on a sheet size specified by the sheet size specifying unit. An image forming system, wherein a binding hole forming means for forming a binding hole is provided in the image forming system. 10. An image forming method in which a higher-level device manages print data of a plurality of print jobs and forms an image on a sheet based on print data of the managed print job in an image forming apparatus, the upper-level device comprising: Adds a paper size for image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages a paper size for each of the added print jobs, and designates a print size from the managed print data. Search for the print data of the plurality of print jobs, reset the paper size for each of the searched print data, and set each image data of each of the searched print data to the managed paper size. The image forming apparatus reduces or enlarges the image to the reset sheet size based on the image data. Image forming method which comprises causing each formed on a sheet of paper sizes. 11. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus binds together the sheets on which the image is formed based on the reset sheet size. Image forming method. 12. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the reset sheet size. Image forming method. 13. An image forming method, wherein a host device manages print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming device forms an image on a sheet based on print data of the managed print job, wherein the host device Adds a paper size for image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages a paper size for each of the added print jobs, and designates a print size from the managed print data. Search for the print data of the plurality of print jobs, and set the side length to be aligned at the time of image formation for each of the searched print data;
The paper direction at the time of image formation of each of the searched print data is changed to a vertical direction or a horizontal direction, respectively, so as to be aligned with the set side length based on the managed paper size. An image forming method comprising: forming an image based on each piece of image data of the searched print data on a sheet of the changed sheet size. 14. The image forming method according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus binds together the sheets on which the image is formed based on the set side length. Image forming method. 15. The image forming method according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the set side length. Image forming method. 16. An image forming method, wherein a higher-level device manages print data of a plurality of print jobs, and an image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet based on print data of the managed print job, the upper-level device comprising: Adds a paper size for image data in the print data to the print data of each print job, manages a paper size for each of the added print jobs, and designates a print size from the managed print data. Search for print data of the plurality of print jobs, and specify a paper size at the time of image formation for each of the searched print data;
Calculating a reduction or enlargement scaling factor for making the managed paper size of each of the searched print data equal to the designated paper size, wherein the image forming apparatus calculates each of the searched print data; An image based on said image data is formed on a sheet of said designated sheet size at said calculated scaling factors. 17. The image forming method according to claim 16, wherein the image forming apparatus binds together the sheets on which the image is formed based on the designated sheet size. Image forming method. 18. The image forming method according to claim 16, wherein the image forming apparatus forms a binding hole in each sheet on which the image is formed based on the designated sheet size. Image forming method.