JP2001171196A - Apparatus and method for forming image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming apparatus which increases a degree of operation freedom when various kinds of data of the apparatus are to be printed in a form of tables and can simply form more appropriate binding margins when forming images onto a transfer paper. SOLUTION: The image-forming apparatus has a table data-recognizing means and a printing data-forming means. The table data-recognizing means confirms a plurality of tables by which sets of a predetermined meaning are sensed in various kinds of data in the apparatus, and recognizes table data comprised of the number of items related to the table, etc., for each table. The printing data-forming means forms printing data corresponding to each of the table data and comprised of a size of the transfer paper, a printing position at the transfer paper from the table data recognized for each table, etc. The apparatus also includes a binding margin-setting means which can set a shift amount of images independently for each of upper, lower, right and left sides of the transfer paper and independently or collectively for a front and a rear faces of the transfer paper.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, an original is placed or supplied on a platen glass (original glass) and an image such as a character string or a pattern drawn on the original or a combination thereof is transferred onto the transfer paper. A copying machine for copying, a printer for printing the same image created on, for example, a personal computer word processor on transfer paper, and a facsimile for printing the same image transmitted via a communication line or the like. Is provided. Also, a so-called "multifunction machine" is known, in which all functions such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile are provided in one apparatus.

In such an image forming apparatus, user setting data (mode) is used by an apparatus user or an apparatus manager (for example, a so-called service person) to check the state of the apparatus during maintenance of the apparatus. The function of printing information, adjustment data, machine operation history data, and the like according to the present invention on transfer paper is provided. Conventionally, the output form is a form or a table (table form).

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, for example, in the above-mentioned case, particularly for a copying machine, when forming (outputting) an image such as a character string and a picture or a combination thereof on transfer paper, Further, there is known a printer having a function of forming an image by providing an appropriate binding margin (margin) around a transfer sheet. In such an image forming apparatus, if a plurality of image-formed transfer sheets are stacked and bound by providing a punch hole or attaching staples in the binding margin area, image information (images) formed on the transfer sheet can be obtained. Content) can be read without any obstacle.

[0005] Specifically, as a method of forming a binding margin, a method of setting a margin by simply shifting image information in the right or left direction (hereinafter, referred to as a shift method), or a method of forming image information. There has been proposed a method of forming an image on a transfer sheet by reducing the image itself at a fixed magnification and using a margin corresponding to the reduced portion as a binding margin (hereinafter, referred to as a reduction shift method). Note that the latter includes a method of forming a margin by further shifting the reduced image information.

[0006]

By the way, the printing position (coordinates) on the transfer paper in the table format as described above is basically fixed. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, when printing three table formats, Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3, Table 1 goes to the first page, Tables 2 and 3 go to the second page, and so on. Each table and a page to be printed (transfer paper) have a fixed relationship in advance. Such print layout control is realized by executing a fixed program, and by executing the control,
For example, the problem that one table straddles one page is eliminated.

[0007] However, such a table format output is performed, for example, when the table to be printed has such a property that the number of items can be arbitrarily selected, that is, the “table length” is variable. In some cases, as described above, since the actual state of the control is a “fixed program”, it is not possible to make use of the flexibility relating to printing.

[0008] More specifically, in such a case, if one table is to be printed so as to fit on one page, for example, the program is formed after taking into account the "maximum length" of the table in advance. There must be. Therefore, for example, when printing a table having items that are not normally referred to, that is, a table having a normally small “table length”, it is necessary to consider that items that can be added are printed on transfer paper. Since it is necessary to secure a sufficient margin in advance, the result is that, in the normal case, printing is performed with a large amount of margin left on the transfer paper.

In a case where a plurality of tables are output at one time, it is sometimes more efficient to read the tables and to change the printing order of the tables and to refer to the tables. Conventionally, regarding the printing of such a plurality of tables, the order of printing is changed, and among these tables, those that are printed or not printed,
Such switching could not be performed.

Hereinafter, such a problem relating to tabular output is referred to as a first problem in the present invention.

Next, the conventional image forming apparatus having the function related to the binding margin has the following problems.
That is, when the binding margin is formed by the shift method,
A shift amount setting of “only left and right” as shown in FIG. 20 was possible. However, in the case where the binding margin is actually used, that is, in the case of binding a transfer sheet on which an image has been formed, in view of the fact that means for holding the corners of the transfer sheet with staples or staples is often used, "only left and right"
There is a problem that the setting of the shift amount is insufficient.

Further, some image forming apparatuses have a function of forming images on the front and back sides of a transfer sheet. In such a case, and in the case where a binding margin is to be formed, the shift method described above is used. "Only left and right"
Although it has been proposed to set the shift amount `` independently '' on the front and back sides of the transfer paper, this requires the user to always make settings himself with awareness of the positional relationship of the binding margin between the front and back sides. There is also a problem that it becomes an obstacle in providing a simple operability.

On the other hand, in the reduction shift method, only a method capable of forming a binding margin having a common shift amount, that is, a common area for both the front surface and the rear surface has been proposed. In this regard, in this reduction shift method, particularly, the image forming position on the front surface and the back surface may be slightly shifted. In such a case, if image formation with a common shift amount is performed on the transfer paper, In some cases, unbalanced image formation may occur.

Hereinafter, such a problem relating to the binding margin is referred to as a second problem in the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned first problem, and has as its object to print a plurality of tables related to data of an image forming apparatus. In such a case, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of increasing the degree of freedom of printing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned second problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a more appropriate binding margin in forming an image on transfer paper in an image forming apparatus. Is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily forming the image forming apparatus.

In short, the present invention relates to a form of image output in an image forming apparatus, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus with improved operability.

[0018]

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

That is, regarding the first problem,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on transfer paper in the form of a table in a form of a table, a plurality of tables in which the group of predetermined meaning is considered in the various data are confirmed. A table data recognizing means for recognizing table data composed of at least three types of items related to the table, a print character string, and a page break attribute; From the recognized table data, a printing position on the transfer paper,
A print data generating unit configured to generate print data corresponding to each of the table data, the print data generating unit including at least three types of font sizes and print character strings; and an image forming unit configured to execute printing of a table based on the print data. It is characterized by having.

The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect is the first aspect.
In the same apparatus as described above, the print data creating means, when creating the print data for a table, if the table is to be printed on the same transfer paper as the table printed before the table, If the print position does not fit on the transfer paper, for the print position constituting the print data according to the table,
The print data is created so that the print position is defined on the next transfer sheet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
In the same apparatus as described above, the print data creating unit, when creating the print data related to a table, when trying to print the table on the same transfer paper as the table before printed before the table, If the table does not fit on the transfer paper, and if the table is to be printed on the next transfer paper and does not fit on the next transfer paper, the print position constituting the print data for the table is The print data is created so that the print position follows the previous table and a heading relating to the table is inserted each time the transfer paper is changed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
4. The apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the page break attribute includes a forced page break for forcibly changing the page with respect to the printing position, and automatically changing a page when the end of the transfer sheet is reached. It is characterized in that two types of automatic page breaks to be changed are defined.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
5. The apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the table data and / or the print data have a parameter for determining whether to execute printing or not for each table.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
6. The apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the table data and / or the print data have a parameter for changing a printing order for each table.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method capable of forming an image on transfer paper in the form of a table in the form of various data. Confirming a plurality of tables, and for each table, recognizing table data composed of at least three types of items, print character strings, and page break attributes. A step of creating print data composed of at least three types of print positions, font sizes, and print character strings on the transfer paper from the recognized table data, and corresponding to each of the table data; and And printing the printed table.

Further, regarding the second problem, claim 8
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on the transfer sheet, wherein the left side and the right side and the upper side and the lower side of the transfer sheet are independent of each other, and the front and back surfaces of the transfer sheet Independently, a binding margin setting means capable of setting the shift amount of the image,
An image forming section for forming the image while forming a binding margin in accordance with the shift amount on the transfer sheet.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on the transfer sheet, the left side and the right side and / or the upper side and the lower side of the transfer sheet are independently controlled. A binding margin setting unit capable of setting a shift amount of the image, and a binding margin to be formed in accordance with the set shift amount are recognized as being related to one surface of the transfer sheet. A binding margin calculating means for computing a shift amount for the other surface of the transfer sheet so as to correspond to the amount and position of the binding margin to be formed, and forming a binding margin in accordance with the shift amount on the transfer paper. And an image forming section for forming the image.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on the transfer paper, the left side and the right side of the transfer paper and / or
Alternatively, a binding margin calculating unit that calculates a reduction ratio of the image based on a binding margin amount set for an upper side and a lower side, and adjusts a position on the transfer sheet so that an image reduced by the reduction ratio is formed. And fine adjustment means capable of performing the adjustment.

An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect, wherein the adjustment of the transfer paper can be performed independently on the left and right sides and upward and downward. Features.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the eighth, ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspects.
Or a combination of two or more image forming apparatuses.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the copying apparatus includes an image reading unit 1.
0, image writing section 20, image forming section 30, transfer paper transport section 4
0, a transfer paper discharge unit 50, and a transfer paper reversing unit 60.

The image reading section 10 is a section for reading a character string or a picture described in the original S as optical information by irradiating light from a light source, and converting this into electrical information.

The original S is placed directly on the platen glass 11 such that the original surface Sf (the surface on which the image is formed) faces the surface of the platen glass (original glass) 11. The light source 12 projects light onto the placed document surface Sf. The light reaching the document surface Sf becomes light (information) including the image information, is reflected by the surface, and reaches the mirror 13. Note that the light source 12 and the mirror 13 are
It is configured to be movable along the surface of the platen glass 11 so as to scan the entirety of f.

Further, the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment has an automatic double-sided document feeder (RAD) as an automatic document feeder.
F) 100 is provided. The document S can be fed onto the platen glass 11A from here. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic double-sided document feeder 100
01, a single sheet is separated and sent out by feeding rollers 100a and 100b, which are fed through a roller 100c to a platen glass 11 group.
A. Platen glass 11
Below A, a fixed light source 12A and a mirror 13A are installed. With these configurations, the document surface Sf of the plurality of document S groups can be read continuously, as described above.

In addition to the above, in the configuration of the automatic double-sided document feeder 100 and the platen glass 11A shown in FIG.
It is also possible to read both sides of the document S. In this case, the document S is once sent out to the right in the drawing by the reversing roller 102, and one surface thereof is read by the light source 12A. When the reading is completed, the reversing roller 102 is turned over and the document S is moved to the left in the drawing. While being conveyed, it is wound up by the roller 100c so that the other surface of the document S faces the platen glass 11A surface. It should be noted that the light source 12
The document S read by A is sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 103.

Now, as described above, the light source 12 or 12A
Optical information on the document surface Sf read by
The light is repeatedly reflected by the mirrors 14 ₁ and 14 ₂ or 15 ₁ and 15 ₂ , and reaches the CCD image pickup device 17 via the imaging optical system 16. The CCD imaging device 17 has a photoelectric surface (not shown) in which a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric conversion function are two-dimensionally arranged, and the plurality of pixels includes light including image information of the document surface Sf. Information is received and will be converted to electrical information.

The image writing section 20 irradiates (writes) a laser beam modulated on the basis of the electric information obtained as described above onto a photosensitive drum 31 to be described later. This is a part where an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The electrical information including the image information obtained by converting the optical information relating to the document surface Sf is used to modulate a laser beam oscillated from a semiconductor laser (not shown). The laser beam modulated and oscillated based on the electric information is applied to a rotatable polygon mirror 22 whose center is connected to a drive motor 21, and the laser beam reflected therefrom passes through a reflection mirror 23. And is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31. Here, polygon mirror 2
2 rotates while reflecting the laser beam, so that the laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 31 while being scanned in the axial direction. By this laser beam irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 based on the electrical information.

The image forming section 30 includes the photosensitive drum 31
This portion forms an image on the transfer paper P based on the electrostatic latent image formed thereon.

As described above, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 by the irradiation of the laser beam. As a prerequisite work, the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 32. Keep it. The developing unit 33 makes charged toner particles adhere to the electrostatic latent image and visualizes the toner particles. That is, a “toner image” based on the electrostatic latent image is formed. The transfer unit 34 transfers and attaches the toner particles forming the toner image to the separately supplied transfer paper P surface, and “forms an image” on the transfer paper P surface.

Thereafter, on the photosensitive drum 31, the separating section 35 separates the transfer paper P adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 31, and the cleaning section 36 remains on the photosensitive drum 31 after the transfer operation. The toner is cleaned to reveal a clean surface, so that uniform charging by the charging unit 32 and formation of an electrostatic latent image by laser beam irradiation can be performed again. On the other hand, the transfer paper P is sent to the fixing unit 38 via the transport mechanism 37. The fixing unit 38 applies heat and pressure to the transfer paper P by the heat rollers 38a and 38b to fix the transferred toner particles. Thereafter, the transfer paper P is discharged to the outside of the copying apparatus via several rollers provided in the transfer paper discharge unit 50. At this point, "copying" of the image related to the document surface Sf onto the transfer paper P surface is completed.

In the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment, the transfer of the toner particles from the photosensitive drum 31 to the transfer paper P (that is, image formation) is performed not on one surface of the transfer paper P but on the transfer paper P. , And can be applied to the other side. In this case, the transfer paper P after the one-sided copy is conveyed to the transfer paper reversing unit 60. The guide section 61 switches the transfer path of the transfer sheet P between the transfer sheet reversing section 60 and the transfer sheet discharge section 50. When the guide unit 61 is switched to convey the transfer sheet P downward in the drawing, the transfer sheet P is carried out to the reversing unit 63 via the reversing roller 62. Next, in a state where the transfer paper P is sent out to the reversing unit 63 by a predetermined amount, the reversing roller 62 is reversed, and the transfer paper P is transported to the reversal transport path 64. Thereafter, the transfer paper P passes through the path 64 and reaches the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 31 again. At this time, the surface of the transfer paper P facing the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is different from the surface transferred before passing through the transfer paper reversing unit 60. In general, when an image is actually formed on the inverted transfer paper P, new image information is written on the photosensitive drum 31 by the image writing unit 20.

The transfer paper transport section 40 is a section for transporting the transfer paper P to the above-described image forming section 30, especially to the photosensitive drum 31 thereof.

The transfer paper P is supplied to a tray (bottom plate) 42 (see FIG. 4) provided in each of a plurality of stepped sheet feed cassettes 41 (two sheet feed cassettes 41 ₁ and 41 _{2 in} the figure). 5
Through FIG. 7). For each of these sheet cassettes 41, for example, the first sheet cassette 41 ₁ is A3R, and the second sheet cassette 41 ₂ is A4R.
Etc., or made to correspond to different transfer sheet P in size, also, the first sheet feeding A4 size cardboard cassette 41 _1, such as thin paper of the ₂ second paper feed cassette 41 the same size, another kind of paper It is possible to store them in correspondence with each other. In such a state, if a size and a paper type relating to the transfer paper P are specified at the time of copying, the transfer paper P is fed out from the corresponding paper feed cassette in accordance with the specification, and a plurality of transport rollers and the like shown in FIG. Depending on the configuration, the transfer paper P is conveyed toward the image forming unit 30.

Although FIG. 1 shows the case where two paper cassettes are provided, the number of paper cassettes that can be provided in the present invention is not limited in principle.
That is, any number of paper cassettes may be provided. Also,
As shown in FIG. 1, a manual tray 41 </ b> H is provided or a large amount of transfer paper P is stored in advance as a means for feeding the transfer paper P in addition to the paper feed cassette 41 having the above-described configuration. Paper feeder (not shown)
T) may be provided. According to the former,
It is possible to cope with a case where image formation on special transfer paper, OHP or the like is specially performed, and in the latter case, continuous image formation on a large amount of transfer paper P can be performed.

A transfer paper size detecting means 410 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, is provided in such a paper feed cassette 41. In this figure, transfer paper size detecting means 4
Reference numeral 10 denotes a schematic configuration including side regulation plates 411a and 411b and a rear end regulation plate 412 as elements directly touching the transfer paper P.

Each of the side regulating plates 411a and 411b is configured to be movable so as to sandwich both sides thereof according to the size of the transfer paper P placed in the paper feeding cassette 41. . More specifically, as shown in the figure, racks 413a and 413b provided so as to protrude from the respective surfaces of the two side regulating plates 411a and 411b toward the inside of the paper feed cassette 41, and mesh with these racks. Pinion 4
14 and one side regulating plate 411a (or 41).
When 1b) is moved inward into the paper feed cassette 41, the other side regulating plate 411b (or 411a) is similarly moved. Then, the rack 413a
Alternatively, the width of the transfer paper P, that is, the width of the transfer paper P, is detected by the width detection member 415 attached to move in accordance with the operation of 413b and the detection sensor 415S provided on the apparatus main body side.

On the other hand, the rear end regulating plate 412 is inserted and fixed in the insertion hole 416 corresponding to the rear end position according to the size of the transfer paper P placed in the paper feed cassette 41. A plurality of insertion holes 416 are formed at the bottom of the sheet cassette 41 in accordance with various sizes of the transfer sheet P. The insertion of the paper feed cassette 41 into the copying apparatus main body is performed in a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG.
The length detecting members 417a, 417b, and 4 which are three-layered in the direction perpendicular to the sheet of the drawing at the side portions 412a.
17c is pushed upward in the drawing, and accordingly, a combination of detection states related to ON / OFF of the detection sensors 417aS, 417bS, and 417cS is generated.

Here, the “combination” refers to the length detecting member 417 a that moves depending on which of the plurality of insertion holes 416 the rear end regulating plate 412 is inserted or fixed.
417b and 417c are configured to cause differences. Specifically, the length detecting member 417
For example, by providing a projection p as shown in a different position for each of the a, 417b and 417c, the side portion 412a of the rear end regulating plate 412 inserted into one insertion hole 416 is provided. The combination of the length detection members 417a, 417b, and 417c that abuts (ie, moves) on the surface may be changed, and thus a combination of the detection conditions related to the detection sensors 417aS, 417bS, and 417cS may be generated. .

After all, the width of the transfer paper P depends on the various components related to the side regulating plates 411 a and 411 b, and the width of the transfer paper P depends on the various components related to the rear end regulating plate 412. The length is automatically detected only by setting the transfer paper P. The sheet cassette 41 having such a function may be generally called a “universal cassette”.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be described with respect to the first feature of the present invention (corresponding to the first problem). The first feature is that when various types of data such as user setting data, adjustment data, and machine operation history data relating to the copying apparatus are formed or printed in a table format, the table is transferred to a transfer paper P.
It is about how to layout above.

Here, the description mainly uses the term “print”, but the meaning is “copy” in a copying apparatus, “print” in a printer or facsimile, and more generally It should be noted that the term “image formation” in the image forming apparatus is completely synonymous.

Before describing the operation, an example of an electrical device configuration according to the first feature will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit C controls and controls various mechanisms in the image reading unit 10, the image writing unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the transfer sheet transporting unit 40, and the transfer sheet reversing unit 60. It is supposed to be. Among them, particularly as to the first feature according to the present invention,
A storage unit C0, a table data recognizing unit C1, and a print data creating unit C2 are provided so as to accompany the central control unit C.

The storage means C0 simply stores various data such as user setting data, adjustment data, and machine operation history data relating to the copying apparatus.

The table data recognizing means C1 reads the various data from the storage means C0, and confirms that there are a plurality of "tables" in which the predetermined meaning is found in the various data. The number of items constituting the table, the print character string, the page break attribute, the number of heading lines, and the like are recognized for each table. Here, “items” include, for example, items that the user does not normally want to refer to (print), items that are referred to only in special cases, and the like, and the number thereof is generally variable. In such a case, it means that the “table length” in a state of being printed on the transfer paper P is variable.

The print data creation means C2 determines how each of the tables is to be printed on the transfer paper P for each of the tables, in conformity with the recognition of the various data in each table. Create print data. Here "print data"
Are the printing position (the printing start coordinates on the transfer paper P),
It is composed of a font size, a print character string, and the like.

Eventually, the storage unit C0, the table data recognizing unit C1, and the print data creating unit C2 give a print attribute to each table. The table data and print data are separately stored in the storage unit C0 separately from the various data.

Hereinafter, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described more specifically.

First, as described above, regarding various data such as user setting data, adjustment data, and machine operation history data, generally, a plurality of predetermined meanings are considered in the various data. One example is shown in Table T shown in FIG. In this figure, Table T includes items 1 designated as AE.
(“The number of items” is 5), and is composed of the first measured value 2, the second measured value 3, etc. corresponding to each of the items 1. The “print character string” is specifically, “A” to “E”
And “a1” to “e1” and “a2” to “e2”. In addition to the above, the table data recognizing means C1 performs “heading line number” and “page break attribute” for heading 4 in table T.
Is included, "table data" for the table T is defined and recognized. And the recognition is
As shown on the left side of FIG. 5, the processing is performed for all of the tables α,..., 観 conceived in the various data described above, and the substantial contents thereof are determined for each of the plurality of tables.

By the way, the above-mentioned "page break attribute" is a "forced page break" for forcibly changing the page when printing Table T.
And "automatic page break" in which the page is automatically changed when reaching the end of the page (end of the transfer sheet P).

The table data may include data such as table names, ruled lines, headers and footers, and font sizes in addition to the above. For example, in FIG. 4, it can be seen that "ruled lines" are included.

When the substantial contents of the table (that is, table data) are recognized by the table data recognizing means C1 as described above, the print data creating means C2 then transmits the data to the table data as shown in the right side of FIG. Based on the table, print data is created based on the table. That is, table data including the number of items, the print character string, the number of heading lines, the page break attribute, and in some cases, the table name, ruled lines, header and footer, font size, etc., and the transfer paper to be printed. From the size of P, the print position, font size,
And print data including a print character string and the like.

Hereinafter, a first example of print data creation will be described conceptually. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of tables U1, U2,
.., U6 (table data relating to each table data recognition means C
, And U6 are printed on transfer paper P shown in FIG. 6 together with the tables U1, U2,..., U6.

It should be noted that the tables U1, U2,..., U6 have been described as "having the structure as shown in the table T", but it goes without saying that the details may be different. For example, in Table T, there were two measured values, but in Tables U1, U2,.
It may be a table in which it is one or three or more, or may be a table in which the items A to E in the table T are arranged vertically, as opposed to being arranged vertically, It goes without saying that various things can be assumed.

In the following, in the first print data creation example, the "table length" of the tables U1, U2,..., U6 is illustrated with respect to the "length" of the transfer paper P. It is assumed that the relationship is fixed as it is. In preparation for the following description, it is assumed that the page break attribute, which is one of the table data related to Table U6, is “forced page break”.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, tables U1, U2, and U3 can be printed within the range of one sheet of transfer paper P (that is, can be printed within one page). When printing on the page, the table U4 becomes as shown in FIG.
It turns out that it does not fit within the page. Therefore, table U
For No. 4, a print start position is determined on the next page as shown in FIG. That is, such print data is created.

Next, when the table U5 is to be printed on the transfer paper P on which the table U4 is printed, the table U5 does not fit in the page as shown in FIG. 10, and the table U5 is sent to the next page. 11, it can be seen that Table U5 does not fit on one transfer sheet P in the first place. Therefore,
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 12, the table U5 is printed continuously on the transfer paper P on which the table U4 is to be printed and on the table U4. The print data is created so that the heading relating to the table U5 is inserted again.

Finally, the table U6 fits within the same page even if it is to be printed continuously with the table 5, but the page break attribute in the table data related to the table U6 is "compulsory page break" as described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, print data for starting printing from the next page is created.

After all, the print data creation means C2
, U2,..., U6, print data conceptually grasped as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. , U6.

Hereinafter, a second example of print data creation will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that there are two tables V1 and V2. The fact that the respective table data is recognized is the same as in the first case described above.

However, in the present case, it is assumed that the length of Table V1 is variable. That is, in the case of a table having a structure like the table T shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the item names A and B are scheduled to be always referred to, but the item names C to E are usually referred to. In this case, the table length is reduced in the former case and the table length is increased in the latter case.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 14, depending on the size of the table V1, the following table V2 fits on the same page (FIG. 14 (a)) and the case where it does not fit (FIG. 14 (a)). b)). Accordingly, the print data creation unit C2 calculates the length of the table V1 in the table data according to the table V1 with reference to the “number of items”, and calculates the length of the transfer paper P from the length of the table V1. Calculate the in-page margin amount. If the table V2 fits within the margin within the page, the table V1 is printed on the same page.
And print data relating to V2. If the data cannot be accommodated, print data for sending the table V2 to the next page is created.

As described above, the print data is stored in each of the tables U1 and U
2,..., U6 or tables V1 and V2, printing is performed on transfer paper P based on these print data. Specifically, a process such as modulating the laser oscillated from the semiconductor laser in the image writing unit 20 based on the print data may be performed. The final print is based on the title, date and time,
Needless to say, a header or footer such as a page number or a machine serial number may be separately provided.

As described above, in the copying apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when printing various data or the like in a table format, corresponding printing data is created from the table data defined for each table. By executing the printing, the degree of freedom of the printing can be dramatically increased. For example, as described above, printing in which one table straddles two pages can be easily avoided, and unnecessary margins are not created in a page even when a variable-length table exists. After all, according to the first feature, it is possible to print a table which is easy to read and easy to read.

In addition to the above, according to the first feature, the following effects can be obtained. For example, if a plurality of tables to be printed can be further classified into some meaningful units (hereinafter referred to as classifications), a table intentionally revised at the head of the table where the classification changes is used. Can be paged. In order to realize this, the above-described “page break attribute” may be defined as forced page break.

Further, the printing order of the table to be printed can be changed, and switching between printing and non-printing can be easily executed. These functions can be achieved by introducing and defining parameters relating to the change of the printing order and parameters for determining whether printing is to be performed or not to be performed, in the table data and / or print data. In any case, these effects are none other than the fact that the print data is created for each table.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second print data creation examples described above. For example,
The “table length” is not determined only by the number of items, but is naturally affected by the font size, the number of heading lines, and the like. Even in such a case, it goes without saying that print data is created in the same manner.

When two tables are to be stored in the same page, in addition to the above-described example of the print data creation, print data in which the font size of the two tables is changed is created, and the same is used. It is also conceivable to implement a layout that fits within a page. In addition, various methods are conceivable, but anyway, if it is intended to recognize table data defined for each table and print the table based on print data created from the table data, It is recognized that any form employed is within the scope of the present invention.

Next, a second feature (corresponding to the second problem described above) according to the present invention will be described. According to the second feature, when an image is formed on the transfer paper P,
The present invention relates to a device capable of forming an appropriate binding margin.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical device configuration relating to the second feature. The central control means C in this figure may be the same as that in FIG. In FIG. 15, the second feature is particularly related to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 or separately from the operation unit / display unit 80 including the binding margin setting unit 81 and the binding margin calculation. Means 82 are provided.

The operation section / display section 80 is used by the user to notify the central control means C of the start and stop of copying and the like, the setting of the operating environment, and the like. This is for transmitting the operating environment and the like to the user. As the operation section / display section 80, specifically, a well-known panel panel type or the like which simultaneously realizes both operation and display functions may be applied.

Incidentally, the operation section / display section 80 includes the binding margin setting means 81 as a part thereof as described above. Here, “include as part” specifically means, for example, when the operation unit / display unit 80 is the above-mentioned panel touch type, “binding amount setting” is displayed on the panel.
Is transmitted to the display / user to the effect that the user can perform the setting, and the user may specify the icon to open a “binding margin setting” window on the panel.

The binding margin setting means 81 is a means for the user to set an appropriate and desired amount of binding margin for the transfer paper P on which image formation is to be performed. Here, as the setting, in a method in which a margin formed by simply shifting image information in any direction is used as a binding margin (hereinafter referred to as a shift method), the “shift amount” is directly set. In the case where the image information itself is reduced at a fixed magnification, an image is formed on the transfer paper P and a margin corresponding to the reduced portion is set as a binding margin (hereinafter, referred to as a reduction shift method). In some cases, "binding amount" is set.

In the former, the “shift amount” is set by the transfer paper P
Can be set not only for the left side and the right side but also for each of the upper side and the lower side. In the latter, the binding margin calculating unit 82 automatically determines the reduction ratio of the image information based on the set “binding margin amount”. The latter method also includes a method of forming the binding margin by further shifting the reduced image information up, down, left, or right in accordance with the set “binding margin”.

Further, the binding margin setting means 81 is accompanied by fine adjustment means 81a. As described later, this is a case where an image is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper P, and when the image formation is shifted on both the front and back surfaces, the image forming position can be finely adjusted.

Incidentally, the use of the names of “shift amount” and “binding amount” described above is merely introduced for convenience of explanation, and as a result, either of the above two methods results in For example, a setting such as “Xmm on the left side” is performed. In addition, the substantial binding margin formed on the transfer paper P naturally depends on the setting of “Xmm on the left side” according to the setting. That is,
The “shift amount” setting or the “binding amount” setting is substantially the same from the viewpoint of the binding margin actually formed on the transfer paper P. There is no other meaning except that the name distinguishes which value is set through any of the reduced shift methods.

The binding margin calculating means 82 has the function already described in relation to the reduction shift method, and also has the binding margin setting means 8.
In 1, a function of automatically calculating and determining the shift amount on the back side based on the shift amount set for the front side of the transfer paper P when the “front and back batch mode” described later is designated.

The operation of the copying apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described below. In the following description, the operation unit
The description will be made on the assumption that the display unit 80 is of the above-described panel touch type, and the binding margin setting unit 81 is configured to display an icon or the like on the panel.

First, the original S to be copied is set on the platen glass 11 or the original mounting table 101 in the image reading section 10 described above. In this case, when the user intends to form a binding margin on the transfer paper P, the following three methods according to the second feature of the present invention can be performed. <1 / Method of setting shift amount for each of upper, lower, left, and right> The user who selects this method is required to set a binding margin setting unit 81 in the operation unit / display unit 80.
, The icon indicating “shift amount setting” is designated, and information such as how many mm the image information on the transfer paper P is shifted from the “four sides (up, down, left and right)” of the transfer paper P is directly input. To enter. That is, the shift amount is set for any side of the upper, lower, left, and right directions in which the binding margin is desired to be formed. Further, the setting can be performed independently for the front and back sides of the transfer sheet P.

By such a method, the user can arbitrarily form various kinds of "binding margins" as exemplified in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (h). Therefore, the user can select various binding methods when binding a plurality of image-formed transfer papers P. For example, if a binding margin as shown in FIG. 16 (g) is formed, a binding method of binding a corner portion with staples or staples, which is often seen, may impair the image content formed on the transfer paper P. And can be easily implemented.

It should be noted that the “binding amount setting screen” shown in FIG. 16 described above is displayed on the panel touch surface of the operation section / display section 80 in addition to the icon indicating “shift amount setting”. The configuration displayed above is more convenient for the user. <2 / Method of setting binding margin for front and back sides of transfer paper P collectively> A user who selects this method can select binding margin setting means 8 in operation unit / display unit 80.
In step 1, first, a desired “shift amount” is set for each of the upper, lower, left, and right as described above. Next, the icon indicating “front and back batch setting” is designated. Then, in response to this designation, the binding allowance calculating means 82 recognizes the currently set “shift amount” as relating to the “front side” of the transfer sheet P, and based on this, determines the shift amount relating to the transfer sheet P “back side”. Determined automatically.

FIGS. 17A and 17B specifically show an example. In FIG. 17A, the left side of the transfer paper P (upper side in the figure) is 20 m.
m and a shift amount of 10 mm on the lower side are set.
mm is independently set, the transfer sheet P described above is designated by the above “front and back batch setting”.
As shown in the lower part of FIG. 17B, a setting of 20 mm on the right side and 10 mm on the lower side is automatically performed on the back surface of the transfer paper P based on the set value of the shift amount of the front surface.

That is, as can be easily understood from FIG. 17B, the shift amount and the shift position related to the binding margin on the rear surface, which correspond to the binding margin position formed on the front surface, are automatically determined. It is. Therefore, when the user intends to form an image on the front and back of the transfer paper P, the user has a very large problem compared to the prior art in which there is no other means except for independently setting the binding margin forming positions for the front and back. It is possible to easily set or form the binding margin for the front and back sides. In other words, it can be said that the operability of the present apparatus is greatly improved.

It should be noted that, even in such a case, FIG.
17 (a) and (b) as described above with respect to
The setting screen shown in FIG.
It is more preferable that the information is displayed on the panel touch surface which is 0. <3
/ Fine adjustment in reduction shift method> The user who selects this method can select the binding margin setting means 8 in the operation / display unit 80.
In step 1, the user designates an icon displayed to indicate "reduction shift" and designates the transfer paper P on which image information is to be formed.
At the top, information such as how many mm the binding margin is formed is input. The binding margin calculating means 82 calculates the reduction ratio of the image information to be formed based on the input binding margin. If an image is to be formed on the back surface of the transfer sheet P, the reduction ratio for the image information to be formed on the back surface is calculated in the same manner from the binding margin.

In such a case, according to the present method, the image information forming position on the back surface of the transfer paper P is adjusted by the fine adjustment means 81a in the binding margin setting means 81.
Can be fine-tuned. Specifically, the user designates an icon indicating “backside fine adjustment” on the operation unit / display unit 80 to set the image forming position on the backside, for example, to “shift mm up”. I do. In this case, the image on the back side is not further reduced, but is simply referred to as “shifting method” while maintaining the size of the image information reduced by the calculated reduction ratio. The process of "shift" is performed.
Also, when the illustrated setting screen as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the panel touch surface, it is completely the same as <1> and <2> above for the convenience of the user.

Incidentally, in any of the three methods described above, the set shift amount or the reduction ratio (or shift amount) calculated based on the set binding margin amount is appropriately converted by a conversion means (not shown). Converted to electrical information. This electric information modulates the laser oscillated from the semiconductor laser in the above-described image writing unit 20 via the central control means C, and in addition to the original image information, information on the binding margin as described above. And an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31. Thereafter, an image is formed on the transfer paper P based on this.

As described above, according to the second feature of the present invention, while it has been possible to shift only the left side and the right side in the past, it is also possible to set the shifts for the upper side and the lower side. Punch holes, staples, or staples can be provided in the vertical direction in addition to the direction, so that the user can implement the ideal binding for a plurality of transfer sheets P.

Further, since the front and back sides of the transfer sheet P can be set collectively, only by setting the binding margin forming position and the shift amount on the front side, the corresponding binding margin position on the back side is automatically set. Created. Therefore, for the user,
There is no extra burden on device operation. In this embodiment, the binding margin setting for the front and back sides is
It can be implemented as before.

Further, in the case where the binding margin is formed by the reduction shift method, there has been a case where the image forming position between the front surface and the back surface is slightly shifted in the related art.
It is possible to finely adjust the image forming position on the back surface, and it is possible to form a higher quality image.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made mainly on a copier as an image forming apparatus.
The present invention is not limited to this mode. That is, a printer attached to a personal computer or the like, a facsimile, or the like is assumed as the image forming apparatus, and embodiments conceived thereby are also within the scope of the present invention. Further, a so-called “multifunction machine” having the functions of a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile is naturally within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the information on the document surface Sf converted into the electric information is directly sent from the image reading unit 10 to the image writing unit 20.
In some cases, an image processing unit is provided between them, and various types of image processing such as density conversion, filter processing, scaling processing, and γ correction are performed on the information on the document surface Sf converted into the electric information. It may be.

[0102]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the printing method according to the first aspect of the present invention, first, when the output format is a table format, a plurality of tables are printed. In such a case, by creating print data from table data corresponding to each of the plurality of tables, the degree of freedom in printing can be increased.

More specifically, it is possible to avoid printing in which one table straddles two pages, and to set an unnecessary blank area in a page even when printing a table of variable length. The printed matter can be formed in an easy-to-read form without causing any generation.

Further, with the above configuration, the order of printing the tables can be easily changed or deleted.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the binding margin is formed on the transfer paper.
Conventionally, where it was possible only for the left side and the right side only, it is also possible to form a binding margin for the upper side and the lower side, and in addition to the left and right directions, also in the vertical direction,
Since punch holes, staples, or staples can be provided, it is possible to arbitrarily carry out binding of a plurality of transfer sheets, which is ideal for the user.

Further, since the front and back sides can be set collectively for the binding margin formation, only by setting the binding margin amount and the forming position on one side of the transfer sheet, the corresponding back side binding margin can be set. Is created automatically. As a result, no extra burden is imposed on the user regarding the operation of the apparatus.

Further, in the case where the binding margin is formed by the reduction shift method, there has been a case where the image forming position between the front surface and the back surface is slightly shifted in the related art.
It is possible to finely adjust the image forming position on the back surface, and it is possible to form a higher quality image.

[0108] If necessary, the present invention allows the user to increase the degree of freedom in the operation of image formation, in particular, the printing of a table or the formation of a binding margin, thereby improving operability and functionality. You can enjoy the improvement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a transfer paper size detecting means provided in a paper feed cassette of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a copying apparatus according to a first feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table format according to the first feature of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing recognition of table data and creation of print data from the table data according to the first feature of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram relating to transfer paper and tables U1,..., U6 assumed in a first print data creation example.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of print data creation for tables U1, U2, and U3 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a situation assumed when printing the table U4 in FIG. 6 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of print data creation for table U4 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a situation assumed when printing the table U5 of FIG. 6 in FIG. 8;

11 is a conceptual diagram showing a situation assumed when the table U5 of FIG. 6 is sent to the next page and printed.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of print data creation for table U5 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of print data creation for a table U6 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram relating to transfer paper and tables V1 and V2 assumed in a second print data creation example,
(A) is a conceptual diagram showing a situation assumed when the table V1 having a variable length is short, and (b) is a case where the table V1 is long and the tables V1 and V2 are to be printed on the same transfer sheet. It is.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a copying apparatus according to a second feature of the present invention.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of forming a binding margin by a method of setting a shift amount for each of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of a transfer sheet according to the second feature of the present invention;
(H) shows eight of them.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of a case where a binding margin is formed in a front and back batch of transfer paper, according to a second feature of the present invention, wherein FIG. This shows the situation after the front and back batch designation.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a state in which fine adjustment of an image formed on one surface of a transfer sheet is performed in binding margin formation by a reduction shift method according to a second feature of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional table printing method in an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating binding margin formation in a conventional image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 P Transfer paper C Central control means C0 Storage means C1 Table data recognition means C2 Print data creation means T, U1, ..., U6, V1, V2 Table 1 Item 2 First measured value 3 Second measured value 4 Heading 80 Display unit 81 Binding margin setting unit 81a Fine adjustment unit 82 Binding margin calculation unit 10 Image reading unit 20 Image writing unit 30 Image forming unit 40 Transfer paper transport unit 41 Paper feed cassette 50 Transfer paper discharge unit 60 Transfer paper reversing unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tokuo Iriyama 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo In-house Konica Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroki Ueda 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Incorporated F-term (reference) 2C087 AA12 CA03 CA04 CA05 CB03 CB12 DA16 2H027 FD01 FD03 FD04 FD08

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image of various data on a transfer sheet in the form of a table, comprising: confirming a plurality of tables in the various data in which a unit of a predetermined meaning is considered; Table data recognizing means for recognizing table data composed of at least three types of items related to the table, a print character string, and a page break attribute, and the size of the transfer paper and the table recognized for each table A print data generating unit configured to generate print data corresponding to each of the table data from at least three types of a print position, a font size, and a print character string on the transfer paper from the data; and printing a table based on the print data. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The printing data creation means, when creating the printing data for a table, if the table is to be printed on the same transfer paper as the table printed before the table, the table is created. If the print data does not fit on the transfer paper, the print data is created such that the print position is defined on the next transfer paper for the print position configuring the print data according to the table. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. The print data creation means, when creating the print data for a table, if the table is to be printed on the same transfer paper as the table before being printed before the table, If the table does not fit on the transfer paper and the table does not fit on the next transfer paper when the table is to be printed on the next transfer paper, the printing is performed for the printing position constituting the print data related to the table. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is created such that a position follows the previous table and a heading relating to the table is inserted each time the transfer paper is changed. 4. The page break attribute is classified into two types: a forced page break for forcibly changing the page with respect to the printing position, and an automatic page break for automatically changing the page when the end of the transfer sheet is reached. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the following is defined. 5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the table data and / or the print data have a parameter for determining whether printing is performed or not for each table. Forming equipment. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the table data and / or the print data have a parameter for changing a printing order for each table. 7. An image forming method capable of forming an image on transfer paper in the form of various data in the form of a table, comprising: checking a plurality of tables in the various data in which a unit of a predetermined meaning is considered; For each, a step of recognizing table data composed of at least three types of items related to the table, a print character string, and a page break attribute; from the size of the transfer paper and the table data recognized for each table, A step of creating print data composed of at least three types of print positions, font sizes, and print character strings on the transfer paper and corresponding to each of the table data, and executing a table print based on the print data; An image forming method comprising at least the following. 8. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on a transfer sheet, wherein the left and right sides and the upper and lower sides of the transfer sheet are independent, and the front and back sides of the transfer sheet are independent. A binding margin setting unit that can set a shift amount of the image; and an image forming unit that forms the image while forming a binding margin according to the shift amount on the transfer paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: 9. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on a transfer sheet, wherein the shift amount of the image is set independently for a left side and a right side and / or an upper side and a lower side of the transfer sheet. And a binding margin setting unit that recognizes a binding margin to be formed in accordance with the set shift amount as being related to one surface of the transfer sheet. Binding margin computing means for computing a shift amount for the other surface of the transfer paper so as to correspond to the amount and position of the transfer paper; and an image for forming the image while forming a binding margin according to the shift amount on the transfer paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: a forming unit. 10. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image while providing a binding margin on a transfer sheet, wherein the image is formed based on a binding margin set for a left side and a right side and / or an upper side and a lower side of the transfer sheet. Binding margin calculating means for calculating the reduction rate of the image, and fine adjustment means capable of adjusting the position on the transfer paper so that an image reduced by the reduction rate is formed. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment can be performed independently on the transfer paper leftward and rightward, and upward and downward. 12. The method according to claim 8, 9 or 10.
Or an image forming apparatus comprising a combination of two or more of the image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 11 to 11.