JP2001189853A - Image processor and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor by which an easy to see printed matter can be obtained while preventing missing of an image even in the case of printing out a plurality of original images with different sizes. SOLUTION: An original with a maximum size can be recognized among a plurality of originals. The maximize image size is compared with a size of a print area and a common magnification is set to all the original images so that the image with the maximum image size can be contained in the print area. All the images area reduced according to the setting magnification. The reduced images are laid out onto paper according to copy conditions instructed by the operation panel section 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming technique in a digital copying machine, a printer, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming system using an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a printer, N pages of originals are arranged on one surface (one page) of one sheet of printing paper (hereinafter simply referred to as "paper"). Some have a Nin1 function. When printing is performed using the Nin1 function (Nin1 printing), N pages of originals can be viewed at a time and paper can be saved.

[0003]

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

In providing an image processing technique for Nin1 printing of mixed originals, it is desired to make printed matter as easy to read as possible for the convenience of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image processing apparatus and method capable of printing mixed originals in Nin1 format while preventing image defects and making printed matter as readable as possible, and a computer readable recording of an image processing program. It is intended to provide a simple recording medium.

[0006]

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image processing apparatus for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein a recognizing means for recognizing a maximum document image size from the plurality of document images. A maximum size comparing means for comparing the recognized maximum original image size with the size of the print area; and, based on the comparison result, the original image having the maximum original image size falls within the print area. It is characterized by having magnification setting means for setting a common magnification for a plurality of document images, and magnification changing means for scaling the plurality of document images in accordance with the set magnification.

(2) The size of the printing area is equivalent to the size of one page of printing paper.

(3) The size of the printing area is equivalent to a size obtained by equally dividing one page of printing paper.

(4) An area determining means for determining an unarranged area where no image is arranged in the print area, and an image selected from a plurality of scaled original images is placed in the unarranged area. Determining means for determining whether or not printing is possible, and arranging means for arranging the selected image in the unarranged area when the selected image is printable in the unarranged area. It is characterized by having.

(5) Image direction recognizing means for recognizing the direction of one original image selected from a plurality of original images, and area direction for recognizing the direction of an unarranged area where no image is arranged in the print area Means, direction comparing means for comparing the direction of the selected document image with the direction of the non-arranged area, and rotating the selected document image relative to the non-arranged area based on the result of the comparison. And rotating means.

(6) An image forming apparatus includes the image processing device described above.

(7) An image processing method for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein a step of recognizing a maximum document image size from the plurality of document images; Comparing the recognized maximum document image size with the size of the print area; and, based on the result of the comparison, performing a process on the plurality of document images so that the document image having the largest document image size fits within the print area. A step of setting a common magnification and a step of scaling the plurality of document images in accordance with the set magnification.

(8) A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing procedure for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein the largest document image is selected from the plurality of document images. A step of recognizing the image size, a step of comparing the recognized maximum document image size with the size of the print area, and a document image having the largest document image size is placed in the print area based on the comparison result. Recording a program for causing a computer to execute a step of setting a common magnification for a plurality of document images so as to fit, and a step of scaling the plurality of document images according to the set magnification. Features.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network image forming system to which the present invention is applied.

In this system, the digital copier 10,
Print server computer (hereinafter "print server")
20), and a plurality of client computers (hereinafter abbreviated as “clients”) 30a, 30
b, 30c, and 30d are communicably connected to each other via a network 40.

Since the print server 20 and the plurality of clients 30a to 30d are interconnected via the network 40, the clients 30a to 30d
And the print server 20, and each client 3
Data communication such as image data and various commands can be performed between 0a to 30d. Further, since the digital copying machine 10 is connected to the print server 20, in addition to the normal function of a copying machine such as copying an original, each client 3 is connected via the print server 20.
It can have a function as a printer that prints image data received from 0a to 30d. Accordingly, the print server 20 functions to provide a service for sharing the digital copier 10 as a printer on the network 40.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the digital copying machine 10.

The digital copying machine 10 includes an image reading unit 11 for reading a document, an ADF 12 for automatically feeding a plurality of sheet-shaped documents one by one, a document state detection sensor 13 for detecting the size and orientation of the document to be read, Digital copier 1
0, an external interface unit 14 for connecting a print server 20, an operation panel 15 for inputting various settings, and a memory 1 for storing programs and data.
6. An image processing unit 17 that performs various processes on image data, a printer engine 1 that outputs image data on paper in accordance with a print job (copy job or print job)
8 and a CPU 19. Each of the above parts 11 to 18
Is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 19. Here, the “copy job” is a print job when functioning as a copier, and the “print job” is a print job received from outside when functioning as a printer.

When functioning as a copier, the CPU 19 controls each section based on an instruction from the operation panel 15, whereby an original is read by the image reading section 11, and image data obtained by reading is read. Printing conditions (paper size, magnification, number of sheets, density, duplex /
The print is performed by the printer engine 18 according to one side, Nin1, sort / non-sort, and the like.

When functioning as a printer, image data transmitted from each of the clients 30a to 30d is received via the external interface unit 14 via the print server 20, and printed by the printer engine 18.

Although not shown, the memory 16 has a ROM and R
The control program is stored in the ROM. As shown in FIG. 3, the RAM has an image storage unit 16a for storing image data and a management data storage unit 16b for storing management data. The management data is configured as a management table that records and manages the settings of the printing conditions and the current processing status. The management table includes a job management table for managing a print job, a paper feed port management table for managing information on a paper feed cassette, and the like. The job management table includes information such as set printing conditions and storage locations of image data.

Although not shown, the operation panel 15 is provided with a touch panel type display capable of displaying a message, in addition to various operation keys such as a start key and numeric keys. The contents of the management table displayed on the display include printing (copying) conditions and a stored job list for the print job currently being processed (current job), and these are switched by the user's selection. The job list is a screen showing the settings and the progress of each job. In the display example of FIG. 4, for each print job, the name of the print job (copy job / print job) and the status (printing / waiting) ), Total number of pages, number of copies, presence or absence of Nin1 setting (○
/ ×) is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the print server 20.

The print server 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22 for storing programs and data, and a hard disk 23.
Interface 24, an image processing unit 25, a display unit (display) 26, an operation unit 27 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a floppy disk and a C
A medium reading unit 28 that reads a recording medium such as a D-ROM,
And an interface 29 for connecting the print server 20 to the digital copier 10.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of each of the clients 30a to 30d. Here, for convenience,
Any one client is indicated by reference numeral "30".

The client 30 is connected to the print server 20
It has almost the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes a CPU 31, a memory 32 for storing programs and data, a hard disk 33, and
It has a network interface 34 for connecting to a computer, an image processing unit 35, a display unit (display) 36, an operation unit 37 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a medium reading unit 38 for reading a recording medium such as a floppy disk or CD-ROM. As shown in FIG. 7, a document creation application 33a such as word processing software and a printer driver 33b which is a program for controlling the digital copying machine 10 as a printer are stored in the hard disk 33. When printing a document created and edited using the document creation application 33a, the user sets desired printing conditions from among printing functions installed in the digital copying machine 10 using the printer driver 33b. The printer driver creates a print job (print job) based on the set printing conditions. The created print job is transmitted from the client 30 to the network 40.
And digital copier 1 via print server 20
Sent to 0.

According to the present invention, in the above-described image system, Nin1 printing can be performed while preventing image loss even for a mixed original (a plurality of originals having different sizes and directions). Specifically, when it is recognized that the document is a mixed document when Nin1 is set, all the document images are reduced uniformly at the same magnification (reduction rate) within a range where image loss does not occur, and the Nin1 process is performed. It can be carried out.
More specifically, when the Nin1 image layout process is performed after the print job is registered and the document image data is rasterized, when the mixed document is recognized, all document images are reduced uniformly. Nin1 processing is performed. As a result, since the reduction ratio is the same for all the originals, the size of characters and the like becomes the same, and the printed matter becomes easy to read.

It should be noted that the present invention is based on the
The present invention can also be applied to a normal print process in which two (one page) document images are arranged on one page of paper. When normal printing processing is performed based on a mixed original, the paper size is changed according to the size of the original image in order to prevent image loss. However, if the paper size is changed according to the size of each document image having a different size in order to prevent image loss, the paper size is not unified and finishing processes such as staples and punches become difficult. Also, in the fit-to-paper process in which each document image having a different size is scaled according to the unified paper size, the size of characters etc. differs between each document image,
The printed matter is difficult to read, and characters are not printed in the desired size. On the other hand, according to the image forming system to which the present invention is applied, even in the case of a mixed document, image defects do not occur. Further, the output paper size is unified, and finishing processes such as staples and punches are facilitated. Further, the size of characters and the like is the same between the respective original images, so that the printed matter can be easily read.

Here, the common reduction ratio for a plurality of document images is set as follows. The largest document image size recognized from among the plurality of document images is compared with the print area, and based on the comparison result, the document image having the largest document image size is included in the print area. A common reduction ratio is set. Note that the size of the print area can be the size of one page of the paper, or can be a size obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper.

When the size of one page of paper is set as the size of the print area, a reduction ratio common to a plurality of original images is set so that the original image having the maximum original image size fits on one page of paper. Is set. When a size obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper is set as the size of the print area, a plurality of originals are set so that the original image having the maximum original image size fits in the equally divided area of one page of the paper. A common reduction ratio is set for the images.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIGS. 9, 11 and 14 are flowcharts showing the contents of the image layout processing described in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 in more detail. The image layout processing is performed in the memory 1
6 can be performed. That is, a data area corresponding to one page of the output paper is set in the memory 16, and a document image is laid out on this memory area,
Output image data is created.

<First Processing Example> The first processing example is Nin
1 is a processing example of image layout processing when no setting has been made. Therefore, in the first processing example, output image data is created such that one (one page) document image is printed on one page of the output paper. In this processing example, one page of the sheet is set as a print area. Therefore, a common magnification for the plurality of document images is set so that the document image having the largest document image size recognized from the plurality of document images fits in the sheet size.

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

The CPU 19 refers to the copy conditions stored in the management data storage section 16b (S101). When it is determined that Nin1 is not set as a result of the reference (S102: YES), the following processing is performed.

The largest document image size is recognized from the plurality of document images (S103). A value of the maximum document image size is searched from the data file of each document image size stored in the management data storage unit 16b as a detection result by the document state detection sensor 13, and the maximum document image size is determined based on the search result. Can be recognized.
When the document state detection sensor 13 itself has a function of individually detecting the largest document size among a plurality of documents, the maximum image size is recognized by directly using the detection result. For example, if a plurality of originals
When the document is transported by the DF 12, the maximum document size is detected by attaching an area sensor or the like to the ADF 12, and the maximum document image size is recognized based on the detection result. According to this processing, it is possible to detect the maximum size of the document image before reading all the documents.

Next, from the management data storage section 16b,
The paper size is recognized by referring to data relating to the paper size, which is one of the copy conditions (S104). As a result, the size of the print area corresponding to one page of the paper is recognized. If the copy condition does not include a paper size instruction, for example, the size of the original image obtained by first reading can be used as the paper size.

The recognized maximum image size is compared with the paper size (S105). From the comparison result, a common magnification for a plurality of document images is calculated so that the document image having the maximum image size can be at least fit on the sheet, and the set magnification is determined (S106). For example, when the maximum document image size is A3 size and the paper size is A4 size, the magnification common to a plurality of document images is set to 0.707 or less. From the standpoint of preventing the text from becoming too small, the CPU 19
Can set the magnification so that the maximum document image size is equal to the paper size.

The image processing section 17 reduces all original images at the set magnification (S107). The reduced document image is arranged in the print area. In this processing example, one reduced document image is arranged for each print area corresponding to one page of a sheet (S108). It is determined whether all document images have been arranged (S109).
When the arrangement of all the original images is completed (S109: YE
In S), other image processing such as setting of a margin is performed, and the image layout processing ends (S110).

FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a process of arranging a document image on an A4 size portrait paper. The plurality of document images shown in FIG. 10 include a first document image of A4 size, a second document image of A5 size, a third document image of A3 size, and a fourth document image of A4 size. All the original images shown in FIG. 10 are vertically oriented. Here, the first document image is the first document image, that is, the first selected document image, and usually corresponds to the image of the first page of the document. The same applies to the second and subsequent original images.

First, based on the detection result of the document state detection sensor 13, it is recognized that the largest document image size among the plurality of document images is the A3 size (the size of the third document). The recognized maximum document size and the paper size are compared, and the result indicates that the maximum document image size A3
A common magnification is set for all of the plurality of document images so that the third document image of the size fits on A4 size paper.
Therefore, the magnification is set to 0.707. The image processing unit 17 reduces all document images including the first document image, the second document image, the third document image, and the fourth document image at a set magnification of 0.707. Each of the reduced document images is arranged one by one for each print area corresponding to one page of a sheet.

<Second Processing Example> The second processing example is Nin
This is an example of an image layout process when one setting is made. The Nin1 setting in the second processing example is a case where one page of a sheet is set as a print area. Therefore, as in the first processing example, the document image having the largest document image size recognized from the plurality of document images is processed with respect to the plurality of document images such that the document image fits within the print area corresponding to one page of paper. A common magnification is set.
However, in the first processing example, the output image data is created so that the reduced document image is printed one by one on one page of the sheet, whereas the second processing example is The first processing example is different from the first processing example in that output document image data may be created such that the document image is printed on one page of a sheet.

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

The CPU 19 refers to the copy condition stored in the management data storage section 16b (S201). As a result of the reference, when it is determined that Nin1 is set (S202: YES), and when one page of the sheet is set as the print area (S203: YE)
S), the processing is performed as follows.

As in the first processing example shown in FIG. 9, the largest document image size is recognized from a plurality of document images.
The maximum recognized document image size and paper size are compared (S204). From the result of the comparison, a common magnification for a plurality of document images is calculated and set so that the document image having the largest image size fits at least on paper (S205).

The image processing section 17 reduces all document images at the set magnification (S206). The reduced document image is arranged in a print area corresponding to one page of a sheet. The arrangement of the reduced document image can be arranged by the following processing. In this processing example, the arrangement is performed as follows.

In the memory, the image processing section 17 recognizes the area corresponding to one page of the sheet by dividing it into a plurality of divided areas (small sections) (S207).

FIG. 12 shows an example of a divided area. In FIG. 12, an area 1A corresponding to one page of paper is
Near the midpoint of the long side, the image is bisected into divided areas 2A and 2B. Further, the divided region 2A is divided into a divided region 4A and a divided region 4B near the midpoint of the long side thereof.
B is divided into a divided area 4C and a divided area 4D. As a result, the area 1A is divided into the divided areas 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4
D is divided into four equal parts. Next, it is determined whether the reduced document image can be arranged in the divided area. The reduced document image is arranged in a divided area as small as possible (an area having a large number of divisions). However, the maximum number of divisions M can be set in advance according to copying conditions. For example,
When the maximum number of divisions M is set to 2, even if the reduced original image can be arranged in the divided area obtained by dividing the area 1A corresponding to one page of the paper into four, the reduced image is It is arranged in a bisecting area.

The process of laying out the document image thus reduced in the print area will be described after step S208 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, a case where the maximum number of divisions is 4 will be described as an example. When the reduced document image is arranged in the four-divided area serving as the minimum unit, it is determined whether or not the document image protrudes from the four-divided area (S208). If the reduced document image does not protrude from the quadrant (S208: N
O), the image is arranged in the quadrant without being rotated (S209). On the other hand, when the reduced document image is out of the quadrant (S208: Y
ES), the image is rotated (S210). When the image is rotated so that the image does not protrude from the quadrant (S211: NO), the image is arranged in the quadrant (S209). On the other hand, if the image protrudes from the quadrant even if the image is rotated (S211: YES), the area used for arranging the image is enlarged (S212). More specifically, the area used for arranging the image is enlarged to a two-part area, and if the image cannot be arranged in the two-part area, the entire area corresponding to one page of the output paper is used. To place the image.

When the arrangement of all the original images is completed (S2
13: YES), perform other image processing such as setting of margins,
The image layout processing ends (S214).

FIG. 13 shows a specific example of the second processing shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a process of arranging a document image on an A4 size paper in a landscape orientation. In addition,
The actual processing is performed on the memory. That is, a data area corresponding to an A4-size sheet of landscape paper is set in the memory, and the document image data is written in the data area. The plurality of document images shown in FIG. 13 are a first document image of A4 size horizontally, a second document image of A3 size horizontally, a third document image of A3 size vertically, and a third document image of A4 size vertically. It is composed of four original images and a fifth original image of A5 size and oriented vertically. The maximum number of divisions is 2
And

First, based on the detection result of the document state detection sensor 13, it is recognized that the largest document image size among the plurality of document images is A3 size (the size of the second document and the third document). . The recognized maximum document size and the paper size are compared, and based on the result, a magnification common to all of the plurality of document images is set so that the A3 size document image which is the maximum document image size fits on the A4 size paper. Is set. Therefore, the magnification is set to 0.707. The image processing unit 17 reduces all original images at a set magnification of 0.707. The reduced first document image is
Since it becomes A5 size, it is rotated and arranged in the two-divided area. Since the reduced second document image has the A4 size, it does not fit in the adjacent two-divided region sharing a part of the side with the region where the first document image is arranged. Therefore, the reduced second document image is arranged in the print area of the second page. The reduced third document image is A4 size. By rotating the image by 90 degrees relative to the region, it is arranged in the print region of the third page. The reduced third document image is A5 size, and is arranged so as to fit into the two-part area in the print area of the fourth page. Since the reduced fourth document image is A6 size, it can be accommodated in an adjacent quadrant by rotation, but the maximum number of divisions is M = 2 and the quadrant is not considered. Are arranged in adjacent two-divided regions that share a part of the side with the region in which.

<Third Example of Processing> The third example of processing is Nin
This is an example of an image layout process when one setting is made. The Nin1 setting in the third processing example is a case where an area obtained by equally dividing one page of a sheet is set as a print area. Therefore, unlike the second processing example, the document image having the largest document image size recognized from the plurality of document images is applied to the plurality of document images such that the document image fits in an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the sheet. A common magnification is set. The third processing example is such that one original image is printed on one page of paper in that output original image data is always created such that a plurality of reduced original images are printed on one page of paper. This is different from the second processing example that may be performed in some cases.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the third processing.

The CPU 19 refers to the copy condition stored in the management data storage section 16b (S301). As a result of the reference, when it is determined that Nin1 is set (S202: YES), and when an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the sheet is set as the print area (S303: YES), The processing is performed as follows.

First, the largest document image size is recognized from a plurality of document images, and the recognized largest document image size is compared with the size obtained by equally dividing one page of paper (S304). From the result of the comparison, a common magnification for a plurality of document images is calculated so that the document image having the largest image size fits into at least an area obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper, and the set magnification is determined. (S305). At the set magnification, all of the plurality of document images are reduced (S306).

The processing for arranging the reduced original image is the same as the processing shown in FIG. That is, the area corresponding to one page of the paper is recognized as being divided into two, four,... In the memory (S30).
7). If one image selected from the reduced document image can be arranged without protruding from the predetermined divided area (S308: NO, S311: NO), the image is arranged in the divided area (S309). If the image cannot be accommodated in the predetermined divided area even if the image is rotated (S310), the area used for arranging the image is enlarged (S312). The plurality of document images to be arranged are arranged adjacent to each other. The same processing is repeated, and when the arrangement of all the original images is completed (S313: YES), another image processing is performed, and the image layout processing ends (S214).

FIG. 15 shows a specific example of the third processing shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a process of arranging a document image on an A4 size portrait paper. Note that the actual processing is performed on the memory. That is, a data area corresponding to an A4 size portrait paper is set in the memory, and the document image data is laid out in the data area. The plurality of document images shown in FIG. 15 are a first document image of A4 size in landscape orientation, and a second document image of A3 size in landscape orientation.
The document includes an original image, a third original image in A3 size, which is vertical, a fourth original image in A4 size, and a fifth original image in A5 size. A case will be described where an area obtained by bisecting one page of a sheet is set as a print area. Therefore, the maximum original image size is compared with the size obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper, and a common reduction ratio is set for a plurality of original images.

First, based on the detection result of the document state detection sensor 13, it is recognized that the largest document image size among the plurality of document images is A3 size (the size of the second document and the third document). . The maximum document image size that has been recognized is compared with the size obtained by equally dividing one page of the paper,
From the result, all of the plurality of original images are set so that the original image of A3 size, which is the maximum original image size, fits in the area of A5 size (that is, the size obtained by bisecting one page of A4 size paper). Are set to a common magnification.
Therefore, the magnification is set to 0.5. The image processing unit 17 reduces all document images at a set magnification of 0.5. Since the reduced first document image has the A6 size, it is rotated and arranged in the quadrant. Since the reduced second document image is A5 size and does not fit in the four-divided area, the area used for arrangement is enlarged and arranged in the two-divided area. The reduced third document image is A5 size. Therefore, it is rotated and arranged in the two-divided area of the next page. The reduced fourth document image is A6 size. Therefore, it is arranged in the quadrant so as to be adjacent to the third document image. Further, the reduced fifth document image is A7 size. Therefore, it fits in the eight-divided area. However, as shown in FIG. 15, when the maximum number of divisions M = 4, since the eight divided areas are not considered, the reduced fifth document image is divided into four divided areas so as to be adjacent to the fourth document image. Be placed.

As described above, according to the present invention, the maximum original image size is determined from the plurality of original images received as a copy job, and the maximum original image size is compared with the size of the print area. A common magnification is set for a plurality of document images so that the document image having the image size falls within the print area. Therefore, the original image is contained in the print area, and image loss is prevented. In addition, since a plurality of document images are all reduced at a common magnification, the size of characters and the like between the documents becomes the same, and the printed matter becomes easier to read. As described in the processing example 1, when the normal copy processing is performed instead of the Nin1 processing, not only the image loss is prevented, but also the mixed original is processed in the Nin1 processing as in the processing examples 2 and 3. In this case as well, image loss is prevented, and the printed matter is easy to read. Note that the arrangement processing of the document image reduced by the common magnification is described in FIGS.
However, the present invention is not limited to the processing described above. That is, the present invention is not limited to a layout in which an area corresponding to one page of a sheet is equally divided and laid out. In this area, an unarranged area where a reduced image is not arranged is recognized and selected from among reduced original images. If a single document image can be printed in the non-arranged area, it can be arranged in the unarranged area, and if not printed, it can be arranged in the next page.

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

<Case of Performing Image Layout Processing by Printer Driver> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of each of the clients 30a to 30d when performing the image layout processing by the printer driver. FIG. 16 shows an example of a display screen of the printer driver.

When performing image layout processing on a printer driver installed in each of the clients 30a to 30d, a mixed document is created using a document creation application, and then the printer driver is activated (S11: YES). Then, status information is acquired from the print server 20 (S12), and Nin1 is set in accordance with setting of printing conditions such as paper size, paper feed port, and duplex printing.
Is set (S13). When printing is instructed (S14: YES), a print job including the created document image data and information on the set printing conditions is created,
This is stored in memory 32 (RAM) or hard disk 33
It is registered as a print job in the upper job management table (S15). At this time, similarly to the configuration of FIG. 3, the document image data is stored in the image storage unit 16a, and the printing conditions are stored in the management table in the management data storage unit 16b. Note that image data output from the printer driver is usually expressed in a page description language, not a bitmap.

Then, the original image data is rasterized according to the set printing conditions (S16). Rasterization is processing for developing image data into bitmap data that can be printed by the digital copying machine 10. Then, when the rasterization is completed, the above-described FIGS.
Alternatively, the image layout processing shown in FIG. 14 is performed (S1
7). Then, the rasterized and image-layout-processed original image data (that is, output image data) and the printing conditions not processed by the printer driver are
It is stored (spooled) again in the memory 22 or the hard disk 23 (S18).

Then, the print server 20 requests the print server 20 to register the print job (S19). When the print server 20 permits the registration of the print job (S20: YE)
S), the print job (original image data and printing conditions) is transmitted to the print server 20 (S21).

<Case where Image Layout Processing is Performed by Print Server> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 20 when the print server 20 performs image layout processing.

When performing image layout processing in the print server 20, print conditions are received from one of the clients 30a to 30d (S31), and if it is determined that the print job can be accepted, the print job is accepted by the clients 30a to 30d. Is notified (S3
2) The document image data is received from the clients 30a to 30d (S33).

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

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

<Case of Performing Image Layout Processing by Digital Copier> FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital copier 10 when performing image layout processing by the digital copier 10.

When performing image layout processing in the digital copying machine 10, the printing conditions are received from the print server 20 (S41), and if it is determined that the print job can be accepted, the print server 20 is permitted to accept the print job. A notification to the effect is made (S42), and the document image data is received from the print server 20 (S43). Nin
When one original to be printed is a mixed original, upon receiving the original image data, it is recognized that the original is a mixed original.

Then, the original image data is rasterized in accordance with the set printing conditions (S44). And
At the time when the rasterization is completed, the above-described FIGS.
1 or the image layout processing shown in FIG.
45). Thereafter, the document image data (that is, output image data) that has been rasterized and subjected to image layout processing,
And print conditions are stored again in the memory 16 (spool).
(S46).

Then, the start of printing is requested internally or to the user (S47), and when permission to start printing is given (S48: YES), printing is started (S49).

In the above description, the case where the one-sided printing is instructed as the copying condition or the printing condition has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where the two-sided printing is instructed as the copying condition or the printing condition. it can. When double-sided printing is instructed, a print area corresponding to one page of the printing paper exists for each of the front and back sides of the printing paper. Therefore, in the print area corresponding to one page on the front surface of the printing paper, the unplaced area where the document image is not placed is determined, and it is determined whether or not the selected one document image can be printed in the unplaced area. Is determined. As a result, if the selected document image can be printed in the non-placed area, the document image is placed in the unplaced area. If the selected document image cannot be printed, the document image is copied to another page. , That is, the print area corresponding to one page on the back side of the printing paper.

After the output image data for all pages has been created, the actual printing on the printing paper may be started. It is also possible to create output image data for a subsequent page while printing on printing paper based on the output image data.

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

In the above description, a network image forming system having a digital copier 10 as a multifunction machine functioning as a copier and a printer and a print server 20 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Do not mean. The present invention is also applicable to, for example, a digital copying machine, a printer, a digital facsimile machine, or a print server that functions only as a copying machine.

[0085]

According to the present invention, when arranging so-called mixed originals on printing paper, the maximum original image size is recognized from a plurality of original images, and the maximum original image size and the size of the print area are determined. Based on the result of the comparison, a magnification common to a plurality of document images is set so that the document image having the largest document image size fits within the print area. Scale the image. Therefore, all the original images are reduced to fit within the print area, so that image loss can be prevented.

Further, since the magnification ratio for all the original images is the same, the size of characters and the like becomes the same, and the printed matter can be easily read.

The above effects can be achieved even when the Nin1 processing is performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network image forming system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the digital copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partial configuration diagram of a memory of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a job list.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the print server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of each client in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial configuration diagram of the hard disk of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine when performing a copying process by a digital copying machine functioning as a copying machine.

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

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

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

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of division of an area corresponding to one page of printing paper.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a second processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a third processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a third processing example of the image layout processing.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a display screen of a printer driver.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client in FIG. 1 in a case where image layout processing is performed by a printer driver.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print server when the print server of FIG. 1 performs an image layout process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine when performing image layout processing in the digital copying machine of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Digital copier, 20 Print server, 30a to 30d Client, 40 Network, 19, 21, 31, CPU.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, comprising: a recognition unit configured to recognize a maximum document image size from the plurality of document images; Maximum size comparing means for comparing the recognized maximum document image size with the size of the print area; anda plurality of document images having a maximum document image size based on the comparison result so as to fit within the print area. An image processing apparatus comprising: magnification setting means for setting a common magnification for the original image; and magnification means for scaling the plurality of original images in accordance with the set magnification. 2. The size of the printing area is one of printing paper
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus corresponds to a page size. 3. The size of the printing area is one of printing paper.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus corresponds to a size obtained by equally dividing a page. 4. An area discriminating means for discriminating an unarranged area in which no image is arranged in the print area, and printing one image selected from a plurality of scaled original images in the unarranged area. Determining means for determining whether or not the selected image can be printed; and, if the selected image can be printed in the unarranged area, arranging means for arranging the selected image in the unarranged area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. One selected from a plurality of document images
Image direction recognizing means for recognizing the direction of one original image, area direction means for recognizing the direction of an unarranged area where no image is arranged in the print area, and a direction of the selected original image and a direction of the unarranged area. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a direction comparing unit configured to compare the document image; and a rotating unit configured to rotate the selected document image relative to the non-placed area based on a result of the comparison. 6. Image processing device. 6. An image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 7. An image processing method for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein a step of recognizing a maximum document image size from the plurality of document images; Comparing the maximum original image size with the size of the print area, and, based on the result of the comparison, setting a common image for the plurality of original images so that the original image having the maximum original image size fits within the print area. An image processing method, comprising: setting a magnification of the plurality of original images; and scaling the plurality of document images in accordance with the set magnification. 8. A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing procedure for generating output image data based on a plurality of document images having different sizes or directions, wherein the largest document image is selected from the plurality of document images. A step of recognizing the size, a step of comparing the maximum recognized document image size with the size of the print area, and a document image having the largest document image size fits in the print area based on the comparison result. Setting a common magnification for a plurality of document images, and scaling the plurality of document images in accordance with the set magnification. Computer-readable recording medium.