JP2004090423A - Image formation device and its processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify users of the fact that printing is impossible or an image quality changes due to a difference of a color space of each image or of image processing when bookbinding and printing is indicated to document images. <P>SOLUTION: When bookbinding and printing is indicated to a selected document, attribute information showing each attribute of a plurality of images included in the document is acquired (S2101), and it is judged on the basis of the acquired attribute information whether or not bookbinding and printing to the document is possible (S2102). When bookbinding and printing to the document is impossible as a result of the judgment, the fact is notified to the user (S2105). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of binding and printing a plurality of images as a document and a processing method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the increase in the capacity of memories and hard disks, it has become possible to easily store color images. In such a situation, the image from the scanner is stored as image data consisting of RGB luminance signals read by the CCD, and the image described by the PDL code or the like from the host computer is developed by a raster image processor. , CMYK as image data.
[0003]
After the image data is stored in the memory as described above, the image processing is performed and the printout is performed. In addition, "bookbinding printing" for producing a booklet such as a pamphlet by generating one image by arranging two images is also performed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to arrange RGB and CMYK having different color spaces, such as a luminance signal and a density signal, on the same memory surface, a color space conversion for matching one color space with the other color space must be performed. However, this conversion process causes a cost increase. Further, even if the color space is the same, if the image processing instruction for each image is different, processing may not be possible unless the image processing is performed in accordance with one of the image processing.
[0005]
That is, when such a conversion circuit is not provided, it is necessary to notify that a user's instruction is impossible. Also, when the image processing changes, it is necessary to notify the user similarly.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. When bookbinding printing is instructed for a document image, the image cannot be printed or the image quality changes because the color space and image processing of each image are different. The purpose is to notify the user of the fact.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a processing method of an image forming apparatus having a function of performing bookbinding printing of a plurality of images as a document, and when binding printing is instructed for a selected document, An obtaining step of obtaining attribute information indicating each attribute of a plurality of images included in the selected document; a determining step of determining whether bookbinding printing on the document is possible based on the obtained attribute information; As a result, when bookbinding printing is not possible for the document, a notifying step of notifying the user to that effect is provided.
[0008]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a function of performing bookbinding printing of a plurality of images as a document. Acquiring means for acquiring attribute information indicating each attribute of a plurality of images included in the document, determining means for determining whether or not bookbinding printing on the document is possible based on the acquired attribute information, a determination result, If bookbinding printing is not possible for the document, there is provided notifying means for notifying the user of the fact.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 110 has a scanner unit 113 as an image input device, a printer unit 114 as an image output device, a control unit (Control Unit) 111, and an operation unit 112 as a user interface. The scanner unit 113, the printer unit 114, and the operation unit 112 are connected to the control unit 111, and are controlled by instructions from the control unit 111. Further, the control unit 111 is connected to a network transmission means such as a local area network (LAN) 100 and the public line 102. Transmission via G3 and G4 facsimile including color image transmission is possible from the public line.
[0011]
Further, other image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 having the same device configuration as the image forming apparatus 110 are also connected to the LAN 100. The image forming apparatus 120 includes a scanner unit 123, a printer unit 124, and an operation unit 122, each of which is connected to and controlled by the control unit 121. The image forming apparatus 130 includes a scanner unit 133, a printer unit 134, and an operation unit 132, each of which is connected to and controlled by the control unit 131.
[0012]
The personal computer (PC) 101 is connected to a network transmission means such as the LAN 100. The personal computer 101 can send and receive files and send and receive e-mails using standard file transfer protocols such as FTP and SMB.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 111 is connected to a scanner 113 which is an image input device and a printer 114 which is an image output device, and is connected to a LAN 100 or a public line (WAN) 102 to obtain image information. And a controller that inputs and outputs device information.
[0014]
In the control unit 111, the CPU 201 controls the entire apparatus. The RAM 202 is a system work memory used when the CPU 201 executes a process. The RAM 202 is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 is a boot ROM, and stores a boot program of the apparatus, control data, and the like. An HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data.
[0015]
The operation unit I / F 206 manages an interface with the operation unit (UI) 112 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 112 to the operation unit 112. Also, it plays a role of transmitting instruction information input by the user via the operation unit 112 to the CPU 201.
[0016]
A network (Network) interface 208 manages connection with the LAN 100 and inputs and outputs information to and from the LAN 100. A modem (MODEM) 209 manages connection with the public line 102 and inputs and outputs information to and from the public line 102. The image compression / expansion unit 210 performs JPEG compression / expansion processing on multi-valued image data, and performs JBIG, MMR, MH compression / expansion processing on binary image data. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 207.
[0017]
An image bus interface (Image Bus I / F) 205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 207 and the image bus 220 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The image data is compressed on the system bus 207, and converted so that uncompressed image data flows on the image bus 220. The image bus 220 is generally constituted by a PCI bus or IEEE1394.
[0018]
The following devices are arranged on the image bus 220. A raster image processor (RIP) 211 expands the PDL code transmitted from the network 100 into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 212 connects the scanner 113 and the printer 114, which are image input / output devices, to the control unit 111 by predetermined interfaces 221 and 222, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.
[0019]
The scanner image processing unit 213 performs correction, processing, and editing on the input image data. Further, it has a function of judging whether an input image is a color original or a black-and-white original from a saturation signal of the image and holding the result. The printer image processing unit 214 corrects, processes, and edits print output image data. The image rotation unit 215 cooperates with the scanner image processing unit 213 to read an image from the scanner 113 and rotate the image at the same time as storing the image in the memory, or rotate the image in the memory and store it in the memory, or Images in the memory can be printed out while rotating in cooperation with the printer image processing unit 214.
[0020]
The resolution conversion unit 216 converts the resolution of the image data stored in the memory and stores the converted data in the memory. The color space conversion unit 217 converts, for example, a YUV image on a memory into a Lab image by a matrix operation and stores the Lab image on the memory. The gradation conversion unit 218 converts, for example, image data of 8 bits and 256 gradations in the memory into 1 bit and 2 gradations by a method such as an error diffusion process and stores the data in the memory.
[0021]
Note that the image rotation unit 215, the resolution conversion unit 216, the color space conversion unit 217, and the gradation conversion unit 218 can be operated in conjunction with each other. , Both processes can be performed without the intervention of a memory.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the scanner image processing unit 213 shown in FIG. The RGB 8-bit luminance signal input from the scanner 113 is converted by the masking unit 301 into a standard RGB color signal that does not depend on the filter color of the CCD. The converted RGB color signal is subjected to scaling processing by the scaling section 302 when scaling is required. In the subsequent filter 303, a process for blurring or sharpening the image is performed, and in the gamma unit 304, a process is performed so as to increase or decrease the density of the entire image.
[0023]
Further, in order to determine whether the original is color or black and white, the image signal before scaling is converted by the color space conversion unit 305 into an image signal in a known Lab space. Among them, a and b represent color signal components, and a 1-bit determination signal is output from the comparator 306 as a chromatic color if the level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level in the comparator 306, and as an achromatic color otherwise. Then, the counter 307 counts the output from the comparator 306.
[0024]
On the other hand, the character / photo determination unit 308 extracts character edges from RGB signals output from the masking unit 301 and separates an input image into characters and photographs. As an output, a "character / photograph determination signal" is obtained. This signal is also stored in a memory or HD (hard disk) together with the image, and is used at the time of printing.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. A scanner 113 as an image input device shown in FIG. 4 optically reads an image on a document by scanning it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and generates and outputs raster image data. When the user sets a document on the tray 406 of the document feeder 405 and gives an instruction to start reading on the operation unit 112, the controller CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner 113, and the feeder 405 feeds the document one by one. The reading operation of the image on the document is performed.
[0026]
The printer 114, which is an image output device, is a part that prints raster image data on paper. The method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which an image is printed directly on paper by discharging ink from a minute nozzle array, and any method may be used. The printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller CPU 201.
[0027]
The printer 114 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 401, 402, and 403 corresponding to the respective paper feed stages. The paper output tray 404 receives the printed paper.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the operation unit 112 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a touch panel sheet 502 is affixed to the LCD display unit 501 on the LCD. The operation screen and the soft keys of the system are displayed, and when the displayed key is pressed, the key is pressed. The position information indicating the performed position is transmitted to the controller CPU 201.
[0029]
A start key 505 shown in FIG. 5 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 505, there is a two-color LED display section 506 for green and red, and the color indicates whether the start key 505 is in a usable state or not. A stop key 503 functions to stop the operation during operation. An ID key 507 is used to input a user ID of the user, and a reset key 504 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. As described above, the operation unit 112 is connected to the system bus 207 via the operation unit I / F 206. The CPU 201, the RAM 202, the ROM 203, and the HDD 204 are connected to the system bus 207. The CPU 201 generally controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 207 based on control programs and the like stored in the ROM 203 and the HDD 204. The CPU 201 reads input information from the scanner 113 connected via the device I / F 212 and outputs an image signal as output information to the printer 114 connected via the device I / F 212. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 201.
[0031]
6, user inputs from the touch panel 502 and various hard keys 503, 504, 505, and 507 are passed to the CPU 201 via the input port 601. The CPU 201 generates display screen data based on the content of the user input and the control program, and outputs the display screen to the LCD display unit 501 via an output port 602 for controlling a screen output device. Further, the CPU 201 controls the LED display 506 as needed.
[0032]
Next, processes such as copy, transmission, and box in the present embodiment will be described using a screen displayed on the LCD display unit 501.
[0033]
FIG. 7 is an initial screen in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and is also a standard screen displayed after setting each image forming function. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes switching to a copy setting screen for making copy settings. Reference numeral 702 switches to a transmission setting screen for setting to transmit scanned image data by facsimile or electronic mail. A box 703 switches to a box setting screen for setting to print or transmit a scanned image stored in the internal HD.
[0034]
A window 704 displays settings for reading an image. Reference numeral 705 designates settings such as resolution and density when reading an image. Reference numeral 706 denotes a timer setting for transmitting a timer and a setting for printing on an HD or a printer. A window 707 displays a transmission destination. Reference numeral 708 displays a transmission destination on the window 707. Reference numeral 709 denotes a window 707 displaying detailed information of one destination. 710 deletes one destination displayed in the window 707.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a pop-up window displayed when the read setting 705 is pressed. In FIG. 8, the user selects and inputs the size of a document to be read from a pop-up menu, and the set reading size is displayed at 802. Reference numeral 803 denotes a mode for selecting a document reading mode. When pressed, the mode can be selected from three types: color, black, and automatic (ACS). If the measurement result of the counter 307 shown in FIG. 3 is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that the document is a black-and-white document, and if the measurement result is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the document is a color document. Accumulates the result of determining whether the color image and the original are color or black and white.
[0036]
Reference numeral 804 denotes a selection input from a pop-up for designating a reading resolution. Reference numeral 805 denotes a slider for adjusting the reading density of the original, which can be adjusted in nine steps. Reference numeral 806 is used to automatically determine the density when reading an image with a background, such as a newspaper.
[0037]
Next, software executed by the CPU 201 of the control unit 111 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.
[0038]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a UI control unit which controls the operation unit 112 which is a user interface. A copy application unit 902 receives an instruction from the UI control unit 901 and controls a predetermined device control unit to execute a copy job. A transmission application unit 903 controls a predetermined device control unit to execute a transmission job. A BOX application unit 904 temporarily stores image data. A PDL application unit 905 receives a data from the network application unit 916 and submits a PDL print job. Reference numeral 906 denotes a common interface unit that absorbs a device-dependent part of a device control unit.
[0039]
Reference numeral 907 denotes a job manager, which sorts various job information received from the common interface unit 906 and transmits the job information to a lower-level document processing unit. The document processing unit is a scan manager 909 and a print manager 913 for a local copy, a scan manager 909 and a file store manager 914 for a remote copy transmission job or a transmission job, and a remote copy reception job. In the case of PDL printing such as LIPS and PostScript, the PDL manager 911 and the print manager 913 are used.
[0040]
Requests for synchronization and image processing between the document processing units are performed via the sync manager 912, and image processing and image file storage during scanning and printing are performed by the image manager 915.
[0041]
In the above-described software configuration, the local copy software processing will be described first. A copy setting is transmitted to the copy application unit 902 together with a copy instruction from the UI control unit 901 according to a user instruction. As a result, the copy application unit 902 transmits information from the UI control unit 901 to the job manager 907 that performs control via the common interface unit 906. Then, the job manager 907 transmits job information to the scan manager 909 and the print manager 913.
[0042]
The scan manager 909 issues a scan request to the scanner 113 via the device I / F 212. At the same time, it issues an image processing request to the image manager 915 via the sync manager 912. The image manager 915 sets the scanner image processing unit 213 according to the instruction of the scan manager 909. When this setting is completed, the completion of scan preparation is notified via the sync manager 912. Thereafter, the scan manager 909 instructs the scanner 113 to perform a scan.
[0043]
Here, the completion of the scan image transfer is transmitted to the image manager 915 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the scan completion from the image manager 915, the sync manager 912 notifies the scan manager 909 and the print manager 913 of the scan completion. At the same time, the sync manager 912 instructs the image manager 915 to file the compressed image stored in the RAM 202 in the HDD 204. The image manager 915 stores the JPEG image (including the character / photograph determination signal) in the memory in the HDD 204 according to the instruction. It should be noted that a color judgment / black / white judgment result, an image input source, a scan image, a color space RGB, and information that the screen is for a scan image are stored as image input sources in an SRAM (not shown) as image accompanying information.
[0044]
When the storage in the HDD 204 is completed and the scan from the scanner 113 is completed, the image manager 915 notifies the scan manager 909 via the sync manager 912 of the end of filing. Then, the scan manager 909 returns an end notification to the job manager 907, and the job manager 907 returns the notification to the copy application unit 902 via the common interface unit 906.
[0045]
On the other hand, the print manager 913 issues a print request to the printer 114 via the device I / F 212 when an image is stored in the memory, and issues a print image processing request to the sync manager 912. Upon receiving a request from the print manager 913, the sync manager 912 requests the image manager 915 for image processing settings. Then, the image manager 915 sets the printer image processing unit 214 in accordance with the above-mentioned accompanying information of the image, and notifies the print manager 913 via the sync manager 912 that the print preparation is completed. Then, the print manager 913 issues a print instruction to the printer 114.
[0046]
Here, the completion of the transfer of the print image is transmitted to the image manager 915 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 915, the sync manager 912 notifies the print manager 913 of the print completion. Further, the print manager 913 receives the completion of the paper ejection from the printer 114, returns an end notification to the job manager 907, and the job manager 907 returns the same to the copy application unit 902 via the common interface unit 906. Then, when scanning and printing are completed, the copy application unit 902 notifies the UI control unit 901 of the job end.
[0047]
Next, in the case of a remote copy scan job or transmission job, the file store manager 914 receives a request from the job manager 907 instead of the print manager 913. Upon completion of storing the scanned image in the HDD 204, a storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 912, and the storage completion notification is transmitted via the common interface unit 906 to the copy application unit 902 for remote copy and to the transmission application unit 903 for transmission job. . Then, after this notification, the copy application unit 902 and the transmission application unit 903 request the network application unit 916 to transmit the file stored in the HDD 204. Then, the network application unit 916 receiving the request transmits the file.
[0048]
At the start of a job, the network application unit 916 receives copy-related setting information from the copy application unit 902, and notifies the remote side of the setting information. In the case of remote copy, the network application unit 916 performs transmission using a device-specific communication protocol. In the case of a transmission job, a standard file transfer protocol such as FTP or SMB is used. Also, in the case of fax transmission, after the file is stored, transmission is instructed from the transmission application unit 903 to the FAX manager 908 via the common interface unit 906 and the job manager 907. If the destination is a printer, the transmission application unit 903 issues a print instruction as a print job via the common interface unit 906. The operation at that time is the same as the case of the remote copy print job described below. When the transmission destination is the box destination in the device, the destination is stored in the file system in the device.
[0049]
Next, in the case of a remote copy print job, the network application unit 916 stores the image from the transmission side in the HDD 204 and issues a job to the copy application unit 902. As a result, the copy application unit 902 submits a print job to the job manager 907 via the common interface unit 906. In this case, unlike the local copy, the file read manager 910 receives a request from the job manager 907 instead of the scan manager 909.
[0050]
A request to expand the received image from the HDD 204 to the memory is sent to the image manager 915 via the sync manager 912. The image manager 915 develops an image in a memory. Upon completion of the development, the image manager 915 notifies the file read manager 910 and the print manager 913 of the completion of the development via the sync manager 912. When an image is stored in the memory, the print manager 913 selects a paper feed tray specified by the job manager 907 or a tray having the paper size from the job manager 907 via the device I / F 212, and issues a print request. In the case of automatic paper, the paper feed stage is determined from the image size, and a print request is issued.
[0051]
The print manager 913 sends a print image processing request to the sync manager 912. Upon receiving a request from the print manager 913, the sync manager 912 requests the image manager 915 to perform image processing settings. Here, for example, if the optimal size paper runs out and rotation is required, a rotation instruction is separately requested. When a rotation instruction is given, the image manager 915 rotates the image using the image rotation unit 215. The image manager 915 sets the printer image processing unit 214 and notifies the print manager 913 via the sync manager 912 that the print preparation is completed. Then, the print manager 913 issues a print instruction to the printer 114.
[0052]
Here, the completion of the transfer of the print image is transmitted to the image manager 915 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown). Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 915, the sync manager 912 notifies the file read manager 910 and the print manager 913 of the print completion. The file read manager 910 returns an end notification to the job manager 907. Further, the print manager 913 receives the completion of the discharge from the printer 114 and returns an end notification to the job manager 907. The job manager 907 returns an end notification to the copy application unit 902 via the common interface unit 906. Then, when scanning and printing are completed, the copy application unit 902 notifies the UI control unit 901 of the job end.
[0053]
Next, in the case of a PDL data development / storage job, a request from the host PC that has input the PDL print is transmitted to the PDL application unit 905 via the network application unit 916. Then, the PDL application unit 905 instructs the job manager 907 via the common interface unit 906 about the PDL data expansion / storage job. At this time, the PDL manager 911 and the file store manager 914 receive a request from the job manager 907. The processing from the end of the image development to the input of the image is the same as the above-described scan job. The JPEG image (including the character / photo determination signal) on the memory is stored in the HDD 204. Note that color / monochrome information is stored in an SRAM (not shown) as image accompanying information, a PDL image, a color space CMYK as an image input source, and information that a screen is for a PDL image as image processing. The screen of the image processing can be arbitrarily set by the user, and information called user definition may be stored.
[0054]
When the PDL has been stored in the HDD 204, the storage completion notification is received from the sync manager 912, and the storage completion notification is sent to the PDL application unit 905 via the common interface unit 906. After this notification, the PDL application unit 905 notifies the network application unit 916 of the completion of storage in the HDD 204, and this information is transmitted to the host PC that has input the PDL print.
[0055]
Next, for printing an image stored in PDL and stored, the BOX application unit 904 issues a stored document instructed to be printed by the UI 901 as a job. The BOX application unit 904 submits a print job to the job manager 907 via the common interface unit 906. In this case, unlike the local copy, the file read manager 910 receives a request from the job manager 907 instead of the scan manager 909. A request to expand the image for which printing has been instructed from the HDD 204 to the memory is made to the image manager 915 via the sync manager 912. Subsequent operations are the same as the operations described for the remote copy print job, and thus will not be described.
[0056]
Next, a description will be given of a masking method of a predetermined function which cannot be realized by hardware serving as a central part of the present embodiment.
[0057]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of the printer image processing according to the present embodiment. As shown, the processing differs depending on whether the input image signal is an RGB luminance signal or a CMYK density signal. Here, RGB is an image captured from the scanner 113, and CMYK is an image developed by the RIP 211. In the case of an RGB image, a logarithmic conversion process of converting an RGB signal into a CMY signal using a look-up table is performed by a logarithmic conversion of 1001. Next, in the color conversion of 1002, a color conversion process of converting a CMY signal into a CMYK signal using a three-dimensional lookup table is performed. There are two types of look-up tables, one for text and one for photo, which are selectively switched and converted according to a "character / photo discrimination signal" input separately.
[0058]
The selector 1003 selects either CMYK or CMYK image of RGB input. Then, in the density conversion of 1004, linear operation or conversion using a look-up table is performed so that the density adjustment value specified by the operation unit is obtained. The density conversion has a selector function, and selectively outputs a character portion to the correction table A of 1005 and a photographic portion to the correction table B of 1007 by a "character / photograph discrimination signal". A correction table A1005 is a correction table for preventing the density characteristic from being changed by the error diffusion processing of 1006. A correction table B1007 is a correction table for preventing the density characteristics from being changed by the screen processing (dither processing) of 1008. The screen processing 1008 can change the screen ruling, so that the screen pattern can be arbitrarily set. The selector 1009 selectively combines the outputs of the error diffusion processing 1006 and the screen processing 1008 based on the “character / photo discrimination signal”. Then, in the smoothing processing of 1010, interpolation processing is performed in order to prevent jaggies in the image from being noticeable due to the connection of the oblique line dots.
[0059]
Here, bookbinding printing, which is one of the printing functions of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, will be described. Note that a specific setting method of bookbinding printing and a bookbinding operation in a printer are known, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0060]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the concept of bookbinding printing in the present embodiment. First, when bookbinding printing is instructed, two (one in some cases) images A and B arranged on the same sheet are read from the HDD 204 to the memory. Next, the two images are combined as one image on the memory and output to the printer 114. As shown in FIG. 10, since the image processing systems are different between the RGB and CMYK images, it is impossible to bind and print images having different color spaces. Also, the above-described screen processing 1008 can perform only the same screen processing for two images arranged on the same sheet. Therefore, when the screen processing instructions for the images A and B are different, it is necessary to match the instruction to the images A and B.
[0061]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image stored in the HDD. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes a box, which indicates a logical partition that can store a plurality of scan documents and PDL documents collectively. Reference numeral 1202 denotes a document which is collectively stored in the box 1201 and has two types: scan and PDL. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a page, and one document 1202 is composed of a plurality of pages (image files).
[0062]
A document attribute 1204 is attached to each document 1202, and information such as a document name, an input source, and a color space is stored. A page attribute is also attached to each page 1203, and information such as a color attribute, a page number, a resolution, an image size, a document size, a paper size, a compression method, a file format, and a screen setting is stored.
[0063]
Here, if the box 703 is designated on the initial screen shown in FIG. 7, a box screen in which documents accumulated by scanning or PDL development are collectively stored is displayed, and a desired box is selected and instructed. Accordingly, editing, printing, transmission, and deletion can be performed on each document stored in the box.
[0064]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a box screen according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes a box number. Reference numeral 1302 denotes a box name that can be arbitrarily set by the user for each box;
[0065]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen when box number 1 is pressed in FIG. As shown in the figure, the box number 1 stores a scanned document 1401 of document 1 (paper size A4, 3 pages) and a PDL document 1402 of document 2 (paper size A3, 15 pages). Whether the document is a scanned document or a PDL document can be determined by an icon to the left of the document name if S is a scanned document and if P is a PDL document. Reference numeral 1403 denotes a document editing instruction button, 1404 denotes a document printing instruction button, 1405 denotes a document transmission button, 1406 denotes a document deletion button, and 1407 denotes a button for closing this screen.
[0066]
When instructing printing of a document on the screen illustrated in FIG. 14, the user selects a desired document and presses a print button 1404. Thereby, the setting screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On this setting screen, the user makes detailed settings for printing. A paper selection button 1501 is used to specify another paper feed source when changing the paper size. Reference numeral 1502 denotes a sorter setting, in which sort, group, and staple sort can be selected. Reference numeral 1503 denotes a duplex output setting. Reference numeral 1504 denotes an application mode in which other image settings at the time of print output are performed. A print start button 1505 starts a job when this button is pressed. Reference numeral 1506 denotes a cancel button, which returns to the screen shown in FIG.
[0067]
When the application mode 1504 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 15, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. This screen is a setting screen for performing other image settings for print output. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 1601 denotes a bookbinding button for binding and outputting a document. Reference numeral 1602 denotes a button for setting a single color. Reference numeral 1603 denotes a close button. When this button 1603 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG.
[0068]
When the bookbinding button 1601 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 16, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1701 denotes a setting for creating a left-opening booklet as a bookbinding setting. Similarly, reference numeral 1702 denotes a setting for a right-opening booklet. The selected button is highlighted to indicate that it has been selected. Reference numeral 1703 denotes a close button. When this button 1703 is pressed, the process returns to FIG.
[0069]
As described above, when a document in which color spaces such as RGB and CMYK are mixed and a bookbinding print job is started, a warning message shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. If it is difficult for the user to recognize the mixture of color spaces, a warning message shown in FIG. 19 may be displayed depending on the input source such as a scanned document and a PDL document. Furthermore, even if the color space and the input source are the same, if the image processing set for each page is different, a warning message as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. In this case, pressing the OK 2001 starts the job, and pressing the Cancel 2002 cancels the job.
[0070]
Here, when a document is selected and bookbinding printing is instructed as described above, execution is performed when color spaces are mixed, when input sources are different, and when image processing set for each page is different. The process of the UI control unit 901 to be performed will be described.
[0071]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the UI control unit when color spaces are mixed. As described above, when bookbinding printing is instructed for the selected document, a request for a document list is made to the BOX application unit 904 in step S2101. The BOX application unit 904 acquires all attribute data of the document stored in the HDD 204 as a list via the common interface unit 906, and notifies the UI control unit 901 of the list. Next, in step S2102, the UI control unit 901 determines whether a document in a different color space is included based on the document attributes of the selected document. If not included, the process advances to step S2103 to input a bookbinding print job to the BOX application unit 904. Then, in step S2104, when the job end is notified, the process ends.
[0072]
If a document in a different color space is included in step S2102, the process advances to step S2105 to display a warning message shown in FIG. If the user presses close in step S2106, the process ends without submitting the bookbinding print job.
[0073]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the UI control unit when the input sources are different. As described above, when bookbinding printing is instructed for the selected document, first, in step S2201, a request for a document list is made to the BOX application unit 904. The BOX application unit 904 acquires all attribute data of the document stored in the HDD 204 as a list via the common interface unit 906, and notifies the UI control unit 901 of the list. Next, in step S2202, the UI control unit 901 determines whether a different input source document is included based on the document attributes of the selected document. If it is not included, the process advances to step S2203 to input a bookbinding print job to the BOX application unit 904. Then, in step S2204, when the job end is notified, the process ends.
[0074]
If a different input source document is included in step S2202, the process advances to step S2205 to display a warning message shown in FIG. If the user presses close in step S2206, the process ends without submitting the bookbinding print job.
[0075]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the UI control unit when there is a page having a different image process in a document. As described above, when bookbinding printing is instructed for the selected document, first, in step S2301, the BOX application unit 904 requests a document list. The BOX application unit 904 acquires all attribute data of the document stored in the HDD 204 as a list via the common interface unit 906, and notifies the UI control unit 901 of the list. Next, in step S2302, the UI control unit 901 determines whether a page of a different image processing (screen) is included in the document based on the document attribute of the selected document. If not included, the process advances to step S 2303 to input a bookbinding print job to the BOX application unit 904. Then, in step S2304, when the job end is notified, the process ends.
[0076]
If the document contains pages of different image processing in step S2302, the process advances to step S2305 to display a warning message shown in FIG. When OK 2001 is pressed in step S2306, the bookbinding print job is input. When pages with different screens are arranged on the same surface, one of the standard settings such as the PDL standard setting or the scan standard setting is used. If cancel 2002 is pressed in step S2307 instead of OK 2001, the job is canceled and the process ends.
[0077]
According to the above-described embodiment, a warning can be issued to the user when documents in a color space that cannot be bound are mixed or when the input sources are different. In addition, a warning can be similarly given even when a document includes a page with different image processing.
[0078]
Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), the present invention can be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile device, etc.) including one device. May be applied.
[0079]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code thus read.
[0080]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0081]
As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. be able to.
[0082]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0083]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when bookbinding printing is instructed for a document image, the user is notified that printing cannot be performed or image quality changes because the color space and image processing of each image are different. It becomes possible to inform.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner image processing unit 213 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit 112 shown in FIG.
6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an initial screen in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a pop-up window displayed when a read setting 705 is pressed.
FIG. 9 illustrates a software configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of printer image processing according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the concept of bookbinding printing in the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of an image stored in an HDD.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a box screen according to the embodiment.
14 is a diagram showing a screen when box number 1 is pressed in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen when a print button 1404 is pressed in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen when an application mode 1504 is pressed in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen when a bookbinding button 1601 is pressed in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a warning message when a document having a mixed color space is selected and a bookbinding print job is started.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a warning message when a document having a different input source is selected and a bookbinding print job is started.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a warning message when a document having different image processing set for each page is selected and a bookbinding print job is started.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a UI control unit when color spaces are mixed.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a UI control unit when input sources are different.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a UI control unit when a document includes pages with different image processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 LAN
101 Personal computer
102 public line
110 Image Forming Apparatus
111 control unit
112 Operation unit
113 Scanner section
114 Printer section
120 Image forming apparatus
121 control unit
122 Operation unit
123 Scanner unit
124 Printer section
130 Image Forming Apparatus
131 control unit
132 Operation unit
133 Scanner section
134 Printer section

Claims (8)

A processing method of an image forming apparatus having a function of binding and printing a plurality of images as a document,
When bookbinding printing is instructed for the selected document, an acquisition step of acquiring attribute information indicating each attribute of a plurality of images included in the selected document,
A determination step of determining whether bookbinding printing on the document is possible based on the acquired attribute information;
And a notifying step of notifying a user that bookbinding printing is not possible for the document as a result of the determination. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the determining step, when a luminance signal and a density signal are mixed as a color space in the attribute information, it is determined that bookbinding printing on the document is not possible. Processing method. In the determining step, when the attribute information includes an image read by an image reading device and an image sent from an external device, it is determined that bookbinding printing on the document is not possible. The processing method of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In the determining step, if different image processing is mixed for the plurality of images in the attribute information, it is determined that bookbinding printing on the document is possible, and whether to continue the bookbinding printing is further determined. The processing method of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 2. The processing method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the notifying step, a message that bookbinding printing is not possible for the document is displayed on a display unit. In an image forming apparatus having a function of binding and printing a plurality of images as a document,
When bookbinding printing is instructed for the selected document, acquiring means for acquiring attribute information indicating each attribute of a plurality of images included in the selected document,
Determining means for determining whether bookbinding printing on the document is possible based on the acquired attribute information,
If the result of the determination is that bookbinding printing is not possible for the document, there is provided an informing means for informing the user of the fact. A program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the processing method according to claim 1. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.

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