JP2004229236A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the work for sorting into a plurality of sets of prints each set of which is a set of a plurality of prints, in an image forming apparatus for creating the plurality of sets of prints which are collected as one set, and for ejecting the prints, so that the plurality of sets of prints which are collected as one set can be successively laminated in one spot set by set. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus which is provided with an original set means for setting originals a plurality of which are collected as one set, an image input means for acquiring images for creating the plurality of sets of prints which are collected as one set from one set of the plurality of originals, and an image output means for printing the images to create the plurality of sets of prints which are collected as one set, and which ejects the prints so that the plurality of prints which are connected as one set can be successively laminated in one spot set by set, the image output means prints an index mark on each set of two or more prints together with the images to change a printing position in accordance with the laminating order of prints within each set. In the image forming device and the image forming method in which the plurality of sets of prints which are connected as one set, are thus created and the prints are ejected so that the plurality sets of prints which are collected as one set can be successibly stacked in one spot set by set, the work of sorting into the plurality of sets of prints each set of which is a set of the plurality of prints, can be simplified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, a multifunction peripheral, a multifunction peripheral, and the like, and an image forming method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, “multifunction machines” and “multifunction machines” that realize functions of copying, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile with one device have become commercially available. These multifunction devices and multifunction devices are equipped with hardware such as an imaging unit, a printing unit, and a communication unit, and are provided with four types of software corresponding to a copy, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. Functions as a copy, printer, scanner, or facsimile. When functioning as a copy or a printer, an image is printed on printing paper to create a printed matter (printing paper on which the image is printed). When functioning as a scanner or facsimile, the image is copied to another printer via a network or the like. Will be sent to the device.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-194578
[0004]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-5337 A
[0005]
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent No. 2715429
[0006]
[Patent Document 4]
Japanese Patent No. 2795279
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When a multifunction device or a multifunction device functions as a copy or a printer, a plurality of sets of printed matter may be created based on a setting for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter. For example, in order to make a copy of a set of eight sheets and provide it to three persons, a set of three sets of printed matter is created as copies of the set of eight sheets, and three sets of printed matter are created. Sometimes a pair is created. The setting for creating three sets of printed matter can be normally set and operated by setting “number of copies” to “three copies” on the operation panel. For example, in order to print out a set of eight electronic documents and provide them to three persons, a set of eight printed documents is created as a printout of one set of eight electronic documents. In some cases, three sets of printed matter are created. The setting to create three sets of printed matter can be normally set and operated by setting “number of copies” to “three copies” with a printer driver.
[0008]
From the multifunction peripheral or the multifunction peripheral, three sets of eight printed materials are discharged. In this case, if the destination of the printed matter is a tray, the multifunction peripheral or the fusion machine normally discharges the printed matter such that three sets of eight sheets of printed matter are sequentially stacked one by one on one tray. . That is, a second set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the first set of eight sheets of printed matter, and a third set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the second set of eight sheets of printed matter. A set of printed matter is stacked. Twenty-four printed materials are stacked on the tray. In this case, the operation of sorting the three sets of eight printed materials becomes troublesome. In order to avoid this, a sorter may be used instead of a tray as a discharge destination of printed matter, but the sorter has drawbacks in terms of price and installation space.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus that creates a plurality of sets of printed matter and discharges the printed matter such that the plurality of sets of printed matter are sequentially stacked one by one at one place. Another object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of sorting a plurality of sets of printed matter into one set of printed matter.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention (image forming apparatus) according to claim 1, wherein a document setting means for setting a set of a plurality of documents, and an image for forming a set of a plurality of prints from the set of a plurality of documents. And a plurality of sets of printed materials at one place, one set at a time, one by one. An image forming apparatus that discharges the printed matter so that the printed matter is stacked on the printed matter, wherein the image output unit prints the two or more printed matters in each set together with the image in accordance with the stacking order of each printed matter in each set. Print index marks that change position.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image input unit configured to acquire an image for creating a set of a plurality of printed matters from a set of a plurality of originals; An image forming apparatus comprising: an image output unit that creates a plurality of sets of one printed matter; and discharges the printed matters so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one at one place. The image output means prints, together with the image, an index mark on two or more printed materials in each set such that the printing position changes according to the stacking order of the printed materials in each set.
[0012]
The invention (image forming apparatus) according to claim 3, further comprising image output means for printing an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters, An image forming apparatus that discharges the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one, wherein the image output unit includes: Along with the image, an index mark whose printing position changes in accordance with the stacking order of each printed matter in each set is printed.
[0013]
The invention (image forming apparatus) according to a fourth aspect is directed to the invention (image forming apparatus) according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the index mark is printed on which printed matter, and the size of the index mark is determined. The user can set and operate at least one of the following: printing, text printing with an index mark, printing of an index mark in any color, and printing of an index mark.
[0014]
The invention (image forming method) according to claim 5, wherein an image inputting step of acquiring an image for creating a set of printed matter from a set of a plurality of sheets, and printing the image to print the plurality of sheets. An image forming method, comprising: an image output step of creating a plurality of sets of printed matter, wherein the plurality of sets of printed matter are discharged one by one so that one set of the printed matter is stacked one by one. The image output step prints, along with the image, an index mark on two or more printed materials of each set such that a printing position is changed according to a stacking order of the printed materials in each set.
[0015]
The invention (image forming method) according to claim 6, further comprising an image output step of printing an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters. An image forming method for discharging the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one, wherein the image output step includes: Along with the image, an index mark whose printing position changes in accordance with the stacking order of each printed matter in each set is printed.
[0016]
In the invention (image forming apparatus) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a plurality of sets of printed matter are created, and a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters are formed in one place. Regarding an image forming apparatus that discharges printed matter so as to be sequentially stacked, in order to print an index mark on two or more printed matters in each set such that the printing position changes according to the stacking order of each printed matter in each set. The change in the printing position of the index mark is used as a guide, so that the work of sorting a plurality of sets of printed materials into one set can be simplified.
[0017]
In the invention (image forming method) according to the fifth or sixth aspect, a plurality of sets of printed matter are created, and a plurality of sets of printed matter are stacked one by one at one place. In order to print an index mark such that the printing position changes in accordance with the stacking order of each printed matter in each set, the image forming method of discharging the printed matter in such a manner as to print the index mark on two or more printed matters in each set The change in the position serves as a guide, and it is possible to simplify the work of sorting a plurality of sets of printed matter into one set.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows a multifunction peripheral 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction peripheral 101 in FIG. 1 includes various hardware 111, various software 112, and a multifunction peripheral starting unit 113. Thus, the MFP 101 of FIG. 1 functions as a copier, printer, scanner, or facsimile.
[0020]
The hardware 111 includes an imaging unit 121, a printing unit 122, and other hardware 123.
[0021]
The imaging unit 121 is hardware for obtaining an image (image data) from a document, and is used when functioning as a copy, a scanner, or a facsimile. The imaging unit 121 may be a monochrome image or a color image. The photographing unit 121 includes a document setting unit and the like as a mechanism relating to a document.
[0022]
The printing unit 122 is hardware for printing an image on printing paper to create a printed matter (printing paper on which the image is printed), and is used when functioning as a copy, printer, or facsimile. The printing unit 122 may be for monochrome images or color images. The printing unit 122 employs an electrophotographic method here, and includes a photoconductor, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like. The print unit 122 includes a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit, a print paper transport mechanism, and the like as mechanisms related to print paper.
[0023]
The other hardware 123 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0024]
As the software 112, there are various applications 131 and a platform 132. These are executed in parallel in process units by an OS (operating system) such as UNIX (registered trademark).
[0025]
The application 131 is software for executing information processing unique to each function such as copying, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The applications 131 include a copy application 141 that is a copy application, a printer application 142 that is a printer application, a scanner application 143 that is a scanner application, a facsimile application 144 that is a facsimile application, and a network. There is a network file application 145 that is a file application.
[0026]
The platform 132 is software for executing information processing regarding a processing request from the application 131 to the hardware 111. The processing request from the application 131 is received by using an application interface (API) 133 that receives the processing request by a predefined function. The transmission of the processing request to the hardware 111 is performed by using a predefined function. An engine interface (ENI) 134 for transmitting a processing request by using a function is used. The platform 132 includes various control services 151, a system resource manager 152, and various handlers 153.
[0027]
The control service 151 interprets a processing request from the application 131 to the hardware 111 and generates a request to acquire the hardware 111 according to the interpretation result. The control services 151 include a network control service (NCS) 161, a facsimile control service (FCS) 162, a delivery control service (DCS) 163, an engine control service (ECS) 164, and a memory control service (MCS) 165. , An operation panel control service (OCS) 166, a user directory control service (UCS) 167, and a system control service (SCS) 168.
[0028]
The process of the NCS 161 provides an API for performing data communication via a network or the like. The process of the FCS 162 provides an API for performing image data communication, image data acquisition, image data printing, and the like as a facsimile. The process of the DCS 163 controls the delivery of the document data stored in the MFP 101. The process of the ECS 164 controls the engine units such as the imaging unit 121 and the printing unit 122. The process of the MCS 165 controls a memory and a hard disk drive such as image data storage and image data processing. The process of the OCS 166 controls the operation panel. The process of the UCS 167 controls the management of user information. The process of the SCS 168 controls the management of the system.
[0029]
The system resource manager (SRM) 152 arbitrates the acquisition request for the hardware 111 and performs control for realizing the processing request to the hardware 111 according to the arbitration result. Specifically, the process of the SRM 152 determines whether the hardware 111 related to the acquisition request is available (whether there is no conflict with another acquisition request), and if it is available, the fact is determined. To the control service 151. Further, a use schedule of the hardware 111 according to the acquisition request is created, and control for realizing a processing request to the hardware 111 is performed according to the creation result.
[0030]
The handler 153 manages the hardware 111 according to the arbitration result. As the handler 153, a facsimile control unit handler (FCUH) 171 and an image memory handler (IMH) 172 exist. The FCUH 171 manages the facsimile control unit. The IMH 172 allocates memory to each process and manages the memory allocated to each process.
[0031]
The multifunction peripheral starting unit 113 is executed first when the multifunction peripheral 101 is powered on. As a result, an OS such as UNIX (registered trademark) is started, and the application 131 and the platform 132 are started. These programs are stored in the hard disk drive, reproduced from the hard disk drive, and activated in the memory.
[0032]
FIG. 2 illustrates the hardware 111 of the MFP 101 of FIG. The hardware 111 includes a controller 201, an operation panel 202, a USB device 203, an IEEE 1394 device 204, a facsimile control unit (FCU) 205, an imaging unit 121, and a printing unit 122. Components other than the imaging unit 121 and the printing unit 122 in FIG. 2 correspond to the “other hardware 123” in FIG.
[0033]
The controller 201 includes a CPU 211, an ASIC 212, an NB (north bridge) 221, an SB (south bridge) 222, a MEM-P (system memory) 231, a MEM-C (local memory) 232, and an HDD (hard disk drive). ) 233 and an NIC (network interface controller) 241.
[0034]
The CPU 211 is hardware for executing various information processing. For example, the application 131 and the platform 132 are executed in parallel on a process basis by an OS such as UNIX (registered trademark). The ASIC 212 is an image data processing IC. The NB 221 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 211 and the ASIC 212. The SB 222 is a bridge for connecting the NB 221 to peripheral devices and the like.
[0035]
The MEM-P 231 is a memory connected to the NB 221 and used. The MEM-C 232 is a memory connected to the ASIC 212 and used. The HDD 233 is a storage connected to the ASIC 212 and used for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, form data, and the like. The NIC 241 is hardware used by being connected to the ASIC 212, and is used for performing data communication using a MAC address or the like via a network or the like.
[0036]
The operation panel 202 is hardware (operation unit) for the operator to input data to the multifunction peripheral 101 and hardware (display unit) for the multifunction peripheral 101 to output data to the operator. The operation panel 202 is used for setting display of operating conditions of the multifunction peripheral 101, setting operation, and the like. The operation panel 202 is connected to the ASIC 212.
[0037]
The USB device 203 is a device for connecting a cable conforming to the USB standard. The IEEE 1394 device 204 is a device for connecting a cable conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. These are used for performing tandem printing and the like. The USB device 203, the IEEE 1394 device 204, the facsimile control unit 205, the imaging unit 121, and the printing unit 122 are connected to the ASIC 212 via a PCI bus.
[0038]
FIG. 3 shows an appearance of the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates the position of the imaging unit 121, the position of the printing unit 122, and the position of the operation panel 202. FIG. 3 further shows a document setting unit 301 for setting a document, a paper feeding unit 302 as a paper feeding destination for printing paper on which an image is printed, and a discharge destination for printing paper (printed matter) on which an image is printed. Is shown in FIG. The document setting unit 301 is a component of the imaging unit 121, and the paper feeding unit 302 and the paper discharging unit 303 are components of the printing unit 122.
[0039]
The operation panel 202 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, a touch panel 311, numeric buttons 312, and a start button 313. When a document is set in the document setting unit 301, the MFP 101 obtains an image (image data) from the document by the imaging unit 121 by pressing the start button 313. When the multifunction peripheral 101 functions as a copy, the image is printed on printing paper by the printing unit 122 to create a printed matter (printing paper on which the image is printed), and when the multifunction peripheral 101 functions as a scanner or a facsimile, the NIC 241 is used. Thus, the image is transmitted to another device via a network or the like. In the case of tandem printing, the image is transmitted to another device via a cable or the like by the USB device 203 or the IEEE 1394 device 204.
[0040]
The document setting unit 301 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 321, a flatbed 322, and a flatbed cover 323.
[0041]
The ADF 321 is provided on the upper surface of the flatbed cover 323. A plurality of originals can be set on the ADF 321 in an overlapping manner. When a document is set on the ADF 321, when the start button 313 is pressed, the multifunction peripheral 101 acquires an image from the document using the image capturing unit 121. Specifically, when the start button 313 is pressed, the ADF 321 sequentially conveys a plurality of documents one by one in a path as shown by the arrow in FIG. An image is acquired from each document conveyed one by one sequentially in the path as described above.
[0042]
The flatbed 322 appears when the flatbed cover 323 is opened. The flat bed 322 is formed of a transparent member such as glass, and a document is set on the flat bed 322 in a downward direction. When a document is set on the flatbed 322, the MFP 101 obtains an image from the document by the imaging unit 121 by pressing the start button 313. More specifically, when the start button 313 is pressed, the imaging unit 121 acquires an image from the facing document via the flatbed 322.
[0043]
The paper supply unit 302 includes four paper supply trays serving as paper supply destinations of print paper on which an image is printed, and one manual feed tray. The paper discharge unit 303 includes a single paper discharge tray serving as a paper discharge destination of print paper (printed matter) on which an image is printed.
[0044]
(Example)
Here, the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 is caused to function as a copy, and a plurality of sets of printed matter are created as copies of a plurality of sets of originals, under the setting that a plurality of sets of printed matter are created. The case will be described. As a specific example, here, a case will be described in which three sets of eight printed materials are created as copies of eight sets of originals, with three prints being created.
[0045]
In the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1, the setting to create three sets of printed matter can be set and operated on the operation panel 202 (FIG. 4). The multifunction peripheral 101 has an initial setting for creating one set of printed matter. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 5, "number of copies" is displayed as "1 copy" on touch panel 311. The multi-function peripheral 101 changes the setting to create three sets of printed materials by pressing “3” of the number button 312. In response to this, as shown in FIG. 5, “number of copies” is displayed as “3 copies” on touch panel 311. This setting operation is performed in advance before the start button 313 is pressed.
[0046]
In the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1, when a set of a plurality of originals is set on the ADF 321, when the start button 313 is pressed, the imaging unit 121 causes the imaging unit 121 to convert a set of a plurality of originals from the plurality of originals. Get an image to create a. Here, an image for creating a set of eight printed materials is acquired from a set of eight originals.
[0047]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 prints the image by the printing unit 122 under the setting to create a plurality of sets of printed matter, and creates a plurality of sets of the printed matter of a plurality of sheets. Here, under the setting to create three sets of printed matter, the image is printed to create three sets of eight printed matter.
[0048]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 in FIG. 1 discharges the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one on a single discharge tray (discharge unit 303). Here, the printed matter is discharged so that three sets of eight printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one on one sheet discharge tray (discharge unit 303). That is, a second set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the first set of eight sheets of printed matter, and a third set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the second set of eight sheets of printed matter. A set of printed matter is stacked. As shown in FIG. 6, 24 prints are stacked on the paper discharge tray (paper discharge unit 303).
[0049]
The MFP 101 of FIG. 1 has a function of printing an index mark on a print sheet together with an image. FIG. 7 shows a printed matter created by printing an index mark 701 together with an image. The index mark is a mark printed on the edge of the printing paper. It is often printed in dictionaries and manuals. The multifunction peripheral 101 newly prints an index mark that was not originally present on the image together with the image on the printing paper.
[0050]
Here, furthermore, the setting that the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 is made to function as a copy and that a plurality of sets of printed matter are created as a copy of a set of a plurality of sheets and that the index mark is printed together with the image is set. First, a case in which a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed materials are created will be described. As a specific example, here also, a set of eight printed materials is created based on a setting to create three sets of printed materials as copies of a set of eight originals and a setting to print an index mark together with an image. A case where three sets are created will be described.
[0051]
In the multifunction peripheral 101 shown in FIG. 1, setting for printing an index mark together with an image can be performed on the operation panel 202 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 5, an “edit button” is displayed on the touch panel 311. When the “edit button” is touched, an “index mark edit button” is displayed on the touch panel 311. When this “index mark edit button” is touched, an index mark edit screen 801 is displayed on the touch panel 311 as shown in FIG. The index mark editing screen 801 includes an index mark button 811. The multifunction peripheral 101 has an initial setting of not printing an index mark together with an image. When the “ON” of the index mark button 811 is touched, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting so that the index mark is printed together with the image. This setting operation is performed in advance before the start button 313 is pressed.
[0052]
In the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1, when a set of a plurality of originals is set on the ADF 321, when the start button 313 is pressed, the imaging unit 121 causes the imaging unit 121 to convert a set of a plurality of originals from the plurality of originals. Get an image to create a. Here, an image for creating a set of eight printed materials is acquired from a set of eight originals.
[0053]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 prints the index mark together with the image by the printing unit 122 under the setting of creating a plurality of sets of printed matter and the setting of printing the index mark together with the image. A plurality of sets of printed matter are prepared. Here, based on the setting to create three sets of printed matter and the setting to print the index mark together with the image, the index mark is printed together with the image to create three sets of eight sets of printed matter. .
[0054]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 in FIG. 1 discharges the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one on a single discharge tray (discharge unit 303). Here, the printed matter is discharged so that three sets of eight printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one on one sheet discharge tray (discharge unit 303). That is, a second set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the first set of eight sheets of printed matter, and a third set of eight sheets of printed matter is stacked on the second set of eight sheets of printed matter. A set of printed matter is stacked. As shown in FIG. 6, 24 prints are stacked on the paper discharge tray (paper discharge unit 303).
[0055]
Here, the printing position of the index mark will be described.
[0056]
1 discharges the printed material so that a plurality of printed materials are sequentially stacked one by one at one place. The printing unit 122 checks whether the index mark of each printed material is The index mark is printed on each printed matter so that the index mark appears on one side of the paper end on the same side among the four sides of the paper end. FIG. 9 schematically shows the state of lamination when observing the laminated printed matter in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6, but the index mark 701 of each printed matter appears on one side of the paper edge on the right side of the printed matter at the time of lamination. I have.
[0057]
The multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 further discharges the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of printed matter are stacked one by one at one place, and the printing unit 122 outputs an index mark of each printed matter. The index mark is printed on each printed matter such that the printing position of the printed matter changes in a common correspondence relationship in each set according to the stacking order of each printed matter in each set. FIG. 10 schematically shows the state of lamination when observing the laminated printed matter in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6, and the printing position of the index mark 701 of each printed matter is determined by the lamination order of each printed matter within each set (here, According to the first sheet to the eighth sheet), it gradually changes at predetermined intervals (here, equal intervals of about 10% of the sheet width) from one edge of the sheet edge to the other edge. The eyes, the second set and the third set are common.
[0058]
As described above, the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 prints the index mark on each printed material such that the index mark of each printed material appears on one of the four paper edges of each printed material on the same side of the paper at the time of lamination. I do. Further, the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 prints an index mark on each printed matter so that the printing position of the index mark of each printed matter changes according to the stacking order of each printed matter in each set and the correspondence relationship common to each set. I do. As a result, a change in the printing position of the index mark is used as a guide, and the work of sorting a plurality of sets of printed materials into one set is simplified.
[0059]
In the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1, the order of document setting is the order of image acquisition, the order of image acquisition is the order of image printing, the order of image printing is the order of print output, and the order of print output is the order of print output. It will be in the stacking order. That is, if a set of eight sheets is set in page order from the first page to the eighth page, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a set of eight sheets is printed on the first to eighth pages. Up to page order.
[0060]
Here, the index mark editing screen will be described.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 8, the index mark editing screen 801 includes an index mark button 811, a mark target button 812, a mark size button 813, a mark text button 814, a copy separation area 815, and a chapter separation area 816. Be composed.
[0062]
The index mark button 811 is a button for setting to print an index mark together with an image. When the “ON” of the index mark button 811 is touched, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting to print the index mark together with the image, and the “OFF” of the index mark button 811 is touched. The setting is changed so that the index mark is not printed together with the image.
[0063]
The mark target button 812 is a button for setting on which printing paper (printed material) the index mark is to be printed. By touching “ALL” of the mark target button 812, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting to print the index mark on all print papers (prints), and sets the “start” or “end” of the mark target button 812. Is touched, the setting is changed to a setting for printing the index mark on the first or last print sheet (printed matter) of the number of copies and the number of chapters.
[0064]
The mark size button 813 is a button for setting the size of the index mark to be printed. When the “standard” of the mark size button 813 is touched, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting to print the index mark in the standard size, and “large” or “small” of the mark size button 813 is touched. Thus, the setting is changed to a setting for printing the index mark in a large size or a small size. FIG. 11 shows the difference between the mark sizes.
[0065]
The mark text button 814 is a button for setting what text is to be printed together with the index mark. When the “None” of the mark text button 814 is touched, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting so that the text is not printed together with the index mark, and the “number of pages” or “number of chapters” of the mark text button 814 is touched. Then, the setting is changed to a setting for printing the number of pages or the number of chapters of the printing paper (printed matter) together with the index mark. FIG. 11 shows the difference between the mark texts.
[0066]
The number-of-copies separation area 815 is an area for setting the index mark to be printed at the number of copies (one copy and one copy), and includes a number of copies button 821 and a mark color button 822.
[0067]
The copy number separation button 821 is a button for setting that an index mark is printed at the number of copies. The MFP 101 changes the setting so that the index mark is printed at the number of copies when the “ON” of the number of copies button 821 is touched, and the “OFF” of the number of copies button 821 is touched. Then, the setting is changed to a setting not to print the index mark at the number of copies.
[0068]
The mark color button 822 is a button for setting in what color the index mark related to the number of copies is printed. When the “one color” of the mark color button 822 is touched, the multifunction peripheral 101 changes the setting to print the index mark relating to the number of copies in one color, and the “multicolor” of the mark color button 822 is changed. When touched, the setting is changed to a setting for printing the index mark related to the number of copies in multiple colors. The selection of one color or the multiple colors is automatically performed by the multifunction peripheral 101. It should be noted that instead of enabling the setting operation to be performed in what color, it is also possible to allow the setting operation to be performed in what pattern to print.
[0069]
If the “start” of the mark target button 812 is touched and the index mark is set to be printed on the first print sheet (printed matter) of the number of copies and the number of chapters, three sets of eight sheets 1 An index mark related to the number of copies is printed on the first printed material of each set of the printed materials.
[0070]
If “end” of the mark target button 812 is touched and the index mark is set to be printed on the last print sheet (printed matter) of the number of copies and the number of chapters, three sets of eight sheets are printed. An index mark relating to the number of copies is printed on the eighth printed material of each set of the printed materials.
[0071]
The chapter number break area 816 is an area for setting the index mark to be printed at the chapter number break (one chapter and one chapter break), and includes a chapter number break button 831, a mark color button 832, a chapter number break The input area 833 is configured.
[0072]
The chapter number separation button 831 is a button for setting that the index mark is printed at the chapter number division. When the “ON” of the chapter number break button 831 is touched, the MFP 101 changes the setting to print the index mark at the chapter number break, and the “OFF” of the chapter number break button 831 is touched. As a result, the setting is changed to a setting not to print the index mark at the chapter number.
[0073]
The mark color button 832 is a button for setting in what color the index mark relating to the chapter number division is printed. When the “one color” of the mark color button 832 is touched, the multi-function peripheral 101 changes the setting to print the index mark related to the chapter number in one color, and the “multi-color” of the mark color button 832 is changed. Is touched, the setting is changed to a setting for printing the index mark related to the chapter number division in multiple colors. The selection of one color or the multiple colors is automatically performed by the multifunction peripheral 101. It should be noted that instead of enabling the setting operation to be performed in what color, it is also possible to enable the setting operation to be performed in what pattern to print.
[0074]
The chapter number break input area 833 is an area for inputting the number of pages of printing paper (printed material) serving as a chapter number break. Input of the number of pages is performed by "1" to "9" of the number buttons 322, and determination of the number of pages is performed by "$" of the number buttons 322. The index mark editing screen 801 in FIG. 8 shows a state in which the number of pages “2”, “4”, and “7” are input to the chapter number break input area 833.
[0075]
If “start” of the mark target button 812 is touched and the index mark is set to be printed on the first print sheet (printed material) of the number of copies and the number of chapters, three sets of eight sheets are printed. An index mark relating to the number of chapters is printed on the second, fourth, and seventh sheets of each of the sets.
[0076]
If “end” of the mark target button 812 is touched and the index mark is set to be printed on the last print sheet (printed matter) of the number of copies and the number of chapters, three sets of eight sheets are printed. An index mark relating to a chapter number break is printed on the first, third, and sixth printed materials of each set of the printed materials.
[0077]
Finally, in FIG. 12, “Start” of the mark target button 812 is touched, “Standard” of the mark size button 813 is touched, “None” of the mark text button 814 is touched, and “OFF” of the copy number separation button 821 is touched. Is touched, “1 color” of the mark color button 822 is touched, “ON” of the chapter number separation button 831 is touched, “multicolor” of the mark color button 832 is touched, and the chapter number separation input area 833 is touched. , The index mark 701 is printed together with the image under the setting such that the number of pages “2”, “4”, and “7” are input, and represents a set of three sets of eight sheets.
[0078]
By the way, limiting the mark target with the mark target button 812 has effects such as saving toner. Adding the mark text with the mark text button 814 has effects such as being useful for managing a set of a plurality of printed materials. Making the mark color multi-colored by the mark color button 821 or the mark color button 831 has effects such as improvement in discrimination. It should be noted that, irrespective of whether the color is one color or multiple colors, the chromaticity of the mark color has an effect of improving the discrimination. For example, the mark color button 821 or the mark color button 831 may be used as a button for setting what chromatic color the index mark related to the number of copies or the number of chapters should be printed.
[0079]
(Details of Example)
Hereinafter, under the setting that the multifunction peripheral 101 of FIG. 1 functions as a copy, three sets of printed matter are created as copies of a set of eight originals, and that the index mark is printed together with the image. Details when three sets of eight printed materials are created will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0080]
As a premise, first, the user executes a setting operation related to setting to create three sets of printed matter and a setting operation related to setting to print an index mark together with an image on the operation panel 202 (FIG. 4). . Similarly, a setting operation related to the special setting on the index mark editing screen 801 (FIG. 8) is executed. As a second premise, the user performs an operation of superimposing and setting a set of eight originals on the ADF 321 and performs an operation of pressing the start button 313.
[0081]
The setting information here is stored in the MEM-P 231 or the MEM-C 232 (setting information memory: FIG. 14). The control of the operation panel 202 is performed by the process of the OCS 168, and the control of the MEM-P 231 and the MEM-C 232 is performed by the process of the MCS 165.
[0082]
When a set of eight originals is set on the ADF 321 in a superimposed manner, the start button 313 is pressed, and the imaging unit 121 creates a set of eight printed originals from the eight originals. An image (image data) is obtained (S1).
[0083]
The image information here is stored in MEM-P231 or MEM-C232 (image information memory: FIG. 15). The control of the imaging unit 121 and the ADF 321 is performed by the process of the ECS 164, the control of the start button 313 is performed by the process of the OCS 168, and the control of the MEM-P 231 and the MEM-C 232 is performed by the process of the MCS 165.
[0084]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 executes the index processing of the image (the image data) by the CPU 211 or the ASIC 212 based on the setting to create three sets of printed matter and the setting to print the index mark together with the image ( S2). That is, based on the setting information and the image information stored in the setting information memory (FIG. 14) and the image information memory (FIG. 15), image data processing for adding index mark data to the image data is executed. Here, the image (image data) on which the index processing has been performed is referred to as an index processed image (index processed image data).
[0085]
The image information here is stored in MEM-P231 or MEM-C232 (image information memory: FIG. 15). The control of the MEM-P 231 and the MEM-C 232 is performed by the process of the MCS 165.
[0086]
The multifunction peripheral 101 subsequently prints the indexed image by the printing unit 122 under the setting of creating three sets of printed matter and the setting of printing an index mark together with the image, and sets the eight sheets of one set. Are produced (S3). That is, by printing the index-processed image, an index mark is printed together with the image, and three sets of eight printed materials are created. The control of the printing unit 122 is performed by the process of the ECS 164.
[0087]
Subsequently, the multifunction peripheral 101 is operated by the printing paper transport mechanism of the printing unit 122 so that the three sets of eight sheets of printed matter are sequentially stacked one by one on one discharge tray (discharge unit 303). The printed matter is discharged (S4). The control of the printing unit 122 is performed by the process of the ECS 164.
[0088]
Lastly, the setting for making the MFP 101 of FIG. 1 function as a copy can be set and operated on the operation panel 202 (FIG. 4). When the MFP 101 of FIG. 1 functions as a copy, the copy application 141 is involved.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed materials are created, and the plurality of sets of the plurality of printed materials are discharged one at a time so that one set of the plurality of printed materials is sequentially stacked. As for the forming apparatus and the image forming method, it is possible to simplify the work of sorting a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed materials into one set.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows hardware of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 shows an appearance of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows an operation panel.
FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the number of copies setting is displayed as three on the touch panel.
FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which 24 prints are stacked on a discharge tray.
FIG. 7 shows a printed matter created by printing an index mark together with an image.
FIG. 8 shows an index mark editing screen.
FIG. 9 schematically shows a state of lamination when observing a laminated printed matter in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 schematically shows a state of lamination when observing a laminated printed matter in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 shows the difference between mark size and mark text.
FIG. 12 shows a set of eight sets of eight printed matter created by printing an index mark together with an image under special settings.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a setting information memory.
FIG. 15 shows an image information memory.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 fusion machine
111 hardware
112 software
113 Fusion machine starter
121 Imaging unit
122 Printing unit
123 Other hardware
131 Application
132 platform
133 Application Interface
134 Engine Interface
141 Copy application
142 Printer App
143 Scanner app
144 facsimile application
145 Network File App
151 Control Service
152 System Resource Manager
153 handler
161 Network Control Service
162 facsimile control service
163 Delivery control service
164 Engine control service
165 Memory control service
166 Operation Panel Control Service
167 User Directory Control Service
168 System Control Service
171 Facsimile control unit handler
172 Image memory handler
201 Controller
202 Operation Panel
203 USB device
204 IEEE 1394 device
205 Facsimile control unit
211 CPU
212 ASIC
221 NB
222 SB
231 MEM-P
232 MEM-C
233 HDD
241 NIC
301 Original setting section
302 Paper Feeder
303 paper output unit
311 Touch panel
312 Numeric buttons
313 Start button
321 ADF
322 flatbed
323 flatbed cover
701 Index mark
801 Index mark edit screen
811 Index mark button
812 Mark target button
813 Mark size button
814 Mark text button
815 copy space area
816 Chapter Number Separation Area
821 copy number button
822 mark color button
831 chapter number break button
832 mark color button
833 chapter break input area

Claims (6)

Document setting means for setting a plurality of sets of originals, image input means for obtaining an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter from the plurality of sets of originals, and printing the images; An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image output unit that creates a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed materials, and discharges the printed materials such that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed materials are stacked one by one at one place. And
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image output means prints, together with the image, an index mark on two or more printed materials of each set such that a printing position changes according to a stacking order of each printed material in each set. . An image input unit for acquiring an image for creating a set of a plurality of printed materials from a set of a plurality of documents, and an image output unit for printing the image and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed materials are provided. An image forming apparatus configured to discharge a plurality of sets of printed matter at one place so that the printed matter is stacked one by one in order,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image output means prints, together with the image, an index mark on two or more printed materials of each set such that a printing position changes according to a stacking order of each printed material in each set. . Image output means for printing an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters, one set of the plurality of sets of printed matter at one location. An image forming apparatus for discharging the printed matter so as to be sequentially stacked,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the image output means prints, together with the image, an index mark on two or more printed materials of each set such that a printing position changes according to a stacking order of each printed material in each set. . In what prints the index marks should be printed, in what size the index marks should be printed, what text should be printed with the index marks, in what colors the index marks should be printed, in what pattern the index marks should be printed, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the image forming apparatuses can be set and operated. An image input step of obtaining an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter from a plurality of sets of originals; and an image outputting step of printing the image and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters. An image forming method for discharging the printed matter so that a plurality of sets of a plurality of printed matters are sequentially stacked one by one at one place,
The image forming method includes the step of printing, on two or more printed materials in each set, an index mark whose printing position changes in accordance with the stacking order of each printed material in each set, together with the image. . An image output step of printing an image for creating a plurality of sets of printed matter and creating a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters is provided, and a plurality of sets of the plurality of printed matters are provided in one place. An image forming method for discharging the printed matter so as to be sequentially stacked,
The image forming method includes the step of printing, on two or more printed materials in each set, an index mark whose printing position changes in accordance with the stacking order of each printed material in each set, together with the image. .

Images