JP2005086394A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a wrong operation by a user to improve operability when laying out and printing a plurality of pictures on one printing paper. <P>SOLUTION: When laying out and printing a plurality of pictures on one printing paper, a user instructs execution, using a color copy button 11A or a monochromatic copy button 11B. A print mode memory 52 stores a print mode (color mode or monochromatic mode) the user first selects. A print mode setting unit 51 applies the first selected print mode to all images read in the next and following operations. Therefore the button corresponding to the first selected print mode is enabled only, and other buttons are disabled. If any disabled button is operated, an error message is shown on a display 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of printing a plurality of images collectively on a single print recording medium.

A method for printing a plurality of images on one sheet of printing paper by using an image processing system having a scanner function for reading a document image and a printer function for printing the read image has been conventionally known (Patent Document 1).
In recent years, color image processing has become widespread, and printing apparatuses capable of switching between color printing and monochrome printing according to the type of image to be printed have been provided.
JP-A-62-29367

In the case of a printing apparatus that can perform color printing and monochrome printing, for example, the user can select and print one of color printing and monochrome printing according to the type of image to be printed.
The user can also print a plurality of images collectively on a single print sheet by causing the scanner function to read a plurality of images one by one. In this case, for image processing, it is necessary to read all images in the same mode as the gradation mode (full color or monochrome binary) when the first image is read. Therefore, the user needs to select and execute the same gradation mode every time the document is replaced and the image is read.

  In particular, in the case of a printing apparatus having separate switches for each gradation mode, such as a color button that instructs execution in the full color mode and a monochrome button that instructs execution in the monochrome mode. Every time the document is changed, one of the color button and the monochrome button must be selected and operated. Therefore, the user's work at the time of document replacement becomes complicated and the usability is low. In addition, the user may select an incorrect mode.

  The possibility of such complicated operations and erroneous operations increases as the number of images to be printed on a single print sheet increases, that is, as the frequency of document replacement increases. Further, when the image reading operation is temporarily interrupted and then resumed, the possibility of erroneously operating a button different from the button to be operated increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to simplify the user's work when using a plurality of images allocated to one print recording medium for printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can improve the image quality. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of smoothly resuming work even when work for allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium is temporarily interrupted. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus capable of allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium, and selects either one of a color mode and a monochrome mode. A print mode selection unit that performs image reading, an image reading unit that reads an image from a document according to the selected print mode, and an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images by causing the image reading unit to perform a plurality of reading operations. A plurality of images assigned to one print recording medium, image data generating means for generating print image data according to the selected print mode, and printing means for printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium; All of a plurality of images read by the image reading means are selected as the print mode first selected by the print mode selecting means. Includes a print mode setting means applied to, the.

Examples of the print recording medium include printing paper, but the material is not limited. The printing apparatus of the present invention reads an image from a document by an image reading unit, and assigns and prints a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of reading operations to one print recording medium. The print mode setting means is selected first in a series of processes in which a plurality of images are allocated to one print recording medium and printed, that is, for all of the plurality of images printed together on one print recording medium. Apply the selected print mode. Therefore, the user can obtain a printed material in which a plurality of images are read by the image reading unit while replacing the original in the printing mode selected by the user, and the plurality of images are allocated to one print recording medium. Examples of the original from which the image is read include a printed matter and a photograph.
In particular, the present invention is useful when there is no document supply unit for automatically supplying a document to the image reading unit. That is, when the printing apparatus of the present invention does not include a document supply unit for automatically supplying a document on which an image to be read by the image reading unit is printed to the image reading unit, It is necessary for the user to manually change the document and instruct the image reading operation a plurality of times. However, according to the present invention, since the print mode initially selected by the user is applied to all images, the user does not need to set the print mode every time the document is replaced.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the print mode selection unit includes two selection units, a color mode selection unit that executes printing in a color mode, and a monochrome mode selection unit that executes printing in the monochrome mode. A mode selection control unit is provided that enables selection of only the print mode set by the print mode setting unit when the image reading unit reads the second and subsequent images.

  When printing in the color mode is desired, the user instructs execution of printing by the color mode selection means. When the user wishes to print in the monochrome mode, the monochrome mode selection means instructs printing. In accordance with a print execution instruction by either the color mode selection unit or the monochrome mode selection unit, the image of the original is read by the image reading unit, and is allocated to one print recording medium and printed. Here, the print mode setting means validates only the selection of the mode selection means corresponding to the print mode first selected by the user among the mode selection means, and invalidates the selection of other mode selection means. . Therefore, even if the user erroneously operates the disabled mode selection means, the execution instruction due to this erroneous operation can be ignored.

In one aspect of the present invention, when a second or subsequent image is read by the image reading unit, if a print mode different from the print mode first selected by the print mode selecting unit is selected, an error notification is issued. Means.
As an error notification method, for example, a predetermined warning message is displayed on a display screen, or a warning message is read out by a speech synthesizer. Also, for example, an error can be notified to the user by blinking a warning light or sounding a warning buzzer. This error notification can alert the user.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided guide means for guiding a print mode first selected by the print mode selection means when the image reading means reads the second and subsequent images.
As a guidance method, for example, a method of notifying a user of a predetermined message indicating a print mode that is initially selected via a display screen, a voice synthesizer, or the like can be given.

In one aspect of the present invention, the printing unit starts printing from an already read image before a plurality of reading operations by the image reading unit is completed.
That is, instead of starting printing after acquiring all of a plurality of images to be collected on one print recording medium, printing is started sequentially from images read by the image reading means. More specifically, for example, in the case where a serial type or line type printing unit that starts printing character by character or line by line is provided, the printing apparatus obtains print image data that can start printing ( For example, when print image data for one line or one band is generated), printing can be started without waiting for reading of another image. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time until the start of printing and quickly obtain a printed matter. Also, the user can confirm the first selected print mode based on the print result of the print recording medium that has been printed out first. Therefore, the print recording medium can be used as the print mode confirmation unit by the configuration in which printing is started before a plurality of image reading operations are completed.

  A printing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a selection unit for selecting a plurality of image prints for reducing a plurality of acquired images and allocating them to one print recording medium according to a predetermined layout, and a color mode. The color print execution instructing means for executing printing in the color mode and the color print execution instructing means are provided independently of each other, and the monochrome print execution instructing means for executing printing in the monochrome mode and the color print execution instructing means or monochrome Based on an execution instruction of any one of the print execution instruction means, an image reading means for reading an image from a document, a print mode storage means for storing a print mode applied to a reading operation by the image reading means, and multi-image printing Is selected, a plurality of images are captured by causing the image reading means to perform the reading operation a plurality of times. An image acquisition unit for generating the image data, an image data generation unit for assigning a plurality of acquired images to one print recording medium, and generating print image data in accordance with the stored print mode, and printing and recording the generated print image data A printing unit that prints on a medium; and a printing mode setting unit that applies the printing mode stored in the printing mode storage unit when the first reading operation is performed by the image reading unit to the second and subsequent reading operations. It is characterized by that.

  A printing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a printing method in which a plurality of images are allocated and printed on one print recording medium using a printing apparatus including an image reading unit and a printing unit, and each of the images is separately provided. By using any one of the provided color print execution instructing means and monochrome print execution instructing means, the step of selecting any one of the color mode or the monochrome mode, and the selected print mode, A step of reading an image from a document by the image reading unit; a step of storing the print mode selected for the first image reading operation by the image reading unit in the print mode storage unit; and a step of storing the stored print mode by the image reading unit. Applying to the second and subsequent reading operations, obtaining a plurality of images by performing the reading operations a plurality of times; Assigning a plurality of obtained images to one print recording medium, generating print image data according to the stored print mode, and printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium by a printing unit; , Including.

  A computer program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer having an image reading unit and a printing unit to execute a method of allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium. A step of selecting one of the printing modes of the image mode and the monochrome mode, a step of reading an image from the document by the image reading unit according to the selected printing mode, and a selection of the first image reading operation by the image reading unit Storing the printed print mode, applying the stored print mode to the second and subsequent reading operations by the image reading means, performing the reading operation a plurality of times, and acquiring a plurality of images; and Assign multiple images to one print recording medium and follow the stored print mode. And generating a print image data, to perform the steps to be printed by the print recording medium by the printing means the generated print image data, to the computer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, as described below, when a plurality of images are read and assigned to one print recording medium and printed, the print mode applied to the first image is set to all the remaining images. Also comes to apply.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. As will be described later, the printer 1 includes an operation panel 10, a scan mechanism 30, a print mechanism 40, and a main control unit 50. In other words, the printer 1 includes at least a scanner function that reads an image from a document and converts it into digital data, and a printer function (copy function) that prints the read digital data on printing paper. Further, although not shown, the printer 1 has a function of receiving and printing image data from a computer device such as a digital camera or a personal computer. In addition, the printer 1 can read and print image data from a removable memory device (not shown), or write the image data read by the scanner function into the memory device. Since these functions are not the gist of the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.
It should also be noted that the printer 1 does not include an auto document feeder (ADF). The present invention improves the operability of the user when the user does not have an ADF, and the user reads a plurality of images while manually exchanging the originals and prints them together on one print recording medium.

  The operation panel 10 is provided on the surface of the printer 1 in consideration of visibility and operability, and is a man-machine interface including an information input unit 10A and an information output unit 10B. The information input unit 10A includes a plurality of information input means such as a color copy button 11A, a monochrome copy button 11B, and a print menu 12, for example. The information output unit 10B includes a display 21 and a lamp 22, for example. Details of the operation panel 10 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scan mechanism 30 is provided on the upper part of the printer 1, for example. The scanning mechanism 30 includes a light source 31, a light receiving unit 32, and a scanning unit 33 for moving the light receiving unit 32 in a predetermined direction. The scanning mechanism 30, a document table 35 and document table cover 34 to be described later, and a scanner control unit 53 constitute a scanner device. The light receiving unit 32 can be composed of, for example, a plurality of line CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) each having RGB color filters. However, the type of color filter is not limited to RGB. The light from the light source 31 is reflected on the surface of the document and becomes reflected light including the object color. The reflected light reaches the light receiving unit 32 through a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like, and is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving unit 32. The optical system structure of the scanner device is not limited to the above, and various types can be adopted. For example, a CCD shorter than the image reading surface of the document table 35 and a reduction optical system including a plurality of reflecting mirrors and lenses may be used, or a CCD having substantially the same length as the image reading surface may be used. Alternatively, it may be configured using a spectroscopic element such as a diffraction grating.

  The print mechanism 40 is provided at the lower part of the printer 1, for example. The print mechanism 40 includes a print head 41, a scanning unit 42 for moving the print head 41 in a predetermined direction, and a paper transport unit 43 that transports the print paper. The print mechanism 40, a paper feed tray 44 and a paper discharge tray 45, which will be described later, and a printer control unit 57 constitute a printer device. The print head 41 includes, for example, a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets of each color such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and drive elements that eject ink droplets from the nozzles. The scanning unit (carriage) 42 includes a carriage motor and the like, and reciprocates the print head 41 in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the printing paper conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). The paper transport unit 43 includes a paper edge detection sensor, a paper feed motor, and the like, and transports printing paper by a predetermined amount. The print mechanism 40 can be configured as, for example, a serial type print engine that can print character by character or a line type print engine that can print line by line.

  The main control unit 50 is configured as a microcomputer system including, for example, an arithmetic processing device (CPU or the like), a memory device (ROM, RAM or the like), an input / output circuit, and the like. In addition, the main control unit 50 may include a dedicated hardware circuit (ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) for executing a specific process, and the main control unit 50 includes a print mode setting unit as described later. 51, a print mode storage unit 52, a scanner control unit 53, a scan data storage unit 54, an image processing unit 55, a print image data storage unit 56, a printer control unit 57, a key input control unit 58, An error notification unit 59 and an operation guide unit 60 are provided, and each of these functions is realized by a hardware circuit or software, or by cooperation of the hardware circuit and software.

  The print mode setting unit 51 applies the print mode (copy mode) first designated by either the color copy button 11A or the monochrome copy button 11B of the operation panel 10 to image reading and image printing. . The first designated print mode is stored in the print mode storage unit 52. The print mode storage unit 52 is formed from a memory device such as a RAM, for example.

  When the execution of printing is instructed by either the color copy button 11A or the monochrome copy button 11B under N-up printing, which will be described later, the scanner control unit 53 drives the scanning mechanism 30 to place the document placed on the document table 35. The image is read. The scanner control unit 53 stores the read image data (scan data) in the scan data storage unit 54. The scan data storage unit 54 is composed of a memory device such as a RAM, for example.

  The image processing unit 55 reads the scan data stored in the scan data storage unit 54 and performs predetermined image processing, thereby generating image data for printing. The print image data generated by the image processing unit 55 is stored in the print image data storage unit 56. The print image data storage unit 56 can be constituted by a memory device such as a RAM, for example. The image processing unit 55 drives the print head 41 by performing, for example, color conversion processing from the RGB color system to the CMYK color system, enlargement processing, reduction processing, rotation processing, various correction processing, and halftone processing. Print image data to be generated is generated. The printer control unit 57 acquires print image data from the print image data storage unit 56, transfers it to the print head 41, and executes predetermined printing. The printer control unit 57 also controls the operations of the scanning unit 42 and the paper transport unit 43.

  The key input control unit 58 validates only the operation of the button corresponding to the print mode first designated by the user at the time of N-up printing, that is, the print mode set by the print mode setting unit 51. The operation is invalidated. For example, when the first designated print mode is the color mode, only the operation of the color copy button 11A is valid and the operation of the monochrome copy button 11B is invalid in the second and subsequent operations. Similarly, when the first button operated by the user during N-up printing is the monochrome copy button 11B, only the operation of the monochrome copy button 11B is valid in the second and subsequent operations, and the operation of the color copy button 11A is performed. It is invalidated. In this embodiment, the validity / invalidity of the key input operation is controlled electrically or by software. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which button operations are mechanically limited may be employed.

  The error notification unit 59 is a print mode other than the print mode set by the print mode setting unit 51, that is, the print mode selected first by the user during N-up printing (this can also be called the initial selection print mode). When a button corresponding to is operated, a predetermined warning is issued. For example, when the color copy button 11A is first operated and the color mode is set, when the user operates the monochrome copy button 11B, the error notification unit 59 displays an error message on the display 21. Similarly, when the user operates the color copy button 11A when the monochrome mode is set, the error notification unit 59 displays an error message on the display 21. For example, the user can be notified of an error by reading out a warning text with a speech synthesizer or turning on the lamp 22.

  The operation guide unit 60 notifies the user of the print mode set by the print mode setting unit 51 in the second and subsequent operations during N-up printing. For example, when the operation guide unit 60 receives a scan end signal from the scanner control unit 53, the operation guide unit 60 displays the initially set print mode on the display 21 and alerts the user before the next operation is performed. . For example, when the first execution instruction by the user is the color mode, when the image reading of the original according to the first execution instruction is finished, the operation guide unit 60 gives the display 21 an advice for the next execution instruction. A message is displayed to prompt the user to operate the color copy button 11A.

  Next, the external configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the document table cover 34 is closed. A scanning mechanism 30 is provided above the printer 1, and a printing mechanism 40 is provided below the printer 1. An operation panel 10 is provided on the upper front side of the printer 1. Further, a paper feed tray 44 is provided on the back side of the printer 1, and a paper discharge tray 45 is provided on the lower front side of the printer 1. As described above, the printer 1 is configured as a multifunction machine in which the scan mechanism 30 and the print mechanism 40 are built in the same housing.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the document table cover 34 is opened. When the document table cover 34 is opened, a document table 35 appears above the printer 1. For example, the document table 35 is formed in a flat plate shape from a transparent glass material, and a light source 31 and a light receiving unit 32 are disposed below the document table 35. The user aligns the document on the document table 35, places the document 2 downward, closes the document table cover 34, and instructs to start scanning. When the reading of the image is completed, the user opens the document table cover 34, removes the document 2 from the document table 35, and places a new document 2 on the document table 35. In this embodiment, since the scan range is determined in advance, a new image is read by replacing the document 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of images can be read from the same document 2 when the scan range can be variably set.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 10. In the central portion of the operation panel 10, a display 21 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device is provided. This display 21 has a display capability of, for example, 7 rows and 16 columns (full-width). On one side (right side in the figure) of the display 21, various buttons 11A to 11C related to execution instructions (start relation) and various buttons 13A to 13E related to menu operations are arranged. On the other side of the display 21 (left side in the figure), various buttons 14A to 14E for selecting various processing modes that can be executed stand-alone, a paper feed / discharge button 15, a power button 16, and the like. The error notification lamps 22 are respectively arranged.

  The function of each button will be described. The color copy button 11A is used to instruct the execution of color copy. The monochrome copy button 11B is used to instruct execution of monochrome copy. The color copy button 11A and the monochrome copy button 11B realize both an execution instruction function for instructing the start of a copy operation and a selection function for selecting the type of image to be copied (color image or monochrome image). . The stop button 11C is for ending the process. The menu button 13A is used to select a menu to be displayed on the display 21. The enter button 13B is for confirming the selected instruction content. The cancel button 13C cancels the selected instruction content. The cross key button 13 </ b> D is used to switch the display contents of each item of the menu displayed on the display 21.

  The printer 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of processing modes such as local copy, memory card printing, film printing, and scanning. The copy button 14A is used to select a local copy. The memory card print button 14B is used to select a mode in which image data is read out from a memory card mounted on the printer 1 and printed. The film print button 14C selects a mode in which an image is read from a film such as a 35 mm film or a slide film and printed. The scan mode button 14D is a button for selecting a mode in which an image read from an original is recorded on a memory card attached to the printer 1 or transmitted to a host computer. The various setting buttons 14E perform, for example, contrast adjustment of the display 21, cleaning of the print head 41 and nozzle check, detailed display of the remaining ink amount, replacement of the ink cartridge, and the like.

  The paper feed / discharge button 15 instructs a paper feed operation and a paper discharge operation. The power button 16 controls power supply to the printer 1. The lamp 22 is used to alert the user by turning on the lamp when an error occurs.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an outline of N-up printing will be described with reference to FIGS. The N-up printing referred to in this embodiment is to print N images (N is a natural number of 2 or more) on one printing paper. In this embodiment, two (2-up printing) or four (4-up printing) images are assigned to one image for printing. Note that, depending on the relationship between the size of the read image and the size of the print paper on which a plurality of images are printed together, the read images are reduced, arranged in a predetermined layout, and printed on the print paper.

  As shown in FIG. 5, at the time of 2-up printing, first, the first document 2A is placed on the document table 35 and an image is read. Next, after the reading of the first image is completed, the first document 2A is removed from the document table 35, the second document 2B is placed on the document table 35, and an instruction to read the second image is given.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which two read images are allocated to one printing sheet and printed. Each image is allocated on the printing paper so as to be in the same direction as the orientation placed on the document table 35, for example. That is, a layout that can perform the reduction process while maintaining the aspect ratio is selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two images can be assigned in various layouts. When the first image “A” is read, the image processing unit 55 immediately starts generating print image data based on the first scan data. For example, when print image data for one main scan is generated, the print mechanism 40 starts printing. Thereby, before the reading of all the images constituting the 2-up printing is completed, printing is performed from the read images. As shown by the hatched portion in FIG. 6, the second image “B” is placed in a print data generation waiting state (waiting to read an image), and is printed only by completing the printing of the first image. Not. The 2-up printing is suspended until the second image is read and print image data is generated. When the second image is read and print image data is generated, printing is resumed. Note that when the first image and the second image are each read quickly, 2-up printing is performed promptly without interruption.

  4-up printing, in which four images are allocated to one printing sheet and printed, is performed in the same manner as 2-up printing. As shown in FIG. 7, a case where four images are arranged two by two in the vertical and horizontal directions will be described as an example. In this case, the first image is “A”, the second image is “B”, the third image is “C”, and the fourth image is “D”. When the first and second images are read and print image data for one main scan or a plurality of main scans is generated, printing of the first and second images is started. Since the third and fourth images have not yet been read, they are placed in a print waiting state.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the N-up printing process. When the user instructs N-up printing according to the print menu 12 displayed on the display 21, the processing shown in FIG. 8 is started. In the following description, the case of 2-up printing will be mainly described.

  First, the main control unit 50 acquires various setting values for N-up printing instructed by the user (S1). Various setting values include copy layout selection values (selection of the number of images to be assigned to one printing paper), number of copies, printing magnification, printing paper type (plain paper, glossy paper, etc.), paper size, and copy quality. Etc. Some of the set values can be configured such that a preset initial value is forcibly selected and the value cannot be changed.

  The user completes the setting of various setting values and places the first document on the document table 35, and then operates one of the color copy button 11A and the monochrome copy button 11B to perform N-up printing. Is started (S2). When either the color copy button 11A or the monochrome copy button 11B is operated (S2: YES), it is determined whether or not it is the first image reading in N-up printing (S3). If it is not the first image reading (S3: NO), a mode selection process described later is performed.

  If it is the first image reading (S3: YES), it is determined which of the color copy button 11A or the monochrome copy button 11B has been operated (S5). When the execution of the first image reading is instructed by the color copy button 11A (S5: YES), the first selected color mode is stored in the print mode storage unit 52 (S6). Then, the scanner controller 53 reads an image in the color mode from the document placed on the document table 35 (S7). On the other hand, when the user instructs the start of N printing with the monochrome copy button 11B (S5: NO), the monochrome mode is stored in the print mode storage unit 52 as the first selected print mode (S8), and scanner control is performed. The unit 53 reads an image in the monochrome mode (S9). As will be described later, in this embodiment, the first selected printing mode (color mode or monochrome mode) is applied to all images related to N-up printing.

  The image read by the scanning mechanism 30 according to either the color mode or the monochrome mode is stored in the scan data storage unit 54 (S9). The image processing unit 55 reads the image read from the scan data storage unit 54, arranges the image based on a predetermined copy layout, and generates print image data (S11). The generated print image data is stored in the print image data storage unit 56.

  When the print image data is generated for one or more main scans, the printer controller 57 drives the print mechanism 40 to start printing (S12). In the case of 2-up printing, printing is started when the first image is read and print image data is generated to the extent that printing can be started. In the case of 4-up printing, printing is started when the first and second images are read and print image data is generated to the extent that printing can be started.

  The main control unit 50 starts printing (S12) and counts the number of read images (S13). Then, the main control unit 50 determines whether or not the counted number of read images has reached the number of images set in S1 (S14). If all the images related to N-up printing have not been read (S14: NO), the process returns to S3, and the second and subsequent image reading processes are executed. That is, the user removes the first document from the document table 35, sets the second document, closes the cover 34, operates the start button (color copy button or monochrome copy button), and performs the second and subsequent processes. Let it run.

  In the present embodiment, S3 and S4 are provided in order to apply the first selected print mode to all images related to N-up printing. In the case of the second and subsequent start operations (S3: NO), the mode selected process shown in detail in FIG. 9 is started. In the mode selection completed process, first, the print mode stored in the print mode storage unit 52 is read and acquired (S21).

  Next, only the copy button corresponding to the selected print mode is validated by the key input control unit 58 (S22). Further, the operation guidance unit 60 displays a guidance message M1 on the display 21, thereby guiding the user which copy button is valid (S23). As the guidance message M1, for example, a message such as “Set the second document on the platen and press the color mode button” can be used (the first selected print mode is the color mode). in the case of).

  The main control unit 50 monitors whether or not the user has operated a valid copy button (S24), and when the valid copy button has been operated (S24: YES), the mode selection processing is completed. The process moves to S5 in FIG. On the other hand, when the user operates an invalid copy button even though the guidance message M1 is displayed on the display 21 (S24: NO), the error notification unit 59 displays the error message M2 on the display 21 ( S25), urging the user to pay attention. As this error message M2, for example, a message such as “Color copy is selected. The monochrome copy button is invalid. Please press the color copy button.” Can be used. As described above, the error message M2 can be composed of a part for notifying the selected print mode, a part for notifying the operated invalid copy button, and a part for guiding the valid copy button to be operated. it can. When the user operates a valid copy button in accordance with this error message M2 (S24: YES), the mode selection process ends.

  According to the present embodiment configured as described above, when N-up printing is performed, the first selected print mode is applied to all images after the second time, so that the user's work is simplified and it is easy to use. Can be improved. In particular, even when there are a large number of images to be assigned to one sheet of printing paper or when work is temporarily suspended and resumed, the first selected print mode is automatically applied to other images. Workability is improved.

  In addition, since only the copy button corresponding to the print mode selected first is enabled and the other copy buttons are disabled, it is possible to prevent a user's erroneous operation.

  Further, when the user operates an invalid copy button, an error message M2 is displayed, so that the user's attention can be drawn.

  Further, when the image is read for the second time and thereafter, the user is guided to the print mode that is initially set by the guidance message M1, so that convenience is improved.

  In addition, before reading all the images related to N-up printing, printing is started from a printable part, so that the user grasps the first selected printing mode based on the previously printed result. N-up printing can be performed promptly.

In addition, embodiment of this invention mentioned above is an illustration for description of this invention, and is not the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to those embodiment. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, the color copy button and monochrome copy button are configured as illuminated buttons with built-in LED lamps, etc., and only the valid copy button corresponding to the first selected print mode is lit and blinked to alert the user. May be aroused.
Further, for example, a sensor for detecting opening / closing of the document table cover 34 is provided, and in the case of the second and subsequent operations, when the document table cover 34 is closed, reading of an image according to an already set print mode and You may make it instruct | indicate printing.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where two or four images are allocated and printed on one printing paper has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or five or more images are printed on one printing paper. It is also possible to print by assigning to.
S1 in FIG. 8 shows a case where the paper size is also acquired as one of various setting values. However, all or some of the various setting values such as the paper size and paper type at the N-up printing are fixed. It can also be a value.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view of the printer with the document table cover closed. FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer with a document table cover open. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an operation panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a mode that an image is read, replacing several originals at the time of N up printing. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the read image is allocated and printed on one printing paper. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that four images are allocated and printed on one printing paper. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of N-up printing processing. It is a flowchart which shows a mode selection completed process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 2 ... Original, 10 ... Operation panel, 10A ... Information input part, 10B ... Information output part, 11A ... Color copy button, 11B ... Monochrome copy button, 11C ... Stop button, 12 ... Print menu, 13A ... Menu Button, 13B ... Enter button, 13C ... Cancel button, 13D ... Cross key button, 14A ... Copy button, 14B ... Memory card print button, 14C ... Film print button, 14D ... Scan mode button, 14E ... Various setting buttons, 15 ... Paper discharge button, 16 ... Power button, 21 ... Display, 22 ... Lamp, 30 ... Scanning mechanism, 31 ... Light source, 32 ... Light receiving part, 33 ... Scanning part, 34 ... Document table cover, 35 ... Document table, 40 ... Print Mechanism 41 ... print head 42 ... scanning unit 43 ... paper transport unit 44 ... paper feeding Lay, 45 ... discharge tray, 50 ... main control unit, 51 ... print mode setting unit, 52 ... print mode storage unit, 53 ... scanner control unit, 54 ... scan data storage unit, 55 ... image processing unit, 56 ... printing Image data storage unit 57 ... Printer control unit 58 ... Key input control unit 59 ... Error notification unit 60 ... Operation guide unit

Claims (10)

A printing apparatus capable of allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium,
Print mode selection means for selecting one of the color mode and the monochrome mode;
Image reading means for reading an image from a document according to the selected print mode;
Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images by causing the image reading means to perform a reading operation a plurality of times;
Image data generating means for allocating the plurality of acquired images to one print recording medium and generating print image data according to the selected print mode;
Printing means for printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium;
A print mode setting unit that applies the print mode first selected by the print mode selection unit to all of the plurality of images read by the image reading unit;
A printing apparatus comprising: The print mode selection means comprises two selection means, a color mode selection means for executing printing in the color mode and a monochrome mode selection means for executing printing in the monochrome mode,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode selection control unit that enables selection of only a print mode set by the print mode setting unit when the image reading unit reads a second or subsequent image.   An error notifying means for notifying an error when a print mode different from the print mode first selected by the print mode selecting means is selected when the image reading means reads the second and subsequent images. Item 4. The printing apparatus according to Item 1.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide unit that guides a print mode that is first selected by the print mode selection unit when the image reading unit reads a second or subsequent image.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit starts printing from an already read image before a plurality of reading operations by the image reading unit are completed.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a document supply unit that automatically supplies a document to the image reading unit. A selection means for selecting a plurality of image prints for reducing a plurality of acquired images and allocating and printing on one print recording medium according to a predetermined layout;
Color printing execution instruction means for executing printing in the color mode;
A monochrome print execution instructing unit provided independently of the color print execution instructing unit, for executing printing in a monochrome mode;
An image reading unit that reads an image from a document based on an execution instruction of any one of the color printing execution instruction unit and the monochrome printing execution instruction unit;
Print mode storage means for storing a print mode applied to a reading operation by the image reading means;
When the multiple image printing is selected, an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images by performing a reading operation by the image reading unit a plurality of times; and
Image data generating means for allocating the plurality of acquired images to one print recording medium and generating print image data according to the stored print mode;
Printing means for printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium;
Print mode comprising: a print mode setting unit that applies the print mode stored in the print mode storage unit to the second and subsequent reading operations when the image reading unit executes the first reading operation. apparatus. A printing method for allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium using a printing apparatus including an image reading unit and a printing unit,
Selecting any one of the color mode and the monochrome mode by using any one of the color printing execution instruction means and the monochrome printing execution instruction means provided separately from each other;
Causing the image reading means to read an image from a document according to the selected print mode;
Storing the printing mode selected for the first image reading operation by the image reading unit in the printing mode storage unit;
Applying the stored print mode to the second and subsequent reading operations by the image reading unit, and performing the reading operation a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of images;
Allocating the plurality of acquired images to one print recording medium, and generating print image data according to the stored print mode;
Printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium by the printing means;
The printing method characterized by including.   The printing method according to claim 8, wherein the step of generating the print image data is to generate print image data from an image read by the image reading unit before all the plurality of images are acquired. A computer program for causing a computer having an image reading unit and a printing unit to execute a method of allocating and printing a plurality of images on one print recording medium,
Selecting one of the print modes from among color mode and monochrome mode;
Causing the image reading means to read an image from a document according to the selected print mode;
Storing the selected print mode for the first image reading operation by the image reading means;
Applying the stored print mode to the second and subsequent reading operations by the image reading unit, and performing the reading operation a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of images;
Allocating the plurality of acquired images to one print recording medium, and generating print image data according to the stored print mode;
Printing the generated print image data on the print recording medium by the printing means;
A computer program that causes a computer to execute.

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