JP2005161525A - Image forming apparatus, saddle-stitched booklet creating unit, image forming method, manufacturing method for saddle-stitched booklet, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically create an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet which enables a plurality of images to be seen in a certain order while a page is turned, and which constitutes the saddle-stitched booklet as a booklet hardly damaged because paper is properly opened. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus is equipped with: a media reader 40 for reading the image from a medium wherein the image is recorded; a UI part 50 for inputting, for example, the selection of the image to be included in the saddle-stitched booklet; a processing part 10 which generates page definition information for defining the layout of each page and the image to be included in each page, in accordance with the selection of the image and the like, so as to store the page definition information in a storage unit 60, which reads out the page definition information from the storage unit 60 so as to read out the image, specified by the page definition information, via the media reader 40, and which subsequently generates the image for creating the saddle-stitched booklet wherein the read image is appropriately arranged; and a printer the saddle-stitched booklet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image (hereinafter referred to as `` saddle stitched booklet '') used to create a booklet (hereinafter referred to as `` saddle stitched booklet '') that is bound by folding a fold portion of a recording medium such as paper that is folded in half with a stapler or the like. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus or the like that generates a “booklet creation image”.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras, images such as photographs have been recorded as digital data. Since digital data can be easily displayed using an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), images are not printed and stored on paper, but are stored on a hard disk or CD-RW (Compact Disk ReWritable). It is often stored by recording on a computer-readable recording medium such as the above. However, it is inconvenient to know what image is recorded on the recording medium without starting up the information processing equipment, so it is necessary to know what image is recorded A so-called index print in which sufficient information (a reduced image or the like) is printed may be used.

By the way, the index print generally used today is one in which reduced images and the like are printed on a single sheet in a certain order (file name order, shooting date order, etc.). For example, if the number of reduced images per stage is 5 in the index print for 24 images, reduced images of the first to fifth images in the order of shooting are printed on the first stage and photographed on the second stage. The reduced images of the sixth to tenth images are printed in order, the reduced images of the eleventh to fifteenth images are printed in the third row, and the sixteenth to 20th images are printed in the fourth row. The reduced image of the first image is printed, and the reduced images of the 21st to 24th images in the shooting order are printed on the fifth row.
Further, not only index printing but also an apparatus that prints an image for use as an album, conventionally, there is only one that prints a plurality of images in a certain order on one sheet (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-208275 (pages 6 and 7, FIGS. 5, 10, and 11)

However, when a plurality of images are printed on a sheet of paper in a certain order as described above, the number of images to be printed does not fit on one sheet of paper, and images need to be printed on a plurality of sheets of paper. Problems come out.
In other words, when there is no mount to paste a plurality of papers on which images are printed, it is necessary to bind them with a stapler or the like in order to prevent paper scattering. In order to be able to see images in a certain order while turning pages using what is printed in the above, so-called flat binding is performed in which one end of the paper is bound in a state where the paper is overlapped.
However, flat stitching has a problem in that the paper opening becomes worse.
There is also a demand for storing an index print in which an image recorded on a CD-RW is stored in the case of the CD-RW. In general, a CD-RW case is provided with a nail that sandwiches CD-size paper. However, when a flat stitch is used, there is a problem in that it is difficult to perform an operation of nipping the nail into the nail. If you try to do this forcibly, the paper may hurt.

  The present invention has been made to solve the technical problems as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to allow a user to view a plurality of images in a certain order while turning a page. Therefore, an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet that constitutes a saddle-stitched booklet, which is a booklet with less pain, can be automatically created.

  For this purpose, the present invention makes it possible to form a saddle-stitched booklet creating image that forms a saddle-stitched booklet by being saddle-stitched. That is, the image forming apparatus of the present invention specifies the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page (N is the number of pages of the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer between 1 and N / 2) and the contents of the i-th page. Page definition information acquisition means for acquiring the first page definition information for performing, and the contents and i-th page of the (N + 1-i) th page specified by the first page definition information acquired by the page definition information acquisition means Image generating means for generating a first saddle-stitched booklet creating image formed by combining the contents of.

  Moreover, this invention can also be grasped | ascertained as a saddle stitch booklet production apparatus which produces a saddle stitch booklet. In this case, the saddle-stitched booklet creation apparatus of the present invention creates a saddle-stitched booklet of N pages (N is a multiple of 4), and the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the i-th page of the saddle-stitched booklet. Image generating means for generating N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creating images by performing processing for generating a saddle-stitched booklet creating image formed by combining all i of 1 to N / 2, An image for creating N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media by sequentially outputting the N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creating images generated by the image generating means to both sides of the sequentially read recording medium. The output unit, the N / 4 saddle stitching recording medium generated by the image output unit, and the saddle stitching unit that binds and saddle stitches, and the saddle stitching recording medium that is saddle stitched by the saddle stitching unit are folded in half. And a two-fold folding means.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as a method for forming an image for creating a saddle stitch booklet that forms a saddle stitch booklet by performing saddle stitching. In that case, the image forming method of the present invention stores the page definition information for defining the image group to be included in each page of the saddle stitch booklet in the first storage device, and is stored in the first storage device. The first image for specifying the first image group to be included in the N + 1-ith page in the saddle-stitched booklet (N is the number of pages in the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer between 1 and N / 2) from the page definition information. Reading out the image identification information and the second image identification information for specifying the second image group included in the i-th page, and the first image group specified by the read first image identification information And reading the second image group specified by the second image identification information from the second storage device, and reading the first image group and the second image group on page N + 1-i, respectively. Eye area and i And a step of generating an image for creating stitched booklets in comprising the region corresponding to the over-di th.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a method of manufacturing a saddle stitch booklet. In this case, the method of manufacturing the saddle-stitched booklet of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a saddle-stitched booklet for manufacturing an N-page (N is a multiple of 4) booklet of the N + 1-ith page in the saddle-stitched booklet. The process of generating the saddle-stitched booklet creation image formed by combining the contents and the contents of the i-th page is performed for all i of 1 to N / 2, so that N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creation images are obtained. A step of generating, and a step of generating N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media by sequentially outputting the generated N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creation images to both sides of the sequentially read recording medium. And bundling the generated N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media and folding the saddle-stitched recording media into two.

  On the other hand, the present invention can also be understood as a computer program for causing a computer to realize a function for creating a saddle-stitched booklet creation image. In this case, the program of the present invention causes the computer to store the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page in the saddle-stitched booklet (N is the number of pages in the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer of 1 to N / 2) and the contents of the i-th page. The first page definition information for specifying the first page definition information is combined with the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the i-th page specified by the acquired first page definition information. And a function of generating an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet.

  According to the present invention, a saddle-stitched booklet that constitutes a saddle-stitched booklet that allows a user to look at a plurality of images in a predetermined order while turning pages and that has good paper opening and less pain. It is possible to automatically create a creation image.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus includes a processing unit 10, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 30, a media reader 40, a UI unit 50, and a storage device 60.

  The processing unit 10 corresponds to an image editing unit (ESS: Electric Sub System), and is a part that processes image data input from the scanner unit 20, the media reader 40, or the network and stored. In addition to functions in a normal image forming apparatus such as image reduction / enlargement, it also has functions specific to this embodiment. For example, a function for generating page definition information according to a user instruction or modifying the instruction and storing the page definition information in the storage device 60 or the like, a function for reading the page definition information from the storage device 60 or the like, and an image specified by the page definition information These include a function of reading through the media reader 40 and the like, a function of generating a saddle-stitched booklet creation image in which the read image is appropriately arranged, and the like. These functions can be realized only by hardware, but can also be realized by a combination of hardware and software. In the latter case, each function is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) of the processing unit 10 reading a program stored in the storage device 60 into a main memory (not shown) and executing the program, for example.

The scanner unit 20 corresponds to an image input unit (IIT: Image Input Terminal), reads a document placed on a platen, and transmits information on the density and position of a two-dimensional image on the image to the processing unit 10. .
The printer unit 30 corresponds to an image output unit (IOT: Image Output Terminal), and reproduces an image on a recording medium such as paper according to image data transmitted from the processing unit 10. In the present embodiment, in addition to the normal printer function (double-sided printing function), a saddle stitching function for bundling sheets after duplex printing and saddle stitching, and a bi-folding function for folding saddle-stitched sheets in half You may make it provide. As the saddle stitching function and the bi-folding function, for example, those described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-078843 can be used.

The media reader 40 reads instructed image data from a medium (computer-readable recording medium) such as a flash memory, for example.
The UI unit 50 is an operation unit for a user to input and output information, and is, for example, a touch panel display.
The storage device 60 is, for example, a hard disk device (HDD), and functions as a storage location for programs for realizing each function in the processing unit 10 and data necessary for realizing each function.

Note that this hardware configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to a system having all of these configurations. For example, FIG. 1 assumes a multi-function device that has a copy function in addition to a printer function, and thus includes a scanner unit 20, but may be a system that does not include this.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus may be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

Here, the saddle stitch booklet created according to this embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, for example, a saddle stitch booklet as shown in FIG. 2A or 2B is created. 2 (A) and 2 (B) are examples of a 12-page saddle-stitched booklet, in which three sheets are saddle-stitched, but in general, an N-page saddle-stitched booklet is created. If this is the case, N / 4 sheets will be saddle stitched. From this, it can be seen that the number of pages of the saddle stitch booklet needs to be a multiple of four.

FIG. 2A is an example of a saddle-stitched booklet with left and right spreads. The contents of page N + 1-i of the saddle-stitched booklet are printed on the left side of one side of each sheet to be saddle-stitched, the contents of page i are printed on the right side, and the other side is centered on the left side. The contents of the (i + 1) th page of the bound booklet are printed, and the contents of the (N-i) th page of the saddle-stitched booklet are printed on the right side. However, i = 1, 3, 5,..., N / 2-1, and “left side” and “right side” mean “left side” and “right side” when the target surface is viewed from the front. .
FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a saddle-stitched booklet that is vertically spread. The contents of the i-th page of the saddle-stitched booklet are printed on the upper side on one side of each sheet to be saddle-stitched, the contents of the (N + 1-i) -th page are printed on the lower side, and the upper side is printed on the other side. The contents of page i + 1 of the saddle stitch booklet are printed, and the contents of page N-i of the saddle stitch booklet are printed on the lower side. However, i = 1, 3, 5,..., N / 2-1.

Next, the operation of the processing unit 10 in the present embodiment will be described. In the description of this operation, it is assumed that a saddle-stitched booklet creation image used for creating a left-and-right facing saddle-stitched booklet as shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing unit 10.
First, when a user inserts a medium on which an image is recorded into the media reader 40, the processing unit 10 detects the insertion of the medium (step 101).

Next, the processing unit 10 acquires the image ID of the image recorded on the medium and displays it on the UI unit 50. On the other hand, when the user selects an image to be index printed from the displayed images, the processing unit 10 receives the image ID of the selected image and temporarily stores it in the memory (step 102).
As a selection method here, in addition to a method for selecting images one by one, a method for selecting all images recorded on a medium, a method for selecting all images included in a specific folder, etc. Various methods can be employed. It is also possible to select all images recorded on the media or all images included in a specific folder, and then select specific images individually from the user's judgment. The computer can automatically select items that do not meet certain criteria and remove them from selection.

  Next, the processing unit 10 displays a message for selecting an image to be used for the front cover / back cover on the UI unit 50. In contrast, when the user selects an image to be used for the front cover / back cover, the processing unit 10 receives the image ID of the selected image and temporarily stores it in the memory (step 103). When an image to be used for the front cover (back cover) is selected, an enlarged version of the selected image is printed on the entire front cover (back cover). On the other hand, it is also possible to select “None” for the front cover (back cover). In this case, the enlarged image is not printed on the surface corresponding to the front cover (back cover). The image selected in is printed.

  In addition, the processing unit 10 displays a message for inputting information on the layout in the page on the UI unit 50. On the other hand, when the user inputs layout information, the processing unit 10 temporarily stores the input layout information in the memory (step 104). The layout includes “horizontal 1 × vertical 1”, “horizontal 1 × vertical 2”, “horizontal 2 × vertical 2”, “horizontal 2 × vertical 3”, “horizontal 3 × vertical 3”, “horizontal 3 × vertical 2”. ”,“ Width 4 × length 4 ”,“ width 4 × length 3 ”,“ width 5 × length 5 ”,“ width 5 × length 4 ”, and the like, the user selects a desired one. In the following, “horizontal X × vertical Y” is simply expressed as “X × Y”.

  With the above processing, when the image ID of the image desired to be index printed, the image ID of the image desired to be front / back cover, and the layout information within the page are stored in the memory, the processing unit 10 selects which image on each page. Page definition information indicating what kind of layout is to be printed is generated and stored in, for example, the storage device 60 (step 105).

  Here, the page definition information will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, 99 images are selected in step 102, an image with the image ID “0070” is selected as a cover in step 103, “none” is selected as the back cover, and “3 ×” is selected as the layout in the page. This is an example when “3” is selected. Since one page is secured as a cover and 11 pages are secured for printing 99 images with 9 images per page, the total number of pages is 12. For each of the 12 pages, “3 × 3” designated as the layout and the image ID of the image to be printed are stored in association with each other. Note that the image IDs are assigned to each page in order from the smallest, but there are some omissions. This indicates that when the user selected an image to be index printed in step 102, some images were not selected because they were not desired to be index printed.

Further, when the user performs the designation as in this example from the beginning, a creation image capable of creating a saddle-stitched booklet can be created by following the designated conditions as they are. However, there may be a case where a creation image that can create a saddle-stitched booklet cannot be created according to the conditions specified by the user.
In such a case, the processing unit 10 automatically adjusts the number of pages, layout, etc., and proposes it to the user, and the user accepts it and generates page definition information.

  For example, if the user selects 99 images, selects the cover “Yes”, the back cover “Yes”, and selects “3 × 3” as the layout in the page, in addition to the page in the above example, Since one page must be secured as the back cover, the total number of pages is 13. In this case, the total number of pages does not become a multiple of 4, and a saddle-stitched booklet cannot be created. Therefore, the processing unit 10 creates (1) a 12-page saddle-stitched booklet without a back cover, and (2) 3 Reduce the number of images to 96 images, create an 8-page saddle-stitched booklet with a layout of “4 × 4” in the page, and (3) add one image to make 100 images, page The options such as creating a 12-page saddle-stitched booklet with the layout of “5 × 2” or “2 × 5” are presented, and the page definition information is determined according to the user's selection.

Further, the processing unit 10 displays a message on the UI unit 50 for designating the type of paper used for creating the saddle stitch booklet. On the other hand, when the user designates the paper type, the processing unit 10 stores information on the designated paper type in the memory (step 106).
In the case of a saddle stitch booklet, as shown in FIG. 5, images (images G1, G2, G3) printed at the same position on the paper constituting the saddle stitch booklet are viewed while turning the saddle stitch booklet. When it becomes, the more the paper inside the saddle-stitched booklet, the more it feels to protrude outward. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the images printed at the same position on the paper constituting the saddle-stitched booklet can be viewed at the same position even when viewed while turning the saddle-stitched booklet. The page margin is adjusted. At that time, since the information on the thickness of the paper to be used is necessary, the paper type is designated.

When the page definition information is created as described above and the paper type is specified, the processing unit 10 performs processing for generating a saddle-stitched booklet creation image (step 107), and displays a spread image of the saddle-stitched booklet. A process of generating a saddle-stitched booklet display image is performed (step 108).
Then, based on the saddle-stitched booklet display image, a spread image of the saddle-stitched booklet is displayed (step 109), and when the user instructs printing, a printing instruction based on the saddle-stitched booklet creating image is sent to the printer unit 30. (Step 110).

Next, the saddle stitch booklet creation image generation process in step 107 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
In the saddle-stitched booklet creation image generation process, the processing unit 10 sets a variable i for counting the saddle-stitched booklet creation image to 1 (step 201), and executes steps 202 to 206 with i = 1. . Next, 1 is added to the variable i (step 207), and it is determined whether i exceeds N / 2 (step 208). If not, i = 2 and steps 202 to 206 are executed. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until i exceeds N / 2 (provided that the determination in step 203 is “NO”).

The processing in steps 202 to 206 is as follows.
First, the processing unit 10 calculates a margin width M (i) provided in the central portion of the i-th saddle stitch booklet creation image (step 202). In this embodiment, since double-sided printing is assumed, in the saddle-stitched booklet creation image to be printed on one side and the other side of the same paper, margins are provided at the same position. To do. Therefore, a coefficient k indicating how much the margin per sheet constituting the saddle stitch booklet should be shifted is acquired using the paper type input in step 106 of FIG. 3 as a key, and based on k and i. M (i) is calculated. As the calculation formula, for example, the following can be used.

Then, the processing unit 10, thus the M (i) obtained, it is determined whether or not smaller than the predetermined reference value M _L (step 203). If M (i) becomes too small, in the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, the image placed on the left page and the image placed on the right page are too close to the center, making it unsightly. Therefore, after confirming whether this is the case, a saddle-stitched booklet creation image is created.
Result of the determination, if it is found M (i) is not less than M _L, the processing unit 10, i determines whether an odd number or an even number (step 204).

As a result of this determination, if i is an odd number, a margin of width M (i) is provided in the center portion of the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, and an image to be included in the (N + 1-i) page on the left side thereof Is generated according to the layout specified for the page, and the image to be included in the i page on the right side is generated according to the layout specified for the page G (N + 1-i, i). And stored in the output buffer (step 205).
On the other hand, when i is an even number, a margin of width M (i) is provided in the center portion of the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, and an image to be included in the i page is designated for the page on the left side. A saddle-stitch booklet creation image G (i, N + 1-i) in which images to be included in the (N + 1-i) page are arranged according to the layout specified for the page is generated on the right side of the layout, and an output buffer (Step 206).

Incidentally, as in step 203 M (i) is the is found to be less than M _L, the image can include a cover sheet, back cover, index print is instructed fits fewer pages than i when this page The definition information is rewritten and the process returns to step 201.
As a method of rewriting the page definition information, it is assumed that the page definition information is confirmed by presenting several options to the user and selecting the same as when the page definition information is confirmed in step 105.

For example, if the user selects 152 images, selects “Yes” on the front cover, “Yes” on the back cover, and selects “2 × 2” as the layout in the page, the total number of pages is 40 pages. Become. Although To create this saddle booklet needs to saddle stitch by overlapping 10 sheet of paper, and was found to be smaller than predetermined reference value M _L when calculating the 10 th margin. Then, the processing unit 10 adds (1) four images to form 156 images, creates a 28-page saddle-stitched booklet with the layout in the page as “3 × 2” or “2 × 3”, (2) The option of creating a 20-page saddle-stitched booklet with no back cover and making the layout in the page “4 × 2” or “2 × 4” is presented, and the page definition is made according to the user's selection Change information.

Hereinafter, the processing operation of FIG. 6 when the page definition information is the one shown in FIG. 4 will be specifically described.
In step 202, after 1 is set to i in step 201, calculates the M (1), at step 203, when the M (1) is found to be less than M _L, since 1 odd step Proceeding to 205, G (12,1) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the layout “3 × 3” and the image IDs “101” “102”... “110” are assigned to the page number “P12”, and the layout “cover” is assigned to the page number “P1”. Since the image ID “070” is stored, G (12, 1) becomes an image as shown in an enlarged manner in the upper left of FIG.
Similarly, G (2,11), G (10,3), G (4,9), and G (8,5) are generated for i = 2, 3, 4, and 5.
In step 202, after 6 to i is set in step 207, calculates the M (6), at step 203, the M (6) is is confirmed to be less than M _L, 6 even number Therefore, the process proceeds to step 206, and G (6, 7) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the layout “3 × 3” and the image IDs “041”, “042”,... “050” are assigned to the page number “P6”, and the layout “3 × 3” is assigned to the page number “P7”. 3 ”and image IDs“ 051 ”,“ 053 ”...“ 060 ”are stored, G (6, 7) becomes an image as shown in an enlarged manner in the lower right of FIG.
In FIG. 7, it is assumed that an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet for creating a CD-size saddle-stitched booklet is formed on A4 size paper, and a broken line indicates a cutout for cutting the CD size from the A4 size. Lines and dotted lines indicate fold lines for folding a CD-size paper in half.

Next, the saddle stitch booklet display image generation processing in step 108 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
In the saddle stitch booklet display image generation process, the processing unit 10 sets a variable j for counting the saddle stitch booklet display image to 1 (step 301), and executes steps 302 to 305 with j = 1. . Next, 1 is added to the variable j (step 306), and it is determined whether j exceeds (N + 2) / 2 (step 307). If not, j = 2 and steps 302 to 305 are executed. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until j exceeds (N + 2) / 2.

The processing in steps 302 to 305 is as follows.
First, the processing unit 10 evaluates the value of j (step 302).
As a result of this evaluation, if j is 1, V (−, 1), which is a display image in which the first page is arranged on the right side and the page is not arranged on the left side, is output to the display memory. (Step 303). When j is (N + 2) / 2, the Nth page is arranged on the left side and V (N, −), which is a display image in which no page is arranged on the right side, is generated and output to the display memory. (Step 304). Further, when the value of j is not any of these values, the display image V ((2 * j-2) th page is arranged on the left side and the (2 * j-1) th page is arranged on the right side is V ( 2 * j-2, 2 * j-1) are generated and output to the display memory (step 305).

Hereinafter, the processing operation of FIG. 8 when the page definition information is the one shown in FIG. 4 will be specifically described.
In step 302 after j is set to 1 in step 301, the process proceeds to step 303, and V (−, 1) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, since the layout “cover” and the image ID “070” are stored for the page number “P1”, V (−, 1) is enlarged to the upper left in FIG. The image is as shown.
In step 302 after j is set to 2 in step 306, the process proceeds to step 305, and V (2,3) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the layout “3 × 3” and the image IDs “001”, “002”, and “010” are assigned to the page number “P2” and the layout “3 × 3” is assigned to the page number “P3”. 3 ”and image IDs“ 011 ”,“ 012 ”...“ 020 ”are stored, V (2,3) becomes an image as shown in an enlarged manner in the lower left of FIG.
Similarly, V (4,5), V (6,7), and V (8,9) are generated for i = 3, 4, and 5.

In Step 302 after j is set to 6 in Step 306, the process proceeds to Step 305, and V (10, 11) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the layout “3 × 3” and the image IDs “081”, “083”, and “090” are assigned to the page number “P10”, and the layout “3 × 3” is assigned to the page number “P11”. 3 ”and image IDs“ 091 ”,“ 092 ”...“ 100 ”are stored, V (10, 11) becomes an image as shown in an enlarged manner in the upper right of FIG.
Finally, in step 302 after j is set to 7 in step 306, the process proceeds to step 304, and V (12,-) is generated. Specifically, in FIG. 4, since layout “3 × 3” and image IDs “101” “102”... “110” are stored for page number “P12”, V (12, −) is FIG. 9 shows an enlarged image at the lower right.

This is the end of the description of the operation of the present embodiment.
In the above description, the case of forming a saddle-stitched booklet creation image for creating a left-and-right facing saddle-stitched booklet as shown in FIG. 2A has been described. An image for creating a saddle stitch booklet for creating a spread saddle-stitched booklet can be created by the same processing. However, in this case, the steps corresponding to steps 204 to 206 in FIG. 6 are as follows: “A margin of M (i) width is provided in the center portion of the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, and the page i is placed on the upper side. An image to be included is arranged according to a layout designated for the page, and an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet in which an image to be included in the (N + 1-i) page is arranged according to the layout designated for the page is generated. , Store in the output buffer ”. In addition, the saddle-stitched booklet display image generated in steps 303 to 305 in FIG.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus forms an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet. However, software running on a general computer such as a personal computer or a server computer performs the same processing. A binding booklet creation image may be formed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the saddle stitch booklet that constitutes the saddle stitch booklet is formed by combining the image to be printed on the (N + i-1) th page of the saddle stitch booklet and the image to be printed on the i page. The booklet creation image can be created automatically. Note that the saddle-stitched booklet creation image created in this way does not necessarily have to be printed on both sides to create a saddle-stitched booklet, but may be printed on one side to create a saddle-stitched booklet. .
In the present embodiment, in the page definition information of FIG. 4, layout information and image IDs of images included in the page are defined for each page. It is not limited to form. That is, for each page, the contents to be printed on the page may be defined. In that case, the image layout processing is not performed in the saddle-stitched booklet creation image creation processing in FIG. 6 and the saddle-stitched booklet display image creation processing in FIG. 8, but based on the information of the print contents defined in the page definition information. The saddle-stitched booklet creation image and the saddle-stitched booklet display image are created respectively.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the saddle stitch booklet produced by embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the process part in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the page definition information memorize | stored in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the necessity to adjust a margin in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the image generation process for saddle stitch booklet creation in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the image for saddle stitch booklet production produced | generated in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the image display process for saddle stitch booklet creation in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the image for a saddle stitch booklet display produced | generated in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Processing part, 20 ... Scanner part, 30 ... Printer part, 40 ... Media reader, 50 ... UI part, 60 ... Storage device

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus for forming a saddle-stitched booklet creation image that constitutes a saddle-stitched booklet by being saddle-stitched,
First page definition for specifying the contents of the N + 1-i-th page (N is the number of pages of the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer of 1 to N / 2) and the contents of the i-th page in the saddle-stitched booklet Page definition information acquisition means for acquiring information;
The first saddle-stitched booklet creation image formed by combining the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the contents of the (i) th page specified by the first page definition information acquired by the page definition information acquisition means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image generating unit configured to generate an image. The page definition information acquisition means further acquires second page definition information for specifying the content of the (i + 1) th page and the content of the (Ni) th page in the saddle stitch booklet,
The image generation unit combines a content of the i + 1 page and a content of the N−i page specified by the second page definition information acquired by the page definition information acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image for creating a saddle stitch booklet is generated.   The image generation means arranges the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page on the left side of the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image and the contents of the i-th page on the right side, and the second saddle-stitched booklet 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the contents of the (i + 1) th page are arranged on the right side of the image for creation and the contents of the (N-i) th page are arranged on the right side. The page definition information acquisition means acquires the first page definition information for specifying a first image group to be included in the N + 1-i page and a second image group to be included in the i page,
The image generation means sets the first image group and the second image group specified by the first page definition information acquired by the page definition information acquisition means to the N + 1-ith page, respectively. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image included in an area corresponding to the first page and an area corresponding to the i-th page is generated.   The image generating means is characterized in that a margin having a size corresponding to the value of i is provided in a joint portion between a region corresponding to the N + 1-ith page and a region corresponding to the i-th page. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. A saddle stitch booklet creation device for creating a saddle stitch booklet of N pages (N is a multiple of 4),
By performing processing for generating an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet formed by combining the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the contents of the i-th page in the saddle-stitched booklet for all i of 1 to N / 2, N / Image generation means for generating two saddle-stitched booklet creation images;
The N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creation images generated by the image generating means are sequentially output on both sides of the sequentially read recording medium, thereby creating N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media. Image output means;
Saddle stitching means for bundling the N / 4 saddle stitch recording media generated by the image output means;
A saddle stitch booklet creating apparatus comprising: a folding device that folds the saddle stitching recording medium that has been saddle stitched by the saddle stitching device. An image forming method for forming an image for creating a saddle stitch booklet that constitutes a saddle stitch booklet by being saddle stitched,
Storing page definition information for defining an image group to be included in each page of the saddle stitch booklet in a first storage device;
From the page definition information stored in the first storage device, include in the N + 1-ith page in the saddle-stitched booklet (N is the number of pages in the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer between 1 and N / 2) Reading out first image identification information for specifying the first image group and second image identification information for specifying the second image group to be included in the i-th page;
Reading from the second storage device a first image group specified by the read first image identification information and a second image group specified by the second image identification information;
A saddle-stitched booklet creation image including the read first image group and the second image group in an area corresponding to the (N + 1-i) th page and an area corresponding to the (i) th page, respectively, is generated. An image forming method comprising the steps of:   In the step of generating the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, a margin having a size corresponding to the value of i is added to a joint portion between the region corresponding to the (N + 1-i) th page and the region corresponding to the i-th page. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the image forming method is provided.   In the step of generating the saddle-stitched booklet creation image, a process for changing the page definition information stored in the first storage device is performed when the size of the margin does not satisfy a predetermined standard. The image forming method according to claim 8. A method of manufacturing a saddle-stitched booklet for manufacturing a saddle-stitched booklet of N pages (N is a multiple of 4),
By performing processing for generating an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet formed by combining the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the contents of the i-th page in the saddle-stitched booklet for all i of 1 to N / 2, N Generating two saddle-stitched booklet creation images;
Creating N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media by sequentially outputting the generated N / 2 saddle-stitched booklet creation images to both sides of the sequentially read recording medium;
Bundling the generated N / 4 saddle-stitched recording media and binding them;
A method of manufacturing a saddle-stitched booklet, comprising: folding the saddle-stitched recording medium into two. A program for causing a computer to form an image for creating a saddle-stitched booklet that constitutes a saddle-stitched booklet by being saddle-stitched,
In the computer,
First page definition for specifying the contents of the N + 1-i-th page (N is the number of pages of the saddle-stitched booklet, i is an integer of 1 to N / 2) and the contents of the i-th page in the saddle-stitched booklet The ability to get information,
A function of generating the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image formed by combining the contents of the (N + 1-i) th page and the contents of the (i) th page specified by the acquired first page definition information. A program to make it happen. On the computer,
A function of acquiring second page definition information for specifying the content of the (i + 1) th page and the content of the (Ni) th page in the saddle stitch booklet;
A function of generating a second saddle-stitched booklet creation image formed by combining the contents of the (i + 1) th page and the contents of the (N-i) th page specified by the acquired second page definition information. The program according to claim 11 for realizing. In the function of generating the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image, the content of the (N + 1-i) th page is arranged on the left side of the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image, and the content of the i-th page is placed on the right side. Arrange,
In the function of generating the second saddle-stitched booklet creating image, the contents of the (i + 1) th page are arranged on the right side of the second saddle-stitched booklet creating image, and the contents of the (N-i) th page are placed on the right side. The program according to claim 12, wherein the program is arranged. In the function of acquiring the first page definition information, the first page definition information specifying the first image group included in the N + 1-i page and the second image group included in the i page is acquired. Let
In the function of generating the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image, the first image group and the second image group specified by the acquired first page definition information are respectively set to the N + 1−. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein the first saddle stitch booklet creation image included in the area corresponding to the i-th page and the area corresponding to the i-th page is generated.   In the function of generating the first saddle-stitched booklet creation image, a size corresponding to the value of i is formed in a joint portion between the area corresponding to the (N + 1-i) th page and the area corresponding to the i-th page. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the margin is set.

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