JP2006042303A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which enables a user to easily reset print conditions after preprinting. <P>SOLUTION: When print conditions are changed after preprinting by a preprinting part 204, pages to be changed are selected in a page unit or a group unit by a switching part of an operation part 108. After changing the selected print conditions, for each designated page, group or job, individual print conditions are formed in a page unit using a changing part 205 and the conditions are stored in an image memory 106. Therefore, setting of only a page having a setting mistake confirmed by preprinting is changed efficiently. An applicable scope when individual print conditions are stored in the image memory 106 is made to be optimal in a page unit, a group unit or a job unit, labor and time for setting are reduced, and setting mistakes are also reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image of image information on a recording medium and performs post-processing on the recording medium.

  In recent years, with the advancement of printing processing performed in image forming apparatuses, setting and management of printing conditions are being performed in units of pages of input recording paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In these image forming apparatuses, printing conditions are set for each page, image formation is performed based on the printing conditions for each page, and high quality and versatile output forms are realized.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, in addition to the image quality setting conditions as printing conditions, conditions such as post-processing such as stapling and punching are also set for each page. And these post-processing are advanced in function and complexity with the advancement of print processing. In addition to post-processing, high-performance processing such as page information addition, for example, page number addition, layout processing, for example, recording of a plurality of images on a single recording sheet, is also performed as a condition for image formation. ing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-99179, (page 4, FIGS. 5-6)

  However, as these printing conditions become more sophisticated and complicated, setting errors occur. According to the background art described above, labor and time are required for resetting when a setting error occurs. In other words, when a setting mistake is detected, the operator has to repeat the setting according to the determined procedure for each page from the beginning, and perform confirmation and correction again.

In particular, when inputting complicated printing conditions over a large number of pages, not only labor and time are required, but also a setting error is caused, which puts the operator in tension and concentration.
In addition, a trial print can be performed in order to prevent image formation failure output due to a setting error. In the trial print, a page for each job is printed out, and the print conditions set by the operator are confirmed.

  However, even if trial printing is performed, if it is desired to change the printing conditions, there remains a problem that resetting requires labor and time as described above. Therefore, it is important how to realize an image forming apparatus that can easily reset the printing conditions.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can easily reset printing conditions.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image information on a recording medium, and includes a plurality of pages. A storage unit for storing print conditions in units of pages, a print condition setting unit for setting print conditions according to the print conditions stored in the storage unit, and set printing A test print unit that performs a test print according to a condition; an input unit that inputs a change content of a print condition of a change page selected from a plurality of pages after the test print; and the change selected based on the change content And a changing unit for changing the setting of the printing condition of the page.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores print conditions for each page of image information of a plurality of pages, and the print condition setting unit prints according to the print conditions stored in the storage unit. After setting the conditions, the test print unit performs a test print according to the set print conditions, and after this test print, the input unit inputs the change contents of the print conditions of the changed page selected from a plurality of pages, The change unit changes the setting of the print condition of the selected change page based on this change content.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises an output unit that outputs data for displaying a print condition of the changed page after the test printing. It is characterized by.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the print information is output by the output unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying a print condition of the changed page after the test printing. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the print information is displayed by the display unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the selection is performed in units of pages, or a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions. It is possible to switch whether to perform it in units of groups.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a change page is selected from a plurality of pages and a change content of a print condition of the change page is input. It has the operation part for performing operation for the purpose.

In the invention according to the fifth aspect, the operation of selecting the page and changing the printing condition is performed by the operation unit.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation unit has a plurality of pages in which the selection is performed in units of pages or the printing conditions are the same. It has a switching part which switches whether it performs in a group unit.

In the invention according to the sixth aspect, the switching unit switches the page unit or group unit.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation unit includes a shift unit that moves the selection in units of pages or groups. To do.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the change unit performs the change on a specified page or a plurality of pages. It is characterized by.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the operation is performed for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of the print conditions of the change page. The operation unit includes page application means for designating a single page or a plurality of pages.

  An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the change unit performs the change to a group having the same printing condition. A conversion means is provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, an operation is performed for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of the print conditions of the change page. The operation unit includes group application means for designating the group.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the changing unit performs the change in a job including all the plurality of pages. Application means is provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, an operation is performed for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of the change conditions of the change page. The operation unit includes job application means for designating the job.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the test print unit tests one job including all of the plurality of pages. It is characterized by printing.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image information on a recording medium, and stores printing conditions for each page of image information of a plurality of pages. A storage unit for performing printing, a printing condition setting unit for setting printing conditions according to the printing conditions stored in the storage unit, and a selection for selecting a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions as one group An input unit for inputting the change contents of the printing condition of the group selected by the selection part, and a changing part for changing the setting of the printing condition of the selected group based on the change contents. It is characterized by having.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the printing conditions in units of pages, and the printing condition setting unit sets the printing conditions according to the printing conditions stored in the storage unit, and selects them. A plurality of pages having the same printing conditions are selected as one group by the copy, and the change contents of the printing conditions of the selected group are input by the input section. Based on the changed contents, the change section selects Change the group print condition settings.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, whether the selection is performed in units of pages or in units of groups having a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions. Can be switched.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, an operation is performed for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of the print conditions of the change page. It has an operation part for performing.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the operation of selecting a page and changing the printing condition is performed by the operation unit.
An image forming apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the operation unit has the plurality of pages in which the selection is performed in units of pages or the printing conditions are the same. It has a switching part which switches whether it performs in a group unit.

In the invention described in claim 18, the switching unit switches the page unit or the group unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 19 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the operation unit includes a shift unit that moves the selection in page units or group units. To do.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, an operation is performed to select a change page from a plurality of pages and to input change contents of a change condition of the change page. The operation unit includes page application means for designating a plurality of pages.

  An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-first aspect of the invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the changing unit performs the change to a job including all the plurality of pages. Application means is provided.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect, an operation is performed for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of the print conditions of the change page. The operation unit includes job application means for designating the job.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select and change only a page portion having a setting error confirmed by the test print, and to perform simple resetting which does not require labor and time. At the same time, reconfiguration errors can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display the printing conditions after the trial printing.
According to the invention described in claim 3, the operator can confirm the printing conditions after the test printing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, selection can be performed in page units or group units.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operator can select the changed page and change the print condition of the changed page.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select page units or group units.
According to the invention described in claim 7, the operator can easily select a target page or group.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the printing conditions for a specified single page or a plurality of pages can be made different.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the operator can easily specify pages with different printing conditions.

According to the invention described in claim 10, the printing conditions of the designated group can be made different.
According to the invention described in claim 11, the operator can easily designate groups of different printing conditions.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set different printing conditions for the designated job.
According to the invention described in claim 13, the operator can easily specify jobs having different printing conditions.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm all changes at once by trial print of a job.
According to the invention described in claim 15, since it is possible to change the printing conditions for each group, it is possible to reduce the resetting errors at the same time as the simple resetting which does not require labor and time for the change. .

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the selection can be performed in page units or group units.
According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the operator can select a change page and change the print condition of the change page.

According to the invention described in claim 18, it is possible to perform selection in units of pages or groups.
According to the nineteenth aspect, the operator can easily select a target page or group.

According to the twentieth aspect, the operator can easily specify pages with different printing conditions.
According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set different printing conditions for the designated job.

  According to the twenty-second aspect, the operator can easily specify jobs having different printing conditions.

The best mode for carrying out an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a digital multifunction peripheral 100, a punch unit 110, and a post-processing device 120. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a main body and a paper feed tray 101. The main body includes a scanner unit 102 which is an example of a reading unit, a printer unit 103 which forms part of an image forming unit, a paper feed tray 107, and conveyance paths 109 and 111. The CPU 105 and the image memory 106 forming the control unit 161 are included. The punch unit 110 that performs the punching process includes a punch unit 117 and a control unit 116 that controls the punch unit 117. Further, the post-processing apparatus 120 includes transport paths 121 to 124, a gate 170, a shift unit 151, a stack unit 140, a staple unit 141, a main tray 142 and a subtray 144 that form a discharge tray, and a control unit 160. The punch unit 110 and the post-processing apparatus 120 constitute a post-processing unit and constitute an image forming unit together with the above-described printer unit 103 and the like.

  The operation unit 108 includes a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for setting, displaying and changing printing conditions, an input unit such as a touch panel and a numeric keypad, and an output unit for displaying printing conditions on the display unit. Prepare. Note that the operation unit 108 also includes setting means for selecting and changing printing conditions after test printing, which will be described later.

  Also, the operation unit 108 includes a reading start button for instructing the scanner unit 102 to start reading a document, an image formation start button for instructing the start of image formation, and a test print start button for instructing the start of test printing (not shown). Is provided.

  The printing condition in the present invention is a condition for outputting image information consisting of a plurality of pages when forming an image, and includes post-processing, information addition, layout, duplex / single-sided copying, discharge tray selection, and the like. . Specifically, post-processing includes a staple, punch, and discharge destination tray selection, information addition includes page number addition on each page, and the layout is a layout of one output page. There is a so-called N in 1 process such as a process of outputting a plurality of pages of a document image to one sheet.

  The scanner unit 102 reads an image of a document placed on the platen glass in units of pages. Then, the printer unit 103 inputs a recording sheet as a recording medium supplied from the conveyance path 109 of the sheet feeding tray 101 or the sheet feeding tray 107 based on the printing conditions, and reads the recording sheet on the recording sheet by the scanner unit 102. The transferred image is transferred to form an image. Further, the recording paper on which the image is formed by the printer unit 103 is fed from the printer unit 103 to the punch unit 110 via the conveyance path 111.

  The punch unit 110 punches holes in the recording paper from the digital multifunction peripheral 100 by the punch unit 117 based on printing conditions. After that, the post-processing device 120 takes the recording paper discharged from the punch unit 110 into the transport path 121 and discharges it to the main tray 142 or the sub-tray 144 by the gate 170, or further to the main tray. When paper is discharged, the transport paths 122 to 124 are selected depending on whether the shift process 151 is performed in the post-processing step or the staple process is performed in the staple unit 141.

  Here, the stack unit 140 of the post-processing device 120 accumulates a plurality of recording sheets when performing a stapling process in the post-processing step. Similarly, the staple unit 141 of the post-processing apparatus 120 drives a staple into the recording paper accumulated in the stack unit 140 according to an instruction from the control unit 160 and performs binding.

  Note that the recording paper carried into the upper portion of the stack unit 140 from the transport path 124 slides down to the flat stitching stopper due to its own weight. As a result, the plurality of recording sheets in the stack unit 140 are aligned in the transport direction, and are aligned in the transport direction. Further, the width alignment of the recording paper surface orthogonal to the transport direction is performed by lightly hitting the recording paper according to an instruction from the control unit 160 by a light hitting mechanism (not shown) orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. Further, the plurality of recording sheets on which the stapling has been performed are pushed upward by the paper discharge belt in the stack unit 140 while being held by the discharge claws and discharged onto the main tray 142.

  The shift unit 151 discharges the straight discharged recording sheet input from the conveying path 121 to the conveying path 123 via the gate 170 on the main tray 142 while shifting the position in the direction perpendicular to the recording sheet conveying direction. As a result, recording sheets on which different contents are copied can be sorted on the main tray 142.

  The sub-tray 144 serves as a tray after the recording paper input to the conveyance path 122 is discharged. The sub-tray 144 is positioned on the upper stage of the post-processing apparatus 120, and the discharged recording paper can be easily taken out from the upper part of the post-processing apparatus 120.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the flow of image information and printing conditions centered on the control unit 161 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. When image information is read from the scanner unit 102, the image information of the document is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) of the scanner unit 102, and then read by the reading processing unit 221 of the control unit 161, and then the image is read by the compression IC 222. The image data is compressed and stored in the image memory 106. The print conditions for each image information can be input in job units, multiple page units, or page units from the operation unit 108 having a setting unit, and are also stored in the image memory 106.

  Further, when image information is read from the terminal 130 via a LAN (Local Area Network), the image information is read into the image memory 113 of the image processing unit 112, and then the image memory of the control unit 161 via the bus 204. 106. Thereafter, the image information in the image memory 106 is transferred to the compression IC 222 via the DRAM control IC 225, compressed there, and then stored in the image memory 106 again.

  The image memories 106 and 113 are configured using DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and are controlled by DRAM control ICs 225 and 226, respectively, that refresh stored information.

  The compressed image information data stored in the image memory 106 is transferred to the decompression IC 224 via the DRAM control IC 225 to decompress the image information, and then the LD (Laser Diode) of the printer unit 103 is read from the read processing unit 223. ) And image formation is performed. Further, the printing conditions in the image memory 106 are transferred to the printer control unit 118 of the printer unit 103 via the CPU 105. Based on the printing conditions, the printer control unit 118 controls the printer and further controls the punch unit 110 and the post-processing device 120 that follow.

  In this image forming apparatus, when a copy image is formed from a document composed of a plurality of pages, the document composed of a plurality of pages is divided into a plurality of groups, and a printing condition is set by a setting unit for each group. By pressing a reading start button, an image of a document is read for each group by the scanner unit 102 serving as a reading unit, and the document image is stored in an image memory 106 serving as a storage unit. Subsequently, by pressing an image formation start button, the printer unit 103 as an image forming unit forms a copy image for each group in accordance with the printing conditions set for each group.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating writing and reading of image information and printing conditions to and from the image memory 106 in the control unit 161. The control unit 161 includes a reading unit 200, an image memory 106, a reading unit 203 that is a printing condition setting unit, a test printing unit 204, and a changing unit 205. Note that the hardware configuring the reading unit 200, the reading unit 203, the test print unit 204, and the changing unit 205 includes a CPU 105, a nonvolatile memory 220, a DRAM control IC 225, a reading processing unit 221, a compression IC 222, a decompression IC 224, and a reading processing unit 223. Etc.

  When the operation unit 108 reads a group of image information, that is, the originals 1 to 5 in the example of FIG. 1, printing conditions are set by the operator. The printing conditions are set in units of jobs, a plurality of pages forming a group, or a page. The control unit 161 reads the printing conditions and the image information of the documents 1 to 5 into the image memory 106 by the reading unit 200. Read. Then, the image information of the documents 1 to 5 is compressed by the compression IC 222, and then the page writing unit 201 determines the page information of the compressed image information from the input job unit, multiple page unit, or page unit printing conditions. In addition, individual print conditions are generated. The individual print conditions and the compressed data are stored in the image memory 106 by associating the individual print conditions with the compressed data of the corresponding page by linking them. The page writing means 201 repeats this operation and stores a group of image information in the image memory 106. In FIG. 1, the printing condition and the image information are read from the operation unit 108 and the scanner unit 102. However, when the printing condition and the image information are input from the terminal 130, the terminal 130 shown in FIG. (Local Area Network). Then, the image information and printing conditions are read into the image memory 113 of the image processing unit 112 and then read into the image memory 106 of the control unit 161 via the bus 240. Note that the printing conditions read into the image processing unit 112 are input in units of jobs, multiple pages, or pages.

  The individual printing conditions and the compressed data stored in the image memory 106 are read by the reading unit 203 that is a printing condition setting unit. In the page reading unit 202 of the reading unit 203, the compressed data and the individual print conditions associated with the compressed data are sequentially read out in pairs. The compressed data is decompressed by the decompression IC 224 and then transmitted to the printer unit 103 as image information together with the corresponding individual print conditions.

  Based on the page designation from the operation unit 108, the changing unit 205 reads out the individual print condition of the designated page in the image memory 106 by the reading unit 203 which is a print condition setting unit, and displays it on the operation unit 108. Further, the change unit 205 writes the change information of the printing condition designated by the page from the operation unit 108 to the corresponding page of the image memory 106 by the reading unit 200. Here, the changing unit 205 is performed in units of pages or groups in accordance with an instruction from a switching unit 810 (to be described later) of the operation unit 108 at the time of reading, and the operation unit 108 will be described later at the time of writing. In accordance with instructions from the page application unit 830, the group application unit 840, and the job application unit 850, a page change unit, a group change unit, and a job change unit that perform writing in a specified page, group, and job are provided.

  The test print unit 204 performs test print according to a button instruction from the operation unit 108. In this trial print, the individual print conditions for each job and the compressed data of the image information stored in the image memory 106 are read by the page reading unit 202, and the image information is decompressed and transmitted to the printer unit 103 for print output. The test print unit 204 transmits an end signal to the operation unit 108 by means (not shown) together with the end of print output. Further, the test print can be performed only for a specific group or page without being limited to the job unit.

  Next, the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, the operator selects a printing condition input method, that is, a job unit, a multi-page unit, or a page unit from the operation unit 108 having a setting unit, and then sets a printing condition for a document (step S301). . In this setting, post-processing information such as punch processing or stapling processing is simultaneously set as printing conditions in addition to the printer information such as the document size, the number of printed sheets, and light and shade from the touch panel or numeric keypad of the operation unit 108. In this setting, since post-processing for each group and each page can be set, the printing conditions are complicated and varied.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the display screen of the operation unit 108 for this setting. The display screens and numeric keys 410 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are setting means for confirming and changing the printing conditions for each page. This display screen includes a bird's-eye display unit 400 that provides a bird's-eye view of a plurality of originals for each input print condition, an individual display unit 401 that displays print conditions for each page of each original, and a shift key 411. In the bird's-eye view display unit 400, the image display (floor layout) that symbolizes one original is arranged so as to be displaced in a horizontal row for every number of originals to be set. Here, one original is displayed as one rectangle. In addition, the individual display unit 401 lists print conditions for each page of the document corresponding to the selected floor plan of the bird's eye display unit 400. Note that the selection of the floor plan that symbolizes one original is performed by specifying a page with the ten key 410 or shifting with the shift key 411 at the upper right of the display screen. Note that the floor plan that symbolizes one original of the bird's-eye display unit 400 is displayed differently for each of the floor plans corresponding to the originals having different printing conditions, for example, color-coded or shaded display.

  Further, the display screen serving as the setting means can be used for checking and changing the printing conditions after reading the image information from the scanner unit 102. In this case, thumbnail images of the reduced output document are displayed on the left side of the individual display unit 401 so that the operator can easily confirm the output document.

  FIG. 5A shows an example in which individual display of the second page is performed when 12 originals are read and printed. In this example, stapling is performed on pages 3 to 7, so the corresponding floor plan is displayed in a shaded state. FIG. 5B is an example similar to FIG. 5A, in which individual display of the third page is performed when twelve originals are read and printed. In this example, the stapling process is performed on pages 3 to 7, and thus a diagram schematically showing the stapling process is added to the image on which the thumbnail display 404 is displayed.

  Thereafter, returning to FIG. 4, the operator confirms the input printing conditions (step S302). This confirmation is particularly necessary in order to perform an error-free output when the printing conditions are complicated and varied. Then, the operator determines whether the printing conditions are correct using the setting unit shown in FIG. 5 (step S303). If the printing conditions are not correct (No at Step S303), the process proceeds to Step S301, and the printing conditions are set again.

  If the printing conditions are correct (Yes at Step S303), the operator places an original on the scanner unit 102, reads image information, and writes it to the image memory 106 (Step S304). In this writing, the page writing means 201 shown in FIG. 1 is used, and the printing conditions input in units of jobs, in units of multiple pages or in units of pages are set as individual printing conditions for each piece of image information. After linking, it is stored in the image memory 106.

  Thereafter, the control unit 161 determines whether or not the number of readings has been completed (step S306). If the number of readings has not been completed (No in step S306), the process proceeds to step S301, and the printing conditions in step S301 are determined. Set up.

  In addition, when the number of readings has been completed (Yes at Step S306), the control unit 161 determines whether to perform a test print based on input information from the operation unit 108 (Step S307). Here, when performing the test print (Yes at Step 307), the control unit 161 performs the test print process (Step S308), and when not performing the test print (No at Step 307), the control unit 161 compresses the image memory 106. A series of image information is read by reading the data and the individual printing conditions (step S309). Note that a test print instruction can be issued by pressing a test print button 870 shown in FIG. The test print process in step S308 will be described in detail later.

  In the reading of the image information in step S309, the compressed data and the individual print conditions linked to the compressed data are sequentially read using the page reading unit 202 shown in FIG. The decompressed data is transmitted to the printer unit 103 as image information together with individual print conditions after decompression.

  Thereafter, the printer control unit 118 of the printer unit 103 performs image information print processing (step S310) in units of pages based on the individual printing conditions, and further includes post-processing information in the individual printing conditions. The unit 110 and the post-processing device 120 perform post-processing based on the post-processing information included in the printing conditions from the printer control unit 118 (step S311), and discharge the recording paper to the paper discharge tray (step S312). This process is terminated.

  Here, an example of individual printing conditions transmitted from the image memory 106 to the printer unit 103, post-processing of the punch unit 110 and the post-processing device 120 performed in step S311 based on the individual printing conditions, and the main tray 142 or An example of paper discharge to the sub-tray 144 is shown.

  FIG. 6A is a table showing an example of individual printing conditions when printing conditions are input in units of pages. Note that the column with the upward arrow indicates that the printing conditions are the same as the upper column. This individual print condition corresponds to the example shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1 and relates to the individual print condition for linking to a document of 1 to 5 pages in which the print condition is set. The vertical axis of the table indicates the page number, and the horizontal axis indicates the printing conditions for each item. Here, for each page, post-processing items, paper discharge tray selection, the number of copies, and delimiter information indicating delimiters of processing are displayed as individual print conditions. This delimiter information is used, for example, as delimiter information when performing booklet unit processing. FIG. 6B illustrates a recording sheet that is output when paper is discharged based on the individual printing conditions in FIG. 6B, the number of recording sheets shown in each page of FIG. 6A is output to the designated main tray 142 or sub-tray 144 and punched by the punch unit 110 on the designated page. Processing has been applied.

  Next, the test print process in step S308 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the test print process. First, the control unit 161 reads image information of one job by the reading unit 203 which is a printing condition setting unit (step S601).

  Thereafter, the control unit 161 transfers image information and individual print conditions for one job to the printer unit 103, and performs print processing (step S602). Then, after post-processing such as punching and stapling, paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray (step S603). The control unit 161 determines whether printing and discharging for one job have been completed (step S604). If not completed (No in step S604), the control unit 161 proceeds to step S602 and repeats the printing process. In addition, when the printing and discharging of one job are completed (Yes at Step S604), the control unit 161 performs a printing condition changing process (Step S605). In this change process, the operator confirms the print output for one job, and if there is a problem, the print condition is changed. The change process will be described later in detail.

  Thereafter, the operator determines whether to perform another test print according to the degree of change (step S606). When the test print is performed again (Yes at Step S606), the process proceeds to Step S601 and the test print is performed again. If the test print is not performed again (No at step S606), the test print process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S309 in FIG. 4 to perform a normal print output operation.

  Next, the changing process in step S605 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the changing process of the control unit 161. First, the operator confirms whether the print output is intended based on the test print output. At the same time, the control unit 161 automatically shifts to the test print change screen after the test print is completed (step S701).

  Here, the change screen of the operation unit 108 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 and 10 are examples of a test print change screen. Since this change screen is similar to the display screen when performing the initial setting shown in FIG. 5, the difference will be mainly described, and the description of the same portion will be omitted. The change screen includes a switching unit 810 that selects a display format, a bird's-eye display unit 400, a shift key 411 that is also a shift unit, and an individual display unit 860. The individual display unit 860 further includes a thumbnail display 404 and a print condition display unit 820. , A page application unit 830, a group application unit 840, and a job application unit 850. The individual display unit 860 corresponds to the individual display unit 401 shown in FIG.

  The switching unit 810 is a switching button for switching whether to display page-by-page printing conditions or group-based printing conditions on the printing condition display unit 820. FIG. 9 is an example in which page display is selected by the switching unit 810, and FIG. 10 is an example in which group display is selected by the switching unit 810. The printing condition display unit 820 of the individual display unit 860 displays printing conditions for one or a plurality of pages displayed on the upper left part of the individual display unit 860. This display unit is exactly the same as the printing conditions 403 and 405 for each page of the display screen shown in FIG. 5, and has a touch key. By touching the displayed printing condition item, this display unit Moves to the item input screen and settings are made.

  The page application unit 830 has a touch button, and touches this button to shift to a page designation screen (not shown) and designate the page. Then, the page application unit 830 transfers the page designation information and item setting information displayed on the print condition display unit 820 to the page conversion unit of the display conversion unit 205, and uses the page writing unit 201 to store the image memory. Each page stores information corresponding to image information in 106.

  The group application unit 840 has a touch button, and touches this button to specify a group of printing conditions displayed on the change screen. Then, the group application unit 840 transfers the group designation information and item setting information displayed on the print condition display unit 820 to the group conversion unit of the display conversion unit 205, and uses the page writing unit 201 to perform image memory processing. Each page stores information corresponding to image information in 106. As shown in FIG. 10, when the group display is selected by the switching unit 810, the group application unit 840 is in a mask state in which no input operation is performed.

  The job application unit 850 has a touch button, and specifies a print condition job displayed on the change screen by touching the button. Then, the job application unit 850 transfers the job designation information and item setting information displayed on the print condition display unit 820 to the job conversion unit of the display conversion unit 205, and uses the page writing unit 201 to store the image memory. Each page stores information corresponding to image information in 106.

  Here, FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples in which page display is selected by the switching unit 810, and FIG. 9A is a case where no staple is set on the second page. B) is a case where stapling is set on the third page. FIGS. 10A and 10B are examples in which the group display is selected by the switching unit 810. FIG. 10A shows a case where no staple is set for the first and second page groups. FIG. 10B shows a case where staple is set for the groups of the third to seventh pages.

  Note that the bird's-eye display 400, the shift key 411, the thumbnail display 404, and the numeric keypad 410 have the same functions as those shown in FIG. Here, the bird's-eye display unit 400 and the shift key 411 display and shift in units of pages when the page display is selected by the switching unit 810, and display and shift in units of groups when the group display is selected. I do.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the operator selects a display format by the change screen switching unit 810 (step S <b> 702). Here, the operator determines whether or not the changed page is a page unit or a group unit based on the output error situation of the print output, and makes a selection. Then, the control unit 161 determines whether or not page display is selected by the switching unit 810 and display is performed in units of pages (step S703). Here, the control unit 161 performs the page display as shown in FIG. 9 (step S704) when displaying the page unit (Yes in step S703).

  Thereafter, based on the change screen shown in FIG. 9, the operator selects a page and an item to be changed by selecting a page with the shift key 411 and selecting an item by touching the print condition display unit 820 (step S705). Then, the setting is changed on the setting change screen for each item (not shown) (step S706).

  Further, when the page unit display is not performed (No at Step S703), the control unit 161 performs the group display as illustrated in FIG. 10 (Step S707). Then, based on the change screen shown in FIG. 10, the operator selects a group and an item to be changed by selecting a group with the shift key 411 and selecting an item by touching the print condition display unit 820 (step S708). Then, the setting is changed on the setting change screen for each item (not shown) (step S709).

  Thereafter, when the changed setting is stored in the image memory 106 using the page writing unit 201, the operator determines whether to apply the changed setting in units of designated pages (step S710). Here, when applying in page units (Yes in step S710), the control unit 161 designates a page on a page setting screen (not shown), and writes a new print condition using the page writing unit 201 on the designated page. Is performed (step S711). If the operator does not apply in units of pages (No at Step S710), the operator proceeds to the next step without performing Step S711.

  Thereafter, the operator determines whether or not to apply it in units of groups when storing in the image memory 106 using the page writing means 201 (step S712). Here, when applying in group units (Yes in step S712), the control unit 161 writes a new print condition using the page writing unit 201 to each page of the group to which this page belongs (step S713). ). If the operator does not apply in units of groups (No at step S712), the operator proceeds to the next step without performing step S713.

  Further, the operator determines whether or not to apply in units of jobs when storing in the image memory 106 using the page writing means 201 (step S714). Here, when applying in units of jobs (Yes in step S714), the control unit 161 writes new printing conditions using the page writing unit 201 to each page of the job to which this page belongs (step S715). ). If the operator does not apply in units of jobs (No at step S714), the operator ends the process without performing step S715.

  Next, specific examples of changes in the change process shown in FIG. 8 are shown in FIGS. Here, the diagrams shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 are the same as those shown in FIG. 6A, and the individual print conditions specified by the page number on the vertical axis and the print conditions for each item on the horizontal axis are as follows. It is described in the worksheet. Note that the column in which the upward arrow is written indicates that the printing conditions are the same as those in the upper column.

  FIG. 11A shows an example of the initial setting. In this setting example, in addition to the setting items such as the number of copies, the paper size, the paper feed tray, and the paper discharge tray, there are items of staple, separation information, and punch related to post-processing. In this example, stapling processing is performed on pages 3 to 7, and separation information indicating the end of stapling processing is added to the seventh page. Here, 1-2 pages without stapling, 3-7 pages with stapling, and 8-12 pages without stapling form groups 1-3, respectively, and 1-12 pages form one job. .

  FIG. 11B is an example in which punch processing is added to the second page by using page-by-page change processing after the trial print processing with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. In this example, on the change screen of FIG. 9A, the page display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the second page is selected by the shift key 411, a punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this punch There is setting information, and the page application unit 830 designates two pages.

  FIG. 12A is an example in which punch processing is added to the first to third pages by change processing after the test print processing with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. In this example, on the change screen of FIG. 9A, the page display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the second page is selected by the shift key 411, a punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this punch It is assumed that there is setting information, and pages 1 to 3 are designated by the page application unit 830.

  FIG. 12B is an example in which punching processing is added to the first and second pages (group 1) by changing processing in units of pages after the trial print processing with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. is there. In this example, on the change screen of FIG. 9A, the page display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the second page is selected by the shift key 411, a punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this punch It is assumed that there is setting information, and the group application unit 840 designates a group to which one or two pages belong.

  FIG. 13A shows an example in which punch processing is added to the entire job by changing processing in units of pages after the test print processing with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. In this example, on the change screen of FIG. 9A, the page display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the second page is selected by the shift key 411, a punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this punch There is setting information, and the job application unit 850 designates punching for the entire job. At this time, all the setting information of the second page is reflected in the separation information of the page 7 indicating the staple processing of the pages 3 to 7 and the end of the staple.

  FIG. 13B is an example in which punching processing is added in units of groups to the initial setting shown in FIG. 11A by changing processing in units of groups after the trial print processing. In this example, in the change screen of FIG. 10A, the group display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the first and second pages are selected by the shift key 411, punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this It is assumed that there is punch setting information, and the group application unit 840 designates the punch for the entire group 1.

  FIG. 14A shows an example in which punch processing is added in units of groups and specified pages by a group-unit change process after the trial print process with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. . In this example, in the change screen of FIG. 10A, the group display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the first and second pages are selected by the shift key 411, punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this It is assumed that there is punch setting information, the group application unit 840 designates punch for the entire group 1 of 1-2 pages, and the page application unit 830 designates pages 11-12.

  FIG. 14B shows an example in which punching processing is added in units of groups and jobs by changing processing in units of groups after the trial print processing with respect to the initial setting shown in FIG. In this example, in the change screen of FIG. 10A, the group display of the switching unit 810 is selected, the first and second pages are selected by the shift key 411, punch is selected from the items of the print condition display unit 820, and this There is punch setting information, and the job application unit 850 designates punching for the entire job of pages 1 to 12. At this time, all setting information on the first and second pages is reflected in the entire job, so stapling is not performed.

  Next, a modified example of the trial print process in step S308 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the control unit 161 determines whether there is a test print page designation (step S801). If it is determined in step S801 that there is no page designation, the control unit 161 determines whether there is a test print group designation (step S810). If it is determined in step S810 that there is no group designation, the control unit 161 transfers image information and individual print information for one job to the printer unit 103 (step S812), and performs print processing (step S803). If it is determined in step S810 that there is a group designation, the control unit 161 transfers the image information of the designated group and the printing conditions of the designated group to the printer unit 103 (step S811), and performs print processing. (Step S803). If it is determined in step S801 that there is a page designation, the control unit 161 transfers image information of the designated page and printing conditions of the designated page to the printer unit 103 (step S802), and print processing. Is performed (step S803).

  The page designation of the trial print can be performed by pressing the trial print button 870 shown in FIG. 9 and then pressing the “designate application page” button 830, whereby the trial print is designated as the selected designation. Done about the page. The group designation of the test print can be performed by pressing the test print button 870 shown in FIG. 9 and then pressing the “apply to group” button 840, whereby the test print is performed for the selected group. Done. Further, when the test print is performed on the entire job, the test print button 870 can be pressed, and then the “apply to job” button 850 can be pressed.

Thereafter, post-processing according to the printing conditions is performed (step S804), and the paper is discharged (step S805).
Next, it is determined whether or not the designated amount of printing determined in steps S801 and S810 has been completed (step S806). If the printing has not been completed, printing is continued. When printing for the designated amount is completed, change processing is performed (step S807). The change process is the same as that in FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined again whether the test print button 870 has been pressed (step S809). If it has been pressed, the process returns to step S801. If the test print button 870 is not pressed again, the test print process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S309 in FIG. 4 to perform a normal print output operation.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when changing the printing conditions after the trial printing process, the changed pages are selected and displayed in page units or group units, and after the displayed printing conditions are changed, For each designated page, group, or job, an individual printing condition for each page is formed using the changing unit 205 and is stored in the image memory 106. Therefore, a page portion having a setting error that is confirmed by test printing. The setting range and the application range when holding the individual printing conditions in the image memory 106 are also set within the optimum range for each page, group, or job, and setting effort and time And setting errors can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the post-processing unit including the post-processing device 120 and the punch unit 110 is used. However, a sorter for sorting recording sheets can be added to the post-processing unit.

It is a functional block diagram of the control part of a digital multi-function peripheral. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus centering on a control unit of a digital multifunction peripheral. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure of the display screen which displays the printing condition of the page unit of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the separate printing conditions of the page unit input of embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a test print process according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the change process of embodiment. It is a figure of the change screen which changes the printing condition of the page unit of embodiment. It is a figure of the change screen which changes the printing condition of the group unit of embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the change of the individual printing conditions of an embodiment (the 1). It is a figure which illustrates the change of the individual printing conditions of an embodiment (the 2). It is a figure which illustrates the change of the individual printing conditions of an embodiment (the 3). It is a figure which illustrates the change of the individual printing conditions of an embodiment (the 4). 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a modified example of the test print process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital multifunction peripheral 101 Paper feed tray 102 Scanner part 103 Printer part 106 Image memory 107 Paper feed tray 108 Operation part 109 Conveyance path 110 Punch unit 111 Conveyance path 112 Image processing part 113 Image memory 116 Control part 117 Punch part 118 Printer control part 120 Post-processing devices 121, 122, 123, 124 Transport path 130 Terminal 140 Stack unit 141 Staple unit 142 Main tray 144 Sub-tray 151 Shift unit 160, 161 Control unit 170 Gate 200 Reading unit 201 Page writing unit 202 Page reading unit 203 Reading unit 204 Test print unit 205 Change unit 220 Non-volatile memory 221 Read processing unit 222 Compression IC
223 Read processing unit 224 Expansion IC
225 Control IC
240 Bus 400 Bird's-eye display unit 401, 860 Individual display unit 404 Thumbnail display 410 Numeric keypad 411 Shift key 810 Switching unit 820 Print condition display unit 830 Page application unit 840 Group application unit 850 Job application unit 870 Test print button

Claims (22)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image information on a recording medium,
A storage unit for storing printing conditions in units of pages for image information of a plurality of pages;
A printing condition setting unit for setting a printing condition according to the printing condition stored in the storage unit;
A test print section for performing a test print according to the set printing conditions;
After the test print, an input unit for inputting the change contents of the print condition of the change page selected from a plurality of pages;
Based on the change content, a change unit for changing the print condition setting of the selected change page,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs data for displaying a print condition of the changed page after the test print.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit configured to display a print condition of the changed page after the test print.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection is performed in units of pages or in units of groups having a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions. 5.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that performs an operation for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation unit includes a switching unit that switches whether the selection is performed in units of pages or in units of groups having a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the operation unit includes a shift unit that moves the selection in units of pages or groups.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit performs the change on a specified single page or a plurality of pages. An operation unit for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and performing an operation for inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit includes a page application unit that designates a single page or a plurality of pages.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit includes a group conversion unit that performs the change to a group having the same printing condition. An operation unit for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and performing an operation for inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the operation unit includes a group applying unit that specifies the group.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit includes a job application unit that performs the change on a job including all the plurality of pages. An operation unit for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and performing an operation for inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the operation unit includes a job application unit that designates the job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test print unit performs test print of one job including all of the plurality of pages. An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image information on a recording medium,
A storage unit for storing printing conditions in units of pages for image information of a plurality of pages;
A printing condition setting unit for setting a printing condition according to the printing condition stored in the storage unit;
A selection unit for selecting a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions as one group;
An input unit for inputting change contents of the printing condition of the group selected by the selection unit;
A changing unit for changing the setting of the printing condition of the selected group based on the change content;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the selection can be switched between performing the selection in units of pages or in units of groups having a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an operation unit that performs an operation for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and inputting change contents of a print condition of the change page.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the operation unit includes a switching unit that switches whether the selection is performed in units of pages or in units of groups having a plurality of pages having the same printing conditions. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the operation unit includes a shift unit that moves the selection in units of pages or groups. An operation unit for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and performing an operation for inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the operation unit includes a page application unit that designates a plurality of pages.   21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the change unit includes a job application unit that performs the change on a job including all the plurality of pages. An operation unit for selecting a change page from a plurality of pages and performing an operation for inputting a change content of a print condition of the change page;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the operation unit includes a job application unit that designates the job.

Images