JP2006268318A - Image forming device and method, and printer driver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and method and a printer driver that can solve the problem of documents printed on both sides being difficult to read. <P>SOLUTION: An image input part inputs image data. A condition specification part specifies conditions (paper orientation, binding side and document-reading direction). An additional information setting part sets additional information according to the specified conditions. Specifically, a staple position setting means sets the staple positions, a turnover mark position setting means sets turnover mark positions, an inversion mark position setting means sets inversion mark positions, and a binding side mark position setting means sets binding side mark positions. A printing image forming part sets the additional information in the image data, forms print images according to the image data, and sends the formed print images to an image output device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and method and a printer driver, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and method having a double-sided printing function and a printer driver.

  In order to save resources in consideration of environmental problems, documents are increasingly printed on both sides. Double-sided printing with a copier with a stapling function, and forgetting the binding direction (long side / short side) and stapling location while reading a stapled document, from one page to the next There is a problem that the turning method is difficult to understand or cannot be estimated.

  For example, as shown in the figure, one page at a time is configured such that the front side of the first sheet is the first page, the back side is the second page, the front side of the second sheet is the third page, the back side is the fourth page, and so on. When a user reads a document that is to be read (that is, cannot be spread), the user must always be aware that “if the current page is the front page, turn the page, and if it is the back side, repeat the entire document”. Further, when turning from the even-numbered page (that is, the back surface) to the odd-numbered page (that is, the front surface), if the document binding direction is forgotten, it cannot be estimated whether the direction in which the document is repeated is up or down.

  For example, there is an image forming apparatus that can easily detect missing pages by controlling the positions of marks added to an output image to be different for each page (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

In addition, for example, the user can easily check the page mark, the part mark, and the front / back mark printed on the edge of the paper, so that the sorting of the bundle (part), the order of the pages, and the uniformity of the front / back direction of the paper can be easily performed. There is an image output device, an image output method, a program, and a storage medium that can be checked (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-65363 JP 2004-202852 A

  However, the main purpose of the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the technique described in Patent Document 2 is to organize disordered pages so that pages can be easily turned from information such as the binding direction and the staple location. It does not determine where additional information is printed. Therefore, it is difficult to solve the above-described problem.

  Accordingly, the present invention prints a mark indicating page turning and a mark indicating repetition of a document in an easily understandable place on the document based on the paper direction, binding direction, viewing direction, and staple position specified by the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and method, and a printer driver that can solve the problem that it is difficult to view a double-side printed document.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes an image input means for inputting an image, a condition specifying means for specifying a condition relating to a sheet on which an image input by the image input means is printed, and the condition specifying means. Based on specified conditions, additional information setting means for setting additional information to be added to the image, image processing means for adding additional information set by the additional information setting means to the image, and the image processing means And a print image forming unit that forms a print image for double-sided printing based on the image to which the additional information is added.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the additional information setting unit includes a binding position setting unit that sets a binding position of the paper or the number of binding positions based on the condition, and the condition. And a first mark position setting means for setting a position for printing a first mark on an image printed on the front surface of the paper, and an image printed on the back surface of the paper based on the condition. A second mark position setting unit for setting a position for printing the second mark, and a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating the binding direction of the sheet on which the image is printed based on the condition. And at least one binding direction mark position setting unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the first mark is printed when browsing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is printed. The second mark indicates that the user can proceed to the next page by turning the current page. When viewing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is viewed, the second mark is pulled over the plurality of sheets. By repeating, it is shown that it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page.

  An adjacent page indicates the next page or the previous page.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the first mark position setting means prepares a recommended position of the first mark for each of the conditions in advance, and sets the second mark position. The means is characterized in that a recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the condition is at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the image is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the image. And

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image processing unit adds a mark indicating the binding position to the image based on the binding position set by the binding position setting unit. It is characterized by.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing means displays the image added with the additional information as a preview on a display device.

  The invention according to claim 8 inputs an image, specifies a condition relating to a sheet on which the input image is printed, sets additional information to be added to the image based on the specified condition, and sets the setting Additional information is added to the image, and a print image for duplex printing is formed based on the image with the additional information added.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the setting of the additional information is performed by setting a binding position of the sheet or the number of the binding positions based on the condition, and the sheet based on the condition. Setting of a position for printing a first mark on an image printed on the front surface of the sheet, setting of a position for printing a second mark on an image printed on the back surface of the paper based on the conditions, It is at least one of setting a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating a binding direction of a sheet on which the image is printed based on the condition.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9, wherein the first mark is printed when browsing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is printed. The second mark indicates that the user can proceed to the next page by turning the current page. When viewing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is viewed, the second mark is pulled over the plurality of sheets. By repeating, it is shown that it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 9, wherein the recommended position of the first mark for each condition is prepared in advance, and the recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the condition is at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the image is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the image. And

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, a mark indicating the binding position is added to the image based on the set binding position.

  The invention of claim 14 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 8, the image to which the additional information is added is displayed on a display device as a preview.

  Further, the invention of claim 15 is a process of accepting designation of conditions relating to paper on which data received from an application is printed, a process of setting additional information to be added to the data based on the designated conditions, and the setting The computer is caused to operate a process of adding the additional information to the data and a process of forming a print image for double-sided printing based on the data to which the additional information is added.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the invention, a process for setting the binding position of the paper or the number of the binding positions based on the condition, and printing on the surface of the paper based on the condition. A process for setting a position for printing a first mark for data, a process for setting a position for printing a second mark for data to be printed on the back side of the paper based on the conditions, and the condition Based on the above, at least one process of setting a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating the binding direction of the paper on which the data is printed is set for the data.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 16, wherein the first mark is printed when browsing a plurality of sheets on which the data bound with staples is printed. The second mark indicates that the page can be advanced to the next page by turning a page, and when browsing a plurality of sheets on which the data bound with staples is printed, the entire plurality of sheets are pulled. By repeating, it is shown that it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page.

  The invention of claim 18 is the invention of claim 16, wherein the recommended position of the first mark for each condition is prepared in advance, and the recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance. It is characterized by.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect, the condition is at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the data is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the data. And

  According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the computer is operated to add a mark indicating the binding position to the data based on the set binding position.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the data to which the additional information is added is displayed on a display device as a preview.

  According to the present invention, if the user sees the turning mark on the side opposite to the staple, it is possible to instantaneously determine whether the page should be turned or repeated, and the operation direction.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the user specifies the paper direction, the binding direction, and the reading direction, the staple position and number, the turning mark printing position, and the repeating mark printing position are automatically set according to the default recommended position. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to save the user's trouble of setting.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the left-handed user or the reading direction is reversed, the default recommended position can be determined by analogy.

  Further, according to the present invention, even in a model not equipped with staples, by using the staple mark and using it together with the turn mark and the repeat mark, it is easy to turn almost the same without actually binding with the staple. There is an effect that an effect can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the staple is at the corner, a straight line indicating the binding direction is printed and used in combination with the turning mark and the repeated mark.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, if a preview function is installed and an output image can be confirmed in advance, it is possible to prevent an erroneous designation of the staple position, the turning mark and the repeat mark printing position.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since it is easy to turn a page for double-sided printing, double-sided printing is performed and it is possible to contribute to resource saving.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus and method and a printer driver according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the first embodiment, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image input unit 2, a condition specifying unit 3, an additional information setting unit 4, and a print image forming unit 5. The image forming apparatus 1 prints a print image on paper or the like. It is connected to an image output device 6 with a duplex printing function for output.

  The image input unit 2 performs a process of inputting an image. For example, a process of receiving image data read by a copying machine, a scanner, or the like, image data transmitted from a PC or the like via a network, or a CD or the like. Processing to read image data stored in the storage medium is performed.

  The condition designating unit 3 performs processing for designating the paper orientation, binding direction, and document reading direction when outputting image data.

  The additional information setting unit 4 includes a staple position setting unit 7 that sets a staple position with respect to a sheet, a turn mark position setting unit 8 that sets a position of a turn mark printed on the sheet, and a position of a repeat mark printed on the sheet. A repetitive mark position setting means 9 for setting the position and a binding direction mark position setting means 10 for setting the position of the binding direction mark to be printed on the paper.

  The staple position setting unit 7 sets the staple position with respect to the sheet based on the sheet direction, the binding direction, and the document reading direction specified by the condition specifying unit 3. Specifically, the stapling position includes upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right, etc. of the paper. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of staples depending on conditions. Even in the image output apparatus 6 without a stapling function, it is possible to print a staple mark at the staple position set by the staple position setting means 7. It is also possible to specify the desired staple position of the user by the condition specifying unit 3.

  The turning mark position setting means 8 determines that the “next page is printed because the next page is printed on the back side of the currently viewed page, based on the paper direction, binding direction and document reading direction specified by the condition specifying unit 3. The position of a turning mark indicating to the user that “the page needs to be turned when reading forward” is set.

  The repetitive mark position setting unit 9 determines that “the page adjacent to the currently viewed page (that is, the next page or the previous page) based on the paper direction, the binding direction, and the document reading direction specified by the condition specifying unit 3. The position of the repeat mark is set to indicate to the user that the entire document needs to be repeated when reading.

  The binding direction mark position setting unit 10 sets the position of a mark (for example, a straight line) indicating the binding direction of the document based on the binding direction specified by the condition specifying unit 3.

  The print image forming unit 5 adds each additional information set by the additional information setting unit 4 to the image data input by the image input unit 2, and forms a print image such as a bitmap image based on the image data. I do. Then, the print image formed by the print image forming unit 5 is transmitted to the image output device 6.

  Next, image forming processing performed in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  The image input unit inputs image data (step S201), the condition designating unit designates conditions (paper orientation, binding direction, and document reading direction) (step S202). Based on the designated conditions, the additional information setting unit Sets the additional information, that is, the staple position setting means sets the staple position, the turning mark position setting means sets the turning mark position, and the repeat mark position setting means sets the repeat mark position. The binding direction mark position setting means sets the position of the binding direction mark (step S203), the print image forming unit sets additional information in the image data, and forms a print image based on the image data (step S204). The formed print image is transmitted to the image output apparatus (step S205), and the image forming process is terminated.

  Next, setting of additional information by the additional information setting unit 4 will be described with reference to a specific example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information.

  When “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated in the condition designating unit 3, as shown in FIG. It is set to the upper left of the paper, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark 12 is set to the left, the position of the turning mark 12 is set to the lower right of the paper, and the staple position 11 is set to the upper right on the back surface, and the repeat mark 13 is set. The position of is set to the lower left.

  Accordingly, when the user is viewing the front page shown in FIG. 3A, the right edge of the page is displayed by looking at the turning mark 12 printed at the lower right and the direction of the arrow of the turning mark 12. If it turns, it can be judged instantaneously that it advances to the next page, and when viewing the back page shown in FIG. 3A, by looking at the repeat mark 13 printed at the lower left, If the entire document is repeated, it can be instantly determined that the next page is read.

  Note that the positions of the staple position 11, the turning mark 12, and the repeat mark 13 shown in FIG. 3A are recommended positions recommended by each setting unit, and are set as defaults (this recommended position is set as an image). It is more convenient to set it in the specifications of the output device and store it in the non-volatile memory.) However, within the turning mark printing area 14 shown in FIG. 3B, the turning mark 12 can be set freely by the user, and further within the repeated mark printing area 15 shown in FIG. 3B. If there is, the user can set the repeated mark 13 freely.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information.

  When “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = right → left” are designated in the condition designating unit 3, as shown in FIG. The turning mark arrow is set to the right, the turning mark position is set to the lower left of the paper, the staple position is set to the upper left, and the repeat mark position is set to the lower right. Is set.

  Therefore, when the user browses the front page shown in FIG. 4A, the user can turn the left edge of the page by looking at the turning mark printed in the lower left and the direction of the arrow of the turning mark. It is possible to instantly determine that the page will be read, and when viewing the back page shown in FIG. 4A, the entire document is copied by looking at the repeated mark printed at the lower right. If it repeats, it can be judged instantaneously to advance to the next page.

  Note that the positions of staples, turning marks, and repeated marks shown in FIG. 4A are recommended positions recommended by the setting means, and are set as defaults. However, if it is within the turning mark printing area shown in FIG. 4B, the turning mark can be set freely by the user, and if it is within the repeated mark printing area shown in FIG. 4B, The user can set a repeated mark freely.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information.

  In the condition designating section, when “paper orientation = landscape”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated, if printing of the binding direction mark is also designated, as shown in FIG. Along with the setting of the staple position, the turning mark, and the repeat mark, the binding direction mark is set on the left end side of the paper on the front side paper, and the binding direction mark 16 is set on the right end side of the paper on the back side paper.

  Accordingly, when the user is viewing the front page shown in FIG. 5, the user can see which side the document is bound by looking at the binding direction mark 16 printed on the left end side. It is possible to instantly determine that the right edge of the page should be turned without looking at the page, and when viewing the back page shown in FIG. 5, the binding direction mark 16 printed on the right edge side is viewed. Thus, it can be determined which side the document is closed, so that it can be instantaneously determined that the entire document should be repeated from the right end side.

  The image forming apparatus 1 adds a staple mark to the staple position and adds a turn mark to the turning mark position on a display device such as a display (not shown) so that the user can confirm the set additional information. It is possible to display a print image in which a repeated mark is added at the position of the repeated mark and a binding direction mark is added at the position of the binding direction mark as a preview.

It is also possible to display a preview as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the upper left of the front surface and to the upper right of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 6A, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the left, the turning mark printing area is set to the lower end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the right end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, on the back surface, the repeated mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the left end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set on the upper right side of the front surface and on the upper left side of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 6B, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the right, the turning mark printing area is set to the lower end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the lower left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, on the back side, the repeated mark print area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the lower right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower right of the front surface and to the lower left of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 6C, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the right on the front surface, the turning mark printing area is set to the upper end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is at the upper left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the upper right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower left of the front surface and to the lower right of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 6D, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the left, the turning mark printing area is set to the upper end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the right end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 6D, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the left end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = long side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the upper left of the front surface and to the lower left of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 7A, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set upward, the turning mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is on the upper end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the lower end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Also, as shown in FIG. 7A, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the upper end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set on the upper right side of the front surface and on the lower right side of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 7B, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set upward, the turning mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is on the upper end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the lower end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. The recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the upper end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower right of the front surface and to the upper right of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 7C, on the front surface, the direction of the turning mark arrow is set downward, the turning mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the upper end side of the sheet. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the upper left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, on the back surface, the repeated mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the lower left of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower left of the front surface and to the upper left of the rear surface. As shown in FIG. 7D, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set downward, the turning mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the upper end side of the sheet. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is at the upper right of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeated mark is at the lower right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information setting when “paper orientation = vertical”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the upper left of the front surface and to the lower left of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 8A, on the front surface, the direction of the turning mark arrow is set upward, the turning mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is on the upper end side of the paper. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the lower end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, on the back surface, the repeated mark print area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. The recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the upper end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set on the upper right side of the front surface and on the lower right side of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 8B, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set upward, the turning mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is on the upper end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the lower end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the upper end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set on the lower right side of the front surface and on the upper right side of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 8C, on the front surface, the direction of the turning mark arrow is set downward, the turning mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the upper end side of the sheet. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the upper left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, on the back surface, the repeated mark print area is set on the lower end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the lower left of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower left of the front surface and to the upper left of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 8D, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set downward, the turning mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the upper end side of the sheet. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the upper right of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8D, on the back surface, the repeated mark print area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the lower end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the lower right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information setting when “paper orientation = vertical”, “binding direction = long side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the upper left of the front surface and to the upper right of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 9A, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the left, the turning mark printing area is set to the lower end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the right end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, on the back side, the repeated mark print areas are set on the lower end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the paper. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the left end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set on the upper right side of the front surface and on the upper left side of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 9B, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the right, the turning mark printing area is set to the lower end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is set to the left end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the lower left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the lower end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the lower right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower right of the front surface and to the lower left of the rear surface. As shown in FIG. 9C, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the right, the turning mark printing area is set to the upper end side and the left end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to Note that the recommended position of the turning mark is the upper left of the sheet as shown in FIG. Also, as shown in FIG. 9C, on the back side, the repeated mark print area is set on the upper end side and the right end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the upper right of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9D is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when the stapling position is set to the lower left of the front surface and to the lower right of the back surface. As shown in FIG. 9D, on the front surface, the direction of the arrow of the turning mark is set to the left, the turning mark printing area is set to the upper end side and the right end side of the paper, and the binding direction mark is the left end side of the paper. Set to The recommended position of the turning mark is the center on the right end side of the sheet as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, on the back side, the repeated mark printing area is set on the upper end side and the left end side of the sheet, and the binding direction mark is set on the right end side of the sheet. Note that the recommended position of the repeat mark is the center on the left end side of the sheet as shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, a configuration in which a printer driver having the same function as that of the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment is installed in a PC or the like will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the printer driver 18 according to the present invention installed in the PC 17.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a printer driver 18 and an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) 19 according to the present invention are installed in the PC 17, and these are variously controlled using the functions of the OS under the control of the OS (not shown). Execute the process. Further, an input device 20 such as a keyboard or a mouse and a display device 21 such as a display are connected to the PC 17. In addition, since it does not show in figure about components other than the component regarding PC17 mentioned above, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The printer driver 18 includes a data receiving unit 22, a UI control unit 23, an additional information setting unit, a data processing unit 24, and a job creation unit 25 as its functions.

  The data receiving unit 22 performs processing for receiving data such as documents, graphics, or images output from various applications installed on the PC 17.

  The UI control unit 23 performs processing for display control of the printer driver UI screen displayed on the display device 21 and processing for receiving an instruction input from the input device 22, interpreting the received instruction, and notifying each component as a command. I do. The UI control unit 23 includes a condition designating unit 3 that performs processing for designating a paper orientation, a binding direction, and a document reading direction when outputting image data. Here, the condition specifying unit 3 has the same function as the condition specifying unit described in the first embodiment.

  The additional information setting unit 4 includes a staple position setting unit 7 that sets a staple position with respect to a sheet, a turn mark position setting unit 8 that sets a position of a turn mark printed on the sheet, and a position of a repeat mark printed on the sheet. A repetitive mark position setting means 9 for setting the position and a binding direction mark position setting means 10 for setting the position of the binding direction mark to be printed on the paper. Here, the additional information setting unit 4 has the same function as the additional information setting unit 4 described in the first embodiment.

  The data processing unit 24 performs processing for adding each additional information set by the additional information setting unit 4 to the data received by the data receiving unit 22.

  The job creation unit 25 creates a printer control code based on the data processed by the data processing unit 24, and transmits the created printer control code as a job to the image output device 6.

  The setting of additional information by the additional information setting unit 4 is the same as the specific example described in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, the printer driver 18 according to the present invention can display data added with each additional information by the data processing unit 24 on the display device 21 as a preview. The functional processing operation of the printer driver 18 in this case is as follows. When the data processing unit 24 passes the data with each additional information added thereto to the UI control unit 23, and the UI control unit 23 receives the data with each additional information added, The received data is displayed on the display device 21.

  Note that a configuration in which functions similar to those of the image forming apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment are added to the document handling software is also applicable.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating image forming processing performed in the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting of additional information. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting of additional information. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting of additional information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting additional information when “paper orientation = horizontal”, “binding direction = long side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information setting when “paper orientation = vertical”, “binding direction = short side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information setting when “paper orientation = vertical”, “binding direction = long side”, and “reading direction = left → right” are designated. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the printer driver concerning this invention installed in PC.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image input part 3 Condition designation part 4 Additional information setting part 5 Print image forming part 6 Image output apparatus 7 Staple position setting means 8 Turn mark position setting means 9 Repeat mark position setting means 10 Binding direction mark position setting Means 11 Staple position 12 Turn mark 13 Repeat mark 14 Turn mark print area 15 Repeat mark print area 16 Binding direction mark 17 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 Printer driver 19 Application 20 Input device 21 Display device 22 Data reception part 23 UI control part 24 Data processing part 25 Job creation part

Claims (21)

An image input means for inputting an image;
Condition designating means for designating conditions relating to paper for printing the image input by the image input means;
Additional information setting means for setting additional information to be added to the image based on the conditions specified by the condition specifying means;
Image processing means for adding additional information set by the additional information setting means to the image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print image forming unit configured to form a print image for double-sided printing based on the image to which the additional information is added by the image processing unit. The additional information setting means includes
A binding position setting means for setting the binding position of the paper or the number of binding positions based on the condition;
First mark position setting means for setting a position for printing a first mark with respect to an image to be printed on the surface of the paper based on the condition;
A second mark position setting means for setting a position for printing a second mark with respect to an image printed on the back surface of the paper based on the condition;
At least one binding direction mark position setting unit that sets a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating a binding direction of a sheet on which the image is printed based on the condition is set for the image. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The first mark is
When browsing a plurality of papers on which the images printed with staples are printed, it indicates that it is possible to proceed to the next page by turning the page on which the first mark is printed,
The second mark is
When browsing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is printed, it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page by repeating the plurality of sheets. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The first mark position setting means includes:
Preparing a recommended position of the first mark for each condition in advance;
The second mark position setting means includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance. The condition is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the image is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the image. The image processing means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mark indicating the binding position is added to the image based on the binding position set by the binding position setting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit displays an image to which the additional information is added as a preview on a display device. Enter an image,
Specify the conditions for the paper on which the input image is printed,
Based on the specified conditions, set additional information to be added to the image,
Add the set additional information to the image,
An image forming method comprising forming a print image for double-sided printing based on the image to which the additional information is added. The additional information is set as follows:
Based on the condition, set the binding position of the paper or the number of binding positions,
Based on the conditions, setting of a position for printing the first mark on the image printed on the surface of the paper;
Based on the conditions, setting a position for printing the second mark on the image printed on the back surface of the paper;
9. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein, based on the condition, at least one of setting a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating a binding direction of a sheet on which the image is printed with respect to the image. The first mark is
When browsing a plurality of papers on which the images printed with staples are printed, it indicates that it is possible to proceed to the next page by turning the page on which the first mark is printed,
The second mark is
When browsing a plurality of sheets on which the image bound with staples is printed, it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page by repeating the plurality of sheets. The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein: Preparing a recommended position of the first mark for each condition in advance;
The image forming method according to claim 9, wherein a recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance. The condition is
The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the image is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the image. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein a mark indicating the binding position is added to the image based on the set binding position. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein the image added with the additional information is displayed on a display device as a preview. Processing for accepting specification of conditions relating to paper on which data received from an application is printed;
A process of setting additional information to be added to the data based on the specified condition;
A process of adding the set additional information to the data;
A printer driver that causes a computer to perform a process of forming a print image for double-sided printing based on data added with the additional information. A process of setting the binding position of the paper or the number of binding positions based on the condition;
A process for setting a position for printing the first mark with respect to data to be printed on the surface of the paper based on the condition;
A process for setting a position for printing a second mark with respect to data to be printed on the back side of the paper based on the conditions;
16. The computer according to claim 15, wherein at least one process of setting a position for printing a binding direction mark indicating a binding direction of a sheet of paper on which the data is printed is set for the data. Printer driver. The first mark is
When browsing a plurality of sheets on which the data bound with staples is printed, it indicates that the page can be advanced to the next page by turning the page on which the first mark is printed.
The second mark is
When browsing a plurality of sheets on which the data bound with staples is printed, it is possible to advance from the page on which the second mark is printed to the adjacent page by repeating the plurality of sheets. The printer driver according to claim 16, wherein: Preparing a recommended position of the first mark for each condition in advance;
The printer driver according to claim 16, wherein a recommended position of the second mark for each condition is prepared in advance. The condition is
The printer driver according to claim 15, wherein the printer driver is at least one of a direction of a sheet on which the data is printed, a binding direction of the sheet, and a reading direction of the data. 16. The printer driver according to claim 15, further comprising: causing a computer to perform a process of adding a mark indicating the binding position to the data based on the set binding position. The printer driver according to claim 15, wherein the data added with the additional information is displayed on a display device as a preview.

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