JP2007034444A - Image formation apparatus, post-processing warning method and post-processing setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm an image to be cut by the working of a sheet in the pre-stage of the formation of an image on a sheet. <P>SOLUTION: This digital copying machine is provided with an image reading part for inputting image data for a plurality of pages and an output image processing part for generating print data for forming an image on a paper sheet based on input image data. When post-processing such as staple or punch hole working processing is designated (S03), the overlap of the image position and the working position is decided for each of the plurality of pages (S06), and the working status image of a page where it is judged that the both positions are overlapped is displayed (S08). Thus, it is possible to confirm an image to be cut by the working of a paper sheet in the pre-stage of the formation of an image on a paper sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a post-processing warning method, and a post-processing setting method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a post-processing function such as punching or stapling, a post-processing warning method, and a post-processing setting method.

  In recent years, an image processing apparatus having a function of performing post-processing such as punching or stapling on a sheet on which an image is formed is known. Since the paper is processed in the post-processing, if an image is formed at the processing position, the image is scraped by the processing of the paper. In order to avoid this inconvenience, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-296090 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper based on print data and performs post-processing on the recording paper after image formation. Storage means for storing a plurality of post-processed image data indicating post-processing completion predicted images, and setting means for setting a preview display of the print data and / or a post-processing mode for the recording paper And control means for reading the post-process image data corresponding to the post-process mode set by the setting means from the storage means and combining the post-process image data with the print data based on the preview display to control display And a display means for displaying a preview of the completed predicted image after post-processing of the recording paper synthesized by the control means. Image forming apparatus has been described that.

However, since the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-296090 synthesizes and displays the post-processed image data and the print data even when the image is not deleted by the post-processing, a person can determine whether or not they overlap. You must judge. In addition, in the case of overlapping, the user must make settings for avoiding the overlap.
JP 2003-296090 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to confirm an image scraped by processing of a sheet at a stage before forming the image on the sheet. An image processing apparatus and a post-processing warning method are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a post-processing setting method in which an image is prevented from being scraped by processing a sheet.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus inputs an image on a sheet based on input means for inputting image data for a plurality of pages and the input image data. Print data generating means for generating print data to be formed, processing instruction receiving means for receiving instructions for processing paper, image positions of images formed on the paper determined by the print data, and processing instructions for each of a plurality of pages And a processing state image of the paper on which the processing position is processed, which is a paper on which an image of a page on which the position is determined to be overlapped by the determination means is determined. Display means for displaying.

  According to the present invention, print data for forming an image on a sheet is generated based on the image data, and when an instruction to process the sheet is received, a plurality of pages are formed on the sheet determined by the print data. An overlap between the image position of the image and the sheet processing position determined by the processing instruction is determined. Then, a processing state image of the paper on which the image of only the page for which it is determined that both positions overlap is formed and the processing position is processed is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to visually confirm the degree of overlap between the processing position of the paper and the position of the image before the image is formed on the paper. Further, since the processing state image of the paper on which the image of the page determined to be overlapped is displayed, the processing state image of the non-overlapping page is not displayed. For this reason, an unnecessary image is not displayed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of confirming an image scraped by processing of a sheet in a stage before forming an image on the sheet.

  Preferably, the display means includes an enlarged display means for enlarging and displaying the vicinity of the processing position of the processing state image.

  According to the present invention, since the vicinity of the processing position is enlarged and displayed, an image cut by processing the paper can be confirmed in detail.

  Preferably, the display unit includes an individual display unit that sequentially displays the plurality of pages when there are a plurality of pages determined by the determining unit to overlap both positions.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of pages determined to overlap each other are displayed in order, so that they can be confirmed individually. Even when the area of the display area is small, an image can be displayed.

  Preferably, the display means includes list display means for displaying the plurality of pages at a time when there are a plurality of pages determined by the determination means that both positions overlap.

  According to the present invention, since a plurality of pages determined to be overlapped at both positions are displayed at a time, the degree of overlap can be confirmed at a time on the plurality of pages. Therefore, it is convenient for finding a process common to a plurality of pages in order to avoid overlapping.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a position changing unit that relatively moves the image position and the processing position when the determining unit determines that the two positions overlap with each other, and the display unit includes an instruction for activating the position changing unit. Avoidance operation key display means for displaying an avoidance operation key for accepting

  According to the present invention, when the avoidance operation key is displayed and the avoidance operation key is instructed, the image position and the processing position are relatively moved, so that the overlap between the sheet image and the processing position can be eliminated. .

  Preferably, the position changing unit changes the image forming position changing unit that causes the print data generating unit to change the position of the image formed on the paper, the resolution converting unit that lowers the resolution of the image data, and the processing position determined by the processing instruction. Machining position changing means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select at least one of processing for changing the position of the image formed on the paper, processing for reducing the resolution of the image data, and processing for changing the processing position. An image can be formed on a sheet.

  Preferably, the position changing unit changes the image forming position changing unit that causes the print data generating unit to change the position of the image formed on the paper, the resolution converting unit that lowers the resolution of the image data, and the processing position determined by the processing instruction. The avoidance operation key display means includes an extraction means for extracting at least one of the image formation position change means, the resolution conversion means, and the processing position change means according to the image data, An avoidance operation key that accepts an instruction to activate the extracted means is displayed in a selectable manner.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the process of changing the position of the image formed on the paper, the process of reducing the resolution of the image data, or the process of changing the processing position is selected and presented according to the image data. The user does not need to make detailed settings. For this reason, the setting for avoiding an overlap can be simplified.

  Preferably, the determination unit further includes a detection unit that detects an overlap amount between the image position and the processing position, and the position change unit causes the print data generation unit to change the position of the image formed on the sheet. And a resolution conversion unit that lowers the resolution of the image data, and a processing position changing unit that changes a processing position determined by the processing instruction, and the avoidance operation key display unit displays the image forming position according to the detected overlap amount. It includes an extracting unit that extracts at least one of the changing unit, the resolution converting unit, and the processing position changing unit, and displays an avoidance operation key that accepts an instruction for activating the extracted unit.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the process of changing the position of the image formed on the paper, the process of reducing the resolution of the image data, or the process of changing the processing position is selected and presented according to the overlap amount. The user does not need to make detailed settings. For this reason, the setting for avoiding an overlap can be simplified.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing device includes an input unit for inputting image data, and print data for generating print data for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data. A generating means; a processing instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to process the paper; a determining means for determining an overlap between an image position of an image formed on the paper determined by the print data and a processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction; And a position changing unit that relatively moves the image position and the processing position when the determination unit determines that both positions overlap.

  According to the present invention, the overlap between the image position of the image and the processing position of the paper is determined, and when it is determined that both positions overlap, the image position and the processing position are relatively moved. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents an image from being scraped off due to processing of the paper.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing warning method includes a step of inputting image data for a plurality of pages, and print data for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data. A step of accepting an instruction to process the paper, and a step of determining, for each of a plurality of pages, an overlap between the image position of the image formed on the paper determined by the print data and the processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction And a step of displaying a processing state image of the paper on which the image of only the page for which both positions are determined to be overlapped by the determination step has been processed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing warning method capable of confirming an image scraped by processing a sheet at a stage before the image is formed on the sheet.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing setting method includes a step of inputting image data, a step of generating print data for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data, A step of accepting an instruction to process the paper, a step of determining an overlap between an image position of an image formed on the paper determined by the print data, and a processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction; A step of relatively moving the image position and the processing position when the determination is made.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing setting method that prevents an image from being scraped by processing a sheet.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawing, a digital copying machine 1 includes an image reading unit 10 for reading image data from a document, a control unit 100 for processing image data output from the image reading unit 10, and an image on a sheet. An image forming unit 20 for forming and a post-processing unit 50 that performs post-processing on the image-formed paper are included.

  In the image reading unit 10, an image of a document set on a document glass 11 is exposed by an exposure lamp 13 attached to a scanner 12 that moves below the image. Reflected light from the document is guided to the lens 16 by the mirror 14 and the two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A and forms an image on the CCD sensor 18. The exposure lamp 13 and the mirror 14 are attached to the scanner 12, and the scanner 12 is moved by the scanner motor 17 in the direction indicated by the arrow (sub-scanning direction) in the drawing at a speed V corresponding to the copying magnification. Thereby, the document set on the document glass 11 can be scanned over the entire surface. As the exposure lamp 13 and the mirror 14 move, the two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A move in the direction of the arrow in the drawing at a speed V / 2. As a result, the optical path length from when the light applied to the document by the exposure lamp 13 is reflected by the document until it is imaged on the CCD sensor 18 is always constant.

  The reflected light imaged on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal in the CCD sensor 18 and sent to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 performs analog processing, A / D conversion processing, digital image processing, and the like on the received analog image data, and then outputs the analog image data to the image forming unit 20. The digital image processing performed by the control unit 100 includes processing for changing the position of the image on the paper (image position) and processing for reducing the image. Since the image data input from the CCD sensor 18 is obtained by reading a document, the position of the image formed on the paper in the image data is basically the same as the position of the image formed on the document. The size is the same as the image size formed on the original in the case of the same size copy. The process of changing the image position executed by the control unit 100 is a process of changing the position of the image on the paper, and the process of reducing the image is a process of reducing the image size (resolution) in the case of the same size copying. is there. The control unit 100 converts the image data after the image processing into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) printing data and outputs the data to the image forming unit 20.

  The exposure unit 21 of the image forming unit 20 includes an exposure head to which printing data for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are input. Each exposure head of the exposure unit 21 emits laser light according to the received print data (electrical signal). The emitted laser light is one-dimensionally scanned by the polygon mirror of the exposure unit 21 and exposes the photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K in the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming units. The direction in which the exposure unit 21 performs one-dimensional scanning of the photosensitive drum is the main scanning direction. Each of the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming units includes photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K, charging chargers 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22K, developing devices 24C, 24M, 24Y, and 24K, and a transfer charger. 25C, 25M, 25Y, 25K.

  Since the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming units differ only in the color of the toner to be handled, the operation of the image forming unit for forming a cyan image will be described. The photosensitive drum 23C is charged by the charging charger 22C and then irradiated with laser light emitted from the cyan exposure head. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 23C. Subsequently, the developing device 24C places toner on the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23C is transferred to the recording medium carried on the endless belt 30 by the transfer charger 25C. The cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming units are each integrally formed and detachable from the digital copying machine 1.

  In the paper feed cassettes 35, 35A, and 35B, sheets of different sizes are set. A sheet of a desired size is supplied to the conveyance path by paper feed rollers 36, 36A, 36B attached to the paper feed cassettes 35, 35A, 35B. The paper supplied to the conveyance path is sent to the timing roller 31 by the conveyance roller pair 37.

  On the other hand, the endless belt 30 is suspended by the driving roller 33A and the rollers 33B, 33C, and 33D so as not to be loosened. A timing sensor is installed at a position where the sheet is supplied to the endless belt 30. When the timing sensor detects a reference mark of the endless belt 30, the timing roller 31 supplies the sheet to the endless belt 30 in synchronization therewith. The paper supplied to the endless belt 30 is carried on the endless belt 30 and conveyed leftward in the drawing. The direction in which the sheet is conveyed is the sub-scanning direction and is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As a result, the sheet comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K of the image forming unit in the order of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. When the sheet comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K, the toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer chargers 25C, 25M, 25Y, and 25K paired with the photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K. The image is transferred to the paper.

  The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing roller pair 32 and heated by the fixing roller pair 32. As a result, the toner is melted and fixed on the paper. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing unit 50.

  Here, a so-called tandem type digital copier 1 that transfers the four color toners on the paper using the photosensitive drums 23C, 23M, 23Y, and 23K will be described. A four-cycle digital copying machine that sequentially transfers color toners onto a sheet may be used. Further, although the digital copying machine 1 is a full color, it may be an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a single color toner.

  The post-processing unit 50 includes a paper discharge tray 56, bins 61 to 65, a punch unit 52 for forming a binding hole in the paper, and a staple unit 51 for driving staples into the paper. When paper is supplied from the image forming unit 20 to the receiving roller pair 53, the post-processing unit 50 switches the conveyance path to either the paper discharge tray 56 side or the bins 61 to 65 side by the switching claw 54. The switching claw 54 switches the conveyance path by rotating around the spindle based on whether the solenoid is on or off. When the solenoid is off, the conveyance path is switched to the paper discharge tray 56 side, and when the solenoid is on, the conveyance path is switched to the bins 61 to 65 side.

  A conveyance roller pair 55 is provided on the conveyance path on the sheet discharge tray 56 side, and the sheet conveyed thereby is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 56. In the conveyance path on the bin 61 side, a punch unit 52 for forming a binding hole at the leading or trailing end of the sheet in the conveyance direction, a pair of conveyance rollers 57, 59, 60, and a guide plate 58 are installed. . When the punch unit 52 forms a binding hole in the paper, the position at which the conveying roller pair 57 stops to form the paper binding hole is determined. In other words, the position where the punch unit 52 forms the binding hole in the sheet can be changed by controlling the pair of conveying rollers 57.

  The bins 61 to 65 are installed inclined at regular intervals, and the bins 61 to 65 are moved up and down while maintaining the intervals. The bins 61 to 65 have the home position at the position shown in FIG. In this home position, the first bin 61 faces the conveyance roller pair 60 and the second bin 62 faces the staple unit 51. Hereinafter, the positions of the bins 61 to 65 facing the conveyance roller pair 60 are defined as a position X1, and the positions of the bins 61 to 65 facing the staple unit 51 are defined as a position X2. That is, a sheet is discharged from the conveyance roller pair 60 to the bins 61 to 65 at the position X1. The sheet bundle discharged onto the bins 61 to 65 at the position X2 can be bound by the staple unit 51.

  The staple unit 51 has a well-known electric structure, and includes a head unit that can attach and detach a cartridge incorporating a staple needle, and an anvil unit that receives and bends the staple staple punched from the head unit. . The staple unit 51 moves toward the bins 61 to 65 set at the position X2, and drives staples at one corner of the sheet bundle or two ends of the sheet bundle. A notch is formed at a position corresponding to the driving of the staple needle at the lower end of each of the bins 61 to 65 so that the leading end of the staple unit 51 can enter the bins 61 to 65 side.

  The distance that the staple unit 51 moves to the bins 61 to 65 set at the position X2 is variable. That is, it is possible to change the position at which the staple needle is driven into the paper.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed hardware configuration of the control unit of the digital copying machine. Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a storage unit 102, and an input image processing unit that processes image data output from the image reading unit 10. 104, an output image processing unit 105 that performs processing for converting image data into data suitable for output to the image forming unit 20, a network interface (I / F) 107, a modem 108, an operation panel 109, A card I / F 110 and a post-processing control unit 106 that controls the post-processing unit 50 are included.

  The CPU 101 controls the entire control unit 100. The storage unit 102 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable / Programmable ROM), and a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The input image processing unit 104 receives image data output from the image reading unit 10. The input image processing unit 104 performs image processing such as color correction processing and resolution conversion processing on the input image data, and stores the processed image data in the storage unit 102. The output image processing unit 105 reads out the image data from the storage unit 102 and executes image processing such as color conversion processing, screen control processing, smoothing processing, density correction processing, pulse width modulation (PWM), and the like. The image data is output to the image forming unit 20.

  CPU 101, input image processing unit 104, and output image processing unit 105 execute an image processing program stored in storage unit 102. The storage unit 102 stores image processing programs to be executed by the CPU 101, the input image processing unit 104, and the output image processing unit 105, respectively.

  An IC card 110A is attached to the card I / F 110. The CPU 101 can access the IC card 110 </ b> A via the card I / F 110. A network I / F 107 connects the digital copying machine 1 to the network 112. The network I / F 107 outputs data to the network according to a predetermined communication protocol, and receives data from the network 112 according to a predetermined communication protocol. The CPU 101 can communicate with other computers connected to the network 112 via the network I / F 107. For this reason, for example, image data can be transmitted and received using e-mail.

The modem 108 connects the digital copying machine 1 to the telephone line 113. The modem 108 enables facsimile communication of data according to a facsimile communication protocol. The modem 108 stores the data received by facsimile in the HDD of the storage unit 102. The modem 108 is connected to a computer connected to the telephone line 113 in order to enable communication with an NCU (Network).
Control Unit). Data received from another computer by the modem 108 is stored in the HDD of the storage unit 102.

  Operation panel 109 includes an input unit 109A and a display unit 109B. The input unit 109 </ b> A is an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse for accepting an operation input by the user of the digital copying machine 1. The display unit 109B is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel. When a touch panel made of a transparent member is used as the input unit 109A, an instruction of a button displayed on the display unit 109B can be detected by placing the touch panel on the display unit 109B. Thereby, various operations can be input.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing executed by the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. This print process is a process executed by the CPU 101 of the control unit 100. Referring to FIG. 3, the print process is in a standby state until a print instruction is detected (NO in step S01). If a print instruction is detected (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02. In other words, the print process is a process executed on condition that a print instruction is detected. The print instruction here is a detection that the start button provided in the input unit 109A of the operation panel 109 is pressed. The print conditions are set before the start button is pressed. The print conditions may include post-processing instructions such as punch hole processing instructions or staple needle processing instructions. The print instruction includes detection of reception of image data transmitted from a personal computer connected to the network 112. When image data is received from the personal computer via the network 112, print conditions are received together with the image data. The print conditions may include post-processing instructions.

  Then, image data is input (step S02). When the print instruction is made by pressing the start button, the image reading unit 10 reads the original and inputs image data. When the print instruction is reception of the image data via the network 112, the network I / F. The image data is input by receiving the image data.

  In step S03, it is determined whether or not post-processing is designated in the print conditions. If post-processing is designated, the process proceeds to step S04, and if not, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the image data is output to the image forming unit 20, and the image data is printed on paper. Thereafter, the process ends.

  In step S04, the post-processing position of the designated post-processing is acquired. The post-processing position is a position where punch holes are processed on the paper when punch hole processing is specified, and is a position where staples are driven into the paper when staple processing is specified. is there. This post-processing position may be a predetermined default position or a position included in the print conditions. In the next step S05, the image position is calculated. The image position refers to the position on the paper on which the image is formed, and is calculated from the image data input in step S02.

  In the next step S06, it is determined whether or not the image position and the post-processing position overlap. If both positions overlap, the process proceeds to step S07, and if not, the process proceeds to step S08. In step S07, an overlapping page is set as an error page. Then, a processing state image is generated (step S08). The processing state image is an image obtained by synthesizing a sheet image in a state where an image is formed on the sheet and a sheet image in a post-processed state on the sheet. Therefore, in the error page where the image position and the post-processing position overlap, an image in which a part of the image is deleted by the punch hole or the staple needle is obtained. The processing state image may include the entire sheet, but here, it is an enlarged image of a part around the post-processing position of the sheet. This is to make it easier to confirm the state in which the image is scraped with a punch hole or a staple. In step S09, it is determined whether or not the next page exists. If it exists, the process returns to step S05, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S10. Thereby, the processing state images of all pages included in the image data input in step S02 are generated.

  In step S10, it is determined whether there is a page set as an error page. If there is an error page, the process proceeds to step S11, and if not, the process proceeds to step S15. This is because if there is no error page, the image will not be scraped off by punch holes or staples. In step S11, a process for displaying the processing state image is executed. The processing state image display process will be described later. Since the process proceeds to step S11 only when there is an error page, steps S11 to S14 are not executed when there is no error page. For this reason, it is possible to avoid executing unnecessary processing when there is no error page.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the correction mode is set. If the correction mode is set, the process proceeds to step S13. If the correction mode is set and the name is set, the process returns to step S11. In step S13, the correction condition designation screen is displayed on the display unit 109B of the operation panel 109, and the correction conditions are set. The correction condition will be described later, but includes correction contents, a processing target page, and a processing method. Then, a correction process for correcting the image data or the post-processing condition according to the set correction condition is executed (step S14). The correction condition and the correction process will be described later. Then, in order for the image forming unit 20 to print an image on a sheet, the image data is output to the image forming unit 20 and printed (step S15). Then, post-processing conditions are output to the post-processing control unit 106 so that the post-processing unit 50 performs post-processing (step S16).

  FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation panel provided on the upper surface of the digital copying machine. The operation panel 109 inputs a display input unit 220 including a liquid crystal display device that displays copying conditions and the internal state of the digital copying machine 1, and a touch panel superimposed thereon, and numerical values such as the number of copies and a copy magnification. A numeric keypad 210 and a start button 211 for instructing the start of printing. The liquid crystal display device of the display input unit 220 corresponds to the display unit 109B, and the touch panel of the display input unit 220, the numeric keypad 210, and the start button 211 correspond to the input unit 109A.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which the processing state image 201 is displayed on the display input unit 220. A processing state image 201 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an image obtained by enlarging a part of the sheet near the processing position of the error page. Although the image includes the characters “ABCDEFG”, it can be seen that part of the characters “A” are cut by punch holes. For this reason, it can be seen that in the stage before the image formation, on the paper on which the image has been formed and post-processed, the character cut by the punch hole cannot be recognized as “A”.

  Buttons 202 to 208 are displayed on the display input unit 220 next to the processing state image 201. Buttons 204 and 205 are buttons for designating a page to be displayed on the display input unit 220. The button 204 is a button for designating all pages as a display target. The button 205 displays only an error page. This button is used to specify the target. By default, the button 205 is instructed. Buttons 207 and 208 are buttons for designating a display mode. The display modes include a page mode that displays pages targeted for display in page units and a list mode that displays all the pages targeted for display. A button 207 is a button for designating a page mode, and a button 208 is a button for designating a list mode. By default, the button 207 is designated. The button 206 is a button for instructing to switch the screen displayed on the display input unit 220 to a correction mode designation screen for selecting a correction mode. Buttons 202 and 203 are valid when the page mode 207 is designated as the display mode, and are buttons for instructing to switch the page to be displayed on the display input unit 220 to the next page or all pages. .

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing state image display process executed in step S11 of FIG. This processing state image display processing is processing for controlling switching of the processing state image 201 displayed on the display input unit 220 of the operation panel shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, in the processing state image display process, first, a page to be displayed is determined (step S21). It is determined which of the buttons 204 and 205 displayed on the display input unit 220 shown in FIG. When the button 204 is instructed and all pages are designated as display targets, the process proceeds to step S29, and when the button 205 is designated and only an error page is designated, the process proceeds to step S22. Since only an error page is specified by default, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the display mode is determined. It is determined which of the buttons 207 and 208 displayed on the display input unit 220 shown in FIG. If the button 207 is designated and the page mode is designated, the process proceeds to step S23, and if the button 208 is designated and the list mode is designated, the process proceeds to step S27. Since the page mode is specified by default, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the processing state image of the first error page is displayed.

  In the next step S24, it is determined whether or not there is a page feed instruction. It is determined whether or not any of the buttons 202 and 203 displayed on the display input unit 220 shown in FIG. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S25, and if there is no instruction, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S25, the error page of the processing state image to be displayed is switched. When the button 202 is instructed, the processing state image of the next error page is displayed, and when the button 203 is instructed, the processing state image of the previous error page is displayed. When the processing state image of the first error page is displayed, when the button 203 is instructed, the image state image of the last error page is displayed, and the processing state image of the last error page is displayed. If the button 202 is instructed at this stage, the image state image of the first error page is displayed. In the next step S26, it is determined whether or not there is an end instruction. If there is an end instruction, the process returns to the print process, but if there is no end instruction, the process returns to step S21. The end instruction includes an instruction for the button 206 displayed on the display input unit 220.

  When the display mode is designated as the list mode in step S22, the processing state images of all error pages are displayed as a list in step S27. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an end instruction. If there is an end instruction, the process returns to the print process, but if there is no end instruction, the process returns to step S21.

  The processing from step S29 to step S35 is the same as the processing from step S22 to step S28, except that the pages to be processed are all pages including error pages and pages that are not error pages. Therefore, description is not repeated here.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correction condition designation screen. Referring to FIG. 6, correction condition designation screen 230 includes an area 240 for designating correction contents, an area 250 for designating a processing target page, an area 260 for designating a processing method, and buttons 231 to 233. The area 240 for designating correction contents is an area for inputting an instruction for correcting image processing conditions and / or post-processing conditions, and a button 241 for inputting an instruction to move the position of forming an image on a sheet. A button 242 for inputting an instruction to move the position for processing the paper, a button 244 for inputting an instruction to reduce an image formed on the paper, and an instruction for manually setting the print conditions. Button 243. The buttons 241 and 244 are buttons for inputting an instruction for correcting the image processing conditions, and the button 242 is a button for inputting an instruction for correcting the post-processing conditions. The button 243 is a button for inputting an instruction to correct either or both of the image processing condition and the post-processing condition.

  When the button 241 is instructed, image processing for moving an image forming position (hereinafter referred to as “automatic image shift”) is executed until there is no overlap between the image position and the processing position. When the button 242 is instructed, the post-processing conditions are corrected so that the processing position is moved until the overlap between the image position and the processing position disappears (hereinafter referred to as “automatic finishing position shift”). When the button 244 is instructed, image processing for reducing the image (hereinafter referred to as “automatic image reduction”) is executed until there is no overlap between the image position and the processing position. When the button 243 is instructed, a screen for setting image processing conditions or post-processing conditions is displayed, and input of the image processing conditions or post-processing conditions by the user is accepted. Here, any of the buttons 241 to 244 can be specified.

  Note that a plurality of buttons 241, 242, and 244 may be designated at the same time. The automatic finishing position shift is a movement of a staple needle driving position or a punch hole processing position. There is a limit to the amount of movement of these machining positions. In the automatic image shift, it is possible to move the image to the margin of the paper, and there is a limit to the amount of movement. Therefore, when it is possible to specify a plurality of buttons 241, 242, and 244 at the same time, priority is given to processing, processing is performed to move to the limit amount in order from the highest priority, and the processing is moved to the limit amount. However, if the overlap still cannot be resolved, the next priority process may be executed. For example, the highest priority is given to automatic finishing position shift, the highest priority is given to automatic image shift, and the lowest priority is given to automatic image reduction.

  A region 250 for specifying a processing page is a region for specifying a processing target page for validating the correction content specified in the region 240 among the pages included in the image data, and includes buttons 251 and 252. When the button 251 is designated, the correction content is valid for all pages including the error page and the non-error page, and when the button 252 is designated, the correction content is valid only for the error page.

  An area 260 for specifying a processing method is an area for specifying how the correction content specified in the area 240 is reflected on the processing page specified in the area 250, and includes buttons 261 and 262. When the button 261 is designated, the processing method is designated as “batch”. In the batch processing method, the processing target page specified in the area 250 is processed with the correction content specified in the area 240, but the correction amounts are all the same. That is, all of the processing target pages are corrected with the maximum correction amount when the correction content is processed for each processing target page. Specifically, when the button 241 is specified in the area 240 and the button 252 is specified in the area 251, the processing content is automatic image shift, and the processing target page is an error page. If there are error pages from the first to third error pages, and the image movement amount (correction amount) in automatic image shift is 2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm for each of the first to third error pages, the movement amount is maximum. 5 mm. Therefore, the image is moved with a moving amount of 5 mm for all of the first to third error pages. When the button 262 is designated, the processing method is designated as “individual”. In the individual processing method, the processing page specified in the area 250 is processed with the correction content specified in the area 240. Therefore, the amount of correction for correcting each processing target page is calculated for each processing target page, and thus differs for each processing target page. In the example described above, the first error page is moved by an amount of movement of 2 mm, the second error page is moved by an amount of movement of 3 mm, and the third error page is moved by an amount of movement of 5 mm. When the button 251 is designated in the area 250, all pages are processed pages, so that even pages that are not error pages are processed with the correction contents designated in the area 240. When the button 251 is designated in the area 250, the button 261 is automatically designated, and the button 262 cannot be designated.

  When the button 231 is designated, a processed state image that has been processed under the designated processing conditions is generated and displayed on the display unit 109B of the operation panel. As a result, the print result after processing according to the processing conditions can be confirmed at a stage before image formation. For example, when automatic image reduction is specified as the correction content, the resolution may be smaller than the user intended. In that case, the correction condition can be set again.

  When the button 232 is designated, all the modification conditions designated on the modification condition designation screen 230 are canceled, and the screen returns to the screen for displaying the processing state image before modification shown in FIG. When the button 233 is designated, the modification condition designated on the modification condition designation screen 230 is validated, and the process is executed according to the modification condition.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the correction process executed in step S14 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not automatic finishing position shift is designated as the correction content of the correction condition (step S31). If true, the process proceeds to step S32, and if false, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S32, the shift amount of the finishing position is calculated. The finishing position is a processing position. Specifically, when punch hole processing is designated for post-processing, it is a position where punch holes are processed, and when staple is designated for post-processing, it is a position where staples are driven. . A shift amount of the finishing position of the error page is calculated. This shift amount is calculated by moving the processing position until there is no overlap with the image position. Since there is a limit on the shift amount of the machining position, when the shift amount of the machining position reaches the limit, the limit value is set as the shift amount. Then, it is determined whether or not the next error page exists (step S33). If it exists, the process returns to step S32 to calculate the shift amount of the finishing position of the next error page. If not, the process returns to step S34. move on. When the process proceeds to step S34, the shift amount of the finishing position is calculated for each error page.

  In step S34, a correction condition processing method is determined. If the processing method is designated collectively, the process proceeds to step S35, and if individually designated, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S35, the maximum shift amount calculated in step S32 is set as the maximum shift amount. Then, the process page of the process condition is determined (step S36). If the process page is designated as an error page, the process proceeds to step S37, and if the process page is designated as an all page, the process proceeds to step S38. In step S37, the finishing position of all error pages is shifted to the maximum shift amount set in step S35. In step S38, the finishing position of all pages including the error page and the non-error page is shifted by the maximum shift amount set in step S35. On the other hand, in step S39, the finishing position of each error page is shifted by the shift amount calculated for each error page in step S32. The post-processing condition is corrected by any one of steps S37 to S39.

  In the next step S41, it is determined whether or not automatic image shift is designated as the correction content of the correction condition. If true, the process proceeds to step S42, and if false, the process proceeds to step S51. In step S42, the shift amount of the image position is calculated. This shift amount is calculated by moving the image position until there is no overlap with the processing position. Since the shift amount of the image position has a limit, when the shift amount of the image position reaches the limit, the limit value is set as the shift amount. Then, it is determined whether or not the next error page exists (step S43). If it exists, the process returns to step S42 to calculate the shift amount of the image position of the next error page. If not, the process returns to step S44. move on. When the process proceeds to step S44, the shift amount of the image position is calculated for each error page.

  In step S44, a correction condition processing method is determined. If the processing method is designated collectively, the process proceeds to step S45, and if individually designated, the process proceeds to step S49. In step S45, the maximum value of the shift amount of the image position calculated in step S42 is set as the maximum shift amount. Then, the process page of the process condition is determined (step S46). If the process page is designated as an error page, the process proceeds to step S47, and if the process page is designated as an all page, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S47, the image positions of all error pages are shifted to the maximum shift amount set in step S45. In step S48, the image positions of all pages including the error page and the non-error page are shifted by the maximum shift amount set in step S45. On the other hand, in step S49, the image position of each error page is shifted by the shift amount of the image position calculated for each error page in step S42. The image processing condition is corrected by any one of steps S47 to S49.

  In the next step S51, it is determined whether or not automatic image reduction is designated as the correction content of the correction condition. If true, the process proceeds to step S52, and if false, the process returns to the print process. In step S52, an image reduction rate is calculated. This reduction ratio is calculated by reducing the image until there is no overlap with the processing position. Then, it is determined whether or not the next error page exists (step S53). If it exists, the process returns to step S52 to calculate the reduction ratio of the image of the next error page, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S54. . When the process proceeds to step S54, the image reduction ratio is calculated for all error pages.

  In step S54, a correction condition processing method is determined. If the processing method is designated collectively, the process proceeds to step S55, and if individually designated, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S55, the maximum value of the image reduction ratio calculated in step S52 is set as the maximum reduction ratio. Then, the process page of the process condition is determined (step S56). If the process page is designated as an error page, the process proceeds to step S57, and if the process page is designated as an all page, the process proceeds to step S58. In step S57, the images of all error pages are reduced at the maximum reduction ratio set in step S55. In step S58, the images of all pages including the error page and the non-error page are reduced at the maximum reduction ratio set in step S55. On the other hand, in step S59, the image of each error page is reduced at the reduction ratio calculated for each error page in step S52. The image processing condition is corrected by any one of steps S57 to S59.

  In the present embodiment, in the digital copying machine 1, the correction condition is specified by the user. However, if there is an error page, the correction condition is automatically set and correction processing is executed. You may do it. In this case, the processing content of the correction condition is a case where priority is given to the three processes, the processing is performed to move to the limit amount in order from the highest priority, and the overlap cannot be resolved even after moving to the limit amount. The next priority processing may be executed. For example, the highest priority is given to automatic finishing position shift, the highest priority is given to automatic image shift, and the lowest priority is given to automatic image reduction. Default values may be set for the processing page and the processing method, for example, the error page may be set for the processing page and the processing method may be individually set in advance.

  Further, the processing content of the correction condition may be determined according to the image data. For example, when there are many characters in the image data, the characters cannot be read if the resolution is lowered. Therefore, automatic image shift or automatic finishing shift may be designated with priority. In addition, when there are many photo areas in the image data, automatic image reduction may be designated with priority. If the processing content of the correction condition is automatically determined according to the image data, the processing condition can be easily specified.

  Further, the processing content of the correction condition may be determined according to the amount of overlap between the image position and the processing position. For example, when the overlap can be avoided only by the automatic finishing position shift, the processing content is the automatic finishing position shift. If the overlap can be avoided only by the automatic image shift, the processing content is the automatic image shift. When overlap can be avoided by the automatic finishing position shift and the automatic image shift, the processing contents are the automatic finishing position shift and the automatic image shift. In this case, if only the button for designating the determined processing content is displayed on the display input unit 220, the correction condition can be easily set.

  You may make it make a computer perform the printing process mentioned above. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing system. Referring to FIG. 8, the printing system includes a computer 2 and a digital copying machine 1 each connected to a network 112. Another computer may be connected to the network 112. According to this printing system, data generated by the computer 2 is transmitted to the digital copying machine 1 via the network 112, whereby the data received by the digital copying machine 1 is visualized on paper.

  When the computer 2 transmits data to the digital copying machine 1, an application program for converting the data into data suitable for printing is installed. This type of application program is called a printer driver program. The printer driver program is generally stored and distributed in a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) 3, read by a CD-ROM drive provided in the computer 2, and stored in a hard disk provided in the computer 2. The CPU provided in the computer 2 reads the printer driver program stored in the hard disk into the RAM and executes it.

  The printer driver is caused to execute the processes of steps S01 to S14 of the print process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 101 of the digital copying machine 1 outputs the data received from the computer 2 to the image forming unit 20 and the post-processing control unit 106. Here, an example in which the computer 2 and the digital copying machine 1 are connected has been shown, but instead of the digital copying machine 1, a general printer including an image forming unit 20 may be used.

  Although an example in which the printer driver program is recorded on a CD-ROM is shown here, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.) or an optical disk (MO) can be used as long as it is a computer-readable recording medium. (Magneto-Optical Disc) / MD (MiniDisc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), optical card, or a medium carrying a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EEPROM, or flash memory . Further, the printer driver program may be downloaded from another computer connected to the network 112.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU of the computer 2 but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  As described above, the digital copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an image reading unit 10 for inputting image data for a plurality of pages, and an image for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data. And an output image processing unit 105 that generates print data. When a post-processing designation such as stapling or punching processing is performed (S03), an overlap between the image position and the processing position is determined for each of a plurality of pages. (S06) The processing state image of the page determined to overlap both positions is displayed (S08). For this reason, it is possible to confirm an image scraped by processing of the paper at a stage before the image is formed on the paper.

  Further, since the processing state image is an enlarged image of the vicinity of the processing position, it is possible to confirm in detail the image to be cut by processing the paper.

  Further, when there are a plurality of error pages, they are displayed in order, so that the overlapping state can be confirmed for each error page. For this reason, even when the display area of the display unit 109B is small, an overlapping state can be displayed.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of error pages, they are displayed in a list, so that the degree of overlap can be confirmed at a time on the error pages. Therefore, it is convenient to find a correction condition common to a plurality of error pages or all pages in order to avoid overlap.

  Further, when there is an error page, correction can be made with correction contents of automatic image shift, automatic finishing position shift, or automatic image reduction, and a button 206 for specifying a correction condition is displayed on the display input unit 220. Is done. For this reason, if the correction condition is designated by instructing the button 206, it is possible to prevent the sheet image from overlapping the processing position with the correction contents of the automatic image shift, the automatic finishing position shift, or the automatic image reduction.

  Further, since the correction can be made with the correction contents of the automatic image shift, the automatic finishing position shift, or the automatic image reduction, the user does not need to make detailed settings. For this reason, the setting for avoiding an overlap can be simplified.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the position changing unit includes an image forming position changing unit that causes the print data generating unit to change a position of an image to be formed on a sheet.
(2) The image processing apparatus according to (9), wherein the position changing unit includes a resolution converting unit that lowers a resolution of the image data.
(3) The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the position changing unit includes a processing position changing unit that changes a processing position determined by the processing instruction.
(4) The position changing unit includes an image forming position changing unit that causes the print data generating unit to change the position of an image to be formed on a sheet.
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
Machining position changing means for changing the machining position determined by the machining instruction;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a change instruction receiving unit that receives selection of at least one of the image forming position changing unit, the resolution converting unit, and the processing position changing unit.
(5) The position changing unit is an image forming position changing unit that causes the print data generating unit to change the position of an image to be formed on a sheet.
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
Machining position changing means for changing the machining position determined by the machining instruction;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a selection presentation unit that selects and presents at least one of the image formation position change unit, the resolution conversion unit, and the processing position change unit according to the image data. .
(6) The determination unit includes a detection unit that detects an overlap amount between the image position and the processing position,
The position changing means is an image forming position changing means for causing the print data generating means to change the position of an image formed on a sheet;
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
Machining position changing means for changing the machining position determined by the machining instruction;
The selection presenting means for selecting and presenting at least one of the image forming position changing means, the resolution converting means, and the processing position changing means according to the detected overlap amount. Image processing device.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed hardware configuration of a control unit of a digital copying machine. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of print processing executed by the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of an operation panel provided on the upper surface of the digital copying machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process state image display process performed by step S11 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a correction condition designation | designated screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the correction process performed by step S14 of FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system.

Explanation of symbols

  1 digital copier, 2 computer, 10 image reading unit, 20 image forming unit, 50 post-processing unit, 51 staple unit, 52 punch unit, 61-65 bin, 100 control unit, 101 CPU, 102 storage unit, 104 input image Processing unit, 105 output image processing unit, 106 post-processing control unit, 108 modem, 109 operation panel, 109A input unit, 109B display unit, 110A IC card, 201 processing state image, 220 display input unit, 230 correction condition designation screen.

Claims (11)

Input means for inputting image data for a plurality of pages;
Print data generation means for generating print data for forming an image on paper based on the input image data;
A processing instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to process the paper;
Determination means for determining an overlap between an image position of an image formed on a sheet determined by the print data and a processing position of the sheet determined by the processing instruction for each of a plurality of pages;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display a processing state image of a sheet of paper on which an image of a page determined to be overlapped by the determination unit is processed at the processing position.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an enlarged display unit that enlarges and displays the vicinity of the processing position of the processing state image.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an individual display unit that sequentially displays the plurality of pages when there are a plurality of pages that are determined to be overlapped by the determination unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a list display unit that displays a plurality of pages at a time when there are a plurality of pages determined by the determination unit to be overlapped at both positions. A position changing unit that relatively moves the image position and the processing position when the determination unit determines that both positions overlap;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an avoidance operation key display unit that displays an avoidance operation key that receives an instruction to activate the position changing unit. The position changing means is an image forming position changing means for causing the print data generating means to change the position of an image formed on a sheet;
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a processing position changing unit that changes a processing position determined by the processing instruction. The position changing means is an image forming position changing means for causing the print data generating means to change the position of an image formed on a sheet;
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
Machining position changing means for changing the machining position determined by the machining instruction,
The avoidance operation key display means includes an extracting means for extracting at least one of the image forming position changing means, the resolution converting means, and the processing position changing means according to the image data,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an avoidance operation key that receives an instruction for activating the extracted means is displayed in a selectable manner. The determination means further comprises detection means for detecting an overlap amount between the image position and the processing position,
The position changing means is an image forming position changing means for causing the print data generating means to change the position of an image formed on a sheet;
Resolution conversion means for lowering the resolution of the image data;
Machining position changing means for changing the machining position determined by the machining instruction,
The avoidance operation key display means includes an extraction means for extracting at least one of the image forming position changing means, the resolution converting means, and the processing position changing means according to the detected overlap amount,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an avoidance operation key that receives an instruction for activating the extracted means is displayed in a selectable manner. An input means for inputting image data;
Print data generation means for generating print data for forming an image on paper based on the input image data;
A processing instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to process the paper;
Determining means for determining an overlap between an image position of an image formed on the paper determined by the print data and a processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a position changing unit that relatively moves the image position and the processing position when the determination unit determines that both positions overlap. Inputting multiple pages of image data;
Generating print data for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data;
Receiving instructions for processing the paper;
Determining, for each of a plurality of pages, an overlap between an image position of an image formed on the paper determined by the print data and a processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction;
A post-processing warning method, comprising: displaying a processing state image of a sheet on which only the page determined to be overlapped by the determination step is formed, and the processing position is processed. Inputting image data;
Generating print data for forming an image on a sheet based on the input image data;
Receiving instructions for processing the paper;
Determining an overlap between an image position of an image formed on the paper determined by the print data and a processing position of the paper determined by the processing instruction;
A post-processing setting method including a step of relatively moving the image position and the processing position when it is determined in the determination step that both positions overlap.

Images