JP2007306236A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of allowing a plurality of aggregation settings having the different number of aggregated sheets by providing simple operability and high convenience for a series of aggregation edit operations. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus comprising an aggregation mode setting means 103 for setting an aggregation mode to aggregate a plurality of originals, edited and printed into one sheet and an aggregation edit means 130 for executing aggregative editing on the basis of setting contents by the aggregation mode setting means 103, the aggregation mode setting means 103 includes a preview display means 101b for displaying a series of target original images on a display section 110 as preview images 110d, an aggregation sheet setting keys 110a for setting the number of aggregated sheets, and a preview image selection means 102a for selecting the preview images 110d in association with the selected aggregation sheet setting keys 110a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention comprises an aggregation mode setting means for setting an aggregation mode for collectively editing and printing a plurality of originals on one sheet, and an aggregation editing means for performing an aggregation editing based on the setting contents of the aggregation mode setting means. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, many image forming apparatus manufacturers provide an image forming apparatus having an “aggregation” function of combining a plurality of originals and recording them on a single recording sheet. The user of the image forming apparatus can reduce the operation cost by using the “aggregation” function. Furthermore, since a plurality of originals are combined and recorded on a single recording sheet, the amount of output is small, so it is convenient to carry the output.

  As a conventional technique related to the “aggregation” function, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus capable of easily setting an arbitrary layout when printing an image of a plurality of pages on one sheet. Includes a Nup printing function for reducing a plurality of images to be printed on one sheet, a display unit for displaying a layout preview of each page when Nup printing is performed, and each page displayed on the display unit There has been proposed an image forming apparatus including an input unit that designates cancellation / setting of Nup printing every time and changes a print layout.

  Patent Document 2 has a Nup printing function that reduces a plurality of images and prints them on one sheet, and increases the number of images printed on one sheet for each sheet when Nup printing is performed. An image forming apparatus that includes an input unit that changes the print layout by reducing the print layout has been proposed. Note that the Nup and the “aggregation” in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are synonymous.

  In Patent Document 3, a plurality of images of one or more pages are selected from a plurality of continuous print target data for the purpose of collectively printing a plurality of images to be printed by a plurality of aggregate prints having different division numbers. Designation means for designating a plurality of sets of print target data for a page, thumbnail display means for displaying thumbnail images of the print target data, and designation of each set of print target data by the designation means by the thumbnail display means A print control apparatus comprising: a thumbnail image designating unit for designating a displayed thumbnail image; and a print control unit for sequentially printing each set of print target data designated by the designating unit for each set. Has been proposed.

JP 2005-246683 A JP-A-2005-354466 JP 2005-025512 A

  In the image forming apparatus proposed in Patent Document 1, the Nup setting can be canceled / set while checking the layout preview, and the layout of the Nup setting can be easily set, which is proposed in Patent Document 2. In the image forming apparatus, complicated Nup setting can be performed while checking the layout preview. However, in the techniques proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, no consideration is given to selecting an arbitrary document image from document images to be consolidated and performing consolidated printing.

  In the print control apparatus proposed in Patent Document 3, arbitrary one or more pages of print target data is selected from a plurality of continuous pages of print target data to form one set, and different aggregation settings are performed for each set. However, in order to select print target data constituting a group and perform aggregate setting in each group, it is necessary to call and operate a setting screen for each group, which is complicated. In addition, since the preview after the aggregation setting is not displayed, it is possible to check again whether or not the page on which the aggregation setting has been performed is correctly selected and whether the aggregation number in the aggregation setting has been correctly set. It is necessary to call and operate the setting screen for each group, and there is room for further improvement in improving operability.

  An object of the present invention is to select an arbitrary document image from a series of target document images by a simple operation in a series of aggregate editing operations in view of the above-described conventional technology, and to perform aggregate editing in a desired order. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily confirming the contents of the collective editing.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first characteristic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is to collectively edit and print a plurality of originals on one sheet as described in claim 1 of the document of the claims. An aggregation mode setting unit for setting the aggregation mode, and an aggregation editing unit for performing aggregation editing based on the setting content of the aggregation mode setting unit, wherein the aggregation mode setting unit is a target Preview display means for displaying a series of document images as a preview image on the display unit, a plurality of aggregate number setting keys for setting the aggregate number, and a preview image for selecting the preview image in association with the selected aggregate number setting key And a selection means.

  According to the above-described configuration, the preview image selecting means is provided in association with the selected aggregate number setting key so that the document image to be aggregated and edited can be arbitrarily selected from the preview images of the target series of document images. Therefore, it is possible to perform the collective editing of arbitrary document images desired to be consolidated without being limited by the reading order of the series of document images. Furthermore, it is possible to select a document image to be aggregated and set the number of aggregates for the selected document image by a series of simple operations.

  In the second feature configuration, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the aggregation editing unit aggregates the second feature configuration according to a selection order of the preview images selected by the preview image selection unit. The point is to edit.

  According to the above-described configuration, the arbitrarily selected preview image is subjected to the aggregation editing according to the selection order, so that a separate selection operation or setting operation for combining the original images to be aggregated is not necessary. . For example, when “Patent Publication” is used as a manuscript, the “claim” preview image is skipped, and the “bibliography”, “summary”, and “detailed description” preview images are displayed as “detailed description” and “bibliography”. ”And“ summary ”in order, the document images of“ bibliography ”,“ summary ”, and“ detailed description ”can be collectively edited in the selection order.

  In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 3, in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, the preview display unit displays the preview image selected by the preview image selection unit, It is in the point which displays in the aspect which can visually recognize the relationship with the aggregation number setting key matched.

  According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to easily determine which preview image of the original image has been subjected to the aggregate editing setting, and further, by visually recognizing the preview image of the original image that has been subjected to the aggregate editing setting, It is possible to easily know how many consolidated sheets are set in the image. Further, by visually recognizing the preview image, it is possible to easily identify a document image that has not been subjected to the aggregation editing setting, or a document image that has the incorrect aggregation editing setting from among the document images that have been subjected to the aggregation setting.

  In the fourth feature configuration, as described in claim 4, in addition to any one of the first to third feature configurations described above, the preview display means includes a preview image selected by the preview image selection means. Is provided with aggregated layout display means for switching to the layout after the aggregate editing.

  According to the above-described configuration, it becomes clear at a glance which other original image the document image that has been set for aggregate editing is to be aggregated, and the layout serves as a guideline for correction of the aggregate editing, and the layout is visually recognized. By doing so, it is possible to confirm the configuration of the output material when executing aggregate printing in a specific form.

  The fifth feature configuration is the document corresponding to the preview image not selected by the preview image selection means, in addition to any one of the first to fourth feature configurations described above. Is provided with print permission / non-permission setting means for setting whether or not to print.

  According to the above-described configuration, only a document image that needs to be printed can be printed. Therefore, in addition to reducing the cost caused by unnecessary resource consumption, it is necessary to select a preview image of a document image that does not require printing. The time required for operation can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an arbitrary document image can be selected from a series of target document images by a simple operation in a series of aggregate editing operations, and can be collectively edited in a desired order. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily confirming the contents that have been collectively edited.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an electrophotographic multifunction machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a multifunction machine 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a plurality of menu setting keys for setting various operation menus, a start key for starting a copying operation using the set menus, and the like. The arranged operation unit 10, an image reading unit 12 that sequentially reads a series of documents set on the document placing unit 11 and converts them into electronic data, image data converted into electronic data by the image reading unit 12, etc. An electrophotographic image forming unit 13 that forms and outputs a toner image on a sheet based on the sheet, a sheet feeding cassette 14 in which the sheet is accommodated, and a FAX for performing transmission / reception of image data with an external FAX (not shown). A modem 15, an external interface 16 for transmitting and receiving image data to and from a plurality of PCs via a network LAN, and a control unit 17 that performs overall control of the multifunction device 1. Ete is configured.

  The image forming unit 13 includes an image processing unit 13a that generates output image data based on image data obtained from the image reading unit 12, the FAX modem 15, and the external interface 16, and an image based on the output image data. These functions include an image forming unit 13b for printing, and these functions include a CPU provided in the image forming unit 13, a ROM storing a control program executed by the CPU, a RAM serving as a work area, and peripheral circuits. And parts / members work together.

  The operation unit 10 will be described by taking, for example, a copy mode for copying and outputting image data read from a document. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of menu selection keys for specifying copy conditions are in the form of software keys. A touch panel type color display unit 110 on which the arranged operation screen is displayed, a hardware key 120 such as a start key for starting an image forming operation, a numerical value input key for inputting a numerical value, and the multifunction device 1 LED 130 for informing the user of the currently used mode, and an operation control unit 100 for controlling operation input from the various keys, display output of the software key to the color display unit 110, and the like. ing. The color display unit 110 is a display unit in the present invention.

  The hardware key 120 includes a basic control key group 140 disposed on the right side of the color display unit 110 and a special mode setting key group 150 disposed on the left side of the color display unit 110. The basic control key group Reference numeral 140 includes a numerical value input key 141 for setting the number of prints in the copy mode, a start key 142 as the print key, a clear key 143, a stop key 144, a reset key 145, and the like. The special mode setting key 150, for example, confirms the status of the print job or the like of the multifunction device 1 and changes the printing conditions such as the selected print job or cancels the status confirmation / job cancellation to shift to the status confirmation mode. A key 151, a copy key 152 for shifting to the copy mode, a program key 153 for shifting to the program mode for executing various jobs performed by the multifunction device 1 and calling the program, and FAX transmission A transmission key 154 for shifting to a mode, and a document box key 155 for shifting to a document box mode for storing data for each user, calling the data, and executing a job.

  The operation control unit 100 controls the turning off of the LED 130 to notify the user of the use mode of the multifunction device 1 and the software key and the like prepared for each use mode are arranged on the color display unit 110. Detecting an operation input from a display control means 101 for displaying an operation screen or a job list having tabs for switching and displaying a plurality of screens, and software keys of the hardware key 120 or the color display unit 110; The input detection unit 102 outputs to the control unit 17 and the like, and these functions include a CPU provided in the operation control unit 100, a ROM storing a control program executed by the CPU, a work area, This is executed by a RAM or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the input detection unit 102 associates a preview image with a consolidated number key 110a selected from a plurality of combined number setting keys 110a, which will be described later, arranged on the color display unit 110. The display control unit 101 includes a plurality of aggregate number setting keys 110a for setting the aggregate number of document images, and an aggregation mode setting key 110b for setting the orientation and layout of the document images. Are displayed on the color display unit 110, and a preview display unit 101b is displayed on the color display unit 110 as a preview image 110d. The preview display unit 101b includes: The preview selected by the preview image selection means 102a Comprising an aggregate layout display unit 101c for switching display images 110d to layout after intensive editing.

  The function of the aggregation mode setting means 103 for setting an aggregation mode for collectively editing and printing a plurality of originals on one sheet of the present invention is the preview display means 101b, the aggregated number setting key 110a, and the preview image. The selection means 102a, that is, each means included in the operation unit 10 is executed. In other words, the operation unit 10 includes the aggregation mode setting unit 103.

  The image processing unit 13a includes an aggregation editing unit 130 that performs aggregation editing based on the setting content by the aggregation mode setting unit 103, and the aggregation editing unit 130 selects the preview image 110d selected by the preview image selection unit 102a. Aggregate editing according to the selection order.

  The image processing unit 13b includes a print permission / non-permission setting unit 131 that sets whether to print a document image corresponding to the preview image 110d that has not been selected by the preview image selection unit 102a. Then, a print permission / prohibition setting key 110c is displayed on the color display unit 110, and whether or not the print permission / prohibition setting key 110c is selected is detected via the input detection means 102.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the MFP 1 is arranged on the operation screen displayed on the color display unit 110 when the “application / others” tab arranged on the operation screen in the copy mode is pressed. When the aggregation button is pressed, the aggregation printing mode is set, and aggregation printing is possible.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the multi-function device 1 is used in the aggregate print mode and the read original image is collectively printed. However, the function related to the collective printing according to the present invention can be used not only in the copy mode, but can also be applied, for example, when printing an image transmitted from an external terminal via the external interface 16. At this time, the display unit of the external terminal may be used in place of the color display unit 110 of the multifunction machine 1, and it is needless to say that each related unit is modified.

  When the multifunction device 1 enters the aggregate printing mode, the operation control unit 100 prompts the color display unit 110 to execute reading of an original image for aggregate printing, as shown in FIG. The “image reading screen” is displayed. In this embodiment, the document reading is performed by pressing the start key 142 after the document is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the “document image reading screen” A configuration may be employed in which software keys for starting document reading are arranged.

  When reading of the target document image is completed, a “first preview image display screen” is displayed on the color display unit 110. In the “first preview image display screen”, as shown in FIG. 5A, the preview image 110d of the document image is displayed in the state where the page numbers assigned in the reading order are semi-transparently superimposed. Selection of the preview image 110d to be consolidated by the software key display unit 101a in the order read by the preview display unit 101b. A selection end key 110e that is pressed when the operation is completed is displayed at the lower right of the screen. A cancel key 110f that cancels the previous operation and returns to the state before the operation is performed. Each is displayed between the keys 110e. In the present embodiment, a plurality of the aggregate number setting keys 110a are aggregated on a single sheet and a 2-in-1 key 110a1 displayed as “2”, which sets two original images to be aggregated on one sheet. The four-in-1 key 110a2 is displayed with “4” indicating four document images. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a key for collecting more document images may be arranged. Further, the 2in1 key 110a1 and the 4in1 key 110a2 are colored differently.

  If the read original image is large and cannot be displayed on the “first preview image display screen” at a time, as shown in FIG. , The other has a moving button 110g composed of a pair of two symmetrical figures pointing to the right, and each time the moving button 110g pointing to the left is pressed once, the preview image 110d is moved to the left one image at a time. The preview image 110d is moved rightward by one image each time the movement button 110g pointing to the right is pressed once. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), a scroll bar 110h for scrolling the preview image 110d may be provided between the movement buttons 110g. The preview image 110d which roll bar 110h is displayed on the "first preview image display screen", among all the preview image, whether located in which part can be easily discriminated.

  When the aggregated number setting key 110 a is pressed on the “first preview image display screen”, the preview image selection unit 102 a detects it, and the “aggregation mode setting screen” is displayed on the color display unit 110. In the “aggregation mode setting screen”, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an aggregation order for setting the aggregation order of document images included in the consolidated document displayed by the software key display unit 101a is set. The aggregation mode setting key 110b including an order key 110b1, a “separation key” 110b2 for designating a separation between the original images included in the aggregated document, and a “direction designation key” 110b3 for designating the orientation of the aggregated document. And a selection end key to be pressed when selection of the aggregation corresponding setting key is completed. Here, when the 2in1 key 110a1 is pressed among the aggregate number setting keys 110a, the screen of FIG. 6A is displayed, and when the 4in1 key 110a2 is pressed, the screen of FIG. 6B is displayed. The color display unit 110 is configured to display the “first preview image display screen” again when the “selection end key” is pressed.

  On the “first preview image display screen”, the aggregated number setting key 110a corresponding to the aggregated number to be set is pressed, the aggregation mode setting is terminated on the displayed “aggregate mode setting screen”, and the “ On the “first preview image display screen”, the previously pressed aggregate number setting key 110a is displayed in a negative / positive inverted state, and the preview image 110d of the original image to be aggregated and edited with the set aggregate number is pressed. Then, the preview image selection unit 102 a detects and selects the preview image selection unit 102 a and outputs it to the preview display unit 101 b and the aggregation editing unit 130. The pressed preview image 110d is configured to be negative-positive inverted again when pressed again, to return to the original state, and to be determined as not pressed.

  Also, when the cancel key 110f or the selection end key e is pressed, the input detection means 102 detects it and outputs it to the preview display means 101b and the aggregation editing means 130.

  When the preview image 110d is pressed, the preview display unit 101b visually recognizes the relationship between the outer frame of the preview image 110d selected by the preview image selection unit 102a and the associated aggregate number setting key 110a. The preview image 110d is displayed on the color display unit 110 in the selected order with the same color as the color assigned to the aggregate number setting key 110a so that the aggregate editing unit 130 can display the preview. The preview image 110d selected by the image selection unit 102a is collectively edited based on the set contents.

  When the cancel key 110f is pressed, the preview display means 101b cancels the previous operation, returns to the state before the operation, displays the preview image 110d on the color display unit 110, and The aggregation editing unit 130 returns to the previous aggregation editing content.

  When the selection end key 110e is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7, the preview display means 101b switches the display of the preview image 110d selected by the preview image selection means 102a to the layout after the aggregation editing. The layout display means 101c is activated, and the “second preview image display screen” displayed on the color display unit 110 is assigned the same color as the color assigned to the aggregated number setting key 110a in the layout after the aggregate editing. The preview image 110d is displayed together with the outer frame, and the aggregation editing unit 130 displays the unselected preview image 110d on the “second preview image display screen” via the software key display unit 101a. Before confirming whether to print, “Unselected image printing allowed” is displayed To display the print propriety setting key 110c.

  When the cancel key 101i is pressed on the “second preview image display screen”, the “first preview image display screen” is displayed on the color display unit 110, and the preview display means 101b displays the “second preview image display screen”. The preview image 110d before the combined editing is displayed on the “first preview image display screen”.

  When the print permission / prohibition setting key 110c is pressed on the “second preview image display screen”, it is detected via the input detection unit 102, and the print permission / non-permission setting unit 131 detects the unselected preview image. If it is determined that printing of 110d is to be performed and there is no pressing, it is determined that printing of the preview image 110d that has not been selected is not performed. When the start key 142 is pressed, the image forming unit 13b executes aggregate printing based on the determination content of the print permission / inhibition setting unit 131 and the edit content of the aggregation editing unit 130.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the preview image 110d is pressed in the order of page numbers 2 and 1 with the 2in1 key 110a1 being negative-positive inverted, as shown in FIG. The preview images 110d to which the numbers 1 and 2 are assigned are rearranged in the order of 2 and 1, and together with the outer frame attached to the same color as the color assigned to the 2in1 key 110a1, the “first preview image display” is displayed. Displayed on the screen.

  Subsequently, the 4in1 key 110a2 is pressed to end the aggregation mode setting on the displayed “aggregation mode setting screen”. In the “first preview image display screen” displayed again, the 4in1 key 110a2 is When the preview image 110d is negative-positive-inverted and pressed in the order of page numbers 3, 5, 4, and 6, the page numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are assigned as shown in FIG. The preview image 110d is rearranged in the order of 3, 5, 4, 6 and further displayed on the “first preview image display screen” together with the outer frame attached to the same color as the color assigned to the 4-in-1 key 110a2. Is done. When the cancel key 110f is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 8C, the preview image 110d that has been collectively edited in 4in1 is not selected, and the state returns to the state shown in FIG. 8B. When the selection end key 110e is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 8C, the “second preview image display screen” shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

  If the cancel key 110i is pressed while the “second preview image display screen” is displayed, the state returns to the state where the “first preview image display screen” shown in FIG. 8C is displayed. When the start key 142 is pressed while the “second preview image display screen” is displayed, consolidated printing is executed based on the set editing content.

  Hereinafter, the collective printing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the multifunction device 1 is in the aggregate printing mode (S1), when the reading of the document image is completed (S2), the read document image is displayed on the color display unit 110 as the preview image 110d in the order of reading ( S3).

  When the intensive editing is performed (S4), the preview image 110d is displayed on the color display unit 110 based on the intensive editing content (S5).

  When the aggregation editing is completed (S6), the preview image 110d is displayed on the color display unit 110 in a layout based on the contents of the aggregation editing (S7).

  If there is permission to print unselected images (S8) and the start key 142 is pressed (S9), all the read original images are consolidated with the contents of the consolidated editing (S10), and printing permission for unselected images is permitted. If not (S8), when the start key is pressed (S11), the centralized printing of the original image excluding the unselected original image among the read original images is executed with the integrated editing content (S12).

  Another embodiment will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, the preview image 110d selected by the preview image selection unit 102a is displayed together with the outer frame attached to the same color as the color assigned to the aggregate number setting key 110a. The preview image 110d may be configured to display the preview image 110d by applying the color applied to the aggregated number setting key 110a to the preview image 110d at a low density, and the contents of the preview image 110d can be identified. Any device can be used as long as it can be determined whether or not it is associated with the number setting key 110a.

  In the above-described embodiment, the page number given in the order of reading is applied to the preview image 110d of the read original image in a translucent manner, but the preview image 110d can be identified so that the contents of the preview image 110d can be identified. The configuration may be applied to the header portion and the footer portion of 110d, or may be configured to not apply the page number. In the case of using a configuration without page numbers, it is desirable that the content of the preview image 110d is displayed in a state where it can be accurately identified.

  In the above-described embodiment, different colors are assigned to the aggregated number setting key 110a. However, a configuration may be used in which identification means such as density and gradation, different textures, patterns, and characters are added. However, the identification means needs to be able to determine which aggregate number setting key 110a the preview image 110d is associated with when the preview image 110d is attached to the preview image 110d. It is necessary not to adopt what may cause the content of 110d to become unidentifiable, or to attach it to the preview image 110d, such as attaching it to its header or footer, or attaching it in a semi-transparent state.

  In the above-described embodiment, when there is an unselected preview image 110d, it is configured to set whether or not to print the corresponding document image. However, all the document images are printed without setting. A configuration may be employed, and a configuration may be employed in which a document image corresponding to an unselected preview image 110d is not printed. In this case, although convenience cannot be denied, the time required for the collective editing work can be shortened, and the use efficiency of the multifunction device 1 is improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the preview image 110d is displayed in the layout after the aggregate editing before executing the aggregate printing. However, the preview printing 110d is not displayed in the layout after the aggregate editing, and the aggregate printing is performed. Also good. In this case, although convenience cannot be denied, the time required for the collective editing work can be shortened, and the use efficiency of the multifunction device 1 is improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the selected preview image 110d is displayed in a manner in which the association associated with the aggregated number setting key 110a is visible. However, the association associated with the aggregated number setting key 110a is not visually recognized. Thus, the selected preview image 110d may be displayed. In this case, it is difficult to determine the contents of the aggregate editing unless the aggregate printing is executed, but it is possible to reduce the load on the CPU or the like used for displaying the preview image 110d or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the aggregation editing unit 130 performs the aggregation editing in the order selected by the preview image selection unit 102a. However, the aggregation editing unit 130 may perform the aggregation editing in the order of reading. However, when there is a document image to be rearranged, it is necessary to rearrange the actual document when reading the document, which may be cumbersome, but the time required for the collective editing operation is short. The use efficiency of the multifunction device 1 is improved.

  Any of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the specific configuration and the like of each block can be appropriately changed and designed within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

Functional block diagram according to the present invention External view of MFP Illustration of the operation unit (A) Explanatory diagram of operation screen in copy mode, (b) Explanatory diagram of operation screen in aggregate print mode (A) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen, (b) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen, (c) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen (A) Explanatory diagram of aggregation mode setting screen, (b) Explanatory diagram of aggregation mode setting screen Illustration of the second preview image display screen (A) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen, (b) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen, (c) Explanatory diagram of first preview image display screen Flowchart used to explain aggregate printing according to the present invention

Explanation of symbols

10: operation unit 13: image forming unit 100: operation control unit 101b: preview display unit 101c: aggregated layout display unit 102a: preview image selection unit 110: display unit (color display unit)
110a: Aggregation number setting key 110b: Aggregation mode setting key 110c: Printability setting key 110d: Preview image 130: Aggregation editing means 131: Printability setting means

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus comprising: an aggregation mode setting unit that sets an aggregation mode for collectively editing a plurality of originals to be printed; and an aggregation editing unit that performs aggregation editing based on a setting content by the aggregation mode setting unit. There,
The aggregation mode setting means corresponds to a preview display means for displaying a target series of document images as a preview image on the display unit, a plurality of aggregation number setting keys for setting the aggregation number, and a selected aggregation number setting key. And an image forming apparatus comprising preview image selecting means for selecting the preview image.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aggregation editing unit performs aggregation editing according to a selection order of the preview images selected by the preview image selection unit.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview display unit displays the preview image selected by the preview image selection unit in a manner in which the relationship with the associated aggregate number setting key can be visually recognized.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview display unit includes an aggregate layout display unit that switches and displays the preview image selected by the preview image selection unit to a layout after the aggregate editing.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print enable / disable setting unit configured to set whether to print a document corresponding to a preview image not selected by the preview image selection unit.