JP2007316797A - Image output device and image displaying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output device capable of easily confirming an output image regarding a recording medium to which a desired logic page is assigned or a desired recording medium, and an image displaying method. <P>SOLUTION: This device comprises an input means (81), a display means (82), and a display control means (104) which determines the logic page specified with specified information of the desired logic page or the desired recording medium from the input means and assigned to the same recording medium as the specified logic page, or the logic page assigned to the specified recording medium and displays the output image to the recording medium of image data of the determined logic page to the display means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention associates and stores image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium such as a print sheet, and the image is based on the allocation information. The present invention relates to an image output apparatus and an image output method for outputting each logical page of data as an image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image output device, for example, a document is acquired as read image data by a reading unit including an image pickup device such as a CCD, the image data is stored in a storage unit, and the image data stored in the storage unit is read to print paper Digital image output devices that output images have been commercialized. In such a digital image output apparatus, various functions utilizing the storage means have been proposed since the image data can be stored in the storage means. Note that the image data is obtained by the above-described reading means, or digitized data received from an external device.

  As one of the functions, for example, there is a function in which image data with logical pages and setting data including allocation information indicating allocation to printing paper are stored in a storage unit and can be registered as a job. Then, by executing this job, an image is output based on the image data and setting data stored in the storage means. For example, the image data of each logical page of the job is allocated to the printing paper based on the allocation information, and the image is output. Here, the logical page is each page of image data included in the job, and the logical page order refers to the order of image data included in the job. Further, each page of the printing paper to which each logical page at the time of image output is assigned is an assigned page, and the assigned page order refers to the output page order when the image data is assigned.

  Also, a preview function is known that displays an output image on which a logical page image data is allocated and output before the image is output by executing a job. For example, there is a device that displays a preview of a job and displays the total number of pages in bookbinding printing or the number of print sheets in other cases so as to be consistent with the preview display (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .) According to the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to check each output image by displaying a preview of all output images in the job, and further, from the display of the total number of pages or the number of print sheets, The number of print sheets can be confirmed in advance.

  On the other hand, reflecting the recent improvement in image quality of image output devices (such as laser printers) and the ability to output high-quality color images at low cost and at high speed, the final output in small lot printing, etc. It is also used for creating printed materials, and sometimes used for printing tens of thousands of copies.

  In printing by such an image output device, for example, when a positional deviation of an image or a stain occurs in an image, the necessary number of copies are printed on the printing paper on which the image is output after correction, and replacement is possible. Done. At that time, in order to avoid useless output, an output image to be output is confirmed in advance.

JP 2001-134560 A

  However, when the output image to be output is confirmed using the preview display of all output images of the job as described above, it may be difficult to find the target output image depending on the number of logical pages of the job. .

  Further, there are various layouts such as single-sided, double-sided, inter-sheet, chapter division, insertion page, overlay, 2in1, booklet, repeat or perfect binding, or a combination thereof. For example, a booklet is a booklet in which image data is assigned to the left and right sides of the front and back sides of each printing paper, the image is output, and the printing paper is overlapped and folded at the center, and the images are arranged in logical page order from the left or right side. It is to make. That is, the logical pages are switched on each print sheet and the image is output. In intersheet insertion or chapter division, images are not continuous in the intersheet insertion portion or chapter division portion so that a blank portion exists. That is, a page without an image is inserted in the middle and output as an image. As described above, depending on the layout, images are not output in the order of logical pages, that is, the order of image data in the logical pages may be different from the order of allocated image data. Therefore, depending on job allocation information, it is difficult to easily determine on which printing paper each logical page of the job is allocated, and it is difficult to find a target output image. In particular, in the case of a booklet, it becomes difficult because the order of logical pages is changed and assigned.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to easily confirm a recording medium to which a desired logical page is allocated or an output image of the desired recording medium. An image output apparatus and an image display method are provided.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 stores image data composed of two or more logical pages in association with allocation information indicating allocation of the logical pages to a recording medium, An image output apparatus for allocating image data of each logical page of the image data to a plurality of recording media based on the allocation information and outputting the image, the input means, the display means, and the two from the input means In response to the input of logical page designation information indicating a desired logical page among the logical pages, another logical page allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is selected based on the allocation information. An operation means to be obtained, and an output image of the image data of the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information and the other logical page to the recording medium are displayed on the display means. It is characterized by comprising a 示制 control means.

  Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the display control means displays the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information on the display means so as to be distinguishable from the other logical pages.

  The invention according to claim 3 receives an image output instruction for the displayed output image from the input means, and records the image data of the logical page displayed as the output image based on the allocation information. Image output means for allocating to a medium and outputting an image is provided.

  The invention according to claim 4 further includes a table indicating the number of logical pages to be allocated to the recording medium corresponding to the allocation information, and the calculation means corresponds to the allocation information with reference to the table. The number of logical pages to be obtained is obtained, and the other logical page is obtained from the number of logical pages and the logical page designation information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the computing means is allocated to a recording medium to which a logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is allocated from the obtained number of logical pages and the logical page designation information. The other logical page is obtained by obtaining at least the first and last logical pages.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the computing means obtains a correspondence relationship between each logical page and a recording medium to which each logical page is assigned based on the assignment information, and uses the correspondence relationship to calculate the logical page. It is characterized in that another logical page allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the page designation information is obtained.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the computing means obtains a recording medium to which a logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is assigned using the correspondence relationship, and obtains a logical page to be assigned to the obtained recording medium. Thus, the other logical page is obtained.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the display control means displays a thumbnail of a logical page indicated by logical page designation information and the other logical page as the output image.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, based on the allocation information. An image output apparatus for allocating image data of each logical page of the image data to a plurality of recording media and outputting the image, wherein the input means, the display means, and the input means to select a desired one of the plurality of recording media Receiving the recording medium designation information indicating the designation of the recording medium, and calculating means for obtaining a logical page allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information based on the allocation information; and Display control means for causing the display means to display an output image of the image data to the recording medium.

  The invention according to claim 10 receives an image output instruction for the displayed output image from the input means, and records image data of a logical page displayed as the output image based on the allocation information. Image output means for allocating to a medium and outputting an image is provided.

  The invention according to claim 11 further includes a table indicating the number of logical pages to be allocated to each recording medium corresponding to the allocation information, and the calculation means refers to the table and stores the allocation information in the allocation information. The number of pages of the corresponding logical page is obtained, and the logical page allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information is obtained from the number of pages of the logical page and the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information. .

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the computing means is assigned at least to a recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information from a page number of the obtained logical page and a recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information. The logical page assigned to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information is obtained by obtaining the first and last logical pages.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the computing means obtains a correspondence relationship between each logical page and a recording medium to which each logical page is allocated based on the allocation information, and uses the correspondence relationship to calculate the recording. It is characterized in that a logical page allocated to a recording medium indicated by medium designation information is obtained.

  The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the display control means displays a thumbnail of the obtained logical page as the output image.

  The invention according to claim 15 stores image data composed of two or more logical pages in association with allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium, based on the allocation information. An image output apparatus for allocating image data of each logical page of the image data to a plurality of recording media and outputting an image, the input means, the display means, and the input means from the two or more logical pages Receiving logical page designation information indicating a desired logical page in the recording medium or recording medium designation information indicating designation of a desired recording medium in the plurality of recording media, and receiving the logical page designation information In this case, another logical page to be allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is obtained based on the allocation information, and input of the recording medium designation information is received. If the logical page designation information is received, the calculation means for obtaining a logical page to be allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information based on the allocation information; When the display means displays the output image to the recording medium of the logical page indicated by the information and the image data of the other logical page and receives the recording medium designation information, the obtained recording medium Display control means for causing the display means to display an output image to the recording medium of the image data of the logical page allocated to the recording medium indicated by the designation information.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, based on the allocation information. An image display method in an image output apparatus for allocating image data of each logical page of the image data to a plurality of recording media and outputting the image, wherein the logical page indicates a desired logical page among the two or more logical pages. Receiving an input of page designation information, obtaining another logical page allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information based on the allocation information, and a logic indicated by the logical page designation information And displaying an output image of the image data of the page and the other logical page to a recording medium.

  The invention according to claim 17 stores image data composed of two or more logical pages in association with allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium, based on the allocation information. An image display method in an image output apparatus for allocating image data of each logical page of the image data to a plurality of recording media and outputting the image, the recording indicating designation of a desired recording medium among the plurality of recording media Receiving the medium designation information, obtaining a logical page to be allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information based on the allocation information, and recording the image data of the obtained logical page on the recording medium And a step of displaying an output image.

  According to the image output apparatus or the image display method of the present invention, the logical page allocated to the same recording medium as the designated logical page or the logical page allocated to the designated recording medium is obtained, and Since the output image of the image data to the recording medium is displayed, it is possible to easily confirm the recording image to which the desired logical page is allocated or the output image for the desired recording medium.

  The image output apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a job including image data and setting data including allocation information, stores the job in a storage unit, and executes the stored job, whereby the image data and the setting data are used. Image output.

  An example of the job configuration is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the job includes a setting data portion and an image data portion. Setting data is described in the setting data portion. The setting data includes at least allocation information. In addition, post-processing information such as the presence / absence of punching processing and the presence / absence of stapling processing, designation information of printing paper (recording medium) to be used, information on the number of sheets fed / discharged per part, cover Alternatively, cover sheet information indicating addition of a back cover (the cover and / or back cover may be referred to as a cover sheet hereinafter), document size information of image data, or image data number information may be included. The image data part is composed of image data of a plurality of logical pages. The logical page is a page of each image data included in the job. The logical page order refers to the order of logical pages in a job. For example, the order of reading by the reading means when creating image data, that is, the order of documents, or the application on the work terminal. It shows the order of each page on the application software when image data is created by starting the software. In the following description, for example, the second logical page may be referred to as a second logical page.

  Here, the allocation information will be described with reference to FIG. The allocation information indicates the correspondence between each logical page and the printing paper to which each logical page is allocated. For example, single-sided, double-sided, inter-sheet, chapter division, insertion page, overlay, 2in1, booklet, repeat Alternatively, assignment such as perfect binding or a combination thereof is shown. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an aspect of such allocation.

  In the case of one side, as shown in FIG. 2A, each logical page is allocated on the surface of the printing paper. In addition, the rectangular frame in this figure indicates the paper surface of the printing paper, and the numbers described in each paper surface indicate logical pages in the job (the same applies to the following drawings). The printing papers are arranged in the order in which the images are output. Each printing paper is indicated by a paper page, and the order is called the paper page order. In the following description, for example, the second printing paper in a paper page may be referred to as a two-paper page. Further, each page of the printing paper to which each logical page at the time of image output is assigned is an assigned page, and the assigned page order refers to the output page order when the image data is assigned. Moreover, the allocation page order indicates the output order. In the following description, the second of the allocation pages may be referred to as a second allocation page.

  In the case of double-sided printing, each logical page is allocated on the front and back sides of the printing paper as shown in FIG.

  In the case of an inter sheet (FIG. 2 (c) shows a case where an inter sheet is inserted on the second side of a printing sheet on one side), a printing sheet without image output is inserted at a designated insertion position. . As shown in FIG. 2C, for example, two paper pages are printing paper without image output.

  In the case of chapter division, the image data of the logical page at the head of each chapter is assigned to the surface of the printing paper in this example, and the image is output. For example, if there are two logical pages from four logical pages, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), three logical pages are allocated to a table of two paper pages and an image is output, and four logical pages are allocated to a table of three paper pages. To output an image.

  In the case of an insertion page, the image data of the designated logical page is interrupted on the printing paper of the designated paper page and the image is output. For example, when 7 logical pages are inserted into 2 paper pages on one side, as shown in FIG. 2E, 7 logical pages are assigned to a table of 2 paper pages, and 2 logical pages and thereafter are assigned to 3 paper pages and beyond. Output an image.

  In the case of overlay, image data of a specified logical page is superimposed on each image data of other logical pages and an image is output. For example, when image data of one logical page is superimposed on other image data (2 logical pages to 7 logical pages) on one side, as shown in FIG. 2 (f), 1 logical page is converted from 2 logical pages to 7 logical pages. Superimposed on the page, the superimposed image is assigned to the table of paper pages in order from the two logical pages and output.

  In the case of 2 in 1, the image data of two logical pages are arranged on one sheet of printing paper and output as an image. For example, in the case of 2 in 1 on one side, as shown in FIG. 2G, 1 logical page and 2 logical page are allocated on the same page, 3 logical page and 4 logical page are allocated on the same page, and so on. Output an image. Further, 4in1 outputs image data of four logical pages, and 8in1 outputs image data of eight logical pages arranged on one sheet of printing paper.

  In the case of a booklet, logical pages are assigned to the left and right sides of the front and back sides of each printing paper, and images are output. When the printing papers are stacked and folded at the center, the image data is arranged in the order of logical pages from the left or right side. It is intended to be a booklet. For example, when outputting image data of eight logical pages as a booklet, as shown in FIG. 2 (h), 1 and 8 logical pages are placed on the front surface of one paper page, and 7 and An image is output by assigning 2 logical pages, 3 and 6 logical pages on the front side of 2 paper pages, and 5 and 4 logical pages on the back side of 2 paper pages. In this case, when printing sheets are stacked and folded at the center and bound, a booklet is formed in which images are arranged in the order of logical pages from the right side.

  In the case of repeat, image data of the same logical page is arranged on a single sheet and output as an image. For example, when repeating on one side, as shown in FIG. 2 (i), one logical page and one logical page are assigned to the same paper, two logical pages and two logical pages are assigned to the same paper, and so on. Output. In this example, it is assumed that the same image data is repeatedly output twice, but the image data can be repeated four times or repeated eight times.

  In the case of simple binding, logical pages are assigned to the left and right sides of the front and back sides of each print sheet, and images are output. If each print sheet is folded at the center and aligned with the folding side, the images are displayed in the order of logical pages from the left or right side. Is to be a booklet lined up. For example, when image data of eight logical pages is output by wireless binding, as shown in FIG. 2 (j), 1 and 4 logical pages are placed on the front side of one paper page and the back side of the one paper page. Output images by assigning 3 and 2 logical pages, 5 and 8 logical pages on the front side of 2 paper pages, and 7 and 6 logical pages on the back side of 2 paper pages, respectively. In this case, if each print sheet is folded at the center and the folding side is aligned and bound, a booklet in which images are arranged in the order of logical pages from the right side is obtained.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image output apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(overall structure)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image output apparatus shown as an example is an electrophotographic so-called digital copying machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the image output apparatus includes an operation unit 80, an automatic document feeder 2 (original conveyance device), an original reading unit 3, an image writing unit 4, an image forming unit 5 for forming an image on a printing paper, A sheet feeding unit 6, a post-processing unit 8, and a control unit 7 are included.

  Although not shown in detail, the operation unit 80 includes a switch, a numeric keypad, a liquid crystal touch panel, and the like. Various inputs are possible using these switches, keys, and a liquid crystal touch panel, and various displays are made on the liquid crystal touch panel.

  The automatic document feeder 2 includes a document feeding unit 203 having a document placing tray 200, a sheet feeding roller 201, and a separation roller 202, a conveying unit 222 (conveying means), a document reading position 230, and a document reversing unit 241. And a paper discharge roller 250 and a paper discharge tray 260. The originals placed on the original placement tray 200 of the original feed unit 203 are sequentially conveyed to the original reading position 230 to read the originals. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 260.

  When reading both sides of the document, after reading the front side of the document, the document reversing unit 241 inverts the document, transports the document to the document reading position 230 again, scans the back side, and then discharges the document. It is discharged to the paper tray 260.

  The document reading unit 3 includes platen glasses 300 and 301, a light source 302, mirrors 303, 304, and 305, an imaging optical system 306, an image sensor 307 including a CCD, and an optical drive system. In the document reading unit 3, light from a light source 302 composed of a xenon lamp is irradiated onto a document on the platen glass 300, 301, and the reflected light is guided to mirrors 303, 304, 305 and CCD imaging through an imaging optical system 306. The detection light is captured by the element 307 and photoelectrically converted into an analog signal. The analog signal is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like in an image processing unit (not shown) to create digital signal image data. Then, a job is created by attaching the setting data input using the operation unit 80 to the image data. When an original is placed on the platen glass 301, the optical drive system scans the original along the platen glass 301 so that the image is read by the CCD image pickup device 307.

  When an image signal is input to the image writing unit 4 based on the image data, in the image forming unit 5, first, the photosensitive drum 31 is rotated clockwise, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is neutralized, and the charger is further charged. Charge is given by 32. Then, a laser beam is scanned on the photosensitive drum 31 based on the image signal by the image writing unit 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31 is reversely developed by the developer of the developing device 33 to become a visible toner image.

  On the other hand, the paper feed unit 6 is provided with paper feed trays 41A to 41D. Various sizes or types of printing paper are stored in the paper feed trays 41A to 41D. The selected printing paper is fed out from any of the paper feed trays 41 </ b> A to 41 </ b> D by the carry-out rollers 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> D and fed to the image transfer unit 34 via the carry-out roller 43. The fed printing paper is sent onto the photosensitive drum 31 by a transport roller 44 that operates in synchronization with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31. The printing paper is transferred to the toner image on the photoconductive drum 31 by the action of the transfer unit 34 and separated from the photoconductive drum 31, and then sent to the fixing device 37 through the conveyor belt 45 and thermally fixed. Thus, after the image is formed, it is delivered to the post-processing unit 8 by the paper discharge roller 38.

  In the case of outputting images on both sides of the printing paper, the printing paper on which the image is formed and heat-fixed is conveyed downward through the guide 47 and turned upside down by the reversing roller 48 of the reversing unit 46. Then, it is sent again to the image forming unit 5 through the reverse conveyance path 49, and image formation is performed on the back surface.

  Although the details of the mechanism are not shown, the post-processing unit 8 receives the printing paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 38 and stacks it inside to perform bookbinding. As a means for performing bookbinding, there are provided a stapling means for performing stapling, a paper folding means for folding the recording paper in the case of half-folding and saddle stitching, and a surface-mounting means for performing cover-up processing for adding a cover.

(Control configuration)
The present invention displays a print sheet to which a desired logical page is allocated or an output image for a desired print sheet among output images to which a logical page is allocated to a print sheet and output based on allocation information in a job. It is. An example of the control configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the control configuration of the present invention.

  The operation unit 80 includes an input unit 81 and a display unit 82. The input unit 81 has a function as the input unit of the present invention and includes the above-described switch, key, and liquid crystal touch panel, and the display unit 82 has a function as the display unit of the present invention and has the above-described liquid crystal touch panel. It is comprised including.

  The operation unit 80 uses various keys of the input unit 81, a liquid crystal touch panel, and the like to input setting data such as the number of sheets, scaling, copy density, one-sided or double-sided allocation or printing paper size selection, job execution start, etc. It is possible to specify an instruction, designation of a desired logical page in a job, designation of a desired paper page, or the like. When a logical page and a paper page are designated, the operation unit 80 outputs each as logical page designation information or printing paper designation information (recording medium designation information). The display unit 82 displays displays for various operations, various screens, output images, and the like.

  The storage unit 102 is a storage unit that receives a job from the management unit 103 and stores the job, and includes a storage unit such as a hard disk drive.

  The control unit 7 includes a management unit 103, an image output control unit 101, and a display control unit 104.

  The management unit 103 receives the job and causes the image output control unit 101 to execute the sending job or causes the storage unit 102 to store the sending job. The job is created based on the image data created using the document reading unit 3 described above or created based on the image data created on a work terminal (not shown). Is received via a network (not shown).

  The image output control unit 101 executes the job received from the management unit 103 or the job read from the storage unit 102, and allocates logical pages based on the allocation information so as to output the image data based on the setting data. The image writing unit 4, the image forming unit 5, the paper feeding unit 6, and the post-processing unit 8 are controlled to output an image. Further, among the image data included in the job, a logical page displayed as an output image on the display unit 82 is allocated to the printing paper based on the allocation information, and the above-described image writing unit 4, image forming unit 5, paper feeding unit 6 and It has a function of controlling the post-processing unit 8 and outputting an image. Therefore, the “image output unit” of the present invention includes the image output control unit 101, the image writing unit 4, the image forming unit 5, and the paper feeding unit 6.

  The display control unit 104 has a function as display control means for controlling the display of the display unit 82. Further, it has a function as a display control unit of the present invention that displays an output image for a print sheet to which a desired logical page in a job is allocated or an output image for a desired print sheet on the display unit 82. For this purpose, a job designation and logical page designation information is received from the input unit 81, and a logical page allocated to the same print paper as the designated logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is obtained. Upon receiving the input, a function as a calculation means for obtaining a logical page to be assigned to the printing paper of the designated paper page indicated by the printing paper designation information, and an output when the obtained logical page is assigned to the printing paper and output It has a function as generation means for generating data indicating an image from a logical page obtained based on the allocation information, and controls to display the output image on the display unit 82. Further, the image data of the logical page is converted into a thumbnail by a function as a generation unit, and data indicating the output image is configured by the thumbnail. In addition, when a logical page is obtained from a correspondence relationship between a logical page and an assignment destination in accordance with allocation information described later, it has a function as a creation unit that creates a table indicating the correspondence relationship.

  In order to realize these functions, the control unit 7 stores a CPU (not shown), the above-described table, various programs, various data necessary for executing the programs, and various programs. And a memory (not shown) constituting a work area when executing the above.

(screen)
Here, a screen displayed on the display unit 82, for example, a screen for specifying a logical page or a paper page, a screen for displaying an output image, and the like will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 800 displayed on the display unit 82. First, job selection designation input will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the operator touches “read” on the function display unit 801 on the display screen 800 shown in FIG. 5, the display control unit 104 searches the storage unit 102 and stores the job stored in the storage unit 102 in the job display unit 802. Is displayed. Therefore, the operator selects a job by touching a desired job, for example, “bbb”. When the thumbnail button 811 is further touched, the display control unit 104 displays a thumbnail screen 810 shown in FIG. Note that “automatic output” in the output display unit 803 is for outputting all image data of a job or a desired paper page based on setting data, and “proof output” is for performing trial printing of a job. The “weight output” is used for correction, for example, correction of the position of the image with respect to the printing paper.

  Next, input of logical page designation or paper page designation using the display screen 800 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams showing an example of a thumbnail screen 810 displayed on the display unit 82 for inputting a logical page designation or a paper page designation. 6A is a screen for specifying a logical page, FIG. 6B is a screen for specifying a paper page, and FIG. 6C is a logical page specification or paper page specification. This is a screen for selectively performing. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen 820 for inputting a logical page or paper page number. Which of the thumbnail screens in FIGS. 6A to 6C is used may be set in advance in the program, or may be selected and set by the operator through another selection screen or the like. .

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the thumbnail screen 810a displays a thumbnail of the first logical page of the job specified in the thumbnail display area 811. Further, the file name of the job is displayed as “bbb”, for example, near the lower end of the thumbnail display area 811. Further, when the operator touches the page designation button 816a, the display control unit 104 displays a designation screen 820 shown in FIG. Then, the operator uses the designation screen 820 to designate a logical page. A message prompting the user to specify a logical page is displayed in the message display frame 812a, and the number of the logical page being displayed is displayed in the page number display frame 814. Further, when the operator touches the “top”, “▲”, “▼”, and “last” buttons of the display change button group 815, the display control unit 104 turns the logic of the thumbnail display area 811 so as to turn the page. The number of the page thumbnail and the page number display frame 814 is changed. Also, when the operator touches the print button 813, the image output control unit 101 outputs the image that is displaying the thumbnail, and when the operator touches the close button 817, the display control unit 104 displays the thumbnail screen. 810a is not displayed and the display screen 800 is restored.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the thumbnail screen of the logical page at the head of the job designated in the thumbnail display area 811 is similarly displayed on the thumbnail screen 810b. When the operator touches the sheet designation button 816b, the display control unit 104 displays a designation screen 820 shown in FIG. Then, the operator uses the designation screen 820 to designate a paper page. In the message display frame 812b, a message that prompts the user to specify a paper page is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, thumbnail display of the first logical page of the job designated in the thumbnail display area 811 is similarly performed on the thumbnail screen 810c. The operator can select page designation or sheet designation by touching page designation or sheet designation of the designation switching button 818. In accordance with this selection, the display control unit 104 switches and displays a message prompting the user to specify a paper page or a logical page in the message display frame 812c. In addition, when the operator touches the number designation button 816c, the display control unit 104 displays the designation screen 820 shown in FIG. 6D. However, depending on the selection status of the designation switching button 818, the logical page or the paper is displayed. The page is specified. That is, if page designation has been selected with the designation switching button 818, a logical page is designated using the designation screen 820, or if a sheet designation has been selected, a paper page is designated using the designation screen 820. Done.

  As shown in FIG. 6D, a numeric keypad 823 is displayed on the designation screen 820, and a number input using the numeric keypad 823 is displayed in the number display frame 822. In addition, a message prompting the designation of the number is displayed in the message display frame 821, and the paper page or logical page number can be input. When the operator touches the cancel button 824, the display control unit 104 hides the designation screen 820 and returns to the thumbnail screen 810.

  Here, when the operator inputs a paper page or logical page number and touches an OK button 825, the display control unit 104 receives it as printing paper designation information or logical page designation information. Then, the display control unit 104 hides the designation screen 820 and returns to the thumbnail screen 810. When a logical page is designated, the same print paper as the designated logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is displayed. A logical page to be allocated to is obtained (described later). On the other hand, when the paper page designation is performed, a logical page allocated to the printing paper of the designated paper page indicated by the printing paper designation information is obtained (described later). Then, data indicating an output image when the obtained logical page is allocated to the printing paper and output based on the allocation information is generated, and the output image is displayed in the thumbnail display area 811.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example of the output image. FIG. 7A shows an example displayed by specifying a logical page, and FIG. 7B shows an example displayed by specifying a paper page.

  For example, in the case of designating a logical page, as shown in FIG. 7A, the thumbnail display area 811 has an image of the designated logical page and other papers assigned to the printing paper to which the logical page is assigned. Output images with logical page images are displayed as thumbnails. For example, an image displayed as “B” is an output image of a designated logical page, and an image displayed as “A” is an output image of a logical page allocated to the opposite side of the same printing paper. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the designated logical page is displayed so as to be identifiable by, for example, reversed characters. As a result, the operator can identify the specified logical page.

  When the paper page is designated, as shown in FIG. 7B, the thumbnail display area 811 displays the output image of the logical page allocated to the designated paper page as a thumbnail. A logical page output image assigned to the front side of the print paper of the designated paper page with the image displayed as “A”, and a logic assigned to the back side of the print paper of the designated paper page as the image displayed as “B” This is the output image of the page.

  Here, when the operator touches the print button 813, the image output control unit 101 allocates the image data displayed as the output image on the display unit 82 to the printing paper based on the allocation information, and outputs the image.

(Calculation for logical page)
Next, the calculation for obtaining a logical page performed in the display control unit 104 will be described separately for paper sheet designation or logical page designation.

[Paper page]
First, the case of specifying a paper page will be described.

(When using the required number of image data)
First, as an example, a method for obtaining a logical page of necessary image data by calculation using the number of required image data indicating the number of logical pages allocated to one print sheet will be described.

  For example, a necessary image data number table indicating the number of necessary image data corresponding to the allocation information is stored in advance in the storage unit 102 or the memory of the control unit 7. FIG. 8 shows an example of the necessary image data number table. FIG. 8 shows the number of necessary image data when repeat, 2in1, 4in1, 8in1, and wireless binding are combined as applied functions for one side and both sides.

When the display control unit 104 receives the print paper designation information from the operation unit 80, the display control unit 104 sets a logical page assigned to the top of the print paper of the paper page indicated by the print paper designation information (first logical page) = (input paper page −1) × (required number of image data) +1
And the logical page allocated at the end of the printing paper is (final logical page) = (first logical page) + (number of required image data) −1
I ask.

For example, in the case of double-sided, no application function, and 3 paper pages, from the above formula,
First logical page: (3-1) × 2 + 1 = 5
Final logical page: 5 + 2-1 = 6
(See FIG. 2B).

(When using the required number of image data and page table)
Next, a method for obtaining an allocation page by calculation using the necessary number of image data and obtaining a logical page corresponding to the allocation page will be described. As an example, the case of a booklet will be described. The required number of image data for the booklet is four.

First, the display control unit 104 creates a page table indicating the correspondence between logical pages and allocation pages when allocating to booklets from the number of job image data. An example of the page table is shown in FIG. Then, if the printing paper designation information is received and, for example, the printing paper designation information indicates one paper page, the same as the above formula,
First allocation page: (1-1) × 4 + 1 = 1
Final allocation page: 1 + 4-1 = 4
I ask. Then, logical pages corresponding to 1 to 4 of the allocated pages are obtained by searching the table shown in FIG. 9, and become 1, 8, 7, and 2 logical pages (see FIG. 2 (h)).

(When using a page table)
Next, a case where a page table indicating the correspondence between logical pages and paper pages is used will be described. This is used when it is difficult to obtain by calculation such as an intersheet. As an example, a case will be described in which the allocation information is the number of image data 7, single-sided, inter-sheet (blank paper inserted on the second paper page), and 2-5 logical pages are double-sided.

  First, the display control unit 104 creates a page table indicating the correspondence between the logical page of the job and the paper page when each logical page is allocated based on the allocation information. The page table is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state where logical pages are allocated to printing paper. FIG. 11 clearly shows the relationship between the logical page of the page table shown in FIG. 10 and the paper page.

  Then, the printing paper designation information is received from the operation unit 80. For example, if the printing paper designation information indicates four paper pages, a logical page corresponding to four of the paper pages is obtained by searching the table shown in FIG. There are 4 and 5 logical pages (see FIG. 11).

  Also, the above-described double-sided and booklet examples can be obtained using a page table indicating the correspondence between logical pages and paper pages.

[Logical page]
Next, the case of specifying a logical page will be described.

(When using the required number of image data)
As an example, a method for obtaining a logical page by calculation using the required number of image data will be described.

  First, a necessary image data number table is stored in advance (FIG. 8).

When the display control unit 104 receives logical page designation information from the operation unit 80, the display control unit 104 selects (first logical page) = (input logical page) to be assigned to the top of the print sheet of the paper page including the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information. Quotient of logical page-1) ÷ (number of required image data) × (number of required image data) +1
And the logical page allocated at the end of the paper page is (final logical page) = (first logical page) + (number of required image data) −1
I ask. Here, the quotient means the integer part of the result obtained by division.

For example, in the case of double-sided, no application function, 3 logical page,
First logical page: ((3-1) ÷ 2 quotient) × 2 + 1 = 3
Final logical page: 3 + 2-1 = 4
(See FIG. 2B).

(When using a page table)
Next, a case where a page table indicating the correspondence between logical pages and paper pages is used will be described. This is used when it is difficult to obtain by calculation such as an intersheet. As an example, a case will be described in which the allocation information is the number of image data 7, single-sided, inter-sheet (blank paper inserted on the second paper page), and 2-5 logical pages are double-sided.

  First, the display control unit 104 creates a page table in which a logical page of a job is associated with a print sheet indicated by a paper page when each logical page is allocated based on the allocation information. The page table is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the printing paper is allocated to the printing paper. FIG. 11 clearly shows the relationship between the logical page of the page table shown in FIG. 10 and the printing paper indicated by the paper page.

  Then, the logical page designation information is received from the operation unit 80. For example, if the logical page designation information indicates four logical pages, the paper page corresponding to the logical page 4 is retrieved from the table shown in FIG. A page is obtained, and logical pages corresponding to 4 of the paper pages are obtained by searching the table shown in FIG. 10 to be 4 and 5 logical pages (see FIG. 11).

  As described above, the display control unit 104 obtains a logical page. Then, the image data of the obtained logical page is read from the storage unit 102. When the job allocation information includes an intersheet, chapter division, insertion page, overlay, or booklet (hereinafter referred to as an aggregation mode). It is desirable to read all the image data of each logical page of the target job into the memory of the control unit 7 so that each logical page can be easily taken out during the above-described calculation. That is, before starting the calculation, the image data of all logical pages of the target job is read from the storage unit 102 to the memory of the control unit 7, and the above calculation is performed. delete. On the other hand, if it is not the aggregation mode, it is not necessary to take out each image data of each logical page at the time of the above-described operation. Read from.

  Further, a CPU and a memory may be mounted on the operation unit 80 and the operation unit 80 may have the function of the display control unit 104 described above.

  Needless to say, this control configuration is not limited to an electrophotographic copying machine, but is an electrophotographic color laser printer, a multi-function machine having a scanner / copier / facsimile function, and an inkjet printer not limited to an electrophotographic system. It can be applied to a silver halide photographic printer or the like.

(Mode of operation)
Next, an example of an operation mode in the image output apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation mode in the image output apparatus. FIG. 12 shows an operation mode in the case where logical page designation or paper page designation is selectively performed.

  First, the operator operates the operation unit 80 to input job selection / designation using the display screen 800 and display the thumbnail screen 810c. Using the thumbnail screen 810c, print paper designation information or logical page designation is displayed. Information is input (step S101 in FIG. 12, hereinafter abbreviated as “S101”. Other steps are also abbreviated in the same manner).

  Upon receiving an input from the operation unit 80, the display control unit 104 first reads the setting data of the job (S102), and determines whether or not the aggregation mode is selected from the setting data.

  If it is the aggregation mode (S103, Yes), the display control unit 104 reads the image data of all logical pages of the designated job from the storage unit 102 (S104). Next, if a paper page is designated in S101 (when printing paper designation information is received) (S105, paper page), a logical page included in the paper page indicated by the printing paper designation information is obtained (S106). Alternatively, if a logical page is designated (when logical page designation information is received) (S105, logical page), a paper page to which the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is allocated is obtained and included in the paper page. All logical pages are obtained (S107). Here, the display control unit 104 deletes unnecessary logical page image data.

  On the other hand, if it is not in the aggregate mode (S103, No), the display control unit 104, if a paper page is designated in S101 (when printing paper designation information is received) (S108, paper page), the printing paper designation information. The logical page of the image data included in the paper page indicated by is obtained (S109). If a logical page is designated (when logical page designation information is received) (S108, logical page), a paper page to which the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is allocated is obtained, and all the pages included in the paper page are obtained. A logical page is obtained (S110). Then, the display control unit 104 reads the image data of the logical page obtained from the designated job from the storage unit 102 (S111).

  Then, the display control unit 104 uses the thumbnails from the obtained logical pages as thumbnails based on the job assignment information, based on the job assignment information, when the image data of the obtained logical pages is assigned to the printing paper and output. An output image is generated, and the output image is displayed in the thumbnail display area 811 (S112).

  Here, although not shown, when a printing instruction is input, the image output control unit 101 receives the instruction and prints the image data of each logical page displayed as the output image based on the allocation information. Assign to and output an image.

  Further, the output image may be displayed by designating either a paper page or a logical page. In these cases, it is only necessary to operate according to the paper page or the logical page in S105 and S108 of the flowchart.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the job which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the aspect of the allocation of the logical page based on allocation information. It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the image output device of this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the control structure of the image output device of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure which shows the number of required image data corresponding to allocation information. It is a figure which shows the structure of the page table which matched the logical page and the allocation page. It is a figure which shows the structure of the page table which matched the logical page and the paper page. It is a figure which shows an example of the logical page allocated to the printing paper based on the allocation information. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement aspect in this image output apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

2 automatic document feeder 3 document reading unit 4 image writing unit 5 image forming unit 6 sheet feeding unit 7 control unit 8 post-processing unit 80 operation unit 81 input unit 82 display unit 101 image output control unit 102 storage unit 103 management unit 104 Display control unit

Claims (17)

Image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, and image data of each logical page of the image data based on the allocation information An image output device for allocating images to a plurality of recording media and outputting images,
Input means;
Display means;
The same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information based on the allocation information upon receiving input of logical page designation information indicating a desired logical page among the two or more logical pages from the input means Computing means for obtaining other logical pages to be allocated to
An image output apparatus comprising: a display control unit that causes the display unit to display an output image of a logical page indicated by the logical page designation information and image data of the other logical page to a recording medium.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information on the display unit so as to be distinguishable from the other logical page.   Image output means for receiving an image output instruction for the displayed output image from the input means, allocating image data of a logical page displayed as the output image to a recording medium based on the allocation information, and outputting the image; The image output device according to claim 1 or 2 provided. A table showing the number of logical pages allocated to the recording medium corresponding to the allocation information;
The calculation means refers to the table to determine the number of pages of the logical page corresponding to the allocation information, and determines the other logical page from the number of pages of the logical page and the logical page designation information. The image output apparatus according to claim 3.   The arithmetic means obtains at least the first and last logical pages allocated to the recording medium to which the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is allocated, from the obtained number of logical pages and the logical page designation information. The image output apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the other logical page is obtained.   The arithmetic means obtains a correspondence relationship between each logical page and the recording medium to which each logical page is assigned based on the assignment information, and uses the correspondence relationship to record the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein another logical page to be allocated to is obtained.   The computing means obtains a recording medium to which a logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is assigned by using the correspondence relationship, and obtains the other logical page by obtaining a logical page to be assigned to the obtained recording medium. 6. The image output apparatus according to 6.   8. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays thumbnails of a logical page indicated by logical page designation information and the other logical page as the output image. Image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, and image data of each logical page of the image data based on the allocation information An image output device for allocating images to a plurality of recording media and outputting images,
Input means;
Display means;
Logical pages allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information based on the allocation information upon receiving input of recording medium designation information indicating designation of a desired recording medium among the plurality of recording media from the input means Computing means for obtaining
An image output apparatus comprising: display control means for causing the display means to display an output image of the obtained logical page image data to a recording medium.   Image output means for receiving an image output instruction for the displayed output image from the input means, allocating image data of a logical page displayed as the output image to a recording medium based on the allocation information, and outputting the image; An image output apparatus according to claim 9. A table showing the number of logical pages allocated to each recording medium corresponding to the allocation information;
The computing means obtains the number of pages of the logical page corresponding to the allocation information with reference to the table, and the recording medium designation information is obtained from the number of pages of the logical page and the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information. The image output device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a logical page allocated to the recording medium to be shown is obtained.   The computing means obtains at least the first and last logical pages allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information from the number of pages of the obtained logical page and the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information. 12. The image output apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a logical page allocated to a recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information is obtained.   The arithmetic means obtains a correspondence relationship between each logical page and the recording medium to which each logical page is assigned based on the assignment information, and uses the correspondence relationship to assign a logic to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information. The image output device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a page is obtained.   The image output apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit displays a thumbnail of the obtained logical page as the output image. Image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, and image data of each logical page of the image data based on the allocation information An image output device for allocating images to a plurality of recording media and outputting images,
Input means;
Display means;
Input of logical page designation information indicating a desired logical page among the two or more logical pages or recording medium designation information indicating designation of a desired recording medium among the plurality of recording media from the input means. When the logical page designation information is received, another logical page allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information is obtained based on the allocation information. When receiving the designation information, based on the allocation information, an arithmetic means for obtaining a logical page to be allocated to the recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information;
When receiving the input of the logical page designation information, an output image to the recording medium of the image data of the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information and the other logical page is displayed on the display means, and the recording medium Display control means for displaying, on the display means, an output image to the recording medium of the image data of the logical page allocated to the recording medium indicated by the obtained recording medium designation information when receiving the designation information; An image output apparatus comprising: Image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, and image data of each logical page of the image data based on the allocation information An image display method in an image output apparatus that outputs an image by allocating to a plurality of recording media,
Receiving logical page designation information indicating a desired logical page among the two or more logical pages;
Obtaining another logical page to be allocated to the same recording medium as the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information based on the allocation information;
And displaying an output image of the logical page indicated by the logical page designation information and the image data of the other logical page to a recording medium. Image data composed of two or more logical pages and allocation information indicating allocation of each logical page to a recording medium are stored in association with each other, and image data of each logical page of the image data based on the allocation information An image display method in an image output apparatus that outputs an image by allocating to a plurality of recording media,
Receiving input of recording medium designation information indicating designation of a desired recording medium among the plurality of recording media;
Obtaining a logical page to be allocated to a recording medium indicated by the recording medium designation information based on the allocation information;
And a step of displaying an output image of the obtained logical page image data on a recording medium.

Images