JP2009124609A - Image processor, image processing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a printed content to be viewed in detail, and to execute intensive printing having a favorable appearance, in an image processor having an intensive printing function. <P>SOLUTION: When a special key 65 is depressed before reading a document, a display part 60 displays a copyable state. After another normal operation, a copy condition is set, a start key 63b is depressed, and a plurality of documents are read. All the read images are stored. When the special key 65 is then depressed again, four preview images are displayed. A normal reduction ratio of first intensive printing is set, and an image for executing second intensive printing by another reduction ratio for viewing the print content in detail is selected by changing over a preview image. When the start key 63b is depressed after condition setting completion, the first intensive printing is executed and the second intensive printing is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a copier capable of aggregate printing, an image processing method, a program for executing the method, and a storage medium for storing the program.

  Aggregate printing is an effective function for saving paper. For example, a 16-page original can be reduced to a single sheet on both sides and collectively printed. Even with this aggregation setting, the content can be determined, but in this state, it is not suitable for viewing the content in detail. In order to see the contents in detail, there is a desire to reduce the reduction ratio by that part. For example, only a part of existing materials may be modified. In such a case, it may be desired to reduce the reduction ratio for a page including a portion that has been corrected, and to increase the reduction ratio to a level at which it can be read barely for a page that has not been corrected. In this case, conventionally, an aggregation method is set and printed for each page to be output, such as for one chapter.

In addition, conventionally, the printing order continuous for each document is grouped, and whether or not to perform aggregation for each group and the setting such as the aggregation rate can be set according to the user's selection, and the above settings are reflected. A technique has been proposed in which a preview screen can be displayed and the above settings can be printed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a plurality of digital copiers and the like can be communicably connected, an arbitrary device serving as a master device reads a document to be copied, supplies document information to other devices serving as slave devices, and performs desired aggregate printing. A copying machine network system and a master image forming apparatus that perform weekly paper binding printing in parallel and in parallel have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 3863504 Japanese Patent No. 3645110

  As described above, conventionally, since the aggregation method was set and printed for each page to be output, such as for one chapter, etc., the contents were viewed in detail, for example, four pages were consolidated for one double-sided print. I had to print the whole thing with an aggregation method suitable for progressing. For this reason, improvement has been desired from the viewpoint of paper saving. Further, in Patent Document 1, if the aggregate format is different for each printed page, the margins are generated or the pages need to be replaced, and the appearance is not beautiful. There was a possibility that the intention was not transmitted correctly.

Patent Document 2 relates to a copying machine network system and a master image forming apparatus that improve printing productivity by supplying document information to a slave machine every time a master machine reads a document to be copied, which will be described later. This is not directly related to the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to make it possible to see details in detail and to perform aggregate printing with a good appearance.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention has a first reduction ratio set in a first reduction ratio in an image processing apparatus having an aggregate print function for reducing a read original image for a plurality of pages and consolidating and printing on one page of transfer paper. A first consolidated printing unit that performs one consolidated printing; a second consolidated printing unit that performs a second consolidated printing by setting the second reduction ratio; and And a selection unit that selects an image to be subjected to the second collective printing.

  The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for performing an aggregate printing function for reducing a read original image for a plurality of pages and consolidating and printing on one page of transfer paper. In addition to performing one aggregate printing, a second reduction ratio is set to perform the second aggregate printing. At this time, an image to be subjected to the second aggregate printing is read from the read document images for the plurality of pages. It is characterized by selecting.

A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the image processing method.
A storage medium according to the present invention stores the above program.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a first aggregated print in a uniform format and to obtain a detailed confirmation target document in a second aggregated print with an appropriate reduction ratio. The composition can be grasped correctly and the appearance is good, and the details of printing can be read at an appropriate size.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram, in which parts corresponding to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals.
1 and 2, a digital copying machine 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads an image of an original, an image forming unit 3 that forms an image based on image data of the original read by the image reading unit 2, and an image forming unit. 3 is provided with a finisher unit 4 for stapling the paper on which the image is formed, and an operation unit 6 (see FIG. 3). These are controlled by the main controller 70.

  The image reading unit 2 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder: ADF) having a document setting table 20 on which a sheet-shaped document is set, a document discharge table 21 on which a document after image reading is discharged, and a document conveyance path 22. An automatic document feeder 23) is provided. A document feeding path 22 of the ADF 23 is provided with a sheet feeding and feeding mechanism that feeds documents set on the document setting table 20 one by one to the document feeding path 22 and conveys them to the document discharge table 21. Yes. The sheet feeding / conveying mechanism includes, for example, a roller 24, motors 71 that rotate the roller 24, and sensors 72. The document transport path 22 is provided with a scanner 25 as an image reading mechanism that reads an image of a document transported in the document transport path 22 by the paper feed transport mechanism. The image of the original optically read by the scanner 25 is converted into an electrical signal and used for subsequent image processing.

  The image forming unit 3 is provided with a paper transport path 32 from a plurality of paper feed trays 30 that stack and hold paper to the finisher unit 4 via the engine unit 31. A manual feed tray 30 a for stacking and holding manually fed sheets is communicated with the sheet conveyance path 32. The engine unit 31 is provided with first and second engines 33 and 34 as image forming mechanisms for forming a toner image on a sheet, and a fixing unit 35 for fixing the toner image formed by the engine on the sheet. Yes. The engines 33 and 34 are for forming a toner image on a sheet by electrophotography. In the present embodiment, the engine 33 that forms an image by an electrophotographic method is used as an image forming mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet method, a sublimation type thermal transfer method, a silver salt photographic method, a melting method An image can be formed using various methods such as a mold thermal transfer method.

  Next, the image forming unit 3 includes an OCR (optical character reader) 49. Although this is a known technique and will not be described in detail, the OCR 49 is a data input device that directly optically reads characters and the like formed on a sheet or the like.

The finisher unit 4 is provided with a finisher path 54 that guides the paper discharged from the image forming unit 3 to the paper discharge tray 53 via the stack tray 50. The finisher path 54 is provided with a paper transport mechanism (not shown) and a jogger 51 that transport the paper discharged from the image forming unit 3 to the paper discharge tray 53.
A plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 3 are once stacked on the stack tray 50. The stack tray 50 is provided with a stapler 52 for stapling the stacked sheet bundle.

FIG. 3 shows the control panel 62 of the digital copying machine 1.
The control panel 62 is provided with a display unit 60 and an operation unit 6. The display unit 60 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 6 includes a hard key 63 such as a numeric key 63a and a start key 63b, and a touch panel 64 stacked on the LCD of the display unit 60. By operating the touch panel 64, various information according to the display content of the display unit 60 can be input.
Reference numeral 65 denotes a special key. When this key is pressed, the first consolidated printing is performed at the first reduction ratio, and the second consolidated printing is performed under a printing condition different from the normal first consolidated printing. Will be able to do. The contents of printing can be viewed in detail by the second consolidated printing.

Next, the operation will be described.
When the special key 65 is pressed before reading the original, the display unit 60 changes to a display of “Copying is possible (SPECIAL mode)” as shown in FIG. Other display and operation methods are the same as the normal operation, and the original is read by setting copy conditions and pressing the start key 63b. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of originals are read. In this case, the read image is not printed, and the read image is stored in the hard disk existing in the main controller unit 70. Next, when the special key 65 is pressed again, the display changes to that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, 81 is a preview 1, 82 is a preview 2, 83 is a preview 3, and 84 is a preview 4. In the initial state, the read images for the first four pages are displayed in preview in the order of reading. 85 is an information display of preview 1, 86 is an information display of preview 2, 87 is an information display of preview 3, and 88 is an information display of preview 4. In this information display 85 to 88, when the preview image of which page is to be subjected to the second aggregated printing different from the first aggregated printing, the printing condition is displayed.

  Reference numeral 89 denotes a left arrow key for moving the preview display, and designates the direction in which the preview image returns to the front (the one having a new reading time). Reference numeral 90 denotes a right arrow key for moving the preview display, and indicates the direction in which the preview image advances (the one with the new reading time). Reference numeral 91 denotes a “from here” key, and the preview image selected by touching the last button before that is set as a setting target start image to be printed by the second consolidated printing. Reference numeral 92 denotes a “to here” key, and the preview image selected by touching the last touch before that is set as an end image to be set for the second consolidated printing. Reference numeral 93 denotes a setting value to be printed in the second consolidated printing. Reference numerals 94 and 95 are used to switch the state displayed by the key 93. By touching the keys 94 and 95, the display contents can be advanced or returned.

  Using these, the aggregation condition of the second aggregation printing is set to the image. Note that one or a plurality of images existing from the start to the end are set to the same condition. In addition, the operation unit 6 does not select the target image, but recognizes the presence / absence of characters and the size of characters by the OCR 49, so that the second aggregation is performed for documents that are small and difficult to read. Printing and its conditions may be set. When the condition setting is completed, by pressing the start key 63b, the first consolidated printing is performed and the second consolidated printing is performed.

  When performing the second consolidated printing, the tray selection can be different. If colored paper is placed in the tray, it is possible to easily distinguish what has been printed by the second aggregate printing. Further, since the copying machine itself can print the background color, it is possible to easily distinguish what is printed by the second aggregate printing.

  According to the present embodiment described above, in the image processing apparatus configured to be able to print a plurality of pages of read original images on one page of transfer paper, the first consolidated printing is performed at the first reduction rate. Since the second integrated printing can be performed at the second reduction ratio, the selection of whether to perform the second integrated printing, and the means for setting the second reduction ratio are provided. You can obtain a consolidated print with a reduced size suitable for the document to be confirmed in detail, together with a consolidated print in the format of, so that you can correctly grasp the entire configuration and read the detailed content in an appropriate size with good appearance Can do.

  In addition, when there is means for determining whether or not the document image is a character and the presence of the character is recognized in the read document that is the second aggregated printing target, the first image is displayed in accordance with the size of the character of the document. Since the second consolidated print is performed by setting a second reduced ratio that is different from the reduced ratio, the appearance of characters at the time of consolidation is one criterion for setting the consolidated ratio. Saves time and effort as it prints out judgments.

  In the above-described embodiment, first, the first aggregate printing may be performed, and then the second aggregate printing may be performed. Alternatively, after the second aggregate printing is performed first, Integrated printing may be performed. In any case, since the second consolidated printing is performed collectively, it is possible to make it easy to find easily viewable detailed contents by the second consolidated printing from all the printed materials. When the first integrated printing is performed later, when the user wants to know the overall configuration, the first integrated printing need only be viewed under limited conditions.

In addition, at the time of the second consolidated printing, by using a paper feeding tray different from the paper feeding tray used in the first consolidated printing, it is possible to distinguish by placing different color sheets in another paper feeding tray. In addition, the transfer paper size can be changed between the first aggregated printing and the second aggregated printing.
Further, in the second collective printing, it is easy to distinguish even the same paper by printing an under color on the transfer paper separately from the print contents.

Next, a program and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described.
A program for the CPU of the main controller 70 to execute the image processing method executed by the image processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment constitutes a program according to the present invention. The storage medium for storing the program constitutes a recording medium according to the present invention. As this storage medium, a semiconductor storage device, an optical and / or magnetic storage device, or the like can be used. By using such a program and storage medium in an apparatus or system having a configuration different from the above-described embodiment and causing the CPU to execute the program, substantially the same effect as the present invention can be obtained. it can.

  According to the above-described embodiment, when performing the second consolidated printing, the reduction ratio of the original can be automatically set according to the character size, so that labor can be saved and the detailed contents can be set to an appropriate size. Can be read at

In addition, since the second aggregated printing is performed after the first aggregated printing, it is easy to find the second aggregated print from the printed matter.
Furthermore, since the first aggregated printing is performed after the second aggregated printing, it is easy to find a product by the second aggregated printing. Further, when the user wants to know the overall configuration, the first aggregated printing need only be viewed under limited conditions.

Furthermore, since the paper feed tray at the time of the first consolidated printing and the paper feed tray at the time of the second consolidated printing are separated, it is easy to distinguish them by putting transfer papers of different colors in each tray. Also, the transfer paper size can be changed.
Furthermore, since the background color is printed on the transfer paper on which the second aggregate printing is performed, it becomes easy to distinguish.
Furthermore, the first and second aggregate printing performed by the image processing apparatus and the image processing method according to the present invention can be easily executed using a computer.

1 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a control panel of a digital copying machine. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a display state of a control panel of a digital copying machine. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a preview display state of a control panel of a digital copying machine. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital copying machine 2 Image reading unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Finisher unit 70 Main controller 30 Paper feed tray 31 Engine part 49 OCR
65 Special Key 81 Preview 1
82 Preview 2
83 Preview 3
84 Preview 4
89 Left arrow key 90 Right arrow key 91 “From here” key 92 “To here” key 93 Setting value display section of second consolidated printing

Claims (14)

In an image processing apparatus having an aggregate printing function for reducing a plurality of pages of a read original image and consolidating and printing on one page of transfer paper,
First consolidated printing means for setting the first reduction ratio and performing first consolidated printing;
A second consolidated printing means for setting the second reduction ratio and performing the second consolidated printing;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a selecting unit that selects an image to be subjected to the second aggregate printing from the read document images for a plurality of pages. The selection unit includes a determination detection unit that determines whether the document image is a character and detects a size of the character.
When the determination unit recognizes the presence and size of characters in the read original,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second consolidated printing unit performs the second consolidated printing by setting the second reduction ratio in accordance with a size of the character of the document. .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second consolidated printing is performed on the selected images collectively after the first consolidated printing is performed.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second integrated printing is performed on the selected images collectively, and then the first integrated printing is performed. 4.   5. A paper feed tray for supplying transfer paper used for the second aggregate printing is different from a paper feed tray for supplying transfer paper used for the first aggregate printing. The image processing apparatus according to the above.   6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second aggregate printing unit prints a predetermined background color on the transfer paper to be used. In an image processing method for performing an aggregate print function of reducing a read original image for a plurality of pages and consolidating and printing on one page of transfer paper,
First aggregate printing is performed with the first reduction ratio set, and second consolidated printing is performed with the second reduction ratio being set. At this time, from the read original images for the plurality of pages. An image processing method, wherein an image to be subjected to the second aggregate printing is selected. When selecting an image to be subjected to the second aggregate printing, it is determined whether or not the document image is a character, and the size of the character is detected.
When the presence and size of characters are recognized in the scanned original,
8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the second consolidated printing is performed by setting the second reduction ratio in accordance with the character size of the document.   9. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the second consolidated printing is performed on the selected images collectively after the first consolidated printing is performed.   9. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the second aggregated printing is performed on the selected images collectively, and then the first aggregated printing is performed.   10. A paper feed tray for supplying transfer paper used for the second aggregate printing is different from a paper feed tray for supplying transfer paper used for the first aggregate printing. The image processing method of description.   The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein a predetermined background color is printed on a transfer paper to be used when the second consolidated printing is performed.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 7.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 13.

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