JP2010041343A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method capable of suppressing the formation of a duplicate region of image and a blank region while suppressing the complication of processing by a user. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a printer driver 700. The printer driver 700 instructs the creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and designates a pair of predetermined pages where a large-size image is arranged. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 50 for forming an image on a form based on image data, and a CPU 440 for instructing an image forming part to form the image. When the creation of a booklet and a pair of predetermined pages are designated, the CPU 440 changes an order for forming image on a form so that the large-size images are arranged on the pair of predetermined pages. The pair of predetermined pages are arranged to be continuous with the opened booklet, and composed of one side of a single form. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method for forming an image on a sheet based on image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed is known. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a copying machine or a printer. When the image forming apparatus is a copying machine, the image forming apparatus acquires image data by reading an image from a document. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is a printer, the image forming apparatus acquires image data from an external device such as a personal computer.

  Here, a post-processing apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus is also known. The post-processing device performs, for example, a sorting process, a punching process, a stapling process, a middle folding process, a booklet production process, a cutting process, and the like.

  For example, in the case of producing a booklet, the image forming apparatus forms images on both sides of the sheet, and the post-processing apparatus folds the bundle of sheets in half and binds the bundle of sheets. That is, the size of one page constituting the booklet is half the size of the paper. For example, when the paper size is A3, the size of one page is A4. An image is impositioned on each page constituting the booklet. In the production of a booklet, generally, the creator of image data assigns the order (page order) of the documents on which the image is to be impositioned to the image data constituting each image.

  Here, there may be a case where output image sizes are mixed in the production of a booklet. The output image size is the size of the image finally formed on the paper. For example, in the case where the size of one page constituting the booklet is A4, the output image size of A3 may be mixed with the output image size of A4. Here, an image having an output image size of one page or less constituting the booklet is referred to as a normal size image, and an image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet is referred to as a large size image.

  In such a case, as a method for imposing a large image, a technique for dividing the large image into two divided images has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, the data generation apparatus divides a large-size image into two divided images, and then reallocates the document order on the assumption that each divided image is imposed on one page. Subsequently, the data generation device allocates the order of the smaller document when the order of the smaller document is odd among the order of the documents allocated to the page on which the two divided images are imposed. Insert an adjustment page before the selected page. As a result, the two divided images are imposed on the deepest part of the booklet (so-called spread page) which is a pair of continuous pages with the booklet opened.

Similarly, a technique has been proposed in which a large-size image is divided into two divided images, and the two divided images are imposed on the deepest part of the booklet, which is a pair of continuous pages with the booklet opened. (For example, patent document 2).
JP 2005-209087 A JP 2006-209164 A

  Here, the image is composed of a plurality of pixels. The predetermined number of pixels constitutes a minimum unit. That is, an image can be divided only in the minimum unit. On the other hand, the background art described above assumes that a large-size image is divided into two divided images. Therefore, there may be a case where a large-size image cannot be divided equally.

  In such a case, even if two divided images are imposed on a spread page that is a pair of continuous pages with the booklet opened, the image of the image at the boundary of the page on which each divided image is imposed. There is a possibility that an overlapping area or a blank area is formed.

  In order to suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images, it is necessary to form a large size image on one side of one sheet without dividing the large size image into divided images.

  For example, as a page satisfying the condition that (a) a booklet is opened continuously and (b) is constituted by one side of one sheet, the pages constituting the front cover / back cover of the booklet, the deepest of the booklet The page which comprises a part can be considered.

  In such a case, the creator of the image data must intentionally assign the document order so that the large-size image is imposed on the page that satisfies the above-described conditions (a) and (b). Such a process is complicated for the creator.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and image formation that can suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images while suppressing the complexity of user processing. It is an object to provide a system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following features. First, in one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system (image forming system 1) includes an image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus 100) that forms an image on a sheet, and job data including at least image data. Printer driver (printer driver 700). The printer driver designates creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and designates a pair of specific pages on which a large image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet is to be imposed. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit (image forming unit 50) that forms an image on a sheet based on image data, and a control unit (CPU 440) that instructs the image forming unit to form an image by executing job data. Is provided. The controller controls the order of images to be formed on a sheet so that a large-size image is imposed on a pair of specific pages when a booklet is created and a pair of specific pages is specified (image formation). Change the order). The pair of specific pages are pages that are continuous with the booklet opened and are configured by one side of one sheet.

  According to this feature, the printer driver designates the creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and a pair of specific pages (the deepest part of the booklet or the front cover / back cover of the booklet) on which a large-size image is to be imposed. ) Is specified. The controller controls the order of images to be formed on a sheet so that a large-size image is imposed on a pair of specific pages when a booklet is created and a pair of specific pages is specified (image formation). Change the order). Accordingly, the user can automatically arrange the order of images that the image forming apparatus forms on the paper without intentionally assigning the order of the originals so that the large-size image is imposed on the pair of specific pages. Replace. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complication of user processing.

  The pair of specific pages are pages that are continuous with the booklet opened and are configured by one side of one sheet. As a result, the large-size image is imposed on a pair of specific pages (for example, the deepest part of the booklet or the front cover / back cover of the booklet) without being divided into two. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the pair of specific pages is a page that forms the deepest part of the booklet, or a page that forms the front cover and the back cover of the booklet.

  In one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet based on the image data, and forms an image on the image forming unit by executing job data. And a control unit for instructing. When the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages is designated, the control unit impositions a large image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet on a pair of specific pages. In this way, the order of the images formed on the paper is changed. The pair of specific pages are pages that are continuous with the booklet opened and are configured by one side of one sheet.

  In one aspect of the present invention, an image forming method for forming an image on a sheet has a step A for specifying the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet. Step B for designating a pair of specific pages on which the large-size image to be imposed is specified, and when the production of a booklet and a pair of specific pages are designated, the large-size image is placed on the pair of specific pages. And step C for changing the order of images formed on the paper so as to be impositioned. The pair of specific pages are pages that are continuous with the booklet opened and are configured by one side of one sheet.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method capable of suppressing the formation of an overlapping area and a blank area of an image while suppressing complication of user processing. it can.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

  However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratios of dimensions and the like are different from actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Outline of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, an outline of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, it should be noted that the detailed configuration of the image forming system 1 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a paper feeding apparatus 200, a post-processing apparatus 300, a printer controller 500, a user terminal 600, and a printer driver 700. .

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an automatic document feeding unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a paper tray unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, an image forming unit 50, a fixing unit 60, a paper discharge unit 70, and a reversing unit. 80 and an operation unit 90.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a user terminal 600 via a printer controller 500. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected by, for example, a printer controller 500 and a video bus 501. For example, the printer controller 500 is connected to the user terminal 600 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601.

  In the first embodiment, as the image forming apparatus 100, an MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral) that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method is exemplified. However, the image forming method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like.

  The automatic document feeder unit 10 is a unit for transferring a document to be copied. The image reading unit 20 is a unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data. The paper tray unit 30 is a unit that stores paper.

  The paper feed unit 40 is a unit that feeds paper to the image forming unit 50. The image forming unit 50 is a unit that forms an image composed of a toner image on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 40 based on image data instructed from a CPU 440 described later. The image forming unit 50 constitutes an image forming unit.

  The fixing unit 60 is a unit that fixes an image formed on a sheet to the sheet by thermocompression bonding. The paper discharge unit 70 is a unit that discharges the paper on which the image is fixed. The reversing unit 80 is a unit that reverses the front and back of a sheet on which image formation has not been completed on one side. The operation unit 90 is a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 100.

  The paper feeding device 200 accommodates a larger amount of paper than the paper tray unit 30. The paper feeding device 200 is used instead of the paper tray unit 30 in a case of discharging a large amount of paper.

  The post-processing device 300 performs post-processing of the paper on which the image is formed. The post-processing device 300 performs, for example, source processing, punching processing, stapling processing, half-folding processing, cutting processing, and the like.

  In the first embodiment, a case of producing a booklet is illustrated. Note that the booklet may be a case of only a middle fold or a case of a middle fold and a saddle stitch (staple). The size of one page constituting the booklet is half the size of the paper. For example, when the paper size is A3, the size of one page is A4.

  In the case of only the middle folding, the post-processing device 300 folds a bundle of sheets on which images are formed on both sides by the image forming unit 50 in half. On the other hand, in the case of saddle stitching, the post-processing device 300 folds a bundle of sheets on which images are formed on both sides by the image forming unit 50, and binds the bundle of sheets.

  In the following, an image (for example, an A4 image) having an output image size of one page or less constituting the booklet is referred to as a “normal size image” and has an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet. An image (for example, an A3 image) is referred to as a “large-size image”.

  The printer controller 500 receives a print job from the user terminal 600 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601. The printer controller 500 analyzes the print job and transmits job data to the image forming apparatus 100 via the video bus 501. The job data includes at least image data. The image data is data indicating a document 800 (see FIG. 3) created by the user.

  The user terminal 600 is a terminal such as a personal computer. The user terminal 600 includes a display unit 610 that displays a screen and an operation unit 620 that operates the screen and the like. A printer driver 700 is installed in the user terminal 600.

  The printer driver 700 transmits a print job to the printer controller 500 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 601. The print job is data instructing printing of an image designated by the user terminal 600, and is described in, for example, a page description language (PDL) such as Postscript (registered trademark of Adobe) or PCL. .

(Function of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, functions of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 400 that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 400 includes a communication I / F 410, an HDD 420, a memory 430, and a CPU 440.

  The communication I / F 410 is connected to the video bus 501 and acquires job data from the printer controller 500.

  The HDD 420 stores a control program, information regarding functions of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like.

  The memory 430 is configured by a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. The memory 430 temporarily stores job data acquired by the communication I / F 410, image data acquired by the image reading unit 20, and the like. In addition, a control program stored in the HDD 420 is expanded on the memory 430.

  The CPU 440 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the control program developed on the memory 430. The CPU 440 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form an image by executing the job data. Note that a part of the operation of the CPU 440 is omitted.

  When a booklet is created and a pair of specific pages is designated, the CPU 440 impositions a large-size image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet on the pair of specific pages. In this manner, the image forming order is changed.

  The image forming order is the order of images formed on the paper by the image forming unit 50, unlike the order of documents specified by the user. For example, as an image forming order, an image is formed on the back surface of a pair of pages constituted by one side of the first sheet, and then an image is formed on the surface of the pair of pages reversed by the reversing unit 80. Is done. Thereafter, an image is formed on the second and subsequent sheets as with the first sheet. In other words, the image formation order is such that the back side of the first sheet is No. 1, the front side of the first sheet is No. 2, the back side of the second sheet is No. 3, and the front side of the second sheet. No. 4 and so on.

  In the present embodiment, in the case where a booklet is created and a pair of specific pages is designated, a large size image (for example, an A3 image) is mixed with a normal size image (for example, an A4 image). The pair of specific pages is continuous with the booklet opened, and is configured by one side of one sheet.

  The pair of specific pages includes (1) a page that forms the deepest part of the booklet (so-called spread page), and (2) a page that forms the front cover of the booklet and the back cover of the booklet. In the first embodiment, the pair of specific pages is assumed to be (1) a page constituting the deepest part of the booklet.

(Specific page designation)
In the following, as a pair of specific pages, (1) designation of a page constituting the deepest part of a booklet will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit 610 of the user terminal 600 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a print job that the printer driver 700 according to the first embodiment transmits to the printer controller 500. It is a figure for demonstrating.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 610 of the user terminal 600 displays a document 800 created by the user, a print instruction screen 900 for designating printing of a document to the printer driver 700, and the like.

  On the print instruction screen 900, a setting list 910, a page number 920, and a setting change 920 are displayed. The setting list 910 displays a list of print information such as print type paper size, staple, and spread / display for each page number (1 to 9 pages).

  As the print type, 1Up, a booklet (middle fold), or the like can be designated. As the paper size, A1, A2, A3, B4, B5, A5, B6, A6 and the like can be designated. As staples (staplers), none, saddle stitching and the like can be designated. As the spread / cover, none, cover, or spread can be designated.

  The page number 920 displays print information such as the print type, paper size, staple, and spread / display on one page (the seventh page in the drawing) of the document created by the user.

  In the setting change 930, the setting of print information such as the print type, paper size, staple, and spread / display in the page number 920 can be changed. That is, the print information changed in the setting change 930 is reflected in the print information in the page number 920. The reflected print information is displayed in the setting list 910.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, printing of nine pages of images is designated as print information, and a large-size image is designated as a page that forms the deepest part of a booklet. Specifically, for the first to sixth pages of the image, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated. For the seventh page of the image, booklet, A3, saddle stitching, and spread are designated. For the eighth to ninth pages of the image, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated.

  The print instruction screen 900 instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to create a booklet composed of a plurality of pages to the printer driver 700 via the printer controller 500, and sets the deepest part of the booklet on which a large-size image is to be imprinted to the printer. Specify to the driver 700.

  Then, the printer driver 700 instructs the image forming apparatus 100 via the printer controller 500 to create a booklet composed of a plurality of pages and to specify the deepest part of the booklet on which a large-size image should be imposed.

(Printer driver operation)
Next, the operation of the printer driver 700 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer driver 700 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step 10, the printer driver 700 determines whether printing of a document 800 created by the user is designated. If the printer driver 700 determines that printing of the document 800 has been designated, the printer driver 700 proceeds to step 11. On the other hand, when the printer driver 700 determines that printing of the document 800 is not designated, the printer driver 700 stands by.

  In step 11, the printer driver 700 accepts a print job including print information such as print type, paper size, staple and spread / cover, and image information indicating the original 800 created by the user.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, as the print information, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated for the first to sixth pages of the image, and the booklet, A3, saddle stitching, and spread are designated for the seventh page of the image. The booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are specified for the eighth to ninth pages of the image (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  In step 12, the printer driver 700 transmits the print job (print information and image information) received in step 11 to the printer controller 500. That is, the printer driver 700 designates the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and designates the deepest part of the booklet on which a large-size image is to be imposed. Of course, the print job may include an identifier for identifying the user.

(Printer controller operation)
Next, the operation of the printer controller will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer controller according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step 20, the printer controller 500 determines whether a print job (print information and image information) has been received from the printer driver 700. If the printer controller 500 determines that a print job has been received, it proceeds to the processing of step 21. On the other hand, if the printer controller 500 determines that it has not received a print job, it waits.

  In step 21, the printer controller 500 analyzes the print job and converts it into job data including print data and image data. Specifically, the printer controller 500 analyzes print information and converts it into print data. The printer controller 500 analyzes the image information and converts it into image data.

  In step 22, the printer controller 500 transmits the job data converted in step 21 to the image forming apparatus 100.

(Operation of image forming apparatus)
Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step 100, the CPU 440 determines whether job data has been received from the printer controller 500 via the communication I / F 410. If the CPU 440 determines that the job data has been received, the process proceeds to step 200. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that it has not received job data, it waits.

  In step 200, the CPU 440 performs RIP processing for converting image data of the job data into a data format that allows the image forming unit 50 to form an image on a sheet. For example, the CPU 440 converts image data into a bitmap.

  In step 300, the CPU 440 stores the job data received in step 100 and the image data converted in step 110 in the memory 430.

  In step 400, the CPU 440 refers to print data in the job data stored in the memory 430 and determines whether a booklet is designated. When the CPU 440 determines that the booklet is designated, the CPU 440 proceeds to the process of step 500. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that the booklet is not specified, the process proceeds to step 600.

  In step 500, the CPU 440 performs a booklet process. Details of the booklet processing will be described later (see FIG. 8).

  In step 600, the CPU 440 performs a printing process. Details of the printing process will be described later (see FIG. 16).

(Booklet processing)
Next, the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 9 to 15 are image diagrams for explaining the output image of the booklet according to the first embodiment. . In FIGS. 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15, the numbers in the sheets are numbers indicating the order of documents specified by the user (hereinafter referred to as document numbers).

  As shown in FIG. 8, in step 501, the CPU 440 refers to the print data in the job data stored in the memory 430, converts the page in the large size image into the number of pages in the normal size image, The number of pages obtained by adding the number of pages in the normal size image to the number of pages in the large size image is calculated. The large size image (for example, A3) is equivalent to two pages of one page in the normal size image (for example, A4).

  The number of pages in the normal size image is referred to as “normal page number”. The number of pages in the large-size image is referred to as “large page number”. The number of pages obtained by adding the number of pages in the normal size image to the number of pages in the converted large size image is referred to as “reference page number”.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the total number of document numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “8”, “9” is set as the normal page number. When the document number is “7” for a large image and “7 pages”, the value obtained by converting the large image into the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, and the reference page number is “10 pages”.

  In step 502, the CPU 440 refers to the print data in the job data stored in the memory 430, and finally outputs it using the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 501. The number of output sheets, which is the number of sheets to be printed, is calculated.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 calculates the number N of output sheets by using a relational expression “N = (P + 2) / 4” where N is the number of output sheets and P is the number of normal pages. However, the number N of output sheets is rounded up when the number is less than the decimal point.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the number of normal pages is “8 pages” and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, the number N of output sheets is “(8 + 2) / 4 = 2.5 ". The number N of output sheets is rounded up to 2.5 and becomes “3”.

  In step 503, the CPU 440 calculates the number of blank pages to be added to the booklet using the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 501 and the number of output sheets calculated in step 502.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 uses the relational expression “B = N × 4- (P + 2)”, where B is the number of blank pages, N is the number of output sheets, and P is the number of normal pages. The page number B is calculated. In the case where the booklet is created, the CPU 440 needs to make sure that the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is a multiple of four. Therefore, the CPU 440 adds a blank page when the reference page number is not a multiple of four.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the number of output sheets is “3”, the number of normal pages is “8 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, the number of blank pages B is “3 × 4- (8 + 2) = 2 pages”.

  In step 504, the CPU 440 calculates the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed using the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 501 and the blank page number calculated in step 503.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the reference page number is “10 pages” and the blank page number is “2 pages”, the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is “12 pages”. As described above, in the case where a booklet is created, the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is always a multiple of four.

  Here, each page of the booklet to be completed is assigned the number of completed pages according to the following equation, where N is the number of output sheets. Unlike the manuscript number, the number of completed pages is the order of pages when a booklet is completed.

  A total of 4 pages, 2 pages on the back side and 2 pages on the front side, are allocated to one sheet constituting the booklet to be completed. In other words, when the number of output sheets is 3, the number of completed pages is 12 pages in the same way as the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed.

  Specifically, the number of completed pages is assigned to one side (for example, the left side) of the back side corresponding to the Xth page of the booklet to be completed by the relational expression “1+ (X−1) × 2”. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one side of the back side corresponding to the first booklet to be completed is “1+ (1-1) × 2 = 1 page”.

  On the other side (for example, the right side) of the back surface corresponding to the Xth page of the booklet to be completed, the number of completed pages is assigned by the relational expression “N × 4- (X−1) × 2”. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the other side of the back surface corresponding to the first booklet to be completed is “3 × 4 + (1-1) × 2 = 12 pages”.

  On one side (for example, the left side) of the surface corresponding to the Xth page of the booklet to be completed, the number of completed pages is assigned by the relational expression “1+ (X−1) × 2 + 1”. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one side of the surface corresponding to the first booklet to be completed is “1+ (1-1) × 2 + 1 = 2 pages”.

  On the other side (for example, the right side) of the surface corresponding to the Xth booklet of the booklet to be completed, the number of completed pages is assigned by the relational expression “N × 4- (X−1) × 2-1”. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one side of the surface corresponding to the first booklet of the completed booklet is “3 × 4 + (1-1) × 2-1 = 11th page”.

  In step 505, the CPU 440 uses the number of output sheets, the number of blank pages, and the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed to determine the page number of the completed pages that constitutes the deepest part of the booklet. Is calculated. The number of completed pages in which the deepest part of the booklet is arranged is referred to as “the deepest page number of the booklet”.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 uses the relational expressions “A = N × 4/2” and “A = N × 4/2 + 1”, where A is the deepest page number of the booklet and N is the number of output sheets. To calculate the deepest page number A of the booklet.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the number of output sheets is 3, the number of normal pages is “8 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, The deepest page number A is “3 × 4/2 = 6 pages” and “3 × 4/2 + 1 = 7 pages” in the number of completed pages.

  In step 506, the CPU 440 secures memory on the memory 430 for the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed.

  In step 507, the CPU 440 sets the large size image so that the large size image is imposed on the page that forms the deepest part of the booklet in the memory.

  For example, as indicated by the hatched portions in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the CPU 440 sets A3 large size images on the sixth and seventh pages, which are the deepest portions of the booklet to be completed. That is, the large-size image with document number “7” is set on the sixth and seventh pages as the number of completed pages.

  As a result, the CPU 440 changes the order of the originals designated by the user so that the A3 large-size image is imposed on the deepest part of the booklet. That is, the CPU 440 changes the order of image formation by changing the order of the small size image and the large size image.

  In step 508, the CPU 440 sets a normal size image other than the large size image set in step 507 on each page of the booklet to be completed.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the normal size image of the document number “1” is set on the first page as the number of completed pages. On the second page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “2” is set. On the third page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “3” is set. On the fourth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “4” is set. On the fifth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “5” is set.

  On the sixth and seventh pages as the number of completed pages, as described above, the large-size image with the document number “7” is set. Therefore, the normal number with the document number “6” is set on the eighth page as the number of completed pages. A size image is set. On the ninth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “8” is set. On the 10th page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “9” is set.

  In step 509, the CPU 440 determines whether all output images (normal size image and large size image) have been set on the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all output images have been set in the memory, the process proceeds to step 510. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all output images are not set in the memory, the process returns to step 507.

  In step 510, the CPU 440 sets a blank page on the memory. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, blank pages are set on the 11th and 12th pages as the number of completed pages.

  In step 511, the CPU 440 determines whether or not all blank data has been set in the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all blank data has been set in the memory, the booklet processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all blank data is not set in the memory, the process returns to step 510.

(Printing process)
Next, the operation of the printing process described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in step 601, the CPU 440 instructs the paper feeding unit 40 to feed the paper to the image forming unit 50 by executing the job data stored in the memory 430. As a result, the paper feed unit 40 feeds paper to the image forming unit 50.

  In step 602, the CPU 440 instructs the image forming unit 50 to form an image by executing the job data stored in the memory 430. As a result, the image forming unit 50 forms an image on the sheet based on the image data of the job data instructed by the CPU 440. That is, the image forming unit 50 forms an image on a sheet based on the order of the originals replaced by the CPU 440 and the image forming order.

  For example, the image forming unit 50 forms the normal size image of the document number “1” and a blank page on one side (for example, the back side) of a pair of pages constituted by one side of the first sheet, A normal size image of a document number “2” and a blank page are formed on one side (for example, the front side) of a pair of pages constituted by one side of the first sheet. Thereafter, the image forming unit 50 forms an image on the second sheet in the same manner as the first sheet.

  That is, as described above, as described above, the back side of the first sheet is No. 1, the front side of the first sheet is No. 2, the back side of the second sheet is No. 3, and 2 The surface of the first sheet is No. 4, and so on.

  In step 603, the CPU 440 instructs the fixing unit 60 to fix the image formed on the paper on the paper by executing the job data stored in the memory 430. As a result, the fixing unit 60 fixes the image formed on the sheet to the sheet.

  In step 604, the CPU 440 instructs the paper discharge unit 70 to discharge the paper on which the image is fixed by executing the job data stored in the memory 430. As a result, the paper discharge unit 70 discharges the paper on which the image is fixed.

  In step 606, the CPU 440 instructs the post-processing device 300 to perform post-processing. Thereby, the post-processing apparatus 300 performs source processing, punch processing, stapling processing, half-folding processing, and the like.

  For example, in a case where a booklet is designated, the CPU 440 instructs the post-processing device 300 to perform a half-folding process on a sheet on which images are formed on both sides of the sheet. Thereby, the post-processing apparatus 300 forms a booklet by folding a bundle of sheets having images formed on both sides in half in the case of only the middle folding. On the other hand, in the case of half-folding and saddle stitching, the post-processing device 300 folds a bundle of sheets on which images are formed on both sides in half to form a booklet in which the bundle of sheets is bound.

(Action / Effect)
In the first embodiment, the printer driver 700 designates the creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and a pair of specific pages (the deepest of the booklet) on which a large size image (for example, A3 image data) should be imposed. Part). The CPU 440 changes the image forming order so that a large-size image is imposed on the deepest part of the booklet when the booklet production and the deepest part of the booklet are designated. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically changes the image forming order even if the user does not intentionally allocate the order of the originals so that the large-size image is impositioned on the deepest part of the booklet. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complication of user processing.

  In the first embodiment, the pair of specific pages is the deepest part (spread page) of the booklet. Thereby, a large-sized image is imposed on the deepest part of the booklet. Thus, the large-size image is imposed on the deepest portion of the booklet as a pair of specific pages without being divided into two. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described.

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, the pair of specific pages is (1) a page (so-called spread page) constituting the deepest part of the booklet. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the pair of specific pages is (2) a page constituting a booklet cover and a booklet back cover.

(Specific page designation)
In the following, as a pair of specific pages, (2) designation of pages constituting the front cover of the booklet and the back cover of the booklet will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 18 illustrates a print job that the printer driver 700 according to the second embodiment transmits to the printer controller 500. It is a figure for doing.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, printing of 9 pages of images is designated as print information, and a large size image is printed on the pages constituting the front cover of the booklet and the back cover of the booklet. It is specified. Specifically, for the first to sixth pages of the image, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated. For the seventh page of the image, a booklet, A3, saddle stitching, and cover are designated. For the eighth to ninth pages of the image, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated.

(Booklet processing)
Next, the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 20 to 26 are image diagrams for explaining the image data of the booklet according to the second embodiment. .

  As shown in FIG. 19, in step 521, the CPU 440 refers to the print data of the job data stored in the memory 430, converts the page in the large size image into the number of normal pages, and converts the converted large page. The number of reference pages is calculated by adding the number of normal pages to the number.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the total number of document numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “8”, and “9” is used as the normal page number. When the document number is “7” for a large image and “7 pages”, the value obtained by converting the large image into the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, and the reference page number is “10 pages”.

  In step 522, the CPU 440 refers to the print data in the job data stored in the memory 430 and uses the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 521 to determine the number of output sheets. calculate.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 calculates the number N of output sheets by using a relational expression “N = (P + 2) / 4” where N is the number of output sheets and P is the number of normal pages. However, the number N of output sheets is rounded up when the number is less than the decimal point.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, when the number of normal pages is “8 pages” and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, the number N of output sheets is “(8 + 2) / 4 = 2.5 ". The number N of output sheets is rounded up to 2.5 and becomes “3”.

  In step 523, the CPU 440 calculates the number of blank pages to be added on the booklet using the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 521 and the output sheet number calculated in step 522. .

  Specifically, the CPU 440 uses the relational expression “B = N × 4- (P + 2)”, where B is the number of blank pages, N is the number of output sheets, and P is the number of normal pages. The page number B is calculated. In the case where the booklet is created, the CPU 440 needs to make sure that the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is a multiple of four. Therefore, the CPU 440 adds a blank page when the reference page number is not a multiple of four.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22, when the number of output sheets is “3”, the number of normal pages is “8 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large size image into the number of normal pages is “2 pages”, the number of blank pages B is “3 × 4- (8 + 2) = 2 pages”.

  In step 524, the CPU 440 calculates the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed using the reference page number (normal pace number and large page number) calculated in step 501 and the blank page number calculated in step 523.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22, since the reference page number is “10 pages” and the blank page number is “2 pages”, the total number of pages of the completed booklet is “12 pages”. As described above, in the case where a booklet is created, the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is always a multiple of four.

  In step 525, the CPU 440 uses the number of output sheets, the number of blank pages, and the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed to determine the number of pages constituting the front cover and back cover of the booklet. Calculate whether to place them. The number of completed pages on which the front cover and back cover of the booklet are arranged is referred to as “the number of cover pages of the booklet”.

  Specifically, the number of cover pages of the booklet is the first page and the last page in the number of completed pages.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, when the number of output sheets is “3”, the number of normal pages is “8 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “2 pages”. The cover page number A of the booklet is “1 page” and “12 pages” in the number of completed pages.

  In step 526, the CPU 440 secures memory on the memory 430 for the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed on the memory 430.

  In step 527, the CPU 440 sets the large-size image so that the large-size image is imposed on the pages constituting the front cover (front cover and back cover) of the booklet in the memory.

  For example, as indicated by the hatched portions in FIGS. 23 and 24, the CPU 440 sets a large-size image of A3 on the first page and the twelfth page, which are the cover pages (front cover and back cover) of the booklet to be completed. That is, a large image with the document number “7” is set on pages 1 and 12 as the number of completed pages.

  As a result, the CPU 440 changes the order of the originals designated by the user so that the A3 large size image is imposed on the cover of the booklet. That is, the CPU 440 changes the order of image formation by changing the order of the small size image and the large size image.

  In step 528, the CPU 440 sets a normal size image other than the large size image set in step 527 on each page of the booklet to be completed.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, since the large image of the document number “7” is set on the 1st and 12th pages as the number of completed pages as described above, 2 as the number of completed pages. A document number “1” normal size image is set on the page. On the third page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “2” is set. On the fourth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “3” is set. On the fifth page as the number of completed pages, the normal size image of document number “4” is set.

  On the sixth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “5” is set. On the seventh page as the number of completed pages, the normal size image of document number “6” is set. On the eighth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “8” is set. On the ninth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “9” is set.

  In step 529, the CPU 440 determines whether all output images (normal size image and large size image) have been set on the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all output images have been set in the memory, the process proceeds to step 530. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all output images are not set in the memory, the process returns to step 527.

  In step 530, the CPU 440 sets a blank page on the memory. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, blank pages are set on the 10th and 11th pages as the number of completed pages.

  In step 531, the CPU 440 determines whether all blank data has been set on the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all blank data has been set in the memory, the booklet processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all blank data is not set in the memory, the process returns to step 530.

(Action / Effect)
In the second embodiment, the printer driver 700 designates the creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and covers the booklet (front cover and back cover) on which a large-size image (for example, A3 image data) is to be imposed. ) Is specified. When the booklet production and the booklet cover are designated, the CPU 440 changes the image formation order so that the large-size image is imposed on the booklet cover. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically causes the image forming apparatus 100 to perform the image assignment without assigning the order of the originals so that the large-size image is imposed on the cover of the booklet. Change the order of formation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complication of user processing.

  In the second embodiment, the pair of specific pages is a booklet cover (a front cover and a back cover). As a result, the large-size image is imposed on the front cover / back cover of the booklet as a pair of specific pages without being divided into two. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images.

[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, differences between the first and second embodiments and the third embodiment will be mainly described.

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, the pair of specific pages is (1) a page (so-called spread page) constituting the deepest part of the booklet. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the pair of specific pages includes (1) a page that forms the deepest part of the booklet, and (2) a page that forms the front cover of the booklet and the back cover of the booklet. It is.

(Specific page designation)
In the following, as a pair of specific pages, (1) the page constituting the deepest part of the booklet and (2) the designation of the page constituting the front cover of the booklet and the back cover of the booklet will be described with reference to the drawings. To do. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 28 illustrates a print job transmitted from the printer driver 700 according to the third embodiment to the printer controller 500. It is a figure for doing.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, printing of all eight pages of images is designated as the print information, and the large-size image is the page that forms the deepest part of the booklet, and the cover of the booklet, Specified as the page that forms the back cover of the booklet. Specifically, for the first to sixth pages of the image, booklet, A4, and saddle stitching are designated. For the seventh page of the image, booklet, A3, saddle stitching, and spread are designated (see FIG. 27A). On the eighth page of the image, a booklet, A3, saddle stitching, and cover are designated (see FIG. 27B).

(Booklet processing)
Next, the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the booklet processing in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, and FIGS. 30 to 35 are image diagrams for explaining the image data of the booklet according to the third embodiment. .

  As shown in FIG. 29, in step 541, the CPU 440 refers to the print data of the job data stored in the memory 430, converts the page in the large size image into the number of normal pages, and converts the converted large page. The number of reference pages is calculated by adding the number of normal pages to the number.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the number of normal pages is “6 pages” of document numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, which is a large size. When the document number “7” and “8” are “two” in total, the value obtained by converting the large size image into the number of normal pages is “4 pages”, and the reference page number is “10 pages”. .

  In step 542, the CPU 440 refers to the print data in the job data stored in the memory 430, and uses the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 541 to determine the number of output sheets. calculate.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 uses the relational expression “N = (P + D × 2) / 4”, where N is the number of output sheets, P is the number of normal pages, and D is the number of large pages. The number N of sheets is calculated. However, the number N of output sheets is rounded up when the number is less than the decimal point.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 31, when the number of normal pages is “6 pages” and the number of large pages is “2 pages”, the number N of output sheets is “(6 + 2 × 2) /4=2.5 sheets”. Become. The number N of output sheets is rounded up to 2.5 and becomes “3”.

  In step 543, the CPU 440 calculates the number of blank pages to be added on the booklet using the reference page number (normal page number and large page number) calculated in step 541 and the output sheet number calculated in step 542. .

  Specifically, the CPU 440 sets “B = N × 4- (P + D × 2)” where B is the number of blank pages, N is the number of output sheets, P is the number of normal pages, and D is the number of large pages. The number of blank pages B is calculated by using the relational expression. In the case where the booklet is created, the CPU 440 needs to make sure that the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is a multiple of four. Therefore, the CPU 440 adds a blank page when the reference page number is not a multiple of four.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32, when the number of output sheets is “3”, the number of normal pages is “6 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large page image to the number of normal pages is “4 pages”, the number of blank pages B is “3 × 4- (6 + 4) = 2 pages”.

  In step 544, the CPU 440 calculates the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed using the reference page number (normal pace number and large page number) calculated in step 541 and the blank page number calculated in step 543.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32, when the reference page number is “10 pages” and the blank page number is “2 pages”, the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is “12 pages”. As described above, in the case where a booklet is created, the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed is always a multiple of four.

  In step 525, the CPU 440 calculates the deepest page number of the booklet and the cover page number of the booklet by using the number of output sheets, the number of blank pages, and the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed.

  Specifically, the CPU 440 uses the relational expressions “A = N × 4/2” and “A = N × 4/2 + 1”, where A is the deepest page number of the booklet and N is the number of output sheets. To calculate the deepest page number A of the booklet. On the other hand, the CPU 440 calculates the first page and the last page of the number of completed pages as the number of cover pages of the booklet.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, when the number of output sheets is 3, the number of normal pages is “6 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large size image into the number of normal pages is “4 pages”, The deepest page number A is “3 × 4/2 = 6 pages” and “3 × 4/2 + 1 = 7 pages” in the number of completed pages.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, when the number of output sheets is “3”, the number of normal pages is “6 pages”, and the value obtained by converting a large image to the number of normal pages is “4 pages”. The cover page number A of the booklet is “1 page” and “12 pages” in the number of completed pages. That is, the front cover of the booklet is 1 page as the number of completed pages, and the back cover of the booklet is 12 pages as the completed pages.

  In step 546, the CPU 440 secures the memory for the total number of pages of the booklet to be completed on the memory 430 on the memory 430.

  In step 547, the CPU 440 causes the large size image to be impositioned on the page that forms the deepest part of the booklet in the memory and on the page that forms the cover of the booklet (front cover and back cover). Set the size image.

  For example, as indicated by the hatched portions in FIGS. 33 and 34, the CPU 440 sets a large-size image of A3 on the sixth and seventh pages, which are the deepest portions of the booklet to be completed. That is, the large-size image of document number “8” is set on the sixth and seventh pages as the number of completed pages.

  On the other hand, the CPU 440 sets a large-size image of A3 on the first page and the twelfth page which are the front cover (front cover and back cover) of the booklet to be completed. That is, the large image with document number “7” is set on the 1st and 12th pages as the number of completed pages.

  As a result, the CPU 440 changes the order of the originals specified by the user so that the A3 large size image is imposed on the deepest page of the booklet and the cover of the booklet. That is, the CPU 440 changes the order of image formation by changing the order of the small size image and the large size image.

  In step 548, the CPU 440 sets a normal size image other than the large size image set in step 547 on each page of the booklet to be completed.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, since the large size image of the document number “7” is set on the 1st and 12th pages as the number of completed pages as described above, 2 as the number of completed pages. A normal size image of document number “1” is set on the page. On the third page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “2” is set. On the fourth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “3” is set. On the fifth page as the number of completed pages, the normal size image of document number “4” is set.

  As described above, since the large-size image with the document number “8” is set on the 6th and 7th pages as the number of completed pages, the normal size of the document number “5” is displayed on the 8th page as the number of completed pages. An image is set. On the ninth page as the number of completed pages, a normal size image of document number “6” is set.

  In step 549, the CPU 440 determines whether all output images (normal size image and large size image) have been set on the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all output images have been set in the memory, the process proceeds to step 550. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all output images are not set in the memory, the process returns to step 547.

  In step 550, the CPU 440 sets a blank page on the memory. For example, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, blank pages are set on the 10th and 11th pages as the number of completed pages.

  In step 551, the CPU 440 determines whether or not all blank data has been set in the memory. If the CPU 440 determines that all blank data has been set in the memory, the booklet processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the CPU 440 determines that all blank data is not set in the memory, the process returns to step 550.

(Action / Effect)
In the third embodiment, the printer driver 700 designates the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and the deepest part (spread page) of the booklet on which a large size image (for example, A3 image data) is to be imposed. , Specify the front cover (front cover and back cover) of the booklet. The CPU 440 changes the image forming order so that a large-size image is imposed on the cover of the booklet when the booklet production, the deepest part of the booklet, and the booklet cover are designated. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the user can automatically create an image without intentionally allocating the order of documents so that a large-size image is imposed on the deepest part of the booklet and the cover of the booklet. The forming apparatus 100 changes the image forming order. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complication of user processing.

  In the third embodiment, the pair of specific pages are the deepest part (spread page) of the booklet and the cover of the booklet (front cover and back cover). As a result, the large-size image is imposed on the deepest part of the booklet as a pair of specific pages, or the front cover / back cover of the booklet) without being divided into two. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of overlapping areas and blank areas of images.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the embodiment has been described as an MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an apparatus having only a printer function or an apparatus having only a copying function may be used. There may be.

  In the embodiment, the printer driver 700 has been described as instructing the image forming apparatus 100 of print information such as the print type, the paper size, the staple, and the spread / cover. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 100 may be instructed in the direction, print surface, layout, punch (drilling), full bullet, printer designation, print order, and the like. Of course, the display screen varies depending on the type of the printer driver 700. is there.

  In the embodiment, as the image formation order, the back side of the first sheet is No. 1, the front side of the first sheet is No. 2, the back side of the second sheet is No. 3, and the second sheet Although it has been described that the surface of the paper is number 4 and continues thereafter, it is not limited to this. For example, as the image forming order, the front surface of the third sheet is No. 1, the back surface of the third sheet is No. 2, the front surface of the second sheet is No. 3, and the second sheet Of course, the back side is number 4 and may continue thereafter.

  From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from the above description.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control unit 400 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the user terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a diagram for explaining a print job transmitted from the printer driver 700 according to the first embodiment to the printer controller 500. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer driver 700 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printer controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a booklet process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 1). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 2). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 3). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 4). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 5). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 6). It is an image figure for demonstrating the output image of the booklet which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 7). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the user terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a print job transmitted from a printer driver according to a second embodiment to a printer controller. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a booklet process in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 1). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 2). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 3). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 4). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 5). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 6). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment (the 7). It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part of the user terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a print job transmitted from a printer driver according to a third embodiment to a printer controller. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a booklet process in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 1). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 2). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 3). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 4). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 5). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 6). It is an image figure for demonstrating the image data of the booklet which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 7).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 10 ... Automatic document feeding unit, 20 ... Image reading unit, 30 ... Paper tray unit, 40 ... Paper feed unit, 50 ... Image forming unit, 60 ... Fusing unit, 70 ... Discharge unit, 80 ... Reversing unit, 90 ... Operation unit, 100 ... Image forming apparatus, 110 ... Detecting unit, 200 ... Paper feeding apparatus , 300 ... post-processing device, 310 ... first discharge tray, 320 ... stacker, 330 ... finisher, 331 ... second discharge tray, 400 ... control unit, 410 · ..Communication I / F, 420 ... HDD, 430 ... Memory, 440 ... CPU, 500 ... Printer controller, 501 ... Video bus, 600 ... User terminal, 6 1 ... LAN, 700 ... printer driver, 800 ... document, 900 ... print instruction screen, 910 ... setting list, 920 ... page number, 930 ... setting change

Claims (4)

An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and a printer driver that outputs job data including at least image data to the image forming apparatus.
The printer driver designates creation of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages, and designates a pair of specific pages on which a large image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet is to be imposed. ,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data;
A control unit that instructs the image forming unit to form an image by executing the job data;
The controller forms an image on a sheet so that the large-size image is imposed on the pair of specific pages when the booklet is produced and the pair of specific pages is designated. Change the order of
The pair of specific pages are continuous pages with the booklet opened, and are configured by one side of a sheet of paper.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the pair of specific pages is a page that forms a deepest portion of the booklet, or a page that forms a front cover and a back cover of the booklet. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data;
A control unit that instructs the image forming unit to form an image by executing job data;
When the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages is designated, the control unit displays a large-size image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet on a pair of specific pages. The order of the images to be formed on the paper is changed so that
The pair of specific pages are continuous with the booklet opened, and are configured by one side of a sheet of paper. An image forming method for forming an image on paper,
Step A that specifies the production of a booklet composed of a plurality of pages;
Designating a pair of specific pages on which a large image having an output image size larger than one page constituting the booklet should be imposed;
When the booklet is produced and the pair of specific pages are designated, the order of the images formed on the paper is changed so that the large-size image is imposed on the pair of specific pages. C and
The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the pair of specific pages are pages that are continuous with the booklet opened and are configured by one side of a sheet of paper.

Images