JP2010050891A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely recognize an image in a tab area during test printing, in an image forming apparatus for performing test printing onto tab paper. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus forming images on paper sheets including tab paper by a control unit 90 on the basis of image information, includes: an analysis unit 40 for analyzing the image information; and a paper sheet selection unit 50 for selecting paper corresponding to the tab paper as a test print sheet when forming an image of a tab document image as test printing. The analysis unit 40 decides whether the tab paper and test printing are specified in the image information. When the analysis unit 40 determines that the tab paper and the test printing are specified in the image information, the control unit 90 decides an image forming position to form the tab area of the tab document image on the test print sheet on the basis of the size of the paper selected by the paper sheet selection unit 50 and size of the tab document image, and shifts the tab document image to the image forming position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has been developed with a function of automatically inserting a sheet having tabs protruding from a side edge (hereinafter referred to as “tab sheet”) on a predetermined page of a predetermined number of copies.
When image formation including such tab paper is performed, the copy with the tab paper inserted by specifying the conditions such as the number of copies of the copy to be tab paper in advance and executing image formation processing However, since there are various standards such as the number of tabs, the tab position, and the tab width depending on the tab sheet, it may be difficult to understand what layout is actually used to form an image.

Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing a test print on a normal fixed paper according to a user's specification before executing image formation on a tab sheet. According to this technology, the layout such as the position of the tab area can be grasped at the time of the test print and the image can be corrected, so that the cost can be reduced without wasting the tab sheet.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-22176

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the size of a standard paper (hereinafter referred to as “test print paper”) used for test printing and an original image including a tab (hereinafter referred to as “tab original image”) is small. Since the tab document image was larger than the test print paper, the tab area of the tab document image would protrude outside the standard paper, and the tab area image and position should be confirmed. There was a problem that could not.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to reliably check an image in a tab area in an image forming apparatus capable of performing a test print of a tab document image when forming an image on a tab sheet.

The invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet including a tab sheet by a control unit based on image information including job information and page information.
An analysis unit for analyzing the image information;
When forming a tab document image having a document image area and a tab area protruding from the document image area as a test print, a standard paper corresponding to the tab sheet on which the tab document image is formed is used as a test print sheet. A paper selection section to select,
The analysis unit determines whether the image information includes a tab sheet designation and a test print designation;
The controller is
When it is determined by the analysis unit that the image information includes tab sheet designation and test print designation, from the size of the test print sheet selected by the sheet selection unit and the size of the tab document image, The tab area of the tab document image determines an image forming position at which an image is formed on the test print paper, and at least the image in the tab area of the tab document image is shifted to the image forming position. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The controller is
The image forming position is determined so that the tab area of the tab document image is positioned at an edge of the test print sheet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
The controller is
If the tab document image is larger than the test print paper, the tab document image is shifted in the paper feed direction,
If the tab document image is smaller than the test print paper, the tab document image is shifted in the direction opposite to the paper feed direction,
When the tab document image is the same size as the test print paper, the tab document image is not shifted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect,
The analysis unit acquires a size in a width direction along a sheet feeding direction of the tab area of the tab document image from the image information,
The controller is
The image forming position of the image in the tab area is shifted by the size in the width direction along the paper feed direction of the tab area of the tab document image acquired by the analysis unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect,
A storage unit for storing tray paper information relating to paper stored in the paper feed tray;
The controller is
The number of tab divisions is acquired from the tray paper information stored in the storage unit,
A tab position is calculated based on the tab division number and an output count number to the tab sheet, and the image forming position of the image in the tab area is shifted to the calculated tab position.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The analysis unit obtains the size in the width direction along the paper feed direction of the margin of the tab document image from the image information, and the size in the width direction along the paper feed direction of the tab area,
The controller is
If the width of the margin acquired by the analysis unit is greater than or equal to the width of the tab area, the entire tab document image is shifted in the paper feed direction, while the width of the acquired margin is When the size of the tab area is less than the size in the width direction of the tab area, only the image of the tab area of the tab document image is shifted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
The controller is
If the paper selection unit determines that there is no regular paper corresponding to the tab paper on which the tab document image is formed based on the tray paper information stored in the storage unit, the image forming process In this case, the user is notified by a notification means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7,
A paper setting unit that allows the user to set test print paper;
The controller is
When it is determined that the paper selected by the paper selection unit does not exist in the paper feed tray based on the tray paper information stored in the storage unit, an image is displayed on the test print paper set by the user by the paper setting unit. It is characterized by forming.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The controller is
If the size in the length direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction of the paper set by the paper setting unit is smaller than the size in the length direction of the tab document image, the notifying means is not performed to the user without performing image forming processing. It is characterized by notifying by.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming position at which the tab area of the tab document image is formed on the test print sheet is determined from the size of the test print sheet and the size of the tab document image, and the tab document image is determined. Since shifting to the image forming position, the tab area does not protrude from the test print paper during the test printing, and the tab area can be confirmed reliably.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the tab area of the tab document image is positioned at the edge of the test print sheet regardless of the size of the tab document image. The tab area is surely confirmed without being protruded.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the tab document image is larger or smaller than the test print paper, the tab area does not protrude from the test print paper during the test print, and the tab area is surely confirmed. Can do.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since only the tab area of the tab document image is shifted, even if the tab document image is larger than the test print sheet, the tab document image protrudes from the test print sheet during the test print. Can be prevented.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, only the tab area image is shifted to the tab position calculated based on the tab division number and the tab sheet output count number, and the tab area can be surely confirmed. it can.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when there is a margin in the tab document image, the tab document image can be shifted to an image forming position that effectively uses the margin.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the user can recognize that the selected paper does not exist in the paper feed tray.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the selected paper does not exist in the paper feed tray, an image can be formed on an arbitrary test print paper set by the user.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the user confirms that the size in the length direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction of any test print paper set by the user is smaller than the size in the length direction of the tab document image. Can be recognized.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body unit 10 and a post-processing unit 20 that is optionally connected thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body unit 10 includes a scanner unit 200, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 300, an operation display unit 400, and a printer unit 500. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called digital multi-function peripheral having a scanner function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  Further, the main body 10 is provided with three paper feed trays FT1 to FT3 having a paper feed mechanism and a large capacity tray unit FT4. In the vicinity of each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4, fed paper is provided. A paper feed sensor for detecting the above is provided. These paper feed trays FT1 to FT4 can accommodate sheets of different types and sizes such as plain paper, backing paper, recycled paper, high-quality paper, and tab paper.

  The post-processing unit 20 is a so-called finisher that performs various post-processing on the paper conveyed from the main body unit 10. For example, a sort unit that performs a sort process on sheets conveyed from the main body unit 10, a punch unit that performs a punch process, a folding unit that performs a folding process, a cutting unit that performs a cutting process, a cutting unit that performs a cutting process, and the like are provided. In addition, the post-processing unit 20 is provided with paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2 for discharging the conveyed paper.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a document placed on a document tray of the ADF unit 300 is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading position of the scanner unit 200, and an image of the document is read by the optical system of the scanner unit 200. Here, the image includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  An image (analog image signal) read by the scanner unit 200 is output to a state management unit 100 described later, A / D converted by the state management unit 100, subjected to various image processing, and then output to the printer unit 500. Is done. In the printer unit 500, an image based on the digital image data is formed on the sheet fed from any of the sheet feed tray trays FT1 to FT4. The image-formed paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 20 by a paper discharge mechanism, subjected to predetermined post-processing, and then discharged to one of the paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2.

  Note that the forms of the paper feed tray and the paper discharge tray are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1, and for example, the number may be more or less than that illustrated.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the main part of the image forming apparatus 1.
The main body unit 10 includes a state management unit 100, a scanner unit 200, an ADF unit 300, an operation display unit 400, a printer unit 500, and a printer controller unit 600.

  The state management unit 100 includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a program memory (ROM: Read Only Memory) 102, a system memory (RAM: Random Access Memory) 103, a storage unit 104, a read processing unit 105, and a writing process. Unit 106, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 107, compression IC 108, decompression IC 109, and image memory 110.

  The image control CPU 101 reads out various processing programs such as a system program, an image formation processing program, and a paper discharge processing program stored in the ROM 102, expands them in the RAM 103, and concentrates the operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the expanded programs. Control.

  For example, the image control CPU 101 generates a job based on the image information input from the scanner unit 200 or the printer controller unit 600 and the setting information input via the operation display unit 400. By executing this job, an image is formed on the sheet.

Here, a job refers to a series of operations related to image formation. For example, when a copy made of a predetermined number of documents is created, a series of operations related to image formation of a predetermined number of documents is one job. In particular, the job according to the present embodiment is configured such that a tab sheet is automatically inserted into a predetermined page of a predetermined number of documents and a series of image formation is executed.
At this time, an image formed on the tab sheet is referred to as a tab document image. FIG. 3A is an example showing a state in which a tab document image is formed on a tab sheet. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tab document image includes a document image area T1 and a tab area T2 protruding from the document image area T1. The document image area T1 is configured on the assumption that an image is formed on the standard size portion of the tab sheet, and the tab area T2 is formed on the tab section of the tab sheet.

  When the image control includes a test print designation in the image information when executing the job, the image control CPU 101 uses the test print sheet instead of the tab sheet to form an image on the tab sheet page included in the job. Execute.

The test print paper is a standard paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper on which the tab document image is formed. FIG. 3B is an example showing a state in which the tab document image is formed on the test print paper. FIG. 3B shows a case where an image is formed using a standard paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper of FIG. 3A as the test print paper.
The test print paper is used as the test print paper when there is paper of a size that matches the size of the tab document image, and when there is no paper that matches the size of the tab document image. A sheet having a size that matches the document image area T1 is used as a test print sheet. That is, the standard paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper indicates a paper having a size that matches the size of the tab document image or a paper having a size that matches the document image area T1.

Hereinafter, the direction along the paper feed direction of the tab document image is referred to as a −X direction, and the direction opposite to the paper feed direction is referred to as an X direction. A direction orthogonal to the X direction / −X direction is defined as a Y direction.
The size of the document image area T1 in the X direction is t1, the size of the tab area T2 in the X direction is t2, and the size of the entire tab document image is L1. That is, the size L1 of the entire tab document image is t1 + t2. The size of the test print sheet in the X direction is L2.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the tab document image may include a margin T3 in addition to the document image region T1 and the tab region T2. In the following description, the size of the margin T3 in the X direction is t3. That is, when there is a margin T3, the size of the entire tab document image L1 is t1 + t2 + t3.
For the sizes of the document image area T1, the tab area T2, and the margin T3, see page information (FIG. 6b) of the image information. ) Is stored.

The image control CPU 101 calculates the position where the tab area T2 of the tab document image fits on the test print sheet as an image formation position based on the test print sheet size L2 and the tab document image size L1 when executing the test print. Then, an image forming position shift process for shifting the tab document image to the image forming position is executed.
Specifically, when there is no sheet of a size that matches the size of the tab document image and a sheet of a size that can accommodate the document image area T1 is set as the test print sheet, the tab area becomes the test print sheet. The image forming position shift process is executed so as to fit.

  In addition, the image control CPU 101 forcibly uses the test print paper selected by the user setting regardless of the relationship between the tab document image size L1 and the test print paper size L2 when executing the test print. A forcible paper discharge designation process is executed.

  The ROM 102 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor memory, and stores a system program corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 and various processing programs such as an image forming processing program and a paper discharge processing program that can be executed on the system program. To do. These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and the image control CPU 101 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  The RAM 103 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the image control CPU 101 and data related to these programs, and stores a job queue, various operation settings, and the like.

The storage unit 104 is configured by a nonvolatile memory or the like, and stores various setting data and the like related to the image forming apparatus 1.
Specifically, the storage unit 104 stores tray sheet information related to sheets stored in the respective sheet feed tray trays FT1 to FT4.
That is, each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4 is configured to store paper of a preset paper type / paper size, etc., and information on the paper of the preset paper type / paper size, etc. Is stored in the storage unit 104 as tray paper information.
Specifically, the setting is performed using a setting screen A1 (see FIG. 7), a tab sheet size setting screen A2, a tab number input screen A3 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), and the like.
By storing the tray sheet information for each of the sheet feeding trays FT1 to FT4 in the storage unit 104, the sheets stored in the sheet feeding trays FT1 to FT4 are set.

The storage unit 104 stores image information related to job execution.
Here, the configuration of image information stored in the storage unit 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 shows a configuration of image information stored in the storage unit 104. FIG. 6A is an example of a job information table showing the configuration of job information, and FIG. 6B is an example of a page information table showing the configuration of page information.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the image information includes compressed image data D1 to D4 including page information G1 to G4 and compressed images R1 to R4, and job information J1 corresponding thereto.
The job information and page information include various information necessary for job execution.
Specifically, the job information is information common to all the compressed image data of the job. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the set number of jobs, the output mode, the output tray, the tab paper print tray , Tab sheet print tray (for test print), application functions, test print presence / absence information and the like.
The page information is information for each compressed image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image size (vertical, horizontal), image orientation, image width, image rotation angle of the image data. , The paper type, the size of the tab portion in the paper feed direction, the size of the margin in the paper feed direction, and the like.

  The reading processing unit 105 performs various processing such as analog signal processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the scanner unit 200, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the compression IC 108.

  The writing processing unit 106 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the image data input from the decompression IC 109, and outputs it to the printer unit 500.

  Based on the control from the image control CPU 101, the DRAM control IC 107 controls the compression processing of the image data by the compression IC 108 and the decompression processing of the compression data by the decompression IC 109, and performs input / output control of the image data in the image memory 110.

  For example, when the storage of the image data read by the scanner unit 200 is instructed, the compression IC 108 executes compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 105, and the compressed image data is stored in the compression memory of the image memory 110. 111 is stored.

  When the image formation of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 111 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 111, and decompressed by the decompression IC 109 and stored in the page memory 112. Further, the image data stored in the page memory 112 is read and output to the writing processing unit 106.

  The compression IC 108 performs compression processing on the input image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 107. The decompression IC 109 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 107.

  The image memory 110 is composed of, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that is a volatile memory, and includes a compression memory 111 and a page memory 112. The compression memory 111 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 112 is a memory for temporarily storing compressed image data related to image formation before image formation.

  The scanner unit 200 includes an image sensor 201 such as a CCD and a scanner control unit 202. The scanner control unit 202 drives and controls each unit of the scanner unit 200 based on a control signal from the image control CPU 101. Specifically, exposure scanning of the document surface placed on the contact glass is executed, and the reflected light is imaged by the CCD 201 to read the image. The imaged optical signal is photoelectrically converted to generate an analog image signal, which is output to the read processing unit 105.

  The ADF unit 300 includes an ADF control unit 301 that controls the ADF unit 300 based on a control signal from the image control CPU 101, and a document placed on a document tray (not shown) is placed on the contact glass of the scanner unit 200. Automatically feed one by one.

The operation display unit 400 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 401, an operation display control unit 402, a touch panel 403, and other operation key groups (not shown).
The LCD 401 displays various setting screens, image status display, operation status of each function, and the like on the screen in accordance with a display control signal from the operation display control unit 402. In addition, a pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel 403 in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is configured on the screen of the LCD 401, and the XY coordinates of a force point operated by a finger or a touch pen are detected by a voltage value. The detected position signal is output to the operation display control unit 402 as an operation signal.

  The operation display control unit 402 performs display control on the LCD 401 based on a control signal from the image control CPU 101. For example, the LCD 401 displays various setting screens and various processing results for the paper used for the image forming process. Further, the operation display control unit 402 outputs an operation signal input from the touch panel 403 on the LCD 401 or the operation key group to the image control CPU 101.

  7 to 12 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on the LCD 401 of the operation display unit 400.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a paper setting screen. In the setting screen A1 of FIG. 7, the type of paper stored for each tray can be set by selecting from among four types: standard size, non-standard size, wide paper, and tab paper. FIG. 7 shows a case where “standard size” paper is selected for the tray 1.

  8 and 9 are examples of setting screens related to tab sheets. For example, the tab sheet size setting screen A2 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed when the tab sheet is selected as the paper type on the setting screen A1 shown in FIG. Further, when the tab number input button B1 is pressed on the size setting screen A2 in FIG. 8, the tab number input screen A3 in FIG. 9 is displayed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tab width and the number of tabs of the tab sheet can be set on the setting screen regarding these tab sheets. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a case where a tab sheet having a tab width of 10 mm and a tab number of 5 is set.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a message screen showing an error message to the user. For example, if the number of tabs in the tab document image and the number of tab sheets actually stored in the paper feed tray specified by the image information do not match, it is specified by the image information in the test print of the tab document image. When the paper stored in the tray that is stored is not a standard paper corresponding to the tab paper, and the size of the paper stored in the tray specified by the user is smaller than the size of the tab document image in the Y direction , Etc., the message screen A4 of FIG. 10 is displayed. 10, the user can recognize that the image forming process is stopped due to some error.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a setting screen used when the user sets a test print sheet. The test print paper setting screen A5 in FIG. 11 includes paper selection buttons B2 to B5, and a test print paper for test printing a tab document image can be selected by pressing any of the paper selection buttons B2 to B5. FIG. 11 shows a case where the sheet “A3” is selected as the test print sheet.

FIG. 12 is an example of a sheet selection screen used for image forming processing in the copy mode. The selection screen A6 in FIG. 12 includes paper selection buttons B6 to B10, and a tray used for image forming processing in the copy mode can be selected by pressing any of the paper selection buttons B6 to B10. FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the “A3T” sheet is selected as the image forming sheet.
Further, the selection screen A6 of FIG. 12 includes an automatic paper selection button B11, and the automatic paper selection button B11 can be set to automatically select paper that matches the image information.
In the copy mode, the test print paper used for the test print of the tab document image can be selected on the same selection screen A6.

  In addition, the user can browse a basic screen for inputting print conditions for image forming processing and a list of jobs reserved in the image forming apparatus 1 on the LCD 401 of the operation display unit 400. By operating the touch panel 403 or the like, various settings relating to the image forming process can be changed to desired settings.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the printer unit 500 includes an LD unit (Laser Diode) 501 and a printer control unit 502, and forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the writing processing unit 106. To do.

  The LD unit 501 includes an LD, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a fixing unit, and the like. Further, it includes various rollers such as a paper feed roller, a registration roller, and a paper discharge roller, a conveyance path switching plate, a reversing unit, and the like for conveying a sheet along a conveyance path in the LD unit 501. Based on the control from the printer control unit 502, the transport unit of the LD unit 501 feeds the paper designated by the job from any of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4, and feeds the fed paper to the transport path. Carry up.

  A plurality of sensors are provided on the conveyance path of the LD unit 501. These sensors generate a detection signal when the paper passes and output it to the printer control unit 502.

  The printer control unit 502 receives a control signal from the image control CPU 101 and controls the operation of each unit of the LD unit 501. The printer control unit 502 counts the number of sheets fed for each job based on a detection signal from a sensor provided on the conveyance path, and outputs the counted number to the image control CPU 101.

  In the printer unit 500, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged by the charging unit based on an instruction from the printer control unit 502, and laser light is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum by the LD based on the PWM signal input from the writing processing unit 106. To form an electrostatic latent image. Then, toner is attached to an area including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum in the developing unit, and the toner is transferred onto a sheet by the transfer unit to form an image. Then, after the transferred image is fixed by the fixing unit, the image-formed paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 20 by the paper discharge roller.

The printer controller unit 600 includes a controller control unit 601, a DRAM control IC 602, a memory 603, a communication control unit 604, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 605, and the like.
The controller control unit 601 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit, and distributes data input from the external information terminal PC as a job to the state management unit 100 via the communication control unit 604 and the NIC 605.

  The DRAM control IC 602 controls storage of data received by the NIC 605 and the communication control unit 604 in the memory 603 and reading of data from the memory 603. The DRAM control IC 602 is connected to the DRAM control IC 107 of the state management unit 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus. The DRAM control IC 602 reads the image formation target data from the memory 603 in accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 601. Output to the control IC 107.

The memory 603 is composed of a DRAM and temporarily stores input data.
The communication control unit 604 controls communication of the NIC 605. The NIC 605 is a communication interface for connecting to a network, receives image information from the information terminal PC via the network, and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 602.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the correspondence between the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment and each invention specific item of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image input unit 30, an analysis unit 40, a paper selection unit 50, a paper setting unit 60, a notification unit 70, and image formation as functional configurations in the image forming process of the tab document image. Unit 80, control unit 90, and the like.

  The image input unit 30 includes a scanner unit 200 and a printer controller unit 600, and receives image information.

The analysis unit 40 includes, for example, an image control CPU 101 that executes an analysis program stored in the ROM 102, and analyzes image information input from the image input unit 30.
For example, when performing the image forming process, the analysis unit 40 determines whether the image information input from the image input unit 30 includes a tab sheet specification and a test print specification.
Specifically, the analysis unit 40 refers to, for example, a page information table (see FIG. 6B) of each page constituting the job, and page information whose content of “paper type” is “tab paper”. If the table exists, it is determined that the tab sheet designation is included in the image information. For example, the analysis unit 40 refers to the job information table (see FIG. 6A) related to the job, and if the content of “test print presence / absence” is “test print mode”, the test print Is determined to be included.

The analysis unit 40 acquires the document image area of the tab document image and the size of the tab area from the image information input from the image input unit 30 when performing the test print. Specifically, the analysis unit 40 refers to the “image size (vertical and horizontal)” and “the size of the tab portion in the paper feed direction” in the page information table (see FIG. 6B), and the original image. The sizes t1 and t2 of the area and the tab area are acquired.
Further, the analysis unit 40 determines whether or not there is a margin in the tab document image from the image information input from the image input unit 30 when performing the test print, and if there is a margin, acquires the size of the margin. . Specifically, the analysis unit 40 refers to the “size of the margin in the paper feeding direction” in the page information table (see FIG. 6B), and acquires the margin size t3.

The sheet selection unit 50 is configured by, for example, the image control CPU 101 that executes a sheet selection program stored in the ROM. When a tab document image is formed as a test print, a tab sheet on which a tab document image is formed is formed. A standard paper corresponding to is selected as the test print paper.
Specifically, when the analysis unit 40 determines that the test print designation is included, the sheet selection unit 50 "see" in the job information table (see FIG. 6A) stored in the storage unit 104. With reference to the tab sheet print tray (for test print) and the tray sheet information, it is determined whether or not the sheet stored in the designated sheet feeding tray is a standard sheet having a size corresponding to the tab sheet.
As described above, as the test print sheet, a sheet having a size that matches the size of the tab document image or a sheet having a size that matches the document image area T1 is determined as a standard sheet having a size corresponding to the tab sheet. used.
Accordingly, when the paper stored in the paper feed tray specified in the job information table is a standard paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper, the paper selection unit 50 selects the paper as the test print paper. On the other hand, if the paper stored in the paper feed tray specified in the job information table is not a standard paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper, the paper selection unit 50 outputs the determination result to each unit.

The paper setting unit 60 includes, for example, a test print paper setting screen A5 (see FIG. 11) configured by the touch panel 403 of the operation display unit 400, an image control CPU 101 that executes a paper setting program stored in the ROM, and the like. If the sheet selection unit 50 determines that there is no regular paper having a size corresponding to the tab paper in the paper feed tray, another regular paper stored in the paper feed tray is used as the test print paper. A setting instruction from the user is accepted.
For example, the paper setting unit 60 performs the paper feed specified in the “tab paper print tray (for test print)” of the job information table (see FIG. 6A) at the time of A4 size tab document image test print. When there is no A4 size standard paper in the tray, the user receives an instruction to set another paper feed tray.

The notification unit 70 includes a message screen A4 (see FIG. 10) displayed on the LCD 401 of the operation display unit 400, an image control CPU 101 that executes a notification program stored in the ROM, and the like. The user is informed that the corresponding standard size paper does not exist in the designated paper feed tray.
For example, the paper setting unit 60 performs the paper feed specified in the “tab paper print tray (for test print)” of the job information table (see FIG. 6A) at the time of A4 size tab document image test print. When there is no A4 size paper on the tray, the user is notified by displaying a message screen A4.

Further, when the paper is set by the paper setting unit 60 and the size of the paper in the Y direction is smaller than the size of the tab document image in the Y direction, the notification unit 70 displays this on the same message screen A4. To inform.
For example, when the A4 size tab document image is test-printed, the notification unit 70 notifies the user by displaying a message screen A4 when the paper set by the paper setting unit 60 is B4.

  The image forming unit 80 includes a printer unit 500 and forms an image.

  The control unit 90 includes, for example, an image control CPU 101 that executes a control program stored in a ROM. When the tab document image is formed as a test print, the control unit 90 selects the tab document image and the sheet selection unit 50. An image forming position shift process for calculating the image forming position based on the size of the test print sheet and shifting the tab document image is executed.

Here, a method for calculating the image forming position in the image forming position shifting process will be described with reference to FIGS.
14A shows the case where the size of the tab document image is equal to the size of the test print paper, FIG. 14B shows the case where the size of the tab document image is larger than the size of the test print paper, and FIG. This shows the case where the size of the original image is smaller than the size of the test print paper.

The control unit 90 compares the size of the tab document image analyzed by the analysis unit 40 with the size of the test print sheet selected by the sheet selection unit 50 and determines whether to shift the tab document image.
Note that the image forming position is set so that the upper left corner of the sheet coincides with the upper left corner of the tab document image area.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14A, the control unit 90 does not shift the tab document image when the sizes of the tab document image and the test print paper are equal.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, the control unit 90 moves the tab document image in the −X direction when the size of the tab document image is larger than the size of the test print sheet. Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, the control unit 90 moves the tab document image in the X direction when the size of the tab document image is smaller than the size of the test print sheet. At this time, the control unit 90 determines the shift amount of the tab document image by calculating (test print paper size) − (tab document image size).
As described above, the control unit 90 determines the image forming position of the tab document image on the test print sheet so that the tab area of the tab document image is positioned at the edge of the test print sheet.

Further, in the case of FIG. 14B, the tab document image is larger in size than the test print sheet, and the left edge of the tab document image is cut off.
At this time, the controller 90 can shift only the tab area T2 without shifting the document image area T1.
FIG. 15 is an example showing a state where only the tab area is shifted.
As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 90 sets the image forming position in the −X direction only in the tab area T2 in a state where the upper left corner of the test print sheet and the upper left corner of the document image area T1 are matched. Shift to.
At this time, the control unit 90 calculates the tab position based on the tab division number and the output count number to the tab sheet, and shifts the image forming position of the tab area to the calculated tab position.
For example, in the image formation on the tab sheet having the tab division number of 5, if the image formation on one tab sheet has already been performed, the output count is 1, so the tab position is the second position from the top. Become.

Further, when the size of the margin of the tab document image is acquired by the analysis unit 40, the control unit 90 compares the size of the margin with the size of the tab region, and determines whether or not to shift the document image region of the tab document image. To decide.
FIG. 16A shows a case where the size of the margin is larger than the size of the test print paper, and FIG. 16B shows a case where the size of the margin is smaller than the size of the test print paper.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the size t3 of the margin T3 is equal to or larger than the size t2 of the tab area T2, the control unit 90 shifts the entire tab document image in the −X direction. In addition, when the size t3 of the margin T3 is less than the size t2 of the tab area T2, the control unit 90 shifts only the image of the tab area T2.

  In addition, when the paper setting unit 60 receives a setting instruction for another paper feed tray from the user, the control unit 90 executes image formation based on the setting instruction regardless of the size of the tab document image and the test print paper. The forced paper discharge designation process is executed.

For example, in a test print when an A4 size tab document image is formed on an A4 size tab sheet, a standard paper (see FIG. 6A) corresponding to a paper feed tray set in the job information table (see FIG. 6A). In this case, when A4) does not exist, the control unit 90 executes image formation using the paper stored in the paper supply tray designated by the user on the paper setting screen A5 (see FIG. 11) as the test print paper.
The calculation method of the image formation position at this time is as described above. For example, in the test print of the A4 size tab document image, when the sheet specified by the user is A3, the control unit 90 displays the tab. Since the document image is smaller than the test print sheet, image formation is performed at a position where the tab document image is shifted in the X direction as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the control unit 90 forms an image when the size in the Y direction of the sheet designated by the user by the sheet setting unit 60 is smaller than the size in the Y direction of the tab document image. Stop processing. At this time, the notification unit 70 notifies as described above. Thereafter, when the execution instruction is issued by the user, the test print is executed even if the size of the sheet designated by the user in the Y direction is smaller than the size of the tab document image in the Y direction.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the image forming position shift process of the tab document image.

  In executing this process, the user sets the type of paper stored for each tray on the setting screens A1 to A3 (see FIGS. 7 to 9) and the like. When the paper type is tab paper, the tab width and the number of tabs are set for the tab paper through the setting screens A2 and A3 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) relating to the tab paper.

First, in step S1, the control unit 90 receives image information (see FIGS. 5 and 6) including job information and page information.
Next, in step S2, the control unit 90 analyzes the received image information and determines whether there is image formation (designation of the tab sheet) on the tab sheet. In step S2, if the control unit 90 determines that there is no image formation on the tab sheet (step S2; No), in the subsequent step S3, a normal sheet is selected, and the process proceeds to step S11 described later.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines in step S2 that image formation has been performed on the tab sheet (step S2; Yes), in subsequent step S4, the image information is analyzed, and whether or not test print execution is set. Judge. In step S4, when the control unit 90 determines that the execution of the test print is not set (step S4; No), in the subsequent step S5, the tab sheet of the designated paper feed tray is selected, and step S11 described later is performed. Migrate to

  On the other hand, in step S4, when the control unit 90 determines that execution of the test print is set (step S4; Yes), in the subsequent step S6, whether or not there is a standard paper corresponding to the designated tab paper. to decide.

  In step S6, when the control unit 90 determines that there is a standard paper corresponding to the designated tab paper (step S6; Yes), in the subsequent step S7, the standard paper is selected as a test print paper, which will be described later. The process proceeds to S10.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines in step S6 that there is no fixed form paper corresponding to the designated tab sheet (step S6; No), the message screen A4 (see FIG. 10) is displayed in the subsequent step S8. This is notified to the user.

  Next, in step S9, the control unit 90 executes a forced paper discharge designation process (see FIG. 19), which will be described later, and selects a test print sheet on which image formation is performed.

  Next, in step S10, the control unit 90 calculates and determines the image forming position from the selected test print paper size and the tab document image size.

  Next, in step S11, the control unit 90 executes an image forming process and ends this process.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of forced paper discharge designation processing.

  First, when the message screen A4 is displayed in step S8 in FIG. 18 (FIG. 19: Start), in step S91, the user sets the test print paper on the paper setting screen A5 (see FIG. 11).

  Next, in step S92, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the user has set the paper used for the test print. If it is determined in step S92 that the sheet is not set (step S92; No), the control unit 90 repeats the determination in step S92. On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines in step S92 that the paper has been set (step S92; Yes), in the subsequent step S93, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the set paper corresponds to the tab document image.

In step S93, when the control unit 90 determines that the set sheet corresponds to the tab document image (step S93; Yes), the process ends.
On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines in step S93 that the set paper does not correspond to the tab document image (step S93; No), the message screen A4 (see FIG. 10) is displayed in the subsequent step S94. In step S95, it is determined whether or not an execution instruction for image formation has been input by the user.

In step S95, when the execution instruction for image formation is not input by the user (step S95; No), the control unit 90 returns to step S92 and repeats the determination as to whether or not paper setting is performed. .
On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines in step S95 that an execution instruction for image formation has been input by the user (step S95; Yes), the process ends.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming position where the tab area of the tab document image is formed on the test print sheet based on the size of the test print sheet and the size of the tab document image. Is determined, and the tab document image is shifted to the image forming position, so that the tab area does not protrude from the test print paper during the test print, and the tab area can be confirmed reliably.
In addition, the tab area of the tab document image is positioned at the edge of the test print paper regardless of the size of the tab document image, so that the tab area does not protrude from the test print paper during the test print. Confirmation can be performed reliably.
Specifically, even if the tab document image is larger or smaller than the test print sheet, the tab area does not protrude from the test print sheet during the test print, and the tab area can be confirmed reliably.

Further, when the tab document image is larger than the test print sheet, only the tab area of the tab document image can be shifted, so that the tab document image can be prevented from protruding from the test print sheet during the test print.
Further, since only the image of the tab area can be shifted to the tab position calculated based on the tab division number and the tab sheet output count number, the tab area can be confirmed reliably.

  Also, if there is a margin in the tab document image, if the margin width direction is greater than or equal to the tab area width direction, the entire tab document image is shifted in the paper feed direction, while the margin width direction When the size of the tab document is less than the size in the width direction of the tab area, only the tab area image of the tab document image can be shifted, so that the tab document image is shifted to the image forming position that effectively uses the margin. Can do.

In addition, when the selected paper does not exist in the paper feed tray, the user can recognize this by notification from the notification unit.
If the selected paper does not exist in the paper feed tray, an image can be formed on an arbitrary test print paper set by the user by the paper setting unit.
Further, when the size in the length direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction of any test print paper set by the user is smaller than the size in the length direction of the tab document image, the user recognizes this by notification from the notification unit. be able to.

  In the above-described embodiment, the paper feed tray used as the test print paper is set in advance in the image information. However, the control unit 90 includes the paper contained in the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4. From the above, it is possible to select an appropriate one for the size of the tab document image. In such a configuration, for example, when there is no paper corresponding to the size of the original document image area T1, there is no message on the message screen A4, and there is paper corresponding to the original image area T1. The image forming position shift process can be executed.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of main parts of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows a tab original image. It is a figure which shows a tab original image. It is a figure which shows the structure of image information. (A) is an example of a job information table indicating the configuration of job information, and (b) is an example of a page information table indicating the configuration of page information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen displayed on LCD. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of an image formation position. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of an image formation position. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of an image formation position. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of an image formation position. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming position shift process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of forced paper discharge designation processing.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Main body part 20 Post-processing part 30 Image input part 40 Analysis part 50 Paper selection part 60 Paper setting part 70 Notification part 80 Image formation part 90 Control part 100 Status management part 101 Image control CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Storage Unit 105 Read Processing Unit 106 Write Processing Unit 107 DRAM Control IC
108 compression IC
109 Extension IC
110 Image memory 111 Compression memory 112 Page memory 200 Scanner unit 201 Image sensor 202 Scanner control unit 300 ADF unit 301 ADF control unit 400 Operation display unit 401 LCD
402 Operation Display Control Unit 403 Touch Panel 500 Printer Unit 501 LD Unit 502 Printer Control Unit 600 Printer Controller Unit 601 Controller Control Unit 602 DRAM Control IC,
603 Memory 604 Communication control unit 605 NIC

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet including a tab sheet by a control unit based on image information including job information and page information.
An analysis unit for analyzing the image information;
When forming a tab document image having a document image area and a tab area protruding from the document image area as a test print, a standard paper corresponding to the tab sheet on which the tab document image is formed is used as a test print sheet. A paper selection section to select,
The analysis unit determines whether the image information includes a tab sheet designation and a test print designation;
The controller is
When it is determined by the analysis unit that the image information includes tab sheet designation and test print designation, from the size of the test print sheet selected by the sheet selection unit and the size of the tab document image, The tab area of the tab document image determines an image forming position at which an image is formed on the test print paper, and at least the image in the tab area of the tab document image is shifted to the image forming position. Image forming apparatus. The controller is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming position is determined so that the tab area of the tab document image is positioned at an edge of the test print sheet. The controller is
If the tab document image is larger than the test print paper, the tab document image is shifted in the paper feed direction,
If the tab document image is smaller than the test print paper, the tab document image is shifted in the direction opposite to the paper feed direction,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tab document image is not shifted when the tab document image has the same size as the test print sheet. The analysis unit acquires a size in a width direction along a sheet feeding direction of the tab area of the tab document image from the image information,
The controller is
The image forming position of the image in the tab area is shifted by the size of the tab area of the tab document image acquired by the analysis unit in the width direction along the sheet feeding direction. Image forming apparatus. A storage unit for storing tray paper information relating to paper stored in the paper feed tray;
The controller is
The number of tab divisions is acquired from the tray paper information stored in the storage unit,
5. The tab position is calculated based on the tab division number and the output count number to the tab sheet, and the image forming position of the image in the tab area is shifted to the calculated tab position. Image forming apparatus. The analysis unit obtains the size in the width direction along the paper feed direction of the margin of the tab document image from the image information, and the size in the width direction along the paper feed direction of the tab area,
The controller is
If the width of the margin acquired by the analysis unit is greater than or equal to the width of the tab area, the entire tab document image is shifted in the paper feed direction, while the width of the acquired margin is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the size of the tab document is less than the size in the width direction of the tab area, only the image of the tab area of the tab document image is shifted. The controller is
If the paper selection unit determines that there is no regular paper corresponding to the tab paper on which the tab document image is formed based on the tray paper information stored in the storage unit, the image forming process The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a notification unit notifies the user without performing the step. A paper setting unit that allows the user to set test print paper;
The controller is
When it is determined that the paper selected by the paper selection unit does not exist in the paper feed tray based on the tray paper information stored in the storage unit, an image is displayed on the test print paper set by the user by the paper setting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed. The controller is
If the size in the length direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction of the paper set by the paper setting unit is smaller than the size in the length direction of the tab document image, the notifying means is not performed to the user without performing image forming processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is notified.

Images