JP2010074251A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which makes it easy for a user to utilize a preview image for confirming print setting. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a display which has a front surface and a back surface and can display images on both front and back surfaces; an image data storage function for storing image data forming an original image for which one-side print or both-side print is predetermined; and a preview image display function (steps S804, S806, S810 and S830) for preparing the preview image from the image data stored in an image data storage means in response to the reception of the instruction of the preview display of the original image and displaying the preview image only on the front surface of the display or on the front surface and back surface of the display depending on which of the one-side print and both-side print is specified for the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that reads an image and performs predetermined processing, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a print preview function.

  There are various print settings in the image forming apparatus. For example, even in duplex printing, there are various types of settings for reading an original and forming an image on a recording sheet, such as single-sided → double-sided, double-sided → double-sided, double-sided → single-sided, single-sided → single-sided.

  In addition, peripheral devices related to the image forming apparatus include a post-processing device (finisher) for performing post-processing on the recording paper on which the image has been formed. Examples of post-processing include a stapling function for binding originals one by one, and a punching function for opening a filing hole.

  As described above, various settings are required for printing a document. The problem here is the occurrence of miscopy due to incorrect print settings. Due to the occurrence of miscopy, paper and toner are wasted. In particular, when a mistake occurs in printing with a large number of copies, many printing materials are wasted. Therefore, the check of the print result before printing plays an important role.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a preview image that is formed according to print settings and post-processed on an operation panel.

In Patent Document 2, a preview image of a print image displayed on the operation panel is displayed in a superimposed manner on a set post-processing position, and the printed image is influenced according to a user operation or the like. A technique for adjusting the position of post-processing to a position not given is disclosed.
JP 2003-87560 A JP 2003-5471 A

  A preview display for final confirmation of image data is often displayed on an operation panel. Even for printed matter with front and back sides such as double-sided printing, the pages are displayed one by one or the front and back pages are displayed side by side, making it difficult to recognize the front and back sides.

  In particular, in double-sided printing in which post-processing is performed, the position of the staple and the position of the binding hole for punching are different between the front and the back, and it is difficult to imagine. Since it is difficult to understand the post-processing state from the preview display, there is a risk of setting errors in post-processing settings.

  The techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 both display a preview image on the display panel, and thus have a problem that it is difficult to recognize the front and back surfaces in double-sided printing.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a preview image for confirming print settings is easy for a user to use.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display unit having a front surface and a back surface and capable of displaying an image on both the front surface and the back surface, and image data for forming a document image. An image data storage means for storing image data designated for printing or double-sided printing, and a preview image from the image data stored in the image data storage means in response to receiving a preview display instruction for the document image A preview image display for displaying a preview image only on the front surface of the display means or on the front and back surfaces of the display means depending on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is specified for the image data Means.

  In the confirmation of the preview image before printing, the printed matter such as double-sided printing is difficult for the user to recognize the front and back because it is difficult to recognize the front and back by the preview display method in which the pages are displayed side by side.

  This image forming apparatus includes display means capable of displaying images on both the front surface and the back surface. The user can check the image data while actually recognizing the front and back of the recording paper by checking the preview using this display means. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which a preview image for confirming print settings can be easily used by a user.

  Preferably, the preview image display means is responsive to the fact that single-sided printing is specified for the image data, and single-sided display means for displaying a preview image on the surface of the display means, and double-sided printing is specified for the image data. In response to this, the display unit includes a double-sided display unit for displaying two consecutive preview images of the document image in accordance with the page order on the front and back surfaces of the display unit.

  When double-sided printing is designated in the image data, two consecutive pages of the original image are displayed in the page order on the front and back surfaces of the display means. As a result, the preview image can be confirmed by turning the page, and the print output corresponding to the front and back can be confirmed in advance. When single-sided printing is designated for the image data, a preview image is displayed only on the surface of the display means. By not performing unnecessary preview display on the back side, user confusion can be prevented. As a result, a preview display that is easy for the user to confirm can be realized.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus combines a preview image with an image indicating a result of the post-processing when predetermined post-processing is performed on the recording paper on which the image data stored in the image storage unit is printed. The image synthesis means for further comprising.

  When post-processing such as stapling or punching is performed, the post-processing result image data can be synthesized at the position where the post-processing is performed in the preview image. As a result, in the preview image, it can be confirmed in advance whether or not the original part is affected by post-processing.

  Preferably, the display means is constituted by electronic paper or organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

  By using electronic paper or organic EL, a thin and soft display means that can be bent can be realized. Since there are many occasions when the display means is actually picked up and confirmed by hand, a display means that is easy for the user to handle can be realized by using electronic paper or organic EL.

  Moreover, A4 size which is a general printing size can be used by using electronic paper or organic EL. If the document image is A4 size, the preview image can be checked at the same magnification as the image printed on the recording paper, matching the size of the displayed preview image. As a result, it is possible to confirm the original in a size that is actually printed, and it is possible to confirm even a minute part that cannot be confirmed in the reduced preview image.

  Preferably, the preview image display means displays an image to be printed on the surface of the recording paper when the original image is printed on the surface of the display means.

  More preferably, the preview image display means displays an image to be printed on the back surface of the recording paper when the original image is printed on both sides on the back surface of the display means.

  By displaying the images printed on the front and back of the recording paper on the front and back of the display unit respectively, you can check the preview image with the front and back of one recording paper conscious, and preview to a finer point. The image can be confirmed. In particular, in the setting where post-processing is performed, the positions of punch holes and staples differ between the front surface and the back surface, which is effective in preventing erroneous setting of post-processing.

  Preferably, when the document image formed by the image data is larger than the display size of the display unit, the preview image display unit reduces the document image and displays it on the display unit.

  When a document image larger than the display unit is read, a preview image is created by reducing the image size to fit in the display unit. As a result, the document can be read regardless of the size of the document image, and the user can confirm the preview on the display means without worrying about the document size.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a housing for storing image data storage means and preview image display means. The display means is constituted by electronic paper that is detachably attached to the housing and can display images on both the front and back surfaces.

  More preferably, the electronic paper is detachable from the housing.

  As a feature of electronic paper, there is a characteristic that the display content is retained even when power is turned off after an image is displayed. After connecting to the housing and displaying the preview image, the electronic paper can be removed from the housing by taking advantage of its characteristics. The user can actually confirm the electronic paper removed from the housing by hand, and it becomes easier to confirm the preview content.

  More preferably, the electronic paper has a substantially rectangular outer frame and is attached to the casing so as to be rotatable around one side of the outer frame.

  By attaching the electronic paper to the housing so as to be rotatable around one side of the outer frame, it is possible to confirm both the front and back preview displays as if turning the page. In addition, since it is connected to the housing, it is possible to realize page turning and page returning according to the user's operation, and it is easier to confirm the printed matter.

  As described above, by using display means capable of displaying images on both the front and back surfaces, it is difficult for the user to recognize the double-sided printing that is conscious of the front and back surfaces in the preview display method in which the pages are displayed side by side. The preview can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which a preview image for confirming print settings can be easily used by a user.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

−Configuration−
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system 210 constructed using a digital multi-function peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image processing system 210 includes a digital multi-function peripheral 220. The digital multi-function peripheral 220 is connected to the local network 230 and the public telephone line network 234. An external computer 222 is connected to the local network 230. An external facsimile machine 228 is connected to the public telephone line network 234. The local network 230 is further connected to an external computer 224 and an Internet facsimile machine 226 (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine 226) via a gateway (not shown) and the Internet 232.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 220.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a digital multifunction peripheral 220 includes a main control unit 250 that controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral including a CPU, a bus 282 connected to the main control unit 250, a control program, and a communication partner. A control memory 252 for storing information, a control buffer 254 including a RAM (Random Access Memory), a reading unit 262 including a scanner device for reading image data, and image data and LAN read by the reading unit 262 , An image storage unit 256 for storing data received by FAX, a format conversion unit 260 for converting the read image data into a predetermined file format, and a recording unit for printing out on recording paper H.264, setting input from the user, input destination of image data, etc. An operation panel 280 for receiving various inputs, a post-processing device 284 for performing stapling and punching on a document printed out on recording paper, and an electronic paper 286 for displaying a preview image of image data including.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic paper 286 can display a preview of image data on both the front and back sides. That is, the electronic paper 286 is composed of two electronic papers combined back to back. In the present embodiment, preview display is performed on both sides of the electronic paper only when duplex printing output is instructed, and preview display is performed only on the front surface when single-sided printing output is performed.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 further encodes the read original and decodes the received signal, and a USB interface 278 for outputting the image data stored in the image storage unit 256 to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage medium. For connecting to a LAN / Local Area Network (LAN), a LAN control unit 270 for performing communication of e-mail data and Internet FAX via the Internet, and a telephone line network A modem 272 for facsimile communication, a network control unit 274 for controlling a line connected to an analog public telephone line network, and a separator sheet sandwiched between documents and indicating a document separator is identified. Including an identification symbol processing unit 276 . Control memory 252, control buffer 254, reading unit 262, image storage unit 256, format conversion unit 260, recording unit 264, operation panel 280, USB interface 278, encoding / decoding control unit 268, a LAN control unit 270, a modem 272, a network control unit 274, an identification symbol processing unit 276, a post-processing device 284, and electronic paper 286 are connected via a bus 282. This is performed in the main controller 250.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reading unit 262 installed in the upper part of the digital multifunction peripheral 220.

  Referring to FIG. 3, reading unit 262 includes a document reading table 288 and a document cover 290 that presses a document placed on document reading table 288 and blocks light incident from the outside. Document reading table 288 and document cover 290 are connected by a hinge (not shown) so as to be opened and closed.

  An electronic paper 286 is installed on the document cover 290. The electronic paper 286 is detachable from the digital multifunction peripheral 220 and is normally connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 220. The electronic paper 286 is attached to the upper surface of the digital multi-function peripheral 220 on the left side when viewed from the front, and is rotatable about this side.

  In this embodiment, the front and back of the electronic paper 286 are displayed when the surface that is in a visible state is turned to the left when the digital multifunction peripheral 220 is connected and closed, and the state is turned to the left from that state. The surface is defined as the back surface.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the image forming apparatus 50 including the recording unit 264 and the post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 50, the post-processing device 284 uses a built-in type post-processing device (inner finisher). The reading unit 262 of the digital multi-function peripheral 220 is disposed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 50 (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 50 includes a recording unit 264, a post-processing device 284, and two paper feeding devices 56 and 58 installed externally.

  The recording unit 264 includes an image forming unit 60 for forming an image to be recorded on recording paper, a paper storage unit 62 for storing recording paper, and a paper transport unit 64 for transporting paper from the paper storage unit 62. Including.

  The image forming unit 60 is based on an exposure unit 70 for irradiating image light based on image information, and image information of each hue obtained by color-separating a color image into four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The image forming stations 74A to 74D for image formation, the intermediate transfer belt 72 to which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred from the image forming stations 74A to 74D, and a predetermined nip pressure for image formation on the paper The secondary transfer roller 78 is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 72, and the cleaning unit 76 is for collecting toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  The image forming stations 74A to 74D will be described by taking the black image forming station 74A as an example. The image forming station 74A is irradiated with image light based on black image information from the exposure unit 70, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface. A photosensitive drum 80A for developing and developing a toner image by being supplied with toner; a developing unit 82A for supplying black toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; A charging roller 84 for uniformly charging the surface of the body drum 80A with a predetermined potential, and a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 The primary transfer roller 86 to which a voltage of 5 is applied and a crush for collecting the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A. And an over training unit 88.

  The photosensitive drum 80A is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 84. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A by irradiating the exposure unit 70 with image light based on black image information. Black toner is supplied to the photosensitive drum from the developing unit 82A, and a black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 80A. The formed toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 by the primary transfer roller 86, and the transfer of the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 corresponds to preparation for image formation.

  The cyan, magenta, and yellow hue image forming stations 74B, 74C, and 74D are configured in the same manner as the image forming station 74A, and include photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D, and developing units 82B, 82C, and 82D, respectively. .

  The image forming stations 74B, 74C, and 74D are irradiated from the exposure unit 70 with image light modulated by image information of each hue of cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D in each image forming station form electrostatic latent images for each hue by the light emitted from the exposure unit. The developing units 82B, 82C, and 82D supply cyan, magenta, and yellow toners to the photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D, respectively, and cyan, magenta, and yellow hues are respectively supplied to the photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D. A toner image is formed.

  At the time of full-color image formation, electrostatic latent image formation and toner image transfer are performed in all of the image forming stations 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  When image information of only a part of the hues of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is input, only the one corresponding to the hue of the input image information among the image forming stations 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D. An electrostatic latent image and a toner image are formed, and only the formed toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  The sheet storage unit 62 includes sheet feed cassettes 90 </ b> A and 90 </ b> B that store a plurality of sheets of a single type, and a manual feed tray 92. The recording unit 264 includes sheet feeding devices 56 and 58 outside, and the sheet feeding device 56 disposed below the recording unit 264 includes sheet feeding cassettes 90C and 90D. The paper feeding device 58 disposed on the side surface of the recording unit 264 includes a paper tray 91 that can store a large amount of a single type of a plurality of sheets.

  The paper transport unit 64 reaches the post-processing device 284 installed on the upper surface of the recording unit 264 via the image forming position 98 that receives the transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 72 from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B. 1st sheet conveyance path 100 is formed.

  The paper transport unit 64 includes pickup rollers 94A and 94B for pulling up paper from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B, and a paper feed roller 96A for guiding paper from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B to the first paper transport path. 96B, a registration roller 102 for adjusting the timing when the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 60, a fixing unit 104 for fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording sheet, and the post-processing device 284. And a first paper discharge roller 110 for introduction.

  The fixing unit 104 includes a heating roller 106 that has been heated to the toner melting temperature, and a pressure roller 108 that presses the heating roller 106 with a predetermined nip pressure. The recording paper on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing unit 104, and is discharged to the post-processing device 284 with the toner image fixed on the surface.

  The sheet conveying unit 64 forms a second sheet conveying path 112 for communicating from the manual feed tray 92 to the upstream side of the registration roller 102 in the sheet conveying direction in the first sheet conveying path 100. The paper transport unit 64 further communicates between the fixing unit 104 of the first paper transport path 100 and the first paper discharge roller 110 to the upstream side of the registration roller 102 in the transport direction of the first paper transport path 100. A third sheet conveyance path 114 is formed.

  The paper transport unit 64 is formed with a fourth paper transport path 116 for communicating from the paper feeder 58 to the first paper transport path 100. The paper feed cassettes 90 </ b> C and 90 </ b> D in the paper feed device 56 are communicated to the first paper transport path 100 via a fifth paper transport path 118 provided inside the paper feed device 56.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to this embodiment.

  The post-processing device 284 can cope with a staple process for stapling a sheet and a punch process for punching a sheet as post-processing.

  Referring to FIG. 5, post-processing device 284 performs entrance roller 130 for introducing paper into post-processing device 284, alignment processing unit 134 for adjusting the position of the conveyed paper, and stapling processing. A stapler 132 for carrying out, a paper discharge roller 136 for discharging the post-processed printed material, a paper discharge tray 138 on which the discharged printed material is placed, and a post-paper for determining the paper position during punching It includes an edge detection sensor 140 and punch pins 142 for punching holes in the printed material positioned on the paper.

  In the stapling process, the stapling process is performed on the bundle of sheets aligned by the alignment processing unit 134 using the stapler 132 at a location designated by the user. The stapled sheet bundle is discharged onto a discharge tray 138 by a discharge roller 136.

  In the punching process, the paper trailing edge detection sensor 140 determines the punching position of the paper, and then punches a hole at the trailing edge of the paper. After the punching process, the sheet is conveyed to the alignment processing unit 134 and aligned, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 138 by the discharge roller 136.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation panel 280. The operation panel 280 includes an operation unit 300 composed of various hardware keys and a display unit 302 composed of a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. The operation unit 300 includes a numeric keypad 304 for inputting a numerical value, a clear key 306 for clearing an input set value, an all cancel key 308 for canceling all input settings, a copy start, and a transmission start. A start key 310 for inputting an instruction, a printer key 312 for switching to a printer mode, an image mode key 314 for switching to an image transmission mode, a copy mode key 316 for switching to a copy mode, and a user setting for switching to a setting mode by a user Key 318.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the main control unit 250 until the original is read and printed in the digital multi-function peripheral 220. This program is executed when the start key 310 is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 7, this program determines whether or not the trial copy mode is set, and step S702 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and the trial copy mode is set in step S702. Step S704 is executed when it is determined that the document is determined (YES), the document is read by the reading unit 262, and the number of read documents is set to the variable MAX. "Trial copy mode" is a preview display or printing of only one copy when multiple copies are set, and confirming the finished state based on the output result to continue or stop printing To decide.

  The program further includes step S706 for forming a preview image based on the set print settings following step S704, step S708 for displaying a preview image on the display unit 302 and the electronic paper 286, following step S706, and the like. Following step S708, it is determined whether or not the reset button 622 has been pressed, and it is determined in step S710 that the control flow is branched according to the determination result, and that the reset button 622 has not been pressed in step S710. Is executed in the case (NO), it is determined whether or not the all release key 308 is pressed, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result, and the all release key 308 is pressed in step S712. This is executed when it is determined that there is no copy (NO), and the copy start button 636 is pressed. Printing is executed and set when it is determined in step S714 that the control flow is branched according to the determination result and the copy start button 636 is pressed in step S714 (in the case of YES). Step S716 which forms an image for printing based on the setting and performs printing and post-processing. If it is determined in step S714 that the copy start button 636 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S710. If it is determined in step S712 that all the release keys 308 have been pressed (YES), this program ends.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S710 that the reset button 622 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and after step S718 for resetting print settings and step S718, a re-preview button 642 is set. Step S720 which judges whether it was pushed and branches the flow of control according to a judgment result is included. If it is determined in step S720 that the re-preview button 642 has been pressed (YES), the control proceeds to step S706. If it is determined in step S720 that the re-preview button 642 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S718.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S702 that the trial copy has not been set (in the case of NO), and the reading unit 262 reads the original and continues to step S722 and step S722. Step S724 which performs image formation for printing based on the print setting and performs printing and post-processing. After executing step S716 or step S724, the program ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program when preview display is performed on the electronic paper 286, which is executed by the main control unit 250 in the digital multifunction peripheral 220. This program is executed in step S708 of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the following program does not consider double-sided printing on front and back covers and double-sided printing on an interleaf.

  Referring to FIG. 8, this program sets initial value 1 to variable n representing a page to be displayed, and following step S802, whether or not double-sided output printing is set in digital multi-function peripheral 220 is determined. Step S804 for determining and branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and when it is determined that double-sided output printing is set in Step S804 (in the case of YES), the step is performed on the surface of the electronic paper 286. In step S806 for displaying the nth page of the preview image formed in step S706, and subsequent to step S806, using the variable MAX indicating the number of originals read set in step S704, the variable n is (n + 1> MAX). Step S808 for determining whether or not the expression is satisfied and branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and step S808 Step S810 is executed when it is determined that the expression is not satisfied (in the case of NO) and the n + 1th page of the preview image is displayed on the back surface of the electronic paper 286, and a page feed button 630 described later is pressed after step S810. This is executed when it is determined whether the page feed button 630 is not pressed in step S814, and in step S814, where the control flow is branched according to the determination result. It is determined whether or not the page return button 631 to be pressed has been pressed, and the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and if it is determined in step S818 that the page return button 631 has not been pressed (NO) And the reset button 622, the cancel all key 308, or the copy start button 636 is pressed. To determine Taka not, and a step S820 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination. If it is determined in step S820 that none has been pressed (NO), control returns to step S814.

  This program further includes step S812 that is executed when it is determined in step S808 that the expression is satisfied (in the case of YES), and a blank page is displayed on the back surface of the electronic paper 286. After execution of step S812, control proceeds to step S814.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S814 that the page feed button 630 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and it is determined whether or not the variable n satisfies the expression (n ≦ MAX−2). It includes step S822 that branches the control flow according to the determination result, and step S824 that is executed when it is determined that the expression is satisfied in step S822 (in the case of YES), and n + 2 is substituted for variable n. After executing step S824, control proceeds to step S806. If it is determined in step S822 that the expression is not satisfied (NO), the control proceeds to step S806.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S818 that the page return button 631 is pressed (in the case of YES), and it is determined whether or not the variable n satisfies the expression (n ≧ 3), and the determination result Step S826 that branches the flow of control according to the above, and Step S828 that is executed when it is determined in Step S826 that the expression is satisfied (in the case of YES), and n−2 is substituted into the variable n. After execution of step S828, control proceeds to step S806. If it is determined in step S826 that the expression is not satisfied (in the case of NO), the control proceeds to step S806.

  The program is further executed when it is determined in step S804 that double-sided output printing is not set (in the case of NO), and the nth page of the preview image formed in step S706 on the surface of the electronic paper 286 is executed. Subsequent to step S830 to be displayed and step S830, it is determined whether or not the page feed button 630 has been pressed, step S832 in which the flow of control is branched according to the determination result, and the page feed button 630 is pressed in step S832. If it is determined that it is not (NO), it is executed to determine whether or not the page return button 631 has been pressed, and step S834 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and page return in step S834 When it is determined that the button 631 is not pressed (in the case of NO), the reset button 622, clear all key 308, it is determined whether any of the copy start button 636 is pressed, and a step S836 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination. If it is determined in step S836 that none has been pressed (NO), control returns to step S832.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S832 that the page feed button 630 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and it is determined whether or not the variable n satisfies the expression (n <MAX). Step S838 for diverging the control flow according to, and Step S840 that is executed when it is determined in Step S838 that the expression is satisfied (in the case of YES), and n + 1 is substituted for the variable n. After execution of step S840, control proceeds to step S830. If it is determined in step S838 that the expression is not satisfied (NO), the control proceeds to step S830.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S834 that the page return button 631 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and it is determined whether or not the variable n satisfies the expression (n ≧ 2). Step S842 that branches the flow of control according to the above, and Step S844 that is executed when it is determined in Step S842 that the expression is satisfied (in the case of YES), and n−1 is substituted into the variable n. After execution of step S844, control proceeds to step S830. If it is determined in step S842 that the expression is not satisfied (NO), the control proceeds to step S830.

  If it is determined in step S820 that any one of the reset button 622, all cancel key 308, and copy start button 636 has been pressed (in the case of YES), or in step S836, the reset button 622, all cancel key 308, If it is determined that any of the copy start buttons 636 has been pressed (in the case of YES), this program is terminated. After this program ends, control is returned to step S710 in FIG.

  9 to 20 and FIGS. 22 to 38 are diagrams showing screen displays displayed on the display unit 302 of the operation panel 280. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described while describing various settings of the copy mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 220.

  FIG. 9 shows an initial screen 330 when the copy mode key 316 is pressed and the copy mode is selected. Referring to FIG. 9, an initial screen 330 includes a duplex copy button 334 for transitioning to a duplex copy setting mode, a finish button 336 for transitioning to a finishing setting mode such as punching and stapling, and detailed settings for copying. A special function button 332 for transitioning to a special function setting mode for performing image processing, a paper setting button 340 for transitioning to a paper setting mode for setting the paper size and paper type of the paper tray, and an image read by the scanner A preview confirmation button 338 for confirming the finished state of an image input from an external device and an image stored in a storage device such as a hard disk drive in a preview display. In addition, on the initial screen 330, the copy density, the original reading magnification, the setting state of the color mode, and the like can be confirmed.

  FIG. 10 is a double-sided copy setting screen 350 that is displayed when the double-sided copy button 334 is pressed on the initial screen 330 and the mode is shifted to the double-sided copy setting mode. Referring to FIG. 10, double-sided copy setting screen 350 includes a double-sided copy setting button 352. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the double-sided copy setting screen 350 is in a state where single-sided → single-sided copying is selected. In the duplex copy setting mode, in addition to single side → single side copy, single side → double side copy, double side → double side copy, and double side → single side copy can be selected. If it is determined in step S804 in FIG. 8 that double-sided output printing has been set, it means that single-sided → double-sided copying and double-sided → double-sided copying have been set in the double-sided copy setting mode.

  FIG. 11 shows a display and finishing setting screen 360 when the finishing button 336 is pressed on the initial screen 330 and the mode is changed to the finishing setting mode. Referring to FIG. 11, finishing setting screen 360 includes a punch processing button 362 for setting punch processing and a staple sort button 364 for setting staple processing.

  FIG. 12 shows a display screen 370 when the staple sort button 364 is pressed on the finishing setting screen 360. Display screen 370 includes a staple sort button 364 and a staple processing button 372 for setting the direction of the original set for staple processing.

  FIG. 13 is a display screen when the special function button 332 is pressed on the initial screen 330, and a special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 13, special function setting screen 380 includes a cover / interleaf setting button 382, a next page display button 384 for displaying a menu item of the next page of the special function setting, and an OK button 386. Including. When the OK button 386 is pressed, the screen returns to the initial screen 330. A slip sheet is another sheet sandwiched between sheets for normal printing.

  FIG. 14 shows a display screen 390 when the next page display button 384 is pressed on the special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 14, display screen 390 displays a trial copy button 392 for setting the trial copy mode, a print menu button 394 for transitioning to the print menu setting mode, and menu items on the previous page for the special function setting. A previous page display button 396 and an OK button 398 are displayed. When the previous page display button 396 is pressed, the screen is switched to a special function setting screen 380. When the trial copy button 392 is pressed, the output destination of the trial copy can be set, and either the preview is displayed on the display unit 302 and the electronic paper 286 or only one copy is printed on the recording paper. Yes (not shown). When the setting is confirmed and the OK button 398 is pressed, the screen returns to the initial screen 330.

  FIG. 15 is a print menu setting screen 400 displayed when the print menu button 394 is pressed on the display screen 390. The print menu setting screen can be set to print by adding a date, the number of pages, a stamp, and an arbitrary character string. Referring to FIG. 15, the print menu setting screen 400 displays a date button 402 for setting date printing, a stamp button 404 for setting printing of a standard stamp such as “important”, and printing of the page number of the recording paper. A page number button 406 to be set, a character button 408 to set printing of an arbitrary character string, a print position button 410 to set which position on the recording paper is to be printed, and a menu item on the next page of the print menu are displayed. And a next page display button 412. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the print menu setting screen 400 indicates a state in which information is not printed at any position.

  FIG. 16 shows a display screen 420 when the next page display button 412 is pressed on the print menu setting screen 400. Referring to FIG. 16, display screen 420 includes a document setting direction button 422 for setting the document setting direction, a binding direction button 424 for setting the binding direction of a double-sided document, and whether or not stamp printing is performed on slip sheets. A stamp setting button 426 for setting the menu item, and a previous page display button 428 for displaying a menu item of the previous page of the print menu. When the previous page display button 428 is pressed, the screen is switched to the print menu setting screen 400.

  FIG. 17 shows a paper setting screen 440 when the paper setting button 340 is pressed on the initial screen 330. Referring to FIG. 17, paper setting screen 440 includes a first tray setting button 442 for setting paper for tray 1 and a second tray setting button 444 for setting paper for tray 2. A third tray setting button 446 for setting paper for the paper feed tray 3, a fourth tray setting button 448 for setting paper for the paper feed tray 4, and a paper setting for the large capacity paper feed tray. A fifth tray setting button 454, a manual paper size setting button 450 for setting the size of paper used in the manual tray, and a manual paper type setting button 452 for setting the paper type of paper used in the manual tray. . In the example shown in FIG. 17, A4 size plain paper is used for the paper feed trays 1 and 2 and the large capacity feed tray, B4 size plain paper is used for the paper feed tray 3, and A3 size plain paper is used for the paper feed tray 4. Are set respectively. A4 size plain paper is set in the manual feed tray.

  FIG. 18 shows a paper setting screen 460 for setting the paper type of each paper feed tray and manual feed tray. Referring to FIG. 18, on the paper setting screen 460, in addition to plain paper, recycled paper, thick paper, glossy paper, label paper, tab paper, and the like can be set. For example, when thick paper is set, the heat of the fixing roller is easily taken away by the paper compared to plain paper, so the fixing temperature is increased in advance, and the fixing property is stabilized by increasing the paper conveyance interval. .

  FIG. 19 shows an irregular sheet setting screen 462 for setting an irregular sheet size of the manual feed tray. Referring to FIG. 19, on the irregular paper setting screen 462, the paper size can be freely set in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, even when a special size paper is used, when the manual feed tray is used, printing suitable for the paper size can be performed.

  FIG. 20 shows an envelope size setting screen 464 for setting the size when envelope printing is performed using the manual feed tray. By preparing the size of the standard envelope in advance, the size of the manual feed tray can be set easily.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a slip sheet and front and back covers. The digital multifunction peripheral 220 used in this embodiment has a slip sheet insertion function and a function of inserting a front cover and a back cover. The interleaf insert function designates the page into which the interleaf is inserted in advance, and when it comes before the page specified at the time of printing the original, the paper in which the interleaf is loaded is printed from the paper tray that has been printed so far. This is a function for switching to a paper tray and feeding and sandwiching. When the paper is pinched, switch back to the original paper feed tray and continue printing. The front cover function is a function for feeding paper from a paper feed tray designated at the beginning of copying. The back cover function is a function for switching to a paper feed tray designated at the end of copying and feeding paper.

  The interleaf and front / back cover functions can be set as to whether or not to copy on paper, and the image of the corresponding page can be printed on the designated paper from the original. In many cases, special paper is used for the interleaving paper and the cover paper, and the paper and the paper type are set for each paper feed tray, and printing is often performed separately.

  FIG. 22 shows an initial screen for setting a cover sheet and a slip sheet, and a cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. This screen is displayed by pressing the cover / interleaf setting button 382 on the special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 22, a front cover slip initial setting screen 480 includes a front cover, a back cover, and a paper feed tray setting button 482 for shifting to a paper feed tray setting mode for slip sheets A and B. A front cover setting button 484 for shifting to the setting mode, a back cover setting button 486 for shifting to the back cover setting mode, and a slip sheet A setting button for shifting to the setting mode of the slip sheets A and B, respectively. 488, slip sheet B setting button 490, insert setting button 492 for shifting to the slip sheet insertion setting mode, page layout button 494 for displaying the page layout, and OK for confirming the cover slip sheet setting. A button 496 and a cancel button 498 for exiting without saving the setting from the cover slip sheet setting mode. When a cancel button 498 is pressed, the screen returns to the special function setting screen 380. The insertion setting button 492 is disabled when the slip sheet setting is not performed. The page layout button 494 and the OK button 496 are disabled when the cover page setting or the slip sheet setting is not performed. In the state of FIG. 22, the front cover, the back cover, the slip sheet A, and the slip sheet B are not set, and the insertion setting button 492, the page layout button 494, and the OK button 496 are disabled. Yes.

  FIG. 23 is a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 that is displayed when the sheet feed tray setting button 482 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. In the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500, it is possible to confirm the sheet cassette, sheet size, and sheet type currently set for the cover cover, back cover, slip sheets A and B. Referring to FIG. 23, a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 has a tray setting button 502 for shifting to the cover sheet feed tray setting mode, and a cover sheet feeding tray setting mode for shifting to the back cover sheet feed tray setting mode. A tray setting button 504, a tray setting button 506 for shifting to the slip sheet A paper feed tray setting mode, a tray setting button 508 for shifting to the slip sheet B paper feed tray setting mode, a cover sheet and a slip sheet And an OK button 510 for confirming the paper feed tray setting. In the state of FIG. 23, the front cover, the back cover, and the slip sheets A and B all indicate a state where A4 size plain paper is set in the manual feed tray.

  FIG. 24 shows a cover sheet feed tray setting screen 520 when the tray setting button 502 is pressed on the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500. Referring to FIG. 24, the front cover sheet feed tray setting screen 520 selects tray selection buttons 524, 526, 528, 530, and 532 and manual feed trays for selecting sheet feed trays 1 to 5, respectively. A tray selection button 534 for confirming the paper feed tray selection. The setting is confirmed by selecting the cover sheet feed tray and then pressing the OK button 522, and the setting is reflected in the display of the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500.

  FIG. 25 shows a front cover setting screen 540 displayed when the front cover setting button 484 is pressed on the cover slip initial setting screen 480. Referring to FIG. 25, a front cover setting screen 540 includes a tray selection button 542 for shifting to a cover paper feed tray setting mode, and a copy setting for setting whether or not to copy to the front cover. A button 544, a copy surface selection button 546 for selecting one-sided copy or two-sided copy when copying on the front cover, an OK button 548 for confirming various settings, and the previous screen without confirming the settings. And a cancel button 550 for returning to the screen. When the tray selection button 542 is pressed on the front cover setting screen 540, a front cover paper feed tray setting screen 520 is displayed, and a paper feed tray can be selected. A copy setting button 544 selects whether or not to copy on the front cover on the touch panel. When “No” is selected, the operation of the copy plane selection button 546 becomes invalid. FIG. 25 shows that the front cover sheet feed tray is a manual feed tray and is not copied to the front cover sheet.

  FIG. 26 shows a front cover setting screen 540. In FIG. 26, the front cover sheet feed tray is a manual feed tray, and single-sided copying is performed on the front cover sheet.

  FIG. 27 shows a cover slip initial setting screen 480. Since the display of the cover cover setting button 484 and the back cover setting button 486 is reversed in black and white, it is confirmed that the cover cover setting and the back cover setting have been performed. Represents. Further, since the front cover and the back cover are set, the page layout button 494 and the OK button 496 are displayed to indicate that the operation is enabled.

  FIG. 28 is a slip sheet A setting screen 560 displayed when the slip sheet A setting button 488 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. Referring to FIG. 28, slip sheet A setting screen 560 is used to set tray selection button 562 for shifting to slip sheet A paper feed tray setting mode and whether or not to copy to slip sheet A. A copy selection button 564, a copy surface selection button 566 for selecting either single-sided copy or double-sided copy when copying on the slip sheet A, an OK button 568 for confirming various settings, and the settings are not confirmed. And a cancel button 570 for returning to the previous screen. A copy selection button 564 selects whether or not to copy on the slip sheet A on the touch panel. When “No” is selected, the copy plane selection button 566 is disabled. FIG. 28 shows that the paper feed tray for the slip sheet A is a manual feed tray, and copying to the slip sheet A is not performed.

  FIG. 29 shows a slip sheet A setting screen 560. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the sheet feeding tray for the slip sheet A is a manual feed tray, and single-sided copying is performed on the slip sheet A.

  FIG. 30 shows the cover slip initial setting screen 480, because the display of the cover cover setting button 484, the back cover setting button 486, the slip sheet A setting button 488, and the slip sheet B setting button 490 is reversed in black and white. , Front cover, back cover, slip sheet A, and slip sheet B are set. At this time, an insertion setting button 492, a page layout button 494, and an OK button 496 are displayed, indicating that the operation is enabled.

  FIG. 31 shows a slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 showing a slip sheet insertion setting mode that is shifted to when the insertion setting button 492 is pressed in the state of FIG. Referring to FIG. 31, slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 includes slip sheet A button 582 for selecting slip sheet A and setting insertion, slip sheet B button 584 for selecting slip sheet B and setting insertion. , An insertion page input box 586 for inputting a page into which a slip sheet is inserted, a confirmation button 588 for confirming the input insertion page, and an OK button 590 for confirming the insertion setting and finishing. An input to the insertion page input box 586 is input using the numeric keypad 304 of the operation panel 280. If an input is made by mistake, the input is cleared by the clear key 306.

  FIG. 32 is a screen showing that the slip sheet A is selected on the slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 and is inserted into the tenth page. When the insertion page is input, the confirmation button 588 is validated, and when the confirmation button 588 is pressed, the insertion setting of the slip sheet A is confirmed. The slip sheet insertion setting can be performed continuously, and after all the insertion settings are completed, the OK button 590 is pressed, and the slip sheet insertion setting is finalized.

  33 and 34 are page layout display screens 600 and 610 displayed when the page layout button 494 is pressed on the cover slip initial setting screen 480. Referring to FIG. 33, page layout display screen 600 includes a scroll button 602 for displaying a page layout following the next page, and an OK button 604 for ending the page layout screen. Referring to FIG. 34, page layout display screen 610 includes a scroll button 612 for displaying the page layout of the previous page and an OK button 614 for ending the page layout screen. When the scroll button 602 is pressed on the page layout display screen 600, the page layout display screen 610 is displayed. When the scroll button 612 is pressed on the page layout display screen 610, the page layout display screen 600 is displayed. When the OK buttons 604 and 614 are pressed, a cover slip initial setting screen 480 is displayed.

  FIG. 35 shows a preview display screen 620 displayed on the special function setting screen 380 after the user presses the trial copy button 392 and then presses the start key 310 to start reading the document. Referring to FIG. 35, a preview display screen 620 displays a read original preview display 628 for displaying a read original, a reset button 622 for resetting print settings, and finishes set such as stapling and punching. A finish display button 624 for displaying the processing result, a setting confirmation button 626 for confirming settings such as a print margin, and a page to be displayed when there are a plurality of read originals are sent to the next page. Page forward button 630, page return button 631 for returning to the previous page, enlargement / reduction button 632 for enlarging / reducing the read original preview display 628, and rotation display for rotating the read original preview display 628 If you confirm that there is no problem on the button 634 and the preview display screen, copy it to start printing. And a start button 636. The preview display screen 620 can display a preview of the read original read after the trial copy button is pressed, and can check all the read pages by performing enlargement / reduction and page turning. After confirming the read original, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing the input number of copies.

  FIG. 36 is a reset screen 640 displayed when the reset button 622 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 36, re-setting screen 640 opens special function button 646 for opening special function setting screen 380, double-sided copy button 648 for opening double-sided copy setting screen 350, and opening finishing setting screen 360. Button 650, special function button 646, double-sided copy button 648, and finishing button 650 are pressed from re-setting screen 640 to change various settings, and re-preview for displaying these changes on preview display screen 620 is reflected. A button 642 and a cancel button 644 for discarding the contents of the various settings changed from the reset screen 640 and displaying the preview display screen 620. Various settings are changed from the reset screen 640, the re-preview button 642 is pressed, and after confirming the change contents in the preview displayed on the preview display screen 620, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing reflecting the change. The

  FIG. 37 is a setting confirmation screen 660 displayed when the setting confirmation button 626 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 37, setting confirmation screen 660 includes an OK button 662 for confirming the contents and displaying preview display screen 620, and a reset button 664 for opening reset screen 640 for changing settings. . On the setting confirmation screen 660, various print settings can be confirmed in addition to the binding direction, margin width, single-sided / double-sided printing setting. If a desired setting is missing on the setting confirmation screen 660, the user can move to the resetting screen 640 by pressing a reset button 664 and perform various settings.

  FIG. 38 shows a finish display screen 680 displayed when the finish display button 624 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 38, finish display screen 680 is the same as preview display screen 620, and after finishing processing such as preset staples is performed instead of read document preview display 628 for displaying a read document. A finished document preview 682 is displayed. In the case of FIG. 38, stapling processing and punching processing are performed as finished processing, and black marks are superimposed and displayed on the read image at the places where the processing is performed. The displayed finished document preview 682 is confirmed. If there is no problem, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing, and a finished printed matter is completed.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the preview image display 700 on the display unit 302 and the preview image display 710 on the electronic paper 286. Referring to FIG. 39, preview image display 700 includes a preview display 702 that displays an nth page preview image and a preview display 704 that displays an n + 1 page preview image. The preview image display 710 includes a preview display 712 that displays a preview image of the nth page displayed on the front surface of the electronic paper 286, and a preview display 714 that displays a preview image of the (n + 1) th page displayed on the back surface of the electronic paper 286. Including. FIG. 39 shows that the preview display 702 displayed on the display unit 302 is displayed on the surface of the electronic paper 286. A preview display 704 indicates that a preview display 714 is displayed on the back surface.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a preview display 720 of the electronic paper 286 when post-processing is set. In FIG. 40, stapling and punching are set as post-processing. Referring to FIG. 40, preview display 720 includes a staple image 722 indicating a staple processing position and a punching image 724 indicating a punching processing position. In the preview display 720, the punching image 724 is located on the left side, but when the back side is displayed, it is located on the right side. The same applies to the staple image 722.

―Operation―
The digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment operates as follows in the copy mode.

  When the user turns on the digital multifunction peripheral 220, an initial screen 330 is displayed on the display unit 302. The user presses the paper setting button 340 to set in advance the size and paper type of the paper in each paper feed tray. Similarly, when using special paper, a paper size is set for each paper feed tray, and a paper type suitable for each paper is set in advance.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 can perform duplex copying. A duplex copy button 334 is pressed from the initial screen 330 to perform desired duplex / single-sided copy settings.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 can perform stapling and punching using the post-processing device 284. In these finishing processes, a finishing button 336 is pressed from the initial screen 330, and processing to be performed on the finishing setting screen is set. For stapling, the stapling direction is also set.

  To set the front cover, back cover, and slip sheet, the special function button 332 is pressed on the initial screen 330, and the cover / slip sheet setting button 382 is pressed on the special function setting screen 380. Since a cover slip initial setting screen 480 is displayed, in the case of a front cover and a back cover, a paper feed tray to be used is selected, and whether or not to print on the cover is set. For the slip sheet setting, a sheet feed tray for the slip sheet is selected and whether or not to print on the slip sheet is set. In the case of setting a slip sheet, a page to be inserted is input with the numeric keypad 304, and a confirmation button 588 is pressed to set. When the cover and slip sheet layout settings are complete, you can check them on the page layout display screen. At this time, if there is an error in the setting, it can be corrected.

  In addition, the digital MFP 220 can perform color mode setting (color / monochrome printing), copy density setting, enlargement / reduction printing setting, and the like.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment includes electronic paper 286 as display means. The electronic paper 286 is for displaying preview images in the digital multi-function peripheral 220, and can display preview images on both the front and back sides. The preview image is displayed on the electronic paper 286 when the trial copy mode is set on the digital multifunction peripheral 220. At this time, the preview image is displayed on both the display unit 302 and the electronic paper 286.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment operates as follows in the trial copy mode.

  When the user presses the special function button 332 on the initial screen 330, a special function setting screen 380 is displayed. When the next page display button 384 is pressed, a display screen 390 is displayed, the trial copy button 392 is pressed, and the OK button 398 is pressed. This sets the trial copy mode, and the screen returns to the initial screen 330.

  When the start key 310 is pressed, the main control unit 250 starts the program.

  The program determines whether or not the trial copy mode is set.

  If the trial copy mode is not set, the original is read by the reading unit 262, an image is formed based on the set print settings, and printing and finishing processes are executed (steps S722 and 724).

  If the trial copy mode is set, the original is read by the reading unit 262, and the number of read originals is set in the variable MAX (step S704). An image for confirming the display portion preview is formed based on the set print settings for the read data (step S706), and preview display is performed on the display portion 302 and the electronic paper 286 (step S708).

  The preview display screen 620 in the display unit 302 can be enlarged / reduced in the read original preview display 628 by operating the enlargement / reduction button 632, and confirming a plurality of originals by operating the page feed button 630 and the page return button 631. Is also possible. When finishing processing is set, by pressing a finishing display button 624, the place where the finishing processing is performed is displayed superimposed on the document image as shown in FIG. 38, and the finishing processing does not affect the document portion. Can be confirmed. In addition, confirmation of insertion settings for front / back covers and slip sheets can also be made from this preview screen.

  In the preview display by the electronic paper 286, the digital multifunction peripheral 220 operates as follows.

  An initial value 1 is set to the variable n representing the page number (step S802), and it is determined whether double-sided output printing is set in the print settings (step S804). If double-sided output printing is not set, only the front surface of the electronic paper 286 is used, and the nth page of the preview image formed in step S706 is displayed on the electronic paper 286 (step S830). The page advance and page return of the preview display of the electronic paper 286 are performed using the page advance button 630 and the page return button 631 of the display unit 302. The preview image advances one page when the page feed button 630 is pressed (steps S838 and S840), and returns one page when the page return button 631 is pressed (steps S842 and S844). When double-sided output printing is set, a preview image is displayed using both the front and back surfaces of the electronic paper 286. The nth page of the preview image formed in S706 is displayed on the surface of the electronic paper 286 (step S806). If the front side is not the final side of the read document, the n + 1 page preview image is displayed on the back side (step S810). In the case of the final surface, a white surface is displayed on the back surface (step S812). In the case of double-sided display, the front preview image advances two pages when the page feed button 630 is pressed (steps S822 and S824), and returns two pages when the page return button 631 is pressed (steps S826 and S828). Further, the display can be enlarged / reduced even in the preview display on the electronic paper 286, and the preview image changes in response to the operation of the display unit 302. Further, when finishing processing is set, by pressing a finishing display button 624 of the display unit 302, the place where the finishing processing is performed is displayed superimposed on the document image as shown in FIG. When the preview is displayed on both sides, the finish processing location is also reflected on the back side.

  If the user confirms the original on the electronic paper or the preview screen and notices a setting error, the user can press the reset button 622 to reset the print settings. After the setting is changed, a preview image is formed based on the changed setting by pressing the re-preview button 642, and a preview display after the setting is changed is displayed. (Steps S718 and 720)

  If the preview display of all pages is confirmed and it is determined that there is no problem, an image is formed based on the set print settings by pressing the copy start button 636, and printing and finishing processes are executed. (Steps S714 and 716)

  Further, when it is determined that the printed matter is different from the desired printed matter by looking at the preview display, the printing itself can be stopped by pressing the all cancel key 308. (Step S712)

  As described above, when the trial copy mode is set, a preview screen is displayed on the display unit 302 and the electronic paper 286, and a preview reflecting the processing result of the finishing process such as stapling is displayed on the preview display screen. Is done. As a result, fine print settings such as double-sided printing can be confirmed and printed in the preview display. Further, even when a mistake in setting is noticed in the preview display, the setting can be changed by using the resetting mode. Even after the setting is changed, it is possible to confirm whether the setting change is reflected by displaying the preview again. This resetting saves the user from having to read the document again.

  In addition, since the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment includes the USB interface 278 and the LAN control unit 270, image data can be transferred using a removable storage device and a communication line instead of the reading unit 262. It is also possible to perform capture and image formation processing.

  Further, by using electronic paper as the display means, the same A4 size as a general printing paper size can be used. In this case, when the print target is A4 size and smaller than A4, preview display can be performed at the same magnification, and image data can be confirmed with a feeling close to that of actual recording paper. In the case of an image larger than the A4 size, it is possible to confirm the display of preview images of any size by reducing the display so as to fit within the A4 size.

  Further, electronic paper is characterized in that the display content can be retained even after the energization is interrupted after the image is displayed by energization. Taking advantage of this feature, the user can remove the electronic paper from the digital multifunction peripheral and directly check the final finish for the hand. As a result, the visibility of the user is improved.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment, the electronic paper is used as a preview display unit, so that even in complicated print settings, the read result can be confirmed by preview before printing. In particular, when the print setting is complicated such as double-sided printing, the preview display corresponding to each of the front side and the back side can be performed, so that the accuracy of checking the preview by the user can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which a preview image for confirming print settings can be easily confirmed by a user.

  In the present embodiment, description has been given regarding preview display for double-sided printing using electronic paper. However, the same effect can be obtained using organic EL or the like.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system 210 constructed using a digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral 220. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reading unit 262 installed on the upper part of the digital multifunction peripheral 220. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus 50 including a recording unit 264 and a post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220. FIG. It is a figure showing the operation panel. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by a main control unit 250 until a document is read and printed in the digital multi-function peripheral 220. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program when preview display is performed on electronic paper 286, executed by main control unit 250 in digital multi-function peripheral 220. It is a figure which shows the initial screen 330 when copy mode is selected. It is a figure which shows the display when it changes to double-sided copy setting mode, and the double-sided copy setting screen 350. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display when it changes to post-processing setting mode, and a finishing setting screen 360. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen 370 when the staple sort button 364 is pushed on the finishing setting screen 360. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen when the special function button 332 is pushed on the initial screen 330, and the special function setting screen 380. It is a figure which shows the display screen 390 when the next page display button 384 is pushed on the special function setting screen 380. FIG. It is a figure which shows the print menu setting screen 400 displayed when the print menu button 394 is pushed on the display screen 390. This is a display screen 420 when the next page display button 412 is pressed on the print menu setting screen 400. It is a figure which shows the paper setting screen 440 when the paper setting button 340 is pushed on the initial screen 330. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a paper setting screen 460 for setting the paper type of each paper feed tray and manual feed tray. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an irregular sheet setting screen 462 for setting an irregular sheet size of a manual feed tray. It is a figure which shows the envelope size setting screen 464 which sets the size at the time of envelope printing using a manual feed tray. It is a figure for demonstrating a slip sheet and front / back cover. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial screen for setting a cover sheet and a slip sheet, and a cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 displayed when a sheet feed tray setting button 482 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a front cover paper feed tray setting screen 520 when a tray setting button 502 is pressed on the cover slip paper feed tray setting screen 500. 10 is a diagram showing a cover cover setting screen 540 displayed when a cover cover setting button 484 is pressed on the cover slip initial setting screen 480. FIG. It is a figure which shows the front cover setting screen 540 set when copying to a front cover. It is a figure which shows the front cover sheet initial setting screen 480 showing that front cover setting and back cover setting were made. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an interleaf sheet A setting screen 560 displayed when an interleaf sheet A setting button 488 is pressed on the cover sheet interleaf sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an interleaf A setting screen 560 that indicates that a single-sided copy is performed on the interleaf paper A. It is a figure which shows the front cover sheet initial setting screen 480 showing that the front cover, back cover, slip sheet A, and slip sheet B have been set. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a slip sheet insertion setting screen 580. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen indicating that slip sheet A is selected on the slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 and is inserted into the tenth page. FIG. 6 shows a page layout display screen 600. It is a figure which shows the page layout display screen 610. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview display screen 620 displayed on the display unit 302 after a trial copy button 392 is pressed and a start key 310 is pressed to start reading a document and after the reading is completed. It is a figure which shows the reset screen 640 displayed when the reset button 622 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. It is a figure which shows the setting confirmation screen 660 displayed when the setting confirmation button 626 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. It is a figure which shows the finishing display screen 680 displayed when the finishing display button 624 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between a preview image display 700 on the display unit 302 and a preview image display 710 on the electronic paper 286. It is a figure which shows the preview display 720 of the electronic paper 286 when post-processing is set.

Explanation of symbols

50 Image forming devices 56 and 58 Paper feeding device 284 Post-processing device 220 Digital multifunction device 250 Main control unit 264 Recording unit 284 Post-processing device 286 Electronic paper 300 Operation unit 302 Display unit 304 Numeric keypad 306 Clear key 310 Start key 360 Finish setting screen 392 Trial copy button 480 Cover slip initial setting screen 600, 610 Page layout display screen 620 Preview display screen 622 Reset button 630 Page feed button 631 Page return button 642 Re-preview button 680 Finished display screen

Claims (10)

Display means having a front surface and a back surface and capable of displaying images on both the front surface and the back surface;
Image data storage means for storing image data for forming a document image and designated for single-sided printing or double-sided printing;
In response to receiving an instruction to display the document image preview, a preview image is created from the image data stored in the image data storage means, and either single-sided printing or double-sided printing is designated for the image data. An image forming apparatus comprising: a preview image display unit for displaying a preview image only on the front surface of the display unit or on the front and back surfaces of the display unit depending on whether the display unit is configured. The preview image display means includes
In response to the designation of single-sided printing in the image data, single-sided display means for displaying the preview image on the surface of the display means;
In response to designation of double-sided printing in the image data, both sides for displaying the preview images for two consecutive pages of the original image on the front surface and the back surface of the display unit according to the page order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit.   Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the preview image with an image indicating the result of the post-processing when predetermined post-processing is performed on the recording paper on which the image data stored in the image storage unit is printed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured by electronic paper or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).   The preview image display means displays an image printed on the surface of the recording paper when the original image is printed on the surface of the display means. The image forming apparatus described.   The preview image display unit displays an image printed on the back side of the recording paper when the original image is printed on both sides on the back side of the display unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   7. The preview image display unit according to claim 1, wherein when the document image formed by the image data is larger than a display size of the display unit, the document image is reduced and displayed on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. A housing for storing the image data storage means and the preview image display means;
4. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured by electronic paper that is detachably attached to the housing and capable of displaying an image on both a front surface and a back surface. 5. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electronic paper is detachable from the housing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electronic paper has a substantially rectangular outer frame, and is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable around one side of the outer frame.

Images