JP2010098680A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate waste of printing a blank page while improving convenience of a user by dividing image data of an aggregated image, automatically discriminating the blank page and discarding a blank page portion. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: an image data acquiring section; an image forming section 5a for forming an image on the basis of image data; a setting input section for receiving a setting input relating to the operation of the apparatus; a division processing section 74 for dividing image data of an aggregated image; a blank page determination section 75 for determining image data corresponding to a blank page on which there is no description of information to be transferred, from among the image data divided from the aggregated image; a blank page discarding section 76 for discarding image data of the blank page; and an expansion processing section 77 for performing expansion processing on image data. The image forming section 5a performs image formation on the basis of image data obtained by performing the expansion processing on image data which are divided from the aggregated image and are not discarded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by dividing image data of an aggregated image in which images for a plurality of pages are aggregated.

  Conventionally, in order to reduce sheet consumption and the total number of pages, printing is sometimes performed by consolidating images for a plurality of pages into one page. Also, when storing image data by scanning a document, images of a plurality of pages may be aggregated and stored as one page. Even if the aggregated image data is printed, the images of a plurality of pages are stored. Can be obtained as a print result.

  In the aggregation, for the sake of layout, for example, images of even pages such as 2 pages or 4 pages are aggregated into one sheet (for example, called 2in1, 4in1, etc.). However, since the original image is reduced, the original image is reduced, so that it may be difficult to read (characters are crushed, etc.), or it may be too much to be consolidated and one page may be too small (for example, 8in1 or 16in1). There is a desire to print each page by dividing each page.

An invention that meets such a demand is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, in an image forming apparatus including an image processing unit that generates image data to be input to a writing unit based on original image data, the image processing unit stores the image data in each region of the original image. The image forming apparatus is divided so as to generate individual writing image data in units of divided areas, and input the obtained image data to writing means. As a result, it is attempted to re-create the image in units of divided areas that have been aggregated into one original image into a form that is convenient for use. (See Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0037], etc.).
JP2000-350,000

  As described above, even pages are usually collected on one sheet, but the number of pages to be aggregated may not be divisible by the number of unit pages in the aggregation. For example, in 4in1, when the number of sheets other than a multiple of 4 of the number of unit pages is aggregated, a large amount is generated (for example, the number of pages to be aggregated is 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 innumerable). . Then, there is a blank page area in which information is not transmitted in the aggregated printed matter and image data. Then, when performing divided printing of each page from the aggregated image, if blank pages that do not need to be printed are printed, uselessness occurs.

  With respect to this problem, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the image processing means includes means for designating an area in units of divided areas, and generates write image data for the image data in the designated area, so that a blank space is obtained. Although page printing is prevented (see Patent Document 1: Claim 2), the user needs to designate a blank page by himself. Then, when there are a plurality of image data of aggregated images such as 10 or 20, it is not convenient to specify each aggregated image, and user input errors are likely to occur due to the inconvenience. There is a problem that it is difficult to accurately prevent printing of blank pages.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, only one page can be printed for each consolidated page, and it is desired to print with a reduced number of pages consolidated on one sheet (for example, 4in1 is changed to 2in1). There is also a problem that cannot be answered.

  In view of the above problems of the prior art, the present invention divides image data of an aggregate image, automatically determines an area corresponding to a blank page from the divided image data, and determines the blank page portion. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the waste of printing a blank page portion while improving user convenience by discarding and not using it.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes an image data acquiring unit that acquires image data of an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data. This corresponds to a setting input unit that receives setting input related to the operation of the apparatus, a division processing unit that divides image data of the aggregated image, and a blank page that does not include information to be transmitted among the image data divided from the aggregated image. A blank page determination unit that determines image data; a blank page discard unit that discards the image data determined to be the blank page; and an enlargement processing unit that performs an enlargement process on the image data. Image formation is performed based on image data obtained by enlarging image data that has been divided from an image and not discarded.

  According to this configuration, since the blank page determination unit that determines the image data corresponding to the blank page and the blank page discard unit that discards the image data determined to be a blank page, the image data divided from the aggregated image is provided. When printing is performed using, it is possible to eliminate the waste of printing blank pages. Therefore, waste of seats and power consumption can be reduced. The blank page is automatically discarded, and the user does not need to specify the blank page portion, which is highly convenient for the user.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the setting input unit receives an input of an aggregated page number that is the number of pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image, and performs the division processing. The unit divides the image data of the aggregated image by the number of aggregated pages input to the setting input unit. According to this configuration, since the division processing unit divides the image data of the aggregated image by the number of aggregate pages input to the setting input unit, the image data of the aggregated image is reliably divided by the number of aggregated pages. can do. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically discard the blank page accurately.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the setting input unit receives an input for designating a page order in the image data of the aggregated image, and the blank page determination unit is Of the image data divided from the image data of the image, it is determined whether or not the image data is sequentially divided into blank pages from the last page to the first page, and it is determined that the divided image data is not a blank page. At that time, the decision operation was stopped.

  In the case of image data of aggregated images of a series of (continuous) documents (for example, articles, reports, papers, etc. over multiple pages), there are usually no blank pages in the middle, and blank pages are image data of aggregated images. It exists around the last page. According to this configuration, the blank page determination unit determines whether or not the divided image data is a blank page in order from the last page to the first page in the divided image data, and the divided image data is not a blank page. Since the determination operation is stopped when it is determined, the processing time and the processing data amount can be reduced as compared with the case where the determination processing is performed on all the divided image data.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a page number determination unit that determines the number of aggregated pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image. Based on the determination result of the number determination unit, the image data of the aggregated image is divided. According to this configuration, since the page number determination unit that determines the number of aggregated pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image is provided, the number of pages of the image data aggregated in the aggregated image can be automatically recognized. . Therefore, it is possible to appropriately and automatically divide the image data of the aggregated image.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the enlargement processing unit enlarges the image data divided from the original aggregated image according to the size of the sheet to be printed. The image forming unit forms an image on one sheet of image data divided from the aggregated image based on the enlarged image data. According to this configuration, the image forming unit performs image formation on one sheet of one piece of image data divided from the aggregated image based on the enlarged image data. The image is enlarged so that it does not protrude, and the visibility of the printed result is improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second to fifth aspects of the invention, the setting input unit changes the number of aggregates of the divided image data and designates the number of aggregate pages of the aggregate image to be formed again. Accepting the input, the enlargement processing unit enlarges each image data divided from the original aggregated image according to the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet specified by the input to the setting input unit, The image forming unit forms the aggregated image based on the designation of the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet and the enlarged image data. According to this configuration, the enlargement processing unit enlarges each image data divided from the original aggregated image in accordance with the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet designated by the input to the setting input unit. The number of aggregations on the page can be reduced. In addition, since the number of aggregations is reduced, each page portion is enlarged and visibility is improved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the blank page determination unit counts pixels having a different color from the background color pixels to determine whether the page is a blank page. . According to this configuration, the blank page determination unit counts pixels of a color different from the background color pixels to determine whether the page is a blank page. Therefore, the information to be transmitted is not limited to white but is also colored. If there is no page, it can be recognized as a blank page and useless printing can be eliminated.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the storage unit for storing the image data obtained by enlarging the image data divided from the aggregated image and not discarded in the inventions of claims 1 to 7, and / or The data output unit outputs the image data obtained by enlarging the image data divided from the aggregated image and not discarded. According to this configuration, since the data storage unit and / or the data output unit for storing the image data obtained by enlarging the image data that has been divided from the aggregated image and not discarded, the aggregated image is divided. Image data can be stored in the apparatus main body or an external terminal.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when printing is performed by dividing an aggregated image, unnecessary blank pages can be automatically removed without placing an operation burden on the user.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 8 by taking a multifunction device 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Schematic configuration of MFP 1)
First, an outline of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 1 of the present embodiment has a document conveying device 2 attached to the top, and the multifunction peripheral body includes an image reading unit 3 (corresponding to an image data acquisition unit), a paper feeding unit. 4a, a conveyance path 4b, an image forming unit 5a, a fixing unit 5b, and the like are provided.

  The document transport device 2 automatically and continuously transports the documents one by one to the reading position, and in order from the upstream side in the document transport direction, the document loading tray 21, the document supply roller 22, the document transport path 23, the document transport A roller pair 24, a document discharge roller pair 25, a document discharge tray 26, and the like are provided. Further, the document conveying device 2 is attached to the image reading unit 3 so that it can be opened and closed in the vertical direction with the back side of the sheet of FIG. 1 as a fulcrum, and the contact glass 31 (the feed reading contact glass 31a and the placement reading) Functions as a cover for pressing the contact glass 31b) from above.

  The document placing tray 21 can place a plurality of documents and is connected to the upstream end of the document transport path 23. The document supply roller 22 abuts on the uppermost document and is driven to rotate to send the document to the document transport path 23. The document is guided to the document conveying roller pair 24 and the guide and passes through the upper surface of the feed reading contact glass 31a of the image reading unit 3, and the image reading unit 3 performs reading at the time of passing. The document after reading is discharged from the document discharge roller pair 25 to the document discharge tray 26 (the document transport path is indicated by a two-dot chain line). The document placing tray 21 can be provided with a document sensor 27 (for example, a reflection type optical sensor) that detects whether or not a document is placed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 3 has a box-shaped housing, and when reading a feed reading contact glass 31 a and a document such as a document, a book, and a newspaper one by one on the upper surface. A placement reading contact glass 31b for placing a document is disposed. The document is placed on the placing and reading contact glass 31b with the document conveying device 2 lifted and the reading surface facing downward.

  The image reading unit 3 includes a first moving frame 32, a second moving frame 33, a wire 34, a take-up drum 35, and a lens 36. An image sensor for reading an original for each line and generating image data. 37 etc. are arranged. The image sensor 37 is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) in which photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a line, and reads the document line by line based on the reflected light of the document (reads a color image in addition to a monochrome image). Possible).

  The first moving frame 32 described above supports a lamp 38 for irradiating light on the document and a first mirror 39a below the lamp 38. On the other hand, the second moving frame 33 is disposed below the first moving frame 32, and supports the second mirror 39b above and the third mirror 39c below. A plurality of wires 34 are attached to the first moving frame 32 and the second moving frame 33 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 for convenience), and the other end of the wire 34 is connected to the winding drum 35, The winding drum 35 rotates forward and backward using a winding motor (not shown) as a drive source, and the first moving frame 32 and the second moving frame 33 move in the horizontal direction.

  Here, an example of a specific document reading operation will be described. First, in the case of document reading using the document conveying device 2, the document from the document placing tray 21 is conveyed while passing through the upper surface of the feed reading contact glass 31a. At this time, the first moving frame 32 and the second moving frame 33 are fixed to the lower position (reading position) of the feed reading contact glass 31a, and the lamp 38 irradiates light to the passing document. The light emitted from the lamp 38 strikes the original, and the reflected light is guided to the lens 36 by the first mirror 39a, the second mirror 39b, and the third mirror 39c. The lens 36 makes the reflected light incident on the image sensor 37, and the image sensor 37 converts the reflected light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image density, and then performs quantization to obtain image data. That is, reading is performed in units of lines in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the document conveying direction), and reading in units of lines is repeated in the sub-scanning direction (document conveying direction) to read one document.

  On the other hand, when reading a document placed on the contact glass 31, the first moving frame 32 and the second moving frame 33 are moved horizontally from the home position to the right in FIG. Then, scanning is continuously performed to the end of the document, the entire document image is read, and the document image is converted into an electrical signal.

  In the document conveying device 2 of the present embodiment, a CIS unit 28 (image) that reads the back surface of the reading surface of the image sensor 37 along the document conveying path 23 (in this embodiment, before the pair of document discharge rollers 25). Equivalent to a data acquisition unit). The CIS unit 28 includes a lamp, a lens, and an image sensor (all of which are not shown), and can read an original to obtain image data as well as the image reading unit 3 (a color image can be read in addition to a monochrome image). With this CIS unit 28, double-sided reading can be performed without a transport operation such as switchback. Therefore, in the multifunction device 1, the image reading unit 3 and the CIS unit 28 serve as an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data of an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated.

  Next, the paper supply unit 4a accommodates a plurality of sheets (for example, copy sheets, recycled sheets, thick sheets, OHP sheets, etc.) as recording media, and feeds sheets one by one to the conveyance path 4b during printing. The paper feed unit 4a includes a cassette 41 on which paper is stacked and a paper feed roller 42 that is driven to rotate. For example, at the time of printing, the paper feed roller 42 is driven, and the paper is sent out one by one to the transport path 4b. Further, the cassette 41 is provided with a paper size sensor 43 that detects the size of the paper to be stored. For example, in the case of the variable resistance type paper size sensor 43, the position of the paper in the cassette 41 is regulated, and each regulating plate 44 that slides according to the paper size (in FIG. 1, a regulating plate 44a that regulates the paper in the vertical direction). And a variable resistor are connected to each other, and the sheet size is detected by the output change of the sheet size sensor 43 according to the change of the resistance value according to the slide position of each restriction plate 44. One or a plurality of paper feeding units 4a may be added.

  The transport path 4b is a path for transporting paper in the apparatus from the paper feed unit 4a to the discharge tray 48. Then, a guide plate 45 for guiding the paper, a pair of transport rollers 46 that are rotationally driven when transporting the paper, and the transported paper are waited in front of the image forming unit 5a in the transport path 4b, and the timing of toner image formation A registration roller pair 47 and the like for feeding out the paper are provided.

  The image forming unit 5a forms an image (toner image) based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to a sheet. Therefore, the image forming unit 5a includes a photosensitive drum 51 supported so as to be rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1, and a charging device 52, an exposure device 53, and a developing device disposed around the photosensitive drum 51. A device 54, a transfer roller 55, a cleaning device 56, and the like are provided.

  Explaining the image forming process, the photosensitive drum 51 that is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 52 on the upper right side of the photosensitive drum 51. The exposure device 53 is provided on the right side of the charging device 52 in FIG. 1, and outputs laser light L while turning on and off based on the image data, and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 in accordance with the image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed. In FIG. 1, the developing device 54 below the right-hand side of the photosensitive drum 51 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 and develops it, thereby forming a toner image.

  On the other hand, the transfer roller 55 on the left side of the photosensitive drum 51 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 51 to form a nip. Then, the registration roller pair 47 is timed to cause the sheet to enter the nip simultaneously with the toner image. When the nip between the paper and the toner image enters, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 55, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the paper. The cleaning device 56 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 51 after the transfer.

  The fixing unit 5b fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 5b in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a heating roller 57 containing a heating element and a pressure roller 58 that is in pressure contact therewith. When the paper passes through the nip between the heating roller 57 and the pressure roller 58, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the paper. The paper after fixing is received by the discharge tray 48. In this way, printing is performed when the copy function and printer function are used.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the flow of control signals is indicated by solid arrows, and an example of the flow of image data is indicated by broken arrows.

  In the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, a control unit 6 is provided on a substrate in the device, and the control unit 6 controls the operation of the multifunction device 1, and includes, for example, a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, and the like. The CPU 61 controls each part of the multifunction machine 1 by performing calculations based on a control program stored in the storage unit 62 and developed. The storage unit 62 is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and HDD. The storage unit 62 can store various data such as a control program, control data, setting data, and image data of the multifunction machine 1.

  Then, the control unit 6 includes an operation panel 8 (details will be described later), an image reading unit 3, a document conveying device 2, a sheet feeding unit 4a, a conveying path 4b, an image forming unit 5a, a fixing unit 5b, signal lines, and the like. To control the operation of the multifunction device 1. In addition, it receives image data of a document acquired by the image reading unit 3 or the like. Further, the control unit 6 receives the output of the document sensor 27 and recognizes the presence or absence of a document to be placed. The control unit 6 receives the output of the paper size sensor 43 and recognizes the size of the paper stored in the cassette 41.

  Further, the control unit 6 is connected to an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an I / F unit 63, which corresponds to an image data acquisition unit and a data output unit) including various connectors, sockets, a FAX modem, and the like. The I / F unit 63 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 100 and a counterpart FAX apparatus 200 (only one is shown for convenience in FIG. 2) via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, the image data obtained by the image reading unit 3 can be transmitted to the user terminal 100 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200 (Internet FAX may be used) (scanner function, FAX function). In addition, printing, FAX transmission, and the like can be performed based on image data transmitted from the user terminal 100 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200 and input to the MFP 1 (printer function, FAX function). Accordingly, the image data acquisition unit includes the I / F unit 63 in addition to the image reading unit 3.

  Next, the image processing unit 7 will be described. The image processing unit 7 includes image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 3 and the CIS unit 28, image data in the storage unit 62, image data received from the user terminal 100, and image data for FAX transmission / reception. After being subjected to various image processing, it is transferred to the control unit 6 and the image forming unit 5a (exposure device 53).

  The image processing unit 7, for example, an ASIC 71 (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is an integrated circuit in which arithmetic circuits having a plurality of functions related to image processing are integrated into one, or performs image processing or temporarily processes processed image data. Has an image memory 72 for storing. The ASIC 71, the image memory 72, and the like allow the image processing unit 7 to execute various image processing such as γ correction processing, density conversion processing, enlargement / reduction processing, frame removal processing, and mirror image processing. Since the image processing performed by the image processing unit 7 is diverse, a known one is applied except for the division of the aggregated image related to the present invention, and a detailed description is omitted. The image processing unit 7 may be configured as a separate circuit from the control unit 6 or may be functionally realized by the CPU 61 or the storage unit 62 of the control unit 6 and a program.

  And regarding the division | segmentation of the aggregated image of this invention, the page number determination part 73, the division | segmentation process part 74, the blank page determination part 75, the blank page discard part 76, which are implement | achieved as a circuit or software in the image process part 7, An enlargement processing unit 77, a rotation processing unit 78, a layout unit 79, and the like are provided.

  Although the details of the operation will be described later, the page number determination unit 73 operates when automatically determining the number of aggregate pages to be aggregated in the image data of the aggregate image. The division processing unit 74 divides image data of an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated by the number of aggregated pages (for example, 2 divisions for a 2in1 aggregated image and 4 divisions for a 4in1 aggregated image. ). The blank page determination unit 75 determines image data corresponding to a blank page with no information to be transmitted among image data divided from the aggregated image (hereinafter referred to as “divided image data”). The blank page discard unit 76 discards image data determined to be a blank page so as not to be used thereafter. The enlargement processing unit 77 enlarges image data such as divided image data. The rotation processing unit 78 rotates the divided image data as necessary (for example, 90 ° rotation). The layout unit 79 lays out the divided image data in accordance with the orientation of the sheet to be printed.

(Outline of aggregation and division according to the present invention)
Next, an overview of the aggregation and division processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the aggregation and division processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 8 used for setting the aggregation / division process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an example of an image processing setting screen for the aggregation and division processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, FIG. 3A will be described. On the left side of FIG. 3A, image data of an aggregated image in which images for 10 pages are aggregated in units of 4 pages (that is, 4 in 1) is shown. This consolidated printing has been conventionally performed from the viewpoint of reducing paper consumption. Here, in FIG. 3A, 4in1 is taken as an example, but it is common to collect even pages such as 2in1, 8in1, 16in1, and 32in1 into one page.

  However, since the original (original) image is reduced in the image data of the aggregated image, it may be felt that the aggregated image print is difficult to see. Therefore, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4A, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment can divide the image data of the aggregated image by the number of aggregated pages and print it one by one.

  Specifically, the division processing unit 74 of the image processing unit 7 divides the image data of one aggregated image in units of the aggregated page number (for example, equally divided by the aggregated page number and divided into 4 equal parts if 4 in 1). The enlargement processing unit 77 enlarges the divided image data so as to fit in the size of the paper to be printed (for example, when the image data of the aggregate image is A4 size 4in1 and printing on A4 paper, the magnification is 200%. ). Then, the layout unit 79 adjusts the position of the enlarged divided image data, and outputs the adjusted divided image data to the exposure device 53 of the image forming unit 5a. Thereafter, the exposure device 53 forms an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image data, and as a result, the aggregated image is divided and an enlarged printed matter is obtained. Regarding acquisition of the image data of the aggregated image, the multifunction device 1 can acquire the image data of the aggregated image by reading the printed material of the aggregated image with the image reading unit 3 or the CIS unit 28.

  Next, FIG. 3B will be described. Similar to FIG. 3A, on the left side of FIG. 3B, image data of an aggregated image obtained by aggregating 10 pages of images in units of 4 pages (ie, 4 in 1) is shown. In the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown on the right side of FIG. 3B, while the image data of the aggregated image is divided, the aggregation degree of the aggregated image is reduced and another aggregated image is printed. (FIG. 3B shows the case of 4 in 1 → 2 in 1).

  Specifically, when printing another aggregated image by reducing the aggregated degree of the aggregated image, the division processing unit 74 divides the image data of one aggregated image by the number of aggregated pages, and performs enlargement processing. The unit 77 enlarges the divided image data so that the new aggregation degree and the size of the paper to be printed are accommodated (for example, the image data of the aggregated image is A4 size 4in1 and the A4 paper is printed with the aggregation degree of 2in1. In this case, the magnification is about 141% because it is the same as the enlargement of A5 → A4.) Then, the rotation processing unit 78 and the layout unit 79 adjust the direction and position of the enlarged divided image data, and output the adjusted divided image data to the exposure device 53. As a result, the degree of aggregation of the original aggregated image is reduced, and a printed matter in which pages in the aggregated image are enlarged is obtained.

  Next, an example of a setting method in the aggregation division will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment has, for example, an operation panel 8 (corresponding to a setting input unit) as shown in FIG. The operation panel 8 displays a function selection key group 81 for selecting a function (copy, printer, scanner, FAX) used by the multifunction machine 1 and various menus, and allows the user to input operation settings via a touch panel. It has a liquid crystal display unit 82, a numeric keypad 83 for inputting numbers and the like, a start key 84 for instructing to start the set operation, and the like. That is, the operation panel 8 receives a setting input related to the operation of the apparatus. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the user can input settings related to the aggregated division on the liquid crystal display unit 82.

  First, FIG. 5A is an example of a screen for inputting information related to image data of an aggregate image in the aggregation division. In FIG. 5A, a plurality of keys are arranged on the left side of the dividing line L1 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 82 in order to input the number of aggregate pages per page of the image data of the aggregate image to be divided. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a 2 in 1 key K1, a 4 in 1 key K2, an 8 in 1 key K3, a 16 in 1 key K4, and a 32 in 1 key K5 are arranged. Further, the pressed key is reversed in black and white, for example, and the divided processing unit 74 divides the image data of the consolidated image by the number of consolidated pages corresponding to the pressed key (for example, 4 if the 4in1 key K2 is pressed). Divide, 8 divisions if 8in1 key K3 is pressed). That is, the operation panel 8 receives an input of the aggregate page number that is the number of pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregate image, and the division processing unit 74 uses the aggregate page number input to the operation panel 8 to determine the aggregate image. The image data is divided.

  The automatic determination key K6 causes the page number determination unit 73 to search for a margin corresponding to the boundary of each page in the image data of the aggregated image, and to automatically determine an appropriate division number from the position and size of the margin. When pressed. In other words, the multifunction device 1 includes a page number determination unit 73 that determines the number of consolidated pages to be aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image, and the division processing unit 74 aggregates based on the determination result of the page number determination unit 73. Divide the image data of the image.

  The double-sided key K7 is a key for instructing reading using the image reading unit 3 and the CIS unit 28 on the double-sided printing of the aggregated image placed on the document conveying device 2. The series document key K8 is a control unit 6 that indicates a series of (continuous) documents having no blank pages in the middle of the document when the document conveying device 2 continuously reads a plurality of aggregated image documents. It is a key that informs etc.

  A check box C (Ca, Cb, Cc, Cd) for designating the order of pages in the aggregated image is arranged on the right side of the dividing line L1 shown in FIG. When the check box Ca is in the Z-type page order, the check box Cb is in the reverse N-type page order, the check box Cc is in the reverse Z-type page order, the check box Cd is N When it is the order of the pages of the mold, it is pressed and a check in a letter shape is displayed in each check box C. Then, according to the order of the pages specified by the check boxes C, the order in the divided printing and layout of the aggregate image is determined. If the OK key K9 in the display on the liquid crystal display unit 82 shown in FIG. 5A is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed. A cancel key K10 is pressed to cancel the setting.

  FIG. 5B displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 82 is a setting screen for printing divided image data. An individual print key K11 for designating printing of each of the divided image data on one sheet is displayed above the dividing line L2 in the display of FIG. 5B. When the individual print key K11 is pressed, the enlargement processing unit 77 enlarges the divided image data in accordance with the size of the sheet to be printed, and the image forming unit 5a uses the enlarged image data, An image is formed on one sheet of image data divided from the aggregated image.

  On the other hand, a key that can be selected in the case of forming another aggregated image by lowering the degree of aggregation from the original aggregated image below the dividing line L2 in FIG. 5B (in FIG. 5B, as an example, 2in1 Key K12 is displayed). In the setting screen of FIG. 5B, for example, keys are automatically displayed so that the number of consolidated pages is smaller than that of the original aggregated image (in the example of FIG. 5B, the original aggregated image is displayed). 4in1). For example, if the original aggregated image is 32in1, in FIG. 5B, in addition to the 2in1 key K12, the 4in1, 8in1, and 16in1 keys are displayed, and if the original aggregated image is 2in1, As described above, since the number of aggregate pages in one page cannot be reduced, a key for forming an aggregate image is not displayed. That is, the operation panel 8 accepts an input for changing the number of aggregations and designating the number of aggregated pages of the aggregated image to be formed again, and the enlargement processing unit 77 applies the sheet specified by the input to the setting input unit. In accordance with the number of pages to be aggregated, each divided image data from the original aggregated image is enlarged, and the image forming unit 5a aggregates based on the designation of the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet and the enlarged image data. Image formation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, check boxes Ce and Cf for designating the order of arrangement of pages when forming another aggregated image using divided image data are to the right of the 2 in 1 key K12, for example. Is displayed. In FIG. 5B, when the OK key K9 is pressed, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 82 is switched to the display in FIG. 5C, for example.

  Next, on the screen of FIG. 5C, the paper size when printing or the like is designated. The enlargement processing unit 77 enlarges the divided image data in accordance with the size of the paper selected on this screen. In the display of FIG. 5C, only the paper size currently stored in the cassette 41 may be displayed (for example, detected by the paper size sensor 43).

(Blank page processing part operation)
Here, as shown in the bottom row on the left side of FIGS. 3A and 3B, when an aggregated image is generated with 4in1, for example, if the pages to be aggregated are 10 pages, the remainder obtained by dividing 10 by 4 2 blank pages are generated (half page on the aggregated image). When aggregated division printing is performed based on such aggregated image data, as shown by broken lines x in the right diagrams of FIGS. 3A and 3B, no information is transmitted. Printing paper.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the blank page determination unit 75 automatically determines whether or not each divided image data is a blank page. If it is determined that the page is a blank page, the blank page discard unit 76 automatically detects a blank page. It is characterized in that it is discarded and not used. That is, the image forming unit 5a forms an image based on image data obtained by enlarging the image data that has been divided from the aggregated image and has not been discarded. Thus, even if the aggregated division of a plurality of aggregate images in which blank pages are mixed in each page of the document is performed, printing of blank page portions can be prevented.

  An example of determination by the blank page determination unit 75 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows an example of image data of a 4-in-1 aggregated image, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of an area for one page of the images aggregated in the aggregated image. In this example, image data of a 4-in-1 aggregated image will be described as an example.

  First, the blank page determination unit 75 confirms the presence of pixels of a color different from the background in the direction of the line (row) shown in FIG. 4B for the divided image data from the aggregated image, for example. Here, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, a case where the divided image data is a monochrome binary image will be described as an example. Therefore, in a monochrome binary image, the background color is basically white.

  Then, the number of pixels different from the background color is confirmed for each line, and the number of pixels different from the background color for each line in all the lines in the divided image data in the direction perpendicular to the line direction. Confirm. That is, scanning is performed in the scanning direction shown in FIG. 6B while counting pixels different from the background color for each line.

  Then, the blank page determination unit 75 checks a line in which the number of dots having a color different from the background color is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 10 to 50 pixels or more) in one line in the divided image data. It is confirmed whether or not the number of lines exceeds a predetermined number of lines (for example, 10 to 50 lines). If the number of lines equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold exceeds the predetermined number of lines, the divided image data is considered not to be a blank page because it is considered that there are symbols, characters, figures, etc. for transmitting some information. On the other hand, if the number of lines equal to or greater than the threshold does not exceed the predetermined number of lines, it is determined that there is no element to transmit information and the page is blank. That is, the blank page determination unit 75 counts pixels having a different color from the background color pixels to determine whether the page is a blank page.

  The predetermined threshold and the predetermined number of lines prevent occurrence of a determination error that the page is not a blank page when noise such as a black dot is placed on the blank page when the original aggregate image is printed. Therefore, the numerical values described above are merely examples, and the number of divisions from the aggregated image (4 divisions, 8 divisions, etc.), the resolution of the divided image data (for example, 600 dpi as a general reading resolution of the image reading unit 3 or an image) Acquisition of image data such as the image reading unit 3, the CIS unit 28, and the user terminal 100 and the FAX apparatus 200 described as the second embodiment. The threshold and the number of lines may be individually set according to (1). Therefore, a data table for determining a predetermined threshold value and a predetermined number of lines may be stored in the storage unit 62 in accordance with the resolution of the image data and the size of the divided image data.

  Note that the background color can be recognized by the image processing unit 7 or the blank page determination unit 75. However, in the case of a black and white binary image, the background is white. If it is gray and is a color image, the background may be white or colored. There are various methods for qualifying the background color in a grayscale image or a colored image. For example, the grayscale brightness information of each pixel is used in grayscale, and the color information (image data is stored in a color image). In the case of the RGB format, a histogram of pixel values of each pixel in the divided image data is generated based on R, G, and B pixel values, and among them, a pixel value having a high frequency is recognized as a background color. be able to. It should be noted that other methods may be used for the background color recognition.

(Flow of control of aggregate split processing)
Next, based on FIG. 7, the flow of control of the aggregation division process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the aggregation and division process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this control, a case will be described in which the image reading unit 3 or the like reads each aggregated image (one sheet) and repeats the processing.

  First, in the start of FIG. 7, a setting input for performing an aggregation division process is performed on the operation panel 8, and an aggregated image document is placed on the document conveying device 2 or the placement reading contact glass 31 b. This is the point in time when a copy execution instruction is input.

  Next, the image reading unit 3 is used to read the aggregated image original and acquire image data for one aggregated image (step # 1). At this time, if the double-sided key K7 is pressed, double-sided reading is performed using the CIS unit 28. Next, the image data of the aggregated image is sent to the image processing unit 7, and the division processing unit 74 divides the image data of the aggregated image by input from the operation panel 8 or automatic determination (step # 2).

  Next, the control unit 6 causes the blank page determination unit 75 to determine whether each image data divided from the aggregated image is a blank page (step # 3). If there is a blank page, the blank page discard unit 76 discards the blank page (step # 4). Thereafter, the enlargement processing unit 77 performs enlargement processing on each piece of divided image data that has not been discarded in accordance with the size of the sheet to be printed (step # 5). Then, the rotation processing unit 78 performs a process of rotating each divided image data as necessary (for example, in the case of changing the aggregation number from 4 in 1 to 2 in 1) (step # 6). When the layout unit 79 arranges the output order of the divided image data in accordance with the order specified in the liquid crystal display unit 82 or prints the aggregated image again, the division unit 79 performs the division in the order specified by the liquid crystal display unit 82. The arrangement is arranged so that the image data is printed (step # 7).

  When the arrangement is completed, image data is sequentially output from the layout unit 79 to the exposure device 53 of the image forming unit 5a (step # 8). Thereafter, the control unit 6 confirms whether or not the processing has been completed for all the aggregated image documents by confirming whether or not the document remains in the document conveying device 2 (step # 9). If the process is completed (Yes in step # 9), the process is ended. If not completed (No in step # 9), the process returns to step # 1.

  If the series document key K8 is pressed in the setting, it is highly possible that the blank page exists only on the last sheet of the read aggregated images. Accordingly, if the series document key K8 has been pressed, a step is added to the processing shown in FIG. 7 to determine whether or not there is a blank page only on the final image among a plurality of consolidated images. In some cases, the amount of processing can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which steps are added to the control shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example in which steps are added to the control shown in FIG. The addition from FIG. 7 is steps # 20 to # 26. Specifically, in step # 20, the control unit 6 confirms whether or not a series document key K8 for instructing that the series document has no blank page in the middle. Then, in step # 21, it is confirmed whether or not there is still a document of the aggregated image to be read using a document sensor or the like. This is because if there is still a document, there is a high possibility that there is no blank page in the image data of the aggregated image currently being processed. If it remains (Yes in Step # 21), the blank page determination unit 75 does not determine whether or not there is a blank page (Step # 22).

  On the other hand, if it does not remain, the blank page determination unit 75 determines whether or not the page is a blank page in order from the page corresponding to the last page based on the page order in the aggregated image on the operation panel 8 such as the check boxes Ca to Cd. Judgment is made (step # 23). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the determined divided image data is a blank page (step # 24). If it is a blank page (Yes in step # 24), the blank page is discarded (step # 25) and must be a blank page. (No in step # 24), blank page determination unit 75 stops the determination operation at that time (step # 26). That is, the operation panel 8 receives an input for designating the order of pages in the image data of the aggregated image, and the blank page determination unit 75 starts from the last page among the image data divided from the image data of the aggregated image. It is determined whether or not the image data is a blank page divided in order toward the page, and the determination operation is stopped when it is determined that the divided image data is not a blank page. After steps # 22 and 26, the process proceeds to step # 5, and thereafter, the same as in FIG.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the aggregated image transmitted from the user terminal 100 or the FAX apparatus 200 is not printed as a document using the image data read by the image reading unit 3 or the CIS unit 28 as a document. The only difference is that the image data of the image and the image data stored in the storage unit 62 in the form of the aggregated image are subjected to aggregated division and printing. Other points are the first embodiment. It is the same. Therefore, description will be made using the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  In the case of image data scanned by the image reading unit 3 or an electronic document (for example, PDF file) generated by the user terminal 100, a plurality of pages may be contained in one page and stored in a consolidated image format. The present invention can also be applied to printing such image data and electronic documents.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, since the user terminal 100 is connected via the I / F unit 63, the image data or electronic document to be stored and printed in the user terminal 100 is the I / F of the multifunction device 1. The MFP 1 receives the image data of the aggregate image to be printed. Then, by performing processing on the image data in the division processing unit 74 or the like, it is possible to perform division processing on each page of each image aggregated in the aggregated image and perform printing.

  In general, the user terminal 100 includes an HDD and the like, and driver software for using the multifunction device 1 is installed. Therefore, by using the driver software, in the first embodiment, the display of the aggregation division setting as shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 82 is displayed on the display of the user terminal 100, and the mouse, keyboard, etc. By using this input device, it is possible to make settings related to aggregation division. Then, the setting data regarding the aggregation division is input to the I / F unit 63 (corresponding to the setting input unit) together with the image data of the aggregated image, and the multifunction device 1 operates as a printer based on the setting data. In other words, the I / F unit 63 also functions as an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data of an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated, and also functions as a setting input unit that accepts a setting input related to the operation of the multifunction device 1.

  Note that when printing the image data of the aggregated image stored in the storage unit 62 in the multifunction device 1, the image data to be aggregated and divided may be designated on the liquid crystal display unit 82, or the driver of the user terminal 100 It may be specified by software. For example, if a template of a frequently used document is stored in the form of image data of an aggregate image, and is divided and printed one page at a time by aggregate division, the storage capacity of the storage unit 62 is apparently increased. Can do. In this case, the print setting for the aggregated division may be performed on the liquid crystal display unit 82 or may be set on the display of the user terminal 100.

  Next, aggregation and division of image data received by the FAX apparatus 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the I / F unit 63 (equipped with a modem function) of the multifunction machine 1 can perform FAX communication with a counterpart FAX apparatus 200 connected to a public line or the like. However, in general, the image data received by the FAX apparatus 200 is relatively aggregated because of the resolution of the FAX apparatus 200 and the like.

  However, if the transmission by the FAX apparatus 200 is transmitted as, for example, a 2 in 1 aggregated image, and the received image data is aggregated and divided one page at a time and printed, the FAX transmission cost can be reduced and further expanded. Therefore, a certain degree of visibility can be secured. Note that the MFP 1 of this embodiment also has a function as the Internet FAX apparatus 200. Therefore, when image data is received as the Internet FAX apparatus 200, the liquid crystal display unit 82 is used if the attached image data is an aggregated image. Etc. may be used to set aggregation and division.

  As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, since the blank page determination unit 75 and the blank page discard unit 76 are provided, printing is performed using image data divided from the aggregated image. This eliminates the waste of printing blank pages. Therefore, waste of seats and power consumption can be reduced. The blank page is automatically discarded, and the user does not need to specify the blank page portion, which is highly convenient for the user. Further, the division processing unit 74 divides the image data of the aggregated image by the number of aggregated pages input to the setting input unit (for example, the operation panel 8), so the image data of the aggregated image is aggregated to the number of pages. Can be surely divided. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically discard the blank page accurately.

  Also, in the case of image data of an aggregate image of a series of (continuous) documents (for example, articles, reports, papers, etc. over multiple pages), there is usually no blank page in the middle, and blank pages are Exists for the last page in the image data. According to this configuration, the blank page determination unit 75 determines whether or not the divided image data is a blank page in order from the last page to the first page in the divided image data. Since the determination operation is stopped when it is determined that it is not, the processing time and the amount of processing data can be reduced as compared with the case where the determination processing is performed on all the divided image data.

  In addition, since the page number determination unit 73 that determines the number of aggregated pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image is provided, the number of pages of image data aggregated in the aggregated image can be automatically recognized. Therefore, all the divisions of the image data aggregated into the aggregated image can be appropriately and automatically performed. Further, since the image forming unit 5a forms an image on one sheet of one piece of image data divided from the aggregated image based on the enlarged image data, each image data is in a range that does not protrude from the sheet. And the visibility of the printed result is improved.

  Further, the enlargement processing unit 77 enlarges each image data divided from the original aggregated image in accordance with the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet designated by the input to the setting input unit. It is also possible to reduce the number of aggregations. In addition, since the number of aggregation is reduced, each page portion in the aggregated image is enlarged, and visibility is improved. The blank page determination unit 75 counts pixels of a color different from the background color pixels to determine whether or not the page is a blank page. Therefore, even if the blank portion is not limited to white, it is blank if there is no information to be transmitted. It can be recognized as a page and useless printing can be eliminated.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the aggregated image is divided and printed has been described. For example, the image data obtained by scanning the printed matter of the aggregated image is divided by one page or is aggregated into one page. Alternatively, image data with a changed number of pages may be formed and transmitted to the storage unit 62 or the user terminal 100. That is, the MFP 1 stores the image data obtained by enlarging the image data that has been divided from the aggregated image and not discarded, and the image that has been segmented from the aggregated image and not discarded. A data output unit for outputting image data obtained by enlarging the data to the outside is provided. In this case, the same setting as shown in FIG. 5 can be performed by dividing the aggregated image (when stored as image data. According to this configuration, the aggregated image is divided and not discarded. Since the storage unit 62 for storing the image data obtained by enlarging the image data and / or the data output unit (I / F unit 63) are provided, the image data obtained by dividing the aggregated image is transmitted to the apparatus main body or an external terminal. Can be remembered.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, or a printer that divides and prints an aggregate image.

1 is a schematic front sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the aggregation division | segmentation process which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation panel used for the setting of the aggregation division | segmentation process which concerns on embodiment. It is an example of a setting screen for image processing of aggregation division processing according to the embodiment. (A) shows an example of image data of a 4-in-1 aggregated image, and (b) is an enlarged view of an area for one page of the aggregated images in the aggregated image. It is a flowchart which shows an example of control of the aggregation division | segmentation process which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart of an example which added the step to the control shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device) 28 CIS unit (image data acquisition unit)
3 Image Reading Unit (Image Data Acquisition Unit) 5a Image Forming Unit 62 Storage Unit 63 I / F Unit (Image Data Acquisition Unit, Setting Input Unit, Data Output Unit)
8 Operation Panel (Setting Input Unit) 74 Division Processing Unit 75 Blank Page Determination Unit 76 Blank Page Discarding Unit 77 Enlargement Processing Unit

Claims (8)

An image data acquisition unit that acquires image data of an aggregated image in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated;
An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data;
A setting input unit that accepts setting inputs related to the operation of the device;
A division processing unit for dividing the image data of the aggregated image;
A blank page determination unit that determines image data corresponding to a blank page that is not described in the information to be transmitted among the image data divided from the aggregated image;
A blank page discard unit for discarding the image data determined to be the blank page;
An enlargement processing unit for enlarging the image data,
The image forming apparatus performs image formation based on image data obtained by enlarging image data that has been divided from an aggregated image and that has not been discarded. The setting input unit accepts an input of the aggregated page number that is the number of pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the division processing unit divides the image data of the aggregated image by the number of aggregated pages input to the setting input unit. The setting input unit accepts an input for designating the order of pages in the image data of the aggregated image,
The blank page determination unit determines whether or not the image data divided from the image data of the aggregated image is the image data blank page sequentially divided from the last page toward the top page. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination operation is stopped when it is determined that the image data is not a blank page. A page number determination unit that determines the number of aggregated pages aggregated in the image data of the aggregated image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the division processing unit divides the image data of the aggregated image based on a determination result of the page number determination unit. The enlargement processing unit enlarges the image data divided from the original aggregate image according to the size of the sheet to be printed,
5. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms an image on one sheet of image data divided from the aggregated image based on the enlarged image data. The image forming apparatus described in the item. The setting input unit receives an input for specifying the number of aggregated pages of the aggregated image to be formed again by changing the aggregated number of the divided image data,
The enlargement processing unit enlarges each image data divided from the original aggregated image according to the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet designated by the input to the setting input unit,
6. The image forming unit according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit forms an aggregate image based on designation of the number of pages to be aggregated on one sheet and image data after enlargement. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blank page determination unit counts pixels having a color different from a background color pixel to determine whether the page is a blank page.   A storage unit for storing image data obtained by enlarging image data that has been divided from the aggregated image and not discarded, and / or image data that has been segmented from the aggregated image and has not been discarded The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data output unit that outputs the image data to the outside.

Images