JP2010147578A - Image forming apparatus and preview display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for easily confirming setting for each sub job in a preview display, in a document-bundle processing mode for handling a plurality of sub jobs as one job. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus (illustrated as a digital multifunction peripheral 1) is provided with a preview image generating part 16a for generating a preview image of image data to be printed, and a display control part for displaying the image on a display part. In the multifunction peripheral 1, a document-bundle processing mode can be selected by an operation section. In the document-bundle processing mode, in the multifunction peripheral 1, (1) the preview image generating part 16a generates a preview image for the present sub job, and (2) the display control part displays the preview image generated for the present sub job on the display part before setting a printing condition and reading a document for the next job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of previewing image data before output, and a preview display method thereof.

  It is desired to print a plurality of original bundles under different copying conditions and handle them as one job. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a build job mode that enables such a request. With this build job mode (processing mode for each original bundle), for example, the first original bundle is copied in the black and white mode, the second original bundle is copied in the color mode, and both are merged into one Can be completed as printed matter. By such processing, it is possible to reduce the cost of copying compared to performing all original bundles in color. In addition, it is possible to save the user's trouble of performing printing under different image forming conditions and manually binding the resulting printed matter.

On the other hand, some image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals have a function of displaying a preview of image data as a target on a display unit before executing copying or printing. The preview allows the user to check the print status in advance, so if the settings are incorrect, it can be reconfigured before printing is performed, saving resources and reworking. It is.
JP 2005-134798 A

  The document bundle separate processing mode described in Patent Document 1 has the above-mentioned convenience, but if all the settings related to a plurality of document bundles are not correct, a satisfactory printed matter cannot be obtained, and even one of them is wrong. In some cases, the entire process needs to be redone, and waste of resources and time for redoing are required. Therefore, there is a demand for a method for easily confirming the setting in the original document processing mode.

  However, with the preview function described above, the first and last image data can be confirmed by looking at the print state of the scanned document in order from the beginning or by pressing a button set to view the first and last. Not too much. Therefore, even if the above-described preview function is installed in the image forming apparatus equipped with the original bundle processing mode, the preview image can be viewed one by one even if only the top of each original bundle needs to be checked. You have to go through the first page of each bundle and check it.

  In the preview function described above, preview display is executed after all the originals have been read. Therefore, even if the above-described preview function is installed in the image forming apparatus equipped with the original bundle separation processing mode, the preview display is started after the reading of the originals of all the original bundles is completed.

  When the preview display is performed after all the originals have been read, if the number of original bundles (the number of sub-jobs) is very large, the preview image of the original belonging to which sub-job the preview image currently displayed on the preview display belongs to. It is very difficult to understand whether it is an image. In addition, when changing the print settings for a bundle of documents that are currently displayed in preview, it may be necessary to read the document again, but when the user finishes reading the document, the user clears the document into a file (binder) or the like. In many cases, it takes time to take out a bundle of originals once removed from the binder.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and the settings for each sub-job can be easily confirmed for each sub-job by a preview display during the original bundle processing mode in which a plurality of sub-jobs are handled as one job. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above and a preview display method thereof.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first technical means of the present invention includes an operation unit, a display unit, a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of image data to be printed, and the preview image generation unit. An image forming apparatus including a display control unit for displaying a generated preview image on the display unit, wherein a document bundle separation processing mode can be selected by the operation unit, and the document bundle separation processing mode is In this mode, a plurality of sub jobs corresponding to each of a plurality of document bundles to be read as a print job and a plurality of sub jobs each having printing conditions set are executed. In the case of the original bundle separation processing mode, (1) the preview image generation unit performs the current support before setting the printing conditions for the next sub-job and reading the original. Generates a preview image of the job is (2) that the display control unit, characterized in that to display the preview image generated for the current sub-job on the display unit.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the display control unit receives a change key for changing a printing condition of the current sub job when the preview image generated for the current sub job is displayed. The display unit is displayed so that it can be selected by the operation unit.

  According to a third technical means, in the first or second technical means, the display control unit cancels a preview for hiding the preview image when the preview image generated for the current sub-job is displayed. The key is displayed on the display unit so as to be selectable by the operation unit.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, the display control unit causes the user to select whether or not to shift to the next sub job when the preview cancel key is selected by the operation unit. Inquiry images for this purpose are displayed on the display unit.

  According to a fifth technical means, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, whether or not to perform a preview display during the document bundle separate processing mode is determined by the operation unit in common for all sub jobs or for each sub job. It is characterized in that it can be set for each.

  A sixth technical means is configured to display an operation unit, a display unit, a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of image data to be printed, and a preview image generated by the preview image generation unit on the display unit. A preview display method in an image forming apparatus including a display control unit, wherein the document forming process mode can be selected by the operation unit, and the document stacking process mode is 1 In this mode, a plurality of sub-jobs corresponding to each of a plurality of original bundles to be read are executed as a single print job, and a plurality of sub-jobs each having print conditions set are executed. A section that accepts selection of the processing mode for each bundle of originals, and when in the processing mode for separate bundles of documents, Prior to setting printing conditions and reading a document, (1) the preview image generation unit generates a preview image for the current sub job, and (2) the display control unit generates the preview image for the current sub job. And displaying on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, settings in each sub job can be easily confirmed by preview display for each sub job during the document bundle separate processing mode in which a plurality of sub jobs are handled as one job.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a print function, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and the like will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating the embodiment.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system constructed using a digital multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, 1 is a digital multifunction peripheral, 2 and 3 are external computers, 4 is an Internet facsimile machine (Internet FAX machine), and 5 is a facsimile machine.

  In addition to a print function and a copy function, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has a function of transmitting / receiving image data by fax (facsimile function) and / or a function of transmitting / receiving image data by Internet FAX (Internet FAX function). Various external devices are connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via a communication network. For example, an external computer 2 such as a personal computer (PC) is connected to a communication network LN laid as a local communication network and connected to an Internet network IN connected via a gateway or the like not shown in the figure. Is connected to an external computer 3 and an Internet FAX apparatus 4. An external facsimile machine 5 is connected via a public telephone line network PN.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating an example of a touch panel and a key operation unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG.

  2 includes a touch panel 10, a panel control unit 11, a recording unit 12, a reading unit 13, a format conversion unit 14, an image storage unit 15, an image processing unit 16, an encoding / decoding unit 17, a main unit. Control unit 18, control memory 19, key operation unit 20, LAN (Local Area Network) control unit 21, control buffer 22, network control unit (NCU) 23, modem 24, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) ) Interface (I / F) 25 is provided. In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may include a post-processing device that performs drilling (punching), stapling processing, and the like.

  The main control unit 18 is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control memory 19 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). A program (firmware) and various setting data are stored in the control memory 19 so as to be readable from the main control unit 18. Among these, at least various setting data are stored in a rewritable memory. Further, these programs and various setting data may be stored in a hard disk as a configuration example of the image storage unit 15 described later. The control buffer 22 is composed of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The above-described program includes instructions related to generation and display of a preview image, which will be described later, according to the present invention, instructions related to generation / transmission / reception of facsimile images and e-mails, instructions related to document reading, and printing. This is for the main control unit 18 to issue commands, commands related to reading and printing (that is, copying), etc., to other parts. This program is developed on the control buffer 22 by the main control unit 18, and is executed while referring to various setting data described later as appropriate, with the control buffer 22 used as a data area for temporary storage (work).

  The reading unit 13 is a scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), reads a document as a bitmap image of RGB (R: red, G: green, B: blue) having a predetermined resolution, and reads the read RGB image data. (Dot image data) is output to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 is configured by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like, and performs various image processing on target image data. An example of image processing will be described later. Other parts such as the encoding / decoding unit 17 may be incorporated in the ASIC described above.

  The image storage unit 15 is configured by a hard disk or the like, and stores image data read by the reading unit 13 and passed through the image processing unit 16, image data received from the outside via the LAN control unit 21, the NCU 23, and the like. When image data is stored in the image storage unit 15, the data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 17 can be stored. The image storage unit 15 may also temporarily store intermediate data generated during image processing in the image processing unit 16.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 compresses the image data by encoding and decodes (decompresses) the encoded image data into the original image data. For example, the encoding / decoding unit 17 performs encoding of image data read from a document, decoding of the encoded data, decoding of encoded image data received from the outside, and the like. In the encoding / decoding unit 17, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) generally used in filing, MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), and MMR (Modified READ) generally used in facsimile communication are used. (Modified READ) or the like can be used according to the application. As an encoding method, MH can be adopted in IP facsimile communication, and JPEG and JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group) can be adopted in Internet facsimile communication in addition to MH, MR, and MMR.

  The format conversion unit 14 converts the read image data or image data received from the outside into a predetermined file format such as PDF (Portable Document Format), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or TIFF (Tag Image File Format). .

  The recording unit 12 includes a printer apparatus that employs a printing method such as an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method, and records (that is, prints) image data stored in the image storage unit 15 on a recording sheet. The USB I / F 25 is an I / F for connecting to a USB device such as a USB memory, and outputs image data after reading a document stored in the image storage unit 15 to the USB device. Read a file from.

  The modem 24 is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication, and is connected to a telephone line and directly connected to the NCU 23. The NCU 23 is connected to a telephone line and controls the line. That is, the NCU 23 is hardware that performs operations for closing and opening a line with an analog public telephone line network (PSTN), and connects the modem 24 to the public telephone line network as necessary. With this configuration, the image data stored in the image storage unit 15 is transmitted to the outside by facsimile, or the facsimile image data is received from the telephone line and stored in the image storage unit 15 or directly printed by the recording unit 12. It becomes possible to do.

  The LAN control unit 21 is connected to the LAN, and performs communication of electronic mail data and Internet FAX via the Internet. The Internet FAX transmits and receives electronic mails via a computer network such as a LAN using a LAN interface or the like.

  When the touch panel 10 or the key operation unit 20 executes an operation for selecting a desired process from processes such as a document reading process, image data transmission, and printing, an operation for starting the process, and each process An operation (selection operation or input operation) or the like for performing settings necessary for the operation is received. This setting includes, for example, a setting for selecting a bundle-by-batch processing mode, for example, setting of the number of prints at the time of printing, setting of color / monochrome, setting of reduction ratio and enlargement ratio, setting of punching and stapling, facsimile image, and the like. There are various examples such as setting destination information when sending e-mails.

  The key operation unit 20 includes a group of keys necessary for operation. The touch panel 10 includes a display unit and an operation receiving unit such as a touch sensor. The touch panel 10 is subjected to display control and operation acceptance control by the panel control unit 11. That is, the panel control unit 11 performs display control of the display unit and operation reception control of the operation reception unit on the touch panel 10.

  The display unit of the touch panel 10 displays the current operation state, setting information (for example, transmission destination) and the like. This display is realized by the panel control unit 11 controlling so as to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image. With the GUI, the display and operation reception position can be changed according to a user operation. Each GUI and its image may be stored in the internal memory of the panel control unit 11 or the control memory 19 so as to be readable. As the display unit, various display formats such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display can be adopted.

  The user operation received on the touch panel 10 is interpreted by the panel control unit 11 and transmitted to the main control unit 18 as an operation signal. The user operation received by the key operation unit 20 is interpreted by the key operation unit 20 itself and transmitted to the main control unit 18 as an operation signal. The main control unit 18 issues a command according to the operation signal obtained in this manner to another part, thereby causing the other part to execute a process according to the user operation. Note that although the touch panel 10 in which the display device and the operation unit are integrated has been described, only the display device may be provided instead of the touch panel 10, and in this case, the user operation is accepted only by the key operation unit 20.

  The touch panel 10 and the key operation unit 20 may be configured as an operation panel 30 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the operation panel 30 includes a key operation unit 31 including various hardware keys (corresponding to the key operation unit 20). And a touch panel 32 (corresponding to the touch panel 10) including a liquid crystal display and a touch sensor. Hereinafter, the touch panel 32 and the key operation unit 31 are applied instead of the touch panel 10 and the key operation unit 20 in the configuration of FIG.

  The key operation unit 31 includes, as hardware keys, a numeric keypad 31a for inputting a numerical value, a clear key 31b for clearing an input set value, an all cancel key 31c for canceling all input settings, a copy start, In addition to a start key 31d for receiving an instruction such as transmission start, function switching keys 31e, 31f, and 31g for switching a print function, a transmission function, and a copy function, and a system setting key 31h for receiving a setting by a user are provided.

An operation example in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 having the above-described configuration example will be described.
<Original scanning operation>
In the original reading operation, the image data of the read original is stored (filed) in the image storage unit 15, the image data of the read original is transmitted to the outside, or the image data of the read original is printed (that is, a copy). To be done).

  When a user operation for performing a process that requires reading of a document is received by the operation panel 30, the main control unit 18 reads the reading unit 13, the image storage unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the encoding / decoding unit 17. Is instructed to execute processing as described below.

  The reading unit 13 optically reads an image of a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder, and passes RGB image data (RGB bitmap data) as a result of the reading to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 executes various types of image processing (hereinafter referred to as document image processing) such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and γ correction on the RGB image data. Here, the shading process is a process for removing various distortions generated in the illumination system, the imaging system, and the imaging system of the reading unit 13.

  As document image processing, document discrimination processing and region separation processing may be executed following A / D conversion, shading correction, and γ correction. The document determination processing includes processing for determining the type of document from input image data (here, image data after γ correction) and processing for determining whether the document is a color document or a monochrome document. Examples of the type of document include a character document, a printed photo document, and a character printed photo document in which they are mixed. The image processing unit 16 outputs a determination signal (hereinafter referred to as document determination data) as a result of these document determination processing and monochrome / color document determination processing. The area separation process is a process of determining what kind of area each pixel of input image data (here, image data after γ correction) belongs to. For example, each pixel is a black character area, This is a process of determining which region belongs to, such as a color character region or a halftone dot region. The image processing unit 16 outputs region separation data as the determination result. Note that this region separation processing may be executed based on the results of the document discrimination processing and the monochrome / color discrimination processing described above.

  The document determination data and the area separation data are stored in the image storage unit 15 in association with corresponding image data (image data after document image processing). At this time, after the original determination data and the region separation data are encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 17, each encoded data is stored in the image storage unit 15 in association with the corresponding image data. It should be noted that encoding at the time of storing in the image storage unit 15 is not essential, but in the following description, it is assumed that image data is stored in an encoded state. The same applies to operations other than the document reading operation.

<Printing action>
By the above-described original reading operation, filing of image data of the read original is completed. Next, a printing operation when printing image data of a read document (that is, when copying a document) will be described. When a user operation for performing processing that requires printing is received by the operation panel 30, the main control unit 18 includes the recording unit 12, the image storage unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the encoding / decoding unit 17, and the like. Is instructed to execute processing as described below. Note that the main control unit 18 also gives an instruction to the reading unit 13 (original reading instruction) when, for example, a copy operation is performed.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be configured to be able to add additional information such as a stamp, date (or date / time), page number, etc. to image data at the time of printing. A description will be given of a simple configuration. When there is such an addition instruction, the main control unit 18 controls the image processing unit 16. It can be said that the additional information added to the image data is an additional image. The additional information is stored in the control memory 19 and is read out as necessary. Of course, additional information may be originally stored as additional image data. A plurality of additional information may be stored in the control memory 19 and the additional setting information may be stored in the control memory 19. This additional setting information includes at least information indicating a position to be added to image data (hereinafter referred to as an additional position), and also includes information on which one to select when a plurality of additional information is stored. Shall be. When there is an instruction to execute punching or stapling processing in the post-processing device, the main control unit 18 also controls this post-processing device.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 reads out the image data to be printed and the corresponding document determination data and area separation data from the image storage unit 15, decodes them, and passes them to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 performs various image processing (hereinafter referred to as printing image processing) on the decoded image data (RGB image data). Image processing for printing, as outlined below, image quality adjustment processing, dichroic processing, color correction processing, black generation / under color removal processing, spatial filter processing, scaling processing, output tone correction Processing, halftone generation processing, and the like. The black generation / under color removal process, the spatial filter process, and the halftone generation process are processes corresponding to various areas indicated by the area separation data.

  As the image quality adjustment processing, the background is detected by detecting the background from the decoded image data. Further, as image quality adjustment processing, RGB adjustment (overall color adjustment such as color adjustment and reddish bluishness), brightness adjustment, and image data after background removal based on setting information set by the user through the operation panel 30. Also adjust the vividness. At this time, adjustment may be performed according to the document type indicated by the document determination data.

  As color correction processing, CMY data having CMY (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow), which are complementary colors of RGB, is generated from RGB data after image quality adjustment processing to improve color reproducibility. Process. Black generation / under color removal processing includes black generation processing for generating black (K) data from color-corrected CMY data, and new CMY data by subtracting K data obtained by black generation from the original CMY data. The undercolor removal process to be generated is performed. As the spatial filter processing, enhancement processing and smoothing processing are performed on the CMYK data that is the data of these four colors. When a two-color mode for outputting image data in two colors (for example, red and black) is selected, a dichroic process is executed. As the dichroic process, a process of converting RGB data into CMY data expressing two specified colors (in this case, red and black) is performed. In the two-color mode, the black generation / under color removal process is performed on the CMY data after the two-color process, and the spatial filter process is also performed, but the color correction process is not performed.

  As the scaling process, an image enlargement process or an image reduction process is performed on the CMYK data after the spatial filter process based on the print magnification set by the user operation on the operation panel 30. The printing magnification is the magnification of the image after printing with respect to the image indicated by the read and stored image data. Of course, the print magnification is not limited to the magnification obtained by the user operation, and is the default magnification when there is no operation for the print magnification. As output gradation correction processing, output γ correction processing for outputting to a recording medium such as recording paper is performed on the CMYK data. As halftone generation processing, tone reproduction processing for outputting an image is performed on the CMYK data after the output tone correction processing by error diffusion processing or dither processing. In the output tone correction process and the halftone generation process, for example, processing corresponding to the document type indicated by the document determination data may be performed, for example, processing contents are different between the character area and the other areas.

  The CMYK data after the halftone generation process is transferred to the recording unit 12. A case where additional information is added will be described. For additional information, there are a method of performing a scaling process according to the scaling ratio of the print data, and a method of not performing the scaling process for the additional information regardless of the scaling ratio of the print data. First, when the additional information is also scaled, the main control unit 18 reads the additional information and the information indicating the additional position, and the main control unit 18 or the image processing unit 16 converts it to image data as necessary. The image data of the additional information is transferred to the image processing unit 16 before the scaling process. This conversion is not necessary when the additional image data is originally stored. Subsequently, the image processing unit 16 may synthesize the image data of the additional information at the additional position with the image data of the addition destination that is the image data before the scaling process.

  When the additional information is not subjected to the scaling process, the main control unit 18 reads the additional information and information indicating the additional position, and the main control unit 18 or the image processing unit 16 converts the information into image data as necessary. In this example, CMYK data is obtained by conversion. This conversion is not necessary when the additional image data is originally stored. Subsequently, the image processing unit 16 adds the image data of the additional information to the addition destination image data that is the image data after the scaling process (the above-described CMYK data that is the target of the output gradation correction process or the halftone generation process). However, it may be synthesized at the additional position.

  In any case, the CMYK data after the halftone generation process with the additional information added by the image processing unit 16 can be output. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the additional information and the additional position may be set by the user using the operation panel 30 while performing a preview display described below.

  The recording unit 12 receives the image data (in this example, CMYK image data) subjected to the image processing for printing by the image processing unit 16 in this way, and performs hard copy (printout) by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. To do. Then, the post-processing apparatus executes punching or stapling processing on the printed paper as necessary. Note that the target data of the printing operation described here is not limited to the image data read by the reading unit 13, and is, for example, transferred in advance from an external recording medium or a network-connected PC or the like, and the image storage unit 15. The same applies to the image data (image file) stored in. The printing operation of the image data received by facsimile and stored in the image storage unit 15 will be described later.

<Preview display operation of image data to be printed>
Next, an operation (preview display operation) of previewing image data stored in the image storage unit 15 as a result of document reading on the touch panel 32 before printing will be described. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 has a configuration that enables preview display for image data to be printed. This preview display operation is performed when a user operation for performing a process that requires a preview display is received by the operation panel 30. For example, the preview display operation is also performed when the image data after reading the document is set to be previewed first before printing.

  The main control unit 18 instructs the image storage unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the encoding / decoding unit 17, the panel control unit 11, and the like to execute processing as described below. Note that the main control unit 18 also gives an instruction to the reading unit 13 (original reading instruction) when, for example, an operation for copying an original is performed.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 reads out the image data to be previewed and the corresponding document determination data and region separation data from the image storage unit 15, decodes them, and passes them to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 performs various image processing (hereinafter referred to as preview image processing) on the decoded image data (RGB image data). Image processing for preview includes image quality adjustment processing, dichroic processing, color correction processing, spatial filter processing, scaling processing, output tone correction processing, and the like, as will be described below in outline. Spatial filter processing and output tone correction processing are processing according to various regions indicated by the region separation data.

  The image quality adjustment process here is the same as the image quality adjustment process in the image processing for printing. As the color correction processing, processing for converting the image data (RGB data) after the image quality adjustment processing into R′G′B ′ data is performed based on the display characteristics of the touch panel 32. As the spatial filter processing, enhancement processing and smoothing processing are performed on the R′G′B ′ data.

  As the scaling processing, the R′G′B ′ data after the spatial filter processing is subjected to image enlargement processing / image reduction processing according to the print magnification, and the number of pixels of the R′G′B ′ data is set on the touch panel. In addition to performing conversion to the number of pixels (display resolution) of 32, image enlargement processing and image reduction processing are performed based on the preview display magnification set by the user operation on the operation panel 30. The preview display magnification is a fixed magnification such as 2 times or 4 times, for example, and is a magnification of an image at the time of preview display. Of course, the preview display magnification is not limited to the magnification obtained by the user operation, and becomes the default magnification when there is no operation for the preview display magnification.

  The preview image generation unit 16a provided in the image processing unit 16 generates an image for preview display (preview image) mainly by such scaling processing for preview display.

  Here, a preview image when additional information is added will be described. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, when additional information is added to image data to be output and output, the panel control unit 11 performs control to display an additional information image indicating the additional information. Therefore, the preview image generation unit 16a generates a preview image with an additional information image by generating such an additional information image and combining it with the preview image generated from the image data to be output.

  The additional information can be output together with the image data to be printed by performing the scaling process according to the printing magnification, and added to the image data to be printed after the scaling process according to the printing magnification. It can also be output. First, when the additional information is also scaled and output, the main control unit 18 reads information indicating the additional information additional position and additional information (or the size of the additional information), and before the scaling process. The image is transferred to the image processing unit 16. Subsequently, the preview image generation unit 16a generates R′G′B ′ data of the additional information image indicating the additional information from the additional information (or the size of the additional information), and is the image data before the scaling process. The image data of the addition destination is synthesized at the addition position. Then, image enlargement processing / image reduction processing corresponding to the printing magnification may be performed on the R′G′B ′ data after the addition of the additional information image.

  When the additional information is not subjected to the scaling process, the main control unit 18 reads information indicating the additional information addition position and additional information (or the size of the additional information) and passes the information to the image processing unit 16. Subsequently, the preview image generating unit 16a generates R′G′B ′ data of the additional information image indicating the additional information from the additional information (or the size of the additional information), and performs image enlargement processing / image according to the print magnification. The R′G′B ′ data after the reduction processing is synthesized at the additional position, and the number of pixels of the added R′G′B ′ data is converted into the number of pixels (display resolution) of the touch panel 32. The image enlargement process and the image reduction process may be performed based on the preview display magnification set by the user operation on the operation panel 30.

  Further, when punching or stapling is performed in the post-processing apparatus, an image indicating post-processing such as punch holes or stapling is added to a preview image generated from image data to be printed (and additional information image data of additional information). The data (referred to as “additional information image” for convenience) may be output after being combined with the punch position or the staple position. By such processing, it is possible to display the finished state of the sheet on which the image is formed when the image data preview is displayed.

  As the output tone correction processing, output γ correction processing for displaying image data on the touch panel 32 is performed on the R′G′B ′ data of the preview image with the additional information image. In the output tone correction process, for example, a process corresponding to the document type indicated by the document determination data may be performed, for example, the processing content is different between the character area and the other areas.

  The dichroic processing is executed only when a two-color mode that outputs image data in two colors, for example, red and black, is selected. As the dichroic processing, processing for converting the RGB data after the image quality adjustment processing into CMY data expressing the specified two colors (in this case, red and black) is performed. The generated CMYK data is converted into R′G′B ′ data based on the display characteristics of the touch panel 32 in the subsequent color correction processing.

  The R′G′B ′ data generated by the preview image generation unit 16 a and subjected to the output gradation correction processing is passed to the touch panel 32. The panel control unit 11 controls the touch panel 32 to display an image corresponding to the R′G′B ′ data in a GUI image, and displays the GUI image on the touch panel 32. The user confirms the preview-displayed image including the additional information and the additional information image indicating the post-processing, and whether to execute printing or cancel the printing as it is, delete the additional information, or stop the post-processing, It is possible to determine whether or not to change the additional position (or change additional information), change the post-processing position, or the like, and perform an operation corresponding to the determination.

  Note that the target data for the preview display operation described here is not limited to the image data read by the reading unit 13, and is, for example, an image storage unit that is transferred in advance from an external recording medium or a network-connected PC. The same applies to the image data (image file) stored in 15. The preview display operation of the image data received by facsimile and stored in the image storage unit 15 will be described later.

<Supplementary information on document reading, preview display, and printing>
As an example of the document reading operation, an example in which encoded image data, document type data, and area separation data are stored in association with each other in the image storage unit 15 is described. The printing operation and the preview display operation have been described based on this example. As an alternative method, only the image data read by the reading unit 13 may be encoded and stored in the image storage unit 15 once. In this case, at the time of printing operation or preview display operation, the image processing unit 16 performs document type determination processing or region separation processing on the image data read from the image storage unit 15 and decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 17. What is necessary is just to comprise. Such an alternative method can also be applied to image data transmission such as facsimile transmission and Internet FAX transmission described later.

<Printing operation of image data received by facsimile>
Next, a printing operation for image data received by facsimile communication will be described. When the main control unit 18 detects a facsimile communication request by the modem 24, the main control unit 18 instructs the recording unit 12, the image storage unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the NCU 23, the modem 24, and the like, and processes as described below. Is executed.

  First, the modem 24 and the NCU 23 sequentially receive image data (compressed image data) transmitted from the transmission source while performing a communication procedure, decompress the received compressed image data, and perform rotation processing (if necessary). Processing for rotating the transmission direction), resolution conversion processing, and the like are executed and passed to the image processing unit 16.

  Since the image data received by the facsimile communication is binary in black and white, the image processing unit 16 passes the image data (K data) that has been subjected to processing such as decompression to the recording unit 12 without performing any particular processing. It is. The recording unit 12 receives this image data, and executes printing by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like. Also, image data received by facsimile communication can be printed after adding the above-described additional information.

  Although the facsimile reception with a monochrome image has been described, when a color facsimile image (RGB data) is received, the image processing unit 16 performs the facsimile reception image processing described here on the RGB data. do it.

<Preview display operation of image data received by facsimile>
A preview display operation of image data received by facsimile communication will be briefly described based on the printing operation of the image data. This preview display operation is performed when there is a prior setting or a user operation for executing printing after confirming received image data in advance. In this preview display operation, when the image processing unit 16 adds additional information or performs post-processing on the image data after being subjected to processing such as expansion, the additional information image indicating the additional information and post-processing is displayed. After the image data is synthesized, a conversion process according to the number of pixels (display resolution) of the touch panel 32 and a scaling process according to the reduction / enlargement ratio at the preview display are performed, and the image data after the scaling process is displayed on the touch panel. 32 is displayed. The user confirms the previewed image, determines whether to execute or discard the print, determines additional information and the content and necessity of post-processing, and performs a print or discard operation, additional information, and post-processing. The operation of changing the contents of can be performed.

<Facsimile transmission operation>
Next, a transmission operation when the image data of the read original is transmitted by facsimile will be described. The facsimile image data is transmitted to destination (transmission destination) information set by a user operation on the touch panel 32 or the key operation unit 31. The other party information (phone number in this example) is stored in the control memory 19 and is read out as necessary. Normally, the destination information is stored as address book data so that information on a plurality of destinations can be viewed and selected, or is directly input before transmission.

  When a user operation for executing facsimile transmission is accepted on the operation panel 30, the main control unit 18 instructs the image storage unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the encoding / decoding unit 17, the NCU 23, the modem 24, and the like. To execute processing as described below. Note that the main control unit 18 also gives an instruction (original reading instruction) to the reading unit 13 when an operation for facsimile transmission of the original is performed, for example. It is also possible to select image data to be transmitted while executing a preview display for the image data stored in the image storage unit 15 and start facsimile transmission for the image data.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 reads out the image data to be printed and the corresponding document determination data and area separation data from the image storage unit 15, decodes them, and passes them to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 performs various image processing (hereinafter referred to as image processing for facsimile transmission) on the decoded image data (RGB image data). The image processing for facsimile transmission includes image quality adjustment processing, spatial filter processing, scaling processing, output tone correction processing, halftone generation processing, and the like as will be described below. The spatial filter process and the halftone generation process may be processes corresponding to various areas indicated by the area separation data, but the area separation data may not be used. Further, in the document reading operation accompanying facsimile transmission, it is not necessary to execute the region separation process on the read image data and the encoding and storage of the region separation data.

  As the image quality adjustment process, the decoded image data is converted into K data using a matrix coefficient. At this time, a matrix coefficient corresponding to the document type indicated by the document determination data may be used. As the spatial filter processing, enhancement processing and smoothing processing are performed on the K data. As the scaling process, an image enlargement process or an image reduction process is performed on the K data after the spatial filter process according to the transmission resolution set on the operation panel 30 or the default transmission resolution. As the output tone correction process, an output γ correction process is performed on the K data after the scaling process for the purpose of outputting the data to a recording medium such as a recording sheet at the transmission destination. Actually, output γ correction for a general device may be performed instead of output γ correction in consideration of the transmission destination device. As the halftone generation process, the K data after the output tone correction process is binarized by, for example, an error diffusion process. In the output tone correction process and the halftone generation process, a process according to the document type indicated by the document determination data may be performed.

Although the facsimile transmission with a monochrome image has been described, in the facsimile transmission with a color image, the image processing unit 16 uses the matrix coefficient as the decoded image data as an image quality adjustment process in the above-described facsimile transmission image processing. May be used to perform processing for conversion to L ^* a ^* b ^* data for color transmission, and subsequent processing may be performed on the L ^* a ^* b ^* data.

  The image data after the halftone generation process is subjected to a rotation process as necessary, and is compressed and encoded in the compression format at the time of facsimile transmission by the encoding / decoding unit 17 and temporarily stored in the image storage unit 15. The The modem 24 performs a transmission procedure with the transmission destination set via the NCU 23, and at the stage where communication with the transmission destination is established (when transmission is possible), this temporarily stored encoding is performed. The read K data is read, and after necessary processing such as changing the compression format, it is sequentially transmitted to the transmission destination via the public line network.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be configured so that additional information can be added to image data to be transmitted. When transmitting image data to the outside as in this example, in addition to the stamp, date (date and time), and page number, additional information can be added to the sender information (sender information) as additional information. It has become. Here, the transmission source information added at the time of image data transmission may include one or more of information on the name of the sender, information on the telephone number of the transmission source, and information on the email address of the transmission source. Further, as the additional information, information on the transmission destination (information on the other party) may be added at the time of image data transmission.

  When facsimile transmission is performed with additional information added, the following composition processing may be performed. The main control unit 18 reads the additional information and information indicating the additional position, the main control unit 18 or the image processing unit 16 converts it into image data, and the image processing unit 16 converts the converted image data (image data of the additional information). ) May be combined at the addition position with the addition destination image data which is the image data after the scaling process. In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the position to which the image data of the additional information is added can be set by the user using the operation panel 30 while performing a preview display described below. The combined image data is transmitted to the transmission destination after being subjected to the above-described output tone correction processing, rotation processing, compression processing, and the like.

<Preview display operation for image data to be sent by facsimile>
The digital multi-function peripheral 1 has a configuration that enables preview display of image data that is to be transmitted by facsimile transmission or the like. This preview display operation is performed when there is a prior setting or a user operation for performing transmission after confirming in advance the image data before transmission. A preview display operation of image data to be transmitted by facsimile will be described based on a facsimile transmission operation of the image data. In the preview display operation, the main control unit 18 also instructs the panel control unit 11.

  In this preview display operation, the image processing unit 16 performs the same processing as that during facsimile transmission until image quality adjustment processing and spatial filter processing (and scaling processing), and executes preview image generation processing by the preview image generation unit 16a. Then, output γ correction processing for displaying image data may be performed as output gradation correction processing. As this preview image generation processing, the preview image generation unit 16a performs conversion processing according to the number of pixels (display resolution) of the touch panel 32 and image data subjected to image enlargement processing / image reduction processing according to the transmission resolution. Data of a preview image is generated by performing a scaling process according to the reduction / enlargement ratio at the time of preview display. In this preview display operation, the spatial filter process does not have to be executed, and the halftone generation process is not executed.

  The R′G′B ′ data generated by the preview image generation unit 16 a and subjected to the output gradation correction processing is passed to the touch panel 32. The panel control unit 11 controls the touch panel 32 to display an image corresponding to the R′G′B ′ data in a GUI image, and displays the GUI image on the touch panel 32.

  A preview image when additional information is added and transmitted will be described. The additional information is output after being added to the image data after the scaling process corresponding to the transmission resolution. More specifically, the main control unit 18 reads the additional position and additional information of the additional information and passes them to the image processing unit 16. Subsequently, the preview image generation unit 16a generates R'G'B 'data of the additional information image indicating the additional information from the additional information, and R'G' after the image enlargement process / image reduction process according to the transmission resolution. What is necessary is just to synthesize | combine with the said additional position with respect to B 'data. It should be noted that there is no need to consider post-processing when transmitting image data such as facsimile transmission.

  The image data obtained by synthesizing the additional information image in this way is subjected to the above-described output tone correction processing (output γ correction processing for displaying image data) at the time of preview display, and then is performed by the panel control unit 11. It is incorporated in the GUI image and displayed on the touch panel 32. The user confirms the preview-displayed image including the additional information image and executes or stops the facsimile transmission as it is, deletes the additional information, changes the additional position (or changes the additional information), etc. It is possible to determine whether or not to execute the operation and perform an operation corresponding to the determination.

<Image data transmission operation via the Internet>
Next, a transmission operation in a case where image data of a read original is transmitted by electronic mail or Internet FAX via the Internet will be described. For the image data to be transmitted through the Internet, transmission destination information (in this example, an e-mail address) set by a user operation on the touch panel 32 or the key operation unit 31 and stored in the control memory 19 ).

  When a user operation related to transmission via the Internet is accepted by the operation panel 30, the main control unit 18 includes a format conversion unit 14, an image storage unit 15, an image processing unit 16, an encoding / decoding unit 17, and a LAN control unit. 21 is instructed to execute transmission processing via the Internet as described below. Note that the main control unit 18 also gives an instruction to the reading unit 13 (original reading instruction) when an operation for transmitting the original via the Internet is performed, for example.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 reads out the image data to be printed and the corresponding document determination data and area separation data from the image storage unit 15, decodes them, and passes them to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 executes various types of image processing (hereinafter referred to as Internet transmission image processing) on the decoded image data (RGB image data). Examples of the image processing for Internet transmission include image quality adjustment processing, spatial filter processing, scaling processing, output tone correction processing, and halftone generation processing described in the facsimile transmission image processing.

Further, the image processing at the time of transmission with a color image is the same as the image processing for facsimile transmission, and the image processing unit 16 uses the matrix coefficient as the image data after decoding as image quality adjustment processing in the image processing for Internet transmission. It is possible to perform processing for conversion into L ^* a ^* b ^* data for color transmission and perform subsequent processing on the L ^* a ^* b ^* data.

  The encoding / decoding unit 17 encodes (compresses) the image data after the image processing for Internet transmission to obtain a compressed file. This compression is performed for each page of the document. Next, the format conversion unit 14 converts these compressed files into one file, and attaches the file to the multipart mail according to, for example, MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension). Through the processing so far, the read image data is converted into an e-mail format. This e-mail is transmitted to the transmission destination via the Internet by the LAN control unit 21 via the LAN interface using a mail transfer protocol such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

  Here, in the case of Internet facsimile transmission, the encoding / decoding unit 17 compresses in a compression format dedicated to facsimile, such as MH, and the format conversion unit 14 obtains the compressed file in page units into, for example, one TIFF file. Convert it. Further, in the case of transmission that is simply attached as an attached file to an e-mail (in the case of transmission by so-called scan to e-mail), the encoding / decoding unit 17 compresses it in a compression format such as JPEG and the format conversion unit 14 For example, the page-by-page compressed file obtained may be converted into a single PDF file.

  Also, even if the image data to be transmitted is image data transmitted via the Internet, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can transmit it with additional information as in the case of facsimile transmission image data. Yes. As the additional information adding process, it is only necessary to execute the synthesizing process described in the facsimile transmission. After the above-described output tone correction process, compression process, format conversion process, and the like are performed, the address of the transmission destination is sent as an e-mail. Will be sent to.

<Preview display operation for image data sent via the Internet>
Similarly to the description of the preview display at the time of facsimile transmission, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be configured so that preview data can be displayed on the touch panel 32 for image data to be transmitted via the Internet.

  In this preview display operation, the image processing unit 16 performs the same processing as the image processing for Internet transmission until the image quality adjustment processing and the spatial filter processing (and scaling processing), as described for the preview display at the time of facsimile transmission. The preview image generation processing by the preview image generation unit 16a is executed, and output γ correction processing for displaying image data is performed as output gradation correction processing. The R′G′B ′ data generated by the preview image generation unit 16a and subjected to the output tone correction processing is transferred to the touch panel 32, and is incorporated into the GUI image by the panel control unit 11 and displayed on the touch panel 32. . Further, the description of the preview display at the time of facsimile transmission can be used for the addition of the additional information image.

<Description of Preview Display Before Printing Image Data According to the Present Invention>
As described above, the preview display operation before printing at the time of copying is described. In the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 according to the present invention, the image storage unit stores image data read by the scanner device exemplified by the reading unit 13 and subjected to printing. 15 includes a preview image generation unit 16a that reads the data from 15 and generates the preview image. The preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 16 a is sent to the touch panel 32 under the control of the main control unit 18, and is controlled to be incorporated into the GUI image and displayed by the panel control unit 11 and displayed on the touch panel 32. As described above, the touch panel 32 is an example of a display unit that displays a preview of image data to be printed. The panel control unit 11 is an example of a display control unit that displays the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 16a on a display unit by, for example, incorporating it into a screen provided in advance.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present invention, the document bundle-specific processing mode can be selected by the operation unit. This operation unit can be exemplified by the touch panel 32 or the touch panel 32 and the key operation unit 31.

  Here, the bundle-by-document processing mode is a mode in which a plurality of sub-jobs each set with printing conditions are executed as one print job. The plurality of sub jobs are sub jobs corresponding to a plurality of document bundles to be read. Prior to printing, the image data corresponding to these sub-jobs are collectively stored as one file in the image storage unit 15 and read by the recording unit 12 when printing is performed. That is, one file is generated by one print job. As described above, in the original bundle separate processing mode, original reading processing is performed for each original bundle to obtain sub-job data for each original bundle, and one file is generated based on the printing conditions set for each original bundle. A printing process is executed.

  As a main feature of the present invention, when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present invention is in the document bundle-specific processing mode, (1) before setting the printing conditions for the next sub job and reading the document for the next sub job, The preview image generation unit 16a generates a preview image for the current sub job, and (2) the display control unit causes the display unit to display the preview image generated for the current sub job. In other words, in the present invention, setting of printing conditions, document reading, and preview display are performed for a sub job, and similar processing is performed for the next sub job when there is no problem.

  With this configuration, the present invention makes it possible to easily confirm the settings for each sub-job for each sub-job by preview display during the document bundle-by-batch processing mode in which a plurality of sub-jobs are handled as one job. In addition, since preview confirmation is performed for each sub-job, even when a setting change occurs in a certain sub-job, it is not necessary to perform document reading back to the previous document bundle.

  Further, as described above, it may be possible to output by adding additional information to the image data to be printed, or to print the image data to be printed on a recording sheet and to post-process the recording sheet. . In that case, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the panel control unit 11 performs control for causing the touch panel 32 to display additional information images indicating additional information and post-processing based on the control of the main control unit 18. Therefore, the preview image generation unit 16a generates such an additional information image and combines it with the preview image generated from the image data to be printed, thereby generating a preview image with the additional information image. The composite position is the position of the preview image corresponding to the additional information addition position or the post-processing position. As described above, image formation can be performed even when additional information (stamp, date, page number, etc.) is added to the image data to be printed for output, or when post-processing such as punching or stapling is performed on the recording medium for output. It becomes possible to confirm the final state of.

  Although the preview display before printing has been described, as described in the preview display operation at the time of facsimile transmission or image data transmission via the Internet, not only the print target but also the image data to be transmitted (that is, other than print) It is also possible to perform the same processing on the image data to be output. In this case, the document bundle specific processing mode is a mode in which a plurality of sub jobs corresponding to each of a plurality of document bundles to be read are executed as a single transmission job, and a plurality of sub jobs each having a transmission condition set are executed. It becomes.

  Further, although it has been described on the assumption that the document is read, the image data to be printed or transmitted is not limited to the image data input from the scanner device exemplified by the reading unit 13, and is connected to the USB I / F 25. Image data input from a removable storage device exemplified by a USB memory, image data inputted from a communication line exemplified by a LAN or line, and image data read from the storage device exemplified by the image storage unit 15 May be. In this case, the document bundle-specific processing mode is a mode in which a plurality of sub-jobs corresponding to each of a plurality of bundles to be output are executed as one output job, and a plurality of sub-jobs each having output conditions set are executed. .

<Specific example of preview display>
Hereinafter, the flow of the preview display during the document bundle separate processing mode will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following example, printing at the time of copying is mainly given as an example, but as described above, printing at the time of facsimile reception (each of a plurality of facsimile data corresponds to a bundle of documents), printing of image data read from a USB memory or the like The present invention can be similarly applied to facsimile transmission, Internet FAX transmission / reception, and the like. A combination of these (for example, handling a copy original and image data as different original bundles) can also be applied.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a standard screen of the digital multi-functional peripheral described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4 shows an example of a GUI image (referred to as GUI image 40) displayed on the touch panel 32 in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as the standard screen. The GUI image 40 of the standard screen is displayed on the touch panel 32 when the power of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is turned on or reset. In the GUI image 40, a copy mode selection key 41, an image transmission mode selection key 42, and a document filing mode selection key 43 are displayed to select an operation mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In the GUI image 40, a copy mode is selected. Indicates that is selected.

  In the copy mode, various conditions for copying can be set. For example, a double-sided copy key for setting single-sided / double-sided copying, a finishing key for setting post-processing for punching and stapling, and a special function key 44 for setting detailed settings at the time of copying, are read by a scanner. A preview confirmation key 45 for making a setting for confirming the finished state of an image, an image input from an external device, or an image stored in a storage device such as an HDD, and a finishing process such as punching or stapling ( A finishing key for setting post-processing is provided. The user can set the preview display to ON by operating the preview confirmation key 45 using the touch panel 32. By selecting the key 42 or the key 43, the mode is shifted to the image transmission mode or the document filing mode. At this time, the GUI image for setting in each mode is set so that various settings according to each mode are possible. Is displayed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI image displayed when a special function key for performing detailed setting at the time of copying is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an arrow in the GUI image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the GUI image displayed when a key is selected. Although not described individually, in the drawings to be described later including FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an OK key is displayed. After the OK key is pressed, the setting is saved and the previous screen is returned. Good.

  In the GUI image 46 shown in FIG. 5, various setting items such as a margin and a saddle stitch are displayed so as to be selectable, and since there are many setting items, an arrow key 47 is displayed. By selecting the arrow key 47, other setting items are displayed so as to be selectable as in the GUI image 48 of FIG. In the GUI image 48, as other setting items, a build job key 50 and the like are displayed so as to be selectable, and an arrow key 49 for returning to the GUI image 46 is also displayed. By pressing the build job key 50, it is possible to shift to the build job mode (processing mode for each original bundle). Of course, the transition to the document bundle separate processing mode may be executed by an operation on another screen such as an initial screen.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the preview display key 45 is pressed by the user and the preview display is set to ON before the build job key 50 is pressed will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, the following example is a processing example on the premise that preview display is performed. If the user does not want to perform preview display, the user does not have to press the preview confirmation key 45 in advance. Note that the preview display may be automatically set to ON when the build job key 50 is pressed without displaying the preview confirmation key 45 or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when a build job key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. The GUI image 51 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed when the build job key 50 shown in FIG. 6 is selected. As a result, the process shifts to the original bundle processing mode and sets the original of “sub job 1 (first original bundle)”. Then, press the OK key 56 after setting the printing conditions. " At this time, as exemplified in the GUI image 51, it is preferable to display that the job is in the build job mode.

  In the GUI image 51 shown in FIG. 7, a color mode setting key 52 for setting color / monochrome, a printing surface setting key 53 for setting whether to print on both sides of a sheet or printing on one side, and setting a printing magnification A magnification setting key 54 for performing printing and a paper setting key 55 for setting printing paper are displayed in a selectable manner. In FIG. 7, the setting keys 52 to 55 are illustrated as radio buttons, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the keys 54 and 55 allow manual selection or input of magnification and paper when the setting is not automatic.

  Each of the setting keys 52 to 55 is merely an example. In addition, for example, a reading method setting key for setting whether to read a document on the document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF), a copy density is set. Copy density setting key for setting, original side setting key for setting whether the original of the bundle to be read is single-sided or double-sided, setting of stamp type and position, post-processing such as stapling and punching For example, a finishing setting key for display can be displayed. In the build job mode, the reading method setting key is often selected as automatic (that is, ADF). Hereinafter, the reading method setting key will be described on the premise of reading with the ADF. There may be.

  The user first sets the first original bundle on the ADF, performs print setting (setting of printing conditions) for the original bundle with such keys, and presses the OK key 56 after setting. Thereby, reading of the original bundle is started. The read image data is subjected to reduction / enlargement, allocation, color conversion (for example, conversion from color to monochrome), and the like based on the set printing conditions, and is associated as image data for the sub-job and associated with the image storage unit 15. Is remembered.

  Further, the preview image generation unit 16a generates a preview image (which may be a so-called thumbnail image obtained by reducing the original image data) for the image data, and temporarily stores the preview image in the image storage unit 15 in association with the sub job. Memorized. This preview image includes additional information such as stamps and page numbers, and additional information images indicating the contents of post-processing.

  In this way, at the stage where the reading of the first document bundle is completed (or at least when the reading of the first page is completed), the preview image generation unit 16a performs the top of the first document bundle (that is, sub job 1). A preview image of the page is read from the image storage unit 15 to generate a preview screen, and the panel control unit 11 causes the touch panel 32 to display it.

  By such processing, a screen exemplified by the GUI image 60 of FIG. 8 is displayed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI image displayed when the OK key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 7. In the digital multifunction peripheral of FIGS. It is a figure which shows an example of the done screen.

  In the GUI image 60 shown in FIG. 8, the preview image 61 of the first page of the first document bundle generated by the preview image generation unit 16 a as described above is previewed on the touch panel 32 by the panel control unit 11.

  This GUI image 60 includes information (in this example, “sub job 1”) indicating what number of sub job is in the vicinity of the displayed preview image 61 (that is, what number of original bundles). . As described above, when the preview image is displayed in the document bundle distinction processing mode, the display control unit is an image corresponding to the document bundle (sub job) in which the displayed preview image is processed in the job. It is preferable that information indicating whether or not there is displayed on the display unit. This display can also indicate that the document bundle separate processing mode is in effect.

  The GUI image 60 displays a page switching key 67 together with information 68 indicating the current page in order to change the page of the preview image 61 being displayed. Here, the information 68 includes information on the number of sheets of the first original bundle (all “3” in this example) and the preview image 61 currently being displayed is the number of all the sheets (in this example “1”). Information).

  The page switching key 67 includes a top page (first page) movement key for displaying the first page of the sub job, a previous page movement key for displaying the page before the current page of the sub job, and the current state of the sub job. A next page movement key for displaying the next page of the page and a last page (last page) movement key for displaying the last page of the sub-job are included. The preview image 61 is thus displayed for each page, and the user can display a preview image of an arbitrary page of the image data of the sub job by appropriately operating the page switching key 67.

  The GUI image 60 is also displayed with an enlargement / reduction key 64 for enlarging / reducing the displayed preview image 61, a rotation key 65 for rotating the preview image 61, and the like. It is good to leave. As a result, the confirmation by the preview can be performed at a magnification desired by the user, or can be performed from the direction that the user thinks is the positive direction.

  The user may want to confirm not only the confirmation by the preview display but also the actual setting contents. Therefore, it is preferable that the setting confirmation key 62 is displayed on the GUI image 60 so as to be selectable. When the setting confirmation key 62 is selected, the sub-job 1 is identified from the currently displayed preview image 61 with reference to the association in the image storage unit 15, and the GUI image including the setting contents for the sub-job 1, such as each of FIG. A GUI image including contents such as setting keys 52 to 55 is displayed. As a result, the user can confirm the actual setting contents of the sub job 1.

  Also, the user may want to change the actual setting contents. Therefore, it is preferable that the reset key 63 is displayed on the GUI image 60 so as to be selectable. When the reset key 63 is selected, the sub job 1 is identified from the preview image 61 being displayed with reference to the association in the image storage unit 15 and the setting for the sub job 1 is performed, as in the case of selecting the setting confirmation key 62. A GUI image including the contents and the setting of which can be changed, for example, a GUI image including the setting keys 52 to 55 in FIG. 7 is displayed. Thereby, the user can change the actual printing conditions of the sub job 1.

  As exemplified here, the display control unit according to the present invention, when displaying the preview image generated for the current sub job, changes key (reset key 63) for changing only the printing conditions of the current sub job. Is preferably displayed on the display unit so as to be selectable by the operation unit.

  After the resetting, it is preferable to regenerate the image data of the sub job based on the reset printing conditions and the preview image, and display the regenerated preview image. More specifically, after selecting the reset key 63, the preview image generating unit 16a regenerates a preview image of the image data from the changed printing condition only for the sub job whose printing condition has been changed by the operation unit. The image data generated from the changed printing conditions and the preview image may be overwritten with reference to the association in the image storage unit 15.

  Then, when the preview image is regenerated, the display control unit may display the preview image 61 of the first page as in the GUI image 60 of FIG. 8, or all the preview images may be displayed depending on the changed printing conditions. If is not necessarily changed, the first page in the preview image that is changed in accordance with the change of the printing conditions may be displayed.

  Further, the description has been made on the assumption that the original reading is not required again by resetting the printing conditions. Accordingly, the display control unit responds to the sub job whose print condition is to be changed when the sub-job whose print condition has been changed after the reset key 63 is selected needs to be read again due to the change. A notification that prompts the user to read the original bundle again may be displayed on the display unit.

  Examples of such printing conditions that may require reading the document again include conditions indicating whether color printing or monochrome printing is performed, conditions for an enlargement ratio and a reduction ratio, and the like. The notification may be performed when the printing condition is changed from monochrome printing to color printing, or when the reduction ratio is reduced or the enlargement ratio is increased. It should be noted that such re-reading is not always necessary when the document reading setting of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 itself is set to read the highest resolution with respect to all printing conditions without taking the reading speed into consideration. Of course, if a page is missing due to a transport error by ADF, re-reading is necessary, but this is not determined by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 side, but is determined by the user, and the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is necessary. It may be configured so that it can be read again according to the situation.

  The GUI image 60 also displays a preview end key 66 for ending the display of the preview image 61 and closing the GUI image 60 in a selectable manner. When the user confirms the preview image 61 or the preview image of another page after the operation of the page switching key 67 or confirms or changes the setting contents and determines that there is no problem, the user selects the preview end key 66. By doing so, it is possible to complete the print preparation of the sub-job.

  As described above, the display control unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present invention, when displaying the preview image generated for the current sub-job, displays the preview cancel exemplified by the preview end key 66 for hiding the preview image. The key is preferably displayed on the display unit so as to be selectable by the operation unit.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when the preview end key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. The GUI image 70 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed when the preview end key 66 is selected in the GUI image 60.

  The GUI image 70 is displayed so that a yes key 71 and a no key 72 can be selected. The yes key 71 may also have a notation indicating that selection of the key advances to reading a document of the next bundle of documents. In addition, the no key 72 may have a notation indicating that printing is to be executed with the previous original bundle (only the first original bundle in the above example) without the next original bundle.

  As described above, when the preview end key 66 is selected, the display control unit determines whether to shift to the next sub job (set the printing condition of the next sub job and start the document reading). It is preferable to display an inquiry image for the user to select on the display unit. In the inquiry image, this selection can be performed by the operation unit.

  In the GUI image 60 of FIG. 8, a copy start key for actually starting copy processing (starting print processing) is not displayed in a selectable manner (that is, copying cannot be executed during preview). ), Description is given on the assumption that the GUI image 70 of FIG. 9 is displayed. However, in FIG. 8, instead of the preview end key 66, a copy start key corresponding to the above-mentioned yes key 71 (however, it is shown that the key is operated when the next document bundle is not necessary); A key for setting printing conditions for the next bundle of documents (next sub-job) corresponding to the No key 72 may be displayed on the GUI image 60.

  In the GUI image 70, when the yes key 71 is selected, the recording unit 12 executes printing. On the other hand, when the no key 72 is selected, a GUI image such as the GUI image 51 in FIG. The next original bundle, that is, a similar GUI image indicating sub job 2 is displayed.

  In this way, when a GUI image such as the GUI image 51 for the sub job 2 is displayed and the printing conditions are set, when the OK key 56 is selected, the GUI image 73 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when the OK key is selected in the GUI image such as the GUI image of FIG.

  A GUI image 73 shown in FIG. 10 is an image corresponding to the sub job 2 of the GUI image 60 of FIG. 8, and a preview image 74 of the sub job 2 is displayed instead of the preview image 61 of the sub job 1. Although the sub job 1 is illustrated with a total of three sheets and the sub job 2 is also illustrated with a total of three sheets, these numbers correspond to the numbers of the first document bundle and the second document bundle, respectively. 8 and 10 exemplify the case where the aggregation process is not performed. However, when the printing condition for performing the aggregation process is set, the number of pieces of information 68 indicates the number of sheets after the aggregation process is performed. The preview image is also displayed as a single preview image after aggregation.

  When the preview end key 66 is selected in the GUI image 73, the GUI image 70 of FIG. 9 is displayed in the same manner, and thereafter, such processing is repeated until the document bundle is completed.

  Next, an example of a flow when such a document image to be printed (image formation) is read and previewed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing when the preview display is performed during the document bundle separate processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the document bundle separate processing mode is being performed and preview display is performed.

  First, the main control unit 18 checks whether a document is set on the document table or the ADF in the reading unit 13 (step S1), and when set (when YES in step S1), FIG. The GUI image 51 is displayed, a user operation for setting the printing conditions is accepted, and the setting is reflected (step S2).

  The main control unit 18 waits for an instruction to start a reading operation (selection operation of the OK key 56) (step S3), and instructs the reading unit 13 to read an original when receiving the instruction (step S4). As a result, the reading unit 13 starts reading the document. Subsequently, the main control unit 18 instructs the preview image generation unit 16a to execute a preview image generation process using the read image data (step S5).

  Next, the main control unit 18 displays the GUI image 60 of FIG. 8 on the touch panel 32 (step S6). Then, after waiting for a user operation, the main control unit 18 determines whether or not the page switching key 67 has been selected (step S7). If the page switching key 67 is selected, the main control unit 18 instructs the panel control unit 11 and the preview image generation unit 16a to generate and display a preview screen for the page (step S8). ).

  Further, the main control unit 18 determines whether or not the reset key 63 has been selected (step S9). If there is (YES), the process returns to step S7 after the processing of steps S12 to S14. In step S12, the main control unit 18 controls the panel control unit 11 to display a resetting screen and waits for a resetting operation from the user. In step S13, resetting (resetting for the sub-job displaying the preview image) is executed based on the operation. In step S14, the main control unit 18 instructs the preview image generation unit 16a to regenerate the preview image of the reset sub job, and instructs the panel control unit 11 to display the regenerated preview image. Display.

  On the other hand, if NO in step S9, the GUI image 70 of FIG. 9 is displayed, and a user operation (selection of yes key 71 or no key 72) indicating the presence or absence of the next document bundle is waited for. The control unit 18 determines the operation (step S10). If NO in step S10, the main control unit 18 instructs the recording unit 12 to perform printing, and the recording unit 12 executes printing (step S11). If YES in step S10, the process returns to step S1 and the same processing is performed for the next original bundle.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, an example in which whether or not to perform preview for each sub job can be set will be described. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the GUI image displayed when the build job key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 6, and FIG. 13 is a diagram when the OK key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the GUI image displayed on.

  In the GUI image 81 shown in FIG. 12, a selection key 82 for preview confirmation necessary / unnecessary in the GUI image 51 of FIG. 7 is displayed to be selectable. The selection key 82 is also exemplified by a radio button, but is not limited thereto. In the GUI image 81, an example is given in which “no preview confirmation” is selected by the selection key 82. When the OK key 56 is selected in this state, reading of the first original bundle starts and reading is completed. Later or during reading, the GUI image 83 of FIG. 13 is displayed.

  The GUI image 83 is different from the GUI image 81 in that it is described as being a sub job 2. In the GUI image 83, an example in which “preview confirmation is required” is selected with the selection key 82. When the OK key 56 is selected in this state, reading of the second original bundle is started, and at least the sub job is selected. 10 is displayed after the reading of the first page of 2 or the reading of all pages is completed. The subsequent processing is as described above, and when the preview end key 66 is selected, the GUI image 70 of FIG. 9 is displayed. When the YES key 71 is selected, a GUI image such as the GUI image 83 of FIG. 13 for the sub job 3 is displayed. On the other hand, when the No key 72 is selected, printing is executed.

  Next, an example of a flow when reading a document image to be printed (image formation) and displaying a preview will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the processing when the preview display is performed during the document bundle separate processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the document bundle separate processing mode is in effect.

  First, processing similar to steps S1 to S4 in FIG. 11 is executed (steps S21 to S24). Next, the main control unit 18 determines whether or not preview confirmation is required in the setting in step S22 (step S25), and in the case of YES, a preview image is generated as in steps S5 and S6 of FIG. Processing and display processing are executed (steps S26 and S27). Thereafter, basically the same processing as steps S7 to S14 in FIG. 11 is executed (steps S28 to S35).

  On the other hand, if NO in step S25, the process proceeds to step S31 to confirm with the user whether or not there is a next document bundle. In other words, in this example, when the sub job setting does not require preview confirmation, the process immediately proceeds to processing such as setting the printing conditions for the next original bundle. With such processing, it is possible to set whether or not preview confirmation is required for each sub-job, execute document scanning for each sub-job while previewing only necessary sub-jobs, and print processing when all scanning is completed correctly. (Step S32) can be executed. Since the user does not preview what is unnecessary, extra preview creation time and display time can be shortened.

  12 to 14 can cope with the case where the preview display key 45 is pressed by the user and the preview display is set to ON before the build job key 50 is pressed. Specifically, when ON is set, the default value for selecting whether or not preview confirmation is required is “necessary” in FIGS. 12 and 13, and when it is not ON, the default value is “unnecessary”. "

  As in the example described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 and the example described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, according to the present invention, whether or not preview display is performed during the document bundle separate processing mode is determined by the operation unit. It is preferable that the setting can be made in common or for each sub-job. Further, it is preferable that the user can select the operation unit to select either the example described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 or the example described with reference to FIGS.

  Next, an example of an aggregation process that can be applied to each example described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing when a preview is displayed in the document bundle separate processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3.

  A GUI image 90 illustrated in FIG. 15 is an example in which 2 in 1 is set in the sub job 1 and the sub job 2 and a preview image of the sub job 2 is displayed. Also in this example, the case where both the sub jobs 1 and 2 have three originals is given. In this case, when the preview is displayed for the sub job 2 for the first time, the preview image 91 including the image 91a of the last page of the sub job 1 and the image 91b of the first page of the sub job 2 shown in the figure is displayed.

  This example is applicable to both the example described in FIGS. 7 to 11 and the example described in FIGS. Since all preview images are generated in the former example, if one is an image read from the previous sub-job document and the other is an image read from the current sub-job document in the aggregation process, the preview display In addition, it is sufficient to leave a preview image of the document of the previous sub job. In the latter example, there is still a possibility that preview confirmation is required in the next sub job, so at least the preview images required for the aggregation process are set not to be displayed in the preview before the sub job. It ’s a good idea to create it and keep it when it ’s gone.

  Although the preview display during the document bundle-specific processing mode according to the present invention has been described, it is assumed in the above description that any document bundle does not exceed the ADF readable number. However, it may actually be exceeded. For example, if the number of sheets that can be read by the ADF is 100, the upper limit of one original bundle is 100, and the same print condition may be applied to 101 or more original bundles. In such a case, for example, when it is desired to print 200 sheets under the same printing conditions, the original reading process may be executed with the same printing conditions for two original bundles. Further, it may be configured to determine whether or not the printing conditions are the same, and to handle the first 100 sheets and the next 100 sheets as one sub-job only under the same printing conditions.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 has been described above to explain the preview display during the document bundle-by-document processing mode of the present invention. However, the present invention can also take a form as a preview display method in such an image forming apparatus. That is, in this preview display method, when the operation unit receives the selection of the document bundle-specific processing mode and the document bundle-specific processing mode, before the setting of the printing condition and the document reading for the next sub job, ( 1) A preview image generation unit generates a preview image for the current sub job, and (2) a display control unit displays the preview image generated for the current sub job on the display unit. Other application examples are as described above.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system constructed using a digital multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating an example of a touch panel and a key operation unit in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a standard screen of the digital multi-functional peripheral described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when a special function key for performing detailed settings at the time of copying is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when an arrow key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when a build job key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when the OK key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 7, and an example of a screen displayed as a preview during the document bundle separate processing mode in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when a preview end key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI image displayed when an OK key is selected in a GUI image such as the GUI image of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing when a preview is displayed in a document bundle-by-batch processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GUI image displayed when a build job key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. 6. It is a figure which shows an example of the GUI image displayed when the OK key is selected in the GUI image of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing when a preview is displayed in the document bundle-by-batch processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing when a preview is displayed in the document bundle-by-batch processing mode in the digital multi-functional peripheral of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital multifunction device, 2, 3 ... External computer, 4 ... Internet FAX apparatus, 10, 32 ... Touch panel, 11 ... Panel control part, 12 ... Recording part, 13 ... Reading part, 14 ... Format conversion part, 15 ... Image Storage unit, 16a ... Preview image generation unit, 17 ... Encoding / decoding unit, 18 ... Main control unit, 19 ... Control memory, 20, 31 ... Key operation unit, 21 ... LAN control unit, 22 ... Control buffer, 23 ... NCU, 24 ... modem, 25 ... USB I / F, 30 ... control panel.

Claims (6)

An operation unit, a display unit, a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of image data to be printed, and a display control unit that displays the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit on the display unit An image forming apparatus,
The document bundle separate processing mode can be selected by the operation unit,
The document bundle specific processing mode is a mode in which a plurality of sub jobs corresponding to each of a plurality of document bundles to be read are executed as a single print job, and a plurality of sub jobs each having printing conditions set are executed. ,
When the image forming apparatus is in the original bundle separation processing mode, (1) the preview image generation unit generates a preview image for the current sub job before setting the printing conditions for the next sub job and reading the original. (2) The image forming apparatus wherein the display control unit displays the preview image generated for the current sub-job on the display unit.   The display control unit causes the display unit to display a change key for changing a printing condition of the current sub job so as to be selectable by the operation unit when the preview image generated for the current sub job is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The display control unit causes the display unit to display a preview cancel key for non-displaying the preview image when the preview image generated for the current sub-job is displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The display control unit causes the display unit to display an inquiry image for allowing the user to select whether or not to shift to the next sub job when the preview cancel key is selected by the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   5. The method according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to perform a preview display during the document bundle separate processing mode can be set by the operation unit in common for all sub jobs or for each sub job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An operation unit, a display unit, a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of image data to be printed, and a display control unit that displays the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit on the display unit A preview display method in an image forming apparatus,
In the image forming apparatus, the document bundle specific processing mode can be selected by the operation unit, and the document bundle specific processing mode corresponds to each of a plurality of document bundles to be read as one print job. This is a mode that executes multiple sub-jobs, each of which has printing conditions set.
The preview display method is
The operation unit accepting selection of the document bundle separate processing mode;
In the original bundle processing mode, (1) the preview image generation unit generates a preview image for the current sub job before setting the printing conditions for the next sub job and reading the original; A step of causing the display control unit to display the preview image generated for the current sub-job on the display unit;
A preview display method comprising: