JP2011081444A - Image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which can effectively use a printed matter as a result of trial printing. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus includes: an obtaining means which obtains the necessity of trial print set corresponding to print data of a plurality of pages and the pages to be printed on trial; a first control means which controls the print data of the pages to be printed on trial on the basis of the information obtained by the obtaining means; and a second control means which controls production print of the print data excluding the print data of the pages to be printed on trial from the print data of the plurality of pages for production print after the trial printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

  When the printer performs a test print (sample print) on a part of the print data of a plurality of pages, and the user gives an instruction to continue printing according to the result of the test print, Some perform this printing.

  For example, when test printing is performed, only one page of print data of a plurality of pages is subjected to test printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and a plurality of print data of a plurality of pages are not all pages. One that performs test printing for a page (for example, see Patent Document 2) and one that performs test printing for an arbitrary page among print data of a plurality of pages (for example, see Patent Document 3) are known. ing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-187375 JP 2004-032704 A JP-A-2005-190208

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program that can effectively use a printed matter as a result of trial printing.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an acquisition unit that acquires a test print and a page to be test-printed that are set corresponding to print data of a plurality of pages. And first control means for controlling to perform test printing on the print data of the page to be test-printed based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and at the time of main printing after the test printing is performed, And second control means for controlling to perform main printing on print data obtained by removing print data of a page to be trial printed from print data of a plurality of pages.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second control means starts the main printing from the print data of the next page of the last page related to the page to be trial printed. It controls to do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the second control means is configured such that the plurality of pages are obtained from print data of the next page of the last page related to the page to be test printed. The first page related to the page to be trial printed is controlled from the first page related to the print data of the plurality of pages to the actual print sequentially until the last page of the print data related to the print data. Control is performed so that the main print is sequentially performed up to the print data of the previous page.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the second control means performs the main printing on the print data of the page immediately before the first page related to the page to be test printed. When executed, control is performed such that the main printing is temporarily stopped after the recording medium on which the image corresponding to the print data is printed is ejected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second control unit is a recording medium on which an image corresponding to print data of the next page of the page to be test printed is printed. Is controlled such that it is discharged in a state different from the discharge state of the previously discharged recording medium.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a forming unit that forms an image based on print data on a supplied recording medium and a recording medium conveyed from the forming unit are accommodated. And a supply unit that stores the recording medium and supplies the recording medium to the forming unit, and the supply unit performs test printing based on print data of the page to be test printed. As a result, the recording medium that has undergone trial printing is accommodated, and the second control means accommodates the supply means when the page to be printed this time corresponds to the page to be trial printed. Controlling to supply the test-printed recording medium toward the forming unit, and controlling the forming unit not to perform image formation on the recording medium supplied this time. And butterflies.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first aspect, the acquisition unit is configured to print on both sides of a recording medium set corresponding to the print data of the plurality of pages. The first control means acquires the page to be trial printed on only one side of both sides of the recording medium based on the information obtained by the obtaining means. When it corresponds, it is controlled to perform test printing on the page to be printed at the time of main printing on the other side of the recording medium.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, a forming unit that forms an image based on print data on a supplied recording medium and a recording medium conveyed from the forming unit are accommodated. A storage unit that stores the recording medium and that supplies the recording medium toward the forming unit; and the supply unit includes a test-printed recording medium that has undergone trial printing on both sides. The second control unit stores the page to be supplied to the supply unit when a page to be printed on both sides of the current recording medium in actual printing corresponds to a page on which the test printing has been performed. The test printing medium is controlled to be supplied to the forming unit, and the forming unit is controlled not to perform image formation on both sides of the recording medium supplied this time. To.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the acquisition unit is configured to print on both sides of the recording medium set corresponding to the print data of the plurality of pages. And the supply means stores a test-printed recording medium as a result of test printing based on the print data of the page to be test-printed, and When there is a page on which the test printing has been completed corresponding to one side of both sides of the recording medium and a page to be printed corresponding to the other side is present, the control unit And controlling to supply the recording medium in which the test printed page is present and stored toward the forming unit, and the main printing is performed on the other side of the recording medium supplied this time to the forming unit. Make an image of the page to be To control, characterized in that.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the image processing program according to the present invention described in claim 10 acquires the fact that trial printing to be set corresponding to the print data of a plurality of pages and the page to be trial printed are acquired. A first control process for controlling the print data of the page to be test-printed based on the information acquired in the acquisition process, and a main print after the test print is performed. In some cases, the computer is caused to execute a second control processing step for controlling the print data obtained by removing the print data of the pages to be trial printed from the print data of the plurality of pages.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the printed matter as a result of the trial printing can be effectively used.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user can easily recognize the position to insert the printed material as the result of the trial printing in the printed material as the result of the main printing.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the user can easily recognize the position to insert the printed material as the result of the trial printing in the printed material as the result of the main printing.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the user can easily recognize the position to insert the printed material as the result of the trial printing in the printed material as the result of the main printing.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the user can easily recognize the position to insert the printed material as the result of the trial printing in the printed material as the result of the main printing.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain all printed matter arranged in the order of pages corresponding to the print data of a plurality of pages to be printed when the main printing is completed.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even when a page to be trial printed is set corresponding to one side during double-sided printing, a printed matter printed on both sides is obtained as a result of the trial printing. Therefore, the printed matter as a result of the trial printing can be used effectively.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain all printed materials arranged in the order of pages corresponding to the print data of a plurality of pages to be printed at the time when the main printing is completed at the time of duplex printing.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain all printed materials arranged in the order of pages corresponding to the print data of a plurality of pages to be printed at the time when the main printing is completed at the time of duplex printing.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, it is possible to provide software that makes effective use of the printed matter as a result of the trial printing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed functional configuration of a control unit of the printer according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of printing processing (overall printing processing) including trial printing and main printing of the printer according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of designated page printing processing in printing processing (overall printing processing) of the printer according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (first output processing) other than only samples in the main print processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (second output processing) other than only samples in the main print processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (third output processing) other than only samples in the main print processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing process including trial printing and main printing of a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of print processing including trial printing and main printing of a printer according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of sample output processing at the time of duplex printing of the printer according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the designated sheet double-sided printing process in the sample output process at the time of the double-sided printing of the printer concerning embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (fourth output processing) other than only a sample in main printing processing in double-sided printing processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (fifth output processing) other than only a sample in main printing processing in duplex printing processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (sixth output processing) other than only a sample in main printing processing in double-sided printing processing of the printer according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of output processing (seventh output processing) only for samples other than samples in the main printing processing in the duplex printing processing of the printer according to the embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the printing process including the trial printing in the double-sided printing of the printer concerning an embodiment, and this printing. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer according to an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  An image forming system according to an embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, a computer 100 and a printer 200 are connected via a communication line 20.

  The communication line 20 includes a local area network (LAN = Local Area Network), a wired communication line such as a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, a combination of these communication lines, and a USB interface (USB communication cable). ) And the like. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the communication line 20 employs a network.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 100 serving as an information processing apparatus transmits print data to the printer 200 to make a print request, and includes an application 110, a driver 120, and an interface 130.

  The application 110 is general software having a printing function.

  The driver 120 analyzes a drawing command from the application 110 and processes it into print data, a print data memory 122 that stores the print data, and a user interface (printing) that the user intends to perform print settings. A print setting UI 123 having a function of a setting screen and the like, and a parameter memory 124 for storing print setting information set by the print setting UI 123.

  The interface 130 is an interface on the computer 100 side that connects the computer 100 and the printer 200, and the type thereof is not particularly limited. For example, the interface 130 includes a USB port and a network port.

  The printer 200 as an image processing apparatus functions as an image forming apparatus, executes test printing based on print data from the computer 100, executes main printing, and outputs printed matter as a result of these printings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 200 includes an interface 210, a setting information extraction unit 220, a parameter memory 130, a rendering unit 240, an image data memory 250, a printing unit 260, a panel 270, and a control unit 280.

  The interface 210 is an interface on the printer 200 side that connects the computer 100 and the printer 200, and the type thereof is not particularly limited. For example, examples of the interface 210 include a USB port and a network port.

  The setting information extraction unit 220 has a function of extracting print setting information from print data received by the interface 210.

  The parameter memory 230 has a function of storing print setting information. The print setting information includes, for example, a color mode, a paper size, the number of copies, a sample print function (for trial printing), and a page to be output as a sample (a page to be trial printed). The page to be test printed is a single page or a plurality of pages (continuous or discontinuous pages).

  The rendering unit 240 has a function of converting print data into image data (page unit image data).

  The image data memory 250 has a function of storing image data for each page.

  The printing unit 260 includes a paper feed tray 261, a manual feed tray 262, a drawing unit 263, a duplex printing mechanism 264, a discharge tray 265, and an offset discharge mechanism 266.

  The paper feed tray 261 has a function of feeding a recording medium stored therein and transporting it toward the drawing unit 263.

  In the embodiment, since the recording medium is assumed to be paper, the recording medium is expressed as paper.

  The manual feed tray 262 has a function of feeding the set paper and transporting it toward the drawing unit 263.

  That is, the manual feed tray 262 has a function of a supply unit, and stores paper and supplies the paper toward the drawing unit 263. In addition, the manual feed tray 262 is a test-printed sheet in which the test print is performed on one side as a result of the test print based on the print data of the page to be test-printed or the test print on which the test print is performed on both sides. Contains paper.

  The drawing unit 263 has a function of drawing (printing) an image on the conveyed paper. The drawing unit 263 draws by an image forming method such as a xerographic method or an ink jet method. The image forming method is not limited.

  That is, the drawing unit 263 has a function of a forming unit, and forms an image based on the print data on the supplied paper.

  The duplex printing mechanism 264 has a function of reversing the paper (reversing the front and back of the paper) in order to draw (print) an image on both sides of the paper.

  Paper (printed matter) as a result of printing by the drawing unit 263 is discharged to the discharge tray 265.

  That is, the discharge tray 265 has a function of a storage unit and stores paper (recording medium) conveyed from the drawing unit 263, that is, paper on which an image is printed.

  The offset discharge mechanism 266 has a function of shifting the position of the sheet discharged to the discharge tray 265 in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction (discharge direction), for example.

  The panel 270 has a function of displaying display information such as a message (display function), and a function of receiving input information (input function) including instruction information such as performing the actual printing or canceling the printing.

  The control unit 280 controls trial printing and main printing according to the parameters stored in the parameter memory 230.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 280 includes a first control unit 281, a second control unit 282, and an acquisition unit 283.

  The acquisition unit 283 has a function of an acquisition unit, and prints from the parameter memory 230 that the test print to be set corresponding to the print data of a plurality of pages and the page to be test printed, or both sides of the recording medium. To be printed, to be printed, and to be printed.

  The first control unit 281 has a function of a first control unit, and print data (page unit image data) of a page to be test printed from the image data memory 250 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 283. , And the printing unit 260 is controlled to output the print data (page unit image data) of the read page to be trial printed, and perform trial printing.

  Since the data (image data) read from the image data memory 250 is image data for each page, the print data for the page to be trial printed is referred to as image data for the page to be trial printed (or image data for each page). .

  Further, the first control unit 281 reads out the image data of the page to be test printed from the image data memory 250 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 283, and also performs test printing on only one side of both sides of the paper. When the page to be handled corresponds, the image data of the page to be printed at the time of the main printing is read from the image data memory 250 on the other side of the paper. Then, the first control unit 281 controls the printing unit 260 to output image data of pages to be printed on both sides of the read sheet and perform test printing.

  In other words, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 283, the first control unit 281 applies a page to be trial printed to only one side of both sides of the sheet, with respect to the other side of the sheet. Control is performed so that the trial printing is also executed for the page to be printed in the main printing.

  The second control unit 282 has a function of a second control unit, and should perform trial printing from image data of a plurality of pages (image data in units of pages) in the main printing after the trial printing is performed. The page unit image data excluding the page image data (the page unit image data) is read from the image data memory 250, and the read page unit image data is output to the printing unit 260 for actual printing. Control.

  The second control unit 282 controls to start the main printing from the image data of the next page after the last page related to the page to be test printed.

  The second control unit 282 controls to sequentially perform main printing from the image data of the next page after the last page related to the page to be test printed to the image data of the final page related to the image data of a plurality of pages. At the same time, control is performed to sequentially perform main printing from the image data of the first page related to the image data of the plurality of pages to the image data of the page immediately before the first page related to the page to be test printed.

  When the main control is performed on the image data of the page immediately before the first page related to the page to be test printed, the second control unit 282 stores a recording medium on which an image corresponding to the image data is printed. Controls that this printing is paused after it is ejected.

  The second control unit 282 discharges the recording medium on which the image corresponding to the image data of the next page to be test printed is printed in a state different from the discharge state of the previously discharged recording medium. To control.

  When the page to be printed this time corresponds to the page to be trial printed, the second control unit 282 draws the accommodated test printed paper on the manual feed tray (supplying unit) 262 of the printing unit 260. Control is performed so that the paper is supplied toward the portion (formation unit) 263, and control is performed so that image formation is not performed on the paper that is supplied this time.

  When the page to be printed on both sides of the current paper in the current printing corresponds to the page on which trial printing has been performed, the second control unit 282 has stored the trial printing stored in the manual feed tray 262. Control is performed so that the paper is supplied toward the drawing unit 263, and control is performed so that image formation is not performed on both sides of the paper that is supplied this time.

  When there is a page on which trial printing has been performed corresponding to one side of both sides of the sheet and there is a page to be printed corresponding to the other side, the second control unit 282 is configured to manually feed the tray 262. On the other hand, control is performed so that the paper containing the test-printed page and stored therein is supplied to the drawing unit 263, and the main printing is performed on the other side of the paper supplied this time to the drawing unit 263. Control is performed to form an image on the page to be printed.

  Next, a printing process performed by the image forming system 10 will be described.

  The application 110 in the computer 100 sends a drawing command to the driver 120 to give a print instruction.

  In the driver 120, the drawing command analysis unit 120 analyzes the received drawing command, processes the drawing command into print data (print data) based on the analysis result, and stores the print data in the print data memory 122. .

  The user performs the print setting intended by the user on the print setting UI 123. As described above, this print setting includes, for example, a color mode, a paper size, the number of copies, and the like used in normal printing, a sample print function (trial print), and a page to be output as a sample (page to be trial printed) , A single page or multiple pages).

  The operation of the print setting UI 123 by the user may be performed from the application 110 when a print instruction is given. Further, the same content as the print setting content for the print setting UI 123 may be set by changing the initial setting of the driver 120 in advance.

  The print setting information set in the print setting UI 123 as described above is stored in the parameter memory 124. In processing by print setting of print data, print setting information is added to the print data. In this case, for example, print setting information is added to the printer data by PJL (Printer Job Language).

  The print data is processed according to print settings and then sent to the printer 200 through the interface 130.

  The printer 200 receives print data through the interface 210.

  The setting information extraction unit 220 extracts print setting information from the print data received through the interface 210 and stores it in the parameter memory 230. Also, the setting information extraction unit 220 passes the received print data to the rendering unit 240.

  The rendering unit 240 stores the received print data in the image data memory 250 as image data for each page according to the print setting information in the parameter memory 230.

  Based on the print setting information in the parameter memory 230, the control unit 280 performs control to perform normal print processing when a sample print (to be trial print) is not instructed. On the other hand, when a sample print (indicating that trial printing is to be performed) is instructed, control is performed to perform sample output processing (trial printing processing).

  Next, printer printing processing (overall printing processing) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiment, the setting value of “page to be output as a sample” of the print setting information in the parameter memory 230 is referred to as “sample output page”.

  In the printer 200, the printing unit 260 performs sample output processing, which will be described later in detail, under the control of the first control unit 281 of the control unit 280 (step S101). In this sample output process, a designated page print process is performed for each page of the sample output page.

  Here, the designated page printing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the control unit 280, the acquisition unit 283 acquires a sample output page from the parameter memory 230 and passes this to the first control unit 281. As shown in FIG. 4, the first control unit 281 reads out image data corresponding to the designated page from the image data memory 250 based on the passed sample output page, and outputs the image data to the printing unit 260 (step). S201).

  In addition, when the first control unit 281 outputs all the image data of the page to be trial printed, that is, the sample output page, to the printing unit 260 (or when the trial printing process is completed), the first control unit 281 is passed from the acquisition unit 283. The sample output page is output to the second control unit 282.

  In the printing unit 260, when the paper feed tray 261 feeds unused paper toward the drawing unit 263 (step S202), the drawing unit 263 places the first control unit 281 on the fed paper. An image based on the image data is drawn (printed) (step S203). The paper on which the image is drawn (printed) in this way is output (discharged) to the discharge tray 265 (step S204). As a result, the printed matter as a result of the sample output designated by the user is discharged to the discharge tray 265.

  By performing the sample output process, that is, the designated page printing process in this way, the user obtains a sample output result (printed material) of the designated page 1 in number of copies, and confirms this to obtain a desired print result. Determine whether or not.

  Again, a description will be given with reference to FIG. In the printer 200, when the sample output process is completed as described above, the control unit 280 displays a screen (selection screen) for selecting whether to perform the actual printing or to cancel the printing on the panel 270. (Step S102), it is determined whether or not the actual printing is to be performed based on the contents instructed on the selection screen (Step S103).

  Here, when a desired print result is not obtained, the user instructs to cancel printing on the selection screen of the panel 270. On the other hand, when a desired print result is obtained, the user selects the panel 270. Instructs the screen to perform the actual printing.

  Further, when instructing to perform the actual printing, details of cases for incorporating the sample output page into the actual printing will be described in the cases (A), (C), and (D) described later. One of them is indicated. When neither case is instructed, case (A) is designated as a default.

  The content instructed by the user on the selection screen of panel 270 is given to control unit 280.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S103 that the main print is not to be performed because it has received an instruction to cancel the print of the main print because a desired print result has not been obtained, the print processing is performed. Is terminated and this process is terminated. Thereafter, the user changes the contents of the print settings and performs a series of processes again.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S103 that the main printing is to be performed by receiving an instruction to perform the main printing due to the fact that a desired printing result has been obtained, The control unit 282 performs control so that only pages other than the sample output page are printed as samples as the first copy. That is, for details, “non-sample output processing” described later is performed (step S104).

  In the output processing other than this sample, the second control unit 282 outputs the image data of the page excluding this sample output page from all pages based on the sample output page from the first control unit 281. The data is read from the image data memory 250 and output to the printing unit 260.

  When step S104 is completed, the second control unit 282 defines the result (number of copies) obtained by calculating “specified number of copies−1” as the number of remaining copies (step S105), and the relational expression “number of remaining copies> 0” is It is determined whether or not it is established (step S106).

  When the second control unit 282 determines in step S106 that the relational expression “number of remaining copies> 0” is satisfied, the designated page printing process (see FIG. 4) is performed for all pages (step S107). In this designated page printing process, the second control unit 282 reads out image data of all pages, that is, image data of all pages including sample output pages, from the image data memory 250 and outputs them to the printing unit 260.

  When step S107 is completed, the second control unit 282 redefines the result (number of copies) obtained by calculating “specified number of copies−1” as the number of remaining copies (step S108), and then returns to step S106.

  If the second control unit 282 determines in step S106 that the relational expression “number of remaining copies> 0” is not satisfied, the second control unit 282 ends this processing.

  With the above description, the main printing process is completed in which a print result (printed material) that does not overlap with the sample output (trial print) result (printed material) is obtained.

  Next, processing for printing only pages other than the sample output page (hereinafter referred to as “output processing only for samples”) will be described as the first copy in the main printing.

In the embodiment, the main printing process is performed according to the case for incorporating the page output as a sample into the main printing.
Case (A): No operation is performed (see FIGS. 8A and 9A).
Case (B): The actual printing starts from the page output as a sample, and returns to the first page when the last page ends (see FIG. 8B).
Case (C): In this printing, the page output as a sample is to be inserted, and the output is temporarily stopped and a restart instruction is waited (see FIGS. 8C and 9C).
Case (D): In this printing, the page output as a sample is offset where the page should be inserted (see FIGS. 8D and 9D).
Case (E): At the time of actual printing, the page output as a sample is set on the manual feed tray, inserted into an appropriate position, and output (see FIGS. 8E and 9E).

  First, output processing (first output processing) only for samples other than samples will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the first output process other than the sample is a process for the case (A), the case (C), and the case (D).

  In the control unit 280 of the printer 200, the second control unit 282 defines “PAGE = first page” (step S301), and the PAGE outputs a sample based on the sample output page from the first control unit 281. It is determined whether or not it has been completed (step S302).

  If the second control unit 282 determines in step S302 that the PAGE has not been sampled, the designated page printing process is performed (step S303).

  In the designated page printing process, the second control unit 282 reads out image data of pages other than the sample output page from the first control unit 281 from the image data memory 250 and outputs it to the printing unit 260. .

  Note that in any of the cases (A), (C), and (D), image data is read from the image data memory 250 in order from the first appearing page other than the sample output page. (See FIGS. 8 (A), (C), (D) and FIGS. 9 (A), (C), (D)).

  When step S303 ends, the second control unit 282 determines whether or not “PAGE = last page” (step S304). If the result of this determination is not “PAGE = last page”. , “PAGE = PAGE + 1” (step S305), and the process returns to step S302.

  If it is determined in step S304 that “PAGE = last page”, this process ends.

  If the second control unit 282 determines in step S302 that the PAGE has already been sampled, the second control unit 282 issues an instruction together with an instruction to perform the main printing in the printing process (overall printing process) shown in FIG. Control for carrying out processing according to any of the case (A), case (C) and case (D) to be performed is performed (step S306).

  The second control unit 282 that has completed step S306 proceeds to step S304.

  A specific example will be described. FIG. 8 shows an output example when page 2 (p2) and page 3 (p3) are designated as samples among the five-page documents from page 1 to page 5, and the five-page document from page 1 to page 5 is shown. FIG. 9 shows an output example when page 2 (p2) and page 4 (p4) are designated as samples.

  In case (A), it is determined whether or not all pages (in this example, 5 pages) are sample output pages.

  For pages that are determined not to be sample output pages, that is, pages that have not been sample output (pages to be subjected to this print processing), print processing according to the designated page print processing is performed.

  Nothing is done for pages that are determined to be sample output pages, that is, pages that have been sample output.

  An output example in case (A) by the above-described processing (including the first output processing of FIG. 5) is shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 9 (A).

  As a result, a page excluding the page output as a sample is obtained by the main printing process. That is, a printed matter (output document) for five pages is obtained from the printed matter (output document for two pages) output by the sample and the printed matter (page output document for three pages) output by the main printing. Therefore, the printed matter of the page output as a sample is effectively used without being wasted.

  In case (C), as in case (A), it is determined whether or not all pages (in this example, 5 pages) are sample output pages.

  For pages that are determined not to be sample output pages, that is, pages that have not been sample output (pages to be subjected to this print processing), print processing according to the designated page print processing is performed.

  When the page is determined to be a sample output page, that is, a sample output page, the printing unit 260 temporarily stops the main printing under the control of the control unit 280.

  When paused, a pause message is output to the panel 270 of the printer 200, and the main printing is resumed by an instruction to the panel 270 by the user to resume printing, for example.

  An output example in case (C) by the above-described processing (including the first output processing of FIG. 5) is shown in FIGS. 8C and 9C.

  As a result, the place where the printed matter of the page output in the sample is inserted in the output result (printed matter) of the main printing is clearly indicated, so that the user can specify the page of the page output in the sample in the output result of the main printing. The work of inserting a printed material is assisted, and the work load of arranging, for example, a 5-page document in page order is reduced.

  In case (D), as in case (A), it is determined whether or not all pages (in this example, 5 pages) are sample output pages. A page that is determined not to be a sample output page, that is, a page that has not been sampled is subjected to a print process according to the designated page print process.

  In the case of a page determined to be a sample output page, that is, a sample output page, a drawing process by the drawing unit 263 related to the next page to be printed (a page not sampled) is performed. At the time of subsequent discharge, the discharge position is offset by the offset discharge mechanism 266.

  An output example in the case (D) by the above-described processing (including the first output processing of FIG. 5) is shown in FIGS. 8D and 9D.

  As a result, the place where the printed matter of the page output in the sample is inserted in the output result (printed matter) of the main printing is clearly indicated, so that the user can specify the page of the page output in the sample in the output result of the main printing. The work of inserting a printed material is assisted, and the work load of arranging, for example, a 5-page document in page order is reduced.

  Next, an output process (second output process) other than the sample as the first copy in the main printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the second output process only for samples other than the sample is a process for the case (B).

  In the control unit 280 of the printer 200, the second control unit 282 defines “PAGE = next page” (step S401). Thereafter, a designated page printing process is performed (step S402).

  In the designated page printing process, the second control unit 282 reads out image data of pages other than the sample output page from the first control unit 281 from the image data memory 250 and outputs it to the printing unit 260. .

  In case (B), the page is a page other than the sample output page, and the last page of the data to be printed (all page image data to be printed) from the page following the last page of the sample output page. The image data is read from the image data memory 250 in order, and after the last page is read, the first page returns to the first page of the data to be printed (all page image data to be printed). The image data is read from the image data memory 250 in order from the first page of the sample output page to the page before the first page (see FIG. 8B).

  When step S402 ends, the second control unit 282 determines whether or not “PAGE = last page” (step S403). If the result of this determination is not “PAGE = last page”. , “PAGE = PAGE + 1” is redefined (step S404).

  When step S404 is completed, the process proceeds to step S402.

  If the second control unit 282 determines that “PAGE = last page” in step S403, the second control unit 282 redefines it as “PAGE = first page” (step S405). Thereafter, a designated page printing process is performed (step S406).

  When step S406 ends, the second control unit 282 determines whether or not “PAGE = page immediately before the sample output page” (step S407). As a result of this determination, “PAGE = sample output page”. If it is not “the page immediately before”, it is redefined as “PAGE = PAGE + 1” (step S408).

  When step S408 ends, the process proceeds to step S406.

  If it is determined in step S407 that “PAGE = page immediately before the sample output page”, this process ends.

  A specific example will be described. In case (B), the designated page print processing is performed from the next page (page 4 in this example) after the last page (page 3 in this example) output in the sample.

  Next, when the last page (page 5 in this example) of all pages to be printed (5 pages in this example) is output, the first page (this page in this example) of all pages to be printed (5 pages in this example) Returning to page 1) in the example, output is performed by the designated page printing process until the first page (page 2 in this example) output in the sample.

  FIG. 8B shows an output example in case (B) by the above-described processing (including the second output processing of FIG. 6).

  As a result, the user can rearrange all the documents by dividing the sample print output result at the beginning or end of the main print output result and then rearranging it before the first page, for example, The work burden of aligning five pages of documents in page order is reduced.

  Incidentally, the first page of a document is often a cover page or a large title and is often easily distinguished from other pages. Therefore, the case (B) is more effective than the case of directly searching for the place to insert the sample from the result of the printing process. However, the processing in this case (B) is effective only when the pages specified by the samples are continuous.

  Next, an output process (third output process) other than the sample as the first copy in the main printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the third output process only for samples other than the sample is a process for the case (E).

  The user sets the paper (printed material) output as a sample on the manual feed tray 262 in the order output as the sample. Then, a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) detects that a sheet (printed material) is set on the manual feed tray 262 and outputs this detection information to the control unit 280.

  In the control unit 280, when the second control unit 282 acquires detection information from a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) (step S501), it is defined as “PAGE = first page” (step S502). Based on the sample output page from the control unit 281, it is determined whether or not the PAGE has been sampled (step S 503).

  If the second control unit 282 determines in step S503 that the PAGE has not been sampled, the designated page printing process is performed (step S504).

  In the designated page printing process, the second control unit 282 reads out image data of pages other than the sample output page from the first control unit 281 from the image data memory 250 and outputs it to the printing unit 260. .

  In the case (E), the image data is read from the image data memory 250 in order from the first appearing page other than the sample output page (FIGS. 8E and 9E). )reference).

  When step S504 ends, the second control unit 282 determines whether or not “PAGE = last page” (step S505). If the result of this determination is not “PAGE = last page”. , “PAGE = PAGE + 1” (step S506), and the process returns to step S503.

  If it is determined in step S505 that “PAGE = last page”, this process ends.

  If the second control unit 282 determines in step S503 that the PAGE has already been sampled, the second control unit 282 performs control (control to feed the paper) to feed the paper set to the manual feed tray 262 ( In step S507, the drawing unit 263 is controlled not to perform drawing processing (step S508).

  Under such control of the second control unit 282, the sample output paper (printed material) set on the manual feed tray 262 is transported through a normal paper transport path and supplied toward the drawing unit 263. However, in the drawing unit 263, drawing processing is not performed, but the drawing unit 263 is transported toward the discharge tray 265 and discharged to the discharge tray 265 (step S509).

  When step S509 is completed, the process proceeds to step S505.

  A specific example will be described. The user sets the printed matter of the page output as a sample on the manual feed tray 262. In case (E), as in case (A), it is determined whether or not all pages are sample output pages.

  A page that is determined not to be a sample output page, that is, a page that has not been sample output is subjected to print processing according to the designated page print processing.

  A printed matter of a page determined to be a sample output page, that is, a sample output page, is fed (sent out) from the manual feed tray 262, conveyed through a normal printing paper path, and drawn to reach the drawing unit 263. The processing is further carried out without being carried out, and is finally discharged to the discharge tray 265.

  An output example in case (E) by the above-described processing (including the third output processing of FIG. 7) is shown in FIGS. 8 (E) and 9 (E).

  Thereby, the process of inserting the printed matter of the page output as a sample into the output result (printed matter) of the printing process is automated.

  Next, a sample output process at the time of duplex printing by the printer will be described with reference to FIG.

  This sample output process is applied during duplex printing in each of the case (A), case (B), case (C), case (D), and case (E) described above.

  That is, in the case of double-sided printing in case (A), case (B), case (C), case (D), and case (E) described above, the back side not designated in the sample output is also printed. It is processing. Here, this double-sided printing sample output processing is expressed as case (A ′), case (B ′), case (C ′), case (D ′), and case (E ′), respectively.

  The control unit 280 of the printer 200 defines “SHEET = first sheet” (step S601), and determines whether the sample output page is not designated on both sides (step S602).

  If it is determined in step S602 that the sample output page is not specified for both sides, the control unit 280 determines whether one side is not a sample output page (step S603).

  When it is determined in step S603 that one side is not a sample output page (when it is determined that both sides are sample output pages), a designated sheet double-sided printing process (see FIG. 11) is performed.

  When step S603 is completed, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “SHEET = last sheet” (step S605). If the result of this determination is not “SHEET = last sheet”, “SHEET = last sheet”. = SHEET + 1 ”(step S606), and then the process returns to step S602.

  If it is determined in step S605 that “SHEET = last sheet”, this process ends.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S603 that one side is not a sample output page (if it is determined that only one side is a sample output page), the control unit 280 also sets a side that is not a sample output page as a sample output page. (Step S607).

  When step S607 ends, the process proceeds to step S604.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S602 that the sample output page is not designated on both sides, the control unit 280 proceeds to step S605.

  Next, the designated sheet double-sided printing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The paper feed tray 261 feeds unused stored paper toward the drawing unit 263 (step S701), and the control unit 280 reads the image data of the back side designated page from the image data memory 250 and draws it. Output to the unit 263.

  The drawing unit 263 draws (prints) an image based on the image data of the back designated page from the control unit 280 on the fed paper (step S702).

  The duplex printing mechanism unit 264 reverses the sheet conveyed from the drawing unit 263 (step S703).

  The control unit 280 reads the image data of the front surface designated page from the image data memory 250 and outputs it to the drawing unit 263.

  The drawing unit 263 draws (prints) an image based on the image data of the surface designation page from the control unit 280 on the sheet reversed by the duplex printing mechanism unit 264 (step S704).

  The paper for which drawing (printing) processing by the drawing unit 263 in step S704 has been completed is discharged to the discharge tray 705 (step S705).

  Next, sample output processing (fourth output processing) during duplex printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the fourth output processing only for samples other than the sample is processing for the case (A ′), the case (C ′), and the case (D ′).

  The control unit 280 of the printer 200 defines “SHEET = first paper” (step S801), and determines whether or not the sample of the SHEET has been output (step S802).

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S802 that the sheet has not been sampled, the designated sheet duplex printing process (see FIG. 11) is performed (step S803).

  When step S803 is completed, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “SHET = last sheet” (step S804). If the result of this determination is not “SHEET = last sheet”, “SHETET” is determined. = SHEET + 1 ”(step S805), and then the process returns to step S802.

  If it is determined in step S804 that “SHEET = last sheet”, this process is terminated.

  When the control unit 280 determines in step S802 that the sheet has been output as a sample, the control unit 280 is instructed with an instruction to perform the main printing in the printing process (overall printing process) illustrated in FIG. (A ′), a case (C ′), and a case (D ′) are controlled to execute processing according to any case (step S806).

  After completing step S806, the control unit 280 proceeds to step S804.

  A specific example will be described. An example in case (A ′) when page 3 (p3) is designated as a sample in double-sided printing of a five-page document from page 1 to page 5 will be described (see FIG. 16 (A ′)).

  In the sample output process (see FIG. 10), in case (A ′), it is determined whether sample output pages are designated on both sides for all sheets (in this example, 5 sheets).

  If it is determined that the sample output page is not specified for both sides, the sheet is not printed.

  Next, it is determined whether only one side is not a sample output page. When it is determined that only one side is not the sample output page, the side that is not the sample output page is also set (reset) as the sample output page. This sheet is printed on both sides using a duplex printing mechanism 264 in accordance with a designated sheet duplex printing process.

  As a result, not only the designated page 3 (p3) but also the page 4 (p4) corresponding to the back side is output as a sample on both sides of the sheet.

  In the output process only for samples other than the samples at the time of actual printing (see FIG. 12), in case (A ′), it is determined whether or not the samples have been output for all sheets (in this example, 5 sheets).

  A sheet that has not been sampled is drawn (printed) on both sides according to the designated sheet double-side printing process.

  Nothing is done about the sample output sheet.

  An output example in case (A ′) by the above-described processing is shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the printed matter of the page output as a sample is effectively used without being wasted.

  Note that the case (C ′) and the case (D ′) are the same as the case (A ′), and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, sample output processing (fifth output processing) during duplex printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the fifth output process other than the sample is a process for the case (B ′).

  The control unit 280 of the printer 200 defines “SHEET = the next sheet after the sample” (step S901). Thereafter, a designated sheet double-sided printing process (see FIG. 11) is performed (step S902).

  When step S902 is completed, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “SHET = last sheet” (step S903). If the result of this determination is not “SHET = last sheet”, “SHET = SHEET + 1 ”(step S904).

  When step S904 ends, the process proceeds to step S902.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S903 that “SHEET = last sheet”, the control unit 280 redefines “SHEET = first sheet” (step S905). Thereafter, a designated sheet double-sided printing process is performed (step S906).

  When step S906 ends, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “double-sided = paper immediately before the sample” (step S907), and as a result of the determination, “double-sided = paper immediately before the sample” is not satisfied. In this case, “SHEET = SHEET + 1” is redefined (step S908).

  When step S908 ends, the process proceeds to step S906.

  If it is determined in step S907 that “double-sided = paper immediately before the sample”, this processing ends.

  A specific example will be described. An example in case (B ′) where page 3 (p3) is designated as a sample in double-sided printing of a five-page document from page 1 to page 5 will be described.

  In the case (B ′), the sample output process is the same as the sample output process (see FIG. 10) in the case A (A ′).

  In the output process only for samples other than the sample at the time of actual printing (see FIG. 13), in case (B ′), the printing process is performed from the sheet next to the last sheet output in the sample according to the designated sheet double-sided printing process. The When the last sheet is output, the process returns to the first sheet, and the printing process is performed in accordance with the designated sheet double-sided printing process from the first sheet to the sheet before the first sheet output as a sample.

  This allows the user to reorder all the documents by adding the sample printout result to the beginning or end of the main printout result and then dividing and reordering in front of the first sheet. The work burden of aligning five pages of documents in page order is reduced. However, the processing in this case (B ′) is effective only when the pages specified by the samples are continuous.

  Next, sample output processing (sixth output processing) during duplex printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the sixth output process only for samples other than the sample is a process for the case (E ′). That is, not only the designated page 3 (p3) but also the page 4 (p4) corresponding to the back side is output as a sample on both sides of the paper.

  The user sets the paper (printed material) output as a sample on the manual feed tray 262 in the order output as the sample. Then, a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) detects that a sheet (printed material) is set on the manual feed tray 262 and outputs this detection information to the control unit 280.

  When the control unit 280 acquires detection information from a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) (step S1001), the control unit 280 defines “SHEET = first paper” (step S1002), and determines whether or not the sample of the SHEET has been output. Judgment is made (step S1003).

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S1003 that the sheet has not been sampled, the designated sheet duplex printing process (see FIG. 11) is performed (step S1004).

  When step S1004 is completed, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “SHET = last sheet” (step S1005). If the result of this determination is not “SHEET = last sheet”, “SHETET” is determined. = SHEET + 1 ”(step S1006), and the process returns to step S1003.

  If it is determined in step S1005 that “SHEET = last sheet”, this process ends.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S1003 that the sheet output has been completed, the control unit 280 controls to send out the set paper to the manual feed tray 262 (control to feed the paper) (step S1007). The rendering unit 263 is controlled not to perform the rendering process (step S1008).

  Under the control of the control unit 280, the sample output paper (printed material) set on the manual feed tray 262 is transported through a normal double-sided printing paper path and supplied toward the drawing unit 263, but drawing is performed. In the unit 263, the drawing process is not performed, and the sheet is conveyed toward the discharge tray 265 and discharged to the discharge tray 265 (step S1009).

  When step S1009 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1005.

  A specific example will be described. An example in case (E ′) when page 3 (p3) is designated as a sample in double-sided printing of a five-page document from page 1 to page 5 will be described (see FIG. 16 (E ′)).

  In the case (E ′), the sample output process is the same as the sample output process (see FIG. 10) in the case A (A ′). That is, not only the designated page 3 (p3) but also the page 4 (p4) corresponding to the back side is output as a sample on both sides of the paper.

  In the output process only for samples other than the sample at the time of actual printing (see FIG. 14), in the case (E ′), the user sets the sheet output as the sample on the manual feed tray 262.

  It is determined whether or not the sample has been output for all sheets (in this example, for five sheets).

  A sheet that has not been sampled is drawn (printed) on both sides according to the designated sheet double-side printing process. In this case, the sheet is reversed using the double-sided printing mechanism 264 so that images are drawn on both sides.

  The sample output sheet is fed from the manual feed tray 262, conveyed through a normal double-sided printing paper path, and supplied toward the drawing unit 263. However, the drawing unit 263 does not perform drawing processing and discharges the sheet. It is conveyed toward the tray 265 and discharged to the discharge tray 265.

  An output example in the case (E ′) by the above-described processing is shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the process of inserting the sheet (printed material) output as a sample into the output result (printed material) of the main printing process is automated.

  Next, sample output processing (seventh output processing) during duplex printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example, the seventh output process only for samples other than the sample is a case where the back side not specified in the sample output is not printed at the time of double-sided printing, and the back side is printed when the sample is inserted from the manual feed tray at the time of actual printing. It is processing of. Here, this double-sided printing sample output process is denoted as case (E ″).

  The user sets the paper (printed material) output as a sample on the manual feed tray 262 in the order output as the sample. Then, a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) detects that a sheet (printed material) is set on the manual feed tray 262 and outputs this detection information to the control unit 280.

  When the control unit 280 of the printer 200 acquires detection information from a detection unit such as a sensor (not shown) (step S1101), it is defined as “SHEET = first paper” (step S1102), and whether both sides have sample output. It is determined whether or not (step S1103).

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S1103 that there is no sample output on both sides, the control unit 280 determines whether the sample has been output on both sides (step S1104).

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S1104 that both sides of the sample have not been sampled, the control unit 280 controls to feed the set paper to the manual feed tray 262 (control to feed the paper) (step S1105). The drawing unit 263 is controlled to perform the drawing process only on the surface that has not been printed (drawn) as a sample (step S1106).

  Under such control of the control unit 280, the sample output paper (printed material) set on the manual feed tray 262 is transported through a normal double-sided printing paper path, supplied toward the drawing unit 263, and the drawing unit 263. Then, the drawing process described above is performed, and thereafter, the drawing process is performed toward the discharge tray 265, and the sheet is further discharged to the discharge tray 265 (step S1107).

  When step S1107 is completed, the control unit 280 determines whether or not “SHEET = last sheet” (step S1108). If the result of this determination is not “SHEET = last sheet”, “SHEET = last sheet”. = SHEET + 1 ”(step S1109), and then the process returns to step S1103.

  If it is determined in step S1108 that “SHEET = last sheet”, this process ends.

  If the control unit 280 determines in step S1104 that both sides of the sample have been output, the control unit 280 controls (feeds the paper) to feed the set paper to the feed tray 262 (step S1110). The rendering unit 263 is controlled not to perform the rendering process (step S1111).

  Under the control of the control unit 280, the sample output paper (printed material) set on the manual feed tray 262 is transported through a normal double-sided printing paper path and supplied toward the drawing unit 263. In the unit 263, the drawing process is not performed, and the sheet is conveyed toward the discharge tray 265 and discharged to the discharge tray 265 (step S1112).

  When step S1112 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1108.

  When the control unit 280 determines in step S1103 that there is no sample output on both sides, the designated page is printed on each side of the sheet (step S1113).

  When step S1113 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1108.

  A specific example will be described. An example of case (E ″) when page 3 (p3) is designated as a sample in double-sided printing of a five-page document from page 1 to page 5 will be described (see FIG. 16 (E ″)).

  In the sample output process (see FIG. 10), in the case (E ″), only the designated page 3 (p3) is printed.

  In the output process (see FIG. 15) only for the sample other than the sample at the time of actual printing, in the case (E ″), the user sets the paper output as the sample on the manual feed tray 262.

  For paper that is not designated as a sample on both sides of the paper, an image is printed (drawn) on both sides using the double-sided printing mechanism 264 in accordance with the designated page printing process.

  The paper output as a sample on both sides of the paper is fed from the manual feed tray 262, conveyed through the paper path for normal double-sided printing, and supplied to the drawing unit 263. However, the drawing unit 263 performs drawing processing. Without being transported toward the discharge tray 265 and discharged to the discharge tray 265

  The paper on which only one side of the paper is sampled is fed from the manual feed tray 262 and is transported through the paper path for normal double-sided printing, and the sample output side (page) is not printed (drawn) in the drawing unit 263. The surface (page) on which the sample is not output is printed (drawn), conveyed toward the discharge tray 265, and discharged to the discharge tray 265.

  An output example in the case (E ″) by the above-described processing is shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the process of inserting the sheet (printed material) output as a sample into the output result (printed material) of the main printing process is automated. In the case of sample output, only the specified page is output, and the output of pages not specified is suppressed. That is, when the output result of the sample is different from the desired print result and the output result of the sample is to be discarded, the wasteful consumption of the recording material is suppressed.

  Next, a hardware configuration of a printer as an image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the printer 200 includes a CPU 201, a storage device 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, interfaces 205 and 206, a communication I / F 207, an operation panel 208 connected to the interface 205, and a printer engine 209 connected to an interface 506. have. These components 201 to 207 are connected to the system bus 21.

  The storage device 202 is, for example, a hard disk, and includes the control unit 280 (first control unit 281, second control unit 282 and acquisition unit 283) illustrated in FIG. 2, the setting information extraction unit 220 and rendering illustrated in FIG. 1. Various installed programs such as software (program) for realizing each function of the unit 240 and the image processing program 202A are stored.

  The image processing program 502A includes an acquisition process, a first control process, and a second control process. The acquisition unit 283 executes an acquisition process, the first control unit 281 executes a first control process, and the second control unit 282 executes a second control process.

  The ROM 203 is a read-only memory and stores communication protocol information for performing data communication with an external device.

  The RAM 504 is a write / read memory as needed, and stores programs and data including the image processing program 202A read from the storage device 202, communication protocol information read from the ROM 203, and the like.

  The RAM 204 functions as the parameter memory 230 and the image data memory 250 shown in FIG. 1, and stores print setting information (parameters) and page-by-page image data.

  The interface 205 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs data communication, and performs communication with the operation panel 208. The operation panel 208 performs the function of the panel 270 shown in FIG.

  The interface 206 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs data communication, and performs communication with the printer engine 209. The printer engine 209 performs the function of the printing unit 260 shown in FIG.

  The communication I / F 207 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes data communication, and fulfills the function of the interface 210 shown in FIG. Such a communication I / F 207 performs data communication with, for example, the communication destination computer 100 via the communication line 20 by reading protocol information from the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it.

  The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and reads and executes a program including the image processing program 202A from the storage device 202 to the RAM 204, thereby executing the above-described control unit 102 (first control unit 281 and second control unit). 282 and the acquisition unit 283), the setting information extraction unit 220, and the rendering unit 240, and the processing function corresponding to the image processing program 202A. The CPU 201 controls the entire printer (image processing apparatus).

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment, the embodiment disclosed in this specification is an example in all respects and is limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications are included without departing from the technical scope equivalent to the described technique and the gist of the claims.

  When using a program, it may be provided via a network or stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

  That is, the program including the image processing program is not limited to being recorded in a storage device such as a hard disk, and the program may be provided as follows.

  For example, the program may be stored in the ROM, and the CPU may load the program from the ROM to the main storage device and execute it.

  The program may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), or flexible disk.

  Further, an image processing device (printer) or the like is connected to a server device or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and the program is executed after the program is downloaded from the server device or the host computer. It may be. In this case, examples of the download destination of the program include a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (storage medium) such as a hard disk.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus that executes at least one of monochrome printing and color printing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 20 Communication line 100 Computer 200 Printer 220 Setting information extraction part 230 Parameter memory 240 Rendering part 250 Image data memory 260 Printing part 262 Manual feed tray 263 Drawing part 265 Output tray 266 Offset discharge mechanism 280 Control part 281 First control Unit 282 second control unit 283 acquisition unit

Claims (10)

An acquisition means for acquiring a test print and a page to be test-printed set in correspondence with print data of a plurality of pages;
First control means for controlling to perform test printing on the print data of the page to be test printed based on the information acquired by the acquiring means;
A second control means for controlling to perform main printing on print data obtained by excluding print data of a page to be trial printed from print data of the plurality of pages at the time of main printing after the test printing is performed;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The second control means includes
Control to start the main printing from the print data of the next page of the last page related to the page to be test printed,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The second control means includes
Control is performed so as to sequentially perform the main printing from the print data of the next page of the last page related to the page to be trial printed to the print data of the last page related to the print data of the plurality of pages, and the plurality of pages. Control to sequentially perform the main printing from the print data of the first page related to the print data to the print data of the page immediately before the first page related to the page to be test printed.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The second control means includes
When the main print is performed on the print data of the page immediately before the first page related to the page to be test printed, the main print is performed after the recording medium on which the image corresponding to the print data is printed is discharged. Control to pause,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The second control means includes
The recording medium on which the image corresponding to the print data of the next page to be test printed is printed is controlled to be discharged in a state different from the discharge state of the previously discharged recording medium.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Forming means for forming an image based on print data on a supplied recording medium;
Storage means for storing a recording medium conveyed from the forming means;
Supply means for containing the recording medium and supplying the recording medium toward the forming means;
Further comprising
The supply means includes
Containing a test-printed recording medium as a result of test printing based on the print data of the page to be test-printed;
The second control means includes
When the page to be printed this time corresponds to the page to be test-printed, the supply unit is controlled to supply the stored test-printed recording medium to the forming unit, and Controlling the forming means not to perform image formation on the recording medium supplied this time;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The acquisition means includes
Acquiring that printing is to be performed on both sides of the recording medium set in correspondence with the print data of the plurality of pages, trial printing, and pages to be trial printed,
The first control means includes
When the page to be trial printed corresponds to only one side of both sides of the recording medium based on the information obtained by the obtaining unit, the page is printed on the other side of the recording medium during the main printing. Control to perform trial printing on the pages to be printed,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Forming means for forming an image based on print data on a supplied recording medium;
Storage means for storing a recording medium conveyed from the forming means;
Supply means for containing the recording medium and supplying the recording medium toward the forming means;
Further comprising
The supply means includes
Contains test-printed recording media with test printing on both sides,
The second control means includes
When the pages to be printed on both sides of the current recording medium in actual printing correspond to the pages on which the test printing has been performed, the test printing medium that has been stored is formed on the supply unit. Controlling to supply toward the means, and controlling the forming means not to perform image formation on both sides of the recording medium supplied this time,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7. The acquisition means includes
Acquiring that printing is to be performed on both sides of the recording medium set in correspondence with the print data of the plurality of pages, trial printing, and pages to be trial printed,
The supply means includes
Containing a test-printed recording medium as a result of test printing based on the print data of the page to be test-printed;
The second control means includes
When the test printed page exists corresponding to one side of both sides of the recording medium and the page to be printed corresponding to the other side exists, the test printing is performed on the supply unit. Control is performed so that the recording medium in which the existing page exists and is accommodated is supplied to the forming unit, and the page to be printed on the other side of the recording medium supplied this time is provided to the forming unit. Control to form an image,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6. An acquisition process for acquiring test prints and pages to be test-printed set in correspondence with print data of a plurality of pages;
A first control process for controlling the print data of the page to be test printed based on the information acquired by the acquisition process;
A second control process for controlling to perform main printing on print data obtained by removing the print data of the pages to be trial printed from the print data of the plurality of pages at the time of the main printing after the trial printing is performed; ,
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.

Images