JP2011124841A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation display control part capable of easily discriminating a fault of finish, and displaying preview images of a designated page and its corresponding page on an operation part without a stress, and to provide an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The operation display control part is configured to create preview image data of the corresponding page relevant to the designated page to be stored in an image memory when the preview image of the designated page is displayed on a display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and preview image display control.

  In recent years, a scanner that reads a document image, a copier that prints a document image read by the scanner, a printer or facsimile machine that prints image data input from the outside, or a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that combines these functions ) Is used.

  In this type of multi-function peripheral, settings related to document status such as document type and density, settings related to various image processing such as enlargement / reduction ratio, single-sided / double-sided, and margin size, stamp stamping, stapling, or punching The operator can make settings related to various functions such as settings related to finishing processing such as drilling processing. On the other hand, when printing is actually performed, there is a problem in that different defective prints that are desired are output, and the paper is wasted.

  To solve this problem, prior to actual printing, a preview image showing the finish of each print image that makes up the print job is displayed, allowing the operator to check the output results and changing the print settings as necessary. An image processing apparatus that can do this has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 displays a preview screen for a plurality of pages in a page order in a preview image display frame when performing double-sided printing on a plurality of sheets.

  The technique described in Patent Document 2 displays a preview screen in a form in which a part of a booklet is turned over when binding (binding) a plurality of recording sheets obtained by double-sided printing is planned. Thus, page images for at least three consecutive pages are displayed.

  The technique described in Patent Document 3 displays a target page as a preview image for a print job that is planned to be composed of a plurality of pages in the case of double-sided printing, as well as the previous page, the subsequent page, and the surface of the target page. This page or the back page is displayed as an auxiliary preview image (icon image, reduced image) in association with the target page.

JP 2008-234671 A JP 2008-182427 A JP 2008-2226050 A

  The following control is performed when a normal preview image is displayed. Predetermined image data stored as compressed data in the print image memory is read, and preview image data is stored in the operation image memory of the operation unit while performing reduction processing. Thereafter, the operation image memory is scanned, and the operation image including the preview image is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit.

  However, since the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 display image data for a plurality of pages, the time required to store preview image data in the operation image memory increases according to the number of pages. However, there is a problem that display of the preview image is delayed.

  In addition, since the area of the display frame of the preview image is limited, and the definition of the preview image decreases according to the number of pages, the technique of Patent Document 1 details the finished state of printing by the operator. The problem of not being able to be confirmed is included.

  Further, the technique of Patent Document 2 has a problem that the preview screen corresponding to each page does not display the entire page, but misses the finishing defect corresponding to the non-display portion.

  The technique described in Patent Document 3 reads out image data of a single page designated by the operator from the print image memory and stores the preview image data in the operation image memory while performing reduction processing, as in Patent Document 1. There are no major issues. However, the following control is performed when displaying the preview image corresponding to the back / front side of the page of the preview image or the front and back pages with the preview image being displayed. The image data of the designated corresponding page is read from the print image memory, and the preview image data is stored in the operation image memory. Thereafter, the display on the display unit is switched to an operation screen including a new preview image.

  For this reason, each time a preview image of the corresponding page is displayed, the same delay time as when the preview screen is first displayed is required, and as a result, the operator feels uncomfortable (irritated, uncomfortable, etc.). Has a problem.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a preview image display control and an image forming apparatus that allow an operator to easily determine a finish defect without stress and display a preview image of a designated page and its corresponding page on an operation unit.

  The above object is achieved by the invention described below.

1. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a plurality of sheets based on a job composed of a plurality of pages of image data and processing information for processing the plurality of pages of image data, and outputs the sheets in a predetermined output form.
An operation control unit for displaying a preview image for confirming the output form by an input operation on a display unit; and an image memory for storing preview image data used for displaying the preview image;
The operation control unit creates preview image data of a corresponding page related to the designated page and stores the preview image data in the image memory when displaying the preview image of the designated page designated by the input operation on the display unit. An image forming apparatus.

  2. When the corresponding page is designated by the input operation during display of the preview image, the operation control unit is configured to display the corresponding page on the display unit based on the preview image data of the corresponding page stored in the image memory. The image forming apparatus according to 1 above, wherein the preview image is displayed.

  3. The operation control unit does not create the preview image data when the specified page specified by the input operation or the preview image data of the corresponding page is stored in the image memory. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2.

  4). One of the items 1 to 3, wherein the corresponding page is a page corresponding to image data processed on a paper surface opposite to a paper surface on which image data of the designated page is processed. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

  5. Any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the corresponding page is a page corresponding to image data processed on a sheet output immediately before or immediately after a sheet on which image data of the specified page is processed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  6). The corresponding page is a page corresponding to a new preview image displayed on the display unit by pressing an operation button displayed on the display unit together with the preview image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  According to the present invention, when a preview image of a specified page is displayed on the display unit, a preview image data of a corresponding page related to the specified page is generated and stored in the image memory, thereby easily determining a finish defect. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation control unit and an image forming apparatus that can display a preview image of a designated page and the corresponding page on the operation unit without stress.

1 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the copy setting screen G40 with which various settings regarding a copy job are performed. 6 is a diagram showing a job list screen G60 displayed on the operation unit 30. FIG. It is a figure which shows the image page edit screen G70 regarding the selection job Sj. It is a figure which shows the job ticket edit screen G80 which displays the preview image based on this invention. It is an enlarged view of a preview image display field G90 showing the preview screen in detail. It is a control block diagram which shows the relationship of the operation control part 31 which manages preview image display control. 4 is a flowchart showing preview image storage control according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the preview image display control which displays the job ticket edit screen G80 which reflects preview image data PvGD. It is a flowchart which shows the preview image creation display control which concerns on this invention. It is a screen which shows the display form of the preview image display column G90 displayed in the application example (the 1) of preview image creation display control. It is a screen which shows the display form of the preview image display column G90 displayed by the application example (the 2) of preview image creation display control. It is a screen which shows the display form of the preview image display column G90 displayed in the application example (the 3) of preview image creation display control.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

  First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 as a copying machine includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19, an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30, a printer unit 40, a paper feeding unit 50, and a post-processing unit 60. Composed. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is described as a copying machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or a printer may be used.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) unit 21 and a scanner unit 22 which are automatic document conveyance units. The ADF unit 21 conveys the document placed on the document table and sends it to the scanner unit 22, and the scanner unit 22 optically scans the conveyed document and photoelectrically converts it by a line image sensor to read the document image. The document image data read by the image reading unit 20 is subjected to various types of image processing, and is output to the printer unit 40 as print image data. The HDD 19 is included in a main body control unit 10 to be described later, and stores information such as image data before printing or after printing in a readable and writable manner.

  The operation unit 30 includes a display unit 32 that displays various operation screens and guidance screens, and operation switches such as a start button. The display unit 32 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a touch panel on the surface, and the touch panel also displays various operation buttons and serves as an input unit. The operator can perform settings such as a copy job or a print job of print data through the operation unit 30.

  The printer unit 40 forms an electrophotographic image, and includes an image forming unit 41 that forms an image on a recording sheet as a recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 50. The image forming unit 41 includes a photosensitive drum as an image carrier, a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit that exposes and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum based on image data, and a development that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. A transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to the recording paper, a cleaning unit that removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper. . In this embodiment, an example in which an electrophotographic method is applied will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other printing methods such as an ink jet method and a thermal sublimation method may be applied.

  The paper feed unit 50 includes four paper feed trays 51 to 54 for storing recording paper. In the present embodiment, four paper feed trays are provided, but the number is not particularly limited. Each of the paper feed trays 51 to 54 can store recording papers having different paper types, colors and sizes, such as plain paper, backing paper, recycled paper, and high-quality paper. The recording paper may be another recording paper such as an OHP sheet.

  The post-processing unit 60 can perform various post-processing such as sort processing, punching (punching) processing, stapling processing, etc. on the recording paper on which an image is formed, and can create a booklet or bookbinding.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) 2 as an external device to configure an image forming system 1α.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 that mainly controls the image forming system 1α. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 1a, a print controller 1b, a paper feed unit 50 (paper feed tray 54), and a post-processing unit 60. A LANIF (Local Area Network Interface) 72 of the print controller 1b. The PC 2 on the LAN is connected so as to be able to send and receive data.

  The main body unit 1a includes a main body control unit 10, an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30, a printer unit 40, a paper feed unit 50 (paper feed trays 51 to 53), and the like. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as each part demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The main body control unit 10 includes a main control unit 11, a non-volatile memory 12, a reading processing unit 13, a compression IC (Integrated Circuit) 14, a DRAM control IC 15, a main body image memory 16, an expansion IC 17, a writing processing unit 18, and an HDD 19. Is done. Then, each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled based on a job described later to form an image on a plurality of sheets, and the formed sheets are output in a predetermined form.

  The main control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, reads various processing programs stored in the non-volatile memory 12 and develops them on the RAM. By cooperating, the processing operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is comprehensively controlled.

  The main control unit 11 acquires image data by causing the image reading unit 20 to read a document when reading a document or executing a copy job, and then inputs the data through the operation unit 30. Based on the set information, processing information for processing the image data is generated and stored in the main body image memory 16 as a job.

  The main body image memory 16 includes a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and includes a compression memory 16a and a page memory 16b. The compression memory 16a is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 16b is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed before image formation.

  The nonvolatile memory 12 stores various processing programs such as image forming processing in the main control unit 11 and data such as values used in the various programs. In particular, the non-volatile memory 12 stores an editing / confirmation program.

  The reading processing unit 13 performs a shading correction process and an A / D conversion process on the analog image signal input from the image reading unit 20 to generate digital image data. The generated image data is output to the compression IC 14.

  The compression IC 14 performs compression processing on the input image data and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 15.

  The DRAM control IC 15 controls the image data compression process by the compression IC 14 and the decompression process of the compressed image data by the decompression IC 17 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 11 and performs input / output control of image data to the main body image memory. . For example, when the storage of the image data read by the image reading unit 20 is instructed, the DRAM control IC 15 causes the compression IC 14 to perform compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 13, and the compressed image data is stored in the main body. Stored in the compression memory 16a of the image memory. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 16a is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 16a, and decompression processing is executed by the decompression IC 17 and stored in the page memory 16b. Then, the uncompressed image data is read from the page memory 16 b and output to the writing processing unit 18. After the image formation by the image forming unit 41, the DRAM control IC 15 deletes the image data that has been formed from the compression memory 16a and the page memory 16b.

  The decompression IC 17 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data.

  The writing processing unit 18 generates printing image data for image formation based on the image data to be printed input from the DRAM control IC 15 and outputs the image data to the printer unit 40.

  The HDD 19 is a storage device for storing information such as job data read and generated by the scanner unit 22 and job data received from the PC 2 via the print controller 1b.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF unit 21, a scanner unit 22, a reading control unit 23, and the like, and is an input unit that inputs image data to the image forming apparatus 1. The reading control unit 23 controls the ADF unit 21 and the scanner unit 22 according to an instruction from the main control unit 11 to execute optical scanning of the document surface, and outputs the read analog image signal to the reading processing unit 13.

  Next, each part of the print controller 1b will be described. The print controller 1b is an input unit that inputs image data transmitted from the PC 2 connected to the LAN to the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print controller 1 b includes a controller control unit 71, a LANIF 72, a DRAM control IC 73, and a controller image memory 74.

  The controller control unit 71 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the print controller 1b, and outputs image data input from the PC 2 via the LAN as a print job according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The LANIF 72 is a communication interface for connecting to a LAN such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and receives image data to be printed from the PC 2 via the LAN. The received image data is output to the DRAM control IC 73.

  The DRAM control IC 73 controls storage of the image data received by the LANIF 72 in the controller image memory 74 and reading of the image data from the controller image memory 74. The DRAM control IC 73 is connected to the DRAM control IC 15 via a PCI bus, and reads image data to be printed from the controller image memory 74 and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 15 in accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 71.

  The PC 2 generates print job data and transmits the print job data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN by an operation of the operator or the like. The print job data includes image data of the job, a job ticket having print setting data including processing information and print instruction setting information of the job, and a page ticket having print setting data for each page. . Here, the PC 2 will be described as an external device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other external devices such as a server device and a portable device such as a PDA may be used.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, job data (consisting of image data, a job ticket as processing information and a page ticket) received from the PC 2 via the LAN is stored in the main body image memory. Further, job data input from the image reading unit 20 and the PC 2 is stored in the page memory 16b of the main body image memory, and the image data is compressed by the compression IC 14 after the job image data, job ticket, and page ticket are stored. The compressed image data, job ticket, and page ticket are stored in the compression memory 16a in association with each other.

[Operation section]
The operation unit 30 includes an operation control unit 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, and an operation image memory 34 as an image memory according to the present invention. The display unit 32 is configured by a touch panel included as an integrated unit in the input unit 33. The input unit 33 includes various function buttons that are displayed on the touch panel and disposed outside the touch panel.

  The operation image memory 34 is a memory for storing image data (referred to as operation image data) of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 32, and is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM).

  The operation control unit 31 outputs an input signal based on the operation of various function buttons by the operator to the main control unit 11 and displays various operation screens shown below based on an instruction from the main control unit 11 and its own control. 32.

<Copy setting screen>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy setting screen G40 on which various settings relating to a copy job are performed. In the upper part of the copy setting screen G40, a basic information display field G50 for displaying basic matters regarding the current state of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided.

  The copy setting screen G40 includes setting fields for document setting G41, image quality setting G42, magnification setting G43, single-sided / double-sided setting G44, application setting G45, output setting G46, and paper setting G47. In these setting fields G41 to G47, setting information and operation buttons are displayed, and the current setting contents for each setting item are displayed.

  The setting contents of each setting item set on the copy setting screen G40 and the like are stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 as a part of job information. The job information includes the name of the operator who entered the job, the mode indicating the type of job (print, copy, etc.), the file name of the print data to be printed in the case of a print job, and the job status ( (Output, reservation, hold, etc.), the number of printed sheets, the number of printed copies, the remaining number of sheets until printing is completed, and information indicating the time required for executing the job.

  Next, display of the job list will be described. The job list screen G60 is displayed instead of the copy setting screen G40 when the operator selects the job list tag G48 located on the upper right side of the screen in the display state of the copy setting screen G40.

《Job list screen》
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a job list screen G60 displayed on the operation unit 30.

  The job list screen G60 is provided in the lower part of the basic information display field G50 in the same manner as the copy setting screen G40. The job list screen G60 includes a first area G61 that displays a job list G61a that is being output or reserved, and a second area that displays settings for each job selected by the operator from the job list. The area G62 includes a third area G63 in which various operation buttons are arranged.

  Here, the job Sj is selected, and the setting content related to the selected job Sj is displayed for each setting item in the second area G62.

  The second area G62 includes a group G62a of setting items related to tray / paper, a group G62b of setting items related to the printing surface, a group G62c of setting items related to application settings, a group G62d of setting items related to post-processing, and a setting item related to paper discharge tray. A group G62e is included and configured. The titles of the groups are displayed side by side in the upper part of the second region G62, and display frames for displaying the setting items of the groups are arranged below the titles.

  Seven operation buttons are arranged in the third region G63 as shown in the figure, but the delete button G63a and the edit button G63b according to the present invention will be described briefly. The delete button G63a is an operation button for deleting the job selected in the job list from the reserved job. The edit button G63b is an operation button for shifting to an image page edit screen for editing an image page related to the selected reserved job.

  When the operator selects one job (for example, a job indicated by Sj) from the job list G61a displayed in the first area G61, setting of each setting item of the selected job (selected job Sj) as illustrated in FIG. The contents are displayed in the second area G62.

  When the operator presses the edit button G63b in the third area G63, an image page edit screen is displayed instead of the job list screen G60.

<< Job Edit Screen >>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image page editing screen G70 related to the selected job Sj.

  Similar to the copy setting screen G40, the image page editing screen G70 is provided below the basic information display field G50. The image page edit screen G70 has a title column G71 at the top, a thumbnail display column G72, an edit operation column G73, and an edit confirmation setting column G74.

  The title column G71 is an area for displaying a message instructing the operator. The title G71a "Image page edit" is displayed, and on the right side of the title G71a, select "Work target page (unit, multiple) first, then select the function you want to use. ”Message G71b is displayed.

  The thumbnail display column G72 is an area for displaying thumbnails corresponding to the pages constituting the selected job Sj. The thumbnails are arranged from left to right in the printing order, and when the horizontal row is full, the thumbnails are shifted downward and arranged from left to right in the printing order. When the operator selects a predetermined thumbnail, the selected thumbnail switches to highlighting, and the seventh page is selected in FIG.

  The editing operation field G73 has seven editing buttons, and a continuous selection button G73a, a deletion button G73b, an all selection button G73c, a rotation button G73d, a chaptering button G73e, and the like are arranged. Editable buttons are displayed in the normal display, and buttons that cannot be edited are displayed in the backward display. For example, when a thumbnail for page 7 is specified and the delete button G73a in the edit operation field G73 is pressed, the thumbnail for page 7 is deleted, and the thumbnails after page 8 are sequentially left-aligned by one page in the thumbnail display field G71. Moving.

  In the edit confirmation setting field G74, a confirmation button G74a, a cancel button G74b, a job ticket button G74c, and a sample output button G74d are arranged. The confirmation button G74a is an input button for confirming the contents of page editing on the image page editing screen G70. The cancel button G74b is an input button for returning the contents of page editing on the image page editing screen G70. The job ticket button G74c is an input button for displaying a job ticket editing screen corresponding to the image data of the thumbnail selected on the image page editing screen G70 (that is, the highlighted thumbnail).

  When the operator presses the job ticket button under the display of the image page editing screen G70, the following job ticket editing screen is displayed instead of the image page editing screen G70.

《Job ticket edit screen》
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a job ticket editing screen G80 for displaying a preview image according to the present invention.

  The job ticket is a list indicating various processing items and processing contents that the image forming apparatus, the post-processing apparatus, and the like apply to each image data in order to output a printed material in a predetermined form from the scanned image data of the document. is there.

  The job ticket edit screen G80 is an operation screen for the operator to edit the contents of a job ticket or a page ticket described later.

  The job ticket editing screen G80 includes a title column G81, a job ticket column G82, a page ticket column G83, and a setting / transition column G84.

  The job ticket column displays a list of job tickets composed of three pages. In the page ticket field G83, page ticket display fields G83a and G83b displaying page tickets for each image data, and a preview image display for displaying a preview image for confirming the finished form (state) for each image data. A column G90 is provided.

  The page ticket is a list indicating processing items and processing contents regarding each page constituting the job, and the list is provided for each page. In the page ticket field G83, a page ticket and a preview image corresponding to the thumbnail (page) selected on the image page editing screen G70 are displayed.

  In the setting / transition field G84, a confirmation button G84a, a cancel button G84b, an image page editing button G84c, and a sample output button G84d are arranged. The confirmation button G84a is an input button for confirming the content of editing on the job ticket editing screen G80. The cancel button G84b is an input button for restoring the editing contents on the job ticket editing screen G80. The image page edit button G84c is an input button for displaying the image page edit screen G70. When the image page edit button G84c is pressed, an image page edit screen G70 is displayed instead of the job ticket edit screen G80.

<< Preview image display field >>
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the preview image display field G90 showing in detail the preview screen of FIG. The preview image display field G90 includes an image display field G91, a double-side / front button G92, a double-side / back button G93, a rotation button G94, an enlargement / reduction button G95, a page turning / page disposed outside the image display field G91. A front button G96, a page turning / back button G97, a paper number display frame G98, and a page display frame G99 are provided.

  As shown in the figure, a preview image G91a corresponding to page 7 is displayed in the image display field G91. The background of the duplex / front button G92 is set to “bright” and the characters “front” are highlighted. Yes. That is, it is notified that the image data of the seventh page is subjected to image formation processing as a double-sided printing table.

  The preview image G91a is an image reflecting the setting conditions of the job ticket and the page ticket assuming a finish. In FIG. 7, a punch mark Mp indicating a punch hole is depicted in the binding margin G91b.

  The rotation button G94 is an input button for rotating the preview image G91a in a predetermined direction in units of 90 degrees. When the rotation button G94 is rotated twice, it is rotated 180 degrees to replace the top and bottom. By operating the rotary button G94, the operator can set the preview image in a desired direction.

  The duplex / front button G92 is an input button for causing the image display field G91 to display a preview image corresponding to the front-side page when the currently displayed preview image corresponds to the back-side page of duplex printing. The duplex / back button G93 is an input button for displaying a preview image corresponding to the back side page in the image display field G91 when the preview image being displayed corresponds to the front side page for duplex printing. is there.

  The page turning / previous button G96 is an input button for causing the image display field G91 to display a preview screen corresponding to the sheet one sheet before the sheet corresponding to the currently displayed preview image G91a. The page turning / rear button G97 is an input button for causing the image display field G91 to display a preview screen corresponding to the sheet one sheet after the sheet corresponding to the preview image G91a being displayed. Therefore, when the page turning / front button G96 or the page turning / back button G97 is pressed, in the duplex printing mode, the page corresponding to the page corresponding to the preview image being displayed is displayed two pages before or after two pages. The display switches to the preview image to be displayed.

<< Preview image display format >>
The preview image G91a preferably has a display form that allows the operator to easily check the finish after job processing and visually check the setting conditions of the job ticket and page ticket. The preview image G91a is preferably displayed in full without any image loss in the preview image display field G90 limited to the display area.

  For example, when the punching process is performed by the post-processing device, the preview image G91a includes a page image in which image data corresponding to each page is drawn in a predetermined frame on the sheet, and a punch mark at a position on the sheet determined by the punching condition. Created by combining the drawn form image.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the job ticket editing screen G80 displays a preview image in a predetermined display field, and the operator can finish the page while comparing the setting condition of the preview image with the job ticket and the page ticket. You can check in detail for each page. Therefore, the operator can reliably prevent poor job finish by operating the job ticket editing screen G80.

  The job ticket editing screen G80 has an input unit for switching the currently displayed preview image to another preview screen related to the image, and according to the operation of the input unit by the preview image display control described in detail below. Instead of the preview image being displayed, a preview image of the corresponding page related to the page of the preview image is displayed.

[Preview image display control]
FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing the relationship of the operation control unit 31 that controls preview image display control.

  The operation image memory 34 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), and is divided into an operation screen data storage area 34a, a preview image data storage area 34b, and a page image storage area. The operation screen data storage area 34 a is a storage area for storing image data (referred to as operation image data) of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 32. The preview image data storage area 34b is a storage area for storing the preview image data PvGD to be reflected on the operation screen, and a plurality of sub storage areas 34bj (j = 1, 2,...) Divided corresponding to each preview image. )have. The page image storage area 34c is a storage area for temporarily storing page image data received from the main control unit 11.

  The operation control unit 31 includes an operation main control unit 31 a and an image processing unit 31 b that performs image processing for displaying various operation screens on the display unit 32.

  The operation main control unit 31a transmits a signal requesting transfer of image data (referred to as page image data PGD) of a page necessary for appropriately displaying a preview image on the operation screen to the main control unit 11. When the page image data PGD is transmitted from the main control unit 11, the page image data PGD is temporarily stored in the page image storage area 34c. When the storage is completed, the operation main controller 31a sequentially reads the page image data PGD on the page image storage area 34c and outputs the page image data PGD to the image processor 31b. Furthermore, the preview image creation control described below is executed by the image processing unit 31b, and the preview image data PvGD is generated based on the page image data PGD.

  The operation main control unit 31a stores the preview image data PvGD generated by the image processing unit 31b in the preview image data storage area 34b.

  The image processing unit 31b is a processing unit related to creation of various operation screens including preview image data creation processing for creating preview image data PvD from page image data PGD. That is, the page image data PGD is subjected to scaling (reduction) processing, YMCK / BGR conversion processing, and the like to generate preview image data PvGD that matches the preview image frame of the job ticket editing screen G80.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing preview image data storage control.

  S101 is a step of generating the first layer image data LD1 by reducing the page image data PGD to a size suitable for the preview image.

  S102 is a step of creating the second layer image data LD2. The second layer image data LD2 is a format image reflecting a job ticket and page ticket as processing information constituting the job. For example, when there is punch processing, a punch hole is drawn at a portion corresponding to the sheet binding margin of the format image.

  S103 is a step of overlaying (combining) the second layer image data LD2 on the first layer image data LD1 and outputting the preview image data PvGD.

  S104 is a step of storing the preview image data PvGD output from the image processing unit 31b in the sub storage area 34bj of the preview image data storage area 34b. At that time, the operation main controller 31a stores the preview image data PvGD in association with the page number.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the preview image display control in which the operation main control unit 31a displays the job ticket editing screen G80 reflecting the preview image data PvGD on the display unit 32.

  In step S201, the image processing unit 31b is controlled to create on the operation screen data storage area 34a the format image data of the job ticket editing screen G80 that reflects the job ticket of the target page and the processing conditions of the page ticket.

  S202 is a step of creating job ticket edit screen data JEGD on the operation screen data storage area 34a by overlaying the preview image data PvGD on the format image data created in step S201.

  In step S203, the job ticket editing screen data JEGD created in step S202 is sequentially read and the job ticket editing screen is displayed on the display unit 32.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing preview image creation / display control executed by the operation main controller 31a according to the present invention.

  S301 is a step of determining whether or not there is a preview image display request by an operation input on the job ticket editing screen G80 or the like.

  Operation inputs on the job ticket editing screen G80 and the like related to the preview image display request are arranged in the job ticket button G77a of the image page editing screen G70 shown in FIG. 5 and the preview image display field G90 of the job ticket editing screen G80. The page turning / front button G96, the page turning / back button G97, the double-side / front button G92, and the double-side / back button G93 are also applicable.

  S302 is a step of determining whether or not the preview image data PvGD of the designated page in S301 is not stored in the preview image data storage area 34b.

  If “NO” (stored), the process proceeds to step S303 as shown, and the preview image storage control shown in FIG. 9 is executed to display the preview image data PvGD of the designated page as the preview image data storage area 34b. To store. Then, after finishing the preview image storage control, the process proceeds to S304, where the preview image display control shown in FIG. 10 is executed, and the job ticket editing screen reflecting the preview image of the designated page is displayed on the display unit 32.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as “YES” (not stored) in S302, the preview image storage control is not performed, and the process proceeds to S304 and the preview image data of the designated page stored in the preview image data storage area 34b is not processed. The preview image display control is executed, and the job ticket editing screen reflecting the preview image of the designated page is displayed on the display unit 32.

  In the preview image creation display control according to the present invention, the preview image data storage control of the corresponding page is performed in which the preview image of the corresponding page related to the designated page is generated and stored in the preview image data storage area 34b after the preview image is displayed. I have. The processes from S305 to S309 correspond to preview image data storage control of the corresponding page.

  Note that the corresponding pages can be set in advance, and examples of the corresponding pages are listed below. When the print job is in the duplex recording mode, a page to be printed on the opposite side of the sheet on which the designated page is printed is set in advance as a corresponding page. Alternatively, a page to be printed on a sheet positioned before and after a sheet on which a designated page is printed may be set as a corresponding page. Alternatively, a plurality of pages located before and after the designated page may be set as corresponding pages.

  S305 is a step of setting the first corresponding page in the corresponding page preview image data storage control.

  S306 is a step of determining whether the preview image data PvGD of the corresponding page set in S305 is already stored in the preview image data storage area 34b or not stored. In step S306, if the corresponding page is not stored (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to step S307.

  S307 is a step of executing the preview image data storage control shown in FIG. 9 for the corresponding page. The preview image data PvGD of the corresponding page is created and stored in the preview image data storage area 34b, and the process proceeds to step S108.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding page has already been stored in step S306 (NO), the process jumps to step S107 and proceeds to step S108.

  Step S108 is a step of determining whether or not the last corresponding page is set in the preview image data storage control for the related page.

  If it is not the last (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to S109, and the steps from S306 to S309 are repeatedly executed for the next corresponding page.

  On the other hand, if it is the last (in the case of YES), the preview image data storage control of the corresponding page is completed, and the series of preview image creation / display control ends.

  As described above, the preview image creation display control according to the present invention is performed on the designated page after the preview image of the designated page designated by the operation input is displayed on the operation screen, that is, when the operation screen is displayed. Control for creating preview image data of the corresponding page and storing it in the image memory is executed. Therefore, when the operator performs an input operation for displaying the preview image of the desired page, the preview image of the designated page is quickly displayed in the display field of the operation screen. Further, when an input operation is performed to display the preview image of the corresponding page on the operation screen in a state where the preview image of the designated page is displayed, the preview image of the corresponding page is quickly displayed in the same manner. The operator can easily determine the finish defect without stress.

  As the preview image data in the display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed or switched according to the input operation of the operator by the preview image creation display control according to the present invention and the preview image data storage area 34b of the operation image memory 34. An embodiment relating to stored page image data will be described below.

[Application Example of Preview Image Creation Display Control According to the Present Invention (Part 1)]
FIG. 12 is a screen showing a display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed in the application example (part 1) of the preview image creation display control.

  When the operator selects the thumbnail image of the seventh page on the image page editing screen G70 shown in FIG. 5 and further presses the job ticket button G77a, that is, the seventh page is designated as the designated page for preview image display. The display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed on the display unit 32 when designated and input by is shown.

  At this time, as the main job conditions, double-sided recording mode, vertical paper orientation, and post-processing of two-hole punch are set.

  The image of the seventh page is printed on the front side of the paper, the duplex / front button G92 is highlighted, and the duplex / back button G93 is displayed in reverse. In the paper number display frame G98, “Sheet No. 4/10” is displayed. As shown in the figure, a preview image G91a is displayed in the image display field G91, and two punch marks Mp are displayed in the binding margin G91b of the preview image G91a.

  Table 1 shows pages (numbers) of preview image data stored in the sub storage areas 34bj (j = 1,..., 4) of the preview image data storage area 34b before and after the display.

  A in the storage order column means that the preview image data is stored in the preview image data storage area 34b after the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, that is, when the screen is displayed, and the number indicates the storage order. B in the storage order column means that the preview image data is stored in the preview image data storage area 34b before the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

  The remarks column indicates a division between a designated page for which the operator designates display of the preview image and a corresponding page related to the designated page.

  “Page 8” is a corresponding page corresponding to the back side of the seventh page as the designated page displayed in the preview image display field G90, and is a page number displayed as a preview when the double-side / back button G93 is pressed. “Page 5” is a page number displayed as a preview when the page turning / previous button G96 is pressed. “Page 9” is a page number displayed as a preview when the page turning / back button G97 is pressed.

  As shown in Table 1, the preview image data of the corresponding pages (eighth, fifth, and ninth pages) is created after the preview image of the designated page is displayed and stored in the preview image data storage area 34b.

  Then, when the operator presses the duplex / back button G93, page turning / front button G96, or page turning / back button G97 while the screen of FIG. 12 is displayed, the eighth and fifth pages as the corresponding pages are displayed. Since the preview image data of the page or the ninth page is already stored in the preview image data storage area 34b, the job ticket editing screen reflecting the preview image of each corresponding page is displayed instantaneously.

[Application Example of Preview Image Creation Display Control According to the Present Invention (Part 2)]
FIG. 13 is a screen showing a display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed in the application example (part 2) of the preview image creation display control.

  When the operator presses the duplex / back button G93 in the display state shown in FIG. 12, that is, when the eighth page corresponding to the reverse side of the seventh page is designated and input by the operator as the designated page for preview image display. This is a display form displayed on the display unit 32.

  The preview image of the eighth page is displayed, the duplex / back button G93 is highlighted, and the duplex / front button G92 is switched to the backward display. The display of the sheet number display frame G98 is not changed, and “Sheet No. 4/10” is displayed.

  Table 2 shows pages of preview image data stored in the sub storage areas 34bj (j = 1,..., 4) of the preview image data storage area 34b before and after the display state is switched from FIG. 12 to FIG. Number).

  Since the preview image data is stored in the preview image data storage area 34b under the display of the screen shown in FIG. 12, the seventh page as the designated page and the eighth page as the corresponding page need to be newly stored. do not do. Further, the preview image data of the sixth page and the tenth page, which are other corresponding pages, are created after the new screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed and stored in the preview image data storage area 34b. Note that the preview image data of the sixth page corresponds to the pressing of the page turning / back button G97, and the tenth page is stored corresponding to the pressing of the page turning / previous button G96.

  Then, when the operator presses the duplex / front button G92, the page turning / front button G96, and the page turning / back button G97 under the screen shown in FIG. Since the preview image data of the seventh page, the sixth page, and the tenth page as pages are already stored in the preview image data storage area 34b, the job ticket editing screen that reflects the preview image of each corresponding page is instantaneous. Is displayed.

[Application Example of Preview Image Creation Display Control According to the Present Invention (Part 3)]
FIG. 14 is a screen showing a display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed in the application example (part 3) of the preview image creation display control.

  FIG. 14 shows that when the operator presses the page turning / rearward button G97 in the display state shown in FIG. 12, that is, the ninth page that is advanced by one sheet from the seventh page displaying the preview image is designated. In this case, the display form of the preview image display field G90 displayed on the display unit 32 is shown.

  In the preview image of the ninth page displayed in the preview image display field G90, “P9” is displayed in the page display frame G99, and “Sheet No. 5/10” is displayed in the paper number display frame G98.

  Table 3 shows pages (numbers) of preview image data stored in the sub storage areas 34bj of the preview image data storage area 34b when the display is switched from FIG. 12 to FIG.

  The preview image data of the ninth page as the new designated page and the seventh page as the new corresponding page are stored in the preview image data storage area 34b during the display of FIG. Therefore, when the screen of FIG. 14 is displayed, new preview image data creation / storage control is unnecessary. Further, the preview image data of the 10th page and the 11th page as new corresponding pages are stored in the preview image data storage area 34b by executing the creation / storage control of the preview image data after displaying the screen of FIG. . The seventh page corresponds to pressing of the turn / front button G96, the tenth page corresponds to pressing of the duplex / back button G93, and the eleventh page corresponds to pressing of the turning / front button G96.

  Then, when the operator presses the duplex / front button G92, the page turning / front button G96, and the page turning / back button G97 under the screen shown in FIG. Since the preview image data of the seventh page, the sixth page, and the tenth page as pages are already stored in the preview image data storage area 34b, the job ticket editing screen that reflects the preview image of each corresponding page is instantaneous. Is displayed.

  As shown in the above application example, the preview image data of all the corresponding pages is created and stored in the image memory when the preview image is displayed, and new preview image data is displayed when the preview image of each corresponding page is displayed. There is no need to execute creation control. Accordingly, when the operator inputs an operation for displaying the preview image of the corresponding page on the operation screen being displayed, the preview image of the corresponding page is instantaneously displayed, so that the display of the preview image of the corresponding page to be confirmed early is delayed. The annoyance and stress caused by the operator are eliminated.

  The preview image creation display control according to the present invention makes it possible to provide an operation control unit and an image forming apparatus that can easily determine a finish defect and can display a preview image of a specified page and its corresponding page without stress on the operation unit. To do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Main control part 20 Image reading part 23 Reading control part 30 Operation part 31 Operation control part 31a Operation main control part 31b Image processing part 32 Display part 33 Input part 34 Operation image memory (image memory)
34a Operation screen data storage area 34b Preview image data storage area 40 Printer unit 50 Paper feed unit 60 Post processing unit G40 Copy setting screen G60 Job list screen G70 Image page edit screen G77a Job ticket button G80 Job ticket edit screen G90 Preview image display field G92 Both sides / front button G93 Both sides / back button G96 Page turning / front button G97 Page turning / back button PGD Page image data PvD Preview image data

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a plurality of sheets based on a job composed of a plurality of pages of image data and processing information for processing the plurality of pages of image data, and outputs the sheets in a predetermined output form.
An operation control unit for displaying a preview image for confirming the output form by an input operation on a display unit; and an image memory for storing preview image data used for displaying the preview image;
The operation control unit creates preview image data of a corresponding page related to the designated page and stores the preview image data in the image memory when displaying the preview image of the designated page designated by the input operation on the display unit. An image forming apparatus.   When the corresponding page is designated by the input operation during display of the preview image, the operation control unit is configured to display the corresponding page on the display unit based on the preview image data of the corresponding page stored in the image memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preview image is displayed.   The operation control unit does not create the preview image data when preview image data of the designated page designated by the input operation or the corresponding page is stored in the image memory. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2.   4. The page according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding page is a page corresponding to image data processed on a paper surface opposite to a paper surface on which image data of the designated page is processed. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   4. The page according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding page is a page corresponding to image data processed on a sheet output immediately before or immediately after a sheet on which image data of the designated page is processed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The corresponding page is a page corresponding to a new preview image displayed on the display unit by pressing an operation button displayed on the display unit together with the preview image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

Images