JP2012129874A - Image control apparatus, image formation apparatus, image formation system, and processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image control apparatus which can perform image formation such that a manuscript can be more accurately placed on a recording medium.SOLUTION: An image control apparatus comprises: determination means (a print sheet determination part 500) for determining the size of a recording medium to which image information is output, based on the size of a manuscript detected by first detection means (manuscript size detection sensors S1-S4) detecting the size of a manuscript read by read means (a manuscript read device 200) and a range of magnification pre-set by a user; processing means (an image processing part 400) for performing at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing and rotation processing on the image information on the basis of the size of a recording medium determined by the determination means; and output means (an image formation part 600) for outputting the image information processed by the processing means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image control apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a processing program.

  Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines are based on the size of a document to be scanned and the size of the printing paper specified by the user (the size of the printing paper to be imaged). Some have a so-called “automatic magnification setting mode” for determining a copying magnification.

  For example, when the document size is A3 and the paper size is A4, the copy magnification is determined to be 71%, and when the document size is A4 and the paper size is B5, the copy magnification is determined to be 87%.

  When the document size and the paper size are the same size, the copying magnification is determined to be 100% (same size).

  When the document size is B5 and the paper size is A4, the copying magnification is determined to be 115%. When the document size is A4 and the paper size is A3, the copying magnification is determined to be 141%.

  By the way, various standards such as A series (A0 to A12), B series (B0 to B12), Western letter size, legal size, etc. are applied as the document size and the printing paper size. ing.

  Various so-called atypical sizes that do not belong to the above-mentioned standards are also used.

  For this reason, when the normal magnification setting is applied in the automatic magnification setting mode as described above, the image of the read original does not fit well on the printing paper, and a part of the original is not printed or useless blank space. May have occurred.

  A similar situation may occur when a function for automatically selecting print paper (automatic paper selection function) is provided.

  For example, when the document size is an atypical size such as 297 × 230 (mm), it is detected by a sensor as A3 vertical (A3SEF (Short Edge Feed)) as a size approximate to the size of the document, and A3 When the vertical print paper is selected, if the image magnification is 100%, the print paper size is considerably larger than the original image size, resulting in useless margins and an uncomfortable feeling for the user. There is something to hold.

  Various techniques relating to paper selection in an image forming apparatus have been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-22580 discloses a reduction rate in a facsimile apparatus that prints image information with a preset reduction rate when the size of the received image information is larger than the printable size. There are disclosed technologies that can be changed to various types and realize an increase in types of reduction ratios and a reduction in the capacity of electronic circuits.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-86326 also scans a document and paper, reads and enlarges the size of each original, and selects a paper of the same size or larger as the original image. Technology is disclosed.

JP 05-22580 A JP 2001-86326 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image control apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a processing program that reduce a margin portion on a recording medium while performing image processing within a range allowed by a user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a size of the original detected by the first detection unit that detects the size of the original read by the reading unit, and is preset by a user. A determination unit that determines a size of a recording medium that outputs image information based on the range of magnifications that has been determined, and an enlargement process and a reduction process that are performed on the image information based on the size of the recording medium that is determined by the determination unit Alternatively, the image processing apparatus includes processing means for performing at least one of rotation processes and output means for outputting image information processed by the processing means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image control apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the recording medium having the size determined by the determining means is present in any one of the storing means for storing the recording medium for each of a plurality of sizes. Determining means for determining whether or not to perform recording, and storing means for storing the recording medium of the size detected by the first detecting means when the determining means determines that the recording medium of the size does not exist And a control means for controlling to select.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image control apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the determining means records the minimum size within which the original can be accommodated within the set magnification range. The medium is determined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads image information of a document at a set reading magnification; a second detection unit that detects a size of the document when reading the document; Determining means for determining the size of the recording medium for outputting the image information based on the size detected by the detecting means of 2 and the range of magnification set in advance by the user; and the size determined by the determining means Based on the processing means for performing at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing, and rotation processing within a range set for the image information, and a recording medium having a size determined by the determination means, And image forming means for forming an image based on the image information processed by the processing means or the image information read by the reading means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image control apparatus, wherein the size of the original detected by the first detecting means for detecting the size of the original read by the reading means and the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating means are accommodated. A determining unit that determines a size of a recording medium that outputs image information based on the calculated image size, and an enlarging process and a reducing process for the image information based on the size of the recording medium determined by the determining unit Alternatively, the image processing apparatus includes processing means for performing at least one of rotation processes and output means for outputting image information processed by the processing means.

  An image control apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processing means executes the enlargement process or the reduction process based on the calculated image size. To do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image control apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the determining means determines a recording medium of a minimum size that can accommodate the original document within a set range. It is characterized by doing.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a first detection unit that detects a size of the document prior to reading the document; a reading unit that reads image information of the document at a set scanning magnification; Second detection means for detecting the size of the original when reading the original, a plurality of storage means for storing a recording medium for each size, and image information read by the reading means are stored in the storage means. A calculating unit that calculates an image size that fits on the recording medium, a comparing unit that compares the size of the original detected by the second detecting unit and the image size calculated by the calculating unit, and a comparison by the comparing unit As a result, a determination unit that determines a recording medium on which image formation is performed based on the image information, and a recording medium having a size determined by the determination unit is included in any of the plurality of storage units. A determination unit that determines whether or not the recording medium is present; and when the determination unit determines that a recording medium of the size exists, the storage unit that stores the recording medium of the size is selected; When it is determined that the recording medium does not exist, a control unit that performs control to select a storage unit that stores a recording medium of a size detected by the first detection unit, and performs image processing on the image information Based on image information that has been subjected to image processing by the processing means or image information that has been read by the reading means with respect to a processing means and a recording medium accommodated in the storage means selected by the control by the control means And image forming means for forming an image.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including at least one image forming apparatus according to any one of the fourth and eighth aspects and at least one piece of information connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit. And a processing device.

  A processing program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention detects the size of a read original and outputs the image information based on the detected original size and a magnification range preset by a user. A determination process for determining a size of the recording medium, and a processing process for processing at least one of an enlargement process, a reduction process, and a rotation process on the image information based on the size of the recording medium determined in the determination process. It is characterized by causing the calculation means to execute.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, an image that reduces the margin portion on the recording medium while performing image processing within the range allowed by the user. A control device can be provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image control apparatus that forms an image so that the original can be accommodated in a recording medium having a more suitable size as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. .

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, image formation can be continued even when there is no recording medium of the determined size among the recording media included in the apparatus, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. It is possible to provide an image control apparatus capable of

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a recording medium having a minimum size in which a document can be accommodated within a range allowed by a user as compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided. Can be provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, an image control device that reduces the margin portion in the recording medium while performing image processing within a range allowed by the user. Can be provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the enlargement process or the reduction process is executed on the basis of the calculated image size so that the document is recorded on the recording medium as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. It is possible to provide an image control apparatus that performs image formation so as to be accurately accommodated.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, an image control apparatus that determines the minimum size recording medium in which a document can be accommodated within a set range and reduces the sense of incongruity as much as possible. Can be provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the image formation is continued even if there is no recording medium of the determined size among the recording media included in the apparatus. It is possible to provide an image control apparatus capable of

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, a recording medium having a size in which image processed image information can be accommodated is determined so that the original can be more accurately accommodated in the recording medium. An image forming system for forming an image can be provided.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, a recording medium having a size in which image information subjected to image processing can be accommodated is determined so that the original can be more accurately accommodated in the recording medium. A processing program for forming an image can be provided.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus M1 (M2) according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a document size detection device in the image forming apparatus M1 (M2) according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement of document size detection sensors S1 to S4 in the image forming apparatus M1 (M2) according to the embodiment. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of document size detection in the image forming apparatus M1 (M2) according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus M1 (M2) according to an embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus M1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of a copying process executed by the image forming apparatus M1 according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image information expanded or reduced by original size and tolerance | permissible_range. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus M2 according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for describing a processing procedure of a copying process executed by the image forming apparatus M2 according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  (First embodiment)

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, an image forming apparatus M1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The “standard size” in the description refers to, for example, the size of a document that conforms to JIS standards, such as row A (A3, A4, etc.), row B (B3, B4, etc.), legal size of US standards, etc. .

  For example, A4 is 210 mm × 297 mm, B4 is 257 mm × 364 mm, A5 is 148 mm × 210 mm, B5 is 182 mm × 257 mm, and the like.

  The “original actual size” in the description refers to the actual size of the original detected by the original actual size detection unit 300 described later based on the image information, the main scanning length, the sub-scanning length, and the like.

  Further, “LEF (abbreviation of Long Edge Feed)” in the description refers to a state in which the long side of the sheet is positioned perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, which is so-called “lateral feed”.

  Further, “SEF (short abbreviation of Short Edge Feed)” in the description refers to a state in which the long side of the sheet is positioned perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, which is so-called “vertical feed”.

  In the description, A4 vertical or the like refers to the case where the length of the paper is on the conveyance direction side, and A4 horizontal or the like refers to the case where the length of the paper is on the side intersecting the conveyance direction.

  FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus M1 configured as a copying machine or the like equipped with a document size detecting device.

  The image forming apparatus M1 is provided with a document reading device (scanner device) 200 that reads a document 6 placed on a platen glass (hereinafter also referred to as a platen glass 4) as a document table 4.

  In addition, the image storage unit 150 including a hard disk device or the like that stores image information of the document 6 read by the document reading device 200, and enlargement, reduction, rotation, and the like based on the image information stored in the image storage unit 150 An image processing unit 400 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) that performs the image processing and an image forming unit 600 that forms an image based on the image information image-processed by the image processing unit 400 are provided.

  The image forming unit 600 includes a photosensitive drum 2 as an image holding member. The surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a preset potential by a primary charger (not shown) and then exposed by the exposure unit 3 to form an electrostatic latent image.

  The exposure unit 3 forms an image on the photosensitive drum 2 and an optical system including a light source 7 that emits a laser beam, a plurality of mirrors 9 to 11 that guide the laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 2, and an image. The image forming lens 12 is configured to be formed. The surface of the photosensitive drum 2 on which the image is exposed by the exposure unit 3 and the electrostatic latent image is formed is developed by a developing device (not shown) to become a toner image.

  The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is selectively conveyed from any of a plurality of storage portions T1 and T2 (an example of a storage unit) in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2. The image is transferred onto a sheet 15 (an example of a recording medium) by charging of the transfer charger 16. Thereafter, the printing paper 15 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2 by the charging of the separation charger 17.

  However, the number of accommodating portions is not limited to two, and may be a case where only one accommodating portion is provided, or a case where three or more accommodating portions are provided.

  The printing paper 15 separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is conveyed to the fixing device 18 where the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure by the fixing device 18 and discharged onto the discharge unit 19 outside the device M1. It is like that.

  In addition to the above configuration, an automatic paper feeding device that automatically feeds a plurality of documents may be provided.

  The document size detection apparatus 100 included in the image forming apparatus M1 includes a document cover 5 provided on the document table 4 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a sensor (hereinafter referred to as “document size”) for detecting the document size of the document 6 placed on the document table 4. It is referred to as “document size detection sensor.”) S1 to S4 (an example of first detection means).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the document size detection apparatus 100 includes document size detection sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 that detect the presence or absence of the document 6 at a plurality of positions on the platen glass as the document table 4.

  The document size detection sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 are composed of four optical sensors arranged below the platen glass 4.

  Note that the number of document size detection sensors is not limited to four, and may be increased or decreased according to the document size to be detected.

  The configuration of the optical sensor is not particularly limited. For example, light is emitted from a light emitting element such as an LED toward a position on the platen glass 4, and light reflected from the document 6 is received by a light receiving element such as a phototransistor. Thus, the presence or absence of the document 6 at a plurality of positions on the platen glass 4 may be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the platen glass 4 is of a so-called corner registration type on which the document 6 is placed with reference to the rear edge 4a and the left edge 4b of the main body of the image forming apparatus M1. is there.

  Of the four document size detection sensors S1 to S4, the first document size detection sensor S1 is a horizontally long A4 size document 6 (A4SEF (Short Edge Feed): A4) inside the left edge 4b of the platen glass 4. The second document size detection sensor S2 is located on the left edge of the platen glass 4 and is disposed outside the (vertical) and inside the horizontally long B4 size document 6 (B4SEF (B4 length)). Inside the portion 4b, it is arranged outside the horizontally long B4 size document 6 (B4SEF (B4 length)) and inside the horizontally long A3 size document 6 (A3SEF (A3 length)).

  Further, the third document size detection sensor S3 is located outside the laterally long A5 size document 6 (A5SEF (A5 vertical)) inside the edge 4a on the back side of the platen glass 4 and is horizontally long B5. The size of the original 6 (B5SEF (B5 vertical)) is arranged inside, and the fourth original size detection sensor S4 is a horizontally long B5 size original on the inner edge 4a of the platen glass 4. 6 (B5SEF (B5 vertical)) and inside the horizontally long A4 size original 6 (A4SEF (A4 vertical)).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 change their outputs depending on whether or not each of the sensors S1 to S4 has detected the document 6 (“1” is detected when the document 6 is detected). Otherwise, the control unit 800 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) configured by a microcomputer or the like is based on the combination of the outputs (0, 1) of the sensors S1 to S4. The size of the is to be determined.

  When all the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 do not detect the document 6, the document size is determined to be a preset size, for example, an A5 size.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4, when the output of the detection sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) is (0, 0, 0, 0), there is no document, and (1, 0, 0, 0) Is B5LEF (Long Edge Feed: B5 horizontal), (1, 1, 0, 0) is A4LEF (A4 horizontal), (0, 0, 1, 0) is B5SEF (B5 vertical), In the case of (0, 0, 1, 0), in the case of A4SEF (A4 length), in the case of (1, 0, 1, 0), in the case of B4SEF (B4 length), (1, 1, 1, 1) Is determined to be A3SEF (A3 vertical).

  Thereby, the size of the document 6 is detected prior to reading the document 6.

  The document size detection device is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various forms can be adopted.

  For example, the number of pixels in the vertical direction may be acquired by a CCD image sensor (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor), and the document size may be determined by a combination with a photosensor provided in the horizontal direction (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 9-191370). No. publication etc.).

  When the automatic paper feeder is provided, the document size may be detected from the main scanning and sub-scanning sensor information before the reading of the document 6 is executed.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus M1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus M1 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and controls the entire image forming apparatus M1 (more specifically, based on the detected document size, a reading instruction to the document reading device 200 and an image forming unit 600). A control unit 800 that issues an output instruction to the printer and performs control processing such as switching of document size detection processing.

  Further, the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 that detect the size of the document 6 prior to reading, the main scanning length and the sub-scanning length of the read document, or based on the read image information, etc. Original document size detection unit 300 that detects the actual size, image processing unit 400 that performs at least one of enlargement, reduction, and rotation on the image information, and document reading that reads the document 6 at a set resolution The image storage unit 150 includes a device 200 and a hard disk device for storing the read image information.

  Further, an automatic paper feeding device 153 that transports a document for reading a document, an operation unit / display unit 151 including various operation keys and a display for operating the image forming apparatus M1, system data, A RAM 152 as a memory unit for storing various setting information is provided.

  In addition, a printing paper determination unit 500, a determination unit 700, and an image forming unit 600 that forms an image on the printing paper 15 are provided.

  Note that the automatic paper feeder 153 may notify the position information of the document and information of various sensors to the control unit 800, the actual document size detection unit 300, and the like.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus M1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus M1 receives document size detection sensors S1 to S4 (an example of first detection means) for detecting the size of the document 6 prior to reading the document 6, and the image information of the document 6 at a set reading magnification. A document reading apparatus 200 (an example of a reading unit) for reading and an actual document size detection unit 300 (an example of a second detection unit) that detects the actual size of the document 6 are provided.

  Further, an image processing unit 400 (process) that performs image processing on image information based on either the size detected by the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 or the actual size detected by the document actual size detection unit 300. An example of means).

  In addition, for the printing paper 15 determined by the printing paper determination unit 500 and the printing paper determination unit 500 (an example of a determining unit) that determines the recording medium 15 having a size that can accommodate the image information processed by the image processing unit 400. The image forming unit 600 (an example of an image forming unit) includes the photosensitive drum 2 that performs image formation (printing processing) based on the image information processed by the image processing unit 400, a developing device, and the like.

  Furthermore, a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) storage units T1 and T2 (an example of a storage unit) that store recording media for each size are provided, and the printing paper determination unit 500 (an example of a determination unit) is determined. Depending on the print paper 15, one of the accommodating portions T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 is selected.

  In addition, a determination unit 700 (an example of a determination unit) that determines whether the print sheet 15 having the size determined by the print sheet determination unit 500 exists in any of the storage units T1 and T2, and the determination unit 700 When it is determined that the size of the printing paper 15 is present, the storage unit that stores the size of the printing paper 15 is selected, and when it is determined that the size of the printing paper 15 is not present, the document size detection sensor S1 is selected. A control unit 800 (an example of a control unit) configured with a microcomputer or the like that controls to select a storage unit in which the printing paper 15 corresponding to the size detected in S4 is stored.

  The image processing unit 400 includes an image enlargement / reduction processing unit 401 that performs enlargement processing and reduction processing on the image information, and an image rotation processing unit 402 that performs rotation processing such as rotating the image by 90 degrees, for example. .

  The image processing unit 400 includes an allowable range setting unit 403 configured by a touch panel or the like, and within a range (allowable range) set by the allowable range setting unit 403 (for example, 70 to 90%, 101 to 110). % Or the like) to change the enlargement / reduction ratio in the enlargement / reduction process.

  The allowable range may be set in advance at the time of factory shipment, in addition to being set by the allowable range setting unit 403.

  Further, the printing paper determination unit 500 may determine the minimum size printing paper in which the document 6 can be accommodated within the allowable range.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 7, a processing procedure of copy processing executed by the image forming apparatus M1 will be described.

  When this process is started, first, the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 detect the document size of the document 6 in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the document reading apparatus 200 reads the document at the set magnification, and then proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the actual document size detector 300 detects the actual size of the document 6 based on the read image information, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the image processing unit 400 sets the image size for reduction or enlargement at a set allowable magnification (allowable range: for example, 70 to 90% for reduction, 101 to 110% for enlargement, etc.). Calculate and move to step S14.

  In step S14, based on the calculated image size, a standard size printing paper in which the image size fits is determined, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the determination unit 700 determines whether or not there is a corresponding standard size. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not there is a storage unit that stores the selected standard size printing paper. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S17, the storage unit is determined, and the process proceeds to step S18. .

  In step S18, the contents of the reduction processing, enlargement processing, and rotation processing of the image data (image information) (reduction ratio, enlargement ratio, whether to perform rotation, etc.) are determined, and the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the image processing unit 400 executes the reduction process or the enlargement process at the magnification at which the image information is determined, or the rotation process when the rotation process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, based on the image information subjected to the image processing, image formation on the printing paper is executed by the image forming unit 600, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if “No” is determined in step S15 or step S16, that is, if it is determined that there is no corresponding standard size printing paper or that there is no storage unit of the selected size, the process proceeds to step S21. .

  In step S21, the storage unit corresponding to the document size detected in step S10 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S20. Based on the image information read in step S11, the image forming unit 600 forms an image on the printing paper. To finish the process.

  A specific execution example of the copying process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG.

  In this execution example, it is assumed that the size of the document 6 is an atypical 297 mm × 230 mm, is read at a magnification of 100%, and the automatic magnification limit (allowable range) is set to 90 to 110%.

  In step S10, the document size is detected as A3SEF (A3 vertical) of 297 mm × 420 mm.

  That is, according to FIG. 4 described above, when the document 6 is detected, “1” is output from all of the document size detection sensors S1 to S4, and A3SEF (A3 vertical) is set as (1, 1, 1, 1). ).

  Thus, in this execution example, the document 6 is detected as A3SEF (A3 vertical) larger than the actual document size (297 mm × 230 mm).

  In step S11, the document 6 is read at a set magnification of 100%.

  Next, in step S12, the actual size (297 mm × 230 mm) of the document 6 is detected based on the read image information.

  In step S13, calculation processing is performed with an automatic magnification limit (allowable range) of 90 to 110%, and a range of 267.3 mm × 207 mm (90%) to 326.7 mm × 253 mm (110%) or image rotation is performed. In consideration, it is found that the range is 207 mm × 267.3 mm (90%) to 253 mm × 326.7 mm (110%).

  In step S14, as shown in FIG. 8, A4LEF (297 × 210) is selected (magnification 91.3%, image size 271.1 mm × 210 mm).

  If A4SEF (A4 vertical) (210 × 297) is also present at the same time, priority may be given to printing paper that does not rotate the image.

  Further, when there is a candidate in both the enlargement and reduction cases including rotation, reduction may be prioritized.

  In addition, the user or the like may set the presence / absence of rotation, the storage unit to be prioritized, the reduction process and the enlargement process to be prioritized.

  For steps S15 to S20, for example, when A4LEF (A4 horizontal) printing paper is stored in any of the storage units T1 and T2 of the image forming apparatus M1, (magnification 91.3%, image Printing processing is performed on A4LEF (A4 horizontal) printing paper based on the image information subjected to the reduction processing of size 271.1 mm × 210 mm.

  On the other hand, neither A4LEF (A4 width) is stored in any of the storage portions T1 and T2 of the image forming apparatus M1, and A3SEF (A3 vertical) printing paper is stored in either of the storage portions T1 and T2. In this case, the process proceeds to step S21, and printing processing is performed on A3SEF (A3 vertical) printing paper based on image information of (magnification 100%, image size 297 mm × 230 mm).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus M1 according to the present embodiment, copying is performed so that the document 6 fits more precisely on the printing paper.

  Further, copying is performed so that the original 6 fits on a printing paper of a more suitable size.

  In addition, copying is performed by reducing the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio in the enlargement process or the reduction process within the set range so as to reduce the user's uncomfortable feeling as much as possible.

  Further, copying is performed in which the margins on the printing paper are not excessively widened, and the user feels uncomfortable.

  (Second Embodiment)

  Next, an image forming apparatus M2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the same components as those of the image forming apparatus M1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus M2 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus M1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5).

  With reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 9, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus M2 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus M2 includes document size detection sensors S1 to S4 (an example of a first detection unit) that detect the size of the document 6 prior to reading the document 6, an exposure unit 3, and the like. (An example of a reading unit) and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment, four) storage units T1 to T4 (an example of a storage unit) that store printing paper (an example of a recording medium) for each size. With.

  Further, for image information read by the document reading apparatus 200, the image size that can be accommodated on any printing paper accommodated in the accommodating portions T1 to T4 is set within a set range (allowable range: for example, 70 to 90%, 101 Image size calculation unit 900 (an example of a calculation unit) calculated within ˜110%) and an actual document size detection unit 300 (an example of a second detection unit) that detects the actual size of the document 6.

  Further, a comparison unit 950 (an example of a comparison unit) that compares the actual size of the document 6 detected by the document actual size detection unit 300 with the image size calculated by the image size calculation unit 900 and a comparison by the comparison unit 950. Based on the result, a print sheet determination unit 500 (an example of a determination unit) that determines a print sheet having a size that can accommodate image information, and a print sheet having a size determined by the print sheet determination unit 500 includes a plurality of storage units T1 to T4. And a determination unit 700 (an example of a determination unit) that determines whether or not it exists in any of the above.

  If the determination unit 700 determines that there is a printing paper of the size, the storage unit that stores the printing paper of the size is selected. If the determination unit 700 determines that there is no printing paper of the size, the document A control unit 800 (an example of a control unit) configured with a microcomputer or the like that controls to select a storage unit that stores printing paper corresponding to the sizes detected by the size detection sensors S1 to S4 is provided.

  In addition, an image processing unit 400 (an example of a processing unit) that performs image processing on the image information, and printing paper stored in the storage units T1 to T4 selected by the control of the control unit 800 are used to generate an image. An image forming unit 600 (an example of an image forming unit) that forms an image based on image information that has been subjected to image processing by the processing unit 400 or image information that has been read by the document reading apparatus 200.

  The image processing unit 400 includes an image enlargement / reduction processing unit 401 and an image rotation processing unit 402 that perform at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing, and rotation processing on image information.

  Furthermore, the image processing unit 400 includes an allowable range setting unit 403 configured with a touch panel or the like.

  Further, the enlargement process or the reduction process is executed based on the calculation result by the image size calculation unit 900.

  Note that the printing paper determination unit 500 may determine the minimum size printing paper that can accommodate the document 6 within the allowable range.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the four accommodating parts were provided, it is not restricted to this, As long as it is at least 2 or more, how many may be sufficient.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 10, a processing procedure of copy processing executed by the image forming apparatus M2 will be described.

  When this processing is started, first, the document size detection sensors S1 to S4 detect the document size of the document 6 in step S30, and the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the original size (for example, 70 to 90%, 90 to 110%, etc.) that can be taken by the image size calculation unit 900 within the allowable range (for example, 70 to 90%, 90 to 110%) from the size of the printing paper stored in the storage units T1 to T4. For example, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the document size are calculated, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  At this time, assuming that the image is rotated, a size in which the vertical and horizontal directions are switched may be calculated and held in the RAM 152 or the like.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the document size has been calculated for all the storage units. If “No”, the process is repeated, and if “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the document 6 is read at the set magnification, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the actual document size detector 300 detects the size of the document 6, and the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, the comparison unit 95 compares the document size with the “vertical / horizontal range table” as shown in Table 1 and proceeds to step S36.

  Note that the “vertical / horizontal range table” is stored in the RAM 152 or a non-volatile memory such as a separately provided flash memory or EPROM.

  In step S36, a storage unit in which the image size can be accommodated is determined, and the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, the determination unit 700 determines whether or not the storage unit having the selected size exists in the image forming apparatus M2. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the contents of the image (image information) reduction processing, enlargement processing, and rotation processing (reduction rate, enlargement rate, whether to perform rotation, etc.) are determined, and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, the image processing unit 400 executes a reduction process, an enlargement process, and a rotation process with the determined magnification of the image information, and the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the image forming unit 600 forms an image on a print sheet based on the image information subjected to the image processing, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as “No” in step S37, that is, if it is determined that there is no storage unit of the selected size, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the storage unit corresponding to the document size detected in step S20 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S40. Based on the image information read in step S31, the image forming unit 600 forms an image on the printing paper. To finish the process.

  Here, a specific execution example of the copying process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG.

  In this execution example, it is assumed that the size of the document 6 is an atypical 297 mm × 230 mm, is read at a magnification of 100%, and the automatic magnification limit (allowable range) is set to 90 to 110%.

  In step S30, the document size is detected as A3SEF (A3 vertical) of 297 mm × 420 mm.

  That is, according to FIG. 4 described above, when the document 6 is detected, “1” is output from all of the document size detection sensors S1 to S4, and A3SEF (A3 vertical) is set as (1, 1, 1, 1). ).

  Thus, in this execution example, the document 6 is detected as A3SEF (A3 vertical) larger than the actual document size (297 mm × 230 mm).

  Next, in step S31 and step S32, the range of “vertical / horizontal” is calculated for each size of printing paper stored in the storage units T1 to T4.

  That is, as shown in Table 1, the housing part No. 1, when a printing paper of 297 × 210 mm (A4LEF (A4 horizontal)) is stored in the storage portion T1 corresponding to 1, the longitudinal range is 267.3 to 326.7 mm, and the lateral range is 189 to 231 mm. Calculated, and the accommodating part No. 2 is accommodated in the accommodating portion T2 corresponding to 2 in the case where printing paper of 257 × 182 mm (B5LEF (B5 horizontal)) is accommodated, the longitudinal range is 231.3 to 282.7 mm, and the lateral range is 163.8 to It is calculated as 200.2 mm. In the case where printing paper of 297 × 420 mm (A3SEF (A3 vertical)) is accommodated in the accommodating portion T3 corresponding to 3, the longitudinal range is 267.3 to 326.7 mm, and the lateral range is 378 to 462 mm. Calculated, and the accommodating part No. 4, when a printing paper of 257 × 364 mm (B4SEF (B4 vertical)) is stored, the vertical range is 231.3 to 282.7 mm, and the horizontal range is 327.6 to Calculated as 400.4 mm.

  In step S33, the original 6 is read at a set magnification of 100%.

  Next, in step S34, the actual size (297 mm × 230 mm) of the original 6 is detected based on the main scanning length and sub-scanning length of the read original or the read image information.

  In steps S35 to S36, when a plurality of storage units in which an image is accommodated rises as a plurality of candidates, the storage unit is selected by giving priority to those that do not rotate and those that have a small change in magnification.

In Table 2, the housing part No. 1 shows a case in which a printing paper having a containing portion T1 (297 × 210 mm (A4LEF (A4 horizontal)) corresponding to 1 is accommodated: a longitudinal range of 267.3 to 326.7 mm and a lateral range of 189 to 231 mm).

  And about step S37-S40, according to said example, based on the image information which performed the reduction process (magnification 91.3%, image size 271.1 mm x 210 mm), for example, it accommodates in accommodating part T1. The printing process is performed on the A4LEF (A4 horizontal) printing paper.

  On the other hand, no A4LEF (A4 horizontal) is stored in any of the storage units T1 to T4 of the image forming apparatus M1, and A3SEF (A3 vertical) printing paper is stored in any of the storage units T1 to T4. In this case, the process proceeds to step S41, and printing processing is performed on A3SEF (A3 vertical) printing paper based on the image information of (magnification 100%, image size 297 mm × 230 mm).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus M2 according to the present embodiment, copying is performed so that the document 6 fits more precisely on the printing paper.

  Further, copying is performed so that the original 6 fits on a printing paper of a more suitable size.

  In addition, copying is performed by reducing the enlargement ratio or reduction ratio in the enlargement process or the reduction process within the set range so as to reduce the user's uncomfortable feeling as much as possible.

  Further, copying is performed in which the margins on the printing paper are not excessively widened, and the user feels uncomfortable.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not 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 embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All the modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technique to the described technique are included.

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

  That is, the predetermined program including the image processing program is not limited to being recorded on a storage device such as a hard disk as a recording medium, and the predetermined program can be provided as follows.

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

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

  Further, the image forming apparatus or the like is connected to a server apparatus or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and after the predetermined program is downloaded from the server apparatus or the host computer, the predetermined program is executed. You may do it. In this case, examples of the download destination of the predetermined program include a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk.

  The image control apparatus, the image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the processing program according to the present invention can be applied to a copying machine, a printer having a copying function, and the like.

M1, M2 Image forming apparatus 2 Photosensitive drum 3 Exposure means 4 Document table 5 Document cover 6 Document 7 Light source 8 Optical system 12 Imaging lens 15 Recording medium 16 Transfer charger 17 Separation charger 18 Fixing device 19 Discharge unit 100 Document size Detection device 150 Image storage unit 151 Operation unit / display unit 152 RAM
200 Document Reading Device 300 Document Actual Size Detection Unit 400 Image Processing Unit 401 Image Enlargement / Reduction Processing Unit 402 Image Rotation Processing Unit 403 Allowable Range Setting Unit 500 Printing Paper Determination Unit 600 Image Forming Unit 700 Determination Unit 800 Control Unit 900 Calculation Unit 950 Comparison unit S1-S4 Document size detection sensor T1-T4 storage unit

Claims (10)

The size of the recording medium for outputting image information based on the size of the original detected by the first detection means for detecting the size of the original read by the reading means and the range of the magnification set in advance by the user. A determination means for determining
Processing means for performing at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing, and rotation processing on the image information based on the size of the recording medium determined by the determination means;
Output means for outputting image information processed by the processing means;
An image control apparatus comprising: A determination unit that determines whether or not the recording medium having the size determined by the determination unit exists in any of the storage units that store the recording medium for each of a plurality of sizes;
Control means for controlling to select a storage means in which the recording medium of the size detected by the first detection means is selected when the determination means determines that there is no recording medium of the size;
The image control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The determining means includes
3. The image control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recording medium having a minimum size in which the original can be accommodated within the set magnification range is determined. Reading means for reading image information of a document at a set reading magnification;
Second detection means for detecting the size of the original when reading the original;
Determining means for determining the size of the recording medium for outputting the image information based on the size detected by the second detecting means and a range of magnification preset by the user;
Processing means for performing at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing, and rotation processing within a range set for the image information based on the size determined by the determination means;
Image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium of the size determined by the determining means based on image information processed by the processing means or image information read by the reading means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image information based on the size of the original detected by the first detecting means for detecting the size of the original read by the reading means and the image size calculated to fit in the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating means. Determining means for determining the size of the recording medium to output
Processing means for performing at least one of enlargement processing, reduction processing, and rotation processing on the image information based on the size of the recording medium determined by the determination means;
Output means for outputting image information processed by the processing means;
An image control apparatus comprising: The processing means includes
The image control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the enlargement process or the reduction process is executed based on the calculated image size. The determining means includes
7. The image control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a recording medium having a minimum size in which the original can be accommodated within a set range is determined. First detection means for detecting the size of the document prior to reading the document;
Reading means for reading image information of the document at a set reading magnification;
Second detecting means for detecting the size of the original when reading the original;
A plurality of storage means for storing recording media for each size;
A calculation unit that calculates an image size that can be stored in a recording medium stored in the storage unit with respect to image information read by the reading unit;
Comparing means for comparing the size of the original detected by the second detecting means with the image size calculated by the calculating means;
A determination unit that determines a recording medium on which image formation is performed based on the comparison result by the comparison unit;
Determining means for determining whether a recording medium having a size determined by the determining means is present in any of the plurality of accommodating means;
When the determination means determines that there is a recording medium of the size, the storage means that stores the recording medium of the size is selected, and when it is determined that the recording medium of the size does not exist, the first Control means for controlling to select a storage means storing a recording medium of a size detected by the detection means;
Processing means for performing image processing on the image information;
An image is formed on the recording medium stored in the storage unit selected by the control by the control unit based on the image information subjected to image processing by the processing unit or the image information read by the reading unit. Image forming means to perform;
An image forming apparatus comprising: At least one image forming apparatus according to claim 4;
At least one information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit;
An image forming system comprising: Determining the size of the read document, and determining the size of the recording medium for outputting the image information based on the detected size of the document and a range of magnification set in advance by a user;
A process for processing at least one of an enlargement process, a reduction process, and a rotation process on the image information based on the size of the recording medium determined in the determination process;
A processing program characterized by causing an arithmetic means to execute.