JP2014079970A - Image forming apparatus, and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing device, which are capable of identifying a saddle stitch center page for a saddle stitch process of the image forming apparatus to perform a print setup, making it possible to simplify a setup operation for the saddle stitch process.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (10), including a storage part (11) for storing print data, an image forming part (12) for performing saddle stitch printing, a biparting folding device (20) as a saddle stitch process part for performing a saddle stitch process, and a post-process device (30), includes: a center-page print setup function (121), as the image forming part (12), for performing a print setup for a saddle-stitch center page (P1), of saddle stitch pages, the print setup that is different from another saddle stitch page; and an inserter (21), as the saddle stitch process part, for inserting a saddle stitch center page P1 into the printed saddle stitch pages on the basis of the print setup by the center-page print setup function 121.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus configured to perform saddle stitching printing and saddle stitching processing, and an information processing apparatus that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform saddle stitching printing processing. .

  In recent years, with the spread of information processing apparatuses (personal computers), image forming apparatuses that perform output processing of image data transmitted from the information processing apparatuses have become widespread. Some image forming apparatuses have only a printing function. In addition to the printing function, the image forming apparatus has a data transmission function such as a scanner function, a fax transmission function, and an E-Mai1 transmission function. Peripheral devices).

  In consideration of the functions supported by the image forming apparatus, the user can also perform, for example, saddle stitch printing in which the image forming apparatus is folded in two and stapled at two central positions.

As a conventional technique, for example, in an image forming apparatus, an insertion sheet is inserted into a recording sheet, a booklet composed of the recording sheet and the insertion sheet is formed, and a small edge of the booklet is cut, so that the appropriateness on the recording sheet is determined. An image formed at an appropriate position is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).
According to this, since an image can be formed at an appropriate position on the recording paper, it is possible to provide a good-looking booklet.

JP 2006-251962 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, in order to use the center page of the saddle stitch booklet for a specific application (for example, price list, check list, questionnaire form, etc.), it is attempted to be used by removing it from the saddle stitch booklet. In this case, when configuring the saddle-stitched booklet, it is necessary to make print settings in consideration of which page of the booklet the saddle-stitch center page corresponds to, and there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems. In the saddle stitching process, the setting operation related to the saddle stitching process is facilitated by specifying the saddle stitching center page and performing print settings. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can perform the above processing.

  An image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems are as follows.

  The present invention is an image forming apparatus including a storage unit that stores print data, a printing unit that performs saddle stitch printing on a recording medium, and a saddle stitching processing unit that performs saddle stitching processing on the recording medium. The printing unit includes a saddle stitching center page print setting function for performing print settings different from those of other saddle stitching pages for the saddle stitching center page of the saddle stitching pages of the recording medium. The configuration of the binding processing unit includes a saddle stitching center page inserting means for inserting a saddle stitching center page into a printed saddle stitching page based on the print setting by the saddle stitching center page print setting function. is there.

  In addition, the present invention has a paper type setting function that enables setting of the paper type (for example, paper thickness, colored paper, printed paper, etc.) of the paper to be the saddle stitching center page as the configuration of the saddle stitching processing section. It is preferable.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the configuration of the saddle stitching processing unit has a sheet supply unit setting function that enables setting of a sheet supply unit that supplies a sheet serving as the saddle stitching center page.

  Moreover, it is preferable that this invention has the designated image printing function which can print the image designated with respect to the said saddle stitch center page as a structure of the said printing part.

  The present invention is also an information processing apparatus capable of executing saddle stitch printing processing by instructing saddle stitch printing processing to an image forming apparatus that performs printing processing according to print settings for each page according to an instruction from the outside. And a saddle stitching center page print setting instructing unit for instructing the image forming apparatus to perform different print settings for the saddle stitching center page in the saddle stitching printing from the other saddle stitching pages. To do.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores print data, a printing unit that performs saddle stitch printing on a recording medium, and a saddle stitching processing unit that performs saddle stitching processing on the recording medium. In the image forming apparatus, as the configuration of the printing unit, a saddle stitching center page print setting function for performing different print settings for a saddle stitching center page among the saddle stitching center pages of the recording medium And a saddle stitching center page insertion means for inserting a saddle stitching center page into a printed saddle stitching page based on a print setting by the saddle stitching center page print setting function. The print setting of the saddle stitching center page can be easily performed, and the saddle stitching center page can be easily inserted into the printed matter of the other saddle stitching page. . Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform the print setting of the saddle stitching center page without considering which page of the booklet-like printed material the saddle stitching center page corresponds to.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the information processing apparatus can be executed by instructing the saddle stitch printing process to the image forming apparatus that performs the printing process according to the print setting for each page by an instruction from the outside. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a saddle stitching center page print setting instruction unit that instructs the saddle stitching center page in saddle stitching printing to perform print settings different from those of other saddle stitching pages. Saddle-stitched center page print settings can be easily set from a remote location without performing setting operations in the image forming apparatus, and the saddle-stitched center page can be easily inserted into printed matter of other saddle-stitched pages. Is possible. Thereby, the print setting of the saddle stitching center page can be easily performed.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus in a block diagram. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a post-processing device mounted on the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the printed matter was stored in the folding process part of the said post-processing apparatus, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action in which the printed matter is folded in the said folding process part. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a fore edge side of a printed material that has undergone saddle stitching processing in the post-processing unit is cut. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a process of inserting a saddle stitching center page in the saddle stitching process in the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the said saddle stitching center page was folded in double folding, and (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the state which inserted the said saddle stitching center page in the paper bundle upper part. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between the number of sheets and a page when a saddle stitching center page and pages other than the saddle stitching center page are printed in a series of jobs and subjected to saddle stitching processing in the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between the number of sheets and pages when pages other than the saddle stitching center page are printed in a series of jobs and subjected to saddle stitching processing in the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart for performing a print job when there is one type of print data for saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for setting a saddle stitch center page when performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart when printing processing is performed with print data other than the saddle stitching center page as the setting of the saddle stitching center page when performing saddle stitching printing in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart in a case where a sheet supplied from an inserter is used as a saddle stitch center page setting when performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing a post-processing step in the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment with a block diagram. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which saddle stitch printing is performed in the image forming apparatus according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus in a block diagram. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes an image forming unit (printing unit) 11 that performs saddle stitch printing on a recording medium (recording paper), and a printed recording medium. An image forming apparatus having a post-processing device 30 as a saddle stitching processing unit that performs saddle stitching processing, and adopts a characteristic configuration of the image forming device according to the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is an image forming apparatus having at least a printing function, such as a printer, a printer with a scanner function, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP.

Here, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment has an image reading unit 102 mounted on the upper part of the apparatus main body 101. A side-opening folding device (saddle stitching processing unit) 20 and a post-processing device (saddle stitching processing unit) 30 that perform saddle stitching processing on a printed recording medium are provided side by side on the paper discharge side of the apparatus main body 101. Has been.

  The apparatus main body 101 is equipped with a plurality of paper feed trays (paper supply units) 103a, 103b, and 103c that can store sheets of different sizes.

The double door folding device 20 is provided with an inserter (paper supply unit) 21 in which insertion paper (sheet) is stored at the top of the device, and a folding unit 22 is provided inside the device.
Thereby, the double-folding folding device 20 is configured to fold the paper inserted from the inserter 21 so that the double-folding is possible at the folding portion 22.

  The inserter 21 constitutes a saddle stitch center page inserting means for supplying another sheet for the saddle stitch center page to the printed sheet.

  The post-processing device 30 includes paper discharge trays 30 </ b> A and 30 </ b> B so that the paper can be sorted and discharged according to the completed state of the printed matter to be output.

  A printed matter that has undergone stapling and is not saddle-stitched is discharged to the discharge tray 30A. A printed material that has been saddle stitched and folded after the staple processing is discharged to the paper discharge tray 30B.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes a storage unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an image reading unit 13, a control unit 14, an external storage medium connection unit 15, and a communication unit 16. Yes.

  The storage unit 11 is a memory composed of an HDD or the like.

The image forming unit 12 is configured to be capable of saddle stitch printing.
The image forming unit 12 includes a saddle stitching center page print setting function 121 that performs different print settings for the saddle stitching center page among the saddle stitching pages of the recording medium.

  The control unit 14 functions as a control unit, and is configured to execute a program stored in a ROM and a RAM (not shown) and use the RAM as a work area.

  Then, when there is a paper insertion request, the control unit 14 supplies the paper from the inserter 21 to the folding unit 21 to the folding door folding device 20 so that the folding unit 21 performs folding folding. To instruct.

An external storage medium such as a memory card is connected to the external storage medium connection unit 15.
The communication unit 16 is connected to an external information processing apparatus 40 via an external network, for example.

  The double door folding device 20 includes an inserter 21 that functions as a saddle stitching center page insertion unit that inserts a saddle stitching center page into a printed saddle stitching page based on print settings by the saddle stitching center page print setting function 121.

Next, the conveyance of the printed matter according to the post-processing in the post-processing apparatus 30 of the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a post-processing apparatus mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which printed matter is stored in a folding processing unit of the post-processing apparatus. (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action in which the printed matter is folded in the said folding process part, FIG. 5 is a sectional side view which shows the state in which the edge edge side of the printed matter subjected to the saddle stitching process in the said post-processing part is cut.

First, a case where post-processing is not set for a printed material will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printed material conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 side to the post-processing device 30 is conveyed to the first paper conveyance path 311 by the conveyance roller 331 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 30 </ b> A by the paper discharge roller 341. The

Next, a case where stapling processing is set for a printed material will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printed material conveyed from the double door folding device 20 side is guided to the first paper conveyance path 311 through the conveyance roller 331, conveyed to the staple tray 30 </ b> C, and is stapled by the stapler 351 in the staple unit 350. Staple processing is performed.

  When the saddle stitching process is set for the printed material, the stapling process is performed on the central portion of the printed material.

  The printed matter subjected to the staple processing by the stapler 351 is transported by the transport rollers 332 and 333 and discharged to the discharge tray 30A by the discharge rollers 341 when the saddle stitch folding is not set.

  On the other hand, when saddle stitch folding is set, the printed matter subjected to the staple processing by the stapler 351 is returned by the transport rollers 332 and 333 and is guided to the second paper transport path 312 by the transport roller 334 and folded. It is conveyed to the processing unit 360.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the folding processing unit 360 includes a folding processing tray 30D, a folding member 361, and a folding roller 362.
Reference symbol P indicates a plurality of printed matter stored in the folding processing tray 30D.

The folding processing tray 30D is configured to be able to store the conveyed printed matter.
The folding member 361 and the folding roller 362 are disposed at positions facing each other with the folding processing tray 30D interposed therebetween.

  The folding roller 362 includes a pair of rollers. The folding member 361 is configured to be able to protrude between the rollers of the folding roller 362 (nip position).

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the printed material conveyed to the folding processing unit 360 is stored in the folding processing tray 30 </ b> D, and then the folding member 361 is pressed against the folding position at the center of the printed material. Further, the sheet is further pushed between the folding rollers 362 by the folding member 361 and is conveyed to the trimmer unit (cutting section) 370 while being compressed and saddle-stitched by the folding roller 362.

  Then, the folded printed material is conveyed onto the cutting tray 30E of the trimmer unit 370 by the conveying rollers 335 and 336, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the printed material P is printed by the trimmer cutter 372 at a predetermined position. One end P0 is cut off by a small edge. The cut printed material is transported by transport rollers 335 and 336 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 30B by the paper discharge rollers 342.

Here, in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, a process of inserting and folding a double-folded sheet as a saddle stitching center page in the saddle stitching process will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view showing a process of inserting a saddle stitching center page during the saddle stitching process in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the saddle stitching center page folded into double folding. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the saddle stitching center page is inserted into the upper part of the sheet bundle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet serving as the saddle stitching center page P1 in the saddle stitching process is in the stacking order of the recorded sheets on the staple tray 30C in a state before the folding process during the saddle stitch booklet creation. Corresponds to the topmost sheet. That is, it is the sheet that is stacked last in the sheet stacking order.

  In the first embodiment, after a predetermined number of printed sheets are conveyed to the post-processing device 30, the sheet inserted by the inserter 21 in the double door folding apparatus 20 is folded into a folding section as shown in FIG. After being folded into double folding at 22, it is conveyed to the post-processing device 30.

  The double door folding process is obtained by subjecting one sheet to a two-fold process by a process similar to the folding process shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sheet folded in the double spread folding is stacked on the upper part of the printed sheet bundle P2 that has been transported to the post-processing device 30, and is used as a saddle stitching center page P1. When it is folded into a booklet shape, it is arranged at the inner center.

  Next, a process of cutting one side of the edge side of the printed material that has been subjected to the saddle stitching process in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the one end P0 on the fore edge side is cut from the printed material P that has been subjected to the saddle stitching process by placing two staples at the center of the printed material after the saddle stitch printing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing device 30 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 includes a staple unit 350, a folding processing unit 360, and a trimmer unit 370, and has a staple function, a paper folding function, and a cutting function. This is a stitch finisher.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, when the printed material that has been laid out by saddle stitch printing is conveyed by the image forming unit 12 to the post-processing device 30, two staples are placed at the center of the printed material in the staple unit 350, and the folding processing unit. At 360, the printed material is folded in half.

  Then, when the printed material folded in half is conveyed to the trimmer unit 370, one end P0 on the fore edge side of the printed material P is cut by the trimmer cutter 371 as shown in FIG.

Next, the relationship between the number of sheets of printed matter that has undergone saddle stitching processing and pages in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of sheets and the pages when the saddle stitching center page and pages other than the saddle stitching center page are printed in a series of jobs and subjected to saddle stitching processing in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. 9 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the number of sheets and the pages when pages other than the saddle stitching center page are printed by a series of jobs and subjected to saddle stitching processing in the image forming apparatus.

  First, a case will be described in which a series of jobs, for example, printing on 2-UP duplex as a first job is performed on pages other than the saddle stitch center page P1 and the saddle stitch center page P1.

  When the printed matter printed on 2-UP duplex is composed of a plurality of sheets and is subjected to saddle stitching processing, as shown in FIG. 8, if there are pages of images in the print data from the first page to the nth page, Since duplex printing is performed, the required number of pages is n / 4.

  Accordingly, the n / 4-first sheet from the first sheet is printed and discharged as a sheet that is not the saddle stitching center page P1, and the saddle stitching center page P1 is the n / 4th sheet.

  Then, pages 1, 2, n-1, and n are printed on the first sheet by 2-up duplex printing, and pages 3, 4, n-2, and n-3 are printed on the second sheet. Is printed.

  In this way, the n / 2-2, n / 2-3, n / 2 + 3, n / 2 + 4th page is printed on the n / 4th sheet, and the last n / 4th sheet is printed. The n / 2, n / 2-1, n / 2 + 1, and n / 2 + 2 pages are printed on the saddle stitching center page P1.

  Next, the first job is printed on a page other than the saddle stitching center page P1, and is not printed on the saddle stitching center page P1, or another job (second job) is printed on the saddle stitching center page P1. The case will be described.

  When the printed matter printed on the 2-UP duplex is composed of a plurality of sheets and, in addition to this, the saddle stitching process including the saddle stitching center page P1, as shown in FIG. 9, the page of the image in the print data Is the first page to the nth page, the double-sided printing requires n / 4 pages, and the saddle stitching center page P1 is the n / 4 + 1th page.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the first, second, second, and second pages are printed on the first sheet by 2-up duplex printing, and the third, fourth, and n− are printed on the second sheet. The second and n-3th pages are printed. In this way, the n / 2, n / 2-1, n / 2 + 1, and n / 2 + 2 pages are printed on the n / 4th sheet.

  Then, the saddle stitching center page P1, which is the last page, is placed at the top without performing the first job.

Next, an output process when performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for performing a print job when there is one type of print data for saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

  In the case of performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, first, setting of the saddle stitching center page P1 in post-processing such as stapling and saddle stitching processing and various copy settings such as magnification are performed. Then, after completing these settings, when the start key is turned on, the printing process is executed.

  When the printing process is started in the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 10, first, a setting operation is accepted (step S1), and it is determined whether or not the saddle stitching center page setting function is set (step S2). .

  If it is determined in step S2 that the saddle stitching center page setting function is set, it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the saddle stitching center page setting function is not set, the process proceeds to step S3, where the saddle stitching center page P1 is set.

Here, the setting of the saddle stitching center page P1 will be described along a flowchart.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing for setting a saddle stitch center page when performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  For the setting of the saddle stitching center page P1, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the saddle stitching center page function is set to ON (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not to change the paper feed tray (step S22).

  If it is determined in step S22 that the paper feed tray is to be changed, the paper feed tray is changed, the paper type and the paper size are simultaneously set (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S25.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the paper feed tray is not changed, the default paper feed tray is not changed (step S24), and the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, it is determined whether to print on the saddle stitching center page.
If it is determined in step S25 that printing is to be performed on the saddle stitching center page, the print setting for the saddle stitching center page is turned on (step S26), and the process proceeds to step S27.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that printing is not performed on the saddle stitching center page, the process directly proceeds to step S27.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not to perform double folding on the saddle stitch center page. If it is determined in step S27 that the double-fold folding to the saddle stitch center page is performed, the double-fold folding function is set to ON (step S28), and the process proceeds to step S29.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the folding door folding to the saddle stitching center page is not performed, the process directly proceeds to step S29.

In step S29, it is determined whether or not an OK key for instructing execution has been turned on.
If it is determined in step S29 that the OK key has been turned on, the process returns to the processing step for performing the printing process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29 that the OK key is not turned on, the process returns to step S21 to perform setting processing again.
In this way, the saddle stitching center page P1 is set.

Here, the flow returns to the flowchart for performing output processing by saddle stitch printing.
As shown in FIG. 10, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the start key is turned on, the original is read (step S5), and the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the start key is not turned on, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S6, the saddle stitch printing setting is set so that the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set by one type of print data, or the print data of the saddle stitch center page It is determined whether the print data other than the saddle stitching center page is set by two types of print data, or whether the sheet from the inserter 21 is set for the saddle stitching center page.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the saddle stitching print setting is that the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set by one type of print data, the process proceeds to step S7. .

  If it is determined in step S6 that the saddle stitching print setting is set by two types of print data, the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set with circles. Go to number 1.

  Further, in step S6, when it is determined that the saddle stitch printing setting is set to use the sheet from the inserter 21 for the saddle stitch center page, the process proceeds to a circled number 2.

  Here, a case will be described in which the saddle stitching print setting is set by the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page by one type of print data.

  In other words, when it is determined in step S6 that the saddle stitching print setting is that the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set by one type of print data, the saddle stitching is set. Saddle stitch data for printing is created (step S7). At this time, the pages are rearranged, and an appropriate combination of image pages is set for each sheet.

Then, it is determined whether or not to print on the saddle stitching center page (step S8).
If it is determined in step S8 that printing is to be performed on the saddle stitching center page, a paper feed tray is set as a tray for paper other than the saddle stitching center page (step S9).
Then, n / 4-first sheets other than the saddle stitching center page are printed on the sheet (step S10) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as the paper tray for the saddle stitching center page (step S11), and the saddle stitching center page is printed as the n / 4th sheet (step S12). Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that printing is not performed on the saddle stitching center page, a paper feed tray is set as a paper tray other than the saddle stitching center page (step S13).
Then, up to the n / 4th sheet other than the saddle stitching center page is printed on the sheet (step S14) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as the paper tray for the saddle stitching center page (step S15), and one sheet of paper is conveyed as the saddle stitching center page (step S16). Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S <b> 17, it is determined whether or not the double door folding process is set.
If it is determined in step S17 that the double folding process is set, the saddle stitching center page is subjected to the double folding process (step S18), conveyed to the staple tray 30C, conveyed first, and stacked. Placed on paper other than the saddle stitching center page.

  When all the printed materials are placed on the staple tray 30C, post-processing (staple processing, folding processing, cutting processing) is performed according to the post-processing setting (step S19), and the post-processing setting is performed. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray, and all processing is completed.

Next, as the saddle stitch printing setting in step S6, it is determined that the saddle stitch printing setting is set by two types of print data, that is, print data for the saddle stitch center page and print data other than the saddle stitch center page. The case where this is done will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart in the case where the printing process is performed using print data other than the saddle stitching center page as the setting of the saddle stitching center page when performing saddle stitching printing in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

  Here, the print data used for the printing process is defined as print data other than the saddle stitching center page as first print data, and print data of the saddle stitching center page as second print data.

  When performing saddle stitch printing with two types of print data in the image forming apparatus 10, first, as shown in FIG. 12, first, a document as first print data for pages other than the saddle stitch center page is read and processed. Then, the original is set as the second print data for the saddle stitching center page, and the reading process is performed (step S31).

  As the second print data, in addition to the original, filing data stored in the storage device in the image forming apparatus 10, data transmitted from the information processing apparatus, a memory card connected to the external storage medium connection unit 15, and the like Data stored in the external storage medium can be used.

  Then, saddle stitch data for performing saddle stitch printing is created. At this time, the pages are rearranged, and an appropriate combination of image pages is set for each sheet (step S32).

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as a paper tray other than the saddle stitching center page (step S33). Then, after the data is read, the first print data is printed on the sheet up to the n / 4th sheet other than the saddle stitching center page (step S34) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as the paper tray for the saddle stitching center page (step S35), and the second print data is printed with the saddle stitching center page as the n / 4th sheet (step S36).

Then, it is determined whether or not the double door folding process is set (step S37).
If it is determined in step S37 that the double-folding folding process is set, the saddle stitching center page is subjected to the double-folding folding process (step S38) and conveyed to the post-processing device 30 for post-processing. (Step S39).

In the post-processing device 30, the saddle stitching center page is transported to the staple tray 30 </ b> C and placed on a sheet other than the saddle stitching center page that has been transported and stacked first.
When all the printed materials are placed on the staple tray 30C, post-processing (staple processing, folding processing, cutting processing) is performed according to the post-processing setting, and the paper is output to the discharge tray according to the post-processing setting. The paper is discharged and the entire process is completed.

Next, the case where it is determined that the sheet fed from the inserter is set as the saddle stitching center page as the saddle stitching center page setting in step S6 will be described with reference to the flowchart.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart when the sheet supplied from the inserter is used as the setting of the saddle stitch center page when performing saddle stitch printing in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

  When using the sheet supplied from the inserter as the saddle stitching center page in the image forming apparatus 10, first, as shown in FIG. 13, after reading the print data, the saddle stitching data for performing the saddle stitch printing is created. . At this time, the pages are rearranged, and an appropriate combination of image pages is set for each sheet (step S41).

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as a paper tray other than the saddle stitching center page (step S42). Then, after the data is read, the n / 4th sheets other than the saddle stitching center page are printed on the sheet (step S43) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, the paper supply is switched to the paper feed from the inserter 21 (step S44), and the paper is fed from the inserter 21 as a saddle stitching center page (step S45).

Then, it is determined whether or not the double door folding process is set (step S46).
If it is determined in step S46 that the double-folding folding process is set, the saddle stitch center page is subjected to the double-folding folding process (step S47) and conveyed to the post-processing device 30 for post-processing. (Step S49).

In the post-processing device 30, the saddle stitching center page is transported to the staple tray 30 </ b> C and placed on a sheet other than the saddle stitching center page that has been transported and stacked first.
When all the printed materials are placed on the staple tray 30C, post-processing (staple processing, folding processing, cutting processing) is performed according to the post-processing setting, and the paper is output to the discharge tray according to the post-processing setting. The paper is discharged and the entire process is completed.

Here, post-processing in the post-processing device 30 will be described along a flowchart.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing post-processing steps in the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In post-processing by the post-processing device 30 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not stapling processing is set after the printing process is completed (step S 51).

  If it is determined in step S51 that the stapling process has been set, stapling processing is executed in the stapling unit 350 (step S52), and the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the stapling process is not set, the process directly proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, it is determined whether or not folding processing is designated.
If it is determined in step S53 that the folding process has been designated, the folding process unit 360 executes the folding process (step S54).

  Then, trimming processing is executed in the trimmer unit 370 (step S55), and the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 30B (step S56).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that the folding process is not designated, the sheet is directly discharged to the discharge tray 30A.
In this way, the post-processing is executed, and the post-processing process ends.

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, according to 1st Embodiment, the storage part 11 which memorize | stores printing data, the image formation part 12 which performs saddle stitch printing, and the double-folding folding device as a saddle stitch processing part which performs saddle stitch processing 20 and a post-processing device 30, the image forming unit 12 having a function different from the other saddle stitching pages for the saddle stitching center page P <b> 1 of the saddle stitching pages of the sheet. A saddle stitching folding device 20 having a saddle stitching center page print setting function 121 for performing settings and configured as a saddle stitching processing unit is configured to perform saddle stitching on a printed saddle stitching page based on print settings by the saddle stitching center page print setting function 121. By providing the inserter 21 that functions as a saddle stitching center page insertion means for inserting the stitching center page P1, the saddle stitching center page P1 Can make printing setting easily, it becomes possible to easily insert the print binding pages in the saddle stitch center page P1 other. Thereby, the print setting of the saddle stitching center page can be easily performed without considering which page of the booklet-like printed matter the saddle stitching center page P1 corresponds to.

  In the first embodiment, as the configuration of the saddle stitching processing unit, the saddle stitching center page P1 is inserted by the inserter 21 functioning as the saddle stitching center page inserting means, but the present invention performs the saddle stitching processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the configuration of the saddle stitching processing unit may include a paper type setting function that enables setting of the paper type (for example, paper thickness, colored paper, printed paper, etc.) of the paper to be the saddle stitching center page P1. good. With this configuration, it is possible to select a saddle stitching center page with a different paper type.

  In addition, the configuration of the saddle stitching processing unit may include a paper size setting function that allows the paper size of the paper to be the saddle stitching center page P1 to be set. With this configuration, it is possible to easily set the paper size of the saddle stitching center page P1.

  Furthermore, as a configuration of the saddle stitching processing unit, a sheet supply unit setting function that enables setting of a sheet supply unit that supplies a sheet serving as the saddle stitching center page P1 may be provided. With this configuration, it is possible to set the sheet serving as the saddle stitching center page P1 according to the sheet supply unit.

  In the first embodiment, the image forming unit 12 includes the saddle stitching center page print setting function 121 that performs different print settings for the saddle stitching center page P1 from the other saddle stitching pages. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the printing unit that is the image forming unit 12.

  For example, the configuration of the printing unit may include a designated image printing function that enables printing of an image designated for the saddle stitching center page P1. With this configuration, it is possible to easily set the image of the saddle stitching center page P1.

  In addition, the configuration of the printing unit includes a function for setting the print settings for the saddle stitching center page to be different from the print settings for pages other than the saddle stitching center page in printing, direct printing, and reprinting of filing saved data. May be. With such a configuration, it is possible to set the saddle stitch center page printing not only in the output process by the copy function but also in printing, direct printing, filing saved data reprinting, and the like.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment in a block diagram.
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the detailed description of each configuration shall refer to the first embodiment.

  The second embodiment is an information processing apparatus that instructs the image forming apparatus to perform print processing, and employs a characteristic configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment is connected to the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 via a network.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is configured to perform print processing according to print settings for each page according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus 40.

  The information processing apparatus 40 is an information processing apparatus that can execute the saddle stitch printing process by instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the saddle stitch printing process. A saddle stitching center page print setting instructing unit 401 is provided to instruct to perform print settings different from the saddle stitching page.

Next, a process in which saddle stitch printing is executed by the image forming apparatus 10 by instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform saddle stitch printing by the information processing apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. .
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which saddle stitch printing is performed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  First, in the information processing apparatus 40, settings for saddle stitch printing and saddle stitch processing are performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, when a setting operation related to saddle stitch printing and saddle stitching processing is accepted (step S101), it is determined whether or not the start button is turned on (step S102), and the start button is turned on. Then, print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 40 to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S103).

  In the image forming apparatus 10, it is determined whether print data from the information processing apparatus 40 has been received (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that print data from the information processing apparatus 40 has been received, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that print data from the information processing apparatus 40 has not been received, confirmation of reception of the print data is repeated.

  In step S202, as in the first embodiment, the saddle stitch printing setting is set so that the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set by one type of print data, or It is determined whether the print data of the saddle stitching center page and the print data other than the saddle stitching center page are set by two types of print data, or the setting of using the paper from the inserter 21 for the saddle stitching center page. Is done.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the saddle stitch printing setting is set for the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page by one type of print data, the process proceeds to step S203. .

  If it is determined in step S202 that the saddle stitch printing setting is set by two types of print data, the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set with circles. Go to number 1.

  Further, in step S202, when it is determined that the saddle stitch printing setting is set to use the sheet from the inserter 21 for the saddle stitch center page, the process proceeds to the circled number 2.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, a description will be given of a case in which saddle stitching printing is set with print data for the saddle stitching center page and print data other than the saddle stitching center page being set by one type of print data. .

  In other words, when it is determined in step S202 that the saddle stitching print setting is that the print data of the saddle stitch center page and the print data other than the saddle stitch center page are set by one type of print data, the saddle stitching is set. Saddle stitch data for printing is created (step S203). At this time, the pages are rearranged, and an appropriate combination of image pages is set for each sheet.

Then, it is determined whether or not to print on the saddle stitching center page (step S204).
If it is determined in step S204 that printing is to be performed on the saddle stitching center page, a paper feed tray is set as a paper tray other than the saddle stitching center page (step S205).
Then, n / 4-first sheets other than the saddle stitching center page are printed on the sheet (step S206) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as the paper tray of the saddle stitch center page (step S207), and the saddle stitch center page is printed as the n / 4th sheet (step S208). Then, the process proceeds to step S213.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that printing is not performed on the saddle stitching center page, a paper feed tray is set as a paper tray other than the saddle stitching center page (step S209).
Then, up to the n / 4th sheet other than the saddle stitching center page is printed on the sheet (step S210) and placed on the staple tray 30C.

  Then, a paper feed tray is set as the paper tray of the saddle stitching center page (step S211), and one sheet of paper is conveyed as the saddle stitching center page (step S212). Then, the process proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, it is determined whether or not the double door folding process is set.
If it is determined in step S213 that the double-folding folding process is set, the saddle stitching center page is subjected to the double-folding folding process (step S214), conveyed to the staple tray 30C, conveyed first, and stacked. Placed on paper other than the saddle stitching center page.

  When all the printed materials are placed on the staple tray 30C, post-processing (staple processing, folding processing, cutting processing) is performed according to the post-processing setting (step S215), and the post-processing setting is performed. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray, and all processing is completed.

  Note that, as the saddle stitch printing setting in step S202, it is determined that the saddle stitch printing setting is set by two types of print data: print data of the saddle stitch center page and print data other than the saddle stitch center page. Since the case is the same as in the first embodiment, the description in the first embodiment is referred to.

  Further, post-processing in the post-processing device 30 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description in the first embodiment is referred to.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 40 can execute the saddle stitch printing process by instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the saddle stitch printing process. The image forming apparatus includes the saddle stitching center page print setting instructing unit 401 that instructs the apparatus 10 to perform different print settings for the saddle stitching center page in the saddle stitching printing from the other saddle stitching pages. The print setting of the saddle stitching center page P1 can be easily performed from a distant position without performing the setting operation at 10, and the saddle stitching center page P1 can be easily inserted into the printed matter of the other saddle stitching page. Is possible. Thereby, the print setting of the saddle stitching center page can be easily performed.

  In the second embodiment, print data or the like is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 40 to the image forming apparatus 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the image forming apparatus. The print data input by other methods such as filing data stored in the storage device 10 and data stored in an external storage medium such as a memory card connected to the external storage medium connection unit 15 are used. It may be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing is performed along a series of processes from printing to post-processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, output before the saddle stitching center page is conveyed. You may make it provide the mode which interrupts processing temporarily.

  Specifically, when printing is performed with pages other than the saddle stitching center page printed using the same paper feed tray, the pages other than the saddle stitching center page are switched and printed. The output process may be temporarily interrupted before executing the process for the saddle stitching center page, and may be resumed upon receiving an instruction from the user after replacing the paper feed tray.

  For example, in the processing step shown in FIG. 10, after the printing process in step S10 or step S14 is completed, the process is temporarily stopped, and in response to a user instruction, the process proceeds to the next process. In the processing step shown in FIG. 12, the process is temporarily stopped after the printing process in step S34 is completed.

  In this way, by changing the paper using the same paper feed tray, or by feeding another paper using the manual feed tray, the saddle stitch center page is different from the pages other than the saddle stitch center page. Can be created.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

10 image forming apparatus 11 storage unit 12 image forming unit (printing unit)
14 control unit 20 double door folding device (saddle stitching processing unit)
21 Inserter (Saddle Stitch Center Page Insertion Method)
22 Folding part 30 Post-processing device (saddle stitching processing part)
40 Information processing apparatus 121 Saddle stitching center page print setting function 350 Staple unit 360 Processing unit 370 Trimmer unit 401 Saddle stitching center page print setting instructing section P Printed material P0 One end P1 Center page P2 Paper bundle

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus including a storage unit that stores print data, a printing unit that performs saddle stitching printing on a recording medium, and a saddle stitching processing unit that performs saddle stitching processing on the recording medium,
The printing unit includes a saddle stitching center page print setting function for performing print settings different from the other saddle stitching pages for the saddle stitching center page among the saddle stitching pages of the recording medium,
The saddle stitching processing unit includes a saddle stitching center page insertion unit that inserts a saddle stitching center page into a printed saddle stitching page based on print settings by the saddle stitching center page print setting function. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saddle stitching processing unit has a paper type setting function that allows a paper type of a sheet to be the saddle stitching center page to be set.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saddle stitching processing unit has a sheet supply unit setting function that enables setting of a sheet supply unit that supplies a sheet serving as the saddle stitching center page. 4.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit has a designated image printing function capable of printing an image designated for the saddle stitching center page. 5. . An information processing apparatus capable of executing saddle stitch printing processing by instructing saddle stitch printing processing to an image forming apparatus that performs printing processing according to print settings for each page according to an instruction from the outside,
The image forming apparatus further comprises a saddle stitching center page print setting instructing unit that instructs the saddle stitching center page in saddle stitching printing to perform print settings different from those of other saddle stitching pages. Information processing device.

Images