JP2014231210A - Bookbinding device, image forming system, bookbinding program, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bookbinding device, an image forming system, a bookbinding program, and an image forming program, which are capable of improving appearance quality.SOLUTION: An image forming system 100, for use in saddle-stitch-binding a booklet bundle consisting of image-formed sheets, includes: an image forming part for forming an image on a sheet constituting at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle-stitch-bundled; a cutting part for top-bottom cutting the booklet bundle; a bookbinding part for saddle-stitch-binding the top-bottom cut booklet bundle with a staple needle along with the setting of a needling position for the staple needle; and a setting change part enabled to change the setting of the needling position on the basis of a needling planning position for the staple needle, the position calculated using, as reference, a planned finishing width of the post-top-bottom cut booklet bundle.

Description

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

  As a post-processing apparatus that can be connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, there is a bookbinding apparatus that strikes a staple needle along a central portion in a state where a booklet bundle is opened and performs saddle stitch binding. The booklet bundle includes paper on which an image is formed. The paper has a certain internal area excluding the peripheral edge as an image forming area from the viewpoint of ensuring bookbinding quality and the like, which is larger than the actual finished size. Larger ones are used. Therefore, the booklet bundle is matched to the finished size by cutting the top and bottom and trimmings by cutting.

  Since the booklet bundle that is saddle-stitched includes staples, when the staple strike position and the cutting position of the staple needle match, the interference of the staple needle is suppressed by shifting the cutting position by a predetermined amount. Bookbinding quality is improved (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-24896 A

  However, the interference of the staple needle with respect to the image formed on the paper is not taken into consideration, for example, even when the image formed on the paper is covered with the staple needle and affects the appearance. In addition, since the stapling planned position of the staple needle is not changed, the appearance quality is not sufficiently improved.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a bookbinding apparatus, an image forming system, a bookbinding program, and an image forming program capable of improving appearance quality.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet that constitutes at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle-stitched;
A cutting section for cutting the booklet bundle upside down;
According to the setting of the staple position of the staple needle, a bookbinding unit for binding the booklet bundle that has been trimmed up and down with a staple needle;
A setting changing unit capable of changing the setting of the needle striking position based on the expected needle striking position of the staple needle calculated on the basis of the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting;
An image forming system comprising:

(2) a display unit that generates a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displays a preview for the user;
An input unit for receiving input by the user;
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The image forming system according to (1), wherein the change setting unit changes the setting of the needle strike position in accordance with an input by the user.

(3) The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples.
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. And the image of the booklet bundle corresponding to the image forming system.

(4) The display unit is configured to be able to selectively display one of two images as the scheduled image to be previewed,
One of the two images is a cover image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching,
The other of the two images is a spread page image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching. The image forming system according to (2) or (3), wherein

(5) The spread page image includes a needle foot image of the staple needle,
The image forming system according to (4), wherein the needle foot image is generated based on a value obtained by subtracting an estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle from a needle foot length of the staple needle.

(6) The booklet bundle is divided after saddle stitching,
The image according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the planned stitching position of the staple needle is calculated based on a planned finish width of each of the booklet bundles after the division. Forming system.

(7) a cutting section for cutting a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched;
According to the setting of the staple position of the staple needle, a bookbinding unit for binding the booklet bundle that has been trimmed up and down with a staple needle;
A setting changing unit capable of changing the setting of the needle striking position based on the expected needle striking position of the staple needle calculated on the basis of the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting;
A bookbinding apparatus comprising:

(8) a display unit that generates a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displays a preview to the user;
And an input unit that receives input from the user,
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The bookbinding apparatus according to (7), wherein the change setting unit changes the setting of the needle striking position in accordance with an input by the user.

(9) The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples.
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. And the booklet bundle image corresponding to the booklet bundle.

(10) An image forming program for controlling an image forming system having an image forming unit, a cutting unit, a bookbinding unit, and a setting change unit,
An image forming procedure for forming an image on a sheet that forms at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched by the image forming unit;
A cutting procedure for cutting the booklet bundle upside down by the cutting unit;
A bookbinding procedure for saddle stitching the booklet bundle that has been cut up and down with staples according to the setting of the staple driving position of the staples by the bookbinding unit;
A setting change procedure for changing the setting of the staple punching position based on the staple punching planned position of the staple needle calculated by the setting changing unit with reference to the planned finishing width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting; Having a process,
An image forming program executed by the image forming system.

(11) The image forming system includes:
A display unit for generating a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displaying a preview for the user;
An input unit for receiving input by the user;
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The image forming program according to (10), wherein in the setting change procedure, the setting of the needle striking position is changed in accordance with an input by the user.

(12) The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples.
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. The image forming program according to (11), wherein the image forming program is generated so as to include an image of the booklet bundle corresponding to

(13) The display unit is configured to be able to selectively display either one of two images as the scheduled image to be previewed.
One of the two images is a cover image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching,
The other of the two images is a spread page image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitch binding. The image forming program according to (11) or (12) above,

(14) The spread page image includes a needle foot image of the staple needle,
The image forming program according to (13), wherein the needle foot image is generated based on a value obtained by subtracting an estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle from a needle foot length of the staple needle.

(15) The booklet bundle is divided after saddle stitching,
The image according to any one of (11) to (14) above, wherein the planned stitching position of the staple needle is calculated based on a planned finish width of each of the booklet bundles after division. Formation program.

(16) A bookbinding program for controlling a bookbinding apparatus having a cutting unit, a bookbinding unit, and a setting change unit,
A cutting procedure in which the booklet bundle that is saddle-stitched and bound by the cutting unit is cut up and down by the cutting unit;
A bookbinding procedure for saddle stitching the booklet bundle that has been cut up and down with staples according to the setting of the staple driving position of the staples by the bookbinding unit;
A setting change procedure for changing the setting of the staple punching position based on the staple punching planned position of the staple needle calculated by the setting changing unit with reference to the planned finishing width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting; Having a process,
A bookbinding program that is executed by the bookbinding apparatus.

(17) The bookbinding apparatus further includes a display unit that generates a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displays a preview for the user, and an input unit that receives input from the user. ,
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The bookbinding program described in (16) above, wherein in the setting change procedure, the setting of the needle striking position is changed in accordance with an input by the user.

(18) The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples,
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. The bookbinding program according to (17), wherein the booklet bundle is generated so as to include an image of the booklet bundle corresponding to.

  According to the bookbinding apparatus, the image forming system, the bookbinding program, and the image forming program according to the present invention, the setting of the stitching position is performed based on the planned stitching position calculated with reference to the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting By changing this, it is possible to suppress interference of the staple needle with the image formed on the paper. In other words, since the estimated needle punching position is calculated based on the planned finished width of the booklet bundle after top and bottom cutting, the width of the booklet bundle before top and bottom cutting (the booklet bundle including the top and bottom margins) is used as the reference Compared to the above, it is easy to determine the interference of the staple needles with respect to the image formed on the paper, and to change the setting of the staple position so that the staple needles do not interfere, thereby improving the appearance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a bookbinding apparatus, an image forming system, a bookbinding program, and an image forming program that can improve appearance quality.

1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the image forming apparatus of the image forming system shown by FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a bookbinding apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. It is a top view for demonstrating the top and bottom cutting part shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the crease provision by the bookbinding part shown by FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the middle folding by the bookbinding part shown by FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view for explaining saddle stitching by a bookbinding unit shown in FIG. 3. It is a top view for demonstrating the small edge cutting part shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the preview screen displayed on the touchscreen shown by FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the change of the staple strike position of the staple needle shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a calculation method of a staple strike planned position of the staple needle shown in FIG. 9. It is the schematic for demonstrating the automatic adjustment of the needle strike scheduled position. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an image forming operation shown in FIG. 13. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the setting change operation | movement shown by FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a bookbinding operation shown in FIG. 13. It is the schematic for demonstrating the modification 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the modification 2 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the modification 3 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the modification 4 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the modification 5 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the modification 6 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification 6 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment is used to obtain a saddle stitched booklet bundle, and includes an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having an image forming apparatus 200 and a bookbinding apparatus 300, and is connected via a network 400. The computer apparatus 500 is configured to be communicable. Saddle-stitched binding is a method in which staples are driven and fastened along the central portion of a booklet bundle that is opened, and is often used for magazines and brochures.

  The computer apparatus 500 is a terminal used for creating a print job including print data and transmitting the print job to the image forming system 100. The print data is data described in a language format of PDL (Page Description Language) such as PostScript (registered trademark) or PCL (Printer Control Language), and includes print setting information and image information. ing. The print setting information includes, for example, print settings such as a finished size and post-processing settings for saddle stitch binding.

  The image forming apparatus 200 constitutes the main body of the image forming system 100, and is used to generate image data from print data included in a received print job and form (print) an image on a sheet. The bookbinding apparatus 300 constitutes a post-processing unit of the image forming system 100, and is used to create a booklet bundle having at least a part of sheets supplied from the image forming apparatus 200 and to perform saddle stitching.

  The network 400 includes a local area network (LAN) that connects computers and network devices according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface), and LANs. It consists of various networks such as a wide area information communication network (WAN) connected by a dedicated line, the Internet, and combinations thereof. The network protocol is, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The image forming system 100 and the computer apparatus 500 can also be directly connected using an ad hoc mode of a wireless LAN. In addition, wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) using 2.4 GHz band radio waves, serial interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), parallel interface such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1284, etc. A connection can also be used.

  The print job executed in the image forming system 100 is not limited to a form acquired via the network 400. For example, by installing a memory card interface in the image forming apparatus 200, the print job can be transmitted via the memory card. It is also possible to obtain. The memory card is, for example, an SD memory card, a microSD card, a USB memory (USB flash memory), a Memory Stick (registered trademark), or a compact flash.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 200 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the image forming apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, an operation unit 230, a paper carry-in unit 240, an image processing unit 250, a printing unit 260, a paper carry-out unit 270, and a communication interface unit 280. 290, and these are connected to each other by a bus 205 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The control unit 210 is a control circuit configured by a microprocessor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program, and each function of the image forming apparatus 200 (image forming system 100) is a program corresponding thereto. This is achieved by the control unit 210 executing.

  The storage unit 220 is used to store various programs and various data, and includes ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for example, flash memory), hard disk drive device, and the like. Are appropriately combined. For example, a program stored in the ROM is read by the control unit 210 as necessary, and is executed using the RAM as a work area for temporarily storing the program and data necessary for executing the program.

  The program is an OS (Operating System) or an image forming program 222. The image forming program 222 includes an image forming module, a bookbinding module, and a setting change module.

  The image forming module is used for forming (printing) an image on a sheet that forms at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched. The bookbinding module is used for saddle stitching with a staple after the booklet bundle is cut upside down. The setting change module suppresses the interference of the staple needle with respect to the image formed on the sheet based on the staple position of the staple needle calculated based on the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting. This is used to change the setting of the staple driving position of the staple needle.

  The operation unit 230 also serves as a display unit and an input unit, and includes a touch panel 232 and a keyboard unit 236.

  The touch panel 232 includes a display unit and a touch operation detection sensor, and displays a device configuration, a print job progress status, an error occurrence status, a currently changeable setting, a warning for alerting the user, and the like. At the same time, an instruction can be input depending on the position of the finger or pen in contact with the display unit. The touch panel method is not particularly limited, and a capacitance method or a resistive film method can be applied. The keyboard unit 236 includes a plurality of keys including a selection key for specifying a paper size, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing start of operation, a stop key for instructing stop of operation, a keyboard for inputting characters, and the like. Have a key.

  Data input through the touch panel 232 or the keyboard unit 236 includes designation of paper used for saddle stitching, setting of the number of staples, staple punching position, change of staple punching position, and the like. In order to obtain a good-looking booklet bundle, the paper is specified in consideration of the top margin, the ground margin, and the fore edge (front edge) margin, which are parts to be cut during bookbinding. In other words, the paper on which the image is formed is larger than the finished size in consideration of the margin to be cut during bookbinding.

  On the touch panel 232, a scheduled image representing a booklet bundle after saddle stitching is displayed as a preview for the user. The preview image (scheduled image to be previewed) is generated so as to include an image of the staple needle based on the planned needle strike position of the staple needle. The setting change module of the image forming program changes the setting of the staple punching position according to the input change of the staple punching position.

  The paper carry-in unit 240 has a plurality of paper feed trays, holds various papers inserted in advance by the user's hand, takes out the paper designated by the control unit 210 from the paper feed tray, and performs image processing. Used to transport toward 250.

  The image processing unit 250 is used to perform RIP processing (Raster Image Processing) on print data and generate raster image data used by the printing unit 260.

  The printing unit 260 is an image forming unit that forms an image made of toner on a sheet as a recording medium using an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes. An image is formed on the conveyed paper using data (raster image data) from the image processing unit 250. The image forming method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and an impact method, a thermal transfer method, an ink jet method, or the like can also be applied.

  The paper carry-out unit 270 is used for carrying out the paper on which the image is formed toward the bookbinding apparatus 300.

  The communication interface unit 280 is a communication unit including an expansion device (LAN board) that adds a communication function via the network 400 to the image forming system 100, and transmits / receives data to / from the computer device 500 belonging to the network 400. Used to perform

  The communication interface unit 290 is used to execute data transmission / reception with the bookbinding apparatus 300. The data includes post-processing settings such as the control data of the bookbinding apparatus 300, the size of the paper on which the image is formed, the finished size (outer shape data), the number of staples, and the staple driving position of the staples.

  Next, the bookbinding apparatus 300 will be described in detail.

  3 is a block diagram for explaining the bookbinding apparatus of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the top and bottom cutting unit shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the crease application by the bookbinding portion shown in FIG. 3, a side view for explaining the middle folding, and a front view for explaining the saddle stitching, and FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating a small edge cutting part.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the bookbinding apparatus 300 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, a paper carry-in unit 330, an alignment unit 340, a top and bottom cutting unit 350, a bookbinding unit 360, a small edge cutting unit 370, a booklet bundle discharging unit 380, and A communication interface unit 390 is provided, and these are connected to each other via a bus 305 so as to communicate with each other.

  The control unit 310 is a control circuit configured by a microprocessor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program, and each function of the bookbinding apparatus 300 is control of the main body (image forming apparatus 200). This is achieved by the control unit 310 executing a program corresponding to the instruction from the unit 210.

  The storage unit 320 is used to store various programs and various data, and is configured by appropriately combining a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive device, and the like. The program is, for example, a bookbinding program 322 activated by an instruction from the bookbinding module of the image forming program. The bookbinding program 322 is used for saddle stitching with a staple after the booklet bundle is cut upside down by actually controlling each part of the bookbinding apparatus 300.

  The paper carry-in unit 330 is a relay device having an insertion paper tray. The paper carry-in unit 330 receives paper from the paper carry-out unit 270 of the image forming apparatus 200, conveys the paper toward the alignment unit 340, and supplies insertion paper as necessary. Used for.

  The aligning unit 340 is used for stacking the conveyed sheets to form a booklet bundle and aligning them. For example, the paper is transported to a mounting table inclined at the downstream side in the paper transport direction, the leading edge of the paper is brought into contact with the front edge, and the side guides are brought into contact with the left and right edges of the paper. By adjusting the position of the top and bottom.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the top / bottom cutting unit 350 is a slitter used to cut the top margin 11 and the ground margin 12 of the booklet bundle 10. For example, the booklet bundle conveyed from the aligning unit 340 is passed between the side guides to align the top and bottom, and is brought into contact with the stopper to be positioned in the paper conveyance direction. The top and bottom are cut by moving a pair of cutting blades corresponding to the top and bottom while pressing.

  The cutting position of the top and bottom is set based on the size of the paper on which the image is formed (accepting paper outer shape data) and the finished size (outer shape data). Specifically, for example, with respect to the top / bottom direction of the booklet bundle, the top / bottom cutting position is set so that the half width of the value obtained by subtracting the finished size from the paper size becomes the slit width (cutting width).

  The bookbinding unit 360 is used for saddle stitching a booklet bundle that has been cut from the top and bottom, and has a center folding mechanism and a binding mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the center folding mechanism applies a linear fold 13 corresponding to the binding portion to the booklet bundle 10, and performs center folding as shown in FIG. 6, thereby binding the binding portion (the fold portion). ) Used to obtain a high-quality booklet bundle 10 with less bulges of 14. For example, the booklet bundle 10 is sandwiched between a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions and a pressing member having a downward projecting portion positioned between the pair of rollers, and the pressing member is moved to move the fold 13 Is formed.

  The binding mechanism is used for saddle stitching the booklet bundle 10 with the staple needle 20 as shown in FIG. For example, the booklet bundle 10 is disposed in a hook portion made up of two orthogonal guide plates, and the fold 13 of the booklet bundle 10 is elastically supported by a bending base of a pressing member disposed near the top of the hook portion. In this state, the needle receiving mechanism that supports the pressing member is raised and pressed (abutted) on the fixedly arranged needle striking mechanism, so that the staple needle 20 held by the needle striking mechanism has two locations along the fold line 13. Saddle stitched.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the fore edge cutting unit 370 is a slitter used for cutting the fore margin 15 of the booklet bundle 10 carried out from the bookbinding unit 360 and aligning the fore edges. That is, the fore edge of the booklet bundle 10 is a free end on the opposite side of the saddle stitching portion, and is uneven depending on the number of sheets constituting the booklet bundle 10, so that the appearance is improved by cutting the fore edge margin 15. Yes.

  For example, the booklet bundle that is fed from the bookbinding unit 360 is brought into contact with the stopper to position the booklet in the paper conveyance direction, and the cutting blade is moved while pressing the booklet bundle. Is cut. The cutting position of the fore edge is set based on the size of the paper on which the image is formed (accepting paper outer shape data) and the finished size (outer shape data). Specifically, for example, with respect to the direction of the fore edge of the booklet bundle, the fore edge cutting position is set so that the portion exceeding the finished size becomes the fore edge margin 15.

  The booklet bundle discharge unit 380 has a paper discharge tray disposed outside the bookbinding apparatus 300, and discharges a booklet bundle (booklet bundle for which saddle stitch bookbinding has been completed) conveyed from the fore edge trimming unit 370. used.

  The communication interface unit 390 is used to execute data transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus 200. The data includes post-processing such as setting of the control data of the bookbinding apparatus 300, the size of the paper on which the image is formed (accepted paper outer shape data), the finished size (outer shape data), the number of staples, and the staple punching position. It is a setting.

  Next, a preview screen displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the preview screen displayed on the touch panel shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the change of the staple strike position of the staple needle shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for calculating the staple strike position of the staple needle shown in FIG.

  The preview screen 233 displayed on the touch panel 232 includes a scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 after saddle stitching as shown in FIG. The scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 is generated so as to include the image of the staple needle 20 based on the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20, and the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 is displayed in a visible manner. .

  Therefore, the user confirms the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 on the preview screen 233, and, for example, the staple needle 20 interferes with an image formed on the sheet constituting the saddle stitch bookbinding, so that the appearance is good. If it is not good, it is possible to input a change in the staple driving position of the staple needle using the touch panel 232 or the keyboard unit 236. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, on the preview screen 233, the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 after the change of the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 is dynamically generated, and the appearance quality (bookbinding quality) is improved. It can be confirmed.

Stapling scheduled position P _S of the staple 20, as shown in FIG. 11, based on the scheduled finish width L ₁ of the booklet bundle after vertical cutting is calculated. For example, the scheduled finish width L ₁ of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting is calculated by subtracting the top margin 11 and the ground margin 12 from the top length paper length L _{0 of} the paper (receiving paper) on which the image is formed. . The planned stitching position P _S of the staple needle 20 is defined by the distance D from the end face of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting, and is calculated by dividing the planned finished width L ₁ by “4”, for example. The staple strike position P _S of the staple needle 20 is aligned with the center of the shoulder width W _S of the staple needle 20. Shoulder W _S of staples 20, for example, when the booklet bundle is 10 sheets stapled, it is 15 mm.

Therefore, when the finished size (outer shape data) corresponds to A3, tabloid (ANSI B (11 × 17), A4 or B4), the distance D (the planned stitching position P _S ) is 74 mm (= 297/4). , 70 mm (= 279/4), 52 mm (= 210/4) and 45 mm (= 182/4).

  Note that the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 included in the preview screen 233 is not limited to the cover image, and may be configured to display an image of a designated page. Further, in the preview screen 233, it is possible to improve visibility by appropriately changing the colors of the booklet bundle 10, the staple needle 20, and the top and bottom margins 11 and 12. Further, on the preview screen 233, an image of the fore margin is displayed, specific numerical values are displayed in the vicinity, images of the top margin 11 and the ground margin 12 are omitted, and the booklet bundle 10 and the like are displayed three-dimensionally. It is also possible to configure such that the vicinity of the staple needle 20 is enlarged and displayed by touching.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining automatic adjustment of the needle strike scheduled position.

In this embodiment, the slit width (cutting width) is arbitrarily selected within the predetermined range, depending on the finishing size based on the selected slit width, the stapling scheduled position P _S is adjusted automatically The The selection range of the slit width is, for example, 3 mm to 30 mm.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the slit width is set to 23.5 mm and B4 (257 mm) is set to A4 (210 mm), since the slit width is large, the staple is stapled at the planned _stitching position P _S0 of B4. If saddle stitching is performed by the needle 20, the balance becomes poor. However, when automatically correcting the stitching position P _S1 of A4 size which is the finished width and performing saddle stitching, the appearance is improved. Therefore, it is possible for the user to visually recognize the post-scheduled needle punching position on the preview screen, and to further improve the appearance by allowing the user to input a setting change. .

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 100, FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are flowcharts for explaining the image forming operation shown in FIG. 13, and a setting changing operation. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a flowchart and bookbinding operation | movement. The algorithms shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 are stored in the storage unit 220 as image forming modules, setting change modules, and bookbinding modules included in the image forming program 222, and are executed by the control unit 210. .

  The operation of the image forming system 100 includes an image forming operation, a setting changing operation, and a bookbinding operation, as shown in FIG.

  In the image forming operation, as shown in FIG. 14, first, a print job including print data from the computer device 500 connected via the network 400 is sent by the communication interface unit 280 of the image forming device 200. Received (step S11).

  The paper size corresponding to the print data is selected by the paper carry-in unit 240 and conveyed toward the printing unit 260 (step S12).

  The RIP process for the print data is executed by the image processing unit 250, and the generated raster image data is transmitted to the printing unit 260 (step S13).

  An image is formed on the paper conveyed from the paper carry-in unit 240 by using the raster image data from the image processing unit 250 by the printing unit 260 (step S14).

  The paper on which the image is formed is carried out toward the bookbinding apparatus 300 by the paper carry-out unit 270 (step S15).

  Next, the setting change operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, the preview screen 233 is displayed on the touch panel 232 by the operation unit 230 (step S21). The preview screen 233 includes a scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 after saddle stitching, and displays the planned striking position of the staple needle 20 (see FIG. 9). As described above, the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 is calculated on the basis of the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting.

  It is determined whether or not a setting change is input by the user who visually recognizes (confirms) the preview screen 233 (step S22). The setting change is a change in the expected stitching position of the staple needle 20, and the setting change is input using the touch panel 232 or the keyboard unit 236 of the operation unit 230.

  For example, a setting change by a user who has determined that the staple needle 20 interferes with an image formed on a sheet constituting saddle stitching and is not good looking (change of a planned stitching position of the staple needle 20). Is detected (step S22: YES), the preview screen 233 including the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 after the change of the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 is moved based on the input setting change. Is generated and displayed on the touch panel 232 by the operation unit 230 (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S22.

  When the user is satisfied with the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 included in the preview screen 233 and no setting change input is detected (step S22: NO), the determined staple stitching position setting of the staple needle is set. The post-processing settings such as the finished size after the cutting process are transmitted to the bookbinding apparatus 300 by the communication interface unit 290 (step S24).

  Next, the bookbinding operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, the post-processing setting transmitted from the image forming apparatus 200 is received by the communication interface unit 390 of the bookbinding apparatus 300 (step S31).

  The paper from the paper carry-out unit 270 of the image forming apparatus 200 is received by the paper carry-in unit 330 and conveyed toward the alignment unit 340 (step S32).

  The conveyed sheets are sequentially collected, and a booklet bundle whose top and bottom positions are adjusted is formed by the aligning unit 340 (step S33).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the top and bottom margins 11 and 12 are cut by the top and bottom cutting unit 350 in the booklet bundle with the top and bottom positions adjusted (step S34). The cutting position of the top and bottom is set based on the size of the paper on which the image included in the received post-processing setting is formed (accepting paper outer shape data) and the finished size (outer shape data).

  The booklet bundle that has been subjected to the top and bottom cutting (the top margin 11 and the ground margin 12 have been cut) is saddle-stitched by the bookbinding unit 360 (step S35). At this time, the stapling position of the staple needle is set so as to avoid a position where the appearance is not good, so that the appearance quality is improved.

  The fore edge margin 15 of the booklet bundle 10 carried out from the bookbinding unit 360 is cut by the fore edge cutting unit 370 (step S36). As a result, fore edges that are not uniform depending on the number of sheets constituting the booklet bundle 10 are aligned, and the appearance is improved.

  The booklet bundle (booklet bundle for which saddle stitch bookbinding has been completed) conveyed from the fore edge cutting unit 370 is discharged by the booklet bundle discharge unit 380 to a paper discharge tray disposed outside the bookbinding apparatus 300 (step S37). .

  Next, modifications 1 to 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be sequentially described.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first modification according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The change of the setting using the preview screen 233 is not limited to the change of the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 but can also include the change of the setting of the top and bottom cutting position.

  In this case, the change of the setting of the top and bottom cutting position is input by the user using the touch panel 232 or the keyboard unit 236, for example, and the preview screen 233 displays the staple needle 20 corresponding to the change of the staple driving position of the staple needle 20. It is dynamically generated so as to include the image and the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 corresponding to the change in the setting of the top and bottom cutting position.

  Note that the change data for the setting of the top and bottom cutting position is included in the post-processing setting and transmitted to the bookbinding apparatus 300. Further, when changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position, when the top margin 11 is increased, the ground margin 12 is decreased correspondingly, and when the top margin 11 is decreased, the ground margin 12 is increased correspondingly. To be implemented.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a modification 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The change of setting using the preview screen 233 can further include a change of the number of staples 20.

  In this case, the preview screen 233 displays the image of the staple needle 20 corresponding to the change of the staple driving position of the staple needle 20 and the change of the number of staple needles 20, and the image of the booklet bundle corresponding to the change of the setting of the top and bottom cutting position. And are dynamically generated so that they are included.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining the third modification according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 included in the preview screen 233 is not limited to a single page image, and can be configured to include a spread page image. In this case, for example, when the user designates using the touch panel 232 or the keyboard unit 236, a single page image or a spread page image is selectively displayed on the touch panel 232 as a scheduled image to be displayed as a preview. Will be. Note that the spread page image may be configured so that a page can be designated.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the modification 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When an image of a spread page is used as the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 included in the preview screen 233, the image of the needle feet 21 and 22 of the staple needle 20 may be included. In this case, the images of the needle feet 21 and 22 can be generated based on a value obtained by subtracting the estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle 10 from the length of the needle feet 21 and 22. The estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle 10 is calculated from, for example, the thickness (basis weight or continuous weight) of the sheets constituting the booklet bundle 10 and the number of pages.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the modification 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The booklet bundle 10 can be divided (cut) after saddle stitching to obtain a plurality of booklet bundles 10A and 10B. In this case, the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 is calculated based on the planned finished width of each of the booklet bundles 10A and 10B.

  22 and 23 are a block diagram and a flowchart for explaining the sixth modification according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The change of the post-processing setting is not limited to the form using the operation unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, by providing the bookbinding apparatus 300 with an operation unit 230A similar to the operation unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 200, the user uses the touch panel 232A or the keyboard unit 236A provided in the operation unit 230A to staple the staple needle 20. It is possible to input a change in post-processing settings such as a change in the needle strike scheduled position.

  In this case, the bookbinding program 322 includes a setting change module, and the bookbinding apparatus 300 executes the setting change operation and the bookbinding operation integrally. That is, the algorithm shown by the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is stored as the bookbinding program 322 and executed by the control unit 310.

  Specifically, first, the post-processing setting transmitted from the image forming apparatus 200 is received by the communication interface unit 390 of the bookbinding apparatus 300 (step S41), and a preview screen is displayed on the touch panel 232A by the operation unit 230A. (Step S42).

  It is determined whether or not a setting change is input by the user who visually recognizes (confirms) the preview screen (step S43). For input of setting change, the touch panel 232A or the keyboard unit 236A of the operation unit 230A is used.

  When an input of a setting change by the user (change in the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20) is detected (step S43: YES), after changing the planned stitching position of the staple needle 20 based on the input setting change A preview screen including the scheduled image of the booklet bundle 10 is dynamically generated and displayed on the touch panel 232A by the operation unit 230A (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S43.

  If the user does not detect setting change input (step S43: NO), the setting of the stapling position of the staple needle is confirmed, and steps S45 to S50 are executed, and the booklet bundle in which saddle stitch binding is completed is completed. Then, the booklet bundle discharge unit 380 discharges the booklet to the paper discharge tray disposed outside the bookbinding apparatus 300. Steps S45 to S50 correspond to steps S32 to S37, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, interference of staples with an image formed on a sheet is suppressed based on a planned stitching position calculated based on a planned finish width of a booklet bundle after top and bottom cutting. As described above, the setting of the needle striking position is changed. In other words, since the estimated needle punching position is calculated based on the planned finished width of the booklet bundle after top and bottom cutting, the width of the booklet bundle before top and bottom cutting (the booklet bundle including the top and bottom margins) is used as the reference Compared to the above, it is easy to determine the interference of the staple needles with respect to the image formed on the paper, and to change the setting of the staple position so that the staple needles do not interfere, thereby improving the appearance. Therefore, it is possible to improve the appearance quality.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the first to fifth modifications may be combined with the sixth modification. Further, a post-processing device other than the bookbinding device 300 can be added to the image forming system, or a change in the setting of the fold position of the booklet bundle can be included as a change in the post-processing setting. Furthermore, the print data included in the print job transmitted from the computer device 500 includes setting of the paper size on which an image is formed, the top margin, the ground margin, the fore margin, the number of staples, the staple driving position, etc. It is also possible to include default values for post-processing settings.

  The means, method, and program according to the present invention can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. When the present invention is realized by a programmed image forming system and bookbinding apparatus, a program for operating the image forming system and the bookbinding apparatus can be read by a computer such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). It can also be provided by a recording medium, or can be provided online via a network such as the Internet regardless of the recording medium. In this case, the program is normally transmitted to and stored in a storage device such as a hard disk that constitutes the storage unit of the image forming system and the bookbinding apparatus. Further, the program may be provided as independent application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the image forming system and the bookbinding apparatus as one function of the image forming system and the bookbinding apparatus.

10 booklet bundles,
10A, 10B booklet bundle,
11 Heaven margin,
12 Ground margin,
13 crease,
14 Binding part (crease part)
15 fore edge (front edge) margin,
20 staples,
21, 22 needle feet,
100 image forming system,
200 image forming apparatus,
205 bus,
210 control unit,
220 storage unit,
222 image forming program,
230, 230A operation unit,
232, 232A touch panel,
233 preview screen,
236, 236A keyboard part,
240 paper carry-in section,
250 image processing unit,
260 printing unit (image forming unit),
270 paper unloading section,
280, 290 communication interface part,
300 bookbinding device,
305 bus,
310 control unit,
320 storage unit,
322 bookbinding program,
330 paper carry-in part,
340 matching section,
350 Top and bottom cutting department,
360 bookbinding department,
370 Small cutting department,
380 booklet stack discharge section,
390 communication interface unit,
400 network,
500 computer equipment,
D Distance from the end face of the booklet bundle after cutting up and down,
The paper length in the vertical direction of the paper (receiving paper) on which the L ₀ image is formed,
L ₁ Scheduled finished width of booklet bundle after cutting up and down,
P _S , P _S0 , P _S1 Staple stitching planned positions,
W _S staple of shoulder width.

Claims (18)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet that forms at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched;
A cutting section for cutting the booklet bundle upside down;
According to the setting of the staple position of the staple needle, a bookbinding unit for binding the booklet bundle that has been trimmed up and down with a staple needle;
A setting changing unit capable of changing the setting of the needle striking position based on the expected needle striking position of the staple needle calculated on the basis of the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting;
An image forming system comprising: A display unit for generating a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displaying a preview for the user;
An input unit for receiving input by the user;
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the change setting unit changes the setting of the needle strike position in accordance with an input by the user. The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples,
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming system is generated so as to include an image of the booklet bundle corresponding to the image. The display unit is configured to be able to selectively display either one of two images as the scheduled image to be previewed.
One of the two images is a cover image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching,
The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the other of the two images is a spread page image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching. The spread page image includes a needle foot image of the staple needle,
The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the needle foot image is generated based on a value obtained by subtracting an estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle from a needle foot length of the staple needle. The booklet bundle is divided after saddle stitching,
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the planned stitching position of the staple needle is calculated based on a planned finish width of each of the booklet bundles after division. A cutting section for cutting a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched,
According to the setting of the staple position of the staple needle, a bookbinding unit for binding the booklet bundle that has been trimmed up and down with a staple needle;
A setting changing unit capable of changing the setting of the needle striking position based on the expected needle striking position of the staple needle calculated on the basis of the planned finish width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting;
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: A display unit for generating a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displaying a preview for the user;
And an input unit that receives input from the user,
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the change setting unit changes the setting of the needle striking position in accordance with an input by the user. The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples,
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the booklet bundle is generated so as to include an image of the booklet bundle corresponding to. An image forming program for controlling an image forming system having an image forming unit, a cutting unit, a bookbinding unit, and a setting changing unit,
An image forming procedure for forming an image on a sheet that forms at least a part of a booklet bundle to be saddle stitched by the image forming unit;
A cutting procedure for cutting the booklet bundle upside down by the cutting unit;
A bookbinding procedure for saddle stitching the booklet bundle that has been cut up and down with staples according to the setting of the staple driving position of the staples by the bookbinding unit;
A setting change procedure for changing the setting of the staple punching position based on the staple punching planned position of the staple needle calculated by the setting changing unit with reference to the planned finishing width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting; Having a process,
An image forming program executed by the image forming system. The image forming system includes:
A display unit for generating a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displaying a preview for the user;
An input unit for receiving input by the user;
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The image forming program according to claim 10, wherein in the setting change procedure, the setting of the needle striking position is changed according to an input by the user. The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples,
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. 12. The image forming program according to claim 11, wherein the image forming program is generated so as to include the image of the booklet bundle corresponding to. The display unit is configured to be able to selectively display either one of two images as the scheduled image to be previewed.
One of the two images is a cover image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching,
The image forming program according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the other of the two images is a spread page image of the booklet bundle after saddle stitching. The spread page image includes a needle foot image of the staple needle,
14. The image forming program according to claim 13, wherein the needle foot image is generated based on a value obtained by subtracting an estimated value of the thickness of the booklet bundle from a needle foot length of the staple needle. The booklet bundle is divided after saddle stitching,
The image forming program according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the planned stitching position of the staple needle is calculated based on a planned finish width of each of the booklet bundles after division. A bookbinding program for controlling a bookbinding apparatus having a cutting unit, a bookbinding unit, and a setting change unit,
A cutting procedure in which the booklet bundle that is saddle-stitched and bound by the cutting unit is cut up and down by the cutting unit;
A bookbinding procedure for saddle stitching the booklet bundle that has been cut up and down with staples according to the setting of the staple driving position of the staples by the bookbinding unit;
A setting change procedure for changing the setting of the staple punching position based on the staple punching planned position of the staple needle calculated by the setting changing unit with reference to the planned finishing width of the booklet bundle after the top and bottom cutting; Having a process,
A bookbinding program that is executed by the bookbinding apparatus. The bookbinding apparatus further includes a display unit that generates a scheduled image representing the booklet bundle after saddle stitching and displays a preview for the user, and an input unit that receives input from the user,
The scheduled image to be displayed for preview is generated based on the planned stitching position so that the staple needle image is included,
The input by the user includes a change in the setting of the needle strike position;
The bookbinding program according to claim 16, wherein in the setting change procedure, the setting of the needle striking position is changed in accordance with an input by the user. The input by the user further includes changing the setting of the top and bottom cutting position and changing the setting of the number of staples,
The scheduled image displayed in the preview includes the change in the setting of the staple driving position and the change in the setting of the number of staple needles and the change in the setting of the input cutting position. The bookbinding program according to claim 17, wherein the bookbinding program is generated so as to include an image of the booklet bundle corresponding to.