JP2016163938A - Image formation apparatus, image formation method and printer driver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute allocation printing processing with the output number or the number of output pages intended by a user with a simple user operation in an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 1 comprises: a print part 13 which prints image data on a sheet to output it; an operation part 12 which receives a user operation for designating the number of sheets or the number of output pages used in outputting the image data; and a control part 10 which performs page allocation processing to the image data in accordance with the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets or the number of output pages designated in the operation part 12, and causes the print part 13 to perform printing. Reception of the similar user operation and page allocation processing can also be executed by a printer driver built in a computer connected to an image formation apparatus such as the image formation apparatus 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a printer driver.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) divide image data of a document consisting of a plurality of pages (hereinafter referred to as an aggregate printing function) or a single page of image data. Thus, a function for printing on a plurality of sheets (hereinafter referred to as a poster printing function) is provided. The collective printing function is a useful function when it is desired to save paper (sheets) and toner required for printing, or when information is summarized concisely. As the name suggests, the poster printing function is a useful function for making the image look larger like a poster by pasting together a plurality of sheets, and can be said to be a divided printing function. Hereinafter, in this specification, the aggregate printing function and the poster printing function are collectively referred to as an allocation printing function.

  Such layout printing is not limited to the output paper size for the image forming apparatus, but the number of pages to be collectively printed on one output paper or the number of divisions for dividing one page (for one-page poster printing). It can be executed by setting (required number of sheets). Such setting operations are provided on an operation unit such as an operation panel and operation buttons (operation keys) provided in the image forming apparatus, or a computer such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the image forming apparatus. Can be accepted by the operation unit.

In the collective printing, when the total number of pages of the document cannot be divided by the number of pages collected on one sheet, there is a problem that an area where an image is not printed is generated on the last sheet of output.
In order to deal with such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228867 discloses that a manuscript image composed of fractional pages is collected on the paper when the total number of pages of the manuscript is not divisible by the number of pages collected on one paper. A system is disclosed in which printing is performed by switching to a minimum size paper that can accommodate a printing image when arranged at a magnification that can accommodate the number of pages.

JP 2010-125615 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Literature 1, in order to output the output paper on which the fractional pages are printed and the other output paper so that the paper sizes are different, the image forming apparatus uses a plurality of paper sizes. It is necessary to prepare in advance, and when a fractional page is printed with a paper size that is not intended by the user, it is necessary to interrupt paper replenishment or aggregate printing.

  In addition to this technology, there are many other conventional aggregate printing technologies such as selecting the aggregate print function and then setting items such as the number of pages to be consolidated on one sheet (the number of consolidated pages) and the output paper size. User operation is required.

  Furthermore, if the number of aggregate pages is specified too much, the number of output sheets is reduced, but the size of one page of a document out of print images stored on one sheet is reduced, and the readability of the output image is lowered. On the other hand, if the number of pages to be integrated on one sheet is specified to be small, the readability is increased but the number of output sheets is increased, and the effect of saving toner and paper is reduced. In other words, in the conventional aggregate printing technology, simply specifying the number of aggregate pages (and the output paper size) may not allow the total number of output pages or output pages to fit within the number desired by the user. Therefore, it takes time and effort to set the output form required by the user.

  Further, in the conventional poster printing technology, not only a large number of user operations are required, but the total number of output pages or output pages can be determined simply by specifying the aggregate page number (and output paper size). The number of sheets may not be as desired by the user, and it takes time and effort to set the output form desired by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to execute layout printing processing with the number of output sheets or the number of output pages intended by the user in a simple user operation in the image forming apparatus. Is to make it possible.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet and outputs the sheet, and is used when outputting the image data. An operation unit for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets to be printed, and performing a page allocation process on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets designated by the operation unit, And a control unit for printing on the printing unit.

  According to a second technical means of the present invention, in the first technical means, the control unit is closest to the number of sheets or closest within the number of sheets according to the number of pages and the number of sheets. The page allocation processing is performed so that the number of pages is output.

  According to a third technical means of the present invention, in the first or second technical means, the control unit performs duplex printing / printing according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets specified by the operation unit. It is characterized by determining which one-side printing is executed.

  According to a fourth technical means of the present invention, in the third technical means, the operation unit can accept a user operation for designating a paper size to be used when outputting the image data, and the control unit Determines whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing in accordance with the paper size designated by the operation unit.

  According to a fifth technical means of the present invention, in the first or second technical means, the operation unit can accept a user operation for designating whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing. The control unit is configured to perform the page allocation process according to the designation when the operation unit is designated to execute either double-sided printing or single-sided printing.

  According to a sixth technical means of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper, and receives a user operation for specifying the number of output pages when outputting the image data. An operation unit, and a control unit that performs a page allocation process on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of output pages specified by the operation unit, and causes the printing unit to print. It is characterized by having provided.

  According to a seventh technical means of the present invention, in the sixth technical means, the control unit is a number closest to the output page number or within the output page number, depending on the page number and the output page number. The page allocation processing is performed so that the closest number is output.

  An eighth technical means of the present invention is an image forming method in an image forming apparatus provided with a printing unit that prints and outputs image data on paper, and the image forming apparatus or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets to be used when outputting the image data, and a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the computer for the image data. On the other hand, there is provided a control step of performing page allocation processing according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets specified in the specifying step, and causing the printing unit to print. .

  According to a ninth technical means of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method in an image forming apparatus provided with a printing unit for printing image data on paper and outputting the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus. An operation unit provided in the step of receiving a user operation for specifying the number of output pages when outputting the image data, and a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the computer And a control step of performing a page allocation process according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of output pages specified in the specifying step, and causing the printing unit to print. .

  According to a tenth technical means of the present invention, there is provided a printer driver incorporated in a computer connected to the image forming apparatus, the paper used when the file is printed on the paper by the image forming apparatus and output to the computer. A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets; and, for the file, performing page allocation processing according to the number of pages in the file and the number of sheets designated in the designation step to generate image data, And a print instruction step for transmitting image data together with a print instruction to the image forming apparatus.

  An eleventh technical means of the present invention is a printer driver incorporated in a computer connected to an image forming apparatus, and the number of output pages when a file is printed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus and output to the computer. A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating, generating image data for the file by performing page allocation processing according to the number of pages of the file and the number of output pages designated in the designation step, And a print instruction step for transmitting image data together with a print instruction to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to execute the layout printing process with the number of output sheets or the number of output pages intended by the user by a simple user operation.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI) image in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an image forming method in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an image forming method in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a flowchart following FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a flowchart for explaining an example of an aggregation setting process during single-sided printing in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B is a flowchart for explaining an example of an aggregation setting process at the time of duplex printing in FIG. 4B. It is a figure which shows an example of UI image displayed on the PC side by the printer driver which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper and outputs the image data. Apparatus. Here, the MFP is a device having a plurality of types of functions such as a document reading function from a scanner, a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile (FAX) function. The MFP is assumed to have an image forming function such as a copy function and a print function, as in a general MFP. The document reading function includes a storage function for saving the read image data in a storage device or an external storage medium inside the MFP, and an Email transmission function (Internet FAX) for transmitting the image data attached to an e-mail (Email). Function) is added. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a UI image in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an image forming apparatus of FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an image forming method (printing method) in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10 that controls the whole, and an image input unit 11, an operation unit 12, and a printing unit 13. In this example, it is assumed that the control unit 10 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data to be printed. This image processing includes processing for converting the image data input from the image input unit 11 into a format that is not printable by the printing unit 13.

  For example, the control unit 10 stores a control program (firmware) for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1 in the program storage area, and performs various controls by operating the control program. For example, the control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area, and a control device such as a storage device that stores the control program and various settings. It can also be mounted as an integrated circuit (IC) / IC chipset. Examples of the storage device include a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc., and a storage unit (not shown) such as an HDD for storing images. Can also be used. Further, the image processing unit can be separated from the control unit 10 and mounted as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

  The image input unit 11 is a part for inputting image data. Examples of the image input unit 11 include a document reading unit, a communication unit, and an external memory connection unit. The image input unit 11 can also be configured to input image data from a plurality of acquisition routes.

  The document reading unit is provided on a lower surface of a document table on which a document (paper) to be read is placed, optically reads a document image on the sheet placed on the document table, and passes the image to the image processing unit. And is also called a scanner unit. The image forming apparatus 1 can also be provided with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) on the document table. The ADF is a device for automatically transporting a document, and an image of the automatically transported document is read by a document reading unit. Of course, a separate document reading unit may be provided in the ADF.

  The communication unit is a wired network interface for communicating with an external PC or server device. Examples of the server device include a server device using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and a protocol derived therefrom. Moreover, as a communication part, the radio | wireless communication part which performs short-distance wireless communication with a mobile phone (including what is called a smart phone) can also be employ | adopted, for example. By providing such a communication unit, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive a print job from a PC or a mobile phone, or can access a server device to acquire a file to be printed.

  The external memory connection unit is a connection interface for connecting an external memory such as a universal serial bus (USB: registered trademark, hereinafter the same) memory or an SD (registered trademark) card to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can obtain a file (electronic data) stored in the external memory for printing by providing the external memory connection unit.

  The operation unit 12 is a part for accepting an operation input from a user. In FIG. 1, an example having a key operation unit 12a and a touch panel unit 12b is given. The user can input setting values and the like and execute processing when using the image forming apparatus 1 from the operation unit 12.

  The key operation unit 12a is a hardware key for accepting a user operation. Examples of the key operation unit 12a include a power key, a power saving key, and a transition key to a home screen. Other keys such as a start key for starting copying and a number key group for inputting numbers may be provided instead of the software key group in the middle.

  The touch panel unit 12b includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, and a touch sensor unit that detects a touch operation on the display area of the display unit by the user. Examples of the sensor provided as the touch sensor unit include a capacitance type sensor and a resistance film type sensor. For example, a UI image such as the UI image 20 in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display unit. When a touch is detected by the touch sensor unit with respect to the displayed UI image, the UI image corresponding to the touch position is displayed. The processing indicated by the image is executed, and the UI image is changed as necessary. Of course, the touch panel unit 12b may be a simple display unit (display panel), and in this case, an operation input may be received only from the key operation unit 12a.

  The printing unit (image forming unit) 13 is a part that prints image data to be printed on paper (printing paper) and outputs the image data. Usually, the image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit is processed. An image is input and the image indicated by the image data is printed on paper. Examples of the printing method in the printing unit 13 include, but are not limited to, an electrophotographic method and an inkjet method. Examples of the image data include document image data read by the document reading unit, image data received via the communication unit and the external memory connection unit, or image data stored in the storage unit in the image forming apparatus 1. It is done. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with an output unit such as a paper discharge tray for discharging and placing printed sheets (outputs) from the printing unit 13.

  As a main feature of the present embodiment, the operation unit 12 can accept a user operation for designating the number of sheets (number of output sheets) to be used when outputting image data to be printed.

  For example, the UI image 20 is provided with an output number setting button 21 that can be selected. When the output number setting button 21 is selected by the user, for example, a pop-up including an input field for inputting the number of output sheets (number of sheets at the time of output) and a number button (or a button for raising and lowering the displayed number). An image should be displayed. Thereby, the user can input the number of output sheets from this pop-up image. In the UI image 20, as indicated by “the same as the number of input pages” on the output number setting button 21, the currently set output number (or just the same as the number of input pages as in this example). It is preferable to display information indicating that

  Further, as a main feature of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 performs a page allocation process on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets designated by the operation unit 12, and print unit 13 is printed. This page printing process may be executed as part of the image processing in the above-described image processing unit. This page allocation process is a process for allocating the pages of the image data to the paper, and in addition to the same-size printing process in which the same page is printed so that one page becomes one page of the paper, the aggregate printing process and the poster printing process (Divided printing process). The aggregate printing process and the poster printing process include a scaling process for reducing or enlarging the image data. Note that in the above-described page allocation processing, the processing is performed by determining the orientation of the paper at the time of printing, as in the conventional allocation setting.

  An example of such processing will be described with reference to FIG. 3 by taking an example of reading a document from the image input unit 11. First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the output number setting button 21 is selected while the UI image 20 is displayed, and the output number is input by pressing the output number setting button 21 (step S1). When YES is determined in step S1, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a document reading start instruction is received by the operation unit 12 (step S2). The document reading start instruction is accepted, for example, by pressing one of the monochrome / color start buttons 23/24 for starting monochrome / color printing with the document placed.

  When YES is determined in step S2, the document reading unit of the image input unit 11 reads the document one by one to generate image data (step S3), and counts up the number of pages of the document (step S4). This counting may be performed by the control unit 10. Next, the original reading unit determines whether all originals have been read by detecting whether there are no originals on the original placing tray (step S5). If NO, the process returns to step S3 until reading is completed. Continue reading the original.

  When the reading of the original is completed, the control unit 10 determines the size of the original (step S6). This determination may be performed by the image input unit 11 at the time of step S3, and the control unit 10 may acquire the information. Next, the control unit 10 performs page allocation processing according to the document size, the count number, and the output number (step S7). Here, the aggregation processing is performed when the former is large by comparing the count number and the number of output sheets, the division processing (poster printing processing) is performed when the latter is large, and the same magnification processing is performed in the same case. A specific example is illustrated as part of the processing of the second embodiment. Finally, the control unit 10 passes the image data after the page allocation process to the printing unit 13 to execute printing (step S8).

  As long as the above-described page allocation processing is executed according to the number of pages and the number of sheets, printing can be automatically performed with a number that matches (or is close to) at least the number of sheets. In other words, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1, the layout printing process is reliably executed with the number of output sheets intended by the user (or the vicinity thereof) by a simple and time-consuming user operation such as designation of the number of output sheets. It becomes possible to do. This is particularly useful when the number of pages is large.

  Further, the control unit 10 outputs the page allocation process so that it is output in the number closest to the number of sheets or the closest number within the number of sheets (maximum number) according to the number of pages and the number of sheets. It is preferable to apply. This is useful for eliminating an obstacle such as an increase in margins when trying to fit the number of sheets depending on the number of pages. In particular, the page allocation processing in the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 often has a configuration in which the number of aggregations and the number of divisions are limited. In such a case, the processing of this embodiment can be applied. Useful in terms. As this restriction, for example, it is possible to consolidate pages 2, 4, 8, 9, 16 into one sheet, or to divide into 2, 4, 8, 9, 16 but not to do otherwise Point to.

  The above description is based on the premise that printing is performed on a sheet of the same size as the size of one page of the image data to be printed (for example, image data obtained by reading a document). However, the image forming apparatus 1 can also be configured so that the size of the paper can be printed differently from the size of one page of the image data. In this case, the result of the page allocation process is the same as that in the case of the above 1 The size of the page image on the paper is different. Even in this case, if it is configured to detect the size of one page of the image data as in step S6, it is easy to calculate the scaling factor. As described above, it is preferable that the operation unit 12 is configured not only to specify the number of sheets, but also to be able to specify the size of the sheet, because a print result more user-friendly can be obtained.

  In the above example, the description has been made on the assumption that single-sided printing is performed, that is, the number of sheets input by the user is the same as the number of printed pages. It is also possible to ensure the number of printed pages that is twice the number of printed sheets. Specifically, the operation unit 12 is configured to accept a user operation that specifies whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing. In the example of FIG. 3, such a designation operation may be executed from, for example, the duplex copy setting button 22 of the UI image 20 before step S7.

  When the operation unit 12 is designated to execute either double-sided printing or single-sided printing, the control unit 10 performs the page allocation process according to the designation. Of course, such processing is possible not only in the case of collective printing but also in poster printing. In the case of poster printing, it is only necessary to perform printing in consideration of the arrangement so that separate enlarged posters are formed on both sides when printed materials are bonded together. Note that the present invention is not limited to this example, and even when the document to be printed is double-sided, if this point is set, the page allocation processing is possible.

  When image data is input from the document reading unit (when copying), scanning may be performed with a specified scan resolution, but as an alternative process, the number of output pages input before document reading and the number of document pages counted The minimum scan resolution necessary for the determination may be determined based on the comparison with. This is particularly advantageous in that the scanning speed can be increased during intensive printing. As a further alternative process, the scan resolution may be fixed and the resolution of the image may be lowered or raised by thinning / interpolation during the page allocation process.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6, but various application examples described in the first embodiment will also be described. Applicable. 4A is a flowchart for explaining an example of an image forming method in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart following FIG. 4A. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining an example of the aggregation setting process at the time of single-sided printing and double-sided printing in FIG. 4B, respectively.

  The control unit 10 in this embodiment determines whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets designated by the operation unit 12. Then, according to this determination, page allocation processing may be performed so that the number of printed pages is twice / one times the number of sheets input by the user. According to the present embodiment, for example, if the number of consolidated pages is large, it becomes difficult to see, and therefore, a restriction is set in advance and double-sided printing is performed to halve the number of consolidated pages. Since it takes a lot of time, it is also possible to perform a process of setting a limit in advance and performing double-sided printing to halve the number of divisions. It should be noted that the latter product can be used by pasting it on a screen transparent glass.

  An example of such processing will be described with reference to FIG. 4A and the like, taking as an example a scene in which image data is input from the document reading unit and is collectively printed. Here, an example is given in which the user has room to select single side / double side. First, similarly to the processing in steps S1 to S6 in FIG. 3, processing such as input of the number of output sheets and document reading is performed (steps S11 to S16).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the value obtained by dividing the number of pages (count number) of the read image data by the number of output sheets input in step S11 is larger than 6 (step S17). The single-sided selection button is displayed as a UI image on the touch panel unit 12b (step S18), and in the case of YES, it is not displayed (step S19). Further, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the value obtained by dividing the count number by the number of output sheets is larger than 12 (= 6 × 2) (step S20). If NO, the duplex selection button is displayed as a UI image. (Step S21), in the case of YES, it is not displayed (Step S22). Subsequent to steps S21 and S22, the control unit 10 determines whether a selection button of either double side / single side is displayed on the touch panel unit 12b (step S23).

  Here, the numerical value “6” is an example of the threshold for the number of aggregated pages, and “12” is twice the number, which is a threshold for obtaining an equivalent image when performing double-sided printing, that is, to one sheet of paper. This is a threshold value for the number of aggregated pages (total value of front and back surfaces). These threshold values may be determined according to the performance of the aggregation function in the image forming apparatus 1 (performance allowed by hardware), or may be determined to be lower than that performance.

  In this example, when printing 6 pages or less on one sheet, both the single-sided selection button and the double-sided selection button are displayed to indicate to the user that both are possible. In addition, when the number of pages of more than 6 pages and 12 pages or less is consolidated and printed, only double-sided printing is possible without displaying the single-sided selection button by displaying only the double-sided selection button. Show to the user. In these cases, YES is determined in the step S23, and the process proceeds to the step S27.

  Also, when printing more than 12 pages on one sheet, none of the selection buttons are displayed and NO is determined in step S23, and preferable printing cannot be performed. An error display prompting the user to perform is displayed (step S24). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of output sheets has been re-input (step S25). If YES, the process returns to step S17. If NO, it is determined whether or not the cancel button has been selected (step S26). If YES in step S26, the process ends. If NO, the process returns to step S25.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not the single-sided selection button has been selected by the user. If NO, it is determined whether or not the double-sided selection button has been selected (step S28). In the case of NO in step S28, the process returns to step S27, and in the case of YES, the aggregation setting process at the time of duplex printing is executed (step S29), and printing is performed by the printing unit 13 (step S31). When YES is determined in the step S27, the aggregation setting process at the time of single-sided printing is executed (step S30), and the printing unit 13 performs printing (step S31).

  In the process of step S30, as shown in FIG. 5, it is first determined whether or not the number of pages is equal to or less than the number of output sheets (step S51). If YES, the aggregation is set to 1/1 (that is, equal magnification). (Step S58). If NO in step S51, the number of pages is divided by the number of output sheets (step S52), the decimal part is moved up (step S53), and it is determined whether the result is 1 (step S54) or odd (step S55). Do. When the result is not 1, but 1 is added, 1 is added to the result to make it even (step S56). In other cases, the result of step S53 is used as it is, and the number of consolidated pages is set as the result (step S57). In this example, the number of consolidated pages during single-sided printing is reduced to 6 or less by the determination in steps S17 to S23, and as can be seen from the processing in steps S54 to S57, the number of consolidated pages is an even number ( In this case, only 2, 4, 6) is allowed.

  In the process of step S29, as shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not ½ of the number of pages is equal to or less than the number of output sheets (step S61). (Step S62). If NO in step S61, it is determined whether 1/4 of the number of pages is equal to or less than the number of output sheets (step S63). If YES, the number of consolidated pages is set to 2 (that is, 1/2 consolidated) (step S63). In S64), in the case of NO, the number of consolidated pages is set to 4 (that is, 1/4 aggregation) (step S65). In this example, the number of consolidated pages at the time of duplex printing is limited to 12 or less by the determination in steps S17 to S23, and only 1, 2, and 4 are permitted as the number of consolidated pages on one page of paper. Show. This is because when the number of consolidated pages is 6, single-sided printing is performed.

  In addition, an example of aggregate printing is given, and explanation of the case where the number of pages to be printed and the relationship between the number of output sheets is omitted, but in this case as well, basically the same idea (however, aggregation and division are reversed) And taking this into consideration).

  In the above, an example is given in which the user determines single side / double side based on suggestions from the image forming apparatus 1, but the control unit 10 may determine without such user operation. As an example, based on the determination results in steps S17 and S20, when the number of consolidated pages is more than 6 and 12 or less, the duplex printing is automatically determined, and when it is 6 or less, the simplex printing is automatically determined. In the case of 12 or more, an example such as an error can be assumed.

  Also in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the operation unit 12 can accept a user operation for designating a paper size to be used when outputting image data. In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 may determine whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing according to the paper size specified by the operation unit 12. For example, if the output sheet is A4 size, the maximum number of pages on one side is allowed to be 4, but if it is A3 size, it is allowed to be up to 8, and so on.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.
According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the number of output pages when outputting image data instead of the number of sheets (output number) used when outputting image data in the first embodiment. Is. That is, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 12 receives a user operation for specifying the number of output pages, and the control unit 10 performs page allocation processing according to the number of pages of image data and the number of output pages specified by the operation unit 12. Will be executed. According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 can execute the layout printing process with the number of output pages intended by the user by a simple user operation such as designation of the number of output pages.

  Further, the control unit 10 according to the present embodiment outputs the number closest to the number of output pages or the number closest to the number of output pages according to the number of pages and the number of output pages. It is preferable to perform page allocation processing. This is useful for eliminating obstacles such as an increase in margins when trying to fit within the number of output pages depending on the number of pages, and this effect is the same as that of the application example of the first embodiment. It is.

  In addition, in this embodiment, various application examples described in the first and second embodiments can also be applied. For example, as in the case of accepting a change (re-input) of the number of output sheets in the second embodiment, the number of output pages may be re-input when some error occurs in this embodiment.

  However, in the present embodiment, since the user inputs the number of output pages instead of the number of output sheets, it does not matter whether the printing is basically performed on both sides or one side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main feature of the second embodiment is that the “determining whether to execute double-sided printing or single-sided printing according to the number of pages and the number of sheets” is simply the number of sheets. It cannot be applied even if it is replaced with the number of output pages. In this embodiment, in order to enable selection of double-sided printing / single-sided printing, it is only necessary to accept such a selection operation from the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be said that it is preferable that the operation unit 12 be able to accept a user operation for designating whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing.

(Fourth embodiment)
User operation acceptance and page allocation processing similar to those described in the first to third embodiments can be realized by a printer driver of a computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1 including the printing unit 13. Such an embodiment will be described as a fourth embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI image displayed on the PC side by the printer driver according to the present embodiment.

  This embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments only in that the main body that receives user operations and performs page allocation processing is not the image forming apparatus 1 but a computer in which a printer driver is incorporated. In the present embodiment, only the difference will be mainly described, and description of other application examples will be omitted.

  The printer driver according to the present embodiment is a printer driver (program) for an image forming apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 1, and is a stationary PC, a mobile PC, a tablet terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a tablet terminal), a mobile phone ( This is a program for causing a computer such as a smartphone to execute the following designation step and print instruction step. The printer driver is stored in a storage unit such as an HDD in the computer, so that the printer driver is incorporated (installed) in the computer and can be executed by a control unit such as a CPU of the computer. This computer is assumed to be connected to an image forming apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 1 directly or via a network.

  The designation step is a step of accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets (or the number of output pages at the time of output) to be used when a file such as a document file or an image file is printed on the sheet by the image forming apparatus 1 and output. It is. For example, a printer driver setting UI image 70 installed in the PC as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit of the PC. The UI image 70 is provided with a check box 72 for selecting a function of output sheet number setting printing together with normal aggregate printing, normal poster printing, and the like. When the setting button 73 is selected with the check box 72 checked, the number of sheets (number of output sheets) can be set. For this setting, a pop-up image (not shown) may be displayed. Finally, the user returns to the UI image 70 and selects the OK button 71 to complete the print setting. The example of setting the number of output pages is the same.

  The printing instruction step generates image data by performing page allocation processing on the file according to the number of pages of the file and the number of sheets or the number of output pages specified in the specifying step. This is a step of transmitting to the image forming apparatus 1 together with a print instruction. Sending image data together with this print instruction means sending a print job. In the image forming apparatus 1 that has received this print job, the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 13 to print the received print job in the same way as printing a normal print job.

(Other)
As described in the first to fourth embodiments, the flow of processing in an image forming apparatus or a system including an image forming apparatus and a computer, the present invention includes a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet and outputs it. An image forming method in the image forming apparatus and a form as a program for causing the computer of the control unit of the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming method may be employed.

  In the image forming method in the image forming apparatus according to the first (/ third) embodiment, the operation unit of the image forming apparatus designates the number of sheets (/ number of output pages) used when outputting the image data. A designation step for accepting a user operation, and a control unit of the image forming apparatus allocates pages for the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets (/ number of output pages) designated in the designation step. And a control step of performing processing and causing the printing unit to print. Instead of the above-described operation unit and control unit, an operation unit and control unit provided in a computer connected to the image forming apparatus may be employed. Such an image forming method will be described as a fourth embodiment. That's right. Other application examples are the same as those described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

  A program (firmware) for causing the computer of the control unit of the image forming apparatus to execute the image forming method related to the first and third embodiments performs the same processing as the printer driver described in the fourth embodiment. It can be said that the processing program is executed only on the forming apparatus side. That is, this program is a program for causing the computer of the control unit to execute the above-described designation step and print instruction step.

  Further, it is possible to easily understand the form as a computer-readable recording medium (non-temporary recording medium) in which the above-described various forms of programs (firmware or printer driver) are recorded. The computer is not limited to a general-purpose PC, and various types of computers such as a microcomputer functioning as a control unit of the image forming apparatus and a programmable general-purpose integrated circuit / chip set can be applied. Examples of the recording medium include various media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a memory card, and a hard disk. The firmware or printer driver is not limited to being distributed via a portable recording medium, but can also be distributed via a network such as the Internet or via a broadcast wave. Receiving via a network means receiving by downloading a program recorded in a storage device of an external server device or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Image input part, 12 ... Operation part, 12a ... Key operation part, 12b ... Touch panel part, 13 ... Printing part, 20 ... UI image, 21 ... Output number setting button, 22 ... Double-sided copy setting button, 23 ... Monochrome start button, 24 ... Color start button.

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper and outputs the image data,
An operation unit for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets to be used when outputting the image data;
A control unit that performs page allocation processing on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets specified by the operation unit, and causes the printing unit to print,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control unit performs the page allocation processing so that the number of pages closest to the number of sheets or the closest number within the number of sheets is output according to the number of pages and the number of sheets. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The control unit determines whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets specified by the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The operation unit can accept a user operation for specifying a paper size to be used when outputting the image data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing according to the paper size designated by the operation unit. The operation unit is capable of receiving a user operation that specifies whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing.
3. The image according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit is designated to execute either double-sided printing or single-sided printing, the control unit performs the page allocation processing according to the designation. Forming equipment. An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper and outputs the image data,
An operation unit that receives a user operation for designating the number of output pages when outputting the image data;
A control unit that performs page allocation processing on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of output pages specified by the operation unit, and causes the printing unit to print,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control unit performs the page allocation processing so that the number of pages output is the closest to the number of output pages or the closest number within the number of output pages according to the number of pages and the number of output pages. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper and outputs the image data,
A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets used when the image forming apparatus or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus outputs the image data;
The control unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the computer performs a page allocation process on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of sheets specified in the specifying step, A control step for causing the printing unit to print; and
An image forming method comprising: An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints image data on paper and outputs the image data,
A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of output pages when the operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus outputs the image data;
The control unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the computer performs a page allocation process on the image data according to the number of pages of the image data and the number of output pages specified in the specifying step. A control step for causing the printing unit to print;
An image forming method comprising: A printer driver incorporated in a computer connected to an image forming apparatus,
A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of sheets to be used when printing and outputting a file on a sheet by the image forming apparatus;
The file is subjected to page allocation processing in accordance with the number of pages of the file and the number of sheets specified in the specifying step to generate image data, and the image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with a print instruction. A print instruction step,
A printer driver characterized by being a program for executing A printer driver incorporated in a computer connected to an image forming apparatus,
A designation step for accepting a user operation for designating the number of output pages when a file is printed on paper with the image forming apparatus and output;
The file is subjected to page allocation processing in accordance with the number of pages of the file and the number of output pages specified in the specifying step to generate image data, and the image data is sent to the image forming apparatus together with a print instruction. A print instruction step to send;
A printer driver characterized by being a program for executing

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