JP2016219890A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: a reading unit for reading a manuscript image from a manuscript; a storage unit for storing a plurality of manuscript images read from manuscripts by the reading unit; a display unit for displaying a plurality of manuscript images stored in the storage unit, using a predetermined layout; and an image formation unit for forming a printing image corresponding to the plurality of manuscript images using the layout displayed on the display unit. Displaying the plurality of manuscript images on the display unit by using a layout in which each of the manuscript images has an individually selected image size makes it possible to form a printing image in which the plurality of manuscript images are collected in a desired layout where the manuscript images have image sizes differing from each other, depending on the types and contents of the plurality of manuscript images. Thereby, convenience of the image formation apparatus can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and is suitably applied to, for example, a copying machine.

  A conventional image forming apparatus reads a plurality of originals one by one with an image sensor in order, and lays out the obtained original images in a plurality of equal divided areas of one page, whereby a plurality of originals are arranged on the one page. The images were collected (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP2013-157968A (4th page, 5th page, FIG. 4)

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus lays out a plurality of original images in a plurality of equal divided areas of one page with the same image size regardless of the type and content of the original, and a plurality of original images are included in one page. Since the original images were not collected in a desired layout, there was a problem that the convenience was not good.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose an image forming apparatus capable of improving convenience.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, a reading unit that reads a document image from a document, a storage unit that stores a plurality of document images read from the document by the reading unit, and a plurality of document images stored in the storage unit Are provided in a predetermined layout, and an image forming unit that forms print images corresponding to a plurality of document images of the layout displayed on the display unit, and the document image is displayed on the display unit. It was made to display with the layout of the image size chosen individually for every.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to form a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated in a desired layout with different image sizes depending on the type and content.

  According to the present invention, a reading unit that reads a document image from a document, a storage unit that stores a plurality of document images read from the document by the reading unit, and a plurality of document images stored in the storage unit in a predetermined layout. A display unit for displaying and an image forming unit for forming a print image corresponding to a plurality of document images displayed on the display unit are provided, and a plurality of document images are individually selected for each document image on the display unit. By displaying in the layout of the selected image size, it is possible to form a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated in a desired layout with different image sizes depending on the type and content, thus improving convenience. An image forming apparatus that can be improved can be realized.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of a copying machine according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a copying machine. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a setting menu screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a consolidated print setting screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of an image layout setting screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a definition of a layout of a plurality of document images on an image layout setting screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a layout memory instruction | indication screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a ratio resolution corresponding | compatible table. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image layout setting screen when a plurality of document images are read in a state where a definition layout is selected. It is a flowchart which shows an integrated printing process procedure.

The best mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter, also referred to as an embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.
(1) Embodiment (2) Other embodiments

(1) Embodiment (1-1) External structure of copying machine In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a copying machine according to the present invention as a whole. The copying machine 1 has a substantially square box type printer unit 2 whose end face on the right front side in the drawing is a printer front surface 2A. Incidentally, in the following description, the direction above the copying machine 1 indicated by the arrow a1 in the figure when the copying machine 1 is viewed facing the printer front surface 2A of the printer unit 2 is also referred to as the copying machine upward direction. The reverse direction is also referred to as the copying machine downward direction, and when there is no particular need to distinguish these, they are collectively referred to as the copying machine up-down direction. Further, in the following description, the direction in front of the copying machine 1 indicated by the arrow b1 in the figure when the copying machine 1 is viewed facing the printer front surface 2A of the printer unit 2 is also referred to as the front direction of the copying machine. The reverse direction is also referred to as the backward direction of the copying machine, and these are also collectively referred to as the longitudinal direction of the copying machine when it is not necessary to distinguish them. Further, in the following description, the left direction of the copying machine 1 indicated by the arrow c1 in the figure when the copying machine 1 is viewed facing the printer front surface 2A of the printer unit 2 is also referred to as the copying machine left direction. The reverse direction is also referred to as the right direction of the copying machine, and these are collectively referred to as the left and right direction of the copying machine when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  The printer unit 2 has a medium (such as a rectangular recording paper or film) of various sizes (hereinafter also referred to as a medium size) such as A4 and B5 used for forming a print image at the lower end of the printer front surface 2A. (Not shown) is provided so that it can be pulled out and loaded by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the copying machine. The printer unit 2 includes an image forming unit (not shown) that forms a color or monochrome print image on the surface of the medium supplied from the medium cassette 3. Further, the printer unit 2 has a leg portion of the substantially L-shaped scanner unit 4 attached to the rear end of the upper surface of the printer, and the front end of the upper surface of the printer is separated from the front end of the lower surface of the scanner. In the printer unit 2, for example, a medium discharge port (not shown) for forming a print image on the surface by the internal image forming unit and discharging the medium to the front end of the printer upper surface is formed near the rear upper end of the printer. ing. Therefore, in the printer unit 2, the front end portion of the upper surface of the printer that is separated from the front end portion of the lower surface of the scanner unit 4 is a medium delivery unit that forms a print image on the surface and delivers the medium to the user.

  The scanner unit 4 has a rectangular opening at the rear end of the upper surface, which has a predetermined size larger than various sizes (hereinafter also referred to as document size) of an original on which an image to be read is formed and is long in the left-right direction of the copier. A glass plate 5 is attached so as to close the opening. In the following description, the image to be read formed on the surface of the document is also referred to as a document image. In addition, the scanner unit 4 has an elongated image sensor 6 in a lower side of the glass plate 5 via a predetermined sensor moving mechanism (not shown) so that the longitudinal direction of the sensor is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the copying machine. It is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction. As a result, the scanner unit 4 is a document placing table 4A for placing a document on the glass plate 5 and optically reading a document image via the glass plate 5 by the image sensor 6 at the rear end.

  Further, the scanner unit 4 is provided with a mounting table cover 7 that can be opened and closed with respect to the document mounting table 4A via a hinge (not shown) provided at the upper rear end. Incidentally, when the document is closed with the document placed on the document placement table 4A (that is, the glass plate 5), the document table cover 7 presses the document so as not to be displaced. The placing table cover 7 is provided with a document placing plate 7A for placing a document so as to protrude from the upper surface of the placing table cover 7. The document table cover 7 has an automatic document feed mechanism (not shown) that automatically sends the document placed on the document platen plate 7A to a reference position read by the image sensor 6 at the left end of the document table 4A. ) Is provided. Furthermore, the scanner unit 4 has a touch screen 8A such as a liquid crystal display that can be touch-operated together with a display of a setting screen or the like at the front end portion of the upper surface, and a plurality of operation keys such as a read start key 8BX that can be pressed and numeric keys. An operation panel 8 having 8B is arranged.

(1-2) Circuit Configuration of Copying Machine Next, the circuit configuration of the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the copying machine 1, for example, a main control unit 10 having a microprocessor configuration and the above-described image forming unit 11 are provided in the printer unit 2. The copying machine 1 also includes a scanner unit 4 that includes the operation panel 8 described above, the image sensor 6 described above, a document reading unit 12 having a sensor moving mechanism and an automatic document feeding mechanism, and a reading unit that drives and controls the document reading unit 12. A control unit 13 and an image processing unit 14 are provided. The image processing unit 14 includes a layout selection unit 15, a layout instruction unit 16, an image size changing unit 17, an image combining unit 18, and a storage unit 19. The main control unit 10 is connected to the operation panel 8 on the scanner unit 4 side, the document reading unit 12, the reading control unit 13, and the image processing unit 14 through a predetermined interface. The main control unit 10 stores various programs such as a basic program and an aggregate print processing program in advance in an internal memory, for example. Therefore, the main control unit 10 performs overall control of the entire copier 1 according to various programs in the memory in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 8 by the user (that is, the touch operation on the touch screen 8A and the press operation on the plurality of operation keys 8B). At the same time, predetermined arithmetic processing and various processing according to operation commands input via the operation panel 8 are executed.

  As a result, when the user is requested to display the setting menu screen via the operation panel 8 when the print image is formed, the main control unit 10 touches the setting menu screen data stored in advance in the internal memory, for example. The setting menu screen 25 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed by sending it to the screen 8A. The setting menu screen 25 includes setting item selection buttons 26 to 33 for selecting various setting items, menu folders 34 to 33 for each category such as copy setting, basic print setting, and extended print setting for classifying various setting items. 37 is formed so as to be displayed. Therefore, when the user designates, for example, the menu folder 35 for basic print settings on the setting menu screen 25 by the user, the main control unit 10 displays the selected menu folder in the setting menu screen 25 accordingly. A plurality of setting item selection buttons 26 to 33 for a plurality of setting items classified into the basic print setting category are displayed. The main control unit 10 then sets a setting item selection button 29 for a setting item for consolidated printing (hereinafter also referred to as a consolidated printing setting item) among the plurality of setting item selection buttons 26 to 33 on the setting menu screen 25 by the user. In response to this, for example, the aggregate print setting screen data stored in advance in the internal memory is sent to the touch screen 8A via the layout selection unit 15 and aggregated as shown in FIG. The print setting screen 41 is displayed.

  The consolidated print setting screen 41 is divided into, for example, a print format selection area 41A, a layout selection area 41B, a print direction setting area 41C, and a medium setting area 41D in order from the left. In the print format selection area 41A of the aggregate print setting screen 41, a normal print format selection button 42 for selecting a normal print format for printing one original image on one medium, and the equality of one medium are displayed. A two-image aggregated print format selection button 43 for selecting a two-image aggregated print format in which two original images are laid out in two divided areas with the same image size according to the size of the divided area and aggregated printing is performed. Is arranged. In the print format selection area 41A of the aggregate print setting screen 41, four original images are laid out in four equal divided areas of one medium with the same image size according to the size of the divided areas. A four-image aggregate print format selection button 44 for selecting a four-image aggregate print format to be aggregated print or eight original images in eight equal divided areas of one medium according to the size of the divided area An eight-image aggregation printing format selection button 45 for selecting an eight-image aggregation printing format to be laid out and printed with the same image size is also provided.

  By the way, any of various multi-image aggregation printing formats such as a two-image aggregation printing format and a four-image aggregation printing format in which the same number of original images are laid out and aggregated in a plurality of equal divided areas of one medium are all copying machines. 1 is prepared in advance by the manufacturer. However, as will be described later, the main control unit 10 performs a layout including the image size and the arrangement position of each of the plurality of document images on the one medium for the user to collect and print a plurality of document images on the one medium. It can be arbitrarily defined. Then, the main control unit 10 appropriately stores layout data indicating a layout defined by the user (hereinafter also referred to as a definition layout) in the storage unit 19 as layout identification information that can individually identify the layout data. Add a name and memorize it. As a result, the main control unit 10 can use the definition layout as a template for collective printing of a plurality of document images. For this reason, in the print format selection area 41A of the aggregate print setting screen 41, a definition aggregate print format selection button 46 for selecting a definition aggregate print format for collectively printing a plurality of document images on a single medium in a definition layout is also arranged. Has been. A list display section 47 is arranged in the layout selection area 41B of the aggregate print setting screen 41, but the list display section 47 is left blank until the user selects the definition aggregate print format selection button 46. It has become.

  Incidentally, in the print direction setting area 41C of the aggregate print setting screen 41, for example, how to lay out a plurality of document images in a plurality of equal divided areas of one medium on the basis of the reading order. A predetermined button 48 for selecting whether or not. In the medium setting area 41D of the aggregate print setting screen 41, a double-sided printing selection button 49 for selecting a double-sided printing mode of one or a plurality of document images for one medium is disposed. Incidentally, the main control unit 10 sets the setting contents of the setting items related to double-sided printing so that single-sided printing is performed by default. The aggregate print setting screen 41 is also provided with a confirm button 50 for confirming a selection instruction on the aggregate print setting screen 41 by the user and a cancel button 51 for canceling the selection instruction. The layout selection unit 15 notifies the main control unit 10 when, for example, the normal print format selection button 42 is selected on the aggregate print setting screen 41 and then the confirmation button 50 is selected. To do. As a result, the main control unit 10 sets the setting contents of the setting items related to the print format so that one original image is printed on one medium in the normal print format.

  Then, the main control unit 10 is instructed to start reading a document image by pressing the reading start key 8BX of the operation panel 8 with one document placed on the document placing table 4A by the user, for example. In response to this, the sensor moving mechanism of the document reading unit 12 and the image sensor 6 are driven and controlled via the reading control unit 13. At this time, the document reading unit 12 uses the sensor moving mechanism to move the image sensor 6 from the reading reference position to the right side of the copying machine, while using the image sensor 6 as a settable reading parameter. Original image data is generated by optically reading at the highest reading resolution (hereinafter also referred to as the highest reading resolution) among various reading resolutions. The document reading unit 12 sends document image data to the storage unit 19 for storage. Then, the image combining unit 18 reads the document image data from the storage unit 19 and sends it as print image data to the image forming unit 11, so that the image forming unit 11 prints the print image on the surface of the medium based on the print image data. Form.

  Incidentally, at this time, the main control unit 10 is instructed to start reading a document image by pressing the reading start key 8BX in a state where one or a plurality of documents are placed on the document placing plate 7A by the user. Accordingly, the automatic document feeding mechanism and the image sensor 6 of the document reading unit 12 are driven and controlled via the reading control unit 13. Accordingly, the document reading unit 12 sends the documents one by one from the document placing plate 7A one by one to the reading reference position by the automatic document feeding mechanism while the image sensor 6 is stopped at the reading reference position. 6, the original image on the surface of the original is optically read at the highest reading resolution to generate original image data. Then, the document reading unit 12 sequentially sends document image data generated for each document to the storage unit 19 for storage. Further, each time the original image data for each original is read from the storage unit 19, the image combining unit 18 sends the original image data to the image forming unit 11 as print image data in the same manner as described above. Based on this, the image forming unit 11 forms a print image on the surface of the medium. In this way, the main control unit 10 reads the original image read from the surface of one original without changing the image size of one medium (that is, the medium supplied from the medium cassette 3 to the image forming unit 11). Can be printed (copied) as a printed image on the surface. Since the same number of original images are laid out and collectively printed in a plurality of equal divided areas of one medium in the multiple image aggregation printing format, the description is omitted because it is the same as that of a general copying machine. .

  In response to this, the layout selection unit 15 stores the layout data in the storage unit 19 via the layout instruction unit 16 when the user selects the definition aggregation print format selection button 46 on the aggregation print setting screen 41. Detect whether or not. As a result, when layout data is stored in the storage unit 19, the layout selection unit 15 reads out the file names of all layout data already stored from the storage unit 19 via the layout instruction unit 16. In addition, the layout selection unit 15 uses the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ for selecting all the existing layouts as the names of all the files, and defines the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ when a new layout is defined. A layout selection list 47A is created by listing together with a new layout selection item name 47AV for selection. Then, the layout selection unit 15 synthesizes the aggregate print setting screen data with the layout selection list 47A and sends it to the touch screen 8A, whereby the layout selection list 47A is displayed on the list display unit 47 of the aggregate print setting screen 41 (FIG. 4). Is displayed. Incidentally, if no layout data is stored in the storage unit 19, the layout selection unit 15 combines only the new layout selection item name 47AV with the aggregate print setting screen data and sends it to the touch screen 8A. However, only the new layout selection item name 47AV is displayed in the list display section 47 of the aggregate print setting screen 41.

  In this way, the layout selection unit 15 updates the display contents of the aggregate print setting screen 41 and, for example, selects and instructs a new layout selection item name 47AV on the aggregate print setting screen 41 by the user. When the confirmation button 50 is selected, this is notified to the main control unit 10. As a result, the main control unit 10 sets the setting contents of the setting items related to the print format so that a plurality of document images are collectively printed on one medium in the definition consolidated print format. At this time, when the user presses the reading start key 8BX and instructs to start reading of the document image in a state where a plurality of documents are placed on the document placing plate 7A, the main control unit 10 is as described above. Similarly, the automatic document feeding mechanism sequentially feeds documents one by one from the document placing plate 7A to the reading reference position, and the image sensor 6 optically reads the document image on the surface of the document at the maximum reading resolution. Image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 19. Incidentally, at this time, for example, when the user places a plurality of documents on the document placing table 4A in order and the reading start key 8BX is pressed to instruct to start reading the document image, Each time the image sensor 6 optically reads the original image on the surface of the original with the highest reading resolution in the same manner as described above, original image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 19. In this way, the main control unit 10 can store a plurality of document image data for aggregate printing in the storage unit 19. Incidentally, for example, when a plurality of documents are sequentially placed on the document placing table 4A and the document image is read, the main control unit 10 performs a predetermined operation by the user when reading of the document image from the plurality of documents is completed. It is detected that a plurality of document images have been read by pressing the key 8B.

  When the main control unit 10 finishes storing a plurality of document image data for aggregate printing in the storage unit 19, the main control unit 10 sends image layout setting screen data stored in advance in the internal memory to the layout selection unit 15. Further, when image layout setting screen data is given from the main control unit 10, the layout selection unit 15 instructs the layout instruction unit 16 to read all the plurality of document image data from the storage unit 19. Therefore, the layout instruction unit 16 controls the image size changing unit 17 and the image combining unit 18 in accordance with instructions from the layout selecting unit 15. The image size changing unit 17 sequentially reads out a plurality of document image data from the storage unit 19 and performs a reduction process for reducing the document image to the same predetermined image size, thereby thumbnails of thumbnail images for previewing the document image. Image data is generated and stored in the storage unit 19. The image combining unit 18 reads a plurality of thumbnail image data from the storage unit 19 and sends them to the layout instruction unit 16. Then, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the plurality of thumbnail image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15.

  When a plurality of thumbnail image data is given from the layout instruction unit 16, the layout selection unit 15 synthesizes the plurality of thumbnail image data with the image layout setting screen data. Then, the layout selection unit 15 sends image layout setting screen data obtained by combining a plurality of thumbnail image data to the touch screen 8A, and displays an image layout setting screen 60 as shown in FIG. For example, the image layout setting screen 60 is divided into a medium selection area 60A, a layout presentation area 60B, and a document image presentation area 60C in order from the left. In the medium selection area 60A of the image layout setting screen 60, a medium type selection button 61 for selecting the type of medium used for collective printing (that is, the medium loaded in the medium cassette 3 at this time) is arranged. Yes. In the medium selection area 60A of the image layout setting screen 60, a first medium direction selection button 62 and a second medium direction selection button 63 for selecting the direction of the medium when a plurality of document images are collectively printed on the medium. Also arranged. Incidentally, the first medium orientation selection button 62 is for selecting the orientation of the medium on which a plurality of document images are collectively printed with the vertical direction of the image parallel to the medium long side. The second medium orientation selection button 63 is used to select the orientation of the medium on which a plurality of document images are collectively printed with the horizontal direction of the image parallel to the medium long side.

  Further, in the document image presentation area 60C of the image layout setting screen 60, a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 66 based on a plurality of thumbnail image data are arranged and arranged so as to be scrollable. Incidentally, the layout presentation area 60B of the image layout setting screen 60 is blank until the user selects the type of medium and the direction of the medium. In addition, the image layout setting screen 60 also includes a confirmation button 68 for confirming the selection instruction on the image layout setting screen 60 by the user and a cancel button 69 for canceling the selection instruction, as in the above-described aggregate print setting screen 41. Has been placed. The layout selection unit 15 selects a medium type via the medium type selection button 61 on the image layout setting screen 60 by the user, and via the first medium direction selection button 62 or the second medium direction selection button 63. When the direction of the medium is selected, the layout instruction unit 16 is notified of the type and direction of the selected medium. Here, in the storage unit 19, medium frame image data of a medium frame image 67 having a predetermined image size along the outer shape of the medium for indicating the shape and orientation of the medium generated for each type of medium is stored in advance. ing.

  For this reason, when the layout selection unit 15 is notified of the type and orientation of the medium from the layout selection unit 15, the layout instruction unit 16 controls the image combining unit 18 in response to the notification. Therefore, the image combining unit 18 reads out the medium frame image data corresponding to the type and orientation of the medium selected by the user from the storage unit 19 and sends the medium frame image data to the layout instruction unit 16. Thus, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the media frame image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15. Further, when the media frame image data is given from the layout instruction unit 16, the layout selection unit 15 synthesizes the image layout setting screen data with the media frame image data and sends it to the touch screen 8A. The medium frame image 67 is displayed in the layout presentation area 60B of 60 (FIG. 5). Incidentally, in FIG. 5, for example, the user selects an A4 size medium in the layout presentation area 60B of the image layout setting screen 60, and makes the horizontal direction of each of the plurality of document images parallel to the long side of the medium. The state where the medium frame image 67 is displayed when the direction of the medium is selected is shown.

  Then, the layout selection unit 15 causes the medium frame to remain in contact with the touch screen 8A so that the user overlaps one thumbnail image 64 to 67 of the document image presentation area 60C on the image layout setting screen 60. When a so-called drag operation for moving the image 67 is performed, one thumbnail image 64 to 67 on which the finger is superimposed is moved from the document image presentation area 60 </ b> C to a desired position in the medium frame image 67. In this way, the layout selection unit 15 causes the user to select a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the document image presentation area 60C in a desired order on the image layout setting screen 60 by a drag operation, and in the medium frame image 67. It can be moved to a desired position.

  Actually, each time the user performs a drag operation, the layout selection unit 15 selects the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be moved selected by the user in the document image presentation area 60C based on the touch position of the finger on the touch screen 8A. The arrangement positions of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 are detected. Then, the layout selection unit 15 determines the arrangement positions of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be moved and the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67, and the arrangement of the other thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. The layout instruction unit 16 is notified together with the position. The layout instruction unit 16 controls the image combining unit 18 in response to the notification from the layout selection unit 15. As a result, the image combining unit 18 reads the medium frame image data from the storage unit 19, and the thumbnail image data to be moved selected by the user and the thumbnail image data of the other thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. Is read. The image combining unit 18 combines a plurality of thumbnail image data with the medium frame image data according to the arrangement positions, and sends the obtained layout presentation image data to the layout instruction unit 16. Then, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout presentation image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15.

  The layout selection unit 15 combines the image layout setting screen data with the layout presentation image data given from the layout instruction unit 16 and sends it to the touch screen 8A. As a result, the layout selection unit 15 displays a layout presentation image indicating a state in which one or more thumbnail images 64 to 67 are moved in the medium frame image 67 in the layout presentation area 60 </ b> B of the image layout setting screen 60. In this way, the layout selection unit 15 updates the layout presentation image in the layout presentation area 60B of the image layout setting screen 60 each time a drag operation is performed by the user, thereby allowing a plurality of thumbnail images from the document image presentation area 60C. 64 to 67 can be sequentially moved into the medium frame image 67, and the arrangement position (that is, the position after the movement) of the one or more thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 can be confirmed.

  In addition, the layout selection unit 15 causes the user to bring the two fingers on the image layout setting screen 60 so as to overlap the one thumbnail image 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 while keeping it in contact with the touch screen 8A. When a so-called pinch-in operation is performed, the one thumbnail image 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 is reduced at a reduction rate corresponding to the difference between the two finger intervals between the start time and the end time of the pinch-in operation. To do. For example, when the user performs a pinch-in operation by positioning two fingers along the diagonal lines of the thumbnail images 64 to 67, the layout selection unit 15 displays the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the vertical direction using the first reduction method. Reduce without changing the ratio of the size in the direction and the size in the horizontal direction of the image. For example, when the user performs a pinch-in operation with two fingers positioned along the vertical direction of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 by the user, the layout selection unit 15 displays the thumbnail images 64 to 67 using the second reduction method. The image is reduced by changing the vertical size of the image without changing the horizontal size. Further, when the user performs a pinch-in operation with two fingers positioned along the horizontal direction of the thumbnail images 64 to 67, for example, the layout selection unit 15 displays the thumbnail images 64 to 67 by the third reduction method. The image is reduced by changing the horizontal size without changing the vertical size. In this way, the layout selection unit 15 can sequentially reduce one or a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 on the image layout setting screen 60 in accordance with a user pinch-in operation.

  Actually, each time the user performs a pinch-in operation, the layout selection unit 15 reduces the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be reduced selected by the user in the medium frame image 67 based on the touch position of the finger on the touch screen 8A. The method and the reduction ratio are detected. Then, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the layout instruction unit 16 of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be reduced, the reduction method, and the reduction rate together with the arrangement positions of all the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. The layout instruction unit 16 controls the image size changing unit 17 and the image combining unit 18 in response to the notification from the layout selecting unit 15. As a result, the image size changing unit 17 reads out the thumbnail image data to be reduced selected by the user from the storage unit 19 and reduces the image size according to the reduction method and the reduction rate selected by the user. Is stored in the storage unit 19. The image combining unit 18 reads the medium frame image data from the storage unit 19 and reads other thumbnail image data together with the thumbnail image data of the reduced thumbnail image. Further, the image combining unit 18 combines the thumbnail image data of the reduced thumbnail image with the thumbnail image data of the reduced thumbnail image in accordance with the arrangement position of the medium frame image data, and the obtained layout presentation image data is assigned to the layout instruction unit 16. To send.

  Then, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout presentation image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15. The layout selection unit 15 combines the image layout setting screen data with the layout presentation image data given from the layout instruction unit 16 and sends it to the touch screen 8A. As a result, the layout selection unit 15 displays the layout presentation image including the thumbnail images 64 to 67 reduced in the medium frame image 67 in the layout presentation area 60 </ b> B of the image layout setting screen 60. In this way, the layout selection unit 15 updates the layout presentation image in the layout presentation area 60 </ b> B of the image layout setting screen 60 each time a pinch-in operation is performed by the user, so that one or more in the medium frame image 67. The thumbnail images 64 to 67 can be sequentially reduced, and the image sizes of the plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 can be confirmed together with the arrangement positions.

  Further, the layout selection unit 15 causes the user to keep the two fingers on the image layout setting screen 60 in contact with the touch screen 8 </ b> A so as to overlap one thumbnail image 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. When a so-called pinch-out operation is performed, an enlargement ratio corresponding to the difference between the two fingers between the start time and the end time of the pinch-out operation is displayed on the one thumbnail image 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. Zoom in. For example, when the user performs a pinch-out operation by positioning two fingers along the diagonal lines of the thumbnail images 64 to 67, for example, the layout selection unit 15 displays the thumbnail images 64 to 67 by the first enlargement method. The image is enlarged without changing the ratio of the vertical size and the horizontal image size. For example, when the user performs a pinch-out operation by positioning two fingers along the image vertical direction of the thumbnail images 64 to 67, the layout selection unit 15 performs the thumbnail images 64 to 67 using the second enlargement method. The image is enlarged by changing the vertical size of the image without changing the horizontal size of the image. Further, when the user performs a pinch-out operation by positioning two fingers along the horizontal direction of the thumbnail images 64 to 67, for example, the layout selection unit 15 performs the thumbnail images 64 to 67 by the third enlargement method. The image is enlarged by changing the horizontal size of the image without changing the vertical size of the image. In this way, the layout selection unit 15 can sequentially enlarge one or a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 on the image layout setting screen 60 in accordance with a user pinch-out operation.

  Actually, each time the user performs a pinch-out operation, the layout selection unit 15 selects the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be enlarged selected by the user in the medium frame image 67 based on the touch position of the finger on the touch screen 8A. An enlargement method and an enlargement ratio are detected. Then, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the layout instruction unit 16 of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 to be enlarged, the enlargement method, and the enlargement ratio together with the arrangement positions of all the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. The layout instruction unit 16 controls the image size changing unit 17 and the image combining unit 18 in response to the notification from the layout selecting unit 15. Thus, the image size changing unit 17 reads out the thumbnail image data to be enlarged selected by the user from the storage unit 19 and enlarges the image size according to the enlargement method and the enlargement ratio selected by the user. Is stored in the storage unit 19. The image combining unit 18 reads the medium frame image data from the storage unit 19 and reads other thumbnail image data together with the thumbnail image data of the enlarged thumbnail image. Further, the image combination unit 18 combines the medium frame image data with the thumbnail image data of the enlarged thumbnail image together with other thumbnail image data according to the arrangement position, and the obtained layout presentation image data is combined with the layout instruction unit 16. To send.

  Then, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout presentation image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15. The layout selection unit 15 combines the image layout setting screen data with the layout presentation image data given from the layout instruction unit 16 and sends it to the touch screen 8A. Thereby, the layout selection unit 15 displays a layout presentation image including one or a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 enlarged in the medium frame image 67 in the layout presentation area 60B of the image layout setting screen 60. In this manner, the layout selection unit 15 updates one or more layout presentation images in the media frame image 67 by updating the layout presentation image in the layout presentation area 60B of the image layout setting screen 60 each time a pinch-out operation is performed by the user. The thumbnail images 64 to 67 are sequentially enlarged, and the image sizes of the plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 can be confirmed together with the arrangement positions. Incidentally, the layout selection unit 15 moves the thumbnail images 64 to 67 from the document image presentation area 60 </ b> C into the medium frame image 67, and also after reducing or enlarging the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. The placement positions of the thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 can be changed by a drag operation.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 6, the layout selection unit 15 uses the layout presentation image 70 on the image layout setting screen 60 to display a plurality of document image layouts for aggregate printing on a plurality of media frames 67 in the medium frame image 67. While confirming the layout of the thumbnail images 64A to 67A, the arrangement positions of the plurality of thumbnail images 64A to 67A in the medium frame image 67 are set for each of the thumbnail images 64A to 67A (that is, for each original image) in accordance with a user operation. Can be selected individually. Further, the layout selection unit 15 causes the layout presentation image 70 on the image layout setting screen 60 to confirm the layout of a plurality of document images for aggregate printing on the medium as the layout of the plurality of thumbnail images 64A to 67A in the medium frame image 67. However, one or more thumbnail images 64A to 67A in the medium frame image 67 are appropriately reduced or enlarged according to the user's operation, and the image size is individually set for each of the thumbnail images 64A to 67A (that is, for each original image). Can be selected. As a result, the layout selection unit 15 sets the layout for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images on a medium to a desired definition layout different from any layout of the plurality of image aggregation printing formats (that is, each of a plurality of document images for aggregate printing on a medium). The layout can be defined as a desired image size and a desired arrangement position. Then, when a new definition layout is defined on the image layout setting screen 60 and the confirmation button 68 is selected and instructed, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the main control unit 10 to that effect.

  At this time, upon receiving such notification from the layout selection unit 15, the main control unit 10 sends layout storage instruction screen data stored in advance in the internal memory to the layout selection unit 15. Therefore, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout storage instruction screen data given from the main control unit 10 to the touch screen 8A and displays a layout storage instruction screen 75 as shown in FIG. The layout storage instruction screen 75 is provided with a file name input field 76 for arbitrarily inputting a file name as layout identification information necessary for storing the definition layout defined at this time, for example, at the center. . The layout storage instruction screen 75 includes a storage instruction button 77 for instructing storage of the definition layout and a non-storage button 78 for instructing not to store the definition layout. Therefore, the layout selection unit 15 is defined at this time when the user inputs a file name arbitrarily in the file name input field 76 on the layout storage instruction screen 75 and the storage instruction button 77 is instructed to be selected. Various pieces of information indicating the definition layout are stored, and layout data to which a file name input by the user is added is generated.

  Here, the layout selection unit 15 indicates, as various information indicating the definition layout in the layout data, medium type information indicating the type of medium used for the collective printing of a plurality of document images, and the direction of the medium at the time of the collective printing. Media orientation information is stored. Further, the layout selection unit 15 obtains the ratio of the medium size of the medium (that is, the medium used for collective printing of a plurality of document images) to the image size of the medium frame image 67 (hereinafter also referred to as the frame image size). Furthermore, the layout selection unit 15 determines the medium size based on the ratio of the medium size to the frame image size and each of the plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67 (hereinafter also referred to as thumbnail arrangement positions). An arrangement position for aggregate printing of each of a plurality of document images (hereinafter also referred to as an aggregation printing arrangement position) is obtained. The layout selection unit 15 also stores a plurality of arrangement position information indicating the arrangement positions for the aggregate printing of a plurality of document images as various information indicating the definition layout in the layout data. The layout selection unit 15 also determines the ratio of the medium size to the frame image size and the image sizes (hereinafter also referred to as thumbnail image sizes) of the plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 in the medium frame image 67. An image size for aggregate printing of each of a plurality of document images is obtained. In the following description, the image size when the original image is read from the original is also referred to as a read image size, and the image size obtained for the aggregate print on the medium is also referred to as an aggregate print image size. Then, the layout selection unit 15 stores a plurality of pieces of image size information indicating the image size for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images as various pieces of information indicating the definition layout in the layout data in association with the arrangement position information of the document image. To do.

  By the way, if the original image is read from the original with a relatively high reading resolution such as the maximum reading resolution, the edge of the original image may be increased even if the image size is enlarged to an image size for aggregate printing larger than the image size at the time of reading at the time of aggregate printing. It can be suppressed to some extent that the roughness of the is conspicuous. Also, even if the original image is read from the original document at a relatively low reading resolution, the roughness of the edge is less noticeable when the image size is reduced to an image size for aggregation printing that is smaller than the image size at the time of the aggregation printing. Become. In the copying machine 1, if the reading resolution when reading a document image from a document is suppressed as low as possible, the power consumption can be suppressed together with the processing load of the reading control unit 13 and the document reading unit 12 during the reading process. . For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the layout selecting unit 15 makes the edge roughness less noticeable when the original image is reduced or enlarged at various ratios of the image size at the time of reading to the image size for aggregate printing. A data table (hereinafter also referred to as a ratio resolution correspondence table) 80 that associates the minimum possible reading resolutions is held in advance.

  Therefore, when the layout selection unit 15 obtains the aggregate print image size of a plurality of document images, the layout selection unit 15 obtains the ratio of the read image size to the aggregate print image size for each document image. Further, the layout selection unit 15 obtains an optimum reading resolution for each original image based on the ratio of the image size at the time of reading to the aggregate printing image size obtained for each original image and the ratio resolution correspondence table 80. The layout selection unit 15 stores a plurality of pieces of resolution information indicating the reading resolution of a plurality of document images as various pieces of information indicating the definition layout in the layout data in association with the arrangement position information and image size information of the document images. To do. Furthermore, the layout selection unit 15 sets the arrangement order in which the plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 are arranged in the medium frame image 67 as, for example, the reading order for reading a plurality of document images from the medium. The layout selection unit 15 associates reading order information indicating the reading order of a plurality of document images with various arrangement information, image size information, and resolution information of the document image as various information indicating the definition layout in the layout data. Store.

  When the layout selection unit 15 generates the layout data storing various information indicating the definition layout in this way, the layout selection unit 15 sends the generated layout data to the layout instruction unit 16. Then, the layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout data to the storage unit 19 for storage. As a result, the layout selection unit 15 can use the newly defined definition layout as a template for central printing of a plurality of original images at this time, and can also be used as a template for central printing of a plurality of original images in the future. Can be made available. The layout selection unit 15 notifies the main control unit 10 that the definition of the new definition layout has been completed. As a result, the main control unit 10 controls each unit to execute collective printing of a plurality of document images on the medium.

  That is, under the control of the main control unit 10, the layout instruction unit 16 notifies the image size changing unit 17 of the aggregate print image sizes of a plurality of document images based on the layout data stored in the storage unit 19 at this time. The layout instructing unit 16 controls the image combining unit 18 to consolidate a plurality of document images and the direction of the aggregate printing medium based on the layout data stored in the storage unit 19 at this time under the control of the main control unit 10. Notify the print layout position. Therefore, the image size changing unit 17 sequentially reads a plurality of document image data from the storage unit 19 and performs a reduction process and an enlargement process on the read document image data in accordance with the corresponding aggregate printing image size. Store in the storage unit 19 again. The image combining unit 18 sequentially reads a plurality of document image data subjected to reduction processing and enlargement processing from the storage unit 19, and sets the read document image data in the direction of the medium and the arrangement position for the aggregate print of the document images. Accordingly, the image data is combined according to the definition layout, and print image data for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images is generated. Then, the image combining unit 18 sends the print image data to the image forming unit 11 so that the image forming unit 11 forms a print image on the surface of the medium based on the print image data. As a result, the main control unit 10 performs aggregate printing (copying) as a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated with a definition layout of a desired aggregate printing image size and a desired aggregate printing arrangement position on the surface of one medium. can do.

  By the way, when the user selects and instructs the reject storage button 78 on the layout storage instruction screen 75, the layout selection unit 15 does not store the definition layout defined at this time as layout data in the storage unit 19, but creates a new definition. The main control unit 10 is notified that the layout has been defined. As a result, the main control unit 10 controls each unit to execute collective printing of a plurality of document images on the medium. At this time, the layout selection unit 15 obtains an aggregate printing arrangement position and an aggregate printing image size of a plurality of document images in the same manner as described above. Then, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the layout instruction unit 16 of the orientation of the medium for aggregate printing, the layout position for aggregate printing of the plurality of document images, and the image size for aggregate printing. Accordingly, the layout instructing unit 16 notifies the image size changing unit 17 of the image size for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images in the same manner as described above, and notifies the image combining unit 18 of the orientation of the medium for aggregate printing and the plurality of document images. Is notified of the arrangement position for aggregate printing. As a result, the image size changing unit 17 performs a reduction process and an enlargement process corresponding to the corresponding aggregate print image size on the plurality of document image data in the same manner as described above. The image combining unit 18 combines a plurality of original image data subjected to reduction processing and enlargement processing according to a defined layout in accordance with the direction of the medium and the layout position for aggregate printing, and generates print image data to form an image. By sending the data to the unit 11, the image forming unit 11 can collectively print (copy) a plurality of document images as print images with a defined layout on the surface of one medium based on the print image data.

  In addition, the layout selection unit 15 selects one of the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ in the list display unit 47 on the aggregate print setting screen 41 described above, and then selects the confirm button 50. Then, the main control unit 10 is notified of this. Also at this time, the main control unit 10 sets the setting contents of the setting items related to the printing format so that a plurality of document images are consolidated and printed on one medium in the definition aggregation printing format. However, the main control unit 10 reads layout data corresponding to the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ selected by the user from the storage unit 19, and extracts reading order information and resolution information for each document image from the layout data. The main control unit 10 reads the document image when the user presses the reading start key 8BX and instructs to start reading the document image in a state where a plurality of documents are placed on the document placing plate 7A. The reading order information and resolution information for each original image are sent out.

  Therefore, the reading control unit 13 drives and controls the sensor moving mechanism of the document reading unit 12 in the same manner as described above. Further, the reading control unit 13 drives and controls the image sensor 6 so as to read a document image at a reading resolution indicated by the corresponding resolution information from a document in the reading order indicated by the reading order information. As a result, the document reading unit 12 sends the documents one by one from the document placing plate 7A to the reading reference position by the automatic document feeding mechanism while the image sensor 6 is stopped at the reading reference position. 6, the document image on the surface of the document is optically read at a corresponding reading resolution to generate document image data. Then, the document reading unit 12 sends the document image data generated for each document in order (that is, in the order of generation) to the storage unit 19 for storage. Incidentally, at this time, the main control unit 10 controls the reading control even when the user places a plurality of documents in order on the document placing table 4A and the reading start key 8BX is pressed to instruct to start reading the document image. By sending reading order information and resolution information for each original image to the unit 13, the image sensor 6 is similarly driven and controlled by the reading control unit 13.

  The main control unit 10 sends the image layout setting screen data to the layout selection unit 15 when the storage unit 19 finishes storing a plurality of document image data for aggregate printing. Further, when image layout setting screen data is given from the main control unit 10, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the layout instruction unit 16 of the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ selected by the user at this time, and presents the layout. Instructs to generate an image. Therefore, the layout instruction unit 16 reads out layout data corresponding to the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ selected by the user at this time from the storage unit 19. Further, the layout instruction unit 16 detects the medium frame image 67 corresponding to the medium type indicated by the medium type information in the layout data, and obtains the ratio of the frame image size of the medium frame image 67 to the medium size of the medium. Further, the layout instructing unit 16 determines the size of each original image in the layout presentation image based on the ratio of the frame image size to the medium size and the aggregate print image size indicated by the image size information for each original image in the layout data. The thumbnail image size of the thumbnail image for preview is obtained.

  The layout instructing unit 16 notifies the image size changing unit 17 of the reading order indicated by the reading order information for each document image in the layout data and the corresponding thumbnail image size. As a result, the image size changing unit 17 reads a plurality of document image data from the storage unit 19 in the reading order, and performs a reduction process and an enlargement process corresponding to the corresponding thumbnail image size on the read document image data. The obtained thumbnail image data is stored in the storage unit 19. Incidentally, the image size changing unit 17 subjects the plurality of document image data read from the storage unit 19 to a reduction process for reducing the document image to the same predetermined image size, whereby the document image presentation area 60C of the image layout setting screen 60 is displayed. The thumbnail image data of the thumbnail image for previewing the document image is also generated and stored in the storage unit 19.

  Further, the layout instruction unit 16 obtains the ratio of the medium size to the frame image size, and for each thumbnail image, based on the obtained ratio and the arrangement position for aggregate printing indicated by the arrangement position information for each original image in the layout data. Find the thumbnail placement position. Then, the layout instructing unit 16 instructs the image combining unit 18 to display the reading order indicated by the reading order information for each document image in the layout data, the medium type indicated by the medium type information in the layout data, and the medium orientation information. The direction of the medium and the thumbnail arrangement position for each thumbnail image are notified. As a result, the image combining unit 18 reads out the medium frame image data corresponding to the type of medium from the storage unit 19, and reads out the plurality of thumbnail image data for previewing the plurality of document images in the layout presentation image. Read in order. Further, the image combining unit 18 generates a layout presentation image data by combining a plurality of thumbnail image data with the medium frame image data according to the direction of the medium and the thumbnail arrangement position for each thumbnail image, and generates the layout presentation image data. Send it out. Incidentally, the image combining unit 18 also reads out a plurality of thumbnail image data for previewing a plurality of document images in the document image presentation area 60 </ b> C of the image layout setting screen 60 from the storage unit 19, and sends them to the layout instruction unit 16.

  The layout instruction unit 16 sends the layout presentation image data and the plurality of thumbnail image data given from the image combination unit 18 to the layout selection unit 15. Therefore, the layout selection unit 15 combines the image layout setting screen data with the layout presentation image data and the plurality of thumbnail image data and sends them to the touch screen 8A. Thereby, the layout selection unit 15 displays an image layout setting screen 60 as shown in FIG. 9 on the touch screen 8A. At this time, on the image layout setting screen 60, a plurality of thumbnail images 85 to 87 are displayed in the document image presentation area 60C, and a definition layout for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images is displayed in the layout presentation area 60B. A layout presentation image 88 to be presented as the layout of the thumbnail images 85A to 87A is displayed.

  Incidentally, at this time, since the user wants the user to select the definition layout for aggregate printing, the layout instruction unit 16 selects the medium type selection button 61, the first medium direction selection button 62, and the second medium direction selection on the image layout setting screen 60. The buttons 63 are displayed in a display state that is different from the display states of the other confirmation buttons 68 and the cancel button 69 so that the brightness thereof is lower than that of the other confirmation buttons 68 and the cancel button 69. As a result, the layout instruction unit 16 displays the medium type selection button 61, the first medium direction selection button 62, and the second medium direction selection button 63, which need to be selected when a new definition layout is specified, in this integrated printing. It is possible to intuitively recognize that selection cannot be instructed and that there is no need to instruct selection. The layout instruction unit 16 also displays the medium frame image 67 constituting the layout presentation image 88 on the image layout setting screen 60 in a display state different from the surrounding display state in which the luminance is lower than the surrounding luminance. ing. As a result, the layout instructing unit 16 uses the definition layout that has already been defined in the current aggregate printing, so that the contents of the layout presentation image 88 cannot be changed to define a new definition layout. Can be recognized.

  In this way, the layout selection unit 15 displays a plurality of document images on the medium with the definition layout selected by the user using the layout presentation image 88 on the image layout setting screen 60 in a plurality of states. It can be confirmed as the layout of the thumbnail images 85A to 87A. When the selection button 68 is selected on the image layout setting screen 60, the layout selection unit 15 notifies the main control unit 10 to that effect.

  At this time, upon receiving such notification from the layout selection unit 15, the main control unit 10 controls each unit to execute collective printing of a plurality of document images on the medium. That is, under the control of the main control unit 10, the layout instruction unit 16 notifies the image size changing unit 17 of the aggregate print image sizes of a plurality of document images based on the layout data selected by the user at this time. The layout instructing unit 16 controls the image combining unit 18 on the orientation of the medium for aggregation printing and the aggregation printing of a plurality of document images based on the layout data selected by the user at this time under the control of the main control unit 10. Notify the location for use. Therefore, the image size changing unit 17 sequentially reads a plurality of document image data from the storage unit 19 and performs a reduction process and an enlargement process on the read document image data in accordance with the corresponding aggregate printing image size. Store in the storage unit 19 again. The image combining unit 18 sequentially reads a plurality of document image data subjected to reduction processing and enlargement processing from the storage unit 19, and sets the read document image data in the direction of the medium and the arrangement position for the aggregate print of the document images. Accordingly, the image data is combined according to the definition layout, and print image data for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images is generated. Then, the image combining unit 18 sends the print image data to the image forming unit 11 so that the image forming unit 11 forms a print image on the surface of the medium based on the print image data. As a result, even when layout data is selected by the user, the main control unit 10 can perform a desired aggregate printing on a plurality of document images on the surface of a single medium as in the case where a new definition layout is defined as described above. It is possible to perform aggregate printing (copying) as a print image aggregated with the definition layout of the image size for use and the desired layout position for aggregate printing.

(1-3) Integrated Print Processing Procedure Next, an integrated print processing procedure RT1 executed by the main control unit 10 in accordance with an integrated print processing program stored in advance in an internal memory will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, when the setting of aggregate printing is selected by the user on the setting menu screen 25 displayed on the touch screen 8A, the main control unit 10 starts the aggregate print processing procedure RT1 according to the aggregate print processing program. When starting the aggregate print processing procedure RT1, the main control unit 10 displays the aggregate print setting screen 41 on the touch screen 8A in step SP1, and proceeds to the next step SP2. In step SP <b> 2, the main control unit 10 determines whether or not the definition aggregate print format is selected as the print format of the document image on the aggregate print setting screen 41 by the user. In step SP2, the main control unit 10 defines a definition definition print format for newly defining a definition layout as a print format of a document image by the user or for collectively printing a plurality of document images using an existing definition layout. If a positive result is obtained as a result of the selection, the process proceeds to the next step SP3. In step SP3, the main control unit 10 causes the aggregate print setting screen 41 to select which of the definition layout newly defined for the aggregate print of a plurality of document images or the existing definition layout is to be used. The name 47AV and the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ are displayed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP4.

  In step SP4, the main control unit 10 determines whether or not to newly define a definition layout. In step SP4, the main control unit 10 obtains an affirmative result when the user has selected to newly define and use a definition layout for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images via the new layout selection item name 47AV. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP5. In step SP5, the main control unit 10 displays the image layout setting screen 60 on the touch screen 8A. Then, the main control unit 10 sets a plurality of document images as a plurality of thumbnail images 64 to 67 on the image layout setting screen 60 in accordance with a user operation, with a desired thumbnail image size individually selected for each document image. A new definition layout for aggregate printing is defined by arranging the desired thumbnail layout position individually selected for each document image, and the process proceeds to the next step SP6. In step SP6, the main control unit 10 generates layout data indicating the definition layout and stores it in the storage unit 19, and then proceeds to the next step SP7.

  In step SP4 described above, the main control unit 10 gives a negative result because the user has selected to use the existing definition layout for the collective printing of a plurality of document images via the existing layout selection item names 47AX to 47AZ. If it is obtained, the process proceeds to step SP8. In step SP8, the main control unit 10 reads out layout data indicating the existing definition layout selected by the user from the storage unit 19. Then, the main control unit 10 selects a plurality of document images as a plurality of thumbnail images 85A to 87A on the image layout setting screen 60 and individually selects a desired thumbnail image size selected for each document image and each document image. Then, the desired thumbnail layout position is displayed in the existing definition layout for aggregate printing, and the process proceeds to step SP7. In step SP7, the main control unit 10 generates print image data for aggregate printing of a plurality of document images in accordance with the definition layout indicated by the layout data, and proceeds to the next step SP9. In step SP9, based on the print image data, the main control unit 10 collectively prints a plurality of document images on the surface of the medium by the image forming unit 11 with a defined layout of a desired aggregate printing image size and a desired aggregate printing arrangement position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step SP10, and the aggregate printing processing procedure RT1 is terminated. Incidentally, in step SP2 described above, the main control unit 10 performs layout printing by laying out a plurality of document images having the same image size in a normal print format as a document image print format or a plurality of equal divided areas of the medium by the user. If a negative result is obtained by selecting the multiple image printing format, the process proceeds to step SP10 and the aggregate printing processing procedure RT1 is terminated.

(1-4) Operation and Effect of Embodiment In the configuration described above, in the copying machine 1, when the user selects to collectively print a plurality of document images on a medium with a defined layout, the document images from a plurality of documents. And a plurality of document images on the touch screen 8A as a plurality of thumbnail images 85A to 87A, a desired thumbnail image size individually selected for each document image, and a desired thumbnail arrangement individually selected for each document image Display in position definition layout. Then, the copier 1 forms a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated according to the definition layout on the surface of the medium. According to the above configuration, the copying machine 1 can form a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated in a desired definition layout having different image sizes depending on the type, content, and the like. As a result, the copying machine 1 can improve convenience.

  In addition, the copying machine 1 stores layout data indicating the definition layout in the storage unit 19. As a result, the copying machine 1 can use the definition layout indicated by the layout data for collective printing of a plurality of document images in various combinations with respect to the medium, thereby further improving convenience. Further, when the copying machine 1 reads a document image from a document in order to form a print image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated in a definition layout on a medium, the copying machine 1 sets a document image reading resolution based on layout data indicating the definition layout. I tried to control it. That is, when reading the original image from the original, the copying machine 1 reduced or enlarged the original image by the ratio determined based on the ratio of the read image size to the aggregate print image size of the original image to be aggregated in the definition layout. In such a case, the minimum reading resolution that can make the roughness of the edge inconspicuous is controlled. As a result, the copying machine 1 can reduce power consumption as well as the processing load when reading a document image from a document.

(2) Other embodiments (2-1) Other embodiments 1
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main control unit 10 of the copying machine 1 executes the aggregate print processing procedure RT1 described above with reference to FIG. 10 according to the aggregate print processing program stored in advance in the internal memory has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control unit 10 of the copier 1 installs the aggregate print processing program by a computer-readable storage medium storing the aggregate print processing program, or a local area network or the Internet. Alternatively, the aggregate print processing program RT1 may be executed by installing an aggregate print processing program from the outside using wired and wireless communication media such as digital satellite broadcasting. As a computer-readable storage medium for installing the aggregate print processing program in the copying machine 1 and making it executable, for example, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD ( It may be realized by a package medium such as Digital Versatile Disc, or may be realized by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like in which an aggregate print processing program is temporarily or permanently stored. As a means for storing the aggregate print processing program in a computer-readable storage medium, a wired and wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting may be used. The computer-readable storage medium may store the aggregate print processing program via various communication interfaces such as a router and a modem.

(2-2) Other embodiment 2
In the embodiment described above, the case where the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the copying machine 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be widely applied to image forming apparatuses having various other configurations such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), a facsimile, and a multifunction peripheral.

(2-3) Other Embodiment 3
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the document reading unit 12 and the reading control unit 13 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 are applied as a reading unit that reads a document image from a document has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other types such as a document reading unit controlled only by the main control unit 10 and a document reading unit having only one of the sensor moving mechanism and the automatic document feeding mechanism. The reading unit having the configuration can be widely applied.

(2-4) Other Embodiment 4
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the touch screen 8A described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 is applied as a display unit that displays a plurality of document images stored in the storage unit in a predetermined layout has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other configurations of display units such as a display having no touch panel function can be widely applied.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, an MFP, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine, 2 ... Printer part, 4 ... Scanner part, 6 ... Image sensor, 8 ... Operation panel, 8A ... Touch screen, 10 ... Main control part, 11 ... Image formation part, 12... Original reading unit, 13... Reading control unit, 14... Image processing unit, 15 .. layout selection unit, 19... Storage unit, 41. 64 to 66, 64A to 66A, 85 to 87, 85A to 87A... Thumbnail image, 70, 88... Layout presentation image, RT1.

Claims (4)

A reading unit for reading a document image from a document;
A storage unit for storing the plurality of document images read from the document by the reading unit;
A display unit for displaying the plurality of document images stored in the storage unit in a predetermined layout;
An image forming unit that forms print images corresponding to the plurality of document images of the layout displayed on the display unit,
The display unit
An image forming apparatus for displaying a plurality of document images in the layout having an image size individually selected for each document image. The storage unit
Storing layout data indicating the layout;
The reading unit is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the original image is read from the original, reading parameters are controlled based on the layout data. The reading parameters are:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus has a reading resolution when reading the document image from the document. The reading resolution is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is selected according to a ratio of an image size at the time of reading from the document to an image size at the time of the layout of the document image.

Images