JP2017182714A - Printer driver and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist sorting of printed matters for each group like a class by using an interleaf.SOLUTION: A printer driver causes a computer to function as: a number-of-copies information storage unit 236 which stores a plurality of pieces of information on the number of copies; an interleaf image creation unit 243 which creates image data of a front cover image to be printed to an interleaf partitioning the printed matters for each number of copies every time printing of each number of copies is completed; and an extension printing instruction unit 246 which instructs extension printing to the printer by transmitting the plurality of pieces of information on the number of copies stored in the number-of-copies information storage unit 236 to the printer and transmitting the interleaf image data created by the interleaf image creation unit 243 to the printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver and a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for inserting slip sheets into a printed material.

  In order to simplify the sorting operation of printed matter printed in multiple copies, various techniques for inserting partition slips into the printed matter have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below) and put into practical use. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-152863 JP 2003-108334 A

  In educational institutions such as schools, the same printed material may be distributed to multiple classes of students and students. For example, if the number of children in 1st to 4th grades is 30, 32, 35, or 28, first print 125 copies (= 30 + 32 + 35 + 28) of the manuscript and then the number of copies required for each class The work of sorting the printed matter by counting the number and distributing it to the person in charge of the class is performed. However, this sorting operation is troublesome, takes time, and may cause a sorting error.

  In addition, the conventional slip sheet insertion technique shown in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, for example, when a plurality of three-page originals are printed, is inserted as a partition for each copy of a three-page original. Therefore, the slip sheet is not inserted every time the required number of copies for each class is printed, and does not assist the sorting for each class.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by inserting slip sheets for each required number of copies, for example, it is possible to assist the work of sorting printed materials for each group such as a class with slip sheets. With the goal.

  A printer driver according to one aspect of the present invention provides a print number information storage unit that stores a plurality of information on the number of copies to be printed, and a slip sheet that separates the printed matter for each print number each time the print number is printed. A slip sheet image creation unit that creates image data of a cover image to be printed, a print number information transmission unit that transmits information on a plurality of print copies stored in the print number information storage unit to a printing apparatus, and The computer is caused to function as a slip sheet image transmission unit that transmits the slip sheet image data created by the slip sheet image creation unit to the printing apparatus.

  The printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a data acquisition unit that acquires print target data, a recording medium storage unit that stores recording media for normal printing and slip sheets, and the data acquisition unit. A printing unit that prints the acquired print target data on a recording medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium accommodated in the recording medium accommodation unit to the printing unit, and the conveyance after printing by the printing unit A discharge unit that discharges the recording medium conveyed by the printing unit as a printed material, a printing number information storage unit that stores a plurality of information on the number of copies printed by the printing unit, and a plurality of information stored in the printing number information storage unit. Each time the printing unit completes printing each of the printing copies based on the information on the number of printed copies, the conveyance unit records the slip sheet as a slip sheet that separates the printed matter for each copy. And a control unit for the body from the recording medium accommodating portion is conveyed toward the printing unit and the discharge unit.

  The printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a data acquisition unit that acquires print target data, a recording medium storage unit that stores a recording medium, and the print target data acquired by the data acquisition unit. A printing unit that prints on the recording medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium accommodated in the recording medium accommodation unit to the printing unit, and the recording medium that is conveyed by the conveyance unit after printing by the printing unit. A discharge unit having a plurality of discharge trays to be discharged as printed matter, a print number information storage unit for storing a plurality of information on the number of print copies by the print unit, and a plurality of print number information stored in the print number information storage unit And a control unit that switches the discharge tray for discharging the printed matter for each number of copies by the transport unit each time the printing unit completes printing each number of the printed copies. Equipped with a.

  According to the printer driver according to one aspect of the present invention, image data of a cover image to be printed on a slip sheet that separates printed matter is created, information on a plurality of print copies, and the created slip sheet image data Is transmitted to the printing apparatus, so that every time the printing apparatus prints a plurality of printing copies, the cover image can be printed on the slip sheet inserted as a break.

  For example, when printing 30 copies, 32 copies, and 35 copies of the same printed matter, a slip sheet is inserted when 30 copies are printed, and a slip sheet is inserted when 32 copies are printed next. As a result, slip sheets are inserted for each number of copies to be printed, which facilitates sorting when each group requires a number of copies. Further, since a cover image is printed on the slip sheet, the slip sheet can be inserted as a cover sheet for each number of printed copies, not just as a separator for each number of printed copies.

  Moreover, according to the printing apparatus which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, whenever a several printing number of copies is printed, a slip sheet is inserted as the division | segmentation. As a result, slip sheets are inserted for each number of copies to be printed, which facilitates sorting when each group requires a number of copies.

  Moreover, according to the printing apparatus which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, whenever the several printing copies are printed, the discharge tray of printed matter is switched. For example, when printing 30 copies, 32 copies, and 35 copies of the same printed material, after 30 copies are printed and discharged to the discharge tray, the discharge tray is changed, and the next 32 copies of printed material are discharged to another discharge tray. The When the 32 copies are printed and discharged to the changed discharge tray, the discharge tray is further changed, and the next 35 copies of printed matter are discharged to another discharge tray. As a result, the discharge destination is switched for each number of copies to be printed, which facilitates sorting when the number of copies is required for each group.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system including a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a main internal configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is the functional block diagram which showed roughly the main internal structures of the information terminal device. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a main internal configuration of a printer driver unit. (A)-(C) are the figures which showed an example of the operation screen. (A)-(F) are the figures which showed an example of the data structure of each memory | storage part. (A)-(C) are the figures which showed an example of the operation screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a printer driver unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation when a printer driver is executed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state by which the slip sheet was inserted. It is the figure which showed an example of the operation screen. It is the typical fragmentary sectional front view which showed the structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a main internal configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating a main internal configuration of a setting reception unit of a control unit in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by a control unit in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by a control unit in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by a control unit in the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by a control unit in the printing apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating each area | region set to the slip sheet, (B) is an example of the slip sheet on which image data was printed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state by which the slip sheet was inserted. (A) is the figure which showed an example of the discharge part which has multiple discharge trays, (B) is the figure which showed the case where a several discharge tray is utilized.

  Hereinafter, a printer driver and a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including an information terminal device in which a printer driver according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

  The printing system 4 includes a printing device 1 and an information terminal device 2 installed in a school or the like.

  The printing apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The printing apparatus 1 has a communication function and can communicate with the information terminal apparatus 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network). The printing apparatus 1 can communicate with the information terminal apparatus 3 via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

  The information terminal apparatuses 2 and 3 are, for example, personal computers, and can communicate with the printing apparatus 1 via a LAN, the Internet, or the like. The information terminal device 2 installed in the school is installed with a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention, and can instruct the printing device 1 to print an image. Functions as a print control device.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 47, a document feeding unit 6, and a document reading unit 5 in the apparatus body 11.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator for various operations and processes that can be executed by the printing apparatus 1, and displays operation guidance to the operator. A display unit 473 is provided.

  A case where a document reading operation is performed in the printing apparatus 1 will be described. A document reading unit (data acquisition unit) 5 provided with a reading mechanism 163 optically reads a document fed by the document feeding unit 6 or an image of a document placed on the document placing glass 161. Then, image data is generated. Image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in a built-in HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a network-connected computer, or the like.

  A case where an image forming operation is performed in the printing apparatus 1 will be described. Based on the image data generated by the document reading operation, the image data stored in the built-in HDD, the image data received from the computer connected to the network, the image forming unit (printing unit) 12 is connected to the paper feeding unit ( A toner image is formed on a sheet P as a recording sheet (recording medium) fed from a recording medium storage unit 14.

  The image forming unit 12 includes an image forming unit 12Bk for black (Bk), an image forming unit 12Y for yellow (Y), an image forming unit 12C for cyan (C), and an image forming unit 12M for magenta (M). The image forming units 12Bk, 12Y, 12C, and 12M are respectively provided with drum-type photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. The photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M are counterclockwise in FIG. It is designed to rotate around.

  The toner containers 17Bk, 17Y, 17C, and 17M store toners for black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, respectively, and the intermediate transfer belt 125 is located away from the photoreceptors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. A toner container mounting portion (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is detachably mounted on the upper side of the image.

  The transfer unit 120 includes an intermediate transfer belt 125, a driving roller 125a, a driven roller 125b, and a primary transfer roller 126 on which a toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  The intermediate transfer belt 125 is stretched between the driving roller 125a and the driven roller 125b, and is driven by the driving roller 125a in contact with the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M. Travel endlessly in synchronization with 121Y, 121C, 121M.

  Next, a case where color printing is performed will be described. The periphery of the photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M is uniformly charged (charging process), and the surface of the charged photoconductors 121Bk, 121Y, 121C, and 121M is irradiated with laser light based on image data. Thus, a latent image is formed (exposure process), the latent image is visualized with toner (development process), and the toner image formed by the visualization is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 by the primary transfer roller 126. It is designed to be transcribed.

  The toner images of the respective colors (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 125 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 125 with the transfer timing adjusted to form a color toner image.

  The secondary transfer roller 210 transfers a color toner image formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 125 from the paper feeding unit 14 to a conveyance path (conveyance) at a nip portion N between the intermediate transfer belt 125 and the driving roller 125a. Part) 190 is transferred onto the conveyed paper P. The color printing has been described so far. In the case of monochrome printing, the photoreceptors 121Y, 121C, and 121M for yellow, cyan, and magenta are not used, and the photoreceptor 121Bk for black is used. Only will be used.

  The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image onto the paper P by thermocompression bonding, and the paper P on which the color image has been formed is discharged to a discharge tray (discharge unit) 151.

  The paper feeding unit 14 includes a plurality of paper feeding cassettes and a pickup roller 145 for picking up recording paper stored in each paper feeding cassette, and is a recording paper having a size specified by an instruction from an operator or the like. The corresponding pickup roller 145 is rotationally driven so as to pick up the sheet, and the designated recording paper is conveyed toward the nip portion N. Further, the lowermost sheet feeding cassette of the sheet feeding unit 14 is dedicated to slip sheets.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, an image memory 32, an HDD 92, a fixing unit 13, an operation unit 47, a facsimile communication unit 71, and a network interface unit 91. It is configured to include. The same components as those of the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The document feeding unit 6 feeds a document to be read to the document reading unit 5.

  The document reading unit 5 includes a reading mechanism 163 (FIG. 2) having a light irradiation unit, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like under the control of the control unit 100 constituting the control unit 10. Irradiates a document using a light irradiator and receives the reflected light by a CCD sensor, thereby reading an image from the document.

  The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image of an image to be printed on a sheet. The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image on the paper to the paper by thermocompression bonding.

  The image memory 32 is an area for temporarily storing image data of a document obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5 and temporarily storing data to be printed by the image forming unit 12. .

  The HDD 92 is a large-capacity storage device that stores document images and the like read by the document reading unit 5.

  The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image forming operation execution instruction and a document reading operation execution instruction from the operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the printing apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance to the operator. The display unit 473 is a touch panel, and an operator can operate the printing apparatus 1 by touching buttons and keys displayed on the screen.

  The facsimile communication unit 71 includes an encoding / decoding unit, a modulation / demodulation unit, an NCU (Network Control Unit), and the like (not shown), and performs facsimile communication using a public telephone line network.

  The network interface unit 91 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and the external device 20 such as a personal computer on the local area or the Internet via the LAN connected to the network interface unit 91 (for example, Various data are transmitted / received to / from the information terminal device 2, 3) shown in FIG.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100 that controls overall operation of the printing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 10 functions as the control unit 100 by an operation according to a control program installed in the HDD 92. However, the control unit 100 can be configured by a hardware circuit regardless of the operation of the control unit 10 according to the control program. The same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  The control unit 100 is connected to the document conveying unit 6, the image reading unit 5, the image forming unit 12, the image memory 32, the HDD 92, the fixing unit 13, the operation unit 47, the facsimile communication unit 71, and the network interface unit 91. The drive control is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the information terminal device 2. The information terminal device 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, an HDD 24, and a communication unit 25.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like. The control unit 21 includes a control unit 200 and a printer driver unit 201.

  The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and inputs commands and characters to the control unit 21 and operates a pointer on the screen. The display unit 23 displays responses from the control unit 21 and data results. The HDD 24 stores programs necessary for the operation of the information terminal device 2, such as a printer driver according to an embodiment of the present invention, and other data.

  The control unit 21 has a control unit 200. The control unit 200 controls overall operation of the information terminal device 2 and is connected to the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, the HDD 24, and the communication unit 25, and controls these units.

  The control unit 21 executes various processes necessary for causing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing, as the printer driver unit 201, by operations according to the printer driver 211 read from the HDD 24.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the printer driver unit 201.

  The control unit 100 functions as the printer driver unit 201 by an operation according to the printer driver 211. The printer driver unit 201 includes a setting reception unit 212, a group information registration unit 221, a member information registration unit 222, an absentee information registration unit 223, a detailed setting information registration unit 224, an upper group information storage unit 231, A lower group information storage unit 232, a member information storage unit 233, an absentee information storage unit 234, a detailed setting information storage unit 235, a print copy number information storage unit 236, and a slip sheet image data storage unit 237 are provided.

  The setting reception unit 212 receives print settings from the user. For example, when the setting of “extended printing” is input by the operation of the operation unit 22 (FIG. 4) by the user, the setting reception unit 212 is illustrated in FIG. Such an extended print setting screen D1 is displayed on the display unit 23 (FIG. 4). The setting reception unit 212 receives various settings input via the operation unit 22 based on operations on the extended print setting screen D1.

  A plurality of selection buttons B1 to B5 are formed on the extended print setting screen D1, and when any of these selection buttons B1 to B5 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user, the setting reception unit 212 is selected. Each operation screen corresponding to the selected button is displayed on the display unit 23.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the setting reception unit 212 includes a group setting reception unit 213, a member registration reception unit 214, an absentee registration reception unit 215, a detailed setting reception unit 216, and an extended print reception unit 217. .

  The group setting reception unit 213 receives a group setting. The member registration receiving unit 214 receives registration of members such as children and students belonging to each group. The absentee registration receiving unit 215 receives registration of absentees. The detailed setting receiving unit 216 receives the detailed setting of “extended printing”. The extended print accepting unit 217 accepts execution of “extended printing”.

  When the selection button B1 indicating “group setting” formed on the extended print setting screen D1 as shown in FIG. 6A is selected, the group setting reception unit 213 displays the setting as shown in FIG. 6B. The group setting screen D2 is displayed on the display unit 23, and the group setting is received through the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user.

  In the group setting screen D2, the number of upper groups and input boxes H (in this case, 6) for setting the names of the upper groups are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. An input box V (in this case, six vertically and five horizontally) is displayed.

  FIG. 6B shows an example in the case of school use. The names of “first grader”, “second grader”, and “third grader” are input to the upper groups 1 to 3, respectively. The names of “A class”, “B class”, “C class”, and “D class” are input to the lower groups 1 to 4 for the “first grader”, and the “second grade” of the upper group 2 and the upper group The names of “A class”, “B class”, and “C class” are input to the lower groups 1 to 3 for “3rd grade” of 3, respectively.

  Here, the case where it is used in a school is explained, but when using it in an office or the like, for example, the names of “Management Department” and “Sales Department” are input to the upper groups 1 and 2, respectively. Enter the names of “Human Resources Division”, “General Affairs Division” and “Accounting Division” for each of the lower groups 1 to 3 for the “management department” of the upper group 1, and the lower groups 1 to 3 for the “sales department” of the upper group 2 “First sales section”, “second sales section”, and “third sales section” are input to each.

  These names are input by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user, and the group setting reception unit 213 receives the input as group information.

  The group information registration unit 221 registers the group information received by the group setting reception unit 213 in each of the upper group information storage unit 231 and the lower group information storage unit 232. 7A shows an example of the data configuration of the group information stored in the upper group information storage unit 231. FIG. 7B shows the data configuration of the group information stored in the lower group information storage unit 232. An example is shown.

  When the selection button B2 indicating “member registration” formed on the extended print setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 6A is selected by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user, the member registration receiving unit 214 displays FIG. The member registration screen D3 as shown in FIG. 3C is displayed on the display unit 23, and member registration performed by the user via the operation unit 22 is accepted.

  In the member registration screen D3, input boxes X1 to X1 are used to input the upper group, the lower group, the member name, and the destination information (mail address) of the information terminal device 3 (FIG. 1) used by the member (or the guardian of the member). X4 is displayed.

  The member information registration unit 222 registers the member information received by the member registration reception unit 214 in the member information storage unit 233 with an ID code added. FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a data configuration including member information and an ID code stored in the member information storage unit 233. The member information storage unit 233 is an example of a name information storage unit and a destination information storage unit in the claims.

  Further, when the selection button B3 indicating “registration of absence” formed on the extended print setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 6A is selected by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user, the absence registration reception unit 215 is displayed. The upper group information storage unit 231, the lower group information storage unit 232, and the member information storage unit 233 are read out of the upper group information, the lower group information, and the member information to create a member list, and the member list An absentee registration screen D4 (FIG. 8A) having a table L is displayed on the display unit 23, and registration of absentees performed by the user via the operation unit 22 is accepted.

  A plurality of switching tabs T1 to T3 are displayed on the absentee registration screen D4. When any of these tabs is selected by the operation of the operation unit 22 by the user, the absentee registration reception unit 215 responds to the selection. The absentee registration screen is displayed on the display unit 23. Here, a state in which a first-year absentee registration screen is displayed is shown. For example, when the user selects the tab T3 “3rd grade”, the absentee registration reception unit 215 displays the absence for the third grader. Switch the display to the user registration screen.

  The absentee registration screen D4 displays a list L of members registered as members and radio buttons R1 and R2 for registering attendance in association with each member. The absentee registration acceptance unit 215 accepts selection of only one of the radio buttons R1 and R2, and displays the radio button R1 in a selected state (that is, an attendance state) in an initial stage.

  The absentee information registration unit 223 registers the absentee information (specifically, the ID code of the member whose radio button R2 is selected) received by the absentee registration reception unit 215 in the absentee information storage unit 234. . FIG. 7D illustrates an example of a data configuration stored in the absentee information storage unit 234.

  Further, when the selection button B4 indicating “detail setting” formed on the extended print setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 6A is selected by the user, the detail setting receiving unit 216 shows the information shown in FIG. 8B. Such a detailed setting screen D5 is displayed on the display unit 23, and a detailed setting performed by the user via the operation unit 22 is received.

  In the detailed setting screen D5, radio buttons R3 and R4 for selecting whether or not image data of a print target document needs to be transmitted to an absent person by e-mail and the print target document for the absent person are printed. Radio buttons R5 and R6 for selecting whether or not it is necessary, and radio buttons R7 and R8 for selecting whether or not it is necessary to print a document to be printed for a group manager (for example, a class teacher) Is displayed. The detailed setting reception unit 216 forcibly receives the selection of the radio button R5 when the radio button R4 is selected.

  The detailed setting information registration unit 224 registers the detailed setting information received by the detailed setting reception unit 216 in the detailed setting information storage unit 235. FIG. 7E shows an example of the data configuration of the detailed setting information storage unit 235.

  For example, when the radio button R3 is selected, the detailed setting information registration unit 224 writes “1” in the detailed setting information storage unit 235 without needing to send an email to the absent person, and when the radio button R4 is selected. “0” is written in.

  When the radio button R5 is selected, the detailed setting information registration unit 224 writes “1” in “necessity of printing for absentee” in the detailed setting information storage unit 235, and the radio button R6 is selected. “0” is written in. When the radio button R7 is selected, the detailed setting information registration unit 224 writes “1” in “necessity of printing for group manager” in the detailed setting information storage unit 235, and the radio button R8 selects If it is, “0” is written.

  When the user selects the selection button B5 indicating “print” formed on the extended print setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 6A, the extended print accepting unit 217 moves the upper group information storage unit 231 to the upper group. The information is read out, and based on the number of registered upper groups, an extended print screen D6 as shown in FIG. 8C is created and displayed on the display unit 23, which is performed by the user via the operation unit 22. Accept the operation.

  A plurality of selection buttons B11 to B16 are displayed on the extended print screen D6. When any one of these selection buttons B11 to B16 is selected by the user, the extended print reception unit 217 associates the selected selection button with the selected selection button. Execute the specified process. In the selection button B11, the name “1st grade” set in the upper group 1 is displayed. In the selection button B12, the name “second grade” set in the upper group 2 is displayed. In the selection button B13, the name “3rd grade” set in the upper group 3 is displayed. Here, since the upper group 4 and the subsequent groups are not set, the selection buttons B14 to B16 cannot be selected.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the extended print reception unit 217 includes a print copy number calculation unit 241, a print copy number information registration unit 242, a slip sheet image creation unit 243, a slip sheet image registration unit 244, and destination information acquisition. A unit 245, an extended print instruction unit 246, and a mail processing execution unit 247.

  The print copy number calculation unit 241 calculates the print copies C1 to Cn of the printed material for each of the lower groups 1 to n with respect to the upper group selected by the user.

  The print number information registration unit 242 registers the information on the print number C1 to Cn for each of the groups 1 to n calculated by the print number calculation unit 241 in the print number information storage unit 236. FIG. 7F illustrates an example of a data configuration stored in the print number information storage unit 236.

  The slip sheet image creation unit 243 prints on the slip sheet to be inserted every time the number of print copies is printed based on the information of the plurality of print copies C1 to Cn stored in the print number information storage unit 236. Data P1 to Pn are created. For example, the slip sheet image creation unit 243 creates image data including the number of copies, a group name, a absentee name (provided that there are absentees), and a date.

  The slip sheet image registration unit 244 registers the slip sheet image data P1 to Pn created by the slip sheet image creation unit 243 in the slip sheet image data storage unit 237 in association with each group 1 to n.

  The destination information acquisition unit 245 acquires information on the mail address of the information terminal device 3 used by the absentee from the member information storage unit 233 based on the ID code of the absentee stored in the absentee information storage unit 234. .

  The extended print instruction unit 246 includes information on a plurality of print copies C1 to Cn stored in the print copy number information storage unit 236, slip sheet image data P1 to Pn stored in the slip sheet image data storage unit 237, and The image data to be printed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 (FIGS. 1 to 3), and an instruction of “extended printing” for inserting a slip sheet as a printed material break is given to the printing apparatus 1. The extended print instruction unit 246 is an example of a print copy number information transmission unit and a slip sheet image transmission unit in claims.

  The mail processing execution unit 247 transmits the mail address information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 245 to the printing apparatus 1 and attaches the image data of the printed matter to the printing apparatus 1 for use by the absentee. An instruction of “e-mail transmission” to be transmitted to the information terminal device 3 is performed. The mail treatment execution unit 247 is an example of a transmission treatment execution unit in the claims.

  Next, processing operations performed by the control unit 21 when the user selects the selection buttons B11 to B13 through the extended printing screen D6 as shown in FIG. 8C will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the printer driver unit 201. For ease of explanation, it is assumed here that the selection button B11 indicating “first grader” has been selected by the user.

  In addition, the main operations of the following processing operations are necessary for each of the four groups of the lower groups “A class”, “B class”, “C class”, and “D class” belonging to the upper group “first grader”. Calculating the number of copies to be printed, and creating image data as a cover image to be printed on a slip sheet that separates the printed matter of each of the four groups.

  The coefficient i that appears below is used to repeat the necessary processing (S2 to S11) by the number of groups in the lower group when calculating the number of copies required for each lower group and creating slip sheet image data. When the coefficient i is “1”, the number of prints required for “A class” is calculated and the image data of the slip sheet for “A class” is created. When the coefficient i is “2” Calculation of the number of copies required for “B class” and creation of slip sheet image data for “B class” are performed.

  First, the printed copy number calculation unit 241 sets the coefficient i to “1” (S1), and the printed copy number calculation unit 241 is a member registered in the lower group i for the upper group “first grader” selected by the user. The number Cm is calculated based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 233 (S2).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, since the upper group “first grader” corresponds to “upper group 1”, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1” and the lower group is also A registered member that matches the condition “1” is searched from the member information storage unit 233 shown in FIG. 7C, the number of members that match the condition is counted, and the number obtained by counting is registered as a member. Let it be several Cm. That is, the number of members Cm here is the number of students of “A class” for one year. In the case of this condition, “Patent Taro” shown in FIG. 7C matches the condition, but “Trademark Hanako” does not match the condition.

  Next, based on the detailed setting information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 235 shown in FIG. 7E, the print number calculation unit 241 determines whether or not it is necessary to print a printed matter for absentees. Judgment is made (S3). When “Necessary printing for absentees” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to print a printed matter for absentees, and “Necessary printing for absentees” is “1”. If this is the case, it is necessary to print a printed material for absentees.

  If the printed copy number calculating unit 241 determines that it is not necessary to print the printed material for the absentee (NO in S3), the printed number calculating unit 241 needs to reduce the number of printed copies by the number of absentees. The absentee number Ca of members belonging to the lower group i is calculated based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 233 and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 234 (S4). .

  Specifically, since the absentee ID code is registered in the absentee information storage unit 234 shown in FIG. 7D, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1”. The subordinate group is also a registered member that matches the condition “1”, and searches the member information storage unit 233 (FIG. 7C) for an ID code registered as a absentee. The number of persons is counted, and the number obtained by counting is defined as the absent number Ca. That is, the number of absentees Ca here is the number of absentees of “A class” for one year. Needless to say, when there is no matching member (when there is no absentee), the absentee number Ca is “0”.

  On the other hand, if the number-of-prints calculation unit 241 determines that it is necessary to print the printed material for absentees (YES in S3), even if there are absentees, it is not necessary to reduce the number of printed copies by the number of absentees. Therefore, the print copy number calculation unit 241 sets the absentee number Ca to “0” (S5).

  Next, the number-of-printing-number calculating unit 241 generates the printed material for the group manager (for example, for the class teacher) based on the information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 235 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not printing is necessary (S6). When “necessity of printing for group manager” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to print a printed matter for the group manager, and “needing printing for group manager is not necessary” is displayed. In the case of “1”, it is necessary to print a printed matter for the group manager.

  If the printing number calculation unit 241 determines that it is necessary to print the document to be printed for the group manager (YES in S6), the printing number calculation unit 241 subtracts the absent person number Ca from the member number Cm to obtain the group. By adding “1” for one administrator, the number of copies Ci for the lower group i is calculated (S7), and the number-of-prints-information registering unit 242 displays the information on the calculated number of copies Ci in FIG. ), The number of copies of “group i” is registered in the number-of-prints-information storage unit 236 (S9). For example, if the number of students Cm of “Class A” is 30 and the number of absentees Ca is 2 for one year, the number of copies C1 is “29 (= 30−2 + 1 for teacher)”.

  On the other hand, if the print copy number calculation unit 241 determines that it is not necessary to print the document to be printed for the group manager (NO in S6), the print copy number calculation unit 241 subtracts the absent person number Ca from the member number Cm. Accordingly, the number of copies Ci for the lower group i is calculated (S8), and the number-of-prints-information registering unit 242 registers the information of the calculated number of printed copies Ci in the number-of-prints-information storage unit 236 as the number of copies of “group i”. (S9). For example, when the number of students Cm of “A class” for one year is 30 and the number of absentees Ca is 2, the number of copies C1 is “28 (= 30−2)”.

  Next, the slip sheet image creating unit 243 creates slip sheet image data (S10). The detailed processing operation for creating slip sheet image data performed in S10 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the slip sheet image creation unit 243 obtains information on the group name of the “lower group i” for the upper group “first grader” selected by the user from the lower group information storage unit 232 illustrated in FIG. (S21 in FIG. 10). For example, when the upper group is “1” and the lower group is “1”, the name of the group is “A class”.

  Next, based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 233 and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 234, the slip sheet image creating unit 243 is absent from the lower group i. Whether or not exists is determined (S22).

  Specifically, since the absentee ID code is registered in the absentee information storage unit 234 shown in FIG. 7D, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1”. The subordinate group is also a registered member that matches the condition “1”, and searches the member information storage unit 233 (FIG. 7C) for the ID code registered as absent, and the member that matches the condition is found. Determine if it exists.

  If the slip sheet image creation unit 243 determines that there are absent persons in the lower group i (YES in S22), the slip sheet image creation unit 243 determines the member information stored in the member information storage unit 233 and the absence. As described above, based on the absentee information stored in the person information storage unit 234, the absentees that match the conditions are searched, and the member name (for example, “Taro Taro”) of the corresponding absentee is acquired. (S23) The slip sheet image data Pi including the group name, absentee member name, the number of copies Ci calculated in S7 and S8 of FIG. 9, and the date is created (S24). As will be described in detail later, for example, image data of an image PA1 shown in FIG. 11 is created.

  On the other hand, if the slip sheet image creation unit 243 determines that there are no absentees in the lower group i (NO in S22), the slip sheet image creation unit 243 calculates the group name and S7 and S8 in FIG. A slip sheet image data Pi including the number of printed copies Ci and the date is created (S25). For example, image data of images PA2 to PA4 shown in FIG. 11 is created.

  When the slip sheet image creation unit 243 creates slip sheet image data (S10 in FIG. 9), the slip sheet image registration unit 244 sets the created slip sheet image data as the image data Pi of group i. 5 is registered in the slip sheet image data storage unit 237 shown in FIG. 5 (S11 in FIG. 9).

  Next, the print number calculation unit 241 adds “1” to the coefficient i (S12), and the print number calculation unit 241 determines whether or not the lower group i exists in the upper group selected by the user. (S13). If the print copy number calculation unit 241 determines that the lower group i exists (YES in S13), the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, if the print copy number calculation unit 241 determines that the lower group i does not exist (NO in S13), the print copies C1 to C1 of all the lower groups “A class” to “D class” with respect to the upper group “first grader”. Since the calculation of C4 and the creation of the image data P1 to P4 of the respective slip sheets have been completed, the extended print instruction unit 246 inserts the slip sheet into the printing apparatus 1 as a separator of the printed material. A “print” instruction is issued (S14).

  Specifically, the extended print instruction unit 246 stores the image data of the document to be printed, the information on the plurality of print copies C1 to Cn stored in the print copy number information storage unit 236, and the slip sheet image data storage unit 237. The image data P1 to Pn of the inserted slip sheets are transmitted to the printing apparatus 1. The extended print instruction unit 246 is an example of a print copy number information transmission unit and a slip sheet image transmission unit in claims. In addition, an example of an instruction procedure for “extended printing” when the number of groups n is “4” is shown below.

1. The image data of the document to be printed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 causes the HDD 92 to store the image data of the document to be printed transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 2.

2. Information on the number of copies C1 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 causes the image forming unit 12 to print the image data of the document to be printed stored in the HDD 92 for the number of copies C1, and discharges the printed matter to the discharge tray 151 (FIG. 2).

3. The slip sheet image data P1 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 causes the image forming unit 12 to cover the slip sheet stored in the lowermost sheet feed cassette of the sheet feed unit 14 based on the slip sheet image data P1. Is printed, and the slip sheet on which the cover image is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151.

4). Information on the number of copies C2 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 2 above. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 is caused to print the image data of the document to be printed for the number of copies C2, and the printed matter is discharged to the discharge tray 151.

5. The slip sheet image data P <b> 2 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 3 above. Specifically, based on the image data P2 of the slip sheet, the image forming unit 12 prints a cover image on the slip sheet, and discharges the slip sheet on which the cover image is printed to the discharge tray 151.

6). Information on the number of copies C3 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 2 above. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 is caused to print the image data of the document to be printed for the number of copies C3, and the printed matter is discharged to the discharge tray 151.

7). The slip sheet image data P3 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 3 above. Specifically, based on the interleaf paper image data P3, the image forming unit 12 prints a cover image on the interleaf and discharges the interleaf on which the cover image is printed onto the discharge tray 151.

8). Information on the number of copies C4 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 2 above. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 is caused to print the image data of the document to be printed for the number of copies C4, and the printed matter is discharged to the discharge tray 151.

9. The slip sheet image data P4 is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.
→ The control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 performs the same processing as described in 3 above. Specifically, based on the slip sheet image data P4, the image forming unit 12 prints a cover image on the slip sheet, and discharges the slip sheet on which the cover image is printed onto the discharge tray 151.

  Thereby, the slip sheet on which the image data P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 is printed can be placed on each of the printed materials discharged to the discharge tray 151 and printed for the number of copies C <b> 1 to C <b> 4. For example, when the document to be printed is composed of three pages “I, B, C” and C1 to C4 are “29”, “32”, “35”, and “28”, respectively, as shown in FIG. On the printed material on which 29 copies of the original are printed in the order of “C”, “B”, and “I”, the slip sheet A1 is placed, and on the printed matter on which 32 copies are printed, the slip sheet A2 is placed on 35 copies. The slip sheet A3 can be placed on the printed material, and the slip sheet A4 can be placed on the printed matter on which 28 copies have been printed.

  Next, the mail processing execution unit 247 sends the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee based on the detailed setting information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 235 shown in FIG. (S15). When “Necessary to send email to absentee” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail. If “no need to send email to the person” is “1”, it is necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail.

  If the mail treatment execution unit 247 determines that it is necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail (YES in S15), the mail treatment execution unit 247 stores it in the member information storage unit 233. Based on the stored member information and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 234, it is determined whether or not there is an absentee in the upper group “first grader” selected by the user ( S16).

  Specifically, since the absentee ID code is registered in the absentee information storage unit 234 shown in FIG. 7D, the upper group is a registered member that meets the condition “1”, and is absent. The ID code registered as a person is searched from the member information storage unit 233 (FIG. 7C), and it is determined whether or not there is a member meeting the condition.

  If the mail processing execution unit 247 determines that there are absent persons in the upper group (YES in S16), the destination information acquisition unit 245 selects the absent persons that meet the conditions as described above, as shown in FIG. The member information storage unit 233 shown in FIG. 6 retrieves the mail address information of the corresponding absentee from the member information storage unit 233 (S17), and the mail treatment execution unit 247 receives the mail acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 245. The address information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1, and “mail transmission” instruction is sent to the printing apparatus 1 to cause the information terminal apparatus 3 used by the absentee to send the image data of the document to be printed. (S18).

  When the control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 receives the mail address information of the absent person transmitted from the information terminal apparatus 2 and receives an instruction of “mail transmission”, the image data of the document to be printed stored in the HDD 92 is stored. Is converted into an image file (for example, PDF file) that can be displayed without much influence on the PC environment, and based on the received mail address information, the converted image file is attached to an e-mail and used by absentees. To the information terminal device 3 to be transmitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S15 that transmission by e-mail is not necessary (NO in S15), or if it is determined that there are no absentees (NO in S16), the processing operation ends.

  According to the above embodiment, every time a plurality of print copies are printed, a slip sheet is inserted as a break. For example, when printing 30 copies, 32 copies, and 35 copies of the same printed matter, a slip sheet is inserted when 30 copies are printed, and a slip sheet is inserted when 32 copies are printed next. As a result, slip sheets are inserted for each number of copies to be printed, which facilitates sorting when each group requires a number of copies.

  For absentees, the document to be printed can be sent as image data by e-mail in response to a request from the user, so that information communication can be prevented from being leaked or delayed. . Moreover, since it is not necessary to deliver the distribution to the absentee's home, the child or the student can return home without taking a detour and the crime prevention effect can be enhanced.

  The user can also set whether or not to print the document to be printed for absentees and whether to print the document to be printed for group managers and make it very easy to use. Can do.

  If the image data of the document to be printed is sent to all members, not only absentees, by e-mail, printed matter is not necessary and it is very economical. However, the printed material has a role as a communication tool. For example, it can also promote communication between parents and children. Accordingly, it is not desirable that the distribution of the printed material is eliminated, and the present invention can play a part in that the distribution of the printed material remains.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the absence person name is always printed on the slip sheet is described. However, whether or not the absence person name is printed can be changed as appropriate. When the original is sent as image data by e-mail, the slip sheet image creating unit 243 may create slip sheet image data including the names of absentees so that it can be understood.

  In the above-described embodiment, “mail transmission” is instructed from the information terminal device 2 to the printing device 1. However, in another embodiment, the mail processing of the information terminal device 2 is performed without using the printing device 1. The execution unit 247 may directly transmit the image data to the information terminal device 3 used by the absentee via the communication unit 25.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the slip sheet which printed the image data according to each was inserted as a cover of each printed matter printed by the number of copies C1-Cn, in another embodiment, The slip sheet may be inserted not as a cover but as a simple separator. For example, when the number of copies C1 to C4 is set to 29, 32, 35, and 28, when 29, 32, and 35 copies of the document are printed, a slip is inserted each time. Do not insert slip sheets after the last 28 copies have been printed.

  In the above embodiment, member information is registered in advance, and a slip sheet is inserted based on the registered member information. However, the setting reception unit 212 of the printer driver unit 201 is illustrated in FIG. 12, a print number setting screen D 7 that allows inputting the number of prints for each group is displayed on the display unit 23, and the setting of the number of prints performed via the operation unit 22 is accepted, and an extended print instruction unit 246 may transmit setting information on the number of copies received by the setting receiving unit 212 to the printing apparatus 1 and instruct insertion of slip sheets.

  On the print number setting screen D7, input boxes X11 to X16 for setting the number of print copies for each group are formed. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the number of print copies is set up to group 4.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional front view showing the structure of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. The difference from the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the mark reading unit has a reflective sensor that reads a mark printed on the leading end portion of the interleaf sheet in the interleaf sheet feeding cassette at the bottom of the sheet feeding section 14. This is the point where the part 14A is installed.

  FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. 3 is different from the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 in that a mark reading unit 14A is provided, and the control unit 10 is not limited to the control unit 100 that controls the overall operation of the printing apparatus 1; Margin detection unit 102, group information registration unit 103, member information registration unit 104, absentee information registration unit 105, detailed setting information registration unit 106, upper group information storage unit 111, and lower group information storage unit 112 A member information storage unit 113, a absentee information storage unit 114, a detailed setting information storage unit 115, a print copy number information storage unit 116, and a slip sheet image data storage unit 117.

  The control unit 10 operates in accordance with a control program installed in the HDD 92 to control the control unit 100, the setting reception unit 101, the margin detection unit 102, the group information registration unit 103, the member information registration unit 104, and the absentee information registration unit. 105, detailed setting information registration unit 106, upper group information storage unit 111, lower group information storage unit 112, member information storage unit 113, absentee information storage unit 114, detailed setting information storage unit 115, print number information storage unit 116, And it functions as the slip sheet image data storage unit 117. However, these control units 100 and the like can also be configured by hardware circuits, regardless of the operation according to the control program by the control unit 10. The same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  The group information registration unit 103, the member information registration unit 104, the absentee information registration unit 105, and the detailed setting information registration unit 106 are respectively a group information registration unit 221 and a member that constitute the printer driver unit 201 illustrated in FIG. The information registration unit 222, the absentee information registration unit 223, and the detailed setting information registration unit 224 have the same configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Further, the upper group information storage unit 111, the lower group information storage unit 112, the member information storage unit 113, the absentee information storage unit 114, the detailed setting information storage unit 115, the number-of-prints information storage unit 116, and the slip sheet image data storage unit Reference numeral 117 denotes an upper group information storage unit 231, a lower group information storage unit 232, a member information storage unit 233, an absentee information storage unit 234, and a detailed setting information storage unit that constitute the printer driver 201 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. 235, the number-of-printing-information storage unit 236, and the slip-sheet image data storage unit 237, the detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The control unit 100 includes a document conveying unit 6, an image reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, an image memory 32, an HDD 92, a fixing unit 13, a mark reading unit 14A, an operation unit 47, a facsimile communication unit 71, and a network interface unit 91. Connected to perform drive control of these units.

  The setting reception unit 101 receives print settings from the user. For example, the setting of “extended printing” is input by the operation of the operation unit 47 by the user, and the setting of “extended printing” is requested from the control unit 100. Then, an extended print setting screen D1 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display unit 473, and various settings input via the operation unit 47 are accepted.

  A plurality of selection buttons B1 to B5 are formed on the extended print setting screen D1, and when any of these selection buttons B1 to B5 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 47 by the user, the setting reception unit 101 is selected. Each operation screen corresponding to the selected button is displayed on the display unit 473.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the setting reception unit 101 includes a group setting reception unit 131, a member registration reception unit 132, an absentee registration reception unit 133, a detailed setting reception unit 134, and an extended print reception unit 135. . The group setting reception unit 131, the member registration reception unit 132, the absentee registration reception unit 133, the detailed setting reception unit 134, and the extended print reception unit 135 are each a group setting reception unit that constitutes the setting reception unit 212 illustrated in FIG. 213, member registration reception unit 214, absentee registration reception unit 215, detailed setting reception unit 216, and extended print reception unit 217, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, processing operations performed by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 when the selection buttons B11 to B13 are selected by the user through the extended printing screen D6 as shown in FIG. 8C will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation performed by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1. For ease of explanation, it is assumed here that the selection button B11 indicating “first grader” has been selected by the user.

  The first of the following processing operations is the four groups of lower groups “A class”, “B class”, “C class” and “D class” belonging to the upper group “first grader”. And calculating image data as a cover image to be printed on a slip sheet that separates the printed matter of each of the four groups.

  Further, the second main operation of the following processing operations is that each of the image data of the print target document is changed based on the information on the number of copies C1 to Cn corresponding to the groups 1 to n and the image data of the print target document. Each time the printing is completed for each number of copies based on the printing for the number of copies and the printing data P1 to Pn of the slips for the groups 1 to n, the cover sheet for the slips that separate the printed matter for each copy Printing an image.

  The coefficient i that appears below is used to repeat the necessary processing (S32 to S41) for the number of groups in the lower group when calculating the number of copies required for each of the lower groups and creating interleaf paper image data. When the coefficient i is “1”, the number of prints required for “A class” is calculated and the image data of the slip sheet for “A class” is created. When the coefficient i is “2” Calculation of the number of copies required for “B class” and creation of slip sheet image data for “B class” are performed.

  First, the control unit 100 sets the coefficient i to “1” (S31), and the control unit 100 determines the number of members Cm registered in the lower group i for the upper group “first grader” selected by the user, Calculation is performed based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 113 (S32).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, since the upper group “first grader” corresponds to “upper group 1”, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1” and the lower group is also A registered member that matches the condition “1” is searched from the member information storage unit 113 shown in FIG. 7C, the number of members that meet the condition is counted, and the number obtained by counting is registered as a member. Let it be several Cm. That is, the number of members Cm here is the number of students of “A class” for one year. In the case of this condition, “Patent Taro” shown in FIG. 7C matches the condition, but “Trademark Hanako” does not match the condition.

  Next, based on the detailed setting information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 115 shown in FIG. 7E, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a printed matter needs to be printed for absentees. (S33). When “Necessary printing for absentees” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to print a printed matter for absentees, and “Necessary printing for absentees” is “1”. If this is the case, it is necessary to print a printed material for absentees.

  If the control unit 100 determines that it is not necessary to print the printed material for the absentee (NO in S33), the control unit 100 needs to reduce the number of copies by the number of absentees. The number of absentees Ca of the member to which the user belongs is calculated based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 113 and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 114 (S34).

  Specifically, since the ID code of the absent person is registered in the absentee information storage unit 114 shown in FIG. 7D, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1”. The subordinate group is also a registered member that matches the condition “1”, and searches the member information storage unit 113 (FIG. 7C) for an ID code registered as a absentee. The number of persons is counted, and the number obtained by counting is defined as the absent number Ca. That is, the number of absentees Ca here is the number of absentees of “A class” for one year. Needless to say, when there is no matching member (when there is no absentee), the absentee number Ca is “0”.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that it is necessary to print the printed material for absentees (YES in S33), even if there are absentees, it is not necessary to reduce the number of printed copies by the number of absentees. The control unit 100 sets the absentee number Ca to “0” (S35).

  Next, the control unit 100 prints the printed material for the group manager (for example, for the class teacher) based on the information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 115 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is necessary (S36). When “necessity of printing for group manager” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to print a printed matter for the group manager, and “needing printing for group manager is not necessary” is displayed. In the case of “1”, it is necessary to print a printed matter for the group manager.

  If the control unit 100 determines that it is necessary to print the document to be printed for the group manager (YES in S36), the control unit 100 subtracts the absent number Ca from the number of members Cm to obtain one group manager. 1 is added to calculate the number of copies Ci for the lower group i (S37), and the control unit 100 displays the information on the calculated number of copies Ci as “group” as shown in FIG. i ”is registered in the print copy number information storage unit 116 (S39). For example, if the number of students Cm of “Class A” is 30 and the number of absentees Ca is 2 for one year, the number of copies C1 is “29 (= 30−2 + 1 for teacher)”.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that it is not necessary to print the document to be printed for the group manager (NO in S36), the control unit 100 subtracts the absence number Ca from the member number Cm. The number of prints Ci for group i is calculated (S38), and the control unit 100 registers the information on the calculated number of prints Ci in the print number information storage unit 116 as the number of prints of “group i” (S39). For example, when the number of students Cm of “A class” for one year is 30 and the number of absentees Ca is 2, the number of copies C1 is “28 (= 30−2)”.

  Next, the controller 100 creates slip sheet image data (S40). The detailed processing operation for creating the slip sheet image data performed in S40 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 100 acquires information on the group name of the “lower group i” for the upper group “first grader” selected by the user from the lower group information storage unit 112 shown in FIG. 17 S51). For example, when the upper group is “1” and the lower group is “1”, the name of the group is “A class”.

  Next, based on the member information stored in the member information storage unit 113 and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 114, the control unit 100 includes absentees in the lower group i. Whether or not (S52).

  Specifically, since the ID code of the absent person is registered in the absentee information storage unit 114 shown in FIG. 7D, when the coefficient i is “1”, the upper group is “1”. The subordinate group is also a registered member that matches the condition “1”, and searches the member information storage unit 113 (FIG. 7C) for ID codes registered as absent persons. Determine if it exists.

  If the control unit 100 determines that there are absent persons in the lower group i (YES in S52), the control unit 100 stores the member information stored in the member information storage unit 113 and the absentee information storage unit 114. Based on the stored absentee information, as described above, absentees that match the conditions are searched, and the member name (eg, “Taro Taro”) of the corresponding absentee is acquired (S53), and the group name A slip sheet image data Pi including the member name of the absent person, the number of copies Ci calculated in S37 and S38 of FIG. 16, and the date is created (S54). As will be described in detail later, for example, image data of an image PA6 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there are no absentees in the lower group i (NO in S52), the control unit 100 determines the group name and the number of prints Ci calculated in S37 and S38 in FIG. , Image data Pi including slip dates is created (S55). For example, image data of an image PA5 (not including the strikethrough image MD) shown in FIG.

  When the slip sheet image data is created (S40 in FIG. 16), the control unit 100 registers the created slip sheet image data as group i image data Pi in the slip sheet image data storage unit 117 shown in FIG. (S41 in FIG. 16).

  Next, the control unit 100 adds “1” to the coefficient i (S42), and the control unit 100 determines whether or not the lower group i exists in the upper group selected by the user (S43). . If it is determined that the lower group i exists (YES in S43), the control unit 100 returns to S32.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the lower group i does not exist (NO in S43), the printing units C1 to C4 of all the lower groups “A class” to “D class” for the upper group “1st grade” are displayed. Since the calculation and the creation of the image data P1 to P4 of each slip sheet have been completed, the control unit 100 performs “extended printing” in which slip sheets are inserted as the separator of the printed material (S44). The detailed processing operation of “extended printing” performed in S44 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The coefficient k that appears below is used to repeat the necessary processing (S63 to S67) for the number of groups when printing the number of copies corresponding to each of the groups 1 to n and printing the slip sheet. When the coefficient k is “1”, the process for “Group 1” is performed, and when the coefficient k is “2”, the process for “Group 2” is performed.

  First, the control unit 100 causes the document reading unit 5 to read a document to be printed to acquire image data, and stores the image data acquired by the document reading unit 5 in the HDD 92 (S61).

  Next, the control unit 100 sets the coefficient k to “1” (S62), and the control unit 100 acquires the number of print copies Ck corresponding to the group k from the print number information storage unit 116 (S63). 100 causes the image forming unit 12 to print the image data of the print target document stored in the HDD 92 for the number of copies Ck, and discharge the printed matter from the discharge tray 151 (FIG. 13) (S64).

  The control unit 100 determines whether printing for the number of printing copies Ck has been completed (S65). If the control unit 100 determines that printing for the number of printing copies Ck has been completed (YES in S65), the control unit 100 100 executes processing for inserting slip sheets (S66). The processing operation for inserting slip sheets performed in S66 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 100 acquires the slip sheet image data Pk for the group k from the slip sheet image data storage unit 117 (S71 in FIG. 19). Next, the margin detection unit 102 acquires the mark information printed on the leading end portion of the slip sheet read by the mark reading unit 14A (S72), and the margin detection unit 102 acquires the mark information based on the acquired mark information. Then, it is determined whether or not a mark is printed on the leading edge of the slip sheet (S73).

  If the margin detection unit 102 determines that no mark is printed at the leading edge of the slip sheet (that is, the slip sheet is a blank sheet) (NO in S73), the control unit 100 causes the image forming unit 12 to The image data Pk is printed in the upper area E1 (FIG. 20) of the paper, the mark M1 is printed in the mark area E4, and the slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151 (S74).

  As a result, it is possible to place the slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed on the printed matter that has been printed on the discharge tray 151 and is printed for the number of copies Ck. For example, when the document to be printed is composed of three pages “I, B, C”, the coefficient k is “1”, and the number of copies C1 for group 1 is 29, as shown in FIG. Can be placed on the printed material on which 29 copies are printed in the order of “c”, “b”, and “b”.

  On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 102 determines that a mark is printed on the leading end portion of the slip sheet (YES in S73), the margin detection unit 102 uses the mark information read by the mark reading unit 14A. It is determined whether there is one mark printed on the leading edge of the slip sheet (S75).

  If the margin detection unit 102 determines that there is one mark at the leading edge of the slip sheet (that is, the upper stage is used and there are margins in the middle and lower stages) (YES in S75), the control unit 100 The image forming unit 12 causes the image data Pk to be printed in the middle area E2 of the slip sheet, the strike-through image MD to be printed on the date printed in the upper area E1, and the mark M2 to be printed in the mark area E5. The slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151 (S76). FIG. 20B shows an example when image data is printed in the middle area E2 of the slip sheet. Note that the strikethrough image MD is printed on the date so that the used portion and the newly printed portion can be distinguished from each other in appearance.

  Since the slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151, for example, when the coefficient k is "2" and the number of copies C2 for group 2 is 32, as shown in FIG. The slip sheet A12 can be placed on the printed matter on which 32 copies of the document are printed.

  On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 102 determines that there is not one mark at the leading edge portion of the slip sheet (NO in S75), the margin detection unit 102 detects the registration based on the mark information read by the mark reading unit 14A. It is determined whether there are two marks printed on the leading edge of the paper (S77).

  If the margin detection unit 102 determines that there are two marks at the leading edge of the slip sheet (that is, the upper and middle stages have been used and the lower stage has margins) (YES in S77), the control unit 100 The image forming unit 12 is caused to print the image data Pk in the lower area E3 of the interleaf, and the strike-through image MD is printed on the date printed in the middle area E2, and the mark M3 is printed in the mark area E6. The slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151 (S78).

  Since the slip sheet on which the image data Pk is printed is discharged to the discharge tray 151, for example, when the coefficient k is “3” and the number of copies C3 for group 3 is 35, as shown in FIG. The interleaf A13 can be placed on the printed material on which 35 copies of the original are printed.

  On the other hand, if the margin detection unit 102 determines that there are not two marks at the leading end portion of the slip sheet (that is, three marks, the slip sheet has been used, and there is no margin) (NO in S77). The control unit 100 causes the image forming unit 12 to print a large “x” in the center portion of the slip sheet, and discharge the slip sheet printed with “x” to the discharge tray 151 (S79). To print the image data Pk, the process returns to S72.

  When the slip sheet insertion process is performed (S66 in FIG. 18), the control unit 100 adds “1” to the coefficient k (S67), and the control unit 100 stores the group k in the print copy number information storage unit 116. It is determined whether or not there is information indicating the number of copies Ck for (S68). If the control unit 100 determines that there is information indicating the number of copies Ck for the group k (YES in S68), the process returns to S62.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is no information indicating the number of copies Ck for the group k (NO in S68), the insertion of the slip sheet as the separator of the printed material is completed.

  When the insertion of the slip sheet is completed (S44 in FIG. 16), the control unit 100 determines the absence based on the detailed setting information stored in the detailed setting information storage unit 115 shown in FIG. It is determined whether the image data of the document to be printed needs to be transmitted by e-mail (S45). When “Necessary to send email to absentee” shown in FIG. 7E is “0”, it is not necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail. If “no need to send email to the person” is “1”, it is necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail.

  If the control unit 100 determines that it is necessary to send the image data of the document to be printed to the absentee by e-mail (YES in S45), the control unit 100 is stored in the member information storage unit 113. Based on the member information and the absentee information stored in the absentee information storage unit 114, it is determined whether or not there is an absentee in the upper group “first grader” selected by the user (S46).

  Specifically, since the absentee ID code is registered in the absentee information storage unit 114 shown in FIG. 7D, the upper group is a registered member that meets the condition “1”, and is absent. The ID code registered as a person is searched from the member information storage unit 113 (FIG. 7C), and it is determined whether or not there is a member meeting the condition.

  If the control unit 100 determines that there are absent persons in the upper group (YES in S46), the control unit 100 displays an image file (image file) that can display the image data of the document to be printed without much influence on the personal computer environment. For example, it is converted into a PDF file (S47).

  Next, as described above, the control unit 100 searches the member information storage unit 113 shown in FIG. 7C for absent persons that match the conditions, and stores the mail address information of the corresponding absent person in the member information storage. Obtained from the unit 113 (S48), the control unit 100 attaches the converted image file to the e-mail based on the obtained e-mail address information, and transmits it to the information terminal device 3 used by the absentee (S49). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined that transmission by e-mail is not necessary (NO in S45), or if it is determined that there are no absentees (NO in S46), the processing operation ends.

  According to the above embodiment, the slip sheet can be reused, which is economical. Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the slip sheet which printed the image data according to each was inserted as a cover of each printed matter printed by the number of copies C1-Cn, in another embodiment, The slip sheet may be inserted not as a cover but as a simple separator. For example, when the number of copies C1 to C4 is set to 29, 32, 35, and 28, when 29, 32, and 35 copies of the document are printed, a slip is inserted each time. Do not insert slip sheets after the last 28 copies have been printed.

  In the above embodiment, member information is registered in advance, and a slip sheet is inserted based on the registered member information. However, the setting reception unit 101 is configured as shown in FIG. The print copy number setting screen D7 that allows the input of the print copy number for each group is displayed on the display unit 473, accepts the setting of the number of print copies performed via the operation unit 47, and the control unit 100 accepts the setting accepting unit 109 The setting information on the number of copies to be printed may be registered in the number-of-prints-information storage unit 116, and the slip sheet may be inserted based on the setting information on the number of copies received by the setting reception unit 101.

  On the print number setting screen D7, input boxes X11 to X16 for setting the number of print copies for each group are formed. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the number of print copies is set up to group 4.

  In yet another embodiment, when the printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a discharge unit 152 having a plurality of discharge trays 152A as shown in FIG. 22A, the control unit 100 of the printing apparatus 1 uses the slip sheet. Instead of inserting a sheet, as shown in FIG. 22B, the discharge tray 152A for discharging printed matter may be switched every time the number of printed copies is printed.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, on a slip sheet for the management of printed matter, (1) when printed for absentees, (2) when printed for managers, or (3) absentees It may be printed with information indicating whether or not printing has been performed for (4) whether or not printing has been performed for the administrator. That is, image data to which the above information is added may be created when creating slip sheet image data, and the slip sheet may be printed based on the image data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multi-function device is described as an embodiment of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. However, this is only an example, and other electronic devices such as a copier, a printer device, etc. Other printing apparatuses may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the structure and process which were shown by the said embodiment using FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 22 are only one Embodiment of this invention, and are not the meaning which limits this invention to the said structure and process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 2 Information terminal device 10,21 Control unit 14A Mark reading part 100,200 Control part 101 Setting reception part 102 Margin detection part 116 Print number information storage part 201 Printer driver part 211 Printer driver 231 Upper group information storage part 232 Lower Group information storage unit 233 Member information storage unit 243 Interleaf image creation unit 246 Extended print instruction unit 247 Mail treatment execution unit

Claims (10)

A number-of-prints-information storage unit that stores a plurality of information about the number of copies to be printed;
A slip sheet image creating unit that creates image data of a cover image to be printed on a slip sheet that divides the printed matter for each print number each time the print number of each print is completed,
A number-of-prints-information transmission unit that transmits information about a plurality of number of copies stored in the number-of-prints-information storage unit to a printing apparatus;
And a printer driver that causes the computer to function as a slip sheet image transmission unit that transmits the slip sheet image data created by the slip sheet image creation unit to the printing apparatus.   The slip sheet image creating unit creates the image data in which the number of printed copies of each printed matter is created based on the information on a plurality of printed copies stored in the printed copy number information storage unit. The printer driver according to claim 1, further functioning. A destination information storage unit for storing destination information of an information terminal device used by a recipient who receives the printed matter;
A destination information acquisition unit for acquiring destination information of an information terminal device used by a user-specified recipient from the destination information storage unit;
The computer is further caused to function as a transmission processing execution unit that executes processing for transmitting the image data of the printed matter to the information terminal device based on the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit. Alternatively, the printer driver according to claim 2. As a name information storage unit for storing name information of a recipient who receives the printed matter, the computer is further functioned,
The slip sheet image creating unit creates the computer so as to create image data in which the name of the recipient is written based on the name information of the recipient designated by the user stored in the name information storage unit. The printer driver according to claim 1, further functioning. A data acquisition unit for acquiring print target data;
A recording medium storage unit for storing respective recording media for normal printing and slip paper;
A printing unit that prints the print target data acquired by the data acquisition unit on a recording medium;
A transport unit that transports the recording medium stored in the recording medium storage unit to the printing unit;
A discharge unit from which the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit after printing by the printing unit is discharged as a printed matter;
A number-of-prints-information storage unit that stores a plurality of information on the number of copies by the printing unit;
Each time the printing unit completes printing each of the printing copies based on the information on the plurality of printing copies stored in the printing copy number information storage unit, the transport is performed as a slip sheet for separating the printed matter for each copy. And a control unit that causes the recording medium for the slip sheet to be conveyed from the recording medium storage unit toward the printing unit and the discharge unit by a unit.   The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to print a cover image on the slip sheet. A margin detection unit for detecting a margin portion of the slip sheet;
The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to print the cover image on a margin portion detected by the margin detection unit.   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to further print a distinction image for distinguishing between a cover image printed on the margin part and a used part.   The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distinction image is a strike-through image written on the used part. A data acquisition unit for acquiring print target data;
A recording medium storage unit for storing the recording medium;
A printing unit that prints the print target data acquired by the data acquisition unit on a recording medium;
A transport unit that transports the recording medium stored in the recording medium storage unit to the printing unit;
A discharge unit having a plurality of discharge trays on which the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit after printing by the printing unit is discharged as printed matter;
A number-of-prints-information storage unit that stores a plurality of information on the number of copies by the printing unit;
Based on the information on a plurality of print copies stored in the print copy number information storage unit, the print unit discharges the printed matter for each copy by the transport unit each time the print unit completes printing the print copies. And a control unit that switches the discharge tray.