JP2019166695A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing partition paper setting of index paper without errors while enhancing workability of a user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: input means which inputs document data; storage means which stores document data input by the input means; printing output means which performs printing output on the basis of a job of the document data stored in the storage means; coupling job processing means which couples a plurality of jobs into one job, causes the printing output means to perform the printing output of the job, and inserts partition paper between the plurality of jobs; and control means which inserts index paper set as the partition paper into the head of the job when the index paper is set as the partition paper during execution of the job by the coupling job processing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of inserting a partition sheet into a printed material.

  There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that inserts an index sheet on an arbitrary page designated by a user and performs a process of dividing (partitioning) a text (see Patent Document 1). The index paper has a shape formed by adding an index portion (ear) to a normal rectangular paper. In general, one set of index sheets is composed of a plurality of index sheets having different index positions. In the set of index sheets, a plurality of index sheets having different index part positions are stacked such that the index part positions are sequentially shifted.

  When the index portion of the index sheet protrudes from the normal sheet size, chapters of the sheet bundle can be divided. A user who picks up the output with the index paper inserted can refer to an arbitrary page based on the position of the index portion of the index paper.

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the index sheet is inserted only into the page specified by the user, and the user must specify the insertion page accurately.

  On the other hand, an image forming apparatus having a partition sheet function in which the image forming apparatus automatically determines the position of the insertion page has been proposed. For example, there is a job combination function that copies a bundle of originals read with different settings together, or a data (document) storage area called a box, and a plurality of data (documents) stored in the box are combined into one. There is an image forming apparatus having a function of printing collectively.

  Both functions are functions for printing a plurality of documents together. In the job combination function described above, it is possible to automatically insert a partition sheet between document bundles for the purpose of partitioning document bundles.

  An example for obtaining a product such as a first bundle (1 to 3 pages), a partition sheet, and a second bundle (4 to 5 pages) will be described. In this case, the insertion sheet function requires the user to specify that the insertion sheet should be inserted before the fourth page. On the other hand, with the partition paper function, since the image forming apparatus identifies the space between the document bundles, it is possible to insert the partition paper between the document bundles (before 4 pages in this example) without specifying the insertion page. It is.

  Similarly, when a plurality of pieces of data stored in a box are printed together, it is possible to insert a partition sheet as a use for partitioning a plurality of box data.

  When partition sheets are set at this time, the image forming apparatus identifies each piece of box data, and the user can insert partition sheets between the box data without specifying an insertion page.

JP 2005-182757 A

  By using the above-mentioned index paper as a divider paper, the setting of the insertion page can be facilitated. However, because the divider paper is used for partitioning the bundle, the divider paper is not inserted on the first page of the first bundle. There still remains a problem that it is not possible to obtain a product with the index paper at the top.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to form an image in which index paper partition sheets can be set without error while improving user workability. To provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a means for inputting document data, a storage means for storing document data input by the input means, and a job for document data stored in the storage means. And a combined job processing unit that combines a plurality of jobs into one job, causes the print output unit to print out, and inserts a partition sheet between the plurality of jobs And control means for inserting an index sheet set as a partition sheet at the head of the job when an index sheet is set as a partition sheet when the combined job processing unit executes the job. And

  According to the present invention, it is possible to set the partition sheet for the index sheet while improving the user's workability and without error.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. The figure which shows the function outline | summary of a job combination. The figure which shows the example of operation screen transition at the time of performing job combination. The figure which shows an example of a copy initial screen. The figure which shows an example of the whole setting screen of job combination. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document combination reading setting screen for job combination. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job combination original bundle reading execution screen. The figure which shows an example of the confirmation / combination screen of a bundle of job combination. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen of a partition paper. 6 is a flowchart showing job combination processing according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the output example at the time of setting an index paper with the partition paper of a job combination. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen of a partition paper.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101. The MFP 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus.

  A CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, input control I / F 114, display control I / F 115, storage device I / F 116, and communication I / F controller 117 are connected to the system bus 110. A scanner 121 and a printer 122 are also connected to the system bus 110. Each unit connected to the system bus 110 is configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the system bus 110.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 is a device that controls each device and calculates / processes data. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 is a volatile memory, and is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 111. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 113 is a non-volatile memory, and stores image data, other data, various programs for operating the CPU 111, and the like in predetermined areas.

  The CPU 111 controls each unit of the MFP 101 using the RAM 112 as a work memory according to a program stored in the ROM 113, for example. The program for operating the CPU 111 is not limited to being stored in the ROM 113 but may be stored in the storage device 120.

  The input control I / F 114 receives a user operation, generates a control signal corresponding to the operation, and supplies the control signal to the CPU 111. For example, the input control I / F 114 is connected to a character information input device such as a keyboard (not shown), a hard key for directly inputting a numerical value, a pointing device such as a touch panel 118, or the like as an input device that receives a user operation. .

  The touch panel 118 is an input device configured to output coordinate information according to a position touched with respect to an input unit configured in a planar manner, for example. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description is made with the operation on the touch panel, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited thereto. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the MFP 101 according to a program based on a control signal generated and supplied by the input control I / F 114 in response to a user operation performed on the input device. Thereby, it is possible to cause the MFP 101 to perform an operation corresponding to the user operation.

  The display control I / F 115 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 119. For example, the CPU 111 supplies the generated display control signal to the display control I / F 115 according to the program. The display control I / F 115 generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs the display signal to the display 119. For example, the display control I / F 115 causes the display 119 to display a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on a display control signal generated by the CPU 111. The touch panel 118 may be configured integrally with the display 119.

  For example, the touch panel 118 is configured such that the light transmittance does not hinder the display of the display 119, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 119. Then, input coordinates on the touch panel 118 and display coordinates on the display 119 are associated with each other. Thereby, it is possible to configure a GUI as if the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 119.

  For example, a storage device 120 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory is connected to the storage device I / F 116. Based on the control of the CPU 111, data is read from the storage device 120 and data is written to the storage device 120. The storage device 120 may be used instead of the RAM 112 or the ROM 113.

  The communication I / F controller 117 performs communication with various networks such as LAN, the Internet, wired, and wireless based on the control of the CPU 111. Various devices such as a PC, another MFP, a printer, and a server are connected to the network 102 so as to be communicable with the MFP 101.

  The scanner 121 reads a document and generates image data based on the control of the CPU 111. For example, the CPU 111 causes the scanner 121 to perform a scanning process according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 114. The scanner 121 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), converts the document into digital data, and generates image data. The scanner 121 stores the generated image data in the storage device 120 via the storage device I / F 116.

  The printer 122 prints image data stored in the storage device 120 based on the control of the CPU 111. For example, the CPU 111 causes the printer 122 to perform print processing according to a user instruction input via the input control I / F 114 or a command input from an external device via the communication I / F controller 117. . Paper is supplied from one or more paper supply units (not shown) and printed on the paper.

  The paper supply unit includes a cassette supply that can supply a large amount of papers of a specific size such as A4 and A5, and a manual supply in which a person manually installs paper. The printer 122 reads the image data from the storage device 120, converts it into a printable data format, and prints it on a paper document.

  The MFP 101 has a job combination function. This job combination function will be described below. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the function of job combination. FIG. 2 shows that a plurality of document bundles 201 to 204 are jobs that generate output products 211 to 214 according to different settings. More specifically, an output product 211 having a color copy of the same size is generated from the A4 size color original 201. Further, an output product 212 is generated as a color copy job in which A4 color original 202 is scanned on both sides and printed on both sides.

  From the A3 color original 203, an output product 213 is generated by copying the left and right pages of the spread to another A4. Furthermore, an output product 214 is obtained by copying the A4 monochrome original 204 into 4in1. In the present specification, the function of reducing and laying out the contents of N pages on one page is called “Nin1”. Therefore, “4 in 1” indicates a function for laying out the contents of four pages on the page of one page.

  In this way, a plurality of originals read with different settings by job combination can be output together in one job bundle, and a partition sheet can be inserted between the combined job bundles.

  In this figure, as an example of a product for which a partition paper is set, a partition paper 221 is inserted between the output product 211 and the output product 212, and a partition paper 222 is inserted between the output product 212 and the output product 213. This represents that a partition sheet 223 is inserted between the object 213 and the output object 214.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation screen transition when executing job combination for combining a plurality of jobs into one job in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Control of job combination and operation screen transition at that time is executed by the CPU 111. FIG. 3 shows a specific example in the case of executing job combination and setting partition sheets. Specific examples of the operation screens described in FIG. 3 are shown in FIGS.

  In this embodiment, a configuration in which the CPU 111 controls to selectively display an operation screen corresponding to the user request on the display 119 in response to various user operations received from the user via the touch panel 118 is illustrated. To do. However, the CPU 111 may perform control related to actual job processing in the image forming apparatus such as a printing operation, and another unit such as a UI control unit may perform control related to display.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the copy initial screen in the operation screen transition at the time of executing job combination shown in FIG.

  The initial screen 400 shows a state where a copy screen is displayed. The initial screen 400 includes various copy setting button groups 410, an interrupt copy button 420, and other function buttons 430 for displaying copy setting buttons not displayed on the initial screen. In order to execute job combination, the job combination button 411 of the copy setting button group 410 is pressed. In this example, the job combination button 411 is displayed in the copy setting button group 410, but it may be displayed after the other function buttons 430 are pressed.

  In addition, description of buttons that are not directly related to the present invention is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a job combination overall setting screen that is changed when the job combination button shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. The job combination overall setting screen 500 includes various setting buttons 510 to 517, a setting cancel button 520, and an OK button 530.

  The user selects settings buttons 510 to 517 to make settings related to the entire job. Further, when the OK button 530 is pressed, execution of the combined job is continued with the contents set by the setting buttons 510 to 517. The setting cancel button 520 is a button for canceling the setting of the job combination mode.

  The finishing button 510 is a button for performing output order setting including sorting / shift sorting / rotating sorting and finishing setting including punch / staple / folding. In this screen example, it is assumed that finishing is set, and the button notation is displayed so that it can be distinguished from a button without setting. The partition paper button 511 is a button for setting a partition paper for partitioning the original bundle and the next original bundle, and can set the paper feed destination and the paper type of the partition paper. In this screen example, it is assumed that a partition sheet is set, and the button notation is displayed so as to be distinguished from a button without setting.

  When the partition paper button 511 is pressed, the screen transitions to the partition paper setting screen 900 of FIG. By setting a desired paper source from the paper source selection button group 901 on the partition paper setting screen 900, the paper size and paper type set for the paper source can be set as the partition paper. This screen represents a state in which the paper feed destination (cassette 4) where the index paper is installed is selected. In this screen example, the configuration is such that the paper feed destination of the partition paper is selected. However, the paper size and paper type used as the partition paper may be selected.

  When an OK button 902 is pressed on the divider sheet setting screen 900, the divider sheet setting is confirmed and the screen transitions to the above-described job combination overall setting screen 500. On the other hand, when the setting cancel button 903 is pressed, the setting of the partition sheet is canceled and the screen transitions to the job combination overall setting screen 500. Description of other functions not directly related to the present proposal described in the job combination overall setting screen 500 is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a document bundle reading setting screen in the transition of the operation screen at the time of job combination execution shown in FIG.

  The document bundle reading setting screen 600 includes a color selection button 601, a setting confirmation button 602, an equal magnification button 603, a magnification button 604, a paper selection button 605, various reading setting buttons 610, and other function buttons 611.

  A color selection button 601 is a button for setting a color mode at the time of reading. The color modes that can be selected include “automatic selection”, “full color”, and “monochrome”. The setting confirmation button 602 is a button for confirming the current setting content.

  An equal magnification button 603 is a button for setting the copy magnification to equal magnification (100%).

  A magnification button 604 is a button for setting an arbitrary copy magnification. A paper selection button 605 is a button for selecting a paper. When this button is pressed, paper cassette information is displayed, and a cassette for feeding output paper can be selected. Also, an automatic paper selection mode for automatically determining the output paper from the size of the original read by the scanner can be selected.

  In the document bundle reading setting screen 600, the contents that can be set by various reading setting button groups 610 are limited so as not to read a document that contradicts the overall setting.

  When various settings are made on the document bundle reading setting screen 600 and a start key (not shown) is pressed, the document bundle reading is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a document bundle reading execution screen in the operation screen transition at the time of job combination execution shown in FIG.

  The original bundle reading execution screen 700 includes a reading setting display unit 701 and a reading setting change button 702. A read setting change button 702 is used to change read settings such as read density adjustment, original type selection, and face original setting. When pressed, the screen changes to a screen for changing each setting.

  A bundle cancel button 710, a next bundle read execution button 711, and a bundle confirmation / combination button 712 are also provided.

  A bundle cancel button 710 is a button for setting not to register a read original as a job combination bundle. The next bundle read execution button 711 is a button for registering the read original as a job combination bundle and setting the reading of the next original bundle. A bundle confirmation / combination button 713 is a button for registering the read original as a job combination bundle and transitioning to the bundle confirmation / combination screen 800.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a bundle confirmation / combination screen in the operation screen transition at the time of job combination execution shown in FIG. The bundle confirmation / combination screen 800 includes a job combination overall setting confirmation button 801, a bundle list display unit 802, a selection release button 803, a detailed information display button 804, and a print number setting display unit 805. Further, a test print execution button 806, a box file addition button 807, a cover setting button 808, an insertion sheet setting button 809, a read original addition button 811, other operation buttons 810, a job combination stop button 820, and a print start button 821 are provided. .

The job combination overall setting confirmation button 801 is a button for confirming the overall setting. When the job combination overall setting confirmation button 801 is pressed, the job combination overall setting is displayed. (Not shown)
A bundle list display unit 802 displays a list of bundles (documents) to be combined with a job, and displays items such as type, document name, paper size, page, and date / time. The number displayed in the leftmost position on the list (outlined) represents the order of combination.

  A deselection button 803 is a button for deselecting all documents selected as a combination target.

  The detailed information display button 804 is a button for displaying detailed information after selecting each document displayed in the bundle list display unit 802. When the detailed information display button 804 is pressed, the screen changes to a detailed display screen (not shown).

A print number setting display unit 805 displays the set number of print copies. The number of copies to be printed can be input with numeric keys on the touch panel.

  A test print execution button 805 is a button for performing a test print. When the test print execution button 805 is pressed, a test print for printing only one copy is executed.

  Other operation buttons 810 are buttons for editing each document displayed in the bundle list display unit 802. When the other operation buttons 810 are pressed, an image display button, a page deletion button, and a bundle deletion button are continuously displayed (each not shown).

  An add box file button 807 is a button for adding a document stored by the box function as a document to be combined. When the add box file button 807 is pressed, the screen transitions to a box number designation screen and a box document designation screen (each not shown), and a document is added. The added document is displayed on the bundle list display unit 802.

  The add original document read button 811 is a button for reading and adding a document to be combined from a scanner. When an add reading document button 811 is pressed, the screen transitions to a document bundle reading setting screen 600, and when a scan is executed, a scanned document is added. The added document is displayed on the bundle list display unit 802.

The job combination cancel button 820 is a button for canceling job combination execution. When the job combination is canceled, all the documents displayed on the bundle list display unit 802 are deleted and the job combination is stopped. A print start button 821 is a button for executing job combination of the document selected on the bundle list display unit 802.

  The first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The following steps are executed by the CPU 111 of the MFP 101 as instructed.

  In step S1001, a user interface screen (UI screen: FIG. 4), which is an initial screen for the copy function, is displayed on the touch panel 118 of the MFP 101, and a job execution request for job combination is accepted.

  In step S1002, it is determined whether or not the “job combination” button on the UI screen (FIG. 4) has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether the “partition paper” button on the UI screen (FIG. 5) has been pressed. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1004. If it is not determined that the button has been pressed, the process advances to step S1006.

  In step S1004, it is determined whether an index sheet has been set as the partition sheet. If it is determined that it has been set, the process proceeds to S1005. If it is not determined that the setting has been made, the process advances to step S1021.

  In step S1005, the index sheet partition sheet mode is set to ON. This setting is stored in the RAM 112, which is a temporary storage device, and the process proceeds to S1021.

  In step S1021, the paper partition mode is set to ON. This setting is stored in the RAM 112, which is a temporary storage device, and the process proceeds to S1006.

  In step S1006, it is determined whether settings relating to the entire job have been completed. If it is determined that the process has been completed, the process proceeds to S1007.

  In step S1007, the original bundle reading setting is displayed on the touch panel 118 (FIG. 6), and an execution request for the original bundle reading setting is accepted.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether or not a start key that is a request for reading a bundle of documents has been pressed. If it is determined that the start key has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1009.

  In step S1009, based on the original bundle reading setting in step S1007, the original is read by the scanner 121 and stored in the storage device 120. When the reading is completed, the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In step S1010, the original bundle reading execution screen (FIG. 7) is displayed and an execution request is accepted.

  In step S1011, it is determined whether reading setting for the next original bundle is requested. If it is determined that the request has been made, the process returns to S1007 to proceed with the reading setting for the next bundle. If it is not determined that the setting for reading the next job bundle has been requested, the process advances to step S1012.

  In step S1012, it is determined whether a confirmation request for the read bundle has been instructed. If it is determined that it has been requested, the process proceeds to step S1013, and if it is not requested, the process returns to S1010.

  In step S1013, a bundle confirmation / combination screen (FIG. 8) is displayed and an execution request is accepted.

If it is determined in step S1014 that the start of printing has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S1015. Otherwise, the process returns to step S1013. In step S1015, it is determined whether the index sheet partition sheet mode is ON. If it is determined to be ON, the process proceeds to S1016. If it is not determined to be ON, the process proceeds to S1017.

  In step S1016, in order to insert the index sheet into the first page, the index sheet is fed from the partition sheet feeding destination set in step S1004, and is output to the discharge destination of the MFP 101 without printing on the index sheet.

  In step S 1017, the document bundle data stored in step S 1009 is read and output to the print 122.

  In step S1018, it is determined whether all the document bundle data stored in step S1009 has been read. If it is determined that all the document bundle data has been read, the process is terminated and all the document bundle data has been read. If not, the process proceeds to S1019.

  In step S1019, it is determined whether the partition sheet mode is ON. If it is determined that the partition paper mode is ON, the process proceeds to S1020. If it is not determined to be ON, the process returns to S1017.

  In step S1020, the paper is fed from the paper feed destination set in step S1004, and is not printed on the paper, but is output to the discharge destination of the MFP 101, and the process returns to step S1017.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an output example when the index sheet is set as the job combination partition sheet in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, a partition paper (index paper) 1120 is inserted at the head, a partition paper (index paper) 1121 is inserted between the output product 1111 and the output product 1112, and a partition paper is provided between the output product 1112 and the output product 1113. This indicates that (index paper) 1122 is inserted and a partition paper (index paper) 1123 is inserted between the output material 1113 and the output material 1114.

  So far, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the index sheet is inserted at the head when the index sheet is set as the partition sheet has been described. On the other hand, even when an index sheet is set as a partition sheet, the user may select whether or not to insert an index sheet at the head.

  For example, FIG. 12 shows a screen displayed after the index key is set and the OK key 902 is pressed on the partition paper setting screen of FIG. When “Yes” 1201 is selected on this screen, the index sheet partition sheet mode is turned ON in step S1015 shown in FIG. 10, and the index sheet is inserted at the head. On the other hand, if “NO” 1202 is selected, the index sheet partition sheet mode is turned OFF, and therefore, an operation is performed in which no index sheet is inserted at the head.

  In the screen (FIG. 10) that allows the user to select whether or not to insert an index sheet at the top, the number of index portions (ears) of the index sheet set as a partition sheet is smaller than the number of document bundles. It may be displayed only in the case. This is because an index sheet is automatically inserted at the top even if one set that is superimposed so that the position of the index portion is sequentially shifted is an appropriate number of sets when used as a partition between document bundles. This is to prevent a product unintended by the user from being generated.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. In the above-described embodiment, a specific example has been described in which an index sheet is set as a partition sheet in job combination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other partition sheets. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a partition paper process for partitioning an output product for each box data when a plurality of box data are selected, combined, and printed.

  By providing the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform index sheet setting on partition sheets while improving user workability and without error.

  In the present invention, a program for realizing each function of the above-described embodiments is supplied directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and a computer included in the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code. Can also be achieved. Accordingly, since the functions and processes of the present invention are implemented by a computer, the program code itself installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the computer program itself for realizing the functions and processes is also one aspect of the present invention.

101 MFP
110 System bus 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 Input control I / F
115 Display control I / F
116 Storage device I / F
117 Communication I / F Controller 118 Touch Panel 119 Display 120 Storage Device 121 Scanner 122 Printer

Claims (5)

An input means for inputting document data;
Storage means for storing document data input by the input means;
Print output means for performing print output based on a document data job stored in the storage means;
A combined job processing unit that combines a plurality of jobs into one job, causes the print output unit to print out, and inserts a partition sheet between the plurality of jobs;
A control unit that inserts an index sheet set as a partition sheet at the head of the job when an index sheet is set as a partition sheet during job execution by the combined job processing unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further allows a user to select whether or not to insert an index sheet set as a partition sheet at the head of a job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of jobs can be independently set for input by the input unit and print output by the print output unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit reads document paper to obtain document data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit obtains document data by receiving document data transmitted from a host computer that generates document data.