JP2020182144A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To automatically determine, in magnification consecutive shooting, whether to reduce the number of prints or prevent information deficiency.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus does not print a print margin area of a print sheet. In performing magnification consecutive shooting, a control unit creates magnified image data. The control unit determines a first division pattern for dividing the magnified image data. In a case where the width of an overlap when the magnified image data is divided in the first division pattern is equal to or less than a reference width, when determining that information deficiency occurs, the control unit divides the magnified image data in a second division pattern. When determining that information deficiency does not occur, the control unit divides the magnified image data in the first division pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that enlarges image data, divides the enlarged image data, and prints each of the divided areas on different papers.

The poster printing function may be made available in the image forming apparatus. The poster printing function is used to obtain a printed matter larger than the maximum size that can be printed by the image forming apparatus. In poster printing, the content of one page is divided into multiple parts. Enlarge and print each on a separate sheet of paper. Paste the paper after printing. As a result, a large-sized printed matter such as a poster can be obtained. An example of a technique related to poster printing is described in Patent Document 1.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, print data larger than the size of the paper to be recorded is recorded, the print data is divided into a plurality of recording media, and print data adjacent to each of the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the recording medium is recorded. A recording system that prints the index of is described. In the case of divided and enlarged printing, by adding a mark (index), it is possible to easily grasp the vertical and horizontal positions of each page even if the number of printed sheets is large (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0012]. ] Etc.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-040218

When printing is performed to the very edge of the paper, the members in the image forming apparatus are easily soiled with the coloring material. The coloring material is, for example, toner or ink. If the position of the paper shifts even a little, the coloring material that does not adhere to the paper stains the member. Coloring materials sprinkled on the plane may cause troubles such as breakdowns. Therefore, there is an image forming apparatus that prevents printing up to the edge of the paper. That is, a margin may be provided in the printed matter. The margin is the edge of a white background. In other words, there is an image forming apparatus that performs border printing.

Further, in the case of enlarged continuous shooting (poster printing), the content of one page is divided into a plurality of parts. Print each divided area on a separate sheet of paper. A plurality of sheets are pasted together to obtain one large printed matter. During magnified continuous shooting, the content of one page may be divided evenly. For example, consider the case where the size after bonding is A1 and the size of the printing paper is A3. The long side of A1 paper is twice the long side of A3 paper. Further, the short side of the A1 paper is twice the short side of the A3 paper. In this case, the content of one page is evenly divided into four, and magnified continuous shooting is printed using four sheets of A3 paper. When the large-sized printed matter and the printing paper to be obtained have the same size according to the same standard (for example, A-type paper or inch-type paper), the content of one page is often divided evenly.

When the content of one page is divided evenly, the divided areas do not overlap. On the other hand, as described above, the printed matter is provided with a margin. Even if there is some information (for example, characters or figures) in the margin portion on the image data, it is cut. No printing is done on the margin part. When the content of one page is evenly divided and enlarged continuous shooting is performed, there is a problem that the image in the margin portion may be cut and information may be lost. The information here is, for example, characters, figures, patterns, symbols, and tables. For example, when a printed matter of magnified continuous shooting is pasted together, some characters, figures, and patterns disappear.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, adjacent pages are easy to understand when they are pasted together. However, there is no description about information loss due to margin during extended continuous shooting. The technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention automatically determines whether to reduce the number of prints or prevent information loss during enlarged continuous shooting, and when printed matter is bonded, noticeable information loss occurs. Print magnified continuous shooting so that there is no such thing.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a reception unit, a printing unit, and a control unit. The reception unit receives a setting for performing enlarged continuous shooting, a designated size which is the size of the final object, and a setting for a size of printing paper used for printing in the enlarged continuous shooting. The printing unit prints on the printing paper. The control unit does not print the print margin area of the printing paper, and causes the printing unit to print outside the print margin area. The print margin area is an area from the edge of the printing paper to the inside by a predetermined margin width. When performing the enlarged continuous shooting, the control unit enlarges the image data of the original so as to have the set designated size to generate the enlarged image data. The control unit defines a first division pattern as a division pattern for dividing the enlarged image data in a division area having the same size as the printing paper. The first division pattern is a division pattern in which the division regions are arranged so that there is no gap between the division regions, and the number of the division regions is minimized. The control unit confirms whether or not the width of the margin when divided by the first division pattern is equal to or less than a predetermined reference width. When the width of the margin is equal to or less than the reference width, the control unit confirms the print margin area in each of the divided areas when the enlarged image data is divided by the first divided pattern, and information loss occurs. Determine if it occurs. When it is determined that the information loss occurs, the control unit determines a second division pattern as the division pattern. The control unit divides the enlarged image data according to the second division pattern, and causes the printing unit to print each of the divided areas on different printing papers. When it is determined that the information loss does not occur, the control unit divides the enlarged image data according to the first division pattern, and causes the printing unit to print each of the divided areas on different printing papers. The margin is an overlapping portion of the divided regions. The second division pattern is a division pattern in which the division area is increased as compared with the first division pattern and the width of the margin is made wider than the reference width. The reference width is wider than the margin width.

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine whether to reduce the number of prints or prevent information loss during continuous continuous shooting. When the printed matter is pasted together, the magnified continuous shooting can be printed so that there is no noticeable information loss.

It is a figure which shows an example of the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of setting of the magnifying continuous shooting function which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print margin area in the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing flow of the magnifying continuous shooting with the multifunction device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st division pattern which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the print margin area of each division area which concerns on embodiment. An example of a case where it is determined that no information loss occurs even if the enlarged continuous shooting is printed in the first division pattern according to the embodiment is shown. An example of setting the portrait pattern according to the embodiment is shown. An example of setting the landscape pattern according to the embodiment is shown.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the following, a multifunction device will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. The following elements such as the configuration and the arrangement described in the present embodiment do not limit the scope of the invention and are merely explanatory examples.

(Multifunction device 100)
The multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 2, an image reading unit 3, an operation panel 4 (corresponding to a reception unit), and a printing unit 5.

The control unit 1 controls the operation of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 1 controls operations in jobs such as copying and transmission. The control unit 1 includes a control circuit 10, an image processing circuit 11, an image data generation unit 12, and a communication unit 13 (corresponding to a reception unit). The control circuit 10 is, for example, a CPU. The control circuit 10 performs processing and calculation related to the job.

The image data generation unit 12 processes the analog image signal output by the image reading unit 3 after reading the document. Then, the image data generation unit 12 generates the scanned image data. The control unit 1 stores the generated scanned image data in the storage unit 2. The image data generation unit 12 includes, for example, a circuit that processes an analog image signal. The circuit that processes the analog image signal is, for example, an amplifier circuit, an offset circuit, and an A / D conversion circuit. The A / D conversion circuit converts the analog image signal adjusted by the amplifier circuit and the offset circuit into digital data (read image data). For example, the image data generation unit 12 generates gray (monochrome) scanned image data (may be color). For example, the image data generation unit 12 generates read image data of 8 to 10 bits per pixel.

Further, the image data generation unit 12 may include a correction circuit. The correction circuit corrects distortion caused by the characteristics of the image reading unit 3 (lamp, image sensor), for example. For example, the correction circuit includes a shading correction circuit. The shading correction circuit performs shading correction of the scanned image data.

The communication unit 13 includes communication hardware (communication circuit) and software. The communication unit 13 communicates with the computer 200. The computer 200 is, for example, a PC or a server. The operation panel 4 accepts the destination setting. At the time of the transmission job, the control unit 1 causes the communication unit 13 to transmit the output image data to the set destination (scan transmission). Further, the communication unit 13 receives print data from the computer 200 and the fax device 300. The print data includes, for example, data described in a page description language. The control unit 1 (image processing circuit 11) analyzes the data described in the page description language and generates image data. Based on the generated image data, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print (print job).

For example, the image processing circuit 11 is an ASIC. The image processing circuit 11 performs image processing of the scanned image data or the generated image data to generate output image data. The output image data is used for the job. Jobs include, for example, a print job and a send job.

The storage unit 2 includes a RAM, a ROM, and a storage. The storage is, for example, an HDD or SSD. The control unit 1 controls each unit based on the program and data of the storage unit 2.

The image reading unit 3 reads the original. The image reading unit 3 includes, for example, a platen (contact glass), a lamp, and an image sensor. When reading a document, the control unit 1 causes the lamp to irradiate the document set on the platen with light. The light reflected by the document is incident on the image sensor. The image sensor includes a plurality of light receiving elements. The image sensor reads the document. Each light receiving element outputs an analog image signal according to the amount of light received. The analog image signal is input to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 (image data generation unit 12) generates image data based on the input analog image signal.

The operation panel 4 accepts the user's settings. The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41, a touch panel 42, and a hard key 43. The control unit 1 displays a message or a setting screen on the display panel 41. The control unit 1 displays the operation image on the display panel 41. Operational images are, for example, buttons, keys, and tabs. Based on the output of the touch panel 42, the control unit 1 recognizes the operated operation image. The hard key 43 includes a start key and a numeric keypad. The touch panel 42 and the hard key 43 accept the user's setting operation (operation related to the job). For example, the operation panel 4 accepts settings related to reading a document. For example, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the document size to be read. The control unit 1 recognizes the setting contents based on the output of the operation panel 4.

The printing unit 5 includes a paper feeding unit 5a, a paper conveying unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, and a fixing unit 5d. The paper feed unit 5a includes a paper feed cassette and a paper feed roller. The paper cassette contains paper. The paper feed roller feeds out the paper. At the time of a print job, the control unit 1 supplies the paper to the paper feed unit 5a. The paper transport unit 5b includes a transport roller pair for paper transport and a transport motor. The transport roller pair transports the paper. The transfer motor rotates a pair of transfer rollers. The control unit 1 conveys the paper to the paper conveying unit 5b.

The image forming unit 5c includes, for example, a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer roller. Based on the output image data, the control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to form a toner image. The control unit 1 causes the image forming unit 5c to transfer the toner image to the transport paper. The fixing portion 5d includes a heater, a fixing rotating body, and a fixing motor. The heater heats the fixing roller. The paper is conveyed while being in contact with the fixing rotating body. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. The control unit 1 causes the fixing unit 5d to fix the transferred toner image on the paper. The paper transport unit 5b discharges the printed paper to the outside of the machine.

(Enlarged continuous shooting function)
Next, an example of the magnified continuous shooting function of the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting of the enlarged continuous shooting function according to the embodiment.

In the multifunction device 100, the magnifying continuous shooting function can be used. The magnified continuous shooting function is a function of printing on printing paper P smaller than the large-format printed matter to be obtained, and combining (pasting) the printed papers to obtain a large-format printed matter.

When the magnified continuous shooting function is used, the control unit 1 (image processing circuit 11) enlarges the acquired image data to generate the magnified image data 6. The control unit 1 generates the large-format enlarged image data 6 to be obtained. The control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 into a plurality of areas. In other words, the control unit 1 sets a plurality of divided regions 7 for the enlarged image data 6. The control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print each division area 7. The user pastes the printed matter together. For example, when a large poster (printed matter for posting) is desired, the enlarged continuous shooting function is used.

An example of the setting flow when the magnified continuous shooting function is used will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 describes an example of setting the enlarged continuous shooting function in the copy job. In other words, an example of a case where the original is read and printed by using the enlarged continuous shooting function will be described. In the case of a copy job for enlarged continuous shooting, the operation panel 4 functions as a reception unit.

The start of FIG. 2 is the time when the setting of the enlarged continuous shooting function is started. The operation panel 4 accepts an operation for displaying the setting screen of the enlarged continuous shooting function (step # 11). When the operation is performed, the control unit 1 displays the enlarged continuous shooting function setting screen on the display panel 41 (step # 12).

On the enlarged continuous shooting function setting screen, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the paper size of the paper (printing paper P) used for printing (step # 13). Based on this setting, the control unit 1 recognizes the size of the printing paper P (step # 14). In addition, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the orientation of the printing paper P (the orientation of the paper set in the paper feed unit 5a) according to the size setting. The operation panel 4 accepts the selection of either the long side portrait orientation (portrait) or the long side landscape orientation (landscape) as the orientation setting of the printing paper P. In the case of portrait, the paper transport direction and the short side of the printing paper P are parallel. In the case of landscape, the paper transport direction and the long side of the printing paper P are parallel. A paper sensor that detects the size and orientation of the paper loaded in the paper cassette of the paper feed unit 5a may be provided. The control unit 1 may recognize the orientation and size of the printing paper P based on the output of the paper sensor. In this case, step # 13 may be omitted.

Further, on the enlarged continuous shooting function setting screen, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the designated size (step # 15). The specified size is the size of the final object (the size of the large format paper that you want to obtain by bonding). For example, a specified size can be selected from the standard sizes. Based on this setting, the control unit 1 recognizes the size (designated size) of the final target object (step # 16).

The operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the orientation of the final target object according to the setting of the designated size. The operation panel 4 accepts the selection of either the long side portrait orientation (portrait) or the long side landscape orientation (landscape) as the orientation setting of the final object. In the case of portrait, the long side of the final object is oriented vertically. In the case of landscape, the long side of the final object is sideways.

Further, on the enlarged continuous shooting function setting screen, the operation panel 4 accepts the setting of the document size and the orientation (step # 17). Based on this setting, the control unit 1 recognizes the size and orientation of the set document (step # 18). Then, the setting of the enlarged continuous shooting function is completed (end). The control unit 1 may recognize the set document size and orientation based on the outputs of the sensor that detects the document size and the sensor that detects the orientation. In this case, step # 17 may be omitted.

After setting the enlarged continuous shooting function, the user gives an instruction to start execution of the copy job. The operation panel 4 receives an instruction to start execution of the copy job. Based on this instruction, the control unit 1 starts the execution control of the copy job.

It should be noted that the print job may also be capable of enlarged continuous shooting. In other words, magnified continuous shooting may be performed based on the print data transmitted from the computer 200. In this case, the communication unit 13 functions as a reception unit.

Specifically, the computer 200 displays the enlarged continuous shooting function setting screen on the display of the computer 200. Then, the input device of the computer 200 accepts the settings of step # 13, step # 15, and step # 17. The input device is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The computer 200 includes data indicating that the enlarged continuous shooting function is used and data indicating the settings of step # 13, step # 15, and step # 17 in the printing data for transmission. Based on each data included in the received print data, the control unit 1 performs magnified continuous shooting printing, recognizes the size and orientation of the final object, the size and orientation of the printing paper P, and the original size and orientation. ..

(Print margin area M1)
Next, an example of the print margin area M1 in the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the print margin area M1 in the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment.

The control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print. At the time of printing, the control unit 1 does not put the color material (toner) on the print margin area M1 of the printing paper P. The control unit 1 does not allow the print unit 5 to print on the print margin area M1. On the other hand, at the time of printing, the control unit 1 puts a coloring material (toner) on the printing area M2 of the printing paper P. The print area M2 is an area of the printing paper P that is not the print margin area M1. That is, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print on the area outside the printing margin area M1 of the printing paper P.

FIG. 3 shows an example of printing paper P. The print margin area M1 is an area from the edge of the printing paper P to the inside by the margin width W0. As shown in FIG. 3, the print margin area M1 has a square shape. The margin width W0 is predetermined. For example, the margin width W0 is about 3 to 5 mm. When printing to the very limit of the printing paper P, the coloring material (toner) adheres to the members in the machine even if the position of the printing paper P is slightly displaced. If the amount of toner adhering to the members in the machine increases, a failure or image quality abnormality may occur. Therefore, the multifunction device 100 does not print on the print margin area M1 of the printing paper P.

The control unit 1 (image processing circuit 11) processes the image data so as not to print in the print margin area M1. The control unit 1 replaces the pixel value of the pixel corresponding to the print margin area M1 in the image data with a value indicating pure white.

(Printing flow of enlarged continuous shooting)
Next, an example of the flow of printing of magnified continuous shooting on the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printing flow of magnified continuous shooting on the multifunction device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first partition pattern according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the print margin area M1 of each divided area 7 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an example of a case where it is determined that no information loss occurs even if the magnified continuous shooting is printed in the first division pattern according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of setting the portrait pattern according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example of setting the landscape pattern according to the embodiment.

For example, the control circuit 10 of the control unit 1 performs the process shown in FIG. The start of FIG. 4 is the time when the printing of the enlarged continuous shooting is started. In the case of the enlarged continuous shooting copy job, the operation panel 4 receives the execution start instruction of the copy job. In the case of the enlarged continuous shooting print job, it is the time when the communication unit 13 receives the printing data using the enlarged continuous shooting function.

First, the control unit 1 acquires the image data of the original (step # 21). In the case of a copy job for enlarged continuous shooting, the control unit 1 causes the image reading unit 3 to read the set document. Based on the reading of the image reading unit 3, the control unit 1 (image data generation unit 12) generates image data of the original. In the case of a print job for magnified continuous shooting, the control unit 1 (image processing circuit 11) generates image data of the original from the received print data.

Next, the control unit 1 (image processing circuit 11) generates the enlarged image data 6 (step # 22). Specifically, the control unit 1 enlarges the image data of the original. The control unit 1 obtains the enlargement ratio. The control unit 1 obtains an enlargement ratio based on the ratio of the set original size and the size (designated size) of the final object. For example, when the document size is A3 and the designated size is A1, or when the document size is Ledger and the designated size is 22 × 34 inches, the control unit 1 obtains an enlargement ratio of 200%. The control unit 1 enlarges the image data of the original document at the obtained enlargement ratio, and generates the enlarged image data 6. The control unit 1 enlarges the image data of the original so as to have a designated size and generates the enlarged image data 6.

Next, the control unit 1 determines the first division pattern (step # 23). The division pattern is a pattern in which the enlarged image data 6 is divided in the division area 7. In the division of the enlarged image data 6, the division areas 7 are arranged so that there is no gap between the division area 7 and the division area 7.

The division area 7 has the same size as the printing paper P. The division area 7 is rectangular. There are two types of orientations of the division region 7: portrait (long side portrait) and landscape (long side landscape). The first division pattern is a division pattern having the smallest number of division regions 7. In the magnified continuous shooting, the contents of each divided area 7 are printed on another sheet. Therefore, the smaller the divided area 7, the smaller the number of printing papers P consumed. Therefore, it can be said that the first division pattern is a division pattern in which the number of printed sheets is the smallest.

For example, the storage unit 2 non-volatiles the pattern definition data 21 in which the first division pattern is determined for each combination of the orientation of the print paper P that can be specified, the orientation of the size and the final object that can be specified, and the size (designated size). Memorize. In the pattern definition data 21, the orientation of the divided area 7 and the arrangement of the divided areas 7 (how to divide the enlarged image data 6) are defined for each type of the designated size. With reference to the pattern definition data 21, the control unit 1 determines the first division pattern.

An example of the first partition pattern will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of the first division pattern when the printing paper P is A3 size and the size (designated size) of the final object is A1 size. In the first division pattern, the number of division areas 7 (A3 size) is four. Since the A-type paper is enlarged to the A-type paper, the division areas 7 are arranged without overlapping in the first division pattern of FIG.

The uppermost divided area 7 of the divided areas 7 is arranged so as to overlap the upper end side and the upper side of the enlarged image data 6. The lowermost divided area 7 of the divided areas 7 is arranged so as to overlap the lower end side and the lower side of the enlarged image data 6. The leftmost divided area 7 of the divided areas 7 is arranged so as to overlap the left end side and the left side of the enlarged image data 6. The rightmost divided area 7 of the divided areas 7 is arranged so as to overlap the right end side and the right side of the enlarged image data 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the divided regions 7 do not overlap, there is no overlapping portion (glue 8) of the divided regions 7. When the divided areas 7 overlap, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print the same contents (image) in the overlapping portion (glue 8). In other words, in the printed matter of the adjacent divided area 7, the printed content of the margin 8 is the same (excluding the print margin area M1). For example, when the print contents of the margin 8 of two sheets are the same, the margin 8 of one of the papers may be cut off when the paper is pasted. The print margin area M1 needs to be cut off.

When the size of the printing paper P is A3 and the size of the final object (designated size) is A1 (when the area is quadrupled), the size of the divided area 7 is defined as A3 size. Further, the orientation of the division region 7 is defined as the same orientation as the orientation of the final object. When the orientation of the final object is portrait, the orientation of the divided region 7 is also defined as portrait. When the orientation of the final object is a landscape, the orientation of the divided region 7 is defined as a landscape. When the long side of the size of the printing paper P and the long side of the final target object are integral multiples, the orientation of the final target object and the orientation of the divided region 7 are the same.

When the area is quadrupled, when the size of the printing paper P is A4 and the size of the final object (specified size) is A2, the size of the printing paper P is the letter size and the final object is 17 × 22 inches. In some cases, the size of the printing paper P is the Letter size and the final object is 22 × 34 inches.

When the size of the printing paper P is A3 and the size of the final object (designated size) is A2 (when the area is doubled), the size of the division area 7 is defined as A3 size. Further, the orientation of the division region 7 is defined as an orientation different from the orientation of the final object by 90 degrees. When the orientation of the final object is a portrait, the orientation of the divided region 7 is defined as a landscape. When the orientation of the final object is a landscape, the orientation of the divided region 7 is defined as a portrait. The division area 7 is arranged so that the enlarged image data 6 is divided into two in the division area 7. When the long side of the size of the printing paper P is an integral multiple of the short side of the final target object, the orientation of the final target object and the orientation of the divided region 7 may differ by 90 degrees.

In the case of doubling the area, when the size of the printing paper P is A4 and the final object is A3, when the size of the printing paper P is the letter size and the final object is the Ledger size, the size of the printing paper P is There are cases where the final target is 17 x 22 inches in Ledger size.

The enlarged continuous shooting is not limited to the case where the area of the final object is an integral multiple of the area of the printing paper P. A first division pattern is defined for each combination of the selectable printing paper P and the selectable final object. Depending on the combination of the selected printing paper P and the selected final object, the overlapping portion (glue 8) of the divided region 7 may not be zero.

After determining the first division pattern (after step # 23), the control unit 1 confirms whether or not the width of the margin 8 when divided by the first division pattern is equal to or less than the predetermined reference width 22. (Step # 24). The width of the margin 8 is the width in the direction in which the divided regions 7 are adjacent to each other. In the portion where the divided regions 7 overlap in the vertical direction (vertical direction), the width of the margin 8 is the vertical width of the overlapping portion. In the portion where the divided regions 7 overlap in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction), the width of the margin 8 is the width of the overlapping portion in the horizontal direction. When the area of the final object is an integral multiple of the area of the printing paper P, the width of the margin 8 is zero.

The reference width 22 is predetermined. The storage unit 2 non-volatilely stores the reference width 22. The reference width 22 is wider than the margin width W0. For example, when the margin width W0 is 5 mm, the reference width 22 can be 10 mm. When the margin width W0 is changed, the control unit 1 changes the reference width 22 so as to be wider than the changed margin width W0.

When there is a margin 8 whose width is 22 or less as the reference width (Yes in step # 24), the control unit 1 confirms the print margin area M1 of each division area 7 when the enlarged image data 6 is performed in the first division pattern. (Step # 25). FIG. 6 shows a case where the printing paper P is A3 size and the size (designated size) of the final object is A1. In FIG. 6, the print margin area M1 of each division area 7 is shaded.

Then, the control unit 1 determines whether or not information loss occurs when the magnified continuous shooting is performed in the first division pattern (step # 26). Here, the concentration determination range 23 is predetermined in order to determine whether or not information loss occurs. The storage unit 2 non-volatilely stores the concentration determination range 23.

The density determination range 23 is a range of pixel values regarded as white. In other words, the density determination range 23 is a range of pixel values regarded as low density pixels. In general, information such as characters, figures, patterns, and tables is drawn by high-density pixels. If there are no high-density pixels in the print margin area M1 of each division area 7, there are no high-density pixels that are converted to white in order to secure the margin. If the number of high-density pixels in the print margin area M1 of each division area 7 is small, it is considered that less information is lost even if the image is converted to white.

The control unit 1 obtains the number of pixels of pixels (high-density pixels) whose pixel values are outside the density determination range 23, which are pixels included in the entire print margin area M1 of each division area 7. When the obtained number of pixels exceeds a predetermined upper limit value 24, the control unit 1 determines that information loss occurs. On the other hand, when the obtained number of pixels is 24 or less, the control unit 1 determines that no information loss occurs.

The storage unit 2 non-volatilely stores the upper limit value 24. The operation panel 4 may accept the setting of the upper limit value 24. In this case, the control unit 1 determines using the set upper limit value 24. The upper limit value 24 is larger than 0. The upper limit value 24 can be a value in consideration of dirt on the platen. For example, the upper limit value 24 can be any value within the range of 0 to several tens of dots. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the control unit 1 determines that information loss occurs.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows an example in which it is determined that no information loss occurs even if the magnified continuous shooting is printed in the first division pattern. As shown in FIG. 7, when the information (characters, figures, patterns, symbols) does not overlap the print margin area M1 of each division area 7, the control unit 1 determines that no information loss occurs.

When the width of the margin 8 exceeds the reference width 22 (No in step # 24), or when it is determined that no information loss occurs even if the magnified continuous shooting is performed in the first partition pattern (No in step # 26). ), The control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 by the first division pattern (step # 27). Then, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print each divided area 7 on different printing papers P (step # 28).

On the other hand, when it is determined that information loss occurs when the magnified continuous shooting is performed in the second division pattern (Yes in step # 26), the control unit 1 determines the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern (step # 29). Then, the control unit 1 defines the pattern having the smaller number of division areas 7 among the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern as the second division pattern (step # 210). The second division pattern is a division pattern in which the number of division areas 7 (printing paper P) is increased as compared with the first division pattern. The second division pattern is a division pattern in which the width of the margin 8 is wider than that of the first division pattern.

An example of how to determine the portrait pattern will be described with reference to FIG. An example of how to determine the landscape pattern will be described with reference to FIG. In the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the size of the printing paper P (divided area 7) is A3 size, and the size of the final object (designated size) is A1 size. Further, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the overlapping portion (glue 8) of the divided region 7 is shaded. Further, in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the divided regions 7 is marked with a hyphen connecting a number indicating a row and a number indicating a column.

The portrait pattern is a pattern in which the enlarged image data 6 is divided in the portrait (long side portrait) division area 7. The landscape pattern is a pattern in which the enlarged image data 6 is divided in the division area 7 of the landscape (horizontal long side). In any of the patterns, the size of the divided region 7 is a size corresponding to the printing paper P.

FIG. 8 shows an example of setting the portrait pattern. In the case of the portrait pattern, the orientation of the division area 7 is the portrait. Then, based on the following (Equation 1), the control unit 1 obtains the number of arrays of the vertical division region 7 in the portrait pattern so that the width of the vertical margin 8 exceeds the reference width 22. In (Equation 1), the total of the total lengths of the long sides of the vertically arranged divided regions 7 and the value obtained by multiplying the number of vertical margins 8 by the reference width 22 is the total in the vertical direction of the final object. This is an equation for finding a positive integer m that is larger than the width of.
(Equation 1) A1 <B1 × m + C (m-1)
A1 = Vertical width of final object B1 = Length of long side of division area 7 (printing paper P) C = Reference width 22
The control unit 1 obtains the minimum value among m satisfying (Equation 1).

Further, in the case of the portrait pattern, the control unit 1 determines the lateral division region 7 in the portrait pattern based on the following (Equation 2) so that the width of the lateral margin 8 exceeds the reference width 22. Find the number of sequences. In (Equation 2), the sum of the total length of the short sides of the divided regions 7 arranged in the horizontal direction and the value obtained by multiplying the number of margins 8 in the horizontal direction by the reference width 22 is the horizontal of the final object. This is an equation for finding a positive integer n that is larger than the width in the direction.
(Equation 2) A2 <B2 × n + C (n-1)
A2 = Width of the final object in the horizontal direction B2 = Length of the short side of the division area 7 (printing paper P) C = Reference width 22
The control unit 1 obtains the minimum value among n satisfying (Equation 2).

Then, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 in the division area 7 in which m rows are arranged in the vertical direction and n columns are arranged in the horizontal direction. In this case, the control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 on the first row so that the upper end of the divided area 7 and the upper end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 on the m-th row so that the lower end of the divided area 7 and the lower end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row so that the end of the divided area 7 and the left end of the large image data coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the division area 7 in the nth column so that the end of the division area 7 and the right end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other.

Further, the control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row and the first column so that the upper left corner of the divided area 7 and the upper left corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first column of m rows so that the lower left corner of the divided area 7 and the lower left corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row and nth column so that the upper right corner of the divided area 7 and the upper right corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the mth row and nth column so that the lower right corner of the divided area 7 and the lower right corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other.

Further, the control unit 1 arranges the divided regions 7 so that the widths of the respective margins 8 in the vertical direction are the same in the vertically adjacent divided regions 7. The control unit 1 arranges the divided regions 7 so that the widths of the respective margins 8 in the lateral direction are equal in the divided regions 7 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the size of the printing paper P (divided area 7) is A3 size and the final target object is A1 size, m in the portrait pattern is 3 (m = 3). Further, n is also 3 (n = 3). In this case, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 into nine (3 × 3) division areas 7. In FIG. 8, each divided region 7 is shaded differently. The portion where the divided regions 7 overlap (the portion where the shading overlaps in FIG. 8) becomes the margin 8. Since the margin 8 is set to the reference width 22 or more, even if the print margin area M1 contains information, there is no missing information.

Next, the setting of the landscape pattern will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the landscape pattern, the orientation of the divided region 7 is the landscape. Then, based on the following (Equation 3), the control unit 1 obtains the number of arrangements of the vertical division regions 7 in the landscape pattern so that the width of the vertical margin 8 exceeds the reference width 22. In (Equation 3), the total of the total lengths of the short sides of the vertically arranged division areas 7 (printing paper P) and the value obtained by multiplying the number of vertical margins 8 and the reference width 22 is the final This is an equation for finding a positive integer p that is larger than the vertical width of the target object.
(Equation 3) A1 <B2 × p + C (p-1)
A1 = Vertical width of final object B2 = Short side length of division area 7 (printing paper P) C = Reference width 22
The control unit 1 obtains the minimum value of p that satisfies (Equation 3).

Further, in the case of the landscape pattern, the control unit 1 has the number of arrangements of the horizontal division regions 7 in the landscape pattern based on the following (Equation 4) so that the width of the lateral margin 8 exceeds the reference width 22. Ask for. In (Equation 4), the total of the total lengths of the long sides of the divided regions 7 arranged in the horizontal direction, the number of margins 8 in the horizontal direction, and the value obtained by multiplying the reference width 22 is the total in the horizontal direction of the final object. This is an equation for finding a positive integer q that is larger than the width.
(Equation 4) A2 <B1 × q + C (q-1)
A2 = Horizontal width of the final object B1 = Length of the long side of the division area 7 (printing paper P) C = Reference width 22
The control unit 1 obtains the minimum value among qs satisfying (Equation 4).

Then, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 in the division area 7 in which p rows are arranged in the vertical direction and q columns are arranged in the horizontal direction. In this case, the control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 on the first row so that the upper end of the divided area 7 and the upper end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 on the p-th row so that the lower end of the divided area 7 and the lower end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row so that the end of the divided area 7 and the left end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the qth column so that the end of the divided area 7 and the right end of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other.

Further, the control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row and the first column so that the upper left corner of the divided area 7 and the upper left corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first column of the p-row so that the lower left corner of the divided area 7 and the lower left corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the first row and qth column so that the upper right corner of the divided area 7 and the upper right corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other. The control unit 1 arranges the divided area 7 in the p-th row and q-th column so that the lower right corner of the divided area 7 and the lower right corner of the enlarged image data 6 coincide with each other.

Further, the control unit 1 arranges the divided regions 7 so that the widths of the respective margins 8 in the vertical direction are the same in the vertically adjacent divided regions 7. The control unit 1 arranges the divided regions 7 so that the widths of the respective margins 8 in the lateral direction are equal in the divided regions 7 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the size of the printing paper P (divided area 7) is A3 size and the final target object is A1 size, p in the landscape pattern is 2 (p = 2). Further, q becomes 3 (q = 3). In this case, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 into six (2 × 3) division areas 7. In FIG. 9, each divided region 7 is shaded differently. The portion where the divided regions 7 overlap (the portion where the shading overlaps in FIG. 8) becomes the margin 8. Since the margin 8 is set to the reference width 22 or more, even if the print margin area M1 contains information, there is no missing information.

The control unit 1 sets the pattern having the smaller number of division areas 7 as the second division pattern among the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern (step # 210). When the number of division areas 7 is smaller in the portrait pattern, the control unit 1 sets the portrait pattern as the second division pattern. When the number of the division areas 7 is smaller in the landscape pattern, the control unit 1 sets the landscape pattern as the second division pattern.

Then, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 according to the determined second division pattern (step # 211). Then, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print each divided area 7 on different printing papers P (step # 212 → end).

In this way, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) according to the embodiment includes a reception unit (operation panel 4, communication unit 13), a printing unit 5, and a control unit 1 (control circuit 10, image processing circuit 11). .. The reception unit accepts a setting for performing enlarged continuous shooting, a designated size which is the size of the final object, and a setting for the size of the printing paper P used for printing in the enlarged continuous shooting. The printing unit 5 prints on the printing paper P. The control unit 1 does not print the print margin area M1 of the printing paper P, and causes the printing unit 5 to print outside the print margin area M1. The print margin area M1 is an area from the edge of the printing paper P to the inside by a predetermined margin width W0. When performing magnified continuous shooting, the control unit 1 enlarges the image data of the original so as to have a set designated size to generate the magnified image data 6. The control unit 1 determines a first division pattern as a division pattern for dividing the enlarged image data 6 in the division area 7 having the same size as the printing paper P. The first division pattern is a division pattern in which the division areas 7 are arranged so that there is no gap between the division areas 7, and the number of the division areas 7 is minimized. The control unit 1 confirms whether or not the width of the margin 8 when divided by the first division pattern is equal to or less than a predetermined reference width 22. When the width of the margin 8 is 22 or less as the reference width, the control unit 1 confirms the print margin area M1 in each division area 7 when the enlarged image data 6 is divided by the first division pattern, and information loss occurs. Judge whether or not. When it is determined that information loss occurs, the control unit 1 determines a second division pattern as the division pattern. The control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 by the second division pattern, and causes the printing unit 5 to print each divided area 7 on different printing papers P. When it is determined that no information loss occurs, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 by the first division pattern, and causes the printing unit 5 to print each divided area 7 on different printing papers P. The margin 8 is an overlapping portion of the divided region 7. The second division pattern is a division pattern in which the division area 7 is increased as compared with the first division pattern and the width of the margin 8 is made wider than the reference width 22. The reference width 22 is wider than the margin width W0.

According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not information such as characters and figures is lost when enlarged continuous shooting is performed with a small number of prints (in the first division pattern). When it is determined that information loss occurs, magnified continuous shooting is performed in a divided pattern (second divided pattern) in which a margin 8 having a reference width of 22 or more is printed. When the printed matter of magnified continuous shooting is pasted together, it is possible to obtain a large-format printed matter without lack of information. If it can be determined that no information loss occurs even if printing is performed with the first division pattern, enlarged continuous shooting is performed with the first division pattern. The number of sheets of paper used for magnified continuous shooting can be minimized. Even if the printed matter of magnified continuous shooting is pasted together, it is possible to obtain a large-format printed matter in which the lack of information is not noticeable (inconspicuous). It is possible to automatically determine whether to print the enlarged continuous shooting based on the first division pattern or to print the enlarged continuous shooting based on the second division pattern.

When determining the second division pattern, the control unit 1 divides the enlarged image data 6 in the landscape division area 7 into a portrait pattern and a pattern in which the enlarged image data 6 is divided in the landscape division area 7. Define a landscape pattern. The control unit 1 defines the pattern having the smaller number of division areas 7 as the second division pattern among the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern. The second division pattern can be determined so that the number of printing papers P used in the magnified continuous shooting is reduced. Even when performing magnified continuous shooting based on the second division pattern, the number of sheets of paper used can be minimized.

When determining the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern, the control unit 1 sets the minimum value as the number of arrangements of the division region 7 in the horizontal direction among the number of arrangements in which the width of the margin 8 in the horizontal direction is wider than the reference width 22. .. The control unit 1 sets the minimum value as the number of arrangements of the division region 7 in the vertical direction among the number of arrangements in which the width of the margin 8 in the vertical direction is wider than the reference width 22. The number of prints in the second division pattern can be reduced as much as possible.

When the area of the final object is an integral multiple of the area of the printing paper P, the control unit 1 determines a first division pattern arranged so that there is no gap between the division areas 7 and the division areas 7 do not overlap. The first division pattern can be determined so that the number of prints in the enlarged continuous shooting is minimized.

The control unit 1 obtains the number of pixels of the pixels included in the entire print margin area M1 of each division area 7 in the first division pattern and whose pixel value is outside the predetermined density determination range 23. When the obtained number of pixels exceeds the predetermined upper limit value 24, the control unit 1 determines that information loss occurs. When the obtained number of pixels is 24 or less, the control unit 1 determines that no information loss occurs. In general, parts that convey information such as characters, patterns, figures, and tables are drawn using high-density pixels. According to this configuration, it can be determined that information loss occurs when high-density pixels are present outside the range regarded as blank.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus.

100 Multifunction device (image forming device) 1 Control unit 10 Control circuit 11 Image processing circuit 13 Communication unit (reception unit) 22 Reference width 23 Density judgment range 24 Upper limit value 4 Operation panel (reception unit) 5 Printing unit 6 Enlarged image data 7 Divided area 8 margin M1 print margin area

Claims (5)

A reception unit that accepts settings for magnified continuous shooting, a specified size that is the size of the final object, and a size of printing paper used for printing in the magnified continuous shooting.
A printing unit that prints on the printing paper,
It is provided with a control unit that causes the printing unit to print outside the printing margin area without printing the printing margin area of the printing paper.
The print margin area is an area from the edge of the printing paper to the inside by a predetermined margin width.
When performing the enlarged continuous shooting
The control unit
The image data of the original is enlarged to generate the enlarged image data so as to have the specified size set.
A first division pattern is defined as a division pattern for dividing the enlarged image data in a division area having the same size as the printing paper.
The first division pattern is a division pattern in which the division regions are arranged so that there is no gap between the division regions and the number of the division regions is minimized.
The control unit
It is confirmed whether or not the width of the margin when divided by the first division pattern is equal to or less than a predetermined reference width.
When the width of the margin is equal to or less than the reference width, the print margin area in each of the divided areas when the enlarged image data is divided by the first division pattern is confirmed to determine whether or not information loss occurs. Judge,
When it is determined that the information loss occurs, a second division pattern is defined as the division pattern.
The enlarged image data is divided by the second division pattern, and the printing unit is made to print each of the divided areas on different printing papers.
When it is determined that the information loss does not occur, the enlarged image data is divided by the first division pattern, and the printing unit is made to print each of the divided areas on different printing papers.
The margin is an overlapping portion of the divided regions.
The second division pattern is a division pattern in which the division area is increased as compared with the first division pattern and the width of the margin is made wider than the reference width.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the reference width is wider than the margin width. When determining the second division pattern
The control unit
A portrait pattern, which is a pattern for dividing the enlarged image data in the divided area of the portrait, and a landscape pattern, which is a pattern for dividing the enlarged image data in the divided area of the landscape, are defined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern having the smaller division area among the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern is defined as the second division pattern. When defining the portrait pattern and the landscape pattern
The control unit
Of the number of arrays in which the width of the margin in the lateral direction is wider than the reference width, the minimum value is the number of arrays in the divided region in the lateral direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the minimum value among the number of arrays in which the width of the margin in the vertical direction is wider than the reference width is the number of arrays in the divided region in the vertical direction. When the area of the final object is an integral multiple of the area of the printing paper
The first division pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines the first division pattern arranged so that there is no gap between the division regions and the division regions do not overlap. Image forming device. The control unit
The number of pixels of the pixels included in the entire print margin area of each division area in the first division pattern and whose pixel value is outside the predetermined density determination range is obtained.
When the obtained number of pixels exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, it is determined that the information loss occurs, and it is determined.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the obtained number of pixels is equal to or less than the upper limit value, it is determined that the information loss does not occur.

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