JP2022155120A - Image formation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To efficiently utilize a sheet by changing aggregation setting set to image data.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus (100) comprises: a setting determination unit (112) which determines page allocation setting of page data allocated to a sheet in image data including one or more pages of page data; an acquisition unit (114) which acquires the number of pages of the image data; a setting change unit (116) which changes aggregation setting of the image data to another setting based on the number of pages when the setting determination unit (112) determines that the aggregation setting is set to the image data; and an image formation unit (140) which forms an image on the sheet according to the image data based on the setting changed by the setting determination unit (116).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and program.

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium such as paper is used for various purposes. Conventionally, it has been known to form an image by aggregating images of a plurality of page data on one sheet. By forming images of a plurality of page data on one sheet, sheet consumption can be suppressed.

When page data is laid out sequentially on sheets, page data may be laid out on sheets against the user's intention. For this reason, it is being studied to lay out page data on sheets according to the user's intention (see Patent Document 1). In the print setting change system of Patent Document 1, when an authenticated user selects a plurality of print data, the print data settings are set to the largest page allocation number and the print data pages are combined.

JP-A-2006-260383

In the print setting change system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user can select page data and allocate it to sheets. However, in the print setting change system of Patent Document 1, the setting is not changed according to the image data, so the margin of the sheet becomes large and the sheet cannot be used efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program capable of efficiently using sheets by changing the aggregation setting set for image data.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a setting determining unit that determines a page allocation setting of page data assigned to a sheet in image data including page data of one or more pages; and acquires the number of pages of the image data. and a setting changing unit for changing the aggregation setting of the image data to another setting based on the number of pages when the setting determination unit determines that the aggregation setting is set for the image data. and an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet according to the image data based on the setting changed by the setting changing section.

A program according to the present invention includes an allocation setting determining step of determining a page allocation setting of page data allocated to a sheet in image data including page data of one or more pages, and acquiring the number of pages of the image data. an acquisition step; and a setting change step of changing the aggregation setting of the image data to another setting based on the number of pages when it is determined in the allocation setting determination step that the aggregation setting is set for the image data. and forming an image on a sheet according to the image data based on the setting changed in the setting changing step.

According to the present invention, sheets can be used efficiently by changing the aggregation setting set for image data.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the standard setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, (b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the aggregate setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, (c) is a schematic diagram for explaining a change in page allocation setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. 2 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the standard setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the double-sided setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the double-sided combination setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and (b) and (c) are for explaining the change of the page allocation setting in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for doing. 2 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system including an information processing device having a program according to an embodiment; FIG.

Embodiments of an image forming apparatus and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

First, an image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. Image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a printer, a copier, or a multifunction machine. Image forming apparatus 100 may have a facsimile function. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may be an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

Image forming apparatus 100 includes control unit 110 , storage unit 120 , conveying unit 130 , image forming unit 140 , display unit 150 , input unit 160 , and communication unit 170 . Control unit 110 controls storage unit 120 , image forming unit 140 , display unit 150 , input unit 160 and communication unit 170 .

Control unit 110 includes an arithmetic element. Arithmetic elements include processors. In one example, the processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Storage unit 120 stores data and computer programs. Storage unit 120 includes a storage element. The storage unit 120 includes a main memory element such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary memory element such as a semiconductor memory and/or a hard disk drive. Storage unit 120 may include removable media. The processor of control unit 110 executes a computer program stored in the storage element of storage unit 120 to control each component of image forming apparatus 100 .

For example, a computer program is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer readable storage media include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, or optical data storage devices.

The storage unit 120 stores image data GD representing an image. The image data GD includes page data of one or more pages. Page data indicates an image separated for each page.

The conveying unit 130 conveys the sheet S. As shown in FIG. Conveying section 130 conveys sheet S to image forming section 140 . Further, after the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S, the conveying section 130 conveys the sheet S. FIG.

The image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S according to the image data GD. The image forming section 140 may form an image on the sheet S using toner. Alternatively, the image forming section 140 may form an image on the sheet S with ink.

The display unit 150 displays an image according to the image data GD. Therefore, before the image forming unit 140 forms an image on the sheet S, the operator of the image forming apparatus 100 can visually recognize the image data.

The display unit 150 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or a plasma display.

The input unit 160 inputs an operator's instruction. The operator can operate the screen displayed on the display unit 150 using the input unit 160 . The user can operate the screen displayed on the display unit 150 using the input unit 160 .

The input unit 160 includes buttons or a keyboard. Alternatively, input unit 160 may include a touch sensor. The display unit 150 and the input unit 160 may be integrated touch panels.

The communication unit 170 communicates with external devices. For example, the communication unit 170 receives image data from an external device.

The storage unit 120 stores a program 122 for changing page allocation settings for the image data GD. Program 122 may be stored as firmware. By executing the program 122 , the control unit 110 functions as a setting determination unit 112 , an acquisition unit 114 and a setting change unit 116 . Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a setting determination unit 112 , an acquisition unit 114 , and a setting change unit 116 .

The setting determination unit 112 determines the page allocation settings set for the image data GD. Page allocation settings are set for the image data. The image forming unit 140 forms an image of the page data D included in the image data on the sheet S according to the page allocation setting set in the image data.

Page allocation settings include standard settings and aggregation settings. When the image data is set to the standard setting, the image forming section 140 forms an image on one sheet S according to the page data of one page. When the image data is set to the aggregation setting, the image forming unit 140 aggregates and forms the images of the page data on one sheet S according to the page data of a plurality of pages.

Note that the page allocation setting may include single-sided setting and double-sided setting in addition to standard setting and aggregate setting. When the image data is set to single-sided setting, the image forming section 140 forms an image on one side of one sheet S according to the page data. When the image data is set to double-sided setting, the image forming section 140 forms images on both sides of one sheet S according to the page data. Note that the one-sided setting and the two-sided setting may be set in combination with the standard setting and the aggregate setting. In this case, the page allocation setting may be any one of standard setting, single-sided aggregation setting, double-sided aggregation setting, and double-sided setting (double-sided non-aggregation setting).

The setting determination unit 112 can determine whether or not an aggregation setting is set for allocating two or more page data D of the image data GD including one or more pages of page data D to the sheet S. .

The obtaining unit 114 obtains the number of pages of the image data GD. Here, the image data GD includes page data of one or more pages. The obtaining unit 114 obtains the number of pages from the image data GD.

When the setting determined by the setting determination unit 112 is the aggregation setting, the setting changing unit 116 changes the aggregation setting set for the image data GD to another setting based on the number of pages of the image data GD. After that, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet according to the image data based on the determination result of the setting changing section 116 .

According to the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the sheet S can be efficiently used by changing the aggregation setting set in the image data GD.

Next, an example of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 is electrophotographic.

The transport unit 130 has a feeding unit 132 , transport rollers 134 and a discharge tray 136 .

The feeding section 132 accommodates a plurality of sheets S. As shown in FIG. The sheet S is, for example, paper. The feeding unit 132 feeds the sheet S to the conveying roller. The conveying roller conveys the sheet S to the image forming portion 140 . The transport rollers include multiple transport rollers.

Toner containers Ca to Cd are attached to the image forming apparatus 100 . Each of toner containers Ca to Cd is detachable from image forming apparatus 100 . Each of the toner containers Ca to Cd contains toner of a different color. The toner in toner containers Ca to Cd is supplied to image forming section 140 . Image forming section 140 forms an image using toner from toner containers Ca to Cd.

For example, the toner container Ca accommodates yellow toner and supplies the yellow toner to the image forming unit 140 . The toner container Cb contains magenta toner and supplies the image forming unit 140 with the magenta toner. The toner container Cc accommodates cyan toner and supplies the image forming unit 140 with the cyan toner. The toner container Cd accommodates black toner and supplies the black toner to the image forming unit 140 .

The image forming unit 140 forms an image on the sheet S based on the image data using the toner contained in the toner containers Ca to Cd. Here, the image forming unit 140 includes an exposure unit 141, a photosensitive drum 142a, a charging unit 142b, a developing unit 142c, a primary transfer roller 142d, a cleaning unit 142e, an intermediate transfer belt 143, a secondary transfer roller 144, and a fixing unit. A portion 145 is included.

Incidentally, the photosensitive drum 142a, the charging section 142b, the developing section 142c, the primary transfer roller 142d and the cleaning section 142e are provided corresponding to each of the toner containers Ca to Cd. A plurality of photoreceptor drums 142a abut on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 143 and are arranged along the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 143 . A plurality of primary transfer rollers 142d are provided corresponding to a plurality of photosensitive drums 142a. A plurality of primary transfer rollers 142 d face a plurality of photosensitive drums 142 a via intermediate transfer belt 143 .

The charging section 142b charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 142a. The exposure unit 141 irradiates each of the photoreceptor drums 142a with light based on image data, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 142a. The developing unit 142c develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 142a. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 142a carries a toner image. The primary transfer roller 142 d transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 142 a to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 143 . The cleaning unit 142e removes toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 142a.

The photosensitive drum 142a corresponding to the toner container Ca forms a yellow toner image based on the electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive drum 142a corresponding to the toner container Cb forms a magenta toner image based on the electrostatic latent image. to form The photosensitive drum 142a corresponding to the toner container Cc forms a cyan toner image based on the electrostatic latent image, and the photosensitive drum 142a corresponding to the toner container Cd forms a black toner image based on the electrostatic latent image. to form

On the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 143, toner images of a plurality of colors are superimposed and transferred from the photosensitive drum 142a to form an image. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt 143 carries an image. The intermediate transfer belt 143 corresponds to an example of an "image carrier". A secondary transfer roller 144 transfers the image formed on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 143 to the sheet S. FIG. The fixing unit 145 heats and presses the sheet S to fix the image on the sheet S. FIG.

The conveying roller conveys the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming section 140 to the discharge tray 136 . A discharge tray 136 discharges the sheet S to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 . Ejection tray 136 includes ejection rollers. The sheet S on which the image is printed by the image forming apparatus 100 is discharged from the discharge tray 136 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 .

The display unit 150 can display various images. For example, display unit 150 displays a preview image. The display unit 150 may include a liquid crystal display.

Control unit 110 stores information in storage unit 120 . Control unit 110 also reads information from storage unit 120 . Note that the control unit 110 erases the information stored in the storage unit 120 as necessary.

The storage unit 120 stores image data. The storage unit 120 may store image data received via the communication unit 170 . For example, image data is received from an external device via communication unit 170 as part of a print job.

The input unit 160 receives an input operation from the user. The input section 160 may be provided integrally with the display section 150 . Input unit 160 includes a touch panel. A touch panel accepts an input operation from a user by detecting a user's contact.

For example, the input unit 160 receives a print operation from the user. Input unit 160 receives a preview operation from the user. Alternatively, the input unit 160 receives a print decision operation from the user.

Communication unit 170 communicates with external devices of image forming apparatus 100 . Communication unit 170 transmits information to an external device of image forming apparatus 100 and receives information from an external device of image forming apparatus 100 . The communication unit 170 communicates with an external device by wire or wirelessly.

The communication unit 170 may receive image data as a print job from an external device. Alternatively, communication unit 170 may transmit image data as a print job to an external device.

For example, the communication unit 170 may communicate with an information processing device. As an example, the information processing device includes a personal computer or server. Alternatively, the communication unit 170 may communicate with the information portable terminal.

Next, page allocation setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining the standard setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram for explaining the aggregate setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram for explaining page allocation setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the image data GD includes page data D of one or more pages. Page data D indicates an image G separated for each page. Here, the image data GD includes eight pages of page data D1 to D8. The page data D1 indicates the image G1, and the page data D2 indicates the image G2. Similarly, page data D3-D8 indicate images G3-G8.

When the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the standard setting, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S for each page data D of the image data GD. For example, an image G1 is formed on the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and an image G2 is formed on the sheet S2 according to the page data D2. Similarly, images G3 to G8 are formed on sheets S3 to S8 according to page data D3 to D8.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the aggregate setting, the image forming section 140 forms an image on one sheet S for every two page data D of the image data GD. do. For example, an image G1 and an image G2 are formed on the sheet S1 according to the page data D1 and D2. Specifically, the image G1 is formed on the left side of the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and the image G2 is formed on the right side of the sheet S1 according to the page data D2.

Further, an image G3 and an image G4 are formed on the sheet S2 according to the page data D3 and D4. Specifically, the image G3 is formed on the left side of the sheet S2 according to the page data D3, and the image G4 is formed on the right side of the sheet S2 according to the page data D4.

Similarly, an image G5 and an image G6 are formed on the sheet S3 according to the page data D5 and D6. Also, an image G7 and an image G8 are formed on the sheet S4 according to the page data D7 and D8.

In this manner, by the aggregation setting, the images G1 to G8 according to the page data D1 to D8 of the image data GD can be formed on a smaller number of sheets S. FIG.

In this aggregation setting, the number of assigned pages for which page data is assigned to one sheet S is two. Note that, when the aggregate setting is set and the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is one, if the image is formed as it is, the image according to the page data D of one sheet is half of the sheet S. , which is not efficient.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. If there is, an image according to one page data D is formed on the entire sheet S without aggregating the page data D. FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the aggregation setting is set, if the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is one, the page data D is not aggregated, and one page data D An image is formed on the entire sheet S according to . Therefore, an image according to the page data D of one sheet can be formed on the entire surface of the sheet S, and the sheet S can be used efficiently.

Next, the operation flow of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in step S102, the setting determination unit 112 determines which page allocation setting of the image data GD is set. Here, the page allocation setting for the image data GD is set to either the standard setting or the aggregate setting.

If the image data GD is set to the aggregate setting (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S106. If the image data GD is not set to the aggregate setting (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S with standard settings according to the image data GD.

In step S106, the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is acquired.

In step S108, the acquisition unit 114 acquires the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD, and determines whether or not the number of pages is one. If the number of pages of page data D is plural (No in step S108), the process proceeds to step S110. If the number of pages of page data D included in image data GD is 1 (Yes in step S108), the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S110, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S with the aggregate setting according to the image data GD.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the sheet S according to the image data. When the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is plural, an image is formed according to the page data D of the image data GD according to the aggregation setting set in the image data GD. Therefore, the number of sheets S to be used can be reduced. Furthermore, even when the image data GD is set to the aggregation setting, if the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is one, the image is formed according to the page data D with the standard setting instead of the aggregation setting. do. Therefore, when the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is one, the sheet S can be used more effectively without complying with the setting of the aggregation setting. Note that the flow shown in FIG. 4 may be executed according to the program 122 for changing the page allocation setting of the image data GD.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the page allocation setting includes the standard setting and the aggregate setting, and the standard setting and the aggregate setting each correspond to the page allocation for one side of the two sides of the sheet. is shown, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The page allocation settings may further include a two-sided setting and a two-sided aggregate setting that respectively indicate page allocation for both sides of the sheet.

Next, page allocation setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the standard setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram for explaining the double-sided setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram for explaining the double-sided combining setting in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 6B and 6C are the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the change of the two-sided combining setting in .

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the standard setting, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S for each page data D of the image data GD. For example, an image G1 is formed on the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and an image G2 is formed on the sheet S2 according to the page data D2. Similarly, images G3 to G8 are formed on sheets S3 to S8 according to page data D3 to D8.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the double-sided setting, the image forming section 140 prints one image of the page data D on each of the front and back sides of the sheet S. Form. For example, an image G1 is formed on the front surface Sa of the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and an image G2 is formed on the back surface Sb of the sheet S1 according to the page data D2. An image G3 is formed on the front surface Sa of the sheet S2 according to the page data D3, and an image G4 is formed on the rear surface Sb of the sheet S2 according to the page data D4.

An image G5 is formed on the front surface Sa of the sheet S3 according to the page data D5, and an image G6 is formed on the rear surface Sb of the sheet S3 according to the page data D6. Similarly, an image G7 is formed on the front surface Sa of the sheet S4 according to the page data D7, and an image G8 is formed on the back surface Sb of the sheet S4 according to the page data D8. In this manner, the double-sided setting allows the image G to be formed on a smaller number of sheets S according to the page data D of the image data GD.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the double-sided combining setting, the image forming unit 140 assigns two pages of page data D to each of the front side Sa and the back side of one sheet S. form an image. Specifically, the image G1 is formed on the left side of the surface Sa of the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and the image G2 is formed on the right side of the surface Sa of the sheet S1 according to the page data D2. An image G3 is formed on the left side of the back surface Sb of the sheet S1 according to the page data D3, and an image G4 is formed on the right side of the back surface Sb of the sheet S1 according to the page data D4.

An image G5 is formed on the left side of the surface Sa of the sheet S2 according to the page data D5, and an image G6 is formed on the right side of the surface Sa of the sheet S2 according to the page data D6. An image G7 is formed on the left side of the back surface Sb of the sheet S2 according to the page data D7, and an image G8 is formed on the right side of the back surface Sb of the sheet S2 according to the page data D8. In this manner, the double-sided combining setting allows the image G to be formed on a smaller number of sheets S according to the page data D of the image data GD.

In this double-sided combining setting, the number of assigned pages in which page data is assigned to one sheet S is four. Note that when the double-sided combining setting is set and the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is two or less, if the image is formed as it is, at least one of the two sides of the sheet S will be printed. An image according to data D will not be formed, which is inefficient.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, even if the page allocation setting of the image data GD is the double-sided aggregate setting, if the number of pages of the page data D is two, the page data D An image according to the page data D is formed on both sides of the sheet S without aggregating them. Specifically, the image G1 is formed on the front surface Sa of the sheet S1 according to the page data D1, and the image G2 is formed on the entire rear surface Sb of the sheet S1 according to the page data D2.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, even if the page allocation setting of the image data GD is set to combine both sides, if the page number of the page data D included in the image data GD is 1, the page data D An image according to one page data D is formed on the entire sheet S without aggregating. Here, an image G1 is formed on the surface Sa of the sheet S1 according to the page data D1.

As described above, in this embodiment, even when the double-sided combining setting is set, if the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is two or less, the images of the page data D are combined without combining the images of the page data D. An image according to D is formed on the entire sheet S. Therefore, an image according to the page data D can be formed on the entire surface of the sheet S, and the sheet S can be used efficiently.

Next, the operation flow of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S202, the setting determination unit 112 determines the page allocation setting of the image data GD. If the image data GD is set to the aggregate setting (Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S204. If the image data GD is not set to the aggregate setting (No in step S202), the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S204, the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is acquired.

In step S206, the setting determination unit 112 determines whether or not the determined page allocation setting is set to double-sided. If the page allocation setting is not set to double-sided (No in step S206), the process proceeds to step S208. If the page allocation setting is set to double-sided (Yes in step S206), the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S208, the setting determination unit 112 determines whether or not the number of pages acquired by the acquisition unit 114 is one. If the number of pages of page data D included in image data GD is 1 (Yes in step S208), the process proceeds to step S220a. If the number of pages of page data D is plural (No in step S208), the process proceeds to step S220b.

In step S210, the setting determination unit 112 determines whether or not the number of pages acquired by the acquisition unit 114 is two or less. If the number of pages of page data D is two or less (Yes in step S210), the process proceeds to step S212. If the number of pages of page data D is three or more (No in step S210), the process proceeds to step S220c.

In step S212, the setting determination unit 112 determines whether or not the number of pages of the page data D is one. If the page number of page data D is 2 (No in step S212), the process proceeds to step S220d. If the number of pages of page data D is 1 (Yes in step S212), the process proceeds to step S220e.

In step S214, it is determined whether or not the page allocation setting determined by the setting determination unit 112 is the double-sided setting. If the page allocation setting is set to double-sided (Yes in step S214), the process proceeds to step S220f. If the page allocation setting is not set to double-sided (No in step S214), the process proceeds to step S220g.

In step S220a, the setting change unit 116 changes the single-sided combining setting of the image data GD to the standard setting. After that, the process proceeds to step S230.

In step S220b, the setting change unit 116 maintains the single-sided aggregation setting without changing the single-sided aggregation setting of the image data GD. After that, the process proceeds to step SS230.

In step S220c, the setting change unit 116 maintains the double-sided combine setting without changing the double-sided combine setting of the image data GD. After that, the process proceeds to step SS230.

In step S220d, the setting change unit 116 changes the double-sided combining setting of the image data GD to the double-sided setting. After that, the process proceeds to step S230.

In step S220e, the setting change unit 116 changes the double-sided combining setting of the image data GD to the standard setting. After that, the process proceeds to step S230.

In step S220f, the setting change unit 116 maintains the double-sided setting without changing the double-sided setting of the image data GD. After that, the process proceeds to step SS230.

In step S220g, the setting change unit 116 maintains the single-sided setting without changing the single-sided setting of the image data GD. After that, the process proceeds to step SS230.

In step S230, the image forming section 140 forms an image on the sheet S with the aggregate setting according to the image data GD. Here, when the setting changing unit 116 changes the page allocation setting of the image data GD, the image forming unit 140 forms the image on the sheet S with the aggregate setting according to the changed page allocation setting.

As described above, in this embodiment, even when the double-sided combining setting is set, if the number of pages of the page data D included in the image data GD is two or less, the images of the page data D are combined without combining the images of the page data D. An image according to D is formed on the entire sheet S. Therefore, an image according to the page data D can be formed on the entire surface of the sheet S, and the sheet S can be used efficiently. Also, the flow shown in FIG. 7 may be executed according to the program 122 for changing the page allocation setting of the image data GD.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the image data GD forms an image on the sheet S according to the aggregation setting according to the program 122 stored in the storage unit 120 in the image forming apparatus 100. , but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

Next, standard settings and aggregate settings in the program 222 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the image forming system 10 including the information processing device 200 storing the program 222 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, image forming system 10 includes image forming apparatus 100 and information processing apparatus 200 . The information processing device 200 controls the image forming device 100 . The information processing device 200 transmits image data to the image forming device 100 .

Information processing apparatus 200 includes control unit 210 , storage unit 220 , display unit 230 , input unit 240 , and communication unit 250 . Control unit 210 controls storage unit 220 , display unit 230 , input unit 240 and communication unit 250 .

Control unit 210 includes an arithmetic element. Arithmetic elements include processors. In one example, the processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Storage unit 220 stores data and computer programs. Storage unit 220 includes a storage element. The storage unit 220 includes a main memory element such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary memory element such as a semiconductor memory and/or a hard disk drive. Storage unit 220 may include removable media. The processor of the control unit 210 executes the computer program stored in the storage element of the storage unit 220 to control each component of the information processing device 200 .

For example, a computer program is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer readable storage media include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, or optical data storage devices.

Storage unit 220 stores image data representing an image. Also, the display unit 230 displays an image based on the image data. Thereby, the operator of the information processing apparatus 200 can visually recognize the image data before forming the image according to the image data.

The storage unit 220 stores a program 222 for changing page allocation settings for the image data GD. Program 222 operates similarly to program 122 described above. Program 222 may operate in conjunction with a printer driver.

Control unit 210 functions as setting determination unit 212 , acquisition unit 214 and setting change unit 216 by executing program 222 . Therefore, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a setting determination unit 212 , an acquisition unit 214 and a setting change unit 216 . The setting determination unit 212, the acquisition unit 214, and the setting change unit 216 of the information processing apparatus 200 operate similarly to the setting determination unit 112, the acquisition unit 114, and the setting change unit 116 of the image forming apparatus 100 described above.

The display unit 230 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or a plasma display.

The input unit 240 inputs an operator's instruction. The operator can operate the screen displayed on the display unit 230 using the input unit 240 . The user can operate the screen displayed on the display unit 230 using the input unit 240 .

Input unit 240 includes buttons or a keyboard. Alternatively, input unit 240 may include a touch sensor. The display unit 230 and the input unit 240 may be integrated touch panels.

The communication unit 250 communicates with external devices. For example, the communication unit 250 transmits image data to the image forming apparatus 100 .

In this embodiment, even when the image data GD aggregation setting is set, before the communication unit 250 transmits the image data GD, the program 222 performs , the page allocation setting of the image data GD is changed to another page allocation setting without aggregating the images of the page data D. Therefore, since the communication unit 250 transmits the image data in which the page allocation setting has been changed to the image forming apparatus 100, the sheet S can be used efficiently even if the image forming apparatus 100 does not change the page allocation setting.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. In order to make the drawings easier to understand, the drawings mainly show each component schematically. may be different. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiment are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. be.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is preferably used for an image forming apparatus.

100 image forming apparatus 110 control unit 112 setting determination unit 114 acquisition unit 116 setting change unit 120 storage unit

Claims (8)

a setting determination unit that determines a page allocation setting of page data allocated to a sheet in image data including page data of one or more pages;
an acquisition unit that acquires the number of pages of the image data;
a setting changing unit that changes the aggregation setting of the image data to another setting based on the number of pages when the setting determination unit determines that the aggregation setting is set for the image data;
an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet according to the image data based on the setting changed by the setting changing unit. The setting change unit
if the number of pages is more than half of the number of allocated pages in which the page data is allocated to one sheet set in the aggregation setting, without changing the aggregation setting of the image data;
2. when the number of pages is equal to or less than a half of the number of allocated pages in which the page data is assigned to one sheet set in the aggregation setting, the aggregation setting of the image data is changed to another setting; The image forming apparatus according to . When the aggregation setting of the image data determined by the setting determining unit is set so as to allocate page data of two pages to one sheet, and the number of pages of the image data is one, the 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting change unit changes the image data aggregation setting to a standard setting that allocates one page of page data to one sheet. The aggregation setting of the image data determined by the setting determination unit is set so as to allocate two pages of page data to each of both sides of one sheet, and the number of pages of the image data is two or less. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting change unit changes the aggregation setting of the image data to a setting of allocating one page for each page data to one side of the sheet. . an allocation setting determination step of determining a page allocation setting of page data allocated to a sheet in image data including page data of one or more pages;
an acquisition step of acquiring the number of pages of the image data;
a setting change step of changing the aggregation setting of the image data to another setting based on the number of pages when it is determined in the allocation setting determining step that the aggregation setting is set for the image data;
and forming an image on a sheet according to the image data based on the setting changed in the setting changing step. The setting change step includes:
if the number of pages is more than half of the number of allocated pages in which the page data is allocated to one sheet set in the aggregation setting, without changing the aggregation setting of the image data;
6. when the number of pages is equal to or less than a half of the number of allocated pages in which the page data is allocated to one sheet set in the aggregation setting, the aggregation setting of the image data is changed to another setting. program described in . the aggregation setting of the image data determined in the allocation setting determining step is set to allocate two pages of page data to one sheet, and the number of pages of the image data acquired in the acquiring step; 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein said setting changing step includes a step of changing said image data aggregation setting to a standard setting for allocating one page of page data to one sheet, when said number of sheets is one. the image data obtained in the obtaining step, wherein the aggregation setting of the image data determined in the allocation setting determining step is set so as to allocate page data of two pages to each of both sides of one sheet; is two or less, the setting changing step includes changing the aggregation setting of the image data to a setting of allocating one page for each page data to one side of the sheet. 6. The program of claim 5, comprising:

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