JP4487843B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image of a mixed original composed of a plurality of original images having different sizes on a recording medium having a predetermined size.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers are increasingly used to form images based on mixed originals composed of a plurality of original images having different image directions (portrait or landscape) or sizes. In such a case, there is a demand for the output print image to be stored in the same size even if the document itself has various orientations and sizes. In particular, in double-sided printing or Nin1 (Nin1 is a process of arranging images for N pages on one page), it is essential to fit them in the same print size.

  In response to such a request, the size of the image is detected, a recording medium having the same size (hereinafter referred to as paper or printing paper) is selected, and if the vertical and horizontal orientations do not match, the image is rotated on the surface of the paper An image processing apparatus has been proposed in which, after recording, recording on the back side is performed by enlarging / reducing and rotating the original in accordance with a selected sheet (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Also, only when the size of the recognized original image is larger than the size of the print area, the original image is reduced and placed so as to fit in the print area, and the size of the original image is the same as the size of the print area. In the case where the size is small, an image processing device arranged at the same magnification has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-328428 JP 2001-197286 A

  In the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when a printed material is viewed, there are cases where the paper has to be rotated for each page, or the characters are reduced too much to be difficult to read.

  Therefore, the present invention has a plurality of options for the combination of whether or not to rotate the original image or to change the magnification, and when printing an actual mixed original, a desired image arrangement is selected according to the purpose and the original situation. In this way, it is possible to automatically switch between user-friendliness that it is not necessary to rotate the paper when viewing the printed matter and readability of the characters, and to obtain a preferable page layout according to the application and the document. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has the following features.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes a document input unit that inputs a document image, a document size detection unit that detects the size and orientation of the document image, a character size detection unit that detects a character size included in the document image, An area designating unit for designating the size and orientation of an area on a recording medium on which an image is to be formed, an image forming unit for forming an image based on an original image input by the original input unit in the designated area, and the original Image processing means for image-processing the original image input by the original input means based on the size and orientation of the original detected by the size detecting means and the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium specified by the area specifying means has the door, an image forming apparatus for forming an image to fit on the regions different document image sizes and orientation is designated on the recording medium, wherein Image processing means, wherein the original image input by the document input means, is designated on Rutotomoni previous type recording medium is rotated so that the orientation of the original image matches the direction of the specified area on the recording medium A first image processing mode for scaling to fit within the size of the original area, and an original image input by the original input means for the designated area on the recording medium without rotating the orientation of the original image . a second image processing mode of zooming to fit size for each different document image sizes and orientation, an image processing mode selecting means for selecting an image processing mode executed by the image processing means, The image processing mode selection unit selects the second image processing mode when the character size detected by the character size detection unit is larger than a predetermined size, Serial character size character size detected by the detection means, in the case of less than a predetermined size and selects the first image processing mode.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein post-processing means for post-processing the image-formed recording medium and post-processing for setting a post-processing staple position in the post-processing means. Setting means, and the image processing means further adjusts the original image input by the original input means according to the direction and size of the original image detected by the original size detection means without rotating or scaling the original image. A third image processing mode to be processed; and the image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode to be executed by the image processing unit based on a staple position setting set by the post-processing setting unit. It is characterized by that.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the image processing mode selection unit is configured to perform the second processing when the character size detected by the character size detection unit is larger than a predetermined size. When the image processing mode is selected and the character size detected by the character size detection unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the first position is set based on the staple position setting set by the post-processing setting unit. The image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming unit repeats image formation based on the image processed by the image processing unit two or more times. Prior to execution, the image processing mode selection means includes a print mode designation means capable of designating a test print mode in which image formation based on the image processed by the image processing means is performed once. Regardless of the character size detected by the size detecting means, the first image processing mode is selected in the first image formation when the test print mode is specified by the print mode specifying means.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect includes the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a paper type detecting unit that detects a paper type of a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. The image processing mode selection means selects the second image processing mode when the paper type detected by the paper type detection means is an OHP sheet regardless of the character size detected by the character size detection means. It is characterized by selecting.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the character for identifying the character image in the document image is based on the document image input by the document input unit. The image processing unit includes an image identification unit, and the image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode based on a character image ratio identified by the character image identification unit.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image for identifying a type of document image based on a document image input by the document input unit. The image processing mode selection unit includes a type identification unit, and the image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode based on the type of the document image identified by the image type identification unit.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image forming unit repeats image formation based on the image processed by the image processing unit at least twice. The image processing mode selected by the image processing mode selection means in the first image formation can be changed in the second and subsequent image formation.

  The image forming method according to the present invention has the following features.
  The image forming method according to claim 9 performs image processing on the input document image based on the size and orientation of the document image and the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium, and each document image having a different size and orientation is processed. An image forming method for forming an image so as to fit in each designated area on the recording medium, wherein the orientation of the original image matches the orientation of the designated area on the recording medium. A first image processing mode for rotating the image so as to fit within a specified area size on the recording medium, and the recording of the input original image without rotating the direction of the original image. A second image processing mode for scaling so as to fit within a specified area size on the medium, and the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size 2 Select image processing mode, the character size of the input document image is, if more than a predetermined size and selects the first image processing mode.
  An image forming method according to a tenth aspect is the image forming method according to the ninth aspect, wherein the input original image is processed in accordance with the orientation and size of the original image without rotating or scaling. An image processing mode is further provided, and the image processing mode is selected based on setting of a staple position input as post-processing for a recording medium on which an image is formed.
  An image forming method according to an eleventh aspect is the image forming method according to the tenth aspect, wherein the second image processing mode is selected when a character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size. The first image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting when the character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. To do.
  The control program for the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has the following features.
  13. The control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the input original image is subjected to image processing based on the size and orientation of the original image and the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium, and the originals having different sizes and orientations are processed. A control program used in an image forming apparatus for storing each image in each designated area on the recording medium, wherein the input document image is converted into a designated area on the recording medium. A first image processing mode for rotating the image to match the direction of the image and scaling the image to fit within a specified area size on the recording medium, and rotating the direction of the document image for the input document image A second image processing mode for scaling the image to fit within a specified area size on the recording medium without causing the character size of the input document image to be The second image processing mode is selected when the size is larger than a predetermined size, and the first image processing mode is selected when the character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. And
  A control program for an image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the control program for an image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect according to the orientation and size of the original image without rotating or scaling the input original image. The image processing mode is further selected, and the image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting input as post-processing for the image-formed recording medium.
  The control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 14 is the control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size, the second program is executed. When the image processing mode is selected and the character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the first image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting. It is characterized by selecting.
  Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium according to a fifteenth aspect records the control program according to the twelfth to fourteenth aspects.

According to the first, ninth, twelfth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, a desired image processing mode is selected according to the character size of the document, and the user-friendliness is improved while giving priority to the readability of characters. A preferable page layout can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claims 2, 3, 10, 11, 13 , 14 , and 15 , a desired image processing mode is selected depending on whether or not the designated post-processing setting is executable. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a preferable page layout in consideration of ease of use and readability of characters while giving priority to the possibility of post-processing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a desired image processing mode is selected depending on whether or not the first copy for trial printing is performed. For example, the first copy for trial printing is It is possible to obtain a preferable page layout according to the purpose of each print, such as making the characters easy to read and considering the usability of the second and subsequent copies.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a desired image processing mode is selected depending on whether or not the paper to be printed is an OHP sheet. For example, when printing on an OHP sheet, the orientation of the images is aligned. In addition, it is possible to obtain a preferable page layout so that it is easy to see and the characters are easy to read.

According to the invention described in claim 6 , in the case of a manuscript in which a text document and a photograph or a figure are mixedly mounted, a desirable image processing mode is selected depending on whether the appearance (image element) is an important photograph or figure. Thus, for example, a preferable page layout can be obtained so that text documents are easy to read, and photographs and figures are aligned and easy to see.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the case of a manuscript in which photographs and DTP are mixed, a desired image processing mode is selected according to the type of manuscript (whether it is a photograph or DTP that requires faithful reproduction). In this way, for example, a desirable page layout can be obtained so that photographs and DTP are faithfully reproduced with their orientations aligned and text documents are easy to read.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the case of printing a plurality of copies, the second and subsequent image processing modes are set such that a desired image arrangement is selected by user designation, and the first copy is determined by the user's intention. Since the printing for confirmation can be performed, a preferable page layout can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention can be implemented in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP). A description will be given using an MFP as an example of the embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a multifunction printer (MFP) which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  The MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 11 that reads a document, an ADF 12 that automatically feeds a plurality of sheet-like documents one by one, a document state detection sensor 13 that detects the size and orientation of a document to be scanned, and the MFP 10 via an external device. An external interface unit 14 for connection to a device (not shown), an operation panel 15 for inputting various settings, a memory 16 for storing programs and data, an image processing unit 17 for performing various processes on image data, an image It has a printer engine 18 that outputs data on paper according to a print job (copy job or print job), a post-processing unit 19 that post-processes the output paper, and a control unit (CPU) 20.

  The units 11 to 19 are controlled comprehensively by the control unit 20. Here, “copy job” refers to a print job when functioning as a copier, and “print job” refers to a print job received from the outside when functioning as a printer. When functioning as a printer, a “print job” is received through the external interface unit 14. The “print job” refers to a set of control commands for executing printing that are generated by the external device connected via the network or the control unit 20 of the MFP 10 when the MFP 10 performs image formation. In other words, processing and execution for a print request are performed in units of print jobs.

  A case where the MFP 10 functions as a copying machine will be described.

  In the MFP 10, the control unit 20 controls each unit based on an instruction from the operation panel 15, whereby a document is read by the image reading unit 11 that functions as a document input unit, and document image data ( Hereinafter, the image forming unit is also referred to as a document image according to the printing conditions (paper size, magnification, number of sheets, density, number of copies, duplex / single side, Nin1, test print mode, post-processing, etc.) designated on the operation panel 15. Is printed by the printer engine 18 functioning as: Here, Nin1 is a process of arranging images for N pages on one page.

  When the MFP 10 functions as a printer, the external interface unit 14 functions as a document input unit.

  The memory 16 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), and a control program is stored in the ROM. As shown in FIG. 2, the RAM includes an image storage unit 16a for storing image data and a management data storage unit 16b for storing management data. The management data is configured as a management table that records and manages the settings of the printing conditions and the current processing status.

  The management table includes a job management table 16b1 for managing print jobs and a paper feed port management table 16b2 for managing information on paper cassettes. The job management table 16b1 includes the set printing conditions (paper size 161a, paper orientation 161b, paper type 161c, document size 162a, document orientation 162b, document type 162c, character image ratio 162d, copy density 163a, copy number 163b. , Double-side / single-side setting 163c, Nin1 setting 163d, print mode 164a, color / monochrome type 164b, post-processing setting 165) and storage location (not shown) of image data.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the operation panel 15 is provided with a touch panel display capable of displaying a message in addition to various operation keys such as a start key and a numeric keypad (not shown). The contents of the management table displayed on the display include a print (copying) condition for a currently processed print job (current job) and a stored job list, which can be switched by user selection. The job list is a screen showing the setting contents and progress status for each job.

  Printing conditions can be set using the operation panel 15, and the control unit 20 sets setting conditions such as paper size, magnification, number of sheets, density, number of copies, duplex / single side, Nin1, trial print mode, post-processing, and the like. Received from the operation panel 15 and stored in the management data storage unit 16b. That is, the operation panel 15 functions as a post-processing setting unit. When the MFP 10 functions as a printer, an external device such as a host computer (not shown) connected through the external interface unit 14 functions as a post-processing setting unit.

  FIG. 2 shows a flow in which printing conditions, document status data, and the like are stored in the management data storage unit 16b. The printing conditions set on the operation panel 15 are stored in the job management table 16b1 of the management data storage unit 16b through the control unit 20. The document status detection unit 13 also stores document status data necessary for image processing mode selection processing, which will be described later, through the control unit 20 in the job management table 16b1 of the management data storage unit 16b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the document state detection unit 13 includes a document size detection unit 131 that detects the orientation and size of the document, a character size detection unit 132 that detects the size of characters included in the image data, and characters of the document image. Character image identifying means 133 for obtaining the ratio between the image portion and the image portion, image type identifying means 134 for identifying the image type of the original image, paper type detecting means 135 for detecting the type of paper to be output, and the like. Document status data obtained by each means is stored in the job management table 16b1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing unit 17 functioning as an image processing unit in the present invention includes an image arrangement selection unit 17a for selecting an image arrangement to be performed, and an image arrangement process for executing image arrangement according to the selection. Part 17b.

  The image arrangement selection unit 17a functions as image processing mode selection means in the present invention. The image arrangement selection unit 17a includes a purpose such as emphasizing readability of characters and usability, a document image type such as a text document, a photograph, and DTP, a print mode such as a test print mode, and a paper type such as plain paper and OHP. A plurality of selection means 17a1, 17a2,... In the case of having a plurality of selection means, it is possible to determine the selection means to be implemented by a method such as based on a copy condition described later or designated by the user when setting the copy condition.

  The image arrangement processing unit 17b includes an image processing mode according to the present invention that can be executed in advance. In this embodiment, there are three image processing modes, as shown in Table 1 below, depending on the combination of document image rotation processing and scaling processing. The following image processing modes are executed by the first image arranging unit 17b1, the second image arranging unit 17b2, and the third image arranging unit 17b3, respectively.

  The rotation process in Table 1 is a process for matching the direction of the original image with the direction of the designated print area, and the scaling process is a process for keeping the original image within the designated print size.

  The direction when the original image is not rotated (reference direction) is designated in advance by the user. For example, in the case of copying, the reference direction of the original image is determined by the original placement direction with respect to the direction of the printing paper selected on the operation panel. When the original image data is transmitted from the personal computer or the like to the image forming apparatus for printing, the reference direction of the original image is determined by the direction of the original image with respect to the direction of the printing paper set on the printer driver.

  Usually, the shape of the original image and the print area is a rectangle, and a pair of sides in the vertical and horizontal directions determined by whether the reference direction of the original image is the portrait or landscape direction is a pair of corresponding print areas. The scaling process is performed so as to be equal to or less than the side of. That is, scaling is performed so that the size of the original image fits within the size of the designated print area.

  4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 10 shown in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  An image reading unit 11 that functions as a document input unit optically reads a document d conveyed by an automatic document feeder (ADF) 12.

  The image reading unit 11 is provided with a document state detection sensor 131 including, for example, an LED light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (not shown) as the document size detecting unit 131.

  The document image input by the image reading unit 11 is subjected to image processing based on the printing conditions set by the operation panel 15 and then conveyed from the paper feeding unit 181 by the printer engine 18 functioning as an image forming unit. Printed on paper P as a recording medium.

  When post-processing is set by the operation panel 15 functioning as post-processing setting means, a post-processing device (finisher) 19 functioning as post-processing means finishes a staple process or the like set in advance on the output paper. Process. In the post-processing device 19, for example, the printed paper P is stacked and arranged on the processing tray 191, stapled by the stapler 192 at a predetermined position of the stack of stacked paper P, and bundled on the second paper discharge tray 193. Or is punched at a predetermined position of the paper P by a puncher (not shown) and discharged to the first paper discharge tray 194.

  In the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment, when a print size and direction are specified for a mixed original, it is applied from among a plurality of prepared image arrangements based on information about the original, image formation conditions, and the like. The image layout to be selected is selected, and a layout process for rotating or reducing the original image is performed so as to fit within the designated print size. The operation will be described below.

(Processing flow)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when the MFP 10 performs a copying process.

  The control unit 20 of the MFP 10 sets a copy condition instructed by the operation panel 15 (step S1). The copy conditions include instructions such as paper size, magnification, density, duplex / single-sided, Nin1, sort / non-sort.

  When copying conditions such as duplex and Nin1 are set, it is necessary to fit within the designated print size. In addition, there are cases where the user receives a print size designation from the user. The following flow will be described on the assumption that the printing direction and size are specified by setting these copying conditions.

  The copy conditions set in step S1 are stored in the management data storage unit 16b including the designated printing direction and size (step S2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the MFP 10 can execute the copy job based on the copy condition. If the copy job can be executed, the operation panel unit 15 is notified that the acceptance of the copy job is permitted, and the operation panel 15 that has received the notification changes the display (step S3). As a result, the user can know that acceptance of the copy job is permitted.

  When the start key on the operation panel 15 is pressed, the ADF 12 sequentially conveys the document to the image reading unit 11. The image reading unit 11 sequentially reads the conveyed document and creates document image data (step S4). Each document image data created in step S4 is stored in the image storage unit 16a.

  On the other hand, the document state detection sensor 131 detects the size and orientation of the document read in step S4 (step S5). The size and orientation of the document detected in step S5 are stored in predetermined areas (document size 162a and document orientation 162b) of the management data storage unit 16b1, respectively. The detected document size and orientation are compared with the print (paper) orientation 161b and the print (paper) size 161a that are also stored in the management data storage unit 16b1 in an image layout selection process and an image layout process described later. Will be.

  The image processing unit 17 stores the copy conditions (for example, paper size 161a, paper orientation 161b, paper type 161c, copy density 163a, number of copies 163b, duplex / single-sided setting 163c, Nin1 setting stored in the management data storage unit 16b. 163d, print mode 164a, color / monochrome type 164b, post-processing setting 165), and document status data detected by the document status detection unit 13 (for example, document size 162a, document orientation 162b, document type 162c, character image ratio) 162d, color / monochrome type 164b), the original image data is edited so as to meet the copying conditions, and new output image data is created. That is, the image processing unit 17 selects an image arrangement based on a plurality of document images (step S201), and then executes an image arrangement process based on the image arrangement selected in step S201 (step S202).

  Here, the image arrangement selection means 17a1 and the like execute the image arrangement selection process in step S201, and the image arrangement means 17b1 to 17b3 execute the image arrangement processing process in step S202. Details of these processes will be described later.

  As a result of these steps, the size of the output paper is unified, and the printed matter is easy to read. The newly created output image data is stored (spooled) again in the image storage unit 16a (step S6). The management data storage unit 16b stores data indicating the progress status of each job as a management table.

  Subsequently, a request to start printing is made (step S7), and it is determined whether or not printing is permitted (step S8). Specifically, the management table 16b1 or 16b2 shown in FIG. 2 is referred to, and the progress status of the print job processing executed in advance in the MFP 10 is determined.

  If the print job accepted this time can be executed immediately (step S8: YES), the start of printing is permitted and the printer engine 18 starts printing (step S9). On the other hand, if it is not possible to immediately start printing because the preceding print job is being processed (step S8: NO), the process returns to step S7 and waits until printing is permitted before printing is performed. Start (step S9).

  If post-processing is set, after the printing is performed by the printer engine 18, finishing processing such as paper folding processing, stapling processing, and punching processing can be performed by the post-processing device 19 (step S10). ).

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the case where the MFP 10 functions as a copier has been described. However, when the MFP 10 functions as a printer, steps S1 to S3 are performed in an external device (not shown), and instead of reading the original in step S4, A print job is input from the external interface unit 14.

(Image layout selection and image layout processing)
The above-described image arrangement selection and image arrangement processing are performed every time a document image is input in step S4. In executing the processing, the designated print size, orientation, document size, and orientation are extracted by referring to the management data storage unit 16b as appropriate.

  For example, first, the designated data size and direction are extracted from the management data storage unit 16b by referring to the data (for example, the paper size 161a and the paper orientation 161b) relating to the designated print size, which is one of the copying conditions. Next, an original image is selected from a plurality of original images, and the selected original image size is detected by referring to the management data storage unit 16b (for example, the original size 162a and the original orientation 162b).

  The image arrangement process can be performed on the memory 16. That is, a data area corresponding to the print size to be output is set on the memory 16, and an original image is laid out on the data area to generate output image data.

  The image layout is selected from a plurality of prepared image layouts. A plurality of image arrangements, that is, a first image arrangement that is rotated or reduced if necessary, a second image arrangement that is not rotated but only reduced if necessary, and a third that is neither rotated nor reduced. (See Table 1).

  There are various image layout selection methods that can be assumed, such as the size of characters, the orientation of images, post-processing (hereinafter referred to as finishing processing), the type of original, the type of recording material, the number of copies to be printed, etc. Depending on the case, various variations can be conceived with the idea of giving priority to size, giving priority to orientation, or giving priority to the original. These will be described later as processing examples 1 to 4.

  The actual image arrangement process is performed based on the selected image arrangement.

(Image layout processing flow)
The process of performing the image arrangement process described in step S202 in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image arrangement process executed in step S202 of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the image layout selected in step S201 in FIG. 5 is the first image layout (step S211). If the first image arrangement is selected (step S211: YES), the process of step S212 is executed. If the first image layout is not selected (step S211: NO), the process proceeds to step S214, and it is determined whether or not the second image layout is selected in step S201 of FIG.

  If the second image layout is selected in step S214 (step S214: YES), the process proceeds to step S215 to perform the scaling process. If the second image layout is not selected (step S214: NO), the third image layout is selected, and the image layout process is terminated with the original image layout unchanged.

  In step S212, it is determined whether the direction of the original image detected in step S5 in FIG. 5 matches the printing direction specified in step S1 and stored in step S2.

  In step S212, the document image direction 162b and the designated print region direction 161b, which are referenced from the management data storage unit 16b shown in FIG. 2, are compared. Usually, the shape of the original image and the print area is a rectangle, and it is determined whether or not the directions of the respective rectangles of the original image and the print area match. Here, if the document image direction 162b and the print area direction 161b are both in the vertical direction or both in the horizontal direction, the direction of the document image matches the direction of the print area.

  If the original image direction 162b does not match the designated printing direction 161b (step S212: NO), the original image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 ° in step S213, and the original image direction is determined. The specified printing direction is matched. If the document image direction 162b matches the designated printing direction 161b (step S212: YES), the process of step S213 is omitted, and the process of step S215 is executed.

  In step S215, the management data storage unit 16b shown in FIG. 2 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the document image size 162a detected in step S5 in FIG. 5 is larger than the print size 161a designated in step S1. The In consideration of the case where the orientation of the image is different, the size is determined in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and the larger ratio is applied.

  If the document image size 162b is larger than the designated print size 161a (step S215: YES), the reduction ratio of the document image is calculated in step S216, the reduction process is performed, and the document image size matches the print size. Then, the image arrangement process is completed. In step S216, a reduction process is performed so that both the vertical and horizontal directions of the original image fit in the print area.

  When the document image size 162b is equal to or smaller than the designated print size 161a (step S215: NO), the size of the document image is already within the print area, so that the process of step S216 is omitted to arrange the document image at the same magnification. Then, the image arrangement process is completed.

  After the above processing has been performed for all document images, the image placement processing in one print job is completed.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of image arrangement processing in each image processing mode.

  The document sizes are A4 portrait document 31 and A4 landscape document 32. This is printed in half of A4, that is, in A5 vertical print size.

  The copy 33 is reduced as it is in order to fit the document 31 in the A5 vertical print size. The copy 34 is also a reduction of the original 32 as it is. However, since the original is A4 horizontal size, the horizontal direction protrudes and does not fit at the same reduction ratio. It is further reduced so that the horizontal sides fit each other, and there is a margin in the vertical direction.

  The copies 33 and 34 are image layout processes based on the second image layout, with only the scaling process and no rotation process.

  The copy 35 is reduced as it is in order to fit the original 31 into the A5 vertical print size. The copy 36 is the same reduced size after being rotated 270 ° to match the original 32 with the print size orientation. In this case, since the document is A4 landscape size, if it is rotated 270 °, it will fit in the same size with the same reduction ratio as the copy 35.

  Each of the copies 35 and 36 is image arrangement processing by the first image arrangement that performs rotation processing and scaling processing. In the case of the copy 35, since the vertical and horizontal directions coincide with each other, the rotation process is omitted.

(Image layout selection flow)
A process of selecting an image arrangement, which is executed in step S201 in FIG. 5, will be described.

<Processing Example 1>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment of the flow of the image processing mode selection process executed in step S201 of FIG.

  Processing example 1 is an image arrangement selection process that emphasizes the ease of reading characters and the possibility of finishing processing. Further, this is an image arrangement selection process with emphasis on readability of characters as a test print and faithful reproduction of the second and subsequent originals.

  In step S31, it is determined whether the test print mode is set. If the determination in step S31 is the trial print mode (step S31: YES), step S32 is executed. If the determination in step S31 is not the trial print mode (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S32, it is determined whether it is the first copy of the test print. This is because the first copy of the test print emphasizes that it is easy to read for confirmation.

  If the determination in step S32 is the first copy of the test print (step S32: YES), the first image arrangement is selected (step S39). In other words, in order to maintain the readability of characters, it is rotated and reduced so as to fit in the print size, and the reduction rate is not increased as much as possible.

  If the determination in step S32 is the second and subsequent copies in the trial print mode (step S32: NO), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the character size for the second image layout is calculated. The second image arrangement is an arrangement in which the image is not rotated and is reduced as necessary. From the reduction ratio in the case of the reduction and the character size of the original image detected by the character size detection unit 132 in step S5, The character size in the case of the second image arrangement is obtained.

  In step S34, it is determined whether the character size calculated in step S33 is greater than or equal to a predetermined character size. The predetermined character size is set in advance as to how large a character size is necessary in consideration of readability after printing.

  If the determination in step S34 is greater than or equal to the predetermined character size (step S34: YES), the second image arrangement is selected (step S35). In other words, if the readability of the characters can be maintained, the print size is reduced in the same direction without rotating, and finishing processing described later is also possible.

  For example, when the predetermined character size is 5 points, if the minimum character size in the image after being reduced without rotation is calculated to be 5 points or more, it will fit in the print size in the same direction without rotation. It is good to reduce. Here, the target character for calculating the character size is not limited to the minimum character, but may be the maximum character or may be based on the average character size in the document image. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether or not the number of characters that are equal to or larger than a predetermined character size after being reduced without rotation is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

  If the determination in step S34 is less than the predetermined character size (step S34: NO), the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, it is determined whether or not finishing processing is designated. If the determination in step S36 is that the finishing process is designated (step S36: YES), step S37 is executed.

  If it is determined in step S36 that the finishing process is not designated (step S36: NO), the first image arrangement is selected (step S39).

  In step S37, it is determined whether the designated finishing process is possible. This is because, for example, depending on the apparatus, there is an example in which the A3 size short side can be stapled, but the long side cannot be stapled.

  If the determination in step S37 is that finishing processing is possible (step S37: YES), the third image arrangement is selected (step S38). If the finishing process is not possible (step S37: NO), the first image arrangement is selected (step S39). That is, if the finishing process is possible, the original document is maintained without being rotated or reduced. If the finishing process is not possible, the finishing process is enabled by rotating and reducing the original.

  In other words, to enable finishing processing, even if reduction processing is necessary, if the readability of the characters can be maintained, the characters can be reduced in the same direction without rotation and stored in the print size, and the readability of the characters can be maintained. If not, the reduction ratio is not increased too much by rotating and reducing.

<Processing example 2>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the flow of the image processing mode selection process executed in step S201 of FIG.

  The processing example 2 is an image arrangement selection process in which the readability of characters is not impaired and the possibility of the finishing process is emphasized, as in the processing example 1. The difference from Processing Example 1 is that the readability of characters as a test print and faithful reproduction for printing on an OHP sheet (which is a print sheet for the OverHead Projector) instead of faithful reproduction of the second and subsequent originals are different. And the emphasis on readability of characters. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different points are described.

  In step S41, it is determined whether the paper to be printed is an OHP sheet. If the determination in step S41 is that the paper to be printed is an OHP sheet (step S41: YES), the second image arrangement is selected (step S35). That is, since the OHP sheet is used as a presentation document, it does not rotate so as to be difficult to see.

  If the determination in step S41 is that the sheet to be printed is not an OHP sheet (step S41: NO), the process of step S33 is executed.

  That is, in Processing Example 2, even if a reduction process is necessary to enable the finishing process, if the readability of the characters can be maintained, the characters are reduced in the same direction without being rotated and stored in the print size. If the ease cannot be maintained, the reduction rate is not increased too much by rotating and reducing.

  The processes after Step 33 are the same as those in Process Example 1.

  FIG. 10 shows a specific example in which the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 is performed. This is an example in which the sheet is not an OHP sheet and is not the first copy of the test print.

  In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 41 denotes a first document of A4 landscape size, and 42 denotes a second document of A3 portrait size. Four cases for copying and stapling the first document 41 and the second document 42 having different image orientations and sizes are shown in image layout 43 to image layout 46.

  The image arrangement 43 in FIG. 10B and the image arrangement 44 in FIG. 10C are both image arrangements when stapling is possible at a designated position (upper binding). The image layout 43 is a case where the character size is large, and the first document 41 is kept as it is, and the second document 42 is also reduced without changing its orientation and is stored in the same size as the first document. In the image arrangement 44 when the character size is small, the first document 41 is kept as it is, but the second document 42 is kept as it is and the size of the document is kept as it is. Since there is no inconvenience in stapling, priority is given to the readability of characters without reduction.

  The image arrangement 45 in FIG. 10D and the image arrangement 46 in FIG. 10E are both image arrangements when stapling cannot be performed at the designated position (left side binding) (second document). The image layout 45 is a case where the character size is large. The first document 41 is kept as it is, and the second document 42 is reduced and stored in the same size as the first document. In the image arrangement 46 when the character size is small, the first original 41 is kept as it is, but the second original 42 is rotated and reduced to fit in the same size as the first original. It is a consideration not to increase the reduction rate of the character size as much as possible.

  In this way, the image layout is selected with emphasis on the possibility of finishing processing and not impairing the readability of characters.

<Processing example 3>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the flow of the image processing mode selection process executed in step S201 of FIG.

  Process example 3 is an image layout selection process that emphasizes the ease of reading characters and the possibility of finishing processing. Further, this is an image layout selection process that emphasizes that the readability of characters, the readability of photographs and graphics, and the like are not impaired, and that a photograph or DTP document is faithfully reproduced.

  In step S51, the character size for the second image layout is calculated. The second image arrangement is an arrangement in which the image is not rotated and is reduced as necessary. From the reduction ratio in the case of the reduction and the character size of the original image detected by the character size detection unit 132 in step S5, The character size in the case of the second image arrangement is obtained.

  In step S52, it is determined whether the character size calculated in step S51 is greater than or equal to a predetermined character size. The predetermined character size is set in advance as to how large a character size is necessary in consideration of readability after printing.

  If the determination in step S52 is greater than or equal to the predetermined character size (step S52: YES), the second image arrangement is selected (step S60). In other words, if the readability of the characters can be maintained, the characters are reduced in the same direction without being rotated to fit the print size.

  If the determination in step S52 is less than the predetermined character size (step S52: NO), the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, it is determined whether or not the document corresponds to the photograph or DTP. This image type determination may be performed in advance by the image type identification unit 134, temporarily stored as document status data in the management data storage unit 16b, and referred to when necessary.

  If the determination in step S53 corresponds to a photograph or DTP (step S53: YES), the third image arrangement is selected (step S58). This gives priority to faithful reproduction as an image without changing the orientation of the image.

  In this way, in the case of a document in which photographs and DTP are mixedly loaded, image arrangement is selected with emphasis on faithfully reproducing the images and DTP in the same direction.

  If the determination in step S53 does not correspond to a photograph or DTP (step S53: NO), the process proceeds to step S54. In this case, it is considered that the manuscript should be read rather than faithfully reproduced, and priority is given to placing characters in the same size so that they are easy to read.

  In step S54, the number of characters is calculated for each document image. The reason for obtaining the number of characters is that a manuscript with a small number of characters often includes photographs and figures, and the appearance (image element) is often important. The number of characters may be calculated in advance by the character image identification unit 133, temporarily stored as document status data in the management data storage unit 16b, and referred to when necessary.

  In step S55, it is determined whether the number of characters calculated or referred to in step S54 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  If the determination in step S55 is less than the predetermined value (step S55: NO), the third image arrangement is selected (step S58). This gives priority to being easy to view as an image without changing the orientation of the image.

  In this way, in the case of a document in which photographs and figures are mixedly loaded, image arrangement is selected with emphasis on making the photographs and figures oriented so that they are easy to see.

  If the determination in step S55 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S55: YES), the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, it is determined whether or not finishing processing is designated. When the determination in step S36 is that the finishing process is not designated (step S56: NO), the first image arrangement is selected (step S59). This gives priority to making it easy to read the characters of the text-based document and keeping them in the same size.

  If it is determined in step S56 that the finishing process is designated (step S56: YES), step S57 is executed.

  In step S57, it is determined whether or not the designated finishing process is possible. This is because, for example, depending on the apparatus, there is an example in which the A3 size short side can be stapled, but the long side cannot be stapled.

  If the determination in step S57 is that finishing processing is possible (step S57: YES), the third image arrangement is selected (step S58). If it is determined in step S57 that the finishing process is not possible (step S57: NO), the first image arrangement is selected (step S59). That is, if the finishing process is possible, the original document is maintained without being rotated or reduced. If the finishing process is not possible, the finishing process is enabled by rotating and reducing the original.

  In other words, to enable finishing processing, even if reduction processing is necessary, if the readability of the characters can be maintained, the characters can be reduced in the same direction without rotation and stored in the print size, and the readability of the characters can be maintained. If not, the reduction ratio is not increased too much by rotating and reducing.

<Processing example 4>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the fourth embodiment of the flow of the image processing mode selection process executed in step S201 of FIG.

  In the case of the processing example 4, as in the case of the processing example 3, the emphasis is placed on the readability of the characters and the possibility of the finishing process, and the legibility of the photograph and the figure and the manuscript of the photograph and the DTP are faithful. Reproduction is also an image layout selection process with emphasis on reproduction.

  The difference from the processing example 3 is that the readability of characters as a test print, the faithful reproduction of the second and subsequent originals, the faithful reproduction for printing on an OHP sheet, and the first and second copies of a plurality of copies to be created The point that the selection of the image layout can be changed by the designation of the user between the eyes and after is added as an additional emphasis. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and only different points will be described.

  In step S61, it is determined whether the paper to be printed is an OHP sheet. If the determination in step S61 is that the paper to be printed is an OHP sheet (step S61: YES), the second image arrangement is selected (step S60). That is, since the OHP sheet is used as a presentation document, it does not rotate so as to be difficult to see.

  If the determination in step S61 is that the paper to be printed is not an OHP sheet (step S61: NO), the process of step S62 is executed.

  In step S62, it is determined whether the test print mode is set. If the determination in step S62 is the trial print mode (step S62: YES), step S63 is executed. If the determination in step S62 is not the trial print mode (step S62: NO), the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S63, it is determined whether it is the first copy of the test print. This is because the first copy of the test print emphasizes that it is easy to read for confirmation. If the determination in step S63 is the first copy of the test print (step S63: YES), the first image arrangement is selected (step S59). In other words, in order to maintain the readability of characters, it is rotated and reduced so as to fit in the print size, and the reduction rate is not increased as much as possible.

  If the determination in step S63 is the second and subsequent copies in the trial print mode (step S63: NO), the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, it is determined whether the first copy of a plurality of copies is created. If the determination in step S64 is the creation of the first copy (step S64: YES), the third image arrangement is selected (step S58). In other words, the first copy of a plurality of copies is anyway made as a copy of the original size.

  If the determination in step S64 is the creation of the second and subsequent copies (step S64: NO), the process proceeds to step S51.

  In this way, when creating a plurality of copies, the emphasis is on making it possible to change the image layout between the first copy and the second and subsequent copies, and also enabling the creation of copies according to the user's intention. Select the image layout.

  The processes after Step S51 are the same as those in Process Example 3.

  In the flow of copying a mixed original document described with reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that one arbitrary case as shown in each of the above processing examples is executed. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a plurality of image arrangement selection means corresponding to these processing examples. It may have one predetermined image arrangement selection means, or may have a plurality of image arrangement selection means, and may be selected according to set copy conditions or specified by the user. . Further, the image arrangement selection means can be modified so as to perform a process combining a plurality of these process examples.

  In the example of the embodiment described above, a document image is read by the reading device 11 which is a component of the image forming apparatus (MFP) 10 in FIG. 1 and a copy is printed using the printer engine 18, that is, copying. The case of functioning as a machine has been described.

  However, when the document image data is received from the outside and printed out using the printer engine 18, that is, when it functions as a printer, the same processing can be performed to obtain the same effect. The difference is that document image data is received from an external device connected via a network through the external I / F unit 14, and after the image data is once taken into the memory 16 in the image forming apparatus. The description given in the above embodiment applies to the selection of image arrangement and the process of image arrangement processing as they are.

  In the example of the above embodiment, the image processing unit 17 which is a component of the image forming apparatus (MFP) 10 selects the image layout and performs the image layout process. However, these steps are programmed and built-in. Or may be executed using an externally connected CPU.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modified forms are also included in the scope without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control system block diagram of an MFP as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a part of a memory and a document state detection unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a part of the image processing unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of the MFP in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when the MFP of FIG. 1 performs a copying process. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of an image arrangement | positioning process. It is a figure explaining the specific example of the execution result of an image arrangement | positioning process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process example 1 of image arrangement selection. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a processing example 2 for selecting an image arrangement. It is a figure explaining the specific example which implemented processing example 1 or 2 of image arrangement selection. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing example 3 for selecting an image arrangement. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing example 4 for selecting an image arrangement.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming device (MFP)
11 Image reading unit 12 ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Document state detection part 14 External interface unit 15 Operation panel 16 Memory 16a Image storage part 16b Management data storage part 16b1 Job management table 17 Image processing part 17a Image arrangement selection part 17a1 Selection means 1
17a2 Selection means 2
17b Image placement processing unit 17b1 First image placement unit 17b2 Second image placement unit 17b3 Third image placement unit 18 Printer engine 19 Post-processing unit 20 Control unit (CPU)

Claims (15)

Document input means for inputting a document image, document size detection means for detecting the size and orientation of the document image, character size detection means for detecting a character size included in the document image, and an area on the recording medium on which the image is formed An area designating unit for designating the size and orientation of the image, an image forming unit for forming an image based on the document image input by the document input unit in the designated region, and an image of the document detected by the document size detecting unit. and an image processing means for image processing the document image input by the document input means based on the size and orientation as well as the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium designated by the area designating means, the size and orientation of the An image forming apparatus for forming an image so that each different original image fits in each designated area on the recording medium ,
The image processing means includes
A document image input by the document input unit, the rotation is allowed Rutotomoni previous SL size of the specified area on the recording medium as the orientation of the original image matches the direction of the specified area on the recording medium A first image processing mode for scaling so as to fit, and a size of a designated area on the recording medium without rotating the orientation of the original image of the original image input by the original input means; a second image processing mode of zooming to fit,
Image processing mode selection means for selecting an image processing mode executed by the image processing means for each of document images of different sizes and orientations ;
The image processing mode selection means includes
When the character size detected by the character size detection means is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first image processing mode is selected when the character size detected by the character size detecting means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size . The image forming apparatus includes:
Post-processing means for post-processing the image-formed recording medium;
Post-processing setting means for setting a post-processing staple position in the post-processing means,
The image processing means further includes
A third image processing mode for processing according to the orientation and size of the document image detected by the document size detection unit without rotating or scaling the document image input by the document input unit;
The image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode to be executed by the image processing unit based on a staple position setting set by the post-processing setting unit. Image forming apparatus. The image processing mode selection means includes
When the character size detected by the character size detection means is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
When the character size detected by the character size detecting means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the first image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting set by the post-processing setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an image processing mode is selected. The image forming apparatus includes:
A test print mode in which the image formation based on the image processed by the image processing unit is performed once before the image formation based on the image processed by the image processing unit is repeatedly performed by the image forming unit twice or more. It has a print mode designation means that can be designated,
The image processing mode selection means is configured to perform the first image processing in the first image formation when the test print mode is designated by the print mode designation means, regardless of the character size detected by the character size detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mode is selected. The image forming apparatus includes:
A paper type detection unit that detects a paper type of a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
The image processing mode selection unit selects the second image processing mode when the paper type detected by the paper type detection unit is an OHP sheet regardless of the character size detected by the character size detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
Character image identifying means for identifying a character image in the document image based on the document image input by the document input means;
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode based on a character image ratio identified by the character image identification unit. . The image forming apparatus includes:
Image type identifying means for identifying the type of the document image based on the document image input by the document input means;
The image forming mode according to claim 1, wherein the image processing mode selection unit selects an image processing mode based on a type of document image identified by the image type identification unit. apparatus. When image formation based on the image processed by the image processing means is repeatedly executed by the image forming means twice or more,
8. The image processing mode selected by the image processing mode selection unit in the first image formation can be changed in the second and subsequent image formations. Image forming apparatus. Based on the size and orientation of the original image and the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium, the input original image is subjected to image processing, and each original image having a different size and orientation is assigned to each designated area on the recording medium. An image forming method for forming an image so as to fit,
The input document image is rotated so that the orientation of the document image coincides with the orientation of the designated area on the recording medium, and is scaled to fit within the designated area size on the recording medium. A first image processing mode, and
A second image processing mode for scaling the input document image to fit within a specified area size on the recording medium without rotating the orientation of the document image;
When the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
An image forming method, wherein the first image processing mode is selected when a character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. A third image processing mode for processing the input document image according to the direction and size of the document image without rotating or scaling the document image;
The image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting input as post-processing for the image-formed recording medium.
The image forming method according to claim 9. When the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
The first image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected based on the setting of the staple position when the character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. The image forming method according to claim 10. The input document image is subjected to image processing based on the size and orientation of the document image and the size and orientation of the area on the recording medium, and each original image having a different size and orientation is assigned to each designated area on the recording medium. A control program used for an image forming apparatus,
The input document image is rotated so that the orientation of the document image coincides with the orientation of the designated area on the recording medium, and is scaled to fit within the designated area size on the recording medium. A first image processing mode, and
A second image processing mode for scaling the input document image to fit within a specified area size on the recording medium without rotating the orientation of the document image;
When the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
A control program for an image forming apparatus, wherein the first image processing mode is selected when a character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. A third image processing mode for processing the input document image according to the direction and size of the document image without rotating or scaling the document image;
The image processing mode is selected based on the staple position setting input as post-processing for the image-formed recording medium.
The control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 12. When the character size of the input document image is larger than a predetermined size, the second image processing mode is selected,
The first image processing mode or the third image processing mode is selected based on the setting of the staple position when the character size of the input document image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. A control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 13.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 12 is recorded.

Images