JP4564609B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention combines an input image and a form image and outputs the combined dataPrinting device, printing method,And a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a digital copying machine having an electronic sort function is known. The electronic sort function reads images of all originals to be copied (copy), temporarily stores the image data in a memory such as a hard disk, and repeatedly reads out and prints out arbitrary original image data from the memory. Is. Thus, it is possible to discharge the copy sheets in a sorted state without having a sorter device having a plurality of bins.
[0003]
In addition, while the image data once stored on the hard disk is repeatedly read out and printed out, the original data of other jobs is read and stored in an empty area of the memory other than that used for printing out. There is also a control method in which when a copy job for a document that has been printed out is completed, a document that is read later and stored in a memory is printed out. In this case, since the time for reading and storing the original of the subsequent job can be set to the time during the previous printout, the overall copy job time can be shortened.
[0004]
Similarly, a copying machine having a computer printer function of inputting print data from an external computer and printing out by the copying machine is also known.
For example, while an original document fed by an automatic document feeder (ADF) is read and image data once stored in a memory is repeatedly read out and printed out, print data from an external computer is input in parallel. Then, the image data is read and stored in an empty area of the memory other than the printed out image, and when the copy job for the previously printed out document is completed, the image data input from the external computer is printed. It is a control method such as out. Also in this case, since the time for storing an image input from an external computer can be saved during the previous printout, the overall job time can be reduced.
[0005]
In an image forming apparatus having a memory such as a hard disk for storing a large number of pages of image data, in addition to the electronic sort function, a plurality of form images (tables, illustrations, etc.) are registered in advance and read. An apparatus for synthesizing and outputting a synthesized image and a form image has also been proposed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional image forming apparatus and the like that can be combined have the following problems, for example.
[0007]
When performing image composition, it was possible to designate only one arbitrary one from a plurality of form images. For this reason, even when image synthesis is performed on images of a plurality of pages, only one type of form image can be synthesized and the application is limited.
[0008]
When it is absolutely necessary to synthesize different form images for each page, the image data of a plurality of pages is synthesized and output in units of one page, and this operation is repeated a plurality of times to output the necessary number of pages. For this reason, workability was poor and improvement in work efficiency could not be expected.
[0009]
Accordingly, it is desired to improve the work efficiency and improve the operability for the user when combining such form images.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present inventionprintingThe devicepluralInput means for inputting image data, and input by the input meanspluralStorage means for storing a plurality of image data to be combined with the image data;A single-sided printing mode for printing an image on one side of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input by the input unit, and an image on both sides of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input by the input unit. One of multiple printing modes including duplex printing mode for printingA setting means for settingWhen the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, single-sided image data to be printed on one side of the plurality of sheets is selected from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit, and the setting unit selects the single-sided printing mode. When the duplex printing mode is set, the image data for the front surface to be printed on the front surface of the plurality of sheets and the image for the back surface to be printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit Select dataA selection means;When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, the single-sided image data selected by the selection unit is combined with each of a plurality of image data input by the input unit, and the double-sided image data is input by the setting unit. When a printing mode is set, each of a plurality of image data to be printed on the surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input unit, the image data for the surface selected by the selection unit And the back side image data selected by the selection unit is combined with each of the plurality of image data printed on the back side of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input unit.A combining unit and a plurality of image data combined by the combining unit;Use to print images on multiple sheetsDoprintingMeans.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0036]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 and a computer are connected via a network. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
[0037]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit and a data development processing unit (printer board) that develops print data from a computer into a bit image. The image forming apparatus 11 is a multi-function machine that has a built-in memory such as a hard disk for storing an image and can perform a printing operation in addition to a copying operation (copying).
[0038]
Reference numerals 12 and 13 denote computers, which cause the image forming apparatus 11 to print out documents and graphics created by application software. A network 14 connects the image forming apparatus 11 and the computers 12 and 13 by a general-purpose protocol such as Ethernet.
[0039]
Functions that can be performed from the computers 12 and 13 include a mailbox function for starting a printing operation of image data recorded in a memory by inputting a personal identification number from the operation unit 2000 of the image forming apparatus 11 in addition to a normal printing operation, There is a function of registering a form image to be combined with image data input from an image reading unit or a computer. Further, the management information of the image forming apparatus 11 and information such as the registered form image type can be viewed on the computers 12 and 13 via the network 14.
[0040]
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 100 denotes a copying apparatus main body, and 180 denotes a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF). Further, 101 is a platen glass as a document placement table, 102 is a scanner, and includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like.
[0042]
The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is transmitted through the lens 108 via the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 to form an image on the CCD sensor 109.
[0043]
An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 sensitizes a laser beam 129 that is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulated based on an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing to be described later. The body drum 110 is irradiated. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a pre-exposure lamp 114, a cleaning device 116, a transfer charger 118, and a developing device 121 are provided.
[0044]
In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown). After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, a laser from the exposure control unit 120 is obtained. Light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image.
[0045]
On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137 to be visualized. The toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaner device 116 and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.
[0046]
The transfer paper after transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130. Then, after the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, the toner image is sent to the fixing device 141, fixed by pressure and heating, and discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 142.
[0047]
Reference numeral 138 denotes an adsorption charger that adsorbs the transfer paper fed from the registration roller to the transfer belt 130. Reference numeral 139 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130 and at the same time is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to transfer the transfer sheet. Reference numeral 130 denotes a transfer belt roller for attracting and charging the transfer paper.
[0048]
The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate 100 transfer sheets is provided.
[0049]
Further, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154. Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower conveyance path. The transfer sheet sent from the sheet discharge roller 142 is turned over through the reverse path 155 and guided to the refeed tray 156.
[0050]
Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower conveyance path 158 without going through the reverse path 155. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 side through the path 160. Reference numeral 161 denotes a discharge roller that is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus.
[0051]
During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) and multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward and the copied transfer paper is stored in the refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the conveyance paths 155 and 158. To do. At this time, during double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and during multiple recording, the transfer paper stored in the refeed tray 156 is transferred one by one from the bottom via the path 160 by the picture paper roller 159. It is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body.
[0052]
When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 155 side. After passing through one feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus.
[0053]
Next, the block configuration of the image forming apparatus 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0054]
In FIG. 1, an image reading unit 201 includes a CCD sensor 109, an analog signal processing unit 202, and the like. A document image formed on the CCD sensor 109 via a lens 108 is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. Converted. The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 202, and after sample & hold, dark level correction, and the like, analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) is performed. The digitized signal is input to the electronic sorter unit 203 through a shading correction process (correction of a sensor for reading a document and correction of light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp) and a scaling process.
[0055]
On the other hand, the data expansion processing unit 209 expands the image information input from the external computer 12 or 13 and outputs the image information to the electronic sorter unit 203 as image data (bit data). The electronic sorter unit 203 performs correction processing necessary for an output system such as γ correction, smoothing processing, edge enhancement, other processing and processing on the received image data, and outputs the processed image data to the printer unit 204.
[0056]
The printer unit 204 is configured by the exposure control unit 120, the image forming unit 126, the transfer paper conveyance control unit, and the like described with reference to the cross-sectional configuration diagram of FIG. 3, and records an image on the transfer paper by an input image signal. .
[0057]
The CPU circuit unit 205 includes a CPU 206, a ROM 207, a RAM 208, and the like, and controls the image reading unit 201, the electronic sorter unit 203, the printer unit 204, and the like, and comprehensively controls the sequence of the apparatus. The instruction set by the operation unit 2000 of the image forming apparatus is input to the CPU circuit unit 205, and the CPU circuit unit 205 executes a predetermined process based on the input instruction data.
[0058]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic sorter unit 203.
[0059]
As shown in the figure, the image from the image reading unit 201 is input as black luminance data and sent to the log conversion unit 301. The log conversion unit 301 stores an LUT for converting the input luminance data into density data, and converts the luminance data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data.
[0060]
Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarization unit 302. The binarization unit 302 binarizes the multi-value density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. The binarized 8-bit image data is converted into 1-bit image data of “0” or “1”, and the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced.
[0061]
However, when the image is binarized, the number of gradations of the image is changed from 256 gradations to two gradations. Therefore, when image data having a large halftone such as a photographic image is binarized, the image is generally greatly deteriorated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method of performing halftone expression in a pseudo manner using binary data. In this method, if the density of an image is greater than a certain threshold value, the density data is “255”. If the density is less than a certain threshold value, the density data is “0”. This is a method of distributing the difference between the density data and the binarized data to the surrounding pixels as an error signal. The error is distributed by multiplying an error caused by binarization by a weighting factor on a matrix prepared in advance and adding the result to surrounding pixels. As a result, the average density value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be expressed in a pseudo binary manner.
[0062]
The binarized image data is sent to a memory control unit 303 having a buffer memory for performing an image layout constituted by a DRAM or the like. Further, the image data from the computer 12 or 13 input from the data expansion processing unit 209 is normally processed as binary image data at the time of data expansion, and is sent to the memory control unit 303 as it is.
[0063]
In response to a command from the main body, the memory control unit 303 temporarily stores an image of a document to be printed in a layout memory, which will be described later, and stores the image in the image storage unit 305 after being compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 304. Image data is sequentially read from 305, decompressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 304, written to the layout memory, and then output. When image data is written to or read from the layout memory of the memory control unit 303, image rotation processing is performed as necessary.
[0064]
The image storage unit 305 has an HD controller and a hard disk (memory), and writes image data to the hard disk in accordance with a command from the HD controller.
The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk is output in the order corresponding to the operation mode designated from the operation unit 2000 of the copying machine or the computer. For example, in the case of sorting, data is sequentially read from the last page of the document bundle from the DF 180 toward the first page and temporarily stored in the hard disk. Then, the original image data once stored from the hard disk is read in order from the last page to the first page, and this is repeatedly output a plurality of times. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins.
[0065]
The image data called from the image storage unit 305 is sent to the image composition unit 306 via the layout memory of the memory control unit 303. An image composition unit 306 performs an OR operation of two types of images and performs image composition processing. The image composition unit 306 receives the image data (A) and the image data (B) output from the memory control unit 303, combines them as necessary, and outputs them. For example, when combining processing is performed, image data (A) is image information for printing, and image data (B) is a form image registered in advance in the image storage unit 305. When the combining process is not performed, the image data (A) is output as it is. Reference numeral 307 denotes a smoothing circuit that calculates a coefficient on a predetermined matrix and corrects an image edge portion. The processed data is output to the printer unit 204.
[0066]
Next, the configuration of the memory control unit 303 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0067]
The image data input from the data development processing unit 209 and the binarization unit 302 is input to the image selection unit 401, and the image data to be stored is selected. The selected image data is subjected to processing for converting binary data into 16-bit parallel data by the serial-parallel converter 402. Actually, one-dimensional binary data is converted into 16 pixels of 4 pixels × 4 lines by a 4-line line memory (not shown).
[0068]
A rotation processing unit (A) 403 changes the arrangement of 16-bit image data input from the serial / parallel conversion unit 402 and changes the start value of a memory address (not shown) to store the input image data. Rotate when writing to. Reference numeral 404 denotes a rotation processing unit (B) that changes the arrangement of 16-bit input / output images from the image compression / decompression circuit 304 and changes the start value of the memory address to rotate the image when reading or writing to the layout memory. Do. A control unit 405 controls the rotation processing unit (A) 403, the rotation processing unit (B) 404, a layout memory 406 (to be described later), a rotation processing unit (C) 407, and a rotation processing unit (D) 409. And an address generator, and controls the reading / writing of the layout memory 406 by generating memory timing and the like.
[0069]
The layout memory 406 is constituted by a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM. Actually, in order to read and write input image data (bit image) at high speed, it is composed of, for example, a DRAM having a capacity for storing four pages of A4 size data. In FIG. 5, the names of the memories 0, 1, 2, and 3 are shown. For the A4 size document, the memory 0 and the memory 1 are used as a double buffer, and the memory 2 is used for writing a form image during the composition process. To do. If the document is a large size such as A3 size, two pages of memory 0 + memory 1 and memory 2 + memory 3 are used as a double buffer. Specifically, in the case of image data with a resolution of 600 dpi, the binary image as in this embodiment requires a capacity of about 18 Mbytes.
[0070]
Reference numeral 407 denotes a rotation processing unit (C) that changes the bit arrangement of image data output from the layout memory 406 and rotates and outputs an image when changing the start value of the memory address. A parallel-serial conversion unit (A) 408 converts 16-bit image data stored in the memory into 1-bit serial data for printing out. Actually, the image data is composed of 16 bits of 4 pixels × 4 lines, and therefore, data of predetermined 4 pixels out of 16 bits is read and converted into serial for each printout line.
The image data (A) converted serially by the parallel-serial conversion unit (A) 408 is sent to the image composition unit 306, and then output to the printer unit 204 and recorded.
[0071]
Similarly, reference numeral 409 denotes a rotation processing unit (D), which rotates and outputs an image when changing the bit arrangement of the image data output from the layout memory 406 and changing the start value of the memory address. A parallel-serial conversion unit (B) 410 converts 16-bit image data stored in the memory into 1-bit serial data for printing out. The image data (B) converted serially by the parallel-serial conversion unit (B) 410 is output to the image composition unit 306.
[0072]
Next, the timing when the electronic sorter actually operates using the layout memory 406 will be described in detail.
[0073]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the original and the print when two copies of the originals A, B, and C are printed. When reading the original, the first image is printed at the same time as being stored in the hard disk of the image storage unit 305. For the second and subsequent copies, the data stored in the hard disk is sequentially read and output. At this time, it is not necessary to read the original.
[0074]
The operation timing of this example will be described with reference to FIG.
[0075]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing operation timing when the memory 0 and the memory 1 of the layout memory 406 are used as a double buffer. In the figure, document scanning (writing to the layout memory 406), HD storage (reading from the layout memory 406, storage to the hard disk), HD reading (reading from the hard disk, writing to the layout memory), and printing ( This represents an operation of reading from the layout memory 406 and recording. In addition, T1, T2,..., T8 on the horizontal axis represent the period in each time, and are represented by the same time interval for explanation.
[0076]
The documents A, B, and C shown in FIG. 6 are fed to the platen glass 101 and read by the automatic document feeder 180 in the order of documents C, B, and A. The scanned originals are sequentially written in the memory 0, memory 1 and memory 0 of the layout memory 406 in order.
[0077]
At T1, the information of the original C written in the memory 0 is read out with a slight delay and printed as the first output C1. By reading and printing at the same time as writing to the memory 0, printing of the first copy can be completed without waiting until all the originals are stored.
[0078]
At T2, the next original B is scanned and written in the memory 1, and at the same time, the first print B1 of the read original B is obtained. At that time, the data of the original C stored in the memory 0 is stored in the hard disk. When writing to one side of such a layout memory 406, reading from the other side makes it operate as a double buffer so that it operates at high speed as a whole.
[0079]
Thereafter, reading and printing of the original A at T3, writing of the data of the original B to the HD, and writing of the data of the original A to the hard disk at T4. At this point, printing of the first copy of the originals A, B, and C and storage on the hard disk have been completed.
[0080]
At T5, T6, T7, and T8, the image data stored in the hard disk is sequentially read and the second copy of C2, B2, and A2 is printed. Also in this case, the memory 0 and the memory 1 are used for alternate writing and reading operations.
[0081]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the management and storage format of image data on the hard disk used in the image storage unit 305 of the present embodiment.
[0082]
The directory shown in FIG. 2 is a part that manages page units, and is information stored in the RAM 208 and hard disk in the CPU circuit unit 205 described above. For example, the number of dots in the X and Y directions of the image, the leading FAT number, resolution, density information, and the number of image bytes before and after compression are stored. The hard disk has three areas: a temporary area, a mailbox area, and a form area.
[0083]
The temporary area is a part for temporarily storing an image to be sorted by an electronic sort operation or the like, and is erased after output of all data or released for inputting image data of the next job. The mailbox area is printed by storing data to be printed from an external computer, specifying a personal identification number from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 11, and inputting a box number. Remains unerased. The form area is a part that stores form data to be combined with image data output from the temporary area or the mailbox area. A plurality of form images can be stored in the form area.
[0084]
The capacity of each of these three areas can be freely changed by the administrator when not operating. The FAT represents the order in which the image area of the hard disk is stored. The FAT number stored next is stored, and the last FAT stores a delimiter code (for example, FFFFh). Is remembered. This is also stored in the RAM 208 and the hard disk in the same manner as the directory information. The FAT number has a one-to-one correspondence with one block (512 KB in the figure) of the image area of the hard disk. In this example, 1 is stored as the FAT number information of page 1 of the directory, so FAT1 is referred to. In FAT1, 4 is stored as the next FAT number. Since a delimiter code is written in FAT4, the image of page 1 is composed of image areas 1 and 4. The number of image areas used varies depending on the characteristics of the image because the image data is stored after compression.
[0085]
By simply specifying the page number to be output, it is possible to easily output the image data stored in the necessary hard disk.
[0086]
9, 10, and 11 show screens displayed on the operation unit 2000 of the image forming apparatus 11 that performs registration, name input, and deletion operations of form images. It consists of a liquid crystal screen and a touch panel, and the screen changes each time the touch panel is pressed.
[0087]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 11 when a form image is registered from the image reading unit 201.
[0088]
First, on the screen (1), a number for registering a form is designated. An unregistered display after the form number indicates a newly registered form. When the user selects any form on the screen (1) and presses the OK key, the screen is switched to a screen for selecting a document size on the screen (2). In the screen (2), when the user selects any document size and presses the OK key, the screen moves to the screen (3).
[0089]
On the screen (3), a message indicating that the document on which an image to be registered as a form image is set is displayed. When the user sets a document and presses the start key of the operation unit 2000, the image forming apparatus 11 starts the document reading process. When the reading process is completed, the display is switched from the screen (3) to the screen (4). The user can confirm that the registration of the form image is completed when the screen (4) is displayed. Screen (4) indicates that the form image “SCAN 01” has been registered corresponding to form number N0.1.
[0090]
Immediately after registration, a form name meaning a form input device is automatically set. For example, when the apparatus for inputting a form image is a document reading apparatus, SCAN01 or SCAN02 is used. After that, input the name as necessary to change the form name. In the screen (4), the “check copy” key is a function for printing and checking the image when the contents of the form image cannot be determined only by the file name. The user can visually confirm a registered form image by selecting a desired form and pressing a check key.
[0091]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 11 when inputting the name of the form image.
[0092]
On the screen (5), the name input key is pressed to select the form for which the form name is to be input. In the example, no. 1 SCAN01 is selected. When the OK key is pressed, the screen changes to the screen (6) and the name is entered from the displayed key input using the Roman character input and the conversion key. Pressing the OK key changes to screen (7). In this screen, No. 1 is the name of the form.
[0093]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 11 when deleting a form image.
[0094]
On the screen (8), press the delete key to select the form you want to delete. When the OK key is pressed, a screen (9) is displayed, and a confirmation screen is displayed as to whether or not to delete. If “No”, return to the screen (8) and select the form again. If the form number to be deleted is correct, selecting "Yes" returns to the screen (10) after deleting the form. The deleted form will have the first name “unregistered”.
[0095]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a form image designation method of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 11. In the present embodiment, the operation screen is changed according to the set operation mode of the image forming apparatus in order to improve the operability of selecting the form designation screen. Screen (12) is a mode for single-sided printing from a single-sided original, screen (13) is a mode for double-sided printing from a single-sided original, and screen (14) is simultaneously outputting a cover image on the front and back in cover page mode. The operation screens for duplex printing are shown respectively. When form composition is designated by such an operation unit, the form designation operation screen is changed and displayed in accordance with an operation mode designated in advance. The case of three types of operations of the screen (12), the screen (13), and the screen (14) will be described as an example.
[0096]
The screen (12) is a screen for normal single-sided copying, that is, when a mode for copying from one single-sided original to one side of a single sheet (normal copy mode) is set in advance. This is a screen that is displayed when any form image is selected by the user on the form image basic setting screen (11) and the OK key is pressed. In the example shown in the figure, it is shown that the form image “form 1” of the form N0.3 is selected.
[0097]
If this form is acceptable, the “OK” key is pressed, and the screen is switched from the screen (12) to the copy screen of the screen (15). If the user wishes to change, the user can return to the screen (11) by pressing the “form” key and select a new form number.
[0098]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a form image, a document, and a copy image in the present embodiment. The relationship between these images will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 14 by taking as an example a case where the image of the form 2 is combined with the single-sided originals A, B, and C and single-sided copying is performed.
[0099]
In FIG. 14, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents each process so that the processes performed at each time can be understood. The same applies to FIGS. 16 and 18 described later.
As is apparent from FIG. 14, in this example, the second copy is also stored in parallel on the hard disk so that it can be output later.
[0100]
First, at timing T1, form 2 (indicated by F2) is read from the hard disk and written into the memory 2 of the layout memory 406. In this form composition operation, referring to FIG. 5, operation is performed using a total of three memories: a memory 0 for sequentially writing images and a memory 2 for storing form images in addition to the memory 1. Let
[0101]
At time T2, the original C is scanned and written into the memory 0. Almost simultaneously with this processing, the data of the document C is read from the memory 0 and is output as image data (A) through the rotation processing unit 407 and parallel / serial conversion unit 408 of the memory control unit 303. In synchronization with this output, the image of form 2 previously written in the memory 2 is read out and output as image data (B) through the rotation processing unit 409 and the parallel-serial conversion unit 410. The read image data (A) and (B) are synthesized by the image synthesizer 306 in the subsequent stage with reference to FIG. The combined data is represented by (C + F2) in FIG. 14, and the combined data is printed at the timing of T2.
[0102]
Similarly, the composite data (B + F2) is printed at the timing T3, and the composite data (A + F2) is printed at the timing T4, and the output of the first copy is completed.
[0103]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where the image of the form 2 is combined on the front side and the form 20 is combined on the back side when the single-sided originals A, B, C, and D are copied on both sides. The operation screen for designating the form is the screen (13) in FIG.
[0104]
The screen (13) in FIG. 12 is displayed on the basic setting screen (11) of the form image when a mode (duplex copy mode) for copying from two single-sided originals to both sides of one sheet is set in advance. This is a screen displayed when a user selects a form image for the front side and a form image for the back side of the sheet and presses the OK key. On the screen (13), the form image formed on the front surface of the sheet is the form image named “Form 1”, and the form image formed on the back surface of the sheet is the form image named “Form 2”. Represents.
When the double-sided print mode is set as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, when the form image is combined, the user can select the form image for each of the front and back surfaces of the sheet. The number of form images that can be selected is two. In addition, the same form image may be selected on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet, or the form image may be selected on only one of the surfaces.
[0105]
FIG. 16 shows these timings, in which the output order of the original is changed by double-sided copying, and the second copy is also stored in parallel on the hard disk so that it can be output later.
[0106]
First, at the timing of T1, the form 20 (indicated by F20) is read from the hard disk and written into the memory 2 of the layout memory 406. In this form composition operation, referring to FIG. 5, in addition to memory 0 and memory 1 for sequentially writing images, operation is performed using a total of three memories: a memory 2 for storing form images.
[0107]
At time T2, the document D is scanned and written in the memory 0. Almost simultaneously with this processing, the data of the document D is read from the memory 0 and is output as image data (A) through the rotation processing unit 407 and the parallel / serial conversion unit 408 of the memory control unit 303. In synchronization with this output, the image of the form 20 written in the memory 2 in advance is read out and output as image data (B) through the rotation processing unit 409 and the parallel-serial conversion unit 410. The read image data (A) and (B) are synthesized by the image synthesizer 306 in the subsequent stage with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, it is indicated by a print of (D + F20).
[0108]
At the timing of T3, the original C is scanned and written into the memory 1. At the same time, the data of the original D read previously is read from the memory 0 and stored in the hard disk.
[0109]
At time T4, the document B is scanned and written into the memory 0. At almost the same time, the data of the document B is read from the memory 0, the same processing as described above is performed, and the image data (A) is output. In synchronization with this output, the image data (B) of the form 20 is output from the memory 2 and is combined by the image combining unit 306. In FIG. 16, this is indicated by (B + F20). Up to this point, printing on the back side of double-sided copying ends. At subsequent timings T5 and T6, the image data of document B and document A are sequentially stored in the hard disk.
[0110]
Next, the form 2 to be synthesized on the front side is read from the hard disk and written into the memory 2 at the timing of the first T7 when the front side is printed. Thereafter, at the timings T8, T9, and T10, the image data for the front surface, that is, the image data of the document C and the document A are sequentially read from the hard disk and synthesized with the form 2 image of the memory 2, and the synthesized data (C + F2) A + F2) is sequentially printed on the sheet to complete the double-sided copy.
[0111]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a case where a single-sided original A, B, C, D is copied on both sides in the cover mode, using a form image, and is combined and output. The original image data (four single-sided originals) is shown. The user specifies on the screens (11) and (14) of the operation unit shown in FIG. 12 that the form image 20 is synthesized and the form image 1 is used for the front cover and the form image 3 is used for the back cover. This is an example. The operation screen for designating the form is the screen (14) in FIG.
[0112]
In the screen (14) of FIG. 12, when the cover mode is set as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a predetermined form image is selected by the user on the basic setting screen (11) of the form image, and the OK key is pressed. This screen is displayed when the button is pressed. In the example shown in the figure, it is shown that the form image for the document text, the form image for the front cover, and the form image for the back cover are selected. In this embodiment, when the cover mode is set as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, when using the form image, it is possible to select the form image for the front cover, the contents, and the back cover. The number of form images that can be selected by the user is three.
[0113]
Regarding the finished state of the job, referring to the lower part of FIG. 17, an image of Form 1 as an image for the front cover is formed on the surface of the first page of the output data consisting of three pages. A composite image of the document image A and the form image 20 is formed on the back surface, a composite image of the document image B and the form image 20 is formed on the front surface of the second page, and a document image is formed on the back surface of the second page. A composite image of C and the form image 20 is formed, a composite image of the original image D and the form image 20 is formed on the front surface of the third page, and a form as an image for the back cover is formed on the back surface of the third page. Image 3 is formed.
[0114]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the processing timing of the job. Changing the output order of the originals by double-sided copy in the cover mode and parallel to the hard disk so that the second copy can be output later. I remember it.
[0115]
First, the form image 3 output as an image for the back cover is read from the hard disk and stored in the memory 2 at the timing T1, and the form image 20 to be combined with the original is read from the hard disk and stored in the memory 3 at the timing T2. . The form image 1 to be output as the front cover image is read from the hard disk and stored in the memory 2 at the timing T9. In this example, all four types of layout memory 406 from memory 0 to memory 3 are used with reference to FIG. is doing. The other operations are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.
[0116]
Regarding the image formation order, the form image 3 is formed as an image for the back cover on the back surface of the sheet that becomes the third page of the output data at the timing of T2, and then the sheet of the second page at the timing of T3. A composite image of the original image C and the image of the form image 20 is formed on the back surface, and a composite image of the original image A and the form image 20 is formed on the back surface of the first sheet at the timing of T5. At the timing, a composite image of the document image D and the form image 20 is formed on the surface of the sheet serving as the third page, and at the timing T9, the document image B and the form image 20 are formed on the surface of the sheet serving as the second page. A composite image is formed, and the form image 1 is formed as an image for the front cover on the surface of the first sheet at the timing of T10. At time T10, the first copy of the output data consisting of 3 pages on both sides is completed.
[0117]
In this embodiment, in the case where the cover mode is set as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, the form image for the main body (original), the form image for the cover sheet, The number of selectable form images is three so that the user can select the form images for the back cover. As for the cover mode, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the original image is not formed on the front cover and the back cover. However, as shown in FIG. 20, the original image can be formed on the front cover and the back cover. The user may be able to select either one. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a composite image of the document image A and the form image 1 is formed on the front cover sheet, and a composite image of the document image F and the form image 3 is formed on the back surface of the back cover sheet. Forming.
[0118]
In addition to the front cover mode in which the front cover and the back cover are mixed, the present invention can also be applied to an operation mode (interleaf mode) in which a sheet for slip sheets is inserted as a partition sheet between sheets. . This will be described using an example shown in FIG.
[0119]
In the example shown in FIG. 21, when single-sided originals A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are copied on both sides in the cover / slip mode (cover mode + slip mode), they are combined using form images. This is an example of output. In this example, the form image 20 is combined with the image data of the original (for seven single-sided originals), the form image 1 is used for the front cover, the form image 2 is used for the interleaf, and the back cover is used. It is assumed that the user selects a form image on the screen of the operation unit so as to use the form image 3 and is instructed to synthesize and output it. The image forming apparatus prints by performing a composition process based on an instruction from the user.
[0120]
Regarding the finished state of the job, referring to the lower part of FIG. 21, the image of Form 1 as an image for the front cover is formed on the surface of the first page of the output data consisting of five pages. A composite image of the document image A and the form image 20 is formed on the back surface, a composite image of the document image B and the form image 20 is formed on the front surface of the second page, and a document image is formed on the back surface of the second page. A composite image of C and the form image 20 is formed, a form image 2 as an image for a slip sheet is formed on the front surface of the third page, and an original image D and the form image 20 are formed on the back surface of the third page. And the composite image of the original image E and the form image 20 is formed on the front surface of the fourth page, and the composite image of the original image F and the form image 20 is formed on the back surface of the fourth page. Is formed. On the surface of the di-th synthesized image formation with the original image G and the form image 20, 5 on the back surface of the page, so that the form image 3 is formed as an image for the back cover.
[0121]
The user can select a form image to be combined with a document image (text image), and can select a form image for each special sheet for the front cover, slip sheet, and back cover. FIG. 21 shows an example in which one slip sheet is inserted into the data including the front cover and the back cover. For example, when another slip sheet is inserted, the number of form images that can be selected by the user is shown. Increases one more.
[0122]
As an operation mode of such an image forming apparatus, an image is formed on a special sheet different from a normal sheet and cover (including front cover and back cover) and a normal sheet for interleaving, and these are mixed. Mode (cover page mode, slip sheet mode, cover page / slip sheet mode, etc.) is set, it is possible to select a form image to be formed on a normal sheet and to mix it on a normal sheet Form image can be selected for each special sheet. That is, in this mode, the number of form images that can be selected by the user is a number obtained by adding 1 to the number corresponding to the number of special sheets to be mixed.
[0123]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the form image selection method is controlled and set differently for each of a plurality of operation modes of the image forming apparatus such as the normal print mode, the duplex print mode, and the cover mode. The number of form images that can be selected by the user is determined according to the selected operation mode. Accordingly, the form image selection screen is also made different for each of a plurality of operation modes as described with reference to FIG.
[0124]
Next, a case where image data created on the computer 12 or 13 which is a data generation source different from the image reading unit 201 is registered as a form image in the hard disk in the image forming apparatus 11 will be described. The screen (16) and the screens (17-1), (17-2), and (17-3) shown in FIG. 19 are screens displayed on the display of the computer. A predetermined operation is possible.
[0125]
In FIG. 19, a screen (16) is a form selection menu screen when any of registration, name input, selection, and deletion of form images is performed. A user first creates a form image using application software on a computer. Thereafter, the form selection menu screen on the screen (16) is opened, and form registration is selected. When the OK key is pressed after scrolling and selecting the name of the form to be registered, it is registered as a form image in the image forming apparatus 11. As the file name at this time, a file name created by application software is basically used. If you want to change the name, select Name input and enter a new name.
[0126]
The screen (17-1) is a form image selection screen, and is a screen that is displayed when the double-sided print mode is set in advance from the printer driver.
For easy operation, a form image can be selected independently for each of the front and back surfaces of the sheet. When the OK key is selected, a form image is selected, and form composition processing is automatically performed during printing. In addition to the duplex printing mode, an optimal selection screen is similarly displayed on the computer display according to the operation mode.
[0127]
For example, double-sided (17-2) is a screen displayed when the preset operation mode is the normal print mode, and the user can select one form image to be synthesized on the screen. ing. On the other hand, the screen 17 (17-3) is a screen that is displayed when the preset operation mode is the cover mode. On this screen, the user can display form images for the cover, the body, and the back cover. Each can be selected. Such a form image selection screen is different for each of a plurality of operation modes. Even when the operation is performed in the image forming apparatus, a selection screen such as the screens (17-1), (17-2), and (17-3) may be displayed on the operation unit 2000.
[0128]
In this embodiment, the image storage unit 305 from the computer 12 or 13 via the data development processing unit 209 by an operation from the document reading device by an operation on the operation unit 2000 of the image forming apparatus or an instruction from the computers 12 and 13. A plurality of form images are registered in advance on the hard disk, and an arbitrary form image can be read from the hard disk for each page based on an instruction from the operation unit 2000 or the computer. The electronic sort function and form composition function can be realized. In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 19 and the like, the form image selection method is also made different for each of a plurality of operation modes of the image forming apparatus, so that an optimum form image can be easily selected. The operability with respect to can be improved.
[0129]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing when image forming processing is performed using a form image stored in the hard disk. A program for executing the processing is stored in the CPU circuit section of FIG. The code is stored in the ROM 207 in the form of a code, and the code is read and executed by the CPU 108. This process is a process executed when an operation by the user is performed on the operation unit 2000 or the computer 12 or 13 of the image forming apparatus.
[0130]
First, it is determined whether or not an instruction for requesting output of a form image has been given from the operation unit 2000 or the computers 12 and 13 (step S2201). This instruction is performed, for example, when the user operates the touch panel of the operation unit 2000.
[0131]
If it is determined in step S2201 that an instruction to output a form image has been issued, a preset operation mode is discriminated (step S2202), and the job can be selected according to the set operation mode. The number of form images is determined (step S2203).
[0132]
For example, if the operation mode set for the image forming apparatus is the normal copy mode, the number of selectable form images is one, and if the operation mode is set to the duplex copy mode, the number of selectable form images is two. In the cover mode, the number of selectable form images is three.
[0133]
Subsequently to the processing in step S2203, an operation screen for a form image corresponding to the set operation mode is displayed (step S2204). In step S2204, the process is performed for a transmission source that has transmitted an instruction for requesting output of a form image.
[0134]
For example, as described with reference to FIG. 12, when the operation mode preset in the operation unit 2000 is the normal copy mode, the screen (12) is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 2000, and the duplex copy mode is set. In this case, the screen (13) is displayed, and in the cover mode, the screen (14) is displayed. Further, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 19, when the operation mode set in advance from the computer side is the duplex printing mode, the screen (17-1) is displayed on the computer display, and the normal printing mode is set. In this case, the screen (17-2) is displayed. In the cover mode, the screen (17-3) is displayed. The display contents are varied for each of the plurality of operation modes, and the method for selecting the form image is varied.
[0135]
Next, it is determined whether or not the user selects a form image and gives an instruction to request the start of the image forming process (step S2205). This process is repeated until there is an instruction for requesting the start of the image forming process.
[0136]
If it is determined in step S2205 that an instruction to request the start of the image forming process has been made, the form image selected by the user is read from the hard disk form area in the image storage unit 305, and a predetermined memory in the layout memory 406 is read out. (Step S2206). Then, a synthesis process is performed on the read form image and image data input from a data generation source (for example, the image reading unit 201 or the computer), and the synthesized data is output to the printer unit 204 (step S2207).
[0137]
It should be noted that when only the form image is formed on the sheet (for example, when the form image is formed on the front surface of the first page and the back surface of the third page of the output data with reference to FIG. 17), or only the document image is formed. If it is set by the user to form, the composition process is not performed in step S2207, and the data is output to the printer unit 204 as it is. In step S2206, the form image read from the hard disk to the layout memory 406 is not deleted until the job is completed. Therefore, once a form image used multiple times in one job is read once from the hard disk, it is not necessary to read it repeatedly from the hard disk.
[0138]
Following the processing in step S2207, it is determined whether or not the image forming processing for one page (corresponding to one side of the sheet) has been completed in the printer unit 204 (step S2208). The process in step S2208 is repeated until the image forming process for one page is completed. If it is determined in step S2208 that image formation processing for one page has been completed, it is determined whether there is still data to be output in the job (step S2209).
[0139]
If it is determined in step S2209 that there is no data to be output, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is still data to be output, it is determined whether or not there is still a form image that has not been read from the hard disk among the form images selected by the user (step S2210). If it is determined that there is, the process returns to step S2206. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unread form image among the form images selected by the user, the process returns to step S2207.
[0140]
The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Examples of such modifications include the following.
[0141]
(1) Functions of the above-described embodiment (for example, a process for changing the operation screen of a form image for each of a plurality of operation modes, a method for selecting a form image, and the number of selectable form images are determined. A storage medium storing a program code of software that realizes processing for executing the processing described in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21, processing for executing what has been described with reference to FIGS. The object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0142]
(2) Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it goes without saying that some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0143]
(3) Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0144]
(4) In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which a screen that can be optimally operated according to the operation mode is automatically displayed. However, this display combination can be freely selected by an administrator or a service person. May be. This is true, for example, when it is desired to change the form image to be synthesized between the odd page and the even page even when copying from one side to one side.
[0145]
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to remarkably improve the work efficiency when synthesizing different form images for each page, and to output the form synthesized image in a short time.
[0146]
In addition, the form image to be synthesized is designated for each page in accordance with the form designation operation from the operation unit 2000 or the instruction from the computer. For example, the method for selecting the form image is changed for each image forming operation mode. This makes it possible to easily select an optimal form image.
[0147]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained in detail aboveThe bookAccording to the inventionFor example, from a plurality of image data to be combined with the image data input by the input means, the number of image data corresponding to the print mode when printing the image on the sheet using the image data input by the input means is obtained. The selected image data can be combined with at least one of the plurality of image data input by the input means and output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 and the computer are connected via a network.
3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.
4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an electronic sorter unit 203. FIG.
5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a memory control unit 303. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a document and a print when two copies of documents A, B, and C are printed.
7 is a diagram showing operation timings in the example shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the management and storage format of image data of a hard disk used in the image storage unit.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen of the image forming apparatus when a form image is registered from the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen of the image forming apparatus when inputting a name of a form image.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 11 when a form image is deleted.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a form image designation method for an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a form image, a document, and a copy image.
14 is a diagram illustrating operation timing in the example of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating synthesis of form images when a single-sided original is copied on both sides.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating operation timing in the example of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where a single-sided original is double-sided copied in a cover mode.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating operation timings in the example of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display screen of a computer when registering a form image from the computer.
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a form image, a document, and an output image in a cover mode.
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a form image, a document, and an output image in a cover page and slip sheet mode.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of processing when an image forming process is performed using a form image.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Image forming apparatus
12,13 computer
201 Image reading unit
203 Electronic sorter
204 Printer
209 Data expansion processing unit
303 Memory control unit
305 Image storage unit
306 Image composition unit

Claims (4)

Input means for inputting a plurality of image data;
Storage means for storing a plurality of image data to be combined with a plurality of image data input by the input means;
A single-sided printing mode for printing an image on one side of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input by the input unit, and an image on both sides of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input by the input unit. Setting means for setting any one of a plurality of printing modes including a duplex printing mode for printing ;
When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, single-sided image data to be printed on one side of the plurality of sheets is selected from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit, and the setting unit selects the single-sided printing mode. When the duplex printing mode is set, the image data for the front surface to be printed on the front surface of the plurality of sheets and the image for the back surface to be printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit A selection means for selecting data ;
When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, the single-sided image data selected by the selection unit is combined with each of a plurality of image data input by the input unit, and the double-sided image data is input by the setting unit. When a printing mode is set, each of a plurality of image data to be printed on the surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input unit, the image data for the surface selected by the selection unit And combining the image data for the back surface selected by the selecting unit with each of the plurality of image data printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input unit. When,
Printing apparatus characterized by having a printing unit for printing an image on multiple sheets by using a plurality of image data synthesized by said synthesizing means. When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, an instruction for selecting the single-sided image data from a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit is received from an operator of the printing apparatus, and the setting is performed. When the double-sided printing mode is set by the means, an instruction for selecting the front-side image data and the back-side image data from the plurality of image data stored in the storage means is received from the operator of the printing apparatus It further has a receiving means for receiving,
The selection unit selects the single-sided image data from a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit when the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting unit, and the double-sided printing mode is selected by the setting unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when set, the image data for the front surface and the image data for the back surface are selected from a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit . An input process for inputting a plurality of image data;
A storage step of storing in the storage means a plurality of image data to be combined with a plurality of image data input in the input step;
A single-sided printing mode for printing an image on one side of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input in the input step and an image on both sides of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input in the input step A setting step for setting any one of a plurality of printing modes including a duplex printing mode for printing ;
When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting step, image data for single-sided to be printed on one side of the plurality of sheets is selected from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit, and the setting step When the duplex printing mode is set, the image data for the front surface to be printed on the front surface of the plurality of sheets and the image for the back surface to be printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit A selection process for selecting data ;
When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting step, the single-sided image data selected by the selection step is combined with each of the plurality of image data input by the input step, and the double-sided by the setting step When a printing mode is set, each of the plurality of image data to be printed on the surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input step is the image data for the surface selected by the selection step And combining the image data for the back surface selected in the selection step with each of the plurality of image data printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input in the input step. When,
Printing method; and a printing step of printing an image on multiple sheets by using a plurality of image data synthesized by said synthesizing step. A storage medium for storing a computer-readable program for executing a printing method,
The program is
An input step for inputting a plurality of image data;
A storage step of storing a plurality of image data to be combined with the plurality of image data input in the input step in a storage unit;
A single-sided printing mode for printing an image on one side of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input in the input step, and an image on both sides of a plurality of sheets using a plurality of image data input in the input step. A setting step for setting any one of a plurality of printing modes including a duplex printing mode for printing ;
When the one-side printing mode is set by the setting step, image data for one-side to be printed on one side of the plurality of sheets is selected from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit, and the setting step When the duplex printing mode is set, the image data for the front surface to be printed on the front surface of the plurality of sheets and the image for the back surface to be printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit A selection step to select data ;
When the single-sided printing mode is set by the setting step, the single-sided image data selected by the selection step is combined with each of the plurality of image data input by the input step, and the double-sided by the setting step When a printing mode is set, each of the plurality of image data to be printed on the surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input by the input step is the image data for the surface selected by the selection step And the image data for the back surface selected in the selection step is combined with each of the plurality of image data printed on the back surface of the plurality of sheets among the plurality of image data input in the input step. A synthesis step;
And a printing step of printing an image on a plurality of sheets using the plurality of image data combined in the combining step.

Images