JP5298812B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving satisfactory ease of seeing and appearance even if aggregating document images, where the directions of the document images to paper and paper sizes differ. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 forms aggregated document images, where a plurality of document images are aggregated for each preset number of documents to be aggregated, on a paper sheet. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: an operation section 403 for setting the reference image direction and the reference document size of the document image as a reference; and a control section 101 for detecting an image direction in which each image of the document images for composing the aggregated document image is erected, and a document size, for changing a magnification for reading a different kind of image so that the magnification equals the size of an image after reading the document image of the reference document size set by the operation section 403 in the detection of the different kind of image having the image direction and the document size differing from the reference image direction and the reference document size set by the operation section 403 in the document images, and for forming the different kind of image on a different paper sheet or on the surface of the different paper sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, or a complex machine of these, a function of forming an aggregated document image obtained by aggregating a plurality of document images every predetermined number is known.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 describes a portrait (arrangement in which the vertical direction of the image is in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular paper) and a landscape (image in the short direction of the rectangular paper) when setting such an aggregation function. In other words, a technique is disclosed for reducing the size of an image so as not to cause an image loss by an aggregation process.
JP 2001-189843 A

  However, since the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1 performs processing by reducing the image so as not to cause image loss while maintaining the orientation of the original image, the reduction rate of each aggregated original image is different, and the visibility and appearance are good. There was a problem that was not.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can improve the visibility and appearance even when document images having different orientations and sizes of document images with respect to a sheet are collected.

The invention described in claim 1
In an image forming apparatus capable of setting an aggregation mode for forming on a sheet an aggregated document image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated for each preset aggregation number,
A setting unit for setting a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image;
A detection unit that detects an image direction and an original size of each of the original images constituting the aggregated original image;
When the detection unit detects different types of images with different reference directions and reference sizes set by the setting unit in the original image, the different types of original images of the different types of images are detected. The aggregation mode is changed to an aggregation mode that is equal to the reference image direction and has an aggregation number that is smaller than the set aggregation number, and the original images of the different types of images are changed to different paper or different paper surfaces and the changed aggregation is performed. A control unit for executing an aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process for forming an image in a mode ;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 2
In an image forming apparatus capable of setting an aggregation mode for forming on a sheet an aggregated document image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated for each preset aggregation number,
A setting unit for setting a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image;
A detection unit that detects an image direction and an original size of each of the original images constituting the aggregated original image;
When the detection unit detects, in the document image, a different type image having a different image direction and document size from the reference image direction and the reference document size set by the setting unit, The aggregation mode is canceled and the reading magnification of the different type image is changed so as to be equal to the size of the paper on which the image is formed, and the original image of the different type image is formed on a different paper or a different paper surface. Cancel the aggregation mode to form an image at the same size as the paper size
Alternatively, when the detection unit detects, in the aggregated document image, different types of images having different reference directions and reference sizes set by the setting unit, and different types of images of the different types of images. The document image aggregation mode is changed to an aggregation mode that is equal to the reference image direction and has a smaller aggregation number than the set aggregation number, and the original image of the different type of image is changed to a different sheet or a different sheet surface. A control unit that executes any one of the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change processing for forming an image in the aggregation mode of
A selection unit for causing the control unit to select which of the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process and the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process is performed;
The controller is
The aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process or the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process is executed in accordance with a user selection operation by the selection unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect ,
The setting unit automatically sets a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image based on a document image positioned at the head of the aggregated document image.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The setting unit is configured to set a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image according to a user operation.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
When performing image formation, it has a chaptering function that can specify the document image located on the surface of the paper,
The controller is
The chaptering function is applied to the different types of images when the detection unit detects different types of images different from the reference image direction and the reference size set by the setting unit in the aggregated original images. It is characterized by doing.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the original images of different types of images are formed on different papers or different paper surfaces in an aggregation mode in which the aggregation number is equal to the reference image direction and has a smaller aggregation number than the set aggregation number. Therefore, even when document images having different orientations and sizes of the document images with respect to the paper are gathered, the visibility and appearance can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the user can select the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process and the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process according to the original, the usability can be improved. .
Here, in the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process, different types of document images are formed on different papers or different paper surfaces at the same size as the paper size on which the image is formed. In this case, since the original images of different types of images are formed on different papers or different paper surfaces in the aggregation mode having the aggregation number that is equal to the reference image direction and smaller than the set aggregation number, Even when document images with different orientations and sizes are collected, it is possible to improve the visibility and appearance.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the reference image direction and the reference document size can be automatically set, the setting work can be saved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the user can arbitrarily set the reference image direction and the reference document size, a desired output result can be easily obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the chapter division function is provided, it is possible to form document images of different types of images on different sheets or different sheet surfaces without adding a new function.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment aggregates and forms document images on a single sheet for each preset number of images (aggregation number) in accordance with the setting of the “aggregation mode” by the user. It is a device with functions. Hereinafter, an image formed by aggregating a plurality of document images is referred to as an “aggregated document image”.
In the image forming apparatus 1, for an image forming job (hereinafter referred to as a job), the aggregation mode, the number of copies for image formation, the type of paper, the surface of the paper for image formation (one side or both sides), etc. It is configured to be able to input settings as setting information, and after setting and inputting job setting information, the execution of the job is instructed so that image formation according to the job setting information is continuously executed. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 10 and a post-processing unit 20 connected thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body unit 10 includes a scanner unit 200, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 300, an operation display unit 400, and a printer unit 500. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called digital multi-function peripheral having a scanner function, a copy function, and a printer function.

  Further, the main body 10 is provided with three paper feed trays FT1 to FT3 having a paper feed mechanism and a large capacity tray unit FT4. In the vicinity of each of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4, fed paper is provided. A paper feed sensor for detecting the above is provided. These paper feed trays FT1 to FT4 can accommodate sheets of different types and sizes such as plain paper, backing paper, recycled paper, high-quality paper, and tab paper.

  The post-processing unit 20 is a so-called finisher that performs various types of post-processing on the paper conveyed from the main body 10, and performs, for example, stapling or punching on the paper conveyed from the main body 10. In addition, the post-processing unit 20 is provided with paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2 for discharging the conveyed paper.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a document placed on a document tray of the ADF unit 300 is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading position of the scanner unit 200, and a document image is read by the optical system of the scanner unit 200. Here, the document image includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  An original image (analog image signal) read by the scanner unit 200 is output to a state management unit 100 to be described later, A / D converted by the state management unit 100, and subjected to various image processing, and then to the printer unit 500. Is output. Then, in the printer unit 500, a document image based on the digital image data is formed on the paper fed from any of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4. The image-formed paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 20 by a paper discharge mechanism, subjected to predetermined post-processing, and then discharged to one of the paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2.

  Note that the forms of the paper feed tray and the paper discharge tray are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1, and for example, the number may be more or less than that illustrated.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the main part of the image forming apparatus 1.
The main body unit 10 includes a state management unit 100, a scanner unit 200, an ADF unit 300, an operation display unit 400, a printer unit 500, and a printer controller unit 600.

  The state management unit 100 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 101, a program memory (ROM: Read Only Memory) 102, a system memory (RAM: Random Access Memory) 103, a storage unit 104, a read processing unit 105, and a write A processing unit 106, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 107, a compression IC 108, a decompression IC 109, and an image memory 110 are provided.

  The control unit 101 reads out various processing programs such as a system program, an image formation processing program, and a paper discharge processing program stored in the ROM 102, expands them in the RAM 103, and concentrates the operations of the respective units of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the expanded programs. Control.

  For example, the control unit 101 executes control to form an aggregated document image having a preset number of images (aggregation number) on a sheet.

Specifically, if the setting information of the job includes an aggregation mode setting, the control unit 101 creates an aggregated document image with a magnification according to the setting.
For example, when the “2 in 1” aggregation mode for forming two original images on one sheet is set, one sheet is divided into two areas, upper and lower or left and right, and is reduced to each area 2 Each of the original images is formed. Similarly, when the “4 in 1” aggregation mode for forming four original images on one sheet is set, one sheet is divided into four areas, the upper and lower areas and the left and right areas, and is reduced to each area. Four document images are respectively formed.

(Paper change processing)
In addition, the control unit 101 includes a reference image direction and a document size (a size of the document image) which are image directions of the predetermined reference image (a direction in which the image is erected) among a plurality of document images constituting the aggregated document image. When a different type image having an image direction and a document size different from the reference document size is detected, the reading magnification of the different type image becomes equal to the size of the image after reading a document image having a preset reference document size. In addition, the control (paper changing process) for forming the different types of images on different papers is executed.

Specifically, first, the control unit 101 automatically selects a reference document image as a setting unit, and sets a reference image direction and a reference document size using the document image. More specifically, the control unit 101 automatically sets the image direction and the document size of the document image positioned at the head of the aggregated document image as the reference image direction and the reference document size, and uses them when reading the document image. Use as reading reference data.
Note that the reference image direction and the reference document size can be selected and set by a user operation. Specifically, the user sets an image direction and document size of an arbitrary sheet as a reference image direction and a reference document size by a setting operation of the operation unit 403. In this case, the image direction and document size of the arbitrary paper are used as reading reference data used when reading the document image.

Next, the control unit 101 detects, as a detection unit, the image direction and the document size of each document image constituting the aggregated document image.
Specifically, the control unit 101 reads the “paper setting direction” and the “paper size” of the paper when a document image is read by the scanner unit 200 or when a job is transmitted from the printer controller unit 600. Then, “image direction” corresponding to “paper setting direction” and “paper size” is detected by an image type calculation table 104a described later.
Further, “paper size” is detected as “original size”. Note that a size smaller than the paper size that is the actual paper size by a predetermined magnification may be set to be detected as the document size that is the size of the original image.

  Next, when the control unit 101 detects different types of images having different image directions and document sizes from the reference image direction and the reference document size in a plurality of document images constituting the aggregated document image, The scanning magnification is compared with the scanning reference data, and is changed so as to be equal to the size of the image after scanning a document image having a preset reference document size, and a different type of image is printed on a different sheet (next sheet). Form. The control unit 101 uses this different type of image as a reference image for the next sheet, and thereafter performs the same processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for specifically explaining the sheet change processing.
3, (A) is an example of a document image included in a job, (B) is an example of an aggregated document image when a normal aggregation mode process of “2 in 1” is performed on the document image of (A), (C () Shows an example of an aggregated document image when the paper change process is performed on the document image of (A).
Note that the aggregation mode in FIG. 3 is set so that image formation is performed sequentially from the left side of the horizontally placed paper.

As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, when the first to third pages of the original image are different from the fourth and fifth pages of the original image (for example, the first to third pages of the original image are In A4 size portrait orientation, the 4th and 5th pages of the document image are in A3 size landscape orientation), in normal aggregation mode processing, as shown in FIG. Are sequentially formed on the left side of the first sheet and the second sheet. Also, the fourth and fifth pages of the original image are reduced to a magnification corresponding to the first to third pages of the original image, and the fourth page of the original image is placed on the right side of the second sheet, and the fifth page of the original image. Are rotated 90 degrees on the left side of the third sheet to form an image.
On the other hand, in the paper change process, as shown in FIG. 3C, an image is formed such that the fourth page is the top of the third sheet.
Also, white original image data (NULL data) is added between the third and fourth page original images, and a white image is formed on the right side of the second sheet (image data). Is not formed).
In the following description, if the image forming position of the document image is shifted as described above, a similar white image is appropriately formed.
As a result, for each aggregated document image (each paper), if there is a different type image with the original image located at the head as the reference image, the different type image is formed on a different paper. Are all facing the same direction, making it easier to see the finished manuscript.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a chaptering function that can specify a document image located on the surface of a sheet when performing image formation on both sides of the sheet. This can be realized by applying the chapter division function.
Here, a chapter is a group of at least one document image. The chapter division function is a function for forming a document image at the beginning of a chapter on the surface when forming a double-sided image on a sheet in order. Further, when the last page of the chapter is imaged on the front side of the recording paper, white image data (NULL data) is added as the next image, and a white image is formed on the back side. .
Therefore, since the chapter division function is applied, processing can be executed without adding a new function.

(Unify aggregation mode / change paper)
Further, when the different type image is detected, the control unit 101 cancels the aggregation mode of the original image of the different type image so that the reading magnification of the different type image becomes equal to the paper size on which the image is formed. with change, the different kinds images on different paper, Ru can also be adapted to image formation at the same magnification and paper size to be imaged.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for specifically explaining the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process.
4, (A) is an example of a document image included in a job, (B) is an example of an aggregated document image when a normal aggregation mode process of “2 in 1” is performed on the document image of (A), (C ) Shows an example of the case where the aggregation mode release processing is performed on the fourth and subsequent pages of the original image of (A). Note that the aggregation mode in FIG. 4 is set so that image formation is performed sequentially from the left side of the horizontally placed paper, as in FIG.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4C, different types of images, pages 4 and 5, are formed at the same size as the paper size for image formation.
Therefore, the fourth and fifth pages of the document can be made easier to see than FIG. 3C.

(Aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change processing)
In addition, when the different type image is detected, the control unit 101 changes the aggregation mode of the original images of the different type image to an aggregation mode in which the aggregation number is equal to the reference image direction and is smaller than the set aggregation number. At the same time, it is also possible to form an original image of a different kind of image on a different sheet in the aggregate mode after changing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for specifically explaining the consolidation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process.
In FIG. 5, (A) is an example of a document image included in a job, (B) is an example of an aggregated document image when “4 in 1” normal aggregation mode processing is performed on the document image of (A), (C () Shows an example of an aggregated document image when the aggregate mode magnification enlargement process is performed on the document image of (A).
Note that the aggregation mode in FIG. 5 is set so that the original images are aggregated in the order of upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right for vertically placed sheets.

As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the first to third pages of the document image and the fourth and fifth pages of the document image have different document sizes (for example, the first to third pages of the document image are A4). When the size is portrait orientation, the fourth and fifth pages of the document image are A3 size landscape orientation, etc., in the normal aggregation mode processing, as shown in FIG. The image is reduced to a magnification suitable for the third page and rotated 90 degrees to form an image.
On the other hand, for example, when the aggregation mode is set to be changed from “4 in 1” to “2 in 1”, as shown in FIG. Image is formed in the “2 in 1” mode.
Therefore, the originals on the fourth and fifth pages can be easily viewed while being reduced.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where document images having different sizes are not consecutive.
As shown in FIG. 6A, for example, the second to fourth pages of the document image and the first and fifth pages of the document image have different document sizes (for example, the second to fourth pages of the document image are A4). In the normal “4 in 1” aggregation mode process, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first and fifth pages of the original image are the first and fifth pages of the original image. The image is reduced to a magnification corresponding to the second to fourth pages and rotated by 90 degrees to form an image.
On the other hand, when the paper change process is executed, the second page is the top of the second sheet and the fifth page is the top of the third sheet, as shown in FIG. 6C. Thus, an image is formed.
Further, when the above-described aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process is executed, as shown in FIG. 6D, the first page is image-formed in the “2 in 1” aggregation mode on the first sheet, and 2-4 The page is collected on the second sheet, and the fifth page is formed on the third sheet in the “2 in 1” aggregation mode.

Each process described above is executed with reference to an aggregation mode setting table 104b (see FIG. 8) stored in the ROM 102 in accordance with a user setting operation using an operation unit 403 described later.
In addition, when the above-described processing is not designated by the user, the same aggregation mode is applied to all document images included in the job. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, a uniform aggregation mode is applied to all document images.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the ROM 102 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor memory, and includes a system program corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1, an image forming processing program that can be executed on the system program, a paper discharge processing program, and the like. Various processing programs are stored. These programs are stored in the form of computer readable program codes, and the control unit 101 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.

  Specifically, the ROM 102 stores, for example, an image type calculation table 104a and an aggregation mode setting table 104b for calculating the image direction of each document image included in the job.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image type calculation table 104a.
As shown in FIG. 7, “image direction information” corresponding to “paper setting direction information” and “paper size information” is stored in the image type calculation table 104a.
Here, the paper setting direction and the paper size are detected when an image is read by the scanner unit 200 and stored in the image type calculation table 104a. Alternatively, it is stored in advance in the job setting information transmitted from the printer controller unit 600 and stored in the image type calculation table 104a.

“Paper setting direction information” is information indicating the orientation of the paper and the original image, and is a combination of the orientation of the paper (vertical orientation, landscape orientation) and the orientation of the original image on the paper (upper, right, lower, left). Are classified into four sets.
Specifically, the original image is upward and the paper is set vertically or horizontally (I), the original image is right and the paper is vertically or horizontally set (II), the original image is downward and the paper is vertically or horizontally oriented Set (III) and set (IV) in which the document image is directed leftward and the paper is oriented vertically or horizontally.
The “paper size information” is information indicating the size of the paper, and includes, for example, A4, A4R, A3, and the like, and is used as a document size in which the paper size is the size of the document image. .
“Image direction information” is information indicating the image direction corresponding to the paper setting direction and the paper size, and is classified into either “portrait” or “landscape”.
For example, when “paper set direction information” is set (I) and “paper size information” is A4, “image direction information” is a portrait. Further, when “paper set direction information” is set (II) and “paper size information” is A4, “image direction information” is a landscape.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the aggregation mode setting table 104b.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the aggregation mode setting table 104b includes a “setting area before change” and a “setting area after change”.
In the aggregation mode setting table 104b, when “setting area after change” is set, the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process and the aggregation mode magnification / paper change process are executed. In the aggregation mode setting table 104b, when no setting input is made in “setting after change”, normal aggregation mode processing is executed.

Each of the “setting area before change” and the “setting area after change” includes a “mode” and a “reading magnification” setting area, and a reading magnification corresponding to each mode is stored.
For example, the reading magnification is 0.707 in the “2 in 1” mode, the reading magnification is 0.500 in the “4 in 1” mode, the reading magnification is 0.353 in the “8 in 1” mode, and the like. That is, for example, when the “2 in 1” mode is designated, the image is read at 0.707 times the original image size.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the “changed setting area” is set, for example, when a different kind of image is detected during execution of a job in the “2 in 1” mode, aggregation is performed. The mode is canceled and the different kind of image is read at 1.00 times (same size). When a different type image is detected during execution of a job in the “4 in 1” mode, the mode is changed to the “2 in 1” mode and the different type image is read at 0.707 times. When a different type image is detected during execution of a job in the “8 in 1” mode, the mode is changed to the “4 in 1” mode and the different type image is read at 0.500 times.

  The RAM 103 forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the control unit 101 and data related to these programs, and stores a job queue, various operation settings, and the like.

The storage unit 104 includes a RAM and the like, and temporarily stores job data including a document image input from the scanner unit 200 or the printer controller unit 600.
In addition, the storage unit 104 stores various setting information set by user operation input via the operation display unit 400.

  The reading processing unit 105 performs various processing such as analog signal processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the scanner unit 200, generates digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the compression IC 108.

  The writing processing unit 106 generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the image data input from the decompression IC 109, and outputs it to the printer unit 500.

  The DRAM control IC 107 controls image data compression processing by the compression IC 108 and compression data decompression processing by the decompression IC 109 based on control from the control unit 101, and performs input / output control of image data in the image memory 110.

  For example, when the storage of the image data read by the scanner unit 200 is instructed, the compression IC 108 executes compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 105, and the compressed image data is stored in the compression memory of the image memory 110. 111 is stored.

  When the image formation of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 111 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 111, and decompressed by the decompression IC 109 and stored in the page memory 112. Further, the image data stored in the page memory 112 is read and output to the writing processing unit 106.

The compression IC 108 performs compression processing on the input image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 107.
The decompression IC 109 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data under the control of the DRAM control IC 107.

  The image memory 110 is composed of, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that is a volatile memory, and includes a compression memory 111 and a page memory 112. The compression memory 111 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 112 is a memory for temporarily storing compressed image data related to image formation before image formation.

  The scanner unit 200 includes an image sensor 201 such as a CCD and a scanner control unit 202. The scanner control unit 202 drives and controls each unit of the scanner unit 200 based on a control signal from the control unit 101. Specifically, exposure scanning of the document surface placed on the contact glass is executed, and the reflected light is imaged by the CCD 201 to read the image. The imaged optical signal is photoelectrically converted to generate an analog image signal, which is output to the read processing unit 105.

  The ADF unit 300 includes an ADF control unit 301 that controls the ADF unit 300 based on a control signal from the control unit 101, and allows a document placed on a document tray (not shown) to be placed on the contact glass of the scanner unit 200. Automatically feed one by one.

The operation display unit 400 includes a display unit (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) 401, an operation display control unit 402, an operation unit (selection unit / setting unit) 403, and other operation key groups (not shown). .
In accordance with a display control signal from the operation display control unit 402, the display unit 401 displays various setting screens, an image status display, an operation status of each function, and the like on the screen.
Specifically, the display unit 401 displays, for example, a setting screen for the number of copies, copy magnification, aggregation mode, and a plurality of input keys displaying pictograms, numbers, characters, and the like. ing.
As an aggregation mode setting key, an 8-in-1 mode key for forming an image of eight original images on one sheet, a 4-in-1 mode key for forming an image of four original images on a single sheet, and 1 for two original images A 2-in-1 mode key for forming an image on a sheet of paper, a double-sided mode key for forming an image of two original images on the front and back of one sheet, and the like are displayed.

  On the screen of the display unit 401, for example, an operation unit 403 including a pressure-sensitive (resistance film pressure type) touch panel in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid is configured, and a power point operated by a finger, a touch pen, or the like. Are detected as voltage values, and the detected position signal is output to the operation display control unit 402 as an operation signal.

  The operation display control unit 402 performs display control on the display unit 401 based on a control signal from the control unit 101. For example, various setting screens, various processing results, and the like for the paper used for the image forming process are displayed on the display unit 401. Further, the operation display control unit 402 outputs an operation signal input from the operation unit 403 on the display unit 401 or the input key group to the control unit 101.

  Such an operation display unit 400 is used when the user performs setting of the aggregation mode, setting of the aggregation mode change, and the like.

Specifically, as the setting of the aggregation mode and the aggregation mode after the change, for example, by selecting a key such as “8 in 1 mode key”, “4 in 1 mode key”, “2 in 1 mode key”, “8 in 1” “4 in 1” "2 in 1" mode is set.
At this time, the “double-sided mode” can also be selected.

Settings made by the user via the operation display unit 400 are stored in the aggregation mode setting table 104b (see FIG. 8) of the storage unit 104.
As described above, the user can switch the processing by performing the setting operation using the operation display unit 400, and can easily change to a desired setting in the image formation in the aggregation mode.

  The printer unit 500 includes an LD unit (Laser Diode) 501 and a printer control unit 502, and forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the writing processing unit 106.

  The LD unit 501 includes an LD, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a fixing unit, and the like. Further, it includes various rollers such as a paper feed roller, a registration roller, and a paper discharge roller, a conveyance path switching plate, a reversing unit, and the like for conveying a sheet according to a conveyance path in the LD unit 501. Based on the control from the printer control unit 502, the transport unit of the LD unit 501 feeds the paper designated by the job from any of the paper feed trays FT1 to FT4, and feeds the fed paper to the transport path. Carry up.

  A plurality of sensors are provided on the conveyance path of the LD unit 501. These sensors generate a detection signal when the paper passes and output it to the printer control unit 502.

  The printer control unit 502 receives a control signal from the image control CPU 101 and controls the operation of each unit of the LD unit 501. The printer control unit 502 counts the number of sheets fed for each job based on a detection signal from a sensor provided on the conveyance path, and outputs the counted number to the image control CPU 101. Further, the printer control unit 502 relays data communication between the image control CPU 101 and the post-processing control unit 21.

  In the printer unit 500, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged by the charging unit based on an instruction from the printer control unit 502, and laser light is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum by the LD based on the PWM signal input from the writing processing unit 106. To form an electrostatic latent image. Then, toner is attached to an area including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum in the developing unit, and the toner is transferred onto a sheet by the transfer unit to form an image. Then, after the transferred image is fixed by the fixing unit, the image-formed paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 20 by the paper discharge roller.

The printer controller unit 600 includes a controller control unit 601, a DRAM control IC 602, a memory 603, a LANIF 604, and the like.
The controller control unit 601 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit, and distributes data input from the external information terminal PC via the LANIF 604 to the state management unit 100 as a job.

  The DRAM control IC 602 controls storage of data received by the LANIF 604 in the memory 603 and reading of data from the memory 603. The DRAM control IC 602 is connected to the DRAM control IC 107 of the state management unit 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus. The DRAM control IC 602 reads the image formation target data from the memory 603 in accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 601. Output to the control IC 602.

The memory 603 is composed of a DRAM and temporarily stores input data.
The LANIF 604 is a communication interface for connecting to a network such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, receives data from the information terminal PC via the network, and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 602.

  The post-processing unit 20 includes a post-processing control unit 21, a stapling processing unit 22, a punch processing unit 23, and the like.

The post-processing control unit 21 includes a CPU (not shown), a system program corresponding to the post-processing unit 20, a program memory (ROM) that stores various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, and a system memory (RAM). Based on a control signal input from the image control CPU 101 via the printer control unit 502, each unit of the post-processing unit 20 is controlled.
Specifically, the CPU of the post-processing control unit 21 drives and controls each unit in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM based on the input control signal, for example, stapling processing, punching processing, etc. I do. Further, the sheet discharged from the printer unit 500 is discharged to predetermined discharge trays ET1 and ET2.

The staple processing unit 22 performs a stapling process in which the sheets conveyed from the main body unit 10 to the post-processing unit 20 are bundled and the end portions of the sheets are bound with a binding needle.
The punch processing unit 23 performs punch processing on the paper, and performs punch processing on the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper.
The paper subjected to such stapling and punching processing unit 23 is discharged to the paper discharge trays ET1 and ET2.

  In addition to this, the post-processing unit 20 includes a sort processing unit that performs sorting processing of sheets conveyed from the main body unit 10, a folding processing unit that performs folding processing, a cutting processing unit that performs cutting processing, and a cutting processing that performs cutting processing. A processing unit (none of which is shown) is provided.

  Next, the flow of a document image reading process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, in step S101, the control unit 101 specifies a paper setting direction for a document on which image formation is performed in the aggregation mode.
Next, in step S102, the control unit 101 reads the set original and acquires the paper size of the read original.
Next, in step S103, the control unit 101 calculates the image type of the read original image.

Next, in step S104, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the document image is the first document. If the control unit 101 determines that the document is the first document (step S104; YES), then in step S105, the reference image direction is determined. If there is a setting (step S105; YES), then in step S106, the set reference image direction and reference document size are read as reference data, which will be described later. The process proceeds to step S120.
On the other hand, when the reference image direction and the reference document size are not set (step S105; NO), in the subsequent step S107, the control unit 101 sets the reference image and document size of the first document as the reference image direction and reference document size. This is set as read reference data, and the process proceeds to step S120 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the document image is not the first document (step S104; NO), in the subsequent step S108, the control unit 101 has not been set to switch processing (processing switching is not performed). However, if it is determined whether or not there is no process switching (step S108; YES), the process proceeds to step S120 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the process is switched (step S108; NO), in step S109, the control unit 101 determines whether the document image of the document to be read is of the same type as the previous document image, If it is determined that they are the same type (step S109; YES), in the subsequent step S110, the document image is set to the same aggregation mode as the previous document image, and the process proceeds to step S120 described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that they are not of the same type (step S109; NO), in the subsequent step S111, the control unit 101 sets a head flag as a head document image for image formation on the next sheet.
Next, in step S112, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it is the first process (aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process). If it is the first process (step S112; YES), the following step S113 is performed. In step S1, it is determined whether the document image is different from the reading reference data.
If the image is not different from the read reference data (step S113; NO), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S120 described later.
On the other hand, if the image is different from the reading reference data (step S113; YES), in the subsequent step S114, the control unit 101 cancels the aggregation mode and sets the reading magnification to the same size as the paper size on which the image is formed. The process proceeds to step S120.

If it is determined in step S112 that the process is not the first process (step S112; NO), in step S115, the control unit 101 executes the second process (aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change). It is determined whether or not it is a process.
In the case of the second process (step S115; YES), in the subsequent step S116, the control unit 101 determines whether the image is different from the read reference data, and if the image is different from the read reference data. (Step S116; YES), in subsequent Step S117, the aggregation mode is changed, the reading magnification is changed in accordance with the changed aggregation mode, and the process proceeds to Step S120 described later.
On the other hand, if the image is not different from the reading reference data (step S116; NO), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S120 described later.

If it is determined in step S115 that the process is not the second process (step S115; NO), in step S118, the control unit 101 determines whether the image is different from the read reference data, and reads the read data. If the image is different from the reference data (step S118; YES), in the subsequent step S119, the reading magnification is changed according to the paper size on which the image is formed, and the process proceeds to step S120 described later.
On the other hand, if the image is not different from the read reference data (step S118; NO), the control unit 101 proceeds to step S120 described later.

Next, in step S120, the control unit 101 executes document image reading processing.
Next, in step S121, the control unit 101 determines whether or not all the document image reading processing has been completed. If all the document image reading processing has not been completed (step S121; NO), In subsequent step S122, the document image is incremented (N = N + 1), and the process returns to step S101 to repeat the subsequent processing.
On the other hand, when all the document image reading processing has been completed (step S121; YES), this processing is terminated.

  Next, the flow of the aggregation process for creating the aggregated document image of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the aggregation mode is set. If the control unit 101 determines that the aggregation mode is not set (step S201; NO), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the aggregation mode is set (step S201; YES), in step S202, the control unit 101 calculates the number of images necessary for the aggregated document image formed on one sheet. For example, if “2 in 1”, the required number of images is 2, if “4 n 1”, the required number of images is 4, and if “8 in 1”, the required number of images is 8.

Next, in step S <b> 203, the control unit 101 acquires the necessary number of images on the P (initial value: P = 1) th sheet.
Next, in step S <b> 204, the control unit 101 stores the top image of the aggregated document image formed on the Pth sheet as a reference image.

  Next, in step S205, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a different type image exists in the aggregated document image formed on the P-th sheet, based on the head flag added to the image, and the different type. If it is determined that there is no image (step S205; NO), the process proceeds to step S209 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a different-type original image exists (step S205; YES), in the subsequent step S206, the control unit 101 excludes the original image after the different-type original image from the aggregated original image on the Pth sheet.

Next, in step S207, the control unit 101 registers different types of document images as chaptered images.
Next, in step S208, the control unit 101 sets a white image corresponding to the shortage of the aggregated document images on the Pth sheet.
Next, in step S209, the control unit 101 executes image composition processing for the Pth sheet.
Next, in step S210, the control unit 101 determines whether or not all document image aggregation processing has been performed. If all document image aggregation processing has not been performed (step S210; No), On the next sheet (P = P + 1), the processes after step S201 are performed. On the other hand, when all the original images are aggregated (step S210; YES), this process ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility and appearance even when document images having different orientations and paper sizes with respect to the paper are collected. .

In addition, since the first process and the second process can be arbitrarily selected by the user according to the document, usability can be improved.
Specifically, when the first process is set, the original image of a different type of image is formed on a different paper at the same size as the paper size on which the image is formed. Even when document images with different orientations and paper sizes are collected, the visibility and appearance can be improved.
Further, when the second process is set, the original images of different types of images are displayed on different sheets in the aggregation mode in which the aggregation number is equal to the reference image direction and the aggregation number is smaller than the set aggregation number. Therefore, even when document images having different orientations and paper sizes with respect to the paper are collected, the visibility and appearance can be improved.

Further, since the user can arbitrarily set the reference image direction and the reference document size, it is possible to easily obtain a desired output result.
In addition, since the reference image direction and the reference document size can be automatically set, the setting work can be saved.

  Further, since the chapter division function is provided, it is possible to form different types of original images on different sheets without adding a new function.

In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.
For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured to form an image on the next sheet when a different type of image is detected. However, when the duplex mode is set, the back side (different sheet side) is set. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for image formation.

  Further, the aggregation mode setting table 104b in this embodiment is merely an example of mode change setting. For example, even in the “4 in 1” mode or the “8 in 1” mode, the aggregation mode is canceled when a different type image is detected. Alternatively, when a different kind of image is detected in the “8 in 1” mode, the mode may be changed to the “2 in 1” mode.

1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sheet change process. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an aggregation mode release / paper change process. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process; It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an image direction calculation table. It is a figure which shows an example of a reading magnification table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an aggregation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 100 State management part 101 Control part (setting part, detection part)
104 storage unit 104a image direction calculation table 104b magnification table 400 operation display unit 401 display unit 402 operation display control unit 403 operation unit (setting unit, selection unit)

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus capable of setting an aggregation mode for forming on a sheet an aggregated document image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated for each preset aggregation number,
A setting unit for setting a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image;
A detection unit that detects an image direction and an original size of each of the original images constituting the aggregated original image;
When the detection unit detects different types of images with different reference directions and reference sizes set by the setting unit in the original image, the different types of original images of the different types of images are detected. The aggregation mode is changed to an aggregation mode that is equal to the reference image direction and has an aggregation number that is smaller than the set aggregation number, and the original images of the different types of images are changed to different paper or different paper surfaces, and the post-change aggregation is performed. A control unit for executing an aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process for forming an image in a mode ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: In an image forming apparatus capable of setting an aggregation mode for forming on a sheet an aggregated document image in which a plurality of document images are aggregated for each preset aggregation number,
A setting unit for setting a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image;
A detection unit that detects an image direction and an original size of each of the original images constituting the aggregated original image;
When the detection unit detects, in the document image, a different type image having a different image direction and document size from the reference image direction and the reference document size set by the setting unit, The aggregation mode is canceled and the reading magnification of the different type image is changed so as to be equal to the size of the paper on which the image is formed, and the original image of the different type image is formed on a different paper or a different paper surface. Cancel the aggregation mode to form an image at the same size as the paper size
Alternatively, when the detection unit detects, in the aggregated document image, different types of images having different reference directions and reference sizes set by the setting unit, and different types of images of the different types of images. The document image aggregation mode is changed to an aggregation mode that is equal to the reference image direction and has a smaller aggregation number than the set aggregation number, and the original image of the different type of image is changed to a different sheet or a different sheet surface. A control unit that executes any one of the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change processing for forming an image in the aggregation mode of
A selection unit for causing the control unit to select which of the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process and the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process is performed;
The controller is
An image forming apparatus that executes the aggregation mode cancellation / paper change process or the aggregation mode magnification enlargement / paper change process in accordance with a user's selection operation by the selection unit. 3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit automatically sets a reference image direction and a reference document size of a reference document image based on a document image positioned at a head of the aggregated document image. 4. Forming equipment. The setting unit sets a reference image direction and the reference document size in relation to the standard document image, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that set in accordance with the operation by the user. When performing image formation, it has a chaptering function that can specify the document image located on the surface of the paper,
The controller is
The chaptering function is applied to the different types of images when the detection unit detects different types of images different from the reference image direction and the reference size set by the setting unit in the aggregated original images. the image forming apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 4, characterized in that.

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