JP5709708B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that, when performing printing of a plurality of copies of a plurality of originals, performs rotational sorting and discharges them one by one.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus that performs sort printing that outputs a plurality of copies of the same document is provided with a rotating unit that rotates image data by 90 degrees, and the odd-numbered and even-numbered sections are printed on sheets of the same size that differ by 90 degrees as sort printing. Print output alternately with eyes. In this printing apparatus, image data (referred to as first image data) obtained by interpreting PDL (Page Description Language) print data and developing an image thereof is encoded by a conversion unit and stored as first data in a storage unit. Then, image data (referred to as second image data) obtained by combining the first data and rotated by the rotating means is encoded and stored in the storage unit as second data. Then, the printing apparatus prints out the first data using the odd-numbered (1, 3, 5,...) Portion and uses the second data for the even-numbered (2, 4, 6,...) Portion.

JP 2000-181642 A

However, in the conventional printing apparatus (image forming apparatus), the second image data used in the even-numbered printing process is data obtained by simply rotating the first image data used in the odd-numbered printing process by 90 degrees. Yes. The first image data is data obtained by developing an image from PDL print data, and color shading (density) is expressed by halftone (halftone dots).
In general, the dot growth pattern used in the halftone process is optimized in accordance with the characteristics of the image forming unit (print engine) provided in the image forming apparatus. For example, in the case of an image forming unit (printing engine) suitable for printing vertical stripes, the image quality is improved by printing half-dots of a vertical stripe pattern rather than printing half-dots of a horizontal stripe pattern.
In other words, since the second image data rotates the image by 90 degrees for each halftone display of the first image data, the recording medium (first image) formed by using the first image data due to the growth pattern of halftone dots. There is a problem that the image quality is clearly different between a printed material on which one image data is printed) and a recording medium on which an image is formed using the second image data (printed material on which the second image data is printed).

  In particular, when the halftone dot growth pattern is a vertical stripe pattern (for example, as the color becomes darker, the vertical stripe becomes thicker (filled at 100% density), and as the color becomes lighter, the vertical stripe becomes thinner (0% density and no color) )), In the first image data, halftones are expressed by vertical halftone dots, but in the second image data, halftones are expressed by horizontal stripes. Therefore, in the recording medium (printed material) formed using the first image data, the color density (density) is expressed by the thickness of the vertical stripe, and in the recording medium (printed material) formed using the second image data, The color shading (density) was expressed by the thickness of the horizontal stripes. As described above, the image quality is clearly different between the recording medium formed using the first image data and the recording medium formed using the second image data.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. A recording medium on which an image is formed using image data before rotation processing, and a recording medium on which an image is formed using image data after rotation processing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces a change in image quality.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that performs image processing on input image data to form an image on a recording medium, wherein the input image data is the above-described image data. In the case of different-direction image data in a direction different from the direction of the recording medium, an image subjected to halftone processing after performing image rotation processing in which the different-direction image data is rotated in the direction of the recording medium in the image processing. A processing unit ; and an image forming unit that forms a plurality of copies of the image. The image processing unit includes first image data obtained by performing the halftone process on input image data in a predetermined direction, and input predetermined The image rotation process is performed on the image data in the direction of the second image data, the second image data subjected to the halftone process after being rotated in a direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the predetermined direction can be generated, The image forming unit uses the first image data obtained by performing the halftone process on the image data in a predetermined direction input by the image processing unit when performing image formation of the first part of a plurality of copies. When forming an image on a first storage medium in a predetermined direction and forming a second copy of a plurality of copies, the image rotation process is performed on the image data in a predetermined direction input by the image processing unit. The second image data that has been rotated in a direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the predetermined direction and is subjected to the halftone process is then used to store a second storage of the direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the predetermined direction. An image is formed on a medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording medium on which an image is formed using rotated image data with almost the same image quality as a recording medium formed using image data that does not rotate.

  Also, if rotation processing is performed on image data expressed after halftone (after halftone processing), interference fringes are formed on the image-formed recording medium, and white spots in which the gaps between the toner colors appear white are generated. However, according to the present invention, since the halftone process is performed after the rotation process, the occurrence of these can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is an external view of an operation panel part. It is an example of a copy setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit. It is an example of the setting data memorize | stored in the setting data storage part. 4 is an example of job information generated based on copy setting data and stored in a job information storage unit. It is an example of a growth pattern of halftone dots used in halftone processing. Examples of (a) density 0%, (b) density 25%, (c) density 50%, (d) density 75%, and (e) density 100% are shown. FIG. 7 is an example of a halftone dot growth pattern when image rotation processing is performed on the halftone of FIG. 6 and rotated to the left by 90 degrees. Examples of (a) density 0%, (b) density 25%, (c) density 50%, (d) density 75%, and (e) density 100% are shown. It is an example of the job file for odd parts. It is an example of the job file for even number parts. 2 is an example illustrating a pattern in which an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus forms an image. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a copy processing operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the image processing operation | movement of an image data processing part. It is a flowchart which shows the job file generation process operation | movement of a job generation part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print job generation processing operation of a print job management unit. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is an example of a print setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel unit. 4 is an example of job information generated based on print setting data and stored in a job information storage unit. It is an example of odd-numbered print job data. It is an example of even-numbered print job data. 2 is an example illustrating a pattern in which an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus forms an image.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically showing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the common component and the same component, and those overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Image forming apparatus 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 2 (image processing unit 20), a storage unit 3, an image data generation unit 4, an image forming unit 5, an operation panel unit 6, and a network unit 7. .
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is, for example, an electrophotographic recording type printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, an MFP (Multifunction Printer), and the like. Also good.

(Control unit 2)
The control unit 2 is a configuration unit that controls each configuration unit so as to function as the image forming apparatus 1, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The function of each component as a control unit is realized by expanding and executing a program stored in the storage unit 3.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 2 performs a function as the image processing unit 20 described later, and performs image processing (FIG. 12) described later on a series of image data generated by the image data generation unit 4 described later. Then, print job data is generated and output to the image forming unit 5. Details will be described later.

(Storage unit 3)
The storage unit 3 is a storage unit that stores data and programs necessary for the image forming apparatus 1 to function. For example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and the like. Consists of.
In the present embodiment, the storage unit 3 stores data and programs necessary for the image processing unit 20 to execute image processing, and information input by the user via the operation panel unit 6 described later. Details will be described later.

(Image data generation unit 4)
The image data generation unit 4 is a configuration unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data. Then, the image data generation unit 4 outputs a series of image data generated by sequentially reading the series of images to the control unit 2 (image data processing unit 21). For example, the image data generation unit 4 reads an image of an original by a flat bed (original fixed scan) method or an ADF (original moving scan) method.

(Image forming unit 5)
The image forming unit 5 is a component that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper according to print job data. The image forming unit 5 uses, as recording media, vertical paper (for example, A4 size vertical) and horizontal paper (for example, A4 size horizontal) that are the same size paper and have a 90 ° orientation. The image forming unit 5 forms an odd-numbered image in which a stack of vertically oriented sheets is placed on a sheet tray (landscape) when a stack of vertically oriented sheets is placed vertically on a sheet tray (portrait). The paper transport source paper tray is changed between the time of processing and the time of forming even-numbered images.
The image forming unit 5 forms an image on a recording medium by, for example, a so-called electrophotographic method. Specifically, the image forming unit 5 is a charging device for charging the photosensitive drum, and the charged photosensitive drum is exposed to light corresponding to the image to expose the static on the photosensitive drum according to the image. An exposure device that forms an electrostatic latent image, a developing device that develops toner with an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum, and a transfer device that transfers a toner image corresponding to the image formed on the photosensitive drum to a recording medium The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device that fixes a toner image corresponding to the image transferred to the recording medium.

(Operation panel 6)
The operation panel unit 6 includes an operation unit 61 that receives user operations and a display unit 62 that displays various screens. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured such that the operation panel unit 6 is a touch panel, for example, and the operation unit 61 and the display unit 62 are integrated.
FIG. 2 is an example of the appearance of the operation panel unit 6. The operation panel unit 6 includes a display unit 62, a copy button 611 for instructing display of a copy setting screen to copy (copy) an image of a document, and a scan setting for reading (scanner) the image of the document. A scan button 612 for instructing display of the screen, a print button 613 for instructing display of the print setting screen, a direction key 614 for moving the focus indicating the item selected on the screen, and selection of the focused item are determined. And a start button 616 for instructing execution of copying or scanning with settings determined on various setting screens. The operation panel unit 6 stores the setting information determined on the various setting screens as setting data in the storage unit 3 (setting data storage unit 31).

  FIG. 3 is an example of a copy setting screen displayed on the display unit 62 of the operation panel unit 6. When the copy button 611 is pressed on the operation panel unit 6, it is displayed on the display unit 62. Here, the copy setting screen displays the number of copies “4”, the sort “rotation sort”, and the layout “four faces”, and “rotation sort” is focused.

(Network part 7)
The network unit 7 includes a network interface (not shown), and is connected to a computer (not shown) operated by the user via the network N to transmit and receive data.

(Storage unit 3)
The storage unit 3 includes a setting data storage unit 31, a job information storage unit 32, an image data storage unit 33 (odd number part image data, even number part image data), and a job file storage part 34 (odd number part job file, even number part). A copy job file) and a program storage unit 35 (odd job stream program, even job stream program).

(Setting data storage unit 31)
The setting data storage unit 31 stores setting data in which information related to settings input via the operation unit 61 of the operation panel unit 6 is converted into data.
For example, the setting data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the setting data storage unit 31. Copy setting data is stored as setting data related to copying, and the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, The layout “four sides” is stored. As setting data, the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, and paper feed tray “tray 1” are stored. Further, print setting data is stored as setting data relating to print settings, and the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, and paper feed tray “tray 1” are stored.

(Job information storage unit 32)
The job information storage unit 32 is a component that stores job information generated by the job generation unit 22 described later. FIG. 5 is an example of job information generated based on the copy setting data and stored in the job information storage unit 32. For example, in the case of job information generated based on the copy setting data shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 5, the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, layout “four pages”, job file name ““ ” ”, Job information with an odd-numbered part job file name“ SCANTOPRINT_ODD.BIN ”, and even-numbered part job file name“ SCANTOPRINT_EVEN.BIN ”are stored.

(Image data storage unit 33)
The image data storage unit 33 is a component that stores image data. In the present embodiment, the image data storage unit 33 stores a series of image data corresponding to an odd number of copies (odd number image data) and a series of image data corresponding to an even number of copies (even number image) obtained from the image data processing unit 21 described later. Data) is stored.

(Job file storage unit 34)
The job file storage unit 34 is a configuration unit that stores a job file generated by the job generation unit 22 described later. The job file storage unit 34 stores odd-numbered job files and even-numbered job files.

(Program storage unit 35)
The program storage unit 35 is a component that stores a program executed by the control unit 2. In the present embodiment, the program storage unit 35 is a configuration unit that stores a job stream program for the interpreter unit 24 to interpret a job file generated by the job generation unit 22 to be described later. The program storage unit 35 stores, as job stream programs, an odd-numbered job stream program for interpreting odd-numbered job files and an even-numbered job stream program for interpreting even-numbered job files. .

(Image processing unit 20)
The image processing unit 20 includes an image data processing unit 21, a job generation unit 22, a print job management unit 23, and an interpreter unit 24, and the function of each component is executed by the control unit 2 (CPU).

(Image data processing unit 21)
The image data processing unit 21 performs image processing on a series of image data acquired from the image data generation unit 4 based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31, and stores the image data in the image data storage unit 33. Part. Here, when printing of a plurality of copies is instructed in the setting data, the image data processing unit 21 generates separate image data for odd number copies and even number copies. Then, the odd-numbered image data and the even-numbered image data are stored in the image data storage unit 33.

  The image data processing unit 21 refers to the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31 and executes image processing such as scaling processing, color correction processing, halftone processing, and image rotation processing on the image data.

<Scaling process>
The image data processing unit 21 refers to the layout of the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31 and performs a scaling process on the image data when a numerical value of 2 or more is set. The image data processing unit 21 that executes the scaling processing enlarges / reduces the image data in accordance with the numerical values set in the layout. For example, in the case of the layout “four sides”, the image data processing unit 21 reduces the vertical and horizontal scales of the image data by half.

<Color correction processing>
The image data processing unit 21 performs color correction processing on the image data.
<Halftone processing>
The image data processing unit 21 performs halftone processing on the image data, and changes the color density (density) into image data expressing halftone. At this time, the image data processing unit 21 acquires density value data for each predetermined area included in the image data, and adjusts the number and amount of halftone dots in the area according to the density value.
<Image rotation processing>
The image data processing unit 21 performs image rotation processing on the image data.

FIG. 6 is an example of a halftone dot growth pattern used in halftone processing. FIG. 7 shows an example of the growth pattern of halftone dots when image rotation processing is performed on the halftone of the vertical stripe pattern shown in FIG. 6 and rotated 90 degrees to the left.
As shown in FIG. 6, the halftone of the vertical stripe pattern expresses light and shade by thickening the stripe. 6A is a halftone when the density is 0%, (b) is the density 25%, (c) is the density 50%, (d) is the density 75%, and (e) is the density 100%.
When this halftone is rotated 90 degrees as it is, a halftone with horizontal stripes is obtained as shown in FIG.

Usually, the optimum dot growth pattern used in the halftone process is selected based on the characteristics of the image forming unit 5 which is a print engine. For example, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 including the print engine (image forming unit 5) having excellent characteristics for printing in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction, a stripe pattern perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction is used. Halftone is used. For example, the vertical stripe halftone shown in FIG. 6 is used when the horizontal direction of the paper is the paper transport direction. At this time, if the halftone of the horizontal stripe pattern shown in FIG. 7 is used, the print engine (image forming unit 5) having excellent characteristics in printing in the direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction is not suitable. Compared with the case where printing is performed using halftone, the image quality is deteriorated.
As described above, when the halftone of the vertical stripe pattern is rotated as it is by 90 degrees, the image forming unit 5 has the characteristic that the image is formed on the medium using the image data that is not subjected to the rotation process, and the image that is subjected to the rotation process. There is a big difference in image quality between the case where an image is formed on a medium using data.

In addition, the image data processing unit 21 refers to the number of setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31 (FIG. 4). Only process. On the other hand, if the number of copies is 2 or more, the setting data sorting is further referred to.
If the sort is “rotational sort”, the image data processing unit 21 copies the image data after the color correction processing, executes the odd-numbered processing for one image data, and converts the image data to the other image data. Performs processing for even-numbered parts.
On the other hand, if the sort is other than “rotary sort”, the image data processing unit 21 performs the second and subsequent processing using the image data after the odd-number processing performed in the first copy.

The image data processing unit 21 that executes processing for the odd-numbered portion performs halftone processing on the image data after the color correction processing. Then, the image data after the halftone process is stored in the image data storage unit 33 as odd-numbered image data.
On the other hand, the image data processing unit 21 that executes the processing for the even number part first performs the image rotation process on the image data after the color correction process, and then performs the halftone process. Then, the image data after the halftone process is stored in the image data storage unit 33 as even-numbered image data.

  In the present embodiment, vertical and horizontal papers of the same size, which are 90 degrees apart, are used as image forming media, and when performing sort printing, odd-numbered parts are printed on vertically-oriented sheets, and even-numbered parts are printed. Prints on landscape paper.

(Job generation unit 22)
The job generation unit 22 is a component that generates job information based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31 and stores the job information in the job information storage unit 32. The job generation unit 22 also stores the setting data storage This is a configuration unit that acquires a series of image data from the image data storage unit 33 based on the setting data stored in the unit 31 (FIG. 4), generates a job file, and stores it in the job file storage unit 34. In the present embodiment, the job file is PDL (Page Description Language) data that can be interpreted by the interpreter unit 24 described later.

(Generate job information)
For example, when the setting data shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the setting data storage unit 31, the job generation unit 22 displays the “start button” while the copy setting screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 6 of FIG. 2. When is pressed, the control unit 2 executes the copy function. As a result, the job generation unit 22 generates job information based on the setting data (copy setting data) stored in the setting data storage unit 31. In the case of the setting data shown in FIG. 4, the number of copies “4”, the sort “rotation sort”, the layout “four sides”, the job file name ““ ””, the job file name for odd-numbered parts ““ SCANTOPRINT_ODD.BIN ””, the even number Job information having the job file name “SCANTOPRINT_EVEN.BIN” is generated. """Indicates that no name is specified.

(Generate job file)
The job generating unit 22 acquires a series of odd-numbered image data from the image data storage unit 33 and generates an odd-numbered job file (FIG. 8). Also, a series of even-numbered image data is acquired from the image data storage unit 33, and an even-numbered job file (FIG. 9) is generated.

<Odd part job file>
FIG. 8 shows an example of an odd-numbered part job file generated by the job generating unit 22, and this odd-numbered part job file is created based on the job information shown in FIG.
This job information includes the number of copies “4”, the sort “rotation sort”, the layout “four pages”, the job file name ““ ”, the job file name for odd-numbered parts“ SCANTOPRINT_ODD.BIN ”, and the job file name for even-numbered parts“ SCANTOPRINT_EVEN ” .BIN ".

  The job generation unit 22 describes a “paper selection command” that is selected and determined on the copy setting screen and has a paper size on which an image is formed as [A4] (line [0002]). In addition, a “printing direction selection command” is described which sets the printing direction of the first page of paper to [vertical] (line [0003]).

Based on the layout “four sides”, the job generation unit 22 sets the upper left, the upper right, the lower left, and the image data specified in each of the four “image data specification commands” in the order of reading. Describe "drawing position designation command" to be arranged in the order of [lower right].
First, the first [odd part image data R1] in the order of reading is arranged at [upper left] ([0004], [0005] lines), and then the second [odd part image data R2] is [ [Upper right] ([0006], [0007] lines), and the third [Odd portion image data R3] is arranged in [Lower left] ([0008], [0009] lines), and finally 4 The second [odd number part image data R4] is arranged in [lower right] ([0010], [0011] lines) "image data designation command" and "drawing position designation command" are described.
Since the image data to be arranged remains, the job generation unit 22 describes a “page break command” after the command for arranging the four image data on one page (line [0012]). .

Further, the job generating unit 22 generates a “drawing position specifying command” for arranging image data specified for each of the “image data specifying commands” in the fifth to eighth reading order. As a result, [odd portion image data R5] is [upper left], [odd portion image data R6] is [upper right], [odd portion image data R7] is [lower left], and [odd portion image data R8] is Describe the “image data designation command” and “drawing position designation command” arranged in [lower right] (lines [0013] to [0020]).
The job generation unit 22 inserts a “print job end command” because there is no image data to be arranged ([0021] line).
Finally, the job generation unit 22 adds the odd-numbered job file name “SCANTOPRINT_ODD.BIN” of the job information to the odd-numbered job file and stores it in the job file storage unit 34.

Further, the job generation unit 22 generates an even number part job file after generating the odd number part job file because the number of copies of the job information is two or more.
<Job file for even number parts>
FIG. 9 is an example of an even-numbered job file generated by the job generating unit 22.
The job generation unit 22 describes a “paper selection command” that is selected and determined on the copy setting screen and has a paper size on which an image is formed as [A4] (line [0002]). Furthermore, a “printing direction selection command” is described (the line [0003]), in which the printing direction of the first page of paper is [horizontal].

Based on the layout “four sides”, the job generation unit 22 sets the image data specified in each of the four “image data specification commands” in the order of reading [lower left], [upper left], and [lower right]. , [Drawing position designation command] arranged in the order of [upper right].
First, the even-numbered image data R1 with the first reading order is arranged in the [lower left] ([0004], [0005] lines), and then the second [even-numbered image data R2] is [ [Upper left] ([0006], [0007] lines) and the third [Even portion image data R3] is arranged in [Lower right] ([0008], [0009] lines), and finally The fourth [even-numbered portion image data R4] is arranged in [upper right] ([0010], [0011] lines). An "image data designation command" and a "drawing position designation command" are described.
Since the image data to be arranged remains, the job generation unit 22 describes a “page break command” after the command for arranging the four image data on one page (line [0012]). .

Further, the job generating unit 22 generates a “drawing position specifying command” for arranging image data specified for each of the “image data specifying commands” in the fifth to eighth reading order. As a result, [even-numbered image data R5] is [lower left], [even-numbered image data R6] is [upper-left], [even-numbered image data R7] is [lower-right], [even-numbered image data R8]. Are arranged in the [upper right] (lines [0013] to [0020]) “image data designation command” and “drawing position designation command” are described.
The job generation unit 22 inserts a “print job end command” because there is no image data to be arranged ([0021] line).
Finally, the job generation unit 22 adds the even-numbered job file name “SCANTOPRINT_EVEN.BIN” of the job information to the even-numbered job file and stores it in the job file storage unit 34.

  As described above, the job generation unit 22 generates the odd-numbered part job file “SCANTOPRINT_ODD.BIN” and the even-numbered part job file “SCANTOPRINT_EVEN.BIN” and stores them in the job file storage unit 34.

(Print Job Management Unit 23)
The print job management unit 23 acquires job information from the job information storage unit 32, acquires a job file from the job file storage unit 34 based on the job information, and further acquires a job stream program from the program storage unit 35. The configuration unit outputs the job file and the job stream program to the interpreter unit 24. At this time, the print job management unit 23 alternately obtains the odd-numbered part job file and the even-numbered part job file according to the copy value of the job information stored in the job information storage part 32, and interprets the interpreter part. 24.

(Interpreter unit 24)
The interpreter unit 24 acquires a job file and a job stream program from the print job management unit 23, executes the job stream program, interprets the job file (PDL data), and generates print job data. Then, the print job data is output to the image forming unit 5.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 having the above configuration, image data is arranged in the odd-numbered portion based on the odd-numbered portion job file (FIG. 8). The first [odd part image data R1] in the order read by the image data generation unit 4 is arranged on the [top left] of the first page, and then the second [odd part image data R2] is [top right] The third [odd part image data R3] is arranged in [lower left], and finally the fourth [odd part image data R4] is arranged in [lower right]. On the second and subsequent pages, image data is arranged based on the odd-numbered job file (FIG. 8).

  Similarly, in the even portion, image data is arranged based on the even portion job file (FIG. 9). [Even-numbered part image data R1] is arranged in the [lower left] of the first page, then the second [even-numbered part image data R2] is arranged in [upper-left], and the third [even-numbered part image data R3] ] Is arranged in [lower right], and finally the fourth [even-numbered portion image data R4] is arranged in [upper right]. The image data is arranged on the second and subsequent pages based on the even-numbered job file (FIG. 9).

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming unit 5) forms an image on a recording medium as shown in FIG. In the first copy of the odd portion, the image is formed on the portrait paper (A4 size portrait), and in the second copy of the even portion, the image rotated 90 degrees is formed on the landscape paper (A4 size landscape). In the third copy, which is an odd portion again, an image is formed on a portrait paper, and in the fourth copy, which is an even portion, an image rotated 90 degrees is formed on a landscape paper.

(processing)
Here, a copy process performed in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the copy processing operation of the image forming apparatus 1.
The user inputs settings on the copy setting screen of the operation panel unit 6 (step S101). Then, when the start button is pressed by the user, the operation panel unit 6 generates copy setting data based on the input setting information and stores it in the setting data storage unit 31 (step S102).

Further, when the start button is pressed by the user, the loop processing shown in steps S103 to S107 is executed. This loop processing is continued until the number of originals placed on a placement tray (not shown) becomes zero.
In the loop processing, first, the image data generation unit 4 scans one document placed on a loading tray (not shown), reads an image, generates image data (step S104), and the image data processing unit 21. Output to.
The image data processing unit 21 performs image processing on the acquired image data (step S105, FIG. 12). Then, the image data after the image processing (odd part image data, even part image data) is stored in the image data storage unit 33 (step S106).

After step S106, a document detection unit (not shown) on the placement tray (not shown) detects whether or not a document is placed on the placement tray (not shown). When a document is detected (doc = 1), loop processing (steps S103 to S107) is executed again.
On the other hand, when there are no originals on the loading tray (not shown) and the original detection unit (not shown) can no longer detect the original (doc = 0), the loop process is terminated and the process of the next step S108 is performed. Execute.

  In step S108, the job generation unit 22 executes job file generation processing (step S108, FIG. 13). Then, the print job management unit 23 executes print job generation processing (step S109, FIG. 14). Through this print job generation process, the interpreter unit 24 acquires a job file and a job stream program from the print job management unit 23.

  The interpreter unit 24 executes the job stream program, interprets the job file (PDL data), and generates print job data (step S110). Then, the print job data is output to the image forming unit 5. The image forming unit 5 forms an image on a sheet according to the print job data (step S111).

(Image processing)
The image processing (step S105, FIG. 11) executed by the image data processing unit 21 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the image processing operation of the image data processing unit 21.
First, the image data processing unit 21 acquires image data from the image data generation unit 4 (step S201). The image data processing unit 21 acquires setting data from the setting data storage unit 31 (step S202).

Then, the image data processing unit 21 performs a scaling process on the image data based on the setting data (step S203). Here, the image data processing unit 21 changes the scale of the image data by a predetermined value so that the number of images are printed on one sheet size according to the setting value of “copy setting_layout”. To do. For example, when the setting value of “copy setting_layout” in the setting data acquired in step S202 is “four sides”, the image data processing unit 21 prints four images on one sheet size. Halves the vertical scale of the image data and halves the horizontal scale.
Next, the image data processing unit 21 performs color correction processing (step S204). Here, the image data after color correction is referred to as “scale image data”.

  The image data processing unit 21 performs halftone processing on the scale image data (step S205). The scale image data after the halftone process is referred to as “odd number image data”. The image data processing unit 21 stores the odd number of copies of image data in the image data storage unit 33 (step S206).

Next, the image data processing unit 21 determines whether or not the setting value of “copy setting_sort” of the setting data acquired in step S202 is rotation sort (step S207).
Here, if it is other than rotational sorting (step S207, No), the image data processing unit 21 ends the image processing (step S105, FIG. 11).

On the other hand, if it is rotation sort (step S207, Yes), the image data processing unit 21 performs image rotation processing on the scale image data (step S208). Here, the image data processing unit 21 generates image data obtained by rotating the scale image data 90 degrees to the left. The scale image data after this image rotation processing is referred to as “scale rotation image data”.
Then, the image data processing unit 21 performs halftone processing on the scale rotation image data (step S209). The scale image data after the halftone process is referred to as “even number copy image data”. The image data processing unit 21 stores the even-numbered image data in the image data storage unit 33 (step S210). Thereafter, the image data processing unit 21 ends the image processing (step S105, FIG. 12).

(Job file generation processing)
Job file generation processing (step S108, FIG. 11) executed by the job generation unit 22 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the job file generation processing operation of the job generation unit 22.
First, the job generation unit 22 acquires setting data from the setting data storage unit 31 (step S301), generates job information, and stores it in the job information storage unit 32 (step S302).

Then, the job generation unit 22 generates an odd-numbered job file (step S303), and writes a job header in the odd-numbered job file based on the setting data acquired in step S108 (step S304). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the print job start command, the paper selection command, and the print direction selection command are written as job headers in the odd-numbered job file.
Next, the job generation unit 22 determines whether or not the setting value of “copy setting_sort” of the setting data acquired in step S108 is “rotation sort” (step S305).
If it is other than the rotation sort (step S305, No), the process of step S308 described later is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is rotation sort (step S305, Yes), the job generation unit 22 generates an even-numbered job file (step S306), and the job is stored in the even-numbered job file based on the setting data acquired in step S108. The header is written (step S307). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the print job start command, the paper selection command, and the print direction selection command are written as job headers in the even-numbered job file.

  Then, the job generation unit 22 acquires the image data stored in the image data storage unit 33 in the stored order by the image data processing unit 21 (step S308). At this time, the job generating unit 22 determines whether the acquired image data is odd-numbered image data or even-numbered image data (step S309).

  If it is odd-numbered image data (step S309, odd-numbered image data), the command relating to the odd-numbered image data is written in the odd-numbered job file (FIG. 8) (step S310). In this process, the job generation unit 22 acquires “copy setting_layout” data of the setting data. Here, since there are four sides, a drawing position designation command is written in the odd-numbered job file. At this time, if the number of times determined to be odd-numbered image data in step S309 is the first time, [upper left] is written in the drawing position designation command. Thereafter, the writing is performed in the order of [upper right] at the second time, [lower left] at the third time, and [lower right] at the fourth time. When [lower right] is written, the number of determinations is reset (0 times). Then, after writing the drawing position specifying command, the job generating unit 22 writes an image data specifying command for associating the acquired odd portion image data. Furthermore, when writing [lower right] in the drawing position designation command, the job generation unit 22 writes the page break command after writing the image data designation command. As described above, the job generation unit 22 performs step S310 and writes a command related to the odd-numbered image data.

  On the other hand, if the image data is for even-numbered portions (step S309, image data for even-numbered portions), the command related to the image data for even-numbered portions is written in the job file for even-numbered portions (FIG. 9) (step S311). In this process, the job generation unit 22 acquires “copy setting_layout” data of the setting data. Here, since there are four sides, a drawing position designation command is written to the even-numbered job file. At this time, if the number of times determined to be image data for even-numbered portions in step S309 is the first time, [lower left] is written in the drawing position designation command. Thereafter, the writing is performed in the order of [upper left] at the second time, [lower right] at the third time, and [upper right] at the fourth time. When [top right] is written, the number of determinations is reset (0 times). Then, after writing the drawing position specifying command, the job generating unit 22 writes an image data specifying command for associating the acquired even portion image data. Further, when “upper right” is written in the drawing position designation command, the job generation unit 22 writes the page break command after writing the image data designation command. As described above, the job generation unit 22 performs step S311 and writes a command relating to even-numbered image data.

Then, it is determined whether there is image data not acquired from the image data storage unit 33 (step S312). If there is unacquired image data (step S312, Yes), the processes from step S308 to S311 are repeated until the job generation unit 22 acquires all the image data stored in the image data storage unit 33.
When the job generation unit 22 cannot acquire image data from the image data storage unit 33 (No at Step S312), the job generation unit 22 closes the odd-numbered job file and the even-numbered job file (Step S313). ). At this time, the job generation unit 22 writes a print job end command in the last line of the odd-numbered job file and the even-numbered job file. Then, the job generation unit 22 ends the job file generation process (step S108, FIG. 11), and the print job management unit 23 executes the process of the next step S109 (print job generation process).

(Print job generation processing)
A print job generation process (step S109, FIG. 11) executed by the print job management unit 23 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the print job generation processing operation of the print job management unit 23.
First, the print job management unit 23 acquires job information from the job information storage unit 32 (step S401), and acquires a setting value of copy setting_number of copies from the job information (step S402). Here, the count of the number of executions of the print job generation process is started, and at this time, the count = 1 is set (step S403).
Then, the print job management unit 23 determines whether the count is an odd number or an even number (step S404).

  If it is an odd number (step S404, odd number), the print job management unit 23 obtains an odd part job file from the job file storage unit 34 (step S405), and further obtains an odd job stream program from the program storage unit 35. (Step S406). Then, the print job management unit 23 outputs the odd-numbered job file and the odd-numbered job stream program to the interpreter unit 24 (step S407). And step S411 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the number is even (step S404, even), the print job management unit 23 acquires the even-numbered job file from the job file storage unit 34 (step S408), and further downloads the even-numbered job stream program from the program storage unit 35. Obtain (step S409). Then, the print job management unit 23 outputs the even-numbered job file and the even-numbered job stream program to the interpreter unit 24 (step S410). And step S411 is performed.

  After step S407 or step S410, the print job management unit 23 determines the number of executions (step S411, count = copy setting_set number of copies?). If the count is smaller than the copy setting_copy number setting value (step S411, count <copy setting_copy number setting value?), The print job management unit 23 adds 1 to the current count. (Step S412), the process of Step S404 is executed again.

  On the other hand, if the count is the same as the copy setting_number setting value (step S411, count = copy setting_number setting value), the print job management unit 23 ends the print job generation process (step S109, FIG. 11) is completed.

<< Second Embodiment >>

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1A.
Here, the image forming apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment is different in that it includes a reception job processing unit 25 as shown in FIG. Further, the image processing unit 21 and the image data storage unit 33 are not provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 1 in that a job generation unit 22A and an interpreter unit 24A are provided instead of the job generation unit 22 and the interpreter unit 24. The job file stored in the job file storage unit 34 according to the first embodiment is different from the job file storage unit 34A according to the second embodiment. Since other configurations are the same, the description is omitted for convenience.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a print setting screen displayed on the display unit 62 of the operation panel unit 6. When the print button 613 is pressed on the operation panel unit 6, it is displayed on the display unit 62. Here, the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, and paper feed tray “tray 1” are displayed on the print setting screen, and “rotation sort” is focused.

  The network unit 7 receives, from the computer (not shown) operated by the user via the network N, received data configured by a print job including a series of image data together with a print instruction.

(Receiving job processing unit 25)
The reception job processing unit 25 acquires a series of image data from the reception data relating to the print job received by the network unit 7, and outputs the acquired image data to the job generation unit 22A.
(Job generation unit 22A)
The job generation unit 22A is a component that generates job information based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31 and stores the job information in the job information storage unit 32. This is a configuration unit that generates a job file from the image data and stores it in the job file storage unit 34A. The job file is PDL data that can be interpreted by the interpreter unit 24A described later.

  For example, when the setting data illustrated in FIG. 4 is stored in the setting data storage unit 31, the reception job processing unit 25 acquires a reception job related to the print job from the reception data received by the network unit 7. The control unit 2 executes a printing function. Thereby, the job generation unit 22A generates job information based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 31. In the case of the setting data shown in FIG. 4, the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, paper feed tray “tray 1”, job file name “PCPRINT.BIN”, and odd-number job file name ““ ””. Then, job information having an even-numbered job file name ““ ”” is generated. Further, the job generation unit 22A generates a job file from the series of image data acquired from the received job processing unit 25, adds the job file name “PCPRINT.BIN”, and stores the job file in the job file storage unit 34. . Since the job file generation processing procedure is the same as the processing procedure performed by the job generation unit 22 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted for the sake of convenience.

(Interpreter unit 24A)
The interpreter unit 24A is a component having the image processing function of the image data processing unit 21 of the first embodiment in addition to the function of the interpreter unit 24 of the first embodiment.
The interpreter unit 24A acquires the job file and job stream program from the print job management unit 23, executes the job stream program, interprets the job file (PDL data), executes image processing, and print job data. Generate. This job stream program is different from the job stream program used in the first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, it is referred to as “job stream program A”. Further, the image processing executed by the interpreter unit 24A is similar to the image processing executed by the image data processing unit 21 in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Program storage unit 35)
The program storage unit 35 stores an odd job stream program A and an even job stream program A as the job stream program A.
The job stream program A is a program for the interpreter unit 24A to execute a job file. FIG. 18 shows odd-numbered print job data generated by executing the odd-numbered job stream A. FIG. 19 shows even-numbered print job data generated by executing the even-numbered job stream A.

(Outline of processing executed by interpreter unit 24A)
Here, the interpreter unit 24A that has executed the odd-numbered job stream program A interprets a job file formed of PDL data, acquires image data, and executes image processing. At this time, the interpreter 24A performs halftone processing on the image data, generates odd-numbered image data, and generates odd-numbered print job data using the odd-numbered image data.
On the other hand, the interpreter 24A that has executed the even-numbered job stream program A performs image rotation processing on the acquired image data, and then performs halftone processing to generate even-numbered image data, and uses the even-numbered image data. To generate even-numbered print job data.

The interpreter unit 24A acquires the job file and the job stream program A from the print job management unit 23, and executes the job stream program A (odd job stream program A, even job stream program A).
The interpreter unit 24A executes the odd job stream program A and the even job stream program A, interprets the job file, and reads the PDL format data. Then, the interpreter unit 24A executes the image processing of the first embodiment, and once generates odd-numbered print job data and even-numbered print job data.

Here, FIG. 18 is an example of odd-numbered print job data, and FIG. 19 is an example of even-numbered print job data. As shown in FIG. 18, the odd-numbered print job data includes a print job start command ([0001] line), a paper selection command ([0002] line), and a print direction selection command ([0003] line). Written as a job header. Then, the received job data acquired from the job file is written ([0004] line), and finally a print job end command ([0005] line) is written.
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the even-numbered print job data includes a print job start command ([0001] line), a paper selection command ([0002] line), and a print direction selection command ([0003] line). ) Is written as the job header. Then, the received job data acquired from the job file is written ([0004] line), and finally a print job end command ([0005] line) is written.

(Job information storage unit 32)
The job information storage unit 32 is a component that stores job information generated by the job generation unit 22A. FIG. 19 is an example of job information generated based on the print setting data and stored in the job information storage unit 32. For example, in the case of job information generated based on the print setting data shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 19, the number of copies “4”, sort “rotation sort”, paper feed tray “tray 1”, job file name “ Job information with “PCPRINT.BIN” ”, odd-numbered job file name“ “” ”, and even-numbered job file name“ “” ”is stored.

According to the image forming apparatus 1A having the above configuration, image data is arranged in the odd-numbered portion based on the odd-numbered print job data (FIG. 18). On the first page, [odd number part image data R1] of the first order read by the image data generation unit 4 is arranged, and on the second page, [odd number part image data R2] is arranged. [Odd number part image data R3] is arranged, and on the fourth page, [odd number part image data R4] is arranged.
Similarly, in the even-numbered portion, image data is arranged based on the even-numbered portion print job data (FIG. 19). [Even portion image data R1] is arranged on the first page, [Even portion image data R2] is arranged on the second page, and [Even portion image data R3] is arranged on the third page. [Even number portion image data R4] is arranged in the eyes.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 1A (image forming unit 5) forms an image on a recording medium as shown in FIG. In the first copy of the odd portion, the image is formed on the portrait paper (A4 size portrait), and in the second copy of the even portion, the image rotated 90 degrees is formed on the landscape paper (A4 size landscape). In the third copy, which is an odd portion again, an image is formed on a portrait paper, and in the fourth copy, which is an even portion, an image rotated 90 degrees is formed on a landscape paper.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the halftone dot used in the halftone process is a striped pattern, but the halftone dot may be a commonly used dot or the like.

  In the second embodiment, a series of image data acquired by the reception job processing unit 25 via the network unit 7 has a boundary line of a halftone dot pattern formed by halftone processing in the image data. It is desirable to be parallel or orthogonal to the orientation of the image indicated by the image data. When an image based on the image data is formed on a recording medium, the image is formed so that the direction of the image matches the direction of the recording medium. Therefore, since the area where the halftone dot pattern is formed is parallel or orthogonal to the direction in which the recording medium is conveyed, the influence at the time of image rotation processing when the image forming unit 5 forms the recording medium is reduced. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Image forming apparatus 2 Control part 3 Memory | storage part 4 Image data generation part 5 Image formation part 6 Operation panel part 7 Network part 20 Image processing part 21 Image data processing part 22, 22A Job generation part 23 Print job management part 24, 24A interpreter unit 25 received job processing unit 31 setting data storage unit 32 job information storage unit 33 image data storage unit 34, 34A job file storage unit 35 program storage unit N network

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus that performs image processing on input image data to form an image on a recording medium,
When the input image data is different direction image data in a direction different from the direction of the recording medium, an image rotation process is performed in the image processing to rotate the different direction image data in the direction of the recording medium. From the image processing unit that performs halftone processing ,
An image forming unit that forms a plurality of copies of an image
The image processing unit performs first image data obtained by performing the halftone process on input image data in a predetermined direction, and performs image rotation processing on the input image data in a predetermined direction. It is possible to generate the second image data that has been subjected to the halftone process after being rotated in a direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the direction,
The image forming unit includes:
When forming a plurality of copies of the first image, using the first image data obtained by performing the halftone process on the image data in the predetermined direction input by the image processing unit, the first image in the predetermined direction is used. Forming an image on one storage medium,
When image formation of the second copy of a plurality of copies is performed, the image rotation process is performed on the image data in a predetermined direction input by the image processing unit, and the image data is rotated in a direction that forms an angle of 90 degrees with the predetermined direction. Then, using the second image data that has been subjected to the halftone process, an image is formed on a second storage medium having an angle of 90 degrees with the predetermined direction.
An image forming apparatus. The first part is an odd number (1, 3, 5,...) Part of the plurality of copies, and the second part is an even number (2, 4, 6,...) Part of the plurality of copies. Is,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The dot pattern used in the halftoning process are stripes, the color fringes becomes thicker as it thickens, claim 1 or claim characterized in that it is a growth pattern stripes becomes narrower as the color becomes lighter 2. The image forming apparatus described in 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the halftone dot pattern is a vertical stripe pattern or a horizontal stripe pattern. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, before performing the image rotation process, the image forming apparatus characterized by performing the color correction process. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the input image data, the boundary lines of the area of the halftone dot pattern formed by the halftone process, an image showing the image data An image forming apparatus characterized by being parallel or orthogonal to the direction.

Images