JP5899688B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of setting post-processing on a preview screen, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers display a preview of image data obtained by reading a document image before image formation, and perform image formation after a user confirms the display. In some preview images, a user can set a finished state after image formation by visual operation in image data obtained by reading a plurality of documents.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-247873 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for setting a spread state of a sheet after image formation by a user's touch operation on a preview screen of image data obtained by reading a plurality of originals. Yes.

  On the other hand, there is an image forming apparatus provided with a post-processing device that receives recorded paper discharged from the image forming device and executes predetermined post-processing. Post-processing refers to, for example, performing finishing processing such as stapling needle processing, punching (round hole opening) processing, and paper folding processing on a sheet on which image formation is performed. In the image forming apparatus, when the image data is formed as an image, the above-described various finishing processes can be performed in accordance with user settings. Some post-processing settings are made using buttons or the like, but in this case, it is not easy to imagine the finished state after post-processing. Therefore, the user can set the post-processing on the image data preview display screen so that the post-processing setting by the user's visual operation and the set post-processing finish state can be confirmed. There is a preview display of the finished state of post-processing.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-280369 (Patent Document 2), a processing position where a stapling process can be executed is displayed on a preview screen, and the user can select a stapling process by selecting the processing position. A method that enables setting is disclosed.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-041063 (Patent Document 3), an area on a preview screen and a post-processing setting are associated in advance, so that post-processing such as punching and stapling is performed depending on the area touched by the user. A method that enables setting is disclosed.

JP 2006-247873 A JP 2007-280369 A JP 2010-041063 A

  However, according to the technique disclosed above, the post-processing position that can be set is determined. Therefore, when the user sets the original in the wrong direction and reads the original and reads the image, the original is set again and the image is read again. It is necessary to perform post-processing setting after reading the image or by rotating the image by the user himself / herself.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an image forming apparatus capable of improving user convenience when the user sets post-processing, a control method thereof, and the like. The purpose is to provide the control program.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a display unit that can accept an input of a touch operation, an image reading unit for reading an image, and a preview that displays read image data read by the image reading unit. A display control unit for displaying the screen on the display unit, a type specifying unit for specifying the post-processing type according to the operation mode of the user's touch operation on the display unit, and a user touch operation on the display unit Is it possible to perform post-processing that includes the position specifying unit for specifying the post-processing position, the post-processing type specified by the type specifying unit, and the post-processing position specified by the position specifying unit according to the operation area? In response to the determination by the determination unit that determines whether or not post-processing is possible, the determination unit determines that post-processing is not possible after image processing is performed without rotating the read image data. An image processing unit that rotates the read image data so that post-processing can be performed, and an image processing unit that forms an image image-processed by the image processing unit and performs post-processing on the sheet. An image forming unit that outputs a sheet, and a display unit that displays a preview screen associates a region including a region where the read image data is not displayed with a preview , and a post-processing position on the sheet, The position specifying unit specifies a post-processing position on the sheet based on a region in the display unit on which the touch operation by the user is performed , including a region where the read image data is not preview-displayed .

  Preferably, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a post-processing preview screen reflecting the post-processing for the image-formed sheet in response to the determination by the determination unit that post-processing is possible.

  Preferably, the specification of the post-processing type by the type specifying unit and the specification of the post-processing position by the position specifying unit are reflected in response to a touch operation in the display area of the preview screen of the display unit from the user.

  Preferably, the type specifying unit specifies a post-processing type according to a first touch operation which is a predetermined operation mode by the user to the display unit, and the position specifying unit is a second different from the first touch operation. The post-processing position is specified according to the operation area of the touch operation.

  Preferably, when the post-processing position cannot be specified in accordance with the operation area touch-operated by the user in a predetermined operation mode, and there is a touch operation different from the touch operation, the position specifying unit performs another touch operation. The post-processing position is specified according to the operation area.

Preferably, the type specifying unit determines that the post-processing type is a Z-fold process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a Z-character touch operation input.

Preferably, the type specifying unit determines that the post-processing type is punch processing when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a touch operation input of a P character.

Preferably, the type specifying unit determines that the post-processing type is a staple process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is an S character touch operation input.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a display unit that can accept an input of a touch operation. The method of controlling the image forming apparatus includes a step of reading an image, a step of displaying a preview screen for displaying a preview of read image data read by the reading step on a display unit, and an operation mode of a touch operation by a user on the display unit. Accordingly, the post-processing type specified by the step of specifying the post-processing type, the step of specifying the post-processing position according to the operation area of the touch operation by the user to the display means, and the step of specifying the post-processing type And the step of determining whether or not the post-processing consisting of the post-processing position specified by the step of specifying the post-processing position is possible and the step of determining that the post-processing is possible are read. Image processing is performed without rotating the image data, and post-processing can be performed according to the determination of the step that determines that post-processing is not possible Rotating the captured image data to perform image processing, and forming an image image-processed by the image processing step on the sheet, and outputting the sheet to a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet, the display means for displaying a preview screen, a region including a region read image data is not displayed preview, and a post-processing position on the sheet is associated, identifying a post-processing position, the read image This includes specifying the post-processing position on the sheet based on the area in the display means on which the touch operation is performed by the user , including the area where the data is not preview-displayed .
Preferably, the displaying step displays a post-processing preview screen reflecting the post-processing for the image-formed sheet on the display unit in accordance with the determination of the step of determining that the post-processing is possible. Including.
Preferably, the specification of the post-processing type by the step of specifying the post-processing type and the specification of the post-processing position by the step of specifying the post-processing position correspond to the touch operation in the display area of the preview screen of the display means from the user. Is reflected.
Preferably, the step of specifying the post-processing type includes specifying the post-processing type according to a first touch operation that is a predetermined operation mode by the user to the display means, and the step of specifying the post-processing position includes This includes specifying a post-processing position according to an operation area of a second touch operation different from the first touch operation.
Preferably, in the step of specifying the post-processing position, when there is a touch operation different from the touch operation when the post-processing position cannot be specified according to the operation area touch-operated by the user in a predetermined operation mode, This includes specifying a post-processing position in accordance with an operation area of another touch operation.
Preferably, the step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is a Z folding process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a Z character touch operation input.
Preferably, the step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is punch processing when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a touch operation input of a P character.
Preferably, the step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is a staple process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is an S character touch operation input.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming apparatus control method.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the user performs post-processing settings, the user convenience can be improved.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which showed an example of the external appearance of the operation panel according to embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence performed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart performed in the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the post-processing position which is possible with respect to the paper passing direction in the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the area | region which specifies the post-processing position previously linked | related with the preview screen displayed on a display. It is a flowchart of the initial setting procedure of the drawing pattern for specifying the post-processing type of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the post-processing classification selection screen displayed on the display. It is the figure which showed an example of the drawing pattern input screen displayed on a display, when punching processing is selected in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the drawing pattern input to a display. 6 is a flowchart showing a post-processing setting procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing preview screen when a P-character pattern is drawn on a print preview screen. It is a figure which shows the post-processing preview screen when an S character-like pattern is drawn on the print preview screen. It is a figure which shows the post-processing preview screen at the time of drawing the pattern of Z folding processing on a print preview screen. It is a figure which shows the post-processing preview screen at the time of drawing a P character-like pattern on a print preview screen (vertically placed document). 12 is an example of a touch operation on a preview screen in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific method of the post-processing position of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, the detailed description of the same parts will not be repeated.

<Terminology>
Hereinafter, in this specification, “post-processing position” means a position in a sheet where post-processing is performed on a sheet conveyed by the post-processing apparatus. Further, “post-processing type” means a type of post-processing executed by the post-processing apparatus for the sheet. In this specification, the types of post-processing will be described as punching, stapling, and Z-folding (Z-shaped trifold). The “post-processing type” may include, for example, half-folding.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a digital multi-function peripheral having a document transport function for sequentially transporting a plurality of documents and a re-transport function for automatically performing double-sided copying.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 including an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 1 mainly includes an image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image on a sheet S such as paper, and punch processing, staple needle processing, and the like on the sheet S on which an image is formed. And a post-processing device 300 that performs post-processing such as Z-folding processing.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 16 that performs automatic continuous conveyance of a document in a copy operation and a scan operation, an image reading unit 17 that reads an image of a document conveyed by the ADF 16, And an image forming unit 18 that forms an image on the sheet S based on image data of an image read by the image reading unit 17 or image data stored in advance. The image forming unit 18 includes a control unit 102 that totally controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  An operation panel 15 for performing various operations on the image forming apparatus is provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. As will be described later, the operation panel 15 displays the state of the image forming apparatus, an operation screen, and the like, and accepts user operations.

  The post-processing apparatus 300 includes a control unit 302 that generally controls the operation of the post-processing apparatus 300 and a post-processing unit 310, and the post-processing unit 310 performs punch processing on the sheet S. A staple processing unit 314 that performs stapling processing, and a Z folding processing unit 316 that performs Z folding processing.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 100 communicates with CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, and communication. The interface 14, the external device I / F 19, the operation panel 15, the ADF 16, the image reading unit 17, and the image forming unit 18 are included.

  The CPU 10 may be any of a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and other circuits having arithmetic functions.

  The CPU 10 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 by reading a program stored in advance in a ROM 11 described later and sequentially executing the program. More specifically, the CPU 10 implements processing of the image forming apparatus 100 described later by executing the program.

  The ROM 11 stores a program executed by the CPU 10 in advance. The RAM 12 temporarily stores data and image data necessary for executing the program portion of the CPU 10. The HDD 13 can store a relatively large amount of data in a nonvolatile manner. For example, the HDD 13 stores a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by the image reading unit 17 (to be described later) reading an image.

  The communication interface 14 communicates information with the post-processing device 300. For example, the CPU 10 sets post-processing position information and post-processing type information (whether or not stapling processing, punching processing, Z-folding processing, their types and number of sheets, etc.) set by the user based on an operation panel 15 described later. And the job including the copy number information and the like are transmitted to the post-processing apparatus 300 through the communication interface 14.

  The external device I / F 19 is provided to connect to an external device, and for example, realizes connection with a flash memory which is a detachable nonvolatile storage medium and connection with an optical drive. Data stored in an optical disk such as a flash memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory) is exchanged via the external device I / F 19.

  The operation panel 15 has a touch panel, can set the type of post-processing to be performed on the sheet S, perform operation settings for various other functions, and can confirm the set functions and display various warnings. It is configured.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the appearance of operation panel 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The operation panel 15 includes a display 50, a numeric keypad 54 for setting the number of copies, a preview screen display button 56 for displaying a read image preview screen 52 on a part of the display 50, and execution of processing such as copying / scanning. A mode change button 58 for changing the mode, a start button 60 for instructing execution of processing such as copy / scan, and a type setting button 62 which is a drawing pattern setting mode are included. Note that the preview screen 52 may be automatically displayed when a document is scanned. In addition, a stop key for instructing stop of processing execution, a reset key for initializing various setting conditions, and the like may be included. In addition, a touch panel is provided on the display 50, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the display 50.

  The post-processing device 300 only needs to provide processing as described later as a whole, and a known hardware configuration can be adopted. Therefore, detailed description will not be given here.

<Functional configuration>
Next, the functional configuration of image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a functional configuration of image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, image forming apparatus 100 has, as its functional configuration, control unit 102, setting unit 106, position specifying unit 108, type specifying unit 110, determining unit 112, and display control unit 114. , An image processing unit 116, an operation unit 118, a storage unit 120, and a display unit 122. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the communication interface 14, the image reading unit 17, and the image forming unit 18.

  The control unit 102, the setting unit 106, the position specifying unit 108, the type specifying unit 110, the determination unit 112, the display control unit 114, and the image processing unit 116 are stored in advance in the ROM 11, RAM 12, and HDD 13 by the CPU 10. It is realized by reading and executing the program that has been executed. However, each of these units may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

Hereinafter, each of the functional blocks included in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail.
The control unit 102 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The setting unit 106 associates the predetermined pattern drawing with the post-processing type and stores them in the storage unit 120 described later. For example, when the control unit 102 receives a Z-character pattern drawing from the user via the operation unit 118 on the pattern drawing setting screen corresponding to the Z-folding process, the setting unit 106 performs the Z-character pattern drawing and the Z-character drawing. The folding process is stored in association with the storage unit 120.

  The position specifying unit 108 specifies the post-processing position according to the position where the user performs a touch operation on the preview screen. For example, when the right region on the preview screen is touched, the position specifying unit 108 specifies that the post-processing position is the right side.

  The type specifying unit 110 specifies the post-processing type according to the drawing pattern touched on the preview screen by the user. For example, when the P-character pattern is touched on the preview screen, the type specifying unit 110 specifies that the post-processing type is punch processing.

  The determination unit 112 determines whether or not the post-processing specified according to the post-processing position specified by the position specifying unit 108 and the post-processing type specified by the type specifying unit 110 can be performed. For example, when A3 size is placed horizontally (the short side is left and right, and the long side is up and down), it is determined that the Z-folding process can be executed in the left-right direction, but the Z-folding process cannot be executed in the up-down direction. .

  The image processing unit 116 generates image data based on the image read by the image reading unit 17. Further, the image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 120 described later.

  The display control unit 114 controls the display unit 122 to display a preview of various information and image data. For example, the image data generated by the image processing unit 116 is displayed as a preview on the display unit 122.

  The operation unit 118 receives various instructions from the user. For example, the operation unit 118 performs copy / scanner settings, post-processing type settings, and various other function settings in accordance with user operations.

  The storage unit 120 is realized by the above-described ROM 11, RAM 12, nonvolatile memory such as the HDD 13, or the like. The image data generated by the image processing unit 116, post-processing setting information, execution programs for various processes, and the like are stored.

  In contrast, the post-processing device 300 includes a control unit 302, a communication interface 304, a storage unit 306, and a post-processing unit 310. Further, the post-processing unit 310 includes a punch processing unit 312, a staple processing unit 314, and a Z-fold processing unit 316.

  The control unit 302 controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device 300. Operation control of each unit of the control unit 302 is achieved by a CPU included in the post-processing device 300 executing various programs stored in advance in the ROM.

  The communication interface 304 communicates information with the image forming apparatus 100. For example, a job including post-processing type information, copy number information, and the like transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 is received.

  The storage unit 306 includes a ROM and a RAM, stores a program executed by the CPU, and temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU to execute the program.

  Based on the information received by the communication interface 304, the punch processing unit 312 performs punch processing on the sheet S, the staple processing unit 314 performs staple processing on the sheet S, and the Z folding processing unit 316 performs Z processing on the sheet S. Execute the folding process.

<System operation overview>
An outline of operation in image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, operations executed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed in image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, first, a document is set on ADF 18, and control unit 102 receives an instruction for a scanner process from the user via operation unit 118 (step S102). Specifically, on the operation panel 15, the user selects a scan mode with the mode change button 58 and presses the start button.

  Next, the image reading unit 17 reads an image of a document automatically conveyed from the ADF 18, the read image is generated as image data by the image processing unit 116, and the image data is stored in the storage unit 120 (step S104). ).

  Next, when the control unit 102 receives an input about a preview screen display from the user via the operation unit 118, the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 122 to display the preview screen (step S106). Specifically, when the user presses the preview screen display button 56, the preview screen 52 is displayed on a part of the display 50.

  Next, the control unit 102 determines whether a post-processing setting request has been received from the user via the operation unit 118 (step S108). If control unit 102 determines that post-processing settings have been accepted (YES in step S108), it performs predetermined post-processing settings (step S110). Details of the post-processing setting method will be described later. Next, the communication interface 14 transmits the set post-processing setting information to the post-processing device 300 (step S112).

  Next, the control unit 102 determines whether a print start request is received from the user via the operation unit 118 (step S114). If control unit 102 determines that a print start request has not been received (NO in step S114), the processing from step S114 is repeated. On the other hand, when control unit 102 determines that a print start request has been received (YES in step S114), printing is started (step S116), image forming unit 18 forms an image on sheet S, and performs predetermined post-processing. The sheet S is output to the post-processing apparatus 300, and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S108, when the control unit 102 determines that the post-processing setting is not accepted (NO in step S108), the process from step S114 is executed.

Next, operations performed in the post-processing device 300 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart executed in post-processing apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, first, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus 300 (step S150). The control unit 302 determines whether post-processing setting information is received from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication interface 304 (step S152). If control unit 302 determines that post-processing setting information has not been received (NO in step S152), it discharges sheet S as it is (step S156) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when control unit 302 determines that post-processing setting information has been received (YES in step S152), post-processing unit 310 performs post-processing based on the received post-processing setting information (step S154). . For example, if the post-processing setting information is punch processing, the punch processing unit 312 performs punch processing on the sheet S. Similarly, if the post-processing setting information is staple processing, the staple processing unit 314 executes staple processing on the sheet S, and if the post-processing setting information is Z-folding processing, the Z folding processing unit 316 applies to the sheet S. The Z-folding process is executed.

Next, the post-processed sheet S is discharged (step S156), and the process ends.
<Post-processing position with respect to paper feeding direction>
Next, post-processing positions where post-processing can be performed in the post-processing apparatus 300 in the paper passing direction will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of possible post-processing positions with respect to the sheet passing direction in post-processing apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following, for the sake of explanation, the upper direction with respect to the page is described as “up”, the lower direction as “lower”, the left direction as “left”, and the right direction as “right”. Further, it is assumed that the post-processing by post-processing apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed when sheet S is passed from the short side.

  Referring to FIG. 7, for example, when sheet S is A3 size landscape and the sheet passing direction is left (when sheet S is passed from the right side to the left side), the upper side of sheet S or Punching to the left side is possible. Similarly, in the case of stapling, stapling can be performed on the upper or left side of the sheet S. In the case of the Z-folding process, the sheet S can be folded from the right side to the left side. Note that the paper size may be other than A3 (for example, A4, B4, B5, etc.).

<Embodiment 1>
As Embodiment 1, an example in which post-processing is set in response to a predetermined touch operation on the display 50 from the user will be described.

(Specific method of post-processing)
A post-processing position specifying method for specifying at which position of the sheet S the post-processing is executed, and a post-processing type for specifying which post-processing (punch processing, stapling processing, Z-folding processing) is executed. The specific method will be described.

  First, a post-processing position specifying method set in image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area for specifying a post-processing position associated in advance with the preview screen 52 displayed on the display 50.

  Referring to FIG. 8, post-processing position information associated with areas A to D in advance is stored in storage unit 120 in preview screen 52 displayed in the process of step S <b> 106 in FIG. 5. For example, when the user performs a touch operation for executing punch processing or stapling processing on the area A, it is specified as post processing (punching processing or stapling processing) on the upper side of the sheet S. Similarly, if the region is B, it is specified that the post-processing is performed on the lower side of the sheet S, and if the region is C, the post-processing is performed on the left side of the sheet S. If it is the area | region of D, it will be identified as the post-processing to the right side of the sheet | seat S. FIG.

  On the other hand, when the user performs a touch operation for executing the Z-folding process on the area A, the Z-folding process for the upper side of the sheet S (the process for folding the sheet S from the lower side to the upper side) is specified. In other words, it is specified as the Z-folding process in which the upper direction of the preview screen is the paper direction. Similarly, if the region is B, it is specified that the Z-folding process (the process of folding the sheet S from the upper side to the lower side) is performed on the lower side of the sheet S. In other words, it is specified as the Z-folding process in which the downward direction of the preview screen is the paper direction. If it is the region C, it is specified that the sheet S is Z-folded to the left (the sheet S is folded from the right to the left). In other words, it is specified as the Z-folding process in which the left direction of the preview screen is the paper direction. If it is the area | region of D, it will specify that it is Z folding process (process which folds the sheet S from the left side to the right side) of the sheet S to the right side. In other words, it is specified as the Z-folding process in which the right direction of the preview screen is the paper direction.

  However, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the post-processing positions that can be performed by the post-processing apparatus 300 with respect to the sheet passing direction of the sheet S are limited. Although details will be described later, when post-processing cannot be performed at the post-processing position for the read image, post-processing is performed on the image obtained by rotating the read image, and post-processing cannot be performed even if the read image is rotated. An error warning is made.

  Next, a method for specifying the post-processing type of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a drawing pattern initial setting procedure for specifying the post-processing type of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the control unit 102 receives an instruction to shift to a type setting mode for setting a drawing pattern for specifying a post-processing type from the user via the operation unit 118 (step S202), the display control unit 114 is displayed on the display unit 122. Control is performed to display a post-processing type selection screen (step S204). Specifically, when the user presses the type setting button 62, a post-processing type selection screen is displayed on the display 50.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a post-processing type selection screen displayed on the display 50.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, when the control unit 102 receives selection of a post-processing type (punch processing, stapling processing, Z-folding processing) from the user via the operation unit 118 (step S206), the display control unit 114 Control is performed to display a drawing pattern input screen corresponding to the post-processing type on the display unit 122 (step S208). Specifically, when the user selects punch processing, stapling processing, or Z-folding processing by a touch operation, a drawing pattern input screen corresponding to the selected post-processing is displayed on the display 50.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a drawing pattern input screen displayed on the display 50 when the punching process is selected in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, when control unit 102 accepts a drawing pattern input from the user via operation unit 118 (step S210), setting unit 106 draws the post-processing type selected in advance and the input drawing pattern. Are stored in the storage unit 120 in association with each other (step S212).

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of drawing pattern input to the display 50.
FIG. 12A shows an operation of continuously moving the touch position so as to draw a letter P from that position and then releasing it as an example of the touch operation for specifying the punching process.

  FIG. 12B shows an operation of continuously moving the touch position so as to draw an S character from the position and then releasing it as an example of the touch operation for specifying the staple processing.

  FIG. 12C shows an operation in which the touch position continuously moves so as to draw a Z character shape from the position and then is released as an example of the touch operation for specifying the Z-folding process.

  Referring to FIG. 12A, when a P-character drawing pattern is input after punch processing is selected on the post-processing type selection screen, setting unit 106 performs punch processing and P-character drawing pattern. Is set in association with. Similarly, referring to FIG. 12B, when S-character pattern drawing is input after the staple processing is selected, setting unit 106 sets the staple processing and the S-character drawing pattern in association with each other. . Referring to FIG. 12C, when a Z-character drawing pattern is input after selection of the Z-folding process, setting unit 106 associates and sets the Z-folding process and the Z-character drawing pattern. Note that the drawing pattern for specifying the post-processing type can be arbitrarily determined by the user, and is not limited to these examples.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, control unit 102 determines whether or not a request for drawing pattern setting of another post-processing type has been received from the user via operation unit 118 (step S214). If control unit 102 determines that there is another input for drawing pattern setting (YES in step S214), it repeats the processing from step S204. On the other hand, when control unit 102 determines that there is no other input of drawing pattern setting (NO in step S214), the process ends.

  In the above, the user can set the drawing pattern corresponding to the post-processing type and store it so that the post-processing type can be selected by the drawing pattern. A drawing pattern to be set may be set.

(Post-processing setting procedure)
Next, details of post-processing setting (step S110 in FIG. 5) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a post-processing setting procedure of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in a state where the print preview screen is displayed on the display unit 122 (step S302), the control unit 102 receives a drawing pattern for setting post-processing from the user via the operation unit 118 (step S304).

  Next, the position specifying unit 108 specifies a post-processing position that is associated with the area information in advance and stored in the storage unit 120 from the area information touched on the preview screen (step S306). At the same time, the type specifying unit 110 specifies the post-processing type stored in the storage unit 120 in advance in association with the drawing pattern information from the drawing pattern information touched on the preview screen by the operation signal (step S308). ).

  Next, the determination unit 112 specifies the post-processing including the post-processing position specified by the position specifying unit 108 and the post-processing type specified by the type specifying unit 110, and determines whether or not the post-processing can be executed. Judgment is made (step S310). Details of the determination method by the determination unit 112 will be described later.

  If determination unit 112 determines that post-processing can be performed (YES in step S310), display control unit 114 controls display unit 122 to display a post-post-processing preview screen after the post-processing is performed. (Step S316).

  On the other hand, when determining unit 112 determines that post-processing is not possible (NO in step S310), it further determines whether post-processing can be performed by rotating the read image (step S312). If the determination unit 112 determines that the post-processing is not executable even when the read image is rotated (NO in step S312), the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 122 to display an error warning ( Step S318) and the process from step S304 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when determination unit 112 determines that post-processing can be executed by rotating the image data (YES in step S312), image processing unit 116 rotates the read image (step S314), and the display control unit. 114 controls the display unit 122 to display a post-processing preview screen after the post-processing is performed on the image obtained by rotating the read image (step S316).

  Next, when the control unit 102 receives a post-processing setting completion request from the user via the operation unit 118, the post-processing setting is completed (step S320), and the process is terminated.

  In the above, steps S306 and S308 may be processed in the reverse order.

  Here, a method in which the determination unit 112 mainly determines whether or not post-processing can be executed will be described with a specific example of the processing in steps S310 to S316.

  First, a case where a P-shaped pattern is drawn on the preview screen will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing preview screen when a P-character pattern is drawn on the print preview screen.

  Referring to FIG. 14, screen 1000 shows a print preview screen of a scanned image of a horizontally placed A3 size document (corresponding to step S <b> 302 in FIG. 13). 9 shows a screen when a P-character pattern is drawn in the areas A to D described in FIG. 8 (corresponding to step S304). Screens 1004A to 1004D indicate post-processed preview screens corresponding to the screens 1002A to 1002D, respectively (corresponding to step S316). As described with reference to FIG. 8, the post-processing by post-processing apparatus 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be post-processed when paper is passed from the short side. Here, it is assumed that the left direction is the sheet passing direction with respect to the read image.

  On the screen 1002A, since a P-character pattern is drawn in the area A on the preview screen, the position specifying unit 108 specifies post-processing on the upper side of the sheet S from the position information of the area A (step S306). ) From the P character pattern information, the type specifying unit 110 specifies that the post-processing type is punch processing (corresponding to step S308). The determination unit 112 determines that the post-processing is a punching process to the upper side of the sheet S from the specified post-processing position information and type information, and determines the sheet passing direction and the post-processable position described with reference to FIG. Is determined in consideration of the relationship (corresponding to step S310). Here, since the sheet passing direction is the left direction and the post-processing position is on the upper side of the sheet S, the determination unit 112 can post-process the post-processing specified by the drawing pattern executed on the screen 1002A. (Corresponds to YES in step S310). Therefore, on the post-processing preview screen, a screen 1004A that is an image image obtained by performing punch processing is displayed on the upper side of the sheet S to which the read image is transferred (corresponding to step S316).

  On the screen 1002B, since the P-character pattern is drawn in the area B on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as the punching process to the lower side of the sheet S. In this case, the determination unit 112 determines that the specified post-processing cannot be performed in consideration of the sheet passing direction being the left direction and the post-processing position being the lower side (NO in step S310). Corresponding). Therefore, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not post-processing can be performed on the sheet S on which the image obtained by rotating the read image is transferred (corresponding to step S312). Here, punching on the lower side of the sheet S to which the read image is transferred is the same as executing punching on the upper side of the sheet S on which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 180 ° is transferred. That is, the determination unit 112 determines that punch processing to a desired position is possible by rotating the read image (corresponding to YES in step S312). Therefore, on the post-processing preview screen, a screen 1004B that is an image image obtained by performing punch processing is displayed on the upper side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 180 ° is transferred (corresponding to step S316).

  On the screen 1002C, since the P-character pattern is drawn in the area C on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as punching to the left side of the sheet S. Since the determination unit 112 determines that the punching process can be performed in consideration of the sheet passing direction being the left direction and the post-processing position being the left side (corresponding to YES in step S310), the post-processing is performed. On the preview screen, a screen 1004C on which punching has been executed is displayed on the left side of the read image (corresponding to step S316).

  On the screen 1002D, since the P-character pattern is drawn in the area D on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as punching to the right side of the sheet S. In this case, considering that the sheet passing direction is the left direction and the post-processing position is the right side, the determination unit 112 determines that the specified post-processing cannot be executed (corresponding to NO in step S310). ). However, in order to determine that the punching process can be executed at a desired position by rotating the read image by 180 ° (corresponding to YES in step S312), the determination unit 112 rotates the read image by 180 °. A screen 1004D, which is an image image on which punching has been executed, is displayed on the left side of the sheet S to which the image is transferred (corresponding to step S316).

  Next, a case where an S-character pattern is drawn on the preview screen will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing preview screen when an S-character pattern is drawn on the print preview screen.

  Referring to FIG. 15, screen 1100 shows a preview image of a scanned image of a horizontally placed A3 size document (corresponding to step S <b> 302 in FIG. 13), and screens 1102 </ b> A to 1102 </ b> D correspond to FIG. 6 shows a screen when an S-character pattern is drawn in the areas A to D described above (corresponding to step S304). Screens 1104A to 1104D show post-processed preview screens corresponding to screens 1102A to 1102D, respectively (corresponding to step S316).

  Here, the screens 1102A to 1102D in FIG. 15 correspond to the screens 1002A to 1002D in FIG. 14 replaced with the S character-like drawing patterns, and the screens 1104A to 1104D have the screens 1004A to 1004D. This corresponds to a punch process of 1004D replaced with a staple process. That is, in the case of the staple process, the determination method is the same as that in the case of the punch process described with reference to FIG. 14, and the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Next, a determination method when the post-processing is a Z-folding process will be described.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing preview screen when a Z-folding pattern is drawn on the print preview screen.

  Referring to FIG. 16, screen 1200 shows a print preview screen of a scanned image of a landscape-oriented A3 size document (corresponding to step S302), and screens 1202A to 1202D are described with respect to screen 1200 in FIG. A screen when a Z-character pattern is drawn in the areas A to D is shown (corresponding to step S304). Screens 1204A to 1204D show post-processed preview screens corresponding to the screens 1202A to 1202D, respectively (corresponding to step S316).

  On the screen 1202A, since the Z-character pattern is drawn in the area A on the preview screen, the position specifying unit 108 specifies the post-processing on the upper side of the sheet S from the information on the area A (in step S306). Corresponding), the type specifying unit 110 specifies Z-folding processing from the Z-character pattern information (corresponding to step S308). The determination unit 112 determines that the post-processing is a Z-folding process for the upper side of the sheet S (a process for folding the sheet S from the lower side to the upper side) based on the position and type of the specified post-processing, and has been described with reference to FIG. Considering the relationship between the sheet passing direction and the post-processable position, it is determined that the post-process is not executable (corresponding to NO in step S310). Further, since the post-processing cannot be executed even if the read image is rotated, the determination unit 112 determines that the Z-folding process cannot be performed by rotating the read image (corresponding to NO in step S312). Accordingly, a screen 1204A on which an error warning is displayed is displayed (corresponding to step S318).

  On the screen 1202B, since a Z-shaped pattern is drawn in the area B on the preview screen, the post-processing is a Z-folding process for the lower side of the sheet S (a process for folding the sheet S from the upper side to the lower side). Is identified. In this case, the determination unit 112 determines that the specified post-processing cannot be performed in consideration of the relationship between the sheet passing direction and the post-processable position (corresponding to NO in step S310), and determines the read image. It is determined that the Z-folding process cannot be performed by the rotation (corresponding to NO in step S312). Accordingly, a screen 1204B on which an error warning is displayed is displayed on the post-processing preview screen (corresponding to step S318).

  On the screen 1202C, since a Z-character pattern is drawn in the area C on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as the Z-folding process for the left side of the sheet S (the process for folding the sheet S from the right side to the left side). Is done. In this case, the determination unit 112 considers the relationship between the sheet passing direction and the post-processable position, and determines that the specified post-process is executable (corresponding to YES in step S310). On the preview screen, a screen 1204C, which is an image that has been subjected to the Z-folding process to the left side of the sheet S to which the read image is transferred, is displayed (corresponding to step S316).

  On the screen 1202D, since a Z-character pattern is drawn in the area D on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as Z-folding processing to the right side of the sheet S (processing to fold the sheet S from the left side to the right side). Is done. In this case, the determination unit 112 determines that the specified post-processing cannot be performed in consideration of the relationship between the sheet passing direction and the post-processable position (corresponding to NO in step S310). Here, the Z-folding process to the right side of the sheet S to which the read image is transferred is the same as the Z-folding process to the left side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 180 ° is transferred. It is. That is, the determination unit 112 determines that the Z-folding process can be performed at a desired position on the sheet S by image rotation (corresponding to YES in step S312). Accordingly, the post-processing preview screen displays a screen 1204D on which the Z-folding process to the left side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 180 ° is transferred (corresponding to step S316).

  Next, a description will be given of a case where the document is read vertically (the short side is the vertical direction with respect to the paper surface).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing preview screen when a P-character pattern is drawn on the print preview screen (vertically placed document).

  Referring to FIG. 17, screen 1300 shows a print preview screen of a read image of a vertically placed A3 size document (corresponding to step S302), and screens 1302A to 1302D are described with respect to screen 1300 in FIG. The screen when the P character-like pattern is drawn in the areas A to D is shown (corresponding to step S304). Screens 1304A to 1304D show post-processed preview screens corresponding to the screens 1302A to 1302D, respectively (corresponding to step S316). Here, it is assumed that the left direction is the sheet passing direction with respect to the read image.

  On the screen 1302A, since a P-character pattern is drawn in the area A on the preview screen, the post-processing is specified as punching upward on the sheet S (corresponding to steps S306 and S308). In this case, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the specified post-processing can be performed in consideration of the relationship between the sheet passing direction and the post-processing position (corresponding to step S310). Here, the post-processing apparatus 300 can perform post-processing when the paper is passed from the short side as described above. In other words, when the sheet passing direction is the left direction, it is not possible to perform post-processing by passing a sheet from the long side as it is in a vertically placed read image. Here, executing the punching process to the upper side of the sheet S to which the read image is transferred performs the punching process to the left side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 90 ° left is transferred. Is the same. Therefore, the determination unit 112 determines that it is possible to execute punch processing to a desired position by rotating the read image (corresponding to YES in step S312). Therefore, the post-processing preview screen displays a screen 1304A in which punching to the left side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 90 ° left is transferred (corresponding to step S316).

  Hereinafter, similarly, on the screen 1302B, the post-processing is specified as the punching process to the lower side of the sheet S, and the punching process to the left side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 90 ° right is transferred. A screen 1304B is displayed. On the screen 1302C, the post-processing is identified as punching to the left side of the sheet S, and a screen 1304C is displayed on which punching processing on the upper side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 90 ° is transferred is performed. The On the screen 1302D, the post-processing is identified as the punching process to the right side of the sheet S, and a screen 1304D is displayed on which the punching process to the upper side of the sheet S to which the image obtained by rotating the read image by 90 ° left is transferred. The

  From the above, it becomes possible for the user to execute post-processing on the sheet S by visual operation on the preview screen. That is, the user visually operates the image on which the set document is read without being aware of the orientation of the document, portrait orientation, landscape orientation, etc. The desired post-processing is performed on the sheet S. Therefore, the user does not need to set the original again, and the user does not need to rotate the read image. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of performing punch processing or stapling processing with a wrong post-processing position, or Z-folding with a wrong fold direction. Further, even in the post-processing apparatus 300 in which the post-processing position is limited with respect to the sheet passing direction, the post-processing can be executed at a predetermined position by appropriately rotating the read image. Therefore, when the user performs post-processing settings, user convenience can be improved. In the above description, the document size is A3. However, the size of the document is not limited to this, and may be A4, B4, B5, or the like.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, as Embodiment 2, an example in which post-processing is set according to a predetermined touch operation on the display 50 different from that in Embodiment 1 from the user will be described.

(Specific method of post-processing)
In the first embodiment, the post-processing position and the post-processing type are specified for the area where the predetermined pattern is drawn. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the same method is used for specifying the post-processing type (punch processing, stapling processing, Z-folding processing) by a predetermined pattern, but it is different from the area where the predetermined pattern is drawn. When a touch operation is performed continuously for a certain period of time in an area, the area touched for a certain period of time is specified as the post-processing position, not the area where a predetermined pattern is drawn. Therefore, here, the specific method of the post-processing type (punch, staple, Z-fold) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a touch operation on the preview screen in the second embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 18, for example, (1) means that P character-like pattern drawing is performed in region C with the left hand while touching region A with the right hand for a certain period of time. Similarly, (2) means that a P character-like pattern drawing is performed in the area C with the left hand while touching the area D with the right hand for a certain period of time, and (3) in the area C with the right hand. This means that P character-like pattern drawing is performed in the region C with the left hand while the touch operation is performed on B for a certain period of time.

  At this time, in the case of (1), the area A in which the touch operation is performed for a certain time with the right hand is specified as the post-processing position, and the post-processing type is specified as the punching process. That is, the setting method of the post-treatment position and the post-processing type corresponds to the setting method on the screen 1002A described in FIG. 14 in the first embodiment. Similarly, in the case of (2), the area D is specified as the post-processing position, so this corresponds to the setting method on the screen 1002D, and in the case of (3), the area B is specified as the post-processing position. This corresponds to the setting method in 1002B.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a method for specifying the post-processing position of image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in a state where the print preview screen is displayed on the display unit 122 (step S402), the control unit 102 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed in the same area for a certain period of time on the preview screen from the user via the operation unit 118. (Step S404). When control unit 102 determines that a touch operation has been performed for a certain period of time (YES in step S404), position specifying unit 108 specifies the area in which the touch operation is performed as a post-processing position (step S406). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no touch operation in the same region for a certain period of time (NO in step S404), the state of step S404 is maintained.

  Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing after step S308 in FIG. 13 in the first embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated.

  As a modification, an example in which the post-processing position specifying method in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is combined can be considered. In the first embodiment, the area where the drawing pattern for specifying the post-processing type is drawn is specified as the post-processing position. For example, the drawing pattern straddles the areas A and B, It is possible that the post-processing position cannot be specified due to the position. In this case, as described above, when the post-processing position cannot be specified from the operation area touched by the user in a predetermined operation mode, the post-processing is performed according to the operation area touched for a certain time separately from the touch operation. You may specify as a position.

  From the above, the user can first specify the post-processing position by touching, and then set the post-processing by drawing a predetermined pattern. In addition, when it is difficult to draw a drawing pattern in a limited area of the preview screen with a small operation panel, the post-processing position can be specified by touching first, so be aware of the position in the display area of the preview screen. A predetermined drawing pattern can be drawn. Therefore, when the user performs post-processing settings, user convenience can be improved.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, the example in which the post-processing apparatus 300 is independent of the image forming apparatus 100 has been described. However, a post-processing unit having the same function as the post-processing apparatus 300 may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The program for executing the control as described in the above flow is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, ROM, RAM, and memory card attached to the computer. It can also be provided as a product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program may be a program module that is provided as part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 10 CPU, 11 ROM, 12 RAM, 13 HDD, 14,304 Communication interface, 15 Operation panel, 16 ADF, 17 Image reading part, 18 Image forming part, 19 External apparatus I / F, 50 Display, 52 preview screen, 54 numeric keypad, 56 preview screen display button, 58 mode change button, 60 start button, 62 type setting button, 100 image forming apparatus, 102, 302 control unit, 106 setting unit, 108 position specifying unit, 110 type specifying 112, determination unit, 114 display control unit, 116 image processing unit, 118 operation unit, 120, 306 storage unit, 122 display unit, 300 post-processing device, 310 post-processing unit, 312 punch processing unit, 314 staple processing unit, 316 Z-fold processing unit.

Claims (17)

A display unit capable of accepting an input of a touch operation;
An image reading unit for reading an image;
A display control unit for displaying a preview screen for previewing the read image data read by the image reading unit on the display unit;
According to the operation mode of the touch operation by the user to the display unit, a type specifying unit for specifying the post-processing type,
A position specifying unit for specifying a post-processing position according to an operation area of the touch operation by the user to the display unit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not post-processing including the post-processing type specified by the type specifying unit and the post-processing position specified by the position specifying unit is possible;
In response to the determination by the determination unit that the post-processing is possible, the read image data is subjected to image processing without rotation, and in accordance with the determination by the determination unit that the post-processing is not possible An image processing unit that performs image processing by rotating the read image data so as to be possible,
An image forming unit that forms an image image-processed by the image processing unit on a sheet and outputs the sheet to a post-processing unit that performs the post-processing on the sheet;
In the display unit that displays the preview screen, an area including an area in which the read image data is not preview-displayed is associated with a post-processing position on the sheet,
The position specifying unit specifies a post-processing position on the sheet based on an area in the display unit where the touch operation is performed by a user , including an area where the read image data is not preview-displayed . Image forming apparatus.   The display control unit causes the display unit to display a post-processing preview screen reflecting the post-processing for the image-formed sheet in response to the determination by the determination unit that the post-processing is possible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The specification of the post-processing type by the type specifying unit and the specification of the post-processing position by the position specifying unit are reflected in response to a touch operation in the display area of the preview screen of the display unit from the user. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2.   The type specifying unit specifies the post-processing type according to a first touch operation which is a predetermined operation mode by a user to the display unit, and the position specifying unit is different from the first touch operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing position is specified in accordance with an operation area of two touch operations.   The position specifying unit, when the post-processing position cannot be specified according to the operation area touched by the user in the predetermined operation mode, and there is a touch operation different from the touch operation, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing position is specified according to an operation area of a touch operation.   The said type specific | specification part determines any post-processing type as a Z folding process, when the operation mode of the said touch operation from the user in the said preview screen is a Z character touch operation input. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   The said type specific | specification part determines the post-processing type as a punch process, when the operation mode of the said touch operation from the user in the said preview screen is a touch operation input of P character. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the type specifying unit determines that the post-processing type is a staple process when an operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is an S character touch operation input. The image forming apparatus described in 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a display unit capable of receiving an input of a touch operation,
Reading an image;
Displaying on the display means a preview screen for previewing the read image data read in the reading step;
Identifying a post-processing type according to the operation mode of the touch operation by the user to the display means;
Identifying a post-processing position according to an operation area of the touch operation by the user to the display means;
Determining whether or not post-processing can be performed including the post-processing type specified by the step of specifying the post-processing type and the post-processing position specified by the step of specifying the post-processing position;
In response to the determination in the determining step that the post-processing is possible, image processing is performed without rotating the read image data, and in accordance with the determination in the determining step that the post-processing is not possible. Rotating the read image data so that post-processing is possible, and performing image processing;
Forming an image subjected to image processing in the image processing step on a sheet, and outputting the sheet to a post-processing unit that performs the post-processing on the sheet
In the display means for displaying the preview screen, an area including an area where the read image data is not preview-displayed is associated with a post-processing position on the sheet,
The step of identifying the post-processing position includes a post-processing position on the sheet based on an area in the display unit on which the touch operation by the user is performed , including an area where the read image data is not preview-displayed. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising specifying   In the displaying step, a post-processing preview screen reflecting the post-processing on the image-formed sheet is displayed on the display unit according to the determination in the determining step that the post-processing is possible. The method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:   The specification of the post-processing type by the step of specifying the post-processing type and the specification of the post-processing position by the step of specifying the post-processing position are performed by a touch operation in the display area of the preview screen of the display means from the user. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 9, which is reflected correspondingly.   The step of specifying the post-processing type includes specifying the post-processing type in response to a first touch operation that is a predetermined operation mode by the user to the display means, and specifying the post-processing position The control of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: specifying the post-processing position according to an operation area of a second touch operation different from the first touch operation. Method.   In the step of specifying the post-processing position, when the post-processing position cannot be specified according to the operation area touched by the user in the predetermined operation mode, and there is a touch operation different from the touch operation The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: specifying the post-processing position according to an operation area of the another touch operation.   The step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is a Z-folding process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a Z-character touch operation input. Item 14. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 9 to 13.   The step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is a punch process when the operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is a touch operation input of a P character. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to any one of 9 to 14.   The step of specifying the post-processing type includes determining that the post-processing type is a staple process when an operation mode of the touch operation from the user on the preview screen is an S character touch operation input. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to any one of 9 to 15.   A program for causing an image forming apparatus to execute the image forming apparatus control method according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

Images