JP6095924B2 - Image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of setting aggregate printing.

  In recent years, devices equipped with a display unit are equipped with a preview function that can display an image output on the screen of the display unit and finally confirm in what state the image is output It has been known.

  As a conventional technique, for example, in an image forming apparatus that displays a preview image on a display device based on image data, a point is set on the preview-displayed image and a scaling setting is made for the image data. Have been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

  According to this, since the scaling process can be performed on the image data of the image so that the size at the time of printing becomes a value desired by the user, the size of a part of the image to be printed can be easily and accurately set. It is possible to set conditions for scaling processing.

JP 2011-171841 A

  However, in the method as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when performing aggregate printing, “printing number”, “image orientation”, and “image alignment” are predicted while predicting what print state the user will eventually have. "Order" had to be set by selecting with a button for each setting item. Therefore, even if you have a preview function, you will need to redo the setting if it is not as expected because the preview will be displayed after the setting is completed and the print status will be as expected, improving the operability of the setting. There was room.

  Further, in the related art, there is known a technique for improving the operability by using the touch operation, but it does not improve the problem in the operation of the aggregate printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and provides an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of intuitively operating the setting of aggregate printing by a touch operation and improving operability. For the purpose.

  An image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems are as follows.

The present invention includes a display unit that displays information, a setting unit that has a function of setting aggregate printing, and a control unit that controls information displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit. An image forming apparatus that enables collective printing, and the setting unit has a function of setting an image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch on an image displayed on the display unit. Including a function of accepting touch operation input including, as a function of the control unit, per page according to an image magnification set by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation on the image displayed on the display unit a function to specify the number of images to be aggregated, and scaling the plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification, multiple distribution images of the same size to one page Is characterized in further comprising a function of to display, the.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the aggregate printing is N-up printing or repeat printing (reprinting) in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated and printed on one page.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the present invention includes a function for designating the orientation of images aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation as a function of the setting unit.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the function of the setting unit includes a function of designating a position and an arrangement order of images on a sheet by a drag operation.

Further, the present invention provides a display unit for displaying information, a setting unit having a function for setting aggregate printing, a control unit for controlling information displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit, The setting unit has a touch operation input including a function of setting an image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch with respect to an image displayed on the display unit. A function of accepting images, and as a function of the control unit, images that are aggregated per page according to an image magnification set by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation on the image displayed on the display unit a function to specify the number and scale the plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification, to display a plurality place an image of the same size to one page Features and and is characterized in that it comprises.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the aggregate printing is N-up printing or repeat printing (reprinting) in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated and printed on one page.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the present invention includes a function for designating the orientation of images aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation as a function of the setting unit.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the function of the setting unit includes a function of designating a position and an arrangement order of images on a sheet by a drag operation.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a display unit that displays information, a setting unit that has a function of setting aggregate printing, and information displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit are controlled. An image forming apparatus capable of aggregated printing, wherein the setting unit functions as an image by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation on the image displayed on the display unit. A function of accepting a touch operation input including a function of setting a magnification, and as a function of the control unit, an image magnification set by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation with respect to an image displayed on the display unit a function to specify the number of images to be aggregated per page according to scaling the plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification, image of the same size The by and a function of displaying a plurality arranged in one page, by the multi-touch operation to the touch operation of the user, pinch out and rotation of continuous operation without releasing a plurality of fingers from the touch surface Therefore, it is possible to perform an intuitive operation more quickly than before and to improve operability.

Further, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, a display unit that displays information, a setting unit that has a function of setting aggregate printing, and information that is displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit A control unit that controls the image, and a function of setting the image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch on the image displayed on the display unit as a function of the setting unit And a function of accepting touch operation input including, and as a function of the control unit, per page according to an image magnification set by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation with respect to an image displayed on the display unit a function to specify the number of images to be aggregated, and scaling the plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification, the image of the same size to one page By providing a function of displaying a few arrangement, it is possible continuous operation of the pinch-out and rotated without releasing a plurality of fingers from the touch surface by a multi-touch operation, quick and intuitive than conventional Operation becomes possible, and operability can be improved.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus employed as the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus in a block diagram. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation which performs pinch-in reduction with respect to a display image by multitouch in the operation part of the said image forming apparatus, (b) is rotation by multitouch with respect to a display image in the said operation part. FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation to be performed, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of collecting two images on one sheet in the operation unit. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation which performs pinch-in reduction with respect to a display image by multi-touch in the operation part of the said image forming apparatus, (b) is dragged by touch operation with respect to a display image in the said operation part. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for moving the image, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of collecting four images on one sheet in the operation unit. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation which performs pinch-in reduction with respect to a display image by multitouch in the operation part of the said image forming apparatus, (b) is rotation by multitouch with respect to a display image in the said operation part. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation to be performed, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of repeating printing two images on one sheet in the operation unit. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation which performs pinch-in reduction with respect to a display image by multi-touch in the operation part of the said image forming apparatus, (b) is dragged by touch operation with respect to a display image in the said operation part. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation for performing movement, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of repeating printing four images on one sheet in the operation unit. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting aggregate printing in an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a table for instructing processing corresponding to touch input in an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. (A)-(g) is explanatory drawing which shows the display processing AG of the preview image at the time of the consolidated printing in the image forming apparatus of 1st Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a first modification of an operation for setting aggregate printing in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification example of the operation for setting aggregate printing in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention with a block diagram. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets collective printing in the touchscreen display apparatus of the said information processing apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing an information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus employed as an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a structure with a block diagram.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 that is a multifunction machine that functions as an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an input unit having a display unit 11 that displays information and a function that sets aggregate printing. An image forming apparatus that includes a printing unit (setting unit) 12 and a control unit 40 that controls information displayed on the display unit 11 based on items set by the input unit 12, and enables aggregate printing; A characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is employed.

First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes an operation unit 10 including a display unit 11 and an input unit 12, a document reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, and respective components. And a control unit 40 for controlling the operation.

  The display unit 11 is for displaying an image (information), and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device with a backlight (not shown) and the like, and is configured to overlap with the lower side of the input unit 12.

  The input unit 12 detects an input from a user. For example, the input unit 12 is an analog resistive film type in which a transparent sheet provided with a transparent electrode is opposed to each other, a voltage is measured by the contact, and an input position is detected. It is configured with a touch panel and is provided on the display unit 11 so as to overlap.

Here, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions including an image output function, a copy function, and a fax function, and is configured to be capable of aggregate printing.

  In the first embodiment, the aggregate printing includes N-up printing or repeat printing (reprinting) in which a plurality of pages of images are aggregated and printed on one page.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the input unit 12 is aggregated by an image magnification setting function 121 for setting an image magnification by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation and a multi-touch rotation operation as shown in FIG. 2. A rotation operation function 122 for designating the orientation of the image to be selected, and a drag operation function 123 for designating the position and arrangement order of the images on the paper by a drag operation.

  As a characteristic function, the control unit 40, as shown in FIG. 2, specifies the number of images to be aggregated per page according to the image magnification set by the multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation. A number setting function 401, an aggregate image scaling display function 402 for simultaneously scaling and displaying a plurality of pages of images aggregated in one page, and a preview for rotating images of a plurality of pages aggregated in one page simultaneously An aggregated image rotation display function 403 for displaying is provided.

Here, the case where N-up printing is performed as aggregate printing by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be specifically described.
3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for performing pinch-in reduction on a display image by multi-touch in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a display image in the operation unit. On the other hand, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation for rotating by multi-touch, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of collecting two images on one sheet in the operation unit.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs 2-up printing in which, for example, two pages of images are collected and printed on one sheet of A3 size paper, the operation unit 10 first performs an N-up operation. It is set to be performed, and a preview screen is activated on the display unit 11.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, the user pinches in on any one of the preview images (thumbnail) of the document image on the preview screen to a magnification of around 70% on the image. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), it is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

  By operating in this way, the image magnification of the image, the aggregation number based on the image magnification, and the image orientation (rotated state) can be determined simultaneously. That is, by reducing the pinch-in size of the preview image for one page to around 70%, the preview image for 2-up printing is displayed and 2-up printing is set as shown in FIG. be able to.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the 2-up printing setting operation can be performed while confirming the completion of the printed matter by the 2-up printing.

Next, the case where 4-up printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be specifically described.
4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for performing pinch-in reduction on a display image by multi-touch in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a display image in the operation unit. On the other hand, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation of dragging and moving by a touch operation, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of consolidating four images on one sheet in the operation unit.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs 4-up printing in which, for example, four pages of images are collected and printed on A3 size paper, first, the operation unit 10 performs N-up operation in advance. It is set to be performed, and a preview screen is activated on the display unit 11.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user pinches in on any one of the preview images (thumbnail) of the original image on the preview screen to a magnification of around 50% on the image. By this operation, the image magnification and the aggregation number based on the image magnification are determined. Here, by reducing the image of one page to around 50% magnification, 4-up printing for consolidating images for four pages is determined.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the position of the image is determined by dragging the reduced image and moving it to the upper left of the paper. That is, by performing a pinch / drag (or rotation) operation on the preview image, the aggregate print setting is changed (decided) to 4-up printing, and then, as shown in FIG. All the print page images to be scaled and moved (or rotated) at the same time are displayed as preview images for 4-up printing.
Then, the preview image can be confirmed up to the last page by the page turning operation.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform the 4-up printing setting operation while confirming the completion of the printed material by the 4-up printing.

Next, the case where repeat printing is performed as aggregate printing by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be specifically described.
FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for performing pinch-in reduction on a display image by multi-touch in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a display image in the operation unit. On the other hand, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation for performing rotation by multi-touch, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of repeating printing two images on one sheet in the operation unit.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs, for example, repeat printing of two images on one sheet of A3 size paper, first, the operation unit 10 is set to perform repeat printing in advance, and a preview screen is activated on the display unit 11. To do.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user pinch-in reduces the preview image (thumbnail) of the original image that the user wants to repeat print on the preview screen to about 70% magnification. Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), it is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise (counterclockwise).

  By operating in this way, the image magnification of the image, the aggregation number based on the image magnification, and the image orientation (rotated state) can be determined simultaneously. That is, by reducing the pinch-in size of the preview image for one page to around 70%, the repeat print preview image can be displayed and repeat print can be set as shown in FIG. 5C.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform a repeat printing setting operation while confirming the completion of a printed matter by repeat printing.

Next, the case where four sheets of repeat printing are performed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be specifically described.
6A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for performing pinch-in reduction on a display image by multi-touch in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a display image in the operation unit. On the other hand, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation of dragging and moving by a touch operation, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of repeating printing four images on one sheet in the operation unit.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 performs, for example, repeat printing of four images on one sheet of A3 size paper, first, the operation unit 10 is set to perform repeat printing in advance, and a preview screen is activated on the display unit 11. To do.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the preview image (thumbnail) of the document image that is repeatedly printed on the preview screen by the user is pinched in to a magnification of about 50% on the image. By this operation, the image magnification and the aggregation number based on the image magnification are determined. Here, the repeat printing of four images is determined by reducing the image of one page to around 50% magnification.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the position of the image is determined by dragging the reduced image and moving it to the upper left of the paper. That is, by performing a pinch / drag (or rotation) operation on the preview image, after the repeat print setting is determined to be four images, the print page image is scaled as shown in FIG. The preview image of repeat printing is displayed by moving (or rotating).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform a repeat printing setting operation while confirming the completion of a printed matter by repeat printing.

Next, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 relating to an operation for setting aggregate printing by a touch operation at the input unit 12 of the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting aggregate printing in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows an example of a table instructing processing corresponding to touch input in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the flow starts when the user designates an operation mode of aggregate printing for performing N-up printing or repeat printing.

  First, it is determined whether or not the user has set a document and instructed to start document reading (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that a document reading start instruction has been issued, document reading is executed (step S2). Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, a preview image of the read original is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S3). Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

When reading a document, the document size is detected by a document size sensor (not shown).
The print paper size is set to the same size as the document size in the default state. The original size setting may be changed manually.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not a touch input is detected in the input unit 12.
When a touch input to the touch panel is detected in the input unit 12, the touch input is a touch input for an area where a preview image (thumbnail) of a document is displayed, and rotation, pinch-in, pinch-out, and drag operations are performed. In this case, the display of the preview image is rotated, enlarged, reduced, or moved in accordance with these operations.

  If it is determined in step S4 that a touch input has been detected in the input unit 12, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a rotate operation (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that the touch input is a rotation operation, the image is rotated in the designated direction (angle) (step S6), and the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S7). ), Go to step S8.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the touch input is not a rotate operation, the process directly proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a pitch-in operation (reduction operation). If it is determined in step S8 that the touch input is a pitch-in operation, the image is reduced (step S9), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the touch input is not a pitch-in operation, the process proceeds directly to step S11.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a pinch-out operation (enlargement operation). If it is determined in step S11 that the touch input is a pinch-out operation, the image is enlarged (step S12), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the touch input is not a pinch-out operation, the process directly proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a drag operation.
If it is determined in step S14 that the touch input is a drag operation, the image is moved as instructed (step S15), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S17. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the touch input is not a drag operation, the process directly proceeds to step S17.

  Note that the input unit 12 temporarily records which operation has been performed on the preview image in a storage unit (not shown), for example, a table for processing to display the preview image shown in FIG. Referring to, based on the operation performed, the corresponding display processes A to F are read from the table and reflected in the settings for N-up printing or repeat printing.

  In step S17, an operation by touch input is referred to in a table for processing to display a preview image. Then, based on the table for processing to display the preview image, the state after the aggregation is preview-displayed on the display unit 11 (step S18).

Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been given by other operations (step S19).
If it is determined in step S19 that there has been an instruction from another operation, processing according to the operation is executed (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that there is no instruction by other operations, the process proceeds to step S21 as it is.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to start printing.
If it is determined in step S21 that there is no instruction to start printing, the process returns to step S4.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that there is an instruction to start printing, a printing process is executed (step S22).
In this way, the collective printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 ends.

  Here, a table for instructing display processing that is provided in advance in the image forming apparatus 1 will be specifically described.

  The preview image displayed on the display unit 11 is determined based on a table for processing to display the preview image, by rotating, pinching in, pinching out, and dragging by touch input.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a table for processing to display a preview image is largely formed by three conditions of rotation (rotation angle), pinch magnification, and drag (movement).

The rotation (rotation angle) corresponds to two conditions of “0 °” and “90 °”.
The pinch magnification for each angle corresponds to three conditions of “100%”, “70%”, and “50%”. Further, the drag operation for each pinch magnification corresponds to three conditions of “no drag”, “upper left drag”, and “upper right drag”.

  Therefore, in the table for processing to display the preview image, 18 (3 × 2 × 3) display processing is set corresponding to each condition.

  In the present embodiment, the 18 display modes are set to be previewed in the display processes A to G as shown in FIGS.

Here, a preview image display process based on a table for displaying a preview image will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 9A to 9G are explanatory diagrams illustrating preview image display processing during aggregate printing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As the aggregate printing by the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a case where four A3 size originals are printed in A3 size will be described.

  If there is no specific designation at the time of printing, as shown in FIG. 9A, an image for one page per sheet is preview-displayed in display processing A in which 1-up printing is performed at the same magnification.

  When the pinch magnification is reduced to 70% by the pinch-in operation and rotated by 90 ° by the rotate operation, 2-up printing is designated and a preview is displayed in the display process B as shown in FIG.

  When the image is reduced to 50% by the pinch-in operation, 2-up printing is designated and a preview is displayed in the display process C as shown in FIG.

  When the image is reduced to 50% by a pinch-in operation and dragged to the upper left of the displayed paper, as shown in FIG. 9D, 4-up printing is designated and the first page image is placed on the upper left of the paper. A preview is displayed in the arranged display processing D.

  When the image is reduced to 50% by a pinch-in operation and dragged to the upper right of the displayed paper, as shown in FIG. 9E, 4-up printing is designated and the first page image is displayed on the upper right of the paper. A preview is displayed in the arranged display processing E.

  When the image is reduced to 50% by the pinch-in operation and rotated 90 ° by the rotation operation, 2-up printing is designated and a preview is displayed in the display process F as shown in FIG.

  When the image is reduced to 50% by a pinch-in operation, rotated 90 ° by a rotate operation, and dragged to the upper right of the displayed paper, 2-up printing is designated as shown in FIG. 9 (g). The image of the first page is previewed by display processing G arranged on the right side.

  In the case of repeat printing, a preview is displayed by the same display processing as described above corresponding to the magnification and arrangement of the image.

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, according to 1st Embodiment, the display part 11 which displays information, the input part 12 provided with the function to set aggregate printing, and a display part based on the item set by the input part 12 In the image forming apparatus 1 that includes the control unit 40 that controls the information displayed on the display 11 and enables collective printing, the input unit 12 has a configuration in which an image magnification is obtained by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation. An image magnification setting function 121 for setting the image, a rotate operation function 122 for specifying the direction of the images to be aggregated by multi-touch rotation operation, and a drag operation function 123 for specifying the position and arrangement order of the images on the paper by drag operation. As a function of the control unit 40, 1 according to the image magnification set by the multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation An image aggregation number setting function 401 for specifying the number of images to be aggregated per page, an aggregated image scaling display function 402 for simultaneously scaling and displaying images of a plurality of pages aggregated on one page, and 1 By providing an aggregate image rotation display function 403 that simultaneously rotates and previews images of a plurality of pages that are aggregated on a page, the touch operation by the user is changed to a multi-touch operation, thereby releasing a plurality of fingers from the touch surface. In addition, since pinch-in / out and rotation can be performed continuously, intuitive operation can be performed more quickly than before, and operability can be improved.

  According to the first embodiment, the image magnification setting function 121 that sets the image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch allows the user to set an arbitrary magnification without inputting the magnification with a magnification setting button or the like. Since it can be set, the user's desired aggregation is combined with the image aggregation number setting function 401 that specifies the number of images to be aggregated per page in accordance with the image magnification set by the multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation. The number can be set easily.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the function of the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes the aggregated image scaling display function 402 that simultaneously scales and previews images of a plurality of pages aggregated into one page. Therefore, it is possible to quickly confirm a state in which images of a plurality of pages are scaled and aggregated.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, as the function of the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1, the aggregated image rotation display function 403 that simultaneously rotates and previews images of a plurality of pages aggregated into one page is provided. Therefore, it is possible to quickly confirm a state in which images of a plurality of pages are rotated and aggregated.

(Modification 1)
Next, a description will be given of Modification Example 1 of an operation for setting aggregate printing by a touch operation in the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first modification of the operation for setting the aggregate printing in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, when setting the aggregate printing by the touch operation in the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the page placement operation by moving the image by the multi-touch drag operation on the page icon. As a page replacement operation by moving and displaying a page image by a single touch drag operation on a page icon.

  Hereinafter, the setting of aggregate printing by a touch operation on the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the setting of the aggregate printing in the first modification example includes a multi-touch drag operation on the page icon, and a single touch drag operation on the page icon (a range indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure). This is performed in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

  That is, the setting process similar to that of the first embodiment is executed from the time when the user sets a document and the instruction to start reading the document in step S1 to step S11.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the touch input is a pinch-out operation, the image is enlarged (step S12), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the touch input is not a pinch-out operation, the process directly proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a multi-touch drag operation.
When it is determined in step S14 that the touch input is a multi-touch drag operation, the image is moved as instructed (step S15), and the preview image is displayed on the display unit 11 (step S16). Proceed to S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the touch input is not a multi-touch drag operation, the process directly proceeds to step S17.

  Note that the input unit 12 temporarily records which operation has been performed on the preview image in a storage unit (not shown), for example, a table for processing to display the preview image shown in FIG. Referring to, based on the operation performed, the corresponding display processes A to F are read from the table and reflected in the settings for N-up printing or repeat printing.

  In step S17, an operation by touch input is referred to in a table for processing to display a preview image. Then, based on the table for processing to display the preview image, the state after the aggregation is preview-displayed on the display unit 11 (step S18).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a single touch drag operation (step S101).

  If it is determined in step S101 that the touch input is a single touch drag operation, the page image is moved and displayed as instructed (step S102), and editing processing is performed to replace the page image (step S103). Proceed to S19.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the touch input is not a single touch drag operation, the process directly proceeds to step S19.

  Hereinafter, the processing from step S19 to step S22 for executing the printing processing is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the aggregate printing processing of the first modification in the image forming apparatus 1 is completed.

  Since the configuration is as described above, according to the first modification, different processes can be instructed by multi-touch drag operation or single-touch drag operation on the page icon. Since the page switching operation can be performed during the aggregation operation on the display unit 11 without performing the mode switching operation on the panel, the operation efficiency can be improved.

  Further, according to the first modification, after the magnification is changed by multi-touch on the display unit 11, the page can be moved as it is by the drag operation without releasing the finger, so that a smooth operation can be realized.

(Modification 2)
Next, a second modification example of the operation for setting the aggregate printing by the touch operation in the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification example of the operation for setting the aggregate printing in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The modification 2 is characterized in that when the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment sets aggregate printing by a touch operation, a process of designating a range of pages to be edited and printed is performed. It is.

  Hereinafter, the setting of aggregate printing by a touch operation on the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the setting of aggregate printing in the modification 2 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment described above except for the process of designating the range of pages to be edited and printed (the range indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure). To be done.

  That is, the setting process similar to that of the first embodiment is executed from the time when the user sets a document and the instruction to start reading the document in step S1 to step S4.

  If it is determined in step S4 that a touch input in the input unit 12 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S201.

In step S201, it is determined whether or not an operation for designating a page range has been performed.
If it is determined in step S201 that an operation for specifying the page range has been performed, a process for specifying the page range is performed (step S202), and the process proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the operation for specifying the page range has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S5 as it is.

  Thereafter, the processing from step S5 to step S22 for executing the printing processing is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the aggregate printing processing of the modified example 2 in the image forming apparatus 1 ends.

  With the configuration described above, according to the second modification, when setting the aggregate print by touch operation, the setting of the page range to be edited can be performed to change the setting in the middle of the page. Therefore, the operability is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a block diagram.

  In the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 100 including the touch panel display device 110 is connected to the image forming apparatus 200, and is aggregated by the image forming apparatus 200 based on print data from the information processing apparatus 100. Printing is performed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 100 displays information based on items set by the display unit 111 that displays information, an input unit (setting unit) 112 that has a function of setting aggregate printing, and the input unit 112. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit 140 that controls information displayed on the unit 111, and employs a characteristic configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus 100 mainly includes a touch panel display device 110 including a display unit 111 and an input unit 112, a control unit 140 that controls the device, and a communication unit 150 that is connected to an external device. .

  The basic configurations of the display unit 111 and the input unit 112 are the same as the configurations of the display unit 11 and the input unit 12 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The input unit 112 specifies, as characteristic functions, an image magnification setting function 1121 for setting an image magnification by a user's multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation, and an orientation of images to be aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation. A rotate operation function 1122 and a drag operation function 1123 for designating the position and arrangement order of images on a sheet by a drag operation are provided.

  The control unit 140 has, as characteristic functions, an image aggregation number setting function 1401 for specifying the number of images to be aggregated per page according to the image magnification set by the multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation, and 1 Aggregated image scaling display function 1402 for simultaneously scaling and displaying a preview image of a plurality of pages aggregated on a page, and an aggregated image rotation display function for simultaneously rotating and previewing a plurality of page images aggregated on one page 1403.

The image forming apparatus 200 is configured to be capable of collective printing, and includes an image forming unit 230, a control unit 240 that controls the apparatus, and a communication unit 250 that is connected to an external device.
Note that descriptions of other configurations such as a configuration related to image output are omitted.

  The communication units 150 and 250 of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 may be configured to be connectable via a LAN line.

Next, a processing procedure of the printer driver of the information processing apparatus 100 related to an operation for setting aggregate printing by a touch operation in the touch panel display device 110 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting aggregate printing in the touch panel display device of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In the information processing apparatus 100, the flow starts when the user designates an operation mode of aggregate printing for performing N-up printing or repeat printing.

  First, it is determined whether or not the user has set a document and instructed to start printing (step S301). If it is determined in step S301 that an instruction to start printing has been issued, document data is read (step S302). Then, a preview image of the read document is displayed on the display unit 111 (step S303). Then, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, it is determined whether or not a touch input is detected in the input unit 112 of the touch panel display device 110.

  When a touch input to the touch panel is detected in the input unit 112, the touch input is a touch input for an area where a preview image (thumbnail) of the document is displayed, and rotation, pinch in, pinch out, and drag operations are performed. In this case, the display of the preview image is rotated, enlarged, reduced, or moved in accordance with these operations.

  If it is determined in step S304 that a touch input has been detected in the input unit 112, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a rotate operation (step S305).

  If it is determined in step S305 that the touch input is a rotate operation, the image is rotated in the designated direction (angle) (step S306), and the preview image is displayed on the display unit 111 (step S307). ), The process proceeds to step S308.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the touch input is not a rotation operation, the process directly proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a pitch-in operation (reduction operation). If it is determined in step S308 that the touch input is a pitch-in operation, the image is reduced (step S309), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 111 (step S310), and the process proceeds to step S311.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the touch input is not a pitch-in operation, the process directly proceeds to step S311.

  In step S311, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a pinch-out operation (enlargement operation). If it is determined in step S311 that the touch input is a pinch-out operation, the image is enlarged (step S312), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 111 (step S313), and the process proceeds to step S314.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S311 that the touch input is not a pinch-out operation, the process proceeds to step S314 as it is.

In step S314, it is determined whether or not the touch input is a drag operation.
When it is determined in step S314 that the touch input is a drag operation, the image is moved as instructed (step S315), the preview image is displayed on the display unit 111 (step S316), and the process proceeds to step S317. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S314 that the touch input is not a drag operation, the process directly proceeds to step S317.

Note that the input unit 112 temporarily records in the storage unit (not shown) which operation has been performed on the preview image, for example, a table for processing to display the preview image shown in FIG. Referring to, based on the operation performed, the corresponding display processes A to F are read from the table and reflected in the settings for N-up printing or repeat printing.
Note that description of the display processes A to F is omitted by referring to the description in the first embodiment.

  In step S317, an operation by touch input is referred to in a table for processing to display a preview image. Then, based on the table for processing to display the preview image, the aggregated state is preview-displayed on the display unit 111 (step S318).

Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been given by other operations (step S319).
If it is determined in step S319 that an instruction has been given by another operation, processing corresponding to the operation is executed (step S320), and the process proceeds to step S321.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S319 that there is no instruction by other operation, the process proceeds to step S321 as it is.

In step S321, it is determined whether there is an instruction to start printing.
If it is determined in step S321 that there is no instruction to start printing, the process returns to step S304.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S321 that there is an instruction to start printing, print data is created in the information processing apparatus 100 (step S322), and the print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus 200 ( Step S323).

  In this way, aggregate printing is set in the information processing apparatus 100, and aggregate printing is executed in the image forming apparatus 200.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the system configuration in which the information processing apparatus 100 including the touch panel display device 110 is connected to the image forming apparatus 200, the input unit 112 is configured as a user's configuration. An image magnification setting function 1121 for setting an image magnification by a multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation, a rotate operation function 1122 for designating an orientation of images to be aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation, and an image on a sheet by a drag operation A drag operation function 1123 for designating a position and an arrangement order, and the control unit 140 is configured so that the number of images aggregated per page is set according to an image magnification set by a multi-touch pinch-in / pinch-out operation. Image aggregation number setting function 1401 to be specified and a plurality of images aggregated on one page An aggregated image scaling display function 1402 that simultaneously scales and displays a preview image and an aggregated image rotation display function 1403 that simultaneously rotates and previews images of a plurality of pages aggregated on one page. When N-up printing or repeat printing is performed as aggregate printing, multi-touch aggregate printing can be set using the touch panel display device 110 of the information processing apparatus 100 and output from the image forming apparatus 200.

  Then, in the touch panel display device 110 of the information processing apparatus 100, as in the first embodiment, the touch operation by the user is a multi-touch operation, so that a plurality of fingers can be pinched in and out without being separated from the touch surface. Therefore, it is possible to operate more quickly and intuitively than before and to improve operability.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1,200 image forming apparatus 10 operation unit 11, 111 display unit 12, 112 input unit (setting unit)
20 Document reading unit 30, 230 Image forming unit 40, 140, 240 Control unit 100 Information processing device 110 Touch panel display device 121, 1121 Image magnification setting function 122, 1122 Rotate operation function 123, 1123 Drag operation function 150, 250 Communication unit 401 , 1401 Image aggregation number setting function 402, 1402 Aggregated image scaling display function 403, 1403 Aggregated image rotation display function

Claims (8)

An aggregation print comprising: a display unit for displaying information; a setting unit having a function of setting aggregate printing; and a control unit for controlling information displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit. An image forming apparatus capable of
The setting unit has a function of receiving a touch operation input including a function of setting an image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch with respect to an image displayed on the display unit ,
The control unit has a function of designating the number of images aggregated per page according to an image magnification set by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by multi-touch of a user with respect to an image displayed on the display unit ; An image forming apparatus comprising: a function of scaling a plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification, and displaying a plurality of images having the same size arranged on one page .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aggregate printing is N-up printing or repeat printing in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated and printed on one page.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit has a function of designating an orientation of images aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit has a function of designating a position and an arrangement order of images on a sheet by a drag operation. An information processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays information; a setting unit that includes a function for setting aggregate printing; and a control unit that controls information displayed on the display unit based on items set by the setting unit Because
The setting unit has a function of receiving a touch operation input including a function of setting an image magnification by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by a user's multi-touch with respect to an image displayed on the display unit ,
The control unit has a function of designating the number of images aggregated per page according to an image magnification set by a pinch-in / pinch-out operation by multi-touch of a user with respect to an image displayed on the display unit ; An information processing apparatus comprising: a function of scaling a plurality of images to be printed at the same magnification and displaying a plurality of images having the same size arranged on one page .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the aggregate printing is N-up printing or repeat printing in which images of a plurality of pages are aggregated and printed on one page.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit has a function of designating an orientation of images aggregated by a multi-touch rotation operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit has a function of designating a position and an arrangement order of images on a sheet by a drag operation.

Images