JP6290030B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to, for example, an electrophotographic printer.

  Conventionally, a print process (hereinafter referred to as “proof print process”, “trial print process”, or “confirmation print process”) in which the user confirms a part of the print result and then continues the print process. There is a corresponding printer driver (a printer driver installed in a host computer such as a PC) (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, a printer driver corresponding to proof printing needs a function of outputting a control command related to proof printing processing.

  By installing the proof printing function in the printer driver, when printing multiple copies, only the first partial number is printed and stopped, and after confirming the print output, the user can continue or cancel the remaining printing. Selectable. In the conventional printer driver, the proof print processing function allows the user to check the printing result, determine whether to continue printing, and instruct to continue printing at a time, thereby improving convenience. Further, by using a printer driver corresponding to the conventional proof printing process, it is possible to prevent a large amount of printing from being performed and waste of paper, toner, and the like.

JP 2010-194972 A

  However, the conventional proof printing process is realized by a combination of a printer driver and a printer installed on the host computer side. That is, conventionally, in order to perform the proof printing process, it is assumed that a printer driver corresponding to the proof printing process has been developed, and cannot be realized by a printer alone.

  Therefore, the user is allowed to confirm a part of the image formation result without depending on the configuration of the supply source of the image formation data (for example, print data) (for example, the configuration of the printer driver installed in the host computer). An image forming apparatus capable of realizing a confirmation image forming process (for example, a proof printing process) for continuing the printing process is desired.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; and (1) after causing the image forming unit to perform image forming processing of a part of pages indicated by image forming data to be imaged. And (3) the confirmation image formation processing control means for causing the image formation unit to execute image formation processing for the remaining pages indicated by the image formation data in response to a user operation. When the image formation data includes the content of forming a plurality of copies of one set, the image formation process is executed only by the first image formation unit, and then the image formation is performed according to a user operation. (4) The confirmation image formation processing control means is a prime factor obtained by performing prime factorization on the number of pages of the page included in the image formation data. Available based on All the divided patterns for which the division pattern is obtained, each page included in the image formation data is divided into a plurality of groups by the division pattern based on the obtained prime factor, the data of each page of each group is compared, and the comparison is performed. Of these, when the selection of a division pattern that minimizes the content of forming a plurality of copies of one set and the number of pages inspected and the corresponding division pattern can be selected, the image formation data is one set. It is characterized in that it is the content to form a plurality of copies .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that realizes the confirmation image forming process without depending on the configuration of the supply source of the image forming data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. It is a top view of the panel part of the printer which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the example of the conceptual structure of the print data processed with the printer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a division pattern used for analyzing print data in a table format in the printer according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the example of the division | segmentation pattern applied when performing the analysis of print data with the printer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example (part 1) for developing a bitmap based on print data in the printer according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the process example (the 2) which expands a bitmap based on print data with the printer which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example (part 3) for developing a bitmap based on print data in the printer according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an operation of the printer according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the operation of the printer according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) shown about the transition of the display content of the panel part of the printer which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) shown about the transition of the display content of the panel part of the printer which concerns on embodiment.

(A) Main Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a printer will be described.

(A-1) Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printer 200 of this embodiment.

  Assume that the printer 200 is connected to the host computer 100 via a network such as a wireless LAN. The interface between the printer 200 and the host computer 100 is not limited, and other connection means (for example, other means such as a wired LAN or USB) may be applied.

  A printer driver 101 is installed in the host computer 100, and print job data (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) is generated by the printer driver 101 and transmitted to the printer 200.

  Although the data format of the print data is not limited, in this embodiment, the printer driver 101 will be described as generating data described by PDL (Page Description Language) as print data. Here, as an example of PDL, description will be made assuming that PCL (Printer Control Language; page description language developed by Hewlett Packard, USA) is applied. The printer 200 develops bitmap data (also referred to as “RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing”) of print data described in PCL to obtain bitmap data (also referred to as “raster image data”). Then, the printer 200 performs a printing process based on the bitmap data. Hereinafter, the print data described in PDL received by the printer 200 is also referred to as “PDL data”.

  Next, the internal configuration of the printer 200 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 200 is roughly divided into a panel 210, a panel control unit 220, a memory 230, a confirmation print control unit 240 as a confirmation image formation processing control unit, a print control unit 250, and printing as an image formation unit. A mechanism unit 260 and a communication unit 270 are included.

  The communication unit 270 has a network interface function in the printer 200.

  The panel 210 and the panel control unit 220 have a user interface function in the printer 200.

  The panel 210 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 211 and a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) 213 used for outputting information to the user and displaying an operation screen (menu screen display). The panel 210 has a plurality of operation keys 212 for receiving operation inputs from the user.

  The panel control unit 220 performs key input reception (operation signal reception) from the operation key 212 of the panel 210, management (control) of a message displayed on the LCD 211 of the panel 210, and lighting / flashing management of the LED 213. Accordingly, the panel 210 performs status display (display from the LCD 211) such as “printing in progress” or “jamming”, lighting / flashing of the LED 213, confirmation / change of the printer setting status by the operation key 212, and the like. be able to.

  As described above, in the printer 200, the user interface is realized by the panel 210 and the panel control unit 220. However, the specific configuration is not limited, and for example, a configuration using a touch panel display may be used.

  The memory 230 is data storage means used for a work area or the like when each component in the printer 200 performs data processing (information processing) or control processing. The memory 230 is also used as a work area for holding received print data (PDL data) and developing a bitmap based on the print data (PDL data).

  The confirmation print control unit 240 performs print data (PDL data) control processing (hereinafter referred to as “confirmation print control processing”) including proof control processing in the printer 200.

  The confirmation print control unit 240 stores print data received from the host computer 100 (printer driver 101) via the communication unit 270 in the memory 230. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 performs confirmation print control processing according to the setting, and then issues a print instruction based on the print data to the print control unit 250.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the confirmation print control unit 240 executes confirmation print control processing according to user settings. Specifically, the confirmation print control unit 240 holds a confirmation print process setting flag 240a that is setting data related to the confirmation print control process. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines whether or not to perform the confirmation print control process and the contents when the confirmation print control process is performed according to the value of the confirmation print process setting flag 240a.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that one of the values “proof mode”, “check mode”, and “off (normal printing)” is set in the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a. The specific value of the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is not limited, and is a numerical value corresponding to “proof mode”, “check mode”, or “off (normal printing)” (for example, any one of 1, 2, 3) Or the like. The configuration in which the confirmation printing control unit 240 receives the setting of the confirmation printing processing setting flag 240a from the user is not limited. For example, the menu 210 as shown in FIG. 212 may be used to accept an operation.

  When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “proof mode”, the confirmation print control unit 240 analyzes the received print data and prints a plurality of copies (one set is selected). In the case of printing a plurality of copies), only the first copy is printed and stopped, and a process of accepting a selection operation from the user for the continuation or interruption of the second and subsequent copies (proof printing process) is performed. When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “check mode”, the confirmation print control unit 240 prints only the first page regardless of the number of copies to be printed, and the user continues or interrupts the second and subsequent pages. The process of accepting the selection operation is performed. In this specification, the printing process in the above-described “check mode” is also described as being included in the confirmation printing control process. When the confirmation printing process setting flag 240a is set to “off (normal printing)”, the confirmation printing control unit 240 turns off the function of the confirmation printing process (proof process or printing process in the check mode), and particularly from the user. The print process (normal print process) is performed without accepting the confirmation.

  Next, a configuration example of print data received by the printer 200 and stored in the memory 230 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the printer 200 receives print data such as print data D (D1 to D3) shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C and performs printing. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the data structure of each of the print data D1 to D3 in the print data format.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each print data D includes at least a setting definition section R and data of one or more pages of print data (hereinafter referred to as “PDL pages”).

  The setting definition portion R includes definition data for the number of copies for the subsequent PDL page P. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the data of each PDL page is composed of one page of data (one page of data on the print data).

  The print data D1 shown in FIG. 3A includes a setting definition unit R and five PDL pages P1 to P5. Since the number of copies = 3 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D1, it is defined in the print data D1 that three sets of PDL pages P1 to P5 are printed (a total of 15 copies are printed). Will be. In the print data D1, PDL pages P1 to P6 indicate different contents (different images).

  The print data D2 shown in FIG. 3B includes a setting definition unit R and six PDL pages P1 to P6. Since the number of copies = 1 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D2, it is defined in the print data D2 that one copy is printed for the PDL pages P1 to P6. However, in the print data D2, it is assumed that the PDL pages P1, P3, and P5 indicate the same contents (same data). Further, in the print data D2, it is assumed that the PDL pages P2, P4, and P6 indicate the same contents (same data). That is, in the print data D2, for example, the same print contents as when three sets of PDL pages P1 and P2 are printed are defined.

  The print data D3 shown in FIG. 3C includes a setting definition unit R and three PDL pages P1 to P3. Since the number of copies = 1 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D3, it is defined in the print data D3 that one copy is printed for the PDL pages P1 to P3. In the print data D3, the PDL pages P1 to P3 indicate different contents (different data).

  When the proof mode is set, the confirmation print control unit 240 analyzes the received print data D as described above, and confirms whether or not the print data D is a content to be printed in a plurality of copies. To do.

  In this embodiment, the confirmation print control unit 240 prints a plurality of copies of the print data D when the number of copies is set to 2 or more in the setting definition unit R included in the received print data D. It is determined that the content is to be performed. For example, in the print data D1 shown in FIG. 3A described above, since the setting definition unit R sets the number of copies = 3, the confirmation print control unit 240 prints a plurality of copies of the print data D1. It will be determined that the content.

  Further, the confirmation print control unit 240 is configured as described above even when the setting definition unit R included in the received print data D sets the number of copies to 1 (when an instruction to print a plurality of copies is not given). As shown in FIG. 3B, if the content of printing a set of two pages is substantially a plurality of copies, it is determined that the print data D is also a content to be printed a plurality of copies. Shall.

  In this embodiment, the confirmation print control unit 240 attempts to divide the number of PDL pages P included in the print data D by a pattern based on the result of prime factorization (hereinafter, this pattern is referred to as “division pattern”). Suppose that the identity of the data of each PDL page of each set when divided by the division pattern is checked. Then, when the division pattern in which all the data of each PDL page of each set matches can be detected, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines that the print data has a content that allows a plurality of copies to be printed. Shall.

  For example, it is assumed that the confirmation print control unit 240 receives the print data D2 shown in FIG. In this case, the number of PDL pages included in the print data D2 is six. Then, when the number of pages 6 is prime factorized, “2 × 3” can be derived. That is, when the number of PDL pages included in the print data is 6, as shown in FIG. 5A, a configuration in which two sets of 2 pages are printed (2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] ) Or a configuration in which a set of 3 pages is printed in two copies (2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies]) as shown in FIG. 5B.

  As described above, the confirmation print control unit 240 uses the result of prime factorization of the number of pages of the print data to perform a process of extracting all the division patterns that can be taken by the print data. Is not limited. Further, for example, the confirmation print control unit 240 holds a table in which all the division patterns that can be obtained for each number of pages as shown in FIG. 4 are registered, and the division pattern that can be obtained by the print data based on the table. You may make it extract all. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 temporarily divides the PDL page included in the print data with the division pattern based on the above-described table, and compares the data of each divided PDL page, so that the print You may make it judge whether data is the content which prints multiple copies.

  The confirmation print control unit 240 generates a division pattern ([number of pages] × [number of copies]) generated based on the result of the prime factorization for each number of pages excluding the prime number (total number of PDL pages included in the print data). It is assumed that all are held as division pattern definition data 240b as shown in FIG. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 temporarily divides the PDL page included in the print data with the division pattern based on the division pattern definition data 240b, and compares the data of each divided PDL page. Then, it is determined whether the print data is a content to be printed in a plurality of copies.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the division pattern when the number of pages is 6 is “2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies]” and “2 [ Number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] ”.

  Accordingly, when receiving the print data in which the copy number designation is set to “1”, the confirmation print control unit 240 first has a division pattern of 2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] as shown in FIG. And the contents (data) of each page of each PDL page of each set are compared, and it is confirmed whether the contents are to be printed by a plurality of copies in the division pattern. For example, in the case of division by a division pattern of 2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] as shown in FIG. 5A, the PDL pages P1 to P6 of 6 pages are “P1 and P2” and “P3 and P4”. And “P5 and P6”. Therefore, in this case, the confirmation print control unit 240 confirms whether or not all the contents of the first PDL pages P1, P3, and P5 of each set match, and checks the first PDL pages P1, P3, If all of P5 match, it is checked whether or not the second PDL pages P2, P4, and P6 also match. As described above, when the contents of all the pages of each set match, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines that the content is to be printed in a plurality of copies with the division pattern. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 performs the comparison processing as described above for all the divided patterns (all divided patterns corresponding to the number of pages), and the content of printing a plurality of copies is not included in any divided pattern. If it is determined that the print data does not contain a plurality of copies, the print data is determined not to be printed.

  The print control unit 250 generates bitmap data by expanding the bitmap of the received data in the memory 230 with respect to the data of the PDL page of the page instructed from the confirmation print control unit 240, and print engine unit 261. At the same time, the bitmap data is stored in the memory 230. If bitmap data already exists in the memory 230 at this time, the print control unit 250 sends the bitmap data to the print engine unit 261.

  Note that if the received print data has a content for printing a plurality of copies, the confirmation print control unit 240 corresponds to one set of PDL pages to be printed in a plurality of copies. Bitmap data is expanded, and it is instructed to print a plurality of copies using the expanded bitmap data. That is, when printing a plurality of copies, the print control unit 250 may perform the remaining number of copies using the bitmap data developed at the time of the first partial printing.

  FIGS. 6 to 8 show bitmap data (bitmap data created based on instructions from the confirmation print control unit 240) generated by the print control unit 250 for the print data D1 to D3 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown about the structure.

  When the confirmation print control unit 240 receives the print data D1 (print data for printing a plurality of copies) shown in FIG. 3A, the confirmation print control unit 240 develops bitmap data corresponding to one set of PDL pages P1 to P5. Is instructed to the print control unit 250. At this time, the print controller 250 develops the bitmap data B1 to B5 corresponding to the PDL pages P1 to P5 as shown in FIG.

  When the confirmation print control unit 240 receives the print data D2 (print data for printing a plurality of copies) shown in FIG. 3B, the confirmation print control unit 240 is a bitmap corresponding to one set of PDL pages P1 and P2. Data expansion is instructed to the print control unit 250. At this time, the print controller 250 develops the bitmap data B1 and B2 corresponding to the PDL pages P1 and P2, as shown in FIG.

  When the confirmation print control unit 240 receives the print data D3 shown in FIG. 3A, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to develop bitmap data corresponding to the PDL pages P1 to P3. At this time, the print controller 250 develops the bitmap data B1 to B3 corresponding to the PDL pages P1 to P3 as shown in FIG.

  The print mechanism unit 260 includes a print engine unit 261, a first tray 262, a second tray 263, a stacker 264, and a duplex printing unit 265. For example, the print processing is executed in the print engine unit 261 for the paper fed from the first tray 262. Then, it is discharged to the stacker 264. When duplex printing is designated, the sheet is reversed in the duplex printing unit 265.

(A-2) Operation of Embodiment Next, the operation of the printer 200 of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10.

  First, it is assumed that the printer 200 (confirmation print control unit 240) receives print data from the host computer 100 via a network and stores the print data in the memory 230 (S601).

  Next, the confirmation printing control unit 240 confirms whether the confirmation printing processing setting flag 240a is set to “proof mode”, “check mode”, or “off (normal printing)” (S602, S620). . When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “proof mode”, the confirmation print control unit 240 starts from step S603 described later. When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “check mode”, the confirmation print control unit 240 starts from step S621 described later. When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “off (normal printing)”, the confirmation print control unit 240 starts from step S640 described later.

  When the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “proof mode”, the confirmation print control unit 240 refers to the setting definition unit of the received print data, and whether or not a value of 2 or more is set for the designated number of copies. (S603). When the designated number of copies of the received print data is set to 2 or more, the confirmation print control unit 240 operates from step S607 described later. When the designated number of copies is set to 1 (or as a result, the designated number of copies). If the same instruction as that in the case of 1 is set), the operation starts from step S604 described later.

  When the designated number of copies of the received print data is set to 1, the confirmation print control unit 240 analyzes the content of the received print data (division pattern analysis processing based on the result of the above-mentioned prime factorization of the number of pages). (S604), and confirms whether or not the content is to be printed in a plurality of copies (S605). The confirmation print control unit 240 operates from step S607 to be described later when the received print data is a content to be printed in a plurality of copies, and otherwise proceeds to step S606 to be described later.

  If the received print data is a content to be printed in a plurality of copies in step S603 or step S605 described above, the confirmation print control unit 240 develops the bitmap data for one of the plurality of copies and prints it. The print control unit 250 is instructed to do so. Then, the print control unit 250 controls the print mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261) in accordance with the instruction from the confirmation print control unit 240, and executes printing for one of the plurality of copies (S607). At this time, the confirmation print control unit 240 stores the developed bitmap data in the memory 230 in preparation for printing execution for the second and subsequent copies.

  Next, the confirmation printing control unit 240 performs a process of receiving an input from the panel 210 regarding whether or not to continue the remaining printing process in the proof printing process via the panel control unit 220 (S608, S609).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the confirmation print control unit 240 displays “remaining message” as a message prompting the user to input whether or not to continue the remaining printing process in the proof printing process (input from the operation key 212) from the LCD 211 of the panel 210. Message “Yes (Online) / No (Cancel)” is displayed and accepts the continuation of printing (pressing the Online button) or the cancellation of printing (pressing the Cancel button). May be.

  If the continuation of the proof printing process is selected in step S609 described above, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to perform printing for the remaining number of copies. Then, the print control unit 250 controls the print mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261) using the bitmap data stored in the memory 230 (the bitmap data developed in step S607 described above), and the rest The number of copies is printed (S610). In addition, after the printing of the remaining number of copies is completed, the confirmation printing control unit 240 deletes the bitmap data in the memory 230 and ends the processing.

  On the other hand, if cancellation of the proof printing process is selected in step S609 described above, the confirmation printing control unit 240 deletes the bitmap data in the memory 230 (S611) and ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S605 described above that the received print data is not the content to be printed in a plurality of copies, the confirmation print control unit 240 performs a normal print process on the received print data. To instruct. Then, the print control unit 250 performs bitmap data expansion processing according to the instruction from the confirmation print control unit 240, and controls the print mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261) to execute printing (S606). In addition, after the printing is completed, the confirmation print control unit 240 deletes the bitmap data in the memory 230 and ends the process.

  Next, the operation of the printer 200 when the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “check mode” will be described. In this case, the confirmation print control unit 240 first instructs the print control unit 250 to perform print processing for the first PDL page of the received print data. Then, the print control unit 250 performs bitmap data expansion processing in accordance with an instruction from the confirmation print control unit 240, and controls the print mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261), so that the first page of the received print data corresponds to the first page. The PDL page is printed (S621).

  Next, the confirmation print control unit 240 confirms whether or not there is an unprinted PDL page for the received print data (S622). If there is an unprinted PDL page, the confirmation print control unit 240 starts from step S623 described later. Deletes the bitmap data in the memory 230 and ends the process.

  Next, the confirmation print control unit 240 performs a process of accepting an input from the panel 210 regarding whether or not to continue the remaining printing process in the check mode printing process via the panel control unit 220 (S623, S624).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the confirmation print control unit 240 uses “LCD 211” on the panel 210 as a message prompting the user to input whether or not to continue the remaining print processing in the check mode print processing (input from the operation key 212). Do you want to print the remaining two pages? Yes (Online) / No (Cancel) "message is displayed and accepts the continuation of printing (pressing the Online button) or canceling printing (pressing the Cancel button) It may be.

  When the continuation of the check mode printing process is selected in step S624 described above, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to print the remaining pages. Then, the print control unit 250 performs bitmap development of the remaining PDL pages, controls the printing mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261), and executes printing of the remaining pages (S625).

  On the other hand, if the check mode printing process is canceled in step S624 described above, the confirmation printing control unit 240 deletes the bitmap data in the memory 230 (S626) and ends the process.

  Next, the operation of the printer 200 when the confirmation print processing setting flag 240a is set to “off (normal printing)” will be described. In this case, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to perform a print process without performing a process of particularly confirming the received print data with the user. Then, the printing control unit 250 controls the printing mechanism unit 260 (print engine unit 261) in accordance with the instruction from the confirmation printing control unit 240, and causes the received print data to be printed (S640).

  Next, a specific example of the division pattern analysis process (the division pattern analysis process based on the result of the above-described prime factorization of the number of pages) executed by the confirmation printing control unit 240 in step S604 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Will be described. Note that the variable N used in the flowchart of FIG. 10 holds the number of PDL pages included in the print data to be analyzed.

  When the confirmation print control unit 240 starts to analyze the received print data, first, the confirmation print control unit 240 substitutes the number of PDL pages included in the print data into a variable N (S701).

  Next, the confirmation printing control unit 240 confirms whether N is a prime number (S702). If N is not a prime number, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to step S704, which will be described later. If N is a prime number, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines that the print data does not have a content for printing a plurality of copies (determines that the number is 1). (S703), the process ends. Note that the specific process for confirming whether or not the confirmation print control unit 240 is a prime number for N is not limited, and various prime number analysis algorithms can be applied.

  When it is confirmed that N is not a prime number, the confirmation print control unit 240 performs a prime factorization of N (S704). Note that the specific process in which the confirmation printing control unit 240 performs prime factorization on N is not limited, and various prime factorization algorithms can be applied.

  Next, the confirmation print control unit 240 extracts a division pattern that can be taken based on the result of the prime factorization of N (each prime number obtained by prime factoring N) (S705).

  Next, the confirmation print control unit 240 confirms whether or not the received print data D has a content to be printed in a plurality of copies in the extracted division pattern (identity of each PDL page of each set divided by each division pattern) (S706, S707, S708). Then, if there is a corresponding division pattern (a division pattern to be printed by a plurality of copies) in the extracted division pattern, the confirmation print control unit 240 starts from step S709 described later, and there is no corresponding division pattern. If YES in step S703, the flow advances to step S703 described above (determining that the print data is not content for printing a plurality of copies).

  When there is a corresponding divided pattern in the extracted divided patterns, the confirmation print control unit 240 uses the corresponding divided pattern (or any divided pattern when there are a plurality of divided patterns) for the print data. It is determined that a plurality of copies are to be printed (S709), and the process ends. When the corresponding division pattern is extracted, the confirmation print control unit 240 selects the division pattern with the smallest number of pages per set.

  Next, individual operations when each of the print data D1 to D3 shown in FIG. 3 is processed according to the above-described flowchart will be described.

[About processing of print data D1]
As shown in FIG. 3A, since the number of copies = 3 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D1, three copies of PDL pages P1 to P5 are printed (a total of 15 sheets are printed) in the print data D1. ) To be defined.

  Here, it is assumed that the “proof mode” is set in the confirmation print control unit 240 (confirmation print processing setting flag 240a).

  In this case, when the print data D1 is received, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines in step S603 that multiple copies have been set (number of copies = 3), and proceeds to step S607.

  Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to perform one copy (printing of PDL pages P1 to P5). After that, the confirmation print control unit 240 displays a message from the panel 210 that allows the user to select whether or not to continue printing of the remaining two copies by the processing of steps S607 and S608 (see, for example, FIG. 11 described above). And accepting selection input from the user. If the user selects to continue printing, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S610 and instructs the print control unit 250 to perform the remaining two copies. On the other hand, when print cancel (cancel) is selected by the user, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S611 and stops the print process.

[About processing of print data D2]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the number of copies = 1 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D2. Therefore, it is defined in the print data D2 that one copy is printed for the PDL pages P1 to P6. However, as described above, in the print data D2, since the combination of the PDL pages P1, P3, and P5 and the PDL pages P2, P4, and P6 is the same data, the set of the PDL pages P1 and P2 is substantially set. The contents are to be printed in three copies.

  Here, it is assumed that the “proof mode” is set in the confirmation print control unit 240 (confirmation print processing setting flag 240a).

  In this case, when receiving the print data D2, the confirmation print control unit 240 determines in step S603 that a plurality of copies are not set (number of copies = 1), and proceeds to step S604.

  Then, the confirmation printing control unit 240 performs the analysis processing (processing for analyzing whether or not the content is to be printed in plural copies) in step S604 (FIG. 7).

  In this case, the confirmation print control unit 240 sets N = 6 in step S702. Then, since N = 6 is not a prime number, the confirmation printing control unit 240 proceeds from step S702 to step S704. In step S704, the confirmation print control unit 240 confirms whether there is a corresponding division pattern. Since the print data D2 has a content of printing three sets of PDL pages P1 and P2 substantially, the confirmation print control unit 240 has 2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] as a corresponding division pattern. It is determined that there is a division pattern, and the process proceeds to step S708. Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 obtains 2 [number of pages] × 3 [number of copies] as the division pattern of the print data D2, and ends the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 7 (processing of step S604).

  Next, the confirmation printing control unit 240 returns to the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 6, determines in step S605 that multiple copies are set (number of copies = 3), and proceeds to step S607.

  Then, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to print one part (print PDL pages P1 and P2). After that, the confirmation print control unit 240 displays a message from the panel 210 that allows the user to select whether or not to continue printing of the remaining two copies by the processing of steps S607 and S608 (see, for example, FIG. 11 described above). And accepting selection input from the user. If the user selects to continue printing, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S610 and instructs the print control unit 250 to perform the remaining two copies. On the other hand, when print cancel (cancel) is selected by the user, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S611 and stops the print process.

[About processing of print data D3]
The print data D3 shown in FIG. 3C includes a setting definition unit R and three PDL pages P1 to P3. Further, the number of copies = 1 is set in the setting definition portion R of the print data D3. In the print data D3, the PDL pages P1 to P3 indicate different contents (different data). Note that the PDL pages P1 to P3 are all assumed to be set for single-sided printing (not set for double-sided printing).

  Here, it is assumed that “check mode” is set in the confirmation print control unit 240 (confirmation print processing setting flag 240a).

  In this case, when receiving the print data D3, the confirmation print control unit 240 instructs the print control unit 250 to print one page of the first sheet (printing for one medium; printing the PDL page P1) in step S621. Will do.

  Since unprinted PDL pages P2 and P3 remain in the print data D3, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds from step S622 to step S623. After that, the confirmation print control unit 240 displays a message from the panel 210 that allows the user to select whether or not to continue printing of the remaining two pages by the processing of steps S623 and S624 (see, for example, FIG. 12 described above). And accepting selection input from the user. If the user selects to continue printing, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S625 and instructs the print control unit 250 to print the remaining two pages. On the other hand, when the print cancel (cancel) is selected by the user, the confirmation print control unit 240 proceeds to the process of step S626 and stops the print process.

(A-3) Effects of Embodiment According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  The printer 200 of this embodiment can realize the confirmation printing process by itself. That is, the printer 200 can realize the confirmation printing process regardless of the environment of the host computer 100 (regardless of whether or not it has a printer driver corresponding to the proof printing process or the like).

  Further, in the confirmation print control unit 240, even when the number of copies is not specified in the print data (when there is no host computer 100 number specification command, that is, in the case of a configuration like the print data D2 shown in FIG. 3B). The proof printing process can be realized by executing the division pattern extraction process (the process of the flowchart of FIG. 7 described above) using the result of the prime factorization of the number of pages. That is, the confirmation print control unit 240 can realize the proof printing process regardless of the environment (printer driver or application that generates print data) on the host computer 100 side.

  Further, the printer 200 (confirmation print control unit 240) supports “check mode” as part of the confirmation print processing. In the printer 200, by responding to this “check mode”, whether or not printing is performed for a plurality of copies, only the first page is printed and printing is stopped, and the user continues printing or cancels printing. Can be selected. In the “check mode”, only the first page is printed at first, so the user cannot check the print result of the entire print data (previous page). It is possible to determine whether to continue printing by checking the amount of margin.

  Furthermore, in the printer 200 (confirmation print control unit 240), the confirmation print processing can be set (in which mode the operation is performed) by a menu operation (for example, see FIG. 2 described above) on the panel 210 by the user. it can. Thereby, in the printer 200 (confirmation print control unit 240), the setting itself for the confirmation print processing can be realized regardless of the environment of the host computer 100.

(B) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include modified embodiments as exemplified below.

  (B-1) The wording of the “proof mode setting” menu described in the first embodiment and the key to be pressed (Online key / Cancel key) are not limited to these.

  (B-2) In the above embodiment, the case of single-sided printing has been described. In the case of double-sided printing, for example, by supplying page data of even pages (or odd pages) to the print engine unit 261, The present invention is applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Host computer, 101 ... Printer driver, 200 ... Printer, 210 ... Panel, 220 ... Panel control part, 211 ... LCD, 212 ... Operation key, 213 ... LED, 230 ... Memory, 240 ... Confirmation printing control part, 240a ... Confirmation print processing setting flag, 240b ... division pattern definition data, 250 ... print control unit, 260 ... print mechanism unit, 261 ... print engine unit, 262 ... tray, 263 ... tray, 264 ... stacker, 265 ... duplex printing unit, 270 ... communication department.

Claims (3)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a medium;
After causing the image forming unit to execute the image forming process for a part of the pages indicated by the image forming data to be image forming target, the image forming process for the remaining pages indicated by the image forming data is performed according to a user operation. A confirmation image forming process control unit to be executed by the image forming unit ,
The confirmation image formation processing control means, when the image formation data is a content for forming a plurality of copies of one set, causes the image formation unit to execute image formation processing for only the first copy, and then In response to the operation, the image forming unit executes the remaining number of image forming processes indicated by the image forming data,
The confirmation image formation processing control means obtains a division pattern that can be obtained based on a prime factor obtained by performing a prime factorization on the number of pages included in the image formation data, and uses the division pattern based on the obtained prime factor to obtain the image formation data. Each page included in the image is divided into a plurality of groups, the data of each page of each group is compared, and among all the divided patterns that have been compared, one group is inspected as the content of forming a plurality of copies. Attempts to select a division pattern that minimizes the number of pages, and when the corresponding division pattern can be selected, it is determined that the image formation data is a content for forming a plurality of copies of one set. Image forming apparatus. When the image forming data includes an instruction to form a plurality of copies, the confirmation image formation processing control means determines that the image forming data has a content for forming one set of a plurality of copies. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:   The confirmation image forming process control means, when the image forming data includes the contents of image forming for a plurality of media, causes the image forming unit to execute the image forming process for only the first medium, and then performs the user operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit causes the image forming unit to execute an image forming process of the remaining medium indicated by the image forming data.

Images