JP6682982B2 - Print control device, print control method, and print control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control device, a print control method, and a print control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses having a function of collecting page images of N (integer of 2 or more) pages on one sheet and printing them (so-called “Nin1 printing”) have been developed. Nin1 printing is used when it is desired to save printing paper.

  It is also possible to cut a sheet on which page images of N pages are printed by Nin1 printing and divide the sheet into N parts, and stack the cut bundles after cutting into a booklet. In this case, the layout of each page image is adjusted so that the booklet with the correct page order can be created simply by stacking the cutting bundles after cutting without performing the complicated work of changing the order of some pages. (For example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2002-281278

  However, Patent Document 1 does not consider that it is necessary to insert a white page (a page on which no page image is formed) when the total number of page images is not divisible by N. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the inserted white pages one by one from the cutting bundle after printing, which is troublesome. Further, since the work of removing the white pages is a manual work, a work error is likely to occur, and the quality may be deteriorated even by the work of turning over the cutting bundle.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device or the like that does not require a labor for removing a white page when creating a booklet and prevents deterioration of quality.

(1) A print control device that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, wherein the page images are formed on a plurality of sheets. A layout planning unit that plans the layout in accordance with the page order pre-assigned to the page image, and the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit. A white page determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed when cutting and dividing into N areas;
When it is determined by the white page determination unit that a white page image needs to be inserted, the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, and the white page image is formed on the leading sheet. And a layout replacement unit that collects the blank page images in a predetermined position, the layout replacement unit determines the layout of the white page image according to a cutting order when the paper is divided into N sheets .

(2) The white page determination unit needs to insert the white page image when the remainder when the total number of pages of the page image included in the print job is divided by the N is not 0. The print control device according to any one of (1) and (4) to (7) below, which is determined .

(4) The print control device according to (1) , wherein the cutting order is determined based on a cutting policy for cutting according to a predetermined rule.

(5) The print control device according to (1) or (4), wherein the cutting order is determined based on a characteristic of a cutting machine that divides the sheet into N sheets.

(6) A print control device for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images, the page image being formed on a plurality of sheets of paper. A layout planning unit that plans the layout in accordance with the page order pre-assigned to the page image, and the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit. When cutting and dividing into N areas, it is necessary to insert a white page image by the white page determining unit that determines whether it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed, and the white page determining unit. If it is determined that the page image layout planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, the white page image is placed at the position where it is formed on the leading sheet. If equipped with promises orientation changing unit, wherein the orientation changing unit, when receiving the print job print multiple copies are specified, or if the total number of pages of the page image receives a print job in which the same of different, all of the white page image insertion is required for each number of copies, aggregated into position formed at the beginning of the paper to be common, print controller.

(7) A print control device for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, the page image being formed on a plurality of sheets of paper. A layout planning unit that plans the layout in accordance with the page order pre-assigned to the page image, and the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit. When cutting and dividing into N areas, it is necessary to insert a white page image by the white page determining unit that determines whether it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed, and the white page determining unit. If it is determined that the page image layout planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, the white page image is placed at the position where it is formed on the leading sheet. And promises orientation changing unit, and a print execution unit which forms an image based on the page image on the sheet in accordance with the arrangement that has been replaced by the orientation changing unit, the print execution unit, in place of the white page image to form a removal guide image removal guide to assist the work of removing the blank page is attached, print controller.

(8) A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, the page image being formed on a plurality of sheets of paper. A step (a) of planning an arrangement according to a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on the plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), When the paper is cut and divided into N, it is necessary to insert a white page image in step (b) in which it is determined whether the white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted, and in step (b). If it is determined that the white page image is located on the leading sheet, the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit is replaced. Possess promises to step (c), the said step (c), the paper according to the cutting order in the divide-by-N, determines the arrangement of the white page image, a printing control method for.
(10) A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, wherein the page images are formed on a plurality of sheets. A step (a) of planning an arrangement according to a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on the plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), When the paper is cut and divided into N, it is necessary to insert a white page image in step (b) in which it is determined whether or not the white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted If it is determined that the white page image is formed on the leading sheet, the layout of the page images planned in step (a) is replaced. In the step (c), when a print job designated to print a plurality of copies is received, or different print jobs having the same total number of page images are received in the step (c). In this case, a print control method in which all the white page images that need to be inserted for each number of copies are aggregated at a position formed on a common top sheet.
(11) A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, wherein the page images are formed on a plurality of sheets. A step (a) of planning an arrangement according to a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on the plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), When the paper is cut and divided into N, it is necessary to insert a white page image in step (b) in which it is determined whether or not the white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted If it is determined that the white page image is formed on the leading sheet, the layout of the page images planned in step (a) is replaced. And a step (d) of forming an image based on the page image on the sheet according to the arrangement exchanged in the step (c). In the step (d), the white A printing control method, wherein instead of a page image, a removal guide image to which a removal guide for supporting a work of removing a white page is attached is formed.

(9) Based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, the arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets is set in a computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages. A step (a) of planning in accordance with a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), and cutting the paper. In the case of N divisions, the procedure (b) determines whether or not a white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted, and the step (b) determines that a white page image needs to be inserted. In this case, the arrangement of the page images planned by the arrangement planning unit is exchanged, and the white page image is collected at the position formed on the leading sheet (c). Was performed, the In step (c), the paper according to the cutting order in the divide-by-N, determines the arrangement of the white page image, print control program.
(12) Arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets in a computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images. A step (a) of planning in accordance with a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), and cutting the paper. In the case of N divisions, the procedure (b) determines whether or not a white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted, and the step (b) determines that a white page image needs to be inserted. In that case, the arrangement of the page images planned in the procedure (a) is exchanged, and the white page image is aggregated at the position formed on the leading sheet, and the procedure (c) is included. In step (c), when a print job specified to print multiple copies is received, or different print jobs having the same total number of page images are received, insertion is required for each copy. A print control program for consolidating all the white page images that have become the same on a position formed on a common top sheet.
(13) Based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images, the arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets is set in a computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages. A step (a) of planning in accordance with a page order pre-assigned to the page image, and forming the page image on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a), and cutting the paper. In the case of N divisions, the procedure (b) determines whether or not a white page image on which the page image is not formed needs to be inserted, and the step (b) determines that a white page image needs to be inserted. In that case, the arrangement of the page images planned in the procedure (a) is exchanged, and the white page image is aggregated at the position formed on the leading sheet, and the procedure (c) is included. The step (d) of forming an image based on the page image on the sheet according to the arrangement replaced by the step (c) is executed, and in the step (d), a white page is replaced with the white page image. A printing control program for forming a removal guide image with a removal guide for supporting the work of removing the.

  According to the present invention, in the case where a sheet (Nin1 printed sheet) formed by consolidating a plurality of page images for every N pages is divided into N by cutting, it is necessary to insert a white page image. Replaces the layout of the page images and collects the white page images on the first sheet. As a result, the white page images to be removed at the time of creating the booklet are gathered and formed on the leading sheet, so that the work of removing the white pages does not take time and the deterioration of quality can be prevented.

It is a schematic block diagram of an image processing system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a job input device. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print control device. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a job input device. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a print control device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a job input process. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation which cuts in order of vertical-> horizontal-> vertical. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation which cuts in order of a vertical-> vertical-> horizontal direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation which cuts in order of horizontal-> vertical-> vertical. 7 is a flowchart of Nin1 printing processing. It is a figure which shows the example of the page image RIP-processed according to a page order. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the page image before a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of arrangement | positioning of the page image after a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of arrangement | positioning of the page image after a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of arrangement | positioning of the removal guide image after a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of arrangement | positioning of the removal guide image after a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the work result of a cutting process (when there are four white pages). It is a figure which shows the work result (when there are seven white pages) of a cutting process. It is a flowchart of a cutting order determination process. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination method of the cutting order. It is a flowchart of a replacement process. It is a figure which shows the cutting example (when there are four white pages) of a 1st process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the white page image after the cutting of a 1st process (when there are four white pages). It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a removal guide image (when a removal guide is four pages) after the cutting | disconnection of a 1st process. It is a figure which shows the cutting example (when there are 7 white pages) of a 1st process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the white page image after the cutting of a 1st process (when there are seven white pages). It is a figure which shows the cutting example (when there are 7 white pages) of a 2nd process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the white page image after the cutting of a 2nd process (when there are seven white pages). It is a figure which shows the cutting example (when there are 7 white pages) of a 3rd process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the white page image after the cutting of a 3rd process (when there are seven white pages). It is a figure which shows the example 1 (when there are 7 white pages) of the removal guide image after the cutting of a 3rd process. It is a figure which shows the example 2 (when there are 7 white pages) of the removal guide image after the cutting of a 3rd process. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a page image and a white page image after a replacement process (when there are seven white pages). It is a figure which shows the modification of a cutting process (when there are four white pages). It is a figure which shows the modification of a cutting process (when there are seven white pages). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of page image layout in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of page image layout in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of page image layout in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth example of page image arrangement in the case of printing multiple copies.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. Further, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[Image processing system 10 (hardware configuration)]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing system 10. FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the job input device 100. FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the print control apparatus 200. FIG. 2C is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 300. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, a schematic configuration of the image processing system 10, particularly a hardware configuration will be described.

(1) Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 10 includes a job input device 100, a print control device 200, an image forming device 300, and a cutting machine 400. The devices 100, 200, and 300 other than the cutting machine 400 are communicably connected to each other via a computer network (hereinafter, simply referred to as “network 50”) such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  Note that the types and the number of devices that make up the image processing system 10 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, there may be a plurality of at least one of the job input device 100, the print control device 200, the image forming device 300, and the cutting machine 400.

(2) Job input device 100 (hardware configuration)
The job input device 100 is a computer that inputs a print job that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 300. A printer driver (print control unit 520 described later) is installed in the job input device 100.

  As a specific hardware configuration, the job input device 100 has a control unit 110, a display unit 120, an input unit 130, and a communication unit 140, as shown in FIG. 2A, which exchange signals. Are connected to each other via a signal line (bus or the like) 150 for switching.

  The control unit 110 controls the entire job input device 100. For example, the control unit 110 has a CPU 111, a memory 112, and a storage 113.

  The CPU 111 is a control circuit configured by a multi-core processor or the like that controls the above-mentioned units and executes various arithmetic processes according to a program. For each function of the job input device 100, the CPU 111 executes a corresponding program. Exerted by.

  The memory 112 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. For the memory 112, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like is adopted.

  The storage 113 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As the storage 113, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, a flash memory, a ROM or the like is adopted.

  The display unit 120 displays various data such as information necessary for operating the job input device 100 and setting information. As the display unit 120, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like is adopted.

  The input unit 130 inputs various data according to a user's instruction. For the input unit 130, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse is adopted.

  The communication unit 140 is an interface for communicating with an external device (for example, the print control apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 300, etc.) via the network 50.

(3) Print control device 200
The print control apparatus 200 is a printer controller that controls the image forming apparatus 300 connected to the network 50. The image forming apparatus 300 controlled by the print control apparatus 200 is registered in the print control apparatus 200 in advance.

  As a specific hardware configuration, the print control apparatus 200 has a control unit 210 and a communication unit 220 as shown in FIG. 2B, and these are signal lines (bus etc.) 230 for exchanging signals. Are connected to each other via.

  The control unit 210 controls the print control apparatus 200 as a whole. For example, the control unit 210 has a CPU 211, a memory 212, and a storage 213. The CPU 211, the memory 212, and the storage 213 can be realized by the same configuration as that of the job input device 100, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  The communication unit 220 is an interface for communicating with an external device (for example, the job input device 100, the image forming device 300, etc.) via the network 50.

(4) Image forming apparatus 300
The image forming apparatus 300 is a print engine having at least a printing function. For example, the image forming apparatus 300 is a printer, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like that executes printing based on an instruction from the print control apparatus 200.

  As a specific hardware configuration, the image forming apparatus 300 includes a control unit 310, an operation panel unit 320, a print execution unit 330, and a communication unit 340, as shown in FIG. 2C. These are connected to each other via a signal line 350 for exchanging signals.

  The control unit 310 controls the entire image forming apparatus 300. For example, the control unit 310 has a CPU 311, a memory 312, and a storage 313. Since the CPU 311, the memory 312, and the storage 313 can be realized by the same configurations as the job input device 100 and the print control device 200, respectively, description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation panel unit 320 includes a display unit such as a display and a transparent operation panel attached to the display surface side of the display unit. The operation panel unit 320 identifies a touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the image displayed on the display unit, converts the touch position into coordinates, and outputs the coordinates. The operation panel unit 320 is composed of a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic input detection element or the like.

  The print execution unit 330 supplies an image based on the data transferred from the print control apparatus 200 (for example, an aggregate image in which page images for N pages are aggregated) from a paper feed tray or the like by an electrophotographic image forming process. To form (print) on the formed paper. However, the image forming method adopted by the print executing unit 330 may be another method such as an impact method, a thermal transfer method, and an inkjet method. The paper on which the image is formed by the print executing unit 330 (hereinafter, referred to as “printed matter”) is output to a paper discharge tray or the like.

  The communication unit 340 is an interface for communicating with an external device (for example, the job input device 100, the print control device 200, etc.) via the network 50.

(5) Cutting machine 400
The cutting machine 400 is a device that cuts the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 300. For example, the cutting machine 400 includes a positioning mechanism (stopper) used for positioning a sheet bundle (a bundle of printed matter) or a cutting bundle (a bundle after cutting the printed matter), and a cutting blade having a predetermined length. The sheet bundle or the cutting bundle can be divided by operating the cutting blade while one side of the sheet bundle or the cutting bundle is brought into contact with the positioning mechanism. The cutting machine 400 is not connected to the network 50 and is used offline.

[Image processing system 10 (functional configuration)]
Of the image processing system 10 having the above hardware configuration, the job input device 100 and the print control device 200 have the functional configurations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively.

(1) Job input device 100 (functional configuration)
FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the job input device 100. As shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 110 of the job input device 100 includes a document data creation unit 510 and a print control unit 520.

  The manuscript data creation unit 510 operates according to a general application for creating manuscript data (document files and the like). For example, document data is created according to an application for creating a document, an application for drawing a figure, an application for editing an image, and the like.

  The print control unit 520 operates according to the printer driver installed in the job input device 100. For example, the print control unit 520 converts the manuscript data created by the manuscript data creation unit 510 into PDL data that can be interpreted by the print control apparatus 200, and creates a print job. The print job includes a job ticket and PDL data. Further, the job ticket is created based on the settings specified by the user.

  The document data creation unit 510 and the print control unit 520 are realized by the CPU 111 by reading out the program installed in the storage 113 into the memory 112 and executing the program.

(2) Print control device 200 (functional configuration)
FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the print control apparatus 200. As shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 includes a RIP unit 610, a layout planning unit 620, a white page determination unit 630, and a layout replacement unit 640.

  The RIP unit 610 performs the RIP process on the PDL data included in the print job received from the job input device 100 to generate raster data in bitmap format (hereinafter, simply referred to as “ It may be referred to as a "page image"). Note that the RIP processing includes language analysis processing, color conversion processing, screen processing, and the like.

  When generating an aggregate image in which page images are aggregated for every N pages (when performing Nin1 printing), the arrangement planning unit 620 pre-allocates the arrangement of page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets to the page images. Plan according to the specified page order.

  The white page determining unit 630 forms a page image on a sheet based on the arrangement planned by the arrangement planning unit 620, cuts the sheet by the cutting machine 400, and divides the sheet into N pages. Determine if you need to insert an image.

  When the white page determining unit 630 determines that the white page image needs to be inserted, the layout replacing unit 640 replaces the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit 620 and replaces the white page image with the white page image. The sheets are collected at the position where they are formed on the first sheet (the sheet on which the page image is first formed).

  Note that the RIP unit 610, the placement planning unit 620, the white page determination unit 630, and the placement replacement unit 640 are realized by the CPU 211 reading the program installed in the storage 213 into the memory 212 and executing the program. .

[Operation of Image Processing System 10]
Next, the characteristic operation of the image processing system 10 will be described.

(1) Job Submission Process FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the job submission process. The job input process is executed by the job input device 100.

  Further, FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining an operation of cutting in the order of vertical → horizontal → vertical. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining the operation of cutting in the order of vertical → vertical → horizontal. FIG. 5C is a diagram for explaining an operation of cutting in the order of horizontal → vertical → vertical.

  The procedure of the job input process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5C. It should be noted that in the following step S101, the control unit 110 functions as the above-described document data creation unit 510, and in steps S102 to S107 functions as the above-described print control unit 520.

  The control unit 110 of the job input device 100 starts the job input process when the input unit 130 receives an instruction to create document data (document file or the like).

(Step S101)
When the job input process is started, the control unit 110 activates an application or the like for creating document data (document file or the like). After starting, the control unit 110 creates document data by an application according to a user's instruction via the input unit 130. Then, when the input unit 130 receives a print instruction for the created document data, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S102.

(Step S102)
The control unit 110 activates the printer driver. After starting, the control unit 110 displays on the display unit 120 a screen (print setting screen) for setting print conditions for the document data created in step S101. Note that the print setting screen is continuously displayed on the display unit 120 until the subsequent step S106.

  After that, the control unit 110 receives the designation of the “print copy number” via the input unit 130. The control unit 110 stores, in the memory 112 or the like, information indicating the received “number of copies” (eg, “1 copy”, “2 copies”, etc.).

(Step S103)
The control unit 110 receives the designation of the “assignment number N” via the input unit 130. The control unit 110 stores the received information (eg, “8in1”, “4in1”, etc.) indicating the “allocation number N” in the memory 112 or the like.

(Step S104)
The control unit 110 receives the designation of the “cutting order” via the input unit 130. The “cutting order” is the order in which the sheet bundle is cut when the sheet bundle is divided into N by the cutting machine 400 after printing.

  For example, in the case of 8 in 1 printing in which the allocation number N is set to “8” in step S103, if “vertical → horizontal → vertical” is designated, the paper is cut into “vertical” in the first step, and the second step is performed. Means that the paper is to be cut "horizontally" and that the paper is to be cut "vertically" in the third step. In this case, in the first step, cutting is planned at the position where the length of the sheet in the longitudinal direction is divided into halves (the position of "1" shown in FIG. 5A). Further, in the second step, the sheet is to be cut at a position where the length of the sheet in the lateral direction is divided into halves (position "2" shown in FIG. 5A). Further, in the third step, cutting is planned to be performed at a position where the length of the paper in the longitudinal direction is divided into quarters (the position of "3" shown in FIG. 5A).

  Further, in the case of 8 in 1 printing, if “vertical → vertical → horizontal” is designated, the paper is cut into “vertical” in the first step, the paper is cut into “vertical” in the second step, and the third step is performed. Means that the paper will be cut "horizontally". In this case, in the first step, cutting is planned at the position where the length of the paper in the longitudinal direction is divided into halves (the position of "1" shown in FIG. 5B). In the second step, the sheet is to be cut at a position where the length of the sheet in the longitudinal direction is divided into quarters (position "2" shown in FIG. 5B). Further, in the third step, cutting is planned to be performed at a position where the length of the sheet in the lateral direction is divided into halves (the position of "3" shown in FIG. 5B).

  Further, in the case of 8 in 1 printing, if “horizontal → vertical → vertical” is designated, the paper is cut into “horizontal” in the first step, the paper is cut into “vertical” in the second step, and the third step is performed. Means that the paper will be cut into "portrait". In this case, in the first step, cutting is planned to be performed at a position where the length of the sheet in the lateral direction is divided into halves (the position of "1" shown in FIG. 5C). In the second step, the sheet is to be cut at a position where the length of the sheet in the longitudinal direction is divided into halves (position "2" shown in FIG. 5C). Further, in the third step, cutting is planned to be performed at a position where the length of the paper in the longitudinal direction is divided into quarters (the position of "3" shown in FIG. 5C).

  Further, in step S104, it is possible to specify a cutting policy for cutting according to a predetermined rule (rough rule) without specifying the "cutting order" for each cutting process as described above.

  For example, when the cutting policy of “routing priority” is designated, it means that the cutting is planned to be performed so that the difference between the vertical and horizontal lengths of the cutting bundle after cutting is minimized in each process. Therefore, in the case of 8 in 1 printing, if the paper is cut in the cutting order of “vertical → horizontal → vertical” as in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the condition of “routing priority” is satisfied.

  Further, when the cutting policy of “revolution number priority” is designated, it means that the cutting is planned to be performed so that the total number of rotations of the cutting bundle is minimized over the entire process. Therefore, in the case of 8 in 1 printing, if the paper is cut in the cutting order of “vertical → vertical → horizontal” and “horizontal → vertical → vertical” as in the example shown in FIGS. The total number of rotations is 1, which satisfies the condition of "priority of rotation speed".

  Further, in step S104, automatic setting (default setting) can be designated as the "cutting order".

  The control unit 110 stores the received information indicating the “cutting order” (for example, “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, “routing priority”, “automatic setting”, etc.) in the memory 112 or the like.

(Step S105)
The control unit 110 receives the designation of “characteristics of the cutting machine” via the input unit 130. For example, as the “characteristics of the cutting machine”, the maximum cutting width of the cutting blade of the cutting machine 400 can be designated. It is also possible to set it so that the maximum possible cutting width is not taken into consideration. The control unit 110 stores the received information indicating the “characteristics of the cutting machine” (for example, “Z (mm)”, “none”, etc.) in the memory 112 or the like.

(Step S106)
The control unit 110 receives the designation of “presence or absence of removal guide” via the input unit 130. Here, the removal guide is information for supporting the work of removing white pages, and is, for example, a figure or symbol such as a rectangle that represents a group in which a plurality of white pages are removed together. In step S106, the user can specify whether to form a removal guide image with a removal guide attached instead of the white page image. The control unit 110 stores the received information indicating “presence / absence of removal guide” (for example, “presence”, “absence”, etc.) in the memory 112 or the like.

(Step S107)
The control unit 110 converts the document data created in step S101 into PDL data that can be interpreted by the print control apparatus 200, and creates a print job. The print job includes a job ticket in addition to the PDL data. The job ticket is created based on the contents specified in the above steps S102 to S106 and the contents of other general printing conditions (such as "paper size"). After generating the print job, the control unit 110 transmits the print job to the print control apparatus 200 via the communication unit 140.

  After that, the control unit 110 ends the job input process.

  By executing the above-described job input process, it is possible to transmit a print job specifying a cutting order and the like when cutting after Nin1 printing to the print control apparatus 200.

(2) Nin1 Print Process Next, the Nin1 print process executed in the print control apparatus 200 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the Nin1 printing process.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a page image that has been RIP-processed according to the page order. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a layout example of page images before the replacement process. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a first layout example of white page images after the replacement process. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a second layout example of white page images after the replacement process. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing Arrangement Example 1 of the removal guide image after the replacement process. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing Arrangement Example 2 of the removal guide image after the replacement process. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a work result of the cutting process (when there are four white pages). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the work result of the cutting process (when there are 7 white pages).

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the Nin1 printing process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Upon receiving the print job via the communication unit 220, the control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 analyzes the job ticket included in the print job and determines whether the “assignment number N” is designated. Then, when the "allocation number N" is designated, the control unit 210 starts the Nin1 printing process.

(Step S201)
When the Nin1 printing process is started, the control unit 210 acquires the total page number P of page images included in the document data created in step S101. For example, the control unit 210 analyzes the job ticket included in the print job and acquires the total number P of page images. After that, the control unit 210 stores the total page number P of page images in the memory 212 or the like.

(Step S202)
The control unit 210 determines whether or not the cutting policy is designated as the “cutting order”. For example, the control unit 210 analyzes the job ticket included in the print job and determines whether the cutting policy is specified. When the cutting policy of “routing priority” or “rotation speed priority” is specified (step S202: YES), the control unit 210 advances the process to step S203. On the other hand, if a policy other than the cutting policy (for example, “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, “automatic setting”, etc.) is designated as the “cutting order” (step S202: NO), the control unit 210 performs the process. Proceed to S204.

(Step S203)
The control unit 210 executes a cutting order determination process. In the cutting order determination process, the control unit 210 determines the “cutting order” so as to satisfy the conditions of the specified cutting policy (“routing priority” or “rotation speed priority”). For example, when the allocation number N is “8” (that is, 8 in 1 printing) and the cutting policy of “routing priority” is specified, the control unit 210 sets the “cutting order” to “vertical → horizontal → vertical”. Is determined (FIG. 5A). When the allocation number N is "8" and the cutting policy of "revolution speed priority" is specified, the control unit 210 sets the "cutting order" to "vertical → vertical → horizontal" or "horizontal → Vertical → vertical ”is determined (FIGS. 5B and 5C). After that, the control unit 210 advances the process to step S204. The details of the cutting order determination process will be described later.

(Step S204)
The control unit 210 functions as the RIP unit 610 and executes the RIP process on the PDL data included in the print job. As a result, raster data (page image) corresponding to each page image included in the document data created in step S101 is generated. Therefore, for example, when the total number P of page images is “20 pages”, raster data (page image) for 20 pages is generated as shown in FIG. 7. Note that each of the plurality of rectangles shown in FIG. 7 represents a page image, and the number in each rectangle represents a page order (page number) pre-assigned to the page image. Then, the control unit 210 stores the raster data (page image) generated in step S204 in the memory 212 or the like.

(Step S205)
The control unit 210 functions as the layout planning unit 620, and plans the layout (imposition) of the page images to be formed on the paper in accordance with the page order previously assigned to the page images. For example, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages” and the number N of allocations is “8”, the control unit 210, as shown in FIG. Place the page image of.

(Step S206)
When the allocation number N is “8”, 24 pages of page images can be arranged by preparing three sheets of paper as shown in FIG. However, when the page image is less than 24 pages (only 20 pages), an area (an area for 4 pages) in which the page image is not arranged occurs. Considering printing, it is necessary to insert (arrange) a white page image (image in which all pixels have white pixel values) into the area.

  Therefore, the control unit 210 functions as the white page determination unit 630, and determines whether or not the white page image needs to be inserted when the page image is formed on the sheet based on the layout planned in step S205. . Specifically, the control unit 210 calculates a remainder R (that is, R = P mod N) when the total number P of page images included in the document data is divided by the allocation number N. When R = 0, the control unit 210 determines that it is not necessary to insert a white page image (step S206: NO), and advances the process to step S211. On the other hand, when R ≠ 0, the control unit 210 determines that it is necessary to insert a white page image as in the example shown in FIG. 8 (step S206: YES), and advances the process to step S207.

(Step S207)
The control unit 210 generates a white page image for (N−R) pages, and inserts the white page image into the area where the page image is not arranged according to the plan of step S205. FIG. 8 shows an example in which four page white page images are inserted.

(Step S208)
The control unit 210 functions as the placement replacement unit 640 and executes the replacement process. In the replacement process, the control unit 210 replaces the layout of the page images planned in step S205 and collects the white page images for (N−R) pages at the position formed on the leading sheet.

  For example, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the number N of layouts is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the control unit 210 As shown in 9A, white page images for four pages are collectively arranged in the left half area of the leading sheet. Further, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the number N of allocations is “8”, and the cutting order is “horizontal → vertical → vertical”, the control unit 210 As shown in 9B, white page images for four pages are collectively arranged in the upper half area of the leading sheet.

  With the replacement of the arrangement of the white page images, the arrangement of the page images is also replaced. After that, the control unit 210 advances the process to step S209. The details of the replacement process will be described later.

(Step S209)
The control unit 210 determines whether or not “presence” is designated for “presence or absence of removal guide”. For example, the control unit 210 analyzes and determines the job ticket included in the print job. When “present” is designated for “presence or absence of removal guide” (step S209: YES), the control unit 210 advances the process to step S210. On the other hand, when “none” is designated for “presence or absence of removal guide” (step S209: NO), the control unit 210 advances the process to step S211.

(Step S210)
The control unit 210 functions as the arrangement changing unit 640, and replaces the white page image inserted in step S207 with the removal guide image to which the removal guide 700 is attached.

  For example, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the number N of allocations is “8”, the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, and the removal guide “present” is specified. As shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 210 arranges the removal guide image in the left half area of the leading sheet. Further, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the number N of layouts is “8”, the cutting order is “horizontal → vertical → vertical”, and the removal guide “present” is specified. As shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 210 arranges the removal guide image in the upper half area of the leading sheet. Note that the content of the removal guide 700 (shape of figure, etc.) is changed according to the position where the removal guide image is arranged.

(Step S211)
The control unit 210 gives an instruction to execute printing to the image forming apparatus 300. For example, the control unit 210 generates an aggregated image in which page images and the like arranged (imposed) in steps S205, S208, and S210 are aggregated, and transfers the aggregated image to the image forming apparatus 300 via the communication unit 220.

  After that, the control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 ends the Nin1 printing process.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 300 executes printing based on the aggregated image transferred from the print control apparatus 200.

  The user transfers the printed matter (sheet bundle) output to the discharge tray of the image forming apparatus 300 to the cutting machine 400, cuts the printed matter (N divisions) in the cutting order designated in step S104, and then creates a booklet. .

  For example, when the total number P of page images included in the manuscript data is “20 pages”, the number N of layouts is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the user displays in FIG. As shown, in the first step, the paper is cut "vertically" (the straight line position of "1"). At this time, since the sheet composed of only white pages is at the head of any one of the cutting bundles, the user removes it. As a result, all (4 pages) white pages can be collectively removed. After that, the user rotates each cutting bundle by 90 degrees.

  Similarly, in the second step and the third step, cutting and rotation are repeated, and finally, eight cutting bundles are piled up to form a booklet.

  As another example, if the total page number P of page images included in the document data is “57 pages”, the allocation number N is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the user 12, as shown in FIG. 12, cuts the paper "vertically" in the first step (the position of the straight line "1"). At this time, since the paper (only for four pages) composed of only white pages is at the head of any one of the cutting bundles, the user removes it. After that, the user rotates each cutting bundle by 90 degrees.

  Subsequently, the user cuts the paper “horizontally” in the second step (the position of the straight line “2”). At this time, since the paper (only for two pages) composed of only white pages is at the head of any one of the cutting bundles, the user removes it. After that, the user rotates each cutting bundle by 90 degrees.

  Further, the user cuts the paper "vertically" in the third step (the position of the straight line "3"). At this time, since the paper (one page) composed of only white pages is at the head of any one of the cutting bundles, the user removes it. Finally, a booklet is made by stacking eight cutting bundles.

  As described above, the white pages that should be removed when creating the booklet are collected and formed on the first sheet of the cutting bundle, so the work of removing the white pages does not take time and the quality is reduced. It can be prevented.

(3) Cutting Order Determination Process Next, details of the cutting order determination process of step S203 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the cutting order determination process. However, this is a cutting order determination process when a cutting policy of "routing priority" is specified.

  Further, FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining the cutting order.

  The procedure of the cutting order determination process will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 starts the cutting order determination process when the process proceeds to step S203.

(Step S301)
When the cutting order determination process is started, the control unit 210 specifies the number of cutting times (the number of steps) T required when cutting a sheet on which page images of N pages are printed by Nin1 printing and dividing the sheet into N pieces. For example, the control unit 210 obtains the number of cutting times T by T = log ₂ N. Therefore, when the "allocation number N" is "8", T = 3. After that, the control unit 210 stores the specified cutting number T in the memory 212 or the like.

(Step S302)
The control unit 210 determines whether or not the cutting directions have been determined for all the cutting operations with the cutting count T specified in step S202. For example, when the number of cutting times T is “3”, it is determined whether or not the cutting direction has been determined for three times of cutting (first to third steps). When determining that the cutting directions have been determined for all the cutting operations (step S302: YES), the control unit 210 ends the cutting order determination processing and returns the processing to the Nin1 printing processing. On the other hand, when the control unit 210 determines that the cutting directions have not been determined for all the cutting operations (step S302: NO), the process proceeds to step S303.

(Step S303)
The control unit 210 calculates the vertical size L _k and the horizontal size W _k of the sheet before cutting in the kth step.

For example, when calculating the vertical size L ₁ and the horizontal size W ₁ of the sheet before cutting in the first step (when cutting the sheet for the first time), the job ticket included in the print job is analyzed and used for printing. Specify the "paper size" specified as the paper to be printed. When “A4” is designated as the “paper size”, the control unit 210 controls “297 (mm) × 210” which is stored in the storage 213 or the like in advance as the vertical size and the horizontal size of “A4”. (Mm) ”is read out and designated as L ₁ and W ₁ (FIG. 14). In the case of other than "A4" of the "paper size" can also calculate the vertical size L _1, the lateral size W ₁ of the sheet by the same process.

Further, when calculating the vertical size L ₂ and the horizontal size W ₂ of the sheet before the cutting in the second step (that is, after the cutting in the first step), the control unit 210 has L ₁ > W ₁ because L ₁ > W _1. , and calculates the _L 1/2. At this time, the control unit _{210, L 2 = L 1/2} , W 2 = W 1 to (Figure 14).

Further, when calculating the vertical size L ₃ and the horizontal size W ₃ of the sheet before cutting in the third step (that is, after cutting in the second step), the control unit 210 determines that L ₂ <W _2. , to calculate the _W 2/2. At this time, the control unit _{210, L 3 = L 2, W} 3 = W 2/2 to (Figure 14).

(Step S304)
The control unit 210 specifies the longitudinal direction X _k of the sheet before cutting in the k-th step (k = 1, 2, ... T).

For example, in the first step, the control unit 210 sets the direction of the larger size (longer) of the vertical size L ₁ and the horizontal size W ₁ of the sheet (sheet bundle) before cutting in the first step to the longitudinal direction X _1. (FIG. 14).

In the second step, the control unit 210 has the larger size of the vertical size L ₂ and the horizontal size W ₂ of the sheet (cutting bundle) before the cutting in the second step (that is, after the cutting in the first step) ( The (longer) direction is specified as the longitudinal direction X ₂ (FIG. 14).

Further, in the third step, the control unit 210 has the larger size of the vertical size L ₃ and the horizontal size W ₃ of the sheet (cutting bundle) before cutting in the third step (that is, after cutting in the second step) ( The (longer) direction is specified as the longitudinal direction X ₃ (FIG. 14).

(Step S305)
The control unit 210 determines the cutting direction of the k-th process (k = 1, 2, ... T).

For example, in the first step, the control unit 210 sets the orientation (longitudinal) of the cutting blade necessary to reduce the length L ₁ in the longitudinal direction X ₁ specified in step S304 immediately before to 1/2. Is determined as the cutting direction (the direction of the straight line "1" shown in FIG. 14).

In addition, in the second step, the control unit 210 sets the orientation (sideways) of the cutting blade necessary to reduce the length W ₂ in the longitudinal direction X ₂ specified in step S304 immediately before to half. Is determined as the cutting direction (the direction of the straight line "2" shown in FIG. 14).

In addition, in the third step, the control unit 210 sets the orientation (longitudinal) of the cutting blade, which is necessary when the length L ₃ in the longitudinal direction X ₃ specified in step S304 immediately before is halved, in the third step. Is determined as the cutting direction (the direction of the straight line "3" shown in FIG. 14).

  After that, the control unit 210 increments "k" and then returns the process to step S302, and repeats the processes of steps S303 to S305 until the cutting direction is determined for all the cuttings of the cutting count T.

  By executing the above cutting order determination process, the cutting order can be determined according to the cutting policy specified in step S104. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the cutting order is determined as “vertical → horizontal → vertical”.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the control unit 210 can determine the cutting order according to the cutting policy even when the cutting speed policy of “rotation speed priority” is specified. For example, when the "allocation number N" is "8", the number of cutting times (the number of steps) T is "3", and the necessary "vertical" and "horizontal" cutting times are obtained. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the “vertical” cutting number of times is “2” and the “horizontal” cutting number of times is “1”. Then, the control unit 210 determines the cutting order to be either “vertical → vertical → horizontal” or “horizontal → vertical → vertical” so that the total number of rotations of the sheet (cutting bundle) is minimized.

(4) Replacement Process Next, details of the replacement process of step S208 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the replacement process.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of cutting in the first step (when there are four white pages). FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an arrangement example of white page images (when there are four white pages) after the cutting in the first step. FIG. 16C is a diagram showing an arrangement example (when the removal guide is four pages) of the removal guide image after the cutting in the first step. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of cutting in the first step (when there are seven white pages). FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an arrangement example of white page images (when there are seven white pages) after the cutting in the first step. FIG. 17C is a diagram showing an example of cutting in the second step (when there are seven white pages). FIG. 17D is a diagram showing an arrangement example of white page images (when there are seven white pages) after the cutting in the second step. FIG. 17E is a diagram showing an example of cutting in the third step (when there are seven white pages). FIG. 17F is a diagram showing an arrangement example of white page images (when there are seven white pages) after the cutting in the third step. FIG. 17G is a diagram showing an arrangement example (when there are 7 white pages) 1 of the removal guide image after the cutting in the third step. FIG. 17G is a diagram showing an arrangement example 2 of the removal guide image (when there are 7 white pages) after the cutting in the third step. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an arrangement example (when there are 7 white pages) of the original image and the white page image after the replacement processing.

  The procedure of the replacement process will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 starts the replacement process when the process proceeds to step S208.

(Step S401)
When the replacement process is started, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the arrangements of all the white page images determined to have to be inserted in step S206 have been determined. For example, when the remainder R when the total number P of page images included in the document data is divided by the number N of allocations is “4”, whether or not the arrangement of four white page images has been determined. to decide. When determining that the arrangement of all white page images has been determined (step S401: YES), the control unit 210 advances the process to step S407. On the other hand, when the control unit 210 determines that the arrangement of all white page images has not been determined (step S401: NO), the process proceeds to step S402.

(Step S402)
The control unit 210 specifies the cutting position in the k-th process (k = 1, 2, ... T).

  For example, in the first step, the control unit 210 specifies the position of the straight line “1” shown in FIG. 14 as the cutting position. In the second step, the control unit 210 identifies the position of the straight line “2” shown in FIG. 14 as the cutting position. In the third step, the control unit 210 identifies the position of the straight line “3” shown in FIG. 14 as the cutting position.

(Step S403)
The control unit 210 calculates the number of remaining pages _Mk of the white page image whose layout has not been determined before the cutting in the k-th step (k = 1, 2, ... T).

Specifically, the control unit 210 sets M ₁ = N−R in the first step. In the second and subsequent steps, _Mk is calculated by _Mk = _{Mk-1- Nk-1} . Here, N _k represents the allocation number N for the sheet after cutting in the kth step. Therefore, in the second step, M ₂ can be calculated by M ₂ = M ₁ −N ₁ . In the third _step, it can be calculated _{M 3} by M _{3 =} M ₂ -N 2.

(Step S404)
The control unit 210 calculates the allocation number N _k for the sheet after cutting in the kth step. Specifically, the control unit 210 can calculate by N _k = N _k-1 / 2. However, N ₀ = N. Therefore, for example, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages” and the number N of allocations is “8”, “N ₁ = 4” is obtained after the cutting in the first step. become. Further, “N ₂ = 2” is obtained after the cutting in the second step. In addition, “N ₃ = 1” is obtained after the cutting in the third step.

(Step S405)
The control unit 210 determines whether N _k ≦ M _k . When N _k ≦ M _k , the entire sheet after cutting (the first sheet of the cutting bundle) can be composed of only N _k pages of white page images. In this case (step S405: YES), the control unit 210 advances the process to step S406. On the other hand, when N _k > M _k , the entire sheet after cutting (the first sheet of the sheet bundle for cutting) cannot be configured with only the white page image. In this case, the control unit 210 increments "k", returns the process to step S401, and repeats the processes of steps S401 to S406 until the arrangement of all white page images is determined.

(Step S406)
The control unit 210 determines the arrangement of N _k pages of white page images. Specifically, the control unit 210 collects N _k pages of white page images at the position formed on the leading sheet of any one of the cutting bundles generated by the cutting in the k-th step.

After determining the layout of the white page images for N _k pages, the control unit 210 increments “k” and then returns the process to step S401, and steps S401 to S401 until the layout of all the white page images is determined. The process of S406 is repeated.

  When the number N of allocations is "8", the cutting in the first step produces two cutting bundles in which four pages can be arranged (Fig. 16A). When the number of pages of the document data is “20 pages, it is necessary to insert four white page images. At this time, when the cutting order is designated as“ vertical → horizontal → vertical ” In step S406, the control unit 210 collects the four page white page images at the position formed on the leading sheet of one cutting bundle A generated by the cutting in the first step (FIG. 16A, B).

  Note that when "existence" is specified for "presence or absence of removal guide", the control unit 210 arranges the removal guide image to which the removal guide 700 is attached instead of the white page image (FIG. 16C).

  Further, when the allocation number N is "8" and the number of pages of the original data is "57 pages", it is necessary to insert white page images for 7 pages (8- (57 mod 8)). . At this time, when the cutting order is designated as “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the control unit 210 outputs the white page images for four pages out of the white page images for the seven pages in the first step. The sheets are gathered at the position formed on the leading sheet of one cutting bundle A generated by cutting (FIGS. 17A and 17B). Subsequently, the control unit 210 collects the white page images of two pages out of the remaining three pages of white page images at the positions formed on the first sheet of one cutting bundle B generated by the cutting in the second step. (FIG. 17C, D). Further, the control unit 210 arranges the white page image for the remaining one page at the position formed on the leading sheet of one cutting bundle C generated by the cutting in the third step (FIGS. 17E and F).

  Note that when “existence” is specified for “presence or absence of removal guide”, the control unit 210 arranges the removal guide image with the removal guide 700 attached instead of the white page image (FIGS. 17G and H). ). FIG. 17G is a diagram showing an arrangement example when the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, and FIG. 17H is a diagram showing an arrangement example when the cutting order is “horizontal → vertical → vertical”.

(Step S407)
The control unit 210 determines the layout of pages other than white pages (that is, page images). Arrangement of each page image is adjusted so that a booklet having a correct page order can be obtained only by overlapping the cut bundles after cutting.

  For example, when the total number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the number N of layouts is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the control unit 210 As shown in 9A, each page image is arranged. Further, when the total number P of page images is “57 pages”, the number N of allocations is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”, the control unit 210 performs the processing as shown in FIG. , Place each page image.

  After that, the control unit 210 ends the replacement process and returns the process to the Nin1 printing process.

  By executing the above replacement process, it is possible to replace the white page image with the layout in which it is collected on the leading sheet.

  It should be noted that each processing unit in the above-described flowchart is divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the image processing system 10. The present invention is not limited by the method of classifying the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed by the image processing system 10 can be divided into more processing steps. Further, one processing step may execute more processing.

<Modification>
Further, the above embodiment is intended to exemplify the gist of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the paper on which the page images of N pages are printed by Nin1 printing is cut into N pieces, and the cut bundle after cutting is overlapped to form a booklet. Are being created. However, the procedure for cutting a sheet to create a booklet is not limited to this.

  FIG. 19A is a diagram showing a modification of the cutting process (when there are four white pages). FIG. 19B is a diagram showing a modification of the cutting process (when there are seven white pages).

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the cutting bundles after cutting may be stacked in each step. However, since the paper on which the white pages are gathered needs to be positioned at the beginning of the cutting bundle, it is necessary to carefully select which cutting bundle should be overlaid after cutting in each step.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the total page number P of page images included in the document data is “20 pages”, the layout number N is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”. The user cuts the paper "vertically" in the first step (the position of the straight line "1"). At this time, since the sheet composed of only white pages is at the beginning of the right-side trimming bundle, the user removes it. As a result, all (4 pages) white pages can be collectively removed. After that, the user superimposes the left side cutting bundle on the right side cutting bundle and rotates it by 90 degrees.

  In the second step and the third step as well, a booklet can be created by repeating cutting, overlapping and rotation.

  As another example, as shown in FIG. 19B, the total page number P of page images included in the document data is “57 pages”, the allocation number N is “8”, and the cutting order is “vertical → horizontal → vertical”. If it is, the user cuts the paper "vertically" in the first step (the position of the straight line "1"). At this time, since the paper (only for four pages) composed of only white pages is at the head of the cutting bundle on the right side, the user removes it. After that, the user superimposes the left side cutting bundle on the right side cutting bundle and rotates it by 90 degrees.

  Subsequently, the user cuts the paper “horizontally” in the second step (the position of the straight line “2”). At this time, since the paper (only for two pages) composed of only white pages is at the head of the cutting bundle on the right side, the user removes it. After that, the user superimposes the left side cutting bundle on the right side cutting bundle and rotates it by 90 degrees.

  Further, the user cuts the paper "vertically" in the third step (the position of the straight line "3"). At this time, since the sheet (one page) made up of only white pages is at the head of the cutting bundle on the right side, the user removes it. Finally, the user superimposes the left side cutting bundle on the right side cutting bundle to create a booklet.

  Even when the cutting is performed in the above steps, the white pages to be removed can be collected on the first sheet of the cutting bundle, so the work of removing the white pages does not take time and the quality deterioration is prevented. it can. In addition, since the cutting bundles are overlapped each time cutting is performed in each step, the total number of times of cutting can be reduced and a booklet can be efficiently created.

  Further, in step S102 described above, it is possible to instruct printing of a plurality of copies. FIG. 201A is a diagram showing Arrangement Example 1 of page images in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a second layout example of page images in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 20C is a diagram showing a third example layout of page images in the case of printing multiple copies. FIG. 20D is a diagram showing a fourth example layout of page images in the case of printing multiple copies.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the designated number of copies is "3", a white page image is placed at the beginning of each sheet bundle for each number of copies (first copy, second copy, third copy). May be aggregated and arranged.

  Further, when the control unit 210 of the print control apparatus 200 receives a print job in which printing of a plurality of copies is designated, all the white page images that need to be inserted for each copy are printed on a common top sheet. You may arrange collectively.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, page images are arranged independently for each copy (first copy, second copy, third copy), and for white page images that need to be inserted for each copy, They may be aggregated and arranged on the common first sheet (first sheet). However, the remainder of the page image is printed on the first and second sheets.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D, page images for each number of copies (first copy, second copy, third copy) may be mixed and arranged. FIG. 20C shows a case where “vertical → horizontal → vertical” is designated as the cutting order, and FIG. 20D shows a case where “horizontal → vertical → vertical” is designated. In either case, the white page images that need to be inserted are collected for each copy and arranged on the common top sheet (first sheet).

  By arranging the page image and the white page image as described above, the white page image can be printed collectively on the leading sheet even when a plurality of copies is instructed. Therefore, the work of removing the white pages does not take time and the quality can be prevented from being degraded.

  Further, even when different print jobs having the same total number of page images are received, as shown in FIGS. 20B, 20C, and 20D, all the white page images that need to be inserted for each print job (the number of copies). May be collectively arranged on the common top sheet.

  The cutting order may be determined based on the characteristics of the cutting machine 400. For example, when the maximum possible cutting width is designated in step S105, the control unit 210 confirms whether the cutting machine 400 can perform cutting when determining the cutting direction in step S305. If it is confirmed that the cutting cannot be performed, the control unit 210 may change the cutting direction. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange the page images that cannot be cut by the cutting machine 400.

  Further, the print control apparatus 200 may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus 300.

  The configuration of the image processing system 10 is not limited to the above configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the above embodiment. Further, the configuration of the general image processing system 10 is not excluded.

  The program for operating the image processing system 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. Good. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a memory, a storage, or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, independent application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as one function of the image processing system 10.

10 image processing system,
100 job input device,
200 print control device,
300 image forming apparatus,
510 manuscript data creation section,
520 print control unit,
610 RIP section,
620 Placement Planning Department,
630 White page judgment unit,
640 Placement replacement unit.

Claims (12)

A print control device for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A layout planning unit that plans the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets in accordance with the page order previously assigned to the page images,
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit and the paper is cut and divided into N sheets, it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed. A white page determination unit that determines whether there is
When it is determined by the white page determination unit that a white page image needs to be inserted, the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, and the white page image is formed on the leading sheet. and a orientation changing unit that aggregates the positions,
The print control device, wherein the layout changing unit determines the layout of the white page image in accordance with a cutting order when the paper is divided into N sheets . The print control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting order is determined based on a cutting policy for cutting according to a predetermined rule. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting order is determined based on a characteristic of a cutting machine that divides the paper into N sheets. A print control device for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A layout planning unit that plans the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets in accordance with the page order previously assigned to the page images,
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit and the paper is cut and divided into N sheets, it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed. A white page determination unit that determines whether there is
When it is determined by the white page determination unit that a white page image needs to be inserted, the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, and the white page image is formed on the leading sheet. And a placement replacement unit that aggregates the positions to
When the layout changing unit receives a print job designated to print a plurality of copies or receives a different print job having the same total number of page images, all of the copies need to be inserted for each copy. the white page image, aggregated into position formed at the beginning of the paper to be common, print control apparatus. A print control device for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A layout planning unit that plans the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets in accordance with the page order previously assigned to the page images,
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the layout planned by the layout planning unit and the paper is cut and divided into N sheets, it is necessary to insert a white page image on which the page image is not formed. A white page determination unit that determines whether there is
When it is determined by the white page determination unit that a white page image needs to be inserted, the layout of the page images planned by the layout planning unit is replaced, and the white page image is formed on the leading sheet. Placement replacement unit that aggregates to the position where
And a print execution unit which forms an image based on the page image on the sheet in accordance with the arrangement that has been replaced by the orientation changing unit,
The print execution unit, in place of the white page image removal guide to assist the work of removing the white pages to form a removal guide image attached, print controller. The white page determination unit determines that the white page image needs to be inserted when the remainder when the total number of pages of the page images included in the print job is divided by the N is not 0. the print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5. A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image on which the page image is not formed is inserted. Step (b) of determining whether or not there is a need,
When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is exchanged, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. and step (c) aggregating the position formed, was closed,
In the step (c), the print control method of determining the arrangement of the white page image according to the cutting order when the paper is divided into N. A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image on which the page image is not formed is inserted. Step (b) of determining whether or not there is a need,
  When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is exchanged, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. A step (c) of consolidating at the position to be formed,
In the step (c), when a print job designated to print a plurality of copies is received or a different print job having the same total number of page images is received, it is necessary to insert each copy. A print control method in which all the white page images are aggregated at a position formed on a common top sheet. A print control method for generating an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job composed of a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the arrangement of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of paper based on the arrangement planned in step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image on which the page image is not formed is inserted. Step (b) of determining whether or not there is a need,
  When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is exchanged, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. A step (c) of consolidating at the position to be formed,
Forming an image based on the page image on the sheet according to the arrangement replaced in the step (c), (d),
In the step (d), a printing control method is formed in which, instead of the white page image, a removal guide image provided with a removal guide for supporting a work of removing a white page is formed. A computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image in which the page image is not formed is inserted. A procedure (b) for determining whether or not it is necessary,
When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is replaced, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. The procedure (c) of gathering at the formed position is executed ,
In the procedure (c), a print control program that determines the arrangement of the white page image according to the cutting order when the paper is divided into N parts . A computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image in which the page image is not formed is inserted. A procedure (b) for determining whether or not it is necessary,
When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is replaced, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. The procedure (c) of gathering at the formed position is executed,
In the procedure (c), when a print job designated to print a plurality of copies is received, or when a different print job having the same total number of page images is received, it is necessary to insert each copy. A print control program that aggregates all the white page images at a position formed on a common top sheet. A computer that generates an aggregate image in which the page images are aggregated for every N pages based on a print job including a plurality of page images,
A step (a) of planning the layout of the page images to be formed on a plurality of sheets of paper in accordance with a page order previously assigned to the page images;
When the page image is formed on a plurality of sheets of the paper based on the arrangement planned in the step (a) and the paper is cut and divided into N parts, a white page image in which the page image is not formed is inserted. A procedure (b) for determining whether or not it is necessary,
When it is determined in step (b) that a white page image needs to be inserted, the arrangement of the page images planned in step (a) is replaced, and the white page image is set on the leading sheet. A step (c) of gathering at the formed position,
A step (d) of forming an image based on the page image on the sheet according to the arrangement replaced by the step (c),
In the procedure (d), a printing control program for forming a removal guide image to which a removal guide for supporting the work of removing a white page is formed instead of the white page image.