JPH07273934A - Image processor and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To implement proper and simple staple processing in which directions of recording paper sheets are always arranged by selecting an outputted recording paper sheet so that an image direction of an original and a staple position are made proper. CONSTITUTION:A core section 9 in an external image processing section 2 detects an image drawn size and its direction based on image data received from an external device 10 and selects a proper cassette from a recording paper cassette section 20 provided to a printer section 2 and having plural recording paper cassettes and gives the selected cassette. When no recording paper sheet is in existence in the selected recording paper cassette, another proper recording paper cassette is again selected and given to the post-stage. Then a stapler section 21 implements staple processing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and method having a stapling function for performing simple bookbinding when a recording medium is output.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus such as a printer equipped with a plurality of cassettes for accommodating recording media, based on drawing size information in a page description language sent from an external device such as a host computer. Then, the size and direction of the recording medium used on the image processing apparatus side are determined.

Image data obtained by expanding a page description language input from an external device or the like is rotated in that direction to output an output image in the A4 horizontal direction (A4), for example, in the A4 vertical direction (A4R). It was also possible to output to the recording medium. Therefore, in response to one print request from an external device or the like, for example, even when the recording medium used in the predetermined direction at the start of printing has run out, the same size different direction stored in another recording medium cassette is used. It is possible to continue the print output to the recording medium, which is convenient for the image processing apparatus to give priority to the output of the image data.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, for example, an image processing apparatus having a stapling function for performing simple bookbinding at the time of output, the recording medium size is the same. However, in a format in which the recording medium directions are mixed, the recording medium may be discharged onto the output tray. Therefore, even if the bookbinding is performed by performing the stapling process, the bookbinding is not always performed in the same direction. Instead, it may be bound as a document with mixed paper orientations, which is not convenient for the operator.

[0005]

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has the following constitution in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

That is, recording medium holding means for holding at least two types of recording media, and recording medium selecting means for selecting a recording medium to be used from at least two types of recording media held in the recording medium holding means. An image output unit that forms an image and prints it out on the recording medium selected by the recording medium selection unit; a stapling unit that superimposes and integrates the recording medium printed out by the image output unit; and an external device. External image input means for inputting image data from the external image input means, image format means for converting the image data input by the external image input means into an image format that can be output by the image output means, and input by the external image input means. Drawing information detecting means for detecting drawing information from the image data, and the recording medium selecting means has the drawing information. The recording medium is selected according to the drawing information detected by the detecting means, and when the recording medium selected first disappears, the recording medium of the same size and direction held by the recording medium holding means is selected next time. To do.

Further, the drawing information detecting means is characterized by detecting drawing size information and drawing direction information of the image data.

Further, it has an image holding means for holding the image data, the drawing information detecting means detects drawing information from the image data held in the image holding means, and is held in the image holding means. The image data selecting means selects image data to be output from the image data, and the drawing information detecting means detects drawing information from the image data selected by the image data selecting means.

Further, the first device for notifying the processing status to an external device
And an external device when the recording medium holding unit does not hold a recording medium of the same size and in the same direction as the recording medium first selected by the recording medium selecting unit. The image selecting means notifies the replenishment of the recording medium, and the image selecting means selects the recording medium replenished by the operator based on the notification to the external device by the first notifying means. When the recording medium is not replenished after a lapse of a predetermined time from the notification to the external device by the first notification means, the recording medium having the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected is selected.

Further, the recording medium holding means has a second notifying means for notifying the operator of the processing status, and the second notifying means is the same as the recording medium first selected by the recording medium selecting means by the recording medium holding means. When the recording mediums of the same size are not held, the operator is informed of the replenishment of the recording mediums, and the image selection means selects the recording mediums replenished by the operator based on the notification by the second notifying means. Characterized by selecting,
The image selecting means may select a recording medium of the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected when the recording medium is not replenished after a predetermined time has passed from the notification to the operator by the second notifying means. Characterize.

[0011]

With the above structure, the recording medium on which the image is formed can be selected so that the image direction and the stapling position of the document are appropriate, and the appropriate stapling process is always performed with the recording medium direction aligned. Is possible.

Further, since the process of rotating the image data and outputting it to the recording medium of the same size and different direction is not necessary, the structure for rotating the image data is not necessary, and the structure of the entire image processing apparatus is simple and cost effective. Also, a unique effect that an excellent image processing device can be provided can be obtained.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes an image processing apparatus of this embodiment, which is connected to an external device 10 such as a computer via an external interface section 7. In the image processing apparatus 11, reference numeral 1 is an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a "reader unit") for converting a document into image data, which reads a document image, converts it into digital image data, and outputs it to a printer unit 2 described later. is doing. An image output device (hereinafter referred to as a “printer unit”) 2 has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and a paper discharge tray, and outputs image data as a visible image on the recording paper according to a print command input from the reader unit 1. It is called). A recording paper cassette unit 20 and a stapler unit 21 are connected to the printer unit 2, and the stapler unit 21 performs a simple bookbinding process (stapling process).
An operation unit 3 is used by the operator to input a print instruction and a stapling instruction to the reader unit 1 and a process instruction to the external image processing unit 4 connected to the reader unit 1.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an external image processing unit. The external image processing unit 4 has an external interface unit 7 for connecting to an external device 10, a formatter unit 8 for converting a page description language into image information, and each of the above. Core unit 9 that controls functions
Etc. are provided. The core unit 9 manages the states of the external interface unit 7 and the formatter unit 8, which are the constituent elements of the external image processing unit 4, controls the input / output of commands, and controls the input / output of image data.

In the above-described configuration, in the present embodiment, the drawing size information and the drawing direction included in the page description language are given when the stapling process for printing the original and the bookbinding created by the application of the external device 10 is instructed. Based on the information, the image drawing direction and the staple position that determines the position for stapling are optimized, and the stapling process is executed to perform bookbinding.

The stapling process by the stapler unit 21 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 is a view of the recording paper cassette unit 20 connected to the printer unit 2 as viewed from above. In this embodiment, the recording paper cassette unit 20 is equipped with three recording paper cassettes, and a cassette a 201 and a cassette 20 shown in FIG.
It consists of 2 cassettes b and 203 cassettes c. A4 size recording paper is set in the cassette a201, and A4R is set in the cassettes b202 and c203.
A size (A4 size portrait) recording paper is set.

When the specified recording paper is supplied from the recording paper cassette unit 20 to the printer unit 2 and an image is recorded, it is output to the stapler unit 21 and stapled at a stapling position 211 on the recording paper. It

By the stapling process in this embodiment,
A state in which a recording sheet on which image data is recorded is bound will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the image data in the A4 size horizontal direction is output to A4 size recording paper and is stapled. 41 has a drawing image in the A4 size horizontal direction created by the external device 10 or the like 1
Image data for the second page, and 42 is image data for the second page. These two image data are output on the recording paper in accordance with the image information print request from the external device 10 or the like. In this case, since the image data is drawn in the horizontal direction, the cassette b202 or the cassette c20 in FIG.
A4R size recording paper of No. 3 is selected. Then, the staple processing is performed, so that the booklet is bound at the staple position 211 as shown at 43.

Next, an example of outputting the drawing in the vertical direction will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which image data in the A4 size vertical direction is output to A4 size recording paper and stapled. Reference numeral 51 has an A4 size vertical drawing image created by the external device 10 or the like 1
Image data for the second page, and 52 is image data for the second page. These two image data are output on the recording paper in accordance with the image information print request from the external device 10 or the like. In this case, since the image data is drawn in the vertical direction, the A4 size recording paper of the cassette a201 in FIG. To be selected. Then, the staple processing is performed, so that the booklet is bound at the staple position 211 as indicated by 53.

The process for optimizing the staple position 211 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing in the core unit 9 when the page description language is output to optimize the staple position.

In FIG. 5, first in step S1, the core unit 9 receives a page description language from an external device 10 such as a computer connected to the external interface unit 7, and in step S2 the core unit draws drawing size information from the page description language. And drawing direction information are extracted. And step S
The RAM 9 provided in the core unit 9 with these two pieces of information 3
1, the received page description language is passed to the formatter unit 8 as it is, and the execution of the image format is instructed in order to convert the page description language into image information.

Next, in step S4, the core unit 9 confirms the sizes and directions of the printing papers stored in the plural kinds of recording paper cassettes equipped in the printer unit 2, and the contents thereof are stored in the core unit 9. Stored in the RAM 91. Then, in step S5, the core unit 9 confirms the staple position in the stapler unit 21 installed in the printer unit 2, and the contents thereof are stored in the RAM 91 in the core unit 9.
Remember. Then, in step S6, the core unit 9 stores the image size information, the drawing direction information stored in the RAM 91,
Based on the print paper size and direction in the recording paper cassette and the staple position information, the paper size and direction in which the stapling position is appropriate for the drawing direction are determined even if the recording paper is stapled, and this content is used as the core. It is stored in the RAM 91 in the unit 9. Next, in step S7, a recording paper cassette accommodating the recording paper that matches the proper paper size and direction determined in step S6 is selected, preparation for paper feeding is performed, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the core unit 9 confirms with the formatter unit 8 whether the image format is completed, that is, whether the page description language is completely converted into image information. If the image format is completed in step S8, the process proceeds to step S9. If it is not completed, the confirmation process in step S8 is repeated until the formatter unit 8 completes the image format.

In step S9, the image-formatted image data is transferred to the printer unit 2. Next, the procedure proceeds to step S10, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a recording sheet in the cassette prepared for sheet feeding in step S7. When it is confirmed in step S10 that there is a recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S11, and the output process is executed using the recording sheet which is prepared for feeding.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that there is no recording paper, the process proceeds to step S14, and there is a cassette that stores proper paper in addition to the recording paper cassette selected in step S7, and the same recording is performed. It is determined whether printing is possible on paper. If printing is possible using the same recording paper, the process proceeds to step S15, and the core unit 9 performs step S6.
Based on the paper size and orientation stored in step S
From the information on the recording paper cassette stored in step 4, the recording paper cassette other than the recording paper cassette selected in step S7 described above is preferentially selected, and the cassette for storing the appropriate paper is selected, and then the paper feeding preparation is performed, and then step S11 is performed. Go to. By this processing, for example, even when the printing paper stored in the selected recording paper cassette runs out before printing of all the image format data is completed, appropriate paper selection can be performed.

When the output process in step S11 is completed, it is determined in step S12 whether all the image format data has been output, that is, whether the last page has been output. If the final page has been output in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13, the stapling process is executed on the output recording sheet, and the series of stapling processes is completed.

On the other hand, if there is a page that has not been output in step S12, the process returns to step S8 to continue the output process.

If there is no proper recording paper cassette in step S14 of FIG. 5 described above, step S1
In step 6, the external device 10 is notified of that fact and the operator is prompted to load the recording paper cassette properly. Then step S
At 17, an instruction from the external device 10 determines the recording paper size and the cassette to be printed out. Here, it is also possible to forcibly use the improper recording paper cassette to perform the conventional print output. The external device 1
When there is no response from 0 for a predetermined time, it is also possible to forcibly perform print output using another recording paper cassette provided in the apparatus.

As described above, in this embodiment,
When outputting the image data in the page description language, by controlling the paper size and the direction of the recording paper to be the same on all pages, it is possible to perform an appropriate stapling process for the recording paper.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.

In the first embodiment described above, the case of outputting the image data in the page description language has been described, but in the second embodiment, the image formatted image data stored in the storage device is output. The case will be described.

The configuration of the image processing apparatus in the second embodiment is shown in the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 6, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The peripheral configuration of the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment is the same in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 6, an external file control unit 5 controls the input / output of image data files between the core unit 9 and the external image storage device 6. The page description language input from the external device 10 is converted into image information by the formatter unit, and the converted image data is stored in the external image storage unit 6 via the external file control unit 5 by the core unit 9.

In the second embodiment, when the external device 10 instructs the print information and the stapling process for the file information already stored in the external image storage device 6, the drawing size information included in the file information and the drawing size information The image drawing direction and the stapling position are optimized based on the drawing direction information, and the stapling process is performed.

The stapling process by the stapler unit 21 in the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the core unit 9 when the image data stored in the external file control unit 5 is output and the stapling process is performed.

First, in step S21, the image processing apparatus receives a file name to be output and instructions for printing and stapling from the external apparatus 10 such as a computer connected via the external interface unit 7. Then, in step S22, the core section 9 detects the paper size information and the drawing direction information described in the header section of the file information, and then stores these two pieces of information in the RAM 91 in the core section 9.

Next, in step S23, the core unit 9 confirms the sizes and directions of the printing papers stored in the plural kinds of recording paper cassettes equipped in the printer unit 2, and the contents thereof are stored in the core unit 9. It is stored in the RAM 91. Then, in step S <b> 24, the core unit 9 confirms the staple position of the stapler 21 equipped in the printer unit 2 and stores it in the RAM 91 in the core unit 9. And step S2
5, the core unit 9 uses the image size information, the drawing direction information, the print paper size and direction in the recording paper cassette, and the staple position information stored in the RAM 91.
Even if stapling is performed on the recording sheet, a sheet size and a direction in which the position of the stapling is appropriate with respect to the drawing direction are determined and stored in the RAM 91 in the core unit 9.

Next, in step S26, step S
A recording paper cassette accommodating recording papers that matches the paper size and direction determined in 25 is selected, preparation for paper feeding is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the core section 9 transfers the file information to the printer section 2. Then step S2
In step S26, it is confirmed whether or not there is a recording sheet in the cassette prepared for sheet feeding in step S26. Step S28
If it is confirmed that there is a recording sheet in step S
In step 29, the output process is executed using the recording paper which is prepared for paper supply.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that there is no recording paper, the process proceeds to step S32, and there is a cassette that stores appropriate paper in addition to the recording paper cassette selected in step S25, and the same recording is performed. It is determined whether printing is possible on paper. If printing is possible using the same recording paper, the process proceeds to step S34, and the core unit 9 performs step S34.
On the basis of the paper size and direction stored in step 25, from the information of the recording paper cassette stored in step S23, priority is given to a cassette that stores appropriate paper in addition to the recording paper cassette selected in step S26 described above. After selecting and selecting the paper feed, the process proceeds to step S29. By this processing, for example, before the printing of all the file information is completed, even when the printing paper stored in the selected recording paper cassette runs out, proper paper selection can be performed.

When the output process in step S29 is completed, it is determined in step S30 whether all the file information has been output, that is, whether the last page in the file has been output. If the final page has been output in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, the stapling process is executed on the output recording sheet, and the series of stapling processes is completed.

On the other hand, if there is an unoutput page in step S30, the process returns to step S27 to continue the output process.

If there is no appropriate recording paper cassette in step S32 of FIG. 7 described above, step S3
In step 4, the external device 10 is notified of that fact, and the operator is prompted to load the recording paper cassette properly. Then step S
At 35, the recording paper size and the cassette to be printed out are determined according to the instruction from the external device 10. Here, it is also possible to forcibly use the improper recording paper cassette to perform the conventional print output. The external device 10
When there is no response from the device for a predetermined time, it is also possible to forcibly perform print output using another recording paper cassette provided in the apparatus.

The file information printing and stapling requests in the second embodiment can be instructed from the operation unit 3 provided in the image processing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the detailed configuration of the operation unit 3 in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 71 denotes a stapling process execution selection button for selecting whether or not to perform stapling process in a toggle format. Reference numeral 72 denotes a file name display section including an LCD or the like, which displays a list of image data file names stored in the external image storage device 6 and also indicates whether stapling processing is selected. File name display section 72
The file names listed in are the select buttons 75 and 76.
Thus, the file name to be output is selected by the operator, and the print output of the selected file is executed by the file print execution button 73. Reference numeral 74 denotes a character input key for directly inputting a file name, which should be printed by the operator directly inputting the file name instead of selecting the file from the file list displayed on the file display section 72. Determine the file. At this time, the file name input by the character input key 74 is displayed on the file name display portion 72.

As described above, when the operator presses the file print execution button of the operation unit 3, the page description language file information requested by the external device 10 in the above-described first embodiment is printed and stapled. Similarly, the output processing of the image data file can be performed from the image processing apparatus.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator by displaying on the operation unit 3 of the image processing apparatus that there is no proper recording paper cassette in step S34 of FIG. 7 described above. .

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the image data is output from the image data file stored in the storage device, it is controlled so that the paper size and direction of the recording paper are the same on all pages. As a result, it is possible to perform an appropriate stapling process in which the recording sheets are aligned. Further, since the printing and stapling processing request can be made from the image processing apparatus side, the operability is further improved. . In the above-described first and second embodiments, a computer has been described as an example of the external device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and any device that generates an image may be used. Anything is fine. Further, although the description has been given assuming that the number of recording paper cassettes is three, the present invention can be applied as long as it is two or more.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, the recording medium on which an image is formed can be selected so that the image direction of the original and the staple position are appropriate, and the recording medium directions are always aligned. It is possible to perform an appropriate stapling process.

Further, since the process of rotating the image data and outputting it to the recording medium of the same size and different direction is not necessary, the structure for rotating the image data is not required, and the structure of the entire image processing apparatus is simple and the cost is reduced. An excellent image processing device can be provided.

[0058]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a peripheral configuration of a printer unit according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a stapling process of image data for horizontal drawing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of stapling processing of image data for vertical drawing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control of a core unit when performing output processing of a page description language in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control of a core unit when performing an image data file output process in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an operation unit in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader section 2 Printer section 3 Operation section 4 External image processing section 5 External file control section 6 External image storage device 7 External interface section 8 Formatter section 9 Core section 10 External device 11 Image processing apparatus 20 Recording paper cassette section 21 Stapler section 91 RAM

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium holding means for holding at least two types of recording media, and a recording medium selecting means for selecting a recording medium to be used from at least two types of recording media held by the recording medium holding means. An image output unit that forms an image and prints out on a recording medium selected by the recording medium selection unit; a stapling unit that superimposes and integrates the recording medium printed out by the image output unit; External image input means for inputting image data from the external image input means, image format means for converting the image data input by the external image input means into an image format that can be output by the image output means, and input by the external image input means. Drawing information detecting means for detecting drawing information from the image data, and the recording medium selecting means has the drawing information. The recording medium is selected according to the drawing information detected by the detecting means, and when the recording medium selected first disappears, the recording medium of the same size and direction held by the recording medium holding means is selected next time. Image processing device. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing information detecting means detects drawing size information and drawing direction information of image data. 3. The image according to claim 2, further comprising image holding means for holding image data, wherein the drawing information detecting means detects drawing information from the image data held in the image holding means. Processing equipment. 4. The image data selecting means for selecting image data to be output from the image data held in the image holding means, wherein the drawing information detecting means draws the drawing information from the image data selected by the image data selecting means. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein 5. A first notifying unit for notifying an external device of a processing status, wherein the first notifying unit is the same as the recording medium initially selected by the recording medium selecting unit in the recording medium holding unit. When a recording medium of the same size is not held, the replenishment of the recording medium is notified to an external device, and the image selection means is replenished by the operator based on the notification to the external device by the first notifying means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selected recording medium is selected. 6. The recording medium of the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected when the recording medium is not replenished after a predetermined time has passed from the notification to the external device by the first notification unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein 7. A second notifying unit for notifying an operator of the processing status, wherein the second notifying unit is the same as the recording medium first selected by the recording medium selecting unit by the recording medium holding unit. When the recording mediums of the same size are not held, the operator is informed of the replenishment of the recording mediums, and the image selection means selects the recording mediums replenished by the operator based on the notification by the second notifying means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is selected. 8. The recording medium of the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected when the recording medium is not replenished after a predetermined time has passed from the notification to the operator by the second notification unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein is selected. 9. A recording medium that holds at least two types of recording media, selects a recording medium to be used from the at least two types of recording media, forms an image, and prints out on the recording medium selected by the recording medium selection means. In addition, the image processing method in an image processing apparatus that further superimposes and integrates the printout printed recording medium, in which image data is input from an external device and the input image data is converted into an outputable image format. Then, the drawing information is detected from the input image data, and the recording medium to be used is selected from at least two types of recording media according to the detected drawing information. An image processing method, characterized in that a recording medium of a direction is selected. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the drawing information extracted from the input image data is drawing size information and drawing direction information of the image data. 11. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image data is held, and the drawing information is detected from the held image data. 12. The image processing method according to claim 11, wherein image data to be output is selected from the held image data, and drawing information is detected from the selected image data. 13. When the recording medium of the same size and in the same direction as the recording medium initially selected is not held, an external device is informed of the replenishment of the recording medium, and the operator is notified based on the notification to the external device. 13. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein a replenished recording medium is selected. 14. The recording medium of the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected when the recording medium is not replenished after a predetermined time has passed from the notification to the external device. Image processing method. 15. The recording medium replenished by the operator based on the notification when the recording medium of the same size and direction as the recording medium selected first is not held. 13. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein a medium is selected. 16. The recording medium of the same size and different direction as the recording medium initially selected when the recording medium is not replenished after a predetermined time has passed from the notification to the operator. Image processing method.