JPH11109797A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability by introducing a coordinate system easy to understand on a user side, in a printer. SOLUTION: A control panel 16 is provided with a direction input part 32 for inputting the direction of an original image in the set state of an original. Parameters such as vertical and horizontal directions are inputted by a parameter input part 34 based on the direction of the original image. An image processing part 12 executes rotational processing and processing for the movement of an image, etc., based on the parameters inputted on the basis of the direction of the original image. The parameter input part 34 is used for designating a finishing position in a finishing device 42 as well. A user can easily recognize the coordinate system, because the direction of the original image is used as the reference, so that a mistake in the input of the parameters can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus having a digital image processing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a printing apparatus, various apparatuses such as a copying machine, a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus and the like can be mentioned.
In recent years, multifunction peripherals integrating them have been put to practical use. On the other hand, digital copying apparatuses that take in images as digital information and perform image processing are becoming widespread. Such an apparatus can execute various image processing such as image rotation, reduction, movement, layout of the same page of a plurality of images, and further, these functions include double-sided printing, finishing processing (for example, stapling processing, It can also be executed in combination with a function such as punch processing.

[0003]

In the above-described conventional apparatus, when a direction-dependent function (image processing function, finishing function) is executed, a coordinate system unique to the apparatus (for example, a platen directly facing the platen). It is necessary to specify parameters (for example, specify upper, lower, left, right, etc.) and set original paper according to a coordinate system in which the back side is regarded as upper in the state. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the original sheet in the setting state, the coordinate system of the original image (for example, a coordinate system in which the upper side is regarded as upper (or top) in a state directly facing the original image) and the coordinate system unique to the apparatus are used. Will be shifted. For example, the left side when viewed from the original image may correspond to the lower side on the apparatus. Also,
In the platen and the automatic document feeder (ADF), the way of placing the document paper is upside down. Due to these circumstances, the conventional apparatus has a problem that it is difficult for the user to intuitively recognize the coordinate system when inputting parameters and setting original paper, and it is difficult to always correctly specify parameters and set originals. .

[0004] When a plurality of functions are combined, the above problem becomes more remarkable. For example, if a function such as a staple function having a restriction on the paper direction is specified after a certain function is specified, the orientation of the original paper may need to be changed. In this case, it is necessary to change the parameter relating to the function already specified, but the change is complicated and not easy.

As described above, in the conventional apparatus, only the coordinate system unique to the apparatus exists. Therefore, the user always sets the parameters while always considering the relationship between the coordinate system of the apparatus and the coordinate system of the image. There was a complicated work that had to be performed.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 5-229278 and 6-103410 disclose related techniques, but they do not achieve the following objects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to improve operability of a printing apparatus by introducing a coordinate system which is easy for a user to understand.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and accurately specify parameters relating to direction-dependent processing.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a loading section on which a document sheet is set for reading a document image, and the document sheet is set on the loading section. An orientation input unit for inputting the orientation of the original image in the state; an image processing unit for executing direction-dependent image processing on the original image based on the orientation of the original image; And a printing unit for printing a later original image on printing paper.

According to the above arrangement, when a document sheet is placed on a placing portion (a platen, a document tray of an automatic document feeder, or the like), a user inputs a direction of a document image before or after the document sheet is placed on the placing portion. Then, direction-dependent image processing (for example, image rotation) is performed based on the orientation of the original image. The orientation of the document image represents the rotational position of the document image with respect to the mounting portion, in other words, defines the relationship between the relative coordinate system based on the document image and the absolute coordinate system based on the device itself. Things. According to the present invention, parameters can be specified on a relative coordinate system that is easy for the user to understand, so that the specification can be performed quickly and accurately.

That is, the present invention constructs a relative coordinate system on a printing apparatus from the viewpoint of improving operability.

By the way, even if you look at the original contents,
For manuscripts that are unknown, a specific direction is "up"
You may decide. Based on that orientation,
If the parameters are set by defining upper, lower, left and right, the same advantages as described above can be obtained.

When printing is continuously performed on a plurality of original sheets, the orientation of the original image is desirably input only once at the first time. You may.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image processing section includes at least an image rotation function, and an image rotation amount is determined based on at least a direction of the original image. In order to determine the image rotation amount, in addition to the orientation of the original image, for example, original paper setting conditions, print paper ejection conditions, and other conditions (double-sided printing conditions) are taken into consideration.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes a parameter input section for inputting parameters required for the direction-dependent image processing in accordance with a coordinate system based on the orientation of the original image.

The direction-dependent image processing includes, for example, image rotation processing, processing for double-sided printing considering the turning direction, processing for arranging a plurality of images in one page, and printing in a specified direction. Processing for shifting the position, frame erasing processing, and the like can be given. The parameters are specified by, for example, upper, lower, left, and right (and a combination thereof).

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a post-processing unit for performing physical processing on the printing paper, the direction-dependent image processing and the physical processing according to a coordinate system based on the orientation of the original image. And a parameter input unit for inputting parameters required for various processes.

Here, the post-processing unit is a device that executes, for example, stapling and punching, and the direction concept is indispensable when designating the processing position.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a guidance display unit for providing guidance display of the orientation of the original image input by the orientation input unit. Preferably, the guidance display unit is provided on an operation panel. Preferably, the guidance display section is provided at least in the vicinity of a platen and in the vicinity of a document sheet tray for automatic document feeding.

According to the guidance display, parameters can be specified without error. In particular, when a document is placed upside down, the guidance display is useful.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the printing apparatus. This printing device is, for example, a digital copying machine.

The printing device is roughly divided into an input device 10 and
Image processing unit 12, output device 14, operation panel 1
6. The input device 10 includes a reading unit 20 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 24 in the present embodiment. The reading unit 20 is a mechanism that optically reads a document image of a document sheet and outputs digital data thereof. The reading unit 20 includes a light source, an image sensor, an A / D converter, and the like, as in a normal digital copying machine. Further, the reading section 20 has a platen 22 as a document placing table, and a document image of a document sheet placed on the platen 22 with the printing surface facing down is taken in by image scanning. As is well known, the ADF 24 is provided like a cover on the platen 22. The ADF 24 automatically feeds out a plurality of original sheets one by one, sets the original sheet on the platen 22, and further prints the original sheet. Are sequentially executed. The ADF 24 has a tray for storing original sheets,
One or more original sheets are set in the tray with the printing surface facing upward. This is the same as the conventional one.

The image processing section 12 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and the image processing section 12 has various image processing functions. For example, the image processing unit 12 performs various types of processing, such as density (gradation) processing and coloring processing, in addition to direction-dependent processing such as rotation, reduction, and movement of images, and allocation of a plurality of images to the same page. Has a function. The present invention particularly relates to image rotation, and FIG. 1 clearly shows a scan rotation unit 26 and a marking rotation unit 28 as typical functions of the image processing unit 12.

Of course, these rotation units 2
6 and 28 have the same function in terms of image rotation, and therefore, in an actual apparatus, the rotation units 26 and 28 may be integrated as one rotation unit. FIG. 1 shows two rotation parts 26 and 28 for easy understanding of the invention.

The scan rotation section 26 is means for executing a first image rotation for adjusting the orientation of the original image output from the input device 10 to the coordinate system unique to the device. The conditions are shown in FIG. 4, and the contents of FIG. 4 will be described later in detail. The marking rotation unit 28 is a unit that performs image rotation on a document image rotated by execution of the scan rotation unit 26 in consideration of printing conditions on printing paper. The conditions at that time are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which will be described later in detail. In any case, the read image images are rotated by an appropriate angle by these rotation units 26 and 28, and the image images are printed on the printing paper.

The output device 14 comprises a printing unit 40 and a finishing device 42 in this embodiment. The printing unit 40 is a mechanism for printing the image image after the image processing on printing paper. The finishing device 42 is provided as needed, and is, for example, a device that executes a stapling process and a punch hole forming process. Incidentally, the printing unit 40 and the finishing device 42 may be integrated, or may be configured separately. The same applies to the entire apparatus, and the input device 10, the image processing unit 12, and the output device 14 may be formed integrally or separately.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 16 is
It is composed of a liquid crystal panel provided with a touch sensor. The operation panel 16 is roughly composed of an input unit 30 and a display unit 31. The input unit 30 is a unit for inputting various commands and parameters to the printing apparatus. In FIG. 1, a direction input unit 32 and a parameter input unit 34 are clearly illustrated as functions of the input unit 30.

The direction input unit 32 is provided with the platen 22 or the AD.
This is a means for allowing the user to input the orientation of the document image with the document paper set in F24. For example, as described later, an input is made as to whether the direction of the top of the original image (upper side facing the original image) is on the back side (that is, the upper side) or the left side when facing the printing apparatus. Is what you do. In the present embodiment, as to the direction of the document image, either the upward set or the leftward set is configured to be input. However, the rightward set and the downward set may of course be added. A specific example of the direction input unit 32 will be described with reference to FIG.

The parameter input section 34 is a means for inputting parameters for the direction-dependent image processing of the image processing section. For example, when specifying the shift direction, a direction such as right or left is input by the parameter input unit 34. However, in the present embodiment, the parameter input by the parameter input unit 34 is input based on the orientation of the document image input by the orientation input unit 32. That is, one of the directions when upper, lower, left and right is defined based on the direction of the document image is input. Conventionally, when inputting parameters, it was necessary to perform input according to the coordinate system of the apparatus itself. However, according to the apparatus of the present embodiment, parameters can be input based on the direction of the original image, so that the user can input the parameters. Operation errors due to misunderstanding can be prevented, and parameters can be set appropriately even when the direction of the document image is changed.

The display unit 31 displays instructions for the user and various buttons for selection. In the present embodiment, the display unit 31 includes the guidance display unit 36. The guidance display unit 36 is a unit that guides the user to the orientation of the document image input by the orientation input unit 32 using icons. A specific example is shown in FIG. 2 and will be described later in detail. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the guidance display unit 3
6 is displayed in the vicinity of the platen 22 or the ADF 24.
May be provided in the vicinity of the original document tray, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

As described above, in the printing apparatus of the present embodiment, the orientation of the original image is input by the user,
The image processing unit 12 executes various direction-dependent image processes based on the orientation of the original image. For example, an appropriate image rotation is executed based on the orientation of the original image, the setting condition of the original paper, the discharge condition of the printing paper, and the like. Incidentally, the orientation of the original image is used in other than the above-described rotation processing, for example, to specify the arrangement direction when allocating a plurality of images in the same page, or to specify the shift direction when shifting the image image. You. The parameter input unit 34 is also used for position designation in the finishing device 42, and in this case, the direction of the part where finishing is performed is designated based on the direction of the original image input by the direction input unit 32. Will be.

FIG. 2 shows a part of the operation panel 16 shown in FIG. The operation panel 16 is formed on the main body 50 in front of the platen 22.

The above-described direction input unit 32 is set on the operation panel 16 by a liquid crystal display or the like. Specifically, an upward set button 32A and a leftward set button 32B are formed. When the original image is set on the platen 22 or the like and the original image faces the back side of the platen 22, the button 3 for upward setting is used.
2A is operated. On the other hand, when the direction of the document image on the platen 22 is the left direction, the button 32B of the leftward set is operated. Of course, a rightward set button and a downward set button may be further added. The operation of such a button defines the reference coordinate system for specifying the parameters.

A guidance display section 36 is formed near the buttons 32A and 32B. Specifically, when the button 32A of the upward set is operated, the icon 36A is automatically displayed. The icon 36A symbolizes a document image set upward on the platen 22. On the other hand, when the leftward set button 32B is operated, the icon 36B is displayed. The icon 36B symbolizes a document image set leftward. According to such a guidance display unit 36, when inputting the orientation of a document image, it is possible to confirm that the input is correct, and there is an advantage that an operation error can be prevented. In addition, various display forms can be adopted as the icons 36A and 36B, but in any case, it is desirable to adopt a display form in which the upper and lower sides of the document image become clear.

By the way, the direction input unit 32 may be displayed on the operation panel 16 when the input of the orientation of the image is required, or particularly when the input is requested by the user.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the guidance display section 36. The printing apparatus includes a main body 50 and a cover section 52, and the ADF 24 is built in the cover section 52. In the vicinity of the platen 22, there are provided liquid crystal display units 36C and 36D for displaying icons similar to the guidance display unit 36 shown in FIG. One of these liquid crystal display units 36C and 36D is highlighted in response to the input from the direction input unit 32. Similarly, a liquid crystal display 36 is provided near the document tray of the ADF 24.
E and 36F may be provided so that either one of them is highlighted according to the input of the direction input unit 32.

FIG. 4 shows a rotation angle table 100 in the scan rotation unit 26 shown in FIG. This table 100 has an input mode 100A,
Duplex mode 100B, Document top designation 100C, Document side 10
It is a table for determining the scan rotation angle 100E according to each condition of 0D. The input mode 100A includes an ADF and a platen, and the input mode is automatically determined by a sensor included in the input device 10, for example. The double-sided mode 100B includes a left-right opening mode and a vertical opening mode. The left-right opening mode is a mode in which printing is performed so that all image images can be read even when a plurality of printing sheets are turned in the left-right direction, and all image images are erected. The up-down opening mode is a mode in which, when a plurality of printing sheets are turned up and down, all the image images (especially the image image on the back side of the turned up sheet) are printed so that they can be read correctly. The document top designation 100C is a condition input by the orientation input unit 32 described above. When the upward set button 32A is operated, the top is designated as top, and when the left set button 32B is operated, the top is left. Becomes The document surface 100D indicates whether it is the first surface or the second surface of the document currently being scanned. These conditions determine the rotation angle in the scan rotation.

FIG. 5 shows a marking rotation unit 2.
8 shows a first rotation angle table 102 included in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a second angle table included in the marking rotation unit 28. The first rotation angle table 102 is used when finishing is not performed.
Is a table used when a stapling process is performed in finishing. Of course, the marking rotation unit 28 has a table corresponding to each function in addition to the tables shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 show typical tables.

As shown in the first rotation angle table 102, the duplex mode 102A, the print paper discharge direction 102
B, the rotation angle 102D in the marking rotation is determined by the print surface 102C. However, the rotation angle is defined for each of the portrait (Landscape) and the landscape (Landscape). The portrait means that the printing paper is used vertically as shown in FIG. 7, and the landscape means that the printing paper is used horizontally. There are LEF (long edge feed) and SEF (short edge feed) in the discharge direction 102B of the discharge sheet in the first rotation angle table 102. The print surface 102C indicates the first surface or the second surface during double-sided printing.

The second angle table 104 shown in FIG.
Staple position designation 104A, duplex mode 104B,
Rotation angle 1 of marking rotation based on each condition of print paper discharge direction 104C and print surface 104D
04E. Also in this case, the rotation angle is defined for each of the portrait and the landscape. Stapling position specification 104A
Is a condition for specifying at which position on the printing paper the stapling is performed. This designation is performed by the parameter input unit 34
It is done by.

As described above, the scan rotation unit 26 and the marking rotation unit 28 can be integrated into a single rotation unit. In this case, various types such as those shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 can be used. The rotation angle table may be configured by integrating the tables.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show output forms when rotation is performed using the tables shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 show the case without staples, FIG. 7 shows the case of portrait, and FIG. 8 shows the case of landscape. 7 and 8, 200A and 202A show output forms in face-up output.
And 202B show output forms in face-down output. Here, the face-up output is an output form in which the printing paper is ejected so that the surface of the printing paper faces upward, and the face-down output is the reverse output form.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, parameters can be set on the basis of the orientation of the original image, so that erroneous recognition and complexity as in the prior art are eliminated, and the operability of the printing apparatus is improved. There is an advantage that you can.
According to the above guidance display, an erroneous input of the orientation of the document image can be prevented, and in that sense, the operability can be improved.

The liquid crystal display units 36C, 3C shown in FIG.
Instead of 6D, for example, an LED may be provided on each of the upper side and the left side of the platen, and control may be performed so that one of the LEDs emits light in accordance with the direction of the input document image. In the above embodiment, the rotation angle is determined using the table, but the rotation angle may be determined using a predetermined algorithm.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The operability can be improved by introducing a coordinate system that is easy for the user to understand in the printing apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately specify parameters relating to direction-dependent processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a direction input unit and a guidance display unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the guidance display unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a rotation angle table in a scan rotation unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first rotation angle table in a marking rotation unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second rotation angle table in a marking rotation unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an output form in the case of a portrait.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an output form in the case of landscape.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 input device, 12 image processing unit, 14 output device, 16 operation panel, 20 reading unit, 22 platen, 24 automatic document feeder (ADF), 26 scan rotation unit, 28 marking rotation unit, 30 input unit, 31 display unit , 32 direction input unit,
34 parameter input section, 36 guidance display section, 4
0 Printing unit, 42 finishing device.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A placement section on which a document sheet is set for reading a document image, and a direction input section for inputting a direction of the document image when the document sheet is set on the placement section. An image processing unit that performs direction-dependent image processing on the document image based on the orientation of the document image, and a printing unit that prints the document image after the image processing on printing paper. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit includes at least an image rotation function, and the image rotation amount is determined based on at least a direction of the document image. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate system is based on a direction of the original image.
A printing apparatus, comprising: a parameter input section for inputting parameters required for the direction-dependent image processing. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a post-processing unit that performs a physical process on the printing paper; and a coordinate system based on a direction of the document image.
A parameter input unit for inputting parameters required for the direction-dependent image processing and the physical processing. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a guidance display unit that displays guidance on a direction of the document image input by the direction input unit. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guidance display unit is provided on an operation panel. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guidance display unit is provided at least near one of a platen and a document sheet tray for automatic document feeding.