JP5474841B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more specifically, an image forming apparatus and an image that can output a printed material for a booklet having a large number of pages by collectively printing image data on the back side of a sheet. It relates to a forming method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a booklet (also simply referred to as a booklet) is easily created by printing a plurality of pages on a single sheet by a printer and folding the sheet. For example, there is an image forming apparatus that can perform double-sided printing for four pages on each side, fold and bind the paper, and create a booklet of eight pages by cutting it open. In addition, there is an image forming apparatus for bookbinding that performs imposition of a plurality of pages on a continuous sheet having a plurality of holes formed on a side portion and performs bookbinding after cutting.

  However, since the above-described image forming apparatus for creating a booklet consisting of eight pages is premised on double-sided printing, it is necessary to use a printer capable of double-sided printing. Further, when using a printer capable of single-sided printing, complicated work such as turning over the paper printed on one side and printing the other side is necessary. Therefore, there is a problem that a normal printer is inconvenient. Furthermore, bookbinding image forming apparatuses are premised on the use of special paper that is not used in general printers, such as continuous paper, and cannot be applied to ordinary printers, so booklets can be created easily. There was a problem that it could not be done.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-113776 (Patent Document 1) includes an image data storage unit that stores input image data, an imposition unit, and an image forming unit. An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The imposition means divides the first side of the recording area of the rectangular paper into two equal parts and imaginary center line parallel to the second side orthogonal to the first side and the second side of 4 × N (N Is a natural number), and 8 × N pages of image data are recorded on the recording area divided into 8 × N by (4 × N−1) virtual dividing lines parallel to the first side. Allotted to 8 × N equally divided recording areas in order clockwise or counterclockwise from the first page, and the image data is inverted and impositioned on the recording area on the opposite side across the virtual center line. . The image forming means forms an image of 8 × N pages on one sheet based on the impositioned image data. As a result, it is possible to easily print a sheet on which a booklet of 8 × N pages can be created.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-30079 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image forming apparatus capable of collective printing that arranges and prints four pages in two vertical rows and two horizontal rows on a rectangular sheet. ing. In the image forming apparatus, the sheet is folded at a first fold that divides the paper into half-sized rectangles, and then folded again at a second size by a second fold in a direction orthogonal to the first fold. In order to obtain a booklet, the four pages are arranged so that the vertical direction of the page is opposed to the first fold, and the page order is arranged in the page turning direction as the second fold as a binding portion. It has an arrangement part. As a result, it is possible to correctly print the page order of the booklet and the vertical direction of the page that are used by folding one page into four sections of upper and lower two rows and two left and right columns.

JP 2001-113776 A JP 2010-30079

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, normally, the number of pages that can be arranged in a booklet that can be used easily is 8 pages, and printing is performed only on the front surface. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of pages exceeding 8 pages cannot be increased. If a booklet with more than 8 pages is to be created, the aspect ratio of the image data must be changed to reduce the size of the image data, resulting in a booklet that is difficult for the user to view.

  On the other hand, in recent years, the technology of image forming apparatuses has advanced, and image forming apparatuses capable of double-sided printing have been increasing even with commercially available image forming apparatuses. Therefore, if predetermined image data is arranged and printed on the back side of the paper, there is a possibility that a booklet having the number of pages exceeding the above eight pages can be created.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and is capable of outputting a printed material for a booklet having a large number of pages by collectively printing image data on the back side of the paper. An object is to provide an apparatus and an image forming method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that prints aggregation image data obtained by aggregating a predetermined number of image data on one sheet.

  The image forming apparatus includes an image assigning unit, a facing arrangement unit, and a double-sided printing unit. The image allocating means is divided into upper and lower two rows and four columns on the left and right sides, and arranges the image data for aggregation on the front surface printed on the surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation on the rear surface printed on the back surface of the paper on the left and right. To do. Further, the image allocating means is arranged such that a lower row of the image data for aggregation on the front surface is divided from the fourth row from the left, a divided region of the first row is arranged in the lower row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, The upper part of the aggregation image data passes through the first column of the segmented area, the upper part of the surface aggregation image data passes through the first column of the segmented area, and the lower part of the surface of the aggregation image data in the third column. A predetermined number of pieces of image data in the divided areas up to the divided area are rotated counterclockwise starting from the divided area in the fourth column at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data, or at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data. They are allocated in the clockwise order starting from the segmented area in the third column. Then, the opposing arrangement means divides the predetermined number of allocated image data into two dividing lines that respectively divide the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. Are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction. The double-sided printing unit prints the front-side aggregation image data and the back-side aggregation image data on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively.

  As a result, 8 image data can be printed on the front side of the sheet and 2 image data can be printed on the back side of the sheet. Therefore, the maximum number of image data to be aggregated is set to the conventional maximum number (8). It is possible to increase by 2 compared to In addition, if a sheet on which a predetermined number of image data is printed on both sides is cut and folded along a predetermined line, it is possible to easily create a booklet in which each image data has the same orientation.

  Further, the image allocating means includes a second row of divided areas in the lower row of the back-side aggregation image data, a third row of divided areas in the lower row of the back-side aggregation image data, and A predetermined number of pieces of image data are passed through the third row segmented area in the upper part of the image data, and the upper part of the image data for aggregation on the back side is divided into the second column of the aggregated area. In the lower part of the image data, allocation is performed in the counterclockwise direction starting from the second row segmented area, or in the clockwise order starting from the second column segmented area in the upper row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. The opposed arrangement means may employ a configuration in which a predetermined number of allocated image data are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction via a dividing line that divides the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. I can do it.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the image allocating means is divided into upper and lower four columns and left and right columns, and aggregation of the back side image data to be printed on the back side of the paper and the aggregation of the front surface to be printed on the front side of the paper. The image data is arranged on the left and right. Next, the image allocating means includes a fourth row from the fourth row from the top in the left column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface, and a fourth row from the right row of the image data for aggregation from the back surface, The right column of the image data for aggregation on the back side passes through the first segmented region in the right column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface in the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the right column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface In the divided area up to the fourth-stage divided area, a predetermined number of image data is collected in the clockwise direction starting from the fourth-stage divided area in the left column of the image data for aggregation on the surface, or the aggregation of the surface Are assigned in the counterclockwise order starting from the fourth-stage segmented region in the right column of the image data. Then, the opposed arrangement means collects the predetermined number of assigned image data for the first and second stages, the third and fourth stages, and the rear side of the image data for aggregation of the front surface. The image data are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction through four dividing lines that divide the first and second stages, the third and fourth stages of the image data. The double-sided printing unit prints the front-side aggregation image data and the back-side aggregation image data on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively.

  As a result, 6 image data can be printed on the front side of the paper and 4 image data can be printed on the back side of the paper. Therefore, the maximum number of image data to be consolidated is set to the conventional maximum number (8). It is possible to increase by 2 compared to In addition, if a sheet on which a predetermined number of image data is printed on both sides is cut and folded along a predetermined line, it is possible to easily create a booklet in which each image data has the same orientation.

  In addition, the present invention is a sheet printed on both sides by the image forming apparatus. Even with the paper, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In addition, the present invention can be provided as an image forming method for printing aggregation image data obtained by aggregating a predetermined number of image data on one sheet. That is, the image forming method is divided into upper and lower two rows and four columns on the left and right sides, and the image data for aggregation on the front surface printed on the front surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation on the back surface printed on the back surface of the paper are divided into There is a step of arranging in the. Next, in the image forming method, a lower row of the front-side aggregation image data has a fourth row from the left in the lower row, and a lower row of the back-side aggregation image data has a first row of the division region, the back surface. The upper row of the image data for aggregation passes through the first row of the segmented region, the upper row of the image data for aggregation of the surface passes through the first row of the segmented region, and the lower row of the image data for aggregation of the surface in the third row A predetermined number of image data in a divided area up to a divided area of the surface, counterclockwise starting from the divided area of the fourth column at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data, or the lower stage of the aggregation image data of the surface And an image assigning step for assigning them in the clockwise order starting from the segmented region in the third column. In the image forming method, the predetermined number of assigned image data is divided into two dividing lines for dividing the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. And an opposing arrangement step of opposingly arranging each in the vertical direction. The image forming method further includes a double-sided printing step of printing the front-side aggregation image data and the back-side aggregation image data on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the image forming method is divided into upper and lower four columns and left and right columns, and the back side aggregation image data printed on the back side of the paper and the front side aggregation image data printed on the front side of the paper are divided into left and right. There is a step of arranging in the. Next, in the image forming method, from the fourth row from the top in the left column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface, to the fourth row from the right row of the image data for aggregation from the back surface, The right column of the image data for aggregation on the back side passes through the first segmented region in the right column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface in the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the right column of the image data for aggregation on the front surface In the divided area up to the fourth-stage divided area, a predetermined number of image data is collected in the clockwise direction starting from the fourth-stage divided area in the left column of the image data for aggregation on the surface, or the aggregation of the surface And an image assigning step for assigning them in the counterclockwise order starting from the fourth segmented area in the right column of the image data. Further, in the image forming method, the predetermined number of assigned image data is used to collect the first and second levels, the third and fourth levels, and the back side of the image data for aggregation of the front surface. There are opposing placement steps in which the image data is arranged to face each other in the vertical direction via four dividing lines that divide the first and second stages, and the third and fourth stages, respectively. The image forming method includes a double-sided printing step of printing the front-side aggregation image data and the back-side aggregation image data on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In addition, the present invention is a sheet printed on both sides by the image forming method. Even with the paper, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, it is possible to output a printed material for a booklet having a large number of pages by collectively printing the image data on the back side of the paper.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of the initial screen displayed on the touch panel in the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of the folding aggregation screen displayed on the touch panel in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B). It is a pattern example of folding aggregation printing in the case where vertical image data is aggregated by left binding in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a first diagram illustrating booklet creation when 10 pieces of vertically oriented image data are collected in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd figure explaining the booklet preparation in case ten image data of portrait orientation is integrated in embodiment of this invention. It is a pattern example of folding aggregation printing in the case where vertical image data is aggregated by right binding in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a pattern example of folding aggregation printing in case the image data of landscape orientation is aggregated by right binding in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st figure explaining the booklet preparation in case the image data of landscape orientation is collected 10 in embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure explaining the booklet preparation in case the image data of landscape orientation is collected 10 in embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a pattern of folding aggregation printing in case the image data of landscape orientation is aggregated 10 by left binding in the embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a pattern of folding aggregation printing in the case where vertical image data is aggregated by left binding in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining booklet creation in the embodiment of the present invention when the vertically oriented image data is gathered. A pattern example of folding aggregation printing when vertical image data is aggregated by left binding (FIG. 17A1), and folding aggregation printing when horizontal image data is aggregated by left binding of 4 A pattern example (FIG. 17 (A2)), a pattern example (FIG. 17 (B1)) of folding and aggregation printing in a case where vertical image data is consolidated by left binding, and a horizontal image data by left binding. It is a pattern example (FIG. 17 (B1)) of folding aggregation printing in the case of 8 aggregation.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus (for example, a multifunction peripheral) according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction peripheral including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like. As an example, the operation of the multifunction device 100 when performing double-sided printing processing on the image of the document P using the multifunction device 100 will be briefly described.

  First, when a user performs a copy using the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the multifunction device 100, and the copy function setting (double-sided printing, paper feed tray, etc.) is performed. ) Is input from the operation unit 102. Further, the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102 to cause the multifunction peripheral 100 to start duplex printing processing.

  When the duplex printing process is started, the multifunction peripheral 100 starts reading an image drawn on the surface of the document P. First, in the image reading unit 103, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected on the surface of the document P placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108 and read as surface image data when the image on the surface of the document P is printed on both sides.

  Further, when the user turns over the original P and presses the start key, the back side image of the original P is read as back side image data when double-sided printing is performed as described above. The read image data on the front surface and image data on the back surface are sent to the image forming unit 109 and transferred as a toner image.

  Note that the image reading unit 103 may be configured to read the images on both sides of the document P by the automatic document feeder 103a provided above the image reading unit 103. The automatic document feeder 103a is provided with, for example, a document conveyance path formed inside the platen cover, a pickup roller or a conveyance roller provided inside the platen cover, and the document conveyance path is connected to the document table 101. To the discharge tray via the reading position X where the image reading unit 103 reads. For example, a predetermined reading member that reads the image of the document P may be provided at a position facing the image reading unit 103 via the reading position X, and the images on both sides of the document P may be read in parallel. I do not care.

  The image forming unit 109 includes a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and the periphery thereof is charged in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. A device 111, an exposure unit 112, a developing device 113, a transfer device 114, a cleaning unit 115, and the like are stacked.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 first irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on image data on the surface to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 113 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet such as paper) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The sheets are fed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multi-function peripheral 100, for example, an upper cassette 116a, a middle cassette 116b, a lower left cassette 116c, and a lower right cassette 116d. Each contain sheets of different paper types. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 116a to 116d to the conveying path by the pickup roller 117. The paper feed cassettes 116 a to 116 d from which the sheet is drawn are determined based on the setting input to the operation unit 102 by the user.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119, and the toner image based on the image data on the surface is transferred by the transfer device 114. Then, it is conveyed to the fixing device 121.

  When the sheet to which the toner image has been transferred passes between a heating roller 122 and a pressure roller 123 provided in the fixing device 121, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet. Then, the surface image of the document P is formed on the sheet. The heat amount of the heating roller 122 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately.

  The sheet on which the front image is formed is conveyed from the fixing device 121 to the closest branch point A. At the branch point A, a conveyance path B for conveying the sheet after image formation to the paper discharge tray 124 and a duplex printing conveyance path C for duplex printing are connected.

  Next, since the image forming process is performed based on the image data on the back side of the document P, the sheet on which the front surface image is formed is guided to the duplex printing conveyance path C, turned over, and further the photosensitive drum. It is conveyed to a transfer point D between 110 and the transfer device 114. By the time the sheet is conveyed to the transfer point D, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 110 based on the back side image data. Therefore, when the sheet is conveyed to the transfer point D, the toner image of the image data on the back surface is appropriately transferred to the back surface of the sheet.

  When the toner image of the back side image data is transferred to the back side of the sheet, the transferred sheet is conveyed again to the fixing device 121 and fixed, and the back side image of the original P is formed on the sheet.

  The double-sided printed sheet is conveyed from the fixing device 121 to the branch point A, sent from the branch point A to the conveyance path B leading to the paper discharge tray 124, and stacked and stored in the paper discharge tray 124.

  The paper discharge tray 124 is provided on the side surface of the multi-function device 100, but a cylinder tray 125 is also provided in the body of the multi-function device 100, and the user inputs and sets the operation unit 102. In some cases, the double-sided printed sheets may be stacked on the in-body tray 125.

  In addition, the side surface of the multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with a manual feed tray 126 configured to convey the placed paper between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer unit 114, so that the user can When, for example, a plurality of sheets of paper are placed on the manual feed tray 126, a predetermined condition (for example, selected paper “manual feed tray”) is input, and the start key is pressed, transport in the vicinity of the manual feed tray 126 is performed. The roller 126 </ b> A rotates and the paper on the manual feed tray 126 is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114. As described above, even if the sheet is a sheet other than the sheet in the sheet feed tray, the multifunction peripheral 100 can transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 110 to the sheet.

  The above is the basic double-sided printing process in the multifunction peripheral 100. Note that the means for executing the image reading process from when the start key is pressed until the images on both sides (front and back sides) of the document P are read are the image reading unit 402, the image data on the front side of the document P, and the image data on the back side. A unit that forms a toner image based on the image and executes an image forming process until the corresponding toner image is transferred onto the front and back surfaces of the sheet is referred to as an image forming unit (described later). The image forming unit may perform the single-sided printing process by conveying the sheet to the conveyance path B without conveying the sheet to the conveyance path C.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 102 of the multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit 102 according to the present invention.

  The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions related to the double-sided printing function as described above, for example, a document size, a sheet size (paper size), and the like, and confirm the input setting conditions. To do. When the setting condition is input, a touch panel 201, a touch pen 202, and an operation key 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, when a key in the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 201 is pressed (selected), a setting condition associated with the key is input to the multi-function device 100. Since the background color of the pressed key or the like is changed from white to gray in conjunction with the pressing, it is visually recognized whether the key or the like is being pressed by the background color of the key or the like.

  A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. When the user touches the touch pen 202 with the tip of the touch pen 202, a sensor provided under the touch panel detects the touch destination. Since the tip of the touch pen is almost close to a point, the sensor detects, for example, the contact point in dot units (minimum unit). Therefore, compared with the case where the position in the touch panel 201 is designated with a finger, for example, the position designated with the touch pen 202 can be designated more accurately. The user can select a key or the like displayed on the touch panel 201 with the touch pen 202 instead of the fingertip.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation hard keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, and a driver 305 corresponding to each driving unit. They are connected by a bus 306. The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and receives data and instructions from the driver 305 and an operation unit 103 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program. The ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multi-function device 100, the display accepting unit 401 of the multi-function device 100 is activated to display a preset initial screen (for example, a copy function screen) on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S101). ).

  On the initial screen 600, as shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to the normal setting item key 601 for setting copy conditions, a “folding aggregation” key for shifting to the folding aggregation mode is provided. 602 is displayed.

  Therefore, when the user presses (selects) the “folding aggregation” key 601, the display accepting means 401 accepts the selection of the “folding aggregation” key 601 (FIG. 5: S 102 YES), and the aggregated display accepting means. 402 is notified. Receiving the notification, the aggregate display accepting unit 402 displays the folding aggregation screen on the touch panel 201 (FIG. 5: S103), and the user displays the folding aggregation condition (the number of image data, the direction of the image data, the image Data binding method).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the folding aggregation screen 603 includes a message 604 that prompts the user to select folding aggregation conditions, and a number key 605 for selecting the number of image data to be aggregated (for example, “4” key 605a, “8” key 605b, “10” key 605c) and a direction key 606 for selecting the direction of image data to be aggregated (for example, “vertical” key 606a, “horizontal” key 606b) And a binding method key 607 (for example, a “left binding” key 607a for binding a booklet, which will be described later, and a “right binding” key 607b for binding a booklet on the right) for selecting a binding method of the aggregated image data. A file key 608 for selecting image data (for example, “document box” capable of selecting a predetermined number of image data stored in a document box) And over 608a), and the cancel key 609, and a start key 610 is displayed.

  Here, the case where the user selects the “4” key 605a or the “8” key 605b is the same as that in the prior art, and is omitted.

<When collecting up to 10 vertical image data>
When the user selects the “10” key 605c, the “vertical direction” key 606a, and the “left binding” key 607a, the aggregation display reception unit 402 selects the selected folding aggregation condition ( “10”, “vertical”, “left binding”). Further, the user selects the “document box” key 608a, and among the image data stored in his document box (image data storage means described later), a predetermined number (for example, 10) or less. ) Is selected, the aggregated display accepting unit 402 accepts the image data selected by the user (FIG. 5: S104 YES). Thereby, specific folding aggregation conditions (“10”, “vertical”, “left binding”, a predetermined number of image data) are accepted.

  When the user selects the start key 610, the aggregate display accepting unit 402 accepts the folding aggregation condition and the selection of the start key 610 (FIG. 5: S105 YES), and notifies the image allocation unit 403 to that effect. Notice. Upon receiving the notification, the image allocation unit 403 starts allocation of image data to the aggregation image data printed on one sheet in accordance with the folding aggregation condition (FIG. 5: S106).

  Here, as the folding aggregation condition, when the number of image data to be aggregated is “10”, the orientation of the image data to be aggregated is “vertical”, and the binding method is “left binding”, the image As shown in FIG. 7, the allocating unit 403 is divided into upper and lower two columns and four columns on the left and right sides, and the image data 701 for aggregation on the front surface printed on the front surface of the landscape paper and the rear surface printed on the rear surface of the paper. The aggregation image data 702 is arranged on the left and right. Here, the aggregating image data is a piece of image data obtained by aggregating a predetermined number of image data selected by the user, and a predetermined number of image data is allocated as will be described later. It should be noted that the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the back-side aggregation image data 702 that are arranged on the left and right are arranged on the left and right so that the vertical positions of the two coincide.

  Next, the image allocating unit 403 sequentially reads out a predetermined number of image data selected by the user from the image data storage unit 404 in the selected order, and sets the read image data in a portrait orientation. Then, the image allocation means 403 includes a lower row of the front-side aggregation image data 701 and a fourth row from the left, and a first row of the rear-row aggregation image data 702. 702a, the first row segmented region 702b in the upper stage of the back-side aggregation image data 702, and the first column segmented region 701b in the upper stage of the front-side aggregation image data 701 (further, the front-side aggregation image A predetermined number of vertical regions pass through (through) the first row of the segmented area 701g) in the lower row of the data 701 and into the third row of the segmented region 701c in the lower row of the surface aggregation image data 701. The image data of the orientation is assigned in the counterclockwise order starting from the fourth column segmented area 701a at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data 701.

  More specifically, the image assigning unit 403 first sets the top position (upper position) of the image data to the top position (upper position) of the image data 701 for aggregation on the front surface or the image data 702 for aggregation on the back surface. After the alignment, as shown in FIG. 7, the selected first (first) image data is aggregated on the back surface in the fourth column segmented region 701 a in the lower stage of the front surface image data 701. The selected second image data is allocated to the first row segment area 702a in the lower part of the image data 702 for use. Further, the image allocating means 403 assigns the third image data to the first row segmented area 702b in the upper row of the back-side aggregation image data 702, and the fourth image in the upper row of the front-side aggregation image data 701. The fourth image data is placed in the row segmented area 701d, the fifth image data is placed in the third row segmented area 701e in the upper stage of the surface aggregation image data 701, and the surface aggregation image data is collected. The sixth image data is assigned to each of the divided areas 701f in the second column in the upper part of 701. Then, the image assigning means 403 assigns the seventh image data to the first row segmented area 701b in the upper row of the surface aggregation image data 701, and the first image data in the lower row of the surface aggregation image data 701. Eighth image data is stored in the segmented area 701g of the column, the ninth image data is stored in the segmented area 701h of the second column in the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data 701, and the image data for aggregation of the surface is stored. The tenth image data is allocated to the segment area 701c in the third column at the bottom of 701.

  As a result, two vertically oriented image data that were not conventionally assigned (arranged) are assigned to the back side of the paper, and the maximum number of vertically oriented image data to be aggregated can be set to 10. .

  When the image allocation unit 403 allocates predetermined image data to the front-side aggregation image data 701 or the back-side aggregation image data 702, the vertical image data to be allocated is classified into the aggregation image data. The size of the image data is changed as appropriate without changing the aspect ratio of the image data so as to correspond to the region. In the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the size of the image data is set to 1/8 from the original size. If the number of image data selected by the user is less than 10, the image assigning means 403 assigns blank image data to a segment area to which no image data is assigned (or no image data is assigned). ), The section area is blank.

  When the image assigning unit 403 assigns a predetermined number of image data to the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the back-side aggregation image data 702, the opposite arrangement unit 405 (reversing unit) is notified of the fact. To do. Upon receiving the notification, the opposing arrangement unit 405 divides the predetermined number of the vertically oriented image data into the upper and lower two stages of the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the upper and lower two stages of the rear-side aggregation image data 702. They are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction via two dividing lines 703 and 704 that are divided (FIG. 5: S107).

  More specifically, the facing arrangement means 405 aligns the top position (upper position) of the image data with the top position (upper position) of the front-side aggregation image data 701 or the back-side aggregation image data 702. When assigned, the top positions (upper positions) of the first, second, eighth to tenth image data face the two dividing lines 703 and 704, and the ground positions of the third to seventh image data. The position (lower position) faces the two dividing lines 703 and 704. That is, the top positions of the first, second, eighth to tenth image data are arranged opposite to the ground positions of the third to seventh image data via the two dividing lines 703 and 704. The Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the opposing arrangement means 405 allocates the third to seventh image data (partition areas 702b, 701d, 701e, 701f, 701b) divided by two division lines 703, 704. Image data) is inverted in the vertical direction. That is, the opposing arrangement means 405 matches the top positions of the third to seventh image data with the top positions of the first, second, eighth to tenth image data. Then, the top positions of the third to seventh image data are arranged to face the top positions of the first, second, eighth to tenth image data via the two dividing lines 703 and 704. The

  As a result, the third to seventh image data are vertically arranged opposite to the first, second, eighth to tenth image data via the two dividing lines 703 and 704. Then, if a predetermined number of image data arranged in this way is printed on both sides of a sheet, and the sheet is cut and folded according to a predetermined number of dividing lines, a booklet with all the image data in the same direction can be easily created. (This will be described later).

  Next, when the opposing arrangement unit 405 completes the opposing arrangement of a predetermined number of image data, it notifies the line drawing unit 406 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the line drawing unit 406 stores predetermined line data set in advance in the image data 701 for aggregation of the front surface and the image data 702 for aggregation of the back surface in a predetermined memory (for example, illustrated). Line data storage means), and lines (for example, a cut line, a mountain fold line, a valley fold line) that prompt the user to cut and fold the paper are collected on the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the back-side aggregation image data. It is depicted (arranged) at 702 (FIG. 5: S108).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the line drawing unit 406 defines a dividing line 705 that divides the upper and lower two stages of the first column of the surface aggregation image data 701 as a mountain fold line (a one-dot chain line). The dividing line 706 that divides the upper and lower two stages from the second column to the fourth column is depicted in the image data 701 for aggregation on the surface as a cut line (solid line). In addition, the line drawing means 406 defines a dividing line 707 that separates the first and second columns of the image data for aggregation 701 on the surface as a valley fold line (broken line), and the second and third columns. The dividing line 708 that separates the eyes is a mountain fold line, the dividing line 709 that separates the third and fourth columns in the upper stage is a valley fold line, and the third and fourth columns in the lower stage are separated. The dividing line 710 to be drawn is depicted in the image data 701 of the surface as a mountain fold line. Then, the line drawing means 406 converts the cut line into the mountain fold line for the dividing line 711 of the back image data 702 corresponding to the cut line among the lines drawn in the image data 701 for the front surface. A valley line is drawn in the division line 712 of the corresponding back-side aggregation image data 702, and a mountain fold line is drawn in the division line 713 of the back-side aggregation image data 702 corresponding to the valley fold line.

  When the line drawing unit 406 completes the above-described line drawing, the line drawing unit 406 notifies the double-sided printing unit 407 to that effect. Receiving the notification, the double-sided printing unit 407 prints the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the back-side aggregation image data 702 on the front and back sides of the sheet, respectively (FIG. 5: S109). As shown in FIG. 7, the double-sided printed paper is a double-sided printed paper in which 10 pieces of vertical image data are aggregated.

  Here, when the user cuts, folds or troughs according to the drawn lines (cut line, mountain fold line, valley fold line) among the papers printed on both sides, the paper is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a 10-page left-bound booklet in which 10 vertical image data are collected is completed. This makes it possible to easily create a booklet in which 10 pages of vertical image data are collected.

  As described above, the image assigning unit 403 according to the present invention is divided into upper and lower two columns and left and right four columns, and is printed on the front-side aggregation image data 701 printed on the front surface of the landscape paper and on the rear surface of the paper. The back side image data 702 for aggregation is arranged on the left and right. Next, the image allocating unit 403 sorts the first row from the lower row of the aggregation image data 702 on the back surface from the division area 701a of the fourth row from the left in the lower row of the image data for aggregation 701 on the front surface. The area 702a passes through the first row segmented area 702b in the upper stage of the back-side aggregation image data 702, and passes through the first column segmented area 702b in the upper stage of the front-side aggregation image data 701. A predetermined number of vertically oriented image data are placed in a partitioned area up to the partitioned area 701c in the third column in the lower stage of the image data 701, and a partitioned area 701a in the fourth column is placed in the lower stage of the surface image data 701 for aggregation. Allocate in the counterclockwise order as starting points. Then, the facing arrangement means 405 divides the assigned predetermined number of vertically oriented image data into two upper and lower stages of the front-side aggregation image data 701 and upper and lower two stages of the back-side aggregation image data 702, respectively. Are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction via two dividing lines 703 and 704. Further, the double-sided printing unit 407 prints the front-side aggregation image data 701 and the back-side aggregation image data 702 on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively.

  This makes it possible to print 8 vertical image data on the front side of the paper and 2 vertical image data on the back side of the paper, so the maximum number of vertical image data to be consolidated Can be increased by 2 compared to the conventional maximum number (8). Further, if a sheet on which both sides of a predetermined number of vertical image data are printed is cut according to a predetermined line and folded, a booklet in which all the image data are all in the same direction can be easily created.

  Although the booklet shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is left-bound, the image allocating unit 403 applies a predetermined number of vertically oriented image data to the above-described divided area, and the image data 701 for aggregating the front surface. The booklet to be created can be bound to the right by assigning them in the clockwise direction starting from the segmented area 701c in the third row in the lower row.

  That is, when the aggregation display receiving unit 402 receives the selection of the “right binding” key 607b among the folding aggregation conditions, the image allocation unit 403, as shown in FIG. In the lower part of the data 1001, the segmented area 1001 a in the third column from the left, the first segmented area 1001 b in the upper part of the front-side aggregation image data 1001, and the first in the upper part of the rear-side aggregation image data 1002. From the row-partitioned area 1002a, the lower-level aggregation image data 1002 passes through the first-line division area 1002b, and the front-side aggregation image data 1001 reaches the fourth-line division area 1001c. A predetermined number of pieces of vertical image data are displayed in the divided area, and the clockwise order starting from the divided area 1001a in the third column in the lower stage of the image data for aggregation 1001 on the surface. Assign each. When the image assigning unit 403 assigns predetermined image data to the front-side aggregation image data 1001 or the back-side aggregation image data 1002, the front-side aggregation image data 1001 or The top position (upper position) of the image data is aligned and assigned to the top position (upper position) of the image data 1002 for aggregation on the back surface. In the clockwise order, the image assigning means 403 assigns the first image data to the segmented area 1001a in the third column at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data 1001 and the surface aggregation image. The tenth image data is allocated to the segment area 1001c in the fourth column in the lower stage of the data 1001. The subsequent processing is the same. When a sheet such as that shown in FIG. 10 is cut, mountain-folded, or valley-folded according to the drawn lines, a right-bound booklet can be easily created.

  In the above description, the image assigning unit 403 has a predetermined number of vertically oriented image data in the above-described segmented region, and the segmented region 1001a in the third column in the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data 1001 is the starting point. Although the booklet to be created is bound to the right by assigning them in the clockwise order, other methods may be used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image allocating unit 403 assigns a predetermined number of vertically oriented image data to the above-described segmented region, and the segmented region 701a in the fourth column at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data 701. Is assigned in the counterclockwise order, the image assigning means 403 inverts the top position (upper position) of the image data to be assigned, so that the top position (upper position) of the image data is The booklet to be created can be bound to the right even when the image data 701 for aggregation on the front surface or the image data 702 for aggregation on the back surface is aligned with the ground position (lower position).

  Further, the image allocating means 403 described above is configured to divide a horizontally oriented sheet into two upper and lower columns and four left and right columns, and to allocate the vertical image data to the divided divided areas. With this configuration, a predetermined number of reduced image data can be collected on a sheet by simply reducing the original size of the image data to one-eighth of the original size without changing (almost) the aspect ratio of the original size of the image data. Is possible. Here, when the aspect ratio of the original size of the image data may be slightly changed or the original size may be reduced to less than 1/8, the image allocating unit 403 sets the portrait-oriented paper. Alternatively, the image data may be divided into upper and lower two stages and left and right four columns, and the horizontal image data may be assigned to the divided divided areas. The orientation of the paper for duplex printing and the orientation of the image data to be aggregated are appropriately changed according to the type and number of the image data. The design of the direction key 606 of the above-described folding aggregation screen 603 is the same. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the above-described effect, that is, the effect of increasing the maximum number of image data to be aggregated.

<When collecting up to 10 horizontal image data>
Incidentally, in the above-described folding aggregation condition input step (FIG. 5: S104), the user selects the “10” key 605c, the “landscape” key 606b, and the “right binding” key 607b, and the “document”. When the “box” key 608a is selected and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of image data equal to or less than “10” is selected, the aggregated display receiving unit 402 selects specific folding aggregation conditions (“10”, “landscape” ”,“ Right binding ”, a predetermined number of image data) (FIG. 5: S104 YES). Further, when the user selects the start key 610, the aggregate display acceptance unit 402 accepts the folding aggregation condition and the selection of the start key 610 (FIG. 5: S105 YES), and the image allocation unit 403 Corresponding to the tatami mat aggregation condition, allocation of a predetermined number of image data to the aggregation image data is started (FIG. 5: S106).

  Here, when the number of image data to be aggregated is “10”, the orientation of the image data to be aggregated is “horizontal”, and the binding method is “right binding” as the folding aggregation condition, As shown in FIG. 11, the means 403 is divided into upper and lower four columns and left and right columns, and the back side aggregation image data 1102 printed on the back side of the vertically oriented paper and the front surface printed on the front side of the paper. The aggregation image data 1101 is arranged on the left and right. Here, the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102 that are arranged on the left and right are arranged on the left and right so that the vertical positions of the two coincide.

  Next, the image allocation unit 403 sequentially reads out the image data selected by the user from the image data storage unit 404 in the selected order, and sets the read image data to the landscape orientation. Then, the image allocation means 403 starts from the fourth row from the top in the left column of the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the fourth row in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102. The front side of the segmented area 1102a, the first row of segmented image data 1102b in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102, and the first column of the grouped image data 1101 of the front surface pass through the first segmented region 1101b. In the left column of the image data for aggregation 1101 in the left column of the fourth row of the divided region 1101c, a predetermined number of horizontal image data is stored in the fourth row of the left column of the surface image data for aggregation 1101. They are assigned in the clockwise order starting from the segmented area 1101a.

  More specifically, the image assigning means 403 first sets the top position (upper position) of image data to the top position (upper position) of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the front surface or the image data for aggregation 1102 on the back surface. After the alignment, as shown in FIG. 11, the selected first image data is placed in the fourth row segmented area 1101 a in the left column of the front-side aggregation image data 1101. In the right column of 1102, the selected second image data is assigned to the fourth-stage segmented area 1102a. Next, the image allocating means 403 assigns the third image data to the third segment area 1102c in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102 and the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102. In the second row of the divided area 1102d, the fourth image data is placed in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102 and the fifth image data is put in the first row of the divided area 1102b. Sixth image data is allocated to the first row segment area 1101d in the left column of the aggregation image data 1101. Then, the image assigning means 403 assigns the seventh image data to the first row segmented area 1101b in the right column of the surface aggregation image data 1101 and the right column of the surface aggregation image data 1101. The eighth image data is collected in the second-stage segmented area 1101e, and the ninth image data is aggregated in the third-stage segmented area 1101f in the right column of the surface aggregation image data 1101. The tenth image data is assigned to the fourth row segment area 1101c in the right column of the image data 1101 for use.

  As a result, two horizontal image data that have not been assigned (arranged) in the past are assigned to the back side of the paper, and the maximum number of horizontal image data to be aggregated can be set to 10.

  If the number of image data selected by the user is less than 10, similar to the above, the blank image data is allocated to the divided area where the image data is not allocated (or the image data is not allocated), The section area is blank. The size change of the image data is the same as described above.

  When the image allocating unit 403 allocates a predetermined number of image data to the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102, the image allocation unit 403 notifies the opposite arrangement unit 405 to that effect. Upon receipt of the notification, the opposing arrangement unit 405 converts the predetermined number of assigned horizontal image data into the first and second levels, the third level, and the fourth level of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface. The back side aggregation image data 1102 is arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction via four division lines that divide the first and second stages, and the third and fourth stages, respectively. FIG. 5: S107).

  More specifically, the image assigning unit 403 aligns the top position (upper position) of the image data with the top position (upper position) of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the front surface or the image data for aggregation 1102 on the back surface. When assigned, the top positions (upper positions) of the fourth and eighth image data are the first and second levels of the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102 is the first level. It faces two division lines 1103 and 1104 (referred to as a first division line 1103 and a second division line 1104) that divide the first stage and the second stage, respectively, and the image data from the fifth to the seventh The ground position (lower position) faces the first dividing line 1103 and the second dividing line 1104. The top positions (upper positions) of the first, second, and tenth image data are the third and fourth stages of the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102. Facing the two division lines 1105 and 1106 (referred to as the third division line 1105 and the fourth division line 1106) that respectively divide the third and fourth stages, the third and ninth image data The ground position (lower position) faces the third dividing line 1105 and the fourth dividing line 1106. That is, the top positions of the fourth and eighth image data are arranged opposite to the ground positions of the fifth to seventh image data via the first section line 1103 and the second section line 1104, and Via the third dividing line 1105 and the fourth dividing line 1106, the top positions of the first, second, and tenth image data are arranged opposite to the ground positions of the third and ninth image data. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the image allocating means 403 has fifth to seventh image data (segmented areas 1102b, 1101d, 1101b) segmented by a first segment line 1103 and a second segment line 1104. (The image data assigned to the image data) is inverted in the vertical direction (the image assigning means 403 matches the top positions of the fifth to seventh image data with the top positions of the fourth and eighth image data). ). The image assigning means 403 moves the third and ninth image data (image data assigned to the divided areas 1102c and 1101f) divided by the third dividing line 1105 and the fourth dividing line 1106 in the vertical direction. (The image assigning means 403 matches the top positions of the third and ninth image data with the top positions of the first, second, and tenth image data). Then, the top positions of the fifth to seventh image data are arranged opposite to the top positions of the fourth and eighth image data via the first section line 1103 and the second section line 1104. The top positions of the third and ninth image data are arranged opposite to the top positions of the first, second, and tenth image data via the third section line 1105 and the fourth section line 1106.

  As a result, the fifth to seventh image data are arranged to face the fourth and eighth image data in the vertical direction via the first dividing line 1103 and the second dividing line 1104. Further, the third and ninth image data are arranged so as to be opposed to the fourth and eighth image data in the vertical direction via the third dividing line 1105 and the fourth dividing line 1106. Then, if a predetermined number of image data arranged in this way is printed on both sides of a sheet, and the sheet is cut and folded according to a predetermined number of dividing lines, a booklet with all the image data in the same direction can be easily created. Is possible (described later).

  Next, when the opposing arrangement unit 405 completes the opposing arrangement of a predetermined number of image data, it notifies the line drawing unit 406 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the line drawing unit 406 reads out predetermined line data set in advance in the vertical image data for aggregation 1101 and the back image data for integration 1102 from a predetermined memory, The above-described score line, mountain fold line, and valley fold line are depicted in the image data for aggregation 1101 on the front surface and the image data for aggregation 1102 on the back surface (FIG. 5: S108).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the line drawing unit 406 defines a dividing line 1107 that divides the left and right two columns of the first stage of the surface aggregation image data 1101 as a valley fold line (broken line), The dividing line 1108 that divides the left and right two columns in the second column is a mountain fold line (one-dot chain line), the dividing line 1109 that divides the left and right two columns in the third stage is a valley fold line, and the left and right two columns in the fourth column A demarcation line 1110 for demarcating the image is depicted in the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface as a mountain fold line. Next, the line drawing unit 406 sets the dividing line 1111 that separates the first and second stages in the left column of the surface aggregation image data 1101 as a cut line (solid line), and the right column in the first column. A dividing line 1112 that divides the first stage and the second stage is a mountain fold line, and a dividing line 1113 that divides the second stage and the third stage in the left column of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface is a valley. A dividing line 1114 that divides the second row and the third row in the right column of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface is drawn as a cut line in the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface. Further, the line drawing means 406 uses the dividing line 1115 for dividing the third row and the fourth row in the left column of the image data for aggregation 1101 on the surface as a cut line, and the third row in the right column A dividing line 1116 that divides the fourth row is depicted in the image data 1101 for aggregation of the surface as a mountain fold line. Then, the line drawing means 406 converts the cut line into the fold line and the cut line into the dividing line 1117 of the back image data 1102 corresponding to the cut line among the lines drawn in the front image data 1101. A valley line is drawn on the dividing line 1118 of the corresponding back-side aggregation image data 1102, and a mountain fold line is drawn on the dividing line 1119 of the back-side aggregation image data 1102 corresponding to the valley fold line.

  When the line drawing unit 406 completes the drawing of the line, it notifies the double-sided printing unit 407 to that effect. Receiving the notification, the duplex printing unit 407 prints the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102 on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively (FIG. 5: S109). As shown in FIG. 11, the double-sided printed paper is a paper on which double-sided printing has been performed by collecting 10 horizontal image data.

  Here, when the user cuts, folds, or folds according to the drawn lines (cut line, mountain fold line, valley fold line) among the two-sided printed paper, the paper is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, a 10-page right-bound booklet in which 10 pieces of horizontal image data are collected is completed. This makes it possible to easily create a booklet in which 10 pages of horizontal image data are collected.

  As described above, the image assigning unit 403 according to the present invention is divided into upper and lower four columns and two left and right columns, and is printed on the front surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation 1102 printed on the back surface of the vertically oriented paper. Are arranged on the left and right. Next, the image allocating means 403 starts from the top row fourth segment area 1101a in the left column of the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the fourth column in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102. The first row of division areas 1102b in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1102, and the first row of division areas 1101b in the right row of the front-side aggregation image data 1101. A predetermined number of horizontally oriented image data is placed in the right column of the surface aggregation image data 1101 up to the fourth division region 1101c, and the fourth row in the left column of the surface aggregation image data 1101. Are assigned in the clockwise order starting from the divided area 1101a. Then, the facing arrangement means 405 assigns a predetermined number of horizontally-assigned image data to the first and second stages, the third and fourth stages of the surface aggregation image data 1101, The image data for aggregation on the back side 1102 are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction via four division lines 1103-1106 that respectively divide the first and second stages, and the third and fourth stages. Further, the double-sided printing unit 407 prints the front-side aggregation image data 1101 and the back-side aggregation image data 1102 on the front and back sides of the paper, respectively.

  This makes it possible to print 6 landscape image data on the front side of the sheet and 4 landscape image data on the back side of the sheet. It is possible to increase by 2 compared to the maximum number (8). Further, if a sheet on which both sides of a predetermined number of landscape image data are printed is cut according to a predetermined line and folded, a booklet in which each image data is all in the same direction can be easily created.

  Note that the booklet shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is right-bound, but the image allocating unit 403 adds a predetermined number of horizontal image data to the above-described segmented area and the image data 1101 for aggregation of the front surface. A booklet to be created can also be bound to the left by assigning them in the counterclockwise order starting from the fourth row segmented area 1101c in the left column.

  That is, when the aggregation display receiving unit 402 receives the selection of the “left binding” key 607a among the folding aggregation conditions, the image allocation unit 403, as shown in FIG. In the right column of the data 1401, the fourth row from the top row 1401 a, the right row of the front-side aggregation image data 1401, the first row division region 1401 b, the right row of the back-side aggregation image data 1402 The first row of the segmented area 1402a passes through the fourth row of the segmented area 1402b in the right column of the back-side aggregation image data 1402 and the fourth column of the left column of the front-side aggregation image data 1401. A predetermined number of horizontally oriented image data is placed in the partitioned areas up to the partitioned area 1401c, and the counterclockwise order starting from the fourth-stage partitioned area 1401a in the right column of the image data for aggregation 1401 on the surface. In allocating each. When the image assigning unit 403 assigns predetermined image data to the front-side aggregation image data 1401 or the back-side aggregation image data 1402, the front-side aggregation image data 1401 or The top position (upper position) of the image data is assigned to the top position (upper position) of the image data 1402 for aggregation on the back side. In the case of the counterclockwise order, the image assigning unit 403 collects the first image data in the fourth-stage segmented area 1401a in the left column of the surface aggregation image data 1401. The tenth image data is allocated to the fourth row segment area 1401c in the left column of the image data 1401 for use. The subsequent processing is the same. When a sheet as shown in FIG. 14 is cut, mountain-folded or valley-folded according to the drawn line, a left-bound booklet can be easily created.

  Further, in the above description, the image allocation unit 403 has a predetermined number of horizontal image data in the above-described segmented region, and the fourth column segmented region 1401a in the right column of the surface aggregation image data 1401 is the starting point. The booklet to be created is left-bound by assigning them in the counterclockwise order, but other methods may be used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the image allocating unit 403 applies a predetermined number of vertically oriented image data to the above-described segmented region, and the fourth segmented region in the left column of the surface aggregation image data 1101. When allocating the image data in the clockwise order starting from 1101a, the image allocating means 403 reverses the celestial position (upper position) of the image data to be allocated, thereby obtaining the celestial position (upper position) of the image data. The booklet to be created can be bound to the left even when the image data for aggregation 1101 on the front surface or the image data for aggregation 1102 on the back side is aligned with the ground position (lower position).

  Further, the image allocating means 403 described above is configured to divide the vertically oriented paper into upper and lower four columns and two left and right columns, and to allocate horizontal image data to the divided divided areas. With this configuration, it is possible to consolidate a predetermined number of reduced image data onto a sheet by reducing it to one-eighth of the original size without changing the aspect ratio of the original size of the image data. It becomes. Here, when the aspect ratio of the original size of the image data may be slightly changed or the original size may be reduced to less than 1/8, the image allocating unit 403 may change the landscape paper to It is also possible to divide the image into four upper and lower columns and two left and right columns, and to allocate vertical image data to the divided divided areas. The orientation of the paper for duplex printing and the orientation of the image data to be aggregated are appropriately changed according to the type and number of the image data. The design of the direction key 606 of the above-described folding aggregation screen 603 is the same. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the above-described effect, that is, the effect of increasing the maximum number of image data to be aggregated.

<Others>
By the way, when the user selects the cancel key while looking at the folding aggregation screen, the aggregation display accepting unit 402 accepts the selection of the cancel key (FIG. 5: S110 YES), and notifies the display accepting unit 401 to that effect. Notice. Receiving the notification, the display receiving unit 401 displays the above-described initial screen on the touch panel 201. As a result, the user can execute a normal copy service.

<About other embodiments of the present invention>
In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the image allocating unit 403 aggregates the maximum number of vertically oriented image data of 10 has been described, but the number of vertically oriented image data may be further increased. When the number of image data is further increased, the maximum increase number is “4”, and the added image data is assigned in the form added when the booklet is made (inserted form). Hereinafter, the added image data is referred to as insertion image data.

  For example, the aggregated display accepting unit 402 accepts selection of the “10” key 605c, the “vertical” key 606a, and the “left binding” key 607a from the user, and a predetermined number of image data equal to or less than “10”. When the selection is received, the number key for selecting the number of image data for insertion (for example, “insert 4” key), the file key for selecting the image data for insertion, Is displayed. When the user selects the “insert 4” key, selects a predetermined number of image data for insertion below “4” by selecting the file key, and selects the start key 610, the image The allocating unit 403 starts allocating 10 image data and allocating 4 image data for insertion.

  In this case, the image allocation means 403 aligns the top position (upper position) of the image data with the top position (upper position) of the front-side aggregation image data 1501 or the back-side aggregation image data 1502, As shown in FIG. 15, the division area 1501 a in the fourth column from the left in the lower stage of the front-side aggregation image data 1501, the division area 1502 a in the first row in the lower stage of the aggregation image data 1502 on the back surface, The top row image data 1502 passes through the first row segmented region 1502b, and the front row image data 1501 passes through the first row segmented region 1501b and passes through the front row image data 1501. A predetermined number of vertically oriented image data (A 1st image data to Ath 10th image data) is aggregated in the divided areas up to the divided area 1501c in the third row in the lower row. Allocated respectively counterclockwise order as lower the origin and the fourth column of the partitioned region 1501a of the image data 1501. Further, the image assigning means 403 is divided by two dividing lines 1503 and 1504 for dividing the upper and lower two stages of the front-side aggregation image data 1501 and the upper and lower two stages of the back-side aggregation image data 1502 respectively. The image data from the A3rd image data to the A7th image data are inverted in the vertical direction. The processing up to this point is the same as that in the above-described embodiment in which the maximum number of 10 pieces of vertically oriented image data are collected.

  Further, the image allocating means 403 starts from the second row segmented area 1502c at the lower stage of the back-side aggregation image data 1502, and the third column segment area 1502d at the lower stage of the back-side aggregation image data 1502. A predetermined number of sections are provided in the upper area of the back-side aggregation image data 1502 through the second column of the segmented area 1502e and in the upper area of the back-side aggregation image data 1502 up to the second column of the segmented area 1502f. Vertical image data (B 1st image data to B 4th image data) are arranged in the counterclockwise order starting from the second column segment area 1502c at the lower stage of the back-side aggregation image data 1502. Assign each. Then, the image assigning means 403 classifies the predetermined number of assigned vertical image data (B 1st image data to B 4th image data) into two upper and lower stages of the back side aggregation image data 1502. Are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction via a dividing line 1504. That is, the image assigning means 403 inverts the B3rd image data and the B4th image data in the vertical direction, and sets the top positions of the B3rd image data and the B4th image data. The first B image data and the second B image data are arranged to face each other via the dividing line 1504. The back-side aggregation image data 1502 and the front-side aggregation image data 1501 having the image data arranged in this way are respectively printed on the back side and the front side of the paper, as in the above-described embodiment.

  This makes it possible to print 8 vertical image data on the front side of the paper and 6 vertical image data on the back side of the paper, so the maximum number of vertical image data to be consolidated Can be increased by 6 compared to the conventional maximum number (8). If a sheet on which both sides of a predetermined number of vertical image data are printed is cut according to a predetermined line and folded, a booklet in which all the image data are all in the same direction can be easily created.

  For example, when the user cuts, folds, or folds the double-sided printed paper according to the drawn lines (cut line, mountain fold line, valley fold line), the paper is shown in FIG. As shown, a 14-page right-bound booklet is completed. The added image data for insertion is inserted between the A second image data (second page image data) and the A third image data (third page image data). By opening the second page and the third page to the left and right, it is possible to visually recognize from the B-th image data for insertion to the B-fourth image data for insertion in a spread state.

  In the above description, the left binding has been described. However, for the right binding, the image allocating unit 403 converts a predetermined number of pieces of vertical image data (A 1st image data to Ath 10th image data) In the lower stage of the image data for aggregation 1501 on the front surface, the predetermined areas 1501c, 1501b, 1502b, 1502a, and 1501a are allocated in the clockwise order starting from the third area 1501c. Further, the image allocation means 403 converts the image data for insertion (the first B image data to the fourth B image data) into the second column segment area 1502f in the upper stage of the back side aggregation image data. Is assigned to each of the predetermined insertion section areas 1502f, 1502e, 1502d, and 1502c in the clockwise order, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the other embodiments described above, in the case of left binding, image data of predetermined divided areas 1501a, 1502a, 1502b, 1501b, and 1501c of 10 pages is left-bound, and a divided area 1502c for insertion of 4 pages is used. The insertion image data 1502d, 1502e, and 1502f are left-bound, but the insertion image data may be right-bound according to the type of the insertion image data, the user's selection, and the like. Similarly, in the case of right binding, the image data of predetermined divided areas 1501c, 1501b, 1502b, 1502a, and 1501a on page 10 is set as right binding in accordance with the type of image data for insertion and the user's selection. The image data for insertion in the divided areas 1502f, 1502e, 1502d, and 1502c for insertion on page 4 may be right-bound.

  In the other embodiments described above, as in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the image allocating means 403 divides the landscape paper into two columns, upper and lower, and four columns on the left and right. The image data for the orientation is assigned, and the image data for the portrait orientation is assigned to the partition area for insertion. Here, when the aspect ratio of the original size of the image data may be slightly changed or the original size may be reduced to less than 1/8, the image allocating unit 403 sets the portrait-oriented paper. Alternatively, the image data may be divided into upper and lower two stages and left and right four columns, and the horizontal image data may be assigned to the divided divided areas. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the above-described effect, that is, the effect of increasing the maximum number of image data to be aggregated.

  Further, the double-sided printing unit 407 according to the embodiment of the present invention employs a configuration in which the front-side aggregation image data and the back-side aggregation image data are respectively printed on the front and back sides of the paper. The double-sided printing unit 407 may output a document describing the folding method or a printed matter showing an illustration.

  The line drawing means 406 according to the embodiment of the present invention draws a mountain fold line as an alternate long and short dash line, a valley fold line as a broken line, and a cut line as a solid line. Alternatively, the character and the line may be combined.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the line drawing unit 406 for drawing a predetermined line on the paper to be printed on both sides is provided. However, even if the line is not present, there is no particular problem. It may be omitted (corresponding to the broken line arrow shown in FIG. 4).

  Further, the aggregated display receiving unit 402 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to allow the user to select the image data stored in the document box as the image data for folding aggregation, but other configurations may be used. For example, when the collective display accepting unit 402 receives selection of a “document reading” key from the user, the document placed on the document table 101 (or the automatic document feeder 103a) by the user on the image reading unit (not shown). The image data may be read and the image data may be used as image data for folding and aggregation.

  In addition, the aggregation display reception unit 402 according to the embodiment of the present invention previews image data for aggregation that is aggregated when a specific folding aggregation condition is received (for example, FIGS. 7, 10, 11, and 14). The example of the foldable aggregate printing pattern shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed in advance to the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the user selects the “4” key 605a or the “8” key 605b corresponding to the prior art has not been specifically described. ”Key 605a or“ 8 ”key 605b is selected as follows.

  That is, when the “4” key 605a, the “portrait” key 606a, and the “right binding” key 607b are selected, as shown in FIG. The image data is divided into columns, and the four divided area data 1701 (horizontal image data for aggregation) are divided into four vertical image data (first image data to 4th image data) is assigned in the clockwise order starting from the lower right segment area 1701a. Then, the four assigned image data are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction via a dividing line 1702 that divides the left and right columns. As a result, the four vertically oriented image data are collected and bent according to a predetermined line, thereby creating a right-bound booklet of four pages. When the “landscape” key 606b is selected, as shown in FIG. 17A2, the four image data (first image data to fourth image data) allocated as described above are displayed. These are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction via a dividing line 1703 that divides the upper and lower two stages. When the “left binding” key 607a is selected, for example, the above-described four image data are allocated in the counterclockwise order.

  When the "8" key 605b, the "vertical direction" key 606a, and the "left binding" key 607a are selected, as shown in FIG. The eight partitioned areas 1704 (horizontal image data to be grouped) are divided into columns, and eight vertically oriented image data (the fourth column from the left in the lower row is used as the first image data). (First image data to eighth image data) are allocated in the counterclockwise order. Then, the eight allocated image data are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction via a dividing line 1705 that divides the upper and lower two stages. As a result, the eight vertically oriented image data are aggregated, cut according to a predetermined line, and folded to create a left-bound booklet of eight pages. When the “landscape” key 606b is selected, as shown in FIG. 17B2, eight image data (first image data to eighth image data) allocated as described above are displayed. These are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction via a dividing line 1706 for dividing the first and second columns and a dividing line 1707 for dividing the third and fourth columns. Further, when the “right binding” key 607b is selected, for example, the above-described eight image data are allocated in the clockwise order.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, each unit is configured to be provided in the multi-function peripheral 100. However, any unit may be used as long as it is an image forming apparatus capable of duplex printing. It doesn't matter.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In the configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals, but also for copying machines, printers, and the like. This is effective as an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of outputting many printed materials for booklets.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 401 Display reception means 402 Aggregate display reception means 403 Image allocation means 404 Image data storage means 405 Opposing arrangement means 406 Line drawing means 407 Double-side printing means

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that prints aggregation image data obtained by aggregating a predetermined number of image data on one sheet of paper,
When the image data for aggregation of the front surface printed on the front surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation of the back surface printed on the back surface of the paper are arranged on the left and right sides, divided into upper and lower two rows and four columns on the left and right sides, From the fourth row from the left in the lower row of the image data for aggregation, the first row in the lower row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the first column in the upper row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface A predetermined number of divided areas of eyes, divided areas in the first row at the upper stage of the image data for aggregation of the surface, and divided areas of the image data for aggregation of the surface to the divided area of the third column in the lower stage of the surface The image data is rotated counterclockwise starting from the fourth row segmented area at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data, or from the third column segmented area at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data. Image assigning means for assigning them in the clockwise order;
The predetermined number of assigned image data is opposed to each other in the vertical direction through two dividing lines that respectively divide the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. Opposing arrangement means to arrange;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a double-sided printing unit that prints the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the image data for aggregation on the back surface on the front surface and the back surface of the paper, respectively. Further, the image allocating means includes a second row of divided areas in the lower row of the back-side aggregation image data, a third row of divided areas in the lower row of the back-side aggregation image data, and A predetermined number of pieces of image data are passed through the third row segmented area in the upper part of the image data, and the upper part of the image data for aggregation on the back side is divided into the second column of the aggregated area. In the lower part of the image data, the counter area is assigned in the counterclockwise direction starting from the second row of segmented areas, or in the clockwise order starting from the second column of the aggregated image data on the back side, starting from the second column of segmented areas.
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the opposed arrangement unit arranges a predetermined number of assigned image data in the vertical direction through dividing lines that divide the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that prints aggregation image data obtained by aggregating a predetermined number of image data on one sheet of paper,
When the image data for aggregation on the back surface printed on the back surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation on the front surface printed on the front surface of the paper are arranged on the left and right sides, divided into four columns on the upper and lower sides, and the front surface From the fourth row from the top in the left column of the image data for aggregation, the fourth row from the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface The first-stage segmented area, the right column of the surface aggregation image data passes through the first-stage segmented area, and the right column of the surface aggregation image data segments to the fourth-stage segmented area. A predetermined number of image data in the area is rotated clockwise starting from the fourth row segmented area in the left column of the surface aggregation image data, or the fourth column in the right column of the surface aggregation image data. Image allocating means for allocating in the counterclockwise order starting from the segmented area of
The predetermined number of assigned image data are classified into the first and second stages of the front-side aggregation image data, the third and fourth stages, and the first stage of the rear-side aggregation image data. Opposing arrangement means for arranging the second stage, the third stage, and the fourth stage to face each other in the vertical direction through four dividing lines that divide each of the fourth stage and the fourth stage,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a double-sided printing unit that prints the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the image data for aggregation on the back surface on the front surface and the back surface of the paper, respectively. In an image forming method for printing image data for aggregation in which a predetermined number of image data is aggregated on one sheet,
When the image data for aggregation of the front surface printed on the front surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation of the back surface printed on the back surface of the paper are arranged on the left and right sides, divided into upper and lower two rows and four columns on the left and right sides, From the fourth row from the left in the lower row of the image data for aggregation, the first row in the lower row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the first column in the upper row of the image data for aggregation on the back surface A predetermined number of divided areas of eyes, divided areas in the first row at the upper stage of the image data for aggregation of the surface, and divided areas of the image data for aggregation of the surface to the divided area of the third column in the lower stage of the surface The image data is rotated counterclockwise starting from the fourth row segmented area at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data, or from the third column segmented area at the lower stage of the surface aggregation image data. Image assignment step to assign each in clockwise order ,
The predetermined number of assigned image data is opposed to each other in the vertical direction through two dividing lines that respectively divide the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the upper and lower two levels of the image data for aggregation on the back surface. An opposing placement step to place;
An image forming method comprising: a double-sided printing step for printing the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the image data for aggregation on the back surface on the front surface and the back surface of the paper, respectively. In an image forming method for printing image data for aggregation in which a predetermined number of image data is aggregated on one sheet,
When the image data for aggregation on the back surface printed on the back surface of the paper and the image data for aggregation on the front surface printed on the front surface of the paper are arranged on the left and right sides, divided into four columns on the upper and lower sides, and the front surface From the fourth row from the top in the left column of the image data for aggregation, the fourth row from the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface, and the right column of the image data for aggregation on the back surface The first-stage segmented area, the right column of the surface aggregation image data passes through the first-stage segmented area, and the right column of the surface aggregation image data segments to the fourth-stage segmented area. A predetermined number of image data in the area is rotated clockwise starting from the fourth row segmented area in the left column of the surface aggregation image data, or the fourth column in the right column of the surface aggregation image data. Image allocation step for allocating in the counterclockwise order starting with ,
The predetermined number of assigned image data are classified into the first and second stages of the front-side aggregation image data, the third and fourth stages, and the first stage of the rear-side aggregation image data. Opposing arrangement steps of arranging the second stage, the third stage, and the fourth stage, respectively, in opposition to each other in the vertical direction via four dividing lines, respectively.
An image forming method comprising: a double-sided printing step for printing the image data for aggregation on the front surface and the image data for aggregation on the back surface on the front surface and the back surface of the paper, respectively. A program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 4 or 5 . A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 6 .

Images