Printing condition setting method and image forming device

Abstract

In a case of printing documents having a plurality of pages (documents number c) on output sheets so as not to exceed a limited output sheets number a, the limited output sheets number a and an output copies number b are set (S1 and S2), and the documents number c is confirmed in reading the documents (S4). When the limited output sheets number a, the output copies number b, and the documents number c are recognized, a print document pages number d which is a number of original images that should be printed on each output sheet is set in accordance with the foregoing values (S5). When the print document pages number d is set, an output mode which allows the documents to be printed in accordance with the print document pages number d is set (S6), so that a printing operation is carried out (S7). Further, in S1, each of allowable amounts of sheets stored in (i) sheet feeding means, (ii) delivery means, and (iii) post-processing means may be recognized as the limited output sheets number a. Thus, in a case of outputting image data corresponding to the plural pages on the output sheets so as not to exceed the output sheets number less than the number of document pages, it is possible to reduce operations that the user has to perform in setting a printing condition.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to (i) a printing condition setting method for setting a condition under which an image forming device, such as a copying machine and a printer, outputs a less number of print sheets in printing image data (forming images), corresponding to plural pages, on output sheets (printing medium), and to (ii) an image forming device using the printing condition setting method. For example, the present invention can be preferably used in a case where a predetermined number of sheets are printed.[0002] Conventionally, a user requires that an image forming device such as a copying machine and a printer reduce the number of output sheets. In a case of reducing the number of output sheets in performing a printing operation, it is general to select one from two output modes: (i) a double-side printing output mode for printing both front and back sides and (b) a 2-in-1 or 4-in-1 output mode for downsizing image data so that the image data, corresponding to plur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a printing condition setting method and an image forming device that can reduce the number of steps required to set the printing conditions for outputting image data. This is particularly useful when the user needs to set the printing conditions for multiple pages of image data that will be printed on output sheets. The method includes steps of confirming the required number of print sheets and the number of output sheets, calculating the number of original images that should be printed on each output sheet, and setting one or more printing conditions to allow the original images to be printed without exceeding the number of output sheets. This method can be applied to both copying and printing operations of the image forming device. Additionally, the invention provides a printing condition setting method that allows the user to select the printing conditions based on their desired output sheets number. This reduces the effort required to set the printing conditions and ensures that the user's desired output sheets number is met.

Problems solved by technology

In the stapling process, several numbers of output sheets are stapled, so that some kinds of arrangements and stapling pins of the stapling device cannot staple the output sheets whose amount exceeds a predetermined number.

Here, as to a conventional image forming device having a general arrangement, in a case of printing the image data corresponding to plural pages so as not to exceed a predetermined number of output sheets whose amount is less than the plural pages, it is necessary to set "which function is to be used" after calculating the number of pages of image data which should be printed on each output sheet so as to set an appropriate printing condition, so that this brings about such a problem that the user is required to perform troublesome operations.

Further, in a case of printing the image data of documents whose amount is so large onto the output sheets, the user has to begin by counting the number of documents, so that the user has to perform more troublesome operations.

However, these techniques bring about the following problems, so that effects thereof are still insufficient.

For example, in the technique (1), in printing the image data of documents whose amount is so large at all once, the number of output sheets may be limited depending on a condition of the copying machine, so that the user has to confirm the limit each time, thereby bringing about such a problem that operations are troublesome.

However, for example, when an amount of output sheets remaining in a feeding tray of the copying machine and an amount of remaining output sheets that can be delivered to a delivery tray are the limit of the number of output sheets, the user has to confirm the limit.

Thus, when the number of documents is more than twice of the standard number of the stapling process, this brings about such a problem that it is substantially impossible to use the stapling process.

Further, when the number of documents is within twice of the standard number of the stapling process, only the double-side printing can be performed, so that this arrangement does not satisfies the requirement of the user.

Thus, the user has to confirm whether it is possible to perform the stapling process or not each time, so that this brings about such a problem that operations are troublesome.

Further, the foregoing problems are brought about not only in the copying machine but also in a printer which performs printing operation in response to data received from a computer.

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