Image printing method, image forming device and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of image forming, and particularly provides an image printing method, image forming equipment and a computer program product. The method applied to the image forming equipment comprises the following steps: acquiring a to-be-printed image and image repetition parameters corresponding to the to-be-printed image, wherein the image repetition parameters at least comprise a target repetition number and a target zoom ratio; determining the repeated size of the to-be-printed image based on the original size of the to-be-printed image and the target scaling ratio; based on the repetition size and the target repetition number, the printing size corresponding to the target printing page is determined, and the target printing page at least comprises the to-be-printed images of the target repetition number. By automatically selecting the most suitable paper size as the printing size corresponding to the target printing page, the target repetition number of zoomed to-be-printed images can be completely displayed on the same side of the copy paper, large blank can be avoided, the user cost is reduced, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application discloses information in the field of image forming technology, and in particular provides an image printing method, an image forming apparatus, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Cloning refers to printing multiple identical copies of the original document onto the same sheet of copy paper. The process involves scanning the original document to obtain an image, then "cloning" that image to create multiple copies. These copies are then printed on the same side of a single sheet of copy paper according to a user-defined layout. Users can choose to maintain the original image size or scale it appropriately to achieve the desired result of displaying several identical original images on a single sheet of paper.

[0003] However, cloning currently suffers from paper incompatibility issues. Users must manually specify the paper tray to initiate a job, which carries the risk of paper mismatch. Manual selection is prone to errors; for example, selecting a larger paper size leads to unnecessary waste and increased user costs, while selecting a smaller paper size results in image loss, reducing printing efficiency and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application is made in view of the above-mentioned problems. This application discloses an image printing method, an image forming apparatus, and a computer program product to solve the problem of paper incompatibility in common image printing methods.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, an image printing method is provided, applied to an image forming apparatus. The method includes: acquiring an image to be printed and image repetition parameters corresponding to the image to be printed, wherein the image repetition parameters include at least: a target repetition number and a target scaling ratio; determining the repetition size of the image to be printed based on the original size of the image to be printed and the target scaling ratio; and determining the printing size corresponding to a target printing page based on the repetition size and the target repetition number, wherein the target printing page includes at least the image to be printed with the target repetition number.

[0006] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, the method further includes: determining whether the image forming device is in paper-saving mode before determining the repeating size of the image to be printed based on the original size and target scaling ratio of the image to be printed.

[0007] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, if the paper-saving mode is enabled, it is determined whether the images to be printed can be printed in a combined manner. Combined printing means arranging a first target number of first images to be printed and at least one second image to be printed together on a first target printing page, with the second image to be printed being the next image to be printed after the first image. If the paper-saving mode is not enabled and there are multiple images to be printed, each of the multiple images to be printed is printed separately. Separate printing means that the first target number of first images to be printed is arranged on the first target printing page, and the second target number of second images to be printed is arranged on the second target printing page, with the second target printing page being the next target printing page after the first target printing page. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, determining whether the images to be printed can be merged for printing includes: after determining the first print size corresponding to the first target print page based on the first repeat size and the first target repeat number of the first image to be printed, determining whether there is a blank area in the first target print page; if there is, determining whether the second image to be printed can be merged with the first image to be printed based on the size of the blank area and the second repeat size of the second image to be printed; if there is no blank area, printing each of the multiple images to be printed separately.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, determining whether a second image to be printed can be merged with a first image to be printed based on the size of the blank area and a second repeating size includes: determining a second actual repeating number of the second images to be printed that can be arranged in the blank area based on the size of the blank area and the second repeating size, wherein the second actual repeating number is a positive integer less than or equal to a second target repeating number; if the second actual repeating number is greater than or equal to 1, then they can be merged for printing; if the second actual repeating number is less than 1, then each of the plurality of images to be printed is printed separately.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, printing each of a plurality of images to be printed individually includes: after determining a first print size corresponding to a first target print page based on a first repeating size and a first target repeating number, determining a second print size corresponding to a second target print page based on a second repeating size and a second target repeating number, printing the first target print page based on the first print size, and printing the second target print page based on the second print size.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, the method further includes: when the image repetition parameter is updated, redetermining the updated print size corresponding to the target print page based on the updated image repetition parameter.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the image printing method disclosed in this application, the method further includes: when it is possible to merge prints, redetermining the updated size of the blank area based on the updated image repetition parameters and / or the updated print size, and redetermining the second actual repetition number of the second image to be printed that the blank area can be arranged.

[0012] According to another aspect disclosed in this application, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable instructions; and a processor for executing the computer-readable instructions, causing the image forming apparatus to perform the image printing method as described above.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the image printing method as described above.

[0014] As will be described in detail below, the image printing method according to the embodiments disclosed in this application automatically selects the most suitable paper size as the printing size corresponding to the target printing page, so as to achieve the goal of fully displaying the scaled printed image of the target number of repetitions on the same side of the copy paper, while eliminating large blank areas, thereby saving paper, reducing user costs, and improving user experience.

[0015] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the claimed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments disclosed herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a common image printing method.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an image printing method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for automatically determining a cardboard box according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a method for merging and printing according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined printing according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an overall flowchart illustrating an image printing method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a panel according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of image repetition parameters according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a hardware block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an embodiment disclosed in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments disclosed in this application, and not all of the embodiments disclosed in this application. It should be understood that the content of this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0028] Currently, in the field of image forming, many image forming devices can support cloning and copying. For example... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a common image printing method. As mentioned above, the main problem with common image printing methods is paper incompatibility.

[0029] Image forming equipment is a device having at least one function related to image forming. These functions may include, but are not limited to, printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. For example: a single-function printer: an image forming device with only printing capabilities; a multifunction printer: an image forming device with printing, copying, scanning, and / or faxing capabilities, and the option to selectively set the number of paper trays; a digital multifunction printer: based on copying capabilities, with standard or optional printing, scanning, and faxing functions, using digital principles and laser printing for document output, allowing for image and text editing as needed, possessing a large-capacity paper tray, high memory, large hard drive, strong network support, and multitasking capabilities.

[0030] Specifically, in common cloning and copying technologies, users need to specify the scaling ratio and manually specify the paper tray (i.e., the paper size) before initiating a job. However, users are often unclear about the scaling ratio of the original image and how many copies are needed to match the specified paper size, resulting in waste or missing copies.

[0031] In some embodiments, it may be as follows Figure 1 As shown in (A), a user scales an A3 original to 35% and needs to clone it four times. This means the actual scaled original size is A6, and four A6 images can be perfectly displayed on an A4 sheet. However, current image printing methods require users to manually specify the paper tray, which users are not familiar with and may choose an excessively large paper size (e.g., A3). This results in large blank areas on the printed copy, wasting paper and increasing user costs.

[0032] In other embodiments, it may also be as follows: Figure 1 As shown in (B), the user scales an A3 original to 35% and needs to clone 9 copies. The actual size of the scaled original is A6. At this point, the user needs to specify A2 paper to accommodate 9 A6-sized originals. However, since the user is not proficient in this, they may choose a paper size that is too small (such as A3), resulting in the image not being fully displayed or having missing parts, thus reducing printing efficiency.

[0033] In addition, common image printing methods also have the following problems: 1. Fixed number of clones: In common cloning and copying techniques, the number of clones needs to be specified on the print panel, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (C), the existing number of clones is fixed and cannot be flexibly set according to the user's actual needs. For example, the 2×2 mode means cloning 4 original copies, 3×3 means cloning 9 original copies, and so on. When a user wants to clone 5 originals, the clone number needs to be set to 3×3, which means that 9 original copies are actually printed. This not only fails to meet the user's actual needs but also wastes consumables (4 extra original copies are printed).

[0034] 2. Does not support merged printing: When a user clones and copies more than one original document, for example... Figure 1 As shown in (D), R and B represent different originals. Even if the number of clones of the previous original R is small (only 2) and does not cover the entire sheet of copy paper, the next original B will still be copied onto a new sheet of copy paper. In fact, these two originals can be completely presented on the same sheet of copy paper. The existing method that only supports printing separately (i.e., printing two different originals on the same sheet of paper) results in paper waste and increases user costs.

[0035] To address the aforementioned problems, this application discloses an image printing method, specifically... Figures 2-6 Further detailed description will be provided in [the following text].

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an image printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the image printing method of the present application disclosed in the embodiment of the image forming apparatus (e.g., a printer) may include at least the following steps.

[0037] In step S201, the image to be printed and the image repetition parameters corresponding to the image to be printed are obtained. The image repetition parameters include at least the target repetition number and the target scaling ratio.

[0038] In some embodiments disclosed in this application, the target number of repetitions can be understood as the number of times the user wants to clone the original; the target scaling ratio can be understood as the scaling ratio the user wants to scale the original, generally between 0% and 100% (inclusive).

[0039] It should be noted that the image to be printed is the original document mentioned above. In some embodiments disclosed in this application, the image repetition parameters can be displayed to the user through the panel of the image forming device for selection and / or filling in. The parameters included may not be limited to the target repetition number and target scaling ratio mentioned above. The image repetition parameters corresponding to each original document can be set individually or uniformly. This application does not impose specific limitations, and all are within the protection scope disclosed in this application.

[0040] In step S202, the repeat size of the image to be printed is determined based on the original size of the image to be printed and the target scaling ratio.

[0041] In other words, once the image forming device obtains the image repetition parameters in step S201, it can start scanning the original document and scale the original document based on the original size and the target scaling ratio input by the user to obtain the scaled repetition size.

[0042] In one example embodiment disclosed in this application, after the user sets the image repetition parameters and initiates the job, the image forming device starts scanning the original document. The original document size is A3, the target scaling ratio is 35%, and the scaled repetition size is A6. Subsequently, adaptation calculations will be performed based on the repetition size A6.

[0043] In step S203, the print size corresponding to the target print page is determined based on the repeat size and the target repeat number, wherein the target print page includes at least the target repeat number of images to be printed.

[0044] To address the mismatch between paper size and original scaling ratio caused by users' lack of expertise, this step proposes an image printing method where the image forming device automatically determines the paper tray.

[0045] Specifically, the image forming device uses the repeat size determined in step S202 and the target repeat number input by the user in step S201 to perform adaptation calculations to obtain an adapted paper size (hereinafter referred to as the automatic size) as the print size corresponding to the target print page. This automatic size ensures that the scaled original with the target repeat number can be fully displayed on the same side of a copy paper, while also preventing large blank areas on that side. This saves paper, reduces user costs, and improves the user experience.

[0046] Understandably, automatic sizing is included in multiple standard sizes of the image forming equipment, and these standard sizes of paper are placed in the paper tray. In other words, the printer can select the most suitable paper tray from the existing paper trays 1-A4, 2-A3, 3-B3, etc. to perform the job.

[0047] It should be noted that in actual operation, there may be situations where standard-sized paper is not stored in the corresponding paper tray (for example, although the image forming equipment is equipped with both paper tray 1-A4 and paper tray 2-A3, the user has not purchased A3 paper and generally does not need it. To avoid paper tray waste, the user stores A4 paper in both paper tray 1-A4 and paper tray 2-A3). Therefore, the selection of paper trays here is not based on the size of the paper tray itself, but on the actual size of the paper currently stored in each paper tray. That is, the image forming equipment can determine which paper trays contain automatic-sized paper and then determine which paper tray to select for the operation (e.g., paper feeding).

[0048] Specifically, the method for automatically determining the paper tray using an image forming device can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for automatically determining a cardboard box according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the method for automatically determining the cardboard box according to the embodiments of this application can be as follows: In some embodiments disclosed in this application, the calculation method may be as follows: Figure 3As shown in (A), H0 represents the length of the scaled original, W0 represents the width of the scaled original, H1 represents the length of the candidate paper, and W1 represents the width of the paper. To ensure that the number of clones of the image to be printed is fully displayed on the same side of a single sheet of copy paper, W1 ≥ W0 × number of horizontal clones, H1 ≥ H0 × number of vertical clones, and the number of horizontal clones × number of vertical clones = number of clones. If multiple standard sheets of paper in different trays meet the above conditions, the smallest paper size is selected as the automatic size.

[0050] In other embodiments disclosed in this application, the calculation method may be as follows: Figure 3 As shown in (B), S0 represents the area of ​​the scaled-down original document, and S1 represents the area of ​​the candidate paper. The condition that S1 ≥ S0 × number of clones must be met is also true. Similarly, if the standard paper in multiple paper trays all meet the above conditions, the smallest paper size is selected as the automatic size.

[0051] Understandable, Figure 3 The method for automatically determining the cardboard box shown is merely exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the disclosure of this application.

[0052] It should be noted that, in order to resolve the issue of mismatch between paper size and original scaling ratio caused by users' lack of expertise in specifying parameters, in addition to the above... Figures 2-3 Besides the method described above that automatically matches a suitable paper tray based on the target scaling ratio, this problem can also be solved by automatically matching a suitable scaling ratio based on a specified target paper tray. In other words, the problem can be solved as long as the user does not simultaneously specify the paper size and the original document scaling ratio. Specifically, the method of automatically matching a suitable scaling ratio based on a specified target paper tray will be discussed in [the following section / section / etc.]. Figure 6 Detailed description is provided.

[0053] At this point, the paper mismatch issue has been resolved as follows: Figures 2-3 The described method for automatically determining the paper tray for image printing has been solved. However, often users have more than one image to print, and issues such as... Figure 1 To address the issue of only supporting individual printing (as shown in (D)), and to further save paper, reduce user costs, and improve user experience, this application discloses a method for printing images in combination. See details in [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 4-5 Further description.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for merging and printing according to an embodiment disclosed in this application. Figure 4 As shown, the image printing method for combined printing disclosed in this application may include the following steps.

[0055] In step S401, before determining the repeat size of the image to be printed based on the original size and target scaling ratio of the image to be printed, it is determined whether the image forming device is in paper-saving mode.

[0056] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, whether to enable the paper-saving mode can also be one of the image repetition parameters. That is, whether to enable the paper-saving mode can also be displayed to the user through the panel of the image forming device for the user to select. When the user has only one image to be printed, there is no need to enable the paper-saving mode (or rather, even if the paper-saving mode is enabled, it is useless); when the user has more than one image to be printed, he / she can choose to enable the paper-saving mode to perform merged printing, or he / she can choose to disable the paper-saving mode to perform individual printing.

[0057] In step S402, if the paper-saving mode is enabled, it is determined whether the images to be printed can be printed in a combined manner. Here, printing in a combined manner means arranging the first image to be printed with a first target number of repetitions and at least one second image to be printed together on the first target printing page. The second image to be printed is the next image to be printed after the first image to be printed. In step S403, if the paper-saving mode is not enabled and there are multiple images to be printed, then each of the multiple images to be printed is printed individually. Here, printing individually means that the first image to be printed with a first target repetition number is arranged on the first target printing page, and the second image to be printed with a second target repetition number is arranged on the second target printing page. The second target printing page is the next target printing page after the first target printing page.

[0058] When there are multiple images to be printed, they are distinguished by the designations of "first image to be printed," "second image to be printed," and so on. Similarly, when there are multiple images to be printed, there may be more than one copy of paper (i.e., the target print page), which is then distinguished by the designations of "first target print page," "second image to be printed," and so on.

[0059] When a user enables paper-saving mode, it means the user wants different images to be printed to be placed together as much as possible to avoid large blank areas on the target print page. However, whether or not they can be merged for printing requires further judgment. The specific judgment method will be combined with... Figure 5 Further description is required.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined printing according to an embodiment disclosed in this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method for determining whether printing can be merged may include the following steps.

[0061] 1) After determining the first print size corresponding to the first target print page based on the first repeating size and the first target repeating quantity, it is determined whether there is a blank area in the first target print page. Specifically, the user has two images to be printed, and both originals are A3 size. Assume the user sets the first target scaling ratio and the second target scaling ratio to both 35%, and the first target repeating quantity and the second repeating quantity to both be 3. The user then initiates the job. The image forming device begins to scan the two originals sequentially. Based on the first image to be printed being A3 size and the first target scaling ratio being 35%, the first repeating size is calculated to be A6. Then, based on the first repeating size A6 and the first target repeating quantity being 3, the automatic size of the first target print page is determined to be A4. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the outermost solid box represents the first target print page, which includes the first printable image R with a first target repetition number of 3. Even though the first target print page is already automatically sized, there is still a blank area as shown in the dashed box (i.e., the blank area size is A6).

[0062] 2) If present, determine whether the second image to be printed can be merged with the first image to be printed based on the size of the blank area and the second repeat size. Specifically, the second actual repeat number of the second image to be printed B that can be arranged in the blank area can be determined based on the size of the blank area and the second repeat size, wherein the second actual repeat number is a positive integer less than or equal to the second target repeat number; if the second actual repeat number is greater than or equal to 1, they can be merged for printing; if the second actual repeat number is less than 1, each of the multiple images to be printed is printed separately.

[0063] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, Figure 5 (B) in the diagram shows a first target print page corresponding to a merged print. That is, based on the printer's blank area size of A5 and the second repeat size of the compressed second printable image B of A6, it is determined that the blank area can vertically accommodate one compressed second printable image B.

[0064] In another embodiment disclosed in this application, Figure 5 (C) in the diagram shows the first target print page for another type of merged printing. It is understandable that... Figure 5 The size of the second image B to be printed after compression (C) is smaller than Figure 5 The compressed second image B to be printed (e.g., the second target scaling ratio is 25%, and the parameters of the remaining images remain unchanged) is, in other words, Figure 5If the compressed second image B to be printed (C) is still arranged vertically, the blank area cannot accommodate it. The second image B to be printed needs to be continued to the next second target print page for separate printing. However, in order to further save paper, the printer can also calculate whether the compressed second image B to be printed can be accommodated by the blank area after being rotated. If so, the printer can automatically arrange it horizontally to achieve merged printing. That is to say, although the number of second target repetitions of the second image B to be printed is still 3, the blank area of ​​the first target print page can only hold 2 second images B to be printed that have been scaled by 25%, so there is another second image B to be printed that has been scaled by 25% placed in the second target print page.

[0065] However, if the blank area cannot accommodate at least one compressed second image B to be printed, regardless of whether the images are arranged horizontally or vertically, then merging and printing cannot be performed; instead, individual printing is executed. Individual printing means that after determining the first print size corresponding to the first target print page based on the first repeating size and the first target repeating quantity, the second print size corresponding to the second target print page is determined based on the second repeating size and the second target repeating quantity, and so on. The printer will print the target print pages according to the print specifications formed in this way, printing the first target print page on a print medium with the first print size and the second target print page on a print medium with the second print size.

[0066] In another embodiment disclosed in this application, for example, if the second target scaling ratio is 80% and the other image repetition parameters remain unchanged, it exceeds the size of the blank area A5 of the first target print page, so it cannot be merged for printing. According to the calculation, the automatic size of the first target print page is A4, which includes two first images R to be printed with a scaling ratio of 35%, and the automatic size of the second target print page is A3, which includes two second images B to be printed with a scaling ratio of 80%.

[0067] If it does not exist, then each of the multiple images to be printed will be printed separately. Figure 6 This is an overall flowchart illustrating an image printing method according to an embodiment disclosed in this application. Figure 6 As shown, the overall process of the image printing method disclosed in this application may include at least the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the image to be printed and the image repetition parameters, and initiate cloning copying. As mentioned above, the user can input one or more of the image repetition parameters through the panel of the image forming device, as follows: In one embodiment disclosed in this application, the printer panel can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a panel according to an embodiment of the present application. In one example embodiment disclosed in this application, the user can... Figure 7 In step (A), input the image repetition parameters mentioned above. Specifically, select the clone copy template, and then select and / or fill in parameters such as the number of clones (i.e., the target number of repetitions), the paper size, the printing mode (i.e., whether to enable paper-saving mode), and the scaling ratio (i.e., the target scaling ratio). In other words, by providing users with one or more settings for image repetition parameters, the printer facilitates precise control over clone copying, ensuring printing efficiency and accuracy while saving consumables and paper, reducing user costs, and improving the user experience.

[0068] Specifically, the number of clones addresses the issue of a fixed number of clones in existing solutions (i.e., ... Figure 1 The problem shown in (C) can support multiple input methods: Method 1: Slide to select. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (B) of this application, in an example embodiment disclosed in this application, a set of matrix selection boxes (e.g., 16) for setting the number of clones is provided on the panel. Users can slide to select according to their actual needs, such as selecting 5 of them (gray represents selected).

[0069] It should be noted that Method 1 not only allows for flexible configuration of the number of clones, but also allows for flexible configuration of the target arrangement. That is, when the user slides from 1 to 5, it means that the user needs to clone 5 originals, and the arrangement is divided into two rows. The first row has 4 originals, and the second row has 1 original, and the originals in the second row are aligned with the leftmost original in the first row.

[0070] Method 2: Click to select. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (C) in this application, in some example embodiments disclosed in this application, a set of matrix selection boxes (e.g., 16) are provided on the panel for setting the number of clones. Users can click to select according to their actual needs. For example, if a user wants to clone and copy 3×3, they only need to click on rectangle number 9.

[0071] It should be noted that Method 2 not only allows for flexible configuration of the number of clones, but also allows for flexible configuration of the target arrangement.

[0072] Method 3: Input via input box. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (D) in this application, in some example embodiments disclosed herein, an input box is provided on the panel for users to input numbers, which users can manually input as needed.

[0073] Understandably, Method 3 only allows for flexible configuration of the number of clones, without specifying the target arrangement. The printer will automatically calculate the optimal arrangement based on the number of clones entered by the user.

[0074] Furthermore, in one embodiment disclosed in this application, the printing paper may include: a preset size (e.g., designated paper tray 1A4, designated paper tray 2A3, designated paper tray 3B3...) and an automatic size (i.e., ... Figures 2-3 The most suitable paper tray calculated by the printer itself (as shown in the example embodiment disclosed in this application) can be displayed to the user for selection through a drop-down menu or similar means.

[0075] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, the printing mode may include a paper-saving mode and a normal mode, wherein the normal mode is the paper-saving mode turned off.

[0076] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, the scaling ratio can be displayed to the user via an input box and / or drop-down menu for input. It should be noted that the above implementations are merely exemplary and do not constitute a limitation.

[0077] Step S2: Determine if it is in paper-saving mode, or in other words, determine if paper-saving mode is enabled. If it is not in paper-saving mode, that is, the user does not expect combined printing, then print separately, i.e., proceed to the next step S3a; if it is in paper-saving mode, that is, the user expects combined printing, then proceed to step S3b, and it is necessary to further determine whether the conditions for combined printing are met.

[0078] Step S3a: Determine whether it is a preset size or an automatic size. A preset size can be understood as the user-specified paper tray size (i.e., the size of the copy paper), while an automatic size is the most suitable paper tray size calculated by the printer.

[0079] Step S4a: When automatic scaling is enabled, determine the print size corresponding to the target print page, at least based on the target scaling ratio. This step can be understood as steps S202 and S203 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] Step S4b: When the paper size is preset, determine the scaling ratio and the corresponding print size of the target print page, based at least on the preset size. It is understood that this step also specifically addresses the paper mismatch issue in existing solutions. In this case, the user does not need to input the target scaling ratio; the printer will calculate a suitable scaling ratio based on the preset size, the initial size of one or more images to be printed, the target repetition count, and / or the target arrangement, to better adapt to the preset size and avoid situations where the user-specified paper is too large, resulting in paper waste, or the user-specified paper is too small, preventing the image from being displayed completely.

[0081] It should be noted that both preset size and automatic size allow users to further reduce the scaling ratio based on their own target scaling ratio or the scaling ratio calculated by the printer, but do not allow users to increase the scaling ratio, in order to avoid the image being missing due to the user setting too large a scaling ratio.

[0082] It is understandable that if multiple originals need to be printed, steps S3a, S4a, or S4b above should be repeated. If the parameters are set uniformly for multiple originals in step S1 (i.e., the image repetition parameters are the same), then step S3a only needs to be executed once, and subsequently, each original only needs to execute either step S4a or S4b. The specific steps in the paper-saving mode will be described below.

[0083] Step S4c is the same as step S4a, and will not be described again.

[0084] Step S4d is the same as step S4b, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Step S5: Determine if there are blank areas on the target print page.

[0086] It is understandable that steps S4c and S4d above are for the first image to be printed. That is to say, this step is to determine whether there is a blank area on the first target print page after the first image to be printed among multiple images to be printed is determined based at least on the first image to be printed and its specified size or target scaling ratio.

[0087] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, the remaining size of the paper can be obtained by subtracting the size of the already arranged image (i.e., the size of the first image to be printed after scaling the first target repetition number) from the paper size (specified size or automatically calculated size). Then, the difference between the remaining size of the paper and a preset threshold (normal white space on the page) is used to determine whether there is a blank area on the paper. The size can be length and width, or it can be area; this application does not impose any specific limitation.

[0088] If it exists, proceed to step S6; if it does not exist, proceed to step S7a, that is, the first target print page is full, the first image to be printed and the second image to be printed cannot be merged into the first target print page for printing together, and the second image to be printed is placed on the second target print page (i.e., still printed separately).

[0089] Step S6: Determine whether the blank area can accommodate at least one scaled second image to be printed.

[0090] In other words, the blank area of ​​the first target print page does not need to accommodate the entire (i.e., the number of repetitions of the second target) scaled second image to be printed. As long as it can accommodate at least one, the purpose of saving paper is achieved, and merge printing is performed.

[0091] Specifically, if it can be placed, then step S7b (merging print) is performed, wherein the first target print page includes a scaled first printable image of the first target repeating number, and at least one scaled second printable image.

[0092] If there is not enough space, the images cannot be combined for printing. Step S7a is executed, which means that individual printing is still performed, that is, the first target print page corresponding to the first image to be printed and the second target print page corresponding to the second image to be printed are printed sequentially.

[0093] Furthermore, before the actual printing, the printer will enter a preview interface, showing the user each target print page. The user can also update the image repeat parameters through this preview interface to meet their latest needs. Specifically, when the image repeat parameters are updated, the printer re-determines the updated print size corresponding to the target print page based on the updated parameters. See below for further details. Figure 8 Further description is required.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of image repetition parameters according to an embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0095] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, such as Figure 8 As shown in (A), the user initially sets the target repetition count to 4, the target scaling ratio to 35%, and the original size of the image R to be printed to A3. Therefore, the calculated automatic size of the target printed page should be A4. However, the user feels that 35% is too small after seeing it in the preview interface and wants to increase it to 48%. In this case, the user can select any scaled image R to be printed on the preview interface and adjust its target scaling ratio. The other scaled images R will adjust accordingly. That is, if the user clicks on any of the four scaled images R to be printed to adjust, the other three scaled images R will adjust synchronously (becoming larger or smaller). The printer will then redetermine the automatic size of the target printed page based on the adjusted target scaling ratio. With a target scaling ratio of 48% and other image repetition parameters remaining unchanged, the automatic size should be updated to A3. The printer will then select the paper tray containing A3 paper to perform the job. Further details are omitted.

[0096] It is understood that the target scaling ratio can be adjusted by dragging, inputting the ratio, selecting a pre-configured ratio, etc., and there are no specific limitations, all of which are within the scope of protection disclosed in this application.

[0097] Furthermore, when combined printing is possible, the updated size of the blank area is re-determined based on the updated image repetition parameters and / or the updated print size, and the second actual number of repetitions of the second image to be printed that the blank area can be arranged is re-determined.

[0098] In one embodiment disclosed in this application, such as Figure 8 As shown in (B), the user has two images to print (the first original is R, and the second original is B), both of which are A3 size. Assuming the user initially sets the first and second target scaling ratios to 35%, and the first and second repetition counts to 3, the automatic size of the first target print page should be A4, with three scaled R images and one scaled B image arranged on the first target print page. The other two scaled B images are placed on the second target print page, which should have an automatic size of A5. However, after previewing the image, the user feels that the R image is blurry after scaling by 35% and wants to increase the first target scaling ratio to 48%. Simultaneously, the B image can be further compressed, and the user wants to reduce the second target scaling ratio to 23%, while keeping other image repetition parameters unchanged. After recalculation, the printer updates the automatic size of the first target print page to A3, and determines the size of the blank area of ​​the updated first target print page to A5. This blank area can accommodate three B-size images scaled by 23% horizontally. In other words, all six cloned images can be arranged on a single A3 sheet of paper, eliminating the need for a second sheet. This concludes the overall flowchart of the image printing method disclosed in this application.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a hardware block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. The image forming apparatus 900 according to an embodiment of the present application includes at least a processor 901 and a memory 902 for storing computer-readable instructions. When the computer-readable instructions are loaded and executed by the processor 901, the processor 901 performs the image printing method as described above.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an embodiment disclosed in this application. Figure 10 As shown, a computer program product 1000 according to an embodiment of this application stores a computer program 1001. When the computer program 1001 is executed by a processor, it performs the image printing method described with reference to the above figures. The computer program product includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.

[0101] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates an image printing method, image forming apparatus, and computer program product according to embodiments disclosed in this application. The image printing method according to embodiments disclosed in this application automatically selects the most suitable paper size as the printing size corresponding to the target printing page, thereby achieving the ability to fully display the scaled-down image with the target number of repetitions on the same side of the copy paper without large blank areas, thus saving paper, reducing user costs, and improving user experience.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0103] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of the various embodiments disclosed in this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0104] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0105] Additionally, as used herein, the "or" used in a list of items beginning with "at least one" indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word "exemplary" does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0106] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods disclosed in this application, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions disclosed in this application.

[0107] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims disclosed in this application is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0108] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the contents of this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, the contents of this application are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be distributed within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0109] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments disclosed herein to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. An image printing method characterized by, The method is applied to an image forming device, and comprises the following steps: obtaining a to-be-printed image and image repetition parameters corresponding to the to-be-printed image, wherein the image repetition parameters at least include a target repetition number and a target scaling ratio; determining a repetition size of the to-be-printed image based on an original size of the to-be-printed image and the target scaling ratio; determining a printing size corresponding to a target printing page based on the repetition size and the target repetition number, wherein the target printing page at least includes the target repetition number of the to-be-printed image.

2. The image printing method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: before the step of determining the repetition size of the to-be-printed image based on the original size of the to-be-printed image and the target scaling ratio, judging whether a paper-saving mode of the image forming device is turned on.

3. The image printing method of claim 2, wherein: if the paper-saving mode is turned on, judging whether the to-be-printed image can be printed in combination, wherein the printing in combination means that a first target repetition number of a first to-be-printed image and at least one second to-be-printed image are arranged on a first target printing page, the second to-be-printed image being a next to-be-printed image of the first to-be-printed image; if the paper-saving mode is not turned on and the to-be-printed image is multiple, printing each of the multiple to-be-printed images individually, wherein the printing individually means that the first target repetition number of the first to-be-printed image is arranged on the first target printing page, and a second target repetition number of the second to-be-printed image is arranged on a second target printing page, the second target printing page being a next target printing page of the first target printing page.

4. The image printing method of claim 3, wherein The judging whether the to-be-printed image can be printed in combination comprises the following steps: after determining a first printing size corresponding to the first target printing page based on a first repetition size of the first to-be-printed image and the first target repetition number, judging whether there is a blank area in the first target printing page; if there is, determining whether the second to-be-printed image can be printed in combination with the first to-be-printed image based on a size of the blank area and a second repetition size of the second to-be-printed image; if not, printing each of the multiple to-be-printed images individually.

5. The image printing method of claim 4, wherein The determining whether the second to-be-printed image can be printed in combination with the first to-be-printed image based on the size of the blank area and the second repetition size comprises the following steps: determining a second actual repetition number of the second to-be-printed image that can be arranged in the blank area based on the size of the blank area and the second repetition size, wherein the second actual repetition number is a positive integer less than or equal to the second target repetition number; if the second actual repetition number is greater than or equal to 1, the second to-be-printed image can be printed in combination; if the second actual repetition number is less than 1, printing each of the multiple to-be-printed images individually.

6. The image printing method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The printing each of the multiple to-be-printed images individually comprises the following steps: determine a first printing size corresponding to the first target print page based on a first repeat size and the first target repeat number; print the first target print page based on the first printing size; print the second target print page based on the second printing size.

7. The image printing method of claim 6, wherein The method further comprises: when the image repeat parameter is updated, re-determine an updated printing size corresponding to the target print page based on the updated image repeat parameter.

8. The image printing method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: when the images can be printed in combination, re-determine an updated size of the blank area and re-determine a second actual repeat number of the second to-be-printed image that can be arranged in the blank area based on the updated image repeat parameter and / or the updated printing size.

9. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: comprise: a memory for storing computer readable instructions; and a processor for running the computer readable instructions to cause the image forming device to perform the image printing method of any one of claims 1 to 8. The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the image printing method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the image printing method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images