Sheet processing system, control method, and program
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CANON KK
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, an image forming device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]
[0002] Image forming devices provide a finishing function that performs various processes such as sorting, stapling, folding, and punching on printed output paper. For example, in a function called C-folding, a valley fold is performed on paper with a long side X and a short side Y at two fold positions that divide the long side X into approximately three equal parts. As a result, the printed paper is folded into a U-shape and discharged with the long side at approximately 1 / 3 of its original length. For example, A4-sized paper can be inserted into a long envelope No. 3 or a Western-style envelope No. 4.
[0003] When the folding position needs to be adjusted, the user opens a setting screen for adjusting the folding position and makes fine adjustments based on the folding position that has been preset. Technology has also been proposed that adjusts the folding position of paper according to the envelope size.
[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for adjusting the folding position of a paper when the envelope has a window so that the length in the conveying direction of the paper surface on which specific information such as an address and name is printed fits appropriately within the length in the conveying direction of the windowed surface of the envelope. This allows the paper to be inserted without moving within the envelope to any great extent, and also ensures that the specific information such as the address and name can be viewed through the window of the envelope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-205763 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] As described above, in conventional folding position adjustment, the user had to set the adjustment value based on a preset folding position. Therefore, it was not possible to finish the paper for a non-standard size envelope or fold it for purposes other than envelopes, and the user could not freely specify the folding width. Also, depending on the specified folding width, the paper may get rolled up during folding, resulting in an incorrect C-fold. Therefore, it was difficult for the user to specify the folding width to perform a correct C-fold.
[0007] The present disclosure aims to facilitate the operation of setting a folding position in the folding process of a printed material. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The control device according to the present disclosure is a control device for a post-processing device that folds a sheet in thirds using a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, and is characterized in that it includes a receiving means that receives the length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position, and a setting means that sets the second folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margin received by the receiving means. Effect of the Invention
[0009] According to the present disclosure, the operation of setting the folding position in the folding process of a printed material becomes easier. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 illustrates the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 2B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first folding operation of a C-fold. [Figure 2C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second C-folding operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a finishing screen. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the MFP. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a folding width receiving process. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen for C-folding. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a paper size and a folding position. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paper selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a folding width confirmation screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a copy screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 100, which is an example of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment.
[0013] 1, the MFP 100 has a control unit 110, a scanner 130, a printer 140, an operation unit 150, and a finisher 160. The MFP 100 is also connected to a PC 170 via a network such as a LAN 180. The MFP 100 has a printing function, a copying function, a transmission function, a finishing function, and the like. Note that instead of the PC 170, the MFP 100 may be communicatively connected to an information terminal having a communication function, such as a server device, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The number of PCs 170 connected to the MFP 100 may be multiple.
[0014] The print function is a function that analyzes PDL (Page Description Language) data received from the PC 170 and prints it on a sheet-like medium such as paper (hereinafter referred to as paper) using the printer 140. The copy function is a function that prints on paper using image data read by scanning an original using the scanner 130. The transmission function is a function that transmits image data read by scanning an original to the PC 170 via a network. The finishing function is a function that performs post-processing such as folding, stapling, and punching using the finisher 160 on the paper that has been printed on by the print function.
[0015] The control unit 110 has a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, a solid state drive (SSD) 114, and an internal bus 120 that connects these components. A network I / F 115, a device I / F 116, an operation unit I / F 117, a finisher I / F 118, and an image processing unit 119 inside the control unit 110 are connected to the internal bus 120.
[0016] CPU 111 reads out a program recorded in ROM 113 into RAM 112 and executes it. In this way, CPU 111 functions as a control unit that executes a plurality of functions of MFP 100, such as a copying function and a post-processing function. CPU 111 executes various processes such as a scan job, a print job, a copy job, and a finishing job, based on an operation input by a user via operation unit 150 or PC 170. At this time, CPU 111 appropriately records image data and setting values related to the job in RAM 112 or SSD 114.
[0017] The RAM 112 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as FRAM (registered trademark) capable of retaining stored contents, and a volatile memory such as DRAM from which stored contents are erased when the power is turned off. The RAM 112 temporarily retains programs loaded from the ROM 113, etc., and also has a work area used by the CPU 111 to perform various processes described later. The RAM 112 temporarily stores various received data in the volatile memory, and stores various setting data in the non-volatile memory.
[0018] For example, for each finishing process, information on selectable paper, folding positions, binding positions, punching positions, etc. are stored in advance as setting data. Table 720 shown in Fig. 7(b) and table 730 shown in Fig. 7(c) are also stored in the non-volatile memory of RAM 112.
[0019] ROM 113 has a read-only nonvolatile storage area and a rewritable storage area such as a flash ROM. The nonvolatile storage area permanently holds programs such as the boot program and BIOS of MFP 100, data, etc. ROM 113 also records programs executed by CPU 111 or image processing unit 119 and various programs for operating MFP 100.
[0020] The SSD 114 is a storage device that records image data and the like related to various jobs. Although the SSD 114 is shown in Fig. 1 as a storage device, it is not limited to the SSD 114 as long as it is a storage device having a large capacity storage area. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) may be provided instead of the SSD 114.
[0021] The operation unit I / F 117 is an interface that connects to the operation unit 150. The operation unit 150 has hard keys and a touch panel for receiving input of various settings and instructions for the MFP 100, and a display for displaying a processing status. The hard keys include a copy button, a cancel button, a reset button, a numeric keypad, etc. The display is configured by an LCD display, an organic EL display, etc.
[0022] The operation unit I / F 117 sends setting information, execution instructions, and the like input by user operation via a touch panel, hard keys, or the like of the operation unit 150 to the CPU 111. The CPU 111 sends display data to be displayed on the operation unit 150 to the operation unit 150 via the operation unit I / F 117, and causes it to be displayed on the display. The CPU 111 causes the operation unit 150 to display a finishing screen 300, a C-fold detailed setting screen 600, a reception screen 800, a paper selection screen 900, a fold width confirmation screen 1100, a copy screen 1200, error screens 1000, 1300, and the like.
[0023] An operation unit (display unit, input unit, etc.) of PC 170 connected via network I / F 115 may be used in the same manner as operation unit 150. For example, CPU 111 of MFP 100 causes a display unit of PC 170 connected via network I / F 115 to display information output from CPU 111. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which CPU 111 of MFP 100 acquires an instruction input by a user to an input unit of PC 170.
[0024] The network I / F 115 is a communication control circuit and a communication port for communicating with a computer (PC) 170 via a network such as a LAN 180, a WAN, or the Internet. The CPU 111 transmits and receives data to be printed (such as PDL data) between the PC 170 and the network I / F 115. This allows a user to use the MFP 100 by remotely operating the PC 170. The communication connection may be wired or wireless.
[0025] The image processing unit 119 is a processor that executes image processing, and executes various types of image processing on image data. The image processing unit 119 performs image processing including, for example, a process of expanding (converting) print data (e.g., PDL (page description language) data) handled by the MFP 100 into image data (bitmap image data), a color space conversion process, a CMYK conversion process, and the like.
[0026] The device I / F 116 is an interface that connects the CPU 111 with the scanner 130 and printer 140. The device I / F 116 executes synchronous / asynchronous conversion processing of image data. When performing conversion processing, the device I / F 116 outputs image data generated by the scanner 130 to the internal bus 120. The device I / F 116 also acquires image data for printing via the internal bus 120 and outputs it to the printer 140.
[0027] The scanner 130 performs a scanning operation in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 111. Specifically, the scanner 130 reads a document to be scanned using an optical element such as a CCD, and generates image data in a digital format. The generated image data is sent to the CPU 111 via the device I / F 116 and stored in the RAM 112 or the SSD 114.
[0028] Printer 140 performs a printing operation in accordance with a control signal input from CPU 111. Specifically, printer 140 prints an image on paper based on image data for printing input from image processing unit 119 or CPU 111. Paper is fed from paper cassette 217 or manual feed tray 218.
[0029] The printing method of the printer 140 is arbitrary. For example, it may be a laser beam printer that uses toner as a coloring material and forms and outputs an image on paper by an electrophotographic method, or it may be an inkjet printer that uses ink as a coloring material. Images may also be formed by other methods. The paper printed by the printer 140 passes through a paper transport path inside the printer 140, is discharged from the paper discharge port 223, and is transported to the inside of the finisher 160.
[0030] The finisher I / F 118 is an interface that connects the CPU 111 and the finisher 160. The finisher 160 is connected as a downstream device of the printer 140. The CPU 111 issues an instruction to the finisher 160 via the finisher I / F 118 to execute post-processing.
[0031] The finisher 160 performs post-processing on printed sheets in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 111. The post-processing includes folding such as C-folding, sorting, grouping, stapling, shifting, punching, and the like, and may be a combination of a plurality of these processes.
[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the MFP 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the MFP 100 includes a scanner 130, a printer 140, and a finisher 160. The finisher 160 includes a CZ folding unit 161 and a finishing unit 162.
[0033] The scanner 130 includes a reader 201 and a document feeder (DF) 202. The reader 201 irradiates light from a light source 204 onto an original placed on a transparent platen 203. The light reflected by the original is guided to a CCD 207 by a reflector 205 and a lens 206. The light reflected by the original is then converted into a digital signal by the CCD 207, subjected to desired image processing, and converted into print image data. The print image data is stored in the SSD 114 of the control unit 110.
[0034] The DF 202 has an original setting section 208 on which an original is placed. An original presence / absence sensor 209 provided in the original setting section 208 detects the original set in the original setting section 208.
[0035] When the scanner 130 receives a reading start instruction from the user, the document feed roller 210 and the conveyor belt 211 rotate to feed the document set in the document setting unit 208. The fed document is transported to a predetermined position on the document table 203. Then, the image of the document is read by the method described above, and the image data is stored in the SSD 114. When the reading is completed, the conveyor belt 211 rotates again to transport the document. The document is discharged to the document discharge tray 213 via the conveyor rollers 212.
[0036] When there are a plurality of documents, the next document is fed by the feed roller 210 at the same time as the document is conveyed from the document table 203, and the reading of the next document is continuously performed.
[0037] The printer 140 is a device that prints the print image data stored in the SSD 114, and includes an internal image forming unit. Photoconductors 214 of the colors YELLOW, MAGENTA, CYAN, and BLACK are exposed based on the print image data, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photoconductors 214. Toner development is then performed using toner supplied from a toner cartridge 215, and the visualized image is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 216.
[0038] The intermediate transfer belt 216 rotates clockwise, and an image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 216 at a secondary transfer position 220 onto paper fed from a paper cassette 217 or a manual feed tray 218 through a paper feed path 219 .
[0039] The paper onto which the image has been transferred has the toner fixed by pressure and heat in the fixing unit 221, is transported to the paper discharge path 261, and is then discharged from the center tray paper discharge outlet 232 or the side tray paper discharge outlet 224. Here, the side tray paper discharge outlet 224 is an outlet through which paper can be discharged only when the finisher 160 is not installed.
[0040] When post-processing is performed on the paper on which an image has been formed by the finisher 160, the paper is switched back at the center tray paper discharge outlet 232 and transported to the paper discharge outlet 223 to the finisher 160. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper passes through the fixing unit 221 and is guided to a branch path 262 by a flapper 260, switches back at a reversing path 263, passes through a branch path 265 and a double-sided printing paper transport path 227, and is transported again to the secondary transfer position 220. By switching back at the reversing path 263, the front and back of the paper are reversed.
[0041] When the paper is to be inverted and fed to the finisher 160, the paper passes through the fixing unit 221 and is guided to a branch path 262 by a flapper 260, and is transported to a reversing path 263. The paper then switches back and passes through transport paths 264 and 261, and is guided to the center tray paper outlet 232. At the center tray paper outlet 232, the paper switches back and is transported to the paper outlet 223 to the finisher 160.
[0042] The finisher 160 performs post-processing on the printed paper according to the finishing function specified by the user. The printed paper conveyed from the paper discharge port 223 to the finisher 160 is conveyed from the paper feed port 270 into the inside of the finisher 160 (CZ folding unit 161). The paper that passes through the paper feed port 270 passes through a conveying path 282 and is conveyed by a flapper 283 to a conveying path 284 or a discharge port 295 according to the settings.
[0043] When the sheet is conveyed to the discharge port 295, the sheet is conveyed to the finishing unit 162. When the sheet is conveyed to the conveying path 284, the sheet is conveyed to the CZ folding processing section 280.
[0044] The CZ folding unit 161 includes a paper feed port 270, a CZ folding processing section 280, and a C-fold paper discharge port 281.
[0045] The CZ folding processor 280 can perform the following three types of processing on the paper sent from the printer 140. 1. Through Pass Mode 2. C-fold mode 3. Z-fold mode
[0046] Among these, the "through pass mode" is a process in which the paper is sent directly to the subsequent unit (finishing unit 162) without being folded in a C-fold or Z-fold. The paper passing through the conveying path 282 is sent by the flapper 283 to the paper feed port 228 of the finishing unit 162 via the discharge port 295.
[0047] The "C-fold mode" of the CZ-folding processing unit 162 will be described with reference to Figures 2B and 2C. Figures 2B and 2C are diagrams showing the details of the CZ-folding processing unit 280. C-folding is a process in which a sheet is folded in a valley (or in a mountain) at two parallel folding positions.
[0048] In the "C-fold mode", the paper P conveyed from the conveying path 282 to the CZ folding processing unit 280 is folded in a manner called "C-fold" or "inner triple fold" and discharged to the C-fold paper discharge port 281. When "C-fold" is specified on the finishing screen 300 of FIG. 3, the flapper 283 operates to guide the paper P from the conveying path 282 to the conveying path 283, as shown in FIG. 2B. The paper P is conveyed until its leading edge comes into contact with the stopper 285. When multiple sheets of paper P are folded by overlapping them, the paper P is conveyed to the stopper 285 for the number of overlapping folds, and the paper P is in a standby state until it is formed into a stack of paper for the number of overlapping folds.
[0049] When the leading edge of sheet P comes into contact with stopper 285, bent portion P1 is formed in sheet P, and sheet P is nipped between folding rollers 286, 287. This completes the first fold in sheet P. The position of stopper 285 is adjusted so that the length of sheet P from the nip position between folding rollers 286, 287 is the sum (a+b) of the fold width (a) of side A and the fold width (b) of side B in FIG. 7(a).
[0050] The paper P that has been folded once is guided to a conveying path 289. The folding position F2 of the paper contacts a stopper 290, forming a bent portion P2 in the paper P. After that, the bent portion P2 is nipped between folding rollers 287, 288 (FIG. 2C).
[0051] This results in a second fold on the sheet P. The position of the stopper 290 is adjusted so that the length of the sheet from the nip position between the rollers 287 and 288 becomes the fold width b of the surface B in FIG. 7(a). The sheet P that has been folded twice in this way is passed through the conveying path 291 by the flapper 292 and discharged to the C-fold sheet discharge port 281.
[0052] In the "Z-fold mode", the sheet P is positioned so that the length of the sheet from the stopper 285 to the nip position between the folding rollers 286 and 287 is 1 / 4 of the total length of the sheet P. The sheet P folded once is guided to the conveying path 289, and when it comes into contact with the stopper 290, the bent portion formed in the sheet P is now nipped between the folding rollers 287 and 288. This results in a sheet folded twice. At this time, the stopper 290 is positioned so that the length of the sheet from the first folding position to the bent portion is 1 / 4 of the sheet P. In this way, the sheet folded twice is returned from the conveying path 293 to the conveying path 282 by the flapper 292. Thereafter, the sheet is guided to the sheet discharge port 295 by the operation of the flapper 283, and sent to the finishing unit 162.
[0053] The finishing unit 162 includes a sample tray 230, a stack tray 231, and a booklet tray 242, and can perform corresponding processes such as stapling, sorting, shifting, and bookbinding before discharging the sheets.
[0054] When outputting onto the sample tray 230 , the paper entering the paper feed port 228 is discharged onto the sample tray 230 via the transport path 243 by the operation of the flapper 229 .
[0055] When outputting to the stack tray 231, the paper entering the paper feed port 228 is guided to the transport path 237 by the operation of the flapper 229, and is discharged to the stack tray 231. The stack tray 231 is vertically movable, and when discharging to the lower stack tray 231, the lower stack tray 231 moves upward. When discharging to the stack tray 231, it is also possible to perform sorting and shifting processing via the intermediate tray 244, and stapling processing by the stapler 233, etc.
[0056] When outputting to the booklet tray 242, the paper entering the paper feed port 228 is guided to the transport path 237 by the operation of the flapper 229, and is switched back and transported to the stacking section 235. When saddle stitching is performed, the stapler 234 performs the stapling process at the intermediate tray 238 position, and the saddle stitched stack of papers is transported to the stacking section 235. A positioning member 250, a pushing member 251, and a roller pair 236 are provided here. The pushing member 251 is pushed out toward the stack of papers stacked in the stacking section 235, so that the stack of papers is pushed out between the roller pair 236 and folded. The folded paper is discharged to the booklet tray 242 via the transport path 240.
[0057] The positioning member 250 is capable of ascending and descending along the overlapping section 235. In the folding operation, the positioning member 250 is moved so that the folding position of the sheet stack transported to the overlapping section 235 faces the folding rollers 236.
[0058] The stop positions (movement amounts) of the stoppers 285, 290 of the CZ folding unit 161 and the positioning member 250 of the finishing unit 162 are controlled by the CPU 111 of the MFP 100. The CPU 111 controls the drive motors provided in the stoppers 285, 290 and the positioning member 250, respectively, to move the positions of the stoppers 285, 290 and the positioning member 250.
[0059] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a finishing screen 300 displayed on the operation unit 150. On the finishing screen 300, it is possible to set finishing processes such as sorting, grouping, stapling, folding, shifting, and hole punching. When a button is operated by the user, the button is selected, and when the "OK" button is operated in this state, the screen transitions to a detailed setting screen for the selected finishing process.
[0060] The sort button 301 is operated when arranging (sorting) each copy in page order. The group button 302 is operated when discharging each page together. The staple+sort button 303 is operated when adding a staple process (stapling process) to a sort process. The staple+group button 304 is operated when adding a staple process (stapling process) to a group process. These processes (buttons 301 to 304) are mutually exclusive and cannot be set simultaneously. If a combination of processes is not possible, the button becomes unselectable.
[0061] The shift button 305 is a button that is operated when shifting by stack, and shifting can be performed for a specified number of copies by inputting a numerical value in a numerical value input area 306. When the ejection side designation button 307 is operated, the screen transitions to a screen for designating face-up ejection or face-down ejection. The punch hole button 308 is a button that is operated when punching holes in the paper. When the C-fold button 309 is operated, the screen transitions to a C-fold detailed setting screen 600 (FIG. 6) described below.
[0062] Next, the functional configuration of the MFP 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of MFP 100. The functional configuration of Fig. 4 may also be realized as a module configuration of a program related to settings for folding processing. The program is recorded in SSD 114 or ROM 113, and CPU 111 reads and executes the program from SSD 114 or ROM 113 to realize each function of Fig. 4.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, MFP 100 of this embodiment has an automatic / manual selection unit 410, a paper selection unit 420, a pattern selection unit 430, a folding width reception unit 440, a folding position determination (setting) unit 450, a display control unit 460, a post-processing control unit 470, and the like.
[0064] The automatic / manual selection unit 410 accepts the selection of either "automatic setting," in which the folding position in the folding process is a default position, or "manual setting," in which the folding position is an arbitrary position set by the user. The automatic / manual selection unit 410 displays a C-fold detailed setting screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6, and accepts the user's selection of automatic / manual (specified). In the detailed setting screen 600, in addition to the selection of automatic / manual folding width, the number of overlapping folds and the starting printing side are also accepted. The detailed setting screen 600 will be described later.
[0065] In the automatic setting, for example, in a three-fold process called a C-fold, the default folding positions are two of the folding positions that divide the paper into approximately three equal parts. This is the folding process used for inserting the paper into a general envelope. In the manual setting, the user can input the folding width. In the "manual setting", when the user sets the folding width (a), which is the length from one end PS of the paper to the first folding position F1 (FIG. 7(a)), the folding widths (b, c) of the other sides of the C-fold are determined by the CPU 111. This sets the second folding position (F2 in FIG. 7(a)). The method of determining the folding widths (b, c) will be described later.
[0066] The paper selection unit 420 accepts the selection of paper to be folded. For example, it is possible to select paper sizes such as A4, A4R, B4, LTRR, LGL, and A3. The selectable paper sizes vary depending on the type of finishing function and the paper stored in the paper cassette 217 of the MFP 100. For example, when performing C-folding with the MFP 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to select A4R, A3, and the manual feed tray 218.
[0067] The pattern selection unit 430 accepts the user's selection of a desired pattern from a number of patterns indicating the printing start surface in C-folding. There are a total of four patterns, combining the printing surface orientation (outside / inside) and left-open / right-open. The pattern selection unit 440 displays a number of schematic diagrams 621-624 indicating each pattern on the detailed setting screen 600 described above. The pattern selection unit 430 accepts the user's selection of one of the patterns and sets it as print setting information. Details of each pattern will be described later.
[0068] The folding width receiving unit 440 receives a folding width input by the user when manual is selected in the automatic / manual selection unit 410. The folding width receiving unit 440 displays a reception screen 800 on the operation unit 150. In the reception screen 800, the folding width receiving unit 440 receives an input of a folding width (a) which is a length from an edge of the paper to a first folding position. The reception screen 800 will be described in detail later.
[0069] When automatic is selected in the automatic / manual selection unit 410, the folding position determination (setting) unit 450 sets the first folding position F1 and the second folding position F2 as default folding positions based on the selected paper size. The default folding positions are determined based on the folding widths (a, b, c) in a table 720 (FIG. 7(b)). Table 720 will be described later.
[0070] The folding widths (a, b, c) are the lengths in the paper transport direction of each side A, side B, and side C formed by C-folding, as shown in Fig. 7(a). The length from one end PS of the paper to folding position F1 is the folding width (a) of side A. The sum of the folding widths of sides A and B from one end PS of the paper (a+b) becomes folding position F2.
[0071] Furthermore, when manual is selected in the automatic / manual selection unit 410, the folding position determination (setting) unit 450 determines the folding widths (b, c) of sides B and C based on the input folding width (a) of side A, the size of the long side of the selected paper, and a predetermined margin d. This sets the folding positions F1 and F2.
[0072] Specifically, the folding position determination (setting) unit 450 determines the folding widths (a, b, c) of each side A, B, C according to the following formula. When setting the folding position F2, the CPU 111 takes into account a constraint value (margin d) of about 3 mm. In this embodiment, the margin d is set on side B in the center of the C fold. In the following formula, I is an input value, and X is the length of the long side of the paper.
[0073] a=I b=d+(Xa) / 2 c=Xab
[0074] The margin d is determined based on the structure of the folding mechanism of the finisher 160 and the type of paper (thickness, material, etc.) The margin d may be determined based on the number of sheets of paper to be folded in layers.
[0075] For example, in the case of the CZ folding processing unit 280 shown in Fig. 2, the positional relationship and size of the stoppers 285, 290, the rollers 286, 287, 288, and the paper transport path in the CZ folding processing unit 280 are taken into consideration. Also, when the thickness of the paper is thicker than a predetermined thickness or when the number of overlapping folded sheets is greater than a predetermined number, it is desirable to set the margin d to be greater than a predetermined reference value. Also, the value of the margin d may be determined according to the material of the paper. Also, the margin d may be determined by combining two or more of the structure of the folding mechanism, the thickness and material of the paper, and the number of overlapping folded sheets.
[0076] When manual is selected in automatic / manual selection unit 410, folding position determination (setting) unit 450 sets folding widths (a, b, c) (folding positions F1, F2) for faces A, B, C so that the paper is not rolled in at the two folding positions F1, F2. To this end, folding width reception unit 440 limits the value that can be input as the folding width (a) to a predetermined range.
[0077] Specifically, the folding width receiving unit 440 refers to table 730 (FIG. 7(c)) and limits the values that can be input so that the folding width (a) of face A, i.e., the length from one edge of the paper to the folding position F1, falls within the range set in the table 730. The folding position determination (setting) unit 450 also refers to table 730 (FIG. 7(c)) and determines another folding position F2 so that the folding widths (a, b, c) of all faces fall within the range set in the table 730. The table 730 defines the ranges (upper and lower limits) of the folding widths of each face formed on the paper by folding processing. Details of the table 730 and how to determine the folding positions will be described later.
[0078] The display control unit 460 causes the operation unit 150 to display screens and information for inputting values and instructions related to the C-fold settings. For example, the finishing screen 300 in Fig. 3, the C-fold detail setting screen 600 in Fig. 6, the folding width setting screen 800 in Fig. 8, the paper selection screen 900 in Fig. 9, the error screen 1000 in Fig. 10 and Fig. 13, the folding width confirmation screen 1100 in Fig. 11, the copy screen 1200 in Fig. 12, etc. are displayed. The display contents of each screen will be described later.
[0079] The post-processing control unit 470 controls the printer 140 and the finisher 160 based on the pattern selected by the pattern selection unit 430, the folding width a accepted by the folding width acceptance unit 440, and the folding width (b, c) determined by the folding position determination (setting) unit 450. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 470 controls whether the printing start position is to the right or left (with or without 180 degree rotation of the print image) and the orientation of the print surface at the paper feed port 270 (face up / face down) according to the selected pattern.
[0080] In the case of MFP1 shown in FIG. 2, pattern 1 is controlled as face-down+no image rotation, pattern 2 as face-up+no image rotation, pattern 3 as face-down+image rotation, and pattern 4 as face-up+image rotation.
[0081] Further, the post-processing control unit 470 moves the positions of the stoppers 285 and 290 of the CZ folding unit 280 so that folding is performed with the folding width (a, b, c) determined by the folding position determination (setting) unit 450.
[0082] Next, the flow of the setting process for folding process executed by CPU 111 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the process shown in this flowchart, a program stored in SSD 114 or ROM 113 is called by control unit 110 of MFP 100, loaded into RAM 112, and executed by CPU 111. In the following description, the symbol "S" means a step.
[0083] The process of this flowchart starts when the "C-fold" button 309 is operated on the above-mentioned finishing screen 300 (FIG. 3). A C-fold is a process in which a sheet of paper is folded in a valley (or a mountain) at two parallel folding positions.
[0084] In step S501, the CPU 111 displays a detailed setting screen 600 for C-folding on the operation unit 150, and accepts detailed settings for C-folding by the user.
[0085] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen 600 for C-folding. As shown in Fig. 6, the detailed setting screen 600 for C-folding is provided with a numerical value input area 601 for inputting the number of sheets to be folded, a "plus / minus" button 602, and buttons for selecting the folding width (an "automatic" button 606 and a "specify" button 607). In addition, a group of buttons 609-612 for selecting a pattern for the printing start side is provided, and schematic diagrams 621-624 showing the respective patterns are displayed. In addition, a "cancel setting" button 603, a "back" button 604, an "OK" button 605, etc. are provided.
[0086] In S502, the CPU 111 accepts input of the number of sheets to be folded. A numerical value can be input into a numerical value input area 601 of the detailed setting screen 600 by operating the "plus" and "minus" buttons 602. A numerical value may also be input using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 150, the numeric keypad button group 1204 displayed on the copy screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 or other screens, an operation unit of an external device connected for communication, or the like. In this embodiment, the maximum number of sheets that can be folded is six. The CPU 111 controls so that the numbers that can be input are 1 to 6. Note that the number of sheets to be folded is one example, and may be more than six.
[0087] In S503, CPU 111 accepts the selection of automatic / manual folding width. Fold width selection buttons 606 and 607 on detailed setting screen 600 are buttons for accepting the selection of whether the folding width is to be determined automatically or manually (optionally specified). When "Automatic" button 606 is operated, C-folding is performed at two pre-defined folding positions that divide the paper size into approximately thirds. When "Specify" button 607 is operated, folding is performed based on the folding width specified by the user.
[0088] In S504, the CPU 111 accepts a pattern selection for the starting print side. When any one of the buttons 609 to 612 for selecting the starting print side on the detailed setting screen 600 is operated, the pattern associated with the selected button is selected.
[0089] In the example of FIG. 6, when button 609 is operated, pattern "1" is selected. Pattern "1" is a pattern in which the outside is the printed side (front side), and the left side of the printed side (front side) is folded inward. When button 610 is operated, pattern "2" is selected. Pattern "2" is a pattern in which the inside is the printed side (front side), and the left side of the printed side (front side) is folded inward.
[0090] When button 611 is operated, pattern "3" is selected. Pattern "3" is a pattern in which the inside is the printed side (front side), and the right side of the printed side (front side) is folded inward. When button 612 is operated, pattern "4" is selected. Pattern "4" is a pattern in which the outside is the printed side (front side), and the right side of the printed side (front side) is folded inward.
[0091] In S505, CPU 111 determines whether "Auto" button 606 has been set or "Specify" button 607 (manual) has been set. As shown in Fig. 6(a), when "OK" button 605 is operated with "Auto" button 606 selected, CPU 111 closes C-fold detailed setting screen 600 and proceeds to S506. As shown in Fig. 6(b), when "Next" button 608 is operated with "Specify" button 607 (manual) selected, CPU 111 closes C-fold detailed setting screen 600 and proceeds to S508, where folding position setting screen 800 is displayed.
[0092] When a "cancel settings" button 603 is pressed on the C-fold detailed setting screen 600, the CPU 111 cancels the input on this screen 600 and returns to the finishing screen 300. When a "return" button 604 is operated, the screen also returns to the finishing screen 300.
[0093] In S506, CPU 111 determines the folding widths (a, b, c) of the three sides A, B, and C formed on the paper by C-folding. Fig. 7(a) is a diagram for explaining sides A, B, and C formed on a paper that has been C-folded. The folding width of side A is a, the folding width of side B is b, and the folding width of side C is c. The difference (bc) between the folding widths of sides B and C is a margin d.
[0094] The value of margin d is determined by the hardware limitations of the folding mechanism of finisher 160, the number of overlapping sheets of paper, and the type of paper (thickness, material, etc.). For example, in the folding method shown in Fig. 7(a), if the folding width b of side B and the folding width c of side C are the same, there is a risk that the edge of the paper on side C will be rolled in at folding position F1 depending on the thickness of the paper. Therefore, by providing margin d on side B between folding positions F1 and F2, it is possible to prevent the paper from being rolled in. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which margin d is 3 [mm], but it is not limited to this and may be 3 [mm] or more or 3 [mm] or less.
[0095] In S506, the CPU 111 determines the folding widths (a, b, c) according to a table 720 shown in FIG. 7B. This determines the two folding positions F1 and F2 for the C-fold. The table 720 is stored in the ROM 114 or the SSD 115. The folding widths (a, b, c) defined in FIG. 7B include a margin d=3 [mm]. The CPU 111 may obtain the data of the table 720 via the network 1 / F 115 and store the data in the RAM 112.
[0096] Table 720 shown in Fig. 7(b) shows specific examples of paper sizes that the finisher 160 (CZ folding unit 161) can perform C-folding on, and the folding widths (a, b, c) for each of the sides A, B, and C that correspond to each paper size. In this example, A4R, LTRR, B4, LGL, and A3 are registered in table 720 as paper sizes that can be C-folded. The folding widths (a, b, c) are set so that the total length X of the long side for each paper size is divided into approximately three equal parts within a range that satisfies the margin d shown in Fig. 7(a).
[0097] When the folding width is determined in S506, the CPU 111 closes the C-fold detailed setting screen 600 and proceeds to S507.
[0098] In S507, the CPU 111 waits for a user operation to execute a job. For example, the copy screen 1200 shown in Fig. 12 is displayed, and the CPU 111 waits for an operation of the "Start" button 1201. The process in S507 will be described later.
[0099] Next, a case where the "specify" button 607 is selected as shown in FIG. 6(b) will be described.
[0100] In S508, the CPU 111 displays the reception screen 800. 8(a) is a diagram showing a reception screen 800A as an example of the reception screen 800. The reception screen 800A is provided with a paper size display area 801, a paper size change button 802, a folding width (a) input field 806, a plus button 805, a minus button 804, a "cancel setting" button 807, a "back" button 808, and an "OK" button 809. In addition, operation guidance such as "Select the paper to be used and enter the folding width (a)" and a schematic diagram 811 are displayed.
[0101] A schematic diagram 811 is displayed which corresponds to the pattern of the starting print surface selected on the detailed setting screen 600 for C-folding. In FIG. 8(a), a schematic diagram 811 corresponding to pattern "1" is displayed. Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing a reception screen 800B which is another example of the reception screen 800. When pattern "3" is selected as the pattern of the print start side on the C-fold detailed setting screen 600, a schematic diagram 821 corresponding to pattern "3" is displayed as shown in Fig. 8(b).
[0102] The currently selected paper size is displayed in a paper size display area 801. The paper size can be changed on a paper selection screen 900 which is accessed by operating a paper size change button 802.
[0103] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the paper selection screen 900. As shown in FIG. 9, a paper selection screen 900 is provided with a selected paper display area 903 that displays the selected paper, a paper selection button group 901, an "OK" button 902, etc. The paper selection button group 901 displays buttons corresponding to paper cassettes 217 that can be fed by MFP 100, among the papers that can be selected for C-folding. In the example of FIG. 9, a manual feed tray, an A4R tray, and an A3 tray are displayed.
[0104] In S509, when a paper sheet is selected and the “OK” button 902 is operated, the CPU 111 sets the selected paper sheet as the currently selected paper sheet and returns to the reception screen 800.
[0105] In S510, CPU 111 displays the range of the fold width (a) that can be set for the selected paper size in range display field 803. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when A4R is selected as the paper size, CPU 111 displays "68-124" [mm] as the range of the fold width (a) that can be set for A4R in range display field 803 adjacent to fold width input field 806. CPU 111 refers to table 730 shown in Fig. 7(c), obtains the upper and lower limit values of "a" associated with the selected paper size, and displays it in range display field 803.
[0106] The table 730 is stored in advance in the SSD 114 and the ROM 113. Alternatively, the CPU 111 may obtain the data of the table 730 via the network 1 / F 115 and hold it in the RAM 112.
[0107] The schematic diagrams 811 and 821 also show the positions of the folding widths (a, b, c) on the paper. By referring to the schematic diagrams 811 and 821, the user can visually confirm which side length corresponds to the folding width (a) to be input in the input field 806.
[0108] 8, "0" is displayed as the initial value in the input field 806 for the folding width (a), but this is not limiting. The initial value in the input field 806 for the folding width (a) may be the upper limit or lower limit of the inputtable range, or any value between the upper limit and the lower limit. In this case, the CPU 111 displays in the input field 806 the upper limit or lower limit of "a" associated with the selected paper size in the table 730 shown in FIG. 7(c).
[0109] Furthermore, as the initial value of the input field 806, the CPU 111 may display a value corresponding to a specific envelope size. The specific envelope is a standard envelope of a size suitable for the selected paper. For example, in the case of an envelope (long 3; 120×235 [mm]) that is often used when folding A4 size paper in thirds and enclosing it, an initial value of 115 [mm] (=120−5 [mm]) is displayed as the folding width (a) suitable for enclosing. Alternatively, the CPU 111 may display a predetermined value as the initial value of the input field 806.
[0110] In S511, CPU 111 accepts input of a value of the folding width (a) of side A into folding width input field 806. The folding width (a) of side A is the distance from the edge of the paper to the first folding position F1. When the "plus" button 805 and the "minus" button 804 are operated by the user, the value in folding width input field 806 changes, and the folding width (a) of side A is input into folding width input field 806. Note that the input operation of the value into folding width input field 806 may be performed using the numeric keypad of operation unit 150, the numeric keypad button group 1204 on copy screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12, or an operation unit of an external device.
[0111] When the "Cancel Settings" button 807 on the reception screen 800 is operated, all settings on the reception screen 800 are cancelled. When the "Back" button 808 is operated, the original screen (C-fold detailed settings screen 600) is returned to. When the "OK" button 809 is operated, the process proceeds to S509.
[0112] In S512, CPU 111 determines whether the value input in S511 is within a range that can be set as the folding width (a) of side A. That is, CPU 111 references table 730 shown in FIG. 7C and acquires the upper and lower limit values of "a" associated with the selected paper size. If CPU 111 determines that the value input in S511 is within the range determined by the acquired upper and lower limit values, it proceeds to S514. If CPU 111 determines that the value input in S511 is not within the range determined by the acquired upper and lower limit values, it proceeds to S513.
[0113] In S513, the CPU 111 displays the error screen 1000. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen 1000. As shown in Fig. 10, the error screen 1000 has a message display area 1001 and an "OK" button 1002. A message prompting a reset, a value within the correct setting range, etc. are displayed in the message display area 1001. When the "OK" button 1002 is operated, the process returns to S508, and the CPU 111 accepts input of a value in the folding width input field 806.
[0114] In S514, CPU 111 determines the folding widths (a, b, c). In S514, CPU 111 calculates the folding widths (b) and (c) of sides B and C so that the value obtained by subtracting the folding width (a) input in S511 from the total length X of the long side of the paper is approximately half. At this time, CPU 111 determines the folding widths (b) and (c) so that the margin d in FIG. 7(a) is provided on side B. This determines the folding position F2. Specifically, the folding widths (a, b, c) are determined by the above-mentioned formula (1).
[0115] In S515, the CPU 111 displays a folding width confirmation screen 1100. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a folding width confirmation screen 1100. As shown in Fig. 11, the folding width confirmation screen 1100 includes a folding width display area 1101, an "OK" button 1102, a "Back" button 1103, and a "Cancel setting" button 1104.
[0116] A schematic diagram 1105 showing the folded paper is displayed on the folding width confirmation screen 1100. The schematic diagram 1105 shows the positions of the folding widths (a, b, c) of each side. In the example of FIG. 11, "A: 68 mm, B: 116 mm, C: 113 mm" is displayed in the folding width confirmation area 1101. By referring to the folding width confirmation area 1101 together with the schematic diagram 1105, the user can visually confirm which side the value of each folding width (a, b, c) corresponds to.
[0117] On the folding width confirmation screen 1100, when a "cancel setting" button 1104 is operated, the folding width determined in S511 is cancelled. When a "return" button 1103 is operated, the screen returns to the original screen (reception screen 800). When an "OK" button 1102 is operated, the folding width setting is completed and the process proceeds to S507.
[0118] In S507, the CPU 111 displays, for example, a copy screen 1200 and waits for job execution. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the copy screen 1200. As shown in Fig. 12, the copy screen 1200 is provided with a "START" button 1201 for instructing the start of a copy job, a "STOP" button 1202 for instructing the stop, and a numeric keypad button group 1204 for inputting values such as the number of copies. Also provided are buttons 1205 to 1213 that are operated when accepting settings such as color selection, magnification selection, paper selection, finishing selection, double-sided / single-sided selection, density setting, document type selection, ID card, and function selection.
[0119] A display area 1214 displays print setting information such as color setting, magnification, paper, number of copies, etc., which are set using the function buttons 1205 to 1213. A setting confirmation area 1215 is a button that is operated when transitioning to a preview screen (not shown).
[0120] In S516, the CPU 111 determines whether or not job execution has been accepted. If the "Start" button 1201 is operated on the copy screen 1200, the CPU 111 determines in S516 that job execution has been accepted, and proceeds to S519. If the "Start" button 1201 is not operated in S516, the CPU 111 proceeds to S517.
[0121] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 receives an instruction to execute a job by operating the "Start" button 1201 on the copy screen 1200, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the CPU 111 may receive an instruction to execute a job from a screen other than the copy screen, such as reading and outputting (printing out) data stored in a storage area of the MFP1 by operating the operation unit 150.
[0122] In S517, if the "Select Paper" button 1207 is operated, the process proceeds to S518. In S517, if the "Select Paper" button 1207 is not operated, the process returns to S507.
[0123] In S518, the CPU 111 displays the paper selection screen 900 shown in FIG. 9, and accepts a change in paper size.
[0124] In S519, the CPU 111 refers to a table 730 shown in FIG. 7C and determines whether or not the folding width (a) determined in S506 or S514 is a folding width (a) that can be set for the currently selected paper size.
[0125] For example, if A4R is selected in S509 and the folding width (a) of side A is set to 124 mm, but the paper size is changed to LTRR in S518, CPU 111 determines whether folding width (a) is within the range that can be set in LTRR. As shown in table 730 in Fig. 7(c), the range of folding width (a) that can be set in LTRR is defined as 68.0 [mm] to 106.0 [mm], so it is determined that it is outside the range.
[0126] In S519, if the CPU 111 determines that the folding width (a) is not settable for the selected paper size, the process proceeds to S520. If the CPU 111 determines that the folding width (a) is settable for the selected paper size, the process proceeds to S521.
[0127] In S520, the CPU 111 displays an error screen 1300. As shown in Fig. 13, the error screen 1300 displays a message display area 1302 and an OK button 1301. The message display area 1302 displays a message indicating that C-folding cannot be performed with the set paper size and folding width. When the "OK" button 1301 is operated, the CPU 111 closes the error screen 1300, returns to S504, and transitions to the copy screen 1200.
[0128] In S521, CPU 111 executes a job. That is, CPU 111 sends image data to printer 140 and executes print processing based on the information on the pattern of the print start side and the print setting information set on the folding process detail setting screen 600 shown in Fig. 6. CPU 111 also controls the folding mechanism of finisher 160 based on the information set on the folding process detail setting screen 600 shown in Fig. 6 to execute folding processing on the printed paper. The printed and folded paper is discharged, and the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 ends.
[0129] In S521, CPU 111 switches the paper transport path and the orientation of the print image (0 degrees / 180 degrees) according to the pattern selected on detailed setting screen 600. Specifically, CPU 111 switches the front / back of the print side (face up / face down) and the paper feed direction (leading edge / trailing edge) at paper feed port 270 of CZ folding unit 161. The paper feed direction can be switched by whether or not to rotate the image 180 degrees during printing. The relationship between the front / back of the print side and the print start position and the C-fold side is described in JP 2008-193330 A and the like.
[0130] In the case of pattern 1, the CPU 111 feeds the paper to the paper feed port 270 of the CZ folding unit 162 so that the print front side faces down and the printing start position is the rear end. In the case of pattern 2, the CPU 111 feeds the paper to the paper feed port 270 of the CZ folding unit 162 so that the print front side faces upward and the printing start side is the rear end.
[0131] In the case of pattern 3, the CPU 111 feeds the paper to the paper feed port 270 of the CZ folding unit 162 so that the print front side faces up and the printing start side is the leading side. In the case of pattern 4, the CPU 111 feeds the paper to the paper feed port 270 of the CZ folding unit 162 so that the print front side faces down and the printing start side is the leading side.
[0132] 2A and 2B, CPU 111 moves the position of stopper 285 so that the length of the paper from stopper 285 to the nip position between folding rollers 286 and 287 becomes the sum (a+b) of the folding widths of side A and side B. CPU 111 also moves the position of stopper 290 so that the length of the paper from stopper 290 to the nip position between folding rollers 287 and 288 becomes the folding width (b) of side B.
[0133] Depending on the structure of the folding section, which of the folding positions F1 and F2 is folded first may differ. Also, the relationship between the folding width and the stopper position may differ. Also, the transport path of the paper may differ depending on the structure of the device. The CPU 111 executes print control, transport control, and folding control suitable for the device structure.
[0134] Also, for example, it is possible to perform two folding processes using the folding mechanism of the finishing unit 162 (folding roller pair 236, pushing member 251, positioning member 250, etc.) to create a C-fold shape. In this case, the paper fed from the paper feed port 228 is conveyed to the conveying path 237 and switched back. Thereafter, the paper is conveyed to the stacking section 235 and becomes a stack of paper sheets equal to the number of overlapping folds.
[0135] In the first C-fold folding operation, the positioning member 250 is moved so that the first folding position F1 of the paper stack transported to the overlapping section 235 is positioned opposite the folding rollers 236. The finishing unit 162 pushes out the pushing member 251 in the direction of the arrow, and folds the paper stack at the first folding position F1 with the folding rollers 236. After that, the finishing unit 162 returns the paper stack to the overlapping section 235.
[0136] After returning the paper stack to the overlapping section 235, the finishing unit 162 further performs a second folding operation. In the second folding operation, the finishing unit 162 moves the positioning member 250 so that the second folding position F2 of the paper stack is positioned opposite the folding rollers 236. The finishing unit 162 pushes out the pushing member 251 in the direction of the arrow, and folds the paper stack at the second folding position F2 with the folding rollers 236. The paper stack that has been folded in a C shape in this way by the two folding operations is transported to the transport path 240. The printed paper is discharged in a C-fold shape into the booklet tray 242.
[0137] The stop position (movement amount) of positioning member 250 during the folding operation is controlled by CPU 111 of MFP 100. CPU 111 controls the drive motors provided in positioning member 250, pushing member 251, and folding roller 236, respectively, to drive positioning member 250, pushing member 251, and folding roller 236.
[0138] As described above, the MFP100 according to this embodiment allows the folding width to be arbitrarily specified for the folding position of a C-fold, making it possible to fold envelopes of various sizes or at any folding position that is not limited to envelopes, and thus enabling use in a variety of applications.
[0139] When optional specification (manual) is selected, MFP100 of this embodiment limits the surface for which the user can specify the folding width to one (surface A at the edge of the paper). Then, when the value of the folding width is input by the user, MFP100 determines the folding width of the other surfaces. At this time, the folding width is determined so that the sheet is folded correctly in three at all folding positions F1 and F2 without being rolled in. At this time, a margin d is provided on the central surface of the three folds, so that the influence of the hardware constraints of the folding mechanism and the thickness of the paper, etc. on the folding can be absorbed. This makes it possible to prevent folding results that are not intended by the user.
[0140] In addition, the folding width value that the user can input is limited so that the correct folding results can be obtained. The screen also displays the folding width values that can be input, and shows a schematic diagram of which side the folding width to be input corresponds to. This allows the user to intuitively perform the setting operation for C-folding. In particular, since the input of folding width (a) for side A, which is the side on which the address, name, etc. are printed for window envelopes, is accepted, the user can easily visualize the final product and intuitively set the folding width.
[0141] In the above embodiment, the optional specification of the fold width in a C-fold (inner three-fold) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to a C-fold, and can also be applied to folding processes such as a Z-fold (outer three-fold), overlapping C-fold, and four-fold. A Z-fold (outer three-fold) is a three-fold process in which a valley fold is made at the first folding position and a mountain fold is made at the second folding position. An overlapping C-fold is a folding process in which the long side of the paper is folded in half, and then a first fold and a second fold are made perpendicular to the folded side. A four-fold is a process in which the paper is folded in half (valley fold) at the first folding position, and the paper that has been folded in half is then folded in half again (valley fold) at the second folding position.
[0142] The CPU 111 of the MFP 100 also accepts automatic / manual (arbitrary specification) settings for the folding positions for Z-fold (outer triple fold), overlapping C-fold, and quarter fold. When manual (arbitrary specification) is selected and the folding width from the edge of the paper to the first folding position is specified by the user, the CPU 111 determines the second folding position within a range where folding can be performed correctly, and controls folding at each folding position.
[0143] Even in the case of Z-folding, overlapping C-folding, and quarter-folding, a table for automatic folding that defines the folding width according to the paper size, and a table for optional specification that defines the range of folding width (upper and lower limits) according to the paper size are stored in RAM 112 or SSD 114.
[0144] In addition, in the above embodiment, when determining the folding widths (a, b, c), the folding widths (b) and (c) of sides B and C are calculated so that the value obtained by subtracting the folding width (a) of side A (first folding position) and margin d from the total length X of the long side of the paper is approximately half. However, this calculation method is just one example, and the folding widths (b) and (c) may be determined using other calculation methods. For example, the second folding position may be determined so that the folding widths (b) and (c) of sides B and C are in a predetermined ratio such as 2:1 or 3:1.
[0145] In the above embodiment, the control unit 110 of the MFP 100 controls the settings and operations of the finisher 160, but the present invention is not limited to this. A control unit (finisher CPU) provided in the finisher 160 may control the settings and processing according to the present disclosure. Also, a computer such as the PC 170 may directly control the finisher 160 to execute the settings and processing according to the present disclosure.
[0146] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other.
[0147] In addition, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, etc. In addition, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all the processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform the processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.
[0148] In addition, the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an OS running on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0149] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A control device for a post-processing device that folds a sheet in three at a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, a receiving means for receiving a length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position; a setting means for setting the second folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margins received by the receiving means; A control device comprising:
[0150] (Configuration 2) The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the setting means determines the second folding position so that the sheet is not rolled up at the first folding position or the second folding position.
[0151] (Configuration 3) 3. The control device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the receiving means limits a value that can be input so as to prevent the sheet from being rolled up at the first folding position or the second folding position.
[0152] (Configuration 4) 4. The control device of claim 1, wherein the first folding position and the second folding position form a C-fold in the sheet.
[0153] (Configuration 5) The method further includes acquiring a table that defines a range of a folding width of each surface formed on the sheet by the first folding position and the second folding position, The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the reception means sets the range of folding widths of each of the faces, which corresponds to the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, within the range of folding widths of each of the faces defined in the table, as the inputtable value.
[0154] (Configuration 6) The method further includes acquiring a table that defines a range of a folding width of each surface formed on the sheet by the first folding position and the second folding position, The control device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the setting means sets the first folding position and the second folding position so that the folding width of each of the faces falls within a range of the folding width of each of the faces defined in the table.
[0155] (Configuration 7) 7. The control device according to any one of configurations 2, 4, and 6, wherein the setting means sets the first folding position and the second folding position based on a predetermined formula.
[0156] (Configuration 8) The control device according to configuration 5 or 6, wherein the range defined in the table is determined based on the size of the sheet and the margin.
[0157] (Configuration 9) 9. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the value of the margin is determined depending on the type of the sheet.
[0158] (Configuration 10) 9. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the value of the margin is determined based on the size of the sheet.
[0159] (Configuration 11) 11. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the margin is provided between the first folding position and the second folding position.
[0160] (Configuration 12) a first display control means for displaying the range of values that can be input for the sheet size; The control device according to configuration 3, further comprising:
[0161] (Configuration 13) The control device according to configuration 12, wherein the first display control means further displays a schematic diagram showing the sheet after folding processing and indicates the first folding position in the schematic diagram.
[0162] (Configuration 14) The control device according to any one of configurations 3, 12, and 13, wherein the reception means displays an input field for the length and displays an upper limit or lower limit of the range of values that can be input as an initial value for the input field.
[0163] (Configuration 15) The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the reception means displays an input field for the length and displays a preset value as an initial value in the input field.
[0164] (Configuration 16) 14. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the reception means displays an input field for the length, and 0 is displayed as an initial value in the input field.
[0165] (Configuration 17) 17. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, further comprising a second display control means for displaying a folding width of each surface formed on the sheet by the first folding position and the second folding position.
[0166] (Configuration 18) An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that prints on a sheet, and a folding processing unit that folds the printed sheet into thirds at a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, a receiving means for receiving a length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position; a setting means for setting the second folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margins received by the receiving means; An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0167] (Configuration 19) A designation unit that designates a printing start surface among a plurality of surfaces formed on the sheet by folding in three; a control unit that controls a conveyance path of the sheet and a direction of a print image in the printing unit based on the print start surface designated by the designation unit; 19. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, further comprising:
[0168] (Configuration 20) a control device of a post-processing device that folds a sheet in three at a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, a receiving step of receiving a length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position; a setting step of setting the second folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margins accepted in the accepting step; A control method comprising:
[0169] (Configuration 21) A control device of a post-processing device that folds a sheet in three at a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, A receiving means for receiving an input of a length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position; a program for causing the program to function as a setting means for setting the second folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margin accepted by the accepting means;
Claims
1. A receiving means for receiving the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, A setting means for setting a second folding position different from the first folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margin received by the receiving means, A sheet processing system characterized by having an execution means for performing a C-fold of the sheet at the first folding position and the second folding position.
2. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means determines the second folding position so that the sheet is not caught in the first folding position or the second folding position.
3. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means limits the input values so that the sheet does not get caught at the first folding position or the second folding position.
4. The system further includes an acquisition means for acquiring a table that defines the range of fold widths for each surface formed on the sheet by the first and second fold positions, The sheet processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving means sets the range of fold widths for each of the surfaces to be the inputtable value, which corresponds to the length from the edge of the sheet to the first fold position, within the range of fold widths for each of the surfaces defined in the table.
5. The system further includes an acquisition means for acquiring a table that defines the range of fold widths for each surface formed on the sheet by the first and second fold positions, The sheet processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting means sets the first folding position and the second folding position so that the folding width of each of the surfaces falls within the range of folding widths of each surface determined by the table.
6. The sheet processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the setting means sets the first folding position and the second folding position based on a predetermined formula.
7. The sheet processing system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the range defined in the table is determined based on the size of the sheet and the margin.
8. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the value of the margin is determined by the type of sheet.
9. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the value of the margin is determined by the size of the sheet.
10. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the margin is provided between the first folding position and the second folding position.
11. The sheet processing system according to claim 3, further comprising a first display control means for displaying the range of inputtable values relative to the size of the sheet.
12. The sheet processing system according to claim 11, further characterized in that the first display control means displays a schematic diagram showing the folded sheet and indicates the first folding position in the schematic diagram.
13. The sheet processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving means displays an input field for the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, and displays an upper or lower limit of the range of inputtable values as the initial value of the input field.
14. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means displays an input field for the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, and displays a preset value as the initial value of the input field.
15. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means displays an input field for the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, and the initial value of the input field is 0.
16. The sheet processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a second display control means for displaying the fold width of each surface formed on the sheet by the first fold position and the second fold position.
17. Computers A receiving step that receives the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, A setting step to set a second folding position different from the first folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margin received in the receiving step, A control method characterized by including an execution step of causing a sheet processing system to perform a C-fold of the sheet based on the first folding position and the second folding position.
18. Computers, A receiving means for receiving input of the length from the edge of the sheet to the first folding position, A setting means for setting a second folding position different from the first folding position based on the length of the sheet and the length and margin received by the receiving means, A program for causing a sheet processing system to perform a C-fold of the sheet based on the first folding position and the second folding position.