Image processing device

Abstract

To solve such a problem that, when banner copy is performed, it is unusual that printing data comes continuously like printing from a PC between documents, therefore, it is difficult for any person other than a user to determine whether to wait for the next page's data or to terminate printing.SOLUTION: In the processing flow regarding banner copy processing, an image processing device checks whether there is a next document to be read during banner printing, and performs printing by merging pages when there is the next document to be read. When there is no next document to be read, the device performs printing termination processing but does not cut a roll sheet, and moves the roll sheet to the printing start position of the next page for waiting. By waiting in a state where cutting is possible and printing of the next document to be read can be resumed, the device can handle multiple user instructions. When the next document to be read does not come and a read termination instruction comes from a user, the printing result is cut and processing is terminated. When the next document to be read comes, printing continues from the waiting state.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) equipped with a printing function for roll paper and a function for reading originals, and particularly to a banner copy that combines a plurality of scanned originals and prints them on roll paper.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in printers that support roll paper, there is banner printing that combines and prints a plurality of pages. Banner printing is a function that omits all margins except the leading margin of the first page and the trailing margin of the last page, and combines and prints a plurality of pages. In order to combine and print a plurality of pages, it is necessary to combine and print the range excluding the margins of the front and back pages. In conventional printing devices, when banner printing is instructed, the image is printed while transporting the paper at a feed amount that is repeated at a fixed cycle regardless of whether the image is complete for each page. When transporting the paper at a fixed feed amount, there is a case where the head straddles the boundary between the front and back pages and prints. Patent Document 1 describes that in such a case, by allocating the data of the previous page and the data of the next page to the corresponding nozzles of the head and printing, it is possible to perform sub-scanning and printing at a feed amount of a fixed cycle regardless of whether the image is complete for each page during banner printing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a banner copy that prints a manuscript read by a flatbed scanner, it is rare for print data to come continuously between manuscripts due to the user replacing the manuscript or operating the read start button. For this reason, it is impossible for anyone other than the user to determine whether to wait for the data on the next page or end the printing. In the case of waiting for the next page, the system will reach the area before and after the boundary without the data for the next page arriving, resulting in a wait due to the absence of the next page data and the printing being interrupted. If the printing resumes when the data for the next page arrives after the waiting state, color unevenness will occur due to the influence of the waiting time, and the print quality will deteriorate. If the page being processed is the last page, the printing end process cannot be performed, and even when color unevenness does not need to occur, color unevenness will occur, resulting in a situation where the user cannot obtain the desired result.

[0005] Also, there is a means to have the user specify the number of sheets in advance, but when the usability of the user decreases or there is an error in specifying the number of sheets, the user cannot obtain the expected result.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that does not require the user to specify the number of manuscripts before starting copying, saves the trouble of counting the number of manuscript sheets, and improves the usability of the user.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The present invention is for solving the above problems.

[0008] The image processing apparatus of the present invention has the following means. That is, the image processing apparatus of the present invention checks whether there is a next document to be read during banner copying. If there is a next document to be read, it combines the pages and performs printing. If there is no next image to be read, it performs print end processing, but does not cut the roll paper. Instead, it moves the roll paper to the printing start position of the next page and waits. By waiting in a state where cutting is possible and printing of the next document to be read can be resumed, it becomes possible to respond to multiple instructions from the user. If an end-of-reading instruction is received from the user without the next document to be read arriving, it cuts the print result and ends the process. If the next image to be read arrives, it resumes printing from the waiting state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, since the user does not need to specify the number of documents before starting copying, the trouble of counting the number of documents can be saved, thus improving the usability for the user. Also, even if it takes time to read the next document due to user operation intervention, by performing end processing on the printed image, color unevenness due to delay can be minimized. If there is a next image to be read, by combining the pages and printing, the waiting time for the user can be reduced, and a printed matter desired by the user can be provided regardless of the user's situation and skills.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0012] (Example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus (MFP) 100 of this embodiment.

[0013] The CPU 101 is a system control unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus. The ROM 102 stores control programs for the CPU 101, operating system (OS) programs, and the like. The RAM 103 is composed of SRAM or the like and is used to store program control variables and the like. Also, set values registered by the user, device management data, and various work buffers are stored in the RAM 103. The image memory 104 is composed of DRAM or the like, and a spool for accumulating image data is also secured on the image memory 104. The operation unit 105 is composed of various keys, LEDs, LCDs, etc., and performs various input operations by the user and displays for instructing document reading.

[0014] The reading control unit 106 optically reads a document placed on the document table in the reading unit 107 with a CS image sensor (contact type image sensor, hereinafter referred to as CS), performs A / D conversion, and converts it into digital image data. Also, the reading image processing control unit 108 corrects the digital image data generated by the reading control unit 106 based on the characteristics of the CS and outputs high-definition image data. Through the processing in the reading image processing control unit 108, the image processing apparatus 100 can obtain image data in which variations in the reading signal due to the state of the CS image sensor and the usage environment of the apparatus are corrected.

[0015] The JPEG processing unit 109 performs JPEG compression and decompression of images. The recording image processing control unit 110 generates print data using the luminance signal (RGB, YCC, etc.) of the image decompressed by the JPEG processing unit as input. The recording control unit 111 acquires printer status information and performs recording control in a color printer 112 such as an inkjet printer, and outputs the print data generated by the recording image processing control unit 111 to the color printer 112. The interface unit 113 is an interface for connecting to the information processing terminal 200.

[0016] In this embodiment, for the image read by the reading unit 107 and the reading control unit 107, the reading image processing control unit 108 performs correction processing, and the JPEG compression unit 109 stores the JPEG-compressed image in the image memory 104. Next, the image stored in the image memory 104 is decompressed by the JPEG processing unit 109, generated as print data by the recording image processing control unit 110, and output to a color printer 112 such as an inkjet printer via the recording control unit 111.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the image processing apparatus (MFP) 100.

[0018] In this embodiment, an MFP having a reading function (scanner) is taken as an example. In FIG. 2, the document table 301 is a glass-like transparent table and is used when placing a document and reading it with a scanner. The document cover 302 is a cover for preventing reading light from leaking to the outside when performing reading with the scanner. The cut-sheet paper feeding unit 303 is an insertion port for setting cut sheets, and the roll paper feeding unit 304 is an insertion port for setting roll paper. It is possible to set sheets of various sizes, and it is also possible to set both cut sheets and roll paper. The sheets set in the cut-sheet paper feeding unit 303 and the roll paper feeding unit 304 are conveyed to the printing unit, printed, and discharged from the paper discharge tray 305. The memory card slot 306 is an insertion port for a memory card and is used when reading image data from the inserted portable memory and executing printing. The operation unit 105 receives input of setting values and execution of processing from the user and is provided on the outer surface of the printing apparatus 100.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the image processing apparatus (MFP) 100.

[0020] Fig. 3(a) shows the paper feeding operation of the roll paper by this device, Fig. 3(b) shows the back feed operation of the roll paper, and Fig. 3(c) shows the cutting operation and paper discharging operation of the roll paper after printing. The image processing apparatus (MFP) 100 is provided with only a conveyance path for roll paper, but may be provided with conveyance paths for both roll paper and cut paper, and may be capable of feeding and discharging both roll paper and cut paper.

[0021] In the operation of Fig. 3(a), the recording control unit 111 rotates the roll paper tube 401 and the conveyance roller 404, so that the roll paper 402 is conveyed from the roll paper tube 401 along the conveyance path. Then, the roll paper is fed to a position facing the carriage 403 on which the recording head 405 is mounted. The recording head 405 prints an image by discharging ink onto the roll paper 402 sent out by the conveyance roller 404. In the operation of Fig. 3(b), the recording control unit 111 rotates the roll paper tube 401 in the reverse direction to wind the roll paper 402 around the roll paper tube 402. In the operation of Fig. 3(c), the recording control unit 111 operates the cutter unit 406 to cut the roll paper 402 that has finished printing. Then, the roll paper 402 on which the image has been printed is discharged from the paper discharge tray 305.

[0022] In Fig. 3, the input / output unit 105 is provided above the paper discharge port 305, and the user can operate the image processing apparatus (MFP) 100 and receive the printed print medium on the left side of Fig. 2. Also, in Fig. 2, a maintenance unit 407 is provided at a position facing the carriage 403 on which the recording head 405 is mounted and outside the conveyance path of the roll paper 402, and the maintenance operation of the recording head 405 is possible.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the banner copy in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

[0024] The user sets the originals 501 to 503 in order on the reading unit (CIS) 107 and performs reading. The originals 501 to 503 read by the reading unit (CIS) 107 are spooled to the image memory 104 in the order they are read. The originals spooled to the image memory 104 are read out by the image processing control unit 111 and output as printed matter 504 via the color printer 112. The printed matter 504 is output in a state where the originals 501 to 503 read in order are combined like the printed images 505 to 507. Reading and printing can be executed simultaneously.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a case where a printing wait occurs during banner copying in the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

[0026] The user sets the originals 501 to 502 in order on the reading unit (CIS) 107 and performs reading. The originals 501 to 502 read by the reading unit (CIS) 107 are spooled to the image memory 104 in the order they are read. The originals spooled to the image memory 104 are read out by the image processing control unit 111 and output as printed matter 504 via the color printer 112. The printed matter 504 is output in a state where the originals 501 and 502 read in order are in contact like the printed images 505 and 506. However, although the user expected the printed matter 508 combined with the original 503 as well, reading could not be started until the printing of the originals 501 to 502 was completed. Even in such a case, the color printer 112 maintains the state of the printed matter 504 and waits for the reading of the original 503 in order to continue performing banner copying. Then, when the reading of the original 503 starts by the reading unit (CIS) 107, the color printer 112 spools the read original 503 to the image memory 104, and outputs a printed matter 508 in a state where the original 503 read out by the image processing control unit 111 is in contact with the printed image 507 to the printed image 506.

[0027] Figure 6 shows the process from when a printing wait occurs during banner copying in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment until printing is completed. The user sequentially sets originals 501 to 502 on the reading unit (CIS) 107 and performs reading. The originals 501 to 502 read by the reading unit (CIS) 107 are spooled to the image memory 104 in the order in which they are read. The originals spooled to the image memory 104 are read by the image processing control unit 111 and output as a printed matter 504 via the color printer 112. The printed matter 504 is output with the sequentially read originals 501 and 502 in a state where they are in contact with each other like the printed images 505 and 506. Since the user also plans to combine the original 503, the user changes the expectation to the printed matter of the banner copy of the originals 501 and 502. In such a case, the color printer 112 performs a paper discharge process on the printed matter 504 and outputs the printed matter 508.

[0028] Figure 7 shows the case when printing is canceled during banner copying in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

[0029] The user sequentially sets originals 501 to 503 on the reading unit (CIS) 107 and performs reading. The originals 501 to 503 read by the reading unit (CIS) 107 are spooled to the image memory 104 in the order in which they are read. The originals spooled to the image memory 104 are read by the image processing control unit 111 and output as a printed matter 504 via the color printer 112. The printed matter 504 is output with the sequentially read originals 501 to 503 in a state where they are in contact with each other like the printed images 505 to 507. However, the user notices that the original 503 was read by mistake and gives a cancel instruction. At the time of the cancel instruction, the printed matter 504 is in a state between the already printed printed images 505 to 506 and the printed image 507. In such a case, the color printer 112 performs a paper discharge process of separating and outputting the printed matter 508 and the printed matter 509 in order to approximate the printed matter desired by the user.

[0030] Figure 8 shows details of the operation unit (LCD) 105 displayed when reading is completed in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

[0031] The operation unit (LCD) 105 includes a power button 601, a home button 602, a back button 603, a touch panel 604, a cancel button 605, a black button 606, and a color button 607. The power button 601 is for starting and ending the image processing apparatus 100. The home button 602 is for transitioning the touch panel 604 to the top screen. The back button is for returning the touch panel 604 to the screen that was displayed one before. The touch panel 604 executes functions desired by the user according to user operations. The black button 606 is for executing monochrome copying. The color button 607 is for executing color copying.

[0032] FIG. 9 shows the data flow for performing banner copying. To print the print image (1) 505 on the color printer 112, the recording image processing control unit 110 divides the print image (1) into bands such as the first band data 701 of the print image (1), the second band data 702 of the print image (1), and the third band data 703 of the print image (1), and transfers the data divided into bands to the recording control unit 111. The print buffer 705 indicates the memory necessary for performing one scan of printing on the color printer 112, and the recording control unit 111 prints the data arranged in the order of the first band data 701 of the print image (1) and the second band data 702 of the print image (1) on the color printer 112. In banner copying, the final band data 704 of the print image (1) and the first band data 706 of the print image (2) are arranged in the print buffer 705 to perform one scan of printing. Thereafter, printing is completed while arranging the second band data 707 of the print image (2), the third band data 708 of the print image (2), and the final third band data 709 of the print image (2) in the print buffer 705 in order.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of reading manuscripts 501, 502, and 503 in banner copying. S101 is a process for the CPU 101 to determine whether the black button 606 and the color button 607 are pressed in the state where the screen of FIG. 8 is displayed. If the black button 606 or the color button 607 is pressed by the user, the process of S102 is executed. S102 is a process for the reading control unit 106 to read the manuscript. As shown in FIG. 4, the process of saving the read manuscript in the image memory 104 is carried out. The actually executed process is that the reading unit 107 reads one of the manuscripts 501, 502, and 503. Next, the read image processing control unit 108 performs correction processing on the read image, and the JPEG processing unit 109 performs JPEG compression. Thereafter, the JPEG processing unit 109 saves the JPEG-compressed image in the image memory 104. S103 is a process for the reading control unit 106 to determine whether to continuously read the manuscript. The CPU 101 determines whether the black button 606 and the color button 607 are pressed in the state where the screen of FIG. 8 is displayed. If the black button 606 or the color button 607 is pressed, the process of S102 is requested from the reading control unit 106, and the reading control unit 106 executes the process of S102. On the other hand, if the home button 602, the back button 603, or the end button displayed on the touch panel 604 is pressed, the reading process ends.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing process in banner copying. S201 is related to the preparation before printing of the image forming apparatus 100, and necessary preparations are carried out for printing with the color printer 112. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the recording control unit 111 rotates the roll paper tube 401 and the conveyance roller 404 to convey the roll paper 402 from the roll paper tube 401 along the conveyance path.

[0035] Next, feed the roll paper to a position facing the carriage 403 equipped with the recording head 405. S202 is a process for the recording image processing control unit 110 to generate 1-band data. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording image processing control unit 110 divides the print image (1) 505 into bands such as the print image (1) 1st band data 701, the print image (1) 2nd band data 702, and the print image (1) 3rd band data 703. S203 is a process for the recording image processing control unit 110 to determine whether it is the last band of each of the original documents 501, 502, and 503.

[0036] Whether it is the last band is determined by the number of pixels corresponding to the image height of the print image (1) 505 in FIG. 9 ≤ the height of 1-band data × the number of generated bands. If it is not the last band, the recording image processing control unit 110 executes the 1-band data transfer process of S204. If it is the last band, the recording image processing control unit 110 executes the final band data transfer of S205. S204 is a process for the recording image processing control unit 110 to transfer 1-band data to the print buffer 705. The color printer 112 prints an image by discharging ink onto the roll paper 402 sent out by the conveyance roller 404 when the required number of bands has been stored. After performing S204, the recording image processing control unit 110 repeatedly performs the processes of S202 and S203 until the last band.

[0037] S205 is a process for the recording image processing control unit 110 to arrange the final band data in the print buffer 705. Once the process is completed, the recording image processing control unit 110 determines whether it is the last original document in S206. S206 is a process for the recording image processing control unit 110 to determine whether it is the last original document. It is determined whether it is the last original document based on whether the home button 602, the back button 603, or the end button displayed on the touch panel 604 has been pressed while the screen of FIG. 8 is being displayed by the user. If it is not the last original document, the recording image processing control unit 110 executes the process of determining whether the reading of the next original document has started in S207. If it is the last original document, the color printer 112 executes the paper discharge process of S212.

[0038] S206 is a process in which the recording image processing control unit 110 determines whether the reading of the next original has started, and determines whether the black button 606 and the color button 607 have been pressed while the screen of FIG. 8 is being displayed. If the reading of the next original has started, the recording image processing control unit 110 performs the next original data reading process of S207. If it is before the reading of the next original starts, the recording image processing control unit 110 performs the path closing process of S208.

[0039] S207 is a process in which the recording image processing control unit 110 reads the next original data stored in the image memory 104. After the process is performed, the recording image processing control unit 110 executes the process of S202 for the next original. S208 shows the state of FIG. 5, and the recording image processing control unit 110 performs a path closing process to minimize problems such as color unevenness due to waiting. The next S209 also shows the state of FIG. 5, and the recording image processing control unit 110 moves to a position where the next original can be printed after performing the path closing. S210 is a process in which the recording image processing control unit 110 performs the same process as S207.

[0040] S211 shows the same process as S206, and the recording image processing control unit 110 waits for the reading of the original to start by repeating S210 and S211. If the recording image processing control unit 110 detects that the next reading has started in S210, it executes the process of S202 to print the next original from the state of FIG. 5. If the recording image processing control unit 110 does not detect that the next reading has started in S210, it performs the process of whether it is the last original in S211. S211 shows the process of FIG. 6. If the recording image processing control unit 110 determines that it is the last original in S211, the color printer 112 performs the paper ejection process of S212. If the recording image processing control unit 110 is not determined to be the last original in S211, it performs the process of determining whether the next original reading has started in S210. In S212, the color printer 112 performs processes such as cutting the roll paper and outputs the printed matter.

Explanation of Signs

[0041] 100 Image processing apparatus (MFP) 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Image memory 105 Operation unit 106 Reading control unit 107 Reading unit 108 Reading image processing control unit 109 JPEG processing unit

Claims

1. A roll paper feeding means capable of feeding a roll paper which is a paper wound in a roll shape, a reading means for reading a document, an image forming means for forming an image of the document read by the reading means on the roll paper fed from the paper feeding means, an image combining means for combining the images of a plurality of the documents formed by the image forming means so that they can be printed in the same scan, a conveying means for conveying the roll paper back and forth, and a paper discharge processing means for cutting the printed printed matter, in an image forming apparatus, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, depending on the state of the next document to be combined before being combined by the image combining means, it is determined whether to use the image combining means to combine or not, and the images are combined.

2. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 1, when the state of no next document continues for a predetermined time, the printed matter up to the document for which printing has been completed is cut by the paper discharge processing means as an output.

3. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 1, when cancellation is carried out during printing, it moves to the end position of the document for which printing has been completed by the conveying means, and is cut by the paper discharge processing means.

Images