Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, printing processing system, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience on a setting screen for printing.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: collection means that performs settings for collecting a plurality of pieces of image data on one sheet; and determination means that automatically determines positions to execute perforation processing on the sheet on the basis of the settings performed in the collection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, a print processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, paper that has perforations and can be torn off has been used in widespread use. Multifunction printers that have the ability to set the perforation position on the paper and process the perforations when copying or printing are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables the position of perforations to be adjusted by displaying them on a preview of a scanned document. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-81318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for technology that allows users to more easily configure settings for processing paper on the settings screen.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the user convenience of the setting screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising an aggregation means for configuring settings to aggregate multiple image data onto a single sheet of printing paper, and a determination means for automatically determining the position at which to process perforations on the printing paper based on the settings configured by the aggregation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the user convenience of the setting screen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list screen of setting items for copying or printing. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a page aggregation setting screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting perforations. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for automatically determining the position of perforations. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for automatically determining the position of perforations. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image repeat setting screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for automatically determining the position of perforations. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen for manually specifying the position of the perforation. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displaying a list of specified perforation positions. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling priority. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling priority. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling the last priority. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling the last priority. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen for switching settings when specifying a perforation position. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen of a printer driver. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an image aggregation function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] <<Embodiment 1>> <System configuration> 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a print processing system having an image processing device according to this embodiment. The print processing system of this embodiment is a system comprising an image processing device 103 connected to a network, a server PC (personal computer) 101 which is an information processing device, and a client PC 102 which is also an information processing device.

[0012] The image processing device 103 is an MFP. The image processing device 103 has a function of copying a paper document and a function of printing print data sent from an external printer driver. The image processing device 103 also has a function of reading a paper document and sending the image data to an external file server (server 101) or an email address (SEND function, scan and send function). The image processing device 103 also has a function of sending data to another image processing device and printing it at the destination image processing device (remote copy function, facsimile function). The image processing device 103 may have various other functions. Note that the above-described functions are merely examples and are not limited to these examples. The image processing device 103 may also be a device having a single function. The printing method of the image processing device 103 used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method.

[0013] The server PC 101 or the client PC 102 can use a printer driver to set printing or processing, and can issue printing or processing instructions to the image processing apparatus 103 via a network set.

[0014] The image processing device 103 is connected to the server 101 and the client PC 102 via, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), but is not limited to this example.

[0015] Furthermore, although the description has been given here using an example of a plurality of devices, the server 101 and the client PC 102 may all be configured as the same computer. The server 101 and the client PC 102 may be implemented in the image processing device 103, and the system 100 may be configured by the single device, the image processing device 103. Note that, although the image processing device 103 is shown as an example of an information processing device in this embodiment, the information processing device is not limited to the image processing device 103, and may be a PC, a terminal device, or a smartphone.

[0016] <Hardware configuration of image processing device> 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image processing device 103 according to this embodiment. The controller unit 200 is connected to a scanner 270, which is an image input device, or a printer 295, which is an image output device. On the other hand, by connecting to Ethernet (registered trademark) or a public line, image information and device information are input and output.

[0017] The CPU 201 is a controller that controls the image processing device 103. The RAM 202 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201 and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 is a boot ROM that stores the system boot program. The HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, applications, and image data.

[0018] The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface with an operation unit 212 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 212 to the operation unit 212. It also serves to transmit information entered by a user of this system from the operation unit 212 to the CPU 201. The network I / F 210 connects to a network and inputs and outputs information. The modem 250 connects to a public line and inputs and outputs information.

[0019] The SRAM 209 is a non-volatile recording medium capable of high-speed operation. The RTC 211 is a real-time clock that continues to count the current time even when the controller unit 200 is not powered on. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 207.

[0020] The image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 207 to an image bus 208 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 208 is configured as a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are placed on the image bus 208.

[0021] The RIP 260 is a raster image processor that expands PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 220 connects the controller unit 200 to image input / output devices such as a scanner 270 and a printer 295, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 280 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 290 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on print output image data. The image rotation unit 230 rotates image data. The image compression / expansion unit 240 performs compression / expansion processing.

[0022] The perforation processing unit 296 is connected to the controller unit 200 via the device I / F section 220, and processes the paper output from the printer image processing section 290 to add dotted perforation lines. Note that the image processing device 103 in this embodiment is equipped with the perforation processing unit 296, and the image processing device 103 can process the paper by adding perforations, but printing and processing may be performed by different devices. In this case, for example, printing is performed by the image processing device 103, and the printed paper is transported to another device, where the perforation is performed.

[0023] <Software configuration of image processing device> 3 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the image processing device 103 according to the present invention. This software is stored as firmware 350 in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0024] The real-time OS 301 is a real-time operating system that provides various resource management services and frameworks optimized for controlling embedded systems for the software that runs on it. The various resource management services and frameworks provided by the real-time OS include multitasking (thread) management, which allows multiple processes to run in parallel by managing multiple execution contexts of CPU processes. There is also inter-task communication, which enables synchronization or data exchange between tasks. There are also memory management, interrupt management, various device drivers, and protocol stacks that implement various protocol processing (such as local interfaces, networks, and communications).

[0025] The controller platform 302 is composed of a file system 303, a job / device control 304, a counter 305, etc. The file system 303 is a mechanism for storing data constructed on a storage device such as the HDD 204 or RAM 202. The job / device control 304 controls the hardware of the image processing device 103 and also controls jobs that use basic functions (printing, scanning, communication, image conversion, etc.) provided mainly by the hardware of the image processing device 103. The counter 305 manages the expiration date and print or scan counter values ​​for each application, which are stored in the SRAM 209.

[0026] The system service 306 is composed of an application management module 308 and a window management module 309. The application management module 308 is a management module for installing, uninstalling, starting, or stopping applications 310 to 314. Examples of applications include home 310, print 311, copy 312, scan 313, and login 314. The window management module 309 is a management module for controlling the display order of application windows provided by each application.

[0027] The application platform 307 is middleware that enables the mechanisms of the real-time OS 301 and the controller platform 302 to be used by each application.

[0028] Each application is application software that realizes various business models using functions provided by the application platform 307. Home 310 has a menu function for selecting an application. Print 311 is a print function for printing accepted electronic data print jobs on paper. Copy 312 is a copy function for duplicating paper documents. Scan 313 is a scan function for transmitting data. When each application receives a login notification, it performs screen generation processing appropriate for the logged-in user based on that information. One example is the processing performed when a logged-in user is restricted from using a web browser and from color copying. In this case, Home 310 performs processing to prevent the logged-in user from selecting a web browser that cannot be used. Furthermore, Copy 312 performs processing to prevent the color copy button from being selected.

[0029] Login 314 is authentication software for performing user authentication. Login 314 performs login processing based on the user name and password entered via the operation unit 212. If authentication fails, an error message is displayed, and if authentication is successful, a series of post-authentication processes are performed.

[0030] The image processing device 103 has an image aggregation function that prints multiple images on a single sheet of paper. This image aggregation function includes, for example, a page aggregation function or an N-in-1 function, which allows N pages of documents to be printed on a single sheet of paper. The image aggregation function also includes an image repeat function, which allows X images to be printed vertically and Y images to be printed horizontally. Since X and Y are natural numbers, the image repeat function of this embodiment may be configured to print the same image repeatedly only vertically or horizontally. These image aggregation functions are sometimes used, for example, for coupons, where it is desirable to cut the paper into individual images and distribute them. Therefore, when the image aggregation function is enabled, being able to specify perforation settings for each image on a single setting screen is highly convenient for users and improves configuration efficiency.

[0031] With the existing method, the image aggregation function and perforation settings had to be configured separately on separate screens, and improvements in efficiency were needed in terms of configuration efficiency. Another existing method for configuring perforations involves manually specifying the location of the perforations on the paper using numerical values. Furthermore, when specifying multiple perforations, this operation had to be repeated for each perforation, posing a challenge in configuration efficiency. Furthermore, manually specifying the perforations accurately required measuring the paper with a ruler or other measuring device before printing to confirm the locations where the perforations should be drawn, which was time-consuming.

[0032] In the present embodiment described below, a method is proposed that allows the settings for the image aggregation function and the settings for perforating the paper to be specified for each image on the same setting screen. In this embodiment, the position of the perforations is determined automatically based on the image aggregation function, so the effort required for setting can be reduced even when multiple perforations are specified. Specifically, the effort required to measure the paper in advance with a ruler or the like and accurately determine the position of the perforations can be eliminated.

[0033] <Screen display according to the first embodiment> Next, the control method of the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a list screen of setting items according to this embodiment. The list screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 shows some of the functions that the user can arbitrarily set when executing copy 312. Note that the list screen 401 shown in Fig. 4 can also be applied to print 311. The list screen 401 of setting items according to this embodiment is output by the window management 309 to the operation unit 212. The window management 309 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing apparatus 103 as firmware 350, and is read into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. The list screen 401 of setting items displays setting items that are set when copying or printing, such as page aggregation 402, image repeat 403, or perforation position specification 404.

[0035] For example, when the selection of the page aggregation 402 is detected, the CPU 201 performs display control so that a page aggregation function setting screen 501 shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the operation unit 212. Also, when the selection of the image repeat 403 is detected, the CPU 201 displays an image repeat function setting screen 901 shown in Fig. 9 (described later). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the image aggregation function. Specifically, it is a page aggregation function setting screen 501 for setting a function called Nin1, which prints multiple documents on one sheet of paper. In this embodiment, the page aggregation function setting screen 501 is output by the window manager 309 to the operation unit 212. The window manager 309 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing apparatus 103 as firmware 350, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. The page aggregation function setting screen 501 is a setting item that is set when executing the print 311 or copy 312, and N (N is a multiple of 2) images specified on one sheet of paper are printed in accordance with the setting contents. The page aggregation function setting screen 501 also has an Nin1 setting value 502 that sets the number of images to be printed on one sheet of paper.

[0036] For example, the 8in1 setting value 503 is one of the Nin1 setting values ​​502. When the 8in1 setting value 503 is set, eight original images are printed on one sheet of paper. In addition to the Nin1 setting value 502 for page aggregation, the page aggregation function setting screen 501 also includes an automatic perforation position setting check field 504 for setting perforations for cutting the paper for each image laid out on the sheet. When the Nin1 setting value 502 is enabled, the automatic perforation position setting check field 504 allows the user to enable or disable the setting for inserting perforations between laid out pages. The margin setting check field 505 is an input field that, when enabled, allows the user to set a preset length of margins on the print paper. When the OK button 506 on the page aggregation function setting screen 501 is pressed, the setting values ​​of the Nin1 setting value 502, the automatic perforation position setting check field 504, etc. are recorded in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204.

[0037] <Flowchart according to the first embodiment> FIG. 6 is a flowchart for performing copying or printing according to this embodiment. Specifically, this flowchart determines whether perforation settings have been made simultaneously with setting an image aggregation function for printing N images on one sheet of paper, and executes processing according to the determination. Firmware 350 for the processing of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. This processing starts when an operation to start copying or printing is detected. Furthermore, the symbol "S" in the description of each process in this flowchart indicates a step in the flowchart, and the same applies to subsequent flowcharts.

[0038] In this flowchart, we will explain the example of using the page aggregation function as one of the image aggregation functions, but in reality, it can also be applied to processing that uses image repeat, which will be described in the embodiment below.

[0039] In S601, the CPU 201 starts copying or printing in response to detecting a copy or print execution process. In S602, the CPU 201 determines whether an image aggregation function for printing multiple images on one sheet of paper is set. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether either the page aggregation 402 or the image repeat 403 has been selected and set on the list screen 401 shown in FIG. 4. If it is determined that the function has not been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S603 and executes copying or printing. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is determined that the function has been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S604 and determines whether perforation settings have been made on the setting screen for the selected image aggregation function. If it is determined that the function has not been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S605 and executes copying or printing using the image aggregation function. On the other hand, if it is determined that the function has been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S606.

[0040] In S606, CPU 201 determines the position of the perforations. The details of determining the position of the perforations in S606 will be described later using FIG. 7. In S607, CPU 201 performs copying or printing in accordance with the image aggregation function settings and perforation settings determined in S602 and S606. Thereafter, CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0041] 7 is a flowchart for determining the position of perforations according to this embodiment. Specifically, this flowchart shows details of S606 in FIG. 6. Firmware 350 for the processing according to this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0042] This process is a higher-level conceptualization of both the page aggregation function described above in this embodiment and the image repeat function described in a later embodiment. In this embodiment, an overview of the perforation process will first be described using Fig. 7, and then the process flow when the process in Fig. 7 is applied to the page aggregation function (N in 1 function) will be described in Fig. 8. The process flow when the process in Fig. 7 is applied to the image repeat function will be described later using Fig. 10.

[0043] In step S701, the CPU 201 acquires the vertical and horizontal sizes of the paper to be used for printing from the RAM 202. This process is also called paper size setting acquisition process.

[0044] In S702, the CPU 201 acquires the number of repeats of the image for which the image aggregation function is set from the RAM 202. This process is also called a repeat number setting process.

[0045] In S703, the CPU 201 determines the position of the horizontal perforations based on the vertical size of the paper acquired in the paper size setting acquisition process in S701 and the number of image repeats acquired in the number of repeats setting acquisition process in S702. This process is also called horizontal perforation setting process.

[0046] In S704, the CPU 201 determines the position to insert vertical perforations based on the horizontal size of the paper acquired in the paper size setting acquisition process in S701 and the number of image repeats acquired in the repeat count setting acquisition process in S702. This process is also called vertical perforation setting process. After that, the CPU 201 ends the process of this flowchart. Note that the paper size setting acquisition process S701 and the repeat count setting acquisition process S702 may be performed in reverse order. Also, the horizontal perforation setting process S703 and the vertical perforation setting process S704 may be performed in reverse order.

[0047] Fig. 8 is a flowchart for determining the position of perforations according to this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing details of S606 in Fig. 6 described above. Fig. 8 is also a flowchart when the process for determining the position of perforations described in Fig. 7 is applied to the Nin1 function. Firmware 350 relating to the process of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0048] In step S801, the CPU 201 acquires from the RAM 202 the length and width of the paper to be used for printing.

[0049] In S802, the CPU 201 obtains the division number (the number N in Nin1) from the RAM 202. Note that N is a multiple of 2.

[0050] In S803, CPU 201 repeats N / 2-1 times the process of setting the paper length acquired in S801 to perforate the paper horizontally from a position that is equal to the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by N / 2 according to N acquired in S802. Then, it determines these positions as the positions of the horizontal perforations. Note that if margins are set for the paper to be printed on, it is also possible to repeat N / 2-1 times the process of setting the paper length to perforate the paper horizontally from a position that is equal to the length obtained by dividing the vertical paper size excluding the margins by N / 2, and determine these positions as the positions of the horizontal perforations.

[0051] In S804, the CPU 201 determines the position of the vertical perforations by setting the perforations to be made in the vertical direction of the paper from a position that is equal to the horizontal size of the paper acquired in S801 divided by 2. The CPU 201 then ends the processing of this flowchart. Note that if margins are set for the paper to be printed on, the position of the vertical perforations may also be determined by setting the perforations to be made in the vertical direction of the paper from a position that is equal to the horizontal size of the paper excluding the margins divided by 2.

[0052] 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of the image aggregation function. A specific example of the flowchart for determining the Nin1 perforation position described above will be described with reference to FIG. In S801, the CPU 201 acquires a paper size with a vertical size of 8 and a horizontal size of 4. In addition, in S802, the CPU 201 acquires a division number N of 8. That is, the setting is to allocate 8 originals onto a paper sheet with a length of 8×4.

[0053] In S803, the CPU 201 determines the position of the horizontal perforations. Specifically, the CPU 201 sets the perforations to be applied in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the paper starting from position 2, which is the length obtained by dividing the vertical paper size of 8 by 8 / 2. This is repeated 8 / 2-1 times (3 times). If the coordinates of the bottom left corner of the paper are (0,0), the CPU 201 sets the perforations to be applied from positions (0,2), (0,4), and (0,6) to positions (4,2), (4,4), and (4,6), respectively.

[0054] In S804, the CPU 201 determines the position of the vertical perforation. Specifically, the CPU 201 sets the perforation in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the paper from the length (2,0) of the position where the horizontal paper size of 4 is divided by 2. If the coordinates of the bottom left corner of the paper are (0,0), the settings are made to create perforations at positions (2,0) to (2,8). As mentioned above, if it is 8in1, we can see that there will be one vertical perforation and three horizontal perforations, and that the paper will be divided into eight equal parts by the perforations.

[0055] Alternatively, perforation position values ​​determined in advance for each paper size and Nin1 setting may be stored as a table in HDD 204 or RAM 202, and this may be used instead of S606. For example, one possible example is to store values ​​in a table indicating that the perforation position for 4in1 printing is 148.5 mm vertically and 105 mm horizontally for a standard A4 size paper having a paper size of 297 mm vertically and 210 mm horizontally. S607 may be executed by referencing the perforation position values ​​in the table stored in HDD 204 or RAM 202.

[0056] As described above, this embodiment can improve user convenience on the settings screen. Specifically, the user can configure the setting for perforation on the image aggregation function settings screen. When the setting for perforation is configured, the perforation position is automatically calculated based on the paper size and the Nin1 division setting. This is therefore simpler and more efficient than the conventional method of manually specifying the perforation position. Furthermore, compared to the method of manually specifying the perforation position, this method eliminates the need to measure the paper size in advance with a ruler or the like and then accurately input the values ​​based on the measured values.

[0057] <<Embodiment 2>> The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0058] <Screen display according to the second embodiment> 9 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the image aggregation function according to this embodiment. Specifically, this is an image repeat function setting screen 901 for setting a function called image repeat, which repeatedly prints one image X times vertically and Y times horizontally on one sheet of paper. The image repeat function setting screen 901 according to this embodiment is output by the window management 309 to the operation unit 212. The window management 309 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103 as firmware 350, and is read into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201.

[0059] The image repeat function setting screen 901 is a setting item that is set when executing the print 311 or copy 312, and prints a specific image X times vertically and Y times horizontally on one sheet of paper according to the setting contents. The image repeat function setting screen 901 has an image repeat count setting value 902 that sets how many times the same image is to be repeatedly laid out vertically and horizontally on one sheet of paper. For example, the vertical image setting value 903 is one setting value of the setting value 902, and according to the value X specified by the increase / decrease button in the vertical image setting value 903, the same image is repeatedly printed X times vertically on one sheet of paper. Furthermore, the automatic vertical setting 904, when set, is a setting that ignores the value specified in the vertical image setting value 903 and automatically calculates and repeats the maximum number of images that can be repeated on one sheet of paper.

[0060] In addition to the image repeat setting value 902, the image repeat function setting screen 901 also has an automatic perforation position setting check field 905, which is an input field for setting perforations for cutting the paper for each image laid out on the paper. When the image repeat setting value 902 is enabled, the automatic perforation position setting check field 905 can be used to enable or disable the setting for inserting perforations between laid out images. The margin setting check field 906 is an input field that, when enabled, makes it possible to set margins of a preset length on the printing paper. When an OK button 907 located on the image repeat function setting screen 901 is pressed, the setting values ​​of the image repeat count setting value 902, the automatic perforation position setting check field 905, etc. are recorded in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204.

[0061] <Flowchart according to the second embodiment> Fig. 10 is a flowchart for determining the position of a perforation according to this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing details of S606 in Fig. 6 described above. It is also a flowchart for determining whether perforation settings have been made along with settings using the image repeat function, which is one of the image aggregation functions that prints N images on one sheet of paper, and executing the process for determining the position of a perforation, as described in Fig. 7. Firmware 350 for the processing according to this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0062] In S1001, the CPU 201 obtains the vertical and horizontal sizes of the paper to be used for printing from the RAM 202. In S1002, the CPU 201 obtains from the RAM 202 the number X of times the image is to be repeated vertically and the number Y of times the image is to be repeated horizontally (X and Y are natural numbers).

[0063] In S1003, the CPU 201 determines the positions of the horizontal perforations. That is, the CPU 201 repeats X-1 times the vertical size of the paper acquired in S1001, setting the perforations to be processed horizontally from a position that is the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by X, according to the number of vertical repetitions X of the image repeat acquired in S1002. Then, the CPU 201 determines these positions as the positions of the horizontal perforations.

[0064] In S1004, CPU 201 determines the positions of the vertical perforations. That is, the setting for processing the vertical perforations is repeated Y-1 times from a position that is the length obtained by dividing the horizontal size of the paper obtained in S1001 by Y, according to the number of times Y that the image repeat is repeated horizontally in S1002. Then, these positions are determined as the positions of the vertical perforations. CPU 201 then ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0065] A specific example of a flowchart for determining the perforation position of the image repeat function will be described with reference to FIG. 20(b). In S801, the CPU 201 acquires a paper size with a vertical size of 8 and a horizontal size of 4. In S1002, the CPU 201 acquires from the RAM 202 the number of times the image is to be repeated vertically, 8, and the number of times the image is to be repeated horizontally, 4.

[0066] In S1003, CPU 201 determines the position of the horizontal perforations. Specifically, it sets the perforations to be processed in the horizontal direction (X direction) from a position that is the length obtained by dividing 8, which is the vertical size of the paper, by 8, which is the number of times the image is repeated vertically. It also repeats this 8-1 times (7 times). In other words, if the coordinates of the bottom left corner of the paper are (0,0), it sets the perforations to be processed at positions (0,1) to (0,7) and then at positions (4,1) to (4,7), respectively.

[0067] In S1004, CPU 201 determines the position of the vertical perforations. Specifically, the setting is made to process the vertical perforations (Y direction) from a position that is the length obtained by dividing 4, which is the horizontal size of the paper, by 4, which is the number of horizontal repetitions of the image. This is repeated 4-1 times (3 times). If the coordinates of the bottom left corner of the paper are (0,0), the setting is made to process the perforations from positions (1,0), (2,0), and (3,0) to positions (1,8), (2,8), and (3,8), respectively. As described above, with this image repeat setting, we can see that there will be 3 vertical perforations and 7 horizontal perforations, and that the paper will be divided into 32 equal parts by the perforations.

[0068] As explained above, even when using the image repeat function, the perforation positions can be set automatically, as in embodiment 1. When allocating multiple images to one sheet of paper, scalable printing can be performed by using a method for calculating the perforation positions for each image.

[0069] <<Embodiment 3>> Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiments 1 and 2 described above.

[0070] <Screen display according to the third embodiment> 11 shows a manual perforation position setting screen 1101 illustrating a method for manually specifying a perforation position according to this embodiment. The manual perforation position setting screen 1101 is a setting screen to which transition occurs when the perforation position specification 404 is selected on the list screen 401 of FIG. 4. The manual perforation position setting screen 1101 of this embodiment is output by the window management 309 to the operation unit 212. The window management 309 is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing apparatus 103 as firmware 350, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. The manual perforation position setting screen 1101 contains setting items that are set when executing print 311 or copy 312, and settings are made to draw perforations at specific positions on a sheet of paper according to the settings. The perforation position manual setting screen 1101 has a setting item 1102 for deciding whether to draw the perforations vertically or horizontally; when vertical is selected, the perforations are drawn vertically relative to the paper, and when horizontal is selected, the perforations are drawn horizontally relative to the paper. The perforation position manual setting screen 1101 has a setting item 1103 for specifying the position to draw the perforations; the specified position is reflected in the setting item 1103 using the numerical increase / decrease buttons 1004. When the position determination button 1105 on the perforation position manual setting screen 1001 is pressed, the setting value is recorded to the HDD 204.

[0071] 12 shows a perforation setting list screen 1201 according to this embodiment, in which the position of a perforation is manually specified. The perforation setting list screen 1201 according to this embodiment is output by the window management 309 to the operation unit 212. The window management 309 is stored as firmware 350 in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. The perforation setting list screen 1201 has a list 1202 that displays a list of set perforations, and each set perforation is displayed on the list as a single perforation item 1203.

[0072] When any of the perforation items 1203 is pressed, the screen transitions to the perforation position manual setting screen 1101 as shown in Fig. 11, where the setting contents including the numbers of the set perforation positions are displayed. That is, when executing print 311 or copy 312, if it is detected that perforation position specification 404 has been selected in the function setting list shown in Fig. 4, the CPU 201 transitions the display to the perforation setting list screen 1201 shown in Fig. 12. Then, when any of the perforation items 1203 is pressed on the perforation setting list screen 1201, the screen transitions to the perforation position manual setting screen 1101 as shown in Fig. 11. At this time, if the add new perforation button 1204 in the list 1202 is pressed, the CPU 201 displays the initial setting contents, which are not yet set.

[0073] Note that, if a setting value for inserting perforations between previously allocated pages has been set, the list screen 1201 may display all of the perforation positions determined in S606 in the list 1202. That is, for example, if the automatic perforation position setting check box 504 has been set between previously allocated pages on the page aggregation function setting screen 501 shown in FIG. 5 , the set perforation positions may be displayed in the list 1202. Furthermore, by pressing the perforation item 1203 displayed in the list 1202 as described above, the screen transitions to the manual perforation position setting screen 1101, where the automatically set perforation position setting may be manually changed numerically. When the OK button 1205 arranged on the perforation setting list screen 1201 is pressed, the setting value is recorded in the HDD 204.

[0074] <Flowchart according to the third embodiment> 13 and 14 show control in the case where conflicting settings are set and the setting that was set first takes priority.

[0075] 13 is a flowchart of screen control when manual perforation setting is attempted when settings for printing multiple images on a single sheet of paper and perforation settings have been made according to this embodiment. Firmware 350 relating to the processing of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. This processing starts when an operation is made to set up printing 311 or copying 312.

[0076] In step S1301, the CPU 201 detects that an attempt is made to display a setting screen for the image combining function (the page combining 402 or the image repeat 403 in FIG. 4). For example, this may be detected by detecting that the page combining 402 or the image repeat 403 in FIG. 4 is pressed.

[0077] In step S1302, the CPU 201 determines whether manual perforation setting has already been performed on another screen, such as the perforation position manual setting screen 1101 or the perforation setting list screen 1201.

[0078] If it is determined that the setting is not made, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1303, and displays the input field for setting perforations, which is arranged on the setting screen for the image aggregation function that was to be displayed in S1301, in a state where it is not grayed out. The input field is the automatic perforation position setting check field 504 in the page aggregation setting screen of Fig. 5. Also, in the image repeat function setting screen 901 of Fig. 9, it is the automatic perforation position setting check field 905.

[0079] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting has been made, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1304 and displays the setting input field for making perforations, which is arranged on the setting screen for the image aggregation function that was to be displayed in S1301, in a grayed-out state. That is, for example, in the case of the page aggregation setting screen of Fig. 5, the automatic perforation position setting check field 504 is grayed out and the screen is displayed in a state in which the switching operation between enable and disable is not accepted.

[0080] That is, for example, if the perforations have already been set manually, when the page aggregation function setting screen 501 shown in Fig. 5 is displayed, the automatic perforation position setting check box 504 is displayed in a grayed-out state. Also, for example, if the perforations have already been set manually, when the image repeat function setting screen 901 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed, the automatic perforation position setting check box 905 is displayed in a grayed-out state. 14 is a flowchart related to screen control when manual setting of perforations according to this embodiment has already been performed, and then manual setting of perforations is attempted together with setting to print multiple images on one sheet of paper. Firmware 350 related to the processing of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. This processing starts when an operation is performed to perform settings for executing print 311 or copy 312.

[0081] In step S1401, the CPU 201 detects that an attempt is made to display a screen for manual setting of perforations. This may be, for example, the manual perforation position setting screen 1101 or the perforation setting list screen 1201.

[0082] In S1402, the CPU 201 determines whether a setting for printing multiple images on a single sheet of paper and a setting for automatically inserting perforations have already been made on another screen. For example, the CPU 201 determines whether the page aggregation function has been set on the page aggregation function setting screen 501 and whether the automatic perforation position setting check box 504 is enabled for the spaces between the allocated pages. If it determines that the setting has not been made, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1403 and displays the perforation setting that was to be displayed in S1401 without being grayed out. Thereafter, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined that the perforation settings have been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1404 and grays out the perforation settings that were to be displayed in S1401. This indicates, for example, that the perforation position specification 404 in FIG. 4 is grayed out. Also, for example, the perforation position specification 404 in FIG. 4 is not grayed out and can be selected, but the list 1202 in FIG. 12 is grayed out. In either case, the perforation cannot be manually set. Thereafter, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0084] 13 and 14 described above can reduce confusion for the user who is setting up the perforation, and can improve convenience.

[0085] 15 and 16, which will be described next, show control in the case where conflicting settings are set and the setting set later takes priority.

[0086] 15 is a flowchart of screen control when attempting to confirm settings for printing multiple images on a single sheet of paper and automatically setting perforations according to this embodiment. Firmware 350 relating to the processing of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201. This processing starts when an operation is performed to set up printing 311 or copying 312.

[0087] In step S1501, the CPU 201 detects that an attempt has been made to confirm the setting for printing multiple images on one sheet of paper and the automatic setting of perforations. This is, for example, detecting the pressing of the OK button 506 on the page aggregation function setting screen 501 when the page aggregation function has been set and the automatic perforation position setting check box 504 is enabled for the spaces between the allocated pages.

[0088] In S1502, the CPU 201 determines whether the perforations have already been manually set on another screen. If it determines that they have not been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1503 and confirms the perforation settings that were attempted to be confirmed in S1501. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined that the perforation has been set, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1504, where it cancels the manual perforation position setting that has already been set, and then confirms the perforation setting that was attempted to be confirmed in S1501. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0090] 16 is a flowchart related to screen control when an attempt is made to confirm manual perforation settings along with settings for printing multiple images on a single sheet of paper according to this embodiment. Firmware 350 related to the processing of this embodiment is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, read into the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0091] In S1601, the CPU 201 detects that an attempt has been made to confirm the manual setting of the perforations. This may be, for example, an attempt to confirm the manual setting of the perforations on the perforation position manual setting screen 1101 or the perforation setting list screen 1201. In S1602, the CPU 201 determines whether a setting for automatic perforation has already been made on another screen. If it is determined that this setting has not been made, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1603 and confirms the manual setting of the perforations that was attempted to be confirmed in S1601. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the settings have been made, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1604, cancels the already set setting for printing multiple images on one sheet of paper and the perforation setting, and then confirms the manual perforation setting that was attempted to be confirmed in S1601. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0093] The above-described process can save the user the trouble of manually setting perforations, for example, but then changing their mind and deciding to change to automatic perforation. Specifically, it is possible to avoid the need to return to the setting screen for manually setting perforations (manual perforation position setting screen 1101 or perforation setting list screen 1201). Conversely, manually setting perforations can save the user the trouble of returning to the automatic perforation setting screen that was previously set and canceling the automatic perforation setting. This improves convenience.

[0094] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a setting change screen for changing the control performed when conflicting perforation settings by the window management 309 according to this embodiment to suit the user's preferences.

[0095] The setting change screen 1701 has a button 1702 for a setting value that prioritizes control over the setting set earlier, and a button 1703 for a setting value that prioritizes control over the setting set later. In the setting change screen 1701, the setting value is held with the button 1702 set in the factory default state. That is, the setting is set so that the earlier setting in the perforation setting is given priority at the time of shipment. The setting that prioritizes earlier setting and the setting that prioritizes later setting are confirmed as the setting value when the OK button 1704, which confirms the setting value, is pressed with the corresponding button (buttons 1702, 1703) pressed. If the cancel button 1705 is pressed even after either button 1702 or 1703 is pressed on the setting change screen, the original setting value that was set when transitioning to this screen is maintained.

[0096] Based on the settings on this setting change screen, if button 1702 is set, CPU 201 performs control as shown in Figures 13 and 14. If button 1703 is set, CPU 201 performs control as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, when there is a conflict between manual and automatic perforation position settings, the priority can be changed according to the user's preference. Since it is thought that users have different preferences for how to handle conflicts, a method is provided that allows the user to freely set the conflict handling, thereby providing a conflict avoidance process that suits the user's preference.

[0098] <<Embodiment 4>> In this embodiment, the image aggregation function and perforation settings are performed on a PC using a printer driver or a dedicated print application, rather than on the MFP itself. This is expected to improve convenience when printing electronic data stored on a PC, cloud storage, or server. Details are provided below.

[0099] <Screen display according to the fourth embodiment> FIG. 18 is a software configuration diagram of the client PC 102 in which software for a printer driver 1801 according to this embodiment is installed.

[0100] A driver information acquisition unit 1803 acquires and holds various types of information for the printer driver 1801. The various types of information are information set in the user interface of the printer driver 1801 as shown in FIG.

[0101] An apparatus information acquisition unit 1804 acquires apparatus information of the image processing apparatus 103 via the network. The apparatus information is, for example, information about the color of toner of the image processing apparatus 103.

[0102] A print data generation unit 1805 generates print data for issuing print instructions to the image processing device 103. It also generates an object that specifies a white drawing area required for white printing.

[0103] In response to a request, the printer driver 1801 displays a printer driver screen 1901 on the panel of the client PC 102. Although the printer driver 1801 has been described as being installed in the client PC 102, it may be configured to be installed in the server PC 101.

[0104] 19 is a diagram showing a printer driver screen 1901 of setting items set at the time of printing according to this embodiment, displayed by the printer driver 1801. A printer driver screen 1901 is displayed on the server PC 101 or the client PC 102.

[0105] The printer driver screen 1901 in Fig. 19 has the same functions as the page aggregation function setting screen 501 in Fig. 5, and this is indicated by page layout settings 1902. The page layout settings 1902 have setting values ​​such as 2 in 1 and 4 in 1, just like the page aggregation function setting screen 501. The printer driver 1801 also has an automatic perforation position setting check field 1903, just like the page aggregation function setting screen 501 in Fig. 5. The automatic perforation position setting check field 1903 may be indented as shown in Fig. 19 to indicate that it is an optional setting of the page layout settings 1902.

[0106] The process when the automatic perforation position setting check box 1903 is set is the same as the process described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7. When performing the process, the setting values ​​of the printer driver are sent from the server PC 101 or the client PC 102 to the image processing device 103 as a PDL job together with other setting values.

[0107] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image aggregation function and perforation settings can be performed not only on the MFP itself, but also on a PC using a printer driver or a dedicated print application. This setting is in demand when printing electronic data stored on a PC, cloud, or server, and can be said to be a form that leads to improved convenience.

[0108] <<Other embodiments>> 17 described in the third embodiment is a setting screen that allows the user to determine in advance whether to prioritize the first or last setting of automatic or manual perforation settings, but the method of determination is not limited to this. For example, if settings have been made using one method first and then an attempt is made to make settings using the other method, a notification screen may be displayed to notify the user that the perforations have been set using a different method. The notification screen may then allow the user to select which method to use to set the perforations.

[0109] In addition, there may be a configuration in which automatic setting and manual setting of perforations are appropriately combined and set. For example, after the automatic setting of perforations is performed, there may be a configuration in which the perforations set by the automatic setting can be manually adjusted or new perforations can be added by manual setting.

[0110] In the above-described print processing system, printing or processing settings are made on the operation unit 212 of the image processing device or on the setting screen of a printer driver of a client PC or the like, and the image processing device 103 executes printing and processing, but this is not limited to this. For example, printing may be executed by the image processing device 103, and processing may be executed by a processing device. Also, a print processing device that receives printing and processing instructions may execute printing and processing. In other words, the subject of each process is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0111] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0112] The present disclosure also includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) the aggregation unit is configured to perform the setting by accepting a first operation by a user; the determining means is configured to perform processing to determine the position by accepting a second operation by a user; 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, further comprising a display control means for displaying a first setting screen that accepts the second operation on the same setting screen as the first operation. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the aggregation means performs Nin1, which is a function of allocating and printing multiple documents on one sheet of paper, or image repeat, which is a function of repeatedly allocating and printing multiple images in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions of one sheet of paper. (Configuration 4) When the aggregation means performs the Nin1 aggregation, The determining means The size of the paper and the set value of N (N is a multiple of 2) are acquired, and the position of the horizontal perforation is determined by repeating N / 2-1 times the setting of processing the horizontal perforation from the position of the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by N / 2; determining the position of the vertical perforation by setting the processing of the vertical perforation from a position of a length obtained by dividing the horizontal size of the paper by 2; 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, (Configuration 5) When the aggregation means performs the image repeat, The determining means The size of the paper, the value X (X is a natural number) of the number of times the vertical image is repeated, and the value Y (Y is a natural number) of the number of times the horizontal image is repeated are obtained, and the position of the horizontal perforation is determined by repeating this X-1 times to set the perforation processing in the horizontal direction from the position of the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by X, determining the position of the horizontal perforation by repeating Y-1 times the setting for processing the vertical perforation from the position of the length obtained by dividing the horizontal size of the paper by Y; 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, (Configuration 6) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when margins are set on the paper, the determination means determines the position for processing the perforations using the paper size excluding the margins in both the vertical and horizontal directions. (Configuration 7) 3. The information processing device according to configuration 2, wherein the display control means displays a second setting screen that accepts an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper. (Configuration 8) If the second operation has been accepted on the first setting screen, 8. The information processing device according to configuration 7, wherein the display control means performs control so as not to accept an operation to manually specify the position of the perforations on the paper on the second setting screen. (Configuration 9) The information processing device described in configuration 8 is characterized in that the control not to accept an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper is characterized in that the input field for setting the processing of the perforation by manually inputting a numerical value is displayed in gray on the second setting screen. (Configuration 10) If the second operation has been accepted on the first setting screen, The information processing device described in configuration 9 is characterized in that the display control means controls to cancel the previously accepted second operation when accepting an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper on the second setting screen. (Configuration 11) When an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper has been accepted on the second setting screen, 10. The information processing device according to configuration 9, wherein the display control means performs display control on the first setting screen so as not to accept the second operation. (Configuration 12) When an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper has been accepted on the second setting screen, The information processing device described in configuration 9 is characterized in that the display control means controls the cancellation of the previously accepted operation of manually specifying the position of the perforation when accepting the second operation on the first setting screen. (Configuration 13) The information processing device described in configuration 9 is characterized in that the display control means displays a third setting screen that allows the user to decide in advance whether to prioritize the operation that is received first or the operation that is received last, between the operation for performing the determination means on the first setting screen and the operation for manually specifying the position of the perforation on the second setting screen. (Configuration 14) 14. The information processing device according to configuration 13, wherein the display control means performs display control such that, when an operation that is accepted first has priority, an operation that is accepted later cannot be performed. (Configuration 15) 14. The information processing device according to configuration 13, wherein the display control means performs control to cancel the operation that was accepted first when the operation accepted last is given priority. (Configuration 16) 16. The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs a print processing apparatus to execute printing and processing based on the aggregation unit and the determination unit. (Configuration 17) a consolidation step of setting a plurality of image data to be consolidated onto one sheet of paper; a determining step of automatically determining a position where perforations are to be processed on the paper based on the setting made in the collecting step; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: (Configuration 18) A program that operates on an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; A program characterized by functioning as (Configuration 19) An information processing device characterized by having a display control means for displaying a setting screen that can accept operations for processing perforations on paper on the same screen as operations for aggregating multiple image data onto a single sheet of paper. (Configuration 20) aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; a printing unit that executes printing based on the aggregation unit; a processing means for executing processing based on the determination means; A printing processing system comprising:

Claims

1. aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. the aggregation unit is configured to perform the setting by accepting a first operation by a user; the determining means is configured to perform processing to determine the position by accepting a second operation by a user; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that displays a first setting screen that accepts the second operation on the same setting screen as the first operation.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aggregation means performs Nin1, a function of allocating and printing multiple documents on one sheet of paper, or image repeat, a function of repeatedly allocating and printing multiple images in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions of one sheet of paper.

4. When the aggregation means performs the N in 1 processing, The determining means The size of the paper and the set value of N (N is a multiple of 2) are acquired, and the position of the horizontal perforation is determined by repeating N / 2-1 times the setting of perforation processing in the horizontal direction from the position of the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by N / 2; determining the position of the vertical perforation by setting the processing of the vertical perforation from a position of a length obtained by dividing the horizontal size of the paper by 2; 4. The information processing device according to claim 3,

5. When the aggregation means performs the image repeat, The determining means The size of the paper, the value of the number of times the vertical image is repeated (X (X is a natural number)), and the value of the number of times the horizontal image is repeated (Y (Y is a natural number)) are obtained, and the position of the horizontal perforation is determined by repeating the setting of processing the perforations in the horizontal direction from the position of the length obtained by dividing the vertical size of the paper by X X-1 times; The position of the horizontal perforation is determined by repeating the process of setting the perforation in the vertical direction from the position of the length obtained by dividing the horizontal size of the paper by Y Y-1 times; 4. The information processing device according to claim 3,

6. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when margins are set on the paper, the determining means determines the position for processing the perforations using the paper size excluding the margins in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

7. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control means displays a second setting screen that accepts an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper.

8. If the second operation has been accepted on the first setting screen, 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display control means controls the second setting screen so as not to accept an operation for manually specifying the position of the perforations on the paper.

9. The information processing device described in claim 8, characterized in that the control that does not accept an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper is characterized by graying out the input field on the second setting screen for setting the processing of the perforation by manually entering a numerical value.

10. If the second operation has been accepted on the first setting screen, The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the display control means controls the cancellation of the previously accepted second operation when accepting an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper on the second setting screen.

11. When an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper has been accepted on the second setting screen, The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the display control means performs display control on the first setting screen so as not to accept the second operation.

12. When an operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the paper has been accepted on the second setting screen, The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the display control means controls the cancellation of a previously accepted operation of manually specifying the position of the perforation when accepting the second operation on the first setting screen.

13. The information processing device of claim 9, characterized in that the display control means displays a third setting screen that allows the user to decide in advance whether to prioritize the operation that is received first or the operation that is received last, between the operation to perform the determination means on the first setting screen and the operation to manually specify the position of the perforation on the second setting screen.

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said display control means performs display control such that an operation accepted later cannot be performed when an operation accepted earlier has priority.

15. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the display control means performs control to cancel the operation that was accepted earlier when the operation accepted later has priority.

16. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs a print processing device to execute printing and processing based on the aggregation unit and the determination unit.

17. a consolidation step of setting a plurality of image data to be consolidated onto one sheet of paper; a determining step of automatically determining a position where perforations are to be processed on the paper based on the setting made in the collecting step; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

18. A program that operates on an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; A program characterized by functioning as

19. An information processing device characterized by having a display control means for displaying a setting screen that can accept operations for processing perforations on paper on the same screen as operations for aggregating multiple image data onto a single sheet of paper.

20. aggregating means for setting a plurality of image data to be aggregated onto one sheet of paper; a determining unit that automatically determines a position where perforations are to be formed on the paper based on the settings made by the collecting unit; a printing unit that executes printing based on the aggregation unit; a processing means for executing processing based on the determination means; A printing processing system comprising:

Images