Image forming system and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system and a program capable of adjusting a final folding position from a preliminary folding position based on a paper side and folding setting.SOLUTION: An image forming system 10 comprises: an image forming unit 23 that forms an image on a sheet; a paper folding unit 33 that folds the sheet on which the image has been formed; and a processor 24A. The processor 24A identifies a preliminary folding position on the basis of a sheet size and folding setting. Then, the processor 24A determines a final folding position by a user's operation which has confirmed a relationship between the preliminary folding position and an image to be formed or on the basis of the preliminary folding position and the image to be formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a print control device for reducing the possibility that a fold position and a line image on a printed matter will overlap.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an image forming system that, when the initially set stamp position interferes with the fold position, automatically adjusts the stamp position to a position that avoids the fold position, making it possible to perform the stamping process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-132767 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-082065 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and program that can adjust the final folding position from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming system of the first aspect comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a paper folding unit that folds the paper on which the image has been formed, and a processor, wherein the processor identifies a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings, and determines a final folding position based on a user's operation that confirms the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed.

[0007] In the image forming system according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor accepts a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions.

[0008] In the image forming system according to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the processor performs a preview display in which the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image are displayed in an overlapping manner.

[0009] An image forming system according to a fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the processor displays the polygonal lines that are candidates for adjustment in a different manner from other polygonal lines in the preview display.

[0010] In the image forming system according to a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines fold lines that are candidates for adjustment based on an overlap between each fold line at the tentative folding position and the image to be formed.

[0011] In the image forming system according to the sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor determines the final folding position based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, without being based on a user operation.

[0012] In the image forming system of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, if the processor determines that the provisional folding position contains a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and that adjustment is not possible, it notifies the user of this and accepts a user operation to select whether to continue processing.

[0013] In the image forming system of the eighth aspect, in the first aspect, when the processor determines that there is a fold line at the provisional folding position that is a candidate for adjustment, it calculates the overlap between the fold line and the image to be formed in a state where it is assumed that the fold line is shifted a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction, and when it determines that there is a large amount of overlap, it shifts the fold line in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0014] The program according to the ninth aspect identifies a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings, and determines the final folding position based on the user's operation after confirming the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first aspect, the final folding position can be adjusted from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings.

[0016] According to the second aspect, the user can be allowed to select the polygonal line to be adjusted.

[0017] According to the third aspect, the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed can be accurately confirmed.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, compared to when all the polygonal lines are displayed in the same manner, it is easier for the user to recognize the polygonal lines that are candidates for adjustment.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, the folding line that is the candidate for adjustment can be determined based on the overlap between the folding line and the image to be formed.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, the folding position can be adjusted without requiring any operation by the user.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, when it is determined that adjustment is impossible and the user does not wish to continue the process, the process can be interrupted.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the folding line can be shifted in an appropriate direction, compared to when the shift direction is always a predetermined direction.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, the final folding position can be adjusted from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an image forming system 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a first processing procedure performed by the image forming system. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a second processing procedure performed by the image forming system. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a preview display in which a provisional folding position and a to-be-formed image are displayed in an overlapping manner. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a selection screen that accepts a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a preview display in which the adjusted folding position and the to-be-formed image are displayed in an overlapping manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention will be described below.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0027] The image forming system 10 includes an image forming device 20 and a paper folding device 30.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 20 includes a user interface 21, a reading unit 22, an image forming unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0029] The user interface 21 has a function of displaying an operation screen and a function of accepting operations by a user. For example, the user interface 21 is configured with a touch panel.

[0030] The reading unit 22 has a function of reading an image of a document. Specifically, the reading unit 22 is configured to transport a document set on a document table and to read the image of the document while transporting the document.

[0031] The image forming unit 23 has a function of forming an image on a sheet of paper. The method (printing method) of the image forming unit 23 may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method.

[0032] The control unit 24 controls the image forming apparatus 20. Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the user interface 21, the reading unit 22, or the image forming unit 23, thereby allowing each function of the image forming apparatus 20 to be fulfilled.

[0033] The control unit 24 includes a processor 24A and a memory 24B. The processor 24A reads and executes a program stored in the memory 24B or the like, thereby functioning as the control unit 24. The processor 24A included in the control unit 24 corresponds to the "processor" of the present invention.

[0034] The size of paper that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 20 is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, A0 size. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 is a so-called wide multifunction machine.

[0035] The paper folding device 30 includes a paper folding unit 33 and a control unit 34.

[0036] The paper folding unit 33 has a function of folding paper sheets. The paper folding process is, for example, a process of folding paper sheets in an accordion-like manner. The paper folding process is, for example, a process of folding paper sheets both vertically and horizontally. The paper folding unit 33 has a function of folding A0-size paper sheets down to A4-size paper sheets, for example.

[0037] The control unit 34 controls the paper folding device 30. Specifically, the control unit 34 performs a paper folding function by controlling the paper folding unit 33. The control unit 34 includes a processor 34A and a memory 34B.

[0038] The image forming system 10 includes a transport unit (not shown) that transports the paper along a transport path. The transport unit transports the paper to the image forming unit 23 and then to the paper folding unit 33. An image is formed on the paper in the image forming device 20, and the paper is folded in the paper folding device 30. Hereinafter, the process in which the paper folding process is performed may be referred to as the folding process.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the image forming system 10.

[0040] In step S101, processor 24A determines whether or not a folding step is required based on a setting made by a user. If no folding step is required, processor 24A proceeds to step S110 to start image formation.

[0041] Step S102 is a step when a folding process is included. In step S102, the processor 24A identifies a tentative folding position based on the paper size and folding settings (folding method settings). The tentative folding position is usually uniquely determined based on the paper size and folding settings.

[0042] In step S103, the processor 24A determines folding lines to be adjustment candidates based on the overlap between each folding line at the provisional folding position and an image to be formed in image formation (hereinafter, to be formed image).

[0043] When determining which folding lines are candidates for adjustment, for example, it is determined whether there are black dots above a threshold value at the position of each folding line in the provisional folding position, and if there are black dots above the threshold value, the folding line is designated as a candidate for adjustment.

[0044] If there are any fold lines that are candidates for adjustment, the processor 24A performs a preview display in step S104, superimposing the provisional fold positions on the to-be-formed image. In this preview display, the fold lines that are candidates for adjustment are displayed in a manner different from other fold lines. This makes it possible to make the fold lines that are candidates for adjustment stand out. The different manner can be, for example, a different color or a different line thickness.

[0045] An example of a preview display is shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, a line drawing of a house indicates the image to be formed, and solid and dotted straight lines indicate fold lines. Solid lines indicate mountain folds, and dotted lines indicate valley folds. The fourth vertical fold line from the left and the second horizontal fold line from the top overlap the image to be formed, and are displayed as adjustment candidate fold lines in a different manner from the other fold lines.

[0046] If there are no fold lines that are candidates for adjustment, the processor 24A performs a preview display in which the provisional fold positions and the to-be-formed image are superimposed in step S105. Since there are no fold lines that are candidates for adjustment, the preview display in this case simply displays the provisional fold positions and the to-be-formed image superimposed, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0047] Next, at Step S106, the processor 24A accepts a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions.

[0048] For example, the preview screen shown in FIG. 4 displays an "Adjust Fold Position" button. When the user presses the "Adjust Fold Position" button, the touch panel screen transitions to the selection screen shown in FIG. 5. The selection screen in FIG. 5 accepts the selection of the fold line to be adjusted from between vertical folds (vertical fold lines) and horizontal folds (horizontal fold lines). In the example in FIG. 5, only valid fold lines can be pressed. Also, buttons indicating fold lines that are candidates for adjustment and buttons indicating other fold lines are displayed in different modes. Note that if there are fold lines that cannot be adjusted due to the performance of the paper folding device 30, an error message may be displayed when the confirm button is pressed.

[0049] Next, in Step S107, the processor 24A determines whether or not a polygonal line to be adjusted has been selected.

[0050] If no folding line to be adjusted has been selected, the processor 24A determines the provisional folding position as the final folding position, and notifies the folding device 30 of information regarding the final folding position, in Step S109.

[0051] When a polygonal line to be adjusted is selected, the processor 24A determines whether the selected polygonal line is adjustable at Step S108. If the selected polygonal line is not adjustable, the processor 24A displays, for example, an error message and accepts a user operation again at Step S106.

[0052] If the folding position is adjustable, in step S109, the processor 24A determines the adjusted folding position as the final folding position and notifies the folding device 30 of information regarding the final folding position. Thereafter, the folding device 30 performs folding processing on the paper on which the image has been formed based on the final folding position.

[0053] The folding position is adjusted, for example, by shifting the folding line of the adjustment candidate in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance (for example, 3 to 4 mm). In this case, the overlap between the fold line of the adjustment candidate and the image to be formed after shifting the fold line in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance is calculated, and if it is determined that there is a large amount of overlap, the fold line may be shifted in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

[0054] After adjusting the folding position, the processor 24A may perform a preview display in which the adjusted folding position and the to-be-formed image are superimposed, and may accept further user operations. An example of the display screen is shown in Figure 7. The user can confirm that the folding position has been adjusted and that the folding line does not overlap with the to-be-formed image.

[0055] Next, in step S110, the processor 24A controls the image forming unit 23 to start image formation.

[0056] As described above, according to the procedure shown in FIG. 2, the final folding position can be determined based on the operation by the user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing procedure performed by the image forming system 10. In FIG.

[0058] In step S201, processor 24A determines whether or not a folding process is required based on a setting made by a user. If a folding process is not required, processor 24A proceeds to step S209 to start image formation. If a folding process is required, processor 24A proceeds to step S202.

[0059] In step S202, the processor 24A identifies a tentative folding position based on the paper size and folding settings.

[0060] In step S203, the processor 24A determines folding lines that are candidates for adjustment based on the overlap between each folding line at the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image.

[0061] If there is a polygonal line that is a candidate for adjustment, the processor 24A determines whether the polygonal line that is a candidate for adjustment can be adjusted, at Step S204.

[0062] If it is determined that the folding position is adjustable, the processor 24A adjusts the folding position in step S205. Then, in steps S208 and S209, the processor 24A notifies the folding device 30 of the adjusted folding position as the final folding position, and starts image formation. In this case, the paper on which the image has been formed is folded in the folding device 30 at the adjusted folding position.

[0063] Step S206 is a step when it is determined that the provisional folding position contains a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and that the adjustment is not possible. In step S206, processor 24A notifies the user that the provisional folding position contains a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and that the folding line is not adjustable. Then, processor 24A accepts a user operation to select whether or not to continue the processing (image formation and paper folding). The notification and acceptance are performed by user interface 21.

[0064] If it is selected to continue the process, the processor 24A notifies the folding device 30 of the unadjusted folding position (the provisional folding position). Then, in step S209, the processor 24A starts image formation. In this case, the paper on which the image has been formed is folded in the folding device 30 at the provisional folding position.

[0065] If it is selected not to continue the process, the processor 24A ends the process and does not perform image formation in step S207.

[0066] As described above, according to the procedure shown in FIG. 3, the final folding position is determined based on the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image, without being based on the user's operation.

[0067] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes an image forming unit 23 that forms an image on a sheet of paper, a paper folding unit 33 that folds the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed, and a processor 24A. The processor 24A identifies a provisional folding position (see FIG. 4) based on the paper size and folding settings. The processor 24A then determines a final folding position (see FIG. 6) based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on an operation by a user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed. This allows the final folding position to be adjusted from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings.

[0069] In this embodiment, the processor 24A accepts a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions, as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the user to select the folding line to be adjusted.

[0070] In this embodiment, the processor 24A performs a preview display in which the provisional folding positions and the to-be-formed image are superimposed, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the user to accurately check the relationship between the provisional folding positions and the to-be-formed image.

[0071] 4, in the preview display, the processor 24A displays the polygonal lines that are candidates for adjustment in a different manner from the other polygonal lines. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the polygonal lines that are candidates for adjustment, compared to when all polygonal lines are displayed in the same manner.

[0072] In this embodiment, the processor 24A determines the fold lines to be adjusted based on the overlap between each fold line at the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, as shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the fold lines to be adjusted can be determined based on the overlap between the fold lines and the image to be formed.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the processor 24A determines the final folding position based on the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image, without any user operation, so that the folding position can be adjusted without any user operation.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in steps S206 and S207 of Fig. 3, if the processor 24A determines that the provisional folding position contains a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and that the adjustment is not possible, the processor 24A notifies the user of this and accepts a user operation for selecting whether or not to continue the processing. Therefore, if the processor 24A determines that the adjustment is not possible and the user does not wish to continue the processing, the processing can be interrupted.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the processor 24A determines that a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment exists in the provisional folding position, it calculates the overlap between the folding line and the to-be-formed image in a state where the folding line is assumed to be shifted a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction, and if it determines that there is a large overlap, it may shift the folding line in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. In this case, the folding line can be shifted in an appropriate direction compared to when the shift direction is always the predetermined direction.

[0076] 〔supplementary explanation〕 As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing performed by the "processor" of the present invention is performed by the processor 24A provided in the image forming apparatus 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all or part of the processing performed by the processor 24A in the above embodiment may be performed by the processor 34A provided in the paper folding device 30, or may be performed by another processor. Examples of other processors include a CPU of a management device that manages the image forming apparatus 20 and the paper folding device 30, and a CPU on the cloud.

[0078] Note that the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 includes the reading unit 22, but the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0080] (Addendum) (((1))) an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a paper folding unit that folds the paper on which the image is formed; a processor; An image forming system comprising: The processor: Identifying a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings; determining a final folding position based on an operation by a user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; Imaging system. (((2))) The processor: accepting a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions; The image forming system according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor: a preview display in which the provisional folding position and the image to be formed are superimposed on each other; The image forming system according to (((2))). (((4))) The processor: In the preview display, the broken line that is a candidate for adjustment is displayed in a manner different from other broken lines. The image forming system according to (((3))). (((5))) The processor: determining a folding line to be adjusted based on an overlap between each folding line at the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; The image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))). (((6))) The processor: determining a final folding position based on the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image without any user operation; The image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) The processor: If the provisional folding position includes a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and it is determined that the adjustment is impossible, the user is notified of this fact; Accept user input to select whether to continue processing. The image forming system according to (((6))). (((8))) The processor: If it is determined that there is a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment at the provisional folding position, an overlap between the folding line and the image to be formed is calculated assuming that the folding line is shifted by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction; If it is determined that there is a large amount of overlap, the folding line is shifted in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The image forming system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))). (((9))) Identifying a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings; determining a final folding position based on an operation by a user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; A program that causes a computer to execute a process.

[0081] According to the aspect (((1))), the final folding position can be adjusted from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings. According to the aspect (((2))), the user can select the polygonal line to be adjusted. According to the aspect (((3))), the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed can be accurately confirmed. According to the aspect (((4))), it is easier for the user to recognize the polygonal lines that are candidates for adjustment, compared to when all polygonal lines are displayed in the same aspect. According to the aspect (((5))), the folding line that is a candidate for adjustment can be determined based on the overlap between the folding line and the image to be formed. According to the aspect (((6))), the folding position can be adjusted without requiring any operation by the user. According to the aspect (((7))), when it is determined that adjustment is impossible and the user does not wish to continue the process, the process can be interrupted. According to the aspect (((8))), the folding line can be shifted in an appropriate direction, compared to when the shift direction is always a predetermined direction. According to the aspect (((9))), the final folding position can be adjusted from the provisional folding position determined by the paper size and folding settings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10. Image forming system 20 Image forming device 21 User Interface 22 Reading unit 23 Image forming unit 24 Control Unit 24A Processor 24B memory 30 Paper folding device 33 Paper folding section 34 Control Unit 34A processor 34B memory

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a paper folding unit that folds the paper on which the image is formed; a processor; Equipped with The processor: Identifying a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings; determining a final folding position based on an operation by a user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; Imaging system.

2. The processor: accepting a user operation for selecting a folding line to be adjusted from among the tentative folding positions; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: a preview display in which the provisional folding position and the image to be formed are superimposed on each other; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: In the preview display, the broken line that is a candidate for adjustment is displayed in a manner different from other broken lines. The image forming system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: determining a folding line to be adjusted based on an overlap between each folding line at the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: determining a final folding position based on the provisional folding position and the to-be-formed image without any user operation; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: If the provisional folding position includes a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment and it is determined that the adjustment is impossible, the user is notified of this fact; Accept user input to select whether to continue processing. The image forming system according to claim 6 .

8. The processor: If it is determined that there is a folding line that is a candidate for adjustment at the provisional folding position, an overlap between the folding line and the image to be formed is calculated assuming that the folding line is shifted by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction; If it is determined that there is a large amount of overlap, the folding line is shifted in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

9. Identifying a provisional folding position based on the paper size and folding settings; determining a final folding position based on an operation by a user who has confirmed the relationship between the provisional folding position and the image to be formed, or based on the provisional folding position and the image to be formed; A program that causes a computer to execute a process.

Images