Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To improve convenience when checking the operation of case binding. [Solution] An image forming device capable of case binding, which binds a stack of printed sheets of paper by wrapping it in a cover as the main text, has a receiving means for receiving a print instruction for a pattern image for a test print, and a control means for controlling printing to be performed in accordance with the print instruction, and when the print instruction includes an instruction for case binding, the control means controls printing to the number of sheets required for case binding.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method for an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printing devices that form images on sheets (paper) have a function (hereinafter referred to as a "test print function") that checks whether the image formation operation on the sheet is operating normally. The test print function is used to print an adjustment image on the sheet as a function for adjusting the image formation on the sheet, and is also used to check the operation of a finishing device that finishes the printed material. In case binding, in addition to the image formation operation, the operation of wrapping the body of the text with a cover and gluing the spine is also performed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that facilitates case binding printing by adding an identifier to the bookbinding printing data consisting of the cover and body of the text, saving it in the storage device of the printing machine, and reading it out in association with the identifier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-117285 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using the test print function to check the operation of case binding, a certain number of pages are required to glue the spines of the text, so text data must be prepared separately, which is time-consuming.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve convenience when checking the operation of case binding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an image forming device capable of case binding, which binds a stack of printed sheets of paper into a book by wrapping the body of the paper in a cover, and is characterized in that it has an accepting means for accepting a print instruction for a pattern image for a test print, and a control means for controlling printing to be performed in accordance with the print instruction, and the control means controls printing of the number of sheets required for case binding when the print instruction includes an instruction for case binding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when checking the operation of case binding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating case binding. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of an image forming system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in a service mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test chart. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, we will explain case binding. Case binding refers to binding in which the spine of the main text is glued and the main text is wrapped in a cover. Figure 1 is a diagram explaining case binding. Main text 101 represents the main text of a case-bound book and is a stack of sheets of paper on which images are printed. Cover 102 represents the cover of a case-bound book and is folded in the center of the long side. Spine 103 of main text 101 is glued and joined to the folded part of cover 102. By binding main text 101 in this way, a result 104 is obtained. The result 104 represents the final product of case binding. After main text 101 is bound, some of the sheets may be cut to improve appearance.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows the appearance of an image forming system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming system includes an MFP 100 and a case binder 215, which is a finishing device for sheets printed by the MFP 100. The MFP 100 has a copy function and a print function. The MFP 100 also has a case binding function. The MFP 100 is an example of an image forming device. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 and the case binder 215 are connected. Sheets printed by the MFP 100 are transported to the case binder 215. The case binder 215 performs a case binding operation on the transported sheets, thereby creating a case-bound product. The paper output tray 250 indicates a paper output tray onto which printed materials that are not subject to case binding processing are output. In addition, sheets that have been transported to the case binder 215 but cannot be subject to case binding processing are also output to the paper output tray 250. The paper output tray 251 is a paper output tray onto which the finished product of the case binding is output.

[0012] Fig. 3 shows the hardware configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. In the image forming system shown in Fig. 3, MFP 100 is connected to a case binder 215. MFP 100 is also connected to a server 110 via LAN 130. MFP 100 has a controller unit 200, an operation unit 211, a scanner 212, and a printer 213. Controller unit 200 has a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, HDD 204, an operation unit I / F 205, a network I / F 206, a scanner I / F 207, a printer I / F 208, a FAX unit 209, and EEPROM 214. These components are connected via a bus 210.

[0013] The CPU 201 controls each unit included in the image forming system. The CPU 201 starts up the MFP 100 based on a boot program stored in the ROM 203. The CPU 201 also reads various programs stored in the HDD 204 and executes various processes using the RAM 202 as a work area, thereby realizing the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The HDD 204 stores various programs including various functional applications such as a copy function, a print function, and a case binding function. The HDD 204 also stores various image data such as image data read by the scanner 212.

[0014] The operation unit I / F 205 is connected to the operation unit 211 and performs input and output of data to and from the operation unit 211 under the control of the CPU 201. The operation unit 211 includes an input device such as a touch panel or hard keys, and a display device such as an LCD or LED. The hard keys include a start button for issuing an instruction to start scanning a placed paper document. The operation unit 211 accepts input operations from a user or a service technician who has installed the MFP 100, outputs operation information to the operation unit I / F 205, and displays various UI screens input from the operation unit I / F 205. In this embodiment, a UI screen displayed for operating a service mode used by a service technician is referred to as a service mode screen.

[0015] Network I / F 206 is an interface for connecting to external devices including server 110 via LAN 130. CPU 201 transmits and receives data to and from external devices including server 110 using network I / F 206. Note that some of the processing executed by CPU 201 may be executed by server 110. FAX unit 209 is an interface for connecting to an external fax machine via telephone line 131. CPU 201 transmits and receives fax data to and from the external fax machine using FAX unit 209.

[0016] The scanner I / F 207 is connected to the scanner 212. The scanner 212 has an optical reading unit such as a CCD, and optically scans a paper document, reads it as electronic image data, and outputs it to the scanner I / F 207. The scanner 212 also automatically feeds a stack of paper documents placed on a document tray one by one to the optical reading unit using an automatic document feeder (ADF), and ejects the documents after reading. The image data read by the scanner 212 is stored in the HDD 204 via the scanner I / F 207.

[0017] The printer I / F 208 is connected to the printer 213. The printer 213 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using image data input via the printer I / F 208. The printer 213 is also connected to a case binder 215. In response to an instruction to start printing, the CPU 201 inputs image data to the printer I / F 208 and causes the printer 213 to perform an image formation operation, thereby executing printing processing. In response to an instruction to start copying, the CPU 201 reads a paper document with the scanner 212, inputs the image data output from the scanner I / F 207 to the printer I / F 208, and causes the printer 213 to perform an image formation operation, thereby executing copying processing. In response to an instruction to execute case binding processing, the CPU 201 transports paper printed by the printer 213 to the case binder 215 and causes the case binder 215 to perform a case binding operation, thereby executing case binding processing.

[0018] 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment. The MFP 100 functions as a display control unit 400, a function control unit 401, an error control unit 402, a communication control unit 403, a job control unit 404, and a history setting storage unit 405 by the CPU 201 executing various programs stored in the HDD 204, etc.

[0019] The display control unit 400 controls the display content of the UI screen displayed on the operation unit 211 in accordance with operation information received via the operation unit I / F 205 . The function control unit 401 controls the operation of various function applications. The function applications are software (programs) for operating functions such as copy functions, print functions, finishing functions including case binding, and test print functions, and there are multiple function applications for each function. Finishing processes for paper printed by the MFP 100 include case binding, as well as stapling, punching, saddle stitching, and other processes. The function control unit 401 switches the display content of the UI screen displayed on the operation unit 211 in accordance with an instruction to switch between function applications. An error control unit 402 receives notification of an abnormal state that occurs in the printer 213, scanner 212, case binder 215, etc., and controls the system to stop the entire system or to instruct a degenerate operation.

[0020] The communication control unit 403 controls communication with external devices including the server 110 . The job control unit 404 controls the scanner 212, printer 213, and case binder 215 via the scanner I / F 207 and printer I / F 208 in accordance with job execution instructions from various functional applications, and executes scanning, printing, and case bindery processes. The history setting holding unit 405 manages operation history and various settings within the device. The history setting holding unit 405 stores the settings of the MFP 100, the settings of various functional applications required when executing a job, etc. in the HDD 204, etc. The history setting holding unit 405 also stores the user's operation history, job execution results, error occurrences, etc. in the HDD 204, etc.

[0021] Fig. 5 shows an example of a service mode screen display. A service mode menu screen 501 shown in Fig. 5(a) is displayed on the operation unit 211 when an instruction to switch to the service mode is received. A TEST_PRINT button 502 for activating a test print function, which is a function that can be used by a service technician, is displayed on the service mode menu screen 501. When the TEST_PRINT button 502 is pressed, the function control unit 401 activates the test print function and displays a test print setting screen on the operation unit 211. A test print setting screen 503 shown in Fig. 5(b) displays the currently set values ​​for each setting item of the test print function in a changeable manner.

[0022] Item names 504 to 508 on the test print setting screen 503 correspond to the respective setting items for the test print. Numeric ranges 514 to 518 on the setting screen 503 display the range of values ​​that can be entered for the setting items for the item names 504 to 508. Setting values ​​509 to 513 display the currently set values ​​for the setting items for the item names 504 to 508. When one of the setting values ​​509 to 513 is pressed, the value set for the corresponding setting item can be changed by a value entered using the numeric keypad 519. When the OK button 520 is pressed, the changed value is confirmed. The setting history retention unit 405 receives the setting values ​​set on the test print setting screen 503 from the operation unit I / F 205 and saves them in the HDD 204 as setting values ​​for the test print. When the start button 521 is pressed, the function control unit 401 instructs the job control unit 404 to print a test print. When the job control unit 404 receives a print instruction for the test print, it performs printing according to the setting values ​​for the test print stored in the HDD 204 .

[0023] A setting value 509 of item name 504 (PG_TYPE) indicates the pattern number of the chart pattern used for the test print. A setting value 510 of item name 505 (PG_PICK) indicates the cassette number of the paper feed tray that supplies the paper used for the test print. A setting value 511 of item name 506 (PG_DUP) indicates whether the test print will be double-sided printing. Here, a setting value 511 of "0" indicates no double-sided printing, and a setting value of "1" indicates double-sided printing. A setting value 512 of item name 507 (PG_SHEETS) indicates the number of sheets to be printed for the test print. A setting value 513 of item name 508 (PG_FINISH) indicates whether or not finishing processing will be performed on the paper on which the chart pattern is printed, and the type of finishing processing. Here, a setting value 513 of "5" indicates that case binding processing will be performed.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows an example of a chart pattern for test printing. Chart patterns 601 to 604 shown in FIG. 6 are stored in the HDD 204 or the like. One of the chart patterns 601 to 604 shown in FIG. 6 is selected depending on the pattern number set in the setting value 509 of the item name 504 (PG_TYPE). Note that the types of chart patterns are not limited to the chart patterns 601 to 604 shown in FIG. 6. Chart pattern 601 is a blank pattern. Chart pattern 602 is a halftone pattern with a density between the darkest and lightest colors that can be printed. Chart pattern 603 is a pattern divided into four areas, each with a different density. Chart pattern 604 is a grid pattern.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed when start button 521 is pressed on test print setting screen 503, which is displayed when the test print function is called from the service mode. The flowchart in Fig. 7 is implemented by CPU 201 reading a program stored in HDD 204 into RAM 202 and executing it. In the following explanation, each process (step) is represented by adding an S to the beginning, and the notation of the process (step) is omitted.

[0026] First, when the start button 521 is pressed, the CPU 201 reads out the setting values ​​for the test print stored in the HDD 204 . In S701, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value (setting value 513) of the setting item (item name 508) of the finishing process. In S702, the CPU 201 determines whether the setting for the finishing process is case binding based on the setting value acquired in S701. If case binding is selected, the process proceeds to S704, and if case binding is not selected, the process proceeds to S703. In S703, the CPU 201 performs print settings using setting values ​​for test printing.

[0027] In step S704, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value (setting value 510) of the setting item (item name 505) of the paper feed tray. In S705, the CPU 201 determines whether or not paper of a size that can be used for case binding is set in the paper feed tray of the cassette number that is set, based on the setting value acquired in S703. If paper of a size that can be used for case binding is set, the process proceeds to S706, and if paper of a size that can be used for case binding is not set, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0028] In S706, CPU 201 searches for a paper feed tray containing paper that is twice the size of the paper that is set in the paper feed tray corresponding to the set cassette number. The reason for using double the size here is that the paper that is set in the paper feed tray corresponding to the set cassette number will be used as the body of the book for case binding. To perform case binding, the body paper is wrapped in a cover, so the cover needs to be at least twice the size of the paper for the body. In this embodiment, the search is for a paper feed tray that contains paper whose short side is the same length as the paper for the body in the transport direction and whose long side is twice the length of the paper for the body in the transport direction, as the paper feed tray that will feed the paper for the cover.

[0029] In S707, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a matching paper feed tray was found by the search in S706. If a matching paper feed tray is found, the CPU 201 determines the matching paper feed tray as the paper feed tray that will feed the cover sheet, and proceeds to S708. If a matching paper feed tray is not found, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart. In S708, the CPU 201 sets the number of sheets to be printed for the test print. First, the CPU 201 acquires the setting value (setting value 512) for the setting item (item name 507) for the number of sheets to be printed. Here, because a sufficient number of sheets for the main text are required for gluing in order to perform the case binding process, an incrementing process is performed. In this example, the lower limit number of sheets for the main text that can be glued and bound in case binding (predetermined number) is assumed to be 30. For example, the CPU 201 sets the number of sheets to be printed by adding 29 sheets to the setting value (setting value 512). Here, 29 sheets is the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the lower limit number of sheets that can be bound in case binding, and is an example of a first predetermined number. This ensures that the number of sheets to be printed is equal to or greater than the lower limit number of sheets that can be bound in case binding (predetermined number) even if the setting value (setting value 512) is "1," which is the minimum number that can be set as the number of sheets to be printed for the test print. Furthermore, for example, the CPU 201 may change the number of prints to 30 if the set value (set value 512) is less than "30" (less than the predetermined number of sheets), and may not change the number of prints if the set value is "30" or greater. Here, 30 sheets is the minimum number of sheets that can be case bound, and is an example of a second predetermined number of sheets.

[0030] In S709, the CPU 201 sets trimming settings for the case binding process. In this embodiment, this setting is for checking whether the case binding machine 215 is operating normally, so a predetermined setting, such as a trimming setting of 2.0 mm, is applied. Note that the CPU 201 may change the trimming setting depending on the paper size of the body paper or the number of prints, or may set the trimming setting to a preset value.

[0031] In S710, the CPU 201 sets the spine width for case binding. As with the trimming setting, this setting is for checking whether the case binder 215 is operating normally, so a predetermined setting, such as not printing on the spine width portion of the cover, is applied. The CPU 201 may change the spine width setting depending on the type of chart pattern.

[0032] In S711, the CPU 201 controls the printer 213 and the case binder 215 to perform case binding processing. The CPU 201 feeds paper from the paper feed tray corresponding to the set cassette number and prints a pattern image of the set chart pattern. Here, the CPU 201 prints the number of prints set in S708. The stack of printed paper is transported to the case binder 215 as the main text. Also, paper fed from the paper feed tray searched and determined in S706 is transported to the case binder 215 as the cover. The case binder 215 wraps the main text transported from the MFP 100 with a cover to create a case-bound product, which is then discharged to the paper discharge tray 251. The processing of this flowchart then ends.

[0033] According to the present embodiment as described above, there is no need to prepare body data or cover data when performing test printing for case binding, which improves convenience when checking the operation of case binding.

[0034] As a modified example of this embodiment, the display content of the setting screen 503 may be controlled in response to the setting value 513 of the item name 508 (PG_FINISH) being set to a value (here, "5") indicating that case binding processing is to be performed on the test print setting screen 503. For example, in response to the setting value 513 of the item name 508 (PG_FINISH) being set to "5," the CPU 201 may change the display of the lower limit of the numerical range 517 of the item name 507 (PG_SHEETS) to the minimum number of sheets that can be bound in case binding. In this case, if the minimum number of sheets that can be bound in case binding is 30 sheets and the displayed numerical range 517 is [1-999], the display of the numerical range 517 is changed to [30-999]. Furthermore, for example, in response to the setting value 513 of the item name 508 being set to "5," the CPU 201 may issue a notification urging the user to enter a number of prints that is equal to or greater than the minimum number of sheets that can be bound in case binding (a predetermined number or greater) in the setting value 512 of the item name 507. Furthermore, for example, when the setting value 513 of the item name 508 is set to "5", if the setting value 512 of the item name 507 is set to less than the minimum number of sheets that can be bound in a case (less than a predetermined number of sheets), the CPU 201 may automatically change the number of prints to more than the minimum number of sheets that can be bound in a case.

[0035] The present invention can also be applied to saddle stitching. In saddle stitching, printed sheets are stacked and folded in half, and the folded portion of the sheets is stapled in the center. When the finishing process is set to saddle stitching, the MFP 100 may set the minimum number of printed sheets to two.

[0036] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0037] The disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus capable of case binding, which binds a bundle of printed sheets into a book by wrapping the bundle of printed sheets with a cover, a receiving means for receiving a print instruction for a pattern image for test printing; a control means for controlling printing in accordance with the print instruction; and The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls printing to print the number of sheets required for case binding when the print instruction includes an instruction for case binding. (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds a first predetermined number to the number of prints instructed in the print instruction. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control means changes the number of prints instructed in the print instruction to the second predetermined number if the number of prints is less than a second predetermined number, and does not change the number of prints if the number of prints is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means feeds paper for the main text from the paper feed tray indicated in the print instruction, and determines the paper feed tray from which to feed paper for the cover based on the size of the paper set in the paper feed tray from which the paper for the main text is fed. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the control means determines the paper feed tray that feeds the cover paper to be the paper feed tray in which paper with a long side that is twice the length in the transport direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray instructed by the print instruction is set. (Configuration 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means sets a cutting setting for case binding to a predetermined setting. (Configuration 7) The image forming device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means changes the cutting settings for case binding based on the number of sheets of paper to be printed as the main text or the paper size set in the paper feed tray that feeds the paper for the main text. (Configuration 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means sets the spine width of the case binding to a predetermined setting. (Configuration 9) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means changes a spine width setting for case binding based on the type of pattern image specified in the print instruction. (method) A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of case binding, in which a bundle of printed sheets is bound as a body of a book by wrapping it with a cover, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print instruction for a pattern image for test printing; a control step of controlling printing to be performed in accordance with the print instruction; Including, The control method is characterized in that, in the control step, when the printing instruction includes an instruction for case binding, control is performed so that the number of sheets required for case binding is printed. (program) A program for causing a computer of an image forming device capable of case binding, in which printed paper is wrapped in a cover to form a book, to function as each means of the image forming device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 100: MFP, 215: Perfect binder

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of case binding, which binds a bundle of printed sheets into a book by wrapping the bundle of printed sheets with a cover, a receiving means for receiving a print instruction for a pattern image for test printing; a control means for controlling printing in accordance with the print instruction; and The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls printing to print the number of sheets required for case binding when the print instruction includes an instruction for case binding.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds a first predetermined number to the number of prints instructed in the print instruction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means changes the number of prints instructed in the print instruction to the second predetermined number if the number of prints is less than a second predetermined number, and does not change the number of prints if the number of prints is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means feeds paper for the main text from the paper feed tray specified in the print instruction, and determines the paper feed tray from which to feed paper for the cover based on the size of the paper set in the paper feed tray from which the paper for the main text is fed.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means determines the paper feed tray from which the cover paper is fed to be the paper feed tray in which paper with a long side that is twice the length in the transport direction of the paper set in the paper feed tray specified in the print instruction is set.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a predetermined cutting setting for case binding.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the case binding trimming settings based on the number of sheets of paper to be printed as the main text or the paper size set in the paper feed tray that feeds the paper for the main text.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means sets a spine width of the case binding to a predetermined value.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a spine width setting for case binding based on the type of pattern image specified in the print instruction.

10. A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of case binding, in which a bundle of printed sheets is bound as a body of a book by wrapping it with a cover, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print instruction for a pattern image for test printing; a control step of controlling printing to be performed in accordance with the print instruction; Including, The control method is characterized in that, in the control step, when the printing instruction includes an instruction for case binding, control is performed so that the number of sheets required for case binding is printed.

11. A program for causing a computer of an image forming device capable of case binding, in which printed paper is bound as the main text and then wrapped in a cover, to function as each means of the image forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images