Image forming apparatus, control method and program for image forming apparatus

Abstract

With simple settings, you can print by arranging the original document to fit the cut-to-size paper size onto the output paper size. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a first acquisition means for acquiring the output paper size, a second acquisition means for acquiring the paper size after cutting, and a first control means for controlling the apparatus to print by arranging the original document on the output paper of the output paper size according to the paper size after cutting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, functions such as allocating a plurality of originals to printing paper, allocating a plurality of copies of the same original, and changing the original size are known. These are functions for printing after converting the original size to another paper size according to the usage method after printing, and can be used at the time of copying or printing.

[0003] Also, assuming that the user cuts the paper after printing, when aggregating and printing both sides of the original page on the same side of one sheet of paper, when stacking the other cut paper bundle under the cut paper bundle, a technology for aggregating and printing so that the sorting of N parts is made in the page order of 1 to D is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, when the user cuts the paper in an arbitrary paper size after printing, there is no means for specifying an arbitrary cut paper size with respect to the output paper size. For example, in the technology of allocating a plurality of originals, a setting for how many parts to divide the output paper size is made. Therefore, when the user wants to cut the paper in the A5 paper size, it is necessary to have prior knowledge about the paper size, such as how many parts to divide the A3 paper size.

[0006] Therefore, for users who print on suitable paper that can be fed into the printer and then cut it to a desired paper size, there is a problem in that the print settings are difficult to understand.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to enable printing by simply configuring the output paper size to match the size of the paper after trimming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming apparatus includes a first acquisition means for acquiring the output paper size, a second acquisition means for acquiring the paper size after trimming, and a first control means for controlling the apparatus to print by arranging the original document on the output paper of the output paper size according to the paper size after trimming. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, with simple settings, it is possible to print by arranging the original document on output paper of the output paper size according to the paper size after trimming. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is an external view of the input / output devices of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a detailed diagram of the control panel of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of the display on the control panel. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the function settings screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting the user's output paper size and the paper size after cutting. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting the user's output paper size and the paper size after cutting. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting the paper size after cutting. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a manuscript paper size setting screen. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a paper cassette selection screen. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a copying function suitable for cutting after output. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a copying function with a configurable number of copies after cutting. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen notifying the setting of the number of copies after cutting. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen notifying the setting of the number of copies after cutting. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a white paper removal button. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a copying function suitable for cutting after output without margins. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper with white paper. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper with white paper. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper without white paper. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing an example of output paper and a manuscript assigned to the output paper without white paper. [Figure 26] It is a diagram explaining the cutting process of a copying function suitable for cutting after output without margins. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing a print settings screen. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing the dropdown menu on the print settings screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following description of this embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings. However, the claims are not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. Some or all of the components may be replaced with equivalents if similar effects to the intended effect can be achieved.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the image forming system 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 100 includes a personal computer 107 and an image forming apparatus 108. An example of the image forming apparatus 108 is shown, which includes a multi-function peripheral (MFP).

[0013] The image forming apparatus 108 includes a controller 101, a scanner 102, a printer 103, a finisher 104, a network interface 105, and an operation unit 106.

[0014] In Figure 1, controller 101 is a controller for controlling multi-functional peripheral devices and has the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0015] The scanner 102 is a scanner engine and is controlled by the controller 101.

[0016] The printer 103 is a laser beam printer engine and is controlled by the controller 101.

[0017] The printer 103 is connected to the finisher 104, and it is possible to staple or saddle stitch multiple recording media (e.g., paper) printed from the printer 103 together.

[0018] The finisher 104 is also controlled by the controller 101.

[0019] The network interface 105 provides bidirectional communication to the controller 101 via the network interface 105, enabling connection with the personal computer 107 over the network.

[0020] The control unit 106 is a user interface consisting of an LCD display and a keyboard, and it displays information from the controller 101 and transmits user instructions to the controller 101.

[0021] Furthermore, all functions can be accessed through interfaces such as networks.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 108 shown in Figure 1. The image forming apparatus 108 includes a controller 101, a scanner 102, a printer 103, a finisher 104, a network interface 105, a liquid crystal display 203, and a keyboard 204. The liquid crystal display 203 and the keyboard 204 correspond to the operation unit 106 in Figure 1.

[0023] The controller 101 includes a CPU 201, memory 202, bus 209, ROM 210, and DISK 211.

[0024] Inside the controller 101, the CPU 201 is connected via the bus 209 to the memory 202, the liquid crystal display 203 and keyboard 204 that make up the operation unit 106, the ROM 210 and the DISK 211.

[0025] Various programs and data are stored on a DISK 211 (storage medium) such as a hard disk or flexible disk, and are sequentially read into memory 202 as needed and executed by the CPU 201. This DISK 211 may be detachable from the image forming apparatus 108, or it may be built into the image forming apparatus 108.

[0026] Furthermore, the program may be configured to be downloaded from other image forming machines via a network and stored on DISK211.

[0027] Furthermore, memory 202 can be non-volatile memory like DRAM or volatile memory like SRAM, but memory 202 may have both functions, or it may be configured so that memory 202 handles the functions of volatile memory and DISK 211 handles the functions of non-volatile memory. Also, memory 202 may be a removable memory medium.

[0028] The liquid crystal display 203 and the keyboard 204 constitute the operation unit 106 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The CPU 201 displays data by writing it to the LCD display 203, and the CPU 201 receives user instructions by reading data from the keyboard 204 or the LCD display 203, which is a touch panel.

[0030] The input information is transferred to and stored in either memory 202, disk 211, or CPU 201, and used for various processes.

[0031] Additionally, a network interface 105 is connected to bus 209. The CPU 201 performs communication using the network interface 105 by reading or writing data to or from the network interface.

[0032] Furthermore, a printer 103, a finisher 104, and a scanner 102 are connected to bus 209.

[0033] The CPU 201 performs engine operations such as printing and scanning, as well as acquiring various statuses, by reading and writing data to the printer 103, finisher 104, and scanner 102.

[0034] Image data can be saved from the scanner 102 or the network interface 105 to the disk 211 and memory 202 in the controller 101.

[0035] Furthermore, it is possible to store image data in advance in a removable memory 202 and then retrieve it by attaching the memory 202 to the controller 101.

[0036] Image data stored on DISK211 can be moved or copied to memory 202, and various layout processing can be applied to the image data in memory 202 according to instructions from the operation unit 106.

[0037] The printer 103, finisher 104, and scanner 102 may exist as separate peripheral devices on a network, rather than being located inside the image forming apparatus 108, and may be controlled by the controller 101 of the image forming apparatus 108.

[0038] Figure 3 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 108. The scanner unit 301, which is an image input device, illuminates the image on the paper that will be the original document and converts the original document placed in the scanner into electrical image data by scanning with a CCD line sensor. From the electrically converted image data, the scanner performs color and size determination of the original document.

[0039] The printer unit 302, which is an image output device, converts image data into an image on paper. After printing to the paper, it performs folding processes such as stapling and binding before outputting the image. Printing operations are started and stopped by instructions from the CPU 201.

[0040] The configuration of the operation unit 303 is shown in Figure 4. The liquid crystal display unit 401 has a touch panel sheet attached to the liquid crystal, and displays the system operation screen and soft keys. When a displayed key is pressed, it transmits the position information to the CPU 201.

[0041] The start key 402 is used to initiate the document image scanning operation. A two-color LED 403, green and red, is located in the center of the start key 402, and its color indicates whether the start key 402 is ready for use. The stop key 404 stops the operation while it is running.

[0042] The numeric keypad 405 consists of a group of number and letter buttons and is used to set the number of copies and switch screens on the LCD display unit 401. The user mode key 406 is pressed when configuring the device settings.

[0043] Figure 5 shows an example of the display on the liquid crystal display unit 401. The copy basic screen 501 is an example of the display on the liquid crystal display unit 401. From this copy basic screen 501, you can select the cassette to use and set the magnification. The number of copies 503 can be set by entering the number on the numeric keypad 405.

[0044] The manual feed tray 304 and paper cassette 305 in Figure 3 are the parts where paper for printing is loaded.

[0045] The output trays 306 and 307 are the parts that output the printed paper.

[0046] The saddle tray 308 is the part that outputs saddle-stitched paper and has a stopper 309 to prevent saddle-stitched output from falling and a tray sensor 310 to notify when the tray is full of saddle-stitched output paper.

[0047] A detailed explanation of the printer unit 302 will be given. Figure 3 shows an example of a full-color image forming apparatus 108. The photosensitive drum 311 is charged to a specific polar potential by the primary band electricity 321, and the position of the arrow 322 is exposed by an exposure means (not shown). In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the first color component is formed. Subsequently, 312 is developed using one of the four developing machines.

[0048] The intermediate transfer belt 313 is driven in the direction of the arrow, and the first color component image formed on the photosensitive drum 311 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 313 by the electric field formed by the primary transfer roller 320 as it passes through the junction between the photosensitive drum 311 and the intermediate transfer belt 313.

[0049] The surface of the photosensitive drum 311, after transferring the image to the intermediate transfer belt 313, is cleaned by the cleaning device 314. This process is repeated sequentially to superimpose the four-color images onto the intermediate transfer belt 313 and form a color image. When forming a single-color image, the transfer process is performed only once.

[0050] The image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 313 is printed onto the paper fed from the cassette 315 at the secondary transfer roller 319. The printed paper is heated and fixed by the fuser 316. After fixing, the paper is transported through 317 to the output tray 324 and discharged from the machine. For double-sided printing, the paper is circulated through the inversion path 318 and the printing process is repeated.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the function settings screen that appears after pressing button 502 on the basic copy screen 501 in Figure 5. The function settings screen 600 has a group of function buttons 601, and by selecting the desired function from these buttons, detailed function settings can be made. For example, the cut copy button 602 is a button that transitions to a screen for setting the function (cut copy) that copies in a layout optimized for cutting in a later process.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the cutting and copying settings screen 700. Settings related to cutting and copying can be made, and the settings can be confirmed by pressing the OK button 702. The settings can be canceled by pressing the Cancel Settings button 703. When the OK button 702 or Cancel Settings button 703 is pressed, the screen transitions to the basic copy screen 501. The settings are saved by the CPU 201 to DISK 211 or memory 202.

[0053] The post-cut paper size can be set by selecting the post-cut paper size button group 701. The post-cut paper size button group 701 displays standard sizes, and in Figure 7, A3, A4, A5, A6, B3, B4, B5, and B6 are displayed as examples. When the inch size switching button 704 is pressed, the standard sizes of the post-cut paper size button group 701 can be changed from A / B system sizes to inch system sizes.

[0054] Figure 8 shows the screen when the size is changed to an inch-based system. In Figure 8, the post-cut paper size button group 801 displays standard inch-based sizes, such as LTR, LGL, 11x17, STMT, and 11x17+. Also, in Figure 8, the A / B size switching button 802 is displayed instead of the inch size switching button 704. When the A / B size switching button 802 is pressed, the screen shown in Figure 7 is displayed again.

[0055] Pressing the optional button 705 will transition to the optional paper size setting screen 900 shown in Figure 9. The optional paper size setting screen 900 is a screen where users can arbitrarily set the paper size after cutting, other than the standard sizes. The user can set the X-side length by pressing the X-side length selection button 901 and selecting the numeric keypad button group 903. Similarly, the user can set the Y-side length by pressing the Y-side length selection button 902 and selecting the numeric keypad button group 903. The user can confirm the settings by pressing the OK button 904. The user can cancel the settings by pressing the cancel setting button 905. If the OK button 904 or the cancel setting button 905 is pressed, the user will transition to the cutting copy setting screen 700 shown in Figure 7.

[0056] When the manuscript paper size setting button 707 in Figure 7 is pressed, the user is taken to the manuscript paper size setting screen 1000 shown in Figure 10. The user can set the manuscript paper size by selecting from the group of manuscript paper size buttons 1001 displayed on the manuscript paper size setting screen 1000. If the automatic manuscript paper size detection button 1002 is selected, the paper size will be set according to the document scanned by the scanner 102. The user can confirm the settings by pressing the OK button 1003. The settings made on the manuscript paper size setting screen 1000 are displayed in the manuscript paper size display area 706 in Figure 7.

[0057] When the paper cassette selection button 708 in Figure 7 is pressed, the user transitions to the paper cassette selection screen 1100 shown in Figure 11. The user can select a paper cassette by pressing the paper cassette buttons 1101 displayed on the paper cassette selection screen 1100. The user can confirm the settings by pressing the OK button 1102. The settings made on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 can be displayed in the paper cassette display area 710 in Figure 7.

[0058] The group of post-cut paper size buttons 701 in Figure 7 allows you to select the post-cut paper size. Furthermore, post-cut paper size buttons 701 that are larger than the output paper size registered in the paper cassette may be shaded to indicate that they are unavailable. For example, if the output paper size registered in the paper cassette is A3, it is impossible to allocate a B3 paper size, so the B3 button 709 may be shaded to indicate that it is unavailable.

[0059] After configuring the settings on the cutting and copying settings screen 700, you can perform the cutting and copying by pressing the start key 402 shown in Figure 4.

[0060] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the specific process related to cutting and copying. The flowchart shows that the process begins when the CPU 201 receives a copy execution instruction. The control method of the image forming apparatus 108 is described below.

[0061] In step S1201, the CPU 201 retrieves the output paper size registered in the paper cassette selected on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 from either the disk 211 or memory 202.

[0062] Next, in step S1202, the CPU 201 determines whether the cutting copy setting is enabled on the cutting copy setting screen 700. If it is determined in S1202 that the cutting copy setting is not enabled, the process proceeds to step S1203. If it is determined in S1202 that the cutting copy setting is enabled, the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0063] In step S1204, the CPU 201 retrieves the post-cut paper size set on the cutting copy settings screen 700 from either the disk 211 or memory 202.

[0064] Subsequently, in step S1205, the CPU 201 controls the printer unit 302 to print the document scanned by the scanner 102, arranging it to the maximum extent possible on the output paper size acquired in S1201, according to the post-cut paper size acquired in S1204, and then the flowchart ends.

[0065] For example, Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a specific example of output when the output paper size registered in the paper cassette selected on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 is "A3", the original paper size scanned by the scanner 102 is "A4" and "4 sheets", and the post-cut paper size set on the cut copy setting screen 700 is "A5".

[0066] Figure 13 is a table showing an example of the output paper and the original documents to be allocated to the output paper when the cutting copy shown in Figure 12 is performed. Figure 13 shows the number of pages on the output paper and the original documents to be allocated to the output paper. For example, it shows that original pages 1 to 4 are allocated and printed on the first output paper. Since it is possible to allocate four sheets of "A5" paper after cutting to an output paper size of "A3", the printer unit 302 prints pages 1 to 4 of the scanned original paper size "A4" on one page of the output paper after cutting to the "A5" size.

[0067] Figure 14 shows an example of the output paper and the original documents laid out on the output paper when the cut copy shown in Figure 12 is performed. The original documents 1402, 1403, 1404, and 1405 are laid out and printed on output paper 1401, which is A3 size, in A5 size.

[0068] After configuring the settings on the cutting and copying settings screen 700, you can set the number of copies to be cut and perform the cutting and copying when you press the start key 402.

[0069] In step S1203 of Figure 12, the CPU 201 controls the printer unit 302 to print the document scanned by the scanner 102 onto the output paper of the output size, without arranging the original document on the output paper of the output size according to the post-cut paper size, and then the flowchart ends.

[0070] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the specific process for cut copies, where the number of copies after cutting can be set. The flowchart shows that the process begins when CPU 201 receives a copy execution command.

[0071] In step S1501, similar to step S1201 in Figure 12, the CPU 201 retrieves the output paper size registered in the paper cassette set on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 from DISK 211 or memory 202.

[0072] Next, in step S1502, similar to step S1202 in Figure 12, the CPU 201 determines whether the cutting copy setting is enabled on the cutting copy setting screen 700 in Figure 7. If it is determined in S1502 that the cutting copy setting is not enabled, the process proceeds to step S1503. If it is determined in S1502 that the cutting copy setting is enabled, the process proceeds to step S1506.

[0073] In step S1506, the CPU 201 retrieves the post-cut paper size set on the cutting copy settings screen 700 in Figure 7 from either the disk 211 or memory 202.

[0074] Subsequently, in step S1507, the CPU 201 obtains the value set in the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 as the number of copies after cutting from DISK 211 or memory 202.

[0075] Next, in step S1508, the CPU 201 controls the printer unit 302 to print the original documents read by the scanner 102, arranging them to the maximum extent possible on the output paper size acquired in S1501, according to the post-cut paper size acquired in S1206. At this time, the same original documents are arranged on the output paper.

[0076] Next, in step S1509, the CPU 201 controls the finisher 104 to shift the output position of the printed output paper each time it prints all of one or more pages of the original document, and the flowchart ends.

[0077] For example, Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a specific example of output when the output paper size registered in the paper cassette selected on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 in Figure 11 is "A3", the original paper size scanned by the scanner 102 is "A4" and "4 sheets", the cut paper size set on the cut copy setting screen 700 is "A5", and the number of copies 503 is "8 copies".

[0078] Figure 16 is a table showing an example of output paper and the original document allocated to the output paper when performing the cut copy with the number of copies to be set after cutting as shown in Figure 15. Row 1601 shows the number of pages of the output paper, and column 1602 shows the original document allocated to the output paper. For example, Output Paper 1, row 1603 shows that four copies of original page 4 are allocated to the first output paper. The output paper has multiple pages (8 pages), and the original document also has multiple pages (4 pages).

[0079] Since it is possible to allocate four A5-sized sheets to an A3-sized output paper, the printer unit 302 reduces the fourth page of the scanned document to A5 size after cutting and allocates four copies to one page of the output paper for printing. Then, it allocates four copies of the third page of the scanned document to two pages of the output paper and prints sequentially down to the first page of the document. After the first page of the document is printed, a shift is performed by the S1509 process, and then four copies of the fourth page of the document are allocated to five pages of the output paper for printing. Then, once again, four copies of the third page of the scanned document are allocated to six pages of the output paper and prints sequentially down to the first page of the document.

[0080] Figure 17 shows an example of the output paper and the original document laid out on the output paper when performing the cut copy with the number of copies to be set after cutting as shown in Figure 15. The first page of the original document is printed on page 8, 1701, and then laid out on pages 1702, 1703, 1704, and 1705. It is also shifted on page 4, 1706.

[0081] When performing the cut-and-copy function with configurable post-cut quantities shown in Figure 15, the output paper is cut for each shift, allowing the user to obtain the desired output without rearranging or separating the paper. For example, in the specific case shown in Figures 16 and 17, cutting pages 1 through 4 of an A3 output sheet yields four A5 stacks, each containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document. Next, cutting pages 5 through 8 of the shifted output paper yields four more A5 stacks, each containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a total of eight A5 stacks, each containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document, with simple settings.

[0082] In the flowchart of Figure 15, it is permissible to display to the user that the number of copies after trimming has been set. Specifically, when the OK button 702 is pressed on the trimming copy setting screen 700 in Figure 7 to confirm the settings, the value set in the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 is notified to the user as the number of copies after trimming. An example of the notification display is shown in Figure 18 as a pop-up screen. If the value set in the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 is 8 copies, the pop-up 1801 will display a message such as "Currently, the number of copies after trimming is 8. Please set the number of copies after trimming." The pop-up 1801 can be closed with the close button 1802.

[0083] Alternatively, the copy basic screen 501 may display that the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 is the number of copies after trimming. An example of this display is shown in Figure 19. By displaying a phrase such as "Number of copies after trimming" in the number of copies display area 1901, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the value set in the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 is the number of copies after trimming. In this way, by notifying the user that the value set in the number of copies 503 is the number of copies after trimming, it is possible to prevent unintended copies from being output.

[0084] In the flowchart illustrating the specific processing for trimmed copies with a set number of copies after trimming, shown in Figure 15, it is permissible to remove the margins of the output paper. In the trimmed copy settings screen 700 in Figure 7, the user can remove the margins of the output paper in trimmed copies with a set number of copies by selecting the "remove blank area" button 2001, as shown in Figure 20.

[0085] In step S1503 of Figure 15, the CPU 201 retrieves the value set in the number 503 of Figure 5 from either the disk 211 or memory 202.

[0086] Next, in step S1504, the CPU 201 does not allocate the original documents of the cut size to the output paper size on the output paper of the output paper size, but instead controls the printer unit 302 to print the original documents of the number of copies scanned by the scanner 102 in S1503 onto the output paper of the output paper size.

[0087] Subsequently, in step S1505, the CPU 201 controls the finisher 104 to shift the output position of the printed output paper for each of the 503 copies shown in Figure 5, and the flowchart ends.

[0088] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating the specific process for trimmed copies, where the number of copies after trimming (with blank areas removed) can be set. The flowchart shows that the process begins when CPU 201 receives a copy execution command.

[0089] Steps S2101 to S2107 are the same as steps S1501 to S1507 in the flowchart illustrating the specific processing for cut copies with a set number of copies after cutting, as shown in Figure 15.

[0090] In step S2108, the CPU 201 determines whether the button 2001 for removing the blank area in Figure 20 is selected. If the button 2001 for removing the blank area in Figure 20 is selected, it determines to remove the blank area and proceeds to step S2111. If the button 2001 for removing the blank area is not selected, the CPU 201 executes steps S2109 and S2110 and terminates the flowchart.

[0091] Steps S2109 and S2110 are the same processes as steps S1508 and S1509 in Figure 15, respectively.

[0092] In step S2111, the CPU 201 determines whether there are margins on the output paper. A determination formula may be used to determine whether there are margins on the output paper. For example, the determination formula can be expressed as "A ÷ B = C + D" where (A) is the number of copies after cutting and (B) is the number of sheets that can be assigned to the cut paper size. The determination is made by checking whether the remainder D is 0 when A ÷ B has an integer solution C and a remainder D. If the remainder D is 0, it is determined that there are no margins on the output paper, and the process proceeds to step S2109. If the remainder D is not 0 in S2111, it is determined that there are margins on the output paper, and the process proceeds to step S2112.

[0093] In step S2112, CPU201 prints each scanned document on the feed paper according to the output paper size, provided there are no margins. In other words, CPU201 prints a number of pages equal to the integer solution C of "A ÷ B" multiplied by the number of pages in the original document.

[0094] Next, in step S2113, CPU201 arranges the remaining scanned documents (D portion) onto the paper feed according to the output paper size and prints them. After that, CPU201 executes step S2110 and terminates the flowchart.

[0095] For example, a specific example where the output paper size registered in the paper cassette selected on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 in Figure 11 is "A3", the document scanned by the scanner 102 is "A4" and "4 sheets", the cut paper size set on the cut copy setting screen 700 in Figure 7 is "A5", and the number of copies 503 in Figure 5 is "6" will be explained using Figures 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0096] Figure 22 is a table showing an example of the output paper and the original documents allocated to the output paper when the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 is not selected, and a cut copy with a set number of copies after the blank area has been removed, as shown in Figure 21. Row 2201 indicates the number of pages on the output paper, and column 2202 indicates the original documents allocated to the output paper. For example, row 2204 of Output Paper 1 indicates that four copies of original page 4 will be allocated to the first output paper. Also, row 2205 of Output Paper 5 indicates that two copies of original page 4 will be allocated to the fifth output paper.

[0097] Since it is possible to allocate four A5-sized sheets to an A3-sized output paper, the printer unit 302 allocates four copies of the fourth page of the scanned document to one page of output paper and prints them. Then, it allocates four copies of the third page of the scanned document to two pages of output paper and prints sequentially down to the first page of the document. After the first page of the document is printed, if the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 is not selected, it again allocates two copies of the fourth page of the document to five pages of output paper and prints them. Then, it again allocates two copies of the third page of the scanned document to six pages of output paper and prints sequentially down to the first page of the document. Therefore, pages 6 to 8 of output paper 2203 have two A5-sized sheets allocated to an A3-sized sheet.

[0098] Figure 23 shows an example of the output paper and the original document allocated to it when a cut copy with the number of copies after cutting (as shown in Figure 21) is performed, with the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 not selected. On page 8 of the output paper, 2301, the first page of the original is allocated to 2302 and 2303 and printed. On the other hand, on page 4 of the output paper, 2304, four copies of the first page of the original are allocated.

[0099] When the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 is not selected, and a cut copy with a set number of copies after cutting is performed, the output paper for each shift is cut, allowing the user to obtain the desired output without rearranging or separating the paper.

[0100] For example, in the specific case shown in Figures 22 and 23, if pages 1 through 4 of the A3 output are trimmed, four A5 stacks containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document can be obtained. Next, if pages 5 through 8 of the shifted output are trimmed, two more A5 stacks containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document and two A5 stacks containing four blank pages can be obtained. Therefore, a total of six A5 stacks containing pages 1 through 4 of the original document can be obtained with simple settings as intended by the user. On the other hand, the two A5 stacks containing four blank pages become wasted paper.

[0101] Figure 24 is a table showing an example of the output paper and the original documents allocated to the output paper when the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 is selected, and a cut copy with a set number of copies after the blank area has been removed, as shown in Figure 21. Row 2401 indicates the number of pages on the output paper, and column 2402 indicates the original documents allocated to the output paper. For example, row 2405 of output paper 1 indicates that four copies of original page 4 are allocated to the first output paper. Also, row 2406 of output paper 5 indicates that two copies of original page 2 and two copies of original page 4 are allocated to the fifth output paper.

[0102] In this specific example, the number of copies after trimming is 6, and the number of sheets to which the trimmed paper size can be assigned is 4. The integer solution to the determination formula is 1 with a remainder of 2. Therefore, in step S2112, the integer solution 1 multiplied by the number of original pages, 4, is output as output paper 1 to 4 pages 2403. Next, the remaining 2 copies of the original are printed on output paper 5 to 6 pages 2404. When printing output paper 5 to 6 pages 2404, as shown in Figure 24, after trimming the last shift portion, the output paper is laid out so that pages 1 to 4 of the original overlap simply by stacking them.

[0103] Figure 25 shows an example of the output paper and the original document assigned to it when the blank area removal button 2001 in Figure 20 is selected, and a cut copy with the number of copies after cutting (as shown in Figure 21) is set. On output page 6, 2501, the first page of the original is assigned to pages 2502 and 2503, and the third page of the original is assigned to pages 2504 and 2505. On the other hand, on output page 4, 2506, four copies of the first page of the original are assigned.

[0104] When the "Remove Blank Pages" button 2001 is selected and a cut copy with a configurable number of copies after cutting is performed, the output paper is cut for each shift, minimizing rearrangement and paper separation while obtaining the desired output without generating any paper waste.

[0105] The cutting process in the specific example shown in Figures 24 and 25 will be explained using Figure 26. When pages 1 to 4 of the A3 output are cut, four A5 stacks containing pages 1 to 4 of the original document can be obtained. Next, when pages 5 to 6 of the shifted output paper are cut, two A5 stacks containing pages 1 to 2 of the original document (2601) and two A5 stacks containing pages 3 to 4 of the original document (2602) can be obtained. Therefore, by simply stacking the A5 stack containing pages 1 to 2 (2601) on top of the A5 stack containing pages 3 to 4 (2602) as shown in 2603, two A5 stacks containing pages 1 to 4 of the original document can be obtained.

[0106] As described above, in Figure 16, the CPU 201 arranges the originals to be assigned to the output paper sets before the shift and the originals to be assigned to the output paper sets after the shift so that they are the same, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting.

[0107] In Figures 22 and 26, the CPU 201 arranges the originals to be assigned to the output paper sets before the shift and the originals to be assigned to the output paper sets after the shift, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting.

[0108] In Figure 22, the number of documents assigned to each output sheet before the shift and the number of documents assigned to each output sheet after the shift are different.

[0109] In Figure 26, the number of documents assigned to each output sheet before the shift is the same as the number of documents assigned to each output sheet after the shift, while the number of pages in the output sheet set before the shift is different from the number of pages in the output sheet set after the shift.

[0110] The cut-to-copy function described in the flowcharts in Figures 12, 15, and 21 can also be used when printing cut-to-copy documents from the PC 107. For example, in the case of cut-to-copy documents where the number of copies after cutting can be set, as shown in Figure 15, the original document scanned by the scanner 102 of S1508 and S1504 can be used as the original document data received from the PC 107 to perform the cut-to-copy printing.

[0111] The print settings screen 2701 shown in Figure 27 is the print settings screen performed on the PC 107. The settings for the post-trim paper size button group 701 in Figure 7 are set using the post-trim paper size setting dropdown 2702 in Figure 27. The output paper size registered in the paper cassette selected on the paper cassette selection screen 1100 in Figure 11 is set using the output paper size setting dropdown 2703 in Figure 27. The number of copies 503 on the basic copy screen 501 in Figure 5 is set using the number of copies after trimming in Figure 27 2704.

[0112] The print settings screen 2701 allows you to confirm settings with the OK button 2705 and cancel settings with the Cancel button 2706. The dropdown menus for setting the paper size after trimming during printing 2702 and output paper size during printing 2703 display the selectable values ​​as shown in Figure 28. For example, when the dropdown menu for setting the paper size after trimming during printing is selected 2801, each of the buttons in the group of trimmed paper size buttons 701 in Figure 7 is displayed as a selection item. Furthermore, the print settings screen 2701 in Figure 27 can be displayed not only on the PC 107 but also on mobile devices, etc.

[0113] The display of the print settings screen 2701 allows users to configure their settings, making it easy for them to set print settings not only for cut copies but also for cut prints where the user will cut the paper to a desired size after printing.

[0114] For cutting and copying, CPU201 acquires the original document using scanner 102. For cutting and printing, CPU201 receives the original document from PC 107.

[0115] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user cuts the printed material to any paper size, they can obtain the desired output with simple settings. Furthermore, when processing the output after cutting, the effort required for rearranging is reduced, and the amount of blank paper after cutting is minimized.

[0116] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0117] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0118] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) A first means for obtaining the output paper size, A second means for obtaining the paper size after cutting, A first control means controls the printing process to arrange the original document on the output paper of the aforementioned output paper size according to the paper size after cutting. An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The first control means described above is: If trimmed copying or trimmed printing is set, the system controls the system to print the original document on the output paper of the specified output paper size, using the trimmed paper size. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that, if cut copying or cut printing is not set, the apparatus controls the system to print the original document on the output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the original document to the output paper of the output paper size with the cut paper size. (Item 3) It further has a third means for obtaining the number of copies after cutting, The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the first control means controls the printing of the original document in the size of the cut paper and the number of copies after cutting onto the output paper of the output paper size. (Item 4) The first control means controls the printing process by allocating multiple pages of the original document, in the size of the paper after trimming and the number of copies after trimming, to the output paper of the output paper size, The image forming apparatus according to item 3, further comprising a second control means for controlling the output position of the printed output paper to shift each time the finisher prints all of the aforementioned multi-page documents. (Item 5) It further has a fourth means of obtaining the number of copies, The first control means described above is: If cut copying or cut printing is set, the system controls the system to print the original document in the cut size and number of copies on the output paper of the specified output paper size, The image forming apparatus according to item 3, characterized in that, if cut copying or cut printing is not set, the apparatus controls the system to print the number of copies of the original document acquired by the fourth acquisition means on the output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the number of copies of the original document after cutting to the paper size after cutting. (Item 6) The first control means described above is: If trimming copy or trimming print is set, the system controls the system to print multiple pages of the original document in the trimmed paper size and the number of copies after trimming onto multiple pages of output paper of the aforementioned output paper size. If trimming copy or trimming print is not set, the system controls the printing of the number of copies of the original document acquired by the fourth acquisition means onto the multiple pages of the output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the number of copies of the original document after trimming to the number of copies of the original document after trimming to the number of copies of the original document after trimming. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, further comprising a second control means that, when trimming copy or trimming print is set, controls the finisher to shift the output position of the printed output paper each time all of the multi-page original is printed, and when trimming copy or trimming print is not set, controls the finisher to shift the output position of the printed output paper for each copy of the number of copies acquired by the fourth acquisition means. (Item 7) The image forming apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that the first control means arranges the originals to be arranged in the output paper set before the shift and the originals to be arranged in the output paper set after the shift to be the same to each other, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting. (Item 8) The image forming apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that the first control means allocates the originals to be allocated to the output paper set before the shift and the originals to be allocated to the output paper set after the shift to be different from each other, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting. (Item 9) The image forming apparatus according to item 8, characterized in that the number of originals assigned to each output sheet before the shift and the number of originals assigned to each output sheet after the shift are different from each other. (Item 10) The number of documents to be assigned to each output sheet before the shift and the number of documents to be assigned to each output sheet after the shift are the same. The image forming apparatus according to item 8, characterized in that the number of pages in the output paper set before the shift and the number of pages in the output paper set after the shift are different from each other. (Item 11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a fifth acquisition means for acquiring the aforementioned original document by a scanner. (Item 12) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a receiving means for receiving the aforementioned manuscript. (Item 13) The first acquisition step is to obtain the output paper size, The second acquisition step is to obtain the paper size after cutting, A first control step controls the system to print by arranging the original document on the output paper of the aforementioned output paper size according to the paper size after cutting. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features. (Item 14) A program to cause a computer to function as an image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 101: Controller 102: Scanner 103: Printer 104: Finisher 105: Network Interface

Claims

1. A first means for obtaining the output paper size, A second means for obtaining the paper size after cutting, A first control means controls the printing process to arrange the original document on the output paper of the aforementioned output paper size according to the paper size after cutting. An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The first control means described above is: If trimmed copying or trimmed printing is set, the system controls the system to print the original document on the output paper of the specified output paper size, using the trimmed paper size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if cut copying or cut printing is not set, the apparatus controls the system to print the original document on the output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the original document to the output paper of the output paper size with the cut paper size.

3. It further has a third means for obtaining the number of copies after cutting, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control means controls the printing of the original document in the size of the cut paper and the number of copies after cutting onto the output paper of the output paper size.

4. The first control means controls the printing process by allocating multiple pages of the original document, in the size of the paper after trimming and the number of copies after trimming, to the output paper of the output paper size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a second control means for controlling the output position of the printed output paper to shift each time the finisher prints all of the aforementioned multi-page documents.

5. It further has a fourth means of obtaining the number of copies, The first control means described above is: If cut copying or cut printing is set, the system controls the system to print the original document in the cut size and number of copies on the output paper of the specified output paper size, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, if cut copying or cut printing is not set, the apparatus is controlled to print the number of copies of the original obtained by the fourth acquisition means on output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the number of copies of the original after cutting to the paper size after cutting.

6. The first control means described above is: If trimming copy or trimming print is set, the system controls the system to print multiple pages of the original document in the trimmed paper size and the number of copies after trimming onto multiple pages of output paper of the aforementioned output paper size. If trimming copy or trimming print is not set, the system controls the printing of the number of copies of the original document acquired by the fourth acquisition means onto the multiple pages of the output paper of the output paper size, without allocating the number of copies of the original document after trimming to the number of copies of the original document after trimming to the number of copies of the original document after trimming. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second control means that, when trimming copy or trimming print is set, controls the finisher to shift the output position of the printed output paper each time all of the multiple pages of the original are printed, and when trimming copy or trimming print is not set, controls the finisher to shift the output position of the printed output paper for each copy of the number of copies acquired by the fourth acquisition means.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first control means arranges the originals to be assigned to the output paper set before the shift and the originals to be assigned to the output paper set after the shift to be the same to each other, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first control means arranges the originals to be assigned to the output paper set before the shift and the originals to be assigned to the output paper set after the shift so that they are different from each other, according to the output paper size, the paper size after cutting, and the number of copies after cutting.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the number of originals assigned to each output sheet before the shift and the number of originals assigned to each output sheet after the shift are different from each other.

10. The number of documents to be assigned to each output sheet before the shift and the number of documents to be assigned to each output sheet after the shift are the same. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the number of pages in the output paper set before the shift and the number of pages in the output paper set after the shift are different from each other.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth acquisition means for acquiring the aforementioned original document by a scanner.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving the aforementioned manuscript.

13. The first acquisition step is to obtain the output paper size, The second acquisition step is to obtain the paper size after cutting, A first control step controls the system to print by arranging the original document on the output paper of the aforementioned output paper size according to the paper size after cutting. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images