Image forming apparatus and image processing method

Abstract

The objective is to provide technology that allows booklets to be ejected in the orientation desired by the user. [Solution] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving binding settings from a user to determine the opening direction of a booklet discharged when a sheet is bound by a post-processing device; an acquisition means for acquiring image data; an image processing means for performing image processing to rotate an image based on the received binding settings; and a printing means for printing the image after the image processing has been performed onto a sheet. The printed sheet is then transported to the post-processing device, where it is bound, and the booklet is discharged in accordance with the received binding settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image processing method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a saddle stitching binding technique in which an image based on printed data with binding margins is double-sided printed by an image forming apparatus, the printed matter is conveyed to a binding apparatus, and saddle stitching binding is created by the binding apparatus.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which by rearranging the order of pages to be printed by a printing apparatus so that paper can be set in a binding apparatus and then printing, a printed matter can be bound to manufacture a booklet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A user can set the opening direction (right-opening / left-opening / top-opening / bottom-opening) of the booklet to be discharged. However, when using a binding apparatus in which the orientation of the booklet at the time of paper discharge does not change, depending on the set opening direction, a surface that the user does not desire may become the upper surface and the booklet may be discharged, which is inconvenient.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique in which a booklet is discharged in a direction desired by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving binding settings from a user to determine the opening direction of a booklet discharged when a sheet is bound by a post-processing device; an acquisition means for acquiring image data; an image processing means for performing image processing to rotate an image based on the received binding settings; and a printing means for printing the image after the image processing has been performed onto a sheet. The printed sheet is then transported to the post-processing device, where it is bound, and the booklet is discharged in accordance with the received binding settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the booklet can be ejected in the orientation desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the control unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the printer driver settings screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of manuscript data. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of bookbinding imposition data. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of bookbinding directions. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the paper being ejected to the output tray for bookbinding. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the structure of print data. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the patterns for bookbinding imposition image data. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the types of bookbinding machines. [Figure 11] This diagram shows how to determine whether or not image data has been rotated. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of this example. [Figure 13]This is a flowchart showing this embodiment.

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example

[0011] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a printing and binding apparatus of the present invention.

[0012] The printing and binding apparatus 100 is composed of a printing apparatus 101 and a binding apparatus 102.

[0013] The printing apparatus 101 is a printing apparatus that forms an image and performs printing. Note that the printing apparatus 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and may be, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) or a printer. Also, since the printing apparatus 101 has the function of processing an image, it is also an image processing apparatus. The printing apparatus 101 is provided with a control unit 200 for operating software for performing various controls of the printing and binding apparatus 100.

[0014] The binding apparatus 102 is an apparatus for binding the paper (sheet) printed by the printing apparatus 101. Note that the binding apparatus is an example of a post-processing apparatus, and binding means post-processing. The binding apparatus 102 is supplied by the paper printed by the printing apparatus 101 being conveyed, and can perform saddle stitching binding on the supplied sheets and discharge them to the paper discharge unit. The binding apparatus 102 is controlled by the aforementioned control unit 200.

[0015] 103 to 107 are paper feeding units for supplying paper. Each paper feeding unit can set papers of different sizes, and the printing device 101 selects an appropriate paper size and cassette according to the size to be printed and feeds the paper. Note that the number and arrangement of the paper feeding units are not limited to this. The reading device 108 is a device for reading a document. The reading device 108 is, for example, a scanner or an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder). The operation unit 109 is an operation unit for operating the printing and binding device 100 and has, for example, a display for displaying information and keys for inputting information.

[0016] The discharge trays 110 and 111 are discharge trays for discharging the paper supplied from the printing device 1 to the binding device 102 when saddle stitching binding is not performed. The discharge tray 112 is a discharge tray for discharging the paper supplied from the printing device 101 to the binding device 102 when saddle stitching binding processing is performed based on the paper.

[0017] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the printing device 101 and the binding device 102 are connected, the paper printed by the printing device 101 is conveyed and directly supplied to the binding device 102, and binding (post-processing) is executed. However, it is not essential that the printing device 101 and the binding device 102 are connected, and a configuration may be adopted in which the user transports the printed matter printed by the printing device 101 to the binding device 102 and places it on the paper feeding unit of the binding device 102 for supply. Also, in this case, the printing device 101 and the binding device 102 are each realized by different control units for their respective functions.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 200 of the printing and binding device 100 of the present invention.

[0019] Network 201 connects the printing and binding device 100 to external devices. Telephone line 202 connects the printing and binding device 100 to external devices. CPU (Central Control Unit) 203 runs programs for controlling each part of the control unit 200. The CPU 203 transmits commands to the printing device 101 and the binding device 102 via data buses 216 and 217 to perform printing and binding, according to signals input from the operation unit 109 or external devices via network 201.

[0020] RAM (Random Access Memory) 204 is managed by a program running on the CPU 203 and is used as the primary storage area of ​​the CPU 203, such as the main memory and work area. RAM 204 has functions such as a receive buffer for temporarily storing data received from external sources and an image data buffer for temporarily storing image data rasterized by RIP.

[0021] The control unit interface (I / F) 205 connects the control unit (I / F) 109 to the control unit (I / F) 200. The network interface (N / F) 206 is an interface for connecting the control unit (I / F) 200 to the network (N / F) 201. The modem (MODEM) 207 is an interface for connecting the control unit (I / F) 200 to a telephone line. The read-only memory (ROM) 208 stores programs and data that run on the CPU (I / F) 203. The hard disk drive (HDD) 209 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing various types of data for long periods.

[0022] The CPU bus 210 is a data transmission path. The bus interface 211 connects the CPU bus 210 and the image bus 218. As a result, each part of the control unit 200 connected to the CPU bus 210 or the image bus 218 is connected to each other and can communicate. The Raster Image Processor (RIP) 212 has the function of converting externally input page description language (PDL) data into bitmap image data. The compression unit 213 has the function of compressing data.

[0023] The device I / F 214 is an interface for connecting the bookbinding device 102 via the data bus 216 and the printing device 101 via the data bus 217 to the image bus 218. The image processing unit 215 performs various image processing on the bitmap image data generated by the RIP 212. The CPU 203 performs printing by issuing commands to the printing device 101 and the bookbinding device 102 via the data buses 216 and 217, in accordance with signals instructed from the operation unit 109 or external devices via the network 201.

[0024] Data buses 216 and 217 are data buses, and image bus 218 is an image bus, which are connected to the various parts of the control unit 200 for image processing.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the printer driver settings screen, which is displayed on the control unit 109 or the display unit of an external device connected via the network 201.

[0026] The printer driver settings screen 301 is the printer driver settings screen. Tab 302 is the binding settings tab, and it indicates that the "Binding Settings" screen, which can be configured on the printer driver settings screen 301, is currently displayed. Area 303 is the area for setting the document size, and you can set the size of the paper to be fed into the printer 101, such as "A4" or "A3". Note that in Figure 3, area 303 shows an example where "A4" is set as the document size.

[0027] Area 304 is for setting the document orientation, allowing the user to set the document orientation to either "portrait" or "landscape." Figure 4 shows examples of document orientations. Image data 401 is an example consisting of 8 pages of portrait-oriented image data. In this case, the document orientation in area 304 will be "portrait." Image data 402 is an example consisting of 8 pages of landscape-oriented image data. In this case, the document orientation in area 304 will be "landscape." Note that in Figure 3, area 304 shows an example where the document orientation is set to "portrait."

[0028] Area 305 is for setting the printing method, and you can set options such as "bound printing" or "double-sided printing". Area 306 is for setting saddle stitching, and you can set either "fold + saddle stitching" or "fold only". Note that Figure 3 shows an example where "fold + saddle stitching" is set in area 306.

[0029] Area 307 is for setting the finished size. The finished size refers to the size of the finished product, such as a bound booklet (the size of each page of the booklet after saddle stitching), and allows you to set the size of the booklet that will be output after binding. In Figure 3, area 307 shows an example where "A4" is set. In this case, the printing device 101 prints in "A3" size, which is twice the size of "A4", and the binding device 102 performs "folding + saddle stitching" on "A3" size paper to create an "A4" size product.

[0030] Area 308 is for configuring the bookbinding imposition process. The bookbinding imposition process can be performed either by the printer driver or by the control unit 109. In Figure 3, area 308 shows an example where "processing by the printer driver" is selected.

[0031] Here, we will explain the imposition process for bookbinding. The imposition process refers to converting manuscript data into a bookbinding layout. For example, if the imposition process is performed on image data 401, the result of the imposition process will be image data of a bookbinding layout as shown in Figures 501 to 508. Similarly, if the imposition process is performed on image data 402, the result of the imposition process will be image data of a bookbinding layout as shown in Figures 509 to 516.

[0032] Area 309 is an area for setting the opening direction of the binding, and can be set to "left-opening," "right-opening," "top-opening," or "bottom-opening." In other words, by inputting into area 309, the user can determine the opening direction of the booklet that will be discharged when the sheets are bound by the post-processing device. When a setting is entered into area 309, the CPU 203 accepts this setting for the opening direction of the discharged booklet.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the booklet's opening direction. Opening example 601 is an example of a left-opening booklet. When the page on page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (left), the page on page P2 is revealed. Opening example 602 is an example of a right-opening booklet. When the page on page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (right), the page on page P2 is revealed. Opening example 603 is an example of a top-opening booklet. When the page on page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (down), the page on page P2 is revealed. Opening example 604 is an example of a bottom-opening booklet. When the page on page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (down), the page on page P2 is revealed. Note that area 309 in Figure 3 shows an example where "left-opening" is set.

[0034] Area 310 is for setting the output surface during bookbinding. The output surface during bookbinding refers to the page that will be the top surface when the output product (saddle-stitched booklet) is ejected into the output tray 112 of the bookbinding device 102. Area 310 allows setting either "eject the first page on top" or "eject the first page on the bottom". Figure 3 shows an example where area 310 is set to "eject the first page on top". The user can also print and bind without setting the output surface in area 310. In this case, the image data rotation process will not be performed, and the cover (first page) of the bound booklet will be ejected either facing upwards or downwards.

[0035] Pressing the OK key 311 activates each setting. Printing is initiated when the print start button (not shown) is pressed. Pressing the Cancel key 312 cancels each setting. When the Cancel key 312 is pressed, the printer driver settings screen 301 closes and is no longer displayed.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of image data acquired by the printing and binding apparatus 100, illustrating an example where portrait or landscape image data is arranged side by side. Image data 401 and 402 are generated, for example, by being transmitted from an external device connected to the printing and binding apparatus 100 via the network 201, or by the scanning device 108 reading the original document. Image data 401 is an example of eight pages of image data from a portrait-oriented document, and image data 402 is an example of eight pages of image data from a landscape-oriented document.

[0037] Figure 5 shows the print data generated by imposing image data for bookbinding. Note that print data is also image data. Figure 5 shows an example of image data imposed for bookbinding, assuming that the print data will be printed on both sides.

[0038] Print data 501-504 show examples of binding layouts for right-to-left booklets. Print data 501 is a page composed of pages P1 and P8 from image data 401. Print data 502 is a page composed of pages P2 and P7 from image data 401. Print data 503 is a page composed of pages P3 and P6 from image data 401. Print data 504 is a page composed of pages P4 and P5 from image data 401.

[0039] Print data 501 is printed on the first side (front) of the sheet, and print data 502 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 501 is printed, where print data 501 is not printed. Similarly, print data 503 is printed on the first side (front) of a different sheet from the one on which print data 501 and 502 are printed, and print data 504 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 503 is printed, where print data 503 is not printed. The double-sided printed sheets are then bound together as described later to complete the booklet.

[0040] Print data 505-508 shows examples of imposition for binding a left-opening booklet. Print data 505 is a page composed of pages P8 and P1 from image data 401. Print data 506 is a page composed of pages P7 and P2 from image data 401. Print data 507 is a page composed of pages P6 and P3 from image data 401. Print data 508 is a page composed of pages P5 and P4 from image data 401.

[0041] Print data 505 is printed on the first side (front) of the sheet, and print data 506 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 505 is printed, where print data 505 is not printed. Similarly, print data 507 is printed on the first side (front) of a different sheet from the one on which print data 505 and 506 are printed, and print data 508 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 507 is printed, where print data 507 is not printed. The double-sided printed sheets are then bound together as described later to complete the booklet.

[0042] Print data 509-512 shows examples of binding layouts for top-opening booklets. Print data 509 is a page composed of pages P1 and P8 from image data 402. Print data 510 is a page composed of pages P2 and P7 from image data 402. Print data 511 is a page composed of pages P3 and P6 from image data 402. Print data 512 is a page composed of pages P4 and P5 from image data 402.

[0043] Print data 509 is printed on the first side (front) of the sheet, and print data 510 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 509 is printed, where print data 509 is not printed. Similarly, print data 511 is printed on the first side (front) of a different sheet from the one on which print data 509 and 510 are printed, and print data 512 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 511 is printed, where print data 511 is not printed. The double-sided printed sheets are then bound together as described later to complete the booklet.

[0044] Print data 513-516 show examples of binding layouts for bottom-opening booklets. Print data 513 is a page composed of pages P8 and P1 from image data 402. Print data 514 is a page composed of pages P7 and P2 from image data 402. Print data 515 is a page composed of pages P6 and P3 from image data 402. Print data 516 is a page composed of pages P5 and P4 from image data 402.

[0045] Print data 513 is printed on the first side (front) of the sheet, and print data 514 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 513 is printed, where print data 513 is not printed. Similarly, print data 515 is printed on the first side (front) of a different sheet from the one on which print data 513 and 514 are printed, and print data 516 is printed on the second side (back) of the sheet on which print data 515 is printed, where print data 515 is not printed. The double-sided printed sheets are then bound together as described later to complete the booklet.

[0046] In this embodiment, P indicates a page. In print data 501, P1 may be the front cover, and P8 may be the back cover. In this embodiment, there is no distinction made between booklets that define the front page as page 1 and booklets that define the page visible when the front cover is opened as page 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in print data 501 to 516, a surface is defined as an image data that has undergone imposition processing for bookbinding, where the image shown is the data to be printed on one side of a sheet, and the printed image on the sheet is defined as a surface. Furthermore, the outer surface of the outermost sheet when the printed sheets are bound into a booklet is defined as the first surface, the inner surface of the outermost sheet is defined as the second surface, the outer surface of the second outermost sheet is defined as the third surface, and the inner surface of the second outermost sheet is defined as the fourth surface.

[0048] Based on this definition, the Nth face (the rotated image) contains the image from page N of the image data and the image from page n+1-N of the image data, where n is the total number of pages of the acquired image data. For example, the second face (print data 502) contains the image from page 2 of image data 401 and the image from page 7 of the image data, since image data 401 has a total of 8 pages.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the opening direction of a bound booklet. Opening example 601 shows an example where the booklet opens to the left. When the page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (left), the page P2 (not shown) is revealed. Opening example 602 shows an example where the booklet opens to the right. When the page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (right), the page P2 (not shown) is revealed. Opening example 603 shows an example where the booklet opens from the top. When the page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (up), the page P2 (not shown) is revealed. Opening example 604 shows an example where the booklet opens from the bottom. When the page P1 is turned in the direction of the arrow (down), the page P2 (not shown) is revealed.

[0050] Figure 7 shows the discharge state when the bound booklet is discharged into the output tray 112 of the bookbinding device 102.

[0051] State 701 indicates the state in which a booklet (left-opening) that has been saddle-stitched by the bookbinding device 102 is discharged into the output tray 112 with the P1 side facing upwards. State 702 indicates the state in which a booklet (left-opening) that has been saddle-stitched by the bookbinding device 102 is discharged into the output tray 112 with the P8 side facing upwards. State 702 is the reverse of state 701.

[0052] State 703 indicates the state in which the booklet (top-opening) that has been saddle-stitched by the bookbinding device 102 is discharged into the output tray 112 with the P1 side facing upwards. State 704 indicates the state in which the booklet (top-opening) that has been saddle-stitched by the bookbinding device 102 is discharged into the output tray 112 with the P8 side facing upwards. State 704 is the reverse of state 703.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of a print job configuration. In Figure 8, Page Description Language (PDL) data input from a host computer or the like via the network 201 is shown as an example of a print job. Other print jobs may include copy jobs generated by scanning an original document with a reader 108 equipped on the printing device 101, or stored print jobs temporarily accumulated in a storage device such as an HDD 209.

[0054] The job ticket section 801 contains information such as binding settings, including binding specifications, and printing settings, such as color / monochrome. In this embodiment, the job ticket is the job control language.

[0055] In this embodiment, the data unit 802 contains page description language (PDL) data, and the image data contained in the data unit 802 corresponds to print data. As mentioned above, the print data may be obtained by reading the original document with the reader 108 of the printing device 101, or it may be obtained from stored print jobs temporarily stored in a storage device such as the HDD 209.

[0056] The binding specification information 803 indicates the binding specification information included in the job ticket section 801. In the example in Figure 8, it shows that information indicating that "fold + saddle stitching" is set as the binding specification is included. In this embodiment, it is assumed that "fold only" and "fold + saddle stitching" can be set. Furthermore, this setting corresponds to the setting value for saddle stitching on the printer driver setting screen 301.

[0057] The imposition setting information 804 indicates the imposition setting information included in the job ticket section 801, and includes information on whether the image data in the data section 802 is already imposed data. In this embodiment, either "Completed" or "Not Completed" is set. Furthermore, this setting corresponds to "Completed" if the imposition processing setting value on the printer driver setting screen 301 is "Processed on the printer driver side," and "Not Completed" if it is "Processed on the image forming apparatus side."

[0058] The angle information 805 indicates the imposition angle information included in the job ticket section 801. If the image data in the data section 802 is imposition data, it includes information indicating the angle of the set imposition image. In this embodiment, one of the following angles is set: "0 degrees", "90 degrees", "180 degrees", or "270 degrees".

[0059] Here, using Figure 9, we will explain examples of angles for imposed images. "0 degrees" represents the state in Pattern 1 and Pattern 3 of Figure 9, where the top of the image is at the top. "90 degrees" represents the state in Pattern 5 and Pattern 7 of Figure 9, where the top of the image is on the right. "180 degrees" represents the state in Pattern 2 and Pattern 4 of Figure 9, where the top of the image is at the bottom. "270 degrees" represents the state in Pattern 6 and Pattern 8 of Figure 9, where the top of the image is on the left. In this embodiment, the angles were defined with clockwise rotation as positive as described above, but the angles may also be defined with counterclockwise rotation as positive.

[0060] The opening setting information 806 indicates the binding opening direction information included in the job ticket section 801, and contains the setting information for the binding opening direction. In this embodiment, one of the following is set: "left opening", "right opening", "top opening", or "bottom opening". This setting corresponds to the opening direction setting value on the printer driver setting screen 301.

[0061] The binding output setting information 807 indicates the binding output setting included in the job ticket section 801, and includes binding output setting information such as outputting the first page to the top. In this embodiment, either "outputting the first page to the top" or "outputting the first page to the bottom" is set. The user can also choose not to select or set either of these. This setting corresponds to the setting value for the binding output surface (area 310) on the printer driver setting screen 301.

[0062] Print data 808 to 811 represent each page of the imposed image data included in the data unit 802. Print data 808 represents the first page of the imposed image data, indicating that "P1" and "P8" are imposed. Print data 809 represents the second page of the imposed data, indicating that "P2" and "P7" are imposed. Print data 810 represents the third page of the imposed data, indicating that "P3" and "P6" are imposed. Print data 811 represents the fourth page of the imposed data, indicating that "P4" and "P5" are imposed. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the print job is configured to include print data in which the image data has been imposed for binding. However, the print job may also include image data before imposition for binding.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the first page of the imposed image data. Specifically, parameter 1103 indicates the rotation angle of the image data being acquired.

[0064] Pattern 1 shows imposed image data for right-to-left opening, where the rotation angle of the imposed image is 0 degrees. Pattern 2 shows imposed image data for right-to-left opening, where the angle of the imposed image is 180 degrees. Pattern 3 shows imposed image data for left-to-right opening, where the angle of the imposed image is 0 degrees. Pattern 4 shows imposed image data for left-to-right opening, where the angle of the imposed image is 180 degrees.

[0065] Pattern 5 indicates a pre-bound image data used for top-opening books, where the angle of the pre-bound image is 90 degrees. Pattern 6 indicates a pre-bound image data used for top-opening books, where the angle of the pre-bound image is 270 degrees. Pattern 7 indicates a pre-bound image data used for bottom-opening books, where the angle of the pre-bound image is 90 degrees. Pattern 8 indicates a pre-bound image data used for bottom-opening books, where the angle of the pre-bound image is 270 degrees.

[0066] In this embodiment, the angle was defined with clockwise rotation as positive, as described above, but the angle may also be defined with counterclockwise rotation as positive.

[0067] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the direction in which paper is transported from the printing device 101 to the bookbinding device 102 and the output surface (top surface) when the paper is ejected into the output tray 112 of the bookbinding device 102. In this embodiment, the bookbinding device 102 may be configured as either type A or type B. Generally, type A and type B are separate devices and cannot be connected to the printing device 101 simultaneously; therefore, in this embodiment, we will describe an example in which only one type of bookbinding device 102 is connected to the printing device 101.

[0068] In the case of Type A, when the paper is transported to the binding device 102 with the printed side facing upwards in the paper transport direction, with the leading edge being page X and the trailing edge being page Y, the paper is discharged after the saddle-stitch binding process in the binding device 102 so that page Y is facing upwards.

[0069] In the case of type B, when the paper is transported to the binding device 102 with the printed side facing downwards in the paper transport direction, with the leading edge being page X and the trailing edge being page Y, the paper is discharged after the saddle-stitch binding process in the binding device 102 so that page X is facing upwards.

[0070] Information on whether the bookbinding device 102 connected to the printing device 101 is of type A or type B is pre-stored in the HDD 209. However, it is not mandatory for the type information (capacity information) of the bookbinding device 102 to be pre-stored; for example, the printing device 101 may acquire the capability information of the bookbinding device 102 connected to it each time a print job arrives. Alternatively, the printing device 101 may acquire the capability information of the bookbinding device 102 when the printing device 101 and the bookbinding device 102 are connected, or the user may register the capability information of the bookbinding device 102 with the printing device 101.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a reference table 1100 for image data rotation processing. This table is stored in HDD 209 and used by the image data rotation determination means (S1203 described later).

[0072] Parameter 1101 is a parameter that indicates the binding capability (type) of the bookbinding device 102, as explained in Figure 10, and in this embodiment it is either type A or type B. However, it is not limited to this, and although this embodiment shows an example of binding the long edge, it goes without saying that there are two more types for devices that bind the short edge. Furthermore, the bookbinding device 102 may be configured to bind sides other than the four sides of the paper, in which case the number of types increases even further.

[0073] Parameter 1102 indicates the direction in which the booklet will open (left-opening, right-opening, top-opening, or bottom-opening) when the image data is bound. This parameter is determined based on the image data.

[0074] Parameter 1103 is a parameter that indicates the pattern of the imposed image data, as explained in Figure 9, and is a parameter that is determined based on the image data. In other words, parameter 1103 indicates information that shows the rotation angle of the image data that is acquired.

[0075] Parameter 1104 indicates the output surface setting, which determines whether the first page of the ejected booklet is on the top or bottom. The user can set it to either "first page top" or "first page bottom".

[0076] Parameter 1105 indicates the angle at which the image data is rotated, and is determined by parameters 1101 through 1104. Parameter 1105 is also used in the image processing determination described later.

[0077] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the bookbinding process in this embodiment. S1201 to S1211 in the figure represent the respective steps.

[0078] At S1201, the CPU 203 starts processing after acquiring image data. Image data is acquired, for example, via various interfaces, the reading device 108, etc. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the CPU 203 acquires image data via network 201 and network I / F 206.

[0079] In S1202, the CPU 203 analyzes the print data. First, the CPU 203 receives a print job containing image data via the network 201, and the image data contained in the received print job is stored in the HDD 209. Then, the CPU 203 reads the image data stored in the HDD 209 and analyzes it. The CPU 203 reads the binding specification information 803, binding imposition setting information 804, angle information 805 of the imposed image, binding opening setting information 806, and paper output setting information 807 from the job ticket section 801 in the print job, and stores each of them in the HDD 209. The CPU 203 also analyzes the PDL data in the data section 802 in the print job, converts it into intermediate data (not shown), and stores it in the HDD 209. If the CPU 203 determines that the binding imposition setting information 804 is "no", it executes the binding imposition process. The CPU 203 calculates the image angle after imposition based on the bookbinding opening setting information 806 and stores it in the HDD 209 as impositioned image angle information.

[0080] In S1203, CPU203 retrieves the binding settings. CPU203 reads the binding information from HDD209 and stores it in RAM204. Details of retrieving the binding settings are explained in the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0081] In S1204, CPU203 performs image data rotation determination processing. Specifically, CPU203 reads the reference table 1100 stored in HDD209. Next, CPU203 uses the reference table 1100 and the information read in S1203 to determine whether or not the imposed image data needs to be rotated.

[0082] Here, we will explain the specific determination method using Figure 11. First, the CPU 203 reads the parameter 1101, which indicates the type of bookbinding device as explained in Figure 10, from the RAM 204. The CPU 203 then determines whether the acquired bookbinding device type is type A or type B.

[0083] Next, the CPU 203 reads parameter 1102 from RAM 204, which indicates the opening direction. Next, the CPU 203 reads parameter 1103 from RAM 204, which indicates the pattern (rotation angle) of the imposed image data for bookbinding. Next, the CPU 203 reads parameter 1104 from RAM 204, which indicates the paper output setting for bookbinding.

[0084] The CPU 203 "determines" whether or not to rotate the imposed image data based on the information it has read. Specifically, it makes the decision based on whether the parameter 1105 used for the determination, which is determined by the information it has read, is "0 degrees" or "180 degrees". If the parameter 1105 used for the determination is "0 degrees", the CPU 203 determines that the imposed image data does not need to be rotated. On the other hand, if the parameter 1105 is "180 degrees", the CPU 203 determines that the imposed image data needs to be rotated. The CPU 203 then stores the determination result in the RAM 204.

[0085] In S1205, CPU203 generates image data. Specifically, CPU203 reads the intermediate data generated in S1202 from HDD209, generates image data using RIP212, and stores it in HDD209. If the bookbinding imposition setting information 804 is "No", CPU203 performs bookbinding imposition based on the generated image data and stores the printed data after bookbinding imposition in HDD209.

[0086] In S1206, the CPU 203 reads and retrieves the result of the image data rotation determination process that was stored in RAM 204 in S1204. If the determination result indicates that the image data needs to be rotated, the CPU 203 proceeds to S1207; otherwise, it proceeds to S1208.

[0087] In S1207, CPU203 performs image data rotation processing. Specifically, CPU203 reads the image data generated in S1205 from HDD209. Then, CPU203 performs rotation processing on the image data generated in S1205 according to the result of the image data rotation determination processing in S1204. In other words, if parameter 1105 is "180 degrees", CPU203 performs image processing to rotate the image data by 180 degrees. Then, CPU203 stores the rotated image data (print data) in HDD209. That is, based on the accepted binding settings, it performs image processing to rotate the image based on the image data.

[0088] Furthermore, if the CPU 203 receives a paper output setting (area 310) from the user that the front cover of the printed booklet be printed facing upwards, and determines that there is no need to rotate the image (corresponding parameter 1105 is "0 degrees"), it will not perform image processing to rotate the image. On the other hand, in this case, if the CPU 203 determines that there is a need to rotate the image (corresponding parameter 1105 is "180 degrees"), it will perform image processing to rotate the image. The same applies if the user receives a paper output setting (area 310) that the front cover of the printed booklet be printed facing downwards. This determination is made based on parameter 1105, which is determined by parameters 1101 to 1104, as described above.

[0089] Furthermore, if the CPU 203 has not received a paper output setting from the user to output the front cover of the booklet to be ejected to the top or bottom (i.e., it is not set in area 310), it will not perform image processing to rotate the acquired image.

[0090] In S1208, CPU203 executes the printing process. CPU203 reads the image data processed in S1207 from HDD209. Then, CPU203 converts the read image data into a video signal and sends it to the printer 101. The printer 101 feeds paper from the paper feed section (one of 103 to 107) and prints the processed image onto the paper (sheet). Printing is usually performed in double-sided printing mode. That is, the processed image is printed onto the sheet.

[0091] In S1209, CPU203 executes the bookbinding process. CPU203 transports the paper with the printed image, which was printed in S1208, to the bookbinding device 102, where the bookbinding process is performed to produce a saddle-stitched booklet.

[0092] In S1210, the CPU 203 executes the ejection process. The CPU 203 ejects the booklet bound in S1209 into the output tray 112 of the bookbinding device 102. Once the booklet ejection is complete, the CPU 203 terminates this process. As a result, the booklet bound by the post-processing device is ejected according to the opening direction set by the user. Specifically, printed sheets are transported to the post-processing device, bound, and then the booklet is ejected according to the accepted binding settings.

[0093] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for obtaining binding settings. S1301 to S1306 in the figure represent the respective steps.

[0094] At S1301, CPU203 starts this process following the completion of S1202.

[0095] In S1302, the CPU 203 reads the type of bookbinding device from the reference table 1100 stored in the HDD 209 and stores it in the RAM 204. In this embodiment, two types, Type A and Type B, are described, but there may be three or more types.

[0096] In S1303, CPU203 reads the bookbinding and opening setting information 806 stored in S1202 from HDD209 and stores it in RAM204.

[0097] In S1304, the CPU 203 reads the angle information 805 of the imposed book images stored in S1202 from the HDD 209 and stores it in the RAM 204.

[0098] In S1305, CPU203 reads the paper output setting information 807 stored in S1202 from HDD209 and stores it in RAM204. Once S1305 is complete, CPU203 terminates this flow and proceeds to S1204.

[0099] The printer driver settings screen 301 may also be displayed on the operation panel 109 of the printing and binding device 100. Alternatively, the printing and binding device 100 may have a server function and communicate with an external device, such as an information processing device like a personal computer, and as a result of this communication, the printer driver settings screen 301 may be displayed on the screen of the external device. In this case, the user can make various print and binding settings, as shown on the printer driver settings screen 301, through the external device, and the printing and binding device 100 will execute the above processing according to these settings. This will similarly allow the booklet to be ejected in the orientation desired by the user.

[0100] Furthermore, while this embodiment shows an example where print settings and binding settings are stored in HDD209, it is not limited to this. This setting information can be managed in a way that allows the printing and binding device 100 to retrieve the information via communication. For example, the setting information may be stored and managed on an external device connected to the printing and binding device 100, such as a personal computer or cloud server. In this case, the information retrieved from HDD209 as described above would be retrieved from such an external device.

[0101] For example, one use case involves inserting saddle-stitched booklets, which are then ejected from the binding process, into envelopes. Depending on the orientation of the ejected booklets, the user may need to reverse the booklets before inserting them into the envelope. Specifically, if the user wants to align the address side of the envelope with the front side (first page) of the booklet, and the booklet is ejected into the output tray with the front side facing downwards, the user would need to reverse the booklet before inserting it into the envelope, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0102] When the present invention is applied, the user can specify which side of the booklet will be the top surface when it is ejected. This eliminates the need to reverse the booklet's orientation, making it easier to enclose it in an envelope and thus providing a convenient solution for the user.

[0103] <Other examples> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments 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 realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 100 Printing and binding equipment 101 Printing device 102 Bookbinding machine 103-107 Paper feeder 108 Reading device 109 Operation section 110~112 Output tray

Claims

1. A receiving means that receives binding settings from the user to determine the opening direction of the booklet discharged when the sheet is bound by the post-processing device, Means for acquiring image data, Image processing means that performs image processing to rotate an image based on the image data based on the received binding settings, The system includes a printing means for printing the image on which the image processing has been performed onto a sheet, The printed sheets are transported to the post-processing device, where they are bound into a book, and the booklet is discharged in accordance with the accepted binding settings. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The image processing means performs image processing to rotate the image based on the image data, based on the received bookbinding settings and the capability information of the post-processing device. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the binding setting includes a setting to determine whether the front side of the booklet is ejected from the top or bottom side when the booklet is ejected from the post-processing device.

4. The acquisition means further acquires information indicating the rotation angle of the image shown by the acquired image data, The image processing means performs image processing to rotate the image based on the image data, based on the received binding settings, the acquired capability information, and the information indicating the rotation angle of the image shown by the acquired image data. The image forming apparatus according to feature 3.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that when the receiving means receives a paper output surface setting from the user to output the front cover of the booklet to be output with the front cover facing upwards, the image processing means does not perform image processing to rotate the acquired image if it determines that it is not necessary to rotate the acquired image, and performs image processing to rotate the acquired image if it determines that it is necessary to rotate the acquired image.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that when the receiving means receives a paper output surface setting from the user to output the front cover of the booklet to be output to the bottom, the image processing means does not perform image processing to rotate the acquired image if it determines that it is not necessary to rotate the acquired image, and performs image processing to rotate the acquired image if it determines that it is necessary to rotate the acquired image.

7. The image processing means makes the determination based on the received bookbinding settings, the acquired capability information, and the information indicating the rotation angle of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to either one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by the features described herein.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, further characterized in that the image processing means does not perform the image processing of rotating the acquired image if the receiving means does not receive the paper output setting from the user.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the Nth rotated image includes the image of the Nth page of the acquired image data and the image of the n+1-Nth page of the acquired image data, where n is the total number of pages of the acquired image data.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image processing means rotates the image by 180 degrees.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening direction is one of left opening, right opening, upward opening, or downward opening.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet on which the image is printed is saddle-stitched by the post-processing device, and the booklet is discharged from the post-processing device.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving means receives the bookbinding settings from the user via a printer driver.

14. A receiving process that receives binding settings from the user to determine the opening direction of the booklet discharged when the sheet is bound by the post-processing device, The acquisition process for obtaining image data, An image processing step which performs image processing to rotate an image based on the image data based on the received binding settings, The process includes a printing step of printing the image on which the image processing has been performed onto a sheet, The printed sheets are transported to the post-processing device, where they are bound into a book, and the booklet is discharged in accordance with the accepted binding settings. An image processing method characterized by the following:

15. The image processing step performs image processing to rotate the image based on the image data, based on the received bookbinding settings and the capability information of the post-processing device. The image processing method according to feature 14.

16. The image processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that the binding setting includes a setting to determine whether the front side of the booklet is ejected from the top or bottom side when the booklet is ejected from the post-processing device.

17. The acquisition step further acquires information indicating the rotation angle of the image shown by the acquired image data, The image processing step performs image processing to rotate the image based on the image data, based on the received binding settings, the acquired capability information, and the information indicating the rotation angle of the image shown by the acquired image data. The image processing method according to feature 16.

18. The image processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, when the receiving step receives a paper output surface setting from the user to output the front cover of the booklet to be output with the front cover facing upwards, if it is determined that it is not necessary to rotate the acquired image, the image processing to rotate the acquired image is not performed, and if it is determined that it is necessary to rotate the acquired image, the image processing to rotate the acquired image is performed.

19. The image processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, when the receiving step receives from the user a paper output setting in which the front cover of the booklet to be output is output to the bottom, if it is determined that it is not necessary to rotate the acquired image, the image processing to rotate the acquired image is not performed, and if it is determined that it is necessary to rotate the acquired image, the image processing to rotate the acquired image is performed.

20. The image processing step makes the determination based on the received bookbinding settings, the acquired capability information, and the information indicating the rotation angle of the image data. The image processing method according to either one of claims 18 or 19.

21. The image processing method according to claim 18 or 19, further characterized in that the image processing step does not perform the image processing of rotating the acquired image if the reception step does not receive the paper output setting from the user.

22. The image processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the Nth rotated image includes the image of the Nth page of the acquired image data and the image of the n+1-Nth page of the acquired image data, where n is the total number of pages of the acquired image data.

23. The image processing step is characterized by rotating the image by 180 degrees, as described in claim 14.

24. The image processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the opening direction is one of left opening, right opening, upward opening, or downward opening.

25. The image processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sheet on which the image is printed is saddle-stitched by the post-processing device, and the booklet is discharged from the post-processing device.

26. The image processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the reception step receives the bookbinding settings from the user via a printer driver.

Images