Print layout generation apparatus, print layout generation program, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a print layout generation device, a print layout generation program, and an image forming apparatus that can prevent or suppress increased workload and errors in post-printing paper sorting and collating. [Solution] The print layout generation device comprises a job acquisition unit, a job analysis unit, and a layout generation unit. The job acquisition unit acquires multiple print jobs. The job analysis unit analyzes the multiple print jobs and acquires the number of print faces for each print job. The layout generation unit is capable of imposing images of print jobs in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on a single sheet, and imposes multiple rows of print job images in the second direction on a single sheet. Based on the number of print faces for each print job, the layout generation unit imposes different print job images in each row.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a print layout generation device, a print layout generation program, and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, print services that accept and subcontract the printing of cards such as postcards and business cards have been booming. In a print shop that provides such a print service, in addition to the main body of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, a post-processing apparatus such as an automatic cutting apparatus that processes the paper into the size of a postcard or a card, and a paper stacking apparatus that stacks a plurality of cut papers are also used.

[0003] For example, as a paper stacking apparatus, a cut paper stacking apparatus that stacks a plurality of cut papers in parallel in the paper conveyance direction is known. In such a paper stacking apparatus, a plurality of cut papers are conveyed in parallel and are respectively stacked in a predetermined stacking portion provided in a paper discharge tray.

[0004] In connection with this, a technique is known in which sorting paper area data is inserted at the boundary positions of a plurality of image groups based on cutting information and post-processing information regarding the stacking order of each paper obtained by cutting when performing printing of consecutive jobs (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Also, a control technique is known in which blank papers inserted between print jobs are filled and continuously faced when printing a plurality of print jobs continuously (for example, Patent Document 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when multiple images included in the same print job are imposed across multiple columns, and the printed paper is cut along each column, the user needs to perform tasks such as sorting and collating while checking the images on the printed paper that has been cut into multiple columns. As a result, problems such as increased workload and errors in sorting and collating may occur.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The main objective of this invention is to provide a print layout generation apparatus, a print layout generation program, and an image forming apparatus that can prevent or suppress the increase in workload and the occurrence of errors in tasks such as sorting and collating printed paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above objectives of the present invention are achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) A print layout generation device comprising: a job acquisition unit that acquires multiple print jobs; a job analysis unit that analyzes the multiple print jobs and acquires the number of print faces for each print job; and a layout generation unit that is capable of imposing images of the print jobs in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of a single sheet, wherein the layout generation unit imposes different images of the print jobs in each of the columns based on the number of print faces for each print job.

[0010] (2) The print layout generation apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the job analysis unit obtains the size of the sheet and the size of the images to be imposed on the sheet from the print job, and the layout generation unit imposes the images of the print job on the sheet based on the number of print faces, the size of the sheet, and the size of the images to be imposed on the sheet.

[0011] (3) The print layout generation apparatus according to (2) above, wherein the layout generation unit acquires at least one of the following: the size of the sheet and the size of the images, information relating to the distance constraints between images to be imposed on the sheet, and information relating to the number of output columns of an accumulator that accumulates the sheets on which the print job images have been printed in parallel, and imposes the print job images on the sheet based on this information.

[0012] (4) The print layout generation apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the layout generation unit generates a print layout in which identification divider paper is inserted before and after each of the print jobs.

[0013] (5) The print layout generation device according to (1) above, wherein the layout generation unit generates a print layout in which blank pages are inserted between print jobs so that images of the same print job do not overlap in multiple columns in the second direction.

[0014] (6) The print layout generation apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the layout generation unit calculates the number of imposition references in one column from the total number of print faces in the plurality of print jobs and the number of columns in the second direction.

[0015] (7) The print layout generation apparatus according to (6) above, wherein the layout generation unit determines a search range in which the imposition reference number falls between n times the number of impositionable columns on a single sheet and (n-1) times that number.

[0016] (8) The print layout generation apparatus according to (7) above, wherein the layout generation unit searches for a combination of print jobs in which the sum of the number of print faces in the plurality of print jobs falls within the search range, and based on the combination determined as a result of the search, it imposes different images of the print jobs for each column.

[0017] (9) The print layout generation apparatus according to (8) above, wherein the layout generation unit analyzes the combination of the plurality of print jobs and imposes the images of the plurality of print jobs onto the sheets so that they fit on the minimum number of sheets.

[0018] (10) The print layout generation device described in (8) above, wherein if there is no combination of print jobs that falls within the search range, the user can choose whether to prioritize imposition in the same column for the same print job or to imposition in different columns for the same print job.

[0019] (11) Procedure for obtaining multiple print jobs (a), (b) A procedure for analyzing the multiple print jobs and obtaining the number of printed pages for each print job, A layout generation unit capable of imposing images of print jobs in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of a single sheet, wherein the layout generation unit imposes images of print jobs in multiple rows in the second direction of the single sheet, and generates a print layout for a plurality of print jobs such that different images of the print jobs are imposed in each row based on the number of print faces of each print job, and a print layout generation program, comprising the steps (c) of generating a print layout for a plurality of print jobs.

[0020] (12) An image forming apparatus comprising a print layout generation apparatus described in any one of (1) to (10) above, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet using the print layout generated by the print layout generation apparatus based on the print job by an electrophotographic method.

[0021] (13) The image forming apparatus according to (12) above, further comprising a processing unit for dividing the sheet on which the image of the print job is formed into a plurality of sheets by cutting the sheet in the first direction.

[0022] (14) The image forming apparatus according to (13), further comprising a transport unit capable of transporting the sheets divided by the processing unit in parallel along the first direction.

[0023] (15) The image forming apparatus according to (14) above, further comprising a stacking section capable of stacking the sheets conveyed by the conveying section in parallel.

[0024] (16) The processing unit includes a slitter that cuts a sheet by rubbing an upper rotary blade and a lower rotary blade, and the image forming apparatus according to (13) above.

[0025] (17) The output sizes of the plurality of print jobs are all the same, and the image forming apparatus according to (12) above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, based on the number of printed pages of each print job, images of different print jobs are collated for each output column. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in the labor of work and occurrence of work mistakes in sorting and binding the printed papers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention are more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limitations of the present invention. [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the paper processing apparatus and the paper discharge apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of the paper discharge apparatus shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a functional block diagram illustrating the main functions of the print layout generation apparatus. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the print layout generation method executed by the print layout generation apparatus. [Figure 8]Figure 7 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S102. [Figure 9] This is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S103 in Figure 7. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an imposition layout per sheet of paper. [Figure 11] Figure 7 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S106. [Figure 12] This diagram summarizes the number of printable pages (A), the number of separator sheets (B), and the required number of pages (C) for each job. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of imposition layout per sheet of paper. [Figure 15] This diagram summarizes the number of printable pages (A), the number of separator sheets (B), and the required number of pages (C) for each job. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device. [Figure 17] This diagram summarizes the number of printable pages (A), the number of separator sheets (B), and the required number of pages (C) for each job. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0029] <Image forming system 100> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 490 shown in Figure 2.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 includes a client terminal 200, a paper feeder 300, an image forming apparatus 400, a paper processing apparatus 500, and a paper output apparatus 600. The client terminal 200, the paper feeder 300, the image forming apparatus 400, the paper processing apparatus 500, and the paper output apparatus 600 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via a communication line 700 or the like.

[0031] <Client terminal 200> The client terminal 200 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. The client terminal 200 has a printer driver installed for converting document data into print jobs. Hereinafter, print jobs will also be simply referred to as "jobs." The printer driver generates jobs in a format compatible with the control unit 490 of the image forming apparatus (see Figures 2 and 3) and transmits the jobs to the image forming apparatus 400 via the communication line 700. The client terminal 200 also has a display that can show the layout of the print image. The layout of the print image will also be referred to as the "print layout."

[0032] A job includes, for example, print data in PDL (Page Description Language) format and job information. The print data includes, for example, print data consisting of pages 1 through n. The job information includes, for example, information about paper and images such as the number of pages, number of copies, paper (sheet) type, size, basis weight, and image size, as well as print settings such as single-sided or double-sided printing.

[0033] Communication line 700 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) connecting computers and network devices according to a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) connecting LANs with dedicated lines. Examples of predetermined standards include Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0034] Note that the number of each of the above components connected to the communication line 700 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0035] <Paper feeder 300> The paper feeder 300 is equipped with at least one large-capacity paper tray and supplies paper to the image forming apparatus 400 one sheet at a time.

[0036] <Image forming apparatus 400> The image forming apparatus 400 reads an image from a document and forms (prints) the read image onto paper. The image forming apparatus 400 also receives a job from a client terminal 200 via a communication line 700, which includes print data and print setting data in PDL format, and forms an image on paper based on this.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 400 includes an image reading unit 410, an image processing unit 420, an image forming unit 430, a paper feeding unit 440, a paper transport unit 450, a fixing unit 460, a communication unit 470, an operation display unit 480, and a control unit 490. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0038] [Image reading unit 410] The image reading unit 410 comprises an optical system consisting of a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 410 reads a document placed on the reading surface or a document transported by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and outputs an image signal.

[0039] [Image processing unit 420] The image processing unit 420 performs various image processing operations on the image signal received from the image reading unit 410 to generate print image data. The image processing unit 420 also generates print image data based on the print setting information and print data included in the job received by the communication unit 470. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 430.

[0040] [Image forming unit 430] The image forming unit 430 forms an image on paper based on printed image data using a well-known image formation process, such as an electrophotographic method, which includes the steps of charging, exposure, development, and transfer. The image forming unit 430 is composed of a photosensitive drum as an image carrier and a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a transfer unit arranged around it.

[0041] The photoreceptor drum rotates at a predetermined speed by a drum motor (not shown). The charging unit includes corona discharge electrodes positioned around the photoreceptor drum, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum with the ions generated. The optical writing unit incorporates a scanning optical device and, based on the input print image data, exposes the charged photoreceptor drum, thereby lowering the potential of the exposed area and forming a charge pattern (electrostatic latent image) corresponding to the print image data. The developing unit develops the formed electrostatic latent image, visualizes it with toner, and forms a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor drum to the paper.

[0042] [Paper feed section 440] The paper feeding unit 440 supplies paper as recording material to the image forming unit 430. The paper feeding unit 440 has an upper tray and a lower tray, and each tray can store paper of different sizes, such as A4 size and A3 size.

[0043] [Paper transport section 450] The paper transport unit 450 transports paper within the image forming apparatus 400. The paper transport unit 450 has a transport path and a plurality of transport roller pairs. The paper transport unit 450 also includes a paper inversion unit and a circulation transport unit, which can invert the front and back of the fixed paper before ejecting it, or form an image on both sides of the paper.

[0044] Paper supplied from the paper feeder 300 or paper feed unit 440 is transported along the transport path toward the image forming unit 430. The timing of the paper's transport to the transfer unit is controlled by the registration roller pair, which synchronizes with the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum. The paper, on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit, is transported to the fuser unit 460.

[0045] [Fixing section 460] The fuser unit 460 fixes the toner image formed on the paper. The fuser unit 460 comprises a hollow heating roller with a heater inside and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 160°C or higher) by the heater, applying heat and pressure to the paper to fix the toner image. The paper with the fixed image is supplied to the paper processing device 500 through the paper discharge unit (not shown).

[0046] [Communications Section 470] The communication unit 470 connects to, for example, a client terminal 200 via the communication line 700 to send and receive data such as jobs.

[0047] [Operation display section 480] The operation display unit 480 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit, for example, includes a keyboard and a touchscreen, and is used by the user to input various instructions (inputs) such as text input, various settings, and start commands. The output unit has a display and is used to show the user the equipment configuration, job execution status, conditions for post-processing, output image, and the occurrence of abnormalities (jams) in paper transport.

[0048] [Control Unit 490] The control unit 490 controls the image reading unit 410, the image processing unit 420, the image forming unit 430, the paper feeding unit 440, the paper transport unit 450, the fixing unit 460, the communication unit 470, and the operation display unit 480. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 490 has a CPU 491, an auxiliary storage device 492, a RAM 493, and a ROM 494.

[0049] The CPU 491 executes a control program for the image forming apparatus. The control program is stored in the auxiliary storage device 492 and loaded into the RAM 493 when executed by the CPU 491. The auxiliary storage device 492 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or flash memory. The RAM 493 stores the calculation results from the CPU 491's execution, the location, type, and prohibition condition information of the functional units loaded in the paper processing device 500. The ROM 494 stores various parameters and various programs. The CPU 491 executes the above control program and realizes various functions.

[0050] In this embodiment, the CPU 491 functions as a print layout generation device by executing a print layout generation program. The print layout generation program is also stored in the auxiliary storage device 492 and is loaded into the RAM 493 when executed by the CPU 491. The print layout generation device in this embodiment has the function of imposing multiple rows of job images in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction in which the paper is cut by the processing unit 520 (see Figure 4), which will be described later. The images imposed in multiple rows by the print layout generation device are then printed onto the paper by the image forming unit 430, and after the processing unit 520 cuts the paper into multiple rows along the images, the paper is transported in rows to the paper discharge device 600 and stacked in multiple rows (see Figure 5). Details of the functions of the print layout generation device will be described later.

[0051] <Paper processing equipment 500> Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the paper processing device 500 and paper discharge device 600 shown in Figure 1. In this figure, the vertical direction is the Z direction, the front and back directions of the paper processing device 500 and paper discharge device 600 are the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to these X and Z directions is the X direction. The Y direction is also called the paper width direction.

[0052] The paper processing device 500 transports or processes the paper supplied from the image forming device 400 according to the instructions of the image forming device 400, and supplies it to the paper discharge device 600.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the paper processing apparatus 500 includes a paper transport unit 510, a processing unit 520, a waste bin 530, a communication unit 540, and a control unit 550. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0054] [Paper transport unit 510] The paper transport unit 510 includes transport paths 511, 512, 513 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 514, and transports paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400 along the transport paths 511, 512, or 513.

[0055] Furthermore, the paper transport unit 510 includes a long paper transport unit 515 and a discharge transport unit 516. The long paper transport unit 515 transports and aligns the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400. More specifically, the long paper transport unit 515 temporarily holds the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400 in the transport path 512 and aligns its tilt relative to the transport direction (corrects it to the correct orientation) before transporting it to the processing unit 520. The discharge transport unit 516 transports the paper from the processing unit 520 to the paper discharge device 600. Although the illustration is simplified, the discharge transport unit 516 may be equipped with multiple transport roller pairs 514 along the transport path 513 to ensure reliable transport of paper cut to postcard size or business card size in the processing unit 520.

[0056] Each transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516 consists of multiple transport roller pairs arranged side by side in the paper width direction. Therefore, each transport roller pair 514 can independently transport each sheet of paper that has been cut into multiple rows in the paper width direction. For example, a transport roller pair 514 consists of two transport roller pairs arranged side by side in the paper width direction, and each transport roller pair 514 can independently transport each sheet of paper that has been cut into two rows in the paper width direction.

[0057] [Processing section 520] The processing unit 520 functions as a processing unit and performs processing on paper using one or more functional units. The processing unit 520 has multiple slots 521 to 524 for loading functional units. Each of the slots 521 to 524 has a slot number (#1 to #4), and a functional unit is loaded at each loading position along the transport path. The loading position is defined by the position on the transport path (position in the X direction). Figure 4 shows the case where functional units 561 to 564 are loaded into slots 521 to 524, respectively. Each of the functional units 561 to 564 can be loaded into any of the slots 521 to 524, subject to certain restrictions, and they are interchangeable. Furthermore, it is not necessary to load functional units 561 to 564 into all of the slots 521 to 524; they may be loaded into only some of the slots 521 to 524. Furthermore, if slots 521-524 are empty, dummy units are loaded in a manner that does not interfere with paper transport.

[0058] Furthermore, detection sensors 525 to 528 are installed in slots 521 to 524, respectively. The detection sensors 525 to 528 work in cooperation with the control unit 490 to determine whether or not functional units 561 to 564 are loaded, and if functional units are loaded in slots 521 to 524, they acquire information regarding the type of functional unit and whether or not it is loaded, i.e., the loading position.

[0059] The detection sensors 525 to 528 can be of any form as long as they can detect whether or not a functional unit is loaded and the type of functional unit; for example, optical sensors and actuators can be used. Alternatively, the control unit 490 may detect whether or not a functional unit is loaded by mating the connector on the main body of the paper processing device 500 with the connector on the functional unit and making an electrical connection, and after connection, it may also detect (determine) the type of functional unit by reading the identification number stored on the control board of the functional unit.

[0060] Functional units 561-564 could be, for example, a CD cutting unit, a top and bottom slitting (FD cutting) unit, a gutter slitting unit, a crease unit, a CD perforation unit, an FD perforation unit, or a business card slitting unit. CD stands for "Cross Direction," and FD stands for "Feed Direction." A gutter is a margin provided outside the finished position between adjacent images on the paper to be cut, taking into account misalignment during cutting. Gutter cutting refers to cutting off the gutter during the cutting process.

[0061] A CD cutting unit is a unit that cuts paper in the CD direction. A top and bottom slit is a unit that cuts paper in the paper transport direction (paper transport direction), and is also called an FD cutting unit. A top and bottom slit can be a slitter that cuts paper by rubbing an upper rotating blade and a lower rotating blade together. Hereafter, the paper transport direction will also be referred to as the "FD direction," and the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction will be referred to as the "CD direction."

[0062] The gutter-cutting slitting unit is a unit that forms slits in the FD direction. For example, in gutter-cutting slitting, cutting is performed with two parallel cutting lines, and a slit (groove) is formed between the two cutting lines. The crease unit is a unit that forms grooves in a predetermined direction, for example, in the CD direction.

[0063] The CD perforation unit forms perforations in the CD direction, and the FD perforation unit forms perforations in the FD direction. The business card slitting unit forms multiple slits in the FD direction to cut the paper to business card size. The processing unit 520 can also use other functional units.

[0064] The paper processed in the processing unit 520 is discharged to the paper discharge device 600 by the transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516.

[0065] [Scrap box 530] The paper scraps cut by the paper cutting function unit fall into the waste bin 530 by their own weight and accumulate there. The user periodically disposes of the paper scraps in the waste bin 530.

[0066] [Communications Section 540] The communication unit 540 is connected to the image forming apparatus 400 via a communication line 700 and transmits and receives data.

[0067] [Control Unit 550] The control unit 550 controls the paper transport unit 510, the processing unit 520, and the communication unit 540. The control unit 550 includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM.

[0068] The control unit 550 executes a control program for the paper processing machine and implements various functions. The RAM stores the calculation results and processing results of the CPU, as well as the location, type, and prohibition condition information of the functional units loaded in the processing unit 520. The ROM stores the control program mentioned above, various parameters including the loading position (position on the transport path) corresponding to the slot (or slot number).

[0069] [Paper output device 600] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of the paper discharge device 600 shown in Figure 4. Multiple sheets of paper cut in the row direction by the processing unit 520 are transported to the paper discharge device 600. In this embodiment, the row direction of the paper coincides, for example, with the FD direction in which the paper is cut in the processing unit 520. The paper discharge device 600 stacks the transported multiple sheets of paper in parallel. The paper discharge device 600 has a stopper 610 that blocks the transported paper and a plurality of separators 620 that partition each row, and the paper is stacked in the space formed between the stopper 610 and the plurality of separators 620. Figure 5 illustrates the configuration of a stacking unit 630 that stacks a first sheet of paper 11 and a second sheet of paper 12 that are transported in parallel in two rows. The stacking unit 630 has a first stacking unit 631 corresponding to the first row and a second stacking unit 632 corresponding to the second row. The user picks up the papers accumulated in the stacking unit 630 column by column and performs sorting. Similarly, when accumulating three or more sheets of paper in parallel, the system can be configured to have stacking units corresponding to each column separated by separators.

[0070] <An example of panel layout control> In this embodiment, job images can be imposed in the column direction and in the row direction perpendicular to the column direction on a single sheet of paper. If there are multiple jobs, the job images can be imposed in multiple columns in the column direction and / or row direction. Each column imposed on the paper is also called an output column. If the number of print faces for a job is large, images are imposed sequentially on multiple consecutive sheets of paper. The number of print faces corresponds to the number of images (pages) to be printed that the job includes.

[0071] From the perspective of reducing the workload and minimizing errors in sorting and collating printed paper, it is preferable that images from the same job do not cross output columns, that is, that each job is assigned to a separate output column. For example, when outputting multiple jobs, including Job 1, in two columns, it is preferable that all images from Job 1 are imposed in one column, and jobs different from Job 1 are imposed in the other column.

[0072] Furthermore, in addition to the above considerations, from a cost perspective, it is preferable that multiple jobs be imposed on as few sheets of paper as possible.

[0073] As illustrated by the specific examples below, depending on the number of jobs, the number of print sides for each job, and the number of output columns, it may be possible to impose the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns, or it may not be possible to impose the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns. The planned number of sheets can be calculated, for example, by dividing the number of print sides by the number of imposed pages per sheet of paper.

[0074] For example, the print layout generation device of this embodiment can perform imposition control according to the following items 1 to 5.

[0075] 1. The print layout generation device obtains the size of the paper to be printed, the size of the image, the conditions based on the processing in the processing unit 520 (imposition constraints), and the number of output columns that can be accepted by the paper output device 600, and determines the number of images that can be imposed on one sheet of paper.

[0076] 2. Obtain the total number of print faces for multiple jobs that are printed consecutively, and based on the number of impositionable pages and the number of output columns determined in step 1 above, perform imposition prioritizing the placement so that images from the same job do not cross output columns as much as possible.

[0077] 3. The system may be configured to automatically insert identification divider paper before and after each job.

[0078] 4. The configuration may also include an automatic insertion of blank pages between jobs to avoid crossing output columns.

[0079] 5. If it is not possible to impose the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns, the system may be configured to allow the user to choose to impose the sheets without crossing output columns up to a certain number of blank sheets, and to impose sheets that exceed that number of blank sheets across output columns.

[0080] <How to generate print layout> Figure 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the main functions of the print layout generation device, and Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of the print layout generation method executed by the print layout generation device. Furthermore, Figure 8 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S102 in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S103 in Figure 7. Each function of the functional block diagram of the print layout generation device shown in Figure 6, as well as each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 7, and each process in the subroutine flowcharts shown in Figures 8 and 9, are realized by the CPU 491 of the control unit 490 executing the print layout generation program. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an imposition layout per sheet of paper. Figure 11 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the details of the process in step S106 shown in Figure 7. Each process in the subroutine flowchart shown in Figure 11 is realized by the CPU 491 of the control unit 490 executing the print layout generation program. Figure 12 is a diagram summarizing the number of print faces (A), the number of divider sheets (B), and the required number of faces (C) for each job. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, the print layout generation device includes a job acquisition unit 401, a job analysis unit 402, and a layout generation unit 403. Below, we will explain in detail the functions of the print layout generation device and the processing procedure of the print layout generation method, using an example where the same job image can be imposed on a predetermined number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, first, the job acquisition unit 401 acquires jobs (step S101). The job acquisition unit 401 acquires, for example, four consecutive jobs, Job 1 to Job 4. Each of Job 1 to Job 4 may contain multiple pages (images). For example, Job 1 contains 10 pages of images, Job 2 contains 8 pages of images, Job 3 contains 7 pages of images, and Job 4 contains 5 pages of images.

[0083] Next, the job analysis unit 402 analyzes the jobs (step S102). As shown in Figure 8, the job analysis unit 402 analyzes multiple jobs and, for example, obtains information regarding the paper size, print image, print image size, and number of print pages for each job (step S201). For example, for the four jobs obtained in step S101, information regarding the paper size, print image, print image size, and number of print pages is obtained and stored in the RAM 493. The paper size may include the paper width WS1 and paper length LS1. The print image size may include the image width WI1 and image length LI1. Since the number of print pages is equal to the number of pages for each job, the number of print pages for jobs 1 to 4 are 10, 8, 7, and 5, respectively.

[0084] Next, the layout generation unit 403 acquires various settings (step S103). More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the layout generation unit 403 acquires various settings such as imposition constraints, divider paper insertion settings, blank paper insertion settings, and imposition priority settings for the same column, and stores them in RAM 493. Imposition constraints are, for example, constraints on the distance between images in the imposition of a single sheet of paper. The distance between images includes, for example, the distance between images in the column direction Dx and the distance between images in the row direction Dy. Divider paper insertion settings are settings on whether or not to insert divider paper between jobs. Divider paper is identification paper inserted before and after multiple jobs. Blank paper insertion settings are settings on whether or not to insert blank paper. By inserting blank paper between jobs and increasing the number of sheets to be imposed, it may be possible to prevent images of the same print job from spanning multiple columns. The setting for prioritizing imposition within the same column determines whether to prioritize imposition within the same column, even if it means increasing the number of sheets, when it's not possible to imposition the planned number of sheets without crossing output columns.

[0085] Next, the layout generation unit 403 acquires output column number information (step S104). Output column number information is information regarding the number of output columns. The number of output columns is, for example, stored in advance in the RAM of the control unit 550, transmitted to the control unit 490 via the communication unit 470, and stored in RAM 493. The layout generation unit 403 acquires, for example, "2" as the number of output columns.

[0086] Next, the layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition layout for each sheet of paper (step S105). The layout generation unit 403 in this embodiment can impose job images in the column direction (first direction) and the row direction (second direction) perpendicular to the column direction on the paper, and can generate an imposition layout in which multiple job images are arranged in rows.

[0087] As shown in Figure 10, the layout generation unit 403 generates an imposition print layout per sheet of paper based on the paper size (WS1, LS1), image size (WI1, LI1), imposition constraints, and the number of output columns. The layout generation unit 403 calculates the number of impositionable columns m for each column using the following formula (1), where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0088] m = (Paper length LS1 - (m-1) × Distance between images Dx + Margin in the column direction) / Image length LI1 ... Formula (1) In the example shown in Figure 10, the number of images that can be imposed in each column on one sheet of paper is 3, so a 3x2 image layout is generated. In this embodiment, for example, all image sizes (output sizes) are the same. The number of images that can be imposed per sheet of paper is 3 x 2 = 6.

[0089] Next, the layout generation unit 403 determines the combination of jobs to be placed in the same column (step S106). More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the layout generation unit 403 determines whether or not to insert divider paper (step S401). If the divider paper insertion setting is ON, the layout generation unit 403 determines to insert divider paper, and if the divider paper insertion setting is OFF, it determines not to insert divider paper. If the layout generation unit 403 decides to insert divider paper (step S401: YES), it corrects the number of printable pages for each job (step S402). Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, for each job, the layout generation unit 403 calculates the required number of pages (C) by adding the number of divider paper pages (B) to the number of printable pages (A). The number of printable pages for job 1 is 10, for job 2 it is 8, for job 3 it is 7, and for job 4 it is 5. Therefore, by adding the number of divider sheets (B), which is 1, to the number of printable pages (A) for each job, the required number of pages for job 1 is 11, for job 2 it is 9, for job 3 it is 8, and for job 4 it is 6. On the other hand, if divider sheets are not inserted (step S401: NO), the process proceeds to step S403 without correcting the number of printable pages (A). If divider sheets are not inserted, the required number of pages (C) for each job is the same as the number of printable pages (A).

[0090] Next, the layout generation unit 403 calculates the total number of pages (step S403). Specifically, the layout generation unit 403 calculates the total number of pages required (C) for all print jobs. In the example shown in Figure 12, the number of pages required for job 1 is 11, for job 2 it is 9, for job 3 it is 8, and for job 4 it is 6. Therefore, the total number of pages required (C) for all print jobs, i.e., the total number of pages, is 34. The planned number of sheets is 6, calculated as total number of pages ÷ number of pages per sheet = 34 ÷ 6 ≈ 5.67.

[0091] Next, the layout generation unit 403 calculates the number of layout bases (step S404). The layout generation unit 403 calculates the number of layout bases by dividing the total number of layouts by the number of output columns. In the example shown in Figure 12, the total number of layouts is 34 and the number of output columns is 2, so the number of layout bases is 17.

[0092] Next, the layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range (step S405). Since the number of impositionable columns on a single sheet of paper is 3, each column on the paper is imposed in multiples of 3. The layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be between n times 3, i.e., the 3 × n sheet, and (n-1) times 3, i.e., the 3 × (n-1) sheet. The imposition base number is 17, and 3 × 5 < 17 < 3 × 6. Therefore, the layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be 15 to 18. Here, n is a natural number.

[0093] Next, the layout generation unit 403 searches for combinations of jobs to be imposed in the same column (step S406). The layout generation unit 403 determines whether or not there are any job combinations that fall within the search range (step S407). The layout generation unit 403 determines whether, when assigning one or more jobs from jobs 1 to 4 to each column, the required number of pages for a single job, or the sum of the required number of pages for multiple jobs, falls within the search range for all columns. The required number of pages for job 1 and job 4 is 11 and 6, respectively, so the sum of the required number of pages when job 1 and job 4 are combined is 17. Also, the required number of pages for job 2 and job 3 is 9 and 8, respectively, so the sum of the required number of pages when job 2 and job 3 are combined is also 17. Therefore, in this case, the layout generation unit 403 determines that there are job combinations that fall within the search range for all columns. If the layout generation unit 403 finds a combination of jobs that falls within the search range (step S407: YES), it stores the combination of jobs that falls within the search range in RAM and terminates processing (return).

[0094] On the other hand, if there are no job combinations that fall within the search range (step S407: NO), the layout generation unit 403 determines whether or not to prioritize imposition in the same column (step S408). The layout generation unit 403 determines to prioritize imposition in the same column if the setting to prioritize imposition in the same column is ON, and determines not to prioritize imposition in the same column if the setting to prioritize imposition in the same column is OFF. If the layout generation unit 403 prioritizes imposition in the same column (step S408: YES), it determines the imposition combinations in the same column when the number of sheets of paper to be imposed is increased (step S409), and terminates the process (return). The increase in the number of sheets of paper is done by inserting blank sheets and is kept to a minimum. The layout generation unit 403 analyzes combinations of multiple jobs and imposes the images of multiple jobs onto the paper so that they fit on the minimum number of sheets of paper. On the other hand, if the layout generation unit 403 does not prioritize imposition in the same column (step S408: NO), it determines a print layout that spans output columns (step S410) and terminates the process (return). A specific example of the case where there are no job combinations that fall within the search range will be described later.

[0095] Returning to Figure 7, the layout generation unit 403 performs imposition (step S107). As shown in Figure 13, if there is a combination of jobs that falls within the search range, the layout generation unit 403 performs image imposition on multiple consecutive sheets of paper based on the combination of jobs to be placed in the same column, and generates a print layout for all jobs. On the other hand, if there is no combination of jobs that falls within the search range, it generates a print layout that is adjusted so as not to span output columns by inserting blank pages, or a print layout that spans output columns.

[0096] Next, the image forming apparatus prints the image onto the paper (step S108). The image forming apparatus prints the image onto the paper based on the print layout generated by the layout generation unit 403.

[0097] Next, the paper processing device 500 processes the printed paper (step S109). The processing unit 520 cuts the printed paper into two columns in the column direction, for example, using a top and bottom slit or a gutter slit unit. The processing unit 520 also cuts the printed paper into three rows in the row direction using a CD cutting unit.

[0098] Next, the paper discharge device 600 discharges the processed paper (step S110). The paper discharge device 600 discharges the first and second sheets 11 and 12, which have been cut into 3 rows and 2 columns by the processing unit 520, into the paper stacking units 631 and 632, respectively, and stacks them.

[0099] As described above, in the flowchart process shown in Figure 7, the job acquisition unit 401 acquires multiple print jobs, and the job analysis unit 402 analyzes the multiple print jobs and acquires information on the paper size, print image, print image size, and number of print pages for each print job. Next, the layout generation unit 403 acquires various settings and output column number information, and determines the imposition layout per sheet of paper based on the various settings, output column number information, and the information acquired by the job analysis unit 402. Furthermore, the layout generation unit 403 determines the combination of jobs to be placed in the same column and performs imposition based on the determined job combinations. For multiple jobs, the layout generation unit 403 generates a print layout so that different print job images are imposed in each column.

[0100] <Another example of when images from the same job can be imposed onto the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns> Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of imposition layout per sheet of paper, and Figure 15 is a diagram summarizing the number of print sides (A), the number of separator sheets (B), and the required number of sides (C) for each job. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device.

[0101] As shown in Figure 14, the layout generation unit 403 generates an imposition layout per sheet of paper based on the paper size, image size, imposition constraints, and the number of output columns (3 columns). In the example shown in the figure, the number of impositionable items in each column on one sheet of paper is 3, so a 3x3 imposition layout is generated. The number of impositionable items per sheet of paper is 3 x 3 = 9.

[0102] The layout generation unit 403 calculates the number of pages to be imposed. As shown in Figure 15, the number of printable pages for job 1 is 10, for job 2 it is 8, for job 3 it is 7, and for job 4 it is 3. Therefore, if divider sheets are inserted into each job, the number of divider sheets (B), which is 1, is added to the number of printable pages (A) of each job, resulting in 11 required pages for job 1, 9 for job 2, 8 for job 3, and 4 for job 4. In addition, the sum of the required pages (C) for all print jobs, i.e., the total number of pages, is 32, and the number of output columns is 3, so dividing the total number of pages by the number of output columns gives a standard number of pages to be imposed of 10.7. Also, total number of pages ÷ number of pages per sheet = 32 ÷ 9 ≈ 3.56, so the planned number of sheets is 4.

[0103] Since the number of pages that can be imposed in each column on a single sheet of paper is 3, each column will be imposed in multiples of 3 on multiple consecutive sheets of paper. The layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be between 3 × n sheets (i.e., 3 × n sheets) and 3 × (n-1) sheets (i.e., 3 × (n-1) sheets). The imposition criterion number is 10.7, and 3 × 3 < 10.7 < 3 × 4. Therefore, the layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be 9 to 12.

[0104] The layout generation unit 403 determines, when assigning one or more jobs from jobs 1 to 4 to each column, whether the required number of pages for a single job or the sum of the required number of pages for multiple jobs falls within the search range for all columns. From Figure 15, the required number of pages for job 1 is 11, the required number of pages for job 2 is 9, and the sum of the required number of pages for the combination of job 3 and job 4 is 12. The required number of pages for job 1 in the first column (11), the required number of pages for job 2 in the second column (9), and the sum of the required number of pages for the combination of job 3 and job 4 in the third column (12) are all within the search range. Therefore, the layout generation unit 403 determines that there is a combination of jobs that falls within the search range. Consequently, as shown in Figure 16, the layout generation unit 403 can impose the images of the same job onto the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns.

[0105] <Example of a case where the same job image cannot be imposed on the planned number of sheets of paper without crossing output columns> Figure 17 is a diagram summarizing the number of printable pages (A), the number of divider sheets (B), and the required number of pages (C) for each job. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print layout generated by a print layout generation device.

[0106] The imposition layout per sheet of paper is the same as the imposition layout shown in Figure 10. The layout generation unit 403 generates the imposition layout per sheet of paper based on the paper size, image size, imposition constraints, and number of output columns (2 columns). Since the number of impositionable items in each column on one sheet of paper is 3, a 3x2 imposition layout is generated. The number of impositions per sheet of paper is 6.

[0107] The layout generation unit 403 calculates the number of pages to be imposed. As shown in Figure 17, the number of printable pages for job 1 is 18, for job 2 it is 8, for job 3 it is 3, and for job 4 it is 4. Therefore, adding the number of divider sheets (B), which is 1, to the number of printable pages (A) for each job, the required number of pages for job 1 is 19, for job 2 it is 9, for job 3 it is 4, and for job 4 it is 4. In addition, the sum of the required number of pages (C) for all print jobs, i.e., the total number of pages, is 36, and since the number of output columns is 2, dividing the total number of pages by the number of output columns gives the number of pages to be imposed, which is 18. The planned number of pages is 36 ÷ 6 = 6.

[0108] Since the number of pages that can be imposed in each column on a single sheet of paper is 3, each column will be imposed in multiples of 3 on multiple consecutive sheets of paper. The layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be between 3 × n sheets (i.e., 3 × n sheets) and 3 × (n-1) sheets (i.e., 3 × (n-1) sheets). The imposition reference number is 18, and 3 × 5 < 18 ≤ 3 × 6. Therefore, the layout generation unit 403 determines the imposition search range to be between 15 and 18.

[0109] The layout generation unit 403 determines whether the number of required faces for a single job or the sum of the required faces for multiple jobs falls within the search range for each column, when a single or multiple jobs from jobs 1 to 4 are assigned to each column. Since the number of required faces for job 1 is 19, job 1 alone exceeds the search range. The layout generation unit 403 determines that there are no combinations of jobs that fall within the search range.

[0110] As described above, if there are no job combinations that fall within the search range, the layout generation unit 403 determines whether to prioritize imposition in the same column (step S408). If prioritizing imposition in the same column is chosen (step S408: YES), the imposition combination in the same column is determined with the fewest possible number of sheets (step S409). As shown in Figure 18, by imposing the first column as Job 1 and the second column as Jobs 2 to 4 onto seven sheets of paper, images of the same job can be imposed without crossing output columns.

[0111] On the other hand, if imposition within the same column is not prioritized (step S408: NO), a print layout spanning multiple columns is determined (step S410). By using a print layout that spans multiple output columns, all job images can be imposed on six sheets of paper, one less than when imposing images for the same job without spanning multiple columns.

[0112] According to the print layout generation device of this embodiment described above, different print job images are imposed for each output column based on the number of print sides for each print job. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress increased workload and errors in post-print paper sorting and collating.

[0113] As described above, the print layout generation apparatus, print layout generation program, and image forming apparatus have been explained in the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately added to, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept.

[0114] For example, in the embodiments described above, the cases where the number of output columns is two or three were illustrated, but the number of output columns may be four or more.

[0115] Furthermore, the processing unit 520 can cut k rows, and the paper output device 600 can accept k rows, and the output number can be set to multiple rows smaller than k rows. For example, by setting the processing unit 520 to cut 3 rows and the paper output device 600 to accept 3 rows, and setting the output number to 2 rows, the paper cut into 2 rows can be discharged in parallel to the paper output device 600 in 2 rows.

[0116] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates the case where the number of items that can be impositioned is 3, the number of items that can be impositioned may be 1, 2, or 4 or more.

[0117] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 100 image forming systems, 200 client terminals, 300 paper feeder, 400 Image forming apparatus, 401 Job Acquisition Department, 402 Job Analysis Department, 403 Layout generation unit, 410 Image reading unit, 420 Image Processing Unit, 430 Image forming unit, 440 Paper feed section, 450 Paper transport section, 460 Fixing section, 470 Communications Department, 480 Operation display section, 490 Control unit, 500 paper processing equipment, 510 Paper transport section, 511-513 Conveyor routes, 514 Conveyor roller pairs, 520 Machining Processing Unit, 530 Trash box, 540 Communications Department, 550 Control unit, 600 Paper ejection device, 610 Stopper, 620 separators, 630 Accumulation unit, 631 First accumulation section, 632 Second accumulation section, 700 communication lines.

Claims

1. A job acquisition unit that acquires multiple print jobs, A job analysis unit analyzes the aforementioned multiple print jobs and obtains the number of printed pages for each of the print jobs, A layout generation unit capable of imposing images of a print job in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of a single sheet, comprising a layout generation unit that imposes multiple rows of images of the print job in the second direction of the single sheet, The layout generation unit is a print layout generation device that imposes different images of the print jobs for each of the print jobs, based on the number of print faces of each print job.

2. The job analysis unit obtains the sheet size and the size of the images to be imposed on the sheet from the print job, The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout generation unit positions the images of the print job onto the sheet based on the number of print faces, the size of the sheet, and the size of the images to be imposed on the sheet.

3. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the layout generation unit acquires at least one of the following: the size of the sheet, the size of the images, information regarding constraints on the distance between images to be imposed on the sheet, and information regarding the number of output columns of an accumulator that accumulates the sheets on which the print job images have been printed in parallel, and imposes the print job images on the sheet based on this information.

4. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout generation unit generates a print layout in which identification divider paper is inserted before and after each of the print jobs.

5. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout generation unit generates a print layout in which blank pages are inserted between print jobs so that images of the same print job do not overlap in multiple columns in the second direction.

6. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout generation unit calculates the number of imposition references in one column from the total number of print faces in the plurality of print jobs and the number of columns in the second direction.

7. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the layout generation unit determines a search range in which the imposition reference number falls between n times the number of impositionable columns on a single sheet and (n-1) times that number.

8. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the layout generation unit searches for a combination of print jobs in which the total number of print faces in the plurality of print jobs falls within the search range, and based on the combination determined as a result of the search, it imposes different images of the print jobs for each column.

9. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the layout generation unit analyzes the combination of the plurality of print jobs and imposes the images of the plurality of print jobs onto the sheets so that they fit on the minimum number of sheets.

10. The print layout generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein if there is no combination of print jobs that falls within the search range, the user can choose whether to prioritize imposition in the same column for the same print job or to imposition in different columns for the same print job.

11. Procedure for obtaining multiple print jobs (a), (b) A procedure for analyzing the multiple print jobs and obtaining the number of printed pages for each print job, A layout generation unit capable of imposing images of print jobs in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of a single sheet, the layout generation unit imposing images of print jobs in multiple rows in the second direction of the single sheet, and the print layout generation program includes a procedure (c) for generating print layouts for multiple print jobs such that different images of the print jobs are imposed in each row based on the number of print faces of each print job.

12. A print layout generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using a print layout generated by a print layout generation device based on the print job using an electrophotographic method.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a processing unit for dividing the sheet on which the image of the print job is formed into a plurality of sheets by cutting the sheet in a first direction.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a conveying unit capable of conveying the sheets divided by the processing unit in parallel along the first direction.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an accumulation section capable of stacking the sheets conveyed by the conveying section in parallel.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processing unit includes a slitter that cuts a sheet by rubbing an upper rotating blade and a lower rotating blade together.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the output sizes of the multiple print jobs are all the same.

Images