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

Abstract

When scanning and reading multiple images from cards and consolidating them onto a single sheet of paper, the system aims to easily provide the user with the desired output, regardless of the card type. [Solution] An image forming apparatus that reads a card placed on a document glass with a scanner and generates a scanned image, and allows setting a method for arranging the two scanned images, the front and back sides, generated by the scanner, onto a single output sheet, and displays an image of the output sheet with the two scanned images arranged on the control panel. Furthermore, it is possible to set the orientation of the card (vertical or horizontal) for both the front and back sides, and the image of the output sheet displayed on the control panel is switched according to the setting.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus having a card copy function that scans the front and back surfaces of a card such as a license and outputs them on a single sheet of paper (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The card copy function realizes its function by performing scanning twice and aggregating the two read images on a single sheet of paper. However, this card copy function targets horizontal cards whose contents can be understood by placing them in the horizontal direction like a license, and the card placement method and output image are displayed assuming a horizontal card. Therefore, the conventional method has a problem that when copying a vertical card whose contents can be understood by placing it in the vertical direction, the card placement method and settings are difficult to understand, and it is difficult for the user to obtain the desired output result. <00000:26>

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily obtain a desired output result regardless of the type of card when aggregating a plurality of read images obtained by scanning a card onto a single sheet of paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a reading means for reading a card placed on a document table and generating a read image; an arrangement setting means for setting how to arrange a plurality of read images generated by the reading means on a single sheet of output paper; a display control means for displaying an image of the output paper on which the plurality of read images are arranged on a display unit; and a type setting means for setting whether the card is a vertical or horizontal card, wherein the display control means switches the image of the output paper displayed on the display unit according to the setting by the type setting means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when consolidating multiple scanned images obtained from scanning a card onto a single sheet of paper, the user can easily obtain the desired output result regardless of the type of card. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the card copying function in the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the card copying function in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows examples of the card copy screen and the allocation setting screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the card type setting screen and the allocation setting screen when vertical cards are included. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying instructions to flip a card over. [Figure 7A] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the card copying function in the second embodiment. [Figure 7B]This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the card copying function in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows examples of the card copy screen and the allocation setting screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various other forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller unit 101, which controls the scanner 111, printer 112, operation unit 107, and communication unit 109. When a user uses the copy function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of the original document and controls the printer 112 to print the image onto paper and output it. When a user uses the scan function, the controller unit 101 controls the scanner 111 to acquire image data of the original document, converts it into code data, and transmits it to an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 109. The execution instructions for each of these functions are called jobs, and the image forming apparatus 100 executes predetermined processing according to the jobs corresponding to each function.

[0012] The controller unit 101 consists of a CPU 102, RAM 103, ROM 104, HDD 105, control interface 106, network interface 108, and device interface 110, which are connected by a system bus 120.

[0013] The CPU 102 controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 103 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 102 and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. Also, programs and data such as an operating system, system software, and application software are arranged in the RAM 103. Further, the RAM 103 stores the scan image data read by the scanner 111 or stores the print data received from the controller unit 101 via the network. The ROM 104 stores the system boot program. The hard disk drive (HDD) 105 stores an operating system, system software, application software, print data, setting data, and the like.

[0014] The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface unit with the operation unit 107 having a display unit, and outputs information to be displayed on the operation unit 107 to the operation unit 107. Also, it receives information input by the user from the operation unit 107. The network I / F 108 is connected to the communication unit 109 and performs various communication controls with external devices.

[0015] The device I / F 110 connects the scanner 111 that executes reading of image data and the printer 112 that executes printing to the controller unit 101 and performs input / output of image data. The scanner 111 has a document table, detects the paper size of the document placed on the document table, or reads the document placed on the document table to generate image data. The printer 112 is a printer engine that executes printing according to an instruction from the controller unit 101.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Each block shown in FIG. 2 is software stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105, and the CPU 102 reads it out to the RAM 103 and executes it to realize the processing of the flowchart described later.

[0017] The screen control unit 211 controls the operation unit 107 through the operation unit I / F 106. Specifically, the screen control unit 211 receives the information input by the user on the operation unit 107, or performs display control to generate a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 107 and display it on the operation unit 107. The scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 through the device I / F 110, and reads the document placed on the document table to generate image data.

[0018] The printer control unit 213 controls the printer 112 through the device I / F 110, and prints and outputs the image data on paper. The copy processing unit 214 performs a process for realizing a card copy function that scans the card twice and aggregates the two read images on one sheet of paper. Also, the copy processing unit 214 generates print data by aggregating the front surface image data and the back surface image data of the card based on the card copy setting.

[0019] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the card copy function executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The flowcharts of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are realized by the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 reading out the programs for realizing the respective software modules stored in the ROM 104 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executing them. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the card copy function is configured as an independent application, but this is only an example and is not limited thereto. The card copy function may be provided as one function of the copy application.

[0020] In step S301, the screen control unit 211 receives an instruction from the user, starts the copy application, and displays the card copy screen on the operation unit 107.

[0021] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the card copy screen displayed on the operation unit 107 in this embodiment. The card copy screen 410 includes a copy setting 411, a paper size setting 412, a layout setting 413, a guide display 414, and an execution button 415. The copy setting 411 is a component for displaying and setting the number of copies to print. The user can change the number of copies to print using the "+" button or the "-" button. The paper size setting 412 is a component for displaying and setting the paper size to print. The paper size setting 412 is a button, and when pressed, the screen control unit 211 displays a screen (not shown) for selecting the paper size to print on the operation unit 107.

[0022] The layout setting 413 is a component for displaying and setting how the front and back sides of a card are arranged on the printing paper. The layout setting 413 is a button, and when pressed, the screen control unit 211 displays a screen on the operation unit 107 for selecting the layout setting as shown in Figure 4(b). The guide display 414 is a display that explains where and how to place the card on the document glass. The guide display 414 displays the card placement position according to the layout setting, and the card image according to the card type (vertical or horizontal) setting for the front and back sides, respectively. The relationship between each setting and the position of the card on the document glass will be described later. The execute button 415 is a button for instructing the start of the card copy function.

[0023] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the layout setting screen. The layout setting screen 420 is displayed on the operation unit 107 when the layout setting 413 on the card copy screen in Figure 4(a) is pressed. In this embodiment, the layout setting allows selection from four types of layout settings: "Full", "Half left and right", "Half top and bottom", and "A5 left and right".

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the placement of the card on the document glass differs depending on the layout setting. In the case of "Full," the card needs to be placed in the left half of the document glass, in the center of the left, right, top, and bottom (hereinafter, left center). In the case of other settings, the card needs to be placed a few millimeters away from the upper left of the document glass (hereinafter, upper left). The layout settings and the card placement positions for those layout settings are examples only and are not limited to these.

[0025] Furthermore, the placement of the card is uniquely determined by the processing method used when the front and back of the card are scanned and then arranged into a single image, but it is not solely dependent on the arrangement settings. For example, the placement of the card may differ depending on the paper settings.

[0026] The assignment settings screen 420 includes buttons 421-424 corresponding to each value of the assignment settings, a cancel button 425, an OK button 426, and a card type setting button 427. Buttons 421-424 are used to change the assignment settings, and the pressed button becomes selected. The cancel button 425 is used to return to the previous screen without changing the assignment settings. The OK button 426 is used to confirm the currently selected assignment setting from buttons 421-424 and return to the previous screen.

[0027] When the card type setting button 427 is pressed, the screen control unit 211 displays a screen for setting the card type as shown in Figure 5(a). In the card type setting, you set whether the card is horizontal or vertical. In this embodiment, regarding the orientation of the card, it is defined as horizontal if the content written on the card can be understood by placing it in a horizontal direction, and vertical if the content written on the card can be understood by placing it in a vertical direction. Depending on this card type setting, there are allocation settings that cannot be realized. In the four allocation settings in this embodiment, if vertical is selected as the card type for the front or back, the "Half Up / Down" allocation setting cannot be executed due to insufficient output space for the card image.

[0028] Figure 5(a) shows an example of the card type setting screen. The card type setting screen 530 is displayed on the operation unit 107 when the card type setting button 427 in Figure 4(b) is pressed. In this embodiment, the settings for whether the front and back of the card are horizontal or vertical can be changed.

[0029] The card type setting screen 530 includes a radio button 531 for selecting whether the front of the card is horizontal or vertical, a front card image 532, a radio button 533 for selecting whether the back of the card is horizontal or vertical, and a back card image 534. The card type setting screen 530 also includes a cancel button 535 and an OK button 536. Radio buttons 531 and 533 are used to select horizontal or vertical orientation, and the front card image 532 and back card image 534 switch accordingly. The cancel button 535 returns to the previous screen without changing the card type settings. The OK button 536 confirms the card type settings selected by radio buttons 531 and 533 and returns to the previous screen.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 3A, in step S302, the copy processing unit 214 and the screen control unit 211 wait for user input from the operation unit 107. Then, in step S303, the copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. If the type of user operation detected is "assignment setting", the process proceeds to step S320; if the type of user operation is "execute", the process proceeds to step S304; and if the type of user operation is "setting", the process proceeds to step S360.

[0031] Here, when the type of user operation is "setting," it refers to operations that configure settings for the card copy function, such as increasing or decreasing the number of copies using the number of copies setting 411 in Figure 4(a), or setting the paper size using the paper size setting 412. In this case, in step S360, the copy processing unit 214 stores the setting value set by the user operation as setting information in the ROM 104 or HDD 105, and the screen control unit 211 reflects that setting value on the card copy screen 410. After that, the process returns to step S302.

[0032] Furthermore, if the type of user operation is "assignment setting," it means that an operation equivalent to pressing the assignment setting 413 in Figure 4(a) has occurred. In this case, in step S320, the screen control unit 211 displays the assignment setting screen 420 shown in Figure 4(b) on the operation unit 107.

[0033] Next, in step S321, the screen control unit 211 waits for user input from the operation unit 107. Then, in step S322, the copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user input detected. If the type of user input detected is "card type setting", the process proceeds to step S323. On the other hand, if the type of user input is "OK", the process proceeds to step S340. Then, in step S340, the copy processing unit 214 stores the setting value set by the user input as setting information in the ROM 104 or HDD 105, and the screen control unit 211 reflects that setting value on the assignment setting screen 420. After that, the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if the type of user input is "cancel", the process returns to step S302 without saving the assignment setting.

[0034] On the other hand, if the type of user operation is "card type setting," it means that an operation equivalent to pressing the card type setting button 427 has occurred. In this case, in step S323, the screen control unit 211 displays the card type setting screen 530 shown in Figure 5(a) on the operation unit 107.

[0035] Next, in step S324, the screen control unit 211 waits for user input from the operation unit 107. Then, in step S325, the copy processing unit 214 determines the type of user operation detected. If the type of user operation detected is "vertical / horizontal switching", the process proceeds to step S350; if the type of user operation is "OK", the process proceeds to step S326. On the other hand, if the type of user operation detected is "cancel", the process returns to step S321 without saving the card type setting.

[0036] If the user operation is "vertical / horizontal switching," it means that the radio buttons 531 and 533 have been used to change the selection state between vertical and horizontal orientation. In this case, in step S350, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether vertical orientation was selected based on the detected user operation. If vertical orientation is selected based on this determination, the process proceeds to step S351. In step S351, the copy processing unit 214 sets card image 532 to a vertical image if it was a front-side switching, and card image 534 to a vertical image if it was a back-side switching. After that, the process proceeds to step S353. On the other hand, if horizontal orientation is selected based on the determination in step S350, the process proceeds to step S352. In step S352, the copy processing unit 214 sets card image 532 to a horizontal image if it was a front-side switching, and card image 534 to a horizontal image if it was a back-side switching. After that, the process proceeds to step S353.

[0037] In step S353, the screen control unit 211 reflects the settings set by the user's operation on the screen. Specifically, if the front side is switched, the screen control unit 211 switches the card image 532 to a vertical or horizontal image, and if the back side is switched, it switches the card image 534 to a vertical or horizontal image.

[0038] Furthermore, in step S325, if the type of user operation is "OK", it means that an operation was performed to confirm the settings on the card type setting screen 530. In this case, in step S326, the copy processing unit 214 updates the card type setting information, whether it is vertical or horizontal, for both the front and back of the card. Then, in step S327, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting for the front of the card is vertical or horizontal. If the result of this determination is that the card type setting for the front is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S328, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the card image on the front to horizontal. After that, the process proceeds to step S331. On the other hand, if the card type setting for the front is vertical, the process proceeds to step S329, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the vertical flag to ON. Then, in step S330, the copy processing unit 214 sets the card image on the front to vertical. After that, the process proceeds to step S331.

[0039] In step S331, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting on the back of the card is vertical or horizontal. If the result of this determination is that the card type setting on the back is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S332, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the card image on the back to horizontal. Then, the process proceeds to step S335. On the other hand, if the card type setting on the back is vertical, the process proceeds to step S333, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the vertical flag to ON. Then, in step S334, the copy processing unit 214 sets the card image on the back to vertical. Then, the process proceeds to step S335.

[0040] In step S335, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the vertical flag is ON or OFF. This process is necessary to prevent the user from selecting an allocation setting that would be impossible to execute depending on the card type setting. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, if vertical is selected as the card type setting for the front or back, printing with the "Half Top and Bottom" allocation setting becomes impossible due to insufficient space on the output paper. Therefore, if the vertical flag is ON, the user is prevented from selecting an allocation method that would not allow output of a vertical card as a card copy. Based on the result of the determination in step S334, if the vertical flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S336; if the vertical flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S339.

[0041] In step S336, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether "Half Up / Down" was selected in the allocation settings before the card type setting screen 530 was displayed. For example, before changing the card type setting, an allocation setting that cannot be executed may have been selected. In this case, it is necessary to change the selected state from the unexecutable allocation setting to another allocation setting. In this embodiment, when the vertical flag is ON, "Half Up / Down" becomes an unexecutable allocation setting, so in step S336, it is determined whether "Half Up / Down" is selected. If "Half Up / Down" is not selected, the process proceeds to step S338, and if "Half Up / Down" is selected, the process proceeds to step S337.

[0042] In step S337, the copy processing unit 214 changes the selection state of the allocation setting to "Half Left / Right" and proceeds to step S338. Then, in step S338, the copy processing unit 214 hides "Half Up / Down" on the allocation setting screen 420. In this embodiment, "Half Up / Down" is the allocation setting that becomes impossible to execute due to the combination of card type setting and allocation setting, and the switching of the selection state from "Half Up / Down" is set to "Half Left / Right," but it may be switched to other allocation settings. Then, in step S339, the copy processing unit 214 stores the setting value set by the user's operation as setting information in the ROM 104 or HDD 105, the screen control unit 211 reflects the setting on the screen, and returns to step S321.

[0043] Figure 5(b) shows an example of a layout setting screen when the front of the card is vertical and the back of the card is horizontal. In the layout setting screen 520 shown in Figure 5(b), the images displayed on buttons 541 to 543 show the front card image in vertical orientation and the back card image in horizontal orientation. In addition, the impossible layout setting "Half Up / Down" is hidden. By hiding the impossible layout setting "Half Up / Down," it is possible to prevent wasting paper by printing in a way that the card image is cut off because the card does not fit within the scanning range of the document glass. Furthermore, the layout setting is set to automatically switch to "Half Left / Right" instead, saving the user the trouble of having to readjust the setting.

[0044] Next, we will explain the process when printing is performed. Returning to the flowchart in Figure 3A, if the type of user operation in step S303 is "Execute," it means that an operation equivalent to pressing the execute button 415 in Figure 4(a) has occurred. In this case, in step S304, the scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 to perform a scan, reads the card placed on the document glass, and generates image data.

[0045] Next, in step S305, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting on the surface is vertical. Since the scanned image data is an image of the card arranged horizontally regardless of the card type setting, if the card is set to vertical, it is necessary to rotate the scanned image data by 90 degrees to make an image of the card arranged vertically. If the determination in step S305 determines that the card type setting on the surface is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S307. If it is vertical, in step S306, the copy processing unit 214 rotates the scanned image data by 90 degrees and proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the screen control unit 211 displays a card flip instruction screen on the operation unit 107.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of a card flip instruction screen. The card flip instruction screen 650 includes a message 651, a guide display 652, a cancel button 653, and a continue button 654. Message 651 is a message indicating that the card needs to be flipped over and provides instructions for continuing the process. Guide display 652 is a display that explains where to place the card on the document glass. Like other guide displays, guide display 652 appropriately switches the card position according to the allocation setting and appropriately switches the card images showing the front and back according to the card type setting. Note that in Figure 6, guide display 652 is shown as an example where the allocation setting is other than "Full" where the correct card position is the upper left, and the front of the card is vertical and the back is horizontal. Cancel button 653 is a button to instruct the process to be stopped. Continue button 654 is a button to instruct the process to continue.

[0047] Next, in step S308, the screen control unit 211 waits for user input from the operation unit 107. Then, in step S309, the copy processing unit 214 determines which button the user pressed. If the button pressed by the user was the cancel button 653, the process in the flowcharts of Figures 3A and 3B is terminated. On the other hand, if the button pressed by the user was the continue button 654, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0048] In step S310, the scanner control unit 212 controls the scanner 111 to perform a scan, reading the card placed on the document glass and generating image data. Then, in step S311, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting on the back is vertical or horizontal. If the card type setting on the back is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S313. If it is vertical, in step S312, the copy processing unit 214 rotates the scanned image data by 90 degrees and proceeds to step S313.

[0049] In step S313, the copy processing unit 214 generates print data using the image data generated in the first scan and the image data generated in the second scan. When generating the print data, it determines where to place the two image data on the paper according to the layout settings. Then, in step S314, the printer control unit 213 controls the printer 112 to execute printing based on the print data generated in step S313, and the processes shown in Figures 3A and 3B are completed.

[0050] In this embodiment, an example of printing image data for both the front and back of a single card onto a single sheet of output paper has been described. However, this method may also be applied to printing image data for only one side of multiple cards onto a single sheet of output paper. In this case, you can set the orientation to portrait or landscape for each card and display only the feasible layout settings.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if either the front or back of the card is oriented vertically, it is possible to easily copy the entire card, including both the front and back. Furthermore, since the card placement and output image can be checked, the need to re-copy and the wasteful consumption of paper can be reduced.

[0052] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the card placement position was not changed by the card type setting, and in the case of a vertical card, the orientation of the card was adjusted by rotating the scanned image data by 90 degrees, and the copy result was output. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the card placement method and the scanning range of the document glass are changed by the card type setting, so that the copy result of a vertical card can be output without rotating the scanned image data. Note that the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment is the same as in Figures 1 and 2, so the explanation is omitted. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0053] In this embodiment, the guide display on the card copy screen differs from that of the first embodiment. An example of the card copy screen displayed in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 8.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an example of the card copy screen displayed on the operation unit 107 in this embodiment. The example in Figure 8 is when the layout setting is "Half left and right" and the card type setting is vertical on the front and horizontal on the back. As shown in the guide display 814, when the front of the card is vertical, a guide is displayed to place the vertical card so that the top of the vertical card is on the left side of the document glass. As a result, the card placement area is different from the card placement method for horizontal cards shown in the guide display 414 of Figure 4(a). In this embodiment, vertical cards can be read by changing the content of the guidance on how to place the card according to the card type setting and thereby changing the reading range of the document glass.

[0055] Figures 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing procedure for the card copying function performed by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The flowcharts in Figures 7A and 7B are realized when the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus reads the programs for implementing each software module stored in the ROM 104 or HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and executes them. Hereafter, for steps with the same numbers as in the flowcharts in Figures 3A and 3B, the processing is the same as in Figures 3A and 3B, so the explanation of that processing will be omitted.

[0056] If the copy processing unit 214 determines in step S303 that the type of user operation detected is "execute", the process proceeds to step S701. In step S701, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the allocation setting is "Full". If the allocation setting is "Full", the process proceeds to step S705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0057] In step S705, the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for "Full" and proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, in step S702, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting on the surface is vertical or not. If the card type setting on the surface is vertical, the process proceeds to step S703, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for vertical cards, "Half left / right / Half top / bottom / A5 left / right", and proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the card type setting on the surface is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S704, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for horizontal cards, "Half left / right / Half top / bottom / A5 left / right", and proceeds to step S304.

[0058] If the button pressed by the user in step S309 was the continue button, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the allocation setting is "Full". If the allocation setting is "Full", the process proceeds to step S710; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0059] In step S710, the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for "Full" and proceeds to step S310. Meanwhile, in step S707, the copy processing unit 214 determines whether the card type setting on the back is vertical or not. If the card type setting on the back is vertical, the process proceeds to step S708, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for vertical cards, "Half left / right / Half top / bottom / A5 left / right", and proceeds to step S310. Meanwhile, if the card type setting on the back is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S709, where the copy processing unit 214 sets the reading range to the range for horizontal cards, "Half left / right / Half top / bottom / A5 left / right", and proceeds to step S310.

[0060] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to copy a vertical card without rotating the image data of the read vertical card.

[0061] (Other embodiments) 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.

[0062] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0063] (Composition 1) A reading means that reads a card placed on a document table and generates a scanned image, Arrangement setting means for setting how to arrange multiple read images generated by the reading means onto a single output sheet, A display control means that displays an image of the output paper on which the plurality of read images are arranged on a display unit, A type setting means for setting whether the card type is a vertical card or a horizontal card, It has, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display control means switches the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit according to the setting by the type setting means.

[0064] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the type setting means sets whether the front and back surfaces of the card are vertical or horizontal. (Composition 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the reading means generates a read image by rotating the image of the read card according to the setting by the type setting means. (Composition 4) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the reading means switches the reading range when reading the card according to the setting by the type setting means.

[0065] (Composition 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the display control means displays the selection of arrangement methods set by the arrangement setting means on the display unit. (Composition 6) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized in that, if the multiple read images cannot be arranged on a single output sheet using the card type set by the type setting means, the display control means does not display the options for the arrangement method that cannot be arranged. (Composition 7) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, characterized in that, if the setting of the card type is changed by the type setting means, and as a result it becomes impossible to arrange the multiple read images on a single output sheet using the arrangement method set by the arrangement setting means, the arrangement setting means changes to a state in which one of the displayed arrangement options is selected.

[0066] (method) The scanning process involves reading a card placed on a document tray and generating a scanned image, A layout setting step is to set how to arrange the multiple read images generated in the reading step onto a single output sheet, A display control step which involves displaying an image of the output paper on which the plurality of read images are arranged on a display unit, A type setting step to set whether the card type is vertical or horizontal, It has, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, in the display control step, the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit is switched according to the setting made in the type setting step.

[0067] (program) The scanning process involves reading a card placed on a document tray and generating a scanned image, A layout setting step is to set how to arrange the multiple read images generated in the reading step onto a single output sheet, A display control step which involves displaying an image of the output paper on which the plurality of read images are arranged on a display unit, A type setting step to set whether the card type is vertical or horizontal, Have the computer run it, The program is characterized in that, in the display control step, it switches the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit according to the setting made in the type setting step. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 211: Screen control unit, 212: Scanner control unit, 214: Copy processing unit

Claims

1. A reading means that reads a card placed on a document table and generates a scanned image, Arrangement setting means for setting how to arrange multiple read images generated by the reading means onto a single output sheet, A display control means that displays an image of the output paper on which the plurality of read images are arranged on a display unit, A type setting means for setting whether the card type is vertical or horizontal, It has, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display control means switches the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit according to the setting by the type setting means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the type setting means sets whether the front and back surfaces of the card are vertical or horizontal.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading means generates a read image by rotating the image of the read card according to the setting by the type setting means.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading means switches the reading range when reading the card according to the setting by the type setting means.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means displays the selection of arrangement methods set by the arrangement setting means on the display unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, if the multiple read images cannot be arranged on a single output sheet using the card type set by the type setting means, the display control means does not display the options for the arrangement method that cannot be arranged.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, if the setting of the card type is changed by the type setting means, and as a result it becomes impossible to arrange the multiple read images on a single output sheet using the arrangement method set by the arrangement setting means, the arrangement setting means changes to a state in which one of the displayed arrangement options is selected.

8. A reading process that reads a card placed on the document table and generates a scanned image, A layout setting step is to set how to arrange the multiple read images generated in the reading step onto a single output sheet, A display control step which involves displaying an image of the output paper with the plurality of read images arranged on it on the display unit, A type setting step to set whether the card type is a vertical card or a horizontal card, It has, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, in the display control step, the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit is switched according to the setting made in the type setting step.

9. A reading process that reads a card placed on the document table and generates a scanned image, A layout setting step is to set how to arrange the multiple read images generated in the reading step onto a single output sheet, A display control step which involves displaying an image of the output paper with the plurality of read images arranged on it on the display unit, A type setting step to set whether the card type is a vertical card or a horizontal card, Have the computer run it, The program is characterized in that, in the display control step, it switches the image of the output paper to be displayed on the display unit according to the setting made in the type setting step.

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