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

Abstract

This allows multiple image data files to be printed on a single sheet of paper, even if the paper size and image data size differ. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data, a generation means for generating a layout image so that the plurality of image data can be printed on a single sheet of recording paper, and a control means for controlling the printing of the layout image on the recording paper, wherein the generation means generates a layout image in which the plurality of image data are laid out in an order different from the order in which the image data was acquired by the acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

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[0007]

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

Background Art

[0002] In stores and the like, it is common to use posters such as POP as a method for product explanations and for notifying product explanations and prices in the store.

[0003] When such POP data for product explanations is used in a case where a large number of stores are deployed, such as in a chain store, creating product explanation POPs in each store means creating the same kind of POPs separately, which is inefficient.

[0004] Therefore, there is a system in which the headquarters side of the chain store creates product POP data for all stores collectively and distributes it to each store.

[0005] In the case of such a product explanation POP distribution system, the headquarters side updates the product explanation POP data at regular intervals, and each store accesses the product explanation POP data distribution server of the headquarters from the information device installed in each store to obtain the necessary product explanation POP data for each store. [[ID=2C]]

[0006] Then, using the printer installed in each store, it is printed on paper, and the completed product explanation POP is installed in the store.

[0007] Also, the printed image of the POP data is formed from frame image data and variable data. <000C026> In each store, in addition to accessing the POP data server using an information processing device, a functional application that directly accesses the information processing server from the image forming apparatus without using the information processing device is provided, and a configuration that has the functions from access to printing with one device has been put into practical use (see Patent Document 1).

[0009] When printing with an image forming machine, printing is usually performed when the paper size loaded in the machine matches the size of the print data specified by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-73119 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] If the paper size loaded in the device does not match the print size specified by the user, printing will not occur. While the user must change the paper and register the new paper size before printing, this presents a challenge for the store staff responsible for printing the POP (point-of-purchase) materials.

[0012] The objective of this invention is to enable printing of multiple image data on a single sheet of recording paper, even when the size of the recording paper and the size of the image data are different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition means for acquiring multiple image data, a generation means for generating a layout image so that the multiple image data can be printed on a single sheet of recording paper, and a control means for controlling the printing of the layout image onto the recording paper. The generation means generates a layout image in which the multiple image data are laid out in an order different from the order in which the image data was acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, even when the size of the recording paper and the size of the image data are different, multiple image data can be printed on a single sheet of recording paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing data constituting a printed image in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an image distribution device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an image distribution device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an image forming device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an image forming device. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen when various registrations are performed in an image distribution device. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for registering information necessary when logging in to an image distribution device in an image forming device to obtain image information. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of the DRAM of an image forming device. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen when registering the distribution of POP in an image distribution device. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the transition on the operation screen of an image forming device. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the process of performing POP printing from the home screen in an image forming device. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the POP application printing process in an image forming device. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the layout printing process for POP in an image forming device. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart of the page size classification process in an image forming device. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart of the layout image generation process in an image forming device. [Figure 17]This is a flowchart of the printing process when an image forming machine receives a print job and lays out and prints a POP image. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a print list created by an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the following configuration is shown. The image forming system includes an image distribution device 101, an image forming device 102, an information processing device 103, an image forming device 111, and an image forming device 112.

[0019] The image distribution device 101 registers and distributes data and combination information that constitutes a printed image. The image distribution device 101 also includes a data server that stores the registered data.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 102 checks the image distribution device 101 to see if there is any print image data addressed to it. If there is, it obtains the data and combination information that make up the print image from the image distribution device 101. Then, the image forming apparatus 102 synthesizes and forms the print image based on the data it has received.

[0021] Image forming apparatuses 111 and 112 have the same configuration as image forming apparatus 102.

[0022] The image distribution device 101 and the image forming devices 102, 111, and 112 are connected to the same network, and in this embodiment, it is assumed that the image distribution device 101 is installed at the headquarters of a chain store or similar organization.

[0023] The image forming apparatuses 102, 111, and 112 are each installed in separate stores, and it is assumed that each store will acquire and print the necessary documents.

[0024] Since headquarters often does not specifically manage the types of image forming machines 102, 111, and 112 used in each store, in this embodiment, the image distribution device 101 operates independently of information such as the model of the image forming machines 102, 111, and 112.

[0025] The information processing device 103 is connected to the same network as the image forming apparatus 102, and can access the image forming apparatus 102 to check its status and perform various settings.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the data that constitutes the printed image in this embodiment, which is managed by the image distribution device 101. The POP data 200 consists of planning data 201, variable data 202, and frame data 203.

[0027] Project data 201 consists of information about the period during which POP data 200 will be displayed and information about the frame data 203 used in that project. Project data 201 consists of "Project ID," "Project Name," "Period," and "Frame Data ID." The Project ID is a unique number assigned to each row of the distributed Project Data 201 and is used to link Project Data 201 with Variable Data 202. The Project Name is the name of the distributed project. The Period indicates the period during which the POP data will be displayed. The Frame Data ID is the number of the frame data 203 used in that project.

[0028] Variable data 202 consists of "Product ID," "Product Name," "Category ID," "Price," "Project ID," and "Print Status." The Product ID is a unique number assigned to each row of the distributed variable data 202. The Product Name is the name of the distributed product. The Category ID is a number used to link the product with Category Data 206, which indicates the product's category. The Price is a numerical value indicating the price of the distributed product. The Project ID is a number used to link the product with Project Data 201. The Print Status is information indicating whether the product has been printed or not.

[0029] Category data 206 consists of a "Category ID" and a "Category Name," and is registered in the image distribution device 101 on the headquarters side that distributes POP data 200. The Category ID is a unique number assigned to each row of category data 206. The Category Name is the name of the registered category. This example shows an example of a list of categories registered in the image distribution device 101.

[0030] Frame data 203 consists of template data that represents the overall design of the printed image, along with the frame name and size. Template data 204 is an example of background image data on which variable data 202 is composited in this embodiment. Template data 204 also includes layout information indicating where to place the "product name" and "price" information included in variable data 202.

[0031] By combining this variable data 202 with template data 204 linked to frame data 203, POP image data 205 is generated. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 performs synthesis processing to generate and print POP image data 205.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image distribution device 101.

[0033] The image distribution device 101 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, storage 304, communication interface 307, operation interface 305, and display interface 306.

[0034] The CPU 301 controls the various hardware components 302 to 307 that make up the image distribution device 101, thereby realizing each of the functions provided by the image distribution device 101.

[0035] The CPU301 sends signals to various hardware components via a bus line, enabling data communication with other hardware components.

[0036] Furthermore, the CPU 301 of the image distribution device 101 controls the operation of the image distribution device 101 according to the control program stored in the ROM 302.

[0037] More specifically, the CPU 301 executes the OS and other systems that control the image distribution device 101. Then, application programs placed on the OS interact with each other to perform and control the functions desired by the user.

[0038] These operating systems and various programs are stored in ROM302 and executed by being read from RAM303.

[0039] ROM302 is memory used to store programs and various data used by the CPU301.

[0040] RAM303 is work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used by CPU301 for calculations.

[0041] Storage 304 is a storage device that stores various data and programs. In this embodiment, storage 304 is assumed to be a hard disk, but it may be other non-volatile storage devices such as SSDs.

[0042] The communications interface I / F307 is a network interface for wired LAN communication, such as Ethernet.

[0043] Note that this communication interface I / F307 may be a network interface for wireless LAN communication, or it may be a USB-LAN interface, etc.

[0044] The control unit interface 305 is an interface for connecting the control unit 310, such as a keyboard or mouse, to the image distribution device 101.

[0045] The display interface 306 is an interface for connecting the display unit 311, such as an LCD monitor, to the image distribution device 101.

[0046] In this embodiment, the image distribution device 101 is connected to an external operation unit 310 and an external display unit 311, but they do not need to be connected, and the operation unit 310 and the display unit 311 may be built into the image distribution device 101.

[0047] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image distribution device 101. The functional configuration of Figure 4 can be realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The image distribution device 101 includes a frame image data registration unit 401, a variable data registration unit 402, a category data registration unit 403, a transmission data creation unit 404, a data transmission request receiving unit 405, and an image data transmission unit 406.

[0048] The image distribution device 101 has a frame image data registration unit 401 that creates and registers frame image data, which is the overall design image of the printed material. The frame image data registration unit 401 registers the frame image data. Frame image data is, for example, the template data 204 in Figure 2, which is the image data that forms the background of the printed material.

[0049] Furthermore, the image distribution device 101 has a variable data registration unit 402 that registers product data and control information as text data. Variable data is, for example, the variable data 202 in Figure 2, and is text information that is synthesized into frame image data.

[0050] The category data registration unit 403 adds, deletes, and retains categories such as the category data 206 in Figure 2.

[0051] The data creation unit 404 is responsible for creating combinations of frame image data and variable data necessary for printing, according to the required printed materials for each store.

[0052] Requests for the transmission of print image data from the image forming machines 102, 111, and 112 installed in each store are received by the data transmission request receiving unit 405.

[0053] When a request to send print image data is received, the data that constitutes the necessary printed material for the store that made the request is selected and received from the data creation unit 404, and the image data transmission unit 406 transmits it to each of the image forming machines installed in each store.

[0054] Furthermore, when the data transmission request receiving unit 405 receives a request for a specific printed material from the image forming apparatus, it selects and receives the data constituting the printed material from the transmission data creation unit 404, and transmits the printed material to the image forming apparatus that requested it via the image data transmission unit 406.

[0055] Furthermore, the data transmission request receiving unit 405 can accept requests for various types of data, including category data held by the image distribution device 101, not limited to printed materials.

[0056] When various types of data are received, the data transmission request receiving unit 405 queries the data creation unit (for example, the category data registration unit 403 for category data) that has the requested data via the data creation unit 404, and sends the requested data back to the image forming apparatus.

[0057] In this embodiment, the data transmission request receiving unit 405 accepts requests from external sources via HTTP. At that time, the type of data to be requested (such as print image data or category data) is specified using URL query parameters or POST.

[0058] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 in this embodiment. Image forming apparatuses 111 and 112 have a similar configuration. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a CPU 501, an eMMC 502, a DRAM 503, a storage device 504, an operation unit 505, a recording unit 506, an image processing unit 507, a communication unit 508, and a data bus 509.

[0059] In the image forming apparatus 102, the CPU 501 is the system control unit and controls the entire image forming apparatus 102.

[0060] The eMMC502 consists of flash memory and is used to store the control program for the CPU501.

[0061] In this embodiment, the application program for POP printing is stored in the eMMC502.

[0062] DRAM503 is used to store program control variables and other data, and is a volatile memory that can temporarily store image data and other data processed by CPU501.

[0063] In this embodiment, the application for POP printing is read from the eMMC 502 by the CPU 501, loaded into the DRAM 503, and then executed. Other temporary values ​​used in various processes are held in the DRAM 503.

[0064] The storage device 504 is a storage device such as an HDD, and is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as image data. Data that makes up printed materials is stored here.

[0065] The operation unit 505 is a user interface unit that displays information within the image forming apparatus 102.

[0066] The recording unit 506 is a device that prints image data onto recording paper. In this unit, toner is placed on the recording paper and fixed to the toner by applying pressure with a heated fuser.

[0067] The image processing unit 507 performs image data synthesis and drawing for use in image printing, and performs encoding and decoding of the binary image data. The process of synthesizing product information onto the frame image is performed by the image processing unit 507.

[0068] The communication unit 508 is the interface unit between the image forming apparatus 102 and the external communication network. In this embodiment, it also has a web server function and performs various settings based on the program stored in the eMMC 502.

[0069] Each processing unit is connected via data bus 509.

[0070] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. The functional configuration of Figure 6 is realized when the CPU 501 executes a program. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a CPU 501, an eMMC 502, a DRAM 503, a storage device 504, an operation unit 505, a recording unit 506, an image processing unit 507, a communication unit 508, and a data bus 509.

[0071] In this embodiment, the program with the functional configuration shown in Figure 6 is stored in the eMMC 502, read by the CPU 501, loaded into the DRAM 503, and executed by the CPU 501.

[0072] The print image forming unit 601 uses the image processing unit 507 to create print data based on the input data. In this embodiment, a print image is formed by combining frame image data and variable data as described in Figure 2, and then print data is created based on the print image.

[0073] The print control unit 602 uses the recording unit 506 to perform printing based on the input print data.

[0074] The POP printing application 603 is application software provided to the user by the image forming apparatus 102. The POP printing application 603 performs user interface control via the operation unit 505 or the Web server 604 (described later), communication processing with the image distribution device 101 via the communication unit 508, print image formation using the print image forming unit 601, and printing using the print control unit 602.

[0075] Web server 604 operates as a web server via communication unit 508.

[0076] In this embodiment, various settings related to the POP printing application 603 from the information processing device 103 are made possible via the Web server 604.

[0077] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen used when performing various registrations on the image distribution device 101. Screen 700 is for registering data from the project data 201. The project name is entered in 701, the period information in 702, and the frame to be selected from the frame data 203 is entered in 703. Once the input is complete, the registration button 704 is pressed to save the project data record to the storage 304 of the image distribution device 101.

[0078] Screen 710 is for registering the frame data 203 selected in 703. The frame name is entered in 711, and the frame image is entered in 712. Once the input is complete, press the register button 713 to save the frame data 203 record to the storage 304 of the image distribution device 101. This process makes the registered frame data available for input into 703.

[0079] Screen 720 is for registering variable data 202. Enter the product name of the product to be registered in 721, the category selected from category data 206 in 722, and the price in 723. Once the input is complete, press the register button 724 to save the variable data 202 record to the storage 304 of the image distribution device 101.

[0080] Screen 730 is for registering data for category data 206. Enter the category ID code to be registered in 731 and the category name in 732. Once the input is complete, press the register button 733 to save the record for category data 206 to the storage 304 of the image distribution device 101.

[0081] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen in the image forming apparatus 102 for registering information necessary to log in to the image distribution device 101 and obtain image information. On the login information registration screen 800, the URL of the image distribution device 101 is entered in 801, the store ID assigned to the store is entered in 802, and the authentication password is entered in 803. Once the input is complete, pressing the registration button 804 saves the information necessary to log in to the image distribution device 101 to the DRAM 503 of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0082] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of the DRAM 503 of the image forming apparatus 102. The POP printing paper size 910 is an area that stores the paper size settings of the image forming apparatus 102 when performing POP printing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 102 has paper of the size saved in the POP printing paper settings, and the layout printing operation for POP, which will be described later, is performed.

[0083] SAME queue 901 is an area that stores the address of the first image in the queue to which images occupy more than 50% (1 / 2) but less than or equal to 100% of the POP printing paper size 910 are connected. SAME queue 901 is set to NULL when it does not contain image data. In the process of determining and classifying the size of the image to be printed, if it is determined that the image occupies more than 50% (1 / 2) but less than or equal to 100% of the POP printing paper size 910, the address of the image data management information is written to it. As a result, SAME queue 901 contains the address of the image that occupies more than 50% (1 / 2) but less than or equal to 100% of the POP printing paper size 910, and the existence of the image is confirmed. The management information includes information indicating the address of the management area of ​​the next image, and multiple images can be connected by writing the address of the management information of the next image there. If an image already exists in SAME queue 901, a new image can be connected to SAME queue 901 by writing the address of the management information of the image to be connected to the next image address area within the management area of ​​that image. This mechanism is the same for the queues that will be explained later.

[0084] HALF queue 902 is an area that stores the address of the first image in a queue that connects images that occupy more than 25% (1 / 4) but less than or equal to 50% (1 / 2) of the POP printing paper size 910.

[0085] QUARTER queue 903 is an area that stores the address of the first image in a queue that connects images that occupy more than 12.5% ​​(1 / 8) but less than or equal to 25% (1 / 4) of the POP printing paper size 910.

[0086] EIGHTH queue 904 is an area that stores the address of the first image in a queue that connects images occupying 12.5% ​​(1 / 8) or less of the area of ​​the POP printing paper size 910.

[0087] OVER queue 905 is an area that stores the address of the first image in a queue that connects images occupying more than 100% of the POP printing paper size 910.

[0088] In this embodiment, when performing POP printing, the target images are classified by size and connected to the respective queues. This will be explained in detail in Figure 15.

[0089] The layout queue 906 is an area for queuing image data that has been decided to be printed on a page when printing a POP image in this embodiment, within the size of the POP printing paper 910. Further details are explained in Figure 16.

[0090] The print queue 907 is a queue that stores information for one page to be printed. In this embodiment, the process involves creating print data for one page from an image connected to the layout queue 906, connecting it to the print queue 907, and then printing.

[0091] The print list 920 is a list of items that have been instructed to be printed, obtained from the POP print information acquired from the image distribution device 101.

[0092] Figure 10 shows an example screen for registering the distribution of POPs in the image distribution device 101. 1000 is the screen for selecting the frame image data of the POP to be distributed. Selecting the frame image number with number 1003 displays the frame image URL information 1001 and a preview of the frame image 1002. Then, selecting the image size of the POP data with size 1004. The image size displayed is the size of the frame image data, but it can also be changed. After that, pressing the select button 1005 sets the frame image and size.

[0093] Screen 1010 is for selecting the variable data for the POP (Point of Purchase) materials to be distributed. Screen 1011 specifies the stores to which the materials will be distributed, and screen 1012 contains the variable data for the products. Afterward, pressing the select button 1013 allows you to register the variable data to be distributed.

[0094] By specifying a combination of frame image and size selection and variable data, the image distribution device 101 can register information for the POP to be distributed.

[0095] Figure 11 shows the transitions on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 102. 1101 shows an example of the home screen of the image forming apparatus 102. In 1101, a COPY button is displayed to transition to the screen for performing the COPY function, a FAX button is displayed to transition to the screen for sending a FAX, and a POPPrint button 1102 is displayed to run the application program for POP printing.

[0096] Touching the POPPrint button 1102 launches the POP printing application and displays the POPPrint screen 1111. The POPPrint screen 1111 displays the "Get Latest" button 1112 and the "Specify Category" button 1113. The "Get Latest" button 1112 retrieves the latest information from the data server of the image distribution device 101. The latest information refers to the current POP data information registered for the image forming apparatus 102. The "Specify Category" button 1113 retrieves POP data by specifying a category. The "Return to Home Screen" button 1114 returns to the home screen 1101 of the image forming apparatus 102. The "Notifications" button 1115 is a button that transitions to a notification screen in the POPPrint application that displays a list of information notified from the image distribution device 101.

[0097] Touching the "Get Latest" button 1112 retrieves the latest information from the data server of the image distribution device 101 and displays a list of current POP data on the POP data information screen 1121. The POP data information screen 1121 displays an "Unprinted" button 1122 at the top that displays POPs that have not been printed, and a "Printed" button 1123 that displays POPs that have been printed. After pressing the Get Latest button 1112 or touching the Unprinted button 1122, a list of variable data for unprinted POPs is displayed. On this screen, the user checks the checkboxes 1124 for the variable data of the POPs they want to print. Finally, touching the "Print" button 1125 confirms the printing of the selected POP data and proceeds to the printing process.

[0098] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the process for performing POP printing from the home screen of the image forming apparatus 102. The control method of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described below.

[0099] In step S1201, the CPU 501 determines whether the POPPrint button 1102 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1202; otherwise, the process returns to step S1201.

[0100] In step S1202, the CPU 501 accesses the URL 801 of the image distribution device 101 using the store ID 802 and password 803 and performs connection processing.

[0101] Next, in step S1203, the CPU 501 determines whether the connection process was successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step S1204; otherwise, the process returns to step S1201.

[0102] In step S1204, the CPU 501 starts the POPPrint program and controls it to display the POPPrint screen 1111.

[0103] Next, in step S1205, the CPU 501 determines whether the "Get Latest" button 1112 was pressed on the POPPrint screen 1111. If the "Get Latest" button 1112 was pressed, the process proceeds to step S1206; if the "Get Latest" button 1112 was not pressed, the process returns to step S1205.

[0104] In step S1206, the CPU 501 accesses the data server of the image distribution device 101 and requests the acquisition of the latest POP data.

[0105] Then, in step S1207, the CPU 501 obtains the latest POP data from the data server of the image distribution device 101.

[0106] In step S1208, the CPU 501 controls the display of the acquired POP data list on the POP data information screen 1121. The POP data information screen 1121 displays the variable data and monetary data of the unprinted POPs in question, and provides checkboxes 1124 to allow selection / deselection of the print targets.

[0107] In step S1209, CPU 501 adds or removes a checkbox in response to the click of checkbox 1124. This can continue until the print button is pressed.

[0108] In step S1210, the CPU 501 determines whether the print button 1125 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1211; otherwise, the process returns to step S1209.

[0109] In step S1211, CPU 501 performs POP application printing. Details are explained in Figure 13.

[0110] Figure 13 is a flowchart of step S1211 of the POP application printing process in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0111] In step S1301, the CPU 501 creates a print list 920 from the print instruction information of checkbox 1124 and saves it in the print list 920. An example of the creation of the print list 920 is shown in Figure 18. The print list 920 is created for each instructed variable data and consists of a print ID 1811, product ID 1812, product name, category ID, and price. The print ID 1811 is the print ID assigned to POP printing. The product ID is the product ID in the variable data. The product name, category ID, and price corresponding to that ID are also saved.

[0112] In step S1302, the CPU 501 sets the first item of the print list 920 as the item to be processed.

[0113] Next, in step S1303, the CPU 501 synthesizes a POP image for the target item from the background image and text information. As explained in Figure 2, the synthesis is performed by combining the variable data 202 of the target item with the template data 204 associated with the frame data 203, resulting in the POP image data 205.

[0114] In step S1304, the CPU 501 determines whether there is a next item in the print list 920. If there is a next item, the process proceeds to step S1305; if there is no next item, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0115] In step S1305, CPU 501 sets the next item as the target. Then, CPU 501 returns to step S1303 to generate a POP image for the next item.

[0116] In step S1306, CPU 501 performs POP layout printing. POP layout printing is a process that, when printing multiple small images for POP displays, prints on the loaded paper even if the paper is larger than the images, without stopping the printing process. In this process, multiple images are arranged on a single sheet of paper to avoid margins. Details of the POP layout printing process are explained in Figure 14.

[0117] Figure 14 is a flowchart of step S1306 of the POP layout printing process in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0118] In step S1401, the CPU 501 performs page size classification processing. This process classifies the size of the image to be printed into stages. Details of the page size classification processing are explained in Figure 15.

[0119] Next, in step S1402, the CPU 501 performs layout image generation processing. The layout image generation processing selects images from the image queues categorized by size in step S1401, according to the paper size available to the image forming apparatus 102, and generates images to be printed on the page. The generated results are converted into print data for each page and connected to the print queue 907. Details of the layout image generation processing are explained in Figure 16.

[0120] Next, in step S1403, the CPU 501 prints the print data connected to the print queue 907 using the recording unit 506, and then completes the process.

[0121] Figure 15 is a flowchart of step S1401 of the page size classification process in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0122] In step S1501, CPU 501 sets the first page as the target page.

[0123] Next, in step S1502, the CPU 501 determines whether the size of the target page is 1 / 8 or less of the size of the recording paper. The size of the recording paper is assumed to be POP printing paper size 910, so the determination is made by comparing it to this. If it is determined in step S1502 that it is 1 / 8 or less of the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1503. If it is determined that it is not 1 / 8 or less of the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1504.

[0124] In step S1503, CPU 501 connects the image of the target page to EIGHTH queue 904 and proceeds to step S1511.

[0125] In step S1504, the CPU 501 determines whether the size of the target page is 1 / 4 or less of the size of the recording paper. If it determines that it is 1 / 4 or less of the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1505.

[0126] In step S1505, CPU 501 connects the image of the target page to QUARTER queue 903 and proceeds to step S1511.

[0127] If the size of the target page is not 1 / 4 or less of the recording paper size in step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1506.

[0128] In step S1506, the CPU 501 determines whether the size of the target page is less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper. If it determines that it is less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1507.

[0129] In step S1507, CPU 501 connects the image of the target page to HALF queue 902 and proceeds to step S1511.

[0130] If, in step S1506, the size of the target page is not less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1508.

[0131] In step S1508, the CPU 501 determines whether the size of the target page is less than or equal to the size of the recording paper. If it determines that it is less than or equal to the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1509.

[0132] In step S1509, CPU 501 connects the image of the target page to SAME queue 901 and proceeds to step S1511.

[0133] If the size of the target page in step S1508 is not less than or equal to the size of the recording paper, the process proceeds to step S1510.

[0134] In step S1510, CPU 501 connects the image of the target page to OVER queue 905 and proceeds to step S1511.

[0135] In step S1511, the CPU 501 determines whether the next page exists. If it does, the process proceeds to step S1512.

[0136] In step S1512, the CPU 501 sets the next page as the target page, returns to step S1502, and performs size determination processing for the new target page.

[0137] If, in step S1511, it is determined that there is no next page, the CPU 501 terminates the page size classification process.

[0138] Figure 16 is a flowchart of step S1402 of the layout image generation process in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0139] In step S1601, the CPU 501 sets the image area count to 8. In this embodiment, when classifying images, the smallest area unit is defined as 1 / 8 or less of the POP printing paper size 910, so 8 images can be laid out in the POP printing area size. This 8 is used as the counter for the number of images that can be laid out.

[0140] Next, in step S1602, the CPU 501 determines whether an image is connected to the SAME queue 901. If an image is connected, the process proceeds to step S1603.

[0141] In step S1603, CPU 501 retrieves an image from SAME queue 901 and connects it to layout queue 906 to be used as the image to be printed on this page. Then, it subtracts 8 from the available image area count. Since SAME queue 901 has an image with a maximum size of POP print paper size 910 connected to it, the print image is confirmed at this point.

[0142] Then, in step S1613, the CPU 501 retrieves the image connected to the layout queue 906, creates an image with the image laid out on the page, creates print data, and connects it to the print queue 907. Currently, only one image is connected to the layout queue 906, so a print image is created using only one image, and print data is created.

[0143] Next, in step S1614, the CPU 501 determines whether there are any images to be printed remaining in the queues (SAME queue 901, HALF queue 902, QUARTER queue 903, EIGHTH queue 904). If there are, the CPU 501 returns to step S1601 and sets the available image area count to 8.

[0144] If it is determined in step S1602 that no image is connected to SAME queue 901, the process proceeds to step S1604.

[0145] In step S1604, the CPU 501 determines whether an image is connected to the HALF queue 902. If an image is connected, the process proceeds to step S1605.

[0146] In step S1605, the CPU 501 determines whether the image area availability count is 4 or greater. If the image area availability count is 4 or greater, the process proceeds to step S1606.

[0147] In step S1606, CPU 501 retrieves an image from HALF queue 902 and connects it to layout queue 906 to be used as the image to be printed on this page. Subsequently, it subtracts 4 from the image area available count. Then, it returns to step S1604.

[0148] If the image area availability count is not 4 or greater in step S1605, the image in HALF queue 902 cannot be printed, and the process proceeds to step S1607. If there is no image in HALF queue 902 in step S1604, the process also proceeds to step S1607.

[0149] In step S1607, the CPU 501 determines whether an image is connected to the QUARTER queue 903. If an image is connected, the process proceeds to step S1608.

[0150] In step S1608, the CPU 501 determines whether the image area availability count is 2 or greater. If the image area availability count is 2 or greater, the process proceeds to step S1609.

[0151] In step S1609, CPU 501 retrieves an image from HALF queue 902 and connects it to layout queue 906 to be used as the image to be printed on this page. Subsequently, it subtracts 2 from the image area available count. Then, it returns to step S1607.

[0152] If the image area count is not 2 or greater in step S1608, the image in QUARTER queue 903 cannot be printed, and the process proceeds to step S1610. If there is no image in QUARTER queue 903 in step S1607, the process also proceeds to step S1610.

[0153] In step S1610, the CPU 501 determines whether an image is connected to the EIGHTH queue 904. If an image is connected, the process proceeds to step S1611.

[0154] In step S1611, the CPU 501 determines whether the image area availability count is 1 or greater. If the image area availability count is 1 or greater, the process proceeds to step S1612.

[0155] In step S1612, CPU 501 retrieves an image from HALF queue 902 and connects it to layout queue 906 to be used as the image to be printed on this page. Then, it subtracts 1 from the image area available count. Then, it returns to step S1610.

[0156] If the image area availability count is not 1 or greater in step S1611, the image in EIGHTH queue 904 cannot be printed, and the process proceeds to step S1613. If there is no image in EIGHTH queue 904 in step S1610, the process also proceeds to step S1613.

[0157] In step S1613, the CPU 501 retrieves the images connected to the layout queue 906 as described above, creates a print image by laying out the images on the page, and then creates print data from that image and connects it to the print queue 907. If the images are small, multiple images may be connected to the layout queue 906. Since larger images are connected to the layout queue first, when laying out images in step S1613, the images will be laid out in the order they appear. For example, if image A from HALF queue 902 and images B and C from QUARTER queue 903 are connected to the layout queue 906, image A will be placed using half the area of ​​the POP print paper size 910, and images B and C will be placed in the remaining area. Similarly, if images E, F, and G from QUARTER queue 903 and images H and I from EIGHTH queue 904 are connected, images E and F will be placed using half the area of ​​the POP print paper size 910, and images G, H, and I will be placed in the remaining area.

[0158] If it is determined in step S1614 that there are no remaining images, the CPU 501 terminates the layout image generation process.

[0159] Up to this point, the description has been based on the scenario in which the image forming apparatus 102 queries the image distribution apparatus 101, forms a POP image, and prints it. However, it is also possible to achieve similar operation when the image forming apparatus 102 performs normal print reception.

[0160] Figure 17 is a flowchart of the printing process when the image forming apparatus 102 receives a print job and lays out and prints a POP image.

[0161] In step S1701, CPU 501 receives a print job.

[0162] Next, in step S1702, the CPU 501 performs the POP layout printing process. This POP layout printing process can be implemented using the same process as described in Figure 14.

[0163] As described above, in step S1306 of Figure 13, the CPU 501 acquires multiple image data generated in step S1303. Also, in step S1701 of Figure 17, the CPU 501 acquires multiple image data.

[0164] Subsequently, in step S1614 of Figure 16, the CPU 501 generates a layout image so that multiple image data can be printed on a single sheet of paper without changing the size of the multiple image data. For example, the multiple image data may include image data of different sizes, or multiple image data may include image data of the same size. The CPU 501 generates a layout image in which the image data of the same size are arranged side by side.

[0165] The CPU 501 generates a layout image by arranging multiple image data in an order different from the order in which the image data was acquired in step S1306 or S1701. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the CPU 501 generates a layout image by arranging multiple image data in order from the largest image data to the smallest.

[0166] For example, as shown in Figure 15, CPU 501 classifies multiple image data into groups of multiple sizes, and as shown in Figure 16, generates a layout image by laying out the multiple image data in order from the largest to the smallest size group.

[0167] The aforementioned groups of sizes include the SAME cue 901 group, the HALF cue 902 group, the QUARTER cue 903 group, the EIGHTH cue 904 group, and the OVER cue 905 group.

[0168] The SAME cue 901 group consists of image data that is smaller than or equal to the size of the recording paper, but larger than half the size of the recording paper.

[0169] The HALF cue 902 group is a group of image data that is less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper, and greater than one-quarter the size of the recording paper.

[0170] The QUARTER queue 903 group consists of image data that is less than or equal to 1 / 4 of the recording paper size and greater than 1 / 8 of the recording paper size.

[0171] The EIGHTH Queue 904 group consists of image data that is less than 1 / 8 the size of the recording paper.

[0172] The OVER queue 905 group consists of image data larger than the size of the recording paper.

[0173] Subsequently, in step S1403 of Figure 14, the CPU 501 controls the system to print the layout image onto the recording paper, even if the size of the recording paper set in the image forming apparatus 102 is different from the print size of each of the multiple image data.

[0174] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the paper size set in the image forming apparatus 102 does not match the print size specified by the user, printing can be completed even if the data is of a different size by printing on the set recording paper without stopping the printing process. Even if it is necessary to print on recording paper that is larger than the print data, it is possible to reduce the amount of wasted margins on the recording paper by printing multiple images side by side on the page, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0175] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0176] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0177] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) A means for acquiring multiple image data, A generation means for generating a layout image so as to print the aforementioned multiple image data onto a single sheet of recording paper, The system includes a control means for controlling the printing of the layout image onto the recording paper, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image in which the plurality of image data are laid out in an order different from the order in which the image data acquired by the acquisition means was acquired. (Item 2) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the control means controls the printing of the layout image on the recording paper even when the size of the recording paper set in the image forming apparatus and the print size of each of the plurality of image data are different. (Item 3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image so as to print the plurality of image data onto a single sheet of recording paper without changing the size of the plurality of image data. (Item 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of image data include image data of different sizes. (Item 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the plurality of image data include image data of the same size to each other. (Item 6) The image forming apparatus according to item 5, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image in which the image data of the same size are arranged side by side. (Item 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image by arranging the plurality of image data in order from the largest image data. (Item 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the generation means classifies the plurality of image data into groups of a plurality of sizes, and generates a layout image by arranging the plurality of image data in order from the image data belonging to the largest size group. (Item 9) The aforementioned groups of multiple sizes are A group of image data that is less than or equal to the size of the recording paper and greater than half the size of the recording paper, A group of image data that is less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper and greater than one-quarter the size of the recording paper, A group of image data that is 1 / 4 or less the size of the recording paper and greater than 1 / 8 the size of the recording paper, The image forming apparatus according to item 8, characterized by having a group of image data whose size is 1 / 8 or less of the size of the recording paper. (Item 10) Acquisition step to acquire multiple image data, A generation step of generating a layout image so as to print the aforementioned multiple image data onto a single sheet of recording paper, A control step that controls the printing of the layout image onto the recording paper. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features. (Item 11) A program to cause a computer to function as an image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 102 Image forming apparatus 501 CPU 502 eMMC 503 DRAM 504 Storage device 505 Operation section 506 Records Department 507 Image Processing Unit 508 Communications Department 509 Data Bus

Claims

1. A means for acquiring multiple image data, A generation means for generating a layout image so as to print the aforementioned multiple image data onto a single sheet of recording paper, The system includes a control means for controlling the printing of the layout image onto the recording paper, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image in which the plurality of image data are laid out in an order different from the order in which the image data acquired by the acquisition means was acquired.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the printing of the layout image on the recording paper even when the size of the recording paper set in the image forming apparatus and the print size of each of the plurality of image data are different.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image so as to print the plurality of image data onto a single sheet of recording paper without changing the size of the plurality of image data.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of image data include image data of different sizes.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of image data include image data of the same size to each other.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image in which the image data of the same size are arranged side by side.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means generates a layout image by arranging the plurality of image data in order from the largest image data.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means classifies the plurality of image data into groups of a plurality of sizes, and generates a layout image by arranging the plurality of image data in order from the image data belonging to the largest size group.

9. The aforementioned groups of multiple sizes are A group of image data that is less than or equal to the size of the recording paper and greater than half the size of the recording paper, A group of image data that is less than or equal to half the size of the recording paper and greater than one-quarter the size of the recording paper, A group of image data that is 1 / 4 or less the size of the recording paper and greater than 1 / 8 the size of the recording paper, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by having a group of image data whose size is 1 / 8 or less of the size of the recording paper.

10. Acquisition step to acquire multiple image data, A generation step of generating a layout image so as to print the aforementioned multiple image data onto a single sheet of recording paper, A control step that controls the printing of the layout image onto the recording paper. A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images