Information processing device and program

Abstract

To instruct an image reading method of a medium for detecting a deviation amount of a folding position to an operator.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a processor. The processor acquires information on a folding method which a folding machine has performed for a medium, and, when a folding position of the medium cannot be read in a state where the medium has been folded in the folding method, makes display means display to make a user develop the medium so as to be read.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to adjust the folding position of a medium folded by a folder so that the medium is folded at a desired folding position, attempts have been made to automatically detect the amount of folding misalignment at the folding position by the folder. There are two methods for doing this: one is to detect the amount of folding misalignment when the paper is folded, and the other is to detect the amount of folding misalignment when the paper is unfolded. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a paper folder in which the position for folding the adjustment sheet for each combination of paper size and folding method, i.e., the position of the stopper, is stored in advance in a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and when a user selects a specific combination, the corresponding folding position (position of the stopper) is read from the memory and changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-208781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When detecting the amount of misalignment of the folded position by the folding machine, it can be said that detecting in the folded state is superior in terms of the amount of work, considering the time required to open the folded paper and the need to detect while the paper is being transported. On the other hand, with a folding method in which the amount of misalignment of the fold cannot be determined from the outer shape, the amount of misalignment cannot be detected in the folded state. When automatically detecting the amount of misalignment of the folded position, when an operator uses a scanner to read the image of the folded medium to detect the amount of misalignment, the operator may not know whether to read the image with the folded medium open or with the medium folded.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that instructs an operator on a method of reading an image of a medium for detecting the amount of misalignment of a folding position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention of claim 1 is an information processing device having a processor, which acquires information on the folding method performed on a medium by a folder, and if the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read when the medium is folded, displays on a display means a message instructing a user to unfold the medium to read it. The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information on the folding method is an instruction given by a user to the folder. The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information on the folding method is information on the medium folding method acquired from the folder. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device according to the first aspect, the processor infers the folding method from an image of the paper read by an image reading unit. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device according to the first aspect, the processor causes the image forming means to form, on the medium, an image indicating to a user to unfold the medium and read it. The invention of claim 6 is an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the processor determines that the folding method is one that allows the folding position of the medium to be read even when the medium is folded, the processor causes a display means to display a message not to allow a user to unfold the medium to read it. The invention according to claim 7 provides the information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the processor causes the image forming means to form, on the medium, an image indicating to the user to read the medium without unfolding it. The invention of claim 8 is a program that causes a computer having a processor to execute the steps of acquiring information on the folding method performed on a medium by a folder, and, if the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read when the medium is folded, displaying a message to a user to unfold the medium to read it. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention as set forth in claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the folding position can be adjusted more quickly and easily for all folding methods compared to the case where the folding position is adjusted by unfolding the folded paper. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, the folding position can be adjusted more quickly and easily as compared with the case where the user inputs the paper into the information processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a folding position adjustment process. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a menu screen in the folding position adjustment process. [Diagram 5] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing an example of a folding method that allows the amount of folding misalignment to be detected without unfolding the paper. [Figure 6] 13 is a table showing the relationship between the lines obtained by image analysis and the edges of the paper and fold lines. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of reading paper folded in three. [Figure 8] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of a folding method in which the amount of folding misalignment cannot be detected unless the paper is unfolded. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of how to fold paper. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a process for generating a guide screen. [Figure 11] An example of a guide screen for placing the adjustment sheet on the platen glass. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a sheet of paper on which a guide image is formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1. Configuration 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment performs processes of accepting an instruction for folding processing of paper from a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI"), forming an image on paper, folding the paper, reading (i.e., scanning) the image formed on the paper, detecting the folding position of the paper, and adjusting the folding position of the paper. Here, "folding position" refers to the position where the image forming apparatus 1 performs folding processing on the paper. Note that "paper" is an example of a medium.

[0010] Image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a UI 103, a determination unit 104, an image forming unit 105, an image reading unit 106, a calculation unit 107, and a folding unit 108. The control unit 101 executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 is connected to and controls the UI 103, the image forming unit 105, the image reading unit 106, and the folding unit 108. The folding unit 108 is an example of a folder.

[0011] The control unit 101 is an example of an information processing device. The control unit 101 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 102 stores a program executed by the control unit 101, information on a folding method, and information obtained in the process of adjusting the folding position. The storage unit 102 includes a recording device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. The UI 103 provides a user interface. Specifically, the UI 103 displays a screen related to the functions of the image forming apparatus 1, such as a screen related to the folding position adjustment process and a screen for accepting operations input by a user. The UI 103 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and an input device such as a touch screen.

[0012] The control unit 101 includes a determination unit 104 and a calculation unit 107. The determination unit 104 determines a method for detecting the amount of folding misalignment based on the folding method and the type of paper selected by the user. Here, the "amount of folding misalignment" refers to the distance (length) between the actual folding position and the reference folding position. The "reference folding position" refers to the ideal folding position of the paper. The reference folding position is defined for each folding method. In one example, the reference folding position is a position that divides the paper into a plurality of equal regions. The "actual folding position" refers to the position of the crease actually formed on the paper by the folding process by the folding unit 108. The calculation unit 107 detects the amount of folding misalignment based on the determined detection method. Furthermore, the calculation unit 107 calculates an adjustment value for adjusting the folding position. The image forming unit 105 forms an image on the paper. The image reading unit 106 reads the surface condition of the paper (the "surface condition" includes the image formed on the paper) as an image. The folding unit 108 performs folding processing on the paper based on an instruction input by the user. As an example, the folding unit 108 has a function of creating a booklet by stacking multiple sheets of paper, saddle-stitching them, and then folding them in half, and a function of stacking multiple sheets of paper and stapling the stacked sheets at predetermined positions on the edges.

[0013] 2 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a conveying path 20, a tray 26, a feed roller 28, a manual feed tray 30, and an automatic conveying unit 44. The conveying path 20 is a path for conveying paper from the paper tray 26 to the folding unit 108, and includes, for example, a plurality of rollers and a motor for driving these rollers. One end of the conveying path 20 is connected to each paper tray 26, and the other end is connected to the folding unit 108. The conveying path 20 conveys paper from a predetermined location (for example, the tray 26 or the manual feed tray 30) to another location (for example, the image forming unit 105 or the folding unit 108).

[0014] The trays 26 store paper sheets. Although two trays 26 are shown in FIG. 1, more trays 26 may be provided. Each of the trays 26 stores, for example, a different type of paper sheet. The feed rollers 28 feed the paper sheets stored in the trays 26 to the transport path 20. The manual feed tray 30 holds paper sheets.

[0015] In this example, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming section 105 includes a toner image forming section 22 and a fixing section 24. The toner image forming section 22 forms a toner image on a sheet. Specifically, the toner image forming section 22 acquires image signals of the colors Y, M, C, and K generated based on image data of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image forming section 22 includes developing units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, a transfer belt 34, a transfer roller 36, and a roller 38. The toner image forming section 22 superimposes toner images of the colors Y, M, C, and K on the transfer belt 34 on the photoconductor drums 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K of the developing units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, respectively, based on the acquired image signals. The transfer belt 34 is wound around a plurality of rollers including the transfer roller 36 on the conveying path side, and rotates as an intermediate holder. The transfer belt 34 transfers the superimposed toner images onto the paper. The transfer belt 34 contacts the photoconductor drums 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K provided in the developing units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. The transfer rollers 36 and 38 sandwich the paper and the transfer belt 34 together, and transfer the toner image of the transfer belt 34 onto the paper. The transfer roller 36 faces the roller 38. The conveying path 20 conveys the paper between the transfer roller 36 and the roller 38. The fixing unit 24 fixes the toner image formed on the paper to form an image on the paper. The fixing unit 24 includes a pair of fixing rollers 40. The fixing unit 24 sandwiches the paper conveyed between the fixing rollers 40 and heats it while applying pressure.

[0016] The image reading unit 106 includes an automatic conveying unit 44, an exposure optical system 50, and a solid-state image sensor CCD 56. The image reading unit 106 is located below the platen glass PG. The automatic conveying unit 44 conveys the paper loaded on the paper feed tray 46 to the image reading unit 106. The automatic conveying unit 44 includes the paper feed tray 46, a platen roll 48, and a paper discharge tray 49. The paper feed tray 46 is used to load the paper from which the image is to be read. The paper feed tray 46 feeds the loaded paper to the platen roll 48. The platen roll 48 transports the fed paper onto the platen glass PG. The paper discharge tray 49 discharges the paper after the image has been read. Although the detailed configuration is not shown or described, the image reading unit 106 can read both sides of the paper.

[0017] The exposure optical system 50 reads an image on a sheet of paper. Specifically, the exposure optical system 50 irradiates light from a light source 52 onto a sheet of paper fed onto the platen glass PG or onto a sheet of paper placed on the platen glass PG by a user, and receives the light reflected from the sheet of paper. A solid-state image sensor CCD 56 converts the received reflected light into an electrical signal. The exposure optical system 50 includes the light source 52 and a number of mirrors. When reading an image on a sheet of paper placed on the platen glass PG by a user, the exposure optical system 50 moves in the X-axis direction in FIG. 1 to scan the sheet of paper.

[0018] The folding unit 108 includes a folding mechanism 18 and a discharge tray 58. The folding mechanism 18 folds the paper based on instructions input by a user. The discharge tray 58 discharges the paper that has been folded.

[0019] In the process of detecting the folding position of a sheet of paper, depending on the folding method selected by the user, the device may not be able to detect the folding position of the sheet of paper unless the folded sheet is unfolded. Therefore, the image forming apparatus addresses this problem.

[0020] 2.Operation 2-1. First Example FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a folding position amount adjustment process performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a printer for business use that prints a large number of booklets such as pamphlets. When a user desires to adjust the folding misalignment of paper, the image forming apparatus 1 prints a trial adjustment sheet before printing the paper to be used for the actual booklet, and detects the folding misalignment amount using this adjustment sheet. Here, the "adjustment sheet" refers to the paper used to perform the folding position adjustment process. The image forming unit 105 forms a pattern image on the adjustment sheet that makes it easy to detect the folding line. Alternatively, the image forming unit 105 may not form any image on the adjustment sheet, and may form content such as characters or images to be printed on the actual booklet. Also, when the actual booklet is, for example, five sheets bound, the number of adjustment sheets may be one or five.

[0021] In step S1, the UI 103 accepts input of an instruction to create an adjustment sheet by a user. This instruction may be input, for example, from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") connected to a network by the user. This instruction includes folding information. Here, "folding information" refers to information including a folding method identifier and a paper identifier.

[0022] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen for folding position adjustment processing displayed by the UI 103. The UI 103 first displays the menu screen. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen. This screen 401 includes, for example, a list of items that can be set in the image forming apparatus 1. The user selects a desired process, in this case "folding position adjustment." The UI 103 accepts the user's selection of "folding position adjustment."

[0023] When the user inputs the selection of "folding position adjustment", the UI 103 then displays a screen for allowing the user to select a folding method for the paper. Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen for selecting a folding method for the paper. This screen 402 displays a list of folding methods that can be processed by the folding unit 108, such as "fold in half" and "fold in three". The UI 103 accepts the selection of the folding method by the user.

[0024] When the user inputs the selection of "paper folding method", the UI 103 then displays a screen for the user to select the paper type. FIG. 4(c) is a diagram showing an example of the screen for selecting the paper type. This screen 403 includes a list of papers stored in the tray 26, such as "Tray 1: A4" and "Tray 2: A3". The UI 103 accepts the paper selection by the user.

[0025] When the user inputs the selection of "paper type", the UI 103 then accepts the input of an instruction to create an adjustment sheet by the user. The screen of FIG. 4(c) includes a UI object for instructing the creation of an adjustment sheet, for example, a start button. When the user touches this start button, the UI 103 accepts this as an instruction to create an adjustment sheet. The control unit 101 starts creating the adjustment sheet.

[0026] In step S2, the folding unit 108 performs folding processing on the paper in the selected folding method. For example, when "fold in half" is selected, the folding unit 108 performs folding processing on the paper at a standard folding position corresponding to folding in half. In another example, when "fold in three" is selected, the folding unit 108 performs folding processing on the paper at a standard folding position corresponding to folding in three. The storage unit 102 stores the standard folding position for each folding method and each type of paper.

[0027] In step S3, the UI 103 displays a guide screen. Here, the "guide screen" refers to a screen that guides the user to place the adjustment sheet on the image reading unit 106. The process of generating the guide screen will be described in detail later. Following this guidance, the user removes the adjustment sheet from the discharge tray 58 and places it on the image reading unit 106. This guide screen includes a UI object for starting reading the adjustment sheet, such as a start button. When the user touches this start button, the UI 103 accepts it as an instruction to read the adjustment sheet.

[0028] When the UI 103 accepts a reading instruction input by the user, in step S4, the image reading unit 106 starts reading the adjustment sheet.

[0029] In step S5, the control unit 101 detects the amount of folding misalignment. A method for detecting the amount of folding misalignment will be described. When the control unit 101 detects the amount of folding misalignment, the image of the adjustment sheet read by the image reading unit 106 is used.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of reading a sheet of paper folded in half. The control unit 101 detects the amount of misalignment based on the edge of the paper, the actual folding position, and the folding length that appear in this image. Here, the "edge of the paper" refers to the edge that is parallel to the folding line among the edges that form the edge of the paper. In other words, one sheet of paper has two edges. The "folding length" refers to the shortest length from the edge of the paper to the reference folding position in the folded state of the paper.

[0031] FIG. 5(a) shows a cross section perpendicular to the platen glass PG and perpendicular to the fold line of the paper. Of the surfaces of the folded paper, the surface facing the platen glass PG is called the “front side,” and the opposite side is called the “back side.” Figure 5(b) shows an image of the front side, and Figure 5(c) shows an image of the back side.

[0032] The control unit 101 analyzes the image of the paper and identifies a line that is inside the paper (i.e., inside the outline of the paper) and extends from one end to the other. The side on which this line appears depends on the folding method. For example, the storage unit 102 stores a table that associates the relationship between the folding method identifier, the side to be read, and the line that appears inside the paper.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a table showing the relationship between the lines obtained by image analysis and the paper edges and fold lines. Here, the "number of divisions" refers to the number of areas (per side) divided by folding the paper. For example, when folding in half, one side of the paper is divided into two areas. The control unit 101 identifies the paper edges and fold lines by referring to the folding method information and this table. In many cases, it should be possible to detect an internal line (more specifically, a line extending from one end to the other end parallel to one side of the paper outline) on at least one of the front and back sides. The control unit 101 identifies, by referring to the table in FIG. 6, whether the side that is parallel to the detected internal side and close to it, and the side that is parallel to the internal side and close to it, among the sides that form the outline of the paper, correspond to the paper edges or fold lines, at least on the side on which the internal line is detected.

[0034] The side on which the internal lines of the paper appear is determined by the folding method. For example, as in the example of FIG. 5, when the paper is folded in half, the internal lines appear only on either the front or back side. The control unit 101 defines the side on which the internal lines of the paper are detected as the first side and the opposite side as the second side according to the table. Whether the front or back side of the scanned image corresponds to the first side or the second side depends on the orientation of the paper when it is placed on the platen glass PG. In the example of FIG. 5(b), the control unit 101 identifies the side closer to the internal line 501 (i.e., one paper edge) on the first side (i.e., paper edge 503) as the other paper edge, and identifies the farthest side (i.e., fold line 502) as the fold line.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of reading a three-folded paper. FIG. 7(a) shows a cross-section perpendicular to the platen glass PG and perpendicular to the fold line of the paper. FIG. 7(b) shows an image of the read front surface, and FIG. 7(c) shows an image of the back surface. Since the folding method is a three-folded inside, the lines inside the paper appear only on either the front or the back surface. The control unit 101 defines the surface on which the lines inside the paper are detected as the first surface and the opposite surface as the second surface according to the table in FIG. 6. The control unit 101 identifies the side closer to the internal line 701 (i.e., one end of the paper), that is, the fold line 703, as one fold line, and the far side (i.e., the fold line 702) as the other fold line on the first surface. The other end 804 of the paper is hidden and not visible on either the first surface or the second surface. In the table of FIG. 6, when the paper is unfolded, the lines are arranged in the order of the paper end 1, fold line 1, fold line 2, and paper end 2 in order from the paper end 1.

[0036] Next, the detection of the amount of misalignment and the adjustment of the folding position will be described. The control unit 101 first identifies the reference folding position. For example, in the case of a two-fold (i.e., 2-division), the reference folding position is the position that bisects the paper, that is, the midpoint of the side perpendicular to the fold line.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 5(b), the reference folding position of the fold line 502 is the midpoint of the side perpendicular to the fold line 502 (in the state where the paper is unfolded). That is, the distance d1 from the fold line 502 to the paper end 501 and the distance d2 from the fold line 502 to the paper end 503 are ideally equal. However, the actually measured distances in the example of FIG. 5 are such that d1 < d2. The amount of misalignment Δd is Δd = d2 - d1. The control unit 101 adjusts the folding position so that the amount of misalignment becomes small, ideally zero.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 5(b), the control unit 101 may move the position of the fold line 502 closer to the paper end 503 side. The amount of movement, that is, the adjustment amount δ1, is, in one example, δ = Δd / 2.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 5(c), the reference folding position of the folding line 502 is the bisection point of the side perpendicular to the folding line 502 (when the paper is unfolded). In this case, it is necessary to know the length of the side when the paper is unfolded. However, if only one side of the folded paper (i.e., either the first side or the second side) is read and only one edge of the paper appears on the read side (i.e., when the read image is only FIG. 5(c)), one edge of the paper 501 is hidden and cannot be seen, so the length of the side (d1, the distance from the folding line 502 to the edge 501) cannot be measured. In this case, the control unit 101 uses the paper identifier included in the folding method information to specify the length of the side of the paper (i.e., d1+d2). Specifically, the storage unit 102 stores information that associates the identifier of the paper with the length of the side of the paper, and the control unit 101 specifies the length of the side of the paper by referring to this information. The control unit 101 adjusts the folding position so as to approach the position that bisects the length of the specified side. The amount of approach, that is, the adjustment amount δ2, is the same as in the example of 5(b).

[0040] In the example of Fig. 7, the reference folding position of fold line 702 is the trisection point of the side perpendicular to fold line 702 (when the paper is unfolded). In this case, it is necessary to know the length of the side when the paper is unfolded, but with an inward triple fold as shown in Fig. 7, one edge 704 of the paper is hidden and cannot be seen, so the length of the side cannot be measured. In this case, control unit 101 uses the paper identifier included in the folding method information to identify the length of the side of the paper. Specifically, the storage unit 102 stores information that associates the identifier of a sheet with the length of a side of the sheet, and the control unit 101 refers to this information to specify the length of the side of the sheet. The control unit 101 adjusts the folding position so that it approaches a position that divides the length of the identified side into three equal parts. Note that the control unit 101 cannot identify the folding position only from the image read from the side where both edges of the paper are hidden and cannot be seen, as in Fig. 7(c). In this way, depending on the folding method, the amount of folding misalignment cannot be detected only from the image of one side.

[0041] Fig. 8 shows examples of folding methods in which the amount of misalignment cannot be detected while the paper is folded. Fig. 8(a) shows an example of a paper folded inside in four, and Fig. 8(b) shows an example of a paper folded outside in four. As in the example of Fig. 8, in a folding method in which the edges of the paper or the areas to be divided are hidden and cannot be seen on both the front and back sides, it is not possible to measure the length of the sides of at least some of the areas. Therefore, in a situation in which it is desired to adjust the folding position based on the measurement, it is not possible to adjust the folding position while the paper is folded.

[0042] To deal with such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 guides the user to unfold the paper that has been folded in a specific way before placing it on the platen glass PG. Examples of folding methods that do not allow the folding position to be adjusted while the paper is folded include the following folding methods: (d) inner four fold, (e) outer four fold, (f) W fold, and (g) bookbinding (booklet).

[0043] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing examples of how to fold paper, which are (a) a double fold, (b) an inner three fold, (c) an outer three fold (Z fold), (d) an inner four fold, (e) an outer four fold, and (f) a W fold.

[0044] (a) Folding in half, (b) folding in three, and (c) folding in three (Z-fold) are examples of folding methods that allow the amount of fold misalignment to be detected without unfolding the paper. On the other hand, (d) folding in four, (e) folding in four, and (f) folding in two are examples of folding methods that allow the amount of fold misalignment to be detected while the paper is folded. Here, "folding methods that allow the amount of fold misalignment to be detected without unfolding the paper" refers to folding methods that allow the paper edge and fold length to be identified in an image of the folded paper read from at least one side, and as an example, refers to folding methods in which the number of fold lines on the paper is two or less. On the other hand, "folding methods that allow the amount of fold misalignment to be detected without unfolding the paper" refers to folding methods that allow the paper edge and fold length to be identified in an image of the folded paper read from both sides (for example, the paper edge is hidden and cannot be seen), and as an example, refers to folding methods in which the number of fold lines on the paper is three or more.

[0045] In step S6, the control unit 101 calculates an adjustment value for correcting the folding misalignment from the image of the adjustment sheet that has been read. Here, the "adjustment value" refers to the length by which the control unit 101 moves the folding position so as to reduce the amount of folding misalignment. Specifically, the control unit 101 identifies the positions of the paper edges from the read image, identifies the actual folding position, and measures the folding length.

[0046] The control unit 101 (specifically, the calculation unit 107) calculates the adjustment value based on the identified paper edge position, the identified actual folding position, and the measured folding length. In the example of FIG. 5, the calculation formula for calculating the adjustment value for folding in half is as follows. Fold length = 50 d1=40 (from the edge of the paper 601 to the actual folding position 602) d2=60 (from the actual folding position 602 to the edge of the paper 603) Fold misalignment Δd=60-40=20 Adjustment amount δ=20 / 2=10

[0047] In the example of FIG. 5(c), the calculation formula for determining the adjustment value for folding in half is as follows: Paper length (d1+d2)=100 d2=60 (from the actual folding position 602 to the edge of the paper 603) d1=100-60=40 Fold misalignment Δd=60-40=20 Adjustment amount δ=20 / 2=10

[0048] Referring again to Fig. 3, in step S6, the control unit 101 adjusts the folding unit 108 based on the calculated adjustment value so as to reduce the amount of folding misalignment, thereby adjusting the folding misalignment.

[0049] 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for generating the guide screen to be displayed in step S3. This process is performed, for example, between steps S2 and S3.

[0050] In step S201, control unit 101 (specifically, determination unit 104) determines a method for detecting the amount of fold misalignment, based on the folding method information and the information stored in storage unit 102. Storage unit 102 stores information indicating, for each of a plurality of folding methods that folding unit 108 can process, whether the folding method is one in which the amount of fold misalignment can be detected without unfolding the paper (i.e., while the paper is in a folded state) or one in which the amount of fold misalignment cannot be detected without unfolding the paper (i.e., the amount of fold misalignment cannot be detected while the paper is in a folded state).

[0051] The determination unit 104 reads out information corresponding to the folding method identifier included in the folding method information from the storage unit 102, and determines whether the folding method is capable of detecting the amount of misalignment without unfolding the paper.

[0052] If it is determined that the folding method of the paper is such that the amount of misalignment can be detected without unfolding the paper (step S201: YES), that is, if it is determined that the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium can be read even when the medium is in a folded state, the control unit 101 causes the UI 103 to display a guidance screen for placing the paper without unfolding it. On the other hand, if it is determined that the folding method is not such that the amount of misalignment can be detected without unfolding the paper (step S201: NO), the control unit 101 causes the UI 103 to display a guidance screen for placing the paper without unfolding it.

[0053] When the control unit 101 determines to detect the amount of misalignment without spreading the paper (S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines to detect the amount of misalignment by spreading the paper (S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0054] In step S202, if the process proceeds to step S203 (S202: NO), the control unit 101 determines to display on the UI 103 a guide screen that prompts the user to place the adjustment sheet on the platen glass PG without unfolding it.

[0055] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen when the user places the adjustment sheet on the platen glass. Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen displayed by the UI 103, which prompts the user to place the adjustment sheet on the platen glass PG without unfolding it. The guide screen 1101 includes, for example, an instruction such as "Please place the adjustment sheet on the platen glass without unfolding it," and a UI object for instructing to read the adjustment sheet, such as a start button.

[0056] On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S204 at step S202 (S202: YES), the control unit 101 displays on the UI 103 a guide screen for prompting the user to unfold the adjustment sheet and place it on the platen glass PG. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen displayed by the UI 103 to prompt the user to unfold the adjustment sheet and place it on the platen glass PG. The guide screen 1102 includes instructions such as, for example, "Spread out the adjustment sheet and place it on the platen glass."

[0057] 2-2. Second Example In this embodiment, a guide image is formed on the adjustment sheet in addition to or instead of displaying a guide screen on the UI unit 103. Here, the "guide image" refers to an image or text that guides the user to place the adjustment sheet on the image reading unit 106.

[0058] In step S201, if it is determined that the folding method of the paper is such that the amount of misalignment can be detected without unfolding the paper (step S201: YES), the control unit 101 causes the UI 103 to display a guide screen for causing the user to place the paper without unfolding it. In addition, the control unit 101 causes the image forming unit 105 to form, on the paper, a guide image for causing the user to place the paper without unfolding it. The image forming device 1 forms the guide image on the surface that will be on the outside when the paper is folded.

[0059] On the other hand, if it is determined that the folding method is such that the amount of fold misalignment cannot be detected unless the paper is unfolded (step S201: NO), the control unit 101 causes the UI 103 to display a guide screen for instructing the user to place the paper without unfolding it. The control unit 101 also causes the image forming unit 105 to form a guide image on the paper for instructing the user to unfold the paper and place it. The image forming device 1 forms the guide image on the surface that will become the inside or outside when the paper is folded.

[0060] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing examples of paper on which a guide screen is formed when the user places the adjustment sheet on the platen glass. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of paper on which a guide screen is formed when the user spreads out the adjustment sheet and places it on the platen glass. The guide screen 1201 includes, for example, an instruction such as "Please place the adjustment sheet on the platen glass without spreading it out." FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of paper on which a guide screen is formed when the user places the adjustment sheet on the platen glass without spreading it out. The guide screen 1202 includes, for example, an instruction such as "Please spread out the adjustment sheet and place it on the platen glass."

[0061] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications are described below. Two or more of the features described in the following modifications may be used in combination.

[0062] 3-1. Information on how to fold The control unit 101 may infer the folding method from a scanned image of the paper instead of acquiring folding method information from a user or a folding machine. The control unit infers the folding method based on features such as paper edges, fold lines, or the number or positions of fold lengths that appear in the scanned image of the paper.

[0063] 3-2. Automatic paper reading In the case of a folding method in which the folding position can be detected while the paper is folded, instead of having the user place the paper, the image forming apparatus 1 may automatically transport the paper to the image reading unit 106. In this case, the UI 103 may not display a guide screen.

[0064] 3-3.Hardware configuration Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is merely an example, and any hardware configuration may be used. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 and the folder (i.e., the folding unit 108) may be separate devices.

[0065] 3-4.Other The program executed by the control unit 101 may be provided in the form of a recording medium such as an optical disk on which it is stored, or it may be provided in a form in which it is downloaded to a computer via a communication line such as the Internet and installed so that it can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...image forming apparatus, 101...control unit, 102...storage unit, 103...UI, 104...determination unit, 105...image forming unit, 106...image reading unit, 107...calculation unit, 108...folding unit, 18...folding mechanism, 20...conveying path, 22...toner image forming unit, 24...fixing unit, 26...paper tray, 28...feed roller, 30...manual feed tray, 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K...developing unit, 34...transfer belt, 36...transfer roller, 38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K...photosensitive drum, 38...roller, 40...fixing roller, 44...automatic conveying unit, 46...paper feed tray, 48...platen roll, 49...paper output tray, 50...exposure optical system, 52...light source, 56...solid-state image sensor CCD, 58...output tray

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: The folding method performed by the folder is inferred from the image of the paper read by the image reading unit, When the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read in the folded state, a display is displayed on a display means to prompt the user to unfold the medium to read it. Information processing device.

2. a processor, the processor comprising: Acquire information about the folding method performed by the folder on the medium; If the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read in the folded state, displaying on a display means a message to the user to unfold the medium to have the medium read; When the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium can be read even in a folded state, a display means displays a message not to allow the user to unfold the medium to read it. Information processing device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the information on the folding method is an instruction given by a user to the folder.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the information on the folding method is information on the medium folding method acquired from the folder.

5. a processor, the processor comprising: Acquire information about the folding method performed by the folder on the medium; When the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read in the folded state, the image forming means is caused to form, on the medium, an image that indicates to the user to unfold the medium to have it read. Information processing device.

6. The processor, When the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium can be read even in a folded state, a display means displays a message not to allow the user to unfold the medium to read it.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The processor, When the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium can be read even in a folded state, the image forming means is caused to form, on the medium, an image that indicates to the user that the medium should be read without unfolding it. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

8. A step of causing a computer having a processor to estimate a folding method performed by a folder on a medium from an image of the paper read by an image reading unit; a step of displaying a message to a user to unfold the medium to read the folding position of the medium when the folding method is such that the folding position of the medium cannot be read in the folded state; A program that executes the following.

Images